| Brit Week: EE CEO: UK's passion for technology 'is just incredible' Jul 16th 2013, 12:00, by John McCann 
While many of us are still waiting for 4G to become available on our network, in our area or just get a bit cheaper, the UK's only carrier to currently offer the service has found that Britain is riding the wave of technology like never before. TechRadar spoke to EE CEO, Olaf Swantee, to discuss just how switched on, engaged and excited the nation is when it comes to technology. When asked if it was easy to get staff and the population as a whole energised about the 4G rollout Swantee explained: "It was amazing how quickly people were moving forward, it was really quite exciting, and they continue to do that." Better than Germany"The passion in Britain is just incredible, and when you compare that to other markets, for example Germany, it's harder over there," he said. "In Germany you plan, it takes a long time, but when it motors it motors like a train. "In the UK you have to kind of get the whole thing moving but then 'boof', everyone suddenly starts moving. That's good, and that's nice." Infrastructure "unbelievably poor"It hasn't exactly been plain sailing for the folks over at EE though, with Swantee revealing that the infrastructure they had to work with really wasn't up to much compared with other countries. "In the UK the digital infrastructure - similar to others such as the airport, rail and energy infrastructures - is really quite poor. "Especially is you compare them to somewhere like Switzerland, the difference is really quite unbelievable. "In the UK people use more mobile stuff than in other markets, they are on the internet more than any other European market, they commute more and yet the digital infrastructure was way behind." Better for BritainHowever this meant EE had the space to innovate, unlike some other countries where the technology has already surpassed what we have in the UK, "I think that in the UK, where the networks weren't as good compared to other markets, it was ideal to innovate with the network. "If you start innovating with the networks in Korean or Japan it's harder because the network is actually pretty good. "It's hard to innovate, but I'd say it's more fun and in the long run I think it's a more sustainable business model. If you are able to innovate and show differentiation many of your customers will stay with you." Britain challenging the worldWhile the UK may be lagging behind in terms of its 4G service, Swantee believes it's getting to the point where it can start challenging global firms and push them to deliver the latest technology. "We're working with the ecosystem to drive the latest technology. For the first time I've seen a mobile network operator who is pushing the boundaries of the other firms in the industry. "We [EE] are pushing device manufacturers, asking where's your device at 150Mbps? We need CAT 4 devices. Qualcomm what are your plans? What are you doing, where is your chipset? "The same with transmission suppliers, BT, Virgin and others. Microwave suppliers, where are you going beyond 1GB? We may need it in two years, one year, three years, I don't know, but we're working on it now." So it seems that Britain is climbing its way to the top of the technology tree and if we all keep the passion that Swantee has described then, to borrow a phrase from one of EE's subsidiaries, the future's bright for tech in the UK.     |  | Is this our first glimpse of HP's return to the smartphone game? Jul 16th 2013, 11:09, by John McCann -470-75.JPG)
The news that HP may make a return to the smartphone business is refusing to die down and we now have a render to cast our eyes over, although its origins are unclear. HP hasn't exactly shied away from a potential return to the phone sphere, with the firm's CEO revealing it was working on a smartphone last year. That was followed by similar comments from another exec in February and a senior director earlier this month. PhoneArena has now got hold of a render which claims to show HP's Android smartphone, but the tipster who passed it over didn't present any information on the device. In terms of design the handset in the picture appears to borrow its shape from the iPhone 5, while the centralised notification light below the screen is reminiscent of the Nexus 4. 
Dock meNo clues were given as to how the tipster came about the render, or how well connected they are so we're taking this leak with a sizable pinch of salt for now. Another hint that HP is working on mobile solutions has come via a patent application picked up by Patently Apple, which documents an ultrabook with a dock for a mobile phone built into it. 
This phone, however, is said to be powered by Windows and not Android allowing it to seamlessly integrate with the computer, suggesting HP may develop handsets to run on Windows Phone as well as Google's offering. We'll have to wait and see if these ideas really do come to fruition, but we're intrigued as to what HP may be able to offer the already crowed mobile market.     | | In Depth: A gallery guide to the Samsung GALAXY S4 family Jul 16th 2013, 10:58, by Your Mobile Life 
Destiny's Child, Hanson, BLT – beautiful creations come in threes, and Samsung's new line-up of three new GALAXY S4's is no exception. Kicking off with the Samsung GALAXY S4 Active, Samsung has pumped flagship specs inside a water resistant, dust-proof body. Enhanced inside and out to cope with life's knocks and dunks, it couples both hardy hardware and software enhancements to ensure whatever your pace, the GALAXY S4 Active will keep up. Taking the key elements of Samsung's fine flagship and shrinking them down, the Samsung GALAXY S4 mini is the second of the three GALAXY S4 spin-offs. With its more pocketable form-factor and lower price, it's set to appeal to anyone who wants solid specs inside a more compact, affordable body. Finally, it's Samsung's boldest innovation to date, the category crushing convergence device of the year – the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom. With a 10x optical zoom and a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, it touts more camera smarts than most dedicated cameras on the market, let alone camera phones. Samsung GALAXY S4 Active: Built for action
Industrial styling isn't just for show on the S4 Active thanks to its IP67 rating. What's IP67? IP stands for Ingress Protection. It's the scale used to measure how resistant something is to the elements. Each number refers to a different type of resistance, with the first relating to dust, and the second to water. The '6' in the Samsung GALAXY S4 Active's IP67 rating certifies the smartphone as dust-proof, meaning nothing can get in, and nothing can get out. The number '7' refers to the water resistance, with the Active submergible in up to one metre of water for as long as thirty minutes. Thanks to the rest of the phone's smarts, you can be at the pool recording a spot of Full HD video, in the bath streaming a movie or doing a triathlon, tracking your progress and your GALAXY S4 Active can be at the heart of the activity the whole time. Samsung GALAXY S4 Active: Still a flagship on the inside
In spite of water resistance and dustproofing, the Samsung GALAXY S4 Active is still an incredibly smart smartphone. Not only does it offer the same speedy processor as found in the original GALAXY S4, it also supports expandable memory up to an additional 64GB and packs LTE connectivity. The flagship rivaling specs don't stop there. The Samsung GALAXY S4 Active is the latest smartphone from Samsung to get a Full HD display since the resolution debuted on the original S4 just months ago. This means a pixel density of 443 pixels per inch across the S4 Active's generous five-inch display – pin sharp. So whether you lather on a handful of mud, pour on a pint of milk or trickle a tipple of mojito over your S4 Active, not only will it survive, it will look fantastic in the process. Samsung GALAXY S4 Active: Smartphone, smart camera
Being the only submergible Samsung GALAXY S4 device, it makes sense for the technology behind the GALAXY S4 Active's camera to be fit-for-purpose, and it is. On top of the 8-megapixel camera sensor and Samsung's trademark, high quality camera UI, the GALAXY S4 Active offers an 'Aqua' shooting mode for underwater action. Enhancing this normally challenging environment, with the S4 Active, submerged stills pop. Its f/2.2 aperture means the S4 Active also captures low-light ambience, flash free, in most light conditions. And what if you want to take a photo in the dead of night? Fret not – with one of the strongest LED flashes around, not to mention an AF assist lamp, you'll get in focus, well-lit shots, every time. Samsung GALAXY S4 mini: Design and spec
Good things come in small packages and the Samsung GALAXY S4 mini is testament to that fact. With its 4.3-inch qHD Super AMOLED display, Samsung's diminutive take on its flagship still offers ample screen size and resolution, keeping the experience premium while shaving off some surface area and pounds. What it also does is give GALAXY S4 admirers a choice, striking the perfect balance for anyone who doesn't need flagship specs or size, without compromising too heavily on performance. The dual-core processor clocked at 1.7GHz, coupled with 1.5GB RAM makes sure the GALAXY S4 mini glides through TouchWiz. There's a high-resolution 8-megapixel camera around the back for your photos, as well as a 1.9-megapixel HD front facing camera for video calling or some very competent selfies. Samsung GALAXY S4 mini: Available in a range of …
Taking its queue from the Samsung GALAXY S4 in terms of colour options as well as design, the GALAXY S4 mini also comes in either Black Mist or White Frost. Why these dramatic names? Because, upon close inspection, there's more to the GALAXY S4 mini's black and white, than just black and white. A fine lattice pattern lies beneath the surface of the plastic body on both versions. This adds a depth to the material while still ensuring a smooth, easy to handle finish; endowing the S4 mini with the same design finesse as its bigger brother, it looks stunning. Samsung GALAXY S4 mini: Side by side with the GALAXY S4
If you're thinking about buying a Samsung GALAXY S4 mini, it's likely because you've seen or heard of the GALAXY S4 and are smitten. If you aren't sure how the two differ though, here's a quick run through to help you decide which is right for you. Starting with screen and the GALAXY S4 measures in at 5-inches while the S4 mini is 4.3-inches. Sporting a smaller fascia means the GALAXY S4 mini sits more comfortably in smaller hands accustomed to smaller phones, though gamers and HD videophiles will likely appreciate the additional screen size of the GALAXY S4. This is also reflected in the two phones' other main difference, their processors. The 1.9GHz quad-core processor powers along smart features exclusive to the to the GALAXY S4, such as Air View, also making it relatively future-proofed to handle even the most intensive upcoming 3D games. For advanced day-to-day tasks though, the hardware on the entire GALAXY S4 range, including the GALAXY S4 mini is more than capable. Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom: It's a phone. No, it's a camera. No, it's a …
From the front, the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom is 100% phone. Sporting a familiar, Samsung GALAXY design, it looks like a welcome addition to the GALAXY line-up rather than a piece of mind-blowing convergence and innovation. Start to tilt the phone ever so slightly though and a Zoom Ring, not to mention its incredible optics start to creep into view. The Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom is loaded up with high quality glass giving it a 10x optical zoom lens coupled with optical image stabilisation. It also boasts a 16-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor and a Xenon flash – on a phone! It's safe to say the GALAXY S4 zoom doesn't stop at blurring lines, oh no – it shatters them. So is it a phone or a camera? Simple, it's both. Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom: Why optical zoom?
We've already got zoom on cameras, what's so good about optical zoom and optical image stabilisation? Thanks to moving lens elements, the glass inside the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom physically magnifies a given scenario, delivering a lossless zoom. Optical image stabilisation, also on board, takes moving lens elements a step further, by counterbalancing handshake and steadying your shot. This means high quality zoom with minimal handshake for the clearest shot possible. Almost all phones, in contrast zoom digitally, lovingly referred to as destructive zooming by many photographers. This works by cropping into the sensor, in the same way one would crop into an image. Producing more pixelated, lower-resolution output, it's been a major area camera phones have fallen short of dedicated cameras in the past – until now. Optical zoom therefore makes the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom an instant game-changer. Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom: Smart Mode Suggest, and the rest
Smartphone plus camera equals very smart camera, and that's exactly what the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom is. It's loaded with all the traditional shooting modes found on the Samsung GALAXY Camera, not to mention those introduced with the Samsung GALAXY S4 such as Sound & Shot and Drama, as well as new shooting modes of its own. Our favourite mode exclusive to the Samsung GALAXY S4 zoom is without a doubt, Smart Mode Suggest. Lock focus onto a scene, and Smart Mode Suggest will suggest three shooting modes it thinks is right for the scene. This couples the brains of a computer with human judgement for the best shot possible, helping the GALAXY S4 zoom edge ahead of the competition when it comes to imaging software as well as hardware.     | | BlackBerry A10 specs appear in leaked top secret document Jul 16th 2013, 09:06, by John McCann 
Reports surrounding the next installment in the BlackBerry 10 ecosystem have been doing the rounds recently and the latest leak appears to spill the beans on pretty much every aspect of the BlackBerry A10. Posted rather nonchalantly by a member of CrackBerry's forum the screengrab in question appears to have been taken from confidential documentation from within the Canadian firm - with the BlackBerry A10 details dated May 23 2013. According to this particular leak, the A10 will rock up sporting the 5-inch display with 1280 x 720 resolution and dual-core processor which previous reports have alluded to. We do get a bit more information on both aspects with this latest revelation though, with the info suggesting the processor will be clocked at 1.7GHz and users will also be greeted with a quad-core GPU and 2GB of RAM. More of the sameIt also suggests BlackBerry will plump for OLED screen technology on the A10, although its touted 295ppi would be lower than both the Z10 and Q10 devices. Other specs the leak supposedly reveals for the BlackBerry A10 include a rear 8MP camera with flash, front 2MP camera, 16GB of internal storage, microSD slot, micro USB and HDMI ports, NFC, DLNA, Wi-Fi a/b/g/n and 4G connectivity - so pretty much identical to the two current top phones in BlackBerry's line up. There's good news for battery fans however with the screenshot suggesting the BlackBerry A10 will pack a 2800mAh power pack into its frame, which will hopefully provide some decent battery life. The BlackBerry A10 may also signal the next update for the BB10 operating system, with the listing claiming the handset will arrive with version 10.2 of the software - we're currently on 10.1. We haven't seen any clear indication of when the BlackBerry A10 may touch down, but November has been bandied about so keep your eyes peeled.     | | Blip: Foxtel Go grows into Samsung, PC and Mac Jul 16th 2013, 08:02, by Farrha Khan 
Last year, Foxtel launched its Go app for the iPad, which allowed Foxtel customers to watch certain channels on their tablet. Foxtel later extended this to the iPhone, as well as adding more channels. Today, the pay-TV service announced that it will now have Foxtel Go apps available for a number of Samsung devices, as well as PC and Mac compatibility, making your Foxtel subscription a little more portable. Foxtel also announced that it now has 59 live channels and over 50 channels for on demand catch up viewing, including Disney, National Geographic, Channel V, Fox8, SoHo, Lifestyle, Speed and a handful of sports channels. Here is a current list of compatible devices: Samsung Galaxy S3, Galaxy Note 2 or Galaxy Note 10.1 running Android 4.1 Jelly Bean or higher; a PC running Windows XP and Internet Explorer 8 or higher; Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6. Mac OS X Lion 10.7 with Safari version 5; or an iPad, iPad mini, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S or iPhone 5 running iOS 5.0 or higher, as well as the 5th-gen iPod Touch. Along with these devices, you'll of course need a Foxtel subscription to view the relevant channels and make the most of Foxtel Go. More blips!Not sure you'll want to even catch the next Ashes test cricket match, so maybe ignore the Foxtel Go app until later and try some blips instead.     | | A node to LTE: ISP Internode joins 4G chorus Jul 16th 2013, 06:41, by Farrha Khan 
Optus recently announced the expansion of its 4G network across sites in Adelaide, and with Internode piggybacking on Optus' network, it was only a matter of time before the mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) launched its own 4G mobile offerings. Other MVNOs on Optus network, Vaya, Virgin and iiNet, also have 4G plans, and now Internode is entering the 4G space with its new NodeMobile plans. Offered on month-to-month contracts, there are four plans to choose from, starting with the Starter $15 plan that will get you 200MB of data and $200 of credit, while the Value $30 plan offers 1.5GB, $500 of credit and unlimited SMS. Higher up on the scale, the Premium $45 will give you $800 of credit, 3GB of data and unlimited SMS. The Platinum $60 will get you also 3GB of data, but with unlimited calls as well as SMS. Only for broadbandersWhile it is good to see more players in the 4G mobile space offering up alternatives, the major condition of Internode's NodeMobile plans are that it is only offered to current Internode fixed-broadband customers. This is a similar caveat that iiNet and TPG both have in place as well, but the bundling may drive other customers away. Internode's plans will require you to bring your own 4G compatible device, though the MVNO is offering up for purchase the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 or Galaxy S4 to pair with its NodeMobile plans. It should also be noted that at sign up, there will be a one-off $15 SIM purchase fee and $5 SIM delivery charge.     | | Pronto! Huawei Ascend P2 climbing onto Telstra on July 30 Jul 16th 2013, 04:12, by Farrha Khan 
As we speculated last week, Huawei announced today at a media event that the Ascend P2 smartphone with Category 4 (Cat 4) LTE capabilities will be available exclusively through Telstra from July 30. The Ascend P2 Australian model is 8.4mm at its thickest and sports a 4.7-inch display with a 315ppi resolution, a 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage. The screen also has what it calls "magic touch" features that enhances screen-response and allows you to use the screen while wearing gloves, though we didn't get to try this out. Its 13MP camera is capable of shooting HDR 1080p, with a dedicated camera button for launching the camera app, focusing and taking the shot. The phone also has NFC and a 2,420mAh battery, which Huawei says should push use to more than a day. The biggest selling point for this phone is, of course, the Cat 4 LTE capabilities, also known as LTE-Advanced, which can theoretically push download speed up to 150Mbps. 'A' for AdvancedThe Huawei Ascend P2 will be sold exclusively through Telstra, with it being the only telco in Australia with an LTE-Advanced network (currently in Adelaide, Brisbane and Perth, though it has plans to expand the network). You'll be able to get a hold of the Ascend P2 for $0 monthly repayments on Telstra's $60 Every Day Connect or Business Performance Plan (minimum cost) over 24 months. This will give you $600 worth of included calls and MMS, unlimited SMS and 1GB of data. While we guessed last week that the Ascend P2 would cost more than $500, Telstra will be selling it outright for a cool $504. Pre-orders start from later today, and if you order it online before July 30, you will also receive a 10-inch Huawei MediaPad tablet. And because the Ascend P2 is an Android phone, Telstra confirmed to TechRadar that new customers will also score a $50 Google Play voucher.     | | HTC winks at the One Mini's existence with tiny-touting infographic Jul 15th 2013, 21:17, by Lbrown 
It's becoming increasingly difficult for smartphone manufacturers to keep a secret these days, as has been the case with companies like Apple, Nokia and now HTC. Reports and rumors about the HTC One Mini have been circulating for what feels like ages, yet the Taiwanese firm has yet to officially announce the diminutive version of its flagship device, the HTC One. Even if the HTC One hasn't been as big of a sales boon as the company had hoped, more clues provided by none other than the official HTC blog give credence to the thinking that a slightly smaller One is on the way. On Monday, HTC published a blog post titled "Little Things That Pack a Big Punch," and offered an infographic with an assortment of clever factoids featuring pint-sized powerhouses. Reports suggested the post was pulled at some point in the day, but now it appears to be back up for good. Subtle hustleCuriously, the main blog page doesn't list the entry, but you can get to the image directly with the link we've included here...and below, if you didn't notice. The post first discusses the success of the HTC One before offering an explanation to the infographic sporting examples of lilliputian achievements. "This success has only boosted our passion to bring the One experience to as many people as possible. In that spirit, here's an homage to little things that back [sic] a big punch," global community manager Darren Krape wrote. In addition to finding examples of Davids capable of Goliath-like feats such as the Trinidad Scorpion Moruga pepper, Spud Webb and Tyrion Lannister, the image offers the idea that "maybe smaller can be better." Based on what we know so far, the HTC One Mini would feature a 4.3-inch 720p screen, 2GB RAM, and a Qualcomm 1.4GHz dual-core processor, which would make it fair competition for the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini yet still pale in comparison to its bigger brother. HTC closed the post asking if readers could think of anything else that packs a big punch into a small package, and we've certainly got one answer on the tip of our tongues. 
    | | The Xperia Z's successor should be out in at least one place by year's end Jul 15th 2013, 20:31, by Michael Rougeau 
Details of Sony's expected next flagship phone emerged today, and it seems that the Sony Xperia i1 (codenamed "Honami") may arrive in at least one country by the end of the year. Sony Korea CEO Kenji Sakai said that the Xperia Z successor is due in the country before the end of 2013, Korean site Economic Daily reported. The phone's main draw will be its 20-megapixel camera, according to rumors, though that still places it at half the MP of Nokia's recently unveiled Lumia 1020. The Sony Xperia i1 "Honami" will supposedly be the first of many in a new line of Sony handsets equipped with high-quality cameras. The Xperia Z is going on sale in the U.S. starting this week, while it's been in the U.K. for some time already. See you at IFA?Sony is apparently not content with the Xperia Z and the Xperia Z Ultra, the latter of which ups the screen size well into phablet territory at 6.4 inches. Rumors of the unannounced next device popped up most recently at the end of June, when some alleged Xperia i1 photos materialized online. The rumor at that point was the phone called "Honami" would debut on July 4, but that obviously didn't pan out. Current speculation holds that Sony may lift the veil off the Xperia i1/Honami at its Sept. 4 press event during IFA 2013 in Berlin.     | | In Depth: Turn your GALAXY S4 into the ultimate golfing tool Jul 15th 2013, 16:23, by Your Mobile Life 
There are multitudes of S4-friendly apps around that are ready and waiting to turn you into a golfing master. Whether you need to steady your putt, bling your swing or find your way to the 19th hole for a liquid lunch, below are 10 apps to give your golf a boost... 
Sky Droid£1.28 - buy it here There are myriad reasons why a mobile device is the perfect peripheral for any budding golfer, but the most obvious is GPS. Having this technology on board the GALAXY S4 means shots can be tracked and courses can be mapped. But GPS alone can't do this and that is where Sky Droid comes in. The app maps out the golf course for you, giving you an accurate representation of where the hole is and how far you have till you reach it. Also, it maps things such as bunkers and explains where they are on the course. Sky Droid also allows you to map your own course from scratch. To top it off, the app houses listings for local golf courses, including telephone numbers so you are never far from your latest swing. 
Swing by SwingFree - get it here Like many an app on this list, Swing By Swing offers up GPS functionality, so you can check the range of your course, as well as find out where all the nasty surprises, such as bunkers, are. Swing By Swing also doubles up as a digital scorecard. Forget pencil and paper, the score card on Swing By Swing is effortless to use and helps you keep track of how well you are/aren't doing – and it will also offer up some much-needed stats at the end of the round. And if this wasn't enough, you can also add shots of your shots during your round. 
Golf FrontierFree - get it here Any budding golfer knows that golfing is the final frontier, so it is apt that one of the best golfing apps on the market is something called Golf Frontier. This GPS-centric app gives you information on what is going on the green, hazards and all, and it will also record your statistics, track your scores and it will even calculate your handicap. There are two versions of the app – a lite and full fat version – if you go for the lite version, then you can only download five courses. Pay a premium and you can have as many courses as you want. 
Golf Channel MobileFree - get it here If you are having a rest from playing golf, then there is no reason for you not to catch up with what is going on in the professional world with the Golf Channel Mobile app. The app offers behind-the-scenes content, instructional videos and gives you a whole load of stats – including leaderboards – from all the major tournaments and information from some of the best golfers around. There is so much content available, that Golf Channel Mobile is sure to fill the awful void when you are not on the green and it all looks lovely on your GALAXY S4's screen. 
The Rules Of GolfFree - get it here To play golf, you have to become golf. And what better way to become golf than reading up on the rules of golf with the, er, The Rules Of Golf app. This application has all of the rules you need to know – all put together by the R&A, organisers of the Open Championship. In the app you will find a whole host of rules – from amateur to professional rules. Do you know what to really do when a ball is lost? Or if you can stand out of bounds when making a stroke? Well, you will learn this and more with this instructional app. 
Happy CaddieFree - get it here Everyone needs a caddie. They are there for you to bounce shot ideas off of and, the best of all, they take the weight of your bag while you use your energy figuring out the best way to birdie your next shot. Happy Caddie is your virtual helper. Its interface may be plain but look beyond it and what you have are a set of comprehensive tools that will help you swing your way to victory. These include the ability to keep track of your score and key statistics and the ability to post your Score Card to Facebook. You will never have to bring a pencil to the course ever again! 
Tour Tempo Golf£15.96 - buy it here We will let you into a little golfing secret: when pro golfers take time out from the game, they play Tour Tempo golf to keep them in the game. Unlike any other golfing simulator, this is an app that is used by beginners through Major Championship winners on the PGA Tour. And if that wasn't enough adulation, it is also validated by the Departments of Physics and Biomechanics at Yale University. So, what is so good about Tour Tempo Golf? Well, just about everything. For a start the app guides you through the idea that simple mathematical ratios will make you a better swinger. All you have to do is listen to the unique sounds while swinging a club and get the rhythm right. Different tones are used for different strokes and the result is a better swing. Yes it's costly, but it's also an app that is praised by pretty much all that use it. Essential. 
V1 Golf For AndroidFree - get it here Perfecting your golf swing is something that can take a whole life to achieve. While we all just want to get out there and hit balls, sometimes taking a step back and analysing your stance and the like can do wonders for your game. This is where V1 Golf For Android comes in. The app allows you to film yourself swinging a club and then gives you all the information you need to make adjustments to your technique, with the hope that you become a better golfer at the end of it. Not only this, there is footage of over 50 pro golfers ready and waiting to be watched. There's nothing better than learning from the pros and this app lets you do just that. 
Golf GameBookFree - get it here Golf is a game you can enjoy on your own but in a world where social networks rule the roost, sometimes you just have to show off to your friends – even if you aren't actually golfing with them. The Golf GameBook app offers up live scoring opportunities, on course chat functionality and it also allows you to share your scores, stats, photos and comments live with your friends on and off the golf course. The Golf GameBook is a great way to bring the social aspect back to a game of golf and you can even do a spot of fun betting within the app too. 
Golf Digest – Course CriticFree - get it here Given that there are thousands of courses around for golfers to enjoy, an app that allows you to rate them is an essential bit of kit. Golf Digest is the best course critic around Offering you the ability to rate courses you have played on and view what others think of golf courses the world over, the app makes it easy to distinguish between the good and bad places to play. It also offers phone numbers for courses, the ability to find courses nearby and you can even make a wishlist. Although this is geared towards the US market, there has been a lot of golf loved fed into this app, so it is a must download no matter where in the world you tee off from.     | | HTC One Max to take September swing at Samsung Galaxy Note 3? Jul 15th 2013, 15:58, by Hugh Langley 
September is shaping up to be a busy month. Not only are we anticipating the unveiling of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, but it might also be going head to head with other phablet contender, the HTC One Max. HTC is rumored to be readying its own larger handset for an "early September release," according to a pesky "inside source" who's up to their usual tricks once again. The source spoke to German site Mobile Geeks, claiming that the Taiwanese manufacturer was eyeing a move into the phablet space for month 9, though they didn't elaborate beyond that. Max powerAnd hey, look at that, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 looks to be gearing up for an IFA 2013 reveal of its own, which means that HTC could be planning to crash the party - though right now we've no idea if it will coincide with the Berlin expo or not. So far, rumors suggest the Max will be a 5.9-inch, full HD affair, with a 2.3GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM. Meanwhile we also await the HTC One's younger sibling, the HTC One Mini, which could drop at any time - perhaps even alongside the Max.     | | In Depth: 10 essential Samsung GALAXY S4 apps for beer lovers Jul 15th 2013, 15:32, by Your Mobile Life 
An activity said to date back to the fifth millennium BC, guzzling beer is one of the oldest pastimes enjoyed by thirsty people the world over. The drinking experience has only been improved by smartphones in the modern age, and whether you consider yourself a lager than life character or a pale ale connoisseur, you won't be short of options when looking for a Samsung GALAXY S4 app that suits your needs. Now's the best time of the year to discover what's out there too, what with a hop-filled sea of beer festivals on the horizon, including the Kent Beer Festival on July 18 – 20 and the Great British Beer Festival on August 13 – 17. We're off to pour ourselves a pint. Before you do the same, remember the following: UK law states if you're under 18 and drinking alcohol in public, you can be stopped, fined or arrested by the police. It's also illegal for anybody to sell, or attempt to sell booze to you and you can even fall foul of the law by drinking alcohol in licensed premises.
You can, however, drink alcohol with a meal with if you're accompanied by an adult and aged 16 or over. Whatever age you are, always remember to drink responsibly. Now that's out of the way, here's our pick of 10 of the best beer-themed apps. 
End the cardinal sin of drinking alone with Untappd UntappdFree – get it here Drinking beer has been a traditionally social pastime throughout the ages, so it was inevitable that a social network designed to connect likeminded people with an interest in the activity would rise to the top of Google's Play store like a barrel full of delicious yeast. Simply put, Untappd is a social networking app that treats beers as people. This allows you to 'follow' them to see which pubs they're offered in. And they even trend, Twitter style, if enough people are drinking them. Of course, Untappd is all about being social, and the app also allows you to track, rate and take photos of beers, which can then be shared with friends. It will also reward you with badges for trying different styles and visiting various haunts, introducing a competitive element. (Not that drinking needs one, if we're honest). 
User reviews will guide you to the best beers CAMRA's Good Beer GuideFree – get it here A guide to beer apps wouldn't be complete without mentioning the Good Beer Guide by CAMRA (Campaign For Real Ale). A mobile version of the same award-winning guide published by CAMRA every year, this 'yellow pages of ale' features full reviews of 4,500 pubs throughout the UK and includes details of every real-ale brewery and their regular brewers. To get the most from the app you'll have to sign up as a CAMRA member to unlock its full potential however, or you'll be limited to viewing information about a single venue. If you're serious about real ale, it's the most comprehensive offering of its kind out there. 
Pick your beers before you've left the house Perfect PintFree – get it here The best-designed app on our list, Perfect Pint looks stunning on the GALAXY S4's generous Full HD Super AMOLED display. It acts as a virtual map of real ales, pubs and beer festivals around the UK, meaning a quick flick of the smartphone's GPS feature will have you racing to the nearest venue in moments. Perfect Pint also allows you to track down venues that offer a certain type of drink, such as bottles, rather than draft, making it a good shout if you're in the presence of picky company. The app also allows you to add tasting notes for any beer sampled in a pub, meaning it's a constantly evolving live directory. Nifty. 
Plan out your destinations beforehand Pub CrawlFree – get it here Some say that the key to a successful pub-crawl is organisation. It's unfortunate, then, that most people tend to lose their sense of direction after the inevitable pork scratchings make an appearance halfway along the route. Pubdroid.com's Pub Crawl app helps by allowing a group to pre-set a route before syncing it to everybody's devices, meaning participants are on the same page and can (theoretically) straddle to the next pub in inebriated tandem. It serves a second purpose too, in providing a list of visited pubs in case anybody loses their possessions or gets lost along the way, which on a successful pub crawl is pretty much a given. 
No more lying to the other half Beer CounterFree – get it here BeerCounter is a wonderfully simple app that does what it says on the (alcohol-soaked) tin and then some. The idea is that you press the beer mat every time you've drank a beer. Not only could this increase your awareness of how many beers you've sunk, but it also keeps a tab on how much you've spent, which your hungover self would no doubt appreciate the next morning. While these two features make this a handy app on their own, digging beneath the surface reveals extra settings that allow you to change the beer price, show the last time you drank a beer, change the currency and post to Twitter or Facebook every time you've sunk an ale. Just don't get too inebriated that you forget to 'accidentally' update your tally. 
Never go without craft beer in the capital again Craft Beer London£1.99 – buy it here Whether you're a permanent London dweller or simply planning a trip for the weekend, Craft Beer London will have you hunting down craft beers in the capital like a bear in a swimming pool of salmon. The app features ratings, photos, reviews and directions to London's pubs and shops selling craft beer, in addition to detailed reviews and recommendations on London's leading craft breweries. It will also keep you up to date on all of the latest craft beer news and dives deep into its history, providing a vital second use during pub quizzes. 
BrewR turns brewing into a fine art BrewR Beer Recipe ManagerFree – get it here For those seeking a free and uncomplicated home brewing app, BrewR Beer Recipe Manager allows recipes to be drilled down into file detail. You can edit anything from batch sizes to boil volumes, efficiency percentages, weight, gravity and colour. It also features the option of sharing recipes with fellow GALAXY S4 owners using the handset's in-built NFC function. You could even combine this with the S4's Group Play feature to play the same music tracks while you brew. We suggest Bran Van 3000's 'Drinking in LA' to get you going. 
BeerSmith 2 is all about 24/7 access to recipe data BeerSmith 2 Mobile HomeBrewing£5.24 – buy it here The second home brewing app on our list is possibly the most comprehensive of its kind available on the GALAXY S4. At the heart of the app is a 'recipe cloud service' that stores data on ingredients, recipe and brew session data on the web, rather than your phone, meaning you can access your data on any internet-connected device at any time. Advanced features include an integrated brew day timer with step-by-step instructions, brewing calculators and tools for converting unit rounds. If the £5.24 price tag seems a little too steep, you can opt for a Lite version at £2.49, which allows you to browse, but not create or alter recipes. 
Order beers abroad with confidence Beer OrdererFree – get it here Here's an app for the frequent traveller that puts an end to the awkward act of pointing at beer pumps when visiting bars in other countries. Beer Orderer is a wonderfully simple app that asks two questions: how many beers you want to order, and what language you want to order them in. After choosing the two, pressing a button brings up a translation of what you've ordered in your chosen language, which you can then attempt to read out loud (in a bad accent), or can simply show the bar tender. Problem averted. 
RateBeer has a comprehensive database of beers RateBeerFree – get it here RateBeer, as the name suggests, is all about rating beer. Simply put, if all you're after is a run down of the top 50 craft beers available in the UK, this app has the answer. Not only that, but the app has a few unique tricks up its sleeve. First off, it lets you use the GALAXY S4's camera to scan barcodes found on beers and other drinks, meaning you can easily find beer served at one pub at other places. It's practically the Shazam of beer apps (look it up if you're not familiar). Second, RateBeer functions as a kind of FourSquare of pubs, allowing you to check in to local beer places so that your friends can find you. You can rack up your pub tally over time until you've acquired more beer knowledge than Al Murray, which probably isn't too difficult, come to think of it.     | | Apple and Samsung could be making sweet chips together for iPhone 7 Jul 15th 2013, 14:33, by Kate Solomon 
Despite rumours that the two companies had parted ways for good, new reports suggest that Apple has signed Samsung up to make chips for future iPads and iPhones starting in 2015. Reports had been circling that Apple has severed supplier ties with Samsung after all the patent warfare between the two companies. Instead, Apple inked a deal for chips made by Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) starting in 2014. But apparently Apple is not so angry with Samsung that it's willing to pass up the opportunity to get its mitts on new tech. Chipping awayThe alleged new deal between Samsung and Apple kicks off in 2015 and is expected to consist of A9 chips - although no one seems to be clear on whether or not the TSMC deal has gone south as a result or if Apple's keeping both companies on the books. According to the Korea Economic Daily, "Samsung Electronics developed state-of-the-art 14 nano models ahead of its rival TSMC, regaining the order from Apple. " Because of superior silicon processing, the 14nm chips should allow smaller, more efficient phones. Basically: the dream. The 2015 start date seems to imply these are the chips we'll see tucked away inside the iPhone 7 - although at this point, we'd be happy with an iPhone 6 or even an iPhone 5S.     | | Blip: HTC One finally gets Android 4.2.2 update in the UK Jul 15th 2013, 10:04, by Hugh Langley 
Continuing its gradual European roll-out, the Android 4.2.2 update for HTC One has reached UK shores and is available to download now. Right now! HTC went official by announcing the update on Twitter. Android 4.2.2 brings several new features, including lock-screen widgets and various bug fixes to both SIM-free and network carrier HTC One handsets. If the update doesn't happen via OTA (over the air), you can manually get it by going to 'Settings' then 'About' then 'Software Updates' and then 'Check Now'. Bam. Job done. More blips!Update your HTC One, then update yourself on our latest blips:   | |
No comments:
Post a Comment