Corliss Review Group on the week’s top tech news: Google Nest, iPhone camera tips, EU data roaming & Easter apps

The Google Nest thermostat goes on sale, Sony gives away some free music and we bring you a great app for the Easter holes.

GADGET OF THE WEEK
NEST • From £170 plus VAT

Your central heating is about to get a whole lot cooler thanks to Google’s new Nest thermostat.

The space-aged gadget not only looks the business but will also save you a heap of money.

Using tech wizardry, Nest learns about you and your home then decides when to switch on your boiler. You can also control the heating while away via your smartphone.

Google reckons the £249 Nest will save 20% off your gas bill.

+++TECH NEWS+++

JACKO IS BACK & FREE ON SONY'S NEW XPERIA Z2

The brilliant Sony Xperia Z2 is now available to pre-order.

And with a stunning screen, waterproof design and new 4K camcorder it’s one of the best Android phones on the market.

If you decide to fill your pockets with this phone then there's an added bonus.

You'll get a free copy of the new album from the king of pop Michael Jackson, when it's released next month.

XSCAPE features eight new tracks which have been optimized especially for the Xperia Z2. ShaMOAN!

Are you happy with the results?

Once I got used to the lighting and how the celebrities were behaving, I was able to get results I was really happy with especially with a camera I could fit in my pocket

What apps did you use for shooting and editing?

I shot almost exclusively with the default iOS Camera app, with a few select shots captured using CortexCam (an app that averages multiple shots to remove noise in extremely low light).

All editing/post-production was done in VSCO Cam

+++TECH NEWS+++

NEW RULES COULD SPELL THE END OF DATA ROAMING CHARGES

GOOD news for ­travellers.

The EU is hoping to put an end to data roaming charges, leaving you to tweet and text abroad without getting a nasty shock.

The new rules won’t take effect until at least 2015, so for now you’re best switching off your smartphone and enjoying the sun.

TAKING shots of celebs on the red carpet usually requires a top-end camera.

But pro snapper Dan Rubin ditched his trusted DSLR last week in favor of an iPhone 5s.

Photographing stars like Graham Norton, above, shows just how good phone cameras have become

Here are Dan’s top tips for shooting with your smartphone.

How did you find the experience differed to shooting with a DSLR?

The iPhone is essentially a point-and-shoot camera, so there are far fewer things to think about when shooting.

The size of the device makes a big difference when trying to connect with a subject, they see me and not just a massive camera and lens.

This allowed me to be conversational with each person as they passed by, and in many cases they returned the favor.

It was also easy to slip my arm between a few paparazzi and get a shot.

But there are certain types of images I wasn’t able to capture without a strobe or a big lens.

APP OF THE WEEK

ADDISON LEE

Apple • Android – FREE

IF you’re heading to London this Easter, pop the new taxi app from Addison Lee on your smartphone.

It allows you to book a cab for a set time or simply hit the “pick me up now” button for an instant collection.

It’s fast, friendly and will save you a sweaty trip on the Tube.