Home Blog Page 800

Turn your Android phone into a Polaroid camera with Prynt Pocket

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Nostalgic about the good old days when your Polaroid camera used to print your pictures on the go? The you might want to check out this add-on unit from Prynt that can add Polaroid camera functionality to your Android smartphone.

The module is called the Prynt Pocket and so far is compatible with select high-end smartphones including the Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy S8, and Galaxy Note 8 or Nexus 6P. You can check your phone’s compatibility by following this link.

The add-on uses sticker paper and can print around 20 photos per charge. It should be noted that because the Prynt Pocket uses ZINK ink-free thermal printing technology, you’ll be required to use the company’s proprietary printing paper.

To get started all you need to do plug your phone, take a photo and print it. Prynt also incorporates a surprise – it makes use of augmented reality in the accompanying app to create a short video from which a still image will be generated and printed. So, when the printed photo is viewed through the app by hoovering the phone on top of it, it will come alive. It’s certainly a pretty fun little trick to try out with friends!

For those interested, the Prynt Pocket already surpassed its funding goal on Kickstarter, but you can still make a pledge. For $119 you’ll get one Prynt Pocket for Android + 10 sheets of ZINK Sticker Paper. The estimated shipping date is set for April 2018.

Google’s Files Go app launches on Android

Dan Bartram
-
0

Google earlier this week began testing a new app for sharing files called Files Go that was spotted on the Play Store by some keen onlookers. Google since pulled the app from the Store but now it’s back.

Named Files Go (Beta), the app primarily acts as a file manager for your Android device but focuses heavily on sharing files, which doesn’t even need a network connection.

There’s a whole ton of tools embedded in the app such as a duplicate image detector, cache cleaner, and a range of notifications that will alert you to ways to free up space on your device. Aside from the obvious access to the files on your device, Files Go will let you know how much space can be freed up by deleting unused apps and downloaded files.

Mileage may vary on the availability of the app since Google hasn’t exactly officially launched it yet, so be prepared for it to disappear and reappear at its own will. It’s also Beta so if you do have it and notice any bugs or it deletes the entirety of your smartphone’s files then, well, tough.

It seems a good way of sharing files on Android similar to Apple’s AirDrop but not as refined just yet, but it’s in development so has time to get better.

For those that are interested in Files Go, check it out here.

2-day battery smartphone showdown: Nokia 2 vs LG X charge

Alexandra Arici
-
0

A smartphone is only as good as its battery. After all, without power, it’s reduced to a simple brick. And while most flagships rely on a decent power source, it’s the budget handsets that lead the pack when it comes to providing a long battery life.

Case in point, the recently unveiled Nokia 2 and LG X charge are two such budget-oriented devices perfect for customers looking for a smartphone that can last them 2 days on a single charge. And in what follows, we take a look at the phones’ spec lists and see how they compare to one another:

On the outside

The Nokia 2 is the cheapest smartphone in HMDs portfolio and its main selling points are obviously affordability, as well as its long battery life.

The body is made out of plastic, but customers will surely appreciate the classic but elegant design with simple lines and no buttons on the front side. The device includes a 5-inch display with low-end 1280 x 720 resolution.

The LG X charge, on the other hand, includes a more spacious 5.5-inch display with the same 720p resolution and no buttons, but its main body is made of sturdy metal.

Neither model features a fingerprint scanner.

On the inside

Since it’s an entry-level smartphone, the Nokia 2 packs a quad-core 1.3GHz Snapdragon 212 processor, as well as 1GB of RAM and 8GB of expandable storage (up to 128GB). As for the LG X charge, it relies on an octa-core MediaTek MT6750 processor clocked at 1.5GHz and 2GB of RAM + 16GB of expandable storage (add up to 2TB).

Battery life is the standout characteristic of both models. The Nokia 2 relies on a 4,100 mAh juice pack, and between the low draw processor, Android 7 optimization, and 5-inch 720p display, it will be able to deliver two days of usage with its eyes closed.

The LG X charge relies on an even larger 4,500 mAh battery which is also expected to last up to 2 days away from the charger. Moreover, the phone boasts fast-charging capabilities.

Photography

While you won’t be able to use the cameras on these phones to take spectacular shots, you’ll be able to snap a few decent casual pictures. The Nokia 2 packs an 8-megapixel main snapper and a pretty unimpressive 2-megapixel selfie camera which will probably produce extremely grainy self-portraits.

As for the LG X charge, it relies on the standard 13-megapixel with flash/5-megapixel (with LED flash and Auto Shot) camera combo.

Software

The Nokia 2 ships out with Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box, but HMD has already confirmed the Android 8.0 Oreo update for it. What’s more, the phone will also have the Google Assistant on board.

The LG X charge takes advantage of Android 7.1 Nougat, but we believe it’s quite unlikely that LG will update it to Android 8.0, although we can certainly hope it will.

Value

The Nokia 2 is priced at a super affordable $99, but for the time being customers in the US won’t be able to purchase it. At this point, it’s still unclear whether HMD will offer the device in the States. But keep your fingers crossed!

The LG X charge, on the other hand, is available to buy from a number of locations. If you are a Prime member you can pick it up from Amazon for $199. Or you can grab it for $99 from Cricket Wireless (with an accompanying plan).

Xfinity Mobile also has it in stock and you can acquire it for either $180 or $7.50/month for 24 months.

What should you get if given the chance to choose? It’s up to you, obviously but remember this: the Nokia 2 is more affordable and will receive the Android 8.0 Oreo update. On the other hand, the LG X charge boasts a metal body, has more storage and RAM and includes better cameras.

South Park: Phone Destroyer hits the Google Play Store

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Announced by Ubisoft back in June, South Park: Phone Destroyer is now available for download from the Google Play Store.

Created in collaboration with RedLynx, the game is practically a digital card game in the vein of Hearthstone, but the story is placed in the South Park universe. Phone Destroyer offers real-time PvP battles, but also a single player story, which has been co-developed with South Park Digital Studios.

Obviously, the game stars your favorite characters – Cartman, Kenny, Kyle and Stan, I’m looking at you. But this being South Park, be prepared to hear some offensive language here and there, so this is not really a game suitable for kids.

The game is virtually free to download and play, but it’s sprinkled with optional in-app purchases ranging from $2.99 to $69.99. Nevertheless, this aspect won’t hamper a player’s ability to fully experience what the game has to offer. According to Ubisoft:

“The game is free to play. Everything can be earned in the game without paying, but you can choose to spend real-world money if you wish. The game is designed so that nothing is ever locked behind a paywall. Everything in the game is available to all players as they progress, whether they choose to spend real-world money or not.”

Download South Park: Phone Destroyer from the Google Play Store.

Stunning Sony Xperia XZ Premium in Red is now available in the US

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Not so long ago we made a roundup of some of the best smartphones available coming with a dashing red paint job and the Sony Xperia XZ Premium was included in the list. However, at the time the device was only available in Japan. Not anymore, as customers in the US can now place an order for the fiery smartphone through Amazon.

The Rosso (Red in Italian) Sony Xperia XZ Premium can be purchased for $599.99 and is compatible with GSM/LTE carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Ironically, the red Xperia XZ Premium does not work on Big Red’s network (aka Verizon).

When it comes to specs, the alluring new model doesn’t differ at all from the other color variants of the smartphone. The device will ship out with a high-end 5.5-inch 4K display and packs a Snapdragon 835 processor, aided by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of internal storage.

Perhaps its most impressive feature is the primary 19-megapixel MotionEye camera which allows users to shoot super slow motion video at 960fps. The snapper is also equipped with predictive phase detection, laser autofocus and LED flash.

The phone runs Android 7.1 Nougat out of the box but will be among the first Sony handsets to be upgraded to Android 8.0 Oreo.

Samsung Galaxy S9 probably won’t have in-display fingerprint sensor

Dan Bartram
-
0

The move to all-display screens and reduced bezels has presented a new challenge to manufacturers where the fingerprint sensor is now placed with the loss of the home button.

Many smartphones had the fingerprint sensor built directly into the home button but the move to eliminate bezels meant the home button had to make way. Some opted for the sensor to be placed on the rear of the device, while others like Apple got rid of the sensor completely. While part down to a move towards facial recognition as a replacement for fingerprint security, much of the decision was forced due to the lack of available technology to embed a sensor under the display.

It was expected that the technology would make an appearance in the Note 8 but was reportedly not ready. Expectations then shifted to see it included in the Galaxy S9 but a new report suggests that Samsung may have bailed on the idea altogether.

Reported by The Investor, Samsung is said to have to come to the decision not to include fingerprint sensors in the display of the Galaxy S9. Instead, a fingerprint sensor is likely to remain in situ on the rear of the device as current models.

The report comes as apparently, Samsung have no finalized the hardware and design of the Galaxy S9 and the decision has once again been forced by the lack of technology and space in the device to house the necessary sensors.

It could be that while a sensor under the display would be a great improvement over the current placement, it’s not exactly a game changer and perhaps Samsung was wasting too much resource into something that Apple just decided to get rid of entirely.

While disappointing if true, as the fingerprint sensor placement on the Note 8 and Galaxy S8 sucks, it certainly won’t deter people from flocking in their masses to purchase the Galaxy S9.

How to hide photos on Instagram (without deleting them)

Alexandra Arici
-
0

There are many reasons why you might want to delete a photo from Instagram. Maybe you don’t want to be reminded of that awesome holiday you took with your ex, or you’ve come to realize that pic you were so very proud at 2 am in the morning actually looks pretty horrible.

But that doesn’t necessarily mean you want to delete them forever. Maybe you want to keep them around for later laughs or in case nostalgia hits. Fortunately, you can do that quite easily, as Instagram gives you the option to archive unwanted images rather than permanently delete them from your feed.

To do so, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your Android phone
2. Bring up the photo in question
3. Above the photo, tap on the three dots (settings)


4. Select the “Archive” option at the top of the list to achieve the image. This means the picture is visible to you, but no one else. Original likes and comments will remain attached to the post.

If in a few weeks you change your mind, you can easily re-add the photo in question to your feed.

1. Open the Instagram app on your Android phone
2. Tap on the Clock icon which will open up Archived Images


3. Tap on the photo you want to restore to your feed


4. Tap on the three dots above it
5. Select “Show on Profile” to have it show up on your profile again

Target partners up with FreedomPop to offer low-priced mobile devices and services in stores

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Today FreedomPop, the Los Angeles-based mobile virtual network operator whose mobile plans offer free, texts, calls, and data, has announced a partnership with retail giant Target.

Starting this week, more than 1,100 Target stores will begin selling FreedomPop SIM cards for as low as $4.99, as well as low-cost Android handsets starting at only $59 with free mobile service from the MVNO. This is very good news for people who were looking to ditch their massive mobile bills and make a switch to something way more affordable.

 

The two companies strategically announced their partnership ahead of the holiday season when many customers are looking for more affordable mobile phone services. Speaking of which, with many people hoping to get an iPhone this Christmas, FreedomPop is drawing our attention to its compelling iPhone plans which start at $0.99 a month (includes 500MB of LTE data, 500 voice minutes and 500 text messages).

Users can also sign up for FreedomPop’s latest $5/month plan which offers 1GB of data, unlimited talk, and text.

With more than 15% of wireless sales happening via Wal-Mart (which also sells FreedomPop devices and services), Target hopes the FreedomPop partnership will help it get in on the action.

Founded back in 2012, FreedomPop has expanded beyond the US, to offer its services across the pond in countries like the UK and Spain.

Want to try out the OnePlus 5T ahead of everyone else? Join The Lab initiative

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Earlier this year, OnePlus gave 10 lucky fans the chance to test out the OnePlus 5‘s camera and share their feedback, before the device was officially launched on the market, through a program called The Lab.

Well, we’re happy to report the OnePlus 5T will also be getting the “Lab” treatment. This time, OnePlus is not only inviting photography lovers to join the initiative but all smartphone enthusiasts!

So if you love reviewing gadgets, you have a pretty good chance of being picked as an early tester. OnePlus says it will choose 10 of the “savviest Never Settlers”, so your knowledge/skill will be tested.

Case in point, the Sign-up form requires you submit a short (300-word) review of the most impressive phone you’ve ever used, as well as a selection of the best smartphone photographs you’ve ever taken.

If you think you have what it takes you can go ahead and register your interest by following this link. You have one week to submit your application form, and the final selection will be made by 10:00 PM (EDT) on November 15.

The OnePlus 5T is expected to be the first OnePlus phone to come with a new bezel-less design and the modern 18:9 aspect ratio. Tune in on November 16 to learn all the details about the new flagship.

Galaxy S9 production could start as early as next month

AndroidGuys
-
0

Samsung’s “Galaxy” is expected to expand in 2018, no surprises there, but one rumor continues to have whispers: that is, that Samsung could announce the upcoming devices earlier than expected.

Samsung announced its Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ at the end of February at MWC 2017, with a near-end April launch, but the rumors surrounding the next “Galaxies” has pegged them for a January 2018 announcement.

A new rumor says that Galaxy S9 production could start as early as next month (December), and assuming this time frame for starting production indicates a few things. First, the display panel sizes are expected to remain the same, with the 5.8-inch and 6.2-inch displays of the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ gracing the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+.

Next, the back-mounted fingerprint sensor could remain in the same position as its current location on the Galaxy S8 series. The fingerprint sensor change is said to arrive in the Galaxy Note 9.

The Galaxy S9 series could see a dual rear camera combo that is currently accessible on the Galaxy Note 8 (with the addition of 1000fps video recording), along with a top notch cutout for front-facing sensors, but could eliminate the cherished 3.5mm headphone jack. There could be a 16MP + 12MP dual rear camera combo, though, so the dual rear cameras will get some slight improvements. Other rumors suggest that facial recognition could get a 3D sensor.

The changes above for the upcoming Galaxy S9 series show that there may not be too much to tweak about the device in order to push ahead with an earlier, pre-MWC 2018 release date.

Apart from these specs, the Galaxy S9 is expected to feature Qualcomm’s high-end, octa-core Snapdragon 845 SoC, 6GB of RAM, 64GB of internal storage with the 256GB-capable microSD card slot, IP68 water and dust resistance, USB Type-C standard charging, fast wire charging, and fast wireless charging.

Stay tuned to AndroidGuys as we bring more coverage of the Galaxy S9 in the coming days and weeks.

1...799800801...1,315Page 800 of 1,315