One of the many features that got fans excited about the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X is that they are the first smartphones to enable 4K video recording at 60fps.
But as these words barely escaped our mouths, it became apparent that Apple’s new phones will no longer be alone in offering this feature. Guess what? The Samsung Galaxy Note 8 will most likely also be able to video recording in 4K at 60fps. The new feat will probably land soon, since the first update which recently started rolling out to users does not enable this feature.
How do we know Samsung is planning to add this feature? The Korean tech giant listed it on its official Galaxy Note 8 page without sharing any more information on the matter. So we don’t really know when to expect the update, but hopefully it will arrive before the Galaxy Note 8’s official launch which is scheduled for September 15 in the US (it’s tomorrow).
On the other hand, it’s quite possible the new video shooting option will take some time to arrive, as Samsung seems to have updated its Galaxy Note 8 page shortly after the iPhone announcement. Which means the feat might not be ready for primetime yet.
Anyway, as we told you above, the Galaxy Note 8 just received its first update this week which brings improved camera stability and wireless charging.
One of America’s largest retailer – Target is replacing the Apple-made devices used by its sales-floor workers to find products in stock and for other daily tasks, with Android data collection terminals made by Zebra.
Ever since 2015, Target staff used iPod Touches coated in red plastic shells that were dubbed “MyDevices” for essential sales-floor activities. That won’t be the case anymore as Target – probably prompted by Apple’s lack of interest in updating its iPod Touch line – has substitute them with the enterprise oriented Zebra TC51.
Apple’s devices have drawn a lot of criticism from store employees for various reasons including poor connectivity, random reboots, less than great battery life. That’s why the change to Android is probably going to be embraced by most Target staffers who are going to welcome to option of working with devices with replaceable batteries.
Most Target store use around 30 MyDevices and with approximately 1,800 Target active stores across the nation, more than $54,000 Android devices will be making their way to the retail giant in the upcoming months. Target is also adding more in-house Android developers to help port over all the internal software needed for stores to operate.
The Zebra TC51 is referred to as a “mobile computer” due to its lack of cellular radio. The device features a 5-inch 720p display, a Snapdragon 650 processor and 2GB of RAM. It’s also water-resistant and pretty thick, as it features an 18.6mm frame.
The Zebra TC51 runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box and relies on a pretty large 4,300 mAh battery. It includes with a built-in barcode scanner.
Despite the changes, the company is not dropping Apple products completely. Store managers will still receive iPhones and iPads will continue to be used to handle customer pickups.
Following one of this year’s major smartphone trends, Huawei is also gearing up to release phones with an 18:9 aspect ratio display. According to rumors we’ve seen so far, the Mate 10 flagship will come with a tall and narrow body characteristic of this aspect ratio.
But by the looks of it, the company will unveil a more affordable model with an “EntireView” 18:9 aspect ratio screen before launching the premium Mate 10 which is expected to arrive in October.
The Chinese phone maker recently shared a poster for an event scheduled to take place on September 22 on the social media website Weibo.
On this date, Huawei will introduce a new handset called Maimang 6 (on other markets the phone will probably be known as the G10) which will arrive with a 5.9-inch “EntireView” 2,160 x 1,080 resolution display. You see last year’s middle-range Huawei G9 Plus was sold as the Maimang 5 in China, hence the assumption.
The handset recently passed through TENAA revealing a few other specs in the process. The Huawei G10 will most likely take advantage of an unnamed octa-core processor, backed up by 4GB of RAM, 64GB of expandable storage and a 3,240 mAh battery.
But the most interesting part comes now. Apparently, the phone will sport dual-cameras on the back, as well as on the front. According to the listing, the Huawei G10 will feature a primary 16MP+2MP dual camera setup and a secondary 13MP+2MP combination.
Details about pricing and availability of the phone are yet unknown, but we’ll know more on September 22.
The Nexus 6P was released in September 2015 and in its two years of existence, the phone proved to be a competent handset albeit being plagued by some issues. Owners of the device have been known to complain about things like abrupt battery shutdowns or bootloops.
Well, the good news is that if you too have a defective Nexus 6P under warranty and live in the US or Canada, then there’s a very high chance you’d be able to swap it out for a Pixel XL.
According to some users on Reddit, Google is replacing defective Nexus 6P devices with Pixel XLs, with some receiving the 64GB model while others reportedly getting the 128GB version instead.
What’s more, it appears Google is willing to replace malfunctioning Nexus 6P phones which are no longer under the 1-year warranty. This is very good news for Nexus 6P owners, who need to head on to support menu on their phones or on the web to reach out to Google in order to commence exchanging procedures.
There’s one thing you need to remember though – this only applies for Nexus 6P devices that were purchased via the Google Store, so if you got your handset from somewhere else you won’t be eligible.
Nexus 6P will receive the replacement phones as an “advance exchange” before even sending their smartphones back to Google. The search giant will do a pre-authorization on your credit card, so make sure you don’t forget to send the handset back to avoid the charge.
Yesterday, Apple’s yearly unveiling event garnered more fanfare than usual. It’s not often that we get two iPhone announcements in one. Apple’s 10th anniversary iPhone, the iPhone X, is finally real, and many will agree that it’s the feature-packed iPhone worthy of the occasion. Maybe it has wee bit too much advancement for Apple’s slow progression, because the company thinks that it’s okay to push its price-point to never before seen heights – a whole $1K.
Since the announcement, so many fans are agonizing over whether the new price ceiling is worth it, or if Apple has overdone it this time. Even though we’re speaking from an Android perspective, we will admit that the iPhone X is quite a sight. It’s easily the most exciting device to come from Apple in a long while. But is the $1K price tag justified? No way.
Even though Apple’s smartphone “of the future” is a huge step for the company, it really isn’t for the rest of the smartphone world. Let’s break it down:
Bezel-starved Display
There are now a few smartphones on the market with tiny bezels.
Apple joins the “Bezel-less” trend of 2017, which is great, because the iPhone has long been a culprit of large bezels. Seeing an edge-to-edge display iPhone is quite surprising and a much-needed breath of fresh air. That said, the iPhone X is in actuality on the heels of its top-end Android counterparts. Specifically, Samsung and LG have debuted smartphones with barely any bezels months ago, and they aren’t charging an over-the-top premium for it.
Wireless Charging
Wireless charging is nothing new to Android, and Samsung even has fast wireless charging.
Wireless charging capability must not be something considered to contribute to the X’s high cost. It is a feature that has been around for years and just something that Apple has ignored until now. Nothing is special about Apple switching the back cover from metal to glass in order to incorporate the technology; other smartphone manufacturers have already been through this. We must also mention that Samsung even has Fast Charge enabled wireless charging. The iPhone is merely catching up with fast charging on the wire.
Dual Camera Upgrade
Dual camera setup on the Note 8 is very similar to the iPhone X.
Apple isn’t so much behind when it comes to camera offerings, but it isn’t the first to it. Especially when we break down the specs, where on the iPhone X we have a primary wide-angle sensor with f/1.8 aperture and a secondary telephoto sensor with f/2.4 aperture, both of which are optically stabilized.
This is impressive, but Apple still is hot on the heels of Samsung. The Note 8 not only has those very specs on its dual camera system, but its primary shooter is slightly better with a f/1.7 aperture. Yes, the Note 8 isn’t too far from that $1K ceiling, but it also has a stylus.
Super Retina, OLED
Give me a break, “Super” Retina display? Please, Apple. While the X’s screen resolution of 1125 x 2436 pixels is a great deal of picture saturation, the ‘Super’ still falls behind the QHD resolution that has been on Androids for some time now. The ppi on flagship Android phones are typically well above 500.
There was also a ton of buzz of Apple finally embracing OLED technology. Again, this is another area where Apple is playing catch-up. Samsung has been doing OLED screens since the first Galaxy S, and the company has had tons of time to perfect it. No one can touch Samsung’s Super-AMOLED quality and brightness, and Apple is most likely buying its OLED panels from Samsung.
Face Unlock
Samsung’s IRIS scanning is an addition security option you don’t get from Apple.
Using your face to unlock your smartphone is also nothing new. Android has had the feature for a while now. However, we will give Apple props on trying to perfect it. The problem with face unlock on Android (which still is an issue today) is that it can be fooled with a photo of your face. Apple has created a more robust system that 3D scans your facial features. But we’re not yet convinced it will work as flawlessly as the company portrays, especially after seeing that on-stage demo fail at the keynote.
It doesn’t help that the iPhone X doesn’t have a fingerprint scanner, as Apple wasn’t able to incorporate it within the display and didn’t settle with putting it on the back. There is also no IRIS retinal scanning, so it’s either face unlock or bust.
Final Thoughts
The iPhone X is certainly an impressive and beautiful smartphone, we’re not denying that. Even as an Android user, I’m glad that iPhone users are finally getting features we’ve all been enjoying. But that’s just it, Apple shouldn’t be charging a premium to get specs that their customers should’ve had all along. In essence, Apple is taking advantage of its customers’ ignorance.
Do you agree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
You probably have a ton of apps installed on your Android phone and as a consequence receive plenty of notifications. These alerts are very useful most of the times, especially for people who want to stay constantly connected. But at times, notifications can become quite annoying, especially in scenarios where you need to focus your attention away from your phone.
Fortunately, Android allows you manage app notifications quite easily. On devices that are on more recent versions of Android (my Galaxy A3 2016 is on Android 7.0 Nougat), you will find a dedicated notification panel in Settings which lets you customize your notification experience. So here’s how to get started:
1) Open up Settings
2) Find the Notification panel and tap on it
3) Start disabling apps which you don’t want to send notifications
4) At the bottom of the list you’ll be able to set a Notification reminder (an accompanying vibration to your notification) or set a different ringtone too)
5) Go back to Notifications and access the Advance Notification panel located in the top right.
6) From there you can opt to show a notification silently (without sound or vibration) or set it on priority
On older Android devices (4.1 Jelly Bean to 4.4 KitKat) you will need to go to Settings>Apps and find the app you want to stop. Tap on it and then uncheck the Show notifications box.
You might remember that when it introduced its latest Xperia XZ1 flagship at IFA 2017, Sony said the phone will come with a unique feature – the pre-installed 3D Creator app which can be used to generate realistic 3D scans of objects and people.
Now Sony announced a partnership with online 3D printing and digital manufacturing specialist, Sculpteo which will allow users of the Xperia XZ1 to print out their 3D photographs any time they want directly from their phone.
Sculpteo’s 3D printing services will come integrated into 3D Creator, so you’ll be able to do everything from within the application. Let’s say you want to create a three-dimensional print of your child’s face so you can send it to your mother who lives in another country? Just scan your kid’s face and send the file directly to Sculpteo. You don’t even have to leave 3D Creator to pay and the 3D printing service will ship the creation anywhere in the world, based on your instructions.
Sony has selected Sculpteo as its partner particularly for the latter’s expertise in 3D printing, especially with multi-colored materials. This means users get to specify which materials should be used for their 3D print, as well as what size it should be.
Sony hopes the inclusion of the 3D Creator app will help the Xperia XZ1 differentiate itself from competitors like Samsung Galaxy Note 8 and LG V30. And while we can be certain this unique feature will make the phone more attractive to creator types, will it be enough to warrant a $700 purchase?
The Sony Xperia XZ1 is expected to launch on September 19.
Well, well, well isn’t this interesting. A few days after Xiaomi announced its first Android One effort, the Mi A1 and a leak revealed Motorola is also prepping an Android One handset, we’re hearing a third major company will soon join the ranks of the Android One for the first time.
According to leaksters @LlabTooFeR and @evleaks, HTC is gearing up to unveil an Android One handset too. It’s going to be a re-branded version of the middle-range HTC U11 Life which is expected to launch later this year.
The device is codenamed Ocean_Life and will run stock Android 8.0 Oreo with Sense 9.0_A1 on top, so none of the customary HTC apps will be included onboard.
The only difference between the HTC U11 Life and it Android One counterpart will be visible in the software department. However, design and specs will remain the same. Speaking of which the phone should launch with a 5.2-inch display with 1920 x 1080 resolution and Snapdragon 630 processor under the hood alongside 32GB of expandable storage.
The device should also include 16-megapixel/16-megapixel camera combo, IP67 certification and the company’s USonic earbuds with active noise cancellation.
Interestingly enough, previous rumors would have us believe the HTC U11 Life will also take advantage of the Edge Sense squeezable frame. So does that mean the gimmick will also be coming to the Android One version? We can’t be sure that will be the case, at the moment.
We also don’t know whether HTC will end up selling the re-branded U11 Life in the US, but given that the standard version is expected to land at T-Mobile, we’re inclined to believe so.
Carrying Case (with a self-closing latch – sadly, my favorite part of this product)
Dual-MicroUSB Cable
Three sizes of buds
Earhooks (which inexplicably plug into the units themselves – more on that later)
Build
As a pair of Bluetooth earphones built for athletes, you’d expect the Encore S5 to have a few specific features: sweat-proofing, a firm but comfortable fit, stylish design, and convenient portability. While Tronsmart’s foray into wireless sport earbuds has the former two in spades, it falls rather disastrously short in the latter pair.
First, the good. Sweat-proofing; with an IPX4 rating, the buds are not rated against dust, but are resistant to splashing water – sweat included. This means they’re probably safe to use in the rain as well, but definitely not while swimming. Fit; while the actual units are boxy and a little heavy, the fit of the earbuds combined with the attached earhooks makes for a secure, comfortable fit that doesn’t put much strain on the ear canal.
Second, the not-so good. Design; this is kind of a mess, start to finish. Let me start with the earhooks, because they bother me so much I might explode if I don’t get it out right this second. The earhooks…are attached to the MicroUSB ports.
Yep.
This is an utterly a puzzling, dubious decision. The connection seems solid enough, but it seems like a weak spot, structurally. Furthermore, since MicroUSB ports are asymmetrical, there’s a Left and Right earhook to go with the Left and Right earbud. But they aren’t labeled. So it’s actually rather ridiculously easy to put the Left earhook on the Right earbud, resulting in an upside down earbud. A small inconvenience, perhaps, but it drives my OCD crazy to know I’ve been walking around with an upside-down Tronsmart logo in my ear.
fml.
Additionally, while the inclusion of a self-closing carrying case is nice, the overall construction and design of the Encore S5 make it really inconvenient to charge. Detachable earhooks mean that you end up with a total of five pieces to worry about losing in the process (two hooks, two buds, and a cable), and assembly and disassembly means it’s no small matter to put it on to charge or take it with you when it’s done.
After using the stupidly easy charging cradle of Rowkin’s wireless earbuds, the process of putting the Encore S5 on to charge is cumbersome, clumsy and largely inconvenient. Charging on the go is definitely a problem – there are too many pieces that can easily be lost.
Battery
50mAh internal. 60 hours standby time, 4 hour talk time. Enough to get you through perhaps a week of use, but it’s small enough that you may have to make use of the awful charging system regularly. Ugh.
Features
Enough complaining – now, the good stuff. The Encore S5 has a 65′ theoretical pairing range – not quite that far in a real-world setting, perhaps, but I had no trouble connecting them to my phone. As mentioned above, it’s IPX4 water resistant – not tremendous, but good enough. This is a lesser used feature for me, but it also has the curious ability to pair with two devices at once, and take calls from either one. Interesting, but not a game-changer.
Sound Quality
For such a small unit, these guys have surprisingly heavy bass and depth of sound. The first thing I noticed when I started playing some music was the quality, which easily outshined phone speakers and most earbuds I’ve tried – even some fancy dual-driver wired buds. That being said, though, the built-in mic picks up every ambient sound; your voice on the receiving end sounds “Echoey” or distant, but clear.
Value
This is a hard section for me to write, in this situation. $39.99 is a great price for truly wireless earbuds, but the severe design flaws and inconvenience of using and charging the Encore S5 really holds it back. If you’re looking for a cheap set of wireless ear buds, take the plunge – but consider yourself warned.
HMD unveiled Nokia’s first comeback flagship back in August during a press event in London. And while the phone is currently available for purchase in the UK and select European countries like Germany, France and Poland, we’re yet to see it arrive in the US.
Actually there is a big “if” attached – will the Nokia 8 even make it to the US? The Nokia 6 is currently available for purchase in the country, but the Nokia 5 and Nokia 3 are yet to make a debut although both models have received FCC certification.
Well it appears that the Nokia 8 will most likely land in the US and soon. A user on Twitter who inquired about the flagship’s availability in the country got the following replay form the Nokia Mobile account:
“The Nokia 8 will roll out globally this month and will be on sale within the next 2 weeks.”
Does that mean US customers will be able to purchase the Nokia 8 by the end of the month? It certainly seems this will be the case. Although Nokia doesn’t specifically mention the US in their Tweet.
The Nokia 8 will roll out globally this month and will be on sale within the next 2 weeks. 🙂
The Nokia 8 will come boasting a 5.3-inch display with 2560 x 1440 resolution and a Snapdragon 835 processor under the hood aided by 4GB of RAM and 64GB of storage.
The phone relies on a 3,090 mAh battery and runs Android 7,.1.1 Nougat out of the box, but should receive the Android 8.0 Oreo update soon.
