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Motorola’s Moto C and Moto C Plus specs revealed

Alexandra Arici
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Yesterday we told you that alongside the Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus, Motorola is also preparing to unleash the super-affordable Moto C. Well as it turns out, the Moto C will also get a Plus variant.

According to Evan Blass, the two phones are targeted at first time smartphone buyers and are going to be Motorola’s cheapest yet.

And the Moto C Plus will obviously be bringing forth the better spec package. The phone should make it out with a 5-inch display with 1280 x 720 resolution and a quad-core MediaTek chipset onboard with either 1GB of RAM or 2GB of RAM (depending on market) and 16GB of internal storage (expandable via microSD card slot). The Moto C Plus will also take advantage of an 8MP/2MP camera combo, a 4,000 mAh battery and 4G LTE. It will be available in four colors including Gold, Black, Red and Silver.

The standard Moto C

As for the plain Moto C variant, the device will also take advantage of a 5-inch screen but with low-end 854 x 480 resolution. The same quad-core MediaTek SoC should fuel the insides of the standard Moto C, along with 1GB of RAM and either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage. The phone should also bring forth a 5MP main camera plus a 2MP selfie shooter and a 2,350 mAh battery. The Moto C only features 3G connectivity.

Both devices will launch with Android 7.0 Nougat onboard. We can’t wait to find out more about pricing options. Hopefully none of the models will exceed $100.

You can now send disappearing photos/videos in Instagram Direct messages

Alexandra Arici
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Instagram is slowly turning into a Snapchat twin. With the latest update, the Facebook-owned image-centric app is adding the option of sending disappearing photos and videos in Direct messages.

Instagram is looking to unite permanent and ephemeral messaging which is now present inside the permanent chat threads. So far, ephemeral photos and videos were displayed on top, while permanent content was shown at the bottom.

Once you open up a chat, you’ll notice a new camera button on the lower right side. Tap on it to select shoot an image or a video, which can be further decorated with stickers. A little note will pop up to let you know the media has been shared.

And like in Snapchat, once viewed by the recipient, the photo or video will disappear into the void. The sender will also be notified whether the media file has been opened, viewed or if the friend has taken a screenshot. The disappearing message can only be viewed once.

Instagram only introduced ephemeral messages back in November, but the feature seems to have attracted a lot of people to the platform. According to Instagram’s own numbers, up until now Direct alone has gathered up to 375 million monthly users, an increase compared to the 300 million it reported back in November. When Stories launched back in August 2016, the platform was being used by 250 million users, so in 7 short months the app’s user base has grown significantly.

The new feature is currently available for both iOS and Android users in the Instagram 10.6 version.

Samsung Galaxy S8 might get Android 7.1 Nougat treatment soon

Alexandra Arici
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The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ launched with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, albeit Android 7.1 being available at the time.

However, given the fact that the two phones are yet to start shipping, their software status could change until they get officially launched. Sam Mobile uncovered evidence pinpointing to the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ getting updated to Android 7.1 soon. The publication discovered the latest updates to Samsung Health and Samsung Game Tuner apps, as they appear on rehosting website ApkMirror seem to be targeting Android 7.1 and not Android 7.0.

Due to the fact that Game Tuner is currently available only on Samsung models and none of the Korean tech giant’s phones run Android 7.1 just yet, it can be speculated that the Galaxy S8 maker is currently in the process of testing the new build. Game Tuner’s changelong for the newest version even mentions the added Galaxy S8 / Galaxy S8+ support.

On the other hand, the Samsung Health app is available on other devices as well, so the company might just be looking to boost compatibility with Android 7.1-touting devices.

All we told you so far is just pure speculation at this point, so don’t take it as a given. But since Android O is still months away form being released, it’s quite unlikely Samsung will keep Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ running on such an outdated build (Android 7.0 Nougat currently has 7 months). Google has released the Android 7.1.2 update for its Pixel and Nexus devices, so this option might also be in the cards.

If Samsung ends up updating the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ to Android 7.1, other devices including the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge will probably be given the same treatment.

Samsung Galaxy J7 Perx available for free at Sprint (with 2-year plan)

Alexandra Arici
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If you’re looking for a middle-range device to buy this spring, Sprint has just the thing for you. The carrier is now offering the new Samsung Galaxy J7 (2017) under the name Galaxy J7 Perx.

The same device was so far available as the Galaxy J7 V with Verizon. Now at Sprint the Perx can be yours for $265 outright or $0 down and $11/month for the next 24 months. The same phone will soon land with Sprint’s prepaid brands, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile too.

The phone comes equipped with a 5.5-inch display with 1280 x 720-pixel resolution plus a Snapdragon 625 processor under the hood. There’s also 2GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage onboard, but luckily there’s a microSD card slot onboard for memory expansion up to 256GB.

As for photography, the handset offers the services of an 8MP main camera and a sensible 5MP selfie camera. The phone does not have NFC, but it does take advantage of Sprint’s LTE Plus network. The Galaxy J7 Perx also has a removable 3,300 mAh battery onboard (said to give users up to 40 hours of usage) and runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

However, in the same price-range you can get the Moto G5 Plus which offers better resolution, 4 carrier support, improved camera and fingerprint scanner.

If for some reason, you don’t want to do business with Sprint, the Galaxy S7 V can still be purchased from Verizon. Actually it’s more affordable to get it from Big Red. The carrier offers it for $240 in full or for $10/month for 2 years with no down payment needed.

What did Samsung miss with the Galaxy S8?

Alexandra Arici
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Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ a few weeks ago and while they are both spectacular devices, there are a few things that Samsung could have done to make the phones a lot better (at least in our opinion). In this article we explore what could have been, had Samsung made a few different choices. So what did Samsung miss with the Galaxy S8?

No standard variant

This is an obvious one, but this year both Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ come with curved displays – take it or leave it! But what about the people who for some reason or another, prefer the good-old flat display? They will probably have to skip Samsung flagships this year and instead take up a Galaxy S7 or maybe the Galaxy A7 (2017). Sorry, folks!

No RAM capacity bump

The Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge came bundling 4GB of RAM, and a year later the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ arrived with the same amount of RAM onboard. Yeah, Samsung does offer a 6GB of RAM version in China, because the market there is highly competitive, and maybe just maybe if there’s enough demand the model will launch in other markets, but it would have been nice to see the Galaxy S8 launch with 6GB of RAM by default.

No dual cameras – on the front or back

Maybe Samsung hasn’t been paying attention, but dual cameras are the trend in 2017. But the company didn’t really focus on the photography aspect when it comes to this year’s flagships. It slightly improved the main shooter and upgraded the selfie camera from 5MP to 8MP while also throwing in autofocus. According to rumors, Samsung’s first dual camera device is going to be the Galaxy Note8 which is expected to arrive towards the end of the year.

No stereo speakers

Since Samsung acquired audio product giant, Harman many assumed that the Galaxy S8 is going to take advantage of advanced audio technology. Stereo speakers would have really complemented the Galaxy S8’s beautiful HDR Super AMOLED display, but who knows maybe the Galaxy Note8 is going to make this dream reality.

No 4K display

While the Galaxy S8 does feature the advanced 2960 x 1440 resolution, Samsung could have taken the flagship to the next level by adding a 4K display – which would have better accommodated the implementation of VR. Once again, the rumor mill speculates the Galaxy Note8 will be the first Samsung device to launch with a 4K screen. So maybe you’ll want to save your money for the Note8, huh?

No bigger battery

Last but least, we can skip over the fact that the battery inside the Galaxy S8 remains the same as the Galaxy S7’s – of 3,000 mAh capacity. The phone features a demanding QHD+ display and despite the power efficient 10nm processor inside, the battery won’t be achieving any miracles. Customers will be lucky if they get through the day without plugging the device in for a charge – especially on active usage.

Moto C leaks in colors, will be priced under $80

Alexandra Arici
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Earlier today we told you the specs of the upcoming Motorola Moto E4 leaked online, revealing the phone might come with the same amount of RAM as the Samsung Galaxy S8. Well it appears the Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus aren’t the only low-end models Motorola will launch in the near future.

According to picture which surfaced on the Chinese social network Weibo, the Moto C also appears to be in the pipeline in Black, Gold and Red color variants. Motorola’s super affordable device was revealed a few weeks ago (albeit in a white version that’s not visible in the latest image), when Motorola gave us a sneak peek during a video released to celebrate the 44th anniversary of the first mobile call. While we didn’t get to take a very good look at it back then, the Moto C surfaced today in all of its glory.

By the looks of it, the Moto C will be the most affordable device in the Motorola lineup this year. The company already released the Moto G5 and Moto G5 Plus and in the upcoming weeks we expect the Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus to launch as well. Motorola reportedly has also plans for a Moto X (2017) and of course, the Moto Z2 flagship.

According to previous leaks, the Moto C will come equipped with a 5-inch F2VGA display with 854 x 480 resolution. A MediaTeK MT6737m processor will breathe life into the device from underneath, aided by 1GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage. In the photography department, the Moto C will benefit from a basic 5MP/2MP camera combo.

When launched, the Moto C will probably be the most affordable Android 7.0 Nougat on the market. According to sources in the know, the phone should come with a price tag ranging from $50 to $80.

At this point, we don’t know the Moto C’s launch date, but as soon as we find out we’ll let you know.

Norton releases new security device for home WiFi

AndroidGuys
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Keeping data safe on our computers and smartphones is a worry that concerns millions of people in the 21st century. There is a major fear that many of our technological devices are easily hackable, and that a cybercriminal could gain access to our precious information, seemingly at any time.

However, there are ways to protect ourselves. Along with learning about ethical hacking, security software companies are constantly releasing countermeasures to malware, viruses, and cybercriminals, and it turns out that Norton, in particular, has created an interesting solution.

Norton’s brand new product is called the Core, which is essentially a WiFi router that can protect any device in the home with an internet connection. The router is also said to receive regular updates so as to stay on top of any new cyber dangers. Whilst the Core itself may well be an unusual looking item, the importance of adding an extra step to preventing hackers taking control of our devices is definitely a necessary move for online security in the home.

In addition to the general public, Norton has recently been assisting small businesses with a software subscription that can cover multiple devices, which means your smartphone and PC can have equally strong protection from any online threats. The software is also said to alert Android users about suspicious mobile apps before installation; bogus apps are one of the most prevalent ways for malware to get into a smartphone.

Although it should be noted that Norton isn’t the only way to protect your devices from harm, as there are many other methods to employ. Most of these simply involve using your common sense, understanding that particular WiFi networks aren’t reliable, and trusting your phone’s own security warnings when they pop up.

Finally, the topic of data hacking doesn’t always have to be doom and gloom, as Norton apparently took a break from making security software and hardware, and made an amusing Christmas-themed commercial showing dear old Santa struggling with a computer virus. Watch the video below.

Keep your gadgets safe and charged with the ClickPack Pro backpack

Alexandra Arici
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0

Do you usually carry around a lot of gadgets? Do you need to have your laptop, tablet, laptop, memory cards and such around at all times? Then you’ll probably be very interested in the ClickPack Pro backpack. This is a unique gadget storage solution which has been designed to keep thieves at bay.

The backpack is made of slash resistant fabric, so not even a sharp knife will be able to damage this container. On top of that, the ClickPack Pro’s zippers have a built-in lock which means thieves won’t be able to access its contents without you being aware of it. If that’s not enough for you, the retractable metal wire lock will allow you to tether the backpack to your seat or a stand, so you can make absolutely sure your backpack isn’t going anywhere.

But the ClickPack Pro is not meant only to carry your gadgets. You can fold in a lot of other stuff too like clothes or food items – with designated compartments being clearly labeled, so you know exactly where your items are. The ClickPack Pro can also securely store your credit cards. The bag features a RFID magnetic strip in order to keep your card information safe and private.

What’s more, let’s say you get lost on a hike trying to get up the mountain and shoot the spectacular view, the backpack’s built-in reflectors will allow rescuers to see you from up 100 feet ahead. The ClickPack Pro also takes advantage of double layer rain protection, so it doesn’t matter whether you get caught in the rain – your gadgets will remain unharmed.

Your phone ran out of power? No problem, with the ClickPack Pro you can charge your electronic devices anytime, anywhere. Just pull out your changing cable.

The product is currently gathering funds on Kickstarter and with 30 days still to go, it has already fulfilled its goal. You can currently place an order for a ClickPack Pro for just $99 (retail price will be $198). Estimated delivery date is July 2017.

Low-end Motorola Moto E4 will have a 4GB of RAM version

Alexandra Arici
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0

Lots of new Motorola handsets are expected to make an appearance in the upcoming months. First off, we’re probably going to see the Moto Z2 launch this summer and then at some point or another the Moto X (2017) should also make an appearance.

While the Moto Z2 is a premium phone and the Moto X (2017) is expected to launch as an affordable dual camera phone, Motorola also appears to have plans to fill even the really low-end niche with a couple of new phones. The Moto E4 and Moto E4 Plus have already popped up at the FCC, but the listings didn’t reveal much about the phones’ insides.

Soon to be previous-gen, Moto E3

Well this week this week the Moto E4 showed up on the Indonesian regulatory agency P3DN’s website, thus revealing its full specs in the process.

According to the information at hand, we can tell you the Moto E4 will arrive with a 5-inch FWVGA display with 845 x 480 resolution. Under the hood, doing the heavy lifting is a MediaTek MT6737m processor working in concert with 1GB/2GB/4GB/4GB of RAM and 16GB of internal storage.

White Motorola Moto E3

It’s quite interesting that the low-end Moto E4 will get a version with 4GB of RAM – the same amount of RAM that powers the Samsung Galaxy S8 monster. Anyway, moving along the phone should also accommodate a 5MP primary camera and a 2MP selfie snapper.

The phone comes bundling a 2,300 mAh battery, while previous leaks have revealed the Moto E4 Plus will rely on a huge 5,000 mAh power source. Coming back to the Moto E4, the phone is showed to run Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box.

We’re still waiting on the full spec list of the Moto E4 Plus, but the phones are probably going to go official in a few weeks. And then we’ll know the whole story.

Mpow portable wireless Bluetooth speaker review

AndroidGuys
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The Mpow Portable Wireless Dual 10W Drivers Bluetooth Speaker is sleek in design and boasts a 33-foot range. The 7.4V/2600 mAh Li-on battery gives up to 8 hours of playback time. It is ultra-portable and can easily be hidden away in a corner.

Hardware specs:

  • Bluetooth Version: V4.1
  • Bluetooth Profile: A2DP/AVRCP/HFP/HSP
  • Bluetooth Range: 33 feet
  • Input Voltage: DC/5V
  • Battery Capacity: 7.4V/2600mAh
  • Charge Time: 4 Hours
  • Play Time: up to 8 hours

Setup

Pairing and setting up the Mpow to any device is simple; turn it on and navigate to Bluetooth settings in the phone. I did not have to select any random button combination on the speaker to put it in pairing mode as it was already seeking. On the speaker, there are buttons for Power, Play/Pause, and controls for volume, but everything can be handled through the device, so we can set it and forget it.

Whenever I test out a new Bluetooth speaker, I have my own set of parameters: First, can I hear it over the water in the shower? Since this speaker is not water-resistant, I set it on my bathroom counter, which is only a few feet from the shower. It worked as expected, and I could easily hear the spoken words of a podcast.

Next, I put it to the outdoor test: Can I place the speaker on my back patio and hear the music in the background while entertaining company?

Ideally, the music should be loud enough that guests can hear it, and when a song they like comes on, they can easily turn it up. But, it should also be at a point where the neighbors aren’t going to call the police for a noise complaint. This, too, was successful, but I noticed that the music wasn’t as clear as I would have hoped.

When listening to the podcast, everything seems fine, but music sounds a little choppy. The Mpow website states that a phone could be at least 33 feet away and still connect, which I did find to be the case. I could come and go, inside and outside and the music still played. The farther away I got from the device, of course, the worse the sound quality would get.

My last test with Bluetooth speakers is what happens when I get a phone call. Since it was paired to my phone and set as my primary audio source, when I received a phone call, the music stopped. Additionally, I could hear my ringtone through the speakers, and then I took my call with the Mpow’s built-in microphone.

Although I use Bluetooth in my car for my phone calls, and I while can appreciate this function, I typically want to take phone calls privately. It, of course, easy to change the audio output to my phone rather than through the Bluetooth unit, but it would be nice to have a transfer audio button on the device like my car.

It did pass my functionality tests, so with that, I’m happy with the quality of this $60.00 speaker. It was not all rainbows and kittens, though.

The Mpow speaker takes four full hours to charge, and even though that gives about eight solid hours of playback, four hours is a long time to charge a device for that amount of function.

I wouldn’t mind seeing a two-hour charge for eight hours–that is what I expect out of my phone, so I think of speakers in a similar same way, especially at this size. I do like that it will give me eight hours of use, and I could always try to put it near an outlet to alleviate the need to charge, but that ultimately takes away from the portability aspect.

Although the volume can be controlled from either the phone or the speaker, which is handy, there is an audible tone that is emitted when increasing or decreasing the volume. This make the listener lose a second of content, which may not be a big deal. The tone completely overtakes the audio, so in podcasts, I would completely miss the punchline of a great joke simply by adjusting volume.

At the end of the day, I can deal with the downsides. It is an economy speaker with decent quality, just as long as you are in-range. It is not a high-end speaker, but this is apparent when handling it and factoring price. If you keep your phone in your pocket to manage the playlist, don’t stray too far, especially if you are having company over, otherwise it’s not a bad device to pick up.

At the time of this post, the speakers are on sale for $46.99. With the extra $13.00 off, I’d be more convinced to pick one up. And, thanks to a 45-day money back guarantee and 18-month warranty, there really is not reason not to do so.

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