Monthly Archives: December 2015

How to Change Default Apps in Android Marshmallow

How to Change Default Apps in Android Marshmallow

Wearables, , , ,

One of the freedoms Android users enjoy is being able to switch up the default options used for core apps like the browser, phone or messaging.

In previous versions of Android, you had the opportunity to make this choice when you opened one of the relevant apps for the first time, but switching to a new default app later on was a convoluted process. With Android Marshmallow, changing these choices at any time is just a few clicks away.

Here’s how to change your default apps.
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https://forums.tomsguide.com/faq/how-to-change-default-apps-in-android-6-0-marshmallow.107945/

Fossil Q Dreamer review

Fossil Q Dreamer review

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

If you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing a black plastic band, this is the tracker for you. It’s not the most useful, motivating or best value for money device but for many, it could be a choice between wearing this stylish smart bracelet or forgetting your whole health and fitness plan. Android issues aside, it handles both basic tracking and alerts nicely but in almost every instance, there’s a trade-off to consider before you buy.
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https://www.wareable.com/fossil/fossil-q-dreamer-review

Audi RS Q3 review : One of the fastest small SUVs you can buy

Audi RS Q3 review : One of the fastest small SUVs you can buy

Cars, , , ,

The Audi RS Q3 is the German carmaker’s first SUV to get the high-performance RS treatment. It’s a very niche car and doesn’t have a lot of rivals, but the Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 and thePorsche Macan S are similar in price and pace. Even the slowerRange Rover Evoque Si4 is a worthy alternative because it’s equally capable in the corners.

The best part about the RS Q3 is that it shares the characterful five-cylinder engine with the RS3. With a broad spread of pulling power and an addictive soundtrack, the engine is more usable than the four-cylinders found in rivals. After a mid-life facelift in 2015, the gearbox shifts quicker and the engine got an extra 29hp to bump it up to 335hp. This brought the already fast 0-62mph time down by two tenths to a very impressive 4.8 seconds. Top speed is limited to 155mph.
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https://www.carwow.co.uk/audi/rs-q3

Lenovo Y Gaming Precision Mouse Review — Gaming Imprecision

Lenovo Y Gaming Precision Mouse Review — Gaming Imprecision

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

If Lenovo is correct to claim that the Y Gaming Precision Mouse ($70) is a “best-in-class” gaming mouse, it’s only because it’s been receiving a remedial education. This peripheral looks promising right out of the box: big and textured, with a slick red-and-black color scheme. The shine is only skin-deep, however, as the Y Gaming Precision employs a so-so sensor and highly limited software. With a $70 price tag, you could — and should — choose a much better gaming companion.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/lenovo-y-gaming-precision-mouse,review-3308.html

Cat S40 Review: The Monster Truck of Phones

Cat S40 Review: The Monster Truck of Phones

Phones, , , , , , , ,

Caterpillar, which makes monster-size trucks, now has a monster of a phone. Designed for construction workers or anyone working in harsh environments, the Cat S40 promises rugged protection from dust, drops and water. It runs Android Lollipop and comes with a generous-size battery as well. But for its $400 price, the Cat S40 should offer a better camera and more speed.

Design: Built to Last

With a rubberized back and solid-metal chassis, the Cat S40 looks like the phone Bob the Builder would use.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/cat-s40,review-3307.html

HP Spectre x2 review: A less expensive Surface rival

HP Spectre x2 review: A less expensive Surface rival

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

We’ve been noticing something the past few months: Every tech company is trying to be more like Microsoft. Which is to say, they’re belatedly copying the Surface Pro, a laptop/tablet mashup that’s already in its fourth generation. There are different examples: the iPad Pro from Apple, Google’s Pixel C, as well as offerings from Lenovo and Dell. But HP’s latest is an especially literal interpretation. The Spectre x2, as it’s called, is a 12-inch Windows tablet with a keyboard cover. Also like the Surface Pro, it sports a kickstand around back and can be used with a pressure-sensitive pen. But, it’s cheaper and the keyboard actually comes in the box (hear that, Microsoft?). On paper, then, it would seem that while the x2 isn’t groundbreaking, it could be worthwhile in its own right.
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https://www.engadget.com/2015-12-16-hp-spectre-x2-review.html

Sony A7S II Review

Sony A7S II Review

Cameras, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Introduction

The Sony A7S II is a new 35mm full-frame compact system camera with a 12.2 megapixel sensor that provides an incredible ISO range of 50-409,600 and high dynamic range. Other standout highlights of the A7S II include internal 4K video recording with full pixel readout without pixel binning in full-frame format, Full HD 120fps and 4x/5x slow motion recording, gamma assist display, time code and optional XLR audio inputs, 5-axis image stabilisation system, BIONZ X image processor, a silent image capture mode, continuous shooting rate of 5fps, and an enhanced auto focus system with 169 AF points which can operate down to light levels as low as EV -4. The A7S II also features a dust/moisture-resistant magnesium alloy body, 0.78x magnification XGA OLED electronic viewfinder, tiltable 3-inch LCD screen, and NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity. The Sony A7S II is available now priced at around £2499 / $2999 body only.
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https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_a7s_ii_review

Bose SoundTouch 10 review

Bose SoundTouch 10 review

Audio & Video, , , , , , ,

If we can label any brand a veteran in a wireless speaker market that hasn’t even reached adulthood yet, Bose would be the one.

It has been in the game for over ten years and, following its SoundDock and SoundLink ranges, is still knuckling down on its two-year-old SoundTouch multiroom speakers.

While the desktop-suitable SoundTouch 20 and 30 models are now in their third generation, it’s only now that a speaker of more modest proportions has joined the family.
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https://www.whathifi.com/bose/soundtouch-10/review

Galaxy S5 Android Marshmallow update: mistake or fake?

Galaxy S5 Android Marshmallow update: mistake or fake?

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,

This month we’ve seen more than our fair share of Samsung Galaxy smartphone Marshmallow update videos, and through the sorting we’ve come to one conclusion. Either the Samsung Galaxy S5 Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow update is fake, or its release was a mistake. Earlier reports have the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Galaxy S5 off the list for updates entirely, stopping just before the Marshmallow update entirely*. Could it be that Samsung was working on this update to the device, but decided not to release it?
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https://www.slashgear.com/galaxy-s5-android-marshmallow-update-mistake-or-fake-28420066/

Fresh Audi Q5 and Q2 crossovers set for unveil in 2016

Fresh Audi Q5 and Q2 crossovers set for unveil in 2016

Cars, , , , ,

With only a few days left in 2015, we are all looking forward to what major automotive manufacturers will unveil next year. Audi has announced that it has a pair of crossover SUVs in the works that will be debuted in the next few months. It’s unclear if these new models will be available to purchase in 2016.

All Audi is saying is that the successor to the Q5 will be presented next year. An even smaller crossover is in the works called the Audi Q2. That car will bring Audi to a new market segment in 2016. The Q2 will take Audi further down market with a less expensive crossover that is thought to be on par with the Mini Countryman in size.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fresh-audi-q5-and-q2-crossovers-set-for-unveil-in-2016-29420124/

Samsung 12-inch Windows 10 tablet lands WiFi cert

Samsung 12-inch Windows 10 tablet lands WiFi cert

Tablets, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Samsung has reportedly been working on a new Windows 10 tablet since the summer. Rumors have hinted that the tablet will be a 12-inch unit with a Super AMOLED screen boasting a 2560 x 1600 or 3840 x 2400 resolution. The heart of the tablet is tipped to be an Intel Core M processor paired with 4GB of RAM.

The tablet will use S-Pen according to some of the rumors. That tablet has now been granted its WiFi Interoperability Certificate. The certification was granted on November 18 and the tablet carries model number SM-W700.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-12-inch-windows-10-tablet-lands-wifi-cert-29420113/

Fujifilm X-Pro2 photos get leaked ahead of January debut

Fujifilm X-Pro2 photos get leaked ahead of January debut

Cameras,

In little less than two weeks, it will be exactly 4 years since Fujfilm announcedthe X-Pro. On January 15, at least based on an earlier leaked product page, it will be revealing its successor. Before that happens, however, there is of course enough time to have a few more leaks, especially one that reveals how the Fujifilm X-Pro2 will look like. Suffice it to say, it won’t be straying too far from its predecessor in terms of overall design and perhaps in some of the specs as well.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fujifilm-x-pro2-photos-get-leaked-ahead-of-january-debut-28420091/

Samsung launches Bio-Processor for health-centric wearables

Samsung launches Bio-Processor for health-centric wearables

Wearables, , , , ,

There has been a lot of focus of late on smartphones and wearables with capabilities to measure certain health factors, mostly heart rates and sometimes even blood oxygen levels. Trying to capitalize on that still growing market, Samsung has announced what is billed to be the industry’s first all-in-one health chip solution that combines all the relevant sensors as well as processors in a single chip small enough to be placed inside a fitness band.
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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-launches-bio-processor-for-health-centric-wearables-29420085/

Google Glass 2: Enterprise Edition revealed in photos

Google Glass 2: Enterprise Edition revealed in photos

Wearables, , , , ,

The second edition Google Glass header has appeared, and it looks… very similar to the first. This is what Google calls the “Enterprise Edition” of the headset, aiming it directly at the industry that decided it was a device that’d be helpful – businesses. Using this headset in the line of duty in a wide variety of trades has been a real boon for the popularity of the device, and here it would appear that it’s been kept afloat by the segment that Google doesn’t normally go after – not with as much veracity as the consumer world, anyway.
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https://www.slashgear.com/google-glass-2-enterprise-edition-revealed-in-photos-28420045/

New 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior raises the bar

New 2017 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior raises the bar

Wearables, , ,

There were a lot of loaded, descriptive words thrown out during Mercedes-Benz’s intimate press conference describing the new E-Class. “Luxury”, “simplicity”, “experience”, “high-tech”, “beauty”… all of which tie into a hard division between two categories: emotion and intelligence, the yin and yang if you will of the automaker’s latest view on what a high-end sedan should be.
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https://www.slashgear.com/new-2017-mercedes-benz-e-class-interior-raises-the-bar-28419948/

Android 6.0.1 will make the Galaxy S6 edge’s edge more useful

Android 6.0.1 will make the Galaxy S6 edge’s edge more useful

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

It seems that Samsung has finally come to its senses. While some Android users are waiting for their Android 6.0 Marshmallow update just for the sake of being on the latest Android version, some of Samsung’s faithful might have a lot more riding on that update. A video of what is allegedly Android 6.0.1 running on a Galaxy S6 edge reveals that Samsung may have tucked in lots more functionality in curved edge, potentially making what is just a fancy design into something truly useful and perhaps even desirable.
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https://www.slashgear.com/android-6-0-1-will-make-the-galaxy-s6-edges-edge-more-useful-28419889/

Apple CarPlay is finally coming to the Hyundai Sonata

Apple CarPlay is finally coming to the Hyundai Sonata

Wearables, , , , ,

They say that good things come to those who wait. Last year automaker Hyundai promised that they would be making Apple CarPlay available to owners of their Sonata. Well, a year and a half later, they’re finally ready to start making good on that promise.

When it was originally announced, Hyundai had stated that the upgrade to CarPlay would be a simple and free download for 2015 or 2016 model owners. Unfortunately, something has changed between the announcement and now, as it will no longer be a free upgrade.
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https://www.slashgear.com/apple-carplay-is-finally-coming-to-the-hyundai-sonata-28419935/

LG HBS-910 and HBS-900 Bluetooth neckband headsets to debut at CES 2016

LG HBS-910 and HBS-900 Bluetooth neckband headsets to debut at CES 2016

Audio & Video, Wearables, , , ,

CES 2016 kicks off in a few weeks and there will be hoards of new devices and gadgets unveiled at the show. LG is showing off one of the devices that it will unveil at CES 2016 with a neckband headset that will be offered in two versions. The headsets are the HBS-910 and the HBS-900. The headsets are designed to be light and comfortably worn around the neck.
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https://www.slashgear.com/lg-hbs-910-and-hbs-900-bluetooth-neckband-headsets-to-debut-at-ces-2016-28419910/

Nintendo 2DS arrives in Japan with limited-edition Pokemon colors

Nintendo 2DS arrives in Japan with limited-edition Pokemon colors

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

It’s been over two years now since Nintendo debuted its 2DS handheld system in the US, dropping the 3DS’s clamshell hinge as well as 3D functionality in favor of a slate-like form factor with a budget-friendly price. Now the odd portable is arriving in Japan for the first time, but in the form of special Pokemon-themed editions. The four models come in transparent red, blue, green, and yellow, and coincide with Nintendo’s release of updated versions of the original Gameboy Pokemon titles.
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https://www.slashgear.com/nintendo-2ds-arrives-in-japan-with-limited-edition-pokemon-colors-28419915/

DxOMark puts BlackBerry Priv on par with iPhone 6s

DxOMark puts BlackBerry Priv on par with iPhone 6s

Cameras, Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Looks like BlackBerry has yet another thing to be proud of with its most recent smartphone. While we’re still not privy to exact and official sales numbers for the BlackBerry Priv, it has just received a vote of confidence from DxOMark, one of the most cited authorities when it comes to digital photography benchmarks. Earning an overall score of 82, DxOMark puts the Priv on the same level as the iPhone 6s ahead of the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Nexus 6 but still below the Galaxy S6 edge+, the Galaxy Note 5, or even the iPhone 6s Plus.
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https://www.slashgear.com/dxomark-puts-blackberry-priv-on-par-with-iphone-6s-28419870/

Xiaomi Mi5 renders leak showing pink version

Xiaomi Mi5 renders leak showing pink version

Wearables, , , ,

More renderings of the Xiaomi mi5 smartphone have leaked this time showing the device off in multiple colors. Earlier this month a leaked rendering showed a black version of the smartphone.

This time out the leaks, highlight a multiple colors including pink, gold, black, and white. Other than showing off the new colors, the leak brings with it no new information on the smartphone.
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https://www.slashgear.com/xiaomi-mi5-renders-leak-showing-pink-version-28419893/

Fujitsu spins off PC, smartphone businesses

Fujitsu spins off PC, smartphone businesses

Computers & IT, , , , , ,

In what could be seen as yet another worrying development for the steadily declining PC industry, Fujitsu has announced that it has split its PC, both desktops and notebooks, business and its smartphone business into companies of their own with their own long-winded name. The first part is eerily similar to what fellow Japanese company Sony did with its VAIO business and brand. The second part, on the other hand, could be a portent of things to come for Sony as well as for the Japanese smartphone manufacturing industry as a whole.
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https://www.slashgear.com/fujitsu-spins-off-pc-smartphone-businesses-28419884/

HTC One X9 mid-range hero sounds a lot like the One A9

HTC One X9 mid-range hero sounds a lot like the One A9

Wearables, , ,

After the usual overabundance of leaks and speculations, HTC has finally unveiled the One X9, right on the eve of Christmas. And, perhaps to the disappointment of some, it does match most of that unofficial information. The One X9 is indeed a metal-clad HTC hero, but more from its mid-range line than a flagship contender. Curiously, however, it bears an uncanny similarity to theOne A9, another mid-range hero that the OEM has just recently launched in the US, which was a pleasant surprise. If not for the unpleasant surprise of its price tag.
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https://www.slashgear.com/htc-one-x9-mid-range-hero-sounds-a-lot-like-the-one-a9-27419877/

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* Review

Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* Review

Cameras, , , , , ,

Introduction

The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* is a manual-aperture, manual-focus short telephoto prime lens for Canon and Nikon full-frame mirrorless cameras. It features an aperture range of f/1.4-f/16, 11 elements in 9 groups, a nine-bladed circular diaphragm for smoother bokeh blur in out of focus areas, and a precision-engineered full-metal casing. The Zeiss Otus 85mm f/1.4 Planar T* retails for £3299.99 / €3360.50 / $4490.
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https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/zeiss_otus_85mm_f_1_4_planar_t_review

How to Make Windows 10 Look and Feel Like Windows 7

How to Make Windows 10 Look and Feel Like Windows 7

Wearables, , , , , , , , , ,

Windows 10 offers a number of benefits over its predecessors, including improved boot and wake-from-sleep times, the ability to run Universal apps, the Cortana voice assistant and Xbox game streaming. It even has a Start Menu, a key feature  that is infamously missing from Windows 8. But what if you like the improved performance and features of Windows 10, but you prefer the look and feel of Windows 7? While you can’t make everything look identical to Microsoft’s old operating system, you can change many key elements, including the Start Menu, wallpaper and taskbar.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/

Huawei TalkBand B2 Review

Huawei TalkBand B2 Review

Wearables, , , , ,

Huawei returns to the fitness scene with the TalkBand B2. Like the original B1, this $179 device tracks steps, calories and sleep, and you can even pop the module off its base and stick it on your ear to use as a Bluetooth earpiece for calls. However, the B2 is made from more premium materials, and it now integrates with Jawbone’s app ecosystem. After testing it, we have some reservations about the band’s wonky sleep monitoring and lackluster battery life.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/

Asus Reco Classic review: A small and good-value dash cam with usable video

Asus Reco Classic review: A small and good-value dash cam with usable video

Cameras, , , , , ,

Asus is better known for its laptops, motherboards and graphics cards, but is branching out into dash cams. The Reco Classic is a fairly small unit which is pretty easy to install and has all the features you probably want, plus some extra safety features you’ll no doubt appreciate. 

UK PRICE AND AVAILABILITY

The Asus Reco Classic is available from a number of UK retailers, including Amazon UK, for £99.99/$150.
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https://www.techadvisor.co.uk/

How to Delete the Windows.old Folder in Windows 10

How to Delete the Windows.old Folder in Windows 10

Wearables, , , , , ,

When you upgrade from Windows 7 or 8.1 to Windows 10, the software retains a copy of your old operating system just in case you want to revert. However, if you decide that you’re happy running Windows 10 and don’t want to roll back, you’re left with at least 15GB of wasted space on your hard drive, all of it stored in a folder called Windows.old.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/

Acer Chromebook R11 review

Acer Chromebook R11 review

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , ,

Laptops that can convert from clamshell mode to tablet mode, dubbed 2-in-1s, are becoming increasingly popular, even on Google’s browser-centric Chrome OS. With its 360-degree hinge and 11.6-inch touch screen, the $279 Acer Chromebook R 11 delivers a competent convertible experience, complete with a colorful display and a comfy keyboard. However, a touch-unfriendly interface and below-average battery life hold this hybrid back.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/