Friday, October 4, 2019

These could be the names of the 2020 Samsung Galaxy A-series phones


The 2019 range of Samsung Galaxy A smartphones has proven pretty popular with phone fans, and we're already looking forward to what affordable smartphones we'll see in 2020. We've now heard word of what they may be called – but the names aren't as glamorous-sounding as we might have expected.

According to trademarks filed by Samsung with the European Union Intellectual Property Office and spotted by Dutch site LetsGoDigital, the names of the new series of Galaxy A smartphones will simply add a '1'  to the corresponding models in the current series – so they'll be the A11, A21, A31, A41, A51, A61, A71, and A81.

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If you were expecting to see the Samsung Galaxy A100, and then the A1000 in 2021 (because, let's face it, things with 'thousand' at the end always sound cool), then you're going to be disappointed if those trademarked names are indeed used.

Apple’s 2020 iPhones are reportedly getting an all-new design Upcoming New Phones: Best Future Smartphones (2019-2020)

We take a look at what new smartphones of the future might look like, the best upcoming technology we may see in 2019 and beyond. What will the next …

Apple’s 2020 iPhones are reportedly getting an all-new design

We’re still days away from the reveal of Apple’s iPhone 11 lineup, but rumors are already swirling about the company’s 2020 phones, which are still a full year away. The latest comes from the reliable analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who claims in his latest research notes that next year’s phones will feature an all-new design, the first since the 2017’s iPhone X overhaul, via 9to5Mac.

Per Kuo’s note, the 2020 iPhone lineup will feature three major changes: “(1) all-new form factor design, (2) 5G support, and (3) camera function upgrades.” Some of these, like 5G support, were known; Kuo had already noted earlier this year that Apple would be bringing 5G to all three of main iPhone models next year, and something as vague as “camera function upgrades” is practically a given for any iPhone release.

IPHONE REDESIGNS HAVE SLOWED RECENTLY
But the new design would be significant since Apple has greatly slowed down the rate at which it introduces new form factors. The company originally released devices in a tick-tock cycle, with a major redesign one year, followed by a refinement of that design — the “S” year — the next, but recently that pace has slowed. The iPhone 6 design lasted a full four years, appearing on the 6, the 6S, the 7, and the 8. The iPhone X design appears to be following that trend, heading for its third year with largely similar iPhone 11 lineup expected to be announced this week.

Details on the redesign are predictably slimmer, although an earlier report from Kuo indicates that Apple will be adjusting screen sizes for its two flagship OLED phones, down to a 5.4-inch panel (compared to the 5.8-inch iPhone XS) on the smaller device and up to a 6.7-inch screen on the larger (versus the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max).

Another report from Bloomberg earlier this week claims that Apple will also be bringing in-display fingerprint technology to the 2020 iPhones as well where the feature will work alongside the current Face ID facial recognition scanning for an extra level of protection.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019

Top 5 foldable phones to expect in 2019: Samsung Galaxy X plus handsets from Apple, Motorola, and more

It looks like 2019 is going to be the year of the foldable phone: from the Samsung Galaxy X (or is it the Galaxy F?) to a potential Motorola Razr reboot, it seems as though almost every phone maker is bending over backwards to perfect the tech.

We've already seen some demos of the tech in action – albeit rather brief demos – and here's everything else we know about what's coming down the line. If you like the idea of a foldable phone, then you'd better get saving.

Best smartphones 2018
Best cheap smartphones 2018

1. SAMSUNG GALAXY X
Thanks to a demo at Samsung's developer conference, we now have a slightly better idea of what the Samsung Galaxy X is going to look like: small and chunky. Unfortunately we couldn't get a hands on with the device at that event or at the rumoured behind-closed-doors showing at CES 2019, though, suggesting there's still a bit of work to be done on it.

We know Samsung is going to call the screen the Infinity Flex Display, and it'll make its way into several devices in the future. However, we still don't know the name of the actual phone... it might be the Galaxy X or it might be the Galaxy F... or it might be something else altogether.


As best as we can tell, the front of the Galaxy X has two 4.6-inch screens, which become a 7.29-inch tablet when folded. The rear of the device has a third 3.5-inch screen that allows it to be viewed even when folded down. This indicates that the device will work via a series of intricate hinges.

Essentially, it's a gadget that can transition between a phone and a tablet, something developers will be able to take advantage of courtesy of Samsung's new One UI software.

In terms of when we can expect to see and hear more, the latest industry gossip says the phone will be shown off in a more finished form at MWC 2019 in February, though it still might not go on sale for several months after that.


As for UK prices for the Samsung Galaxy X and prices elsewhere around the world, we're hearing a price of at least $1,400 (£1,112 converted) is on the cards. Being an early adopter has never been cheap.

2. MOTOROLA RAZR
From the noises that Motorola has been making, it's not going to be far behind Samsung with a foldable phone, and apparently it's also going to carry the iconic Motorola Razr branding. It's going to be a flip phone then, but with a full foldable screen inside when you open it up.


These rumours have been around for a while. It was back in February 2017 that Yang Yuanqing, the CEO of Lenovo (which owns Motorola) told TechRadar: "With the new technology, particularly foldable screens, I think you will see more and more innovation on our smartphone design. So hopefully what you just described [the Motorola Razr brand] will be developed or realised very soon."
Since then we've seen Motorola file a patent for a two-screen folding phone that flips out to be used as a tablet. The patent describes two cameras, as well as hinges at the top, bottom and middle, and the ability to be propped up into a tent-like display mode. An unfolded screen size of 7 inches has been mooted for the Razr Motorola foldable phone.

As yet we haven't seen any leaked images of what the foldable Motorola phone might look like, but we do have a fantastic concept video from the talented folks at TechConfigurations. If the phone ends up looking as good as this, we'd be prepared to pay what's likely to be a very high price for it.
3. LG FOLDING SMARTPHONE
LG never likes to get left too far behind Samsung, and sure enough it's been one of the busiest companies in developing foldable screen tech – not just for phones but for televisions and other devices (see the image above). In recent months LG has confirmed it's working on foldable phones, without revealing too many other details.

In fact, we think folding LG displays could be used by other phone makers, including Huawei. We were therefore very unsurprised back in January to hear that LG had filed a patent showing off a "mobile phone with a flexible display which can be folded in half", including the diagrams shown below.
4. APPLE FOLDABLE IPHONE
Arguably the biggest name besides Samsung when it comes to foldable device rumours is is Apple – and from what we can tell the hardware might be excitingly close to being fully realised.

Back in November last year an Apple Inc-filed patent emerged for "Electronic Devices With Flexible Displays", which specifically details an electronic device comprising "a flexible display in the housing having a bending region that bends about a bend axis". The words "cellular telephone" were mentioned in the same document.
Since then it's been a little quiet on the foldable iPhone front, though we have seen the iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max and iPhone XR appear with very unfoldable screens. According to analysts, Apple is going to wait until 2020 to release a foldable phone – and it might well have 5G on board too.

Apple doesn't always rush in with new tech trends, so 2020 sounds about right, even if it's behind the rest. It's also likely to cost a lot of money, if we know Apple. As yet, there have been no further leaks, just a very well done concept video from TechConfigurations, and news that the device may come with a Samsung screen.
5. HUAWEI FOLDING PHONE
Last and absolutely by no means least is the folding phone that Huawei is working on. Last October, CEO of Huawei, Richard Yu, confirmed that the Chinese maker already had a working prototype of a flexible smartphone, and then in March of this year patent diagrams of a foldable Huawei phone emerged.

Since then, Huawei has reiterated its commitment to bringing out a foldable phone, primarily because smartphone users need more room on their screens to save them having to keep returning to their laptops for certain tasks. We've also seen another excellent concept video from TechConfigurations based on patent filings

Monday, April 17, 2017

The Best Bluetooth Headsets to Buy in 2017

One crucial accessory for any businessperson or someone who is always on-the-go is a good Bluetooth headset, so you can take calls, dial into Skype conferences and more. However, there are many makes and models available today, so it's difficult to choose the right headset for you. Do you need the best sound quality? The best for comfort? Below we've rounded up the best Bluetooth headsets on the market, and you're sure to find one that is the right fit for you.

Best Overall: Sennheiser Presence-UC

The Presence-UC features superior sound thanks to their proprietary HD Voice Clarity Technology. This high-definition audio technology makes the call as clear as possible, not only on the wearer’s side but on both sides of the connection.

The Presence has three microphones, rather than the usual two. The triple mics help to eliminate background noise. Sennheiser goes further than most Bluetooth headset manufacturers with Sennheiser Speak Focus technology, which eliminates most background noise, and WindSafe, which acts to eliminate wind sounds from a call. On top of all this, the ActiveGard feature will detect and eliminate sounds and noises that may be dangerous to the ear due to their high decibels or pitch.

This Sennheiser headset also features a high quality detachable ear hook for extra convenience. Its battery generally lasts for eight to ten hours – the longest on our list – thanks to its support for Bluetooth 4.0 LE. If superior audio technology and sparkling sound is what attracts you to a Bluetooth headset, the Sennheiser Presence-UC is the top-quality choice. 

Best Budget: HAVIT Bluetooth 4.1 Headset

HAVIT Bluetooth 4.1 Headset
Courtesy of Amazon.com
For a quality headset at an affordable price, look no further than the Havit Bluetooth 4.1 Headset. It boasts up to 13 hours of talk or play time and recharges in lightning speed. With Clear Voice Capture technology, you can rest assured that your calls will always come in with clarity even in noisy environments. The lightweight design slides comfortably into your ear using super soft gel ear tips instead of a bulky over-the-ear band.

The Havit Headset also includes a simple control panel located on the earpiece, allowing you to control volume, answer calls or play music. The headset will stay synced to your device at a distance of up to 10 meters, so you can move around freely. Additionally, this device comes with a second optional earpiece that easily converts your Bluetooth headset into comfortable and convenient headphones for listening to your favorite music.

Best Value, Best Warranty: Plantronics Voyager Legend


Plantronics Voyager Legend headset design, although on the bulky side, slips comfortably over the ear. Most of the controls are located behind the ear, and the unit is built in such a way that it doesn’t interfere with the wearing of glasses as some other models do. Controls include a volume rocker switch, power on/off button, and call button. 

This headset is reasonably priced and features smart-sensor technology, which can answer calls automatically when you place the headset on your ear or automatically output audio via your phone when you put the headset down. The Legend also features voice recognition. For example, just say ‘Answer’ or ‘Ignore’ when a call comes in, and the Legend will be your personal assistant.

The crystal-clear sound is aided by noise-cancelling technology. The patented triple-mic reduction of background noise and wind works up to 80 decibels. The battery lasts for up to seven hours of talk time, which is considerable; in addition, the full recharge time is a just 1.5 hours. And there’s no need to worry about the headset getting wet, as its P2i nano-coated for advanced water resistance (and even sweat-resistant).

Plantronics offers superior product support: The headset includes a one-year warranty, and the support page offers extensive resources for solving any issue

Most Compact: Jabra Stealth Bluetooth

Jabra Stealth Bluetooth
Courtesy of Amazon.com
The Jabra Stealth is lightweight (2.7 ounces), measures 4.3” x 2” x 7.2” and has a catchy red in-ear piece and corrugated silver casing design. This model is well-balanced and does not fall from the ear easily, staying in place for prolonged amounts of time to provide maximum comfort. The sound is surprisingly clear given the size, and the Noise Blackout dual-microphone technology allows for considerable reduction of background noise. A2DP is supported for music streaming. You can pair two devices to the headset concurrently, and there’s even support for NFC pairing.


If you’re always losing your Bluetooth headset, Jabra has you covered, with the Jabra Assist App. This mobile app allows you to find your Jabra Stealth using GPS. And unlike other models from Jabra, the Stealth has a physical mute button. While this model might not be the loudest in terms of overall sound, the battery has a reasonably long life (lasting for four to five hours).

Best for Comfort: Jabra Storm Bluetooth Headset

Jabra Storm Bluetooth Headset
Courtesy of Amazon.com
All the convenience that a high-quality Bluetooth headset offers is not worth much if the earpiece is too uncomfortable to wear. Luckily, Jabra Storm goes out of its way to ensure maximum comfort. Unlike most headsets, Jabra Storm utilizes a funnel shaped earpiece that doesn’t intrude on your inner ear canal and cause pain throughout the day.


The headset’s design also features a super lightweight wraparound earpiece that is perfectly balanced to rest comfortably on your ear even after hours of use. Its simple black curved design is nondescript and doesn’t draw attention. And with a nine-hour battery life, Jabra Storm is a headset that can last you all day. In addition to its supreme comfort, Jabra Storm also delivers solid performance with wind cancellation technology, voice command capability and HD voice for crystal clear calls.

Runner-Up, Best for Comfort: Samsung Level U Pro

Samsung Level U Pro
Courtesy of Amazon.com
Samsung’s Level U Pro might not look like your traditional Bluetooth headset, but that’s exactly the point. The addition of flexible urethane joints and a lightweight, ergonomic design make it fit comfortably around your neck. When a call comes in, the 6.4-ounce headset vibrates alerting you to the incoming call and allows you to place the headset in your ears and answer. Sure, it’s an unusual style, but far more comfortable than the always-in-your-ear standard Bluetooth look that has existed for years.

The Level U Pro connects to any Bluetooth-compatible smartphone or tablet and pulls double duty as a musical headset as well. A set of buttons on the right side of the neckband allows for pausing and playing music, answering and ending calls, skipping tracks and lowering the volume.

The 13mm dynamic and 13mm Piezo speakers deliver high-quality and clear sound, as well as microphone noise reduction and echo cancellation. The U Pro is rated for nine hours of music playback and nine hours of talk time at moderate volume levels, which is fairly average at this price point.

Friday, April 7, 2017

Summer Hand Watch

Todd Snyder's first watch collaboration with Timex early last year was an instant classic, a handsome timepiece that blended vintage inspiration and modern design in all the right ways. This past summer, the two brands paired up again for the Timex x Todd Snyder Mod, an utterly eye-catching watch that fused retro motifs with military timekeeping and sold out in no time. So our expectations were pretty high when we heard the duo was joining forces once again. Would this new timepiece capture the high-end appeal the previous iterations had at the same bank-account friendly price?
The short answer is yes. The long answer is hell yes. Snyder's M.O. is to mine the best of American menswear's past, rethink it, make it better, and put the finished product out into the world packaged as something shiny, new, and, most importantly, modern. And that's just what he's done here. The Timex x Todd Snyder Military Watch is just what it sounds like, a timepiece born from the military watches of yesteryear, but modernized—and made affordable.

There's a lot to admire about the watch, starting with it's clean design. Despite the rugged associations military-inspired watches have (and which, to large extent make them interesting in the first place), Snyder's version comes off as streamlined. It's hard to make a watch like this modern, but the designer succeeds. The combination of a clean black face and contrasting white indices lend a sparse, modernist sensibility to the design, offset by a brushed silver tone case and drab olive green NATO strap that could convince someone you’ve had it in your collection for years. "This is my favorite style to date," Snyder told GQ. "It's inspired from the military spec issue from the 1960's. We searched the Timex archives for this one-of-kind piece and begged them to let us re-release it....and they did." Like the twosome's previous instantly-sold-out model, though, there's only one problem: securing one for yourself before they're gone.

Thursday, March 30, 2017

Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 March 2017 Release Date To Feature Totally Improved Specs? New Tablet Rumored As A Budget-Friendly Alternative

TAG Samsung Galaxy Tab S3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 March 2017 Release Date To Feature Totally Improved Specs? New Tablet Rumored As A Budget-Friendly Alternative
15 November 2016, 8:10 am EST By Kirsten Kane Mobile & Apps

Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 V   ( Alex Wong / Staff )
Samsung has faced a lot of issues these past few months. Still, the company is said to bounce back and bring back its glory in 2017 with brand new and more improved products such as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 which is rumored to be launched on March next year.


The Samsung Tab S3 was previously expected to be announced last September. However it didn't happen since the South Korean tech giant gave more attention to the Galaxy Note 7, which eventually ended in frustration.

In addition, the highly anticipated tablet device is rumored to come out together with the Samsung's new flagship smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S8 on the first quarter of 2017.

It has been said that the Samsung is now giving out $150 discounts on the Galaxy Tab S2 (8-inch). Fans can now get the device for $250 from its original price of $399. This huge sale indicates that the company is making a place for new tablet device.

Meanwhile, the upcoming device is said to sport an upgraded and more enhanced features and specifications.

According to Sammobile, the Galaxy Tab S3 will feature two variants, the SM-T820 which is the Wi-Fi model and SM-T825 which is the LTE variant.

It is expected to sport an 8 inch display for the smaller model and 9.7 inch screen for the larger one with an upgraded resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels. Moreover, it may be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 652 processor with 3GB of Ram and 32GB of internal storage. A microSD card slot and an AMOLED technology are also anticipated.

There were reports that suggested the new device will run an Android7.0 Nougat operating system with 4,000 mAh battery pack for the smaller version and 5,870 mAh battery for the larger tablet.

"Most likely, the tablet will come with Marshmallow out of the box, but in short time, it will be updated to Nougat," as reported by Neurogadget.

In terms of its camera, the Galaxy Tab S3 will likely have 8MP rear camera and  2MP front camera. In addition it might sport a new USB-C port for data transfer.

Though Samsung has not yet confirmed any of these features, it is also expected that the Samsung Galaxy Tab S3 will come out with an affordable price. Some reports stated that it might be a little higher compared to its predecessor.

Samsung is yet to give details especially regarding on the release date of the Galaxy Tab S3.