Monthly Archives: July 2016

Sigma MC-11 Canon Mount EF Adapter Review

Sigma MC-11 Canon Mount EF Adapter Review

Cameras, , , , , ,

Introduction

Back in March 2014, we took a look at the Metabones Canon EF Adapter, which allowed Canon EF mount lenses to be used on the Sony A-series cameras with full support for electronic aperture and EXIF data, and on some of the more recent EF lenses, auto-focusing and image stabilization too.

A year later, we then tested the Sony A7R II with the newer Metabones Canon EF Lens to Sony NEX Smart Adapter (Mark IV) and a range of Canon and Sigma EF lenses, including 3 Sigma lenses.

Sigma MC-11 Canon Mount EF Adapter

Recognising the growing popularity of the Sony A-series, Sigma announced their own lens adapter earlier this year, the snappily titled Global Vision MC-11 Lens Mount Converter, which ostensibly supports 16 Sigma Canon Mount (EF) and Sigma Mount (SA) lenses (current list here). Going one better than the Metabones adapter, the MC-11 also promises to support the full range of Sony AF modes, including Eye-AF.
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Read full post here:
https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sigma_mc_11_canon_mount_ef_adapter_review/

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BlackBerry’s next flagship, Argon: What’s the story so far?

Phones, , , , ,

Blackberry is expected to launch three phones over the next year. One of them is the Argon, and by the sounds of it, this will be the company’s 2016 flagshipphone. It’s a big, all touchscreen device with a powerful processor, support for the latest Quick Charge and Type-C connectivity.

BlackBerry Argon: Design

Very little is known about the design, but it’s likely to be an all-touch device, rather than a portrait slider hiding a physical keyboard underneath. That could mean that the Priv form factor is short-lived and that the only keyboard-equipped device in BlackBerry’s lineup for 2016/17 is the mid-range Mecury.

Looking at the hardware specifications, and seeing as thought the “Hamburg” or Neon is basically a rebranded Alcatel Idol 4, it could be assumed that the Argon is akin to the Alcatel Idol 4S. But that would be completely speculative to say so. The short answer is: we don’t really know.

18bits-blackberry-tmagArticle
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Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/blackberry/138132-blackberry-dtek60-release-date-price-and-everything-you-need-to-know

2017-Yamaha-FZ-10-to-America-for-2017-1

2017 Yamaha FZ-10 First Ride Review

Cars, , , , , , ,

One of the most hotly contested categories in motorcycling today, the liter-class streetfighter field has a contender from nearly every manufacturer out there. But if you’ve read the numerous streetfighter reviews posted onMotorcycle.com and other outlets, you’ll know that three models – super streetfighters, if you will – stand above the rest: the BMW S1000R, Aprilia Tuono V4 1100, and KTM Super Duke R.

Well, it’s time to add a fourth bike to the conversation: the 2017 Yamaha FZ-10.

More than just an R1 stripped down, the FZ-10 has all the elements that make the three European bikes above so special: striking looks, real-world comfort, and most importantly, mind-blowing performance. As an added bonus, the FZ’s $12,999 price tag is also highly competitive, besting the $14,799 Tuono V4 RR, $13,495S1000R, and $16,999 Super Duke R.

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BlackBerry Hamburg/Neon: Release date, specs and everything we know so far

Phones, , , , , ,

Blackberry is expected to launch three phones over the next year. One of them is the Argon and, by the sounds of it, this will be the company’s 2016 flagshipphone. It’s a big, all touchscreen device with a powerful processor, support for the latest Quick Charge and Type-C connectivity.

Then there’s the Mercury; the next physical keyboard-equipped Android phonewith a design reminiscent of the Passport and Classic.

Before both of those, however, there’s the Neon. This is expected to be another entirely touchscreen-based phone which fits neatly in to the high/mid end of the market next to phones from the likes of OnePlus, Alcatel and Oppo.

BlackBerry-Neon-Hamburg-1-752x490
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https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/blackberry/138326-blackberry-dtek50-release-date-specs-and-everything-you-need-to-know

Teclast P70 4G Phablet Review – Cheap & Comfortable

Teclast P70 4G Phablet Review – Cheap & Comfortable

Tablets, , , ,

Hi Kickers, to provide you most affordable and latest devices from top brands we keep reviewing the best products on kickiteasy. We regularly write posts about smartphones, Tablets & phablets. The device which I am going to review today is Teclast P70 4G Phablet which has its price as its major advantage. This Teclast phablet is available on everbuying.net at just $74.43. phablets are always preferred where larger screen size, long battery life, greater memory capacity, etc. Phablets are popular mainly because of its larger display than smartphones and the almost similar price to that of smartphones.


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http://www.kickiteasy.com/teclast-p70-4g-phablet/

Garmin Vivofit 3 review

Garmin Vivofit 3 review

Wearables, , , , , , , ,

Garmin’s budget tracker is a solid performer but doesn’t live up to its stylish billing

While Garmin is excelling with the pricier wearables in its range, the Vivofit 3 feels like a more underwhelming addition. It’s a solid fitness tracker and delivers where it matters, but the smaller screen feels like a mistake, where its best features are now more concealed. Those supposedly stylish bands just don’t do it for us either. If you want something affordable that hasn’t whacked with the ugly stick, your money is better spent on a Misfit Ray or Fitbit Alta.


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Read full post here:
https://www.wareable.com/garmin/garmin-vivofit-3-review

Affordable EV Showdown – Tesla Model 3 Vs. Chevrolet Bolt

Affordable EV Showdown – Tesla Model 3 Vs. Chevrolet Bolt

Cars, , , , , ,

Across the globe, all-electric car sales are on the rise. Automakers are pouring money into development and laying the groundwork for a future where battery-driven automobiles rule the market, and while internal combustion is still number one when it comes to industry success, the battle for EV supremacy is starting to heat up. The new frontline can be found in the pockets of consumers looking for relatively affordable electrified conveyance, and two major players are gearing up for an all-out assault – the Tesla Model 3 and Chevrolet Bolt EV. Both offer impressive distance-per-charge at a reasonable price point. But the question is this – which one is better?

affordable ev showdown 8211 tesla model 3 vs. chevrolet bolt - DOC682466
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https://www.topspeed.com/cars/car-news/affordable-ev-showdown-tesla-model-3-vs-chevrolet-bolt-ar173781.html

Homtom HT16 Review – Amazing and Affordable

Homtom HT16 Review – Amazing and Affordable

Phones, , , , , , , ,

After reviewing various smartphones of Homtom, we are here with the review of Homtom HT16. First of all, Homtom is a Chinese brand that brings out the best features in a smartphone that one can expect in a particular price range. Homtom HT17 and Homtom HT7 are other smartphones of the brand that are predecessors of the device. Homtom HT16 is a low budget smartphone available at Everbuying.net for just $59.99. It comes with almost all the features that were present in Homtom HT17 and definitely has better design and amazing looks. It is powered with all features that you can expect a $60 smartphone would have. It just lacks a fingerprint sensor and that too is not so common among such low budget smartphones.

Homtom HT16 is a 5-inch smartphone that comes with the latest android 6.0 out of the box. It is powered by MediaTek MTk6580 1.3GHz quad-core processor. Furthermore, it comes with 1GB of RAM and 8GB internal storage that can be expanded up to 64B. Homtom HT16 has a unique back panel that comes with appealing colour designs making it a budding beauty. Also, HT16 is configured with various off-screen gestures. Having those brings great convenience to directly access apps by just drawing certain gestures that have already been assigned.  Seems like we are now  ready to move ahead towards a detailed review of this amazing smartphone.
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http://www.kickiteasy.com/

Amped Wireless RTA1300M Review : Underwhelming Performance

Amped Wireless RTA1300M Review : Underwhelming Performance

Wearables, , , , ,

An enviable price tag, lots of flexibility and eight individual signal amplifiers don’t help the Amped Wireless RTA1300M Artemis router make the grade. While the $130 router offers a multitude of setup options through an Android mobile app, it can only muster about half the throughput of other routers in its class, and its range falls far short of the mark.

Design

At 8.6 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches, the RTA1300M looks tiny compared to monster routers such as Netgear’s Nighthawk X8. Subscribing to the all-black school of router design, Amped’s device lacks any adornments but easily fits on a windowsill or bookshelf. Although it lacks wall-mounting holes, the router includes a snap-on stand to allow it to sit vertically.

Dell XPS 13 vs. Dell XPS 15 : One Size Doesn’t Fit All

Dell XPS 13 vs. Dell XPS 15 : One Size Doesn’t Fit All

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

It’s not a stretch to say that Dell’s XPS laptops are some of the best all-around laptops on the market today. The 13-inch Dell XPS 13 has remained our top consumer notebook recommendation for well over a year, thanks to its unbeatable combination of light weight, long battery life, vibrant screen and impeccable style.

dell_xps_13_design

However, one size doesn’t fit all. The XPS 13’s big brother, the Dell XPS 15, has a larger display that’s available with a 4K resolution, optional Nvidia graphics and a quad-core processor. To help you decide which Dell XPS is right for you, we’ve pitted the two Ultrabooks against each other in a five-round battle, comparing their design, screen, battery life, performance and value.
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Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/dell-xps-13-vs-xps-15

Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Review

Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II Review

Cameras, , , , , , ,

Introduction

The Sony Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM II is an updated version of Sony’s Vario-Sonnar T* 16-35mm F2.8 ZA SSM lens and is designed for Sony Alpha 35mm full-frame and APS-C A-mount DSLT cameras. It can also be mounted on E-mount mirrorless bodies by using an LA-EA1 A-mount to E-mount adaptor.

Headline specs are identical to the previous version of this lens. You still get a constant f/2.8 maximum aperture and a nine-bladed circular diaphragm for smoother bokeh blur in out of focus areas, as well as the same 28cm minimum focus distance. The new lens also features an ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element and a Super ED element for improved contrast and colour accuracy, and it incorporates aspherical lens elements to help reduce chromatic aberration. Even the external casing appears almost identical.
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https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/sony_vario_sonnar_t_16_35mm_f2_8_za_ssm_ii_review/

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Next Nexus (2016): Release date, rumours and everything you need to know

Phones, , , , ,

Google’s Nexus programme gives birth to a pure Android smartphone every year, sometimes two. The idea behind the Nexus is to showcase Android in its purest form, away from the poking and prodding of manufacturer skins.

It’s given rise to some great devices over the past years, but in recent times, has seen some of the most competitive Android handsets offered up. Where manufacturer flagships are often fighting to be king of the spec sheet, Nexusdoesn’t always go toe-to-toe. There has often been compromises and we’ve see the exclusion of some features, like microSD card slots.

Importantly, the Nexus is the chance for Google to say “this is what Android is”. With 2016 well under way, we’re looking forward to the next Nexus, in a year that’s rumoured to be bringing some big changes.

Google-Android-N-Support-3D-Touch-UK-Price-Release-Date-Rumours-Sources-Latest-Update-Google-IO-2016-Developer-Conference-Google-649808

Next Nexus (2016): Release date
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https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/news/google/136634-google-pixel-and-pixel-xl-release-date-specs-and-everything-you-need-to-know

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Graham Chronofighter Vintage Watch Hands-On

Wearables,

Easily the Graham brand’s most emblematic look is that of the Chronofighter watches which almost resemble wrist-grenades thanks to their distinctive chronograph “triggers.” This year, the design is 15 years old, and that birthday brings us this Graham Chronofighter Vintage watch that we saw hands-on at Baselworld 2016. Over the last 15 years, Chronofighters got pretty big and crazy at times, but the relatively subdued Graham Chronofighter Vintage gets in on the popularity of the vintage and reissue trend while remaining unmistakably modern Graham.

The whole idea here is to stylistically reference the era and timepieces that inspired the original Graham Chronofighter. That’s right, this wild-looking design actually has a historical analog: the stopwatches with similar trigger-pushers used by air force bomber crews in World War 2. And it is therefore legit. Actually, it’s legit because it is ergonomic and satisfying to use, and because Graham’s excellent quality of execution is evident.

Graham Chronofighter Vintage Watch Hands-On Hands-On
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Read full post here:
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/graham-chronofighter-vintage-watch/

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Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Apple iPhone 6S Plus: What’s the rumoured difference?

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

Samsung will be announcing its next Galaxy Note device on 2 August at an event in New York. By default, the new smartphone should be called the Note 6, but Samsung has said it will be jumping a digit in order to align the Note with its current 2016 flagships.

Its debut might still be a few days away, but the Galaxy Note 7 has been the subject of plenty of rumours over the last few months. With that in mind, we have put its rumoured specs up against Apple’s iPhone 6S Plus to see how the two phablets compare.

We will of course update this feature as the official specs are announced for the Note 7, but for now, here is how it differs from Apple’s device, based on the speculation.

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 vs Apple iPhone 6S Plus: Design

The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is reported to be coming with a design similar to that of Samsung’s Galaxy S7 edge but with the added advantage of the built-in S Pen. Based on the leaked images, you can expect a beautiful device sporting a metal build, tempered glass rear and a dual-edged display.
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Read full post here:
https://www.pocket-lint.com/phones/buyers-guides/samsung/138327-samsung-galaxy-note-7-vs-apple-iphone-6s-plus-what-s-the-difference

 

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Panasonic Viera DX902 4K TV review: Honeycomb-sweet picture quality

Audio & Video, , , , , , , , ,

The big sell with the Panasonic DX902 (or DX900 in other regions) is that this 4K TV is about as close as you’ll get to a professional reference monitor in the home.

That’s a fairly lofty comparison, as reference monitors are incredibly expensive, designed to show movie directors what the action looks like in their Hollywood studios. And with HDR (high dynamic range) being the talk of 2016, the message of this year’s flagship TVs is that you’ll be watching what the director intended.

It’s a message you’ll hear from all sides, but in Panasonic’s flagship 2016 television that isn’t just talk. In many ways, it actually delivers on this promise, balancing wonderful performance with a tempting price, but there are a few shortcomings too.

Panasonic Viera DX900 review: Design

Where the Panasonic DX902 – or Viera TX-58DX902B to use its full name in this 58-inch guise (there’s also a 65-inch model) – perhaps struggles to match its rivals is in design. Not the entire design – this is a premium-looking television, with minimal bezel and screen that’s edged in a very tidy textured aluminium band – but in thickness. It’s just a bit chunkier than some of the competition.

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https://www.pocket-lint.com/tv/reviews/panasonic/136394-panasonic-viera-dx902-4k-tv-review-honeycomb-sweet-picture-quality

New NVIDIA Titan X promises even more “irresponsible peformance”

10 things you need to know about NVIDIA’s TITAN X

Wearables, , , , , ,

Today NVIDIA reveals its next most powerful graphics processing unit in the world, the NVIDIA TITAN X. This graphics card will cost users a cool $1200 – or around that thereabouts – and will very likely crush all graphics cards that came before it. According to NVIDIA, the creation of this graphics card was hinged on a bet. According to NVIDIA, “Brian Kelleher, our top hardware engineer, bet our CEO, Jen-Hsun Huang, we could get more than 10 teraflops of computing performance from a single chip.”

1. 11 Teraflops

According to the legend, or what NVIDIA might classify as a legendary bet, Kelleher’s suggestion to Jen-Hsun was met with some skepticism. “Jen-Hsun thought that was crazy,” they say, but “as of today, Jen-Hsun now owes Brian a dollar.”

They’ve turned this one up to 11. This graphics card – one single card – runs with 11 TFLOPS FP32 computing performance. Why is that important?

New NVIDIA Titan X promises even more “irresponsible peformance”
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Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/10-things-you-need-to-know-about-nvidias-titan-x-22449292/

New NVIDIA Titan X promises even more “irresponsible peformance”

New NVIDIA Titan X promises even more “irresponsible peformance”

Wearables, , , , ,

Back in early 2015, NVIDIA unveiled what it billed was the biggest jump in supercomputing. But while it poised the Titan X as the world’s fastest GPU, it quickly dethroned that itself when it introduced the GTX 1080 a year later. Now the Titan X is back with a vengeance.

It still has the same name, albeit with a “new” prepended to it, but now packs even more cores and more transistors than either the GTX 1080 or its predecessor. Naturally, it also packs a higher price tag.
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Read full post here:
https://www.slashgear.com/new-nvidia-titan-x-promises-even-more-irresponsible-peformance-22449238/

LG working on foldable phone that doubles as a tablet

LG working on foldable phone that doubles as a tablet

Wearables, , , , ,

LG and Samsung have battled to outdo each other when it comes to TV and phone technology in recent years, and we’ve seen some interesting concepts as a result – from bendable screens (see video, below) and rollable TVs, to flexible phones like the G Flex 2.

Now it looks like we can add folding phones that double as a tablet into the mix. Samsung’s folding phone was teased earlier this year, and LG seems to have a similar design in the works.

A shape-shifting phone would allow you to fold the screen out flat in order to make a tablet-sized device. Naturally, this technology could be rolled out to larger screen sizes, potentially including TVs.

[su_youtube url=”https://youtu.be/UsBjFgtw-K4″]
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Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/news/lg-working-foldable-phone-doubles-tablet

Laptop Lock Buying Guide : 5 Things You Need to Know

Laptop Lock Buying Guide : 5 Things You Need to Know

Computers & IT, , , , ,

If you’re running a business, writing papers in your dorm room or writing the next great novel at the local coffee shop, your laptop is at risk of being stolen. You can purchase remote-wiping software, such as LoJack for Laptops that you can use to erase all your data the next time the thief connects to the internet. However, the best way to stop a thief cold is by using a lock to physically secure your laptop to an immovable object, like your desk.

Literally chaining your laptop to your desk seems like an extreme measure, but the cost of losing your device and the data on it could be more than worth the hassle. Here are five questions to ask before you buy.

1. Where Do You Use It?

If your computer rarely leaves your home and the house itself has good security, you may not want to bother with a laptop lock. However, if you’re storing your machine in a place where a lot of people have access to it, you’d really benefit from a lock.

Image Credit: Kensington…
Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/laptop-lock-guide

​12 features Apple Watch 2 should steal from other smartwatches

​12 features Apple Watch 2 should steal from other smartwatches

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

The Apple Watch has great potential, but it’s by no means the perfect device. Even with the improvements delivered bywatchOS 2, and the impending arrival of watchOS 3 there’s still so much to get right.

12 watch features Apple should steal

While no-one has even come close to smartwatch perfection yet, there are some great ideas among Apple’s stiffest competition that it will be looking at with envy.

That’s why we’ve picked out 10 key features that Apple should ‘borrow’ from its rivals for the next edition of its flagship wearable.

Phone-free calling from LG

You can make and receive calls on the Apple Watch — as long as your iPhone is close by. Plenty of other smartwatches, including the LG Watch Urbane LTE unveiled earlier this year, have an integrated SIM which means they can latch onto the mobile network themselves, letting you get in touch with people (or access the Web) with no phone nearby — handy for those times your smartphone dies or you just don’t want to take it out with you.
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https://www.wareable.com/apple/10-features-apple-should-steal-from-other-smartwatches-4202

Blu R1 HD Review : Great for $50, with a Catch

Blu R1 HD Review : Great for $50, with a Catch

Phones, , , , , , , , , , ,
How far are you willing to go to save money on a phone? That’s a question I couldn’t stop asking myself while reviewing the Blu R1 HD. This budget Android device can be had for as low as $49 unlocked, but that price is only available for Amazon Prime members who are willing to look at all kinds of Amazon offers and promotions every time they open the lock screen. It could be a minor annoyance or a big nuisance, based on your tolerance for ads. The 8-megapixel camera doesn’t wow, but the R1 HD’s sleek design and bright 5-inch display make this phone a viable option for kids and bargain hunters.

Design

You won’t confuse the Blu R1 HD with a fancy flagship phone, but it’s fairly sleek for a budget device. Its slim silver edges do a decent impersonation of an iPhone, while its curved-rectangle shape brings the Galaxy Note series to mind (minus that phablet’s massive size). I especially like the phone’s soft-touch back, which makes it easy to grip.

Five of Our Favorite Motorcycles of 2016 That Just Missed The Ten Best

Five of Our Favorite Motorcycles of 2016 That Just Missed The Ten Best

Cars, , , , , ,

APRILIA RSV4 RR

Aprilia RSV4 RR on-track action

Aprilia’s RSV4 RR does a better job of keeping this year’s Best Superbike, the YamahaR1, in its sights than any other literbike thanks to a rock-solid chassis and V-4 engine that now makes more power up top—all of which is great but not why the bike is here. Credit the looks, sound, and emotionally stirring feeling it gives you every time you throw a leg over it instead.

 BMW R1200RT

BMW R1200RT on-road action

We are spoiled with choice when it comes to bikes designed to reel in distant horizons. If we had a Best Luxury Sport-Touring class, the BMW R1200RT would take the prize by a wide margin. It has a unique combination of long-road comfort and absolute cornering security. The 1,170cc liquid-cooled flat twin’s reassuring thrum at cruise is replaced with a wonderful ripping snarl when you whack open the throttle and makes winding-road performance so compelling you can hardly believe you’re this comfortable and that there are bags attached to your bike.
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Read full post here:
https://www.cycleworld.com/five-favorite-motorcycles-of-2016-that-just-missed-ten-best-bikes

Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar Review

Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar Review

Cameras, , , , , , , ,

Introduction

The Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar is a new manual-aperture, manual-focus ultra-wide-angle prime lens for Sony Alpha 35mm full-frame mirrorless cameras. It features an aperture range of f/4.5-f/22 and a ten-bladed circular diaphragm for smoother bokeh blur in out of focus areas. It features 11 elements in 9 groups, a precision-engineered full-metal casing, weighs in at 294 grams, and can be easily de-clicked for movie making. The Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar retails for £649 / $799.

Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar Review Image

Ease of Use

With a maximum diameter of 66mm and an 62mm length, the Voigtlander 15mm F4.5 Super Wide Heliar is a ultra-wide-angle fixed focal length optic that’s well-suited to Sony’s full-frame mirrorless camera bodies. Weighing in at 294g it’s also not too heavy, making this lens well suited to hand-holding as well as to life on a tripod. It is also compatible with APS-C cameras, where it will produce a 22.5mm equivalent focal length.
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Read full post here:
https://www.photographyblog.com/reviews/voigtlander_15mm_f4_5_super_wide_heliar_review/

Cube Talk 11 3G Phablet Review – a Solid 3G Device

Cube Talk 11 3G Phablet Review – a Solid 3G Device

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

In series of reviews of phablets today I am going to review one more top phablet from Cube, which is not only cheap, but also a 3G enabled device by which you can get access to fast cellular services on your phablet device. Today’s product is Cube Talk 11 3G phablet which is a 10.6 inch Phablet having Quad Core 1.3 GHz processor. So, this device will provide you delight of both fast and latest services on this phablet device. Phablets are mostly superior than smartphones and can work similar as tablets too.

You can use your phablet for calling too, as most of the tablets do not support calling feature. You will get a bigger screen than a smartphone on which you can do stuff like watching videos, playing games and use any app very easily with this device. This Cube Talk 11 3G phablet has 1GB RAM & 16GB ROM which makes this device a fast acting device in terms of running, opening and downloading of apps. You can easily install high memory apps on this phablet like music apps, video editing apps, educational apps, etc. It has Android 5.1 Operating system which is the latest one in android OS series. You will get a much improved user interface and experience on this phablet with this new OS. Now I am going to review this cube phablet in full detail for you.
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Read full post here:
http://www.kickiteasy.com/cube-talk-11-3g-phablet/

Sky Ultra HD hands on review

Sky Ultra HD 4K hands-on review

Audio & Video, , , , , , , ,

Sky’s 4K service, called ‘Ultra HD’, launches this August, placing live and on-demand 4K content at the fingertips of Sky Q Silver subscribers. We’ve been hands on to see what Sky brings to the UHD party…

Sky Ultra HD has been on the cards ever since the arrival of company’s next-generation Sky Q platform.

Finally it’s here, or at least it will be when Sky’s live and on-demand 4K content launches on Saturday 13th August.

4K content

Rather than a Sky 4K channel, all of the Sky Ultra HD movies, dramas, and natural history programmes will be on-demand. Live Sky 4K broadcasts are reserved for Premier League football. Lots of Premier League Football. Sky will broadcast a total of 124 Premier League matches in 4K throughout the 2016/2017 season, starting with Leicester versus Hull on 12th August at 12:30pm.
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Read full post here:
https://www.whathifi.com/sky/ultra-hd/review

Samsung S Health : The ultimate guide

Samsung S Health : The ultimate guide

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

Samsung S Health hasn’t always played nice with other wearables – in fact it’s only last year that the platform has been made available outside Samsung phones (still Android only, no iOS) and only this year that support has been added for third party activity tracking apps from Fitbit, Jawbone, Misfit, Microsoft Health, Runkeeper and Strava.

That doesn’t mean it’s got everything down to a science though. Fitbit integration will only share sleep data with S Health while Strava will only let you share exercise data.

Samsung S Health: The ultimate guide

S Health is compatible with all Samsung devices where connected wearables will automatically sync data. While there’s no online platform like other fitness apps, it still offers a decent selection of features for planning, tracking and reviewing your workouts. If you’re a beginner runner prepping for a marathon, weight lifter or yoga enthusiast, chances are S Health has a tool for you along with helpful tips to stay active.

For Gear S2 or Gear Fit2 users, here are some of the best tricks we’ve discovered that can help you utilize the full potential of Samsung S Health.
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https://www.wareable.com/samsung/samsung-s-health-guide

Ford Kuga 2WD Review : Cheap-to-run SUV with lots of room

Ford Kuga 2WD Review : Cheap-to-run SUV with lots of room

Cars, , , , , , , , , ,

The two-wheel drive Ford Kuga benefits from lower running costs compared to the four-wheel drive model. It rivals two-wheel drive versions of the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage and Hyundai Tucson.

The Kuga received a fairly extensive facelift in early 2016 that brought striking exterior styling inspired by the larger Ford Edge, a simplified interior and a new 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Despite being fairly imposing on the outside, the Kuga’s interior focuses on comfort above all else. The driving position is described as spot on for long journeys and the large MPV-like windshield makes it easier to see out the car – great for sightseeing. The refreshed cabin might look fresher but, compared to the latest VW Tiguan, it feels a generation behind in terms of material quality and technology.

Two engines – one diesel and a petrol in two power levels – make sure all buyers are well served. The lively petrols feel best around town, while the relaxed nature and increased pulling power makes the diesel Kuga a perfect companion on motorway journeys.

Entry-level models get the bare necessities for family transport such as air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a heated windscreen.
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Read full post here:
https://www.carwow.co.uk/ford

 

Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE Review

Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 FE Review

Cameras, , , , , , , ,
Samyang 50mm F1,4 Front Oblique View

Samyang has long been recognised as a manufacturer of high quality, inexpensive and interesting lenses. The one thing missing has been autofocus, as all their lenses up until now have been manual focus only. Everything has changed with the introduction of the Samyang AF 50mm f/1.4 lens, now featuring AF and reviewed here using the Sony Alpha A7R II. Let’s see how its performance stacks up and how this first foray into AF has turned out.

Handling and Features

Samyang 50mm F1,4 On Sony A7r II

The lens has been specially designed for mirrorless cameras. The back focus distance is reduced to take into account the requirements of the mirrorless camera. Thus, the lens can have its rear element very close to the sensor, without having to resort to a retrofocus design to make room for the mirror box assembly on a DSLR. However, as Leica has already found, this is not quite the same advantage as a rangefinder camera with film. Especially with wider angle lenses, their rear element naturally lies very close to the sensor plane, resulting in oblique light rays from the edges. Digital sensors like telecentric designs, with light rays exiting the lens as parallel as possible, and this is not always so easy.
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Read full post here:
https://www.ephotozine.com/article/samyang-af-50mm-f-1-4-fe-review-29618

Lenovo ThinkPad L560 Review

Lenovo ThinkPad L560 Review

Computers & IT, , , , , , , ,

Designed for small-to-medium-size businesses, Lenovo’s ThinkPad L series of laptops offers enterprise-level security and durability at a more affordable price than the company’s other laptops. The 15.6-inch member of this lineup, the ThinkPad L560, starts at a budget-friendly $719 ($1,084 as tested) and wowed us with a comfortable keyboard, long-lasting battery and MIL-SPEC-tested design. However, you can get a lighter laptop with even more endurance if you’re willing to spend more.

Design

Lenovo’s iconic design isn’t going anywhere soon. The ThinkPad L560 continues the tradition of black rectangular slabs. The L560 is made of ABS/PC plastic, but its more expensive sibling, the T560, uses glass-fiber-reinforced material for a far more premium feel.

The L560’s lid features Lenovo’s logo and the ThinkPad emblem but is otherwise undecorated. Opening the laptop reveals the 15.6-inch, 1080p display, a full keyboard with number pad and red TrackPoint, and a touchpad with red and blue accents. The ThinkPad logo can be found a second time on the palm rest.
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Read full post here:
https://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/lenovo-thinkpad-l560

Pequignet-Rue-Royale-GMT-Watch-aBlogtoWatch-13

Pequignet Rue Royale GMT Watch

Wearables, ,

It’s nice to see some watches from France sometimes because I have wondered why there aren’t more of them. There are French-based brands and famous French watchmakers, but you will often find the “Swiss Made” label on their dials. Pequignet is a rare watch company that can claim to fully produce watches in France, and the theme of this Pequignet Rue Royale GMT watch is all about being French. Beyond the liberté, égalité, and fraternité, however, is also some some satisfying horology to keep you interested.

Pequignet is a small independent company based in Morteau, in the French department of Jura that borders the Swiss canton of Jura. The area historically had a watchmaking industry, but today that basically means Pequignet is very close to Switzerland’s most concentrated watchmaking region – but is, of course, firmly located in France. So Pequignet is likely able to benefit from that proximity in various ways while boasting fabriqué en France on their dials. Not that watch brands headquartered around the world do anything short of acrobatics to qualify for a Swiss-Made label, but “Made in France” is a distinguishing factor and one that likely doesn’t come across as low-rent either. The best of both worlds, it would seem.

Pequignet Rue Royale GMT Watch Watch Releases
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Read full post here:
https://www.ablogtowatch.com/pequignet-rue-royale-gmt-watch/