All posts for the month May, 2012

FatKidOnFire

A good friend runs a truly great blog covering fashion and bass music, as well as providing some genuinely top banter. He has also spent the past couple of years working in Digital! Firstly in an agency, and now for an ace little internet startup. In addition, he is a contributor to Microsoft’s developer blog – Ubelly.

With a planned relaunch of his site (one which shall incorporate Tech prominently!), we have just kicked off the first of many tech postings with a guest post from myself, talking about the role mobile will play in the future of social.

Wil and I shall be swapping content back and forth over the next few months so keep on checking FatKidOnFire and keep your eyes peeled for his guest posts on here!

For all things FKOF, check out Twitter and Facebook

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by TheJW on May 29, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 29, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/29/fatkidonfire/

5 Tips For Taking Great Looking Instagram Photos

With Facebook’s purchase of Instagram and an Android version of the app having been released in recent times, there’s a whole bunch of new users out there! Here’s a quick rundown of tips to make your photos standout above the rest…

Great Looking Instagram Photo of a Heart Tree

1) Don’t use the camera in Instagram

Instagram’s camera function is extremely limiting; instead, opt to use your handsets regular camera app. This will allow you to zoom, add a grid to ensure your photos are straight, and crop your pictures how you like.

2) Use other apps

Instagram’s filters are great, but sometimes they don’t quite provide enough control. That great effect that just slightly over exposed part of the photo can often be irritating; the answer: use a different app. Snapseed is a favourite of ours at Social Gadget. The app offers a great choice of filters that can be completely customised by simply sliding your finger from left to right. The ‘strength’ of the effect varies from 0%-100% depending upon how far you slide, it’s that simple. In addition, you can add multiple filters to your photos making for some outstanding combinations.

Aside from filters, other apps can provide more interest to your pictures. Colorsplash for example, allows your to add drama to a photo by converting it to black and white, leaving only your chosen details in colour. InFrame Cut [iTunes download link] allows you to create split screen, multi-photo images with customisable frames, and Pic Collage allows you to create great looking collages, using photos on your device or from Facebook and the web.

Great Instagram Photo using InFrame Cut of a park

InFrame Cut can really help your pictures describe your surroundings

3) Shoot with good light

In the UK this isn’t always the easiest I know, but it’s worth trying your best to take your shots in good, natural light if you really want them to look killer on Instagram. Smartphone cameras, by comparison to regular cameras, have pretty small sensors which only allow in so much light. Do you best to help them out by using natural light where possible. Also, using the HDR function (if you’re an iPhone user) will really  help your pictures pop when applying filters later.

Instagram photo of a well lit tree

4) Look at what other people are doing via Hashtags

There are some truly incredible photographers on Instagram; take inspiration from them by looking at what they’re up to. Hashtags are keywords on instagram; if you’re about to take a shot of something such as a ‘tree’, search for photos hashtagged #tree to see how others compose their pictures; you might just find a neat new perspective that makes your photo stand out.

5) Cheat, and use a high end DSLR and Photoshop

Ditch your phone altogether and take some great shots using Canon or Nikon’s latest offering; tweak it until perfection in Photoshop, then quickly upload it to Instagram like nothing ever happened…

Any other tips? Let us know in the comments below, and feel free to share your photos with us on Facebook and Twitter

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by TheJW on May 28, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Tips and Tricks
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Posted by TheJW on May 28, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/28/5-tips-for-taking-great-looking-instagram-photos/

TWTW Tech: Apple Ditching Google Maps for iOS6

Apple Maps iOS6

credit: 9to5Mac

Apple will be cutting ties with Google Maps, in favour of using a completely in-house developed mapping system for iOS6, reports 9to5Mac.

According to “trusted sources”, the new mapping application will be similar in look and feel to the current application, but with “a much cleaner, faster, and more reliable experience”.

Before I started Social Gadget, I remember hearing news of Apple acquiring C3 Technologies; a 3D map rendering company with mind-blowing demonstration videos. It seems Apple have been putting the C3 team to work, as the application is said to offer full 3D rendering at the touch of a button.

Prior to buying C3 Technologies, Apple purchased two other mapping companies: Placebase and Poly9. These acquisitions date as far back as October 2009, making it clear that a entirely Apple owned mapping application has been on the company’s agenda for a while.

Let’s hope they see fit to improve on the turn by turn navigation service while they’re at it!

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by TheJW on May 16, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 16, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/16/twtw-tech-apple-ditching-google-maps-for-ios6/

TWTW Tech: Capped Data Prices When Roaming in Europe

capped data fees cheaper roaming

credit: tudogs.com

Using your phone abroad is about to get a lot cheaper, thanks to new regulations put in place by the European Parliament.

As of July 1st 2012, making a phone call from Europe will cost no more than €0.29 (23p*) per minute. Receiving a call will be not exceed 8 cents (6p) per minute, and text message charges will be no greater than 9 cents (7p). Data charges will be capped 70 cents (56p) per Mb. VAT will be added to these costs.

* All prices in GBP are based on today’s (16/5/12) exchange rate.

This is great news for travellers who have fallen victim to “shock bills” as a result of regular mobile use abroad. What’s more, the rates are only going to get cheaper, with prices set to drop each July for the next two years. By July 2014, downloads will cost a maximum of 20 cents (16p) per Mb.

Wired UK put the new capped data prices into context well – downloading a song of average size (5Mb) from iTunes would cost a maximum of £2.95 in 2012, but only 80p in 2014.

By 2014, customers will also be able to shop around for a cheaper roaming provider, while keeping their own number. This is sure to induce competition between providers, making it highly likely that cost will drop well below the maximums stated.

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by TheJW on May 16, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 16, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/16/capped-data-europe/

TWTW Tech: O2 UK Rolling Out Faster 3G

Logo of Telefónica Europe

Logo of Telefónica Europe (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

O2 UK is currently in the process of rolling out the fastest variant of 3G available (DC-HSPA) with a theoretical top download speed of 42Mbps.

DC-HSPA stands for dual-cell high speed packet access, and could potentially allow for double the download speed of the more widespread HSPA+ variant of 3G. O2 are beginning to roll out the faster version in major cities across the UK now.

While this is perhaps not the hike into 4G/LTE speeds we so desperately lack in the UK, any push to advance current services is certainly welcome. 4G has been delayed across Britain due to a “large number of technical and competition issues” an Ofcom spokesman told the Guardian. One of the bigger technical issues revolves around much of the UK’s dependance upon Digital Freeview television; it’s place in the radio spectrum currently occupies the space 4G would require.

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by TheJW on May 16, 2012  •  Permalink
Posted in Mobile, Technology
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Posted by TheJW on May 16, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/16/o2-uk-rolling-out-faster-3g/

TWTW Social: Viddy – The Instagram of Video?

Viddy - The Instagram of VideoEver since Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram last month, there has been much talk regarding the race to become the “Instagram of Video”

There are a handful of contenders in this space, such as Mobli; the company, backed by the likes of Tobey Maguire and Leonardo DiCaprio, currently has 3 million users. SocialCam has a whopping 36 million users (a greater number than Insatgram had prior to the Facebook deal), and former photo-sharing, now turned video startup – Color, has 1 million users.

The fastest growing of these company’s however, is Viddy. Currently boasting 26 million users and reportedly adding a further million every day, the LA based startup gained a lot of attention when Facebook CEO, Mark Zuckerberg joined, posting a video of his dog, Beast. At this rate of growth, Viddy look likely to become the most popular service in a matter of days. Boasting a similar set of filters to those found in Instagram, in addition to other effects, if there is to be a true “Instagram of Video”, Viddy certainly seems the strongest contender.

What are you thoughts regarding the “Instagram of Video”? Will it ever truly exist or is the market just not the same compared to photos? Let us know in the comments, or share the conversation via the social buttons!

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by TheJW on May 8, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 8, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/08/twtw-social-viddy-the-instagram-of-video/

TWTW Social: Google+ Hangouts On Air rolling out to all users.

Hangouts On AirLooking for that pull to get into using Google+? The answer may have just come your way with the public release of Google’s live-broadcast version of it’s Hangouts service – Hangouts On Air.

First released last year to a select number of users, Google is now offering the feature to the masses. Hangouts On Air allows users to broadcast their Hangouts live; these can be viewed on the users Google+ page, YouTube channel or on their website.

There are some additional perks to the service; those broadcasting the Hangout, can see the number of viewers in real time, and once the broadcast has finished, Google will upload the public recording to the users YouTube channel, allowing for sharing and re-watching.

Check out the video to see how the service works

Although no official word has been said yet, it is possible that we could see this service go mobile. The Android version of the Google+ app allows users to start a Hangout (this feature isn’t current available on iOS) which could eventually update to include Hangout On Air support. While live streaming through your phone isn’t a new thing, having it linked straight to your social network could prove a powerful tool, should Google see fit to peruse this route.

Let us know your thoughts on Hangouts On Air, is the service likely to get you back onto your Google+ page? Or is there just no deterring you from your timeline? Hit us up in the comment below.

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by TheJW on May 8, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 8, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/08/google-hangout-on-air-rolling-out-to-all-users/

TWTW Social: Twitter Roll Out Updated Version Mobile Site

Twitter updated mobile siteTwitter is attempting to provide a uniform experience of it’s service, regardless of device limitations and quality of signal, by updating it’s mobile version of the site.

Designed for users who access Twitter from feature phones via web (appose to those who use native apps on their smartphone) the update to the site, that first appeared last December, uses 33% less bandwidth than the previous iteration. In a blog post published yesterday (May 7th), Satya Patel, Vice President of Product said: “We’re rolling out this new mobile web experience starting today, and will continue to make Twitter the most accessible way to connect with the world, even with the weakest signals and the simplest devices.”

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by TheJW on May 8, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 8, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/08/twitter-roll-out-updated-version-mobile-site/

TWTW Gaming: Draw Something to add Brand-Sponsored words.

Draw Something Brand SponsoredHot Not so hot, Pictionary inspired game, Draw Something is to add brand sponsored words to pull in some more revenue.

Last month the game had amassed a mind-blowing 50 million downloads, with 14 million daily active users. By the end of the same month, that number had fallen by 4 million. Since Zynga‘s acquisition of the game’s developer OMGPop, the Farmville creator has seen a massive 38% drop in it’s stock.

To make sure the purported $180m spent on acquiring OMGPop sees some return; Zynga are looking to partner with brands to insert their paid terms into the game. The NHL has been the among the first to sign up reports AdAge, sponsoring such words as puck, slapshot and Zamboni.

Whether many more companies will pay to be included in Draw Something (with it’s dwindling popularity) remains to be seen. Regardless, it is probably fair to expect an update over the next few weeks as the new brand-sponosored words are added.

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by TheJW on May 4, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 4, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/04/draw-something-to-add-brand-sponsored-words/

TWTW Gaming: The Elder Scrolls Online is Coming

The Elder Scrolls OnlineGame Informer have announced that their June issue of the magazine will unveil the highly anticipated Elder Scrolls Online game.

Set a thousand years before the events of Skyrim, The Elder Scrolls Online follows the tale of daedric prince Molag Bal as he tries to take control over all of Tamriel.

Game director Matt Firor says he is “committed to creating the best MMO ever made”. With a big statement like that, you can bet Zenimax Online Studios won’t be taking the task of developing the title lightly. Creating a truly great MMO is difficult enough, without trying to live up to a game worthy of The Elder Scrolls Franchise; let’s hope they succeed.

The game is set to release on PC and Mac in 2013. For all the latest news on The Elder Scrolls Online, look no further than Game Informers own Elder Scrolls Online hub.

Excited about Elder Scrolls stepping away from a single player experience, or petrified they do the series an injustice? Share your thoughts in the comments box.

Update!! Bethesda just released a trailer! Watch it now!

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by TheJW on May 4, 2012  •  Permalink
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Posted by TheJW on May 4, 2012

http://social-gadget.com/2012/05/04/the-elder-scrolls-online-is-coming/

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