The Telegraph published an article saying Google was going to launch their own phone to take on the iPhone.
This wouldn’t be a Nexus branded phone, it would be a full on Google branded phone.
If Google released their own phone, what would that message say to all the other smartphone manufacturers selling android phones? Would Google be able to upstage Samsung? Or is Samsung , Huawei and others looking to breakaway with their own OS just in case Google pulls a rabbit out of the hat and launches their own phone!
This really doesn’t make sense. New Nexus branded phones are expected so why would Google upstage themselves? Maybe to sell a Project Tango phone, an experimental smartphone perhaps.
There are many reasons why the Telegraph’s article seems out of sync with reality BUT what if Google did go hell for glory and release a super cool smartphone. Would anyone buy it? Look at what happened to the Amazon Fire Phone.
I have stayed away from many of the rumours regarding the next Samsung Note series, but now the leaks are getting more frequent and consistent. And judging by some of the specs the Note 7 is shaping up nicely.
For a start it will either have a Samsung Exynos 8893 utilising a 10nm tech. Or a Snapdragon 821 processor along with 6gb ram. But specs aren’t everything. Memory will be LPDDR4.
But what about storage capacity. 64gb seems a definite with support for a micro SD card. There is also a rumour that Samsung will offer 128g and 256gb storage options. I doubt we will see these in the UK.
Being a Note series it will feature the latest S-Pen stylus, USB Type-C port, 4,000 mAh battery, come with Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow along with a new Grace UX. No more Touchwiz! Unlocking the phone will be possible via an iris scanner.
The 12mp camera will be carried over from the Samsung Galaxy S7 with a few minor improvements. The QHD screen will be 5.8 inches. Now if all goes to plan, the Note 7 will be launched 2nd August to try and get a head start over the other phone launches eg the new iPhone.
I have been using the Samsung Gear 360 a fair bit. Unfortunately, not outdoors due to the terrible weather. The indoor footage is private so cannot be shared, but needless to say I now have a 360 degree video of a special occasion that truly is superb to have as a memory.
Anyway, I wondered how the Gear 360 would work upside down.
So here it is, attached upside down and gently swaying in the wind.
Below is a 360 degree photo. To get this into 360 degree mode, you will need to click on the photo and ensure you view the Flickr upload via a web browser and NOT the flickr app. Once viewing via a web browser it should load in 360 mode. If it doesn’t go to desktop mode on your phone, select full size. It should work.
Below is a shot just using one of the lenses in 180 degrees, and shooting into the sun.
And now the 360 degree video filmed in 4K. Hopefully these are all showing the correct way up!.
Another aspect I really like about the 360 is being able to control it without a phone. The physical buttons and little screen work perfectly.
Tech Addicts Podcast is back again with new episode starring Gareth Myles, Jay Garrett, Sam Pullen and I. Tech Addicts is released every 2 weeks.
To listen to the latest episode subscribe by searching “Tech Addicts” within your favourite podcast app, iTunes or use the URL “mobiletechaddicts.libsyn.com/rss” to add directly. ALternatively, you can also add it to Google Play Music, Click HERE.
Bose have just released their new Bose Quietcomfort 35 Bluetooth and Noise Cancelling headphones. They feature –
– World-class noise cancellation
– Volume-optimised EQ for balanced audio performance at any volume
– Wireless, with easy Bluetooth® and NFC pairing aided by voice prompts
– 20-hour battery life per charge; up to 40 hours in wired mode
– Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear calls even in windy environments
– Firmware updates via Bose Connect app for iOS & android or via PC or Mac
– APT-X is not included
These are without a doubt the best noise cancelling headphones available, super lightweight and a great sound. But what’s missing?
All is revealed in my video review of the Bose Quietcomfort 35 Headphones.
Update – a new firmware arrived today via the Bose Connect app, firmware v1.05
If you’re interested in buying these, and want the latest pricing on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
The Main Review – Audio, Connectivity, Camera and much more
Conclusion
Hopefully you liked the video review as a different option to a full written review. Please let me know your thoughts on this approach. Going back to the OnePlus 3, it really has surprised me as to how much phone you get for £309. It is not at the level of a Samsung S7 or S7 Edge or even an iPhone 6S Plus, but then again it only costs £309. However, I personally do like it and would be happy to recommend.
Latest cases and Pricing on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
Welcome to my review of the Choetech 50W 6 Port USB Desktop Charger with Qualcomm Quick Charge 3.
Specifications
– Rapid multi-ports charger with universal compatibility with Android, Apple and other devices to get charged at up to 10 amps among 6 ports or 2.4 amps per port
– Smart multi-ports identifies your device intelligently and meets its unique charging requirement
– Package contents: CHOETECH 50W 6-Port Wall Charger, 5ft / 150cm detachable power cord, welcome guide, USB Type C cable, Stand
– Input AC 100-240V
– Total Maximum Output: 5V/10A
– Charging Port Output: 5V/10A(max)
– Dimension: 88.4 x 29 x 71.5mm
– Weight: 158g
– Qualcomm Quick Charge 3, Qualcomm Quick Charge 2
Basics
The Choetech 6 Port USB Charger does what it says on the tin. It has 2 ports for fast charging and 4 multi ports for everything else. It also came with a USB Type C cable and a stand which was a nice touch. I now use this as my main USB charger.
Video
Below is a video to help you get a better feel for this charger.
Conclusion
This is now my main multi port USB charger. I like the fact it comes with a stand, has Qualcomm Quick Charge 3 and 2 and comes with a USB Type C lead.
For the latest pricing and deal on Amazon UK – Click HERE.
So earlier today you got to see some camera samples from the OnePlus 3. The front and rear cameras take great shots in reasonable to good lighting. The rear camera in lowish light does start to introduce noise but that’s not a surprise considering the 1.12 microns size of the camera lens.
But what is the camera interface like? Lets take a look –
Top right on the camera screen is the menu icon which when tapped reveals all the different shooting modes.
Manual mode introduces control of a number of items with shutter speeds up to 30 seconds. You can also change the aspect ratio from 16:9, 4:3 and 1:1 in most modes. You can also turn on a grid and timer control options.
Above is the shutter speed options.
In any of the shooting modes, if you press bottom left menu you get the 3 extra settings options shown. Grid, timer, aspect ration. HDR is set to auto by default. This can be turned on all the time or switched off. There is a HD mode too for combining photos to create a higher quality version. Each mode has a range of options as follows –
Time Lapse – Grid Lines, 720p or 1080p
Slow Motion – Grid Lines, 720p only
Photo – HDR, HD, Grid, Timer, Aspect Ratios
Video – 4K, 1080p 30fps, 720p
Manual – Focus, Shutter, White Balance, ISO (100-3,200), Grid, Aspect Ratios, Timer
Panorama – no options
Front Camera – Beautify Controls, Beauty On/Off, Grid Lines, Timer, Aspect Ratios.
It is worth noting that double pressing the power buttons opens the camera, in addition to using gestures (if turned on it settings).
I took the OnePlus 3 out on Saturday to test the camera. Its been very good in my testing so far. That includes the front selfie camera and rear camera too.
Unfortunately, the weather yesterday was terrible, so I still have more testing to carry out on the camera, but I like what I see.
Below are a number of shots. Do have a look at them. To view full screen, just click on each photo.
And don’t forget to check out my earlier posts on the OnePlus 3 from the weekend, covering the battery stats and performance.
Taken indoors in slightly dim lighting. Cropped too. In auto mode in dim lighting when the dogs moved the shots were blurred.
A fantastic shot from the OnePlus 3.
Zooming in on the grave stone text and its all clear.
The macro shot here is good too. Focus on the centre.
The cyclist was travelling downhill at 30mph as was meant to be in this photo.
And finally the church without the cyclist.
I also tested the front camera and the results were great too.
Gavin's Gadgets & Photography 