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Moto Hint (updated version) Review

Benton Trerise
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1

MOTO-HINT-DARK-FABRIC-540w37iwbteMotorola has been in the communications game for awhile. From radios to cell phones, there is probably no form of communication Motorola hasn’t delved into. This includes Bluetooth earpieces, which they’ve been making since they became popular. With their recent focus on design and ease of use for their consumer products, the Moto Hint was a natural extension for Motorola. The Moto Hint seeks to provide a minimal design while providing tons of functionality. Let’s see if its up to the task.

 

 

 

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[df-subtitle]Setup[/df-subtitle]

Setup with the Moto Hint was simple enough. My biggest issue was I wanted to figure the device out for myself, so I assumed things instead of reading the instructions (insert joke about man’s pride here). So I could not figure out how to turn the stupid thing on. Well, turns out it doesn’t turn on until you place it in your ear, and then you are given prompts on how to pair the phone. Yeah, you bet I felt a little dumb.

So, already we have proof that this is meant to be as simple as possible, to the point that the device is telling you how to set it up.

[df-subtitle]Usage[/df-subtitle]

If I had any gripes about the Moto Hint, its that remembering the various gestures and voice commands at first seems too much to handle. However, after using it for a few days, I realized once again that it is all meant to be natural and simple. Once I realized that, and after a few days of practice, I was a Moto Hint ninja in no time. So, my gripe no longer means anything.

_TDT2543The first aspect of the Moto Hint that needs learning is its charging cradle. At first I thought the best way to use it was to stick the Moto Hint inside whenever I didn’t have it in my ear. However, trying to take the device out of the cradle while your phone is ringing causes more fumbling than one would like. Really, the cradle is meant for storage (meaning, its a place to put it when you don’t want to use it at all) and charging the battery. See, the device is so small that its battery isn’t very large (we’re talkin’ 46 mAh here), giving approximately 3 hours of talk time. This is extended with the use of the cradle, which acts as a sort of external battery for the Moto Hint.

Anyways, so the idea is you either keep the Moto Hint in your ear all the time, or you place it on your desk, and then just stick it in your ear when you get a call, which will answer the call immediately. Once I started using this, it worked quite well. There’s a neat feature that uses the microphone on the Moto Hint to pass sounds around you through the Moto Hint into your ear, so that you’re not deaf on one side However, this takes a pretty significant hit on the battery, so it normally wasn’t worth it to use it for me.

The next aspect of the Moto Hint to learn were voice commands. Now, if you have a Moto X (or really, any phone that has a launch phrase for voice commands when the screen is off), you supposedly can use your custom launch phrase through the Moto Hint in order to give various commands, and really anything that Moto Voice or Google Now can do. However, I was not able to get this to work consistently, and instead found myself just tapping the Moto Hint, which activates Moto Voice, and then giving a command. Really, this isn’t that big of a deal, because tapping the Moto Hint takes all of a second. Still, it’d be nice to be completely hands free, especially while driving.

Probably one of the coolest parts of the Moto Hint is how unnoticeable it is when its in your ear due to its size. Most people didn’t even notice, and when they did, their reactions to it where pretty funny. I can’t tell you how often people tried to tell me I had something in my ear, as though I didn’t know.

Nevertheless, its minimalist design is great. It’s light, and even in its cradle, its easy to stick in your pocket and forget about it. Being able to pick it up and stick it in your ear for almost-instant usage is phenomenal, and the voice prompts always helped guide me in the direction I needed.

[df-subtitle]Sound Quality[/df-subtitle]

Just because its small, the sound quality of calls on the Moto Hint was no compromise. Every conversation came through loud and clear, and at times was even better than my phone’s earpiece. Every time I asked, people said they could hear me great as well. In terms of sound, the Moto Hint made no significant impressions, but it worked well, which is what I expect of Bluetooth device such as this. In fact, it was good enough that I even tried listening to music and podcasts through it a couple of times, and that worked out well. Obviously it won’t last too long this way, but at least you can listen to something while walking between meetings or classes.

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The Moto Hint is a wonderfully designed device whose size makes travel easy and use almost unnoticeable. Setup is easy, usage has a bit of a learning curve, but becomes more natural the more you use it, and sound quality is good. Likely the biggest thing to notice about the Moto Hint is its price tag: $130. So you have to ask yourself the question: is easy control, great design, and small size enough to make you want a Moto Hint?

SportScore helps you stay ahead (App Review)

Jason Botha
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0

There are various apps out there to help you keep up with your favorite sport team, and today we’ll be looking at one app in particular, namely SportScore. Although the name states “Sport”, it only offers Soccer matches from English clubs, so it may not fulfill your expectations.

Setup

As soon as you open the app for the first time, you are prompted to sign in with your account. As it’s likely you don’t have one, you will obviously need to create one. While inconvenient, this allows you to save your selected teams and fixtures if you decide to use the app on a different device. It should be mentioned that you can also log in with your Facebook account.

Other then that, you are free to go ahead and start using the app. It is simple enough to go right in without a tutorial.

Functionality

The app is designed to be used for keeping up with what’s happening in the world of English Soccer clubs. You are able to bookmark upcoming matches, select your favorite teams and generally be able to see what’s up with your clubs of interest. Live scores are fed into a dedicated panel, and provide scores as the game is played.

The simple UI is relatively enjoyable; the banner advert at the bottom is perhaps the biggest inconvenience, and I could not find any way to remove them with in-app purchases. Putting your phone in airplane mode will not help as the app unfortunately requires an internet connection. There is also a ‘Save’ button that appears permanently in the view, instead of just when you are saving any changes you made to your subscribed clubs. Otherwise, results are posted quickly and accurately, and I found the app easy to use. It will certainly come in handy for any fans who keep a close eye on clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United.

Is it for me?

Only if you are a supporter of English football. The clubs are all based in Britain, and is really ideal if you are the right person.

What we liked:

  • Simple UI
  • Wide range of actions you can do with the app
  • Ability to keep track with your account

And not so much..

  • Annoying ‘Save’ button

Granted, if you like English football clubs, SportScore is likely to bring convenience to your daily life. With a host of handy features, you’re guaranteed to never miss a score and always know who is on top of their game.

[pb-app-box pname=’com.frt.sportscore’ name=’SportScore’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

LG video teases unconventional display in upcoming phone

Scott Webster
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0

[df-subtitle]Due October 1, the forthcoming handset should feature a second, “ticker” display[/df-subtitle]

LG has published a video which looks to be teasing a rather unique display for an upcoming smartphone. There’s no outright mention of a handset nor are there any specs highlighted in the short clip which has been posted to YouTube. What it does offer up, however, is a glimpse at how the screen might operate.

In short, we should expect to see extra an display. Said screen will likely be used to show notifications for messages, missed calls, emails, and more. We don’t anticipate it being all that much different than what the “Edge” does for select Samsung smartphones.

Rumors have circulated for a few weeks that LG plans to announce a smartphone with a secondary “ticker” display. The teaser video somewhat confirms that the bonus screen will be at the top, to the right of the camera.

We won’t have to wait long to see what LG has in store for us. The YouTube video indicates all will be revealed on October 1.

Pebble Time Round smartwatch announced, up for pre-order

Justin Marden
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0

dimensions-eb652126ac7fe1f75c32c75cdb94cfaePebble is arguably the first successful smartwatch manufacturer, and we’ve seen some great updates from them in the past year or so. Pebble Steel and Time were both highly praised additions to the family, and it looks like we can add another name to that list. Meet Pebble Time Round.

As the name indicates, this is Pebble’s first round smartwatch. It’s the thinnest and lightest smartwatch ever made, and it runs on the updated “Timeline” OS that we saw launch with Pebble Time. You can expect a color e-paper display, flanked by those four buttons — one on the left side, three on the right — that Pebble users will surely find familiar.

battery-7adcbff022a3baa99b1e6ea6121e62f5Pebble is claiming roughly two days of battery life with this new smartwatch. It looks like there’s been a focus on fast charging, as the Time Round can supposedly get enough juice to power through a full day in just a 15 minute charge. It will be interesting to see if original Pebble owners will migrate to the new, round watch, given that the original Pebble could easily last a week on a single charge. Pebble Time Round will use a proprietary charger not unlike the one made for the previous models.

personalization-af7ea257570f65df8ca83d96f072ef53From what we can see, there is more focus on customization with this watch as well. There are three different colors that are coupled with a 14mm band, and two with the 20mm band. So overall, buyers will have five choices with the Time Round. It is also worth nothing that, according to the product page, metal bands are coming soon. It retails for $249 and you can order one directly from Pebble. Keep in mind that the watch won’t ship for 6-8 weeks, so you won’t be able to get your hands on it right away.

Chevy owners have to wait until March 2016 for Android Auto

Austin Hyde
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0

Earlier this year Chevrolet announced that they would offer Android Auto in 14 different 2016 models. Today they announced that Android Auto would come by way of an update to their MyLink system starting in March 2016.

Android Auto

Here is the complete list of Chevrolet vehicles due to receive Android Auto.

2016 Model Year Chevrolet Infotainment Systems
7-Inch MyLink Infotainment 8-Inch MyLink Infotainment
Spark Cruze  (Excludes Limited)
Cruze  (Excludes Limited) Malibu (Excludes Limited)
Malibu (Excludes Limited) Impala
Camaro Volt
Camaro Convertible Camaro
Silverado Camaro Convertible
Silverado HD Corvette
Corvette Convertible
Colorado
Silverado
Silverado HD
Tahoe
Suburban

Of course with automakers like Honda and Hyundai already selling vehicles equipped with Android Auto, Chevrolet owners must be feeling a little left out. What do you think? Is the promise of Android Auto enough to persuade you to purchase a Chevrolet? Let us know in the comments below.

[APK inside] Get the Note 5’s Screen-Off Memo feature for your Note 3 or 4

Matt Adams
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1

For some, the Screen-Off Memo feature is one of the biggest selling points of the Samsung Galaxy Note 5. I personally have a friend who was sold on the device after hearing how he could eject the S-Pen, take a quick note, re-insert the pen and the phone just saved it for future viewing. It’s one of the most simple and useful features on any phone out there.

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But if you had a Note 3 or a Note 4, you were out of luck. Until now.

Both the Note 3 and Note 4 have the famous S-Pen but the feature didn’t exist for the two phones. Now user xperiacle from XDA Developers has released an APK you can download and install to gain the feature. Xperiacle is a “Recognized Developer” on XDA who has made many contributions to the community. Note that this isn’t a port of the feature from the Note 5, it’s an app the developer wrote themselves to emulate the functionality.

If you’re interested in obtaining the Screen-Off Memo feature for your Note, head on over to XDA developers. Make sure you read the entire post before installing anything. The app is easy to use but please make sure you’re informed before you decide to make the leap and use any app you can install from outside the Play Store.

[graphiq id=”Ou7eaWc1Sd” title=”Samsung Galaxy Note 5″ width=”600″ height=”400″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/Ou7eaWc1Sd” link=”http://smartphones.specout.com/l/3913/Samsung-Galaxy-Note-5″ link_text=”Samsung Galaxy Note 5 | SpecOut”]

Source: SamMobile

Nyrius Songo Portable Review

Benton Trerise
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0

IMG_20150911_081913646

Despite society’s gripes about functionality, technology exists because we desire a simpler, easier existence. Nyrius aims to do that with their Songo Portable device, which turns an auxiliary into a Bluetooth setup, all in an easy, simple package. Let’s see if the Nyrius Songo Portable is worth getting.

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[df-subtitle]Setup[/df-subtitle]

The Nyrius is easy enough to set up. If you have it plugged in the AUX port, you’ll actually hear voice prompts to help you know what to do next. Once you have it paired to your phone, it should automatically connect every time with no problem.

So, its easy and it works. Well. Glad we got through that.

[df-subtitle]Usage[/df-subtitle]

The cool thing about the Nyrius is that its super small, and theoretically you can charge it, and then use its battery. The battery seemed to last a few days of usage when I tried using it unplugged. Combine those two things and you can tuck the Nyrius away easily. It comes with an adapter to allow you to use a longer AUX cord in the event that is what you want to do. Otherwise, it also comes with a little sticky that uses Velcro, so you can attach it to your dash, and remove it with no problem. Unfortunately, I live in Phoenix, so the heat made it never stay stuck.

Anyways, since pairing is easy, usage is easy is well. The Nyrius is meant to simplify your stereo, and it accomplishes exactly that. I love the design on it, as its cord can be tucked away, making it easy to carry in the event you want to use it in multiple places.

So, its easy and it works. Not sure what else I need to say. And that’s a good thing.

[df-subtitle]Sound Quality[/df-subtitle]

The Nyrius’ sound quality is good. I couldn’t tell a difference between using it and using an AUX cord, or even the radio. Which means that the Bluetooth has a good connection and doesn’t get in the way of the sound.

So, its easy and… I think you get the idea.

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I know this review isn’t super in-depth, but that’s because there isn’t a need for it to be. The Nyrius Songo Portable exists to make your life simpler, and it accomplishes that beautifully. The best part it, its $25. So if you’re looking for a Bluetooth adapter for that car stereo, speaker, or even earphones, the Nyrius Songo Portable is the device for the job.

Is Sony doing the right things with the Xperia line?

Josh Noriega
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4

I’d like to start by admitting that I’m a new-ish Sony Xperia fan.  Specifically, I gave the Xperia Z3 a shot last year and adored it.  The only reason I switched to another phone (aside from my new-phone addiction) was to have a bigger screen.

One aspect no other OEM has been able to touch Sony on is battery life.  This is something I think back to every subsequent phone I get, especially when we’re still seeing average battery performers, like the Galaxy S6.

The launch of the Xperia Z5 lineup came, making a bigger splash than the Z4/Z3+ releases earlier in the year.  However, it would be illogical to expect big things from Sony.  We’re accustomed to each Xperia iteration only receiving minuscule updates.  On the surface, it could be perceived as the same phone, being launched for the 5th time.

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But is that fair to say?  From a tech-savy person, no.  But those aren’t mainly from whom OEM’s make their money, is it?

So it begs the question:  Is Sony moving the Xperia line forward in the right ways?  Firstly, no other OEM has exemplified the idea of “if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it” more than Sony has with its smartphone design.  While it’s not fair to consider that a bad thing, it is a reality.  People like to see new things.

DSC02286
Xperia Z5 (non-premium)

Next is the fact that Sony added a new member to the Xperia family, a “premium” big brother.  While this offers consumers more choice (we can now choose between small, medium, or large), it can also introduce confusion.  For instance, previous Xperia flagships were already costly, does this mean that the Z5 Premium is going to be even further from reach?  Or is the Premium placed where the previous flagship stood and is now going to inherit the corresponding price?  This then means that the vanilla Xperia Z5 is going to be cheaper?  See what I mean?

It should be appreciated that Sony is using the same internals for each variant, for the most part.  The consumer essentially has to choose what size display they want (with a resolution that scales appropriately – from 720p on the Z5 Compact, to 1080P on the Z5, and all the way to 4K on the Z5 Premium).  The exception here is the build quality, it increases up the chain.  The Z5 Compact has a plastic chassis, the Z5 has a metal frame and plastic backing, and the Z5 Premium has a metal frame (with a shiny finish) and frosted or mirror glass backing.

DSC02275
Xperia Z5 Premium (Sliver)

The use of the Snapdragon 810 is questionable, but in hindsight, I’m okay with it.  Sony has proven that they know how to tune the SoC so that the software runs smoothly and battery life is maximized.  Yes, the 810 has to be tamed to be functional.  But the matter of the fact is, even an underclocked 810 is fast.

Sony has also shown that they know what they’re doing with optics.  It incorporated its newer Exmor RS sensor and quick auto-focusing technology from its well-renowned lineup of digital cameras.  Sony’s smartphone camera offering has always been up there with the big boys, and now speed and quality are even better.

DSC02304
Xperia Z5 Compact

The point is that I see what Sony is doing and I like it.  I love choice, which is why I love Android.  But at the same time, Sony needs to be compelling, when consumers have to choose from a sea of devices.  You can’t just be great, you need to have something that intrigues people.

Fortunately, Sony has shown they’re not as oblivious to this fact as some other OEM’s.  “Mini” versions of flagships are prone to inferior specs – Sony challenged this with the Compact series.  But what about value?

As we’ve seen this year with the OnePlus Two and Moto X Style/Pure, people respond to value.  And when you take the fact that Sony isn’t really spending on smartphone design, it should be subtracting that from the cost of the phone.  This is what Motorola appears to be doing, and it’s working.

It’s no doubt that Sony has a great set of devices, now they have to get it in more people’s hands.  Do you agree?

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Make cheap international calls with Roamer (app review)

Austin Hyde
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0

This app isn’t one that everyone will use. Roamer is geared towards a very specific demographic, people that travel internationally and people who make international calls. It just so happens that I do a little of both from time to time. While I didn’t travel internationally during this review, my wife calls her mother in Mexico at least two to three times a week and I was able to use the app for just that.

Roamer overview

If you have family or friends outside of your country, you know how expensive it can be to make those international calls. It can be even more expensive if you’re roaming on an international network and making calls.

Roamer looks to make things much more affordable for those who travel and/or call internationally. Take a look at their Google Play description of app features.

  • New unbeatable rates – check your favorite destinations for super cheap deals, note the exciting rate and immediately place a call – first calls are on us!

  • Validate your regular number so your friends see it’s a call from you.

  • Swap any working SIM – data roaming or voice, in roaming 3g or at home; or on Wi-Fi as VOIP: you’re the master of choice.

  • Roamer operates on Wi-Fi, 3G, 4G (lte) for maximum savings and can be linking to local SIM card for reliable calls when you go around.

  • Works in more than 200 international countries including Europe, India, US & Australia.

  • Using our roaming SIM card is even simpler if you have a dual SIM card. Switch on receiving VOIP calls to your regular number while abroad wherever and whenever (for users from over 50 countries and most of the operators and plans; local rates may apply)

  • Stay reachable when abroad with free voicemail to email. Return calls at your first convenience.

  • Transfer a Wi-Fi call to a regular call on the fly.

  • Push notifications work even without a linked SIM card to ensure you will not miss a call if Roamer is off.

  • Purchase prepaid packages or top up your account

I’ll be mainly looking at the international calling aspect of the app. One thing I should point out is that while their description says that the first calls are on them, that is untrue. I was unable to make any calls without purchasing any credit. When purchasing credit, you have the option to add credit in amounts of €9.99, €19,99,€29.99, and €49.99 via your credit card or Paypal. If you’re wondering if I accidentally put the euro sign instead of the dollar sign, it was on purpose.

For some reason, you can only purchase credit using euros. Not to worry, Paypal or your credit card company will make the conversion for you. I started with their lowest package €9.99, which worked out to be about $11.42. Don’t worry too much about the euros, everything in the app will reflect your currency of choice.

That brings me to the apps settings. The first thing that you’ll have to set up is your actual cell phone number, which works as your account. When you first input your cell phone number, Roamer will send out a verification text message to confirm that the number is yours. You can also use Roamer to make all international calls, even when they are made from the phones stock dialer app.

If you are already abroad and you have purchased a local SIM card for your phone, you can link that SIM to your Roamer account. The app also enables you to easily forward your local calls to your Roamer app while you are abroad. When you call back, your local number will show on the caller ID. In my experience, the caller ID did not show up for my mother in law, but she said that international calls never do. So, that may be dependent on the local carrier.

Other settings include language selection and currency selection.

Roamer

Roamer usage

Actually using the app after setting everything up is a fairly simple affair. Either manually dial or select from your contacts who you want to call. The rates are pretty cheap. My call to Mexico was 1.5¢ per minute.  Our entire 25-minute phone call cost me just 38¢.

The call quality was pretty good. For the most part, the signal was strong and there was only some very minor distortions as my kids streamed Netflix. I made the call over my WiFi mainly because the device I was using to make the call does not have a voice or data plan associated with it.

That brings me to my next point, this app can be used on tablets as well. Although I’m not sure why you would want to speak on a tablet, but it is possible.

Roamer summary

Overall this is a great app and a great service, but T-Mobile already offers free international calling to Mexico. So will I be using this app? The answer is yes, or at least until I use up the credit that I spent. If your carrier does not offer free international calling or you’re on a legacy plan with T-Mobile and you don’t have the free international calling, then this app really is ideal for you. If you’re planning a vacation outside of your country, then this may be a great app to use while overseas for cheap calls.

[pb-app-box pname=’com.arcana.roamer’ name=’Cheap calls & roaming SIM app’ theme=’discover’ lang=’en’]

Nexus 6P to debut in four colors, report suggests

Scott Webster
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0

nexus_6P-leak

Google will launch the Huawei-made Nexus 6P smartphone in four colors, according to a new report from Android Police. Allegedly, the handset will come in black, white, silver, and, gold.

It’s not clear whether any of the colors are exclusive to a particular market or whether the LG Nexus 5X will get the same treatment. We’d hope that, since Google oversees the entire project, both Nexus phones are sold in the same options.

Google has a press event scheduled for September 29 in San Francisco where we expect to see the new Nexus models. Also on tap could be a new Chromecast device or two. We’ll be in attendance so be sure to check back for more coverage.

Android Police

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