Gadgets Category Archive

A series reviewing the Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini

11 Replies Christopher Roberts

The Samsung Galaxy S4 Mini was launched on the 1st of July 2013. Six days later (on Sunday the 7th of July) I bought the phone on a 24 month contract.

A Series

Having owned an S4 Mini for a few weeks now I have decided to write a series reviewing the phone.

In this series I will be looking at the phone as a whole, as well as comparing it to its brothers and cousins from Samsung’s Galaxy series. I will also be giving my verdict on various accessories and cases that I have tested.

The series will post every Tuesday.

Introduction over; lets get started!

Why S4 Mini?

Anyone who has chosen a smartphone will know that it isn’t an easy decision. Most people have a personal favourite brand, however there is a lot of choice which makes it difficult to decide which device is right for you.

I have to admit, I had been bitten by the Apple bug. Apple are very good at marketing, and my experience of their products had made me think they were the best.

However when visiting phone shops, I asked staff whether they would buy the Galaxy S4 or the iPhone 5, and every single one said the S4; most also agreed that the iPhone is overpriced for an inferior gadget.

Apple’s magical effect started to ware off and after asking my friends which phone they would have, I decided that I would be going for a Samsung device. I also considered Blackberry, HTC, Nokia and Google devices, but non really wowed me.

The thing I don’t like about the S4 is its size. I think a big screen is great, but the phone is huge! The S4 Mini is almost the same in terms of technical specifications, however is slightly less powerful and much smaller. The S4 Mini is pretty much exactly the same size as the iPhone 5.

Samsung's S4 Mini, S4 and S3 Mini

I feel that Samsung’s slogan for the S4 Mini perfectly describes the phone ‘Minimalism Maximised‘. It is a super powerful, high spec phone, packed into a pretty small case. The S4 Mini has the spec of the S3, but the functionality of the S4.

Android

In the past Android had a reputation for being an over complicated operating system for the technically minded, however major advancements in the last few years mean that now it couldn’t be easier to use.

Something I love about Android is the home screen. Apple’s iOS only lets you store app shortcuts on your home screen, which is a huge limitation when you consider the features Android offers. On my home screen I have the weather, a handful of apps, and a search box. Scroll to the left and I have the news and to the right my calendar. No need to open anything, it’s just there; one of the reasons why I love Android.

The fact that it is open source really shines through, as everything is built with users in mind. For example, with iOS, you have to stop every app individually, however with Android you can close all your apps at once. Weather, news, your diary, alarms, music, messages and loads more are right their on Android, without you having to load anything. Data usage, battery status, free memory, you name it, Android will tell you. I think you get the picture: I love Android!

Next Time

Next week I will be looking at a FlexiShield Case for the S4 Mini.

Calling While Driving

9 Replies Jonny Hankins

One of the problems with humanity is that we all believe that we can do things safely even if others tell us that they are not safe. People who drive fast do so because they are good drivers (so they tell us), people claim that they can drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs when the statistics prove otherwise, and even making a call or texting does not distract some super-drivers.

Governments take some action in some form or other to try and stop people doing these things, but it is selective in nature. Let us take texting while driving as an example. In some countries it is illegal to drive and text at the same time. In the USA it is allowed in some states and prohibited in others. In some states you can talk on the phone, in others not you need a hands-free system.

The law though seems to be selective. Last week research published in the Science journal demonstrates that it is not holding the phone to text or speak that is the problem, it is the conversation itself that causes the distraction.

 

A typical sight today

A typical sight today?

The research showed little or no difference between the rate of accidents when people are using a hands-free system and when they are physically holding the phone. The type of conversation does make a difference though, the more the driver has to concentrate on the subject matter or think before replying, the more chance there is of having a crash.

They also found that any type of interaction, even listening to the radio, effects reaction times and attention paid to the road. The radio is the least invasive because it does not require a response, but I wonder if listening to a news show or a discussion that you have to concentrate to follow causes more distraction, a logical line of thought would seem to imply so. Interestingly enough voice to text is the most dangerous type of technological interaction addressed.

So there are laws against texting, and not holding a phone (I must add not everywhere) but why not make speaking hands-free illegal too? And we should bear in mind that cars are ever more designed for connectivity, and that means distraction, maybe this should also be regulated.

Well that would require a change in business practices and take away personal freedom some might say, but we should remember that driving is not a right, it is a privilege that is governed by rules.

This is a serious piece of research that uses eye monitoring technology to measure distraction and driver awareness. The findings are clear and there is plenty of supporting data from other sources, but how would you feel about not being able to make a call at all though while driving?

At least your boss couldn’t call you while you were on your way home.

Wireless speakers battle – HMDX Jam Vs JBL Flip mini review

1 Reply Daniel Hester

This is a sponsored post. To find out more about sponsored content on Technology Bloggers, please visit our Privacy Policy.

Years ago the thought of having a speaker system that you could carry around with you without any wires was alien. The days of big bulky Hi Fi systems that take up half of your room are long gone; there is a new kid on the block, the wireless speaker. This has revolutionised the industry and now allows anyone, no matter what their budget, to share and enjoy their music with friends and family.

The first loud speaker was invented by Johann Philipp Reis in 1861, when he installed it into his telephone. Alexander Graham Bell patented his first electric loud speaker as part of the telephone in 1876. This then changed the way we could listen to sound and thus a new industry was born in the form of speakers. Technology has come a long way in such a short space of time and now we have a wide range of wireless speakers to choose from. Below are two of the leading players in the market.

HMDX Jam Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

HMDX Jam Bluetooth Wireless SpeakerIf you are looking for an ultra-compact wireless speaker that packs a punch, at an affordable price tag, you can’t go far wrong with the Jam. This speaker can be used with a range of devices including smartphones, tablets, MP3 players and laptops.

With it having up to 30 feet range it makes it perfect for a host of situations whether in the house or down at the park. The HMDX Jam Bluetooth wireless speaker available from Superfi can run up to four hours when wirelessly connected to a Bluetooth device. It can also have a wired connection via its stereo mini jack connection with up to 12 hours playback. This is the perfect speaker if you want top quality sound without having to break the piggy bank.

JBL Flip Bluetooth Wireless Speaker

This speaker is slightly higher in price but you also get a lot more for your money. It has an impressive 5 hours of wireless playback due to its rechargeable Lithium Ion battery. The JBL Flip Bluetooth wireless speaker available at Superfi also comes with a built in microphone with a call answer button, mening it doubles up as a hands-free calling system. Don’t be fooled by the Flip’s diminutive dimensions, this little gem punches way above its weight. It has an integrated bass port and two twin 38mm drivers which provide a powerful crisp sound with outstanding clarity. The Flip is definitely at the higher end of the market, but if you have a little bit more money to spend you won’t be disappointed with this investment.JBL Flip Bluetooth Wireless SpeakerWireless speakers are a fantastic way of playing your entire music collection on the move without the discomfort of ear phones. They are the perfect addition for any social occasion and there compact design makes them easy to transport. To put one of these speakers above the other one is an impossible task. They are both at different ends of the market. The one thing that makes them the same, is they offer outstanding value for money, whichever one your budget can stretch to.