Monthly Archives: May 2015

8 best wide-angle prime lenses for Canon DSLRs

May 11, 2015CamerasCanon DSLRs lenses

To celebrate the 100th issue of PhotoPlus magazine we’re running this summary of its latest lens roundup. The test team has taken eight Canon-fit prime lenses and run them through its full sequence of lab tests and real-world workouts to decide which one is best. You can see the full 11-page test in PhotoPlus #100.

All but two of these lenses work on both full-frame Canons and APS-C models. On a full-frame camera they work as wide-angle lenses, whereas on an APS-C model the smaller sensor gives a 1.6x crop factor, so you’re effectively getting a longer focal length semi-wide-angle or standard’ prime lens.

PhotoPlus magazine is specifically for Canon DSLR owners and it’s just had a major redesign and relaunch. You can buy it from newsagents, or find out about subscriptions and digital editions at My Favourite Magazines.

1. Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG HSM A

A fast prime lens with brilliant optical quality, though at a price

Surprisingly compact for a full-frame 35mm f/1.4, the Sigma is neat, tidy and very well put together. It’s a moderate wide-angle on a full-frame Canon and a great ‘standard’ lens on an APS-C model. It’s not cheap, but you’ve got to remember this is a very fast lens – it’s two stops (3EV) faster than the Canon f/2.8 lenses in this group and 1 stop faster than the Canon 35mm f/2. Bear in mind, though, that there’s no image stabilizer. The Sigma produces the best image quality, but you’ll need to steady it or use a tripod at slow shutter speeds.

2. Canon EF 24mm f/2.8 IS USM

Versatile Canon-brand lens with image stabilization built in

The Canon 24mm f/2.8 runs the Sigma a close second. Its maximum aperture is two stops slower, but it has a much wider angle of view and has an image stabilizer built in. It also acts as a moderate wide-angle on an APS-C Canon body – it’s a great lens if you use a camera like the EOS 700D at the moment but think you might upgrade to a full frame Canon in the future. The Sigma 35mm, above, is slightly better optically, but this Canon 24mm is cheaper, and if you want to stick to Canon lenses, this might be the clincher.

3. Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM

Great performance, specs and usability – just not quite as wide as the Canon 24mm

28mm is the ‘classic’ wide-angle focal length for full-frame cameras, and it makes a handy 45mm focal length on an APS-C Canon like the 1200D or 70D. This lens is compact, near-silent in operation and one of the smallest and lightest in this group. It’s from the same family as the Canon 24mm f/2.8, above, and in fact the only way to tell them apart is the focal length marking on the barrel. This Canon 28mm is a good performer and not particularly expensive, but there’s not much of a price saving over the 24mm, even though this lens doesn’t go as wide.

4. Canon EF 35mm f/2 IS USM

Not quite as fast as the Sigma 35mm f/1.4, but this Canon alternative is cheaper

The Canon 35mm f/2 gives you an interesting dilemma. It doesn’t offer as wide an angle of view as the Canon 24mm and 28mm lenses, above, but it’s a whole f-stop faster, with a maximum aperture of f/2. It’s also a strong rival to the Sigma 35mm f/1.4 at the top of our list – it doesn’t quite match it for optical quality and it’s a whole f-stop slower (f/2 versus f/1.40, but it’s a good deal cheaper and it has an image stabilizer. In fact, all four lenses so far are really close in overall desirability.

5. Samyang 35mm f/1.4 AS UMC

Samyang’s old-school lens lacks autofocus but delivers optical quality and value

The Samyang 35mm f/1.4 is something different. Samyang lenses are both inexpensive and actually rather good, but you need to be aware that these are manual focus lenses only – there’s no autofocus. The Samyang is ideal for enthusiasts and experts with time to take things more slowly, but it takes a bit of a mind-shift if you’re used to modern cameras and lenses. Optically, the Samyang is very good, if not quite up to the standard of the Sigma 35mm f/1.4. It’s also little more than half the price – but this is a big, long and hefty lens.

6. Canon EF 20mm f/2.8 USM

The widest lens in the group delivers middling quality but good value

The Canon 20mm f/2.8 is a bit of an old-timer compared to other lenses in this group and doesn’t quite match the rest for overall optical performance – but it does offer the widest angle of view and it does have image stabilization built in. You can use this lens on an APS-C Canon, where it still delivers a semi-wide effective focal length of 32mm. If you want the widest wide-angle prime lens for your money, then this is the one to get. Sometimes it’s more important just to be able to get everything in the frame than it is to chase the best optical quality.

7. Canon EF-S 24mm f/2.8 STM

Cheap, but for APS-C Canons only and not to be confused with the Canon EF 24mm f/2.8

Now this is where it gets tricky. So far we’ve been comparing lenses which work on both full frame Canons and the APS-C models. But it doesn’t work both ways. This is an EF-S lens, which means that it works only on the APS-C Canons, from the EOS 1200D to the 7D Mark II. On these cameras it has an effective focal length of 38mm, so its angle of view is only borderline wide-angle. It’s a cheap and effective option for Canon’s smaller-sensor DSLRs, but don’t confuse it with the much better Canon EF 28mm f/2.8 IS USM.

8. Sigma 30mm f/1.4 DC HSM A

Another lens for APS-C Canons only, so it actually equates to a 48mm ‘standard’ lens

The Sigma 30mm f/1.4 is another lens designed solely for Canon’s APS-C format D-SLRs, so although the focal length appears to put it in wide-angle territory, it effectively works out as a 48mm lens on these cameras. It’s actually a really good lens – its optical performance is first rate, as are the build and handling, and it’s not too expensive either. It’s a good buy if you want a ‘standard’ (non-wide-angle) prime lens for your APS-C format Canon, but it’s not actually a wide-angle and it won’t fit on a full frame Canon.

(Techradar)

Official: Canon spots a problem with the 750D/760D

May 11, 2015CamerasCanon 750D, Canon 760D

We’ve been following a story first reported by Roger Cicala of US camera hire company LensRentals on DP Review, who says he had to return some samples of a batch of Canon EOS 750D/Rebel T6i and 760D/Rebel T6s cameras due to defects in the sensor unit.

Canon EOS 750D 760D — This sensor issue affects specific examples of the Canon’s new 750D/T6i and 760D/T6s models.

These took the form of sensor spots across the whole sensor area – but these were within the multiple layers of the sensor stack and not on the surface. The spots are not immediately visible but can be seen with an angled light.

Canon Rebel T6 sensor spots — This photograph of Rebel T6 sensor spots was taken by Roger Cicala of US company LensRentals, who first reported the issue.

Like regular sensor spots, it seems they become more prominent in images taken at small lens apertures – this increases the depth of focus at the sensor plane and makes out-of-focus spots on the sensor, or in this case within it, become more clearly defined.

This story has been widely circulated since Cicala first reported his findings, but now Canon has made it official with a ‘proactive’ Product Advisory Notice on its US website.

Canon says the fault is caused by ‘optical irregularities’ within the sensor design and confirms the appearance of ‘dark circular patterns’ under ‘certain shooting conditions’.

The company says it’s possible to check if a camera is affected using its serial number and an identifying mark on the battery cover:

Identification Procedure:
Serial Number: [XXnnnnnnnnnn]
EOS Rebel T6s: If “XX” is “01” or “02”, the phenomenon described above may occur.
EOS Rebel T6i: If “XX” is “01” or “02”, the phenomenon described above may occur.
“n” represents any digit.

NOTE: If the battery cover contains the marking illustrated below, the camera is NOT affected by the phenomenon described above even if the first and second digits of the serial number are of the numbers mentioned above.

Canon says affected cameras will be inspected and repaired. This information is for Canon US customers. Canon owners in different territories should check with their local Canon Customer Support Center.

We’ve just posted our own hands on reviews of the EOS 750D/Rebel 6Ti and 760D/Rebel 6Ts cameras and saw no obvious evidence of sensor issues with our samples.

(Techradar)

Transform your iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus with mophie’s powerful juice pack cases

May 11, 2015PhonesApple, charger, iphone, iphone 6, iphone 6 plus, smartphone

mophie1-970-80

mophie, the number one selling battery case manufacturer in North America, is bringing its range of award-winning battery cases to the UK with the launch of its brand new website, http://uk.mophie.com.

What’s particularly exciting is that coinciding with the launch of mophie’s UK website is the release of its juice pack family, for both the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, which significantly boost the battery life of the two handsets.

Apple’s latest flagship smartphones are amazing, but they’re also notorious battery guzzlers, so mophie’s juice pack cases are the ideal solution for keeping you charged throughout the day and well into the night.

Battery booster

The juice pack air for iPhone 6 not only protects your precious new phone from knocks and drops but more than doubles the battery life of the handset. That not enough? Then the juice pack plus for iPhone 6 goes even further by delivering more than 120% extra battery.

mophie

If you’re still hankering after more power then the juice pack ultra for iPhone 6increases your device’s battery life by a seriously impressive 150%, so you’ll never have to scrabble around to find a charger ever again.

If you’re an owner of Apple’s larger iPhone 6 Plus then don’t worry – mophie has you covered with the juice pack air for iPhone 6 Plus which delivers more than 60% extra battery to the super sized smartphone.

When you finally do need to charge your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus the great news is you don’t need to remove the case, as pass-through charge and sync lets you connect your cable to the case itself.

The juice pack family is mophie’s thinnest battery cases yet, so you’re not compromising your iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus’ svelte look while gaining up to an extra 17 hours talk time and 15 hours of web browsing.

Available in black, white, gold and Apple certified, mophie’s juice pack range for iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus starts at £89.95.

Every mophie battery product is Triple Test Certified, which means they are tested at three different stages of production, ensuring unmatched capacity, efficiency and built quality. Most importantly of all, it means you can be sure of long-lasting performance.

Digital power management keeps your devices completely safe by providing the perfect amount of power while quickly charging, and charge vault technology provides best in class battery life by enabling mophie’s products to hold on to their charge for extended periods of time.

If you want to give your iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus a real boost reliable, efficient and industry leading battery life visit http://uk.mophie.com for more information.

The Galaxy Tab S2 is coming… and this is what it might look like

May 11, 2015TabletsGalaxy Tab S2

Galaxy Tab S2-970-80

If you’ve been eagerly awaiting news of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 then a couple of today’s tidbits will be of interest to you. First we have an image from the usually reliable @OnLeaks that shows the S2 is going to look a lot like the recently outed Galaxy Tab A.

There’s what looks to be a metal frame around the edges as well as a physical home button that could presumably double as a fingerprint sensor. A front-facing camera and ambient light sensor can also be spotted.

The picture suggests we can expect a 4:3 screen ratio, which is in line with previous rumors we’ve heard. If the insider whispers are to be believed, then the tablet will be fitted with a Super AMOLED display with a resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels.

Only a matter of time

The second bit of news today is the mention of the Galaxy Tab S2 in one of Samsung’s own apps, Hancom Office Show 2014. As SamMobile has spotted, the update notes now list the new slate as a compatible device.

It’s the first official confirmation that Samsung is actually working on the next-generation Galaxy Tab S2, though at this stage it would have been a huge surprise if that wasn’t the case.

We think that Samsung will launch the device next month in an attempt to steal some more market share away from Apple. Rumours suggest it will come with a 64-bit Exynos processor, 3GB RAM and 32GB of internal storage.

Acer Liquid X2 has three SIM slots and 4000 mAh battery

May 11, 2015PhonesAcer, Acer Liquid, phone, Slashgear, smartphone, travel

Acer has rolled out its latest smartphone and this time out it is the Liquid X2. This smartphone has some very interesting features that people who travel a lot will appreciate. If you juggle a personal number and a couple work numbers, this is the phone for you. It has three SIM card slots to allow one device to handle three phone numbers.

The smartphone also has a gigantic battery that should be able to keep it running all day even if you use it a lot. That battery has 4000 mAh of power jammed inside. Some of the other details on the smartphone are unknown since Acer is playing a bit coy at the moment.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/acer-liquid-x2-has-three-sim-slots-and-4000-mah-battery-24380627/

Elephone to release dual-OS smartphone, Android 5.0 and Windows 10

May 11, 2015Wearablesandroid, android 5.0, Elephone, Lollipop, mobile, phone, Slashgear, smartphone, Windows, Windows 10, Windows Phone, Xiaomi

Windows Phone users may be getting a new flagship device added to the lineup. A dual-system smartphone capable of Android andWindows 10 is rumored to be in the works by Chinese mobile manufacturer, Elephone. The company just announced its upcoming phones at the HKTDC industry show in Hong Kong. The phones’ official names and potential price points have yet to be released.

Elephone might be an unfamiliar brand to American consumers; It’s a Chinese company in a similar vein as Xiaomi. Elephone has had previous success with its P7000 smartphone, capable of supporting 7 different ROMs including Lollipop.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/elephone-to-release-dual-os-smartphone-android-5-0-and-windows-10-24380572/

Google Keep for Android Wear allows hands free note-taking

May 11, 2015Wearablesandroid, Android wear, app, Google, google keep, phone, Slashgear, smartwatch

Just like Google’s latest updates for Android Wear, Google Keep’s organization app for Android Wear is allowing you to do more from your wrist. From now on, to view your grocery list, you won’t need to keep your phone in one hand, fumbling to launch an app, while you grab for a gallon of milk with the other hand. If you have an Android Wear powered smartwatch you’ll be able to interact with your Google Keep notes, practically hands-free.

Keep’s Android Wear features can be accessed by simple dictation. Just say “OK, Google, open Keep” and you’ll be able to scan through notes on your wrist. The biggest improvement is the new user interface that allows you to access all of your notes, even photo reminders. To peruse through your list of Keep notes, swipe up or down.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/google-keep-for-android-wear-allows-hands-free-note-taking-24380568/

Razer Forge TV pre-orders are now real, shipping April 29

May 11, 2015Wearablesandroid, android tv, console, controller, gaming, Google, Nvidia, nvidia shield, Razer, Slashgear, TV

After a brief false alarm early this month, Razer has finally taken off the veils and put up its Android TV offering up for pre-order. Not much has changed, including the speculated price tag. And yes, there is a bundle that will net you both the Forge TV and the Serval controller, which don’t come together. More than anything, this reassures fans that the Android TV promise ala Razer is real and coming soon. In fact, it will come on April 29 at the earliest.

Although Google primarily intended Android TV to be, well, for the TV, there is no escaping the fact that it will eventually be used for gaming as well. Google even has an optional controller just for that purpose. It stands to reason, then, that gaming companies like Razer and NVIDIA would be making a grab for that market. Beating the NVIDIA SHIELD to the launch, the Razer Forge TV is now available for pre-order. But while you can order the console itself, you’ll probably want to grab the Serval controller as well while you’re at it.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/razer-forge-tv-pre-orders-are-now-real-shipping-april-29-23380569/

Google officially discontinues Nexus 7 tablet

May 11, 2015Tabletsandroid, Google, nexus, nexus 7, Slashgear, tablet

If you’re in the market for an affordable, highly-rated, not-too-big-not-too-small tablet, your chances to buy the Nexus 7 are quickly running out. If you were planning to purchase one from Google directly, then your ship has already sailed. That’s because the company officially discontinued the 7-inch tablet on Friday, and is no longer selling it on the Google Store’s website. You can still find one from other places, but you better act fast.

The Nexus 7 was first released back in 2013, so it’s fair to say it had a good run. The Android-based tablet received great reviews, but what really made it a long-term success was the fact that it was affordable and continually received updates from Google.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/google-officially-discontinues-nexus-7-tablet-25380755/

Apple Watch requirements: lower friction, faster access

May 11, 2015Wearablesandroid, Android wear, Apple, Apple watch, Google, google glass, Slashgear, smartwatch, software, watch, wearable, wearables

The Apple Watch has been launched today – more or less – and is being proliferated around the world through the eyes and ears of onlookers. While some consumers have gotten their devices, most of the population of the world has yet to jump aboard the smartwatch train – or even the wearables train. As such, we’ve had a talk with Andrej Kostresevic, CEO for Nomads, about what it’ll take to bring the smartwatch to the public, starting with the idea that Android Wear has a “lack of friction” and the idea that Google Glass “failed.”

Kostresevic is the CEO of Nomads, a software development company aiming to bring apps for smartphones and tablets to wearable devices. It’s the transfer they’re aiming for. Kostresevic suggested that “the failure of Google Glass, and the relative lack of traction of Android wear to a simple problem with the ratio of value they provide to the inconvenience of charging and wearing them.”
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-requirements-lower-friction-faster-access-24380731/

Zagg Pocket Keyboard Review – the last phablet keyboard you’ll ever need

May 11, 2015Wearablesipad, ipad air, Logitech, phablet, review, Slashgear, smartphone, zagg

The Zagg Pocket Keyboard is a product I did not expect would be as awesome as it turned out to be. Zagg has made some awesome products in the past – they’ve never really let us down in the past – but they’re not know for their particularly flashy or otherwise massively memorable presentations. That’s not what we need here. What we need is a keyboard that works for a large smartphone – or any detached screen sort of device – that also folds down to a very small size. Zagg did it right.

For an iPad Air, the Logitech collection is good. The Ultrathin, the Type+, and the Keys-To-Go – they’re all decent.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/zagg-pocket-keyboard-review-the-last-phablet-keyboard-youll-ever-need-24380558/

LG G4 full specs revealed

May 11, 2015Phonescamera, g4, game, Google, LG, LG g4, moto, Moto 360, Motorola, Slashgear, smartphone, smartwatch, software, watch

This morning the LG G4 was shown off in New York City by LG, complete with a new leather back, a smarter camera, and a familiar face. This device once again comes with no front-facing buttons, a back-facing set of power and volume buttons, and some software that’s generally similar to last year’s release. It’s clean – cleaner, that is, as is the trend as of late, it would seem. The LG G4 ready to roll with a 3,000 mAh removable battery as well.

Customizability is the name of the game with the LG G4. A fully removable – and replaceable – back is aimed at allowing you to match your smartphone to your smartwatch. The Moto 360’s price just dropped on the Google Store too, if you’d like to take a peek, perhaps suggesting Motorola is bringing a new watch sooner than later.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lg-g4-full-specs-revealed-28381194/

Huawei Nexus 8 teased again (if you believe)

May 11, 2015PhonesGoogle, Google Nexus, Google Nexus 6, Huawei, mobile, Next Nexus, nexus, nexus 5, nexus 6, phone, Slashgear, smartphone, Sprint, USA, video

This week we’re having a peek at what very well could be – but probably isn’t – the next Nexus smartphone from Google. What you’re seeing here is a smartphone render in a video spot for Google Project Fi. This is Google’s new data network working with T-Mobile USA and Sprint networks to bring data to the Nexus 6. Strange, then, that the video doesn’t actually feature the Nexus 6 first, it features a rendering of a different device. It’s a basic design, one that wouldn’t be out of place amongst Huawei’s current smartphone lineup.

The tip on this story comes from Brian P Rubin at ReadWrite, who attained the following explanation on the device from Google: “These renderings are based on a generic phone modeled off the Nexus 5.” Simple enough, right?

This indicates two things. First, and most importantly, Google isn’t going to be limiting their data service to the Google Nexus 6 for long.

They’re already expanding.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/huawei-nexus-8-teased-again-if-you-believe-28381178/

Sony to brand Xperia Z4 as Xperia Z3+ in other markets

May 11, 2015Phonesbusiness, mobile, mobile business, Slashgear, Sony, xperia, xperia z3

It seems that Sony might have become a bit unhinged in its efforts to hunker down on its somewhat floundering mobile business. First, it rather quietly unveiled the Xperia Z4, which may or may not be limited to the Japanese market. And then there are whispers of an Xperia P2 that looks terribly similar except in a few areas. Now there is word that Sony might actually sell the Xperia Z4 in other markets as well, but quite appropriately name it as the Xperia Z3+ instead.

The revelation came from a whitepaper on a certain Sony SCR30 Style Cover Window accessory for the Xperia Z4, which has now been pulled down from Sony’s website. The paper names compatible products as the “Xperia Z4/Z3+”, hinting at two different names for the same device. Considering the quick disappearance of the document, there could very well be some truth to it.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/sony-to-brand-xperia-z4-as-xperia-z3-in-other-markets-28381271/

Alcatel ONETOUCH POP Astro brings LTE to the masses

May 11, 2015Phones4g, alcatel, alcatel onetouch, Alcatel OneTouch Pop Astro, hardware, lte, onetouch, Slashgear, smartphone

Budget smartphones are a dime a dozen. When faced with a horde of competitors, differentiation could be a matter of life or death for a product line. Although Alcatel has brought its affordableONETOUCH brand to the US before, it is now trying to reach for the starts with the new POP Astro. While still staying true to the promise of extremely affordable handsets with more or less acceptable hardware specs, the ONETOUCH POP Astro promises something that not every smartphone of its kind don’t have: LTE connectivity.

It is rare, though not completely unheard off, for low to mid range smartphone to eschew LTE radios in order to cut down on costs. Perhaps the reasoning is that those budget conscious enough not to grab the newest flagship might not be too keen on signing up for a pricey LTE line anyway. However, those days are probably behind us, with the proliferation of 4G networks and plummeting prices of subscriptions.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/alcatel-onetouch-pop-astro-brings-lte-to-the-masses-29381288/

Windows 10 phones will (sort of) run Android & iOS apps

May 10, 2015Wearablesandroid, iOS, iOS apps, Microsoft, Nokia, Slashgear, Windows, Windows 10

Remember the Nokia X? It was one of the last Nokia handsets, butits platform was a subversive attempt by Microsoft to get Android apps onto their platform. Without much work, Android Developers could make their apps available on the Microsoft store for the Nokia X, which was meant to bridge a gap between platforms. that concept died, but Microsoft didn’t give up on making it easier for Developers to ‘write once, deploy everywhere’. Now, code written for Android and iOS apps can be compiled in Visual Studio.

It’s all part of Microsoft’s goal to make it easier for Developers to port apps into Windows. Heck, they’re even helping bring .NET and Win32 apps in!

But Android and iOS? That’s interesting. How will they do it? Visual Studio will now support code written in Java and C++ for Android apps.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/windows-10-phones-will-sort-of-run-android-ios-apps-29381400/

Samsung Project Noble, Project Zen phone details surface

May 10, 2015Phonesgalaxy, Galaxy note, Galaxy s6, phone, Samsung, Slashgear, Surface

Samsung has more handsets up its sleeves (of course), and some alleged details on two of those upcoming smartphones have surfaced, in this case from an IMEI database. According to sources speaking about the devices, of the two smartphones is a Galaxy S6 variant going by the codename Project Zen, while the other handset — something believed to be the next in the Galaxy Note lineup — is reportedly being referred to as Project Noble. We have the rest of the details after the jump!

The two new Samsung smartphones have the model numbers SM-N920F and SM-G928S. The latter of those two is thought to be a variation of the Galaxy S6, which wouldn’t be surprising given Samsung’s love for variants, with that assumption of course being based on the model number.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-project-noble-project-zen-phone-details-surface-29381465/

SmartThings iOS app adds Apple Watch capabilities

May 10, 2015Wearablesapp, Apple, Apple watch, Apple Watches, iOS, Samsung, Samsung Gear, samsung gear s, Slashgear, smartthings, smartwatch, video, watch

The few of you out there with Apple Watches and SmartThingsdevices can rejoice – all will work together peacefully by this afternoon. The team behind SmartThings have released the SmartThings iOS app version 1.7.3 with Apple Watch integration. This update to the app also brings performance improvements as well as bug fixes. This is not the first smartwatch to work with SmartThings, mind you – it’s the second. The first was the Samsung Gear S – which makes sense, since SmartThings is a Samsung company, after all.

The fact that this update is coming to the iOS app for Apple Watch “further highlights SmartThings and Samsung’s commitment to an open platform,” – so says SmartThings. Below you’ll see a short video showing what it’ll be like to connect SmartThings to your Apple Watch right out the gate.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/smartthings-ios-app-adds-apple-watch-capabilities-04381966/

Xperia C4 and C4 Dual PROselfie smartphones rock 25mm wide-angle front lens

May 10, 2015Phonescamera, lens, Slashgear, smartphone, xperia

For many smartphone users the device is used more for taking pictures of themselves than for taking pictures of other things. For this sort of user often the quality of the front camera is more important than the quality of the rear camera. You have to look good in your selfies after all. Two new smartphones have landed including the Xperia C4 and the C4 Dual and both focus on quality selfies.

These are the next generation PROselfie smartphones promising a 5MP front camera that is best in their class. The front camera used on both the smartphones is a 5MP resolution unit with a 25mm wide-angle lens designed to allow you to get groups into the shot.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/xperia-c4-and-c4-dual-proselfie-smartphones-rock-25mm-wide-angle-front-lens-06382288/

LG G4 “consumer trial” underway

May 10, 2015Phonesg4, LG, LG g4, Slashgear, USA

So you’d like to check the LG G4 out before it hits stores, yes? Lucky you, the people at LG responsible for bringing heat to the feet of consumers have decided to do a bit of a trial run. As it was internationally, here it is in the USA as well – the LG G4 Trial Program is coming to the United States, and, just as we saw late last month, this program is aimed at consumers that want to take part in LG’s testing process. This is more of a boost for the device than it is a testing program, but who are we to judge?

Back near the start of April, LG first announced their LG G4 trial program. Back then we dispelled the suggestion that LG was simply “giving away 4,000 LG G4s”.

This program has users applying and randomly drawn from a hat to work with an LG G4 for a limited time. After that allotted time is over, the LG G4 will have to be returned to LG.

Our LG G4 hands-on should answer any and all questions you might have about the power of this device.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lg-g4-consumer-trial-underway-05382088/

ZTE Nubia Z9 has some interesting “invisible” bezels

May 10, 2015Phonesgalaxy, Galaxy s6, Galaxy s6 edge, gesture, how to, nubia, nubia z9, Oppo, phone, S6 Edge, Samsung, Slashgear, smartphone, z9, zte, ZTE Nubia Z9

It seems that there will be a new trend, at least among Chinese OEMs at first. Samsung’s Galaxy S6 edge seems to have sparked a new idea about how to deal with bezels. OPPO’s upcoming R7 is already known for “faking” its bezel-less looks, almost a literal smoke and mirrors, particularly the mirror part. ZTE seems to have somewhat followed suit, but it is taking it an interesting step further. The ZTE Nubia Z9 actually does have a bit of border, though you can’t almost see them, but those borders can be used to do things as well.

The Nubia Z9 does have borders measuring 0.8 mm, but in addition to being extremely thin, they also reflect the contents of the 2.5D screen at the edges to make it look like there are no bezels at all. But that’s not the only trick up its sleeves. The smartphone uses FIT or Frame Interactive Technology that turns those borders into touch sensitive areas that respond to gesture movements. For example, a slight squeeze of the phone can trigger a screenshot, which is admittedly more convenient that timing the press of two buttons.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/zte-nubia-z9-has-some-interesting-invisible-bezels-06382471/

HTC One M9 falls short, not enough to save HTC

May 10, 2015Phonesfinancial, HTC, HTC one, HTC one M8, HTC One M9, M9, mobile, photography, Qualcomm, Slashgear, smartphone, Snapdragon

HTC came under hard times but, for a while, it seemed that the Taiwanese manufacturer was on the verge of recovery, especially after the HTC One M8 and its new found fascination with mobile photography. Then came the HTC One M9 and now it seems that all hell has broken loose yet again. The company’s financial report for April showed rather disappointing, in fact worrying, numbers, with an almost 40 percent decline in revenue from the same month last year. And most of it is being blamed on the One M9’s poor market performance.

Here are the raw numbers: HTC”s April revenue only reached 13.54 million NTD. Compared to April 2014’s 22.07 million NTD, that’s a rather steep 38.66 percent drop. It’s even worse when you consider that last March’s figures actually reached 20.02 million NTD, which means that revenues fell 32.36 percent in that short period. What happened during that time? The HTC One M9 was launched.

HTC’s flagship smartphone has become the scapegoat for HTC’s financial woes, with weak demand pointed to be the culprit. And that’s not exactly surprising. The HTC One M9 is a decent smartphone, and that’s actually the problem. It’s decent and not exactly spectacular, unlike the rivals it has to contend with. It offers very little advantage over its One M8 predecessor, serving only to confuse consumers over which to go for. Analysts are also laying part of the blame on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 810, which has been mired in controversy over overheating problems. Although HTC indirectly admits to this issue by rolling out a patch to address it, the problem might have actually been blown a bit out of proportion. In the end, the smartphone as a whole just failed to wow.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/htc-one-m9-falls-short-not-enough-to-save-htc-05382167/

Smaller, cheaper LG G4 leaked as G4c

May 10, 2015Phonesandroid, g4, LG, LG g4, processor, ram, Slashgear, smartphone, Snapdragon, stylus

If you’re a follower of LG and their yearly flagship smartphone, what you’re looking at might give you a bit of a feeling of déjà vu. Much like last year’s Android-powered G3 saw a number of low and mid-range variation models, such as the G3 Beat, G3 Stylus, and G3 Vigor, the brand new LG G4 seems to be getting the same treatment. A few specs and images have recently leaked, revealing a smaller, cheaper LG smartphone, accompanied by the name G4c.

At first glance, the G4c looks just like a G4 shrunken down into a 5-inch display form factor. But along with that smaller screen comes reduced specs as well. Powering the G4c is a Snapdragon 410 processor with a mere 1GB of RAM, 8GB of storage with a microSD slot, and a pair of cameras with 8 megapixels on the back and 5 megapixels on the front.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/smaller-cheaper-lg-g4-leaked-as-g4c-10382888/

Apple, IBM deal will bring iPads to Japan’s elderly

May 10, 2015WearablesApple, government, ibm, Japan, Slashgear, watch

Apple and IBM have entered an agreement with Japan Post to bring iPads to the elderly. The move is a technological step for Japan Post’s ‘Watch’ service, which leverages postal employees to check in on the elderly now and then. Watch currently costs 1,000 Yen/month ($8.50 or so). Japan Post is government-owned, and operates roughly 24,000 post offices in addition to a large bank. Japan Post is also one of the nation’s largest insurers, and hopes iPads will both scale their Watch service as well as make it easier on everyone involved.

In discussing the agreement, a Japan Post official said “by handing iPads to the elderly, we can closely check in on them more often—not only confirming if they are doing fine but also making sure that they are not involved in any trouble like a scam targeting the elderly.”

Currently available to roughly 100 elderly Japanese, the goal is to have the Watch service (with iPads) reach four to five million of Japan’s seniors by 2020. About 25% of Japan’s population — 127 million — is above the age of 65.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-ibm-deal-will-bring-ipads-to-japans-elderly-30381575/

Apple talks Apple Watch heart rate monitoring and tattoos

May 10, 2015WearablesApple, Apple watch, hardware, sensor, Slashgear, smartwatch, watch

Apple Watch is as good a smartwatch as we’ve seen enter the market, but like all gadgetry — it’s not without its quirks. The latest head-scratcher has been reports that Apple Watch won’t give an accurate reading of your heart rate when over a tattoo. To clarify just how their heart rate monitor works, Apple has created a page dedicated to walking us through the Apple Watch sensor hardware, and best practises for getting an accurate reading. They’ve also clarified that some tattoos may interfere with Apple Watch when it comes to reading your heart rate.

First, the gritty, geeky stuff. Apple Watch heart rate monitoring is done via a method called photoplethysmography. Yeah, I’m not trying to pronounce it, either.

What that tech does is measure how much blood is moving through your veins during monitoring. Faster heart rate means more blood flowing, and red blood “is red because it reflects red light and absorbs green light”.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-talks-apple-watch-heart-rate-monitoring-and-tattoos-01381730/

Apple Watch used to share baby’s heartbeat

May 10, 2015WearablesApple, Apple watch, ARM, Beats, experience, heartbeat, iphone, Slashgear, sport, video, watch

The Apple Watch has been used to share heartbeats from user to user before, but before today, it’s never been used on a baby. Today’s shared experience comes from a family that wanted to share their baby’s first moments in the world with their family. They did so with the Apple Watch. Using this Apple product’s ability to send a vibration to another wearer each time a heart beats, this baby’s life was sent through the Apple Watch, through the iPhone, and through the web.

“Our first child was born and we used an Apple Watch Sport to send his heartbeat to our distant family members,” said Geoff Chatham, “it was a really awesome experience that we couldn’t have done without the Apple Watch.”

The actual video is short, showing how the Apple Watch actually rests on the arm of the baby and sends its heart beat to another family member. You’ll also notice that the baby is in a plastic tray – the same sort you’ll see a newborn in.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-used-to-share-babys-heartbeat-04381956/

Nexus 7 2013 Review

May 10, 2015Tabletsandroid, android tablets, Asus, Google, hardware, ipad, ipad mini, nexus, nexus 7, Razer, review, Slashgear, tablet

The original Nexus 7 arguably marked a turning point in Android tablets, Google finally doing what critics had long been demanding, and wading into the slate market with an own-brand option. With a screen size that undercut the iPad by several inches – and pre-empted the iPad mini by several months – the Nexus 7 also fought hard on price, with razer-thin margins and ruthless specification trimming on the ASUS-made tablet keeping the starting point at under $200. Time – and tablets – wait for no one, though, and with the iPad mini on the scene it was high time for Google and ASUS to rework the Nexus 7. The second-generation, 2013 version promises to be more powerful, more grown-up, and just as affordable, but has Google done enough? Read on for the full SlashGear review.

Hardware and Design

The original Nexus 7 was cheap, and it largely felt that way. More generous observers described the rubberized back cover as “grippy” and the overall feel as lightweight, but physically it was clearly built to a price and, when the iPad mini debuted some months later, began to look more than a little chunky.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/nexus-7-2013-review-29292015/

Apple iPad “Pro”: Force Touch screen, Bluetooth stylus, NFC

May 10, 2015WearablesApple, Apple iPad, Apple watch, Bluetooth, Force Touch, hardware, ipad, iPad Pro, iphone, iphone 6, MacBook, nfc, Slashgear, sport, stylus, Surface, tablet, touch screen, touchpad, watch

Now that the Apple Watch is out of the way, the tech world’s attention is now being turned to what could be Apple’s most contentious product, if the iPhone 6’s larger screen wasn’t contentious enough. Currently nicknamed the iPad Pro, Apple’s expected gigantic 12.9-inch tablet is expected to sport some hardware never before seen in any iPad, including something that could probably make the late Jobs turn in his grave. A source familiar with the matter claims that the big iPad will include not just a Force Touch screen and NFC but also a Bluetooth stylus.

Having a Force Touch screen might not be as odd as it first sounds. The pressure sensitive surface that Apple has bequeathed on the Apple Watch as well as the new MacBook’s touchpad has actually long been in the works. Back in January last year, we saw Applefiling a patent that sounds exactly like Force Touch, except applied to a tablet touchscreen. In retrospect, it isn’t surprising then and could very well give the iPad an edge over its competitors, especially when it comes to apps that rely on pressure sensitivity, like drawing apps.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-ipad-pro-force-touch-screen-bluetooth-stylus-nfc-04381891/

Next Apple TV remote tipped to have a touchpad

May 10, 2015WearablesApple, apple tv, experience, ipad, iphone, iPod, remote control, Slashgear, smartwatch, stylus, touchpad, TV

It seems that Apple is taking a U-turn on many of its hardball stances, most of them attributed to the late Steve Jobs: a non-skeumorphic interface, a large screen iPhone, a smartwatch, and probably a huge iPad that might come with a stylus. Now there might be yet another design decision that would go against its previous gospel: an Apple TV remote with a touchpad. Apple has been preaching the simplicity of its remote for years but now it’s adding a bit of complexity. At least it’s not doing so with a dozen or so buttons.

The current Apple TV remote is an example of simplicity. The long metallic device is reminiscent of the design of the iPod, with a large circular dial-button at the top and two smaller buttons flanking it at the bottom. Apple has hailed this design, which was the product of endless debates, contrasting it with conventional remotes that had dozens of confusing buttons.

However, the TV trends are changing and those buttons might no longer be sufficient for what Apple has planned for the next Apple TV. The addition of a touchpad perhaps isn’t exactly that shocking, given Apple’s growing portfolio of accessories that integrate the input method. On the remote control, that touchpad could very well be used for scrolling through content and interfaces, hinting at some changes to the Apple TV experience. That said, due to the addition of this new component, the remote is expected to be slightly larger, actually thicker, than the current version.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/next-apple-tv-remote-tipped-to-have-a-touchpad-04382031/

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition Review

May 10, 2015Tabletsamoled, android, android tablets, galaxy, Galaxy note, Galaxy Note 10, Galaxy Note 3, hardware, LCD, Note 10, Pixel, review, Samsung, Samsung Galaxy, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy Note 10, samsung galaxy note 10.1, samsung galaxy note 3, Slashgear, super amoled

With the 2nd edition of the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, it’s almost as if the company doesn’t want to admit that they’ve got what’s easily one of the finest Android tablets on the market. Buried in the announcements of the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 and Galaxy Gear, the Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Edition barely made a blip in the tech news rounds over the past few weeks since its initial reveal. But fear not – it’s not for lack of quality that Samsung doesn’t push out the massive backing for this device: herein lies one of the most high-end Android tablets yet to hit the market since the dawn of said devices.

Hardware

The display on the Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 Ediion is second to none. You’re working with a 2560 x 1600 pixel 10.1-inch Super Clear LCD panel here – that’s 299 pixels per inch, if you’re counting. This device delivers a slightly whiter image than you’ll find on the Galaxy Note 3, that device working with a Super AMOLED display up front – while both machines look perfectly high-quality on their own.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-note-10-1-2014-edition-review-01299807/