Merry Christmas and Happy new year!

Gadget Girl Reviews wishes everyone a

Wonderful Christmas 

and 

a 

Happy New Year!

Thanks to everyone who has supported us throughout the year; its so appreciated!

Relax and be merry and I'm looking forward to 2015 with you all.

 

Stick with Kitkat, Lolipop sucks!

Rockem Sockem Androids!
KitKat vs Lollipop!

Hey everyone do you get a sense of excitement when you know we are all getting the latest Google update. I know I do, hoping for new neat, fun changes to make our lives even easier.

So far we've had all these brand new yummy updates BUT how often are our hopes dashed as we start to find things that are wrong.

This was the case with Lollipop aargh! 

 Nexus 10 and Samsung S4.

All on charge both with their Lollipop problems!

My Nexus 10 finally got the new update. I really loved the new look central drop down panel combined with the settings....although I had some problems opening it; but just assumed that I was swiping wrong..doh...as if!
Next I couldn't get online at all as my wifi was playing up. I simply assumed again it was me; as we do occasionally have problems in middle of nowhere with our wifi so wasn't unduly worried...at first. But after rebooting, re-putting in my password etc, changing hz settings I thought no way is this is all me.

But I now haven't been able to get online for over a week and most my apps are useless as they are online based....grrr!

So luckily I have my phone which I downloaded the latest Lollipop update a few days ago; so I can use that cant I...?

A few nervous minutes as I checked my phone over...yes I was online...with wifi no problems..woohoo...result....er...yes...but I spoke too soon and after a few days I had noticed that my battery power was bad. Lasting less than 12 hours and even less if playing games and watching Utube....#/*@\

So next; onto my main PC thank God I have another internet means. Where I discovered hundreds of you having major problems with your Android devices through this 5.0 Lollipop update.
Phew...however so relieved it's not me doing something blonde...!

But I still have no wifi on my Nexus 10 and serious battery problems with my S4..argh!

Next step is checking the forums for what to do next and there's so many amazing people offering great advice thank you.
I've rebooted, turned wifi on off, re-put in passwords, changed hz settings, cleared out all useless apps made more space, cleared cache you name it I've done it...except factory reset. But then some of you have warned us of major problems after doing this. I also discovered the wifi problems have hit the 2012 version Nexus 10 the worst...guess what version mine is...sigh!

Many people on the forums have had success by rolling-back to KitKat 4.4.4;
so I'm now off to email Google themselves for advice to see if I should roll back to Kitkat or if I should I sit tight until Google have Lollipop 5.0.1?

So for now my poorly Nexus 10 is an expensive paperweight and my S4 is drinking power like no tomorrow.

 I have my S4 permanently on my Qi wireless charger (review here) so its trickle charging constantly; its perfect for this right now!
The battery problem is dealable as at least I can still use it; unlike my Nexus 10!
When tech goes wrong you turn to the tech which always goes right; thank you Mobile solar chargers!

Google help please get 5.0.1 out ASAP!!!

So has anyone else had problems with Lollipop or any advice of what's worked for you or what have you tried; I'd love to know.

I'll keep you all updated for the next update which is said to be coming soon as 5.0.1 so fingers crossed I get my Nexus 10 working again or....Anyone for a game of  Frisbee?



Products shown in this post are

 Qi wireless charger Large image, 

the smaller images are;

Werewolf Squishable

Stars and Stripes case

My Doodle Speaker dock

Caseflex Stars and stripes Retro S4 USA flag case Review

Caseflex Stars and stripes Retro S4 USA flag case

Since getting my Samsung S4 I just love changing my cases around and always looking for unique cases.

One of my all time favorite cases was from Mobile Madness the Strawberry Red Bling case which I reviewed during the Summer so I know already the quality is good.

So when I was offered another case to review I couldn't wait.

I couldn't resist choosing the stars and stripes case....sorry Britain.

Checkout my photo-loaded review after the jump.

I adore the colour red and always on the look out for a case that is colorful, blingy or tough as old boots; but with phone cases you cant get all 3 in 1 case so I enjoy using different cases depending on my mood or what handbag Im using at the time or where I'm going.

Packaging

My case arrived the very next day; their service is brilliant. Mine arrived in a padded envelope and then packaged in 2 plastic sleeves. The first the Caseflex own bag and once inside another clear poly bag.

Description

This gorgeous Stars and stripes Samsung Galaxy S4 case is made of lightweight polycarbonate shell; to protect your phone from any knocks and scratches.The design itself is a beautiful image of the US flag; I absolutely loved the antiquey, distressed shabby chic styling.

Turn the case over and the inside is white with the correct holes cutout for the camera, flash and speaker.

Plus the correct cutouts for the volume and power buttons; the top and bottom areas are kept clear.

Use

The case clips onto the phone easily; the fit is excellent and a few quick presses around the edges and it gently snaps into place.

The apertures for the camera and flash are perfectly cutout and even a separate aperture for lens and flash which I really like. You can see from this 3D image the case gives a good 3mm thickness protection so I can lay my phone on a harder rough surface without worrying about my camera and lens.

Don't get me started on this stupid design idea from Samsung...who decided to have a beautiful camera lens flat level with the back of the phone to get scratched everytime I put it down...sigh!

Anyway this case protrudes 3mm adding extra protection.

Many cases are simply 1 hole for the flash but Caseflex have taken the time to design them separately.

 

 The speaker aperture is cut perfectly to size and doesn't obstruct the speaker at all.

 The cutouts for the volume and power button are also perfect; again giving the 3mm protection.

 The case surround extends 1-2mm proud from the screen protecting it when laying flat in a surface. It looks great from the front as well as the back. I love how it gives my black phone a real lift and pop of colour...love it!

Opinion

I cannot express just how much I love this case; its now giving my Strawberry bling case a run for its money. Its a much thicker case than I expected so is really giving my phone some protection from scratches and knocks. It doesn't have any rubber edges so I could still do some damage if I drop the phone. But the idea of clip-on cases is so you can change the colour and design of your phone often to match your bag or outfit; or just for fun.

If your careful and your phone is sitting in your bag or pocket this protection is more than enough to protect your phone and you can enjoy the stunning variety of clip cases like this. If your working in harsher environments and need to use your phone alot you may need to choose a tougher more rugged but beautiful  UAG phones from Mobile Madhouse.

My favorite bag at this time is my snakeskin red patent LYDC bag and I'm blown away with just how gorgeous this retro US flag looks with it...now Im being a total girl I know, but when it comes to my phones I enjoy being a bit girly.
My S4 has its own wardrobe and is catching up to me with its own jacket collection. ;-)

Yes I highly recommend this case its strong, easy to fit and very light; it gives the phone the barely there feel but you know its thick enough to offer adequate protection when needed from everyday spills, knocks and scratches. Its also unisex; ideal for both guys and girls as gifts.

A perfect gift for those who love the US or those of you living in the UK and home is the US; what better way to let someone know your thinking of them.

Pro's

• Vintage retro design.
• Tough.
• Lightweight Polycarbonate shell.
• Full access to all ports.
• Super easy to fit.
• The shabby-chic distressed look will allow you to get the odd scratch without noticing it. Wear the scratches on your USA flag with pride!

Con's

• None - except addicted to collecting more designs...sigh!

Available for all the latest phones.
Buy yours
from Mobile Madhouse

£9.99

Or choose from 15 other flags

Here is the British Union Jack and the Australian flag more fab alternatives.

Plus France and Canada and many more here

All my thanks goes to Mobile Madhouse for sending me this case in return for an honest review.

More S4 case reviews below

 

GMYLE Glamour Clutch

GMYLE Glamour Wallet Case

GMYLE S4 S-View case Classic

CAT Urban Active Rugged phone case
CAT Urban Active Rugged Phone Case (New colours)

Samsung S4 folio case

Idealcases for phones, ipads, tablets and kindles

ASBO A Novel of extreme terror By Iain Rob Wright Book Review

ASBO A Novel of extreme terror 

By Iain Rob Wright

 Blurb

-- 70,000 word page-turner / thriller novel
-- Features additional, bonus spin-off story, 'When Frankie met...'
-- Latest novel by top selling horror and thriller author, Iain Rob Wright

YOUR FEAR IS THEIR ENTERTAINMENT...
Andrew’s life is one of bored contentedness: a teenage daughter, a faithful wife, and a middle-class job. He even has a Mercedes. His life is without drama, and the comfort of middle-age is setting in.

That all changes when he refuses to buy a pack of cigarettes for the local gang of youths. Led by the emotionally unstable, and sadistic, Frankie, the gang target Andrew and his family in an escalating campaign of terror and violence that threatens their very lives. It isn’t long before Andrew starts to wish that he’d just brought those damn cigarettes.

A shocking horrific read, with no vampires, zombies, aliens or monsters. The only monsters are human-kind...at its worst.

Iain has certainly done his homework with creating a sick soul like Frankie as the cruel character and his brother Peter who with brilliant character development from Iain we watch as he starts to realize his brother one sick puppy...but does he have the guts to go against his own brother....?

Iain has brought terror and depravity on his main character Andrew a normal guy with a wife and a lovely daughter he would do anything for.

Today's Britain is sadly not far from the truth that could be found in this book;  this in itself makes it even more frightening as it could happen to anyone of us at anytime. One wrong totally innocent glance at a neighborhood lout could unleash all sorts of terror on yourself and your family. How often have you been back chatted by a Jack the lad kid in the street and Im sure you made a simple remark back; never in a million years expecting to be terrorized, beaten and worse.

This is an excellent well written character driven read resulting from an innocent man refusing to buy a cocky teen some ciggies. 
Iain has shown both sides making the reader think and you almost...I said...almost....feel sorry for Frankie. Its another fantastic fast paced read from Iain and even though there were no zombies I still found this book quite horrific and frightening; probably because its so close to home and could easily be any one of us.

 Buy yours from Amazon UK/US and Goodreads

 Author Bio

Published author, Iain Rob Wright, was born in 1984 and lives in Redditch, a small town in the West Midlands, UK, with his loopy cocker spaniels, Daisy and Oscar, his fat old cat, Jess, his many tropical fish, and the love of his life, Sally. Writing is the passion that fills his life during the small periods of time when he isn't cleaning up after his pets.

Horror is his beloved genre, and his many inspirations range from Stephen King and Richard Laymon to J A Konrath and Brian Keene, as well as a whole host of other twisted minds. 

All my thanks goes to Iain for sending me a copy for this review.
My views and opinions are my own.

I will be continuing to read many more of Iains books soon; I have already read these below so feel free to checkout my full reviews.