Home Blog Page 999

ZTE to release an Android Wear smartwatch with a long life cycle in 2017

Alexandra Arici
-
0

While companies like Motorola are taking a step back from Android Wear smartwatches in 2017, other device makers like ZTE are more than willing to give this niche a go.

According to CNET, the Chinese company is looking to introduce its very first Android Wear 2.0 smartwatch sometime this year. ZTE says it will improve on existing products in the category by designing a smartwatch capable of delivering an improved battery life. With most intelligent timepieces needing to be recharged at least once a day, a smartwatch with a longer life cycle might indeed attract some attention.

ZTE wearable
ZTE wearable

Device manufacturers like ASUS have claimed in the past their smartwatches can sustain advanced battery life. For example, at launch the ZenWatch 3 was said to be capable of offering a 2-day lifecycle. However, some reviewers found that this is not the case and the wearable can only be used for around twenty-four hours per charge. We’ll have to wait and see whether ZTE can pull it off better than ASUS and we don’t mean just on paper, but in a real-life scenario too.

ZTE also said it is partnering up with one of the US four major carriers to launch the smartwatch, which means the wearable will take advantage of LTE and users will be able to use it independently from their smartphone.

android-wear-logo

If ZTE manages to deliver an affordable, LTE-equipped smartwatch with a long battery life, chances are customers will be interested. At least in theory.

The allure of this product category has been diminishing at an alarming rate for the past year. Important players in the market like Motorola or Huawei are taking a break from releasing any new Android Wear smartwatches. Which opens up a door for companies like ZTE to try their luck.

two-google-android-2-0-smartwatches

For its part, Google is still trying to convince users Android Wear is worthy of their attention. The company is currently working on two self-branded smartwatches which should launch with Android Wear 2.0 onboard. Actually we were expecting to see them at CES 2017, but they failed to make an appearance.

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) vs OnePlus 3T (Smartphone Showdown)

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Released back in November, the OnePlus 3T represent an incremental update over the OnePlus 3. With a slightly better processor, selfie camera and chunkier battery, the OnePlus 3T proves to be quite an interesting middle-to-upper ranger smartphone.

But the handset is going to see some competition from Samsung’s newly released Galaxy A (2017) line, especially the Galaxy A7 (2017) which is in the same price range. In what follows we’re going to compare the two models to give you an idea about the differences between the two premium mid-range devices.

Display

5.7-inch with 1080 x 1920 resolution vs 5.5-inch with 1080 x 1920 resolution

galaxy-a7-other-side

As you can see the Samsung Galaxy A7 features a larger display compared to the OnePlus 3T, but both phones take advantage of a FHD panel. That means that the Galaxy A7 bundles 386ppi, while the OnePlus 3T has 401ppi, meaning the latter’s display should be crisper. But those of you who prefer larger phones will probably like the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) better.

Computing power

Exynos 7880 clocked at 1.9GHz vs Snapdragon 821 clocked at 2.35GHz

3GB of RAM vs 6GB of RAM

Mali-T830MP2 vs Adreno 530

oneplus-3t

In terms of power and performance, the OnePlus 3T should run smoother than the Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017). There’s double the RAM capacity on the OnePlus 3T and the processor is faster too. While the Snapdragon 821 is a top of a line chipset, the Exynos 7880 is roughly in the Snapdragon 620 range. It has a big.LITTLE configuration of Cortex-A72 and Cortex A53 cores.

However, the A7 (2017) has good enough specs to guarantee a seamless experience when browsing the web or accessing apps and playing games.

Cameras

16MP/16MP vs 16MP/16MP

galaxy-a7-back

Here’s where the OnePlus 3T and Galaxy A7 (2017) are extremely similar. Both phones feature a 16MP/16MP camera combo. The main camera on the Galaxy A7 features f/1.9, autofocus and LED flash, while the selfie snapper has the same aperture plus 1080p video recording capabilities.

As for the OnePlus 3T, the back shooter takes advantage of f/2.0, Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), OIS, LED flash, while the selfie cam has the same f/2.0 plus 1080p video recording.

Software

Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow vs Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow

While the OnePlus 3T launched with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow out of the box, the Android 7.0 Nougat-based update has been pushed recently. The Galaxy A7 (2017) will ship out with the same mobile OS version, but there’s no information related to whether the phone will be updated to Nougat, although it probably will at some point, as well as the Galaxy A (2016) family.

Battery

3,600 mAh vs 3,400 mAh

oneplus-3t

The battery on the Galaxy A7 (2017) is a big chunkier, but keep in mind it’s sustaining a slightly larger display. Although the processor inside the phone isn’t as demanding as the Snapdragon 821. So we expect that both handsets will deliver approximately similar battery life.

Other features

32GB of storage vs 64GB/128GB of storage

Those you habitually need a lot of free storage on their phone, will probably like the OnePlus 3T more. Although the Galaxy A7 (2017) does come with a microSD card slot which allows for memory expansion up to 256GB. As for the OnePlus 3T it does not have a microSD card slot, so what you see is what you get.

Pricing

Around $500 (?) vs $439

samsung-galaxy-a7-gold

Samsung hasn’t confirmed the price for the Galaxy A7 (2017) but we expect it to be around the $500, which is quite a lot. By contrast, the OnePlus 3T offers a more advanced processor and more GB of RAM, while keeping the cost affordable.

Verdict

While the Galaxy A7 (2017) doesn’t take advantage of an exciting processor and offers half the RAM capacity compared to the OnePlus 3T, there are some perks the device bring to the table like IP68 certification for water and dust resistance, Samsung Pay support and a microSD card slot.

On the other hand, the OnePlus 3T is faster and takes advantage of Android 7.0 Nougat. In the end it’s up to you and hopefully this spec showdown will help you make the best decision.

Color Glide Review

AndroidGuys
-
0

Puzzle games are aplenty on the Google Play store. It’s rare to find one that really pulls you in to the point where you want to play for more than 10 minutes at a time. Thankfully Color Glide, from Eternal Studio, is a game that is fun and addicting early on. The premise is simple, but the complexity quickly ramps up.

color glide level 24
Think you have what it takes to solve puzzles like this?

As the player you must solve each puzzle by “gliding” colored squares into the appropriately colored goal. Simple physics allow each colored square to slide up, down, right or left. Later on, puzzles test your skills by creating walls that only certain colored blocks can pass through, or by forcing players to combine two colors to create a new color. It’s a rewarding experience when you use a little bit of wit to figure out the correct combination of moves.

Each level has a goal, or par, for the amount of moves to solve each puzzle. If the level is completed at or close to par, the player will receive a bronze, silver or gold trophy. This adds to the replay-ability as you can return to any level you’ve completed to best your previous score.

color glide level 28
Before you know it, you’ll be combining colors to reach new goals

Music is minimal and soothing. This is not a fast paced, frantic puzzle game like Tetris–it’s more thoughtful and calculated, so the ominous, gentle music fits right in. The sound effects are sparse with chimes, dings and effectively what could be described as shattering glass. Overall, a nice complement to the overall aesthetic.

Color Glide does implement leader boards in a very minimal way. You can see scores from friends you have within the Google Play games network, but outside of that, the leader boards are quite limited. The game also has an option to pay to remove those pesky ads (which I did not do), to tweet out to your followers about the game, or to link to and like Eternal Studio on Facebook.

More levels can be purchased with gems at any time. Gem prices range from 100 for $.99 to 600 for $4.99, or can be supplemented by ads. Also, you have the option to play the Daily Level, which is a unique level that is updated each day. Color Glide offers 37 levels from the start, which should be a good amount of challenge for most players. After that, if you still enjoy the game and want more, feel free to spend your gems on more levels.

For fans of the puzzle genre, it’s hard not to recommend Color Glide. It’s simple enough for a child to understand, yet deep enough for the most intellectual player to exercise his or her mind a bit. Check it out in the Google Play store if you’re up for a fun and colorful challenge.

color glide play store

Say hi to Nokia’s first comeback smartphone, it runs Android 7.0 Nougat

Alexandra Arici
-
2

Earlier this week we told you Nokia is expected to launch 6 to 7 new Android smartphones this year. Well it seems the deluge has already been unleashed. HMD, the Finnish company that holds the rights over the Nokia brand has announced the first all-new Nokia smartphone.

And as previous rumors indicated, the freshly squeezed handset called Nokia 6 is a budget-friendly device, albeit advertised as “premium”.

nokia-6-fingerprint-sensor

“Our ambition is to deliver a premium product, which meets consumer needs at every price point, in every market”.

With the Nokia 6, HMD targets the Chinese market – the largest and most competitive smartphone market in the world. The Finnish device maker has partnered up with JD.com to bring the phone in the country – a seller with an upwardly mobile consumer base, which has been a massive supporter of the Nokia brand in China.

Now you’re probably pretty curious about what the Nokia 6 is all about, so we’re going to go straight to the juicy party. The phone comes equipped with a 5.5-inch 2.5D display with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. A Snapdragon 430 with Adreno 505 GPU are nestled under the hood and keep the device working. HMD also throws in 4GB of RAM and 64GB of native storage.

In the photo department, the mid-ranger features a sensible 16MP main camera with f/2.0 aperture plus PDAF laser auto-focus plus an 8MP selfie snapper with the same aperture. The device runs Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box, which is pretty good news.

nokia-6-camera-mode

The Nokia 6 will launch in China as a JD.com exclusive in the first part of the year. It will be priced at $245. No word whether the Nokia 6 will make it into the US, but we guess it’s not going to make it state side any time soon.

No official images of the device were revealed, but we do have a video teasing the device for you to look at (and now some pictures):

Previously, HMD announced the Nokia 150 feature phone which is destined for Europe, Asia and Africa markets. Come MWC 2017, HMD will probably announce a global Nokia product, so stay tuned.

Udemy offering $10 courses to help you stick to your new year’s resolution

AndroidGuys
-
0

So 2017 is going to be your year, eh? You’re going to lose some weight, kick a nasty habit, learn how to take better pictures, and develop the next big mobile game. That’s awesome stuff, sure, but you might need a little bit of help along the way.

Udemy, an affiliate partner of ours that we’ve highlighted a few times over the years, is here to help you start and stick to your new year’s resolution. No matter what you plan to do, chances are very high that Udemy has a course to help. With some tens of thousands to choose from, they’ve got expert training and resources to assist in any area of life, especially self improvement.

Udemy is currently running a promotion which sees its classes discounted to only $10 each. Normally priced up to $200 each, this means you’re getting them at a 95% discount. You’ll have to act fast, though, if you want purchase some courses. The deal only runs through January 10 and then it’s back up to the typical rates.

We’ve gathered up a handful of some of the most popular personal development courses offered at Udemy. Additionally, we’ve collected some mobile-related and Android developer-based classes as well.

confidence

Top 10 Personal Development

  1. Art Therapy: Drawing, Painting and Self-Exploration (Part 1) ($200 Value)
  2. Become a SuperLearner 2: Learn Speed Reading & Boost Memory ($145 Value)
  3. Reiki Level I, II and Master/Teacher Certification ($195 Value)
  4. Crystal Reiki Master/Teacher Certification ($95 Value)
  5. Art Therapy: Drawing, Painting and Self-Exploration (Part 2) ($200 Value)
  6. The Complete Job, Interview, Resume/LinkedIn & Network Guide ($200 Value)
  7. Body Language for Entrepreneurs ($200 Value)
  8. Awaken Your Heart, Creativity & Wisdom with Tara Brach ($145 Value)
  9. 30 Day Challenge to a More Productive and Much Happier You! ($200 Value)
  10. Sounds True Presents: Good Medicine ($80 Value)

mobile_photography

Mobile-Related Courses

android_dev1

Android and Mobile Development Courses

Corning Gorilla Glass is now available for cars

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Gorilla Glass – the specialized toughened glass produced by Corning to makes your smartphone and tablet’s display unbreakable – is expanding its reach.

At CES 2017 in Las Vegas Corning unveiled the first “glass-enabled concept car.” The automobile features a lightweight Gorilla Glass hybrid windshield, sunroof and lights, as well as full-length dashboard. So now, if someone throws a rock at your car, the vehicle might actually come out of it unharmed.

corning-ford-gt

The Ford GT sports car is the first model to take advantage of Corning Gorilla Glass for Automotive in windshield. Corning has a futuristic vision of how cars are going to look like in a few years, so the concept car takes advantage of a heads-up display embedded in the windshield which can bring up real-time traffic updates and other relevant information.

“Corning’s leading position in mobile device cover glass has provided an excellent launch pad for glass solutions enabling smart-phone like connectivity in cars. We are excited to be demonstrating all of these new technologies and opportunities in a custom-built connected car, shown for the first time at CES.”

Corning’s chief strategy officer Dr. Jeffrey Evenson said the Gorilla Automotive Glass is thinner, lighter and stronger than normal automotive glass. And apparently, these properties enable the car to be more energy efficient.

corning-gorilla-glass-for-cars

Corning’s latest announcement proves the firm’s growing interest in piercing markets outside the consumer electronics niche. Back in July, Corning announced Gorilla Glass 5 with 18% more gorilla for smartphones. The main improvement advertised was increased resistance to impact damage.

glass-for-cars

The company also announced a partnership with glass-maker Saint Gobain in order to start producing Gorilla Glass Automotive windshields right away.

Healbe’s new GoBe 2 wearable is designed to help you lose that extra weight

Alexandra Arici
-
0

Wearables these days claim to offer pretty Sci-Fi features. Take the new GoBe 2 which was unveiled at CES 2017. The device maker says the tracker is the first of its kind that can measure calorie intake, hydration levels and…emotional states (quite a complicated task if you ask us).

gobe2-package

Launched by the Healbe Corp. the GoBe 2 is mainly targeting individuals who wish to lose weight. However, health enthusiasts are welcomed to try the GoBe 2 too.

gobe-2-in-action

The wearable uses the so-called Healbe FLOW Technology and an impedance sensor to monitor calorie intake and hydration levels. How does the wearable achieve that you might be wondering? By measuring certain parameters on the user’s writ.

A nine-axis accelerometer has been embedded to track movement, while the skin galvanic response receptor is in charge of monitoring stress levels and emotional state in real-time.

healbe-app

The second-generation GoBe 2 has been improved to be sleeker and lighter than the previous GoBe. The wearable securely sends lifestyle, behavior and physical condition data to a paired smartphone via Bluetooth LE to be viewed by the GoBe app or GoBe website accounts.

gobe-2-back

We should also note, the GeBe 2 is water-resistant (but not waterproof). Even so, Healbe says you can take the wearable for a swim (but not in saltwater) or take a shower or even go bathing. The battery nestled inside can sustain the device for 48 hours of life.

gobe2-all

The GoBe 2 will be available in mid-January in the US and China from ProductHunt.com. Customers will be able to purchase the weight tracker from Amazon, BestBuy and Healbe in late January for $179.95.

New ZEE Smart Core phone case delivers more power, memory and LED lighting show

Alexandra Arici
-
0

If you always find your smartphone is running out of battery during the day and might benefit from a little bit of extra storage, then maybe you might be interested in Hello ZEE’s new smartcase called the ZEE Smart Core which was unveiled at CES 2017.

The ZEE Smart Core works with iPhones/iPads but also with Android phones and tablets and GoPro cameras and any other devices featuring a USB, miroUSB or lightning port.

The Smart Core bundles a 2,600 mAh smart battery and offers wireless charging, microUSB charging capabilities, up to 128GB of extra internal memory and an additional LED light to help users take qualitative photos and videos regardless of lightning conditions.

zee-smart-cores-for-android-and-ios-devices

The Smart Core pairs with the ZEE Core app to offer users a customized experience. For example, customers can set for how long their phone should charge or create a personalize LED light show.

The app can detect when the mobile device paired to it is running low on juice and initiate charging automatically. For those who prefer wireless charging, the Smart Core also offers this option via a built-in module. Just place your phone/tablet on any QI charge pad to get things going. A dual use microUSB charging port is also available for traditional charging.

The Smart Core also doubles as a portable storage device. You can get it in 32GB in Gun Metal, 64GB in Silver or 128GB in Gold. Using the ZEE Core app users can easily manage transferred files across many platforms.

zee-smart-cores

Perhaps Smart Core’s most enjoyable feature is the ZEE LED Light which is fully programmable via the ZEE Core app. The 5600 Lumen LED Light build from 6X 2W Smart LED diodes can flash in multiple ways, even to the beat of music via Party Mode.

Hello ZEE officially launched the line yesterday, but a quick look at their website reveals the accessory producer had a Kickstarter campaign running for the Smart Core which is now canceled.

hello-zee

A pledge of $100 would have gotten users a ZEE Smart Core 32GB + ZEE Cover (only for iPhone/iPad), T-Shirt and Personalized Thank You Letter and ZEE Sticker. The estimated delivery dates for all bundles is listed September 16, so we don’t really have an eye when the ZEE Smart Core will ship out.

The Hello ZEE website mentions that if you sign-up with your email, you’ll get the opportunity to win a free Smart Core case.

Kodak Ektra camera phone comes to the US in April for $549

Alexandra Arici
-
0

You might remember Kodak’s latest photography centric Ektra smartphone which was released on the European market in December 2016 for €499 a pop.

Well at CES 2017 Kodak announced it will be bringing the device to the US and Canada, so customers looking for an apt camera phone should watch out for Ektra. Kodak says the photography-led smartphone will be available for pre-order in the two countries starting April for $549 a pop.

For those who are really curious about the device, Kodak has put the Ektra on display at CES 2017 in Las Vegas.

kodak-ektra-leather-case

In case you don’t remember, let us tell you a few things about the handset. In order to produce the Ektra, the iconic photo company has partnered up with British smartphone manufacturer, Bullitt. The phone’s design is inspired by the 1941 Kodak camera bearing the same name, so don’t expect it to be extremely thin.

The phone offers the services of a 5-inch display with 1080p resolution and bundles a MediaTek Helio X20 chipset under the hood. There’s also 3GB of RAM and 32GB of internal storage, but a microSD card slot is provided for memory expansion for those who want more.

The photo department is where the Ektra shines. The device boasts a main 21MP sensor with f/2.0 lens, Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), Phase Detection AF, 4K video recording and dual LED flash.

As for the selfies, everything is taken care of by a 13MP selfie camera. Kodak also bundled the Ektra will lots of edition options and manual features are also provided, so you almost get the feeling you’re using an analog camera and not a handset.

Last but not least, the Ektra draws power from a 3,000 mAh battery and runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. But customers should probably not get their hopes up about Android 7.0 Nougat.

Kodak also offers a camera case to make it look like you’re carrying an old school camera instead of a phone. To celebrate CES 2017, Kodak has also shared with us a few image samples taken with the Ektra, so users can see for themselves the wonders it can achieve.

Braven redefines its Outdoor Series of rugged speakers with new, smarter models

Scott Webster
-
0

Braven today introduced the next iteration of its rugged Outdoor Series of Bluetooth speakers with a number of new models. Moreover, the fresh batch also include Bluetooth Smart technology to facilitate power, customization, control, and connectivity.

Known for their ability to withstand water, dust, and other elements, Braven’s speakers often employ aircraft-grade aluminum and other tough materials. Until today, the Outdoor lineup consisted of various BRV models that range from ultra portable to bigger-than-boombox proportions. As you’d expect, the price differs, going anywhere from about $99 up to around $350.

The new Ready line of speakers, as well as a refreshed BRV-XXL, continue on the same path. Prices are right about the same, however the speakers are smarter than in the past. Each of the new units are expected to arrive in the second quarter of the year.

Here’s a breakdown of the new models in Braven’s 2017 Outdoor Series of portable speakers.

braven-ready-pro-wireless-bluetooth-speaker

READY PRO

  • Bluetooth® Smart integration offers full speaker and sound control via App
  • Designed with an aircraft-grade aluminum grill, shockproof over-molded cabinet complete with an IP67 waterproof rating
  • Omni-directional passive subwoofer generates big bass and supports a 16-hour playtime
  • Integrated 2600mAh power bank for charging mobile devices
  • Includes action mount and tie-down strap for added portability
  • Equipped with a small Multi Tool Hang Tag, to support users with essential tools including a bottle opener, Philips Screw driver, Carabiner Clip and more
  • MSRP $149.99 USD

braven-ready-prime-wireless-bluetooth-speaker-black-b_1

READY PRIME

  • Bluetooth® Smart enabled, Ready Prime™ offers users customizable sound and full control via App compatibility
  • Designed with two large drivers and dual passive radiators to deliver rich bass and a long-lasting 18-hour playtime
  • IP67 waterproof rated with an aircraft-grade aluminum grill and shockproof exterior
  • Built-in 4000mAh power bank for charging USB-enabled devices
  • Includes tie-down bars and carry strap for added transportability
  • Equipped with a large Multi Tool Hang Tag, to support users with essential tools including a bottle opener, fishing line cutter, Ruler, Philips Screw driver, and more
  • MSRP $199.99 USD

braven-ready-elite-wireless-bluetooth-speaker-gray-a

READY ELITE

  • Bluetooth® Smart integration and App-compatibility supports wireless control of Ready Elite™ power and sound
  • Internal design features two large drivers and dual passive radiators generating rich bass and a 12-hour playtime
  • Features an all over IP67 waterproof and dustproof rating and shockproof drop-proof exterior
  • Empowered with a built in 10,000mAh power bank to continuously charge mobile devices
  • Includes tie-down bars and carry strap for added usability
  • Equipped with a large Multi Tool Hang Tool, to support users with essential tools including a bottle opener, fishing line cutter, ruler, Philips Screw driver, and more
  • MSRP $299.99 USD

braven-ready-solo-bluetooth-speaker-gray-orange-a

READY SOLO

  • Compact IP67 waterproof rated design with aircraft-grade aluminum grill and shockproof exterior
  • Omni-directional subwoofer generates decadent bass and supports a 12-hour playtime
  • Integrated 2200mAh power bank for charging smartphones on-the-go
  • Includes action mount and tie-down strap for added portability
  • Equipped with a small Multi Tool Hang Tag to support users with essential tools including a bottle opener, Philips Screw driver, Carabiner Clip and more
  • MSRP $99.99 USD

As to what makes these speakers smarter than their predecessors, that revolves around the BRAVEN Smart App. Available for Android and iOS devices, it gives listeners more control over the sound experience. One can, for instance, remotely turn the speakers on and offor  adjust equalizer settings. Additionally, the Smart Lock features can be toggled to product buttons from accidental pressing or interruption.

1...9989991,000...1,276Page 999 of 1,276