Home Blog Page 580

TCL Communications unveils first 5G phone

AndroidGuys
-
0

TCL Communications on Monday began teasing a number of new phones for 2020, including its first 5G handset.

Set to go on sale later this year, the TCL 10 5G figures to be the company’s first foray into the world of 5G-ready phones. It will be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 7 series processor which could mean the 765 or 765G.

Also on the horizon are the TCL 10 Pro and TCL 10L. Details for these two are anticipated to include quad-rear cameras and displays made in-house.

The screens will feature TCL’s NXTVISION technology which is billed as a “proprietary advanced display optimization and camera technology” which leads to “enriched color, clarity and contrast enhancement in real-time”. The TCL 10 Pro will be the brand’s first device to feature its edge AMOLED display.

TCL isn’t quite ready to divulge the full suite of specifications and features for its handsets. It says we should look for more official information at Mobile World Congress in late February.

According to TCL, the 10 Pro and 10L will be priced less than $500 when they arrive later this year. The company has already tapped US and Canada as being among the markets to receive them starting in the second quarter.

Alcatel rings up four dirt cheap phones for emerging markets

AndroidGuys
-
0

CES 2020 is in full swing now and the announcements are coming from all directions. Jumping right into the fray today, TCL Communication introduced four new smartphones under the Alcatel brand which are designed for emerging markets.

With prices that go as low as $66, the handsets give consumers impressive hardware that focuses on the things that matter most. In other words, it’s not about 5G, super high-definition displays, or bleeding-edge performance. Rather, these new phones are about big screens with respectable batteries and “every man” appeal.

Alcatel 3L

The Alcatel 3L sits at the top of the new models and features a 6.2-inch LCD display with a 19:9 aspect ratio. It houses an octa-core processor, 4GB RAM, and 64GB internal storage.

The 3L offers up a triple-camera configuration with a 48-megapixel, 5-megapixel, and 2-megapixel shooters. Alcatel also integrates AI to complement shots. Around front is an 8-megapixel camera for selfies.

It’s not clear how big the battery is here, but Alcatel indicates it’s good enough for “all day” usage. The Alcatel 3L will have a starting price of about $155 USD when it goes on sale this quarter. Look for it in Europe, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Middle East. Color options include Chameleon Blue, Dark Chrome and Agate Green.

Alcatel 1S

Stepping down the ladder a rung, the Alcatel 1S boasts the same 6.22-inch display, but dials the camera down with 13-megapixel, 5-megapixel, and 2-megapixel sensors.

Interestingly, the 2-megapixel sensor is a macro camera with the 5-megapixel sensor being used for portrait mode. It, too, has an octa-core processor and is paired with 3GB RAM and 32GB storage with microSD expansion.

Pricing starts at $110 USD for the Alcatel 1S and it will be available in Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa in Q1 2020. Look for it in Agate Green and Power Gray colors.

Alcatel 1V

The Alcatel 1V is similar to the aforementioned 1S but comes with a dual-camera setup and plastic build. Priced just $88 USD, it runs Android 10 Go Edition and has a dedicated Google Assistant button. It will reach Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa this quarter. Colors here include Prime Black and Pine Green.

Alcatel 1B

Rounding out the bunch, the Alcatel 1B is an Android 10 Go phone with a 5.5-inch display. It’s powered by a quad-core processor with 2GB RAM and features a 3,000mAh battery and dedicated Google Assistant button.

It will also head to Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa this quarter and will cost just $66 USD. Color options include Prime Black and Pine Green.

Withings ScanWatch arrives as first watch with ECG and sleep apnea detection

AndroidGuys
-
0

Withings, formerly Nokia Health, is back at CES with its latest wearable, the ScanWatch. And while it might resemble some of its previous watches, it’s got a few neat tricks up its sleeve.

The ScanWatch features a battery that lasts up to 30 days per charge and tracks activities such as swimming, running, sleep, and more. It pairs to your phone and provides notifications for many of your favorite apps. Much like its other watches, it is waterproof up to 50 meters.

The connected GPS can help you track runs with maps of workouts and historical data. It’s not built directly into the watch as it relies on your phone’s GPS.

Where things get really interesting is in the area of optical sensors. One is able to detect arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeats while the other can detect sleep apnea.

While ECG is becoming increasingly popular in wearables, we’ve not seen the sleep apnea feature. The sleep disorder can increase one’s risk of various potentially fatal outcomes, including heart attack and stroke.

The ScanWatch will be available in two sizes: 38mm and 42mm and comes in white and black color options. The 38mm model costs $250 while the larger comes in a bit pricier, at $300. We should look for it in the second quarter of the year.

According to Withings, the ScanWatch is still under development and some of its features may vary by region when it launches. It has been clinically tested and is pending FDA and CE Medical certifications.

Harman Kardon adds new options to Citation portfolio

AndroidGuys
-
0

Harman Kardon on Monday added new models to its Citation line of wireless speakers, building on the family of products first introduced in early 2019. New for 2020 is a soundbar, a subwoofer, a portable speaker, and a smart alarm clock with wireless charging.

Citation 200

A portable speaker, this one packs up to eight hours of playback on a full charge. It’s offered in Black and Grey options and connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The Citation 200 is also IPX4 splash proof so it makes a great companion for back yard listening or sitting poolside.

The speaker has Chromecast built-in and supports both Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay. As far as audio quality goes, the Citation 200 offers 24 bit/96KHz streaming. Pricing looks to be $300 when the speaker goes on sale; however, it’s not clear as to when that will be.

Citation Multibeam 700

The Multibeam 700 is a soundbar with Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and HDMI connectivity. Like the aforementioned model, there’s internal Chromecast support as well as Google Assistant and Apple AirPlay. Similarly, there’s 24 bit/96KHz audio streaming.

Also present here is WiSA technology which allows for pairing to the Sub S for high-definition multi-channel audio. Priced $700 when it launches, the soundbar has a full-color display with touch controls.

Citation Sub S

There’s not a lot to say about the subwoofer but it does have the WiSA connectivity standard. It will cost $400 at launch so outfitting the home with the soundbar puts you at about $1,100 if neither are on sale.

Citation Oasis

Designed for the bedroom, the Oasis is a compact speaker that has a built-in alarm clock and wireless charging. Priced $200, it supports the same Chromecast, Google Assistant, Apple AirPlay features, too.

Mophie Powerstation Go arrives with enough juice to jump-start your car

AndroidGuys
-
0

Mophie is one of our favorite brands in the mobile charging space. Why? Because it consistently puts out new products which offer quality craftsmanship, modern designs, and practical features.

Mophie on Monday heads down another road as it adds another new product to its lineup. Its Powerstation Go is a 44,000mAh power source that features a pair of USB-A ports, a 65W AC port, and support for Qi wireless charging. Oh, and it can jump-start your car or SUV.

Small enough to fit in your glove box, the Powerstation Go is the sort of device you pack on a road trip or weekend getaway. Not only can you charge up two phones or mobile devices at once, but you can also plug in a laptop or other gadget.

Like other products in its lineup, the Mophie Powerstation Go has LED indicator lights to show how much power is left in the reserve. There’s also an LED flashlight to help light the way.

The Mophie Powerstation Go is priced $160 and can be purchased now at HSN.com ($110) with wider availability later this week. Look for it in a handful of color options: Black (Onyx), Blue (Cobalt), Rose Gold (Flamingo), Blue/Purple (Sapphire), Woodland (Camo), and Gold.

Samsung aims for high end of laptop spectrum with Galaxy Chromebook

AndroidGuys
-
0

While many people assume that the Samsung Galaxy line solely consists of Android-powered phones, it also features tablets, laptops, and accessories. And as of today, it also includes a Chromebook.

Samsung on Monday introduced its Galaxy Chromebook at CES 2020, putting it firmly near the top of the laptop echelon. Offered in a Fiesta Red aluminum shell, it offers up a 13.3-inch 4K UHD AMOLED touch display. Yep, AMOLED. It’s the first of its kind in the Chromebook space.

Running the show is a 10th-gen Intel Core i5 processor with up to 16GB memory and up to 1TB internal storage. Other key features include a pair of USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, microSD card slot, and support for Wi-Fi 6.

Similar to its Galaxy Note line, the Galaxy Chromebook has a built-in spot for a digital stylus/pen. It can be used for writing, drawing, marking up, and navigation.

Rounding out the hardware are a 1-megapixel front-facing webcam and an 8-megapixel camera located just above the keyboard. Flip the Galaxy Chromebook around into a tablet and it becomes a rear-facing camera.

With Chrome support, the 2-in-1 has full access to Chrome’s suite of browser extensions and apps, including Android titles in the Google Play Store.

The Samsung Galaxy Chromebook goes on sale later this quarter with a starting retail price of $999.99. For those who don’t want or need a flashy experience, Samsung will offer a Mercury Gray color.

Shure unwraps AONIC line with wireless noise-cancelling headphones, true wireless earphones

AndroidGuys
-
0

Shure, a consumer audio brand that tends to skew more professional, this week unveiled a new line of wireless products. Called the Aonic series, it gets underway with a pair of noise-cancelling headphones and a pair of true wireless earbuds.

There’s not a ton of information just yet about the new models, both of which go on sale later this spring. As Shure advises, it’s emphasizing three key components with the Aonic line of audio devices.

  • Battery Life – Fly from one corner of the world to the other on a single charge
  • Adjustable Noise Cancelling – Block out unwanted noise for a fully immersive experience
  • Environment Mode – Fine-tune how much of the outside world to let in with the free ShurePlus PLAY app

Aonic 50

The Aonic 50 are an over-the-ear pair of headphones which promise up to 20 hours of battery life. Features include adaptive noise-canceling, adjustable transparency, and a design centered around comfort. Price is expected to be $400 when they go on sale.

READ: Shure SE 215 review – Big sound, small package, perfect price

Aonic 215

With up to eight hours of battery life per single charge, the carrying case is reported to provide three additional full charges. They have an over-ear loop design with buttons for control and figure to cost $280 when they arrive this spring.

Wear OS-powered Suunto 7 arrives with GPS tracking, offline maps

AndroidGuys
-
0

Suunto,a Finnish company predominantly known for sports watches and dive computers, on Sunday announced its first Wear OS smartwatch. Called the Suunto 7, it looks to combine Google-based wearable tech with more robust outdoors features.

The Suunto 7 is a large watch with a 50mm face and a body that’s more than one half-inch thick. It’s water resistant up to 50 meter, uses 24mm watch straps, and weighs in at 70 grams.

Powering the watch is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 3100 processor with 1GB RAM, both of which are par for the course in modern Wear OS watches. The internal battery offers up to 48 hours of life when in time mode or about two days with standard settings.

READ: Fossil Gen 5 review

It will be interesting to see what happens when combining Wear OS with more traditional outdoorsy activities. The Suunto 7 features GPS tracking, a heart rate sensor, sleep tracker, altimeter, and offline maps for outdoors.

Will Suunto customers shift to the Wear OS platform? Will this watch peel away consumers who might have otherwise considered a Garmin or something similar?

The Suunto 7 will be available at the end of January for $499.99 and looks to sell in at least five colors and configurations. Look for it in Black Lime, White Burgundy, Sandstone Rosegold, Graphite Copper, and All Black.

Epson Home Cinema 3200 4K projector review

Andrew Allen
-
0

Traditional TVs are great. They entertain us for hours on end, but sometimes they may not be the best solution for our needs. That’s where projectors like the Home Cinema 3200 from Epson come into play.

Design

The look and industrial feel of the Home Cinema are pretty lackluster. It gets the job done with the plastic and metal frame, but it’s not going to win awards for its futuristic shell. It’s also alarmingly big.

The projector is a handful and I honestly had a hard time figuring the perfect spot to set the thing up in my house.

Atop the frame, you have two dials that adjust the vertical and horizontal orientation of the projection, letting you get the perfect fit for your screen destination. Just to the rear of those dials is a D-pad selection array with menu buttons to navigate the embedded system if you don’t have the remote handy.

Moving to the backside of the Cinema 3200 reveals all the available inputs and outputs the device has to offer. This includes two HDMI inputs, USB-A power, USB-A input, audio out, a mini USB input for firmware updates, and the DC power port.

ITo the front of the projector, we have the main attraction of the projection lens. This glass lens is capable of a max brightness of 29000 lumens and full UHD 4K 4,096 x 2160  pixel resolution. It will even do 3D projections if you wear compatible eyewear. There’s also Bluetooth audio and aptX onboard to make up for the lack of integrated speakers.

Watching experience

The picture is impressive. Watching movies up to 16′ x 13′ surface is bonkers. And even at the largest sizing, I never felt like there was a degradation in quality. Images are crisp and clear. Even fast-moving scenes don’t bog down this projector.

Using the aforementioned control knobs, you manage the look and positioning of the screen. These controls allow you to manipulate the overall size as well as the angles of the screen.

This was especially handy for me when I realized that the only place I had the real estate to set up was on the angled ceiling of my bonus room. Tweaking the projector, I was able to compensate that I was not on a completely flat surface.

Speaking of the controls, another nice touch is the HDMI Link option on the included Epson remote. What this does is search for the input system you have connected via the HDMI ports and tries to mimic the inputs of that system’s default remote menu options.

HDMI Link worked flawlessly with the Android-powered Amazon Fire Stick. It immediately allowed me to set down the Fire remote and only use the Epson remote for all navigation.

The Roku stick was a miss, unfortunately as the Epson remote was unable to communicate with its system at all. Either way, this is a nice attempt at Epson consolidating the user experience.

When it comes to audio, the sound experience of the 3200 projector leaves a bit to be desired on a couple of fronts. One, there are no included speakers on the projector itself. While it would most likely be just OK, I think at $1,300 there’d at least be something integrated.

Also, Bluetooth audio was hit or miss. Only two of five speakers/headphones I tried to pair were successful. I’m not sure what’s driving the issue but could have been a conflict in Bluetooth versions, but we all know how fickle wireless audio devices can be at times.

I think the perfect audio scenario is a nice surround sound amplifier hooked to the 3200 in a true home theater room. The random small speaker I used in my testing is not the rightful output for audio here.

Final Thoughts

The Epson 3200 Projector deserves to be in the correct environment. The price at $1,300, the size of the unit, and the need for audio output all make it the sort of device that is designed to live in a true home theater room. You kind of have to know what you’re looking for

If chosen as part of a larger, dedicated surround system and large projection screen, the Epson 3200 makes for a very compelling option. You’d have a solid viewing experience to enjoy a theater on a smaller scale inside your own home. There are better (read: cheaper) options for casual users like the Anker Nebula line.

Celestron’s new StarSense Explorer telescopes pair with phones

AndroidGuys
-
0

Traditionally, having a quality telescope experience required a high-end unit, perhaps a PC, and a little bit of know-how. Generally speaking, it’s not as simple as picking up something from the store and taking it out to the back yard.

Sure, you might be able to see something, but do you have any idea what it is? Would you even know which way to look if you were trying to find Saturn?

Celestron today introduced its new StarSense Explorer series, the first consumer telescopes that make it affordable and easy to recognize what’s in the night sky.

Offered in four models, it brings the professional observatory experience to your home. The telescopes work with your cell phone (Android and iOS) and helps to map celestial objects.

The industry’s first smartphone-driven auto-locating telescope, StarSense Explorer, finally offers thousands of consumers who were previously overwhelmed or daunted by telescopes a seamless and accessible path to sky exploration that is easy, affordable and visually breathtaking. – Corey Lee, CEO, Celestron

Using your favorite handset, the Celestron StarSense Explorer telescope can locate stars, constellations, planets, and other objects. camera hardware, to quickly determine telescope positioning, facilitate sky mapping and seamlessly guide users to thousands of celestial objects. 

The StarSense Explorer is designed with simplicity in mind and features an integrated dock. Using the accompanying app, users can follow directly on the phone to locate a desired object. The best part? It works even when there’s no cellular or data connection available.  

The StarSense Explorer is now available for purchase in four variations, including the StarSense Explorer DX 130AZ, a 130mm reflector-type telescope ($400). Refractor-type versions are also available. 

1...579580581...1,315Page 580 of 1,315