Monthly Archives: August 2016

Lenovo VIBE K5 Note Review

August 30, 2016Phones3g, 4g, 4g lte, android, app, audio, benchmark, Bluetooth, browser, camera, case, Chrome, comparison, compensation, controller, dolby, fingerprint, full HD, gps, gpu, HD, headphones, headset, HELIO P10, home, hspa+, hue, hybrid, IPS, LED, Lenovo, Lenovo Vibe, lighting, Lollipop, lte, Mediatek, microsd, movie, movies, navigation, nfc, Octa-Core, pc, phablet, portable, processor, ram, security, sensor, Shazam, smartphone, social, social media, software, speaker, speakers, TV, Vibe, video, vr, vr headset, watch, wifi, wireless

What we liked about it:

Premium built
Commendable picture quality for watching
Bundled VR glasses and plastic case
Decent everyday performer
Spot-on fingerprint recognition
Produces detailed photos

What we didn’t like:

No longer has dual front-facing speakers
Controller needs some refinements

We’ve brought you our hands-on and first impressions of the Lenovo VIBE K5 Note during its official launch, and after some quality time with it, we’re now ready to share our thoughts on the company’s smartphone aimed to those big in multimedia consumption.

Design and Construction

As a smartphone leaning towards media usage, Lenovo implemented a decent 5.5-inch display on the K5 Note. Just like the previous K4 Note, it features pretty thin bezels and imposes a capacitive type setup for navigation. Here we have the Recent Apps, Home, and Back buttons which give off a faint backlighting for operation in the dark.

Also seen up front are the usual selfie camera with an 8-megapixel sensor and the speaker for calls. Tucked under the display on the upper left is a solo LED light for notifications.

While it’s all glass up front, the back and the rest of the device is made of metal which gives off that sturdy, premium feel in addition to a classy look. The rear is also segmented into three parts, which is a design implementation found in other smartphones in its class. It has an all-metallic hue with no variation in color.

From this angle, we see the rear camera, flash, fingerprint sensor, and speaker grille but we’ll get to those in a little bit.

The right side features the volume rocker and power/lock button which are positioned to be easily reached with the right thumb.

The main shooter is placed right in the upper middle area right below the pinhole for microphone and above the dual-tone LED flash. It sports a 13-megapixel sensor and comes equipped with Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) to aid in producing sharper images.

The rear camera itself is somewhat protruding but is protected by a shiny trimming surrounding it. Right above it is the 3.5mm audio jack for connecting your personal headphones. Like most handsets aiming for an elegant look, the K5 Note has a running strip of chrome that goes around the entire device. Indeed, it adds highlight on an otherwise plain and straightforward design language.

This protrusion of the main camera makes the device rest solely on it when the phone is lying face up. This could possibly lead to unwanted scratches and wear during prolonged use.

Meanwhile, the microUSB port for charging and transferring files sits at the bottom and is accompanied by another pinhole for the microphone.

I have personally been a fan of Lenovo’s offerings that sport premium-like built although the device itself is only gunning for the mid-range category. It’s fairly light to hold, has decent ergonomics, and isn’t that hard to navigate using one hand.

Display and Multimedia

Since it wants to position itself as a multimedia device, it’s been fitted with Full HD resolution display with IPS technology for sharing content thanks to its wide viewing angles. Pixel density is around 401ppi which is decent for a screen this size.

Watching a couple of Stranger Things episodes, the K5 Note gave off good colors and contrast on most scenes. Details are discernible which is always a good thing and made us further appreciate what we were watching. Picture quality-wise, we couldn’t really find a glaring fault to point out on this phablet.

Lenovo veered away from the dual front-facing speaker setup that they used on the K4 Note and instead, went for a speaker grill at the lower end of the back panel. They then used Dolby’s Atmos technology on its 1.5W speakers but although a bit more powerful than ordinary speakers, they don’t really satisfy us while watching movies or TV series. We still would rather use a pair of good headphones or connect it to external speakers.

OS, UI, and Apps

The K5 Note runs on Android 5.1 Lollipop out of the box and is layered with the company’s VIBE UI. It is also upgradeable to Android 6.0 via an OTA update.

Storage-wise, it comes with 32GB of space and is expandable to 128GB using an additional microSD card. Out of the 32GB of available storage, around 8GB is used for software and other pre-installed apps like Evernote, LateRooms, McAfee, Shazam, and other bloatwares tucked in the app drawer.

Camera

Sample shot (cropped)

Using its 13-megapixel camera, the K5 Note produced detailed shots when ample lighting was available. The above photo is a cropped image and still it shows the details on the cat’s fur, eyes, and whiskers. Although at night, some of the images show digital noise and appear a bit smudgy when zoomed in. Take a look at the sample shots below:

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lenovo-vibe-k5-note-sample-shots-camera-5

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lenovo-vibe-k5-note-sample-shots-camera-7

lenovo-vibe-k5-note-sample-shots-camera-8

In addition to those, using the K5 Note for video showed good quality on its Full HD (1080) clips and exposure compensation is on point. We also notice that autofocus for video isn’t as snappy as we’d like it to be and still requires the user to tap on to the subject in order to focus as seen in the samples below.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/gXshc4Zu3q8″]

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/WQrWkxHiL08″]

Performance and Benchmarks

Running on a Helio P10 processor with eight cores clocked at 1.8GHz, we didn’t experience any major lags or unwanted crashes while using the device as a daily driver for social media sites, playing NBA 2K11, and editing photos.

It still maintained its 3GB of RAM from its previous version and we could say that it proved enough for our demands.

As for security, its fingerprint sensor worked correctly 10 times out of 10 attempts meaning the recognition is spot on.

We also ran our standard benchmarking apps to give comparison against other devices. Check out the scores for each software:

AnTuTu: 49,377
Quadrant Standard: 24,627
Vellamo: 2,269 (Multicore), 1,270 (Metal), 2,939 (Chrome Browser)
3DMark: 414
PCMark: 4,350

VR Headset and Remote

We’ve mentioned in our early hands-on encounter at its launch that the package comes with a portable VR headset and remote which can be used for playing games and the like.

We first tried watching a movie on the K5 Note and used its feature to automatically convert all content and make it VR-compatible. The technology works as advertised but we experienced some comfort issues during prolonged use.

Using the remote, there were some confusion on the controls as pushing a button doesn’t really correspond to its supposed task and we had to adjust to get it to work properly.

Connectivity and Call Quality

Connectivity-wise, the K5 Note has got the basics covered with hybrid Dual-SIM support, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, and finally, NFC for easy wireless pairing. These worked altogether well and as expected so we had no problems in this department.

The microphones strategically-placed around the device made call quality clear and easily understandable. From both ends, signal reception was audible and distortion was kept to a minimum.

Battery Life

We subjected the K5 Note on our usual battery benchmark test with brightness and volume set to 50% on Airplane mode.

Its 3,500mAh battery got a result of 8 hours and 27 minutes on the PC Mark app while our standard video loop test gave off 12 hours 21 minutes of continuous playback. That’s fairly impressive and useful for when you plan to binge watch on your favorite TV series.

Conclusion

The Lenovo VIBE K5 Note is a device that we would recommend to those on a budget but still require a sleek, handsome build. It’s also ready for media consumption as it has commendable display and picture quality that show good colors and details. We weren’t so happy with the sound performance but using dedicated headphones should easily do the trick.

When it comes to everyday use, the handset doesn’t fall short and could keep up with the tasks that we throw at it. Battery life is also something that the K5 Note delivers well. Plus, with its 12 hours + of continuous playback, you’d have more than enough juice to watch your favorite shows.

The Lenovo Vibe K5 Note retails for Php11,999 which already includes the new VR headset and controller. Lenovo has also included a clear case and a screen protector in the bundle to protect your newly bought device from unwanted damages. The device comes in two colors — platinum silver and champagne gold.

Lenovo Vibe K5 Note specs:

5.5-inch Full HD LTPS IPS display, 401ppi
1.8GHz MediaTek MT6755 Helio P10 octa-core CPU
Mali-T860MP2 GPU
3GB RAM
32GB internal storage
up to 128GB via microSD
13MP PDAF rear camera w/ dual-tone flash
8MP front camera
Dual-SIM
4G LTE, 3G HSPA+
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n
Bluetooth 4.0
GPS, A-GPS
NFC
FM Radio
Dolby Atmos
Fingerprint scanner
1.5W speaker, Hi-Fi audio with Dolby Atmos
3,500mAh battery
Android 5.1 Lollipop w/ VIBE UI (upgradeable to Android 6.0)
152 x 75.7 x 8.5 mm
165 g

(yugatech.com, http://goo.gl/JhC6BQ)

Parmigiani Ovale Pantographe Watch Review

August 29, 2016Wearablesconcept, limited edition, Parmigiani Ovale Pantographe Watch, Review, watch

Watches like the Parmigiani Ovale Pantographe come along only once in a rare while. This is a timepiece myself and others on the aBlogtoWatch team have been more or less smitten with for years… given its mixture of fantastic design, historical roots, and emotionally charged technical fascination. Of course, a niche-appeal timepiece such as this isn’t for all tastes, but if you are sympathetic to what the Parmigiani Ovale Pantographe does well, then I think you’ll agree this is really some special watch.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/_HSaUa9RtvE”]

The modern history of the Parmigiani Ovale Pantographe dates back to 2011 when Parmigiani debuted a concept called the Parmigaini 114 (here on aBlogtoWatch). As you can see, the resulting timepiece we have today is very similar to what the brand had in mind back then. Later, in 2013, Parmigiani released a limited edition version of the Ovale Pantographe with a textured dial. Sometime subsequent to that, the brand released two non-limited editions of the Ovale Pantographe in both 18k rose and 18k white gold that aBlogtoWatch went hands-on with here. Finally, I get a chance to review one of those watches (the Ovale Pantographe in 18k rose gold), which helps complete my appreciation of this uniquely wonderful timepiece.

Parmigiani Ovale Pantographe Watch Review Wrist Time Reviews
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https://www.ablogtowatch.com/parmigiani-ovale-pantographe-watch-review/2/

Cherry Explorer 2 Review – The First Android Powered Action Camera In The World!

August 29, 2016Camerasaction camera, android, camera, case, Lollipop, mobile, Review, waterproof

As a refresher, the Explorer 1, Cherry’s first venture in the world of action cameras. It surprised a lot of people for the due to its generous package that’s complete with useful accessories for outdoor adventures like mounts, waterproof case, and etc. However, while its quality decent for the price, it has a number of flaws that may not make it really suitable for your adventures.

Why? We noticed that the waterproof case gets a lot of moist, the UI is quite hard to navigate, and the battery drains fast. Those are the things that we wanted Cherry to improve if ever they will came up with another edition of it.

Fortunately, it appears that the biggest mobile brand in the country is listening. At the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Spain, one the biggest tech show in the world, the company surprised everyone with the announcement of the Explorer 2 Action Cam.

The 2nd generation Action camera that touts a lot of improvements and innovation. Cherry managed to pull of a very clever feature that nobody else did before on this type of device, the Explorer 2 is the first fully operational action camera in the world that runs with Android 5.1 Lollipop OS.
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https://www.gizguide.com/2016/08/cherry-explorer-2-review.html

Atlantic Technology FS3 and LCR3 Speaker System Review

August 29, 2016Audio & VideoReview, speaker, speakers

How should your 5.1-channel system handle the three channels in front? You might use the traditional approach of three separate speakers. Then again, you might simply use a passive soundbar with left, center, and right drivers. We’ve reviewed both kinds of systems—but until now, we haven’t reviewed both options at once. In this Test Report, that’s just what we’re going to do. We’ll start with Atlantic Technology’s new FS3 soundbar in the front and two voice-matched LCR3 satellites in the surround positions. Then we’ll swap out the soundbar for three more satellites to see what that brings to the table. To make it even more interesting, we’ll start with a single 8-inch SB-900 subwoofer, then contemplate the advantages of adding a second one.

System pricing is $1,550 for one FS3, two LCR3s, and one SB-900. Adding the second sub raises the cost to $1,900. For five LCR3s, the total is $1,725 with one sub or $2,075 with two.

I’m writing this introduction before starting the listening demos. Here’s what I expect to happen: The soundbar would have a more solid, but narrower, front soundstage. Substituting three speakers for the bar should expand the soundstage. It would also provide more flexibility in placement, if that were a factor. Adding the second sub would improve the evenness of bass coverage, extending good bass response to more locations in the room. As for what the speakers would actually sound like—their balance of frequencies, dynamics, coloration, and all the tangibles and intangibles that add up to listenability—I’m at square one. Let’s explore.
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https://www.soundandvision.com/content/atlantic-technology-fs3-and-lcr3-speaker-system-review

Lenovo Yoga 710 15-Inch Review

August 29, 2016Computers & IT1080p, HP, HP SPECTRE X360, Lenovo, Lenovo Yoga, notebook, Review, spectre, x360

Until recently, you couldn’t find a truly premium 2-in-1 for under $1,000. However, the Lenovo Yoga 710 15-inch (starting at $750; $900 as tested) is proof of how quickly that’s changing. For less than a grand, this bend-back notebook punches above its price tag, competing with our favorite 2-in-1s, such as the HP Spectre x360. The Yoga 710’s beautiful display, responsive keyboard and strong performance make it a fantastic large-screen 2-in-1 and a great value.

Design

The Yoga 710 sports a minimalist aesthetic with an all-black aluminum body. The lid features a shiny Yoga logo in silver and Lenovo’s seal in gray, but is otherwise plain. The hinges, which are silver on the 11-inch and 14-inch models of the 710, are a dark gunmetal gray. Opening the lid shows off the 15.6-inch 1080p display with a small bezel, island-style keyboard and the trackpad.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-yoga-710-15-inch

Panasonic P55 Novo Price, Images, Specs – Launched with 3GB RAM & 13MP Camera at Rs. 9,699

August 29, 2016Wearablesandroid, app, camera, Mediatek, micro SD, Octa-Core, Panasonic, processor, ram, remote control, sd, SD Card, sensor

The Japanese Electronic Company Panasonic introduced a new phone named as Panasonic P55 Novo which is acquiring 3GB of RAM. This seems to be upgraded model of the original one which was launched in the month of July with 1GB of RAM. So this is one of the main differences that we can observe. Check Panasonic P55 Novo Price, Specs and other features from the below description.

The feature of this phone sports an 5.3 inches 720p display. The company is claiming that it offers great viewing angles which will give better viewing experience to the user. For the protection of the glass, there is no information yet. There is also support for IR Blaster, which means you use IR Remote Control app to control any infrared enabled device. The device will have 12 Indian Languages.

Specs and Features

As far as if we move on the technical specs of this phone, the device will run on Android 6.0 Marshmallow which is also said to be upgradable. The processor in this is Octa-core MediaTek processor, which is clocked at 1.3GHz. The company provides 16GB of the internal storage from which less than 12GB of space is available to the user. This storage can be expandable up to 32GB using the micro SD card. The device is fully equipped with Gyro, Accelerometer and Geomagnetic Sensor.

Camera, Battery, Features
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Xiaomi MI Notebook Air vs. Retina Macbook : Video Comparison

August 29, 2016Audio & Video, Computers & ITApple, comparison, laptop, MacBook, notebook, retina, video, Xiaomi

When Xiaomi announced the Mi Notebook Air last month, it was obvious that the laptop was aimed straight at Apple. So we got the Mi Notebook Air and compared it with the Retina Macbook. Check out our comparison video below.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/8Z_JIuNYSMs”]
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https://www.yugatech.com/gadget-reviews/xiaomi-mi-notebook-air-vs-retina-macbook-video-comparison/#sthash.KgpUhla5.dpbs#gVZXKthzc36ZpPJU.97

WD My Passport Wireless Pro review : A portable hard drive made for mobile streaming

August 29, 2016Wearablesmobile, portable, Review, streaming, wireless

Available in 2- and 3TB capacities, WD’s My Passport Wireless Pro will stream media via its 802.11ac hot spot for hours. It can also serve as a power bank for mobile devices.

Kết quả hình ảnh cho WD My Passport Wireless Pro

We had only two real complaints about WD’s original My Passport Wireless media-streaming Wi-Fi hard drive: short-ish battery life, and an inability to charge other devices. WD has remedied both shortcomings with the all-new My Passport Wireless Pro. This is a thoroughly improved and much more capable product.

Design and features

MK MP300 THX Ultra 2 Speaker Package Review

August 29, 2016Audio & Videogame, home, Home Cinema, Review, speaker, speakers

What is the MK MP300 Speaker Package?

The system we have here for review is based on the MP300 wall mountable reference speakers designed for LCR duties, along with a pair of S300T tripole surrounds and two X12 subwoofers. All the speakers are THX Ultra 2 certified and are the ultimate version of the very popular S150 speaker design. We have reviewed the S150MkII system and the MP150MKII wall mountable versions in the recent past and they moved the game on from the original designs. The S300 series are based on the instantly recognisable driver configuration of two woofers and three tweeters within small, yet inert enclosures and designed to be paired with at least one subwoofer in the system.

The S300 differs from the S150 series in a number of areas while remaining similar in looks. The main obvious difference is when you pick them up and realise just how heavy the MP300 cabinet is. This points to a deliberate design to make the cabinets have as little resonance as possible and provide a solid platform for the best in possible sound quality. The drivers are also slightly larger with small redesigns, yet the three tweeter and mid driver layout stays very much the same. The tripoles are also built to the same high standard with large drivers, heavy cabinets and voiced to match perfectly with the MP300’s across the front channels, providing a wide and encompassing sound field. Add in two powerful double 12-inch push-pull subwoofers in the shape of the X12 and we have a very serious 5.2 home cinema system that costs a whopping £17K/$25.5K ! That’s a big step up from the S150 systems we have covered in the past, so just what does the extra outlay buy you and can the difference in performance justify the cost?
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https://www.avforums.com/review/mk-mp300-thx-ultra-2-speaker-package-review.12872

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV : What you need to know

August 29, 2016Camerascamera, Canon, canon eos, Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, EOS, EOS 5D Mark III, hands on, lens, native, Nikon, Pixel

It’s been more than four years since the launch of the Canon EOS 5D Mark III, and just head of this year’s Photokina trade show in Cologne we finally have a successor: the EOS 5D Mark IV.

While externally similar to the 5D III, and the higher-resolution 5DS/5DS R, the new EOS 5D Mark IV offers some significant internal improvements. We got our hands on a pre-production camera recently, and in this slideshow we’ll be giving you a quick overview of the key features.

The EOS 5D Mark IV will come in three kits: body only ($3499), with the 24-70 IS USM lens ($4399) or with the 24-105 IS II USM lens ($4599).

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV offers a roughly 30% increase in pixel count over its predecessor, and sits midway in terms of resolution between the EOS 5D III and the EOS 5DS/R, currently ‘best in class’ at 50MP. Nikon’s current ‘resolution’ flagship, the 36MP D810, offers a few more pixels but practically speaking the difference between 30MP and 36MP is likely to be pretty much academic.

The 5D Mark IV’s native ISO sensitivity span extends a touch higher than that of the EOS 5D III, covering ISO 100-32000. Its extended ISO sensitivity span, however, is identical to that of its predecessor, at 50-102400. Both cameras offer greater nominal low light sensitivity than the Nikon D810, which is capped at ISO 12800 natively, and can be extended to 51200.
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https://www.dpreview.com/news/3672064065/canon-eos-5d-iv-what-you-need-to-know

2017 Panamera Turbo and 4S technical details

August 29, 2016Cars2017 Porsche Panamera, concept, epic, Invite, Porsche, Porsche Panamera, Slashgear, turbo

Overview, concept and design – The all-new 2017 Porsche Panamera epitomizes, to me, what a true four-door sports sedan ought to be: bad to its bones. Everything’s new, inside and out; it looks like a Porsche; it drives and performs like a Porsche. The only thing left is for me to actually get behind the wheel myself.

Sadly so far Porsche isn’t quite ready to entrust those outside of the company with the keys, but the automaker did invite me to take a “Taxi Ride” in the new Panamera recently. Don’t let the name mislead you: this is the hottest of hot laps, driven by a pro-driver around a proper racetrack. While I’d obviously prefer to be at the wheel of a car I’ve written about extensively over the past few months, this was definitely the next-best-thing. Launch control? Check. Slicing through hairpin turns? Check. High speed down the straights and then maximum braking? Check. One of the most epic cab rides ever? Oh, definitely check.

Drive the damn thing for myself? Soon, very soon.

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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-panamera-turbo-and-4s-technical-details-26453403/

Galaxy Note7 vs. S7 edge vs. Note5 : Camera shootout

August 29, 2016Cameras, Phonescamera, galaxy, Galaxy S7, Galaxy S7 edge, Note5, Review, s7, S7 EDGE

Introduction

There can be no rivalry amidst Galaxies, but this has never stopped us from putting them against each other in all sorts of comparisons. It’s what we call a shootout and this time, we’ll be focusing on camera performance.

In this edition of our intergalactic shootout (it’s certainly not our first), we’ll be leaving three top Galaxy smartphones to battle it out – we’ve got the Galaxy Note7, the Galaxy S7 edge, and last year’s Galaxy Note5. The trio was released within less than a year and is eyed by millions of fans. But this is a friendly battle, creatures from a single team fighting for the sake of increasing their reputation, if you would forgive us the Pokemon pun.

The three curved Galaxies here are all considered top of the line, even though the older Note5 features a slightly less powerful chipset. They are all beautiful though and capable in their own right and putting them against each other in a VS article would hardly produce a winner.
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https://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_note5_vs_s7_edge_vs_note7-review-1479.php

GameSir G3S Enchanced Edition Review

August 29, 2016Wearablesandroid, Bluetooth, controller, iOS, mobile, pc, ps3, Review, usb, Xbox, xbox 360, Xbox One

The market is flooded with Bluetooth controllers, but this one caught my eye due to its multiplatform support and mostly due to the fact it has a mount that will allow you to support your mobile (Up to 6″) in the in controller itself.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/ZqlqoVbJ8w0″]

It supports PC controller via BT, and the included 2.4Ghz nano USB receiver if you don’t have Bluetooth on your PC. iOS, PS3 and Android. Charging take around 2-3 hours and it’s good for around 18 hours of gameplay, if you have the light’s on and using games with lots of rumble feedback then that time will be less of course.

The GameSir G3S is comfortable to hold and lightweight. They layout is like an Xbox 360 controller, the buttons have a good feel to them and the D-Pad and analog thumb sticks. The triggers are analog to but don’t have a rumble feature like Xbox one controllers.
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https://techtablets.com/2016/08/gamesir-g3s-enchanced-edition-review/

11 of the Best Nikon D3200/D3300/D3400 Accessories

August 28, 2016Cameras35mm, camera, dslr, Focal, game, lens, memory, memory card, Nikon, Nikon AF-S DX, nikon D3200

Take better pictures and make life easier with these accessories for the Nikon D3200, D3300 or D3400. You’ll also find great gift ideas for their owners.

Nikon’s D3200, D3300 and D3400 offer great quality for the money. You don’t need to buy a pricier camera to up your photographic game. Invest instead in add-ons like lenses, an external flash and a microphone or a tripod. Simple upgrades like a camera bag and the right memory card also help. Here are the best accessories for getting the most out of your Nikon.

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 35mm f/1.8G Lens

Nikon’s best lens deal is also one of our go-tos for testing its cameras. On a DSLR, this focal length (35mm) is a “normal lens,” which captures the world roughly the way we see it. It’s the most versatile kind you can have for a variety of subjects, and the huge f/1.8 aperture gives you great range for shooting in low light or with very shallow depth of field. (It takes 52mm-size filters.)
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/850-best-nikon-d-series-camera-accessories.html

Scan 3XS Z170 Performance GTK4 review

August 28, 2016Computers & IT1080p, amd, core i5, gaming, gpu, mac, pc, processor, radeon, Review, Scan 3XS Z170 Performance GTK4, TechRadar, titan

Bolton, UK-based Scan’s latest machine uses the new AMD Radeon RX 480, which is one of the market’s best mid-range cards, and the GPU is paired with an overclocked Core i5 processor.

Its maker, UK, Bolton-based Scan, reckons it’s ideal for 1080p and 1440p gaming, and we’re loathe to disagree. The 3XS Z170 Performance GTk4 starts at $1,444 (about £1,090, AU$1,907).

performance-gtk4-front-angle-650-80

Gloss drop

The GTK4 is built inside the pleasing NZXT Source 340 chassis. Its front is a solid slab of glossy black metal, and its roof and rear panel are similarly subtle. The main side panel is decorated with a huge window.

Build quality is reassuring, and there’s not much size difference between the Scan and the Overclockers Titan Virtual Force – the latter system is only a few centimetres bigger.
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https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/pc-mac-desktops/scan-3xs-z170-performance-gtk4-1326097/review

12 of the Best Canon T5/T5i Accessories

August 28, 2016Camerascamera, Canon, game, lens, Sharp

Canon’s T5 and T5i Digital Rebel cameras offer great quality for the money, but you can get even more out of them with add-ons like lenses, an external flash and microphone or a tripod. You can also make your shoots easier with some basics, like an extra battery and a camera bag for your new accessories. Here are the best accessories for upping your photographic game in an economical way.

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Lens

The “nifty fifty” as it’s lovingly known, is one of the most-popular upgrade lenses that Canon makes. It’s nearly as sharp as a pro lens and costs virtually nothing. The massive f/1.8 aperture provides nearly night vision and insanely shallow depth of field for soft backgrounds. Don’t be disappointed by the plastic body and mount. The glass inside is top-notch. (It takes 52mm-size filters.)
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/849-best-canon-t-series-accessories.html

Lenovo Yoga 710 (11-inch) Review

August 28, 2016Computers & ITAcer, Asus, Asus Transformer Book, best buy, Dell, hybrid, laptop, Lenovo, Lenovo Yoga, Review, tablet, touchpad, transformer

An excellent convertible 2-in-1 takes the portability and performance of a laptop and adds tablet modes without sacrificing battery life or adding weight. The 11-inch Lenovo Yoga 710 (starting at $549.99, tested at $649.99) pulls off all of these feats. Though this machine’s display is a little tinted and its underside a bit warm, the 2-in-1’s terrific mix of speed and endurance makes it an excellent option for consumers who want a reliable, lightweight hybrid.

Design

The Yoga 710’s magnesium and aluminum chassis comes in Ebony Black and sports a slightly iridescent finish. The hybrid feels solid and reliable, and its screen rotates 360 degrees on a pair of metallic hinges to sit in tent, stand, tablet and laptop modes. Silver rings wrap around the device’s deck and touchpad, and if black isn’t your color, Best Buy sells a Platinum Silver version of the Yoga 710.

Weighing 2.20 pounds and measuring 0.6 inches thick, the 11.6-inch Yoga 710 is lighter than and about as thin as the 11.6-inch Asus Transformer Book Flip TP200SA (2.61 pounds, 0.73 inches), the 11.6-inch Dell Inspiron 11 3000 2-in-1 (2.8 pounds, 0.8 inches) and the 12-inch Acer Switch Alpha 12 (2.82 pounds, 0.6 inches).
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https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-yoga-710-11-inch

12 of the Best Sony a6000/a6300 Accessories

August 28, 2016Cameras35mm, camera, lens, Mirrorless, Nikon, Sony

Take better pictures and make life easier with these accessories for the Sony a6000 or a6300. You’ll also find great gift ideas for their owners.

Sony’s a6000 and a6300 are the kings of mirrorless cameras, but to get the most out of them, you’ll need a few upgrades like better lenses, a flash or microphone. Less-glamorous extras like a spare battery and carrying bag can also provide a better experience. Here are the best accessories for getting the most out of your Nikon.

It’s not super cheap, but this is perhaps the first lens to buy after the kit zoom. On a camera this size, 35mm is a “normal” lens that captures the world roughly the way we see it, producing natural-looking shots. It’s an improvement over the kit lens for its sharper quality and especially the giant f1/8 aperture, with its great light gathering and ability to render lovely soft backgrounds.
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https://www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/851-best-sony-a-series-camera-accessories.html

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Samsung Gear S3 smartwatch: Release date, specs and everything you need to know

August 28, 2016Wearablesgear, GEAR S2, Samsung, Samsung Gear, Samsung Gear S3, smartwatch, wearable

It’s almost time for Samsung to introduce a successor to the Gear S2.

The company unveiled that smartwatch last August, but because we live in a high-tech age of annual product life cycles and never-ending consumerism, we’re sure Samsung has been diligently working on yet another wearable for you to buy.

Samsung has confirmed some details about its forthcoming wearable and there has been plenty on the rumour cycle to flesh out the details.

Here’s everything we know so far…

Samsung Gear S3: What’s up with that codename?

Samsung’s Gear S3 will officially be called Samsung Gear S3 (we’re assuming, anyway, based on previous generations). However, according to SamMobile, the Gear S3 currently has a development codename at Samsung: Solis. Solis translates to “sun” in Spanish.
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https://www.pocket-lint.com/smartwatches/news/samsung/138029-samsung-gear-s3-smartwatch-release-date-specs-and-everything-you-need-to-know

2017-nissan-pathfinder-front-side-view-red

2017 Nissan Pathfinder first-drive

August 28, 2016Cars2017 Nissan Pathfinder, automotive, kids, Nissan, Nissan Pathfinder, rugged, Slashgear, valve, vehicle

The Nissan Pathfinder used to be an adventurous, off-road sport-utility vehicle, then one day Nissan decided to switch gears. For better or worse, depending on who you talk to, it’s no longer the same vehicle as it was before 2013; had Nissan renamed it, in fact, I don’t think it would have had any arguments. What was once a rugged icon in the automotive industry has evolved into an everyday people hauler. That means it’s definitely roomier and more comfortable for the kids in the back, but what is it like for the person actually behind the wheel?

Nissan improved the 2017 Pathfinder’s single engine option, a 3.5-liter V6, but still pairs it with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). They’ve added new pistons, a revised air intake, direction injection, variable intake-valve timing, a higher compression ratio, and low-friction cylinder coating, all helping to squeeze out 284 horsepower and 259 lb-ft. of torque (up from 260 and 240 respectively).

Despite the increased power, Nissan managed to keep fuel economy the same at 20 mpg for city and 27 mpg for highway on the front-wheel drive model, and 19/26 mpg for the all-wheel drive. That’s actually mighty impressive, and should put the Pathfinder at the top of its class.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2017-nissan-pathfinder-first-drive-27453551/

PlayStation 4 Slim: Release date, rumours and everything you need to know

August 28, 2016Wearables4K, business, console, Online, Playstation, Playstation 4, PlayStation 4 Slim, ps3, PS4, PS4 Neo, PS4 Slim, Review, Sony

This isn’t about the PlayStation Neo, a console upgrade that Sony has already confirmed, but rather a second console that has leaked online and is going by the name PS4 Slim.

While PS4 Neo is expected to offer 4K output and beefed-up internals, the PS4 Slim is thought to be simply a slim console upgrade like we’ve seen with previous PlayStations, including the PS2 Slim and PS3 Slim. Sony will likely unveil this trimmed-down console alongside the PS4 Neo at a New York City event scheduled for 7 September. Here’s everything you need to know about it.

PS4 Slim: Release date

Sony is holding an event to announce something about PlayStation on 7 September, but in a flurry of leaks, some of that news might have escaped early.Sony confirmed its event on 10 August, inviting media to a New York launch. It said the event would relate to “the PlayStation business”. For some time, the launch of an upgraded 4K capable PlayStation has been rumoured.
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https://www.pocket-lint.com/games/reviews/playstation/138767-ps4-review-playstation-4

2016 Toyota Corolla S Review: The “S” is for sorta-sporty

August 28, 2016Cars2016 Toyota Corolla S, Chrome, honeycomb, LEDs, Review, Slashgear, Toyota, Toyota Corolla, vehicle

Never mind brand loyalty, how about name loyalty? The 2016 Toyota Corolla is the eleventh generation of the car, larger than ever before and – in this “Special Edition” Corolla S form, at least – faintly striking on the road, courtesy of Absolutely Red paint and 17-inch gloss black alloys. It’s a car that promises not only the predictability that Corolla addicts expect, but some sort of driving enthusiasm too, though in the face of tough competition only half of all that is true.

Like so many cars these days, the Corolla’s dimensions have increased over its multiple iterations. Toyota has sharpened the styling, too, and it’s really not a bad looking vehicle: the bright red paint job contrasts well with the minimal chrome and gloss black plastic. I like the subtle honeycomb grill and the fact that Toyota gives you LEDs for both the daytime running lights and the low-beams.

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As a car for daily puttering it ticks the right boxes. Toyota fits it’s experienced 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine under the hood, pairing it with a continuously variable transmission, and at both city speeds and in highway cruising it’s reasonably quiet and delivers power smoothly.
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https://www.slashgear.com/2016-toyota-corolla-s-review-the-s-is-for-sorta-sporty-27453141/

Hands on: Panasonic ToughBook CF-20 review

August 27, 2016Computers & IT1080p, audio, browser, business, case, Dell, HDMI, Intel, keyboards, laptop, microsd, Microsoft, mouse, netbook, Panasonic, ram, Review, rugged, Surface, Surface Book, surface pro, tablet, TechRadar, usb, usb 3.0, video, Windows, Windows 10

OUR EARLY VERDICT

Panasonic has made a Surface Book for the business world. It may only be a small device, but it packs a solid frame and more processing power than is needed for business workers on the move.

FOR

Highly durable
Clear and crisp display
Versatile

AGAINST

Poor trackpad
Cramped keyboard

Microsoft practically invented the convertible tablet category with its Surface line of devices, spawning a number of copycats with detachable keyboards. While these are fine for indoor use, their flimsy keyboard covers and low screen brightness (with odd exceptions, such has the Surface Pro 4) render them pretty useless for traversing challenging outdoor environments.

Panasonic is pitching its rugged ToughBook CF-20 as a device that offers the flexibility of a convertible tablet combined with the sort of solid build quality that has become synonymous with the company’s ToughBook line of devices. It has more in common with Microsoft’s Surface Book, design-wise, featuring a display that clicks onto a keyboard base that can be configured with a second battery for extra long runtimes on the move.

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The CF-20 isn’t some half-hearted Surface clone with a chunky chassis; it’s a fully-fledged business machine with bells and whistles found along every chamfered edge. That’s reflected in the price tag, which starts at a cool £2,661 (around US$3,508 or AUS$4,609). So what does that get your business?

Let’s start with the CF-20’s design. It would be a stretch to call it attractive, but the ToughBook’s black-and-silver color aluminium does exude a certain industrial charm. Its 10.1-inch display, thick bezels and tiny chiclet-spaced keyboard keys give the impression of a netbook on steroids. Holding it by its extendable handle feels like carrying around a weighty aluminium lunchbox.

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In all, the CF-20 weighs 3.9 pounds (900 grams for the tablet part), which to give you an idea weighs the same as Dell’s 15-inch XPS 15 laptop. That heft, combined with the magnesium alloy chassis, lends the CF-20 a reassuringly solid feel. It would take brutal force to cause real damage here, such is its durability, as it’s impossible to detect any flex no matter where you prod or poke at it. As you would expect, the tablet meets the MIL-STD810G standard meaning it can withstand drop, vibration, shock, temperature, explosive atmosphere, sand and rain.

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There’s even protective plastic flaps to prevent ports from getting damaged when not in use. Connectivity includes RJ-45, USB 3.0, HDMI, audio-out, a MicroSD card slot, VGA and a Serial port, covering just about every base that workers would need when out in the field.

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When it comes to the display, the CF-20 literally shines. We were impressed by the 400 nits-rated display on the Surface Pro 4, and here it’s smashed out of the park. The Panasonic’s 1,920 x 1,200 pixel-resolution display (224ppi) features a maximum brightness of 800cd/m2, which makes it incredibly easy to read even in direct sunlight.

It also brings 10-point touch to the business party, allowing you to navigate Windows 10’s menus and toolbars using your finger. It’s a good job too, as the CF-20’s small trackpad proved a literal sticking point during our review. Swiping our finger across it too lightly meant it often failed to register anything on the screen, causing us to revert back to prodding and poking at it. You can also use an IP55-rated digitiser instead of your digits, which might be a preferred option for those working in absence of a mouse. On the plus side, the two rubberised left and right clicked buttons elicit a satisfying ‘snap’ when depressed, leaving you reassured that your press has registered.

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We encountered very little slowdown during our time with our CF-20 unit, which was powered by Intel’s Core m5-6Y57 CPU backed up by 8GB of RAM. Even after opening multiple apps and running two browser windows with 20 tabs loaded with each failed to significantly slow down the device.

Benchmarks

Cinebench R15: OpenGL: 25.18 fps; CPU: 206 points
Geekbench (Single-Core): 2,475 points; (Multi-Core) 4,364 points
Battery test (1080p looped video streamed over Wi-Fi in Edge, 50% brightness): 7 hours 55 minutes

The keyboard base is a significant part of the overall devices, measuring 37mm thick. It can be configured with a second battery, although our review unit did not come with one installed. The ToughBook still managed impressive battery runtimes. reaching almost eight hours with the brightness lowered to the halfway point in Windows 10, which remained plenty readable thanks to the device’s searingly bright display.

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The keyboard’s keys are a little cramped but surprisingly usable, offering crisp feedback and keycaps just large enough to ensured that we didn’t make too many typing errors. Field operatives tasked with typing up short reports will have no trouble doing so on the CF-20, though we obviously wouldn’t choose it over a full-sized laptop for bashing out longer documents.

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Detaching the tablet part of the display is incredibly simple, requiring a quick shift of the release mechanism located above the middle of the keyboard. Removing it is as simple as lifting up the tablet part in one swift motion, which prompts Windows 10 into giving a confirmation that it has been successfully unlocke. Slotting it back in is a case of lining up two metal teeth and lowering the tablet to click it back into place.

Early verdict

The CF-20 might not look like a flagship offering, but it feels like one in the hand and performs like one under strain. It’s impressive how Panasonic has managed to keep the device relatively light while crafting it from such strong materials.

Throw in an abundance of ports, a small, yet crisp and bright display and excellent battery runtimes (which could be extended with another battery), and it adds up to make a device that leaves no stone upturned for outdoor workers. It’s not perfect though, due to its inevitably cramped keyboard and sticking trackpad, which form two minor blots on an otherwise impressive package.

(techradar.com, http://goo.gl/OVutp9)

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GROVEMADE WOOD SPEAKERS AND AMP REVIEW

August 27, 2016Audio & Videoaudio, desktop, GROVEMADE WOOD SPEAKERS AND AMP, iphone, Review, Roth, speaker, speakers

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Ken Tomita and his crew of craftsmen at Grovemade don’t sit still. From bamboo iPhone cases to pocket knives and now real wood desk accessories, they’re always pushing to create something beautifully unique. And the perfect compliment to any wood-bedecked desktop was obvious: wood speakers!

The only problem was, nobody at Grovemade had any experience in audio, and as you can see from Grovemade’s product portfolio, the company doesn’t do “off the shelf.” Fortunately for Tomita, industrial designer and speaker maker Joey Roth shares Grovemade’s hometown of Portland, Oregon, and was only too happy to collaborate. The two got together, made a speaker baby, and the Grovemade Wood Speakers & Amp was born.

Available in solid Maple ($500) and Walnut ($600), Grovemade’s new speakers look as interesting as they sound, and the way they’re made is equally fascinating. Here’s what makes the Wood Speakers & Amp special, along with our take on whether you should invest in a pair.
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https://www.digitaltrends.com/speaker-reviews/grovemade-wood-speakers-and-amp-review/

Cyrus One review

August 27, 2016Audio & VideoCyrus One, Review, stereo, video

Few things are more certain in life than death, taxes and Cyrus’ consistency with making good stereo amplifiers. Keeping up that tradition is the One.

Paying homage to the brand’s debut amplifier, the Cyrus 1, which helped launch the company in the mid-1980s, it features its latest-gen Class D amplification.

Video

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/LxLrhnG5LSw”]

Build

In an attempt to appeal to a younger crowd, the design team has gone off-piste. This model retains the compact footprint of every other amp in Cyrus’ arsenal, but its aesthetics are much more contemporary. And, dare we say, exotic.
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https://www.whathifi.com/cyrus/one/review

THL T7 review 3GB RAM on a budget

August 26, 2016Phoneschina, game, ram, Review

The THL T7 review is one we have looked forward to. We’ve seen brands come and go, and a plethora of brands new to the game. THL is one of the few long-standing China brands that have been around since the beginning, almost always making solid phones.

THL doesn’t flourish on viral marketing hype, but by their name alone. When you buy a THL phone you’re virtually guaranteed of receiving a solid product.

They don’t release a lot of different models as with the new-age China brands, but slowly and surely, one at a time putting out winners.
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http://www.gizbeat.com/review/thl-t7-review-3gb-ram-budget/

Fuji X-A3 : 5 differences compared to the X-A2

August 26, 2016Camerascamera, sensor

Spot the key changes to Fuji’s budget compact system camera, the Fuji X-A3.

Fuji has announced a new camera to sit in its “budget” range of X series compact system cameras. It’s been a while since the X-A2 was announced, so we’ve compared the old with the new X-A3 to see five key differences that make this camera a worthy successor.

1. Fuji X-A3 Sensor

Fuji X-A3 Sensor

The X-A3’s predecessor, the X-A2, had a 16.3MP APS-C sensor. The size is the same for the X-A3, but there’s been a resolution jump to 24.2MP. Fuji says that the new sensor is “newly designed”, but it’s interesting to note that neither of them feature Fuji’s “X-Trans” design, instead they are conventional sensors. This helps to keep the price down and keep the X-A3 at the budget end of Fuji’s range.
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https://www.whatdigitalcamera.com/roundup/cameracomparison-roundup/fuji-x-a3-5-differences-compared-x-a2-96287

MusicAnywhere AD0503 Bluetooth Earphones Quick Review

August 26, 2016Audio & Video, Wearablesaudio, Bluetooth, earphones, headphone, Review, wireless

The most popular mode of privately listening to your tunes nowadays is through wired earphones. However, like most gadgets, they have issues and limitations like turning into a tangled mess. You have two ways of solving that though – proper cable management or go wireless. If you’re going for the latter, the MusicAnywhere AD0503 Wireless Bluetooth Earphones is one option.

To give you a quick background, MusicAnywhere is a new audio brand that arrived recently in the country. It also has presence in other countries like the U.S. Canada, U.K., Italy, Germany, and Hong Kong.

Design and Construction

The AD0503 is just one of the earphones MusicAnywhere has under its Adrenaline lineup. The first thing you’ll notice about this in-ear headphone is its sporty look which is emphasized by its red and black color theme (there’s an all-black model as well). The sleeves, ear hooks, tangle-free flat wire, and physical buttons come in red, while the rest are black.
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https://www.yugatech.com/toys-gadgets/musicanywhere-ad0503-bluetooth-earphones-quick-review/#sthash.vIb8xiSo.dpbs#cO5P7pGBXXyzL0fu.97

HP Pavilion x360 (13-inch) Review

August 26, 2016Computers & IT1080p, HP, HP Pavilion x360, laptop, notebook, Review, spectre, SSD, x360

These days, you can get a capable 2-in-1 for under $500 and one with formerly expensive features such as an SSD and a 1080p display for under $700. However, even those specs and a shiny exterior won’t get you a premium product in this price range. Starting at $450 ($650 as reviewed), the Pavilion x360 has the fancy-looking gold chassis and solid performance you’d expect from a high-end device, but it also has the dim display and heaps of bloatware that you find on midrange laptops. In the end, HP’s 2-in-1 is a reasonable choice for consumers with modest budgets, but it doesn’t do much to stand out from the pack.

Design

The Pavilion x360 took its design cues from HP’s flagship notebook Spectre, but reversed the color scheme. The shiny gold plastic lid, with its reflective HP logo, is rather ostentatious. Opening the laptop reveals a black plastic deck with a wood-grain pattern, an island-style keyboard with gold keys and a 13.3-inch, 1080p display surrounded by a thick bezel. I found the combination to be a bit loud (I find the Spectre to be more refined), while a few of my colleagues found it less offensive, and one absolutely loved it.
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https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/hppavilion-x-360

2016 Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Review

August 26, 2016CarsAiring, Review, safety, vehicle, Volvo, Volvo XC90

Buying a vehicle is one of the major purchases we do in our lifetime second to buying a house. Considerations such as looks, fuel economy, and space are usually high on that list. Car marques know that they can make or break it if they don’t get this right and usually spend a lot of R&D resources on it. But what about safety?

With the slew of brands and new models coming in our shores, the majority of the local motoring public still does not seem to really care about a car’s spec sheet in terms of safety. We appear to be contented with the standard ABS, SRS systems, and Airbags. As long as the car looks great, doesn’t chug fuel down like a drunk, and can ferry the entire barangay around we are pretty happy. But for those who have experienced being in a major car accident, priorities suddenly change. And most, if not all, of the folks that I have talked to that have mention this one Swedish marque that made their bones around that one important variable – safety.

Queue in Volvo and the 2016 XC90 D5 AWD. Volvo Philippines confidently lent us this sophisticated bruiser over the weekend to see how it is like to live with it. Nothing like a habagat filled airing to see how it fairs right?
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https://www.yugatech.com/gadget-reviews/2016-volvo-xc90-d5-awd-review/#sthash.gL4f9AAg.dpbs#IVh4gmAcMbScvuL2.97