Monthly Archives: May 2015

Acer Aspire Switch 10 review: 2-in-1 utility with a tablet price tag

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

 

The 2-in-1 isn’t a new platform, but it is a questionable one. Do you need a computer that snaps off into a tablet? The genre has its use cases, and Acer hopes to make a strong entry into the forum with their Aspire 10, a tablet-cum-computer offering that strikes a balance. With a 10-inch screen, the Aspire Switch 10 is an appropriately sized tablet, but does it work as a laptop, too?

Hardware

The Switch 10 is bulkier than you might hope for, but it’s a solid heft. The device feels quite stable for plastic, and has a decent weight that lets you know it’s there, but it’s not necessarily heavy. The tablet/screen houses the power/volume rocker, HDMI, Micro USB, and power ports. There is also a microphone, as well as a card reader.

The keyboard section houses a solo USB port, along with a fairly decent keyboard/trackpad. The keys have decent travel, and feel about as good when typing as expected on what amounts to an add-on keyboard. The dock for the screen/tablet is also there, with two plastic clips rising from the hinge area when not in use.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/acer-aspire-switch-10-review-2-in-1-utility-with-a-tablet-price-tag-22334682/

LG G4 Review – The hero Android needs

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Life’s not so good when you’re stuck in the shadow of a big rival with deep pockets, but if anything can drag LG into the sunlight, it’s the new G4. LG’s flagship Android smartphone for 2015, the G4 takes what we loved about the G3 before it – and made it into the Android-to-have among those in the know – and hits the boost button. Screen, camera, performance, all have been in line for an upgrade. Nonetheless, the rest of the mobile world hasn’t stood still either, so does the G4 have what it takes to push back against Samsung’s excellent Galaxy S6?

Design

When it comes to the style war, LG has actually sent two phones along to compete with the Galaxy S6, HTC One M9, and iPhone 6. The G4 is available with either a real leather back or a plastic back, and the difference between the two – and how the phone ends up feeling in your hand – is considerable.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lg-g4-review-the-hero-android-needs-09382785/

Samsung Galaxy Tab S review: 10.5 and 8.4 Android glamour

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

 

Samsung has always been at the forefront of envelope-pushing when it comes to slim tablets, and the Galaxy Tab S is no exception. Challenging Apple’s iPad line-up head on, and borrowing the Super AMOLED technology and fingerprint biometrics from theGalaxy S5, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 and Tab S 10.5 promise to finally give the Android tablet world what it’s arguably been missing: a little glamour. Read on for the full SlashGear review.

Design

It’s clear that a lot of effort has gone into making both the 10.5-inch and 8.4-inch tablets as thin as mechanically possible. Both are just 6.6mm thick, though unlike some earlier Samsung slates, the bodies may be plastic but they’re flex-free and don’t feel like they’ll bend out of shape in your bag.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-tab-s-review-10-5-and-8-4-android-glamour-24334855/

Apple Watch And The Future Of App Design

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

Editor’s note: Andrew Shorten is director of Adobe Creative Cloud Product Management. Formerly, he developed web, kiosk and mobile user interfaces for government and enterprise customers at Fujitsu and has since worked for Macromedia, Microsoft, and Adobe.

The launch of the Apple Watch represents the latest proof point that we’re only going to have more devices to consider when designing mobile apps. Not only does it represent a huge opportunity for more personal experiences, but it presents user interface designers with the increasingly complex challenge of scaling themselves to design for Web, mobile, tablets and wearables.

And there are further indicators that digital screens will become the way we interact with pretty much everything in the future. Take Coca-Cola’s latest vending machines that are operated by selecting from a touch screen. Or consider the Tesla Model S, a high-end car that replaces most of the traditional dashboard controls with a 17-inch touch screen, hinting that this type of experience will become the norm for the next generation of mainstream vehicles.
…
Read full post here:
https://techcrunch.com/2015/05/09/apple-watch-and-the-future-of-app-design/

Samsung Galaxy S III Review

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , ,

If there’s such a thing as heritage in the relatively fledgling world of smartphones, the Samsung Galaxy S III has it. Seldom does a phone – at least, one not wearing an Apple logo – arrive to so many expectations, and this time around Samsung even managed to match its Cupertino rival for pre-launch hype, rumor and intrigue. If the original Galaxy S convinced us Samsung could indeed be a top-tier player, and the Galaxy S II played an instrumental role in overshadowing the rest of the Android ecosystem, then we probably won’t be satisfied until the Galaxy S III trounces every other handset on the market. The Korean firm has the ambition, certainly, but does it have the device to do it?

Design

Contentious. There’s not much better a word to describe the Galaxy S III’s aesthetic, one of the more hotly discussed elements of the third-generation flagship in the run-up to its launch, and perhaps the most divisive afterwards. Hopes were high that Samsung might break with tradition and opt for more premium materials for its casing, even whispers of a ceramic body (subsequently traced back to a poorly-translated South Korean report that referenced an early “ceramic white” color option).
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/samsung-galaxy-siii-1091417/review

LG G3 Review

Wearables, , , , , , ,

This month we’ve had an extended look at the LG G3 in its international edition, preparing for the USA-bound version(s) which will be launching later this Summer. What we’re seeing here is a phone that out-does the competition while it remains (somehow) humble in the public. It’s not for a lack of trying, of course, but for a lack of successful fanfare that most people we show the LG G3 to have never seen the handset before – it or its predecessor.

What phone is that?

This is the LG G3, and if you live in the USA, you’ve likely never seen one up close. Why are we reviewing one before it’s been announced for USA-bound carriers? Because LG sees the time period between their international release and their USA release as a make-or-break sort of period in the history of the device.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/mobile-phones/lg-g3-1250581/review

Samsung Galaxy Note 4 Review: Phablet Refocused

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Samsung can’t afford to stumble with the Galaxy Note 4. The fourth-gen phablet arrives as Samsung wakes up to a new, and not especially rewarding, phase in its mobile life: the discovery that throwing a hundred designs at the market and hoping at least some of them stick no longer has the same sales success as it once did. At a time so fiercely competitive, Samsung can’t count on simply having originally created the Note 4’s segment to commend this latest model. It needs to deliver as much in the hand as its specifications promise to on the page.

Design

Samsung’s affinity for plastic has prompted more than a few arguments over the years, generally centered on the perceived quality of the material when it comes to phones with flagship aspirations. Plastic in and of itself is not a bad thing – it has some obvious advantages, in fact, like being more accommodating to bending and twisting than metal might, not to mention its lighter weight – but Samsung’s preference for glossy finishes had begun to look cheap next to its matte or metal competition.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-note-4-review-phablet-refocused-15350566/

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Review

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

In the Galaxy Note 3 you’ll find the re-solidification of the idea that this device category was both invented by and continues to be piloted by Samsung. You wont find this company resting on its laurels when it comes to adding and refining both software features and hardware bits and pieces. This is easily the finest not-quite-tablet-sized smartphone on the market – but what does that mean in a market with little to no competition?

Hardware

Unlike the Samsung Galaxy Note II, the Galaxy Note 3 works with a body that’s divergent from the model set by the hero smartphone Galaxy S. In this case, that means that though the Samsung Galaxy S 4 works with a set of edges that are rather similar to that of the Galaxy S III, and last year’s Galaxy Note looked like a large version of last year’s Galaxy S, the Galaxy S 4 and the Galaxy Note 3 at last look to be forging their own unique hardware paths.

 

 

The Galaxy Note 3 works with 1080 x 1920 pixels across its 5.7-inch Super AMOLED display face, coming in at a cool 386 pixels per inch in sharpness. This is the same amount of pixels as the Galaxy S 4, but spread over a larger face, therefor resulting in a slightly less sharp (though barely to the human eye) yet just as brilliant panel.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-note-3-review-01299556/

Dell Venue 8 review: mid-range and proud

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

 

Android tablets shouldn’t cost much, and they don’t have to. Dell kept this in mind when designing and building their Venue 8 tablet. A decidedly mid-range tablet, the Venue 8 may still pack a punch. How brutal could that gut-shot be? We find out in our review.

Hardware

The Dell Venue 8’s hardware is about what you’d expect from an Android tablet. Plastic, glass, and not much else. The plastic housing was textured on the rear, which was pleasant. The full 8-inch screen keeps with the 16:9 aspect ratio of other Android tablets, and stands in tall contrast to the 4:3 ratio of the iPad.

At 800 x 1280 pixels, it’s right around 189 PPI — definitely not the monster it could be, and it reminds us of the original iPad mini in tat respect. A 5MP camera sits on the rear of the Dell Venue 8, with a 2MP camera up front. That leaves this one adequate for a quick video chat, but not one you’d want to take pics with (because you don’t take pictures in public with a tablet, do you?).

Dell’s Venue 8 sports an Intel Atom processor, clocked at 2GHz. You’ll find 16 or 32GB memory, and a microSD card slot that can support an additional 32GB. A full 2GB RAM and Android 4.2.2 keep things moving along.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/dell-venue-8-review-mid-range-and-proud-04348906/

Amazon Fire HD 6 Review

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

 

With the Fire HD 6 we see Amazon approach the standard paperback book size device. But this device is not aimed at reading alone, it’s aimed at every kind of Amazon-based media. It is, after all, an Amazon-centric device, and therefor should be purchased only by those willing to work with Amazon’s collection of digital stores.

Who is this device for?

If you’ve got an Amazon Fire Phone, this device might be for you. If you have a larger Amazon Fire device and want something a bit more conservative, this device might be fore you. If you have a Samsung Galaxy Note, know right now: the Fire HD 6 is not an upgrade.

backer

 

With the Fire HD 6 you get a device with the following specifications. Note that this device is not the most elegant-looking tablet on the market. With a thickness of 0.42 inches and a weight at 290 g (10.23 oz), it’s not the lightest or thinnest tablet of its size either.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/amazon-fire-hd-6-review-04348852/

Samsung Galaxy S5 Review

Phones, , , , , , , , , ,

Samsung cannot be ignored, and the importance of theGalaxy S5 cannot be overlooked. New bearer of the crown of “best-known Android smartphone” it’s a chance not only for Samsung to make money, but to demonstrate what cleverness it can bake into a flagship device. Samsung’s approach to innovation has been more scattershot than focused, however, and with each generation of Galaxy there’s been equally as many needless bells & whistles as there have been legitimately useful additions. The Galaxy S5, Samsung insists, has been built with deliberation, but has the company spent its time on the right enhancements? Read on for the SlashGear review.

Hardware and Design

By now, the Samsung style recipe is straightforward: the Galaxy S5 is a large, thin plastic slab, much akin to the plastic slabs that came before it. In fact, without the Galaxy S4 alongside, it’s easy to overlook what physical changes have been made: the blunter corners and the slightly broader top and bottom bezels, which add up to a handset that, at around 3mm wider, 5mm longer, and a fraction of a mm thicker, has grown in all directions.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/samsung-galaxy-s5-review-13324920/

 

Nabi Big Tab HD Review: the world’s biggest Android tablet

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

 

Supposing you’ve seen our previous massive tablet reviews, you know SlashGear isn’t about to dismiss a device just because it seems absurd from the outset. Take a look at our Lenovo IdeaCentre Horizon 27 Table PC Review, for example – it runs Windows, so Nabi keeps the crown in Android. Here in 2014 we’re seeing not just one, but two massive tablets from the folks at Fuhu, two tablets with the same title: Nabi Big Tab HD.

Hardware

When you purchase this massive 20-inch Nabi tablet from Fuhu, you’ll find it imposing. It’s heavy, and it’s certainly not meant to be very mobile. It does not require a power cord – it charges up just like any other tablet you might have – but you’re going to want to bring that charger with you if you’re going on a long trip.

android

 

We’ve got the 20-inch tablet with 1600 x 900 pixels across its display. There’s also a 24-inch Big Tab from Fuhu with 1920 x 1080. This 20-inch tablet is not extraordinarily sharp, but it’s certainly sharp enough for what your child will be using it for.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/nabi-big-tab-hd-review-the-worlds-biggest-android-tablet-20351547/

Kindle Voyage Review: Ereader Royalty

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

 

The ebook didn’t kill the paperback, and Amazon is counting on the fact that not only hasn’t the tablet killed the ereader, but that there’s still room for a premium model in the shape of the Kindle Voyage. Fronted by an incredible e-paper display, Amazon’s smartest screen illumination system to-date, and a bevy of software enhancements focused on readers, it’s certainly shaping up to be a great home for your digital 50 Shades. In a world of free Kindle apps and $249 iPads, however, the Kindle Voyage needs to do more than just pack in the pixels in order to justify its existence.

Hardware and Design

Amazon’s hardware aesthetic has tended toward the monolithic since the first arrival of its Kindle Fire tablets, and the Kindle Voyage bears the same design focus. That’s not to say it’s a bad device, however: more one that has been built with a singular purpose in mind.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/kindle-voyage-review-ereader-royalty-20351396/

PlayStation Now Review

Wearables, , , , , , ,

 

This review is going to be short for one reason, and one reason only: there’s not much to say. PlayStation Now works, and it works great, but until its pricing model is changed to be more like Netflix, I can’t imagine Sony having a massive amount of success with it. Not because it’s not worth the price, mind you.

Sony has a task ahead of itself: proving to the world that renting a digital copy of a game is worth the price you pay. Until they can do that, people will come in to PS Now expecting to pay the same amount of cash per month that they do for Netflix.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/playstation-now-review-01339558/

OS X Yosemite Review: Blurred Lines

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

 

Apple’s morning may have brought new hardware, but it’s OS X Yosemite that could affect the most people today. The Mac OS update has been punctuated with firsts for Apple, with a hitherto-unknown public beta program, along with new degrees of integration with iOS devices. Officially released today, as a free download the price is certainly right, but does Yosemite hold up in everyday use?

We’ve already taken an in-depth look at OS X Yosemite back in ourDeveloper Preview, and the vast majority of the features are the same, albeit with some polish over the intervening months.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/os-x-yosemite-review-blurred-lines-16350911/

SwiftKey for iOS 8 review: iPhone 6 gets swiped

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

 

One of the most anticipated features in iOS 8 is third-party keyboard support, and Android favorite SwiftKey has wasted no time in readying its learning layout for the iPhone. Using the predictive technologies that made it such a hit on Google’s OS, SwiftKey for iPhone can also prove smarter out of the gate, thanks to cross-platform sync. We’ve been playing with the pre-release beta; read on for our review.

If you’re unfamiliar with SwiftKey, a quick primer. Released first for Android, which has long supported customizable keyboards, it differentiates itself with its swiping text entry mechanism. Rather than having to hunt & peck each key, you slide your finger across the ‘board and the predictive system tries to figure out what you’re spelling.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/swiftkey-for-ios-8-review-iphone-6-gets-swiped-16346674/

Lenovo Erazer X315 review: Gaming for all

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

 

There’s one thing Lenovo is exceedingly good at: making excellent products at approachable price points. At CES this year, we became enamored with their 4K monitor, which had impressive resolution and a then jaw-dropping low price tag. Keeping in line with their high-end/low-cost desktop ambitions, Lenovo has the Erazer X315, which — for a gaming desktop computer — holds a very slim starting price. Does a low price mean Lenovo’s Erazer is cheap? We give it the gaming go-round to find out.

Hardware

As gaming PCs go, the X315 toes the line. It’s got flashy accents, with a lone blue light staring you down face-on. The DVD RW and card reader are tucked away, shielded from view, almost begging you to look at your screen instead of the computer.

Two generous mesh vents adorn the sides of the X315. Around back, you have the usual host of ports and such. Two USB 3.0 ports, Two USB 2.0, HDMI, VGA, Care reader, Microphone, Headphone, and LAN are all included.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/lenovo-erazer-x315-review-gaming-for-all-23356969/

Tiki-Z mini-Review: The Tiny Gaming King defends his crown

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

The following review is going to be short and to the point. Not because it doesn’t deserve more words, not because it’s not an important product. We’d never do such a thing. Instead, this review is going to be short because there’s not much to say that we didn’t already say in our first Falcon Northwest Tiki review and subsequent crowning of the device as the best gaming PC of the year in 2013. Never mind the fact that it was actually unveiled before the year began.

The Tiki-Z is a small form-factor computer tower packed with some of the most powerful PC hardware today’s market has to offer. The Tiki-Z is 4-inches wide, 13-inches tall, and was amongst the first of Falcon Northwest’s collection of device to have the NVIDIA GeForce GTX Titan-Z graphics card fitted inside.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/tiki-z-mini-review-the-tiny-gaming-king-defends-his-crown-30352809/

ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One 23 with ThinkCentre M83 PC Review

Computers & IT, , , , , , , ,

 

One of the biggest criticisms of all-in-one PCs is the inability to upgrade hardware if necessary. Lenovo has addressed that issue with its ThinkCentre Tiny-in-One 23, an all-in-one monitor with an open slot in the back in which users can slide certain slim Lenovo PCs. Connectors built into the monitor connect to the PC, which can then be accessed through “wings” on the back of the monitor that expose its various ports. Likewise, a couple of USB ports are offered on the front of the monitor for ease of access, ultimately providing a typical AiO experience. Sound interesting? Read our full SlashGear review to find out!

ThinkCentre M83 Tiny Desktop

The ThinkCentre M83 is a tiny desktop PC square in shape with ports along both the right and left sides. This PC obviously doesn’t need to be used with the Tiny-in-One 23 if that isn’t desired — users can hook it up to any compatible monitor they might want have around. When coupled with the AiO, however, the system is nestled away from view and integrated with the ports built into the monitor, making for a cleaner desktop and easier transportation from one desk to another.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/thinkcentre-tiny-in-one-23-with-thinkcentre-m83-pc-review-19365177/

Review Apple Watch – Controversially compelling

Wearables, , , , , , ,

To call the Apple Watch polarizing is to do the splenetic depths of online argument around it an injustice. For the past few weeks I’ve been living in the eye of that storm, the contentious wearable on my wrist. I’ve worked with it. I’ve traveled with it. I’ve exercised with it. I drew the line at showering with it, though Tim Cook says that’s okay too. And all along the way – well, perhaps not in the shower – people have asked me that one question no other Apple product has faced to quite the same extent: is the Apple Watch really worth it?

 

 

Unlike a lot of people trying the Apple Watch, or smartwatches in general for that matter, I did wear a watch before. I say that not to position myself as some sort of horology expert – far from it – but because I’m already familiar both with having something on my wrist all day, and with the glance-to-check-the-time gesture that has for many been eclipsed by checking the time on their phone.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/apple-watch-review-06382172/

Kodak PIXPRO SL25 Smart Lens Camera Review

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

 

This is a camera that you strap on to your smartphone to take photos your smartphone might never have otherwise been able to take. The Kodak PIXPRO SL25 Smart Lens Camera works with software made by Pixpro, so you’ll be connecting with a Pixpro app – if you wish – and you’ll be working with a device that has Kodak and Pixpro branding on it. Can this device take on the smartphone segment and attach to a unique crew of photographers in the process?

The Kodak PIXPRO SL25 Smart Lens Camera is a device with a concept very similar to the Sony Lens camera set. The newest model Sony Lens Camera has a slightly larger cross-section of abilities (NFC, a 20.1-MP sensor), but it’ll cost you a bit more, too. Here we’re getting fine quality for ever-so-slightly cheaper a price from Kodak.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/kodak-sl25-lens-camera-review-16369292/

Aorus X3 Plus v3 review

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , , ,
TODO alt text

JUMP TO SECTION:

  • BEST PRICE
  • COMMENTS

OUR VERDICT

The X3 Plus is a highly portable powerhouse of a gaming laptop – if your wallet can handle the price tag.

FOR

  • Great-looking machine
  • Highly portable
  • Blazing performance

AGAINST

  • High screen resolution makes text tricky to read
  • Trackpad is a weak link
  • Battery life isn’t great

When you think of a laptop built for gaming, you’ll probably be picturing something with a big case and a wide screen, probably in the region of 15.6- or even 17.3-inches. This larger size has become the standard for gaming laptops, but there are a number of advantages to a smaller chassis, the most obvious being portability.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/pc-mac/laptops-portable-pcs/laptops-and-netbooks/aorus-x3-plus-v3-1293264/review

Acer Liquid Jade S review

Phones, , , , , , , , ,
TODO alt text

JUMP TO SECTION:

  • BEST PRICE
  • COMMENTS

OUR VERDICT

If you can see past its flaws, the Liquid Jade S offers some of the best performance and build quality of any affordable dual-SIM smartphone.

FOR

  • Impressive performance
  • Light, curvaceous design
  • 4G dual-SIM and microSD

AGAINST

  • Muted audio output
  • Disappointing cameras
  • Mediocre battery life

While the name ‘Acer’ is one more synonymous with desktop and laptop computers, over the past couple of years the Taiwanese company has released some solid budget and mid-range smartphones, such as the Liquid Z4 and E3.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/reviews/phones/acer-liquid-jade-s-1279115/review

Microsoft confirms there will be no Windows 11

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

Windows 10

 

Microsoft says that Windows 10 will be its final release of the iconic operating system that’s installed on over 90% of computers.

“Right now we’re releasing Windows 10, and because Windows 10 is the last version of Windows, we’re all still working on Windows 10,” said Jerry Nixon, Microsoft’s developer evangelist, at the Ignite tech conference.

Instead of releasing an entirely new and different version of its desktop OS every few years, Microsoft is taking an Apple-like approach to subsequent Windows releases, standardizing on Windows 10 as its Cupertino-based rival has done with OS X. Under this new strategy, Microsoft will deliver regular improvements to Windows through software updates.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/microsoft-confirms-there-will-be-no-windows-11-1293309

Apple may offer free trial with new Beats Music streaming service

Wearables, , , , , , , , ,
Apple Beats

 

Apple may be catching some flack for putting the pressure on Spotify to abandon its free music streaming, but Re/code reports Apple’s upcoming streaming service may offer a few gratis tunes of its own.

While Apple will fund its streaming service (presumably the Beats Music relaunch) through paid subscriptions, it does plan on offering a free trial period of up to 3 months long, though it’s reported Apple won’t ever offer an unlimited free music tier like Spotify does.

The report also says that Beats Music is taking a page from Soundcloud’s book by adding a feature that lets users upload their own music, a unique tool that could separate it from the rest of the music streaming service pack.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/news/software/applications/apple-may-offer-free-music-trial-with-new-beats-music-streaming-service-1293311

The P8 explained: meet your next smartphone

Phones, , ,

 

The Huawei P8 has arrived hailing a new age for smartphones with a sleek design, stunning camera and slick interface at an unbeatable price.

Here are the top features packed inside the all new Huawei P8.

 

Sleek design

 

The Huawei P8 is clad in a perfectly balanced, premium aluminium unibody with subtly chamfered edges giving it a unique look and feel.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.techradar.com/

Five things to know about the Lenovo Yoga 3 11

Computers & IT, , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Five things to know about the Lenovo Yoga 3 11

Lenovo has a new Yoga laptop, the Yoga 3 11 (because it’s, you know, an 11-inch model), which we’ve recently detailed in a full review. In case you missed it, we’re back with the most pertinent highlights about the system, the things you’re likely to want to know before you make the plunge — both good and bad. And, make no mistake, there are a lot of things to like about this tiny laptop. Like what, you ask? Read on to find out.

It’s (mostly) everything you want in an ultrabook

Some laptops are hailed as ultrabooks, but when you see it in person you realize that it is anything but. That’s not the case with the Yoga 3 11. This laptop is a small offering with an 11.6-inch screen and weight just a touch over two and a half pounds. It doesn’t ignore the need for connectivity, however, and includes a pair of USB ports, mini HDMI, and an SD card slot (plus Bluetooth and WiFi) — meaning you’ll have most, if not all, of your connectivity needs met without having to carry about a dongle.
…
Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/five-things-to-know-about-the-lenovo-yoga-3-11-08382562/

Polar V800: GPS Watch Review

Wearables, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

The Polar V800 is a GPS watch that tracks a wide variety of sports, from running and swimming to yoga, dance and CrossFit. The watch also tracks daily activity, including steps taken and calories burned.

Priced at $400, the Polar V800 is near the high end of the price range for multisport GPS watches. It’s more expensive than the $299 TomTom Multi-Sport Cardio, but cheaper than the Garmin Forerunner 920XT, which sells for $490 on Amazon. Included in the V800’s price is a heart rate monitor that tracks your pulse during workouts on land and in the water. I tested the V800 over the course of a month, bringing the watch with me on runs, bike rides and swims, and wearing it around the house while I went about my day. Here’s what I found:
…
Read full post here:
https://www.livescience.com/50518-polar-v800-review.html

We Need New Nexus Phones Now

Phones, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Google seems to have abandoned building developer devices in the sizes people really want. That’s a mistake.

Google retired the Nexus 7 this week, which follows up on the retirement of the company’s Nexus 5. This better mean we’re going to see some major hardware announcements at Google’s I/O conference in late May—or Google may risk losing control of Android’s direction.

The Nexus phones and tablets are small in sales, but mighty in influence. They are the guaranteed pure-Google gadgets, showing the direction Google wants to go in with its software and where it’s trying to drag Android manufacturers. While not many people own Nexus phones, they tend to be coders, designers, and influencers. To some extent, Nexus is the glue that holds Google’s Android ecosystem together.

Google made a big Nexus step forwards with its recent announcement of Google Fi, its hybrid wireless carrier. By combining Sprint, T-Mobile, and Wi-Fi, Google Fi is supposed to show virtual operators how to do things, injecting more competition into the wireless space. It’s a stab at one concept of 5G: a system that skips between several different kinds of networks invisibly to the user.

Google Fi is now only compatible with the Nexus 6, which is a huge phablet. Tablet-wise, all Google has left in its Nexus department is the relatively unsuccessful Nexus 9, which has an interesting if little-used Nvidia processor but doesn’t hit the sweet spot in Android demand, which is for a smaller, less-expensive but still high-quality tablet.

Yes, we’re seeing lots of affordable unlocked Android phones out there; the Huawei SnapTo, the Moto G, and Blu’s lineup all come to mind. But none of them promise to always deliver the best pure Google experience, and none of them have really seized the hearts of power users and developers.
…
Read full post here:
https://sea.pcmag.com/smartphones/3152/we-need-new-nexus-phones-now

Sony shows just how much camera it can cram in your pocket with 30x zoom HX90V, WX500

Cameras, , , , , ,
dsc-hx90vimageevf-2.jpg
Sony

 

When Sony released the Cyber-shot HX50V in 2013, it was the world’s smallest and lightest camera with a 30x zoom lens. Now, two years later, it’s back with the HX90V and WX500, which reclaim the title.

Though, more precisely, the HX90V is the world’s smallest 30x zoom with an electronic viewfinder at 4 inches wide by 2.3 inches high by 1.4 inches thick and weighing 7.7 ounces (102×58.1×35.5mm; 218g), while the WX500 is the smallest and lightest at 4 inches wide by 2.3 inches high by 1.4 inches thick and weighing 7.4 ounces (101.6×58.1×35.5mm; 209g).
…
Read full post here:
https://www.cnet.com/reviews/sony-cyber-shot-dsc-hx90v-preview/