Monthly Archives: May 2015

Camangi WebStation Review

 

The Camangi WebStation was announced back when Android-based tablets were still a novelty; since then we’ve seen the iPadlaunch, various other tablets attempt to grab our attention, and read a few pretty dire reviews of the company’s first-gen offering. On the SlashGear test bench today, then, is the “new upgraded version”of the WebStation; at $275 it’s around half the price of Apple’s tablet, but is it double the value? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut.

In terms of hardware, the WebStation is a 7.87 x 4.72 x 0.57 inch slate weighing 13.75 oz and dominated by a 7-inch WVGA 800 x 480 resistive touchscreen. Three buttons – Home, Menu and Back – run along the right side of the display bezel, while there are volume controls on the left edge and a power button on the top. Our review unit is white, though Camangi also offer black and pink versions. Connectivity includes a full-sized USB 2.0 port, mini USB, 3.5mm headphone jack and WiFi b/g, together with a microSD slot.

As well as the WebStation itself, Camangi include a power supply, pouch case, wired stereo headset with microphone and a cleaning cloth, together with an unusual desk-stand that uses a suction cup to stick to the back of the tablet. A pull-out stylus lives on the bottom edge.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/camangi-webstation-review-1681933/

iPad WiFi + 3G Review

 

With over 1m iPads sold, it’s looking like Apple’s tablet gamble has paid off. Ironically the milestone was reached on the same day that the iPad WiFi + 3G debuted, the 3G-enabled version of the touchscreen slate that promises to set you loose from WiFi hotspots. After the cut, check out the SlashGear review, complete with MiFi benchmarking and some surprising battery findings.

For the most part, the iPad WiFi + 3G (which from now on we’ll just refer to as the iPad 3G for the sake of brevity) is identical to its WiFi-only sibling. Both have the same capacitive touchscreen display, slimline aluminum body, iPhone OS 3.2 and either 16GB, 32GB or 64GB of flash storage. We’d recommend reading our iPad WiFi review for a full overview of the strengths and shortcomings of the Apple tablet, since here we’ll be concentrating on what sets the iPad 3G apart.

You could argue whether the most noticeable difference between the iPad WiFi and the iPad 3G is the extra cost of the 3G modem on your wallet or the new antenna panel on the back. The flipside to AT&T’s reasonably low priced data tariffs – more on which in a moment – is that the 3G hardware itself isn’t subsidized. Each iPad 3G model costs $120 more than its WiFi counterpart, though the triband (850/1900/2100) modem is supplied carrier unlocked.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-ipad-wifi-3g-teardown-by-ifixit-shows-some-new-tricks-0183977/

Samsung to launch iPad-like mid-range Galaxy Tab A May 1

Samsung has a plethora of tablets of varying sizes and capacities and now it is adding one more to the lineup , ready to land in the US next week. For all intents and purposes, the Galaxy Tab A line, of which there are two (three if you separately count the one with an S-Pen), is a rather mediocre offerings on par with the likes of the Galaxy Tab 4 family. One crucial difference, however, is in the size and aspect ratio of the two, sporting the same 4:3 design the theiPads tout.

There is still some debate over which screen aspect ratio is the best for such tablets. One the one hand, you have the ubiquitous 16:9 or 16:10 widescreen formats that almost all of Samsung’s tablets adhere too. On the opposite corner, you have Apple’s famous iPads with their 4:3 screens. The wider screens lend themselves better to videos and wide content, but proponents of 4:3 sing of a better reading experience as well as less strain on a single hand. It seems that Samsung has somewhat conceded this fight, at least with the Galaxy Tab A.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-to-launch-ipad-like-mid-range-galaxy-tab-a-may-1-21379972/

Dell Streak Review

 

Since the first rumors many months back, to Michael Dell flashing his prototype in the street and then a few quiet appearances at trade shows, the Dell Streak has taken its time coming to market. Running Android on a broad, eye-catching 5-inch display, there’s little like it on the market and it’s been an attention-grabber ever since. Yes, the Streak is a device that certainly prompts questions – among geeks and everyday users alike – but the one we set out to answer is simple: is it any good? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut.

Perhaps the question most asked of us was “is it a phone?” Dell are at pains to insist that the Streak is an Android-powered tablet with voice capabilities – we’re guessing it’s easier to position your new device when you’ve basically got the segment to yourself – but in reality it’s more difficult to classify. Contrary to expectations it’s surprisingly pocket-friendly; its 220g heft will make your jacket hang unusually if you opt for the inside pocket, but we dropped it into our front jeans pocket with room to spare. If you prefer your trousers to look sprayed-on then you may have issues (not just with the Streak but with blood circulation), but the narrow 9.98mm thickness makes a big difference.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/dell-streak-review-1289551/

Not all Galaxy S6 cameras are the same, but Samsung isn’t worried

There’s one thing about the Galaxy S6 and Galaxy S6 edge Samsung would like you to know: both have amazing cameras. If you get hold of a spec sheet for either phone, you’re likely to see a ‘Sony IMX240’ listed as the hardware driving your photographic experience. As the handsets find their way to users, some noticed that particular Sony hardware wasn’t there. In its stead was a Samsung ISOCELL camera sensor, calling into question whether or not we’d see reliable image quality in Samsung’s new flagships. ‘Fear not’, says Samsung.


It’s not known why Samsung didn’t keep to one sensor; after all, the camera is a major selling point for the Galaxy S6 and S6 edge. Speaking to The Verge, Samsung both acknowledged the hardware divergence and suggested it was no big deal.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/not-all-galaxy-s6-cameras-are-the-same-but-samsung-isnt-worried-06382300/

Samsung Galaxy Tab Review

 

Samsung’s Galaxy Tab proved to be the product of IFA 2010, and has seldom left the headlines since its Berlin debut. Seven inches of Android slate, it promises to be the open alternative to Apple’s iPad and the poster-child for Google’s OS done right on a bigger display. It’s also prompted some significant criticism, with even Steve Jobs weighing in on how suitable the Tab’s screen and OS are to tablet use. Plenty to live up to, then, not least the price tag; check out the full SlashGear review after the cut.

Hardware

If the iPad is a digital clipboard, then the Galaxy Tab is a digital paperback. At 7.48 x 4.74 x 0.47 inches it’s almost identical – though thicker – than Amazon’s third-gen Kindle. The chassis is all plastic, unlike Apple’s proclivity toward aluminum and glass, keeping the weight down to 0.8 pounds, but feels solid and creak-free; that’s helped by the non-user-accessible battery, since as with the iPad the Galaxy Tab is a sealed unit. The back panel is smooth white plastic (some US versions will be black) while the front is black; both are reasonably slippery, which makes slotting the Tab into a pocket or bag straightforward, but does mean you need to keep a tight grip to avoid dropping it. An average-sized hand shouldn’t have problems holding it in portrait orientation, while the roughly half-inch bezel around the display is just enough width for your thumb to lie against without accidentally triggering the touchscreen.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-review-31111323/

Surface Pro 4 leak: thinner, fanless Surface Pro 3

Microsoft’s BUILD developer conference is upon us and with it comes bits and pieces of Windows 10 that may or may not arrive in July. But along with the new operating system, there is a good deal of speculation about Microsoft hardware to go along with it. Yes, it’s now time to speculate about the Surface Pro 4, and Chinese site 36kr.com claims it has the scoop on some of its upcoming features. Good news for fresh new Surface Pro 3 owners: you need not regret your recent purchase. Yet.

According to 36kr’s “reliable” insider source, the Surface Pro 4 will stick to its “Pro” heritage and will run on a full Core i processor, not the slightly less powerful Core M found in the Surface 3 and the new MacBook. This means that you will have the full processing power of a laptop-grade CPU. But then, there’s a slight catch.


Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/surface-pro-4-leak-thinner-fanless-surface-pro-3-29381277/

Dell Venue 10 7000 tablet convertible now in the US

Dell made a rather surprising move early this month when itunveiled the Venue 10 7000. Although in name it takes after theVenue 8 in the same 7000 series, the tablet looks more like a descendant of Lenovo’s Yoga line. At the same time, however, it takes some cues from a Microsoft Surface, changing from an Android tablet at one moment into an Android laptop the next, thanks to an optional keyboard dock that gives the Venue 10 7000 its flexibility, both in form and in purpose.

The Venue 10 7000 is pretty much the Venue 8 7000 deep inside, including the resolution. That means the exact same 2560×1600 pixels are now less cramped inside a 10.5-inch display compared to the smaller tablet. It is still powered by an Intel Atom Z3580 clocked to 2.33 GHz and assisted by 2 GB of RAM. Storage is still at either 16 or 32 GB, supplemented by a microSD card. One key difference though is that the Venue 10 comes with Android 5.0 right off the bat.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/dell-venue-10-7000-tablet-convertible-now-in-the-us-29381284/

Surface Pro 4 reveal tipped for mid-May

This morning we’ve gotten word from an anonymous source that the Surface Pro 4 will be revealed at a special Microsoft event in mid-May. This follows with last year’s announcement of the Surface Pro 3, having taken place on May 20th, 2014. When we got our first Surface Pro 3 hands-on back then, the device seemed like the bees knees in detachable-keyboard Windows computing. Now just one year later we’re itching for the next generation. Especially considering the short amount of time between the Surface Pro 2and 3.

While we’ve not had extensive experience with our source before, we have great reason to believe this prediction will come true. Especially considering the extensive Surface Pro 4 leak earlier this week. A leak so extensive that many were shocked that the device wasn’t revealed yesterday, on day 1 of BUILD 2015.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/surface-pro-4-reveal-tipped-for-mid-may-30381592/

Dell Venue 8 Lollipop brings the gift of force encrpytion

Early adopters of Dell’s RealSense-empowered Dell Venue 8 tablet rejoice! Users are reporting that they are receiving a large update that will bring their tablets into the age of Android Lollipop. But early adopters also beware! Dell is doing something that no OEM has dared to do when upgrading their devices from pre-Lollipop to Lollipop. It seems that Dell has chosen to force data encryption on owners of the device as part of the update process, whether they like it or not. And some will definitely not.

Normally, we’d advocate data encryption, especially in this day and age of rampant malware and spyware. Apple already encrypts its devices and, for a time, it seems that Google would be following suite. In fact, its newest Nexus devices did come with encryption enabled by default. To be fair, Android already had that feature a few versions back, but Google was expected to make that the default configuration for newer devices.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/dell-venue-8-lollipop-brings-the-gift-of-force-encrpytion-11382910/

Nexus 9 Android 5.1.1 OTA update out now – factory image too!

Four days after mentioning the update to the public, Google is now pushing Android 5.1.1 to the Nexus 9 tablet. This HTC-made device suffered apparent issues in-between Android 5.0 and this newest update, and this newest update is ready to roll to bring the fixes. In addition to the OTA (over the air) update, the Factory Image for this software has also been posted for your self-loaded satisfaction. OTA will only work for you if you’ve got a completely pure, un-edited bit of operating system under the hood.

It’s time for a Factory Image link now as well. Straight from Google through us to you. Load at will. This update should bring build LMY47X to you for bug-fixing goodness.

If you’ve not yet worked with Android 5.1, you’ll have a few tiny feature changes coming your way. One is in Interruptions. You can now change your “Interruptions” settings to bring you notifications only when you get Events and Reminders, Calls, or Messages, or any combination of the three.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/nexus-9-android-5-1-1-ota-update-out-now-factory-image-too-11383070/

Windows 8 Tablet – Which one to buy?

With the impending release of Windows 10, Microsoft’s operating system is becoming interesting again. Or curious at the very least. But if you’re looking around for a decent Windows tablet for work and for play, you don’t have to wait for Windows 10 to come out to get one. And it doesn’t matter how much you’re willing to spend on a purchase. There is a surprisingly varied selection of Windows tablets out there. To help get you started, here are three of the top tablets in our eyes, one for each size of your wallet.

 

The Budget Savior: HP Stream 7 ($99)

 

stream

A $99 tablet? Yes, that price tag is usually only associated with cheap Android slates, but yes, Windows has a lot of them if you look hard enough. Actually, you don’t need to look hard enough becauseHP has gone one right here. The HP Stream 7 tablet definitely won’t win any races, but if you need a mobile Windows experience, the full one, mind you, on the go without costing you even a finger, then this tablet is the perfect fit.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/windows-8-tablet-which-one-to-buy-14383527/

ASUS ZenPad tablet details leak before official debut

It seems ASUS has been hard at work at developing a new line ofAndroid tablets under the name ZenPad. While it has been reported that the company was planning to officially unveil the devices at Computex 2015, but a number of details have made their way out into the wild. First up is the 7-inch ZenPad 7 (model number Z170C), which will see both standard and 3G models. This is followed by the one inch larger ZenPad 8 (Z380KL), which will have the same exterior hardware design, but more power on the inside.

The ZenPad 7 is said to be powered by Intel’s Atom x3, with 1GB of RAM, and the choice of either 8GB or 16GB of internal storage, expandable with a MicroSD slot. The IPS display has a resolution of 1024×600, meaning no HD.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/asus-zenpad-tablet-details-leak-before-official-debut-14383551/

Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 picture leaked, tipped for June unveiling

Samsung’s flagship tablet is about to get a new model, hopefully to be unveiled this June. Leaked details about Samsung’s upcoming Galaxy Tab S2 have appeared on the internet, creating an image of what we can expect from the new high-end tablet. It looks as though the tablet has been redesigned to directly compete with Apple’s latest iPads. The latest leak to hit the web is a possible promo photo of the new device. It looks sleek and best of all, thin. With a rumored thickness of only 5.4mm, it would be thinner than the iPad Air 2’s 6.1mm.

The incoming flagship tablet from Samsung is rumored to be coming in 8-inch and 9.7-inch versions, each size tablet will come with a choice of either Wi-Fi or Wi-Fi + LTE capabilities, creating a total of four different versions of the Galaxy Tab S2. The S2 will have a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is a move away from earlier Galaxy Tabs’ 16:9 aspect ratios.

Inside the S2’s metal case, will be a Super AMOLED display with 2048 x 1536 resolution. The device is rumored to feature 32GB of built-in memory with expandable storage via a microSD card slot. Inside, the tablet will have 3GB of RAM and use a 64-bit Exynos processor. The device will use Android 5.0.2 Lollipop. The tablet’s main camera will be 8MP while the front-facing camera will be 2.1MP.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s2-picture-leaked-tipped-for-june-unveiling-10382906/

Five things you need to know from our Apple Watch review

Boiling down our extended Apple Watch review this week resulted in a set of five key points every prospective owner should understand. These include notes on apps, interaction time, and battery life. They also tap into how you’ll be speaking with Siri and what you’ll need to do to make your Apple Watch experience a fruitful one if you do, indeed, plan on purchasing one in the near future. This device isn’t one you should consider lightly. Like your choice in smartphones, this device can really change the way you go about your day.

 

1. Third Party Apps aren’t fantastic

 

Our experience thus far with Apple Watch apps that’ve been developed by groups that aren’t Apple has been resoundingly “meh.” Underwhelming is another word for it, the whole situation having to do with apps trying too hard to do too much – or just not understanding what it’s like to actually use the Apple Watch (or any smartwatch, for that matter) in real life.

With 3,000+ apps available for he Apple Watch already, we must assume that the Apple Watch will roll with some 3rd-party goodness sooner or later. Thousands of apps and more every day – there’s gotta be SOMETHING good on the way.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/five-things-you-need-to-know-from-our-apple-watch-review-07382586/

Connect the Moto 360 to iOS, needs an Android phone

Not a fan of the Apple Watch? Good thing there is almost a dozenAndroid Wear smartwatches now, not to mention those not using Android Wear at all. But what if you have an iPhone or an iPad? Unless you have a Pebble, chances are you’re out of luck. Not unless you happen to have a Moto 360 and are willing to go through some hoops to make it all work together. Yes, somebody has been able to make the Moto 360 work with an iOS device, specifically an iPad.

This is not the first time something like this has been demonstrated nor is it in anyway an official thing. We’ve seen a developer whotried to pair a Moto 360 as well with an iPhone with similarly successful results. It even led to discovery in Android Wear code that could hint at upcoming official support for iOS devices. That is, if Apple doesn’t actively block such an effort. That said, this earlier attempt remains unavailable to the masses, unlike this new tutorial from YouTube user Jeremy Judkins.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/connect-the-moto-360-to-ios-needs-an-android-phone-11383104/

Pebble Time teased in Red, charger design done

With the Pebble Time Kickstarter ending with a bang, all that’s left is for Pebble to deliver on its promise. Being Pebble, there is perhaps little doubt they can pull that off too, but it’s still a good thing to hear an update or two from them. Last week, they teased some of the software functionality of smartwatch. This time, they’re going for a bit of hardware, showing off one of the new Pebble Time color options as well as the finished charger cable design.

Yes, that’s a Red Pebble Time you are seeing. The new Pebble smartwatches were offered in three colors of black, white, and red. Now the final pieces of that puzzle is in place, though we still have to see the Pebble Time Steel pieces in the flesh. The choice of colors is perhaps a fitting feature considering the Pebble Time is the first colored e-paper smartwatch to hit the market.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/pebble-time-teased-in-red-charger-design-done-11382928/

OPPO teases R7 Plus while we’re still waiting for the R7

OPPO seems to be taking a page out of its rivals’ marketing books. In a “rare and daring” unprecedented move, the Chinese manufacturer has officially teased the existence of a much larger OPPO R7 Plus, even while the OPPO R7 itself is still to be fully unveiled. It is also sharing some of the details that give a hint into the R7 as well. OPPO says it’s a move that shows its confidence in its products. It’s also probably because smartphones are the worst kept secrets these days anyway.

The OPPO R7 landed in the radars of many Android sites because of particular feature: an almost bezel-less face, the holy grail of many smartphone designers and manufacturers. It turned out, however, that it wasn’t as straightforward after all and the absence of bezels is practically an optical illusion thanks to 2.5D glass displays and mirrors. That seems to be a trend that’s catching on, with the likes of ZTE employing the same trick with its brand newNubia Z9.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/oppo-teases-r7-plus-while-were-still-waiting-for-the-r7-11382916/

Your iPhone 6s may be Rose Gold, cost $10k

Analysts predict that the next iPhone will include a Rose Gold option as well as a higher-priced luxury option similar to Apple Watch Edition. This week’s suggestion includes a version of the Apple iPhone 6s – following Apple’s traditional every-other-year change from a full edition change to an “s” version. This iPhone 6s would include Rose Gold – though we’re not entirely sure at this time whether or not this gold would be an actual gold mix, like the Apple Watch Edition, or if it’ll be similar to the Gold option on the iPhone 6 now, without any actual super-expensive gold inside.

The next iPhone will – as each successive version of the iPhone have – come with a newly updated processor and the possibility of an upgrade to a larger amount of RAM. Reports from anonymous sources are corroborated by AppleInsider and analyst Ming Kuo, known for his analysis of Apple products.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/your-iphone-6s-may-be-rose-gold-cost-10k-12383186/

iPhone 6S tipped to feature Force Touch

Now that Apple’s newest device, the Apple Watch, has been released, and September is a mere three and a half months away, it’s time for rumors and predictions about the next iPhone to shift into high gear. The latest bit of speculation comes from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo of KGI Securities, and focuses on what we can only assume will be dubbed the iPhone 6S. The analyst believes the next generation of the smartphone will feature Force Touch technology, which recently debuted on the Watch as well as the new Retina MacBook.

Force Touch allows the new MacBook’s trackpad to detect different levels of tap strength as multiple inputs. So a soft tap and a forceful tap can be used as different gestures. Such a feature would be a welcome addition to the iPhone, and iPad as well, should it be next in line, where the only gestures currently recognized are a single tap and swiping.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/force-touch-tipped-for-ios-9-and-iphone-6s-26385252/

YotaPhone 2 launches in white with cheaper price, Lollipop

The YotaPhone 2, the ultimate smartphone status-quo breaker with its rear E-ink display, is receiving a new color variation this week, along with cheaper European pricing and several improvements, namely an update to Android 5.0 Lollipop. Also good news for those in the U.S. who have yet to get their hands on the dual-screen device, manufacturer Yota has said they are planning to launch in the States this July, funded by an upcoming Indiegogo campaign.

In terms of the new hardware option, Yota is launching the white YotaPhone 2 today. The front panel on the side with the AMOLED screen remains black, because the company says its easier on the eyes and gives higher levels of contrast. The colors on the E-ink display have been swapped however, meaning black text on a white background, to better match the device’s look.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/yotaphone-2-launches-in-white-with-cheaper-price-lollipop-13383316/

New site lets you swap bands with other Apple Watch owners

If you bought an Apple Watch — or have one on order, waiting to be shipped — you chose a band to go with it. Like the Apple Watch, bands are also a bit slow to see shipping, with many currently a full month out. If you have an Apple Watch, or receive one soon and don’t like the band you picked out, there’s good news. If you have a better idea of which one you might like, a new website can match you with someone else who wants yours for a swap!


The site, simply called iBandSwap, will match you with someone who both wants the band you don’t, and has the band you do want.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/new-site-lets-you-swap-bands-with-other-apple-watch-owners-12383239/

It’s the LG G4’s turn to get a brutal drop test

The Samsung twin flagships have had their fun, sort of, so now it’sLG’s turn in the spotlight. Considering the rivalry between the two Korean companies, it feels fair to subject the LG G4 to the same torture, er, tests as the Galaxy S6 and the Galaxy S6 edge. After all, the G4 is not as fragile-looking as the other two. So will it blend? Or rather, will it crack? YouTube user TechRax, who claims to have been “smashing technology since 2011”, for the sake of science, of course, finds out.

The LG G4 is unabashedly made of plastic. It’s not as sturdy as the metal that Samsung now boasts about, but it has been known to be just as resilient, at times even more, in some cases. That said, in drop tests like this, it is the display that’s usually the biggest concern. So how did the LG G4 fare? Not so well, but considerably better than its predecessor.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/its-the-lg-g4s-turn-to-get-a-brutal-drop-test-14383509/

Verizon officially unveils LG Lancet Windows smartphone

As expected, a new Windows smartphone called the LG Lancet is coming to Verizon Wireless, something the carrier made official today. The LG Lancet is said to be the first Windows Phone offering on Verizon to feature Advanced Calling 1.0, which gives users HD voice calls when talking to another Verizon user with an Advanced Calling handset. In addition, the phone brings with it Windows Phone 8.1 and a load of modest but notable features, including support for a 128GB micro SD card.

The LG Lancet seems pretty similar to many other Windows Phones out there — it features a 4.5-inch LCD display, resolution yet unspecified, as well as a 1.2GHz quad-core processor and 8GB of internal memory. If that’s not enough — and as quite a welcomed feature — the phone also supports micro SD cards up to 128GB.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/verizon-officially-unveils-lg-lancet-windows-smartphone-14383606/

Smartwatches are for rich people, and you don’t need one

If you’re worried about whether or not you’re going to need a smartwatch in the near future, turn that frown upside-down. It’s time to understand what this smartwatch craze is all about. It’s not about picking up on the next trend before it replaces the smartphone. It’s not about jumping on the bandwagon before it leaves without you. It’s about cashing in on the wants and desires of those with cash to burn. For now. At the present. Things may change, but for now, you do not need a smartwatch to continue living your life.

I’ve worn watches before. I don’t wear one while I’m working because it interferes with my typing, but otherwise I can get by fairly soundly with any sort of watch on my wrist. But do I need a watch? Not so much.

Do I need a smartwatch?

I supposed if I’m going to wear a watch, it may as well be smart.

That’s the sentiment I’m hearing from most of the people purchasing the first wave of smartwatches like the Apple Watch.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/smartwatches-are-for-rich-people-and-you-dont-need-one-14383615/

iPhone 6S rumored to feature 12MP camera with smaller pixels

Every other year, when Apple releases its “S” model iPhones, one of the key features they highlight is an improved camera. It’s an important detail that is used to promote the smartphone as a new model, despite having the same overall appearance as previous year’s. This is expected to be no different this year, when Apple releases what will most likely be called the iPhone 6S. One analyst is already reporting that the next iPhone will have a 12 megapixel camera.

The current iPhone 6 and 6 Plus each have a 8 megapixel camera, and an increase to 12MP for the next generation has been rumored for some time now. However, according to Kevin Wong, CEO of IHS China, what improves the quality of this camera will be smaller pixels at a higher density.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/iphone-6s-rumored-to-feature-12mp-camera-with-smaller-pixels-15383750/

Windows Phone 10 TP v.10080 for phones detailed

The few and the proud Windows Phone users working with Windows Phone 10 Technical Preview have an update today. This update includes several boosts to services like Universal Office Apps like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote. They also have updates to the Xbox app. If you have an Xbox One, you’ll have plenty more services to access as of this afternoon. This update also brings on the Windows Store Beta for phones with a new visual design. There are new never-before-available apps on that new Windows Store Beta as well.

This update should be arriving on all devices with the Windows Phone Insider app. You’ll also need to be a part of the Windows Insider program. It’s really quite easy, when it comes down to it.

This update brings access to Universal Office apps – for the first time, that is to say. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote Preview in their most updated editions.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/windows-phone-10-tp-v-10080-for-phones-detailed-15383759/

Moto G 3rd gen makes a surprise appearance online

Motorola’s little powerhouse budget smartphone, the Moto G (which lies somewhere in the space below the Moto X but above the Moto E) has seen ample success both in its first and second generation iterations. The third-generation of the Moto G is expected but thus far unannounced — that hasn’t stopped it from cropping up on a retailer’s website, however, a trend with the product that’s starting to become a pattern. The 3rd generation Moto G recently appeared (somewhat) on the retailer website Flipkart, where a few details were included.

So, before you get your hopes too high, an image of the handset wasn’t included in the listing. That’s not too big of a deal, however, given that the odds are high it’ll look very similar to the first (and second) versions. The listing does mention a “white” color, though.

Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/moto-g-3rd-gen-makes-a-surprise-appearance-online-15383770/

Meizu Ubuntu MX4 launches in China, coming to Europe soon

The second Ubuntu phone has just landed, fulfilling a promise that has been at least a year in the making. In China, The Meizu Ubuntu MX4 can already be grabbed by developers, with a promise that it would be available to European customers soon. Although bq’s Aquaris E4.5 did beat Meizu to the punch, the Ubuntu-bearing MX4 does offer some more or less higher specs but with a matching higher price tag as well. That, however, might still make it a more interesting option for those greatly interested in this alternative mobile platform.

When Canonical’s Ubuntu Edge dream crashed, it turned its eyes towards hooking up with OEMs instead. bq and Meizu have long been announced as the first of those partners, though it took quite some time for any actual product to be launched. That happened in February, at least for bq, when the Aquaris E4.5 Ubuntu Edition was unveiled. The same thing is happening now for Meizu’s existing MX4, which boasts of beefier specs than bq’s budget phone.

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https://www.slashgear.com/meizu-ubuntu-mx4-launches-in-china-coming-to-europe-soon-17383902/

Samsung launches two new colors for Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge

Samsung is making their flagship Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge even more appealing by adding fun, new colored handsets into the mix. Now, you can get the S6 in Blue Topaz and the S6 Edge in Green Emerald. These jewel-toned shades arrive, joining the original Black Sapphire, White Pearl, and Gold Platinum versions. It looks like Samsung is taking a cue from color experts, Pantone, who opened their Spring 2015 color trend forecast with four shades of blue and green, similar to Samsung’s Blue Topaz and Green Emerald.

Samsung uses lifestyle psychologist Donna Dawson to explain the theories behind each color choice. “People who opt for Samsung’s Blue Topaz Galaxy S6 are likely to be more self-confident, fastidious, discriminating, sensitive, exacting, and intuitive.” Those drawn to Samsung’s Green Emerald, “tend to be balanced, loyal, hard-working, honest, benevolent and concerned for others, according to Dawson.

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https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-launches-two-new-colors-for-galaxy-s6-and-s6-edge-17383890/