News

By November 3, 2013 Read More →

What is in KitKat?

What exactly is in KitKatIt looks like the new 4.4 KitKat version is the most significant upgrade for Android in a quite some time. It includes a massive array of new features.

Here’s a quick breakdown of many of the features:

  • Now supports lower-end devices and can run on just 512MB of RAM.
  • It will now have a new launcher.
  • Translucent system UI styling.
  • Enhanced notification access.
  • Includes faster multi-tasking.
  • More advanced caller ID.
  • new white/gray color scheme and fonts.
  • There is a new sensor batching technology. This is meant to cut down on sensor power consumption by grouping and prioritizing requests. Google claims it is now 25% more accurate, and can ask back for clarification.
  • It will now have wireless printing functionality.
  • Includes support for IR Blasters natively. It is limited to sending functions only for now. It can’t learn or receive yet. This is probably just a feature that is in progress since it is mostly not very useful yet.
  • Native screen recording and can output in MP4 format.
  • Now supports Moto X-style “OK Google” voice commands. For now this only will work with the Nexus 5. Supposedly this feature is hardware dependent, although Google hasn’t shared what is required.
  • Bluetooth devices will now be able to control the system volume directly instead of having to adjust two different volumes.
  • There is a new lock screen which includes a camera shortcut. You can also rearrange your homescreen.
  • Built-in Chromecast support.
  • Chrome web view.
  • Full-screen wallpapers with preview.
  • HDR+ photography.
  • Location in Quick Settings.
  • Low-power audio playback.
  • Music and movie-seeking from lock screen.
  • The NFC payment system doesn’t require using the secure element anymore. It uses a software based emulation work around. Because of this, carriers can no longer use this as an excuse to not support Google’s NFC payment functions.

Even at that, there is more. Little tweeks and drops of oil to make things run better. Google have put together a pretty terrific package and from what I can gather, here is a list of a few device that will see 4.4 arriving:

HTC phones to get Android 4.4

  • HTC One – sometime in 90 days
  • HTC One mini – sometime in 90 days
  • HTC One max – sometime in 90 days
  • HTC One Google Play Edition – sometime in 15 days

Nexus Devices to get Android 4.4

  • Nexus 4 – “the coming weeks”
  • Nexus 7 – “the coming weeks”
  • Nexus 10 – “the coming weeks”

Samsung Devices to get Android 4.4

  • Galaxy S4 – “in due course” end of 2013 or early 2014
  • Galaxy Note 3 – “in due course” end of 2013 or early 2014

Sony Devices to get Android 4.4

  • Xperia Z
  • Xperia Z1

Others Devices to get Android 4.4

  • LG G2 – “soon”

Annoying, despite the promise that KitKat will run nicely on low end devices Google have dropped the Galaxy Nexus from the update schedule.

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By November 3, 2013 Read More →

Android 4.4 KitKat Easter Egg video

Android 4.4 KitKat Easter EggThere has been a long tradition of including hidden messages or features in software. These hidden messages, called Easter Eggs, have featured in each version of the popular Google Android OS and with the latest release of Android 4.4 KitKat the included Easter Egg is a pretty good one.

Accessed by entering the Settings menu and clicking repeatedly on the Android Version number we’re treated to a spinning ‘K’ and then a series of tiles with logos from each of the Android versions including KitKat.

So here’s a quick video of the Android 4.4 KitKat Easter Egg in action on the Nexus 5 for a little Sunday fun.

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By November 1, 2013 Read More →

LG Google Nexus 5 unboxing and hands-on video

LG Google Nexus 5 unboxing videoThe LG Google Nexus 5 was finally launched yesterday afternoon and went on sale here today in the UK. So far the sales have been strong and many stores have already sold out of the Nexus 5. In fact I had to try 4 different stores before I managed to find one that had stock and I got the last one they had!

So here is my Nexus 5 unboxing and hands-on video. I have to say, despite only having used it for a short time I am so far very impressed with the Nexus 5. If you follow me on Twitter you’ll know how much I love my HTC One but it may be possible that the Nexus 5 could soon see itself as my everyday phone.

In the video below I’ll show you what accessories come with the Nexus 5 and have a good look around the hardware. We’ll then have a look at what’s installed and play with a couple of applications before running that customary benchmark. There’s a strange outcome there though but you’ll have to watch the video to find out!

The LG Nexus 5 has an amazing specification for the money and in terms of sheer value beats just about everything out there at the moment.

The video is a little long so I’ve cut out a few bits to be included in another video later on.

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By November 1, 2013 Read More →

HTC One to get Android 4.4 KitKat within 90 days

htc_oneWith the launch of the Android 4.4 touting Nexus 5 yesterday it was just a matter of time before questions would be asked of the manufacturers of other phones as to if and when their phones would see an update to KitKat.

HTC seem to have been the first to go on the record to talk about their update plans and Jason Mackenzie, president of HTC America has been talking to the guys at Engadget. In an interview with Engadget, Mackenzie has confirmed that The Google Play version of the HTC One will see the 4.4 update within a staggering 15 days, followed by developer and unlocked versions getting the update in 30 days. All other remaining carrier variants will then have the KitKat update available within 90 days, possibly less.

I just the past week or so HTC have released Android 4.3 and Sense 5.5 to HTC One devices and I’m already enjoying this update. No definitive news on when the HTC One Mini and HTC One Max will receive further updates and be taken to 4.4 but it certainly seems that HTC are going to take a more aggressive stance to updates going forward and I for one find this very reassuring.

At the moment there’s nothing official from HTC as to when the Global updates will be made available, but I would expect to see these also on an accelerated time-scale.

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By November 1, 2013 Read More →

Next-gen Google Glass teased

Google-Glass-next-gen-previewGoogle decided to show off the next-gen version of their Google Glass hardware. They previewed the image to the right on the Google Glass Google+ page. As you can see they would rather “show” than “tell.” The only real difference which is immediately noticeable is that it now has a mono earbud. We aren’t sure if this means they had to give up on the skull-vibrating setup in the previous version, of if this is just an additional option.

Google also claimed they have improved the hardware, without getting into specifics. This post also serves as a reminder to Google Glass Explorers that they will be able to “trade-up” later in the year when this next-gen version is released. The only other detail that we can share is the new Google Glass will support prescription frames. Also, if you are already Google Glass Explorer, later this year you will be able to invite up to three friends to get a Google Glass.

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By October 31, 2013 Read More →

Nexus 5 goes on sale at Carphone Warehouse from tomorrow

nexus 5 goes on saleHere’s some news that so many of us have been waiting for. The eagerly awaited Google Nexus 5 goes on sale here in the UK from tomorrow at Carphone Warehouse.

Furthermore, pricing has been confirmed at just £295 SIM-free (as I had suggested!) which is a serious bargain for the level of specification that you get. This truly is a flagship device at a bargain price and Carphone Warehouse further sweeten the deal as the first 1000 customers to order the Nexus 5 on contract will also receive a free Google Nexus 7!

The full specification and press release can be found below.

We’ll be trying to get our hands on one of these tomorrow so wish me luck!

 

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By October 31, 2013 Read More →

Google Nexus 5 is now official

N5_Black_Frnt_3Q_Rght_Vrtcl-SIMP-LYRS_LGLG and Google have now officially launched the Google Nexus 5 and their joint press release can be found below.

LG AND GOOGLE INTRODUCE GOOGLE NEXUS 5

Slimmest and Fastest Nexus Phone Ever Now Available Online in Select Markets

LONDON, UK, 31st November 2013 — Following the success of Nexus 4, LG and Google have partnered again to deliver the first smartphone featuring the latest Android operating system, Android™ 4.4, KitKat®. Packed with new features, Nexus 5 is the slimmest and fastest Google Nexus phone to date.

With a stunning 5-inch Full HD IPS display, Nexus 5 boasts an expansive screen for an unrivalled visual experience. The lightweight smartphone comes in both 16GB and 32GB versions and is the perfect combination of powerful performance, functionality and convenience thanks to LG’s proven hardware and best of Google software and services.

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By October 31, 2013 Read More →

Vodafone and O2 smash speed records

deviceSince the launch of their 4G services two months ago, O2 and Vodafone have more than doubled their mobile internet speeds in London and surrounding areas.

Thousands of independent scientific tests by RootMetrics across the capital also found:

  • EE keeps its crown as top mobile network operator for Londoners
  • Ilford was Greater London’s speediest spot for mobile internet speeds
  • Vodafone beats O2 for speed but not for reliability
  • If you want a phone to be a phone, then O2 is best for calls and texts

The full London RootScore report is available to download from the RootMetrics website at http://rtmet.com/1gLTSGv, where you can also review the methodology behind the tests.

 

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By October 31, 2013 Read More →

Retro Tech Addicts Podcast 06: XP, Pods and HTCs (with VIDEO!)

Retro Tech Addicts PodcastGareth and Matt enjoy a warm and fuzzy recollection of days gone by in this the latest instalment of the Retro Tech Addicts podcast.

In this week’s show we talk about Windows XP, the first Apple iPod and the HTC MTeoR. Also in this show we discuss the rise of HTC and several of their key, early handsets.

This was also an experimental show. We’ve used Google Hangouts to record this week and later we’ll have a video of the show to share too. It’s not polished and obviously we’ll get better at this as we progress but we thought we would share it nevertheless.

We would really appreciate your feedback!

Direct Download

Get the Android App from Amazon

iTunes

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By October 30, 2013 Read More →

Lenovo Yoga Tablet

Lenovo Yoga TabletYesterday Lenovo announced another new Tablet to join its existing lineup. The Lenovo Yoga Tablet will be the worlds first multimode tablet and like the Yoga laptops in the range will be able to function in a number of orientations.

From a side-view the Yoga Tablet looks a little like an Apple Wireless Keyboard and it really is that slim, and will be available in both 8 and 10 inch varieties with either WiFi and 3G or WiFi only. The top model with 32GB of flash memory.

Quite surprisingly, unlike the Yoga 13 that we looked at recently, these new tablets will run Android OS rather than Windows 8.

As I’m now one of the LNVO INSDRS, I should be getting some hands on time with the Lenovo Yoga Tablet shortly so watch this space for our videos and review.

Posted in: News, Press Releases, Tablets
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