Tag Archives: opinion

Google Play Music extends to include Podcasts – Details and Opinion

Android, Tech News, , ,

Via Google –

“Today we’re launching a portal for podcasters to start uploading their shows to Google Play Music before we open up the service to listeners. Along with direct searches and browsing for podcasts, the service will connect new listeners with podcasts based on what they’re doing, how they’re feeling, or what they’re interested in. Similar to our contextual playlists for music, this will give podcast fans and new listeners a way of finding and listening to content that’s unique to Google Play Music. Podcasters in the US can start uploading shows now at g.co/podcastportal.”

Finally, this makes Google Play Music a complete offering by including podcasts. With the popularity of the podcast Serial, more and more people are listening to this format. I just wonder if some of Google’s new functionality will eventually be behind a pay wall or subscription!

Source – Official Android Blogspot

HTC announces the One A9 – Full Specs, Where to Buy Now in the UK, iPhone Rip-Off and more

Android, Tech News, , , ,

htc-aero-global-carbon-gray-phone-listing

HTC announced last night the HTC One A9, its iPhone clone. It resembles the iPhone 6S so much it wouldn’t surprise me if Apple launch a lawsuit which ends up wiping HTC out of business.

Now in the US you can pre-order the One A9 for $399 or buy it from an HTC approved partner for £459.(http://www.mobilephonesdirect.co.uk/contract-mobile-phones/htc-one-a9) Hmmm now that seems like HTC are ripping off UK buyers. Mobilephones Direct say the spec is 3gb/32gb storage and this may be a typo as HTC stated the UK was getting the 2gb/16gb storage version. EE is also confirmed as stocking the One A9 with the 2gb/16gb storage configuration.

Specs

– Networks – GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100, LTE
– PHYSICAL 145.7mm x 70.8mm x 7.26mm mm, 143g
– OS Android, Android OS, v6.0 (Marshmallow)
– DISPLAY 5.0 inches, 1080 x 1920 pixels (~441 ppi pixel density)
– PROCESSOR Qualcomm MSM8952 Snapdragon 617
– INTERNAL MEMORY 32 GB, 3 GB RAM
– EXTERNAL MEMORY microSD, up to 128 GB
– DATA SPEED HSPA 42.2/5.76 Mbps, LTE Cat4 150/50 Mbps
– CAMERA 13 mega pixel (optical image stabilization, autofocus, LED flash )
– FRONT CAMERA 4 mega pixel (Front flash), Ultra pixel
– BATTERY Non-removable Li-Ion 2150 mAh battery
– SENSORS – Fingerprint sensor, Ambient light sensor, Proximity sensor, Motion G sensor, Compass sensor, Gyro sensor, Magnetic sensor, Sensor Hub
– Connectivity Bluetooth 4.1, Wifi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4+5GHz), 3.5mm stereo audio jack, microUSB 2.0 port
– Audio – Dolby Audio and Hi-Res Audio
Now the battery is just 2,150mAh, support for Quick Charge 2 and v3.
– EXTRAS – Fingerprint-based security, RAW image capture, Hyperlapse video creation

Based on my initial tests, android v6.0 has excellent battery life, but I am concerned the One A9 only has a 2,150mAh battery.

However, note the following –

– The headphone output is very loud and is further improved by outputting at 1 Volt
– The rear camera sensor is covered by sapphire glass
– In Pro mode raw capture is possible AND the One A9 allows you to edit the RAW photos
– 1080p at 30fps is max video setting, so no 4K. Longest shutter is 2 seconds.
– The Unibody design is well built
– At £459 it is only £20 more expensive than the new Nexus 6P

So what do you think? Is this good enough to save HTC? Is it too much like an iPhone? OR is the fact it was inspired by the iPhone a good thing?

Samsung Gear S2 – full details, specs and my opinion

Android, Tech News, Wearables, , ,

image

Samsung has officially announced the Gear S2 its Tizen-powered smartwatch which will come in three variants: the regular Gear S2, and the Gear S2 Classic offering a black finish with a matching genuine leather band. The 3rd option is with 3g and voice calls. This version has a e-sim. The Gear S2 offers a rotating bezel, as well as a home and back button for easily dealing with notifications.

Samsung is apparently working closely with partners to offer a range of watch faces and watch bands so that users can have a variety of ways to express their personal style and mood. Users can easily change the band with one click, and change the watch face for a more personalized and sophisticated Gear experience depending on the time, place or occasion.

The Gear S2 is a round, 1.2-inch circular display with a resolution of 360×360, 11.4 mm thin, with a 1GHz dual-core processor and a 250 mAh battery (the 3g version has a 300mAh battery), which will support 2-3 days of battery life. NFC is included for mobile payments. Ram is 512mb. 4gb storage. Wireless charging included. Other specs include 802.11n Wifi, Bluetooth 4.1, Sensors – Accelerometer, Gyroscope, Heart Rate, Ambient Light, Barometer. Dimensions 42.3 x 49.8 x 11.4mm and weighing 47g, whilst the 3g version is slightly larger at 44.0 x 51.8 x 13.4mm and weighing 51g. IP68.

Apps included are Contacts, notifications, messages, email, S Voice, S Health, Nike+ Running, music player, gallery, maps & navigation, weather .

Samsung is working with partners to expand the utility of the smartwatch in new ways, including smart car keys, house keys, and remote controls to manage a connected home. Seeing is believing as my Gear S whilst really excellent as what it did , didn’t get many extra apps after I bought it.

You have to be a real Samsung fan to want one of these as its tied to using Samsung hardware. Now Android Wear supports iOS this is really a specialised use case. However, it will do exactly what it says on the tin and really well.

Will the Gear S2 be made to feel inferior by the next round of android wear watches to be announced in a few days? Not long to find out!

Source – Samsung/androidcentral.com