Tracyandmatt.co.uk present this quick look at the technology news for the last week. Gareth Myles comments on some of the more interesting stories including Baldur’s Gate, HP Leap technology, Google and HTC making a tablet and more!
At the moment there is a strong battle between the flagship Android smartphones from both Samsung and HTC. We’ve already discussed the HTC One (M8) a lot on the site but this weekend we’ve finally managed to get hold of the Samsung Galaxy S5.
The Samsung Galaxy phones have always been popular with the S3 and S4 versions selling at both incredible speed and volume. This latest Galaxy S5 builds upon the previous versions and brings a 5.1″ Full HD AMOLED Screen, Quad-core 2.5GHz CPU, 2GB RAM and either 16 or 32GB of on board storage. If the on board storage isn’t enough for you then you can also add up to another 128GB with a microSD memory card.
Samsung have added other features such as a fingerprint sensor and heart rate monitor to mention a few.
Samsung have been more conventional than HTC with their camera. Here you’ll find a 16 mega-pixel camera with phase detection autofocus. Rather different to HTC’s 4.1 Ultrapixel approach.
As ever, I’m starting off here with an unboxing and hardware tour as well as a look at the UI and OS features.
Samsung Galaxy S5 specification:
- 2G Network: GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G Network: HSDPA 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100
- 4G Network: LTE (market dependent)
- Micro-SIM
- Dimensions: 142 x 72.5 x 8.1 mm (5.59 x 2.85 x 0.32 in)
- Weight: 145 g (5.11 oz)
- Fingerprint sensor (PayPal certified)
- IP67 certified – Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes
- Display: Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colours, 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.1 inches (~432 ppi pixel density)
- Corning Gorilla Glass 3
- TouchWiz UI
- 3.5mm jack
- microSD, up to 128 GB
- Internal Storage: 16/32 GB storage
- RAM: 2 GB
- Wi-Fi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
- Bluetooth: v4.0 with A2DP, EDR, LE
- NFC
- Infrared port
- microUSB v3.0 (MHL 2), USB On-the-go, USB Host
- Primary Camera: 16 MP, 5312 x 2988 pixels, phase detection autofocus, LED flash, 1/2.6” sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization, HDR, 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, HDR, video stabilization
- Secondary Camera: 2 MP, 1080p@30fps, dual video call
- OS: Android OS, v4.4.2 (KitKat)
- Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801
- CPU: Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400
- GPU: Adreno 330
- Sensors
- Accelerometer
- gyro
- proximity
- compass
- barometer
- gesture
- heart rate
- GPS with A-GPS support and GLONASS
- TV-out (via MHL 2 A/V link)
- Battery: Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery
The recently released HTC One M8 is already garnering attention in the smart phone industry, once again serving as a reliable alternative to the steeply priced more famous brands.
And although there are some concerns about the new HTC One, like its questionable quality of the camera or the not always perfect screen color reproduction, there are plenty of things to like about it as well, which should make the new HTC a popular choice once again.
Here are some of the best features of the new M8 that help it to hold ground in the very competitive smart phone market:
1. BoomSound Speakers
The HTC One Boomsound Speakers are one of the hallmarks of the phone, separating it from the competition as the hands down best speaker system in any smart phone.
And since speakers play such a big role in the smart phone when watching videos, listening to music or gaming, this is definitely a big plus even over the big guns like Apple and Samsung.
2. Camera Features
As mentioned before, the quality of the camera could sure use an improvement, but it still has plenty of terrific features that compensate.
The Duo Camera function allows for some unmatched editing features, and the Ufocus feature allows editing the focus of pictures that were already taken.
3. Durable Construction and Design
The MTC One has always been renowned for its beautiful designs, and the new M8 is no different. The reliableand sturdy construction is yet another reason many people decide to go with the MTC.
4. Battery Life
Unlike many other alternative smart phone brands, the TMC One M8 is showing great longevity in its battery life, lasting up to 48 hours with active usage, and even more in power saving mode.
5. Motion Launch Gestures
We can’t leave the M8 without talking about its new groundbreaking Motion Launch Gestures feature – it’s a very convenient unlock feature that allows users to enter directly into the pre-determined features while unlocking.
Although for now it only allows the pre-set functions, hopefully with future updates custom apps will be available to launch with the system.
Author Bio
Christy Root is a contributing author for Prepaymania. She is one of the renowned technological products reviewer and voice for must buy gadgets. Christy has been quoted in various online and offline technology publications. To know more about her, follow her on Google+
Gareth, Matt and Phil get together to chat about the latest mobile phone, tablet and chromebook news in the UK.
This week we discuss the OnePlus and whether or not it will really be a $1 superphone or will even materialise at any price. We discuss Nokia’s name change and un-change as well as Gareth’s look at the Xperia Z1 compact.
Featuring Gareth, Matt and Phil
Google’s Nexus does not seem to the only modestly priced powerhouse on the market. OnePlus have launched the inexpensive One, a $300 high end phone with some killer features. OnePlus will be available at some point between April and the end of June in America, UK, Canada, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and Taiwan. The is no exact release date however review samples have made their way to various outfits.
Most interestingly the OnePlus will run Android, but it’ll be a custom version of the popular CyanogenMod. Running on the new Snapdragon 801 processor with 3GB of RAM and a 3100mAh non-removable battery will be inside the device.
Other specs include a 13-megapixel, six-element, f/2.0 Sony Exmor IMX214 sensor. Image stabilization and slow-motion recording at 720p will be standard, and a fast 0.3s shutter speed is promised. The camera also shoots video in 4K (Ultra HD), and selfie fans will welcome a 5-megapixel front camera fitted above the screen.
What’s that about $1? Their website brags that you might be able to acquire the device for as little $1, however there is a timer counting down.
This rumour has been heard before, however this is supposedly “supply chain” intel to corroborate them. According to this newest report, Google is still considering teaming up with HTC on a new Android Tablet. This may be an 8-inch device. The second part of this rumour suggests that Google is considering eliminating the Nexus line of Android tablets altogether after this device.
There are two possible reasons why Google could be using HTC instead of Asus for a future tablet. First, Google is apparently looking for a new outer design for the Nexus tablet. Second, according to the report, Asus has not been very motivated to try and push the Nexus tablet line, instead they are trying to build up its own brand cache. Ironically, this is exactly what Google wanted. They specifically put restrictions on how Asus could push the Nexus line. This was meant to spur the company to create its own line of Android products.
Apparently, Google’s whole purpose with the Nexus tablets was simply to jump-start the industry so that Android tablets could compete effectively with the Apple iPad. Since that has been mostly successful, Google is considering pulling back to let the various OEMs run the show now. Asus is a good example of the outcome that Google was aiming for.
Tracyandmatt.co.uk present this quick look at the technology news for the last week. Gareth Myles comments on some of the more interesting stories including Project Ara, The Sony Xperia Z1 Compact and US Airways legendary twitter activity.
This is our second show and we’re aiming to make this a regular feature so, as always, your feedback is greatly appreciated.
Nokia and Microsoft have sent a joint email to Nokia account holders talking about the process of data transfer between the two entities. It would appear with the sale of Nokia’s Devices & Services business to Microsoft, a Microsoft Finnish affiliate named Microsoft Mobile will assume “responsibility for your personal data and the contractual relationships for the products and services related to this business.” The email adds that customers “should experience no difference as a result of the sale.”
Essentially, the name of the will be changed to Microsoft Mobile, however, Microsoft is likely to continue using the Nokia as the consumer-facing brand.
Privacy, Data Protection and Service Terms Information Regarding the Sale of Nokia’s Devices & Services Business to Microsoft
Hello,
We wanted to share some important information about your data privacy and contracts.
Nokia currently expects to complete the sale of its Devices & Services business to Microsoft in April 2014. With the completion of this transaction, a Microsoft Finnish affiliate* assumes responsibility for your personal data and the contractual relationships for the products and services related to this business. Microsoft cares deeply about your privacy and the protection of your personal data and will continue to collect and use your personal data in the same ways and for the same reasons as Nokia, and you should experience no difference as a result of the sale.
Also, please note that Nokia will continue to run its businesses, including HERE location-based products and services, which are not part of the Microsoft acquisition. The responsibility for your personal data and your contractual relationship relating to these Nokia products and services remains with Nokia. Nokia continues to be committed to the highest standards to protect your privacy and your personal data.
We wanted to give you notice of these changes. Our commitment to your privacy remains paramount. To learn more about Microsoft’s and Nokia’s privacy policies and service terms, click here. You may also contact us at: Microsoft Mobile Oy, c/o Privacy, Keilaranta 7, 02150 Espoo, Finland or Nokia Corporation, c/o Privacy, Keilalahdentie 4, 02150 Espoo, Finland.
Sincerely,
Chad Fentress
Vice President, Chief Ethics and Compliance Officer
Nokia
Brendon Lynch
Chief Privacy Officer
Microsoft
* With the completion of this sale, the Nokia Devices & Services business will be part of this Finnish entity, Microsoft Mobile Oy, a subsidiary of Microsoft Corp.
The Classic RPG Baldur’s Gate from Black Isle Studios has come to Android. Baldur’s Gate Enhanced Edition is now available for Android and can be found on the Google Play Store for £6.99. The RPG is one of the most beloved on the PC, many will have played it and shall rejoice at the news.
Here’s a quote from the Google Play Store with a full game description:
The dawn is especially cruel this morning…
For as long as you can remember, your view of the world has been limited to the heavily fortified walls of Candlekeep. Your foster father, Gorion, has done everything in his power to protect you and keep you out of harm’s way.
All of that is about to change. Forced to leave your home under mysterious circumstances, you find yourself drawn into a conflict that has the Sword Coast on the brink of war. An iron shortage of unknown origin threatens to plunge the city of Baldur’s Gate into conflict with Amn. Meanwhile, there is something else at work, far more sinister than you can even begin to fathom…
Since its release in 1998, this classic saga of mystery, intrigue, and adventure has set the standard for Dungeons & Dragons™ computer roleplaying games. Customize your hero’s traits and abilities, recruit a party of brave allies, and explore the far corners of the Sword Coast in your search for adventure, profit… and the truth.
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition contains the original 60-hour epic, as well as the following expansions:
* Tales of the Sword Coast: Explore the fabled Durlag’s Tower and more locations from the original Baldur’s Gate expansion.
* The Black Pits: You have been captured and forced to fight in Baeloth’s marvelous arena. A myriad of monsters await, as well as countless other adventurers who face the same fate. Maim, murder, and maul your way to freedom… if you can!
* Discover countless improvements we’ve made to the original game, including high-resolution fonts, an improved interface, dynamic zooming, and more!
Baldur’s Gate: Enhanced Edition also offers the following premium content available for purchase:
* Brothers Lost: Lend your aid to Rasaad yn Bashir, the Sun Soul monk, as he scours the Cloud Peaks in search of his lost brother.
* Neera and the Red Wizards: Save the wild mage Neera from the cruel machinations of Thay’s dreaded Red Wizards.
* Path of the Bloodied: Join the blackguard Dorn Il-Khan in taking revenge against those who betrayed him in Luskan.
* Gallery of Heroes: Reimagine your character with eleven never-before-seen character portraits from acclaimed Icewind Dale artist Jason Manley!
* New professionally recorded voice sets to choose from to further customize your character.
Legend has it that Atari buried a massive stock of unsold E.T. cartridge alongside Atari hardware and other games in an Alamogordo, New Mexico landfill after the famous 1983 video game crash. The Alamogordo Daily News reported in September 1983 that between 10 and 20 semi-trailers from an Atari facility in El Paso, Texas were buried at the landfill. Sounds like an urban legend and you would wouldn’t be alone in thinking that. However, the story even appeared in The New York Times, and an Atari spokesman confirmed the report at the time.
No specific Atari merchandise was mentioned to have been dumped, many reports have stated that upwards of 3.5 million copies of the 2600 game E.T. The Extra Terrestrial be found in the mythical landfill. It seems entirely probable that the Atari dump contains a wide variety of Atari game consoles and computer hardware not to mention unsold video game cartridges.
Fuel Entertainment has received permission from the city to excavate the site on April 26, 2014. They plan on creating a documentary film surrounding the myths, facts and exploration of this legend. The general public has been invited to attend this dig, so if you’re an Atari fan and in the area, be sure to attend!
2014 would appear to be the biggest year of the E.T. game since 1983 as the Angry Video Game Nerd has also based his first feature film about the landfill with an outlandish quest to discover it.
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