Category Archives: Android

Oculus have just emailed all Samsung Note 7 Users – DO NOT USE THE GEAR VR – Full Details

I have just received an email from the Oculus Team regarding using the Samsung Gear VR with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7.

This is what the email said –

“As you may have heard, on Friday, September 2, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. announced the U.S. Product Exchange Program for Galaxy Note7 owners in response to battery issues with the Note7 device.

Please get your Note7 replacement before using your Gear VR as your safety is our number one priority. You can contact or visit the retail outlet where you purchased your Note7 or contact Samsung to initiate a product exchange and to resolve any questions or concerns.

– The Oculus Team”

So do not use your Gear VR with your Samsung Note 7 unless you have one of the new ones following an exchange. You do not want your Note 7 exploding in your face!

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 – Samsung’s Recall Process for UK and US Customers

Samsung Note 7 LED CASE

Samsung has already laid out plans on its recall process for UK and US customers as follows.

Samsung UK Customers

Statement from Samsung UK

“Samsung is committed to producing the highest quality products and we take every incident report from our valued customers very seriously. In response to recently reported cases of the new Galaxy Note7, we conducted a thorough investigation and found a battery cell issue.

To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market. However, because our customers’ safety is an absolute priority at Samsung, we have stopped sales of the Galaxy Note7.

For customers who already have Galaxy Note7 devices, we will voluntarily replace their current device with a new one over the coming weeks. For more information customers need to contact the customer service team on 0330 7261000.

We acknowledge the inconvenience this may cause in the market but this is to ensure that Samsung continues to deliver the highest quality products to our customers. We are working closely with our partners to ensure the replacement experience is as convenient and efficient as possible.”

This information is for all UK Customers including phones purchased via Carphone Warehouse. Network operators like O2, Vodafone, Three and EE will also take back the phones. If you call the Samsung UK hotline number you will be offered two options. An exchange for the Note 7 for a new Note 7 with a colour of your choice, so you can swap colours from the one your purchased, or swap the Note 7 for a S7/S7 Edge and receive a credit for the difference. Token gestures of £25 or £50 for the hassle are being offered.

Statement from Samsung US

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. – SEPTEMBER 2, 2016 – Samsung Electronics America, Inc. today announced the immediate availability of the U.S. Product Exchange Program for Galaxy Note7 owners. This program was launched in response to the recent announcement regarding isolated battery cell issues with the Galaxy Note7 device.

While there have been only a small number of reported incidents, Samsung is taking great care to provide customers with the support they need. Samsung has identified the affected inventory and stopped sales and shipments of those devices. For customers, who have Galaxy Note7 devices, Samsung will voluntarily replace their current device with a new one from today.

“Samsung is taking a proactive approach to address customer needs around the Note7,” said Tim Baxter, president of Samsung Electronics America. “We are encouraging customers to exchange their Note7 by taking advantage of our Product Exchange Program. The safety and satisfaction of our customers is Samsung’s top priority.”

The U.S. Product Exchange Program will offer consumers the following choices:

1. Exchange current Galaxy Note7 device with a new Galaxy Note7 (available next week)
2. Exchange current Galaxy Note7 for a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 edge and replacement of any Note7 specific accessories with a refund of the price difference between devices.

As a gesture of appreciation, consumers will receive a $25 gift card or bill credit from select carrier retail outlets when choosing a Galaxy S7 family device or the Galaxy Note 7 within the exchange program.

Galaxy Note7 owners can contact or visit the retail outlet where they purchased their device or call 1-800-SAMSUNG to initiate a product exchange and to resolve any other questions or concerns.

Lenovo Vibe K5 Dual Sim Smartphone Review – The Phone with Noise

Lenovo K5 pic 2

Welcome to my review of the Lenovo Vibe K5 Dual Sim smartphone. Thanks to Clove Technology .

The Key Specifications

– Android 5.1 (Lollipop)
– Octa-core 1.4GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 415
– 2GB RAM / 16 GB storage / up to 32GB micro SD external storage
– 5″ HD IPS LCD screen
– 13 MP main camera / 5 MP front facing camera
– Premium aluminium casing
– Dolby Atmos enabled speakers
– Dual SIM (2x micro)

Lenovo K5 pic 1

Review

Before watching my video review of the Lenovo Vibe K5 smartphone, it is worth highlighting that you can use 2 micro sims and add a 32gb micro SD card using the third slot. It features stereo dolby atmos stereo speakers.

Available from Clove Technology .

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 – It’s OFFICIAL – Statement from Samsung

Samsung Note 7 LED CASE

UPDATED – SEE END OF POST
UPDATE 2 – Its Official – Statement from Samsung at end of post.

At the moment many websites are reporting a global recall of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is about to happen due to exploding handsets. These include Android Central, Android Authority and The Verge as examples. There are plenty more.

However, the facts at the moment of writing is that there is no global recall. The handset is no longer on sale while Samsung conduct further tests, probably because they need more time to fathom out what is going on, and also to prevent a “potential” problem becoming even more explosive. So what has happened is Samsung issued a note to its customers about a potential problem. Its customers are the likes of Carphone Warehouse, Three UK, O2 etc.

As soon as Carphone Warehouse and others received the communication from Samsung, they had no choice but to act upon it, otherwise if something did occur, they would seem negligent. Its all about corporate responsibility, not having a problem themselves and not suffering the bad PR.

So if you go to Carphone Warehouse’s website or Samsung UK, the Note 7 is not featured on the front pages anymore. In the UK, none of the networks are selling the phone. As regards to other online retailers, they had not even received any stock.

So I have along with thousands of others received our Note 7s and been using them without issue for nearly 10 days. I have charged mine via fast charging using a multiple of different chargers, fast QC2 car chargers, normal and fast Qi chargers, 5 in 1 QC3 USB Hub chargers and more and not had any issues.

I have spoken to Samsung Engineers and Carphone Warehouse last night. Neither have issued a recall, just as a measure of caution stopped future sales. Samsung informed me if my phone was faulty, it would be obvious (too hot) and that only a very small percentage seemed to be impacted. Carphone Warehouse told me to continue using my phone.

Turning to the global position, there is no news in USA, Canada or United Arab Emirates of any recall whatsoever.

Now if a recall does officially occur, and people have to return their Note 7’s, what phone are they meant to use? Most will have upgraded and won’t have the old handset anymore. Many would have bought accessories for a phone they no longer have. The situation could prove a PITA for many people.

So without a doubt Samsung must have found something. Will it affect all Note 7 phones sold. Unlikely. Will it cost Samsung hard in the pocket financially. Absolutely.

I will update this post if any official news occurs that alters this position.

Update – Recall is official according to CNN.

Official Statement from Samsung

Samsung will be grateful for your consistent support giving love cherish electronic products.

Our Samsung Electronics last August 19 released the Galaxy Note 7. The battery burned out phenomenon was received in some products.

Shortly after the release of the new kkichige gotta love giving everyone concerned with the use of these new customers and burnout phenomena of our products undergo the inconvenience of carefully think I’m terribly sorry.

Dwaetgo accepted through September 35 cases per day abroad Service Center, which is a poor level of about 24 million reward. Cause analysis was confirmed by the battery cell itself issues.

Progress during and precise analysis for identifying the volume with potentially defective battery supplier, had stopped selling consumer safety is important to think about and decide deurigiro replace it with a new Galaxy Note 7, regardless of the time of purchase.

However, materials supply and product preparation yen is expected to take about two weeks.

Exchange as quickly as possible and plan to make a new product, the product checks for at least gives customers visit the service center even before they are ready, we will move.

Interchangeable country when we will give you ridorok customers who notice early as possible to consider the supply and demand of certain components used in each country.

Our product gives the consumer a saving apologize to you once again that depth inconvenience.

September 2016 May 2,
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Wireless Business Division godongjin

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 – 5 Cases & 3 Power Accessories – All my Reviews

Now you have received your Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in the UK, what case do you use? How do you recharge it and what cables do you buy?

Well, I have been looking out 3 official Samsung cases and 2 third party case options, power banks and fast wireless chargers too. Below are all the video reviews along and useful links to each of the items reviewed.

Useful Links (Amazon)

Samsung Note 7 S View Standing Cover
Samsung Note 7 LED Cover review
Choetech Note 7 cases and Power Accessories
Samsung Note 7 Lens Cover Kit
Choetech Premium USB Type C cables (very cool)
Choetech 10,400mAh QC3 /iOS Portable Power Bank

Samsung Note 7 S View Standing Cover Review

Samsung Note 7 LED Cover Review


Samsung Note 7 Lens Cover Kit Review

(Apologies for the filming being too close up at times)

Choetech Fast Wireless Charger and Note 7 cases Reviews

Choetech Premium USB Type C Cable – So Cool

Choetech QC3/QC2 and Lightning 10,000mAh Power Bank Review

Samsung Note 7 – First Impressions – Dual Sim – Duos – The Setup, Official Cases and More

Samsung Note 7 LED CASE

I have now setup my new Samsung Note 7 Duos (Duos is the dual sim Note 7) a few nights ago. I decided to try Samsung’s Smart Switch application which worked fairly well. The Smart Switch application allows you to transfer pretty much everything from one phone to another including phone logs, text messages, images, music, docs, apps and application data and much more. This can be information from the micro SD card as well. You can select whatever information you like to be transferred. Instructions are shown showing how you transfer data from an iPhone, android phone, windows phone, Samsung phone and BlackBerry.

Being dual sim, the sim tray is a hybrid version meaning you can either have 2 nano sims or one nano sim and a micro SD card.

SIM

Within the connection settings there is a sim manager option as shown above with some extra options for controlling both sims. You can also limit the number of notifications on the status bar to 3 so as to not interfere with the signal information.

The Note 7 does not have Touchwiz. Samsung calls the new interface Grace UI and it really is very polished.

Settings

Main settings menu shown above. You can now have themes, wallpapers, and icons for the Grace UI. I have a material dark theme applied.

Home screen

I am so pleased I picked the Black Onyx finish. This is by far the best option. It looks bad-ass.The Note 7 is beautiful from all angles and the Samsung really have excelled from a hardware and software point of view. Everything is tightly integrated and improved from the Samsung Galaxy S7. For example, the calendar widget can now be white or black and has a transparency slider. Everywhere across the email app and more there are neat touches that I will cover off in future posts.

I have 5 cases for the Note 7. 3 official and 2 third party options. The Samsung LED cover is shown in the top photo. This is super cool but does take more time to setup as you can design you own LED app icons. I recommend doing this too. Its fun and makes your LED notifications more personalised. The S View Standing case is also excellent using the always on display to show data in the window. I will cover off more on the cases in future posts.

So the Note 7 has an iris scanner, S Pen, Edge screen and the kitchen sink. The fingerprint sensor on the Note 7 is perfect. Better than the one on the S7. The iris scanner is a PITA. It took me ages to get my eyes learnt. And I have loads of failures when trying to unlock. I need more practice clearly! However, I can unlock via the fingerprint or iris as both are activated at the moment.

I did receive a 230mb software update yesterday as well. One last point, my dual sim Note 7 has the Exynos processor.

On paper the Note 7 is clearly a S7 Edge with a S Pen (stylus) with a premium price over the S7 Edge too. In reality it feels like a totally different device. I will be amazed if any other manufacturer can beat the Samsung Note 7 in 2016.

Samsung Note 7 – And All the Extras PLUS new phones from CAT and Lenovo

wp-1469190082584.jpg

The new Samsung Note 7, the dual sim version, also known as the Samsung Note 7 Duos has arrived. Over the next few days and weeks, I will be releasing a number of articles as I put this phone through its paces.

Also, I have received a number of official and third party cases/accessories so hope to get some thoughts up on these too.

Whilst all this is going on, I will be testing the CAT S60 and Lenovo Vibe K5 smartphones thanks to Clove Technology .

Looking slightly further ahead I will also be looking to review the LG V20 and iPhone 7.

Plus I will record a video of whats on my Samsung Galaxy S7 phone and why.

So if you have any questions for any of the above devices please either leave a comment below or catch me on social media.

Sony Xperia X Performance – Sony’s Latest Flagship Phone reviewed

Sony Xperia X Performance

Welcome to my review of the Sony Xperia X Performance. This is Sony’s current flagship phone. Its design is similar to the Xperia Z series as you can see from the photos. My thanks to Clove Technology .

Sony Xperia X Performance

The Key Specifications

– 64 bit quad-core processor – Qualcomm Snapdragon 820
– 3Gb RAM
– Android 6.0.1
– 23MP 1/2.3 rear camera with Predictive Hybrid Autofocus – Lossless 5x Clear Zoom and <0.1 second autofocus
– 13MP front camera 1/3
– Low-light photography: ISO 12800/3200, SteadyShot with Intelligent Active Mode – video stabilisation, Superior Auto Mode, Full HD 1080p Video Recording, Pulse LED Flash
– 5.0″ Inch 1080 x 1920p Full HD display, 441ppi
– LTE Cat 9 support
– WiFi 802.11 a/ac/b/g/n
– Bluetooth 4.2 with apt-x, A2DP
– NFC
– 32GB storage & micro SD support up to 200GB
– Sony 3D Surround Sound technology (VPT), Clear Audio – Sound improvement software, xLoud™ Experience, DSEE HX, High-res audio
– Fingerprint sensor
– PS4 Remote Play
– Battery 2,700mAh
– IP65/IP68
– Dimensions 143.7 x 70.5 x 8.6 mm
– Weight 165g

Phone Basics

Call quality was good. Cellular, bluetooth and WiFi all worked well and the Sony X Performance maintained a good signal strength compared to my Samsung S7. Screen viewing angles were good and visibility in sunlight was average. Battery life was excellent with a day and a half achievable and 5 hours screen on time, despite its 2,700mAh battery. If I had used some of Sony’s power saving modes, a longer battery life could have been obtained. As an example at 71% battery the estimated time remaining is 101 hours. in ultra stamina mode this increases to 240 hours.

The display is adjustable with an option in the settings for image enhancement, X-Reality for mobile or super vivid mode. The white balance is also adjustable. You can also choose which system icons to display in the status bar.

Sony UI is a fairly light skin with the options of themes too. However, Sony does install a number of apps that could be considered bloatware like Facebook, Amazon Shopping, AVG Protection, Kobo eBooks and Spotify. Others might find it useful that Facebook has been pre installed! Within the settings Sony has included options for pressing power button twice to launch camera, tap to wake and glove mode.

The fingerprint sensor/power button was simply excellent. I never once had a failed reading.

Camera

The camera UI is fully shown in my video review, so please check this out. See below. In the meantime,
here are a range of photos from the Sony X Performance.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

This shot is to highlight an indoor lighting situation. The glass in the door is quite a bit overexposed.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

Above is a close up of another green plant leaves.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

From the same plant, but with different sunlight and shadows.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

A local church. I wasn’t too happy with this overall shot as it is not quite in focus.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

The above shot in Newquay beach.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

Slightly better shot of the church.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

The above shot is in manual mode, using HDR. 8mp.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

The above shot is another 8mp manual mode, without HDR. HDR in manual mode has to be switched on.

Sony Xperia X Performance Camera samples

And the last photo, manual mode, no HDR but at the full 23mp. Overall, I was not blown away by the image quality due to issues with Sony’s camera app and software. The actual camera sensor showed that it was capable of taking good shots, of not over exposing, being able to deliver good colours and more. This is why DxOMark gave it the number one scoring, due to the brilliant sensor. But the sensor is not the only part of the camera system. My bugbear was that so many shots were not in focus. The camera app had a mind of its own sometimes. I found issues with focusing at infinity and macro. But when the focus was correct, the actual result could be very good. The camera app does include many modes and options but the Sony X Performance does lag behind the competition as the software is too complex and does not get the basics correct. The manual mode only offered white balance and exposure. ISO could only be manually adjusted if you selected the 8mp photo file size.

In terms of video, I used the Sony X Performance to record 2 reviews. See links below. The audio from the video was ok but the video stabilisation did not help smooth out the footage. Selfies from the 13MP front camera were ok. The main problem is the Samsung Galaxy S7 camera outperforms the X Performance by a fair margin due to its good software and hardware working in unison. I also felt the video linked below was a bit jerky in a few spots despite the phone being on a tripod.

Sony Xperia X Performance – Video Sample 1

Sony Xperia X Performance – Video Sample 2

Audio Quality

This is the highlight of the Sony X Performance. It has stereo speakers which due to the water resistance only reach 78db. Plug in wired headphones or use bluetooth headphones and Sony provide a top notch audio nirvana with loads of options to improve your recorded tracks. See video review for more information.

Conclusion

The camera is the disappointment on this phone. However, there is still plenty to like about the Sony X Performance. It is comfortable to hold and easy to use one handed. It has good battery life and superb audio via headphones and bluetooth audio. Its main problem is its competition which for similar or less money, offer a more compelling phone.

My thanks again to Clove Technology for their great service.

Video Review

Samsung Gear Fit 2 – Fitness Tracking at its best?

Samsung Gear Fit 2

Welcome to my review of the Samsung Gear Fit 2. This is Samsung’s updated fitness tracker from the original Gear Fit which I reviewed along with 18 other devices. Click HERE to re read any of the previous reviews.

Key Specifications

– Display 1.5” Touch Curved sAMOLED 216 x 432
– Memory RAM: 512MB / Storage: 4GB
– Battery 200mAh / Typical usage time : 3~4 days /Standby time : Up to 5 days /GPS battery time : Up to 9 hours
– Sensor GPS, HR, Accelerometer, Gyro, Barometer
– AP Dual-core (1GHz Dual)
– Compatibility Android 4.4/ 1.5GB RAM
– Water Resistant IP68
– Small Size fits wrists – 125 – 170mm
– Large Size fits wrists – 155 – 210mm
– Weight 29g

Main Review

The Gear Fit 2 includes a built-in GPS so that you track your running route, distance and speed in real time. It also has a built in heart rate sensor so whether your running, walking, cycling or elliptical training the Gear Fit 2 has you covered. Check out the video review to see all the different exercise options. The 1.5 inch display is excellent and shows all your stats needed as you workout. The Gear Fit 2 comes with a number of different watch faces, some are customisable too. The Gear Fit 2 comes in black, pink and blue. I have a black Gear Fit 2 in large. I would recommend large for most people. Samsung have added a feature called Together, which is one on one comparison with another person. S Health app is needed for this too. You can also connect a pair of bluetooth headphones and stream music from the Gear Fit 2.

Overall the Gear Fit 2 is really polished affair.

Now check out the video review, which reveals more information from the app and fitness tracker, watch faces, options and lot’s more.

Conclusion

Samsung have excelled themselves with the Gear Fit 2. It is ultra comfortable to wear and is easy to understand and operate. It also is accurate and works really well. Recommended.

For the more info and the latest pricing on Amazon – http://amzn.to/2bcMHat

Video Review

Samsung Gear IconX Wireless Headphones review – The headphones with no cables & a heart rate monitor!

Samsung IconX headphones

Welcome to my review of the Samsung Gear IconX, a truly wire free headphone with a built in heart rate and fitness tracker!


Samsung IconX headphones

Key Specifications

– Dimensions – Earbud: 18.9 x 26.4 x 26.0 mm /Case: 35.3 x 30.3 x 92 mm
– Sensor – HR, Accelerometer, Capacitive Touch
– Storage 4GB *Usable memory is less than 3.5GB. *Can play up to 1,000 music tracks.
– Connectivity BT 4.1 (BLE)
– Battery Earbuds: 47mAh / Case: 315mAh
– Water Resistant -Splash Resistant (P2i Nano Coating)
– Audio Spec Frequency Range: 20~20 kHz / Speaker Sensitivity: 89.5 dB ±
– Microphone / 2 per earbud
– Compatibility – Android 4.4, RAM 1.5GB RAM
– Audio Playing Format MP3, M4A, AAC, WAV, WMA (WMA v9)

The Main Review

I will start with my review by saying that the Samsung Gear IconX is the best product I have reviewed in a long time. It is simply genius but also not without faults.

The IconX is totally wire free. There are no wires between the ear buds. The ear buds comes with 3 different size ear tips and wing tips. This means that once fitted in to your ears, they do not fall out. I tried everything to shake these out of my ears but to no avail. Then I did a really sweaty workout to see if sweat would phase them or make them fall out. It didn’t.

When you run with the Gear IconX, you get an in-ear voice guide to help you reach your vigorous-intensity zone. The voice guide is recorded by real human beings in 15 different languages. After a working out you can sync with your smartphone and check your stats and monitor progress on the S Health app.

Whether walking or running, the IconX is smart enough to track your activity and give updates on essential data from speed, distance and duration to heart rate and calories burnt via a dedicated voice guide.

If you are walking or running on the streets and want to hear the sound around you for safety reasons, you can turn on ambient sound in the Gear app on your phone, or by using the touch pad on the IconX.

The battery life is the IconX’s weak point. If you stream music from your phone you will get exactly 90 mins. If you play music directly from the earbuds the battery life increases to 2.5 hours. However, the protective case is also a battery pack and recharges the IconX earbuds 4 times in about an hour. So if you did 4 workouts a week, you would in reality only need to charge the case once. I did also experience a couple of drop outs when streaming music from my phone, and once the left earbud stopped playing music. All I had to do was restart the track.

The controls are simple to use. You select which side earbud you want to use as the control piece. Then with various numbers of taps you can start playing music, skip or rewind tracks, change the volume and even start a workout. You can also turn on ambient mode directly from the earbud or turn it off.

These play music so what do the sound like. Really good to be honest. Natural in their sound reproduction and plenty of volume too. Bass was accurate too. Whilst using these for phone calls, I had no issue hearing the caller and nor did the caller have any issue hearing me.

Do check out the video review as this shows the Gear IconX application and a lot more too!

Conclusion

Once you have used these headphones / fitness tracker, no other product gets close. Despite a few flaws, I highly recommend these big time. Simply an amazing product.

For more info and the latest pricing on Amazon – http://amzn.to/2aHVaFN

Video Review