Tag Archives: htc one m8

HTC One M8 – Daily Blog – Review – Day 8 – Ultrapixels

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Following on from yesterday’s explanation of the camera modes, and the day before that explaining some of the effects, today I am going to explain my thoughts behind the Ultrapixel arrangement on this phone. I previously had the original HTC One, which based on my experiences of that phone and the new M8, helped me create this article.

The M8 has a Ultrapixel lens and a depth sensor lens. At 4.1mp it is definitely not the best camera on the market. Make no illusion about this point. The depth enabled shots that create a bokeh effect either work well, not so well or simply fail. But I am hoping with software updates and developers on board the potential is huge.

However, the Ultrapixel optics is good at picking up subtle differences within a range of lighting but it is poor at dealing with situations where there is a very wide range of lighting in a photo. Sky shots are a nightmare where there is bright sunlight and grey clouds.In my experience. HTC took the decision that this would be more of a social camera and therefore calibrated it to pick up subtle detail when lighting situations have a low level of variance. Eg inside a room for a constant light reading and subtle variances in the shot. Look at my table shot of the mugs yesterday. Great shot.

So what does this mean for outdoor bright shot. Tap on the screen and use a point where the lighting is slightly darker than it needs to be, unless you can find a perfect spot. It is easier to lighten a photo as the information already exists, but impossible to adjust an over brightened shot in the same way.

The HDR mode of the HTC One is far too bright. I am trying third party apps that have an HDR mode and so far the results have been better than the inbuilt camera app. In fact the best app so far is “A Better Camera”. But it is a close call sometimes between using the stock app.

So I mentioned HTC made this a social camera with lots of funky effects to show off to your friends on social media, video highlights of the events all created for you, so in reality the photos where this camera shines are quick snaps to capture that moment that other phones will have missed and in slightly lower but not total darkness lighting eg in a bar, at home early evening. Pets, people and relatively close up shots, macro and such like all work really well.

So is everything else is just average? I don’t think so. In fact, the photos I have captured look wonderful. There is even in manual mode shutter control, so you can set a longer shutter time if required.

See for yourself at a selection of 16 shots and decide for yourself. Click here for Flickr set.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gavinfabl100/sets/72157643265004874/
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Hello HTC One M8 – daily blog and review part 1a

Android, Reviews, Tech News, ,

Following on from my camera samples, I thought I would not to a review or first impressions but cover off how I am getting on with the HTC One M8 every few days or so, or when something interesting happens.

First impressions. The phone looks fab. It feels great and solid in the hand. In the box is a groovy looking UK adapter and usb lead, headset, silicone case with flaps to protect the headphone and micro usb port and leaflets.

Before you setup the phone properly, go to the software update and check for an update. There is a 110mb update. This is an important update as it improves the camera and adds many features.

I am using the HTC Launcher for now and have setup Blinkfeed as my homepage. It certainly has improved since owning the original HTC One. You can add many services and search for new ones too. I have also installed 90 Apps/Games and have 4.83gb internal memory free.

I have encountered a few bugs with the camera and the refocusing feature, but I need to explore the camera more, read the manual over the weekend and then decide if it is user error or a bug. I have also noticed different file sizes on the camera photos from 1.2mb, 3mb and even as large as 7mb. I am still trying to work out what settings are providing the higher quality outputs.

I setup the TV remote last night. It was so simple vs the procedure on the Note 3. In fact, the HTC One is simpler and easier and faster at most things. Its speed is effortless. Its screen is beautiful. The TV remote app is far superior to that found on the Note 3 with a clear and more functional layout. I like the fact my favourite TV programmes will appear in my Blinkfeed as a warning to watch them nearer their start time. Also from the TV guide from within the app, sliding right to left pulls up trending info on the programme or film you are watching. Rather neat.

The motion controls are simple but effective too. Picking up the phone and double tapping unlocks the phone. With the screen off, slide your finger left to right or right to left and you launch Blinkfeed or your widgets.

Anyway, once I have got to grips with all the options I will report back. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please let me know.

And if you can support Clove Technology with any of your smartphone needs even better.

HTC One (M8) launched and available to buy

Android, Tech News

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HTC have launched the new HTC One. The link takes you directly to HTC’s website where you can learn all about the duo cameras, camera effects, refined metal casing, software and hardware enhancements. And it is a powerhouse of refinement.

But for me I’m not so sure I will now be adding this to my collection. I owned the old HTC One, but the new version is only available with 16gb internal memory in the UK at the moment. The inclusion of the memory card slot doesn’t solve every scenario. And then there is the rear camera. Not only does it have the same 4mp lens but due to the second lens optical image stabilisation was removed. 4mp is fine for social network sharing but as soon as you take a landscape or decided to print a shot the lack of detail at 4mp will be noticeable. And I take tons of landscape shots, 4mp is not enough for me.

Otherwise the phone looked gorgeous and had design focus on its features. Except, HTC ruined what would have been a class leading phone with too low a resolution for the rear camera!

What did you think ?

HTC in the news – screens and launches

Android, Tech News,

HTC is distributing press invitations for its next big event, scheduled for March 25th, where the company’s next flagship smartphone will be revealed. As with the HTC One launch in February of last year, the announcement will be made via simultaneous events in London and New York, and HTC promises that the phone in question will be its primary flagship for 2014. I can’t wait to see this replacement for the current HTC One.

And then for US customers HTC has announced HTC Advantage.

HTC Advantage is a new free program that will automatically accompany every HTC One series smartphone sold in the U.S. beginning immediately. HTC as part of this program promises that it will continue to update its smartphones to the latest version of Android for up to two years following launch.

Second, in the event that an HTC One series smartphone owner cracks the screen on his or her phone within the first six months of purchasing it, HTC will replace the cracked display for free. This is a once only replacement.

And the final offer is free 25-50gb worth of Google Drive storage free of charge.

So HTC are trying to offer some long term assurity with new HTC phones which is a positive move.

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And rather bizarrely the new HTC One will have dual rear lenses for the camera.