5/05/2015

Looking forward: What do we hope to see from the Moto X 2015?

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We are now into the fifth month of 2015 and have already seen major flagships from Samsung, HTC, LG, and (at least in Japan) from Sony. Of course, the mobile industry doesn’t hold still and neither does the rumor mill. It was only matter of time before rumors started to emerge regarding the “later 2015” flagships and now it seems that the first rumor for the Motorola Moto X (2015) has surfaced, though we wouldn’t take much stock in the claims just yet.

The new spec rumors come by way of STJS Gadgets Portal, a relatively small-time site that we aren’t all that familiar with. The specs claim we’ll see a Snapdragon 808 processor, 4GB RAM, a 5.2-inch QHD display, a 5MP front cam, 16MP rear cam, and a massive 3280 mAh battery. Now we’ll be quite clear, we don’t have much (if any) faith in this report and nor should you — at least not without more substantive info to back up the report. Some of the claims like a Snapdragon 808 and even QHD seem very possible, but the ‘source’ reporting to STJS Gadgets Portal could very well be making semi-educated guesses for all we know.


In 2015 we are seeing more manufacturers move towards that same end goal of providing the best user experience possible.
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So why mention these alleged specs at all? Because it got us thinking, what should we expect from Motorola this year with the next-gen Moto X? What would we like to see from Motorola going forward? Starting with the original Moto X, Motorola’s philosophy has been that an excellent user experience trumps raw specs. In 2014, Motorola continued this vision, though the 2nd-gen Moto X did feature much more aggressive specs than the original, lining up better with the hardware that other 2014 flagships were offering. Needless to say, we were impressed with both iterations of the Moto X and are excited to see what comes next from Motorola. In 2015, however, we are seeing more manufacturers move towards that same end goal of providing the best user experience possible.

In 2015, however, we are seeing more manufacturers move towards that same end goal of providing the best user experience possible. Devices like the LG G4 don’t feature the greatest processor on the market, but instead focus on camera experience and software optimization. The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge equally focus on software optimization, while also prioritizing camera and aesthetics. Then there’s the HTC One M9, which also is more of a refinement than a spec monster (lacking QHD and other ‘ultra high-end’ features).

2015 flagships


With most flagships focusing on premium materials and refined user experiences (camera, performance, etc), we have to wonder what Motorola will do to help set itself apart from the competition. Here’s just a few possibilities:

More granular Moto X options. When Motorola first announced the Moto Maker, there was a ton of talk about how such a program could eventually be extended (in the distant future) to an even greater level, giving users the ability to choose more than just the covers and colors, but stuff like RAM, processor, and more. Obviously there are cost and practicality issues with the idea, but what if Motorola took even just a small baby step forward. For example, a Moto Maker option (at an extra cost) that would let folks opt for a bigger battery, such as the sizes we’ve seen in devices like the Droid Turbo. Sure it would mean a thicker body, but I’m sure there are people that would be just fine with that. Perhaps options for choosing 2, 3, or 4GB RAM as well? Feasibility aside, we think this would be an awesome area of focus for Motorola.

A more premium design. While Motorola gives its users the ability to choose from plastic, wood, or bamboo, additional premium design options would certainly help it stand out from the crowd. Glass backs, metal, and carbon fiber, anyone?

Refining the software further. One area that Motorola stands out from most other OEMs is the fact that it’s ‘skin’ is barely a skin at all. Motorola’s handsets run as close to vanilla Android as you’ll find outside of the Nexus or Android One product lines, but Motorola has added a few great extra features (expanded voice control, Moto display, etc). It’s possible that enhancing these features and adding some more ‘stand out’ user experience elements is more than enough to help set the Moto X (2015) apart from the pack.

Specs. With the spec race slowing down to some degree (although the GS6 is still a spec monster), Motorola could decide to break the trend and go for the most high-end specs possible, while still offering special features like Moto Maker customization and unique user experience features. We have a feeling this is one of the less likely paths that Motorola would take, but you never know.

Obviously those are just a few angles we have considered, and we are by no means mobile prophets, so it’s hard to say what we’ll actually see from Motorola’s next flagship. More important than our theories (and/or ramblings…) are the opinions of our readers. What do you feel is the most important focus point you’d like to see from Motorola for the Moto X (2015)?

Samsung unveils two new SD and microSD cards that will transfer files faster

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Samsung has just announced two new SD and microSD cards that will allow for faster transferring of files.

The first of the two is the PRO Plus lineup, which has higher read and write speeds of up to 95MB/s and 90 MB/s, respectively. This model comes in 32 and 64GB variants, which Samsung says the greater of the two can record approximately 110 minutes of 4K UHD video or 490 minutes of Full HD video before filling up completely.

Next up is the EVO Plus lineup, which is also available in SD and microSD card variants. The EVO Plus cards have slightly slower read and write speeds at 80MB/s and 20MB/s, respectively, though this line is available in 32, 64 and 128GB variants.

Both of the new SD cards come with upgraded Samsung 5-proof features, which means they come with waterproof, temperature proof, X-ray proof, magnetic proof and shock proof protection. Plus memory card lineups can now withstand 72 hours of being submerged in seawater, which is 48 more hours of improvement from that of existing products.

Both microSD cards will be available this month, and the company says that SD card availability will follow shortly after.

Gionee Elife E8 is a QHD 6-incher with a 3,520mAh battery

The Gionee Elife E7 phablet was released all the way back in 2013 and its replacement is long overdue. The next-generation model dubbed Elife E8 is now apparently ready for primetime, as evidenced by a listing on Chinese regulator TENAA's website.
Expectedly, the new phablet carries a number of improvements over the predecessor. Most notably, screen size has grown to 6 inches, compared to the 5.5 inches of the Elife E7, but resolution has also seen a bump to 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. According to the listing, it's an AMOLED panel, too.
   
Gionee Elife E8
TENAA entries typically don't specify chipset model, and we're only left knowing that the SoC inside the Elife E8 comes with an octa-core processor ticking at 2GHz. Given that the Elife E7 utilized a Snapdragon 800, and the the Snapdragon 810's high-performance CPU cores are usually clocked at 2GHz, that's the most likely option. Joining that mysterious processor is 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, which can be expanded via microSD.
Another key feature of the Gionee Elife E8 is the fingerprint scanner, which resides on the back, below the camera, Huawei Ascend Mate7 style. The camera itself is quoted at 8MP, but that seems unlikely, given the previous generation's 16MP sensor. The 8MP front snapper sounds more credible.
The LTE-capable Elife E8 measures 164.0 x 82.3 x 9.6mm and weighs a hefty 207g. It does have a 3,520mAh battery to show for it, but then the aforementioned 6-inch Asend Mate 7 comes with a 4,000mAh cell in a slimmer and lighter body.
Naturally, there's no info on pricing and availability, but that will likely become clear in the following weeks.
Source | Via

HTC reports grim financial results for April, One M9 the culprit

HTC reports rather disturbing financial results for the month of April with revenue down 38.7% YoY to $440M. Compared to last month's $650M, the figures are down 32.4%.
Unexpectedly low demand for the One M9 is to blame, an unnamed analyst with Taiwanese Yuanta Securities Investment Consulting Co claims. Digging further into the cause of the problem, the source states that neglecting the Snapdragon 810's thermal issues, which lead to poor reviews and worried carriers, is the main reason for the disappointing numbers.


The One M9 shipments for the entire year 2015 are currently estimated at 4.5 million, which doesn't look good, compared to the 7 million One (M7) and 8 million One (M8) units sold for the respective years of their launches. Low demand has also meant that retailers have been forced to lower prices to attract customers, further hurting the income.
HTC has a projected revenue for Q2 in the $1.50B - $1.66B range and that puts a lot of expectations on the remaining two months, when $1.05B worth of sales are needed to meet the low end of the target. The expected release of the One M9+ and One E9+ within the quarter carry hopes of potentially sparking up sales and reversing the downward trend.
Source | Via

Asus Zenfone 2 NYC Intro RSVPed

Asus Zenfone 2 NYC Intro RSVPed

AsusRSVPZenfone2
This far out, it’s up in the air if I’ll be able to attend due to all the chaos in my life right now.
But I’m very interested in the 4GB RAM version of this phone and want to attend.
See how it kicks ass in a video after the break.
It has a good AnTuTu score too (see this video):
4GBZenfone2AnTuTu
Full Disclosure: I asked Asus’ PR guy for an invite. He previously invited me to another intro after I harangued him for one. I am realllllly interested in this phone and intend to test the hell out of it when we get hands-on time. This would be more expensive than other phones I’ve been considering, but with that 4GBs of RAM, I think it would be worth it.

HT F805C 4CH 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter w HD Camera FPV APP Headless Mode

HT F805C 4CH 2.4GHz RC Quadcopter w HD Camera FPV APP Headless Mode
Left hand throttle and ready to fly
HD Camera & FPV APP
Built-in high revolution HD camera, which has HD resolution, can take photos and record video for record wonderful flight moment. Design with IOS/Android APP “HT-wifi” which can realize real time image transmission
Headless Mode
In headless mode, no matter where the nose is, the quadcopter will fly forward to the positive direction pointed by the nose with power as pushing forward the direction stick, and the other three directions are the same as this
2.4GHz Radio Control
Using Spread Spectrum Technology for further remote distance. Best anti-interference ability and least power consumption. You can fly more quadcopters at the same time
Built-in 6-axis Gyro System
6-axis gyro quad-rotorcraft flight, strong stability, can easily implement various flight movements, stronger wind resistance, easier to control
3.7V 500mAh Lithium Battery
With rechargeable lithium battery, 3.7V 500mAh, supports about 8 minutes flight time
http://www.tinydeal.com/ht-f805c-4ch-24ghz-headless-rc-quadcopter-w-hd-camera-fpv-app-p-149502.html

JTX-Y01 3.5mm in-ear earphone headphone with MIC

JTX-Y01 3.5mm in-ear earphone headphone with MIC
The microphone noise reduction processing technology
Designed for iPhone, Samsung, HTC, MP3, MP4, etc
3.5mm gold plated plug
High elasticity TPE line
Compatible with all 3.5mm earphone port mobile phones
Built-in microphone for hands-free calling
Ear-hook design, comfortable and steady, perfect for sports
Standard 3.5mm earphone plug
Used for listen to music and answer calls
Cable length: 1.2m
Reponse frequency: 20Hz - 20KHz
Sensitivity: 105dB ± 3dB
Impedance: 16Ω
Drive unit: Φ9mm
Material: TPE
Net Weight: 15 g / 0.52 oz
Size: 115 x 17 x 8 mm / 4.52 x 0.66 x 0.31 inch
We provide different colors for your choice

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