Clinton Jeff (Xiaomi’s PR spokesperson), tweeted details of the new Xiaomi Power Bank. First it has 10,000 mAh using USB Type-C with quick charge all in a svelte 12.58mm slim body.
All posts by Gavin Fabiani-Laymond
Shot on an Apple iPhone 6S Plus – Video and Photos using the best iOS Apps
My goal at the weekend was to take my iPhone 6S Plus and record video and snap a range of photos. In addition, I wanted to use the best iOS Photography and Camera apps that I have discussed over the last month along with a few other apps that I have yet to review. I didn’t use Nightcap Pro as it wasn’t needed for this video, but it is definitely an app to include in any collection.
So the apps used were –
– Default iPhone Camera app
– ProCamera+ HDR
– Filmic Pro
– iMovie
– SnapStill
– Photos for iOS
All footage was captured hand held, that is no tripod was used. The more dramatic looking landscape photos were taken using ProCamera+. The photos below were taken with ProCamera+ and are unedited.
The default camera was used to shoot in 4K video and take burst photos of my labradors. Filmic Pro was also used for video recording. Below is a burst shot using the default camera app.
Next I examined the content, and using the default Photos app I shortened the video clips to just have the action and remove any boring aspects. With some of the photos of the dogs, especially Fury (black) and Tiggy (brown) I used the Photos app again to brighten the shadows as the 2 dogs looked too dark.
I then imported everything into iMovie on the iPhone 6S Plus and produced the following 90 second video.
Now there is an importance to why I created this video. I am going to use this as the video to compare the new flagship phones. This will include the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, LG G5 and others. The aim is to use the respective flagship phone to edit and master the movie just like I did on the iPhone 6S Plus and see how the final result compares!
Audio Technica ATH-M50x Headphones – review
Welcome to my review of the Audio Technica ATH-M50x headphones.
The Key Specifications
– Type – Closed-back dynamic
– Driver Diameter 45 mm
– Magnet Neodymium
– Voice Coil CCAW (Copper-clad aluminum wire)
– Frequency Response 15 – 28,000 Hz
– Maximum Input Power 1,600 mW at 1 kHz
– Sensitivity 99 dB
– Impedance 38 ohms
– Weight 285 g (10 oz), without cable and connector
– Cable Interchangeable cables: detachable 1.2 m – 3.0 m (3.9′ – 9.8′) coiled cable, detachable 3.0 m (9.8′) straight cable and detachable 1.2 m (3.9′) straight cable
– Accessories Included – Protective carrying pouch, 6.3 mm (1/4″) screw-on adapter
The Hardware
The Audio Technica ATH-M50x have over 900 5 star reviews on Amazon UK. That should leave you in no doubt these are fantastic headphones for £120. They are also critically acclaimed for their sonic performance by top audio engineers and pro audio reviewers. They feature a proprietary 45 mm large-aperture drivers with rare earth magnets and copper-clad aluminum wire voice coils, professional-grade earpad and headband material for more durability and comfort. Circumaural design contours around the ears for good sound isolation in loud environments. They come with 3 detachable cables too and fold as shown in the photos. The three cables include a 3m long straight cable , a short 1.2m straight cable (ideal for connecting to a smartphone, and a medium-length coiled cable. The cables insert-and-turn locking system secures the cable to the left cup. The ear cups rotate flat as well. Surely there must be a catch if they only cost £120. And there is. The overall construction feel a little plasticly. But that is the only negative.
The Sound Quality and Audio Experience
Audio Technica claim these headphones have an exceptional clarity throughout an extended frequency range, with deep, accurate bass response. When I first listened to these headphones I did not agree with that statement. But after 50 hours burn in, make no mistake these headphones are superb and really come alive. They can be powered directly from your smartphone, but I would recommend using them with a portable amp/dac to being out the best from these headphones. Highs are crisp, but not overly bright, mids are pleasant and precise and the bass is punchy, fast and tight. Also as these are a closed back design, music listening is private. In terms of genres, these headphones work well across everything I have thrown at them.
Conclusion
For the money these are exceptionally sounding headphones. They do need over 50 hours burn in before they sound near their true potential. My M50x’s have had circa 400 hours of music played through them and really sound fantastic now. Highly recommended.
More info and deal on Audio-Technica ATH-M50X Studio Monitor Professional Headphones
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Apple iPhone – How to edit RAW photos on your iPhone or iPad
Following on from some of my photography posts, I thought I would list some apps I use to edit RAW photos. The RAW photos could be photos taken with your iPhone using apps like Nightcap Pro or Camera+. The above photo was originally shot in RAW using Nightcap Pro. Of course it could be you’ve also imported RAW shots from your DSLR. Whichever method you have used, it is a simple affair to edit the photos.
On iOS there is such a wide choice of apps. Below are some of the apps I use –
– Snapseed for iOS – A free photo editor that also allows editing of RAW photos
– Photogene for iOS – A decent photo editor which I have used for years and years.
– ProCamera+ HDR- a rip off priced app which needs you to spend around £11 in total when you include the in app purchases needed, but it is still a great functioning app with no competition. Not only does it take stunning photos, but you can edit them with filters and more, along with RAW.
– Adobe Lightroom – Another free option, but not a patch on the full PC or MAC versions
So the above are my preferred 4 apps for editing RAW photos on iOS. Do you have any others worth recommending?
HTC’s new flagship – the HTC 10 – details
Yesterday more information got leaked regarding the new flagship from HTC. The HTC 10, note no more “One” reveals the following.
#HTC10 (prototype specs) 5.15" QHD / SD820 / Adreno 530 / 4GB RAM / 12MP / USB Type-C https://t.co/I8P0Mjlz8M—
(@OnLeaks) March 04, 2016
So that’s right, potentially looking at a 5.1 QHD screen, 4gb ram, Snapdragon 820, 12mp camera, USB Type C and more. Now if the 12mp camera has OIS that could be interesting depending on the size of the camera sensor.
But somehow, I feel very underwhelmed by all these leaked details on the HTC 10. There is nothing standout about the phone in a crowded android market place.
The LG G5 has a modular system with LG Friends and a unique camera setup. The Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge is gorgeous to look at and is being pushed with its Gear VR headset and dual pixel f/1.7 low light camera. The Xiaomi Mi-5 is top end specs in a lower priced body. And then we come to the HTC 10. Let’s hope HTC has a few surprises up its sleeve.
Could HTC save the day? Maybe, if they could get their new HTC Vive VR headset to work with the HTC 10. Now that would be cool!
Apple Pay – What is the maximum amount you can use it for in the UK? – Details
From Day 1, I had always thought that Apple Pay was restricted to £30. The £30 limit is the same restriction applied to bank contactless credit cards, with a maximum of 3 transactions per day.
But Apple Pay has moved on.
Morrisons Supermarket has a £30 limit on the bank contactless credit cards but with Apple Pay there is no limit. I had some unpleasant dental work completed last night, and to my surprise the dentists allowed me to settle my bill using Apple Pay.
So does the £30 limit still apply to Apple Pay. Sadly in some places it still does, so the only way you will find out if your local shops and supermarkets do allow unrestrictive payments is by asking them. What I have found is more and more places have dropped the max £30 requirement and that makes Apple Pay more useful.
And the coolest part of Apple Pay, is using your Apple Watch to pay for the goods.
Fiio Q1 Portable DAC and Headphone Amplifier – review
Welcome to my review of the Fiio Q1 Portable DAC and Headphone amplifier.
The Key Specifications
– Weight 100 g
– Dimensions 97mm x 56mm x 13.1mm
– Audio Input Micro USB/3.5 mm Jack
– Headphone output 3.5 mm stereo jack
– Volume Control TOCOS Potentiometer
– Bass Boost Switch
– Recommended Headphne Impedance 16~150 Ω (Recommended)
– Power Input DC5V 1A recommended
– Battery Capacity 1400 mph, Battery Life ＞30 h
– Output Power ＞190 mW (32 Ω/THD+N＜1%),＞75 mW (150 Ω/THD+N＜1%) Charge Time ≤ 4 h
– THD+N ＜0.005% (1 kHz), Output Impedance ＜ 0.3 Ω
– Frequency Response 20 Hz~20 kHz
– SNR ≥107 dB
– Input Sensitivity 4.3 V (GAIN=L),1.5 V (GAIN=H) Max Input Level ＞4 Vrms
– Crosstalk ≥75dB(1 kHz) Channel Imbalance 0.2 dB
– Gain AUX IN:-7dB/4.5dB
– USB IN:-3.5dB/8dB
– Bass Adjustment Range 0/5dB
– MAX output voltage 7.2 Vp-p, MAX Output Current ＞75 mA
The Hardware
The Fiio Q1 costs £59.99. And for £59.99 you get a beautifully constructed brushed aluminium AMP/DAC. Comparing this to the iBasso D-Zero MK2 that I reviewed recently, the fit and finish on the Q1 is streaks ahead. Inside the box you get a micro USB cable, a tiny right angle 3.5mm to 3.5mm cable, a silicone mat to stop the device scratching when stacked. The Q1 has a 1,400mAh battery that provides 15 hours of playback.
The Audio Quality and Sound Experience
The Q1 uses a Texas Instruments PCM5102 DAC chip and a Maxim MAX 97220 for amp section. This means 24/95k decoding is possible from most codecs delivering around 190mW load into 32ohms. OTG support as a DAC is not officially supported but does work using apps like Onkyo and USB Player Pro. Using the usb camera connection adapter from Apple, I was able to use the Q1 with my iPhone 6S Plus. Another benefit for me is that because it uses micro USB, I can use my special red coloured Lavri Lightning Camera Connection Cable (shown in photos under official Apple CCK). The sound produced by the Q1 is fairly neutral with some warmth. Treble is slightly bright but not too bright. The Q1 also has a bass boost button which is ideal for some bass lacking headphones. Even if your headphones have decent bass, sometimes the bass boost can provide a slightly lift that adds some drama to the music. Fiio recommend headphones up to 150 ohms. I would say that is fairly accurate but again if you use 100 ohm or lower headphones you will gain some more benefit from this little baby.
Comparing the Q1 to the iBasso d-zero MK2 that I reviewed last week, the Q1 is better built and looks classier but when it comes to the music in my opinion the iBasso is another league. This becomes more apparent the longer you listen to the iBasso. However bear in mind the cost difference. The Fiio Q1 costs £59 and the iBasso D-zero MK2 is £99.
Conclusion
Say again, just £60 for this little amp/dac from Fiio. The Fiio Q1 pound for pound offers amazing value. Sure its not as refined as some £100-£500 devices but for most people this will be good enough to get them enjoying their music that little bit better than before.
Apple iPhone – How to use your iPhone’s flash for LED Notifications
If you own an Apple iPhone there are many extra options tucked away in the main settings app. It is worth ploughing through all the menus to see what else you can change / improve.
One of my favourite options to turn on is having the rear camera flash for incoming notifications and when the phone rings.
To do this open the main settings app, general, accessibility and scroll down and toggle on “LED Flash for Alerts”. A word of warning, in a dark room, the flash is rather powerful. However, I quite like having this on when I am listening to music as it means I won’t miss any new notifications as they arrive.
HTC tease even more about the HTC One M10 – details
HTC clearly want to create some drama on their upcoming flagship and I hope they come out soon with a full reveal.
Hopefully the new HTC One M10 is a phone worth talking about too.
In the meantime, enjoy this 30 second video from HTC.
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