Last year Chinese smartphone giant, Huawei had hopes of finally being able to crack the US market through a partnership with the country’s largest carrier, Verizon.
Huawei has been selling some of its products at US electronics stores and online but has had a minimal share of the American market, in which most sales are through carriers. Which is why the loss of the deal with Verizon, put a huge obstacle in the way of the Chinese firm’s ambition of conquering the US market.
Well, now it seems Huawei will soon be dealt another blow. According to a report coming out of CNET, one of America’s biggest retailers, Best Buy will soon stop selling Huawei devices online, as well as in brick and mortar locations.
It’s getting increasingly harder for Huawei to sell its devices in the US
A source has revealed that Best Buy has stopped ordering new Huawei smartphones and will continue selling the models in has in stock until supplies run out. The retailer is currently offering the company’s latest flagship, the Mate 10 Pro with $100 off. So customers can get the device for $699.99.
Huawei Mate 10 Pro
Best Buy is also selling the Huawei Mate SE, which barely launched a few weeks ago, and the super-premium Huawei Mate 10 Porsche Design. Last year’s Honor 6X and Mate 9 are on clearance.
BestBuy and Huawei, both declined to make any comments on the matter.
Even if Best Buy stops selling Huawei phones, customers looking to grab a phone from the company will still be able to do so from Amazon, B&H Photo, and Newegg.
Yet, Huawei continues to be a pretty obscure brand, as far as US customers are concerned. So maybe, Best Buy purported decision of dropping Huawei phones has to do with the devices not selling all that well.
The Chinese company can’t seem to catch a break in the US. Last month, the heads of CIA, FBI, NSA and other agencies warned consumers against buying phones from Huawei (as well as ZTE) citing privacy concerns.
How long since you haven’t updated your bio on Instagram? Well, you might want to do that right now, as the company just announced it’s now allowing subscribers to add hashtags or profile links to their bio.
To add a hashtag to your profile bio is super easy.
Simply follow these steps:
Open up Instagram on your Android (or iOS) device
Tap on the Profile icon located on the bottom right
Tap Edit Profile
Go to the section marked as Bio
Type in a # or a @ and you should see a list of recommended hashtags and profiles appear
Choose the ones you want to appear in your bio
The live links will take your followers or any other Instagram users who visit your profile to a hashtag page or another subscriber’s profile.
Users can link any hashtag or profile they want in their bio. However, the owners of the account you mention will be notified that you’ve linked them to your profile.
For privacy reasons, Instagram is also giving them the option to opt out. Which will keep their @profile name on your profile, but it won’t be a clickable link to their Instagram account.
Instagram is currently rolling out the new feature for both Android and iOS users. So make sure you have the latest version of Instagram on your phone. Or download the app from the Play Store.
Instagram is constantly adding new features to its app. Last month, the photography app welcomed a new option which allowed users to add text-only posts in Instagram Stories.
And in recent days a few lines of hidden code revealed that Instagram is gearing up to include video and voice calling. It’s not a big surprise that the company is looking to add this new feature. After all, one of its main competitors, Snapchat has had video calling for some time.
The recently launched Samsung Galaxy S9 is an impressive phones with great specs and interesting features. Even so, there are still plenty of reasons you might want to pass on Samsung’s new flagship.
Maybe you want a phone with a bigger screen or you’re not a fan or the whole curved display thingy. Maybe the Galaxy S9 doesn’t even fit your budget. So for this article, we’ve rounded some of the best Galaxy S9 alternatives out there that you might want to consider.
Samsung Galaxy S8
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
The Galaxy S8 is Samsung’s last year’s flagship. Nevertheless, the Galaxy S8 looks almost identical to the Galaxy S9 and even though it does not come with the latest Snapdragon 845 processor or the new camera, it’s still a great phone.
Now that the Galaxy S9 is out, there’s a big chance you’ll be able to score a great deal on the Galaxy S8. For example, the unlocked Galaxy S8 is currently available with $125 off from Samsung itself or retailers like Best Buy.
Samsung Galaxy Note 8
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
Launched back in August 2017, the Galaxy Note 8 is a more recent flagship than the Galaxy S8.
While it features more or less the same hardware as the Galaxy Note 8 takes advantage of the S Pen, which turns the phone into a productivity beast.
Speaking of which, the Galaxy Note 8 comes with a large AMOLED 6.3-inch display, so it’s perfect for those who prefer larger phones.
The Galaxy Note 8 offers a dual-camera (but no variable aperture), which can’t be said of the Galaxy S9. Only the larger Galaxy S9+ comes equipped with two sensors on the back.
Sony Xperia XZ2
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
Don’t like phones with a curved display? Well, maybe you’d like to consider Sony’s new Xperia XZ2 flagship. It’s the first Sony phone to benefit from the company’s new Ambient Flow design. So this year the Japanese phone marker finally jumped on board with the 18:9 aspect ratio trend.
The Xperia XZ2 is on par with the Galaxy S9 spec-wise including a Snapdragon 845, 4GB of RAM and Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box.
However, the 19-megapixel rear-facing camera is capable of shooting super slow-mo videos at 960fps at 1080p. In contrasts, the Galaxy S9’s camera can capture only slow-motion video at 720p.
The Sony Xperia XZ2 has a larger 3,180 mAh battery when compared to the 3,000 mAh powerhouse inside the Galaxy S9.
LG V30
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
The V30 is LG’s current flagship which comes with a host of very impressive specs including a 6-inch P-OLED QHD+ display with 18:9 aspect ratio, a Snapdragon 835 processor and dual-cameras (16-megapixel+13-megapixel).
The LG V30 is a phone aimed at audiophiles. It bundles a new Hi-Fi DAC which brings features such as digital filters and sound presets. LG and B&O Play have also collaborated together to offer a fine-tuned audio experience.
Video is also a big part of the LG V30 experience. There’s a new feature called Cine Video that lets users apply movie-grade hues to filters and videos.
Last but not least, the V30 has a 3,300 mAh battery, which is larger than the Galaxy S9’s 3,000 mAh one. The Galaxy S9+ relies on a 3,500 mAh power source.
Huawei Mate 10 Pro
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
The phone ships with a 6-inch bezel-less AMOLED display, powered by an 8-core Kirin 970 chipset. Plus, you get 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage.
The Huawei Mate 10 Pro is a phone aimed at photographers who especially love to shoot black-and-white photos. The Leica-branded 20-megapixel + 12-megapixel rear camera is certainly one of the biggest highlights here.
A big 4,000 mAh battery is another important benefit of getting the Mate 10 Pro.
Google Pixel 2 XL
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
Google’s last year Pixel 2 XL, is a great Galaxy S9 alternative. It comes with the 2017 flagship-level specs including a bezel-display with 18:9 aspect ratio, a Snapdragon 835 and a great (albeit single sensor) camera.
The Pixel 2 XL should be high on the list of those who want to get be first in line when it comes to getting the newest software updates. We all know it takes ages for Samsung to roll out new updates.
The Pixel 2 XL packs a 3,520 mAh battery which is even larger than the Galaxy S9+’s juice box.
OnePlus 5T
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
Looking for something more on the affordable side? Well, then you should definitely consider getting the OnePlus 5T, the company’s latest “flagship killer”.
Packing a modern design, an AMOLED display, powerful Snapdragon 835 and up to 8GB of RAM, the OnePlus 5T can be yours for an affordable $559 (at least compared to the Galaxy S9).
The package also includes a dual-camera setup (although to be fair, it’s not the best) and a 3,300 mAh battery.
Coming soon
ASUS ZenFone 5Z
Why it’s a great Galaxy S9 alternative:
Bored of curved displays? Well the ASUS ZenFone 5Z might spice things up for you, as it introduces a design inspired by the iPhone X, complete with the Notch.
Since it was launched at MWC 2018, the ZenFone 5Z offers similar internal specs as the Galaxy S9 including a Snapdragon 845 processor and 6GB or 8GB of RAM variants.
Price is where the ZenFone 5Z truly amazes. The phone is expected to go on sale for $499 and up. The bad news is that you might have to wait until summer to be able to get it.
The Essential Phone is one of the most influential phones of last year. It introduced the world to the ‘notch’ and showed how to pair great specs and software with fantastic design. Currently, Amazon and Best Buy are hosting a sale that drops the phone down to $450 and includes a free pair of Essential Earphones|HD. Best Buy is throwing in a $25 gift card to make the deal even sweeter.
The Essential Phone runs Android 8.1, near stock Android, and has a 5.7” display. It has a Snapdragon 835 processor, 4GB of RAM, 128GB of storage, and a 13MP dual-rear camera. Amazon now has an exclusive Halo Grey Edition color, but the phone also comes in Ceramic White and Black Moon colors. You can even additionally buy a 360 camera accessory to attach to the back of the phone magnetically.
Essential Phone Features
The Essential Phone is expertly crafted using titanium and ceramic, with an edge-to-edge Full Display and captures stunning images (even in low light) with the world’s thinnest dual camera system ever built for a phone.
Beauty meets brawn – With a titanium body, a ceramic back and the attention to detail that went into building this device, you’ll feel the craftsmanship from the moment you pick it up.
Edge-to-edge Full Display – With the stunning edge-to-edge Full Display on the Essential Phone there’s finally a large-screen device that fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.
The world’s thinnest dual camera system – The camera system consists of color and monochrome sensors to capture up to 200% more light than traditional phone cameras.
This results in stunning images that are rich in color and detail, even in low light.
Pick it up before its too late, Amazon’s sale ends March 24.
America’s favorite pastime, baseball, is coming back next week! And T-Mobile is about to treat their customer with a year of MLB.TV and their mobile app MLB At Bat premium for free ($120 value)!
On March 27th, as part of their T-Mobile Tuesdays promotion, T-Mo customer will see the chance to activate an MLB.TV yearly subscription. MLB.TV allows you to watch home and away feeds of every out-of-market game on a plethora of devices. Whether you’re on mobile, console, or smart TV, you’ll be able to use the service. You’ll also be able to claim a 25% off coupon for MLBShop.com and $.10 off per gallon of gas Shell coupon on the 27th as well.
To claim the deal just log into the T-Mobile Tuesdays app between March 27th and April 2nd. After that sign up for the MLB.TV before April 2 and create your new account. If you’re already an MLB.TV subscriber, you only need to cancel your subscription by March 23rd and then resign up the following Tues.
The baseball love doesn’t end there as T-Mobile is hosting a contest for its customers as well. The contest prize is an all-expense-paid trip for two to MLB All-Star Week in Washington D.C., during July 15-18. Just enter the app or follow T-Mobile on Twitter on March 27.
You’re probably familiar with the names Master & Dynamic and Leica. The first is famous for producing high-end headphones. The latter, on the other hand, it’s known for being the maker of premium photo equipment.
Well a year after their first partnership, the two iconic companies are coming together once again to collaborate on a second project.
Master & Dynamic and Leica unleash the second chapter of their partnership
Say hello to the “Master & Dynamic for 0.95” Silver Edition, a new signature collection of headphones. There are three new additions including the silver metal/black leather MW60 wireless over-ear model and the MH40 over-ear headphones. Last but not least, the two companies also introduced the silver-colored brass ME05 earphones, the most affordable option of the trio.
Like the previous edition, the Silver Edition headphones are inspired the Leica’s Noctilux-M 50mm f/0.95 ASPH camera in Silver. The three models are encrusted with the 0.95 brand logo and a “Design with Leica Camera AG” engraving.
Just like before, Leica’s influence on the new headphones is visible only at a cosmetic level. Leica’s red glass dot and other design details that draw inspiration from the camera’s control dials will certainly be cherished by photography fans.
As the collaboration aims to merge the best of both audio and photography, the new Master & Dynamic products dazzle with their stunning, pristine design and excellent sound quality.
Both over-ear headphones models include a 45mm drivers. The MW60 is the only one offering wireless connectivity via a rechargeable li-ion battery and 16-hours of run time. It also includes an exploded and full aluminum for optimized signal connectivity and range.
Master & Dynamic and Leica are pricing the new 0.95 Silver Edition variants like before. So you’ll be able to get the noise-cancelling, over-ear MW60 for $549. The MH40 will be sold for $399, while the ME05 is going to be available for $199.
SMS apps, all phones come with at least one. But why do they all have to be so boring? Well, the good news is that you can easily spice up your texting experience.
Since the first SMS message was sent back in 1992, text messaging has become one of the most popular forms of communication, especially among the younger crowd.
Being able to send short, written texts via mobile phones has clearly advanced communication in certain respects. And the greatest benefit of texting it that it allows you to communicate instantly with other people wherever you are, without interrupting them in a way that a call would.
Phone manufacturers usually bundle their phone products with a default SMS app, but thanks to the Android’s open ecosystem, if you’re not happy with it, you can easily change it.
There are many third-party SMS apps available via the Google Play Store you can download right now. So below we’ve assembled a list of some of the best SMS app-alternatives you might want to try on your Android smartphone or tablet.
Textra
What it is:
A clean-looking SMS app that lets you customize your texting experience in numerous ways.
Why we like it:
Textra transforms the drab experience of your default SMS app into a customizable adventure: users can change almost anything from theme colors and notifications to the style and colors of the message bubbles.
A fan of iMessages? Textra can give you the sense you’re using an iPhone when you’re texting.
The app also offers useful features such as SMS scheduling, quick replies, SMS blocking, dark, light & auto-night modes and a lot more.
Tap into the 2000+ Android, Twitter, Emoji One & iOS style-emojis to spice up your text messages.
Pulse is a next-generation SMS app which brings together all your texts from all the devices you use including phones, tablets or computers.
Why we like it:
The app is highly customizable just like Textra, offering the ability to set themes, share GIFs with your messages from Giphy and enable sound effects.
Pulse’s standout feature is that it makes your messages available across all your devices. You can send and receive text messages from your phone number on your computer, tablet or smartwatch. Basically on any device that has access to a web browser. Note: This feature is available for a paid subscription, but you get a 7-day free trial
The app includes other useful features such as delayed SMS sending, spam blocking and advanced search in messages and contacts.
Mood Messenger aims to combine both text messaging and web messaging into one. So, the app can be a great alternative to WhatsApp, but also a worthy default SMS replacement app.
Why we like it:
Aptly named Mood Messenger, the app lets you send texts with mood. Users are invited to customize everything from the colors and shapes of the message bubbles and style of each font to backgrounds and notifications sounds. Add emoticons, emojis, and smileys for an enhanced effect.
The app also acts as a basic photo editor by allowing you to do things like add text or emoji and even draw on your pic, before sending it along.
Pulse is a modern SMS app, so its privacy-oriented, keeping your messages away from private eyes.
Handcent Next SMS brings next-generation texting to your Android device. Available since 2010, the app has embraced Material Design thus offering a fresh, modern look.
Why we like it:
Like Pulse, Handcent Next SMS lets you send messages from any device that has a browser installed on it. You can also use the app to make free calls over the Internet.
Includes a feature called Privacy Box, an encrypted message box which can only be opened by a unique pre-set passcode.
The app is riddled with emoji, stickers and everything you need to make your texts more fun.
There’s also a Stick on top feature which pins your favorite contacts on the top.
Chomp SMS is a third-party messaging app which comes equipped with an impressive set of features, as well as with many customization options.
Why we like it:
Chomp SMS enables texters to create their own unique look by tapping into the 100 free themes/skins. You can also customize things like notification icons, LED colors, ringtones, vibrate patterns and a lot more.
Boasts advanced features such as passcode app lock, privacy options, scheduled SMS senders, stop a text while sending, backup, blacklisting, and signatures.
Includes a large 1600+ database of Android, Twitter, Emoji One and iOS-style emojis for your enjoyment.
An interesting replacement for regular SMS apps with a focus on security and privacy.
Why we like it:
Privacy is what everyone is worried these days, right? Well, then you’ll be glad to hear Silence stores all messages you receive in an encrypted database. By default, it’s not protected by a password, but you can set one if you so desire.
When both parties use Silence the app automatically recognizes this and starts using end-to-end encryption to send messages and media. Otherwise, it works just as a standard SMS app.
Silence is open source, which means its code can be scrutinized for vulnerabilities, backdoors and other shady stuff.
EvolveSMS is a powerful texting replacement app that makes keeping in touch with your friends and family a breeze.
Why we like it:
On top of letting you customize your SMS experience any way you want, EvolveSMS’ most important feat is probably allowing users to swiftly send/receive all kinds of media including images, videos, and GIFs.
The app allows you to reply to your chats directly from your notification bar. It also lets you set up a password to protect your private conversations.
EvolveSMS comes with Android Wear support and Facebook integration.
So what do you think? Which of these apps sounds more promising in your opinion? Do you have a favorite app for texting? Is it the stock app that comes with your phone or one of the titles above? Let us know in the comments!
Well, we’re here. In the tail end of winter, where you’re probably dying to simply get out and have some social fun. If you live in a similar climate as I do, it means most of the things you normally enjoy doing are buried under snow, wind, cold, rain, or some God-forsaken combination thereof. Outside my living room it’s literally snowing an inch per hour as I type this.
So, in addition to having a beverage and watching YouTube, it might be kind of fun to go out and play some games. On nights like this, a little fun playing a game or two would liven things up. Something like a game of pool against a random person, or even a friend.
The problem I face is that chances are good that a decent pool table is not really close by. Not only that, it likely sits in an ‘establishment’ with ‘patrons’ that you probably wouldn’t be very excited about approaching for a game.
But, for such problematic situations the Play Store has you covered. I’ve played with Miniclip’s 8 Ball Pool, a free, family-friendly option to give you a simulated pool hall experience. Let’s take a quick spin on this fun billiards simulator.
Setup
Setup is is pretty standard as Android apps go: simply download from the Play Store. Upon opening the app, you can log in several different ways; nothing unusual. You can log in as a guest, via your Google account, or via your Facebook account (more on the FB option later).
Once into the game, you have several options to try out (though they’re not terribly well-presented).
You can play:
1 on 1 (random pairing with a human player)
Special Game (tournaments but you’ll have to be at a minimum player level to access this mode)
9 Ball
Minigames (pretty basic games-of-chance with the object of gaining more coins for in-game upgrades)
Playing with Friends (signing in with Facebook allows you to create a ‘friends’ list to quickly request games with people you know. Excellent alternative to playing worldwide strangers.)
Practice Offline (just what it says)
Play Some Pool!
Now we’re ready to hit some balls! If you’re anything like me, you’ll dive right into the 1-on-1 mode, pairing up a random stranger to test your mettle. I am not going to delve into the rules of pool here; if you’re still reading this I’m assuming you know you’re way around a table.
Before you play you’ll be prompted to bet a certain amount of your money, so you have some skin in the game as you go against your opponent.
The controls to 8 Ball Pool are pretty intuitive. When it’s your turn, you control your cue by swiping your finger to align the cue with the cue ball. There’s an alignment guide that helps you dial in your angle to impact your target ball to your intended pocket.
You can also touch a cue icon that brings up a larger face of your cue ball, allowing you touch placement of your intended “English” on the ball when you strike it. Lastly, there is a power meter to the left. Simply pull back and release at the point where you think the prime power level is.
If you miss, your opponent has their turn. And so on.
In 8-ball pool, you are either “solids” or “stripes”, where you have seven balls to put away. Once done, you can then try to pocket the 8-ball. First player to pocket all seven balls plus the neutral 8-ball wins.
In 9-ball pool, you try to pocket balls in numerical order (1, 2, 3, etc.) Only the balls numbered 1 thru 9 are used. Neither player ‘owns’ any balls on the table as you’re both trying to pocket the same balls. If you’re on, say, the 7-ball and miss; then it’s your opponents turn to pocket it. Whoever pockets the 9-ball is the winner.
Should you win, you gain coins; to spend on cue upgrades and such to progress through the game. The usual in-game swag ensues here.
Likes and Dislikes
8 Ball Pool is certainly a low-threshold entry into a quick game of pool this is a great thing. If you are looking to play pool, chances are you already know about the game, and just want to play. 8 Ball Pool lets you just get in and play and for as long as you want.
There isn’t a whole lot to complain about here. Game play on a phone-sized device can be tricky as shooting from the edge of the table gets tedious. Trying to position the cue stick from the edge isn’t always easy.
The app does have its share of ads and popups and includes popups which appear in your notification bar, too. But, to me, these are admittedly small problems, compared to the price you pay to play.
Overall I can only recommend 8 Ball Pool for your quick pool/billiards fix and not much more. Give it a try and tell us what you think!
Taking pictures while at an event is always a little hit-and-miss. Either you’re clutching your phone the whole time to make sure you don’t miss a second, or you’re scrambling to get it out of your pocket/purse/whatever when the moment arises. The FrontRow camera seeks to change that, providing an easily accessible camera that can capture your whole night in the form of a time-lapse “Story” or individual instants or moments in time via photo or video.
Build & Design
Said camera is a stopwatch-sized smart device with an anodized aluminum body, sandwiched between two glass faces, and two cameras. This body features an integrated speaker, mic, and two buttons – one Power, one Capture. The top of the device also has a toothed clip to mount accessories (detailed below).
Its bottom features a Type-C USB port which, if you’ve read any of my accessory reviews in the past, you know is a favorite of mine. Type-C is the future, and it’s great to see an accessory manufacturer recognize that. In-hand, the FrontRow camera feels exceedingly premium; it’s hefty, and every detail of the device has been considered thoughtfully.
The front face of the FrontRow camera is glossy black and covered in glass, with a centered, reflective FrontRow logo and a camera sensor mounted above the face. This camera is an 8MP, f2.2 aperture sensor with a 148°±3° Field of View, resulting in an almost fish-eye view of the world. Live video can capture from 1080p to 2.7k (30fps), with OIS (Optical Image Stabilization).
On the flip-side, the rear face serves as the primary interface of the FrontRow with a 1.96″ LTPS LCD touchscreen. At 640 x 572 pixels (327ppi), this display is surprisingly crisp for such a small device. The high (though not quite HD) resolution makes viewing pictures and videos a joy.
It should be noted, though that you can rarely see the entire picture you’ve taken due to the circular nature of the device and the rectangular nature of the pictures it takes. There’s another camera mounted on the rear face, a 5MP, f2.0 aperture sensor with a 85° Field of View.
In Theory
For a little piece of hardware, the FrontRow camera offers surprisingly robust specs under the hood. It features 2/32GB RAM/ROM and a quad-core processor (though what brand or speed, we don’t know) that’s pretty snappy. Battery size isn’t listed, but, according to the FrontRow documentation it’ll last 50 hours on standby, 10 hours in “Story” mode, or 2 of video/live streaming.
To me, the more impressive aspect of the battery is how fast it charges via Type-C; just twenty minutes for a full charge, in my experience. This makes it extremely viable to charge via external battery on the go.
In terms of connectivity, the FrontRow camera is a bit of a mixed bag. The Type-C USB port is a big win for the accessories industry – too many accessories still use the outdated MicroUSB standard – and 802.11ac is the current WiFi standard, but a lack of Bluetooth 5 (FrontRow only uses the 4.1 standard) stings a bit. And while the built-in WiFi and Bluetooth are nice, the FrontRow really struggles to stay connected to its companion app when running in the background.
In Practice
As great as the FrontRow’s concept is – who wouldn’t want a camera that can capture every moment of an event in stunning detail? – it stumbles a little in execution. While the prospect of having a standalone camera is an enticing one, the fact of the matter is that most modern smartphone cameras feature a significantly higher megapixel count than FrontRow’s 8. And while megapixels aren’t everything – far from it – it does provide a sort of baseline governing what you should expect from a device.
There are three different Modes to choose from when using the FrontRow: Video (Live or Recording), Photo, and Story. The first two are fairly straight forward, but the last one is where the FrontRow sets itself apart. In Story mode, the camera will take a picture at set intervals and, once you end the Story, will stitch them together to form a time-lapse video summary. This mode is significantly less power intensive when compared to video (10 hours of story vs. 2 hours of video) and adequately summarizes your experience, providing a unique take on an event.
Samples
These videos end up being rather large. One of my stories came close to half a gig uncompressed, but with a little editing and compression they’re pretty shareable. It compressed a four hour game of Mansions of Madness into just over 15 minutes, and a few quick edits to resolution, speed and trimming cut that down to a trim 3 minutes.
Unfortunately, the FrontRow isn’t nearly as crisp and clean when it’s being worn, instead of stationary. The following clip is from the same night with the FrontRow clipped to my sweatshirt instead of placed. As you’ll see, the footage is rather disorienting – it bounces around a lot, and rarely provides a good view of what’s going on.
Still shots are adequate, but not anything game-changing. As you can see, the rear camera really bends photos with that 148° field of view.
There is one thing I did note that was particularly impressive: My FrontRow camera ran out of juice right in the middle of compiling my story after I stopped it. I was concerned that it would corrupt the video, but after charging and rebooting, that fear turned out to be unfounded. The Story resumed compilation right where it left off, and turned out fine.
Accessories Not Sold Separately
I’m truly impressed with how much FrontRow chose to include in the box with the camera. There are three different mounts – necklace, stand and lanyard – included in the box, with more on the way. There’s also a braided USB Cable (Type-C to Type-C) that has a Type-A adapter attached to one end. The lanyard and the USB cable match, to the point it’s almost plausible to build the cable into the lanyard – which would be amazing. Regardless, it’s nice to see FrontRow put as much effort into its accessories as it does into its main product.
OS
The FrontRow Camera OS appears to be based on Android Wear, though that isn’t confirmed anywhere in the included materials. As with all Android-based devices, the Home Screen features your choice of wallpaper. At the bottom of the screen is a carousel of apps, including Livestreaming (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Custom RTMP are all supported), Gallery, Spotify, and Stopwatch. From this carousel you also access the various shooting modes of the FrontRow, including Camera and Story mode.
The interface is largely gesture-based, though there is a Home button to take you back to the main screen. DropBox uploading is supported – and while that’s very much appreciated given the non-expandable 32GB storage, I would have loved to see Google Drive or Google Photos support baked into the device.
A fun toy, but no game-changer
In a world where smartphones are taking photos that rival those taken by high-end DSLRs, you’d expect to have a device that only functions as a camera to take photos at least that good. Unfortunately, the FrontRow doesn’t. It just doesn’t have a robust enough sensor to compete with the iPhone X, Pixel 2, or Samsung Galaxy S9. And at $399 MSRP – half the cost of a phone – it becomes a hard purchase to justify.
The FrontRow camera is available from many retailers, including from the source and from B&H. The cheapest price at the time of publication was from Amazon, at $322.99.
Machine Learning, or ML as it is commonly referred to, allows a computer to learn and carry out interpretation of data without being programmed to do so. The computers when come in contact with new set of data will independently interpret and adapt to the new data from previous computations and patterns.
This is usually achieved by several Machine Learning (ML) algorithms that help in analyzing data. Thanks to advanced computing technologies that has made it possible for this technology to evolve.
The main area that has gained momentum is the fact that machines (computers) have the ability to identify patterns from previous data without being programmed. In other words, machines are left to solve their own work.
How does machine learning work?
It is very important to build the right set of machine learning tools and match them with the accurate algorithm so that you can get your task completed in an optimum manner. Generally speaking, most of the experts make use of Machine learning algorithms that include Random forests, Decision trees, Neural networks, supporting vector machines, mapping nearest neighbor, boosting and bagging gradient, SEO, Multivariate adaptive regression, and last but not the least, analyzing principal components.
Most importantly, it is not just about selecting the right algorithms in machine learning but also making them work in tandem with the right set of tools, which essentially include exploration of data that is followed by assessing the results of data visualization, management, and data quality. Graphical user interface are particularly useful and complements machine learning procedures. Aside from this, the most crucial is the so called data-to-decision processing, which is automated.
Applications of Machine learning
As far as machine learning applications are concerned, most prominent these days is the so-called embedded machine learning applications. The fact that businesses are able to get in-depth insights into data obtained, it is easier for the companies to work thereby effectively controlling costs and to enjoy an edge over the competitors.
Given below are the various sectors where the application of machine learning is prevalent. These are as follows-
Financial services
One of the most important applications of machine learning is this sector is prevention of financial fraud and identifying the opportunities for financial investments and trade. With the help of cyber surveillance techniques, you are also in a better position to identify the clients that are risk prone and how to prevent these clients from falling prey to financial fraud.
Aside from the above, the other sectors that have applied the technology include:
Government
Marketing and Sales
Healthcare
Oil and Gas
Transportation
Popular methods of machine learning
One of the most widely used applications is detecting malware in Android devices. A lot has been written on this and extensive research carried out in this field. Malware detection with ML is not just restricted to Android devices like smartphones.
Few of the sought after ML learning methods include the following:
Supervised Learning
These are the trained algorithms. In this a set of instructions are received which are compared with the outcome. If an error is encountered the same will appear as flagged, particularly helpful in detecting plastic card fraud.
Unsupervised Learning
As mentioned above, the machine will not be taught to identify any pattern but will have to identify from seeing historical or previous patterns.
Aside from the above, there are 2 other ML methods that are widely used these days and they include Reinforcement Learning and Semi Supervised Learning.
Aim of Machine Learning
The main aim of ML is to assess the hidden pattern in the data and the structure of the same. However, the success largely depends on the computers’ ability to delve deeper into the hidden data and analyze the same.
