Category Archive : Gadgets

AI Cobots

Using AI Cobots to Drive Production Processes Makes Sense

What’s the hottest topic in your plant? Chances are good it’s artificial intelligence (AI). That comes as no surprise. AI’s benefits are enormous. It boosts productivity, increases efficiency, and eliminates human error. Plus, it aligns with Industry 4.0 strategies. Given these benefits, it makes sense for you to employ it in your production processes.

Many manufacturers are doing just that. A recent KPMG survey, in fact, found that 93 percent of manufacturers have at least moderately functional AI, while 49 percent have fully functional AI at scale. If you’re not adopting AI, you’re missing out on a powerful strategy that can transform your company.

Collaborative robotics (aka cobots) is an AI strategy that more and more manufacturers are adopting with excellent results. AI Cobots are safer than robots and just as productive in suitable applications. Designed specifically to work alongside workers, cobots automate and optimize manufacturing processes.

Versatile and easily programmable, cobots boost productivity, increase efficiency, and generate more consistent and accurate results than humans. They also free workers to do critical value-added tasks that can enhance customer service. Plus, they’re more cost-effective than robots and provide a faster return on investment (ROI).  

What are AI Cobots?

So, what are cobots? They’re a type of robot that can work together with a human or another cobot. They’re also smaller, more affordable, and easier to deploy than traditional robots. Built and programmed to cooperate with people, they’re designed with humans in mind. So, you don’t have to isolate them away from workers or fit them with safety devices as you do with traditional robots. 

Cobots are ideal for taking on monotonous and repetitive tasks that can’t be fully automated. Material handling cobots can even take on the most demanding, repetitive, and tedious tasks on a production line. But their true strength is the ability to collaborate with humans flexibly and dynamically.

AI Cobots also have ergonomic advantages. They take up less space on the factory floor and have rounded corners and links that could cause harm if the cobot collides with a human. Plus, cobots allow for seamless integration between humans and machines, creating a harmonious working environment.  

Present State of Cobot Marketplace

While cobot adoption is picking up steam worldwide, it comprises only a fraction of the robotics industry. But that’s steadily changing as more and more manufacturers adopt AI technology. Loup Ventures predicts spending on cobots will hit $13 billion by 2025. And while cobots make up only 3% of all robot sales, analysts expect that number to increase to 34% by 2025.

Reasons for this jump in AI cobots sales include round-the-clock functionality, economic efficiency, and quicker scalability. Their flexibility, safety, and ease of use make cobots investment-worthy for manufacturers in various industries, including automotive, manufacturing, electronics, aerospace, plastics, and healthcare.

Everyday Use Cases for Cobots

The use cases for cobots across various industries are vast. From assembly lines in automotive manufacturing to packaging processes in food production, cobots execute a wide range of tasks with precision and speed. They have even found applications in healthcare, electronics, logistics, and many other sectors where automation can provide a competitive advantage.

Read more: A complete review of Plagiarismchecker.ai how it helps writers?

Typical tasks cobots can perform include:

  • Pick and place (re-orienting or displacing parts)
  • Machine tending (loading machines like CNC)
  • Processing tasks (gluing, welding, drilling)
  • Finishing tasks (polishing, grinding, deburring)
  • Quality inspections (capturing, analyzing, and interpreting images)
  • Packaging and palletizing (placing products on shrink-wrapping machines)
  • Medical/lab cobots (picking and placing tasks)

These are just some of the cobot uses in manufacturing. You can also program Cobots to handle hazardous waste while keeping workers safe.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the integration of AI cobots into production processes is not limited to manufacturing alone; it extends to critical sectors such as oil drilling, where automation and precision are increasingly becoming indispensable.

Additional cobot tasks exist. Automating these routine tasks can significantly increase your output while reducing errors and waste.

Key Considerations when Buying a Cobot 

There’s no one-size-fits-all when choosing a cobot to help automate a project. Some critical considerations when purchasing a cobot include automation objectives, task characteristics, and human, technical, and economic factors. Analyzing these factors can help you decide which cobot option is best for you. You may also want to do a risk assessment before deploying a cobot and if you’ll need an integrator.

Typically, cobots cost anywhere between US $10,000 and $50,000, but you also have to add additional tooling to the costs. Plus, you need to consider the manufacturing quality of the cobot before choosing a platform. Cobots are critical, for example, if you rely extensively on Industrial IoT. They’ll help you make better, quicker, and more accurate decisions in real-time, so you can better respond to customer demands.

Cobots are Here to Stay

Cobots aren’t a fad. They’re here to stay and can help you create a competitive advantage while generating a solid ROI. Whether you’re a big, medium-sized, or small business, you can benefit from this AI strategy. Cobots can help you grow and automate processes in factories, warehouses, and research facilities.

You can use cobots with workers to do repetitive, dangerous tasks requiring precision. Plus, you can use them for handling hazardous substances while protecting workers from harm. User-friendly and versatile, cobots will become more sophisticated as time passes and their AI improves.

Cobots offer a promising solution as you meet today’s evolving manufacturing challenges, such as labor shortages and disrupted supply chains. AI Cobots can help boost productivity, improve safety conditions, and be adapted across industries. Capable of paying off both in the long and short term, cobots make perfect sense to carve out a competitive advantage for your company and help drive production to new levels.

Automation

Unlocking Opportunities: How Automation is Shaping the Job Landscape

Introduction:

Automation, driven by rapid advancements in technology, is revolutionizing industries across the globe. From self-driving cars to robotic assembly lines, automation is transforming the way we work and reshaping the job landscape. While concerns about job displacement have arisen, it is important to recognize that automation is not solely about eliminating jobs; it also holds the potential to unlock new opportunities and drive economic growth. In this article, we will explore how automation is shaping the job landscape and the potential benefits it brings.

Automation: Redefining Roles and Tasks:

Automation involves the use of technology and machines to perform tasks that were previously carried out by humans. This shift has led to the redefinition of job roles and the reallocation of tasks. Repetitive and mundane tasks are being automated, allowing humans to focus on more complex, creative, and value-added activities. By offloading routine tasks, workers can leverage their skills and knowledge to tackle higher-level responsibilities, fostering innovation and professional growth.

Creation of New Jobs:

While automation may displace certain jobs, it also creates new job opportunities. The implementation and maintenance of automated systems require skilled workers who can develop, operate, and oversee these technologies. Moreover, as automation frees up time and resources, organizations can invest in new ventures, leading to the emergence of entirely new industries and job sectors. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI), for example, has spurred demand for AI specialists, data scientists, and machine learning engineers.

Collaboration between Humans and Machines:

Automation is not about replacing humans; it is about augmenting their capabilities. Collaborative robots, known as cobots, are designed to work alongside humans, assisting them in tasks that require precision, strength, or endurance. This symbiotic relationship between humans and machines enhances productivity, efficiency, and safety in various industries. As a result, workers can focus on leveraging their unique qualities such as creativity, empathy, and critical thinking, which are difficult to replicate with automation.

Reskilling and Upskilling:

To thrive in an automated world, workers need to adapt and acquire new skills. As automation replaces certain job functions, reskilling and upskilling programs become essential to ensure workers remain relevant in the job market. Governments, educational institutions, and businesses need to collaborate to provide training opportunities and foster a culture of lifelong learning. By investing in human capital, societies can empower individuals to navigate the changing job landscape and seize new opportunities created by automation.

Economic Growth and Enhanced Well-being:

Automation has the potential to drive economic growth and enhance overall well-being. By automating repetitive tasks, productivity increases, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency. This, in turn, can lead to higher wages, increased job satisfaction, and improved work-life balance. Moreover, automation enables the production of goods and services at a larger scale, making them more affordable and accessible to a broader population. As automation becomes more widespread, it has the potential to uplift societies and contribute to shared prosperity.

Addressing Job Displacement Concerns:

While the potential benefits of automation are evident, it is important to address the concerns surrounding job displacement. The fear of losing jobs to machines is understandable, as certain tasks become automated. However, history has shown that technological advancements have consistently led to the creation of new jobs and industries. As automation takes over routine tasks, it allows humans to focus on more complex and high-value activities, fostering innovation and the development of new job opportunities.

To mitigate the impact of job displacement, proactive measures must be taken. Governments, businesses, and educational institutions should collaborate to implement comprehensive workforce transition programs. These programs can include job training, reskilling, and upskilling initiatives to equip workers with the skills needed for emerging industries and job sectors. By providing support and guidance, individuals can smoothly transition into new roles and seize opportunities in the evolving job landscape.

Automation and the Gig Economy:

Automation is also influencing the rise of the gig economy, where individuals work on a freelance or contract basis, rather than traditional full-time employment. With the aid of digital platforms and automation technologies, individuals can easily find short-term projects and engage in flexible work arrangements. The gig economy offers increased autonomy and work-life balance, enabling individuals to pursue multiple interests and sources of income. Automation has provided the infrastructure and tools necessary for the gig economy to thrive, creating opportunities for both workers and businesses.

Ethical Considerations and Social Impact:

As automation continues to shape the job landscape, it is essential to address ethical considerations and social impact. Ensuring that automation technologies are developed and deployed responsibly is crucial to avoid exacerbating inequality and marginalization. Ethical frameworks and guidelines should be established to address issues such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and job quality. Additionally, social safety nets and support systems should be strengthened to provide assistance to those affected by job displacement and facilitate the transition to new employment opportunities.

Automation and the Future of Work:

Looking ahead, automation will continue to play a significant role in shaping the future of work. Technological advancements such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and the Internet of Things will further enhance automation capabilities. The job landscape will evolve, and it is essential for individuals and organizations to adapt. Lifelong learning, adaptability, and a growth mindset will become even more critical in navigating the changing job market. Embracing automation as a tool for productivity and innovation will be key to unlocking opportunities and driving economic growth.

Conclusion:

Automation is a transformative force that is reshaping the job landscape. Rather than being a threat to employment, automation presents immense opportunities for individuals, businesses, and societies. By leveraging automation technologies, we can redefine job roles, create new industries, and unlock human potential. However, addressing the challenges associated with job displacement, ensuring ethical practices, and fostering a culture of lifelong learning are vital in maximizing the benefits of automation. By embracing automation and actively managing its impact, we can build a future where humans and machines collaborate to create a more productive, inclusive, and prosperous society.

Samsung Tablet

What is the Best Largest Samsung Tablet In 2022?

There are a few things to consider when purchasing a tablet. One is the size of the screen. If you want a large screen, then you’ll want to buy a Samsung tablet. Samsung offers some of the Largest Samsung Tablet on the market, so you’re sure to find one that’s just right for you. Another thing to consider is the price. Samsung tablets can be quite expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Lastly, consider the features you need. Some tablets come with built-in keyboards, while others don’t. Make sure you choose the right tablet for your needs.

When it comes to large tablets, Samsung definitely has the market cornered. If you’re looking for a large tablet, then you’ll want to check out Samsung’s offerings. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is one of the largest tablets on the market, with a 9.7-inch screen. It’s also one of the most expensive tablets, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you need a keyboard for your tablet, then you’ll want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. It comes with a detachable keyboard, so you can use it as a laptop when you need to.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a tablet, then you’ll want to check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A. It’s a mid-range tablet, so it’s not as expensive as the Tab S3. However, it still has a large 10.1-inch screen. Plus, it comes with a built-in keyboard, so you won’t need to buy one separately.

When choosing a tablet, size, price, and features are all important things to consider. Samsung offers a wide range of tablets, so you’re sure to find one that’s just right for you.

When it comes to finding the best largest Samsung tablet, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider the size of the screen. If you want a large tablet, then you’ll want to check out Samsung’s offerings. The company offers some of the largest tablets on the market, so you’re sure to find one that’s just right for you. Another thing to keep in mind is the price. Samsung tablets can be quite expensive, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting a good deal. Lastly, consider the features you need. Some tablets come with built-in keyboards, while others don’t. Make sure you choose the right tablet for your needs.

When it comes to large tablets, Samsung definitely has the market cornered. If you’re looking for a large tablet, then you’ll want to check out Samsung’s offerings. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 is one of the largest tablets on the market, with a 9.7-inch screen. It’s also one of the most expensive tablets, so you’ll want to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth. If you need a keyboard for your tablet, then you’ll want to consider the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2. It comes with a detachable keyboard, so you can use it as a laptop when you need to.

If you’re looking for a good deal on a tablet, then you’ll want to check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A. It’s a mid-range tablet, so it’s not as expensive as the Tab S3. However, it still has a large 10.1-inch screen. Plus, it comes with a built-in keyboard, so you won’t need to buy one separately.

When choosing a tablet, size, price, and features are all important things to consider. Samsung offers a wide range of tablets, so you’re sure to find one that’s just right for you.

Enhancing data separation with Android and Samsung Knox

Android’s work/home model has changed over time, both as device capabilities have increased and as Android’s active user community has refined its view of what features are needed. With Android 11 and 12, “Work Profile” is the latest idea in how to separate home and work on the same device.

Final Conclusions

Size, price, and features are all important factors to consider when choosing a tablet computer. Samsung offers a wide range of tablets, so you’re sure to find one that fits your needs. The company’s offerings include some of the largest tablets on the market, as well as more affordable options. Plus, many of Samsung’s tablets come with built-in keyboards, so you won’t need to purchase one separately. No matter what your needs are, Samsung has a tablet that’s right for you. final thoughts on choosing the best largest tablet.

10 Latest Best Laptops For 3D Modelling and Rendering In 2021

10 Latest Best Laptops For 3D Modelling and Rendering In 2021

You are into 3D rendering and modeling and are looking to buy a laptop that can fulfill your 3D rendering and modeling needs perfectly. You started searching for options both online and offline. Tons of features pop up in front of you. Some from well-known brands, while others not so famous.

Then there is some crazy specs and numbers game with each laptop offering to outdo one another with amazing performance. If you are a layman who is unaware of the technical jargon and specifications, this could create even more confusion. You start to read reviews but still find yourself in a conundrum as to how to choose the best laptops for 3D modelling software and rendering. If all that sounds familiar to you, then you are at the right place.

In this article, you will learn the minimum and recommended system requirements your 3D rendering laptop should fulfill. Additionally, you will also learn about the ten best laptops for 3D rendering and modeling in 2021.

Minimum and Recommended System Requirements For 3D Rendering and Modelling Laptops

3D rendering and modeling are resource-intensive tasks. As a result, you need a powerful processor and graphic cards as well as spacious storage and a lot of RAM to get the best out of your 3D rendering laptops. Having a powerful processor will help you run high-demanding tools without any lags and stutters. Meanwhile having a powerful graphics card is critical when it comes to rendering 3D images. A good graphics card can also reduce the burden of the processor by sharing some of the workload and preventing the system from overheating.

The more RAM and storage your laptop have, the better. For more advanced and complex applications, you need more RAM.  It will directly impact your user experience as more RAM allows your laptop to access information faster. Solid-state drive storage promises fast loading thanks to trailblazing read/write speeds. So, which specifications best laptop for rendering should have? Let’s find out.

Here are some of the minimum and recommended system requirements that these laptops need to fulfill in order to be considered a good option for 3D rendering and modeling.

Minimum System Requirements

The minimum system requirements for a good 3D rendering laptop are:

  • 9th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
  • Dedicated NVIDIA Graphic card
  • 15.6-inch display
  • At least 16 GB RAM
  • 512 GB of fast SSD storage
  • 4-5 hours of battery life

Recommended System Requirements

The recommended system requirement for a 3D rendering laptop are as follows:

  • 10th Generation Intel Core i7 processor
  • NVIDIA GeForce 2060 or higher
  • 17-inch display with Full HD resolution support
  • 32 GB RAM
  • 1 TB of fast SSD storage
  • 6-7 hours of battery life

Can Gaming Laptops Be Used For 3D Rendering and modeling?

Most gaming laptops are equipped with dedicated and powerful graphic cards, a fast processor, tons of storage space to store games, and a generous amount of RAM to run everything smoothly, making them be an ideal choice for 3D modeling and rendering. They also have large battery lives that allow them to provide 5-6 hours of continuous screen time. Since both gaming and 3D rendering laptops share similar characteristics and hardware, we can safely say that gaming laptops can also be used for 3D modeling and rendering.

There are instances when even gaming laptops fail to deliver the same level of performance as laptops for modelling and rendering can do for highly sophisticated 3D rendering. If you are working with professional-grade rendering software and running AI-assisted rendering, you are better off buying a laptop that is tailor-made for 3D rendering applications. That is why it is important to assess your needs and think about what applications you are going to run on the laptop before making the purchase.

10 Best Laptops for Rendering and 3D Modelling

Here are the ten best laptops that are worth considering for rendering and 3D modeling.

1.  Asus Zenbook Pro Duo

Image Source TechRadar

If you are looking for a well-rounded machine for 3D rendering and modeling, look no further than the Asus Zenbook Pro Duo. While its reputation precedes it as a great workstation, it can handle anything you throw at it equally well. The real highlight of this laptop is its Intel Core i9 processor that delivers top-of-the-line performance even for the most demanding tasks.

With a lightning-fast 5GHz clock speed, this octa-core processor delivers unrivaled performance. It can run complex 3D applications such as Maya and VRay without breaking a sweat, which speaks volumes about its performance prowess.

Render 3D visuals in their full glory thanks to the Ultra high-definition screen capable of supporting 4K resolution. Throw in 1 terabyte of fast solid-state drive storage and 32GB of fast RAM and you will be hard-pressed to find a better laptop for 3D-rendering and modeling than this one. The only downside is its steep price which is justified in my opinion, especially when you look at the cutting-edge specs it is offering.

2.  MSI P65 Creator

Image Source MSI

As the name suggests, MSI P65 Creator is designed with the creator’s needs in mind and is also targeted towards them. If you are a creator who can’t afford to splurge a fortune, this laptop should be on top of your list. With a comparatively lower price tag and powerful hardware, MSI P65 Creator never disappoints when it comes to running demanding rendering applications.

Although the 2.6 GHz clock speed doesn’t work in its favor, the Intel Core i7 9750H more than makes up for the lag. Throw in a 15.6” 4K ultra high-definition ready screen, 32 GB RAM, and 1 terabyte of SSD storage into the mix and you can’t get better performance at this price point. The powerful NVIDIA RTX 2060 comes with 6GB of dedicated memory allowing it to render everything faster. Even though the speakers leave a lot to be desired, but if you can look past this inadequacy, you will be more than happy with this laptop.

3.  Asus ROG Strix Scar

Image Source Enter21st

If you are a gamer, you might be familiar with the ASUS Republic of Gamers. It is basically a sub-brand that makes hardware for gamers and does a great job at it too. If you have ever used any of their product, you can understand what I mean. From gaming-centric smartphones to gaming laptops, they deliver industry-leading gaming performance. Asus ROG Strix Scar continues the legacy.

Even though the screen only supports full HD resolution, it is pretty outstanding at 17.3 inches when compared to most competitors. What really makes this laptop screen stand out from the crowd is its 300 Hz screen refresh rate for a much smoother experience. You will not notice any delays while interacting with the screen. The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 10 GPU not only keeps pace with the high refresh rate screens but also delivers impressive performance when rendering animations and graphics.

Just like their other gaming hardware, there is also an integrated cooling system in place to keep everything running without heating too much. The fast solid storage drive is another plus but it’s only 512 GB which is lower than most competitors are offering. Another trait this laptop shares with other ASUS ROG products is its weight. It is a heavy and bulky machine and if you can live with that, this is the laptop to get.

4.  Razer Blade 15

Image Source TechRadar

For those looking for a slim and lightweight laptop without compromising on performance, Razer Blade 15 is an ideal choice. Not only does it look elegant, it is also easy to carry around thanks to its slim and lightweight profile. This makes it a great option for people looking for a portable and lightweight machine that delivers great performance.

Thankfully, Razer has not made any compromises when it comes to the specifications of this laptop. This makes it the best laptop for 3D modeling without being too bulky. Even though it packs a great display and spacious storage, it lags behind in terms of graphical performance as its graphic card is not as powerful as some of the other options on this list. The battery is not bad either, lasting 5-6 hours of intensive use.

5.  MSI GL65 Leopard

Image Source Gadget Notebook

MSI made a name for itself by creating laptops that deliver superior gaming performance at an affordable price. With MSI GL65 Leopard, they are continuing this tradition. At first glance, you can think of this laptop as a gaming laptop but the power under the hood makes it capable of rendering 3D visuals. Despite just having a 15.6-inch full HD screen, it is color accurate and capable of displaying 100% of the sRGB color gamut.

There is no compromise on performance as you get the perfect combo of 10th generation Intel Core i7 with NVIDIA RTX 2070. This makes rendering complex 3D animations a breeze. One area where the laptop falls behind competitors is its battery life, which only lasts four hours on a single charge.

6.  Acer Predator Helios 300

Image source Rock Paper Shotgun

Another company that is famous for delivering the best value for money is Acer and their Acer Predator Helios 300 is one of the best gaming laptops you can find in the market. The Intel Core i7 processor might be a bit old but it comes with Turbo Boost Technology, allowing you to push the CPU to its limits by overclocking it. The same goes for NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060. The 256 GB of solid-state drive storage might be a tad low for many but the 16GB of RAM keeps everything running smoothly. The battery can last anywhere from six to seven hours, which is not bad at all.

7.  Dell G7 17 Inch

Image Source The worlds best and worst

G stands for gaming and Dell G7 17” laptop is also a gaming-focused laptop. Powered by an eight-generation Intel Core i7 processor, the six-core CPU can be pushed to 3.9 GHz for great performance. The laptop comes preloaded with a 256 GB solid-state drive but gives you the option to add one terabyte of additional hard disk drive. The NVIDIA GTX 1050 does a fantastic job at rendering 3D objects.

8.  Lenovo Ideapad L340

If you want to run computer-aided design software such as AutoCAD, then this laptop from Lenovo is worth your money. With a 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor, a massive 17.3” full HD screen display, and 512 GB of SSD storage space, you not only get more screen real estate but also more storage space and power under the hood to run and store your creations in their full glory. The battery life is exceptional too, lasting anywhere from 6-7 hours, which is unexpected from a laptop with a 17.3-inch display.

9.  HP Zbook 15 G5

Image Source Laptop Mag

For those looking for more storage, HP Zbook 15 G5 is the way forward with a dual-storage option. The laptop comes with one terabyte of SSD storage and you can also add an extra terabyte of HDD storage on top of that. You also get 32 GB of RAM as well as a powerful eight-generation Intel Core i7 processor. If you want exceptional performance and a lot of memory and storage, then this laptop is for you. Sadly, the battery life is just average, lasting for five hours on a single charge.

10. Asus ROG Zephyrus M

Image source Asus

Another laptop that delivers on the performance front is the Asus ROG Zephyrus M. The ninth-generation Intel Core i7 processor combined with 1 terabyte SSD, 16 GB RAM and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 leaves no stone unturned when it comes to delivering unmatched performance. Disappointingly, the battery life disappoints at just four hours. When you push this laptop harder, it will heat up.

Which of these laptops would you buy for 3D rendering and modeling? Share it with us in the comments section below.

Top 5 Best Attractive Bluetooth Golf Cart Speakers

Music is the craft of arranging sound and speaker support to amplify the sound to reach the audience. During the interval, Golfer can use the best Golf Cart Speakers to play the background music for relaxation. Many prestigious speakers brands launch several Bluetooth speakers for golf carts of all sizes and shapes.

If you are buying a new Bluetooth speaker for a golf cart, the following information supports a lot to make the best decisions. Here are the top 5 best Bluetooth speakers that might fit in your chosen list.

BOOM Swimmer DUO — Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker

It is constructed keeping in mind the most durable, high functionality, waterproof Bluetooth speaker. This robust device can connect with other devices at a wide range. Moreover, waterproof features can support it remaining under the water for more than 30 minutes. These speakers are built with several colors like orange, blue and black. It can easily absorb the drop shock due to the rubberized outer shape.

Pros: 

  • Convenient fitting with different carts

Cons:

  • Battery life needs to upgrade

JBL Clip 3 Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

Its unique small model and rugged design would be an automatic choice for many users. You don’t need to think that its small size hampers the ability to amplify sound properly. Adding the feature of echo cancellation helps the sound very much transparent. It can give you a maximum of 10 hours of battery backup that is pretty ok for a Bluetooth speaker. Wireless streaming services can help it to connect with other devices like laptops, smartphones, etc.

Pros:

  • High-quality sound and additional features

Cons:

  • Charging may an issue

Celtic Blu Tallboy Portable Bluetooth Speaker

If you genuinely love to listen to music, this portable Bluetooth speaker will be perfect for you. It comes with an accurate measurement like a water bottle shape and the entire body covered with an aluminum conceal. Moreover, it has an external rubber layer to protect it from any dropping damage.

At the top portion of this speaker, you will notice the control panel and the bottom section several slots like micro SD, USB port, power bank charging. It can give you 30hours of backup time with a 50% volume range

which is enough for any device.

This speaker recharge time is usually 6-8 hours, which means you can charge it overnight. The Bluetooth can work within the range of 100 feet.

Pros:

  • Sufficient battery life and excellent sound quality

Cons:

  • Not fully waterproof

FUGOO Tough XL Rugged Waterproof Wireless Bluetooth Speaker

FUGOO Tough XL would be brilliant for its sound quality and many other additional features for any Golf cart. Its excellent waterproofing capacity and rugged design make it highly attractive.

This speaker is unique for its design which ensures the durability of the product. FUGOO Tough XL is very popular for covering the desired range of connectivity.

The battery life cycle of this speaker can get roughly 6 hours in loud volume. Moreover, you can increase the reserve battery life cycle by playing with less. 100% waterproof and 360 sound makes it very lucrative for any music destination.

Pros:

  • Battery life and loud volume sound assurance

Cons:

  • The heavy and high volume reduces charging time quickly 

The end of an era has begun – Apple decides to finally discontinue the iMac and iMac Pro

The iMac Pro during its launch in December 2017
The iMac Pro at Apple’s press event in December 2017 (Source: ARS Technica)

As tragic as it sounds, it is inevitable and the bad news is here:

The iMac Pro will soon be phased out by Apple Inc. Once the most powerful computer the Cupertino, California based giant once made; it is now meeting its end.

Those who are looking to get their hands on the all-in-one-Mac, they can do so but only for a short period of time. The standard model priced at USD$ 4,999 is still available on Apple’s website but only until supplies last.

Meaning, that once Apple’s existing inventory is finished, the iMac Pro will no longer be available.

When did Apple release the iMac Pro?

The Apple iMac Pro
The Apple iMac Pro (Sources: Veanne Cao & TechCrunch)

It was in 2017 that Apple released the iMac Pro and it termed it as ‘the most powerful Mac ever.’ The computer was an all-in-one desktop machine aimed at creatives and professionals featuring advanced capabilities for 3-Dimensional (3D) rendering and graphics. However, since then the computer has not received any major updates in the past few years.

Some other versions of the iMac Pro can still be found at third-party retailers, provided that customers are heavily inclined at having the computer over a Windows PC.

The space gray version of the iMac Pro was introduced initially in 2017 and it was done ahead of Apple Inc.’s much awaited revamp of the Mac Pro. At its launch, this computer was colloquially known as a love letter to developers. However, such a term now seems to have run its course.

Didn’t Apple Inc. revamp the standard iMac since then?

The back side of the Apple iMac Pro
An image of the space-gray finish on the iMac Pro taken from behind (Source: ARS Technica)

Ever since then, Apple has revamped the standard iMac targeting the 27-inch model at the very same users it promoted at in the beginning. The company noted that the model is right now the most popular iMac among professional users.

The dark-themed Magic Touchpad (Source: ARS Technica)

The system has essentially made the iMac Pro redundant. At the high end of Apple’s offerings in the same category, there is the new iMac Pro.

Also, no one should forget that silicon-powered Apple iMacs are on the way. As far as we now, Apple Inc. revamped the MacBook, MacBook Air and Mac Mini with its proprietary chips. New versions of the 21.5-inch and 27-inch desktops are rumored for arrival this year. They will also be sporting a much-awaited new design.

What now for Apple Inc. after folding the iMac?

The ports behind the iMac Pro —a headphone jack, a slot for a SD card, four USB 3.0 ports, four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and an Ethernet cable slot (Source: ARS Technica)

The iMac Pro will no longer be available once supplies run out and according to Apple, the 27-inch model introduced in August 2020 is the preferred choice of iMac users. The company further stated that iMac users requiring more performance specifications and scalability, can go ahead with the iMac Pro.

The power button of the iMac Pro is the same as that of previous models (Source: ARS Technica)

Other than that, the iMac Pro was released in December 2017 but received no substantial hardware upgrades over time.

The latest 27-inch iMac features a 5K display with True Tone plus a nano-texture glass option. It has a 10-core 10th Generation Intel Core i9 processor, up to 128GB of RAM, 8TB in storage, AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT graphics car, 10Gigabit Ethernet option, a camera of 1080p high resolution with microphones, improved speakers and other added features.

While this 27-inch Intel based iMac Pro is Apple’s most recommended machine right now, there are rumors suggesting that a newly designed iMac having a next-generation Apple silicon chip and a design which is inspired by Apple’s high-end Pro Display XDR will be released later this year.

Customers are however exercising patience despite these rumors but it is still not clear if such a version of the iMac Pro will ever be released. Because at this point, it seems to be highly unlikely.

All eyes on the most happening smartphone brand! – Presenting the Xiaomi Mi 11 which has made its worldwide debut

Chinese tech brand Xiaomi just doesn’t stop making headlines and the Xiaomi Mi 11 is its newest flagship smartphone. Its specifications and price have turned it into Samsung Galaxy S21’s latest rival as well as rivaling phones such as the OnePlus 9 and Oppo Find X3.

The front side of Xiaomi Mi 11 in Horizontal position
The front side of Xiaomi Mi 11 in Horizontal position | Source: Android Police

When was the Xiaomi Mi 11 first seen?

The Xiaomi Mi 11 was first seen at its Chinese launch event somewhere in December 2020. Yet, the phone got another global unveiling, and that too on February 8, 2021, before it could be released globally. This is a pattern Xiaomi follows with its Mi lone of smartphones though the global launch of their phones is usually done at Mobile World Congress (MWC) held each year (This year’s MWC will be held in June).

Whenever tech-savvy people think about the name ‘Xiaomi’, they think of devices having high-end specifications that are good on the budget and available in competitive price ranges. However, the pricing aspect may not be friendly when it comes to the Mi 11.

Yet, the specifications Xiaomi Mi 11 has are pretty impressive including its features. No one should be surprised to see this phone get ranked among the best Xiaomi has to offer.

Before anyone gets to test the phone, we decided to round almost anything and everything everyone would love to know about the phone especially its specifications, features, and availability; helping everyone get a good idea of the Xiaomi Mi 11.

Some brief facts about Xiaomi Mi 11

  • The phone is Xiaomi’s newest flagship phone of 2021.
  • It will be released worldwide somewhere in March this year.
  • Its price will start at €749 (equivalent to USD$ 900, AUD$ 1,175, and GBP£ 660).

Price and availability of the Xiaomi Mi 11

After its global launch event in February 2021, Xiaomi Mi 11 will be launching in various regions across the world in March.

At the moment, the price for the phone is available in Euros instead of US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Australian Dollars. Due to instance, no one is expecting the phone to be available in the United States. Yet the phone will have conversions so people can get an idea when it comes to the phone’s price.

Another view of Xiaomi Mi 11
Another view of Xiaomi Mi 11 | Sources: Mi Official Website and TechRadar

For the set having 8GB RAM and 128GB Storage, the price will be €749 (equivalent to almost GBP£ 660, AUD$ 1,175, and USD$ 990). If consumers wish to have more storage, they can obtain 256GB for €749 (equivalent to GBP£ 700, AUD$ 1,250, and USD$ 960). Another version of the phone with 256GB storage and 12GB RAM was unveiled in China, which may not be released globally.

For context’s sake, the Xiaomi Mi 10 cost GBP£ 799 (equivalent to AUD$ 1,699 and USD$ 990) with 8GB RAM and 128 GB Storage. Hence, the Xiaomi Mi 11 can cost approximately the same or a little less in comparison to its predecessor.

What are the specifications of the Xiaomi Mi 11?

Here is an overview of the specifications of Xiaomi’s flagship phone:

SoC (Chipset)Qualcomm Snapdragon 888
RAM8/12 GB LPDDR5
Storage128/256 GB UFS 3.1
Display6.81-inch DotDisplay with AdaptiveSync (30/60/90/120Hz), 20:9, 3200×1440, 515 PPI, 1500 Nits max, HDR 10+, Corning Gorilla Glass Victus
Rear cameras108 MP main camera: 1/1.33”; f/1.85; 1.6 µm (4 in 1 Super Pixel); OIS; AF; 7P lens 13 MP ultrawide; f/2,4; FOV up to 123° 5 MP macro: f/2,4; 50mm; AF (3 to 10cm)
Front camera20 MP selfie: 1.6 µm (4 in 1 Super Pixel); f/2,2
Power4,600mAh battery with 55W wired charging, 50W wireless charging, 10W reverse wireless
ConnectivityDual SIM, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, NFC, IR, USB-C (PD)
Bands (European model)5G: n1/n3/n5/n8/n20/n28/n38/n41/n77/n78/n79 4G: LTE FDD: 1/2/3/4/5/6/7/8/12/17/20/28/32/66 4G: LTE TDD: B38/40/41/42 3G: WCDMA: 1/2/4/5/8 2g: GSM: 850 900 1800 1900 MHz
Operating System (OS)MIUI 12.5 on Android 11
Dimensions164.3 x 74.6 x 8.06MM (Glass)/ 8.56mm (Leather)
MiscellaneousStereo speakers, in-display fingerprint sensor with heart rate sensor, IR blaster, 55W GaN charger included.
ColorsTrimsGlass (Midnight Gray, Horizon Blue, Frost White) and Vegan Leather (Honey Beige, Lilac Purple).
Specifications of the Xiaomi Mi 11 (Source: Android Police)

It runs on Qualcomm Snapdragon 888

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 888 processor with 5G capabilities | Source: Mi Official Website

The Xiaomi Mi 11 carries Qualcomm’s newest Snapdragon 888 chipset backed by 8GB RAM and 128 GB or 256 GB of storage, which makes it quite a powerful phone. No one will notice an instant difference from the Snapdragon 865 processor which was also a fast one. Yet, Qualcomm promises improvements in the CPU and GPU performance by 25% and 25% respectively in Snapdragon 888.

The display and batteries are flagship-level

The Xiaomi Mi 11 from another angle showing its curved body and display
The Xiaomi Mi 11 from another angle showing its curved body and display | Source: Mi Official Website

The Xiaomi Mi 11 features a spectacular waterfall screen complete with a 6.81-inches OLED panel that is exceptionally bright and clear regardless of the lighting conditions. The peak brightness is at 1500 nits making it the brightest phone available yet.

Additionally, the phone has wide quad HD plus resolution (3,200 x 1,440 pixels) and 120Hz refresh rates, which can be used together or can be put in reserve to save the phone’s battery life.

A vast majority of phones have refresh rates of 60Hz, meaning the screen refreshes 60 times in a second. Displays of 120Hz look much smoother when scrolling through webpages in comparison. The Xiaomi Mi 11 also has an in-screen fingerprint reader, which according to Xiaomi doubles up as a heart-rate sensor.

With mild usage, the battery can easily last a day and a half. Even when it runs out, recharging the phone’s 4,600-mAh battery is done relatively quickly with thanks to its 55 Watt wired charger. It takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes to bring the battery to 50-60% from zero percent while almost an hour is all it takes to completely recharge the battery.

It is hence safe to say that battery anxiety is an object of history when people will begin using the Xiaomi Mi 11. One thing to keep in mind that the phone supports 50W of wireless and reverse-wireless charging.

Loud and crisp speakers are another hallmark of the Xiaomi Mi 11

Harmon Kardon speakers in the Xiaomi Mi 11| Source: Mi Official Website

One of the features that stood out in last year’s Xiaomi Mi 10 Pro was its pleasingly loud and crisp speaker system complete with one speaker on each end of the phone. Now Xiaomi stated that it has leveled up in the speaker aspect in Mi 11 through refining its audio experience in partnership with Harman Kardon, a well-known and decades-old manufacturing firm specializing in audio equipment and stereos.

The Xiaomi Mi 11’s speakers are loud and crisp, and it has the right bass to boot up with. Hence, Xiaomi has raised the stakes in the speakers’ game.

Three rear Cameras are present on the Xiaomi Mi 11

Three rear cameras of the Xiaomi Mi 11 | Source: Sareena Dayaram & CNET

The Xiaomi Mi 11 has three rear cameras, one less than its predecessor. Fascinatingly, quality beats out the quantity aspect.

The cameras are the main camera of 108 Megapixels with 13 MP ultra-wide and 5 MP telephoto macro. The latter cameras are designed for both close-up and zoomed shots. The first two cameras match the results and effectiveness of the Mi 10 whereas the third camera is a major improvement.

The Xiaomi Mi 10 had a 2MP macro and a 2MP depth-sensing snapper which had low functionality and not an impressive resolution. Perhaps the Mi 11’s 5MP camera will supersede it as it does bring the ability to provide a good zoom.

The front and back sides of the Xiaomi Mi 11 in various colors | Source: GSM Arena

The video mode of the Xiaomi Mi 11 is intriguing thanks to night videography. Low-light photography (also known as night mode) has become the phone’s proving ground where competitors need to stand out and the company has extended the feature to video shooting.

AI Erasure is another camera mode that can automatically remove people from the background of both a photo and video. AI cinema modes help replicate the look of professional film cameras and HDR10+ recording video capture is a focal point of the Xiaomi Mi 11.

On its Weibo account, Xiaomi posted some pictures and sample videos of the phone.

Conclusion

Xiaomi has never failed to amaze anyone, thanks to its cutting-edge technological prowess in all electronics it has made. With 5G set to become mainstream, the Xiaomi Mi 11 has not only raised eyebrows but is also set to outpace competitors with its pioneering cameras, speakers, display, battery charge, and processing power.

Microsoft Surface Laptop Go: Everything You Need to Consider Before Purchasing

Many of us want to keep something similar to an iPad, yet when we check the price for Apple’s product, it goes beyond our expectations. If you are not much of a fan of purchasing a laptop falling in the four digital categories and yet want a sleek laptop design that does wonders the same way as an Apple product, look no further than Microsoft Surface Laptop Go. With an aluminium back and a keyboard deck, Microsoft Surface Go Laptop Go is one of the machines which goes beyond expectations. It is one of the best laptops imitating as the powerhouse of multitasking & performance. 

Pricing

After all, if you realize that this Surface Go laptop imitates Apple’s Macbook products, it must pack some punch which, although it doesn’t lie in the four-digit category, has all the exciting features. There are two variants of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go available. 

1) Costs $899 with ci5 1035G1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 256 GB SSD. 

2) Costs $699 with ci5 1035G1 processor, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB SSD. 

Design

As far as the design is concerned, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go is slightly on the lower side from the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go’s preceding design. The upper deck comprises aluminium, whereas the undercarriage contains a polycarbonate composite resin system, which also includes glass fibre and offers a much sleeker eco-friendly touch. The Surface Go laptop variant has a much more excellent feel, and with an all-aluminium chassis, this particular design goes well beyond the Surface Laptop 3. 

The weight of the product is approximately 2.5 lbs. And for the thickness, it doesn’t go anything beyond the Asus Zenbook 13 UX325EA. Weighing at 2.5 lbs, the laptop weighs slightly more than the Google Pixelbook Go. The Surface Laptop Go supports both USB-A and USB-C ports. It has a 3.5 mm headphone, which is available on the left side of the laptop. You can also find the Surface Connector port on the right side of the laptop. 

Since the Pixelbook Go features dual USB-C ports and the ZenBook offers a selection of different ports, including a single Type-A port lacking a headphone jack, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go brings both the ports and a headphone jack in a single machine. 

Display

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go has a screen size of 1536 x 1024 and has an aspect ratio of 3:2. Subbed as the Full-HD resolution at 148 PPI, it may not be as clear and in-depth as the 166 PPI of the Pixelbook or Zenbook, but it still does the job pretty well. You can tell the difference in sharpness only if you choose to squint your eyes and look with a deep focus. However, the difference isn’t quite noticeable when you are watching it from a normal view distance. It will look just the same. 

Considering the color calibration, according to Klein K10-A colorimeter, the Surface Laptop Go gives a better result producing 103% of the sRGB spectrum, which is better than the 91% color spectrum of the normal mainstream laptops. However, when the display is compared with the Zenbook 13 (108%) or the Pixelbook Go (108%), it still weighs slightly on the lower side. The Surface Go has a low brightness capping around 319nits, which isn’t quite as bright as 370nits or 368nits of the other two machines. The reaction time on taps is fairly better than many other versions. 

Audio

The sound quality which the speaker on your Surface Laptop Go emits is pretty remarkable. The vocals from the speakers are also satisfactory. You can easily listen to the riffs, drums, and synths just accurately. As far as the bass goes, it produces a satisfactory bass so overall, the sound quality is satisfactory. If you are sitting in a medium-sized room, and you turn up the volume on your Surface Laptop, it’s enough for a person sitting in the next room to listen to what you’re listening to. 

Performance

When it comes to multitasking, Surface Go does a fair job. You can open multiple tabs on a single screen simultaneously and perform different tasks without breaking a sweat. In short, the core i5 10th generation chipset coupled with 8 GB RAM and a 256 GB SSD does a satisfactory job when it comes to performance. When the performance was measured on Geekbench 5, the overall performance benchmark displayed 3,117, which is relatively lower than some of the mainstream notebooks available in the market. The average notebook has a benchmark rating of 3,662. 

On the other hand, the more expensive Zenbook 13 displayed a better landing score of 5,084. 

Battery Life

If you’re a workaholic and would prefer to spend a lot of time on the Surface Go laptop, this is not the best option. According to Microsoft, you get a good 13 hours of battery life on the Surface Go. In contrast, according to a review covered tom’s guide, the average battery life found as per their personal experience capped around 7 hours and 13 minutes. Normal mainstream laptops falling in the same category can easily give up to 8 hours and more. 

Comparatively, the ASUS Zenbook has an average time of 13 hours, whereas the Google Pixel Go extends to as much as up to 11.5 hours. 

Heating

Another point of interest for most individuals is how fast does the Microsoft Surface Laptop Go heat up. When you watch a 15 minute of Full HD video on the Surface Laptop Go, it was found out that the Laptop Go device started feeling a bit warm. As per the heat gun readings performed by Tom’s guide, it averaged around (96 and 116 degrees Fahrenheit, respectively). However, the touchpad remained cool. 

So that’s just about it, for Microsoft Surface Laptop Go. I hope you found this article informative, and I believe you may have learned a great deal about the new Surface Go Laptop. 

Are you planning to purchase the new Laptop Surface Go? My verdict is that you opt-in for it only if your budget is a bit on the low-side. Otherwise, you should go for the better options available in the market. There’s the Zenbook and Pixelbook which does the job more profoundly. 

It’s here, it’s now and it’s happening! – all eyes on Apple iPhone 12!

The Apple iPhone 12 in various colors.
All eyes on Apple’s newest and flagship 5G creation, the Apple iPhone 12 | (Source: Apple Inc.)

In what is known as one of the biggest innovations the company has brought in today, Apple has announced the launch of its much-coveted & sought-after product, the iPhone 12. This year is perceived as the last year of the iPhone being a kid and is now entering its teenage years.

A fun fact worth knowing: Apple’s four-model line of the iPhone 12 marks the first major revamp of the phone’s design since the iPhone X of 2017 (which introduced facial recognition-based unlocking and improvements in screen technology).

The iPhone 12 with the MagSafe wireless charging system and other features | (Source: MacRumors)

Now, the company is sporting an array of colors, more models in the iPhone 12 range, and 5G wireless support in the iPhone 12 lineup. Other than that, Apple also launched the HomePod Mini smart speaker, the MagSafe wireless charging system for iPhone 12, and Beats Flex wireless headphones.

Let us now explore the phone in brief detail.

Apple iPhone 12 – the talking points

Backside of the iPhone 12 in available colors | (Source: Digital Camera World)

Apple introduced the iPhone 12 with four models in the lineup and each of them supports 5G networks (a first in the company’s product line). But the super-fast 5G mmWave technology is exclusive for the U.S market only.

To improve support for the new 5G network on the phone, both the iPhone 12 and the iPhone 12 pro come in with a new side cutout. This cutout is somewhat confusing but has been created to support 5G tech on the phone.

People are confused when they hear the term mmWave. This is the version of 5G having quite an impressive speed (500Mbps+). However, its range is limited, and cell phone carriers need to set up more cellular towers for 5G so it can be available to all users.

Also, rollouts of sub-6Ghz 5G stateside are easily deployable and usually achieve speeds in the range of 100-150 Mbps. They are however not as powerful as mmWave 5G.

What did Verizon’s CEO have to say regarding 5G for iPhone 12?

Apple invited Verizon’s CEO Hans Vestberg to the launch event of the iPhone 12. He announced there that the iPhone 12 will achieve gigabit download rates and 200 Mb/s upload rate on Verizon’s network.

Since this 5G works based on low range frequencies, the phone’s antenna structure was redesigned accordingly.

As a consequence, the new cutout on the phone’s side edge is made.

The phone’s antenna

The side cutout of The Apple iPhone 12 is actually a 5G antenna | (Source: 9to5 Mac)

The phone’s antenna is a new 5G antenna situated on the upper right side of both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro. They are not smart connectors for the Apple pencil. But they are rather antenna for the mmWave 5G technology.

However, iPhone 12 models sold outside the United States will not be having the cutout feature.

The price of all models of the iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 mini starts at USD$ 699 while the iPhone 12 is priced at USD$ 799. The price of the iPhone 12 Pro is USD$ 999 and iPhone 12 Pro Max is priced at USD$ 1099.

The product line of Apple iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 in various colors | (Source: MacRumors)

Being Apple’s flagship 5G phone, let us now have a brief look at each phone present in the iPhone 12 lineup.

The Apple iPhone 12

The iPhone 12 has a different body compared to the previous generation. It features smooth and flat edges and uniquely even construction. It was created in line with the new 5G technology into a slighter form factor (new antennas).

It currently is coming in the following colors:

  • Red
  • Blue.
  • Black.
  • Green.
  • White.

The iPhone 12 will have a 6.1 inches front display screen (like the iPhone 11) but with smaller display borders. It also means that the phone will be 11% slimmer, 15% shorter and 16% lighter than its predecessor, the iPhone 11.

The iPhone 12 has a Super Retina XDR display having 2 times more pixels than its predecessor. Text and images will hence look much sharper and better (thanks to the increased dynamic range).

The glass used in the phone’s display is made of a new material known as Ceramic Shield which is created in conjunction with Corning.

The new material of which the screen is made of has 4 times much stronger than the screen of the iPhone 11. This is the biggest jump Apple has made in terms of reliability for the iPhone (especially for iPhone 12).

Coming to 5G, the iPhone 12 will automatically switch to using LTE if the 5G speeds do not match user intentions on saving battery. The 5G will then turn itself on when it is needed.

The iPhone 12 is packed with a new dual-camera system, which features a 12MP wide-angle camera with a new aperture of f/1.6. It will also have an ultra-wide-angle camera with an aperture of f/2.4. Each camera of the phone has a four-element lens signifying a 27% improvement in low light conditions.

The flagship computational features of the iPhone 12 | (Source: MacRumors)

New computational photography was created to deliver more powerful new features to the phone. This means that the iPhone 12 will be able to understand scenes through machine learning by using Smart HDR 3, which will automatically adjust highlights and shadows for a great dynamic range. The same feature also helps the phone’s Night Mode, which is available in all cameras of the iPhone 12 (this is also a first).

The Night Mode Time-Lapse function is an update in the iPhone 12’s video capability, helping users create a time-lapse in the Night mode.

The Apple iPhone 12 mini

Comparing the Apple iPhone 12 with the iPhone 12 mini | (Source: MacRumors)

For those fans of Apple who adored the once-popular iPod, say hello to the iPhone 12 mini. With a screen size of 5.4 inches, it is currently the smallest, thinnest, and lightest 5G smartphone in the world. It is made to pack all the tech iPhone 12 has into something which is delightfully compact.

The Apple iPhone 12 mini comes in with storage options of 64, 128, and 256 GB respectively. In terms of camera and color, it is the same just as the iPhone 12.

Fans might have to wait a little longer for the iPhone 12 mini. With pre-orders taking place starting Friday, November 6, it will be available in stores from Friday, November 13.

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro with the antenna visible.
The Apple iPhone 12 Pro | (Source: E Online)

The iPhone 12 Pro has the same bells and whistles, the A14 Bionic chip, Super Retina XDR display, Night mode, Dolby Vision, Deep Fusion, and the same Ceramic Shield present in the other iPhone 12 models. This one has the LiDAR Scanner, which measures light distance and pixel depth information, thus delivering a faster and more realistic experience in augmented reality (AR).

The main alluring point of the iPhone 12 Pro Model is its capabilities in camera. Its camera has improved autofocus which is 6 times more than other models in low-light scenes.

A picture taken by Apple iPhone 12 at night | (Source: Apple Inc.)

Other than that, the ‘pro camera system’ present in it includes an ultra-wide camera for expanded photos, a Telephoto camera for longer focal length, and a wide camera with an f/1.6 aperture for taking photos and videos and both bright and low light places.

Picture taken using Apple iPhone 12 Pro in Telephoto Mode | (Source: Apple Inc.)

The iPhone 12 Pro also features Apple’s ProRaw allowing users to edit everything right on the phone. Storage options are 128, 256, and 512 GB respectively. It is available in the following colors:

  • Gold.
  • Silver.
  • Graphite.
  • Pacific Blue.

Consumers in Australia, P.R China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States along with 30 more countries can pre-order the iPhone 12 Pro on Friday, October 6. The availability in the United States will begin on Friday, October 23.

The iPhone 12 Pro will also be available in India, South Korea, and other countries from Friday, October 30.

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The different photography modes of the iPhone 12 Pro Max | (Source: Digital Camera World)

The things that make the Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max notable and distinguishable from others is its 6.7 inches screen (the largest Super Retina XDR display), more enhanced camera capabilities with improved focal length, low-light conditions, and of course, the zoom range.

Color and storage options are the same as the iPhone 12 Pro. Other than that, its availability for consumers in Australia, P.R China, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and 30 countries for pre-ordering starts from Friday, November 6, and full availability is from Friday, November 13.

Conclusion

There you have it, the complete product line of the Apple iPhone 12. This phone is not just a first for Apple in 5G but also in terms of display, camera, features, and the night mode. With its availability starting from October 23 for iPhone 12, iPhone 12 mini, and Pro, the Pro Max model is coming from November 13.

We are hopeful that the iPhone 12 will help Apple leave a positive mark in today’s ever-increasingly competent Smartphone market especially in the 5G territory.

Microsoft Just Launched Two New Microsoft Surface Devices

Microsoft just released two new Surface devices this Thursday for the world to feast upon. It comes forth with two new variants of the Surface devices, one is the successor of the previously trending Surface Pro X while the other is a cheaper variant for the Surface Go laptop. Both of these variants were expected to release this fall and apparently, they both are finally on the menu for tech enthusiasts around the world. 

Remember the time when there was all big talk about Microsoft coming up with a hybrid model for Surface Pro X that is going to be affordable? Guess what! Because this Thursday, Microsoft launched the two. Unlike other launch events, Microsoft this time did not host any virtual press event. However, they did publish several YouTube videos and also gave a short presentation discussing the features. 

The second-generation Surface Pro X and the new Surface Laptop Go delivers improved hardware and much better functionality to Microsoft Surface fans out there. 

Everything You Need to Know About the Surface Go Laptop

If you want a good laptop which you can easily carry around with you to your schools and workplaces, then the new Surface Laptop Go is your best bet. Not only is it very portable, but it is also a very affordable laptop as well. It is the kind of laptop which you can work on while the pandemic is on the rise. The laptop is quite satisfactory because you can run all your productivity apps and have a satisfying video watching experience all at the same time. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Go starts at an affordable price of $549.99

As far as the build is concerned, the new Surface Laptop Go features a 12.4-inch PixelSense touchscreen display. It also has a full-sized keyboard and a precision trackpad. The new Microsoft Surface Go also has an embedded power button and a 720p video camera for watching your favorite video shows. There is also a Studio Mics which enables you to perform video conferences with clear audio alongside the video. 

Experience a Dolby Audio surround because the laptop packs an Omnisonic Speaker. 

Here’s a speaker which can come in real handy when you are watching your favorite movie titles. 

For the specs part, the Microsoft Surface Go Laptop comes with: 

  • Intel Generation i5 Processor 
  • 16 GB of RAM 
  • 256 GB of SSD Storage
  • 13 Hours Long Lasting Battery Life 
  • Fast Charging Support
  • Total Weight: 2.45 Pounds 

Everything You Need to Know About the (2nd Gen) Surface Pro X

When the first generation hardware of the Surface Pro X came into the market, many Microsoft fans criticized it. The team made a mental note on the reviewers’ criticism and this year, they came up with the second generation of the Microsoft Surface Pro X. Microsoft, for now, claims that it has addressed most of the reviewers’ criticism and recreated the Surface Pro X experience which can now run 64-bit apps using the x64 emulator. 

As far as the hardware of the new Surface Pro X is concerned, the company integrated a Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon 8cx Gen 2 5G processor which comes with full support for 5G. 

The new Surface Pro X has a 13-inch PixelSense display and also contains different ports. You can easily find two USB-C ports and a Surface Connect port on the device. It comes with a 16 GB RAM and a 256GB storage. As far as the price goes, you have to pay up to $1,799 for the 512 GB SSD storage. 

It also contains a Surface Pro X keyboard and a Surface Slim Pen which is sold separately. 

The device will be available in Poppy Red, Platinum and Ice Blue color. Preorders for shipment will be open from the 13th of October. 

So there you go, here’s just about everything that we have learned about the new Microsoft Surface devices arriving in the market. Stay tuned for more updates, until next time… cheers. 

Everything You Need to Know About the New iPad Air 2020

Believe it or not, the new iPad Air is about to hit the market and it has some really cool features to offer. With the all-new iPad Air 2020, you are about to get some new pro-level features at a fairly affordable price compared to the predecessor iPad gadgets. The screen on the iPad Air will be relatively bigger and it has some other promising things in store for people. So without further adieu, let’s not waste any more precious time and learn what the new iPad Air 2020 has in store for Apple fans here. 

Starting with the iPad Air 2020 Overall Design

The new iPad Air 4 is rumoured to look exactly like the 11 inch iPad Pro. It is also rumoured that the new device will have the mini LED display technology which hasn’t been introduced on any iPad full-screen design as of yet. There’s also a chance that the new iPad Air 4 design will include the long-forgotten Touch ID. It was revealed in the same tweet where they revealed the news about the Face ID. 

We expect that the Touch ID will not only be limited to the iPad Air 4 but will also appear in the iPhone 12 and iPhone 13. This is intended because there are several occasions where the Face ID fails to work such as moments when you’re wearing a Face Mask. The Touch ID will be facilitated with a fingerprint scanner. There’s no doubt that the new iPad Air 4 will imitate the same design as the iPad Pro 2020. The only difference between both the gadget designs will be the camera in the side bezels. 

At the same time, we are also expecting a compatibility feature for the magic keyboard in iPad Air 4. 

A Bit on the Specs of the iPad Air 2020

Starting with the USB port, according to some Chinese suppliers we have come to learn that the new iPad Air 2020 will feature the USB Type C port instead of Lighting ports for charging. 

As far as the device storage is concerned, the new iPad Air 2020 will have 64GB worth of storage space. Fans will also get an A13 bionic processor which is the next-gen processor compared to the A12 Bionic processors which were used in the iPhone XS and XR phones. The current iPhone 11 phones are using the A13 chips. Whereas the regular iPad that is commonly being used by people contains the older A10 Fusion processor. This new chipset will be quite the major upgrade for users. 

As far as the Pricing Goes… 

DigiTimes reveals that the vendors are expected to release the product during the third quarter, and the price for the new iPad Air 4 is expected to go somewhere around $499 which is very reasonable. 

When is the New iPad Air 2020 Coming to the Market? 

As the analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo confirms the new iPad Air is going to appear in the market during the second half of 2020. It’s a fairly large window because there are six months in total so we can expect the iPad Air 4 to appear either during the next couple of months or we can wait for its reveal until the Holiday season. Because of the growing Coronavirus pandemic concerns, a slight delay in the release of the new iPad Air was expected. The good part is, we don’t have to wait for the next WWDC 2020 event for the major reveal because the Apple iPad Pro, for instance, was released through a press release. 

On 29th June, Kuo revealed that a new 10.8 inch iPad is about to hit the market, and there’s a fair chance that this will be the new iPad Air 2020. As far as the current iPad Air is concerned, it features a 10.5-inch screen. For now, Apple fans out there can keep their fingers crossed for the big release. 

Are you a fan of the New iPad Air 2020? Let us know what you think about the new gadget. 

At Techwire Hub, we are always ready to hear back from you. 

Parental Controls on Smartphones

How to Use Parental Controls on Smartphones

For anyone with kids, it seems to be a daunting process to ensure that they maintain safe and have healthy technology usage. Kids these days may engage in inadvertently risky online behavior which may be very dangerous. Many kids unintentionally disclose their identity which results in hundreds of child abductions every year. Even today’s toddlers are so fast at playing games online that it becomes so crucial for parents to keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t get into any trouble.

To make things easy for you, today’s smartphones have parental controls. In this way to can let your child roam free over the internet, safe in the knowledge so that they don’t cause any harm to themselves.

Keeping an eye on kids can be even more daunting when it comes to teenagers. Teenagers like to roam free anywhere and get so irritated when being questioned by parents. In this case, again, technology has made things very easy for you. You can simply track cell phone. In this way, you can keep an eye on them without them knowing about it. You can easily track their online comings and goings and reach that place easily if you sense any trouble.

Using parental controls

Limit screen time

The first and the foremost thing to do is to limit the time your kid is spending on their device. By putting the screen time limit on, your child is unable to use the phone after a specific period of time set by you. There are different Best Superhero wallpaper Apps for Android available for both Apple and Android users, which allow you to set a bedtime period. When this period starts, the phone becomes completely useless to your children as they can no longer use it. If they want to extend the usage period, they would have to send a request to your phone and we already know the answer to that!

Controlling access to content

It is essential to control what content your child is accessing and which apps they are using to ensure they are safe and sheltered away from any shocking stuff they might see. It’s good if you share your device with your kids instead of buying them one. You can set multiple user accounts on one device. You can later self-monitor each account. You can put different restrictions on each account depending on the ages of your all kids. Even if your child has a phone, you can make an account on their phone and manage it from your own phone.

Protecting your child’s privacy

Until your child gets to an age where they can make a decision themselves about how much of their information they might want to give out to the world, you should be the person in charge. The family link app comes in handy over here. You can prevent your child from sharing their Google photos and limit Google’s ability to save their information. If you are an Apple user, simply go the content and privacy restriction tab, and there you can find many privacy controls like location services and contacts.

Having a control over these features might prevent your kid from getting into any potential danger.

4 Ways to Excel Yourself in the Wearable Market in the Year 2020

The wearable market is ever-evolving. Since the time the first Apple Watch made its debut, the sales of wearable technology incredibly skyrocketed and went through the path of continued growth. 

Alone in 2018, more than 172 million devices were shipped. And these numbers just kept on increasing as we moved into the future. It recommended that Wearable technology has quite an impact on the digital stratosphere and is widely getting adopted by some of the major players around the world. With the tech behind these wearables becoming quite common, we are seeing a surge in its use-cases and what not. As the traction grows, we all wonder how one can benefit from this boom? 

Today I am going to discuss 5 ways how entrepreneurs and businesses can leverage the growing market of wearables and extract the best results without experiencing any hassles. 

So without further adieu, let’s check them out. 

Time to Give up on the Smart Watches

One in every 3rd wearable sold in the market is a smartwatch. Why are smartwatches the real deal? That’s because big technology giants like Apple & Google have invested a lot of budget in bringing these smartwatches to the table for businesses around the world. They have invested a great deal of time in optimizing various features of the smartwatch and optimized them to deliver the best user experience to their fan club. Because of their loyalty, the fans have entrusted them with the purchase. 

If you’re planning to invest in wearables, don’t go for the same tactic because the competition is tough. Instead, choose a different approach by going granular. For example, Myia, a health technology company has designed wearables that when worn by the patient can help them monitor heart rate. 

The more specific you get with your invention the better is your chance to score big in the market. 

See What Customers Are Seeking

Right now, we have the pandemic of COVID-19 impacting our lives and the lives of others who surround us. Now, here’s a solid need which can help people gain an extra edge. People are in dire need of solutions that can help them stay safe from the pandemic. Imagine getting a wearable device that helps you identify that a particular area is quarantined. For example, the smartwatch turns red and starts sending alarm beeps when you walk into a particularly sealed area because of the COVID19

Such applications can help people stay safe from getting infected and help customers get through. 

You can think of thousands of other ways to see what customers are seeking & how you can help. 

Create a Wearable that Creates a Sense of Community

Every wearable product right now that’s aggressively being marketed as a perfect community built around its respective gadget. Take almost any kind of smartwatch that you believe holds the potential. 


For example, Fitbit’s has a separate fan following of its own which largely surrounds people from all walks of life. People who are conscious about their health & weight are the most common users of this particular type of wearable and are found aggressively purchasing this product massively. 

Hence, it has the perfect community built around it. 

When you are planning to invest so you can step down in the wearable market, don’t forget to make due investments in cultivating a community around your wearable product. It’s the only way your wearable is going to survive and see the light of success once it is deployed in the market. 

When Crafting Wearables Consider the Children

It’s because wearables become quite the trend among your wearers, which makes it a solid pick for parents and children alike. For example, take the Owlet Smart Sock, here’s a baby monitoring device that can easily wrap around a child’s foot, and whenever the wearer’s heart rhythm changes or oxygen level drops, the Smart Sock beeps an alarm. Now imagine creating a wearable that will allow parents to track feeding patterns, how frequently the child needs to visit the loo or wearable that notifies parents or teachers when a child leaves a specifically defined boundary? 

Imagine the possibilities that you can create with a single wearable. 

Now apply them far and wide across many other platforms to see which can work in your favor.

So there you go, here are some of the best ways I believe wearables can assist you in the market. 

Are you still eager to find out ways in which wearables can benefit you? 

Do share your findings with us because we are equally interested and eager to learn.

Apple Improves Gaming Support with the Launch of the New iOS 14

We recently learned that Apple is working immensely to optimize gaming support for the all-new iOS 14 and compatible devices which will run the new OS on their platform. Apple has revealed a few highlights where it has provided information on full support for controller button remapping, haptics, rumble, motion, and also the ability of the Apple phones to utilize keyboard/mouse for gaming.

Gamers who actively use Apple products have long been asking the Cupertino smartphone giant when they are going to get the rumble and haptic support for Apple gaming experience, and apparently Apple has revealed that it’s finally hitting the market this year. Now, developers will be able to program feedback into Apple games optimized for the new iOS 14 so people can have a better gaming experience, such as getting a recoil after a shot is fired from a gun or vibrant explosions in gameplay. 

At the same time, Apple is also planning to add motion inputs, which will allow users to connect Sony’s DualShock 4 controller to the new iOS 14. With this feature, Apple developers will be able to add a feature for the colour scheme to change when the DualShock controller starts running low on battery. It will also feature a two-finger tracking as well as a full-support for the touchpad’s buttons. 

At the same time, we have also learned that Apple is actively working on adding the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 as well in its upcoming iOS 14, iPad 14, and tvOS updates. With this feature, users will be able to include full support for the four paddle buttons and even offer the button remapping feature. This particular new button remapping feature is globally accepted for all controllers which can be easily optimized and accessed by various apps & games that are hitting the iOS market. These additions are just the highlight as we are also going to see some more solid improvements in the coming time. 

Moreover, we have also learned that Apple is going to allow keyboard and mouse connectivity for iPad. So now, users seeking to have a PC gaming experience on iPad will not have to settle for gamepads & controllers. Although, right now, Apple users can connect a keyboard and mouse to their iPad and have the experience but they won’t be able to strike multiple keys at an instance and this particular support is quite the lackluster. The iPad also comes with a mouse support for current iPad games and provides a wonderful click & feel experience. 

Here’s actually great news for all the fans of first-person shooters because those who play FPS titles greatly rely on precision input. With the full compatibility for keyboard and mouse, fans can now have an ultimate shooting experience on their iPads. 

Also, players can have a full-advantage of full-screen gaming with the new Apple iOS devices.

By the way, luck you because we also have a last minute chunk bar for you. Apple is also working on overhauling the entire Game Center experience by changing the user interface for clients & customers. 

The new UI design of the game space will have a transparent layer on top of games. 

Alongside the game space area, Apple has also worked up on its achievement section of the Game Center. This has transformed the entire look and feel of the app. It is now allowing a more consistent gaming experience for all the iOS, iPadOS, tvOS and macOS fans who are enthusiastic gamers too. 

All of these upgrades indicate that Apple has worked tirelessly to create a really fun and engaging gaming experience for its future users. So whether you’re a fan of iPad, iPhone or some other device, buckle up! Because Apple is about to give a full-length amazing gaming experience to the table for fans around the world. Do you want to learn more about what Apple is doing to transform the gaming experience for all its users, well stay tuned on TechWireHub as we will be bringing more exciting info. 

PS5 vs XBOX Series X: What Key Features Give Sony’s PS5 an Edge over XBOX Series X

The Sony’s PS5 has recently revealed its first look and it has mesmerized the minds of many individuals. People who weren’t quite a fan of PlayStation are now seen pouring in their views on the next generation machine that is soon going to hit the market this Holiday Season. Fans are desperately waiting to see what the new Sony’s PS5 is bringing to the table and how exactly it is going to beat the 12.5 teraflops processing speed of the XBOX Series X which is also scheduled for release during the Holiday Season. No doubt, the XBOX Series X has some dangerously fanatic finishing touches. Yet, fans around the world are still interested in seeing how PS5 will beat the XBOX Series X. 

Today, I am going to highlight a few things which give PS5 an edge compared to the gaming beast, the XBOX Series X and provide you with all the reasons why you should consider purchasing PS5 this year

But before we begin, here’s the official PS5 reveal trailer which will leave you mesmerized. 

With PS5, You Are About to Get Instantaneous Load Time

During the Road to PS5 event that took place earlier this year, Mark Cerny the system architect at PS5 explained how there will be a very less loading time in the new titles which the PlayStation gamers will acquire. The speed time of the game will significantly cut down by 0.8 seconds for exclusives such as Spider-Man and other PlayStation games. A big shout out for this delayed load time goes to none other but the usage of SSDs in PlayStation 5. It offers a bandwidth speed of 5.5 GB/s which is quite satisfactory. It indicates that the data processing speed on PS5 will be much faster compared to PS4. 

Be Prepared to Maximize on Stunning Visuals

Another great thing about Sony’s PlayStation 5 which has made fans believe that this is one of the best PlayStation releases of all times is the stunning visuals the PS5 exclusive games are going to present. The breathtaking visuals are simply remarkable and as we saw some of the game reveals in the first look reveal event, we realized that the platform is fully capable of giving incredible details. Some of the titles that really captivated the fan’s minds were from Last of Us 2 and Horizon: Zero Dawn’s next chapter. It provides breath-taking visuals for people who are searching to play games in 4k. 

In fact, the new PS5 is known to support gaming up to 8k resolution which makes it much better. 

PS5 Brings 3D Sound Technology to the Table for People

When it comes to audio output, the PS5 brings 3D audio feature right to the doorstep of its individuals. It is powered by a dedicated Tempest Engine, a powerful AMD GPU which optimizes the audio quality in games to a whole new level. Now, you can immerse yourself in the land of nanites and experience a next-level sound experience while playing your favorite titles. This feature is fine-tuned to work with TV speakers & standard home audio setups. The PS5 console is quite ideal for all such users who are seeking high-end headsets and powerful headphones that bring the best sound quality to your doors. 

And Let’s Not Forget the Game Changing Dual Sensor Controller

No console is complete until it has the best controller to play their favorite game titles. Sony’s PS5 is one of the top-of-the-line DualShock 4 controllers with the DualSense feature. The controller features a variety of interesting elements such as haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a USB Type C feature, and a built-in microphone with a rechargeable battery. The controller is quite interesting and has a nice new feel as well. They are definitely better in look & feel and offer a whole lot more than the usual. So be ready with the release of the new PS5 because you’re in for quite an interesting blast. 

Lastly, Get Completely Immersed in Games with the PlayStation VR

We have now entered a new age of technology where VR is the next best thing. With VR hitting the market, the PlayStation market is open to an entirely new range of experience with a world of possibilities for developers. It adds multiple new layers of interaction and brings complete control for your entire gaming experience. The world of VR is massively engaging and there’s so much that a person can adapt to. The best thing is the immersive experience and with the PS5 content, it will just take the whole thing to such an incredible level, the one which you can only imagine. 

Here’s just about everything that I believe the PS5 is bringing to the table for all those who are desperately wishing to see the new console emerge as one of the best among the rest. Are you also excited to see how PS5 is going to be better than the new XBOX Series X? Feel free to leave your comments below so we can add more interesting pointers within our respective content. 

Until next time cheers. 

5 Gadgets Making Life Worth Living During the Quarantine Period

There’s not much to do when you’re locked inside the house and you run out of ideas in just over a week. At times like these, you wonder if you only had something to pass your time, something that keeps the ball rolling for you and when you look around, sadly you only find your smartphone! 

If that’s the case with you, then might I suggest that there are other interesting gadgets as well in the technology arsenal that can surely make your life worth living during the quarantine phase. You can order them online or you can go outside during the purchasing hours and visit a tech store to buy them. One way or the other, these gadgets can surely add a bit to your life and make it worth living. 

So without further ado, let’s check out 5 awesome gadgets that can help you pass your time during the quarantine. 

Get a Vizio 36” Dolby Atmos Home Theater Sound System

So what if you can’t go to the cinemas and have a thrilling experience watching your favorite movie titles? It’s time you bring the cinema home and watch some of the best movies with awesome sound effects. Get a Vizio 36” Dolby Atmos Home Theater Sound System with wireless subwoofers to give you remarkable viewing experience. Whether you want to watch Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter all over again on the big screen or tune into the latest Deadmau5 live music session, the Dolby Atmos does some real justice to your listening experience. Get a room-shaking, breathtaking, and porch rumbling base on the new home theater sound system. It also includes Chromecast support & has Bluetooth streaming enabled. So you can now easily connect any device of your choice and play it. 

Get an Echo Show to Stay Connected with Loved Ones

Missing your mom and dad, missing your better half or missing your children, it’s best that you get yourself an Echo Show which allows you to connect with your loved ones and have a chat with them. At times like this, staying connected with your beloveds can be quite the challenge. And with our hectic work-life schedules and current circumstances, the whole thing just doubles up and becomes more nerve-wracking. But not when you have the new Echo Show with you. With the new Echo Show, establishing face-to-face contact with your loved ones become quite the breeze. All you have to do is ask Alexa to drop a call to others who own the Echo Show using the Alexa app or Skype. To make a call to your beloved ones, all you have to do is just say, “Hey Alexa, call [Person’s Name]” Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Having a chat on the Echo Show is also a very interesting and fun-filled experience. 

Get a Fire TV Stick 4k to Watch Favorite Movies Anywhere

Those who didn’t get the chance to spend their lives watching their favorite movies cuddled up with their loved ones and families, get a fire stick 4k to watch your favorite movie titles now. There’s no better time than now to watch your favorite movies with your beloveds. You are indoors and got plenty of time on your clock. Besides, you will also find some interesting TV games on the Firestick to have an interesting playful experience. Games such as Jeopardy, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and Heads Up are a few. Just prepare a bowl of popcorns, fix yourself some hot chocolate, get a pair of blankets and snuggle in by the fireplace to watch those amazing movie titles you always wished for. It allows you to stream a variety of platforms such as Prime Video, YouTube, Disney+ HBO, Netflix, and more.  

Get a Bluetooth Sennheiser Headphones to Listen to Music

When boredom peaks, it’s best to turn on your favorite tracks and listen to your SoundCloud list but for that, you need a pair of headphones. While there are plenty of headphone options in the market, Sennheiser’s headphones are one of the best. Purchase a pair that fits your requirements, check which of these headphones offer what features as some of them have NFC and smart features. Whether you like bass or treble, based on your requirements there is always a variant available to purchase. Pick the one that fits best to your needs and listen to your favorite tracks all day/all night long. It’s the best time-kill option right now for all those who are pretty bored locked in the quarantine. 

Get a 4K HDR TV to Watch Your Favorite Movies in Full Swing

Lastly, don’t forget to get a 4K HDR television to complement your home theater system and Amazon Fire Stick 4k. After all, where will you watch your shows in 4K ULTRA HD, if you don’t have a 4K television set? There are many available at an affordable price in the market belonging to different brands. Buy the one with HDR support to give you better contrast, better brightness, and more life-like experience. If you have the budget to spend a bit more, then go for a QLED or OLED display unit. Though they are expensive they can surely give you a lifetime experience, the one you won’t forget. 

So here’s the list of every gadget that you can best add to your list during the quarantine period. Make quarantine fun and exciting with these gadgets and have a fun-filled experience. 

Do you have any other suggestions, then feel free to leave us a message. 

Everything Interesting You Need to Know About the Google Pixel 4a!

We all know how Apple recently came out with the new iPhone SE version and the new release has simply taken the world by storm. And since the time, Apple has hit the market with its new release, fans of Google around the world are leaking information about the new Google Pixel 4a.

The new Google phone is all set to arrive in the market latest by the 22nd of May.  

The rumor first emerged in Germany’s smartphone market and was first brought to the limelight by none other but the renowned multinational telecommunication company, Vodafone. And as the rumor continues, it is also known that the price for the new Google Pixel 4a will easily reach around €399 in the Eurozone that will be approximately closing up to that of the new iPhone SE variant just launched. 

Within the US, the price is approximated to be around $399. 

No wonder, the new Google Pixel 4a hits the market with a lesser price tag compared to its previous flagship versions, the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3A. It has also taken out some important features such as the water-resistance and wireless charging from the new Google Pixel 4a. Yet, it packs just about everything else which that too at an affordable price which you can find in the flagship Pixel 3 version. 

With the release of the Moto G Power and G Stylus, and the Samsungs new Galaxy A phones, we can see a new market developing around the budget phone market as more midrange phones are arriving. 

For now, here’s just about everything that we have come to learn about the new Google Pixel phones. 

The Specifications

Rumors are out that people are well aware of the hardware that the new Google Pixel 4a brings to the smartphone table. This information was seamlessly pulled from some of the internal documentation. 

Some of the information was also collected from several video leaks about the new phone. 

It is known now that the new Google Pixel 4a will power up on a Snapdragon 730 CPU and will contain 6 GB of RAM for fast processing. It will not be supporting the new 5G technology so that’s that. The smart device will also feature a 5.81 inch OLED screen with a 1080 x 2340 resolution. As far as the battery life is concerned, it is a bit on the low side capping a total consumption power of around 3,080 mAh. It will come with an 18W wired charger so you can plug and charge your device when it runs out of juice. Also, the new smartphone will contain a 12 MP rear cam with the OIS technology and an 8 MP front selfie snapper which will feature a complete 84-degree field of view. 

The chipset is limited to the UFS 2.1 storage support so if you are wondering what the storage speed will be like, you can compare it to other 730 chipset phones which are already hitting the market. 

There’s also a headphone jack so you can listen to your favorite songs on your preferred headsets. 

And that’s just about every detail on the specs that we have come to learn about the Google Pixel 4a. 

The Release Date

We all know that the Google I/O is soon to appear on the market on either the 12th, the 13th, or the 14th of May so we can expect the Google Pixel 4a to appear somewhere after the release of I/O. 

We are still not quite aware of the launch date but you can expect the phone to appear on the 22nd. 

The pre-launch will be available latest by May 15th and the full launch will then extend to the 22nd. 

This phone is pretty awesome for all those who are on a tight budget yet they need a smart device that can meet the present standards of the iPhone SE, the Moto G Stylus, and the G Power. 

Are you planning to purchase the new Google Pixel 4a? Let us know if you’re in the comment. 

At TechWireHub, we are always interested to connect with our tech-savvy individuals 🙂 

How iPhone SE stands Different in Comparison to iPhone 11?

Buckle up, people! All those who always wanted an iPhone at an affordable price for themselves which can offer them all the interesting features which they observed in the new iPhone 11, there’s good news. The new iPhone SE has finally arrived in the market starting at just $399. This lower cost high-functioning iPhone SE model is quite the fan-favorite because the SE version designs have been quite stable since the iPhone 6 release. Apple has recently announced a new version of the iPhone SE with 64 GB of storage. 

As far as the details on the design are concerned, the new iPhone SE has the same shape, look & feel like the iPhone 8. The screen size of the new phone is approximately 4.7 inches with a home button with a Touch ID. It has the same chipset A13 Bionic processor which was released in the last year’s iPhone 11 which makes it quite the hallmark for iPhone lovers. Yet, it is not the same thing and there exist a few differences between both the models. 

So before you decide between the two as per which will be the most suitable option, I ‘ll recommend you to have a look at their existing differences first. 

Let’s Talk About the Camera & the Display First

It is without a doubt, the iPhone 11 has a considerably large 6.1-inch screen whereas the iPhone SE has a smaller one which is only 4.7 inches. As far as the camera is concerned, the iPhone 11 comes with a powerful dual-lens camera which is a wonderful option for those who like to have the coolest clicks. If you’re someone who has a dedicated Insta-profile with a large fan following, then if you can afford a bit extra, iPhone 11 is one of the best choices. 

As for the camera on the new iPhone SE is concerned, it features a single lens back camera that just might match the same specifications as that of the iPhone 11. However, the only difference between the former and the latter design is that of the lens. While the iPhone 11 features 2 lenses, the iPhone SE only has a single lens. If you’re looking to add some fidelity or flexibility in your pictures, then I will suggest that you go for the more expensive option. 

If you want to learn why multi-lens cameras are better, check out this awesome article. 

Also, I would like to mention another notable difference between the technologies. The screen type on the iPhone 11 features a Liquid Retina display featuring thin bezels. However, with the iPhone SE, there’s a more conventional Retina HD display. Though both the screens have 326 pixels per inch. 

How’s the Biometric Different on both the Smartphones? 

We all are quite aware of how iPhone 11 featured Apple’s Face ID tech which was a very interesting option. But sadly, we fail to see the same tech emerging or taking place in the new iPhone SE. 

There is no Face ID technology integrated within the new iPhone SE models. 

But, it does come with the previous Touch ID technology where it scans your fingerprint to unlock. 

Now, it may sound a backtracking step coming from giants like Apple for not releasing the new Face ID feature in their iPhone SE release, they still put the Touch ID to compensate which is not the safest option on the block. Also, the Touch ID doesn’t offer the ease of use perspective as that of Face ID.  

How Are Both the Phone Designs Different From Each Other?

When we talk about designs, the iPhone SE pretty much resembles to the classic iPhone look and feel. It is a great option for all those who are not interested in carrying a tablet-sized phone in their hands. It does contain pretty much all the features that you can expect in a normal iPhone so yeah it’s the one. 

Soon Apple aims to integrate other relevant features such as Apple’s iOS ecosystem, water-resistance and wireless charging with the mid-range SE versions of its phone too. 

What About the Battery Life? 

We all know that the battery on your iPhone 11 can run up for a full-day; however, with the iPhone SE version the company claims the mid-range phone can provide you up to 13 hours of video playback. 

So it’s pretty evident that the iPhone 11 will still offer you a better battery life compared to iPhone SE. This particular battery timing puts the iPhone in the same range as the 2017 versions of the iPhone. 

So there you go, here’s just about everything we know for now on how iPhone 11 differs from the iPhone SE. Are there any other important features that you consider to set both the phones apart? Feel free to share your views in the comment. 

iPhone Replacement Parts

iPhone Replacement Parts Just Might be Running Low in the Market

Do you already have an iPhone? Just in case, if you’re a fan of iPhone and looking to upgrade to the newest model, this year might face a bit of difficulty in upgrading your device to a new one. There is news circulating the market that this year iPhone manufacturers might be short in replacement parts supply and the reason behind is none other but the rapidly-growing dangerous COVID-19 virus. 

Even if it’s an old iPhone that you own and you might want to visit a shop to get it repaired, you’re still in high waters. Coronavirus has massively taken its foothold in more than 80 countries around the world, and it is currently affecting the places where the production of the iPhone replacement part takes place. Several reports are pouring in with the claim that even repair parts are running short. 

The virus which took birth in the Wuhan province of china has almost pushed many Chinese individuals to lock themselves up at home and not go out. As a result, the production facilities in China have come to a halt and for the last few weeks, and now they are unable to get them up and running again. As a result, the main assembly lines which are currently operating in the United States are falling short on different parts and hence, the overall manufacturing is experiencing a debacle. 

This delay in production is what is creating a major concern for the iPhone business. 

For now, technical support staff at Apple have raised a red flag with sources claiming that they have informed the retail market, they are running low on replacement supplies. For now, the supply chain may have been suffering from holding up replacement parts for the damaged iPhone devices. 

Further memo on the iPhone business claims that they have observed more shortage in replacement parts which in fact, doesn’t even require any replacement yet, fixing these phones might take delays. 

For now, Apple doesn’t consider this problem an everlasting one and instead, it’s giving the problem at least a month before things start getting to normalize. Meanwhile, the brains at Apple are working on providing a previous version of the Apple phone to the people until their replacement iPhones arrive. 

The loaner phones will be mailed to your address in a month’s time. So just in case, if you haven’t received your replacement phone yet from Apple, don’t worry, it will soon be arriving at your address. 

For now, the best resort for people is to find a quick mobile repair specialist in their locality. 

Did you find this article informative? What do you think about the widespread pandemic of coronavirus and its impact on human health? Feel free to share your thoughts only on the

One Plus 8 Specs Revealed

One Plus 8 Specs Revealed! Everything You Need to Know From Lite to Pro

We still have at least a month until OnePlus is about to make its massive reveal on one of the biggest smartphones the company is making this year. Expectations are high as One Plus fans have desperately been waiting not for one or two, but three new phones hitting the smartphone market. 

While there isn’t quite much of a difference between all the three models, other than the size and the name, there are certain leaks, however, indicating what the new phone is going to bring to the table.

Many rumors are already hitting the market about what features will the OnePlus 8 have, but thanks to 91mobile who did a massive reveal and shared detailed information on some of the OnePlus 8 specs. 

What Features Does the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro Hold?  

The Pro and the normal version is going to include a Snapdragon 865 chipset with 5G enabled. Both the phones will have the 120 Hz screens and as the company revealed a triple camera deck, it featured a 48MP, 16MP, and 2MP camera sensors. 

As far as the Pro version of the phone is concerned, OnePlus 8 Pro not only focuses on the screen size but it has a few more added features. The screen size for OnePlus 8 is around 6.5 inches whereas the screen size for the OnePlus 8 Pro is approximated around 6.65 inches. One of the best things about the OnePlus 8 phone models is that it introduces wireless charging support for the larger 4,500 mAh battery. As far as IP rating is concerned, there is no news out about it as of yet. 

For the Lite version, the OnePlus 8 Lite features 5G but only on the sub 6 GHz band. 

The lite version of the phone has a smaller screen size of 6.4 inches which does not support a 120Hz screen refresh rate. However, the Lite version of the phone still takes the refresh rate up to 90Hz. 

One Plus 8 and One Plus Design

As we all know that the One Plus 7 included a pop-up camera for taking selfies, the One Plus 8 will only feature a simple punch-hole which will be present on the top left corner of the smart screen. As far as the screen size is concerned, it is expected to shrink from 6.67 inches down to at least 6.5 inches and can in fact go up to 6.44 inches. The rumors, for now, suggest it will be smaller than its predecessors. 

The same is expected for the PRO too. Other then that, the pop camera is to be removed in order to include the wireless charging feature but that isn’t the only reason. Sources indicate that fans were complaining about reliability issues they had to deal with the pop-up mechanism. The concern usually surrounded water and dust particles getting into the machine and making its performance relatively slow. 

A spec breakdown leak suggested that the new phone is going to contain an alloy frame and will feature a glass back. It will also have a Gorilla Glass 6 on the front screen. Also, the OnePlus 8 is expected to have an IP53 rating whereas the OnePlus 8 Pro will have the IP68 rating. It indicates that the new OnePlus devices will be more waterproof compared to the previous OnePlus devices. 

Device waterproofing is one area where the OnePlus area shows an inclination to explore. 

About the Hardware

As for the hardware, the leaked spec sheet reveals that both the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro will have have the Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor which will include the latest 5G capabilities. Both of them will supersede preceding devices in the networking technology as well by replacing 4G with 5G. However, there is no confirmation that all the devices will have the 5G technology. Some of the phones are expected to feature 4G networking technology as well. 

The OnePlus 8 will have the standard storage from 128 to 256 GB and will feature an 8 GB RAM. Whereas, the OnePlus 8 Pro is expected to have a 12 GB RAM with almost the same storage. 

As far as the battery life is concerned, the OnePlus 8 will feature a 4000mAh battery which will come with the full support of 30W Warp Charge. Whereas the OnePlus 8 Pro will have a 4500mAh battery with a 50W Super Warp charge. The phone will feature wireless charging which hasn’t ever been introduced before in any of the OnePlus phone series. 

When is the One Plus 8 Series About to Get Released? 

As per when One Plus 8 series is going to be released, the phone is going to get a debut somewhere around mid-April. For now, we don’t have an exact date of its launch but for now, sources indicate it will in the middle of the month. 

The OnePlus 7T series featured the new Android 10 version right from the start. However, we can expect the same treatment with the OnePlus 8 models. Also, with the new update on Android 11, we can also expect that the OnePlus 8 will readily update to the new version of Android when it arrives in the year 2020. So here’s just about everything that we have learned so far about the new One Plus 8 phones. Do you know anything else? Feel free to share your insight with us only on TechWireHub. 

Best Bang for the Buck! LG’s New V60 ThinQ is Huge with a Removable Screen

Don’t you desire a phone that offers 5G connectivity along with the 8k resolution and that too with a foldable screen? If your budget is a bit on the low side & you want something that’s highly affordable, look no further than LG’s New V60 ThinQ, a phone which packs quite the punch in just around $1,000. 

With foldable phones on the rise and Samsung launching it’s very own Galaxy fold, things in the smartphone industry have escalated. Brands are now focusing on consumer demands and are inclined at manufacturing phone models which can add all the next-generation features. But LG takes the game up a notch and brings a whole lot more just under $1,000. With LG’s V60 ThinQ, things are about to change for all the foldable fans out there.

Everything You Need to Know about the LG’s New V60 ThinQ

One of the best things about the new mobile is the camera. It features a 64 megapixel, an 8k resolution supported smartphone screen and is bundled with the Dual Screen attachment. Here’s a case that adds a secondary screen to the phone, which is pretty similar the last year’s release of G8X ThinQ. On the plus side, the phone has all the necessary features that the new Samsung Galaxy phone is offering along with a headphone jack which the Samsung isn’t offering to its customers. 

Imagine getting all that for a few hundred dollars less? As far as the price goes, LG hasn’t given any ballpark figure as of yet. But fans have already estimated the pricing by comparing it with the older models. They have deduced that the price will range somewhere approximately $700 – $800. Those who have beta tested the phone aren’t quite satisfied with the camera compared to their high-end counterparts manufactured by Google, Apple, and Samsung. The OS on the phone still looks outdated, and there’s no sign the phone will get Android updates faster compared to other phones.

And with the addition of a foldable screen, beta testers have labeled it as a bulky and a “hard to handle” phone in the foldable smartphone category. If you’re interested to make the purchase, then here are some important pre-requisites that you need to pay attention to. 

The LG New V60 ThinQ Foldable Phone is Big! 

When it comes to basic features, LG phones don’t fall short than what it promises to deliver. The V60 features a high-resolution OLED screen and packs a good 5,000mAh battery with a long-lasting life. 

The phone also contains a Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865 processor and also includes an 8 GB RAM. There’s also a MicroSD card slot to add more storage to the phone’s base storage of 128 GB. It features both fast wired and wireless charging. It also has an IP68 water-resistant screen and features the latest version of Android. The headphone jack also comes with a digital to analog converter, which makes the sound quality on the phone even better. The phone has a large 6.8 screen which is good enough to have a great viewing experience. The size indicates it’s not designed for the small hands. 

The screen refresh rate for the new LG foldable is not as good as the refresh rate for the OnePlus 7T or Google Pixel 4 or one of Samsung’s latest devices. So if you want to download and play games from the app store, the high-end graphic games might not offer you quite a smooth experience as the other foldable devices. The screen edges are chamfered whereas the blue models feature a golden accent making the new device remarkably interesting for those who want to carry something classier. 

The only sad bit is the sheer great size of the phone which kills the entire multitasking experience after attaching a second screen. Also, the case is thick which makes the already bulky phone bulkier.  

Introducing 5G Support

As more 5G models have started appearing in the market, many phones have adopted wired 5G technology. But with the new LG’s V60 ThinQ, you can experience 5G connectivity in wireless mode. For now, LG isn’t selling any unlocked version of the phone similar to Samsung. So for now, you can only buy the phone version which has your carrier support. The Sprint, T-Mobile and AT & T models come with the sub-6 version of 5G whereas Verizon is the only one that comes with the mm-wave.  

It is fast but the indoor coverage is low. 

The Camera on LG’s New V60 ThinQ

The previous LG phone model featured a total of 5 cameras but with the new V60 ThinQ, you only get 3. There’s a main camera of 64 megapixels, and two other one 13 megapixels while the other 10 megapixels. 8k video recording is the hallmark and offers improved audio capture. This phone is an interesting option for all creative personalities. The LG phone uses binning technology on its screen to merge pixels together so they can absorb more light giving amazing 16-megapixel photos that are bigger, brighter and better even in the low light. If you click a few on a sunny day, they’ll be good. 

So here’s just about everything we have learned so far about the LG’s New V60 ThinQ. Do you want to add a bit more? Leave us a comment. 

The Xperia 1 II – Say Hello to Sony’s first-ever 5G phone

resenting the Sony Xperia 1 II, Sony's flagship 5G phone.
Presenting the Sony Xperia 1 II, Sony’s flagship 5G phone |Source: Sony

At a time when companies are moving towards folding smartphones and 5G supported phones, Sony finally has come up with a successor that will not only tilt the company ahead of Chinese competitors but also adding a new dimension to the Xperia brand.

It has now been confirmed after early leaks that Sony’s flagship 5G phone is the Xperia 1 II (pronounced Xperia 1 Mark II). As the naming scheme suggests, this phone is the Xperia 1’s successor, and the company recently announced the launch of its flagship 5G smartphone.

From the looks of it, The Sony Xperia 1 II looks like an improvement over its predecessor, the Xperia 1. It packs a lot of meaningful improvements over its predecessor.

According to Mitsuya Kishida, Sony’s President of Mobile Communications, No one understands the experience of entertainment better than Sony. The company is in a unique position in today’s time of 5G cellular technology to give the target users an ‘enriched’ experience thanks to Sony’s extensive content portfolio.

He further stated: “Whether you are a broadcast professional who requires dynamic speed or an everyday user who desires enhanced entertainment, Xperia with 5G takes your mobile experience to the next level.”

What sets the Sony Xperia 1 II apart from the rest?

Sony Xperia 1 II has specifications like the 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio.

It is powered by a Snapdragon 865 chipset, 8GB RAM, 256GB of storage, and a 4,000mAh battery with a fast-wired charging of 21 Watts (equivalent to 21 Volts and 1 Ampere).

Among the other specifications are :

  • The IP65 and IP68 certifications for resistance to dust and water.
  • Stereo speakers.
  • A 3.5mm headphone jack.
  • Wireless charging.
  • A dedicated shutter key.
  • A fingerprint scanner mounted sideways.

Sounds cool, doesn’t it? 😊 It’s now about to sound even cooler.

Thanks to the presence of the Snapdragon X55 modem, the Sony Xperia 1 II will support sub-6GHz 5G.

However, it will support 5G networks in Europe for now. The device will support 4G networks in other parts of the world.

The flagship 1 II handset will be 4G only in the United States, but US fans should not be heartbroken. Sony recently teased a separate 5G device known as the Xperia Pro.

The company also announced a new mid-range handset known as the Xperia 10 II.

The Sony Xperia 1 II’s camera and the new things coming with it

In terms of the phone’s photography capabilities, Sony has added some neat hardware features such as the 3.5mm headphone jack and wireless charging support.

Surprisingly, both these features were not present on the Xperia 1.

Today’s era is that of the 108-megapixel smartphone cameras, the 12-megapixel triple-camera array found on the back of the Sony Xperia 1 II risks it is getting labeled as a low spec phone on paper. However, the company thinks otherwise.

Sony is of the belief that it has raised the bar up by bringing in features from its Alpha lineup of cameras. 

The phone supports up to 20fps shooting in burst mode (the company believes it to be a first for a smartphone) and has the ability to calculate AF/AE at up to 60 times per second.

What’s more, is that the eye-tracking auto-focus has returned from last year. This system works quite well with animals.

According to Sony, the camera auto-focus covers 70% of the frame.

What else has Sony brought with it?

The Japanese electronics giant has a new Photo Pro app, which joins last year’s Cinema Pro app. The goal here is to give users more manual control over their photography.

According to Sony, this will be done with a similar interface to an interchangeable lens camera. If users wish taking pictures using a normal smartphone camera interface, they can do easily.

Sony Xperia 1 II Real-time Eye AF for both humans and animals in photography.
Real-time Eye AF for humans & animals in photography in the Sony Xperia 1 II | Source: Sony

What is the Camera’s hardware?

The Sony Xperia 1 II has three rear cameras and a 3D iToF sensor to help with focusing. All the three rear cameras feature 12-megapixel sensors, like the iPhone 11 Pro.

On the phone, the main 24mm f/1.7 camera has a large 1/1.7-inch sensor which is almost the same Samsung is using for the Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus’s main cameras but not as large as the one found in the Galaxy S20 ultra.

Another thing the phone has is a 16mm f/2.2 ultrawide camera and a 70mm f/2.4 telephoto camera. On the front, an 8-megapixel selfie camera with a dedicated camera button on the right side of the phone.

The video aspect

The Sony Xperia 1 II can record videos of 4K quality at 60 fps and 2K videos at 120 fps. The company promises superior audio quality whilst recording videos as the phone separates out disturbance caused by wind noise.

The phone also comes in with 360 reality audio decoding which is known to be another first in a smartphone.

The good part of the Sony Xperia 1 II’s screen

Just like its predecessor, the Sony Xperia 1 II has a 6.5-inch 4K HDR OLED display with a tall 21:9 aspect ratio. The company is somehow keen to emphasize the benefits of such as a screen for media consumption, there is plenty of daily usage people will have on the phone. Among them is the ability to see more emails in an instant and explore more content in an instance on social media.

Pricing and release date

Sony has not announced any price for the Xperia 1 II. However, it will launch the device in Europe in late spring. The U.S release date for the device is unknown.

Currently, the company is working on the Xperia Pro, which is a professional variant of the Sony Xperia 1 II. It is designed specifically for the US market and for use by professionals specializing in broadcast video production.

This will feature 5G mmWave connectivity and an HDMI port which allows it to be hooked directly on professional cameras.

What mid-range handset does Sony have?

Sony currently has a new mid-range handset known as the Xperia 10 II. It has a slightly smaller screen 6 inches in size and 21:9 1080p OLED display. The processor is the Snapdragon 665 which is less powerful than what Xperia 1 II has and a smaller 3,600mAh battery.

Although it has an array of 3 cameras with the same combination of coal length as the Xperia 1 II with two cameras having 8-megapixel sensors. It has the 3.5mm headphone jack but no areas for wireless charging. The company aims to ship it in select markets this coming spring.

Conclusion

The market for smartphones today is obsessed with 108-megapixel cameras and ultra-thin bodies. Renown manufacturers such as Samsung and Motorola went ahead with foldable phones such as the Razr and Galaxy Z Flip to add a twist to the smartphone market today.

Sony Xperia 1 II is not just any smartphone. It has introduced 360-degree spatial audio and front-facing speakers. The welcoming return of the 3.5mm headphone jack adds more to the good over the bad. The handset will hardware-decode streams from Tidal for optimal high-resolution sound quality.

The audio aspect coupled with its compatibility with Sony’s Alpha cameras is set to make this phone a hit with consumers. The arrival of the Xperia 1 II adds more flavor to the 5G phone lineup which was dominated by Apple and Samsung.

The Sony Xperia 1 II will start getting shipped in spring and in a choice of either black, purple or white. The company has revealed that it will launch it on Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, MetroPCS, and Cricket.

Galaxy Z Flip

Teased a day early at this year’s Oscars – Presenting the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

The Samsung Galaxy Fold was released in September last year. It was able to impress the Smartphone universe greatly with its unusual and creative concepts, but its hardware lacked teeth. The hardware failed to match up to expectations as it had encountered several embarrassing issues.

This did not frighten Samsung, as it still expects to sell around 6 million foldable devices this year and 20 million of such by next year’s end.

Since last year, we all have been hearing news, leaks and details about Samsung’s upcoming foldable phone. It was initially assumed to be known as Galaxy Fold 2, but as it turns out; it is the Galaxy Z Flip. Thanks to an ad for this year’s Oscars, we got to find out when the device will be released as the ad teased Samsung’s new folding phone.

With the new Moto Razr available as the first foldable smartphone, it will be quite interesting to see how much Samsung can add to the line of folding phones.

Previous folding phones have not been able to impress consumers. With the Galaxy Z Flip, Samsung has proved to all how it can also improve the folding phone model to stay ahead of competitors.

Here are some details of the Galaxy Z Flip, based on rumors about it and on what Samsung has showcased at the Oscars.

What do we know about the Galaxy Z Flip so far?

The Galaxy Z Flip is known to have a 6.7-inch folding display, two 12-megapixel cameras on the back (one is regular while the other is ultrawide), two batteries and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 plus processor.

A close up of a flower

Description automatically generated
The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip | Sources: Tom’s Guide and Winfuture.de

The specifications of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

Here are its specifications detailed completely:

  • Price: $1,400 – $1,500.
  • Screen size, when unfolded, is an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) screen of 6.7 inches with a resolution of 2636 x 1080 pixels.
  • The outer screen is a 1.1 inches OLED screen with a resolution of 300 x 116 pixels.
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 855+ CPU.
  • 8GB of RAM.
  • 256GB of Storage.
  • Rear cameras of 12 megapixels, with the main one having a focus of f/1.8 and the ultra-wide-angle one having a focus of f/2.2.
  • A 10-megapixel front camera having a focus of f/2.0.
  • The battery has a power of 3,300 mAh.
  • When folded, the phone has a size of 3.4 x 2.9 x. 0.61 – 0.68 inches.
  • When open, the phone has a size of 6.6 x 2.9 x 0.27 – 0.28 inches.
  • The phone has a weight of 6.5 ounces.

The ad that teased the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip ad that was aired during the Oscars | Source: YouTube

Tuesday’s event won’t just see the Galaxy Z Flip’s full unveiling as Samsung is also expected to launch a trio of Galaxy S20 phones (formerly known as the Galaxy S11).

Based on the latest rumors, the biggest addition to these new phones is compatibility and support for 5G and a 120 Hz refresh rate OLED screen (which matches the ASUS ROG Phone 2) and a new 108-megapixel camera.

Snap from Samsung Galaxy Z Flip's TV ad
Snap from Samsung Galaxy Flip’s TV Ad | Sources: Samsung, YouTube and Tom’s Guide

After seeing only three significant folding devices last year, folding smartphones are still hanging on the edge of the mountain of futuristic reality and fancy ideas.

The Galaxy Z Flip competes directly with the Motorola Razr (which went on sale recently and even failed folding tests last week). Recent news about squeaks in the new Moto Razr when folding raises concerns. Such concerns can be allayed by the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip.

The Motorola Razr failing the fold test | Sources: YouTube

Samsung leads the pack of phone makers in terms of output and the Galaxy Z Flip is the company’s second folding smartphone after the Galaxy Fold. The Galaxy fold was a super-luxury item, priced around $ 1,980 (around £2,000 and AU$ 2,950).

The Price

If Samsung sells the Galaxy Z Flip for $1,400 (£1,086 and AU$ 2,090), then the Korean electronics giant will effectively dent Moto Razr’s price of $1,500. Also, the company will be doing it with a phone having a more comprehensive set of specifications and much more durability.

Experts views on the shape and price of Galaxy Z Flip

Experts in the industry concur with the view that Samsung’s adaption of a Clamshell body for the phone is one of the best ways of making these folding smartphones affordable and portable. It is also likely that regular people will be purchasing it with ease, apart from the pricey ones lying around.

However, the price $1,400 price tag is somehow a long way from an earlier report in Singaporean News ‘The Independent’. It revealed that the Galaxy Z Flip could be priced at $850.

The phone is also known to be using quite an extra-thin layer of glass instead of plastic for the screen.

Consumers are hopeful that the phone’s vertical hinge will be easier to use than that of the Galaxy Fold. A lot of people are surprised that the phone was unveiled at last night’s Oscars.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold special edition from Russian jeweler Caviar | Source: Caviar

Yet, it is still affordable than the Galaxy Z Fold. For those who are looking to spend a bit more than that, Russian jeweler Caviar announced that it will release a special edition case for the phone costing $5,000.

Will the Galaxy Z Flip avert the fatal screen issues of the Galaxy Fold?

One thing is clear regarding the phone; Samsung has enhanced the design in order to set aside the design flaws in the Galaxy Fold.

This is the Korean giant’s second attempt at making a folding smartphone. Also, the company used plastic end caps in shrinking a gap preventing entry of dust and debris.

Internal support for the delicate display has also been reinforced.

Android 10 and One UI 2 software are included in the Galaxy Z Flip

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip will have a USB-C charger port and is guaranteed to work with Android 10 and Samsung’s One UI 2 software layer riding on the top of Android OS.

Conclusion

The tease of Samsung Galaxy Z Flip at the Oscars comes in as a surprise. It will be released on February 11 this year alongside the Galaxy S20.

The Galaxy Z Flip comes in as an upgrade to its predecessor Galaxy Fold. The phone is much affordable than the new Moto Razr and is rumored to be much more durable as well.

How will the phone fare practically? Dear readers, please stay tuned to find out more about the Galaxy Z Flip.

A new era begins: A look into the new design of Apple iMac

For quite some time the Apple iMac had been on a stagnant run, to the extent that it has fallen way behind when it comes to an all-in-one design for a personal computer (PC). However, in the recent few days a patent has been spotted which can change all that.

Patently Apple was the first to spot the patent application, which was filed in May 2019. It shows the new Apple iMac comprising curved glass having the keyboard, track-pads and display in the same body.

It does seem weird, but this is the new era where devices are not only odd but innovative, given the case of Lenovo’s new foldable laptop and the new Moto Razr.

Let us now have a good look at the new Apple iMac because there is more than meets the eye when it comes to Apple’s new mysterious computer.

Is the new Apple iMac’s design genius or what?

The design is truly genius and it is unthinkable. But Apple is surely the master in doing the unthinkable.

The American technology giant recently applied for a patent. This patent is itself quite ambitious for a design showcasing a new all-in-one computer integrating both the track-pad, monitor and keyboard into one single curved sheet of glass.

The patent describes the way the supposedly new iMac model’s input and display areas can be built and integrated into a single unit having a unified continuous surface.

A support structure will be behind the display unit which can contain the computer’s central processing unit and provide the space for all the machine’s ports.

The new Apple iMac patent registered by Apple Inc. with the United States Patent Trademark Office (USPTO).
Patent design of Apple’s supposedly new iMac | Sources: United States Patent Trademark Office & The Verge

Some parts of the patent suggested that the actual computing component of the iMac might be removable which allows users to slide in their MacBook in that dock.

In case of absence of a MacBook, an iPad can be stuck in on top of the iMac. Since it will be behind the screen, no one is sure how this will be useful.

More diagrams of the patent |Source: Apple & TechRadar

We are also unsure of whether this new radically overhauled iMac will come out in the market in this design or with an improved one. But consumers always find it fun to try and determine what Apple will try to do in the future.

The patent itself is bizarre yet fascinating that even if it does not become real, it excites everyone (including the die-hard fans of Apple) for Apple’s future products in many ways.

Should we think about the patent design of the new Apple iMac again?

Let’s analyze this design, again? Some believe it might not become a final product, but no one should feel disheartened. They also should never feel guilty about fantasizing about an Apple product, especially what this patent design might turn out to be.

As we know it and as it exists today, the iMac is a space-saving wonder machine. It is packed with desktop-class components and is much faster than a MacBook Pro, with an adorable display that can help people perform heavy-duty computing tasks (especially true with the iMac Pro).

One of the best things about the iMac as of right now, is its versatility. It is VESA compatible, meaning that its users can mount it on their own stand as well as on the wall.

Also, the wireless peripherals can let users’ interface with their computer in any way they want.

However, the versatility becomes questionable with the curved glass design.

Evolution of the Macintosh leading to the new Apple iMac

If the new Apple iMac ever makes it to the Apple Store at any point in time in the current decade, then it will be revolutionary.

The Current Apple iMac | Source: 9to5 Mac

Apple adopted the current form of iMac in 2004 of a panel with a screen and CPU with an aluminum case holding it. This form factor was refined through all these years with thinner screens and chins.

Apart from that and changing materials (from plastic and glass to a combo of aluminum and glass), it has remained the same throughout the course of time.

The Apple Macintosh of 1998 | Source: The Telegraph

Before that, the significant changes observed were in the Mac of 1998 when Apple changed the first iconic design into the real iMac. 2002 brought another radical reform with a semi spherical base having a floating flat panel holding the display alone through a balanced, stainless steel arm. 2004 brought the iMac as we know it today.

The Apple iMac of 2002 | Source: The Telegraph

A MacBook docking port in the iMac would be truly revolutionary. The last time anyone saw such was in the amazing and beloved Powerbook Duo, which was a line of sub-notebooks made from 1992 until 1997.

The Powerbook Duo had a mechanized docking station, allowing users to insert their computers into a slot to turn it into a desktop computer instantly. It was complete with expanded slots, a standalone display and added hard drive storage.

The Apple Powerbook Duo |Source: Pinterest

Conclusion

The idea of Apple making something like a revolutionary new iMac is something which is irresistible for both the old and new generation users.

Like Apple made radical changes in 1984, 1998 and 2004, it is not impossible nor is it surprising for consumers and users alike to think about Apple doing something great. Any revolution in Apple’s gadgets will surely start with the iMac for sure.

Loop Technology Makes Ear Plugs to Keep All External Sounds at Bay

If there is one thing to keep your mind peaceful, it’s good music. 

And we often tend to listen to music at high volume but we don’t see the problem. Prolonged music listening or loud sounds can impair our hearing and we can have a serious problem in the future. 

According to a report published by the World Health Organization, almost 1.1 billion people in the world at risk of hearing loss. And a major reason for hear-loss is none other but listening to loud music such as rock and roll, heavy metal, and EDM. Well, you can’t stop listening to music now, can you? But, here’s what you can do! You can take some precautionary measures to keep ears safe. 

Loop has come up with a marvellous idea to block the loud noises out and yet, give you a thrilling experience of listening to music. Usually, when you ask a person why they don’t choose to wear earplugs, you will often find answers like it feels uncomfortable or it may look very awkward. But with Loop, you don’t have to worry about any such thing. Loop offers comfort and style in just under $30. 

How Does the Loop Technology Ear Plug Works? 

Loop came into existence to deliver improved sound quality to its consumers. When you try to listen to others wearing an ear plug, the end result is often very muffled and usually, you can’t make any sense. 

However, with Loop sound waves enter into your ears through a small opening. It passes through a hollow acoustic channel so you can comfortably hear whatever the sound you wish to hear without damaging your eardrum or suffering with hearing loss whatsoever. The unique shape of this ear plug is what ensures that you can peacefully listen to your favorite music and listen clearly wearing them. 

The design simply relaxes the sound wave and transfer it in a more monotonous pattern. 

How does it Work? 

These ear plugs work in three different phases. 

Phase # 1: Acoustic Resonance

So here’s how it all works! The sound wave normally enters into the Loop via a small opening. Then there’s a hollow channel inside the ear plug which guides the sound to the acoustic resonator. The resonator is pretty much the same length as the ear canal and takes almost a quarter of the incoming sound’s wavelength. How does it happen, thanks to the latest most accurate 3D printing technology which is used to design the acoustic resonator. 

Phase # 2: Advanced Filters

The acoustic resonator is itself the advanced filter which makes sure that it filters all types of frequencies. It is created and installed by a company named the Dynamic Ear Company who specializes in creating technologies for hearing aids. To check if there are any leaks in the sound filter, they pass the acoustic resonator through a UV light. Upon confirmation, that there are no leak holes, they ship the product to the parent company, Loop. 

Phase # 3: Ear Canal Protection

To ensure that your ear remains safe, Loop has created the device in such a way that it keeps all sound waves at bay. The ear plug filters the sound evenly by 20 decibels so a person can listen accurately. For Ear canal protection, the company uses ear tips which ensures that the earplugs perform to their best. Both the earbuds come with memory foam which are adjustable. They have soft silicone ear tips which are available in all three sizes. 

What Happens When All Three Phases are Combined? 

When all three phases are combined, Loop results in providing an accurate 20dB sound reduction across all frequency types. As a result, music and speech comes out in complete clarity.

In short, Loop makes you party harder and longer. 

Did you enjoy reading this article? Well, stay tuned for more interesting technologies as we will share. 

The Best Cheap Gaming Laptops to Purchase in 2020

Gaming laptops are the heart of gaming these days and portability is something that each and every one of us desires, especially when we want to play online bunched up with our favourite pals. 

However, if you ever planned to purchase one, the prices for these laptops just blows your mind away. 

I mean seriously who will afford a laptop which easily exceeds a $1500!  Right. 

But who so ever told you that you need to play games on an ultra-fast high-spec machine. There are several other options that are available for you in the best cheap gaming laptop category! 

Today, I am going to discuss some of the best cheap gaming laptops. If you have a knack for gaming and you don’t want to feel like you’re left out from the portable gaming club, check em out. 

1) Acer Predator Helios 300 Gaming Laptop

Looking for a laptop machine which doesn’t easily get overheated after prolonged use? Well, look no further than the Acer Predator Helios 300, a gaming laptop specifically designed to keep your fingers safe from getting burned. The laptop comes with an extra 16 GB of RAM and offers a high refresh rate on the screen. One great fact about the laptop is that it comes with a fully functional keyboard and trackpad. Both are highly responsive and very comfortable in use. It comes with good enough storage size. The only downside of using the Acer Predator is the fans which are sort of annoying. 

If you are planning to purchase the Acer Predator series, then my recommendation is that you should get the PH315-52-78VL model which comes with the GeForce GTX 1660Ti/6GB dedicated memory. It comes with an Intel Core i7-9750H process, 16 GB of RAM, 256 GB Solid State drive and a 15-inch 1920 x 1080 144 Hz screen. Sounds like a pretty heavenly option for online gaming now, doesn’t it? It’s one of the high-end gaming laptops in the cheap category and is definitely worth every single penny.  

You can get this laptop for $1075* from Amazon’s Official website. 

2) Acer Nitro 5 AN 515-54-51M 

Searching for a gaming laptop which falls under the price tag of a $1000? The all-new Acer Nitro 5 AN is a great laptop which packs enough punch to give you remarkable gaming experience. Although the GPU unit on this baby isn’t going to allow you to play some of your favourite titles, it sure runs some of the highly sought out games in the online universe. It comes with incredible support for VR and stays cool on prolonged usage. The fans on this laptop are considerably less annoying than Predator. 

The laptop construction is pretty sturdy and it comes with a rigid keyboard/trackpad. While the fans on the Nitro are less noisy, the screen on the laptop doesn’t meet an average gamer’s expectation. Basically, the red and blues on the screen are pretty dull and as far as the fan is concerned, if you run the laptop on max speed, you will eventually see that the fans are every bit annoying as the Predator. The screen also has a 60Hz refresh rate which is considerably less than the 144Hz on the Helios. 

This particular model comes with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 GPU with 4 GB Dedicated Memory, an Intel Core i5-9300H graphic processor, 8 GB of RAM, 128 GB of a solid-state drive, 1 TB hard-drive and a 15-inch 1920 x 1080 60 Hz display screen. The price of this laptop is $830 on the official Amazon. 

What Should One Consider Before Purchasing a Laptop?

So before you go ahead making up your mind that you want to purchase a budget laptop, ask yourself the following question. What are some of the important things which you address commonly? 

If it isn’t the Price? That’s the first. 

PRICE – If you are looking for the best budget gaming laptop, then you can find one easily between the $800 – $1300 range. As of 2019, if we talk about graphics performance then Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Graphics performance is exceptionally upbeat compared to other graphical units in the market. Though you will find different brands where some support the GTX 1650 GPU as well they will still not give good enough performance as much as the new GTX 1660 Ti will. Hence, if you are under the impression of saving a few $100, you might deprive yourself of the opportunity of getting a great laptop. The GTX 1650 is 60 percent slower than the GTX 1660 Ti model so investing money in a laptop running with the GTX 1650 will be considered a bad option for business, so and so. 

RAM/VRAM – If it just looks and feels like a best gaming laptop, it isn’t necessarily a power-packed machine where a GPU and CPU have enough power consumption and good capability. So when you are choosing a gaming laptop, make sure that you pick one which offers good RAM and VRAM. It is very obvious that if a laptop has a good memory, the laptop is bound to offer a powerful gaming experience to its consumers. Normally, people will recommend you to get a laptop with 8 GB RAM minimum, but for gaming, you definitely need a more performance-oriented system. So my suggestion is that you shouldn’t settle for anything less than 16 GB. It will do the trick and meet your requirement.

Display Unit – When it comes to screen resolution, make sure not to settle for anything less than 1920 * 1080. You may find other laptops in the high-end range supporting QHD and 4k resolution but if you want excellent performance, you will have to purchase them in a very costly machine. Have you heard about the MSI Titan? It has a 4k resolution an equally compatible machine to support it. What matters is not the resolution as much as the refresh rate. So if you’re a gamer, anything that falls in the 1920 * 1080 category is good enough as long as it offers 144 Hz screen refresh rate. That’s all you will ever need to have a world-class gaming experience which is even better than the beast machines. 

Did you find this article interesting? Do you have any other suggestions in mind? Let us know by sharing your comments below.

The UK Has Decided to Side with Huawei and Here’s How it Affects the World

The world has taken a step back when it observes that the UK has decided to support Huawei to continue its ever-growing mobile market for 5G networks. But there are certain restrictions. 

The decision has been made by the tech authorities residing in the United Kingdom. The country has heeded no attention to all the pressure statements issued by the US to bar Huawei’s products. 

However, the UK industry-watchers have revealed that they believe there’s considerable potential in the Huawei products and can greatly benefit the people with their next-generation mobile data service. 

As Stephane Teral from the IHS Markit states, 

“I think it’s a pragmatic decision that brings stability and continuity in the 5G ecosystem. Huawei has been investing in the UK and in other countries in Europe including France, Germany, Italy, and Poland since the beginning of this century. A ban would have been disastrous.”

Will We See Tensions Rise Between the US-UK Relationship? 

There’s a high chance that we will, specifically in the technology market. 

The decision taken by Huawei can have some real detrimental effect on the relationship between both the countries. While Washington and Westminster have been lobbying together against Huawei, but in recent events, the decision taken by Westminster can create disharmony among the closest of allies.

Sadly, Trump’s administration feels that the US “is very disappointed” in the current decision. 

And the sentiments are not only hurt among Republicans but they are also pouring in from Democrats.

The Americans are concerned that such a decision made by the Kingdom is a forward step towards appeasing Beijing. Whereas, the UK claims that Huawei’s product endorsement in the United Kingdom is solely based on the forward progression towards making the best use of the latest 5G technology. 

Will Other Countries Support the UK’s Decision? 

Different sources close to “Huawei” has foretold that the UK’s decision to include Huawei is going to have a great impact on other markets. While countries like the United States, Australia, and Japan decided to ban Huawei kit for using the 5G telecommunication networks, many are still confused whether they should allow Huawei to become a part of their country’s technological advancement. 

For now, all that we know is that New Zealand and Canada are planning to follow the UK’s lead. 

Currently, the EU is fueled with conversations and debate is going on where the major telecommunication networks in the United Kingdom have stood together against the Huawei ban. 

Also, Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany stands against the ban and claims that it is the wrong decision for removing Hauwei from the existing German networks. With the current decision made by Great Britain, it can easily bolster her case and can have a significantly positive impact on growth. 

She sarcastically commented in one of the debates that removing Huawei from the telecommunication service providers will not going to have any progressive effect on cybersecurity. 

It’s not just the EU, but Huawei also has a strong footprint in different African countries for years. In fact, South Africa has commercially gone mainstream with the 5G technology supported service. The company who made it possible, deals with Chinese products. The name of the company is Rain. 

India is still following the events unfolding around the new Huawei products. But they still haven’t decided which side they are going to take when it comes to deciding whether Huawei should stay or go. For now, critics are saying that they will look forward to UKs analysis and then make a decision. 

As far as South America is concerned, Huawei is getting massive exposure. 

It is widely being sold in the Brazilian market.

We can’t say for sure whether the United States will show any inclination towards declining their ban on the Huawei phones. But one thing’s for sure, other countries do not show much of an inclination at following through and through with this obstructive brand ban. Huawei’s personal phones are equipped with the latest 5G technology which makes them one of the fastest Internet mobiles in the market. And here’s definitely something which the world is not looking forward to miss.  

The Moto Razr’s Facing Competition! All Eyes Now on TCL’s New Foldable Smartphone

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TCL’s new prototype folding phone | Source: T3

The 2020 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is quite fascinating and this time, we all are getting to see some unique gadgets. Among them is TCL’s new foldable smartphone, a prototype the Chinese electronics giant showcased at the event hoping to give Moto Razr a tough time.

The company recently showcased its prototype for a folding phone. Not only is the scenario for folding phones illuminated further but also TCL is poised to do really well.

The Chinese electronics giant is known to play second fiddle to giants such as Huawei, LG, Motorola, Samsung and Lenovo; but this gadget is set to bring its status to the stop. It has recently showcased the TCL 10 5G smartphone at CES 2020 priced at less than $500, which is affordable than the ones offered by its competitors.

The company has also not only raised eyebrows but also sounded the alarms off with its prototype for a quite workable folding phone. It is being heard that it will be quite affordable in comparison to the upcoming folding Moto Razr (priced at $1,500). Therefore, it is quite a big deal for phone enthusiasts.

How TCL’s new foldable smartphone helps it move a step ahead in folding phone technology?

The company is known for giving consumers top-notch gadgets running on the latest tech and available at the best affordable price. TCL’s new foldable smartphone is set to give the $1,500 Motorola Razr folding flip phone a tough time.

Its shape is an absolute square and when opened in the center, it shows a 7.2-inch plastic display surrounded by thick black plastic bezel like casing. It has no selfie camera inside but behind the screen, it has four cameras in diamond pattern. The color used is eye-catching deep emerald, which is a pleasant sight.

The best part about it is that it has enough strength to stand on its own and that too on any stage of the fold. In comparison, other phones tend to snap either completely open or closed at certain points. Its absolute square shape helps it sit up and be used like a laptop without any hindrance.

TCL’s new foldable smartphone in sit-up position.
TCL’s folding phone prototype in the sit-up position | Source: CNET

The features and functionality of TCL’s new foldable smartphone

TCL’s new foldable smartphone’s prototype does look and feel a bit bulky. Its software responded slowly when the device was rotated, and in some instances it froze. When opened and closed, an audible squeak was heard.

The Chinese electronics giant is renown for its affordable, top quality TVs and is transparent regarding the product prototype. Knowing its reputation, there is no doubt that TCL will add improvements to the phone’s prototype. In fact, it will also be making other products in the future that can bend as well.

TCL’s prototype features a square shaped 7.2-inch display, a quad-camera system and a middle level Snapdragon 660 processor. The operating system in use is Android 9.0 Pie. It is not much of a technical masterpiece, but it does deliver a true folding phone’s experience.

When the refinements will be added, it would be undoubtedly attractive who need folding smartphones at a reasonable price tag. The company sees folding devices as one way of establishing TCL as a leading brand name. That too at a time when competing firms are trying to add spark to a slowing industry through innovative product design. It also hopes to stay ahead in the race of adopting 5G technology.

Release and price date

Right now, no official price, release date or the official product name has been released by TCL. However, there are rumors that it can be released late this year.

The final word

It is true that TCL’s foldable phone prototype is not ready for release yet. Why? Because the phone’s hinge and foldable screen are far from perfect, the software it runs on is sluggish and there are no front facing cameras.

The phone’s specs were mid level but it is only a prototype. The designs and features change with time. Thus, we can be assured that the company will upgrade them before its release.

Should we be thrilled with TCL entering the foldable smartphone market? Yes, we should be!

Why? Because the Samsung Galaxy Fold costs $1980. In contrast, TCL’s phone will be cost less than that.

The company also aims to bring in a folding phone that is not only durable but also without glitches.

Best Gaming Headset for 2020 You Should Consider Purchasing

No computer gaming setup is complete unless you don’t add the right peripherals to it. Just as much as a gaming mouse or a mechanical keyboard plays an important role, so does the best gaming headset. Ask me how I know and I would tell you because I have fanatically played counter strike for years. Believe me, a good gaming headset can make all the difference to your gaming experience. 

When it comes to headphones, choosing the right one can be pretty overwhelming. You can’t really be sure which one is the best option. You want something which offers accuracy in listening, the best sound experience, an amazing surround, and adjustable volume controls. Along with all that, you want something that is aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically satisfying and can fit on your head right. 

Now when it comes to gaming, the market has a ton of options. 

As an enthusiastic first-person or third-person shooter, you want a headset that helps you get deeply immersed. It’s okay, we can all feel overwhelmed at some point and in fact, can’t come to a conclusion when it comes to buying the right one. So I have done my research and saved you all the hassles. Here are the best gaming handsets which I recommend that you should consider before purchasing one. 

Hyper X Cloud Alpha

If you are searching for a headset that you can wear for long hours and do not have to worry about head or ear strains, look no further than the amazing Hyper X Cloud Alpha. Here’s a headphone that is tried and tested by multiple quality assurance specialists for extended wear before it is dispatched in the market. The headphones come with a removable microphone so you can have the ultimate ease of speaking with other players during gameplay. The Hyper X Cloud is made up of the best aluminum construction material. The aluminum makes the headphone extremely lightweight. Also, the construction of the headphone is done very precisely giving it the best durability. If you use software to regulate the sound quality so it becomes good, you won’t have to do that with the Hyper X Cloud. 

Steel Series Actis 7 

Steel Series has come a long way and has lived up to its name. It has released multiple computer peripherals over the years which have become an astounding success. In just $149, the Steel Series Actis 7 is one classy gaming headset that offers amazing consistency in sound, remarkable performance, and a very comfortable/aesthetically pleasing design. The headset is wireless and comes with 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity. This connectivity range ensures that you don’t have any lag or any sound interference issues. Additionally, the Steel Series Actis 7 includes the S1 speakers through which you receive unidirectional sound which is quite helpful in competitive gaming. Another great thing about Actis 7 is that it is very comfortable to wear and comes with an elastic bad. If you haven’t made up your mind which one you’re supposed to purchase, then Actis 7 is the best bet. 

Astro A40 + MixAmp Pro

Are you a serious pro-gamer? In case, you are and you’re very serious about sound then get yourself the Astro A40 + MixAmp Pro. Ranked as one of the best gaming headsets, this headphone offers a very durable design and sophisticated construction. The body of the headphone is lightweight so whether you wear for extended hours or just hang it around your neck, it will not cause you any strain. What really does make the headphone supremely unique is the MixAmp Pro which takes the listening experience to a whole new level. With the MixAmp Pro, you can control the game sounds and voice chats, plus at the same time, you can switch between different audio presets. Additionally, the headset comes with enough ports that you can attach to your desired devices and easily stream too. So if you want to professionally game or stream one on Twitch, Astro A40 is actually not a bad bet. 

Logitech G Pro X

Logitech G Pro X is known as the tournament Titan. This versatile headset is not just comfortable to wear but offers the best sound quality as well at a fair price of $130. The headset is available in the market in its black color theme and that’s all that takes to make this Titan stand apart from the rest. The headphone comes with a flexible headband which makes it very easy and comforting to wear. The earcups on the headphones contain premium quality foam covered with leatherette. As far as the sound is concerned, whether you’re playing on a PC or a console, it offers a direct and accurate sound. Plus, it also features an in-built blue headphone which equally offers crisp voice chat. So whether you’re playing Warframe with your friends or hosting a Twitch match, don’t worry about your voice quality. Logitech G Pro X lives up to its title and is powered by the best developers, Logitech itself. 

The Corsair HS50

Image result for The Corsair HS50

If you don’t have enough budget and still want a headphone that packs a punch, the Corsair HS50 is one of the decent built headphones. Not only are they ergonomically satisfactory but they also offer a good quality sound for a $50 headphones. Of course, these won’t be able to match the sound quality of those which cost around $100 or more. And neither is the design as adjustable and comfortable as the Cloud Alpha or Logitech, but at half the price of those high-end headphones, it offers more than the bargain. It is a great headphone for those who like to experience gaming in short bouts of time. Though, people have issued complains saying they do warm-up ears after an hour worth of use, but I still heck yeah! Go for it cuz it sure is worth it if you are low on budget and can’t compromise sound. 

So there you go, here are my five best picks for the day. These are some of the gaming headsets that I recommend you should look into before you get started on gaming this year. Do you have something much better in mind? Do let us know by saying a few words about it in the comments. 

Unusual yet Innovative Highlights From CES 2020: Unveiling the World’s First Ever Folding Laptop, Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Fold

Lenovo’s foldable Laptop, the ThinkPad X1 Fold | Source: CNET

Last year, Lenovo showed the world in what looked like to be the first ever folding PC. This year at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, the computing giant recently unveiled its latest creation and truly the first ever folding laptop to the public; The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold.

That’s right! This is world’s first ever truly folding laptop. It also has spent four years in development and went through six major designs until now.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold can be best described as the perfect blend of a folding smartphone and a top-notch laptop. Renowned companies like Apple, Huawei, Samsung and Motorola have been experimenting with folding smartphones and failed many times before they came up with a durable final design and outcome.

But what Lenovo has shown proves the company’s worth in making top class futuristic gadgets, not for luxury but for everyone. What’s even more interesting is that the Chinese computing giant is more than happy to be experimenting with unusual yet interesting concepts, to bring to the world devices that were once perceived as impossible to produce.

Let us now have a deeper look at how Lenovo braved the odds in producing a technological masterpiece.

Challenges faced by Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold in its development

President of Lenovo’s Commercial PC and Smart Device Business Unit, Christian Teismann, said that the company has been looking for new product types and associated factors for years since the Yoga franchise began.

He further explained: “A PC is only usable for full productivity at a certain size, about 12 to 13 inches. We ultimately came back to something fundamental like a book form factor in business.”

One of the big challenges the company faced in developing a foldable PC was to ensure it lasted up to 5 years at least in its lifecycle as well as having the usability of a PC. Mr. Teismann said the first working sample was released around a year ago and further revealed the ThinkPad brand will evolve to a new level.

He further stated that the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold would be available for order early in this year’s second half with shipments commencing in the middle of the second half.

If such a release time is true, then Lenovo will be shipping the X1 Fold at almost the same time Microsoft debuts its Duo and Neo devices.

Another view of Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold | Source: Lenovo

Features & Specifications of the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold

The Lenovo ThinkPad Fold X1 is the latest in a long line of foldable phones and computers. Numerous convertible dimensions attempted to bring the best of laptops and tablets together to create a device on a single overall dimension. It can also be safe to assume that Lenovo’s new Motorola Razr is the inspiration for its creation.

When unfolded, the ThinkPad Fold X1 has a 13.3-inch display which makes it quite compact. A magnetic Bluetooth keyboard (featured with it) that can sit on the device’s bottom half, creating a complete laptop effect. It can also be detached to be used with the unfolded screen.

A separate easel like stand can be used to hoist the device on it which then gives a sort of a desktop effect (it costs $24 & is not included with the product). When the laptop’s system is not in use, the keyboard sits in the middle and gets charged by wireless means. The best part is that it sits nicely when the laptop is folded.

The screen is pOLED (Plastic Organic Light-Emitting Diode) made in collaboration with LG. Lenovo revealed the extent of the screen’s durability tests to be quite extensive.

A carbon fiber plate reinforces the folding mechanism. The hinges used are quite powerful as they are not easily bent by human fingers.

The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold runs on Windows 10 Pro, and Lenovo brought its own solutions regarding its operability on the folding screen. The laptop is likely to have Windows 10X upon its launch.

The customizations it has are a taskbar icon bringing up a pop-up menu where users can switch between a single full-screen view or a dual-screen mode with an app displayed to each half of the screen. It is expected to be priced around $2,499.

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold with wireless Bluetooth keyboard.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold with the wireless keyboard | Source: CNET

The key points of the Lenovo ThinkPad Fold X1 are as under:

  • It has multiple modes and can be opened as a completely flat 13.3-inch display.
  • The product was co-engineered with Intel. It uses its Core series processors & Windows 10.
  • An option for Windows 10X is coming later this year.
  • 5G connectivity for the device is now an option.
  • Lenovo said that it had developed a mode-switching software for Windows 10 which can accommodate multiple use cases & modes on ThinkPad X1 Fold (Windows 10 is known to be slow).
  • The device weighs less than 2.2 pounds.
  • A Bluetooth Mini Fold Keyboard and a leather case are available with the device.
  • When the product is closed by folding, the keyboard can be stored and charged in it (wireless charging) and secured with magnets.
  • A full-sized keyboard, mouse and a second display can connect with the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold via a USB Type-C cable and port.
  • A ThinkPad X1 Fold Stand is also available. It can be used in either portrait or landscape mode. This helps the ThinkPad X1 Fold to be used as a desktop.

What makes the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold stand out?

Flexibility is the main advantage of the laptop’s design. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Fold is something that is better than most small laptops; users can open the screen to its full size & prop it up with the built-in kickstand.

They can even use the wireless keyboard with ease which gives the experience of using both a desktop and a laptop. The easel like stand elevates it, making it look like the world’s smallest desktop.

Regarding its performance, the company stated that it runs on a new Intel platform using ‘hybrid technology.’ Battery life is stated to be up to 11 hours. Though skeptics see it as a machine having slow processing power, it would be wise to wait for its launch to see if it proves them wrong.

Conclusion

It is pricey when it comes to a laptop or tablet, but the ThinkPad X1 Fold is set to be the most innovative gadget made by Lenovo. The company has clearly put a lot of thinking in creating it.

This encourages experimental devices to hit the markets this year.

Hence, consumers will be looking forward to buying it and spending a lot of time on it as well.

Will The Iphone 11 Pro Bite The Dust With The Imminent Release Of Samsung Galaxy S11?

Everyone has been left impressed with the Samsung Galaxy S10. But, the recent leaks and rumors (as well as speculative predictions) about the Galaxy S11 are rising.  Not only is the phone rumored to catch up (and even go beyond) the iPhone 11, but also, we will check out how it will fare in the coming year.

The leaks and rumors of the Galaxy S11 haven’t rested during the holiday season. Today, we have assembled them all to see what picture the rumors make of the official lineup. Let us all have a look at the price, the potential setup of the cameras, the design and the specifications (battery, hardware, RAM etc.).

What is so special about the Samsung Galaxy S11 (as per the leaks)?

The Galaxy S11 is the company’s next premium device. It is set to woo to a wider audience, apart from tech enthusiasts looking to equip themselves with the most cutting-edge smartphone handset.

The Galaxy S11 phone line is the company’s first-ever mainstream device helping bring 5G to a lot of users and customers alike on the planet. Samsung also initiated a start with 5G earlier in 2019 with the S10 5G, Note 10 Plus 5G, Galaxy A90 5G and the Galaxy Fold (only in South Korea and the UK).

However, most of these phones are not targeting everyday users and are variants of 4G devices already in existence. Yet, Samsung is in a strong position as compared to that of last year. Samsung often follows past patterns & current trends in releasing its phones and the Galaxy S11 is known to be loaded with brilliantly extravagant specifications.

The launch date of the Samsung Galaxy S11

According to the latest updates, The Galaxy S11’s launch date is February 18, 2020. It is probable because it coincides with the previous launch dates of Samsung’s smartphones. This would become the South Korean electronics giant’s sixth flagship phone to make a February debut.

That’s right! The Galaxy S10, S10 Plus, and S10E were all launched on February 20, 2019. Suppose if the Galaxy S11 does arrive in February, it would make a lot of sense thus giving the Galaxy S10 phones a 12-month period on sale.

But there have been rumors about the S10 lite arriving first and this puts the spotlight position of the Galaxy S11 in doubt.

Last year, the prices for Galaxy S10 started at $749 for the S10E, $899 for the S10 and $999 for the S10 Plus. The launch price of the Galaxy S11 will likely hover around in this range, but customers and enthusiasts alike will have to play the wait & see the game to see Samsung’s pricing.

The specifications

Models and screen sizes

It is rumored that Samsung Galaxy S11 will have three models. Another rumor has it that the models will be named as the S11E, S11 and S11 Plus.

Recent leaks from frequent and renown Twitter leaker Evan Blass suggest the names as S11, S11 Plus, and S11 Pro, which resembles Apple’s naming strategy with the iPhone 11 (the base model for this line). All Galaxy S11 smartphones could have curved sides, unlike its predecessor which had a flat display.

Samsung galaxy S11 specs

The leak from Evan Blass’s account regarding Samsung Galaxy S11 | Source: Twitter

The following are the rumored screen sizes of the Samsung Galaxy S11:

  • The Galaxy S11: Around 6.2 or 6.4 inches.
  • The Galaxy S11 Plus: Around 6.7 inches.
  • The Galaxy S11 Pro: Around 6.9 inches.

It supports 5G!

The Samsung Galaxy S11 will use 5G and will be equipped with Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 processor. Also, Qualcomm will not be giving this processor to phone making brands without the 5G modem. Hence, users get a phone with the Snapdragon 865 processor which will also be 5G ready.

The same also goes for those regions that will have the Galaxy S11 equipped with Samsung’s in-house created Exynos 990 5G processor (Asia especially). It also happens in South Korea, though it is being heard that the company is determined to use Snapdragon 865 for South Korean handset models.

However, there is a catch. The Galaxy S11 may be 5G-ready but not every phone will be able to access 5G. Countries that have not adopted 5G will have 4G ready handsets. Hence, in some regions, the phone will be working on 4G.

Anyone would be surprised if Samsung used a chip other than the Snapdragon 865. The Galaxy S Series is its mainstream flagship and Samsung ranks among the largest phone-makers in the world. It will create a milestone by delivering to the world the phone with the best chip.

The Camera

One of the biggest plus points of the Galaxy S11 is its Camera. Recent leaks and renders predict a square camera array having four cameras on the backside.

Samsung will be equipping the phone with a 108-megapixel main camera sensor. It sounds like fiction, but Chinese smartphone maker Xiaomi has already beaten Samsung in this with the Mi CC9 Pro (which uses a 108-megapixel camera).

The Snapdragon 865 chipset can support a 200-megapixel camera. Users may not be using all the 108 megapixels all the time, but the extra resolution present is helpful for zooming in and cropping the pictures.

Here are additional features of the Galaxy S11’s camera:

  • 108-megapixel main camera.
  • Ultrawide-angle camera.
  • An approximately 48 Megapixels Telephoto ‘periscope’ lens having a 5x zoom.
  • ‘Time of flight’ sensor (in Galaxy S11 Pro).
  • Front camera shaped like a single-punch hole.

A 120Hz AMOLED display screen

The 120Hz refresh rate on Galaxy S11’s screen will make animations and scrolling much smoother in comparison to the standard refresh rate of 60Hz of older smartphones.

A refresh rate of 120Hz is great for gaming and other quick transitions but it will drain the battery. The Galaxy S11 could somehow allow users to choose the refresh rate to be 60Hz if they wish to preserve the battery. They can also choose the 120Hz option if they want top-notch animations.

In short, it gives users flexibility in choosing the refresh rate between 60 & 120 Hz. The phone will have such a refresh rate as both Snapdragon 865 and Exynos 990 5G processors support 210Hz screens.

It’s True – The Galaxy S11 has a 5000-mAh battery

Phones of different sizes often get batteries of different sizes too. Ice Universe reveals that the Samsung Galaxy S11 ‘Plus’ will have a battery of power 5000 mAh.

Customers should know that the term ‘Plus’ could also mean ‘Pro’ (i.e. the highest-end model of the phone) and it makes sense. The middle phone of the Galaxy S11 trio might get a battery of power 4300 mAh, which is still pretty outstanding. Hence, the 5000 mAh battery fits the expectations of most.

In-screen fingerprint scanner

The concept of an in-screen fingerprint scanner is lovable. Since it was positively received in the Galaxy S10, users will welcome this feature in the Samsung Galaxy S11 too.

Customers are more likely to favor a secure facial scan unlocking feature combined with the in-screen scanner for Galaxy S11. Now, Google has added improvements to it with Pixel 4’s gesture tracking giving it good help.

Customers and users alike can at least use a more robust form of the scanner, if the company wishes to take advantage of Snapdragon 865s support for scanning two-fingers over one. This technological advancement can significantly improve the device’s security on all sides.

Android 10 and Samsung One UI 2 combined

Comparison of One UI and One UI 2 | Source: Samsung

There was little doubt about Samsung’s phones running on Android 10 in 2020. Also, the company’s own One UI 2 (announced in October last year) is now available in beta.

The best thing about Android 10 is the introduction of systemwide dark mode to phones, gesture-based navigation, impressive live captioning and updated privacy settings. One UI 2 aims to move icons and screen controls towards the phone’s bottom so they can be easily reached with one hand.

The Price

The price depends on the model customers wish to buy because it will break the $1000 mark. The Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus costs $999 and Galaxy S10 5G costs $1300. 5G costs phone makers more in purchase & integration so hence, the price will rise.

If the largest version (Pro or Plus) is in line with the pricing of the S10 plus, then it will start at $1000. Add the 5G component and advanced camera tech, then the price of Galaxy S11 is likely to be $1100 (which matches the price of the Galaxy Note 10 Plus today).

Conclusion

A refined design, heavy-duty battery and improved cameras are among the features of the Samsung Galaxy S11. The 5000 mAh battery indicates that the company will be making a huge stride for the year 2020.

The punch hole notch on the front might not be present because the phone will be having a delightful full-screen display. Samsung always takes pride in the quality of displays it gives and the year 2020 will see a full-screen Galaxy S11.

There will be the usual bumps in power and performance, and some AI material has been added on the phone too. By the time the Samsung Galaxy S11 will be launched, it should be coming on board with Android Q.

Samsung develops technology for 144 MP photosensors

Samsung develops technology for 144 MP photosensors

At the IEDM 2019 trade fair, the semiconductor division of Samsung presented a new 14 nm engraving technology for CMOS sensors. The idea is to optimize energy consumption for future 144-megapixel sensors.

Read More

Reviewing the Apple Watch Series 5 – Always on & always perfect, the best one can have

Apple’s watch has often gained top-class features each year, but it still remains overshadowed by the iPhone. The iPhone 11 may have dominated this year’s current news cycle (following leaks of its specifications) but Apple’s Watch Series 5 is something that has taken us all by surprise.

In fact, its release was announced when the iPhone 11 was launched on September 10, 2019.

In comparison to the Apple Watch Series 4, the Apple Watch Series 5 showcases three new key features:

  • The display is always on.
  • An in-built compass.
  • International emergency calling feature.
  • A faster processor.
  • An app measuring ambient noise (also present in Series 4).
  • 32GB of in-built storage (the previous series had 16GB).

The Apple Watch Series 5 has been launched at the same price as the Series 4. Let’s have a look at how well it fares.

The design aspect of Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 does not look different in comparison to the Series 4 one. It comes in a 40 mm case size for people with slimmer wrists and a 44 mm case size. It weighs only 36 grams which makes it barely noticeable on anyone’s wrist.

Even better, it never gets tangled under a shirt’s cuff and its curvy base is ergonomic in delightful terms.

Well, it does look like it was designed by an expert on watches (and it really was!). Its design proves it.

Gone are the days when consumers were upset over the Apple Watch not having a round shape. Its current shape has become an icon, and Apple further refined the features without enlarging the body which not only gave it a further visible screen area but also made it quite attractive as well.

The Apple Watch Series 5 in the iconic white strap | Source: 9to5MAC

Do we need a circular-shaped Apple Watch? I think not because the current design is truly iconic in its own sense.

What is more heartening about the Apple Watch Series 5 is the way it has been presented. It comes in an elongated box (giving customers an occasion to open it). It is wrapped in a protective bag that is soft and tiny.

Packaging of the Apple Watch Series 5 | Source: 9to5MAC

The watch’s straps are kept separately in the box. They come in an elegant leather version, high-performance fluoroelastomer strap, flexible nylon weaves or a metal band one (customers can choose from any one of them). They all come in multiple colors.

The finish? Customers can choose from stainless steel, aluminum, ceramic  and titanium.

The best part of the watch’s materials? They all are recycled hence its environment-friendly.

There is no change in the watch’s design because there simply wasn’t a need for such. In the future, the watch might become not just thinner, but the bezels could be shrunk too. But, at the moment, the Apple Watch Series 5 is exceptionally marvelous.

The Apple Watch Series 5’s display – ‘Always-On’ is a big deal!

Almost all smartwatches in the market have had displays that were always on. In case of Apple’s Watch Series 5, it’s a little more than that.

The Series 5 has a screen which is always on indeed and shows more than just the time. When inactive, the display shows information on the screen but in a dimmer mode. When you raise your wrist to see the time, the screen turns on.

Another positive point the watch has is a fitness tracking display. If you are jogging and want to see the number of meters run without the need for stopping, the display will show it to you (which alleviates a previous complaint on the series 4).

The series 5’s always-on display is more than just anything. Users get to choose the correct watch face. Apple overcame considerations for battery life, to make it function properly.

There is a whole new collection of watch faces to select from; ranging from the California watch face to the simple numerals’ duo. Apple made it easy for users to match the numbers’ color with that of the watch’s strap for a real matching look.

Is there a noise app in it?

The Noise app is interesting, as it signifies Apple’s continuing commitment to users’ health. It notifies users when they are entering a noisy environment and even warns them about the consequences of excessive noise.

For instance, if you are in a disco and the sound levels reach 90 decibels (dB) then it will warn you about the noise level. It may not be instantly helpful, but it does provide users a step above in level of awareness of our surroundings.

Which OS does it run on?

Apple Watch Series 5 runs on WatchOS 6 (which is also available for previous generations too) has new additional features that are fun to have.

After each hour passed, the watch makes a ‘beeping’ sound which is reminiscent of watches the current generation had in their childhood; minus the annoyance it would cause today.

How well do the Apple Watch Series 5 and WatchOS 6 work together?

They both work together quite well, with exceptional performance and an easy to learn user experience. It has beaten all other platforms.

The usability is fun, and the feedback is tactile in nature. Users can also use the digital crown to zoom in and out of the screen, which looks great due to its cohesiveness & smartness.

Battery and performance of Apple Watch Series 5

Previous models have fared better in comparison to the current series 5 in this regard. The Apple Watch Series 5 lasts 16 hours in a day and the older models lasted longer. Hence, a nighttime charging is needed.

The good news is that Series 5’s always-on display does not suck much battery life. The battery only drains when it is intensive use: such as installing apps, testing the compass and maps, tracking fitness cycles, using Siri and the like. It would then leave it with 10% with such robust use.

Depending on the user’s usage of the watch, the Apple Watch Series 5 requires almost daily charging (provided the usage is strong)

Smartwatches offered from competitors such as Fitbit, Garmin, Moto and Samsung offer a longer battery life, but they lack the features Apple Watch Series 5 has. At the moment, it is still pretty much a trade-off.

Compass and Maps made better

The Apple Watch Series 5 has a built-in compass, a feature most consumers would have yawned at.

In fact, consumers and die-hard Apple fans need to realize how useful the compass feature really is. Imagine taking a hike in the forests of Colorado, or a hike on the shores of Manhattan beach.

The compass is not only synced well with the maps but also gives users an idea of where they were heading. It is essential when users are either hiking, camping or traveling in a distant area.

The compass does take advantage of the watch’s built-in magnetometer and Apple is opening its API to third-party apps.

However, it should be noted that certain watch bands can interfere with the built-in magnetometer present in Series 5. In fact, a band with a magnet will put the compass’s performance out of loop. Hence, when going out on an adventure, leave the Milanese loop strap (or the modern buckle) at home.

Price and Availability of the Apple Watch Series 5

The Apple Watch Series 5 is available on Apple’s online store, it’s retail outlets and its partner locations. The pricing options are as under.

For Aluminum body:

  • 42 mm costs USD$ 400.
  • 44 mm costs USD$ 430.
  • 42 mm with GPS & Cellular connectivity costs USD$ 500.
  • 44 mm with GPS & Cellular connectivity costs USD$ 530.

The stainless steel one starts at USD$ 700, the titanium one costs USD$ 800, Ceramic one costs USD$ 1300 and the Hermes version starts from USD$ 1250.

Conclusion

When compared to older models; such as Series 2 (GPS & water-resistant), Series 3 (cellular connectivity) and series 4 (medical-grade health measuring features), Series 5 is a serious upgrade. Apple has set the bar for smartwatches quite high which is impossible to match.

Rival smartwatch makers lag behind the series 5 in other features despite matching it with the screen part.

Series 4 owners can have new features if they install WatchOS 6. Whereas, Series 3 owners can get heart health watch and the always-on display with the WatchOS 6 upgrade. But Series 5 is best in its own style, sense, and uniqueness. It is simply un-matchable.

iOS 14

For iOS 14, Apple has learned the lesson of all the bugs of iOS 13

Apple has decided to adopt a new organization in the development of iOS 14 that will allow it to avoid serial bugs that have spoiled the launch of iOS 13.

Avoid repeated bugs, here is Apple’s new leitmotif when it comes to the development of iOS 14, its future operating system.

Isolate the bugs

Concretely, this will allow them to make changes to the iOS 14 beta more serenely since it will activate the corresponding flag for the novelty to be included in the system. If a problem is detected, simply disable the flag responsible to isolate the bug and fix it more easily.

In the footsteps of Google and Microsoft

On paper, iOS 14 should, therefore, be much more stable than its predecessor when deployed. With a little optimism, users can even hope for a public beta that is pleasant to use.

Say Hello to the New Motorola Razr 2019 – Motorola’s Answer to the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X

The new fold-able Moto Razr 2019 |Source: Self

Who could have anticipated its return after all those years, yet here it is. The New Motorola Razr has made a fabulous comeback as an Android smartphone that can be folded in half (akin to its iconic flip predecessor). The 2019 Razr may look pretty much like the ones still stamped on our minds, but it replaced the old T9 keypad and the small LCD with a 6.2-inch plastic foldable OLED panel. Its camera is a double duty one with 16 megapixels.

Instead of Android 10, it runs on Android 9 Pie. Upon its launch in January 2020, it is expected to cost USD$ 1500 (equivalent to GBP 1170 and AUD$ 2200).

Why is the new Razr fundamentally different from the other foldable phones present at the moment? It turned a typical sized smartphone into something that is compact and easy to carry around. When the Razr is folded in half, it softly snaps shut from top to bottom. One side lays snuggled on top of the other, without a visible gap between both halves of the screen.

Because of this, Motorola has solved the world’s biggest design puzzle which has left other foldable smartphones (including the Samsung Galaxy Fold) in a conundrum. Not only is the phone pocketable, it reeks of nostalgia yet is streamlined to weather the future.

What sets the new Motorola Razr apart from its predecessors and other phones?

The original Razr was one of the world’s bestselling phones which helped it earn an iconic status. Motorola updated it into a newer version which is wider, heavier, and replete with new features. The foldable Razr gives Motorola a unique opportunity to steal the show.

This phone comes at a time when foldable smartphones are teetering precariously on the edge between reality and fantasy. It was only last year when foldable phones were pegged as a revolution in the smartphone design, and made the dream of a large-screen device being portable a reality.

However, what went wrong were the issues with screens and massive delays in launch, especially from major players, including Samsung and Huawei. It is now Motorola’s turn to bask in the spotlight. If Motorola comes out successful, it will herald a new era for the fold-able phone industry.

The new Motorola Razr folded and unfolded | Image Credits: T3 & Yanko Design

What’s it like using the new Motorola Razr?

In terms of the screen, it is a 6.2-inch P-OLED screen that is foldable. Motorola worked together with Lenovo’s laptop team on this design. The screen is like a thin film that curls in the shape of a teardrop when the screen is being folded.

The New Motorola Razr’s patented hinge design has an open cavity covering the looped part of the screen. Most plastic screens do not fold completely flat without a crease appearing in the middle. The thin layer of air gap is hardly conspicuous. When the screen curls like a teardrop, it creates a gap of 0.2mm between the hinge and the display.

The front screen might look tall but it is narrow with a ration of 21:9. It also has a resolution of 2142 x 876 pixels. Most of the apps are located on the bottom side of the screen along with the controls. This makes it easy for users to reach and use them with just their thumb. It also works better than other phones with one hand only.

The New Motorola Razr folded | Source: Self

On the outside, users can see an 2.7-inch OLED external screen. It is a quick view display that shows essentials such as time, notifications, alerts, signals and battery life. Users cannot type on it but can respond through recorded messages or their voices. In fact, users can use it to check what they look like in selfies.

Google Pay and Google Assistant can be used on the quick view display, as well as for controlling music. The useful yet addictive Motorola gestures are present too. Move the phone in a twister pattern to turn on the camera and shake it sideways to turn on the flashlight.

You can hardly feel the hinge tension, when opening and closing the phone because the movement is smooth and gradual. The hinge’s gears are visible, and magnets hold their sides together. This mechanism prevents the creases from forming on the screen.

People have been asking about the presence of a thick plastic chin on the bottom of the New Motorola Razr. Such is because it reminds us all of its original design so hence it gets a good score for nostalgia. It also houses the optical fingerprint reader, the antennas, vibrating motor, GPS & Wi-Fi units. Most importantly, it is like a handle for users to hold on to when they are watching a video.

To make a call, the phone has to be opened but when on a call, the phone can be closed and the conversation can continue as long as you are using the speakerphone, connected via Bluetooth or are on a video call. However, it closes out most apps with the music player being an exception (the quick view screen helps control music tracks).

The 21:9 screen is termed by Motorola as its Cinemavision display. Small black bars will be bordering the sides when videos are being watched.

Beneath the exterior display is a 16-megapixel camera that is used to take photos and selfies. The five-megapixel camera that is visible when the Razr is unfolded is used mainly for video calls. However, telephoto and wide-angle lens won’t be available. But a software aided portrait and night vision mode are available.

The new Motorola Razr completely opened | Source: Self

The phone is available in 4G and not in 5G. It does have quite a decent amount of memory but has no SD card slot. The phone also lacks a SIM slot so there are pretty much quite some tradeoffs for those looking to buy the new Motorola Razr.

Specifications of the New Motorola Razr

Specifications of the phone are as under:

  • Snapdragon 710 processor.
  • 6GB RAM.
  • 128 GB of internal storage.
  • Snapdragon 710 processor.
  • 2.7-inch Quick View display (800×600).
  • 6.2-inch foldable pOLED display (2142×876).
  • 16 megapixels front-facing camera focal point 1.7 with night vision mode).
  • 5 megapixels internal camera.
  • USB-C port present.
  • eSIM.
  • Fingerprint reader.
  • Android 9 pie.

What do users get in the box?

When prospective buyers think of buying and unboxing the Motorola Razr, their experience is most likely to be memorable. Motorola has created a unique and eye-catching box with sharp corners which will have a tinted, transparent top with a speaker grill.

This way, users can play music from their Razr phones through the box when they slot the phone in the box in an upright position.

The phone comes with:

  • Wired USB-C earbuds.
  • An accessory case for sunglasses.
  • 15-watt TurboPower charger.
  • USB-C cable.
  • Headset adaptor.

Conclusion

While the phone comes equipped with some pretty good features but with a hefty price tag of USD$ 1500, we wonder if its worth the buck. It runs on Android 9 instead of 10 (for which Motorola promised timely updates) and the battery power is 2,500 mAh, which is 10 percent less than what Google’s Pixel 4 currently offers.

With the phone being launched in collaboration with its exclusive telecom partner Verizon, users may need to go to competitors with the compatible ECM format if they wish to switch their carriers. Other than that, the processor will be 2 years old at the time of the launch.

Still, the new Motorola Razr is primed to be a hit among customers when it goes into official launch. For its price tag, this phone is truly going to be unique among the many present in the ever competent smartphone market. It is truly a comeback sign from Motorola and its answer to the Samsung Galaxy Fold and Huawei Mate X.

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RTX3080

Nvidia 3000 Series is About to Drop the RTX3080/RTX3080ti Next Year

The world is massively competitive and individual gamers from all around the world are overly excited. Tech GPU giants are always grossly interlocked with each other in a constant battle of superseding one GPU tech over the other.

In the blue corner, we have AMD who is massively focused on delivering high-performance gaming experience to its individuals; whereas, in the red corner, we have Nvidia who is interested in delivering performance just as much as they are interested in offering durability.

With the recent launch of the 5700XT series in the market, AMD has successfully paralleled its GPU technology meeting the robust requirements of modern-day games running on the RTX technology. 

But can Nvidia produce something far better than its existing Geforce Experience 2000 series? Rumor has it, that Nvidia has set itself on track towards releasing the first-ever Geforce 3000 series next year. 

Dates aren’t confirmed, yet the news has already started circulating the market. 

Rumors from Wccftech reveals that Nvidia is now discussing the all-new Ampere, the next-gen GeForce RTX 3000 series cards. Although, there aren’t any complete details about the Nvidia GeForce 3000 series which I believe will only be discussed when Nvidia officially announces the release. 

What’s Going to be Special About the New GeForce Nvidia Experience 3000 Series? 

First things first, 

People are terming the new card as the new Nvidia GeForce Ampere. The card has earned its name because of the 7nm EUV process node which it is about to introduce for the first time in 3000 series. 

Similar to its prior 2000 series, the 3000 series is going to feature three versions of the card. 

  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 – 12GB 
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 – 12GB 
  • NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti – 16GB

Obviously, as the stats suggest, these cards will be functioning on a higher, more powerful VRAM. 

Rumors also claim that the overall price of the card will be significantly cheaper than its previous models. However, in my opinion, price is something where Nvidia has never compromised so I don’t believe that’s ever going to happen. Though they do offer durability and that’s what sets them apart. 

About the Performance

As far as the card’s performance is concerned, the new Nvidia GeForce RTX 3000 series will have some amazing performance upgrades in terms of ray tracing technology. One other great news that we’ve learned about the new GPU tech is that the 3000 series card will feature the 7nm process node. 

Such nodes will make the GPU card more power-efficient compared to its previous versions. 

Just so you know, the previous versions of the GPU were powered on a larger 12nm to 14nm nodes. 

What’s Interesting About a 7nm EUV Process Node? 

The best thing about using the 7nm EUV node in Nvidia is that it provides the Ampere GPU a much more stable architecture. Some claim that it can actually run cards under a voltage supply of as low as 1V making the Nvidia 3000 series one of the most power-efficient Geforce cards on the block. 

But, (oh yes, there’s a but)… 

The downside of a good power efficient card is that you can expect a degradation in overclocking. 

If somehow Nvidia does change its pursuit from being power efficient to performance efficiency, the card can have almost a 400-500 Mhz GPU clock improvement, especially on the custom builts. 

And there is no doubt, Nvidia always plays safe when it comes to Graphic card life and durability. If Nvidia does plan on surpassing the AMD future builds, it must compromise on power-efficiency. 

So that’s all folks, everything that we have learned about the new Nvidia 3000 series. Until next time.