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The Xperia Z1 hasn't really caught my eye but it seems that completely leaking your new device before you even launch it is the way firsts. In this treat from Sony, we get a teaser video for the device that shows off almost the entire phone.
The all revealing video shows off the crazy ass 20MP camera with a Sony G lens and circular power button on the side. Another nice touch is the dedicated camera button. So any instagram hipsters and photo happy people should be pleased as these buttons have disappeared throughout the evolution of phones.
Looking at the design of the phone, it seems it has a glass back (this is often used to make your phone look and feel more expensive). Seeing as the phone is submerged in water at one point, it appears the Xperia Z1 will be just as waterproof as the Z model.
So you can see why I have turned a blind eye to this but the post felt necessary so there you go. The video is somewhere in this post if you want it.
So, recent interview, Google’s very own Larry Page has confirmed that Google Glass definitely runs the Android operating system. While it was widely assumed so, an almost obvious to me, no official confirmation has been made until now. While it is a modified version of Android, it is nice to showcase the immense flexibility of Google’s operating system and it’s diversity in cross-platform.
You might be thinking, what is the relevance of this? Well, integration with Glass and your Android powered smartphone or any other device would be incredibly easy and most likely recommended.
So everyone, does this confirmation make you guys any more excited for Google’s Glass’ impending release? If so share you point of view in the comments below!!
Following the information on Google Glass I delivered a couple days ago, I have found out a companion app made by Google from the Google Play Store, MyGlass. The app will be used to configure and manage a Google Glass device. It should be pretty obvious that the app is of no use to anyone unless they have a Google Glass device, but Google makes that quite clear with their description:
If you don’t have Glass, then downloading this will be a waste of time. Sorry about that. But if you swipe the screenshots to the right you’ll see there’s a picture of a puppy in pajamas. So not a total waste of time after all.
So basically, a Google Glass app is in existence, Google can't spell pyjamas and PUPPIES IN PYJAMAS.
If you wish you can take a look at the puppy below!!
You may have heard of Google Glass before or you may not have. I for one had heard about it a while back but it seems I have forgotten to talk about it her. I apologise about that. As I have not told you anything about it I feel I should do so now.
Google Glass has not been released yet but they are "smart" glasses, so to speak, engineered by our future overlords, Google. This actually revolutionary product that look a lot like sun glasses but have very intelligent Android type features such as video recording, searching, video calling and many other commands.
The idea is that you have a small, partially transparent screen on the top corner of your glasses and line of view includes that corner. This means you can easily see your navigation route or viewing your calendar just by looking a little to the right. I mean, who doesn't want a virtual computer interface in the corner of your eye? To have more of an insight on what the interface looks and feels like be sure to click here!
Everything operates via voice command and brags it's convenience and mostly awesome. The glasses themselves look quite stylish and they claim to be strong and light. To find more information on what potential it has click right here!
Unfortunately, I've been too late to tell you about this for you to apply for a free pair :( But you can still get involved in the conversation with the hash-tag #ifihadglass, and if you would like to stay informed visit here regularly or fill in the form here!
So I'm sure at some point in your lives, you have been abroad and struggled with the language. What is the solution?? A phrasebook may seem useful, but you won't seem fluent. And using for phone for Google Translate will incure major roaming fees, until now...
Google have sent out an update for their Google Translate app that allows you to translate languages OFFLINE!!!
As long as you own an Android phone with 2.3 or up, you can grab the updated app from Google Play and translate 50 different languages offline to your will. You’ll need to download the desired language pack first to use it without a connection, so plan ahead before you leave, and once you’ve got them saved to your phone, you won’t need to scramble around for a free Wi-Fi hotspot again just to ask a local where the IT cafe is, or the cheese shop.
Google says that the offline translation dictionary is slightly less comprehensive than any online result, but it should still prove useful and help you in a situation where you need to ask someone directions or try and have a conversation.
So, will you be using this useful feature, or do you have an iOS device? Share your opinions in the comments below!!
The Samsung Galaxy S4 doesn’t hit the shelves until the 26th April, but if you just can’t wait to get hold of the full HD, turbo-charged Android smartphone, there's some good news for you; it’s now up for pre-order with your network of choice.
Vodafone, EE and Three have all now made the Samsung Galaxy S4 available for pre-order, as have stores Carphone Warehouse and Phones4U, and you can predict that O2 won’t be far behind.
Each network are trying to give their own offers with it: EE is providing accessory packs worth £55 thrown in for pre-orderers, while Phones4U is offering up to £100 in Google Play vouchers for those who opt for a Samsung Galaxy S4 on EE 4G through the store. I would go for the Phones4U deal.
If you can cope without 4G super speeds (or you don’t yet live in an area with LTE coverage), the best deal so far is with Three, which is offering a free Samsung Galaxy S4 on a two year contract for £35 per month, with unlimited data, 500 minutes and 5,000 text messages. That offer is crazy!!
The Samsung Galaxy S4 is shaping up to be a true iPhone slayer, with a massive 1080p screen, quad-core processor and 13 megapixel camera, plus the latest Android 4.2 Jelly Bean on board!
What is your opinion on the best deal? Share your opinions in the comments below!
In hearing Google’s latest decision to drop the Google Reader, Digg has announced their efforts to replace it with another RSS reader of their own. In a recent outline released by Digg, they hint at what their new feed reader design goals will be. According to Digg there are four “key points” behind the basis of the
design:
I created this picture with the Digg and RSS logo's All myself!!
Keep it simple, stupid
Make it fast (like, really fast)
Synchronize across devices
Make it easy to import from existing Google Reader accounts
Although I'm guessing that most RSS readers aim to be that way.
Digg says that Google Reader had room for meaningful improvement, despite doing a lot of things right. Its goal is to create a “clean and flexible” service which ”bends easily and intuitively to the needs of different users.”
Apparently, social services like Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Reddit, LinkedIn, and Hacker News will also be linked in to the reader platform. Which were not given any attention during Google Reader’s lifetime.
They say that they "don’t expect this to be a trivial undertaking. But we’re confident we can cook up a worthy successor." They also say that "In order to pull this off in such a small window, we’re going to need your help. We need your input on what you want to see in a reader. What problems should it solve for you? What’s useful? What isn’t? What do you wish it could do that it can’t today?"
To send them or input or if you would just like to know the latest news about it click here!! Or if you would like to see the original Digg Blog post click here!!
What do you think is necessary in an RSS reader? Already found an alternative? Please share you thoughts in the comments section below!!
Feedly is an RSS Reader for the Google Chrome browser, as well as, iOS and Android platforms.
Much like Google Reader, Feedly allows you to sort your feeds, use keyboard shortcuts and share stories to friends via Facebook and Twitter. This also has an auto "mark as read" feature. Below will be a first look at Feedly in the form as a video. Carry on reading for more alternatives.
Pulse is a picture based reader where the first thing you see is a picture from the post and a title. When reviewing it didnt work and you were unable to change the layout and I couldnt import my Google Reader data. Carry on reading to see the last alternative.
The Old Reader is designed to look like the old Google Reader, this is perfect if you prefer the retro over the modern look. The only problem is, it doesn't yet have a mobile app, but they are working on it. Another major flaw is that since the announcement of Google Reader shutting down it no longer works properly, so my review of The Old Reader is actually a tutorial of how to export subscriptions on Google Reader found here.
I apologise for this blog being dormant over the past few weeks, I have been overloaded with school work.
But now it is the holidays, I can get on with posting here!!
A sad moment on the interweb has happened, Google has announced the retirement of Google Reader and many other applications. But more importantly, the retirement of Google Reader.
I and many others will be sad to see it go. I use Google Reader almost constantly, it's where I get my technology news to talk to you about. Luckily, all hope is not lost as they are giving 3 months, until the 1st of July to find a new RSS reader. Google will let you export you feeds via Google Takeout so you can import them into an alternative reader. Click here to view alternatives to Google Reader.
Google will also be saying goodbye to:
GUI Builder and five UiApp widgets, the GUI builder will be available until September
CalDAV API, except this will be whitelisted
Google Building Maker, also known as, Google Sketchup. Which is perfect for creating 3D models of houses
Google Cloud Connect, which is a plugin that automatically backs up Microsoft Office files. Seeming a bit useless with the existence of Google Drive
The Google Voice App for Blackberry
Snapseed Desktop, but the iOS and Android Apps will still be avaliable
Many of these applications have been completely unused by me, but nevertheless, people will be missing them. Google state that "These changes are never easy. But by focusing our efforts, we can concentrate on building great products that really help in their lives." And I agree!
For more information, visit the Google Blog to more information on this matter.
For help on exporting your subscriptions view the video below!
Google launched it's gift cards for its for the Play Store in US retailers just over six months ago, now they are finally arriving in the UK. You'll be able to pick them up in the same categories in the US - £10, £25 and £50. The confirmed retail outlets for the cards so far are Tesco and Morrisons supermarkets, but it would be surprising if that list didn't grow quite soon. As for online retailers, none have been spoken. There will be no restrictions on what type of content you can redeem them against, with books, movies, music, magazines and apps are usable too.
It has been a whole year since the Google Play Store first got it's new name from Android Market exactly 1 year ago.
Back when it was called the Android Market, it only offered Games and Apps with a not so amazing UI. Google Play now has a great new UI and has allowed us to purchase films, books, music and even devices. It has definitely caught up with Apple's iTunes and will go beyond
To celebrate, Google are offering an assortion of party favors throughout the week, basically more cheap stuff. Unfortunately, unlike in the US, there are only 12 discounts available in the UK, but that may be only for today.
To join the party get most discounted apps, books, films and games Click Here. Or for exclusive free games, Click Here
There is also a celebration video below! (Which was only released one hour ago)
BlackBerry 10 Release date and 2 New BB10 Phones Unveiled
Looks like the rumours I posted are right. I will post more detailed info this week!
18th January
GAME confirms interest in buying HMV stores
High street video game retailer GAME has confirmed that it is interested in purchasing the HMV stores in towns where it doesn't already have an outlet. The company, which itself went into administration last year, but has since recovered quite well, is one of 50 potential suitors who have approached. Thank god for that!
Sony PS4 to be Roumors and Release Date Leaked
I really don't think there is a need, the PS3 alreeady packs in just about anything you can want. What more can it give? We just have to wait and see. A more detailed post to come shortly!
Galaxy S4 Stuffs!
1.8GHz processor? More details another time!!
21st January
RIM To Sell Blackberry After BB10 Release
RIM CEO Thorsten Heins has admitted that the company would still consider selling BlackBerry after the launch of BlackBerry 10 saying "we do not want to limit our options."
Let's just hope whoever buys the company decides to fix the god damn thing
HMV VOUCHERS CAN BE USED!!
YAYAYAY!!! TESCO AND ASDA WILL ACCEPT THEM TOO!!
22nd January
Next-Gen Xbox Specs Leaked
The specifications of the next-gen Xbox, codenamed Durango at this stage, have been leaked online.
I will obviously write a more detailed post in the coming week
24th January
Sony to appeals PSN hack fine
Sony Computer Entertainment Europe says it will appeal a decision by UK authorities to fine the console manufacturer £250,000 for what has been judged to be a "serious breach" of the Data Protection Act. The Information Commissioner's Office says that its investigation has concluded that the attack "could have been prevented if the software had been up-to-date." The ICO recognises Sony was the victim of “a focused and determined criminal attack,” that “there is no evidence that encrypted payment card details were accessed,” and that “personal data is unlikely to have been used for fraudulent purposes” following the attack on the PlayStation Network."
25th January
Steve Jobs Film 'jOBS' Appear in April
Featuring Ashton Kutcher as Steve Jobs and Josh Gad as Steve Wozniak the film with follow the entrepreneurs from their first personal computer the Apple 2 all the way to the launch of Apple's first iPod. I will only watch this so I can either take the piss or compare it to The Social Network! I will do a review when it comes out but for now here is a quick clip.
Doesn't look very promising to be fair. Time will decide.
YouTube Capture App now supports 1080p HD recording for iOS
Literally a video app that is better than the default. Why the fuck are google releasing this on iOS before their own OS, Android??
28th January
128GB iPad 4 to be Released with iPad Mini 2
A leaks have shown what appears to four new iPad configurations including a new 128GB iPad 4 with Retina Display (For those who don't know, the retina is in the eye and allows us to see things, therefore everything has a retina display), marking a huge increase in storage space for the Apple tablet. Although SD support would do the job just fine!
29th January
Google Nexus 7 2 set for Google I/O May release date?
Leaks once again tell us that,Google will apparently launch the second-gen Nexus 7 in partnership with Asus at Google's I/O conference in May. The tablet will reportedly feature a Full-HD display along with some design improvements. Looks like iPad Mini 2 will have some competition heading it's way
It is now Illegal to Unlock a Phone In The USA
For those who don't know, people unlock their phones to enable the use of other Sim Cards inside there phone. This is usually done to get a better mobile deal after your contract ends.
It is not the same as unlocking or jailbreaking.
30th January
Apple iPad 4 128GB announced with February Release Date
Well it looks like the rumours were right. This will be first to get a more detailed post so more information and specs later on.
White Nexus 4 Leak
A white Nexus 4 handset could be just around the corner as an image has leaked online showing the white version of the handset in all its beauty.
We have finally finished the new of January. I have quite a few indepth posts from last moth to post. I hope I can get a logo ready soon and start building up my audience. I hope you enjoy these posts and posts to come. I really appreciate all your views and comments. As for now, Goodnight
The Archos Gamepad, an the second android based console. And ideal Christmas present for only £129.98
Unlike the Xperia Play, the Archos Gamepad is a tablet and has only just been released. So it would be unfair to compare the two.
The GamePad aims to bring classic control systems to modern mobile gaming rather than a touch screen. This bad boy has a 7-inch 1024 x 600 (169.55 PPI") five-point capacitive screen to work with its 16 physical buttons and dual analogue sticks. You can also get up to 9 hours of battery life, about average for a 7-inch tablet.
The Archos GamePad is as much a tablet as a gaming device. It runs Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) for tablets, it therefore includes all the improvements that came with the Jelly Bean update, including even smoother interface animations, voice assistant and Google Now that shows you the right information at the right time.
Since there will be a requirement for 3D games, a powerful graphics card and processor is necessary, the Archos GamePad uses a super-powerful quad-core Mali-400 MP4 GPU and a 1.6GHz Dual Core CPU. More than enough power for even the most graphically stunning 3D games and casual browsing.
Coming with 8GB of internal memory, the Archos GamePad can accept micro-SD cards of up to 64 GB. The ARCHOS GamePad also has a mini-HDMI port so you can plug it into your TV and enjoy your games up on the big screen. Sounds a bit like Wii U.
Strangely, the UK is the only place to be getting it at the moment. The United States will have to wait a year.
This is a much better alternative to the crappy iPad Mini, with the Android OS, the graphics, the gaming standards. Great! If you still want to find out more visit the Archos website or read the Tech Specs Below!
• ARM CORTEXTM dual-core A9 @ 1.6GHz • GPU quad-core Mali 400 MP • 3D OpenGL (ES 2.0)
Capacity
• Flash Memory: 8GB* + microSD Slot (SDHC compatible up to 32GB)
RAM
• 1GB RAM
Video playback1
• H.264 HD (up to 1080p@30 fps) • MPEG-42 HD (up to 1080p@30 fps) • With the above codecs, the device can play video files with the following extensions: AVI, MP4, MOV, 3GP, MPG, PS, TS, MKV, FLV
• Internal: Lithium Polymer battery • External: Power adapter/charger
Dimensions & weight
• 229.8 x 118.7mm x 15.4mm (9’’x 4.6’’x 0.6’’) • 330g (11.6 oz)
Software update
• Updates can be downloaded at www.archos.com
Minimum system requirements
• Microsoft® Windows® 7, Vista, XP, or higher and Windows Media Player 11 • Mac OS. X with Transfer Files application (not included) • Linux with android MTP tool (not included) • USB 2.0 interface
Hey Guys,
Earlier LG and Google made the Nexus 4 and now they made the Nexus 10. As expected, it’s made by Samsung and it will feature a 2560 x 1600 display with a crazy 300ppi (pixel density). It’s the highest resolution tablet out there. It will feature a battery that will give you 9 hours of playback time and 500 hours of standby time. It will sport Google’s latest update, Android 4.2 and front-facing speakers just like the Galaxy Note 10.1. It will be the first truly sharable tablet with support for multiple users that you can easily switch from the lockscreen. This means, when someone I know often uses the tablet, they won't have to log out of everything. Genious.
The Nexus 10 will be available for £319 for the 16GB version and £389 for 32GB starting on November 13 in the Google Play Store in U.S., U.K., Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Canada and Japan. So I'm guessing it won't be a budget device :p
There is a promotional vid below for all three tablet sizes, the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. With the specs below...
The Specs are below:
Tech Specs
SCREEN
10.055" diagonal at 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution for 300 ppi WQXGA Corning(R) Gorilla(R) Glass 2
CPU/GPU
CPU: Dual-core A15 GPU: Mali T604
SIZE
263.9 x 177.6 x 8.9 mm
WEIGHT
603g
CAMERAS
5 MP (main) 1.9 MP (front)
WIRELESS
WiFi 802.11 b/g/n (MIMO+HT40) Bluetooth NFC (Android Beam)
MEMORY
32 GB internal storage (actual formatted capacity will be less) 2 GB RAM
CONNECTIVITY
Micro USB Magnetic Pogo pin charger Micro HDMI 3.5mm headphone jack
Google has officially revealed the highly anticipated LG Nexus 4 over on the Play Store, boasting wireless charging capabilities and the latest version of Android Jelly Bean (version 4.2). Before you get confused, I would like to point out that it is a phone and not a tablet!
It will be sold as an 8GB version for £239 and a 16GB version for £279 on November 13 from the offical Play Store. It will be unlocked and without a contract, with first availability for customers in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, France, Germany, Spain and Canada.
The Nexus 4, along with the Nexus 7 and Nexus 10, will all run Android version 4.2. It includes a new “Photo Sphere” feature, which allows users to capture images that the company says “are literally larger than life”. It essentially means that users can stitch photographs not only from left to right for panoramic images, but up and down too to create stunning 360-degree images. Google says any “Photo Sphere” can then be uploaded to Google+ or added to Google Maps. (Sounds a bit Appleish). It will also have Google Now!
There is a promotional vid below for all new three tablet sizes, the Nexus 4, Nexus 7 and Nexus 10. With the specs below that
Google has renewed the Nexus 7 with a new 32GB version. This version brings in HSPA+ and 3G for wireless internet access. Apparently, Google isn’t apparently working with any one specific carrier with the 3G version of the Nexus 7. Instead, it’s offering it as a SIM-free, unlocked device.
The device currently costs £239.99 and will be coming soon, the item is on the Play Store. Click HERE to access it.
Xbox Smartglass is a genius app/program, made by Microsoft, avaliable for controlling your Xbox which can be used on your computer, phone or tablet, has arrived on Android. This means you can easily control your Xbox even when you're away.
Head on over to the Google Play store and you’ll see the app for Android available as a free download (Nothing known yet on the iPhone equivalent, I don't think it should be much further away). It works in much the same way as it does on Windows 8 and Windows 8 tablets: you can launch any of your apps and control them as long as you’re connected to the same network as the Xbox. You can also see second screen information about videos on supported apps, like actors on screen and more.
Unfortunately, it will only work on Android phones running Android 4.0 with a screen resolution of 800×480 or higher. If you're lucky you may get a special review...
I know this is a bit late but YOLO. Anyway the long awaited iPad Mini has been revealed, by the looks of things, it's arrived to compete against the Kindle Fire HD and the amazing Nexus 7. And here are all the latest specs in comparison the the Nexus.
Size and Things
The iPad's thickness is 7.2mm and it weighs at 308 grams. Whereas the Nexus 7 is about 30% thicker and 10% heavier. Whether the iPad has an advantage here is debatable, this usually means the Nexus is stronger and some prefer a bulkier device to a thin and light device, this section is a matter of opinion. But I can imagine the iPad being favourable in this aspect. [1 point to iPad]
Display
The iPad Mini has a 7.9 inch screen with 1024×768 resolution, ( Same as the iPad 2). The Nexus has a 7 inch screen with a 1280x800 resolution. Just to simplify the resolution comparison the iPad's pixel per inch density is 163 and the Nexus' pixel per inch density is 216, so the Nexus' picture quality for each inch is better. [1 point to Nexus]. The iPad Mini's display has a 4:3 aspect ratio and the Nexus 7 has a 15:9 aspect ratio.This means the iPad Mini has more viewable real estate, but the Nexus 7 has a higher-resolution screen. I'd prefer the Nexus display.
POWER!!
Apple's 1GHz dual-core A5 chip powers the iPad Mini. It (probably) has 512 MB of RAM. The Nexus 7 uses Nvidia's Tegra 3 chip with four cores operating at 1.3 GHz each. The Nexus 7 has 1 GB of RAM. The iPad Mini boasts 10 hours of battery life, as does the Nexus 7. This earn the Nexus a point. [1 point to Nexus]
Internet Access
The iPad Mini comes in two versions, one with only Wi-Fi and one that pairs Wi-Fi with one of three different LTE networks. LTE 4G, of course, lets the iPad Mini surf the Web wherever AT&T, Sprint, or Verizon Wireless provides network access. The Nexus 7 only has Wi-Fi, no 3G or 4G. So it can only use magical wireless internet powers near a WiFi hotspot. But of course the 4G version of the iPad Mini will be considerably more expensive. [1 point to iPad]
Cameras
The iPad Mini has a 5-megapixel camera at the back. It can also capture video at 1080p HD. The front camera shoots 1.2 megapixel images and can capture 720HD video. The Nexus 7 does not have a rear camera, but it's front camera also shoots 1.2 megapixel images and captures 720p HD video. This gives the iPad is a clear winner in this aspect. [1 point to iPad] Software
The iPad has iOS6, the Nexus has Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. Nexus Wins! (Because I am biased) [No points to anyone because I don't want to seem totally biased] The Price!
The 16GB Nexus 7 has the price of £169.99 (at PC World) and the 16GB iPad costs £269 pounds (at Apple Store). This gives the Nexus the biggest advantage of them all, Nexus 7 has an overall better value for money. [1 point to Nexus]
Adding up points!
This is the final judgement! iPad has... 3 points and the Nexus has.... 3 points. MY OPINION I think the Nexus is the better tablet, it's about £100 cheaper and all the specs more or less cancel each other out. And as you probably know, I will always favour an Android over an Apple. Please Like and share.. this took over an hour
