LoopPay gets breached by Chinese hackers
The widely acceptable contact-less payment service, Samsung Pay, may be in danger. LoopPay, the service behind Samsung Pay, experienced a hack coming from a group of Chinese hackers.
The breach gave the hackers access to LoopPay’s secure computer systems. According to NY Times, the hack took place last March well before the acquisition of Samsung and LoopPay was made. Samsung made a statement regarding the security breach and said nothing was effected and nobody’s information is at risk. The company mentioned the attack was an “isolated incident that targeted the LoopPay corporate network, which is a physically separate network from Samsung Pay.” Giving users some relief.
As of now, there’s no specific evidence that any information had been stolen. However, one should be alerted to what has happened. Samsung and LoopPay are currently investigating the breach.
Source: Samsung, New York Times
Come comment on this article: LoopPay gets breached by Chinese hackers
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6s
The two biggest giants in the smartphone game go head to head in this comparison, and while it was another “S” year for the Apple device, it did add some interesting features, such as a new form of input, rather than just the general upgrade in specifications. How does the latest from Apple fare against one of the best Android devices currently available? We find out, in this comprehensive look at the Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6s!
Note: While the majority of this comparison will involve the regular versions of the Samsung Galaxy S6 and iPhone 6s, other versions, namely the Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, Galaxy S6 Edge+, and the iPhone 6s Plus will be briefly considered in certain aspects.
Design
The design aspect is more of a big deal when it comes to the Samsung devices, with Apple remaining true to the metal construction and design language that has been retained from its predecessor. On the other hand, while the Galaxy S6 does still offer the overall feel of a Samsung smartphone, there have been some drastic shifts in the design language and build quality when compared to the Galaxy S5 last year.
With their latest flagships, Samsung has adopted a unibody design that does away with the back cover, which also unfortunately means a move away from user-replaceable batteries and expandable storage. Dual glass panels are held together with a metal chassis, and the addition of these elements alone signaled a positive change for many users.
That said, much of what we all remember from past Galaxy S series devices returns here, especially with regards to the button layout. The physical home button up front is flanked by the capacitive Back and Recent Apps keys, and the power button and volume rocker are once again found on the right and left sides respectively.
A 5.1-inch display helps with the handling as much as the slim profile, making the Galaxy S6 one of the more accessible devices available on the market today. The handling experience is even better with the Galaxy S6 Edge, however, whose screen curves downwards to meet the hand. Of course, the handling won’t be as comfortable for those who are looking for a big screen, as is available with the Galaxy S6 Edge+ and iPhone 6S Plus, but that is a compromise you are likely already willing to make in favor of a bigger display.
The Samsung flagship comes in a number of different colors, ranging from white, to a very dark blue, as well as a gold version, though you have to keep in mind that the translucent glass on the back might make the color look a little different that what you might expect.
On the other hand is the iPhone 6s, which, like all the other Apple “s” iterations, adds the suffix to a phone that feels completely familiar. Size is the obvious difference here between the S6, with the more modest screen size of making this one of the smaller devices we’ve seen in a while, especially when compared to any of its flagship competition in the Android world (save for the Z5 Compact).
As is the case with the Samsung flagship, the buttons are all in the same place as before, with the power button also on the opposite side of the volume rocker and the silence toggle, with the lone tactile home button up front. The iPhone is a little thinner, but unibody designs have always been their forte, meaning removable batteries and microSD card slots have never a part of an Apple fans’ vocabulary.
The metal wrapping around the device does feel nice, but the thin profile and overall smaller footprint gets most of the credit as far as the good handling experience is concerned. The iPhone 6s is also available in a few color variants, including a new rose gold version, which is what is seen in this comparison.
Design is normally an easy, personal part of these comparisons, but this year has been a great one for Android smartphones, with the Galaxy S6 being one of the most talked about devices in terms of their design changes. Metal is obviously the way to go for both Apple and Samsung, and it does really come down to which one better speaks to you. If handling is really important though, we can’t deny the smaller and highly accessible size of the iPhone. Plenty of people have had great things to say about how either device looks, but the choice always becomes a little harder when you begin to consider what is found underneath the surface.
Display
The spec hungry will start to pick sides starting with the display, as the displays of these devices could not be any more different. The Samsung Galaxy S6 is all about the numbers, with its 5.1-inch display boasting a Quad HD resolution, and a resulting pixel density of a whopping 577 ppi. Couple that with the usual tropes of Super AMOLED technology, including high saturation and its potential power saving features, and you have Samsung’s most forward display offering.
Meanwhile, the iPhone 6s seems quite paltry on paper, with the 4.7-inch IPS LCD display coming with a 1334 x 750 resolution, resulting in a pixel density of 326 ppi. Apple has been adamant for years that higher pixel densities don’t lead to better display experiences, and the iPhone 6s does prove to be a good daily display despite the smaller specifications overall.
There is also the newest, and perhaps biggest addition to the iPhone display, called 3D Touch, with their being sensors right underneath the display that meter how much force is being brought down with your finger. Android has been capable of similar functionality in its own way in various screen technologies, but Apple is trying to fully leverage it for a new input method.
You have to press down pretty hard to get it to work, but the other main aspect of 3D Touch is that in order to trigger certain tasks, like moving the icons around, a lighter, or more normal touch, held down for a noticeable amount of time is required. Otherwise, a press down really hard will trigger 3D Touch. On icons on the homescreen, it will bring up quick shortcuts to functions within the application, which is quite useful, but otherwise, 3D Touch is mostly used to trigger the Live feature in the gallery, if you have it on. Despite Apple’s success in showing how useful 3D Touch can be, it is a very new feature, and we are yet to see a lot of applications for it.
As far as the straight display experience is concerned, Quad HD is certainly great, and if you are a fan of high-res displays, then any 2015 Galaxy smartphone will be your pick. Moving around the respective user interfaces, there is an undeniable sharpness in the Quad HD display over the iPhone screen, which has an obvious smoothening when scrolling and moving among elements. That said, while actual differences between these displays can be observed, the disparity probably won’t be big enough for most users.
Text is still very readable on the iPhone, despite the Galaxy S6 simply trouncing it in pretty much every aspect related to viewing. However, colors aren’t so different on the iPhone, so games and media are still quite enjoyable, unless display size matters a lot to you. We have been pleasantly surprised to see 3D Touch actually work kind of well, but the splash it is making now, though significant, is small.
Performance
Performance is another section where the spec hungry will have a field day, but the vitriol might not be completely justified, because of the fact that we’re talking about two completely different operating systems here, with very different requirements to keep them running.
Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S6 features the in-house octa-core Exynos 7420 processor, backed by 3 GB of RAM to take care of all the multi-tasking that this phone can easily perform. Android needs to be a lot of wiggle room for performance, and it can be argued that aspects like RAM management, and even the way applications are built, can cause a slowdown. That is why Android smartphones require higher specifications as time marches on, and Samsung has been able to meet the demand. This processing package is not lacking in power at all, and multi-tasking is robust and usable, apart from whenever any issues on the software side creep up. Gaming is also a joy, further enhanced by the high resolution display.
Apple has steadily raised the bar with their iPhones as well, though the spec sheet might still seem underwhelming when compared to the Galaxy S6. Under the hood is an updated dual-core Apple A9 processor, with 2 GB of RAM to back it up, but before users immediately disregard the iPhone as a good performer, it is important to consider the fact that the iPhone has served as a launchpad for plenty of games and high-functioning applications.
Since Apple only releases a select number of devices, it is much easier for them to provide exceptional software optimization, which in turn means that they require less aggressive specs than their Android rivals. While there are some complaints of stutter and slowdown with iOS and the iPhone family from time to time, the same can be said for TouchWiz, which means that cut and dry specifications are only a part of the story.
It would be different if the app disparity was larger, but it is possible to get virtually the same functionality from either of these devices, regardless of the skin or operating system you choose. Given that either smartphone proves to be as reliable and useful as the other, the performance aspect becomes more equal, or at the very least, more relative.
Hardware
As far as hardware is concerned, this year might be the closest that these phones have ever been. Starting with the Galaxy S6, though plenty of people have commented on how similar the bottom of the Samsung device looks to the iPhone, its unibody design still keeps a number of key features, including the heart rate sensor on the back, that works pretty well with the updated S Health, as well as the fingerprint reader that is embedded into the tactile home button.
With it being on the home button, the fingerprint sensor works quite well, with you required to just leave the finger on the button after pressing it to wake the phone. The Galaxy S6 also packs every connectivity option, including NFC, which can be used with the recently-launched Samsung Pay and Android Pay. Fast charging helps the battery get back to a hundred percent really easily, and the device is also compatible with all forms of wireless charging out of the box.
The iPhone 6s doesn’t offer a lot of extras when it comes to hardware, with no heart rate monitor, and neither fast charging or wireless charging capabilities to be found. Instead, the tropes of the iPhone are ultimately familiar, like the silence toggle that has been around since the beginning, and the fingerprint reader in the home button, that also works very well. Apple claims that the fingerprint reading only requires a slight press now, and it does feel that little bit faster, though in the grand scheme of things, the convenience is about the same.
NFC finally made it into the Apple ecosystem with the iPhone 6, but was used exclusively for Apple Pay. We have yet to put some real world testing to compare the various mobile pay systems from Samsung, Android, and Apple, but thus far, we find that you can use all of these services in most of the same places, with Apple Pay’s foothold proving a little larger than Google’s. Finally, in battery, a 1,715 mAh unit has the benefit of a lower resolution display and a new power saving mode in iOS 9, but like the Samsung Galaxy S6, only around a full day of usage is expected, and anything more happens pretty rarely and only with lower levels of usage.
For users that want to accessorize, Samsung is still a little behind in third-party support, despite it improving greatly since the Galaxy S4. Any users that still have their cases or accessories from the iPhone 6 can use them again with the iPhone 6s, and the third-party support for the iPhone is incredibly widespread. As far as the hardware extras are concerned, many people swear by fast charging, and with the iPhone having a small battery that can lose power before getting home, without fast charging, the iPhone requires a tether to a wall or an external battery most of the time.
Camera
When it comes to the camera, the main story here is Apple’s enhancement to the camera package with the iPhone 6s, with the device now featuring a 12 MP rear camera and 5 MP front-facing unit, compared to the 16 MP primary camera of the Samsung Galaxy S6, with also a 5 MP front-facing camera.
Looking through the images in the video above and the galleries here, it is up to you as to which one you feel is the better performer. We actually found the images from both cameras, regardless of what we were shooting, to be very pleasing. One phone didn’t really win that much more over the other, if at all, and it will depend on which color profiles you prefer. The iPhone does tend to add a warmer tone to everything and also adds more contrast. On the flip side, the Galaxy S6 puts a cooler tone to everything, and its pictures are a little more evened out in their range.
Samsung Galaxy S6 camera samples
The iPhone can now also boast about 4K video recording, but there is no optical image stabilization available with the smaller version. One useful feature the device adds is the ability to use the display as a flash when taking a selfie, but using this does tend to wash out the subject too much.
iPhone 6s camera samples
The camera of the Samsung Galaxy S6 provides a lot of manual control, which is probably what gives this camera the upper hand for us. If you require just a great point and shoot experience however, it is probably not going to get any better than the iPhone 6s. The Auto mode of the Galaxy S6 is pretty good, but Apple has certainly been pioneering that aspect for a long time now.
Software
On the software side of things, making a comparison is quite difficult, considering the fact that these devices feature two completely different ecosystems. With the gap between both iOS and Android – in terms of what apps are available – being incredibly small, it really comes down to how you want your daily usage to fundamentally look.
Samsung’s TouchWiz has gone through a bit of a renaissance of late, with the software actually stripping down not only the incessant tutorials that plagued daily usage, but even some features that had previously proved to be quite useless. The bubbly nature of TouchWiz’s icons and general aesthetic remain, but some Material Design elements of Android Lollipop do make their way over as well.
Otherwise, the experience is nothing more than the general usage of Android, with homescreens that can hold widgets, an app drawer, notification dropdown with Quick Settings, and multi-tasking capabilities. There are certain features that have returned, like S-Window, that shrinks a number of applications, and Multi-Window, which is basically a split-screen capability. While Multi-Window can be useful, most users still focus on switching between apps using the Recent Apps screen instead. S Voice is still available, and you can also use Google Voice Search.
For years, Android has been given the benefit of customization and full user control, and that continues to hold true today. You can install launchers if you don’t like TouchWiz, widgets give users an easy way of making shortcuts and providing information at a glance, and just about any part of the phone can be changed for a different experience.
Apple’s new version of iOS does have a pretty elegant version of split screen multi-tasking as well, but that is available only with the larger Plus model. What we have given Apple credit for in the past is how fluid and smooth iOS tends to look and feel, but that is the benefit that Apple has with having only one or two flagship devices to work with. Android has so many players in the game that an ubiquitous aesthetic is much harder to achieve, though Lollipop and Material Design has done a good job of bringing in some conformity.
The lack of buttons for the iPhone is precisely why its inputs feel a little bit out of the box. Swiping up from the bottom opens the Command Center, which is like quick settings, and double tapping the home button is for the Recent Apps screen. The Recent Apps screen is a perfect example of Apple’s design prowess, as a cover flow way of looking at applications is presented here, but while moving in and out of applications is still smooth, it is a little tougher.
3D Touch is another idea that contends with a lack of input. Without extra buttons, or even the ability to add shortcuts or widgets to the homescreens like you can in Android, adding this new form of input seemed like a necessary step, and we have to give it credit for actually doing a decent job. Siri is the voice-controlled assistant you have in iOS, and it isn’t a terrible one to use by any means. There is the occasional misstep, but it gives the iPhone just about the same amount of capabilities as Google Now does for Android.
Yet, for all the additions that iOS 9 have given the iPhone experience, Apple’s operating system has one main thing going for it, and that is the fact that what you see is what you get. Without the full freedom to cater the experience to what they want, users can pick up an iPhone and basically get going, for both work and play, without a steep learning curve. While you do get the most out of Android, users might have to learn tips and tricks, and perform a number of changes in order to make them happen. While that is exactly why Google has a lot of fans for their huge Android ecosystem, Apple retains an extremely loyal fan base for the opposite reason.
Thankfully, there isn’t a lot of issues with moving between the two. Google applications are also available in the Apple App Store, so performing all of the same tasks can be done, no matter which of these phones you pick. It all comes down to extras, and in the case of multi-tasking, Samsung gets a boost over the iPhone 6s, with widgets and homescreen shortcuts also giving Samsung the edge. If 3D Touch continues to grow however, it could definitely help Apple’s case. Much of what iOS has brought in recent years has, arguably, started in Android, like the notification dropdown, but there are few reasons now to believe that either of these software packages are much better than the other, unless you truly prefer the look and feel of one over the other or absolutely want and need the extra freedom and customization that comes with Android.
Specs comparison
| iPhone 6s | Samsung Galaxy S6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 4.7-inch IPS LCD 1334 x 750 resolution, 326 ppi |
5.1-inch Super AMOLED 2560 x 1440 resolution, 577 ppi |
| Processor | 1.84 GHz dual-core Apple A9 | Exynos 7420 |
| RAM | 2 GB | 3 GB |
| Storage | 32/64/128 GB | 32/64/128 GB |
| Camera | 12 MP rear camera 5 MP front-facing camera |
16 MP rear camera with OIS 5 MP front-facing camera with 90 degree wide angle lens |
| Connectivity | WiFi a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.0, NFC (Apple Pay only), GPS+GLONASS |
WiFi a/b/g/n/ac Bluetooth 4.1, NFC, GPS+GLONASS |
| Networks | 3G/4G LTE | LTE cat 6 300/50 |
| Battery | 1,715 mAh | 2,550 mAh Fast charging WPC and PMA-compatible wireless charging |
| Software | iOS 9 | Android 5.0 Lollipop |
| Dimensions | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1 mm 143 grams |
143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8 mm 138 grams |
| Colors | Space gray, silver, gold, rose gold | Black, white, gold, blue |
Gallery
Pricing and final thoughts
In price, the gap between the Samsung Galaxy S6 and the iPhone 6s is actually quite small. On T-Mobile, for example, $27.50 a month over 2 years is needed for the Galaxy S6, while the iPhone 6s requires $27.09 for the same plan. Both phones will set you back around $650 or more at the full unlocked price, with the higher storage options also requiring quite the premium.
So, there you have it for this in-depth look at the Samsung Galaxy S6 vs iPhone 6s! These two devices are the best of their respective ecosystems, and this time around, may also feel on more even ground than ever before. Samsung used to be able to boast about removable batteries and expandable storage, but without these features, it actually feels like an equal to Apple’s newest smartphone. Even if the iPhone 6s might be an incremental update, it brings enough to the table to close a few key gaps, in the camera, and input methods, with 3D Touch.
The choice here is simple. Do you prefer the customization of Android over the simplicity of iOS? Do you prefer the third party accessory support the iPhone gets over the fragmented Android device market? Do you prefer to be on the cutting edge of specifications at all times? Being in touch with what you truly like as a user will help you make this decision, and even if you jump from one ship to the other, the overall ability to get things done is about the same.
Beginner’s guide: 10 features every Android user should try
Don’t settle with merely accessing your apps, calls and text messages. There’s a reason why you chose Android over the competition! That tiny computer you carry around can do so much, but its true essence is usually hidden and not too advertised. Want to unlock your Android device’s full potential? There’s a lot of work to be done, but let’s start by giving you 10 handy tips that will take your experience to the next level.
Enable “OK Google” voice detection
You know Google Now, right? If you don’t, I suppose that is something else you should try. Google Now is a digital assistant that eases your way around the device and puts you in touch with Google’s ample knowledge of everything that is online. Whether you want to find out Barack Obama’s height, or figure out a mathematical equation, Google Now is there for you. Even cooler is the fact that you can use it with voice commands!
The screen does need to be on, in most cases, but some devices do feature screen-off voice commands. Regardless, you can simply say “OK Google” to trigger Google Now voice actions and just state your request or ask your question.
To activate this feature just open Google Now and open the Settings. Select “Voice” and tap on “OK Google detection”. From this menu you can select whether you want to enable this capability or not.
Wireless charging
While it hasn’t quite become a standard yet, wireless charging technology has been spreading, especially among the top-tier devices. If your phone supports wireless charging, we advice that you give it a try. Not having to plug in your phone every night may sound like a trivial benefit, but it’s one of those things you really can’t live without once you get used to it.
I never have to think about charging my smartphone. After going to bed I can simply place it on top of the charging mat on my bedside. After reaching my office, I drop it on the wireless charging stand on of my desk. I literally haven’t plugged my smartphone to a wall in months. Sure, you loose features like Quick Charge, but I believe it’s worth it.
See also: Best wireless chargers – how they work and perform
Take advantage of NFC
Android is no longer the only platform to support NFC, but it was the first to really push it into the market, and it also happens to be the OS that takes the most advantage of this communications technology. With only a few exceptions, NFC is pretty much available in all Android devices that are at least a little relevant.
What can you do with NFC? Well, touching phones to transfer files between handsets is only the beginning. Users can also connect to accessories, use Android Pay to make store payments and even automate processes (turn WiFi on/off, etc.).
See also: How to use NFC on Android
Android Device Manager can be a life saver!
Have you ever lost your phone? That dreaded experience can traumatize you for life, especially if the device lands in the wrong hands. Remember your most private information is usually stored in that smartphone. At this point, the actual value of the handset becomes unimportant compared to what people could do with your data.
Thankfully, Google built its own Android Device Manager for keeping your phone and data secure. Once you set up the service, it’s super simple to locate, lock, wipe or ring your device. All remotely, from any browser.
Play around with lock screen security
And while we are on the topic of lost/stolen phones, we will suggest that you protect your device by setting up your lock screen authentication. You can choose a PIN, pattern or password, but Android also has funner ways to securely access your device.
One of them is Face Unlock, which uses the front-facing camera to recognize your facial feature. Some newer phones also include fingerprint readers, and some even have eye scanners.
Enable app installation from “unknown sources”
Have you ever heard of “sideloading”? It’s pretty much the act of manually installing an application, without using an app market or getting the software directly from the Google Play Store. You can only do this if you head over to your Settings, access the “Security” section and enable the “Unknown sources” option.
Be careful, though! Installing applications from third-party sources (websites, forums, etc) can be dangerous. This is one of the most popular ways for viruses and malware to spread. But there is a whole other world you could unlock if you are careful and do things right.
Use Smart Lock
Keeping your phone secure is crucial, but you must also think about convenience. This is why I love Smart Lock, one of Android’s most hidden features. What Smart Lock does is allow users to bypass lock screen security when the device is connected to specific devices or is found within certain locations.
For example, I can make it so that my phone won’t ask me for unlocking authentication when it is connected to my smart watch (this works with any Bluetooth device). In addition, I can tell Android to skip these annoyances when it is within a certain area, such as your house.
Just head over to your Settings app, access the “Security” options and select “Smart Lock” to see all the features.
Try a 3rd party launcher
It’s OK if you like the way your device looks already, but you must at least try some 3rd party launchers before you decide to settle with the stock one. It is, after all, one of the best things the Android ecosystem has to offer. Launchers allow users to manipulate the way the UI looks. You can make it look more like vanilla Android, for example, or you could go nuts and download all kinds of icon packs and different elements.
Related: 15 best Android launcher apps of 2015
Also, play around with other keyboards
We know it’s easy to just purchase a phone and stick to the keyboard it uses by default, but keep in mind there’s a bevy of options out there. There’s so many third party keyboards out there. Some of them have crazy mind-reading abilities, others offer beautiful skins and some others expand your character availability like you’ve never seen before.
Related: 15 best keyboard for Android apps
Get rid of bloatware!
For the love of everything that is holy, just get rid of all that annoying bloatware! We wish manufacturers and carriers did this, but they feel the need to push unnecessary apps down our throats. Now, this can be a little tricky, as these apps are often locked to the device and can’t be uninstalled.
Check if you can get rid of them first. If a regular uninstall doesn’t work, you can go ahead and disable these applications. This will cease all activity coming from this app, and it will no longer show up in your app drawer. Yes, the data will continue to be there, but at least it won’t be all over your precious interface.
Head over to your Settings and select the “Apps” section. Find the application you want to get rid of and select it. Within the options you will find a “Disable” button.
Wrapping up
So there you have it, guys! These are all cool features you likely won’t find in instruction manuals, yet they will help you really take advantage of your powerful tech gadgets. There is a lot more you can do, though, so let’s take it to the comments section to discuss other hidden treasures found within all that awesome Android code.
What other fun tips would you recommend to new Android users? Sound off in the comments!
Amazon reportedly planning to enter the live TV streaming business
Amazon has seen some wide success with a few of its original television shows, especially with shows like Catastrophe, Hand of God, and the Golden Globe and Emmy-award winning hit Transparent. To build off of the success of these original shows, it wouldn’t be a terrible idea for the company to make its way into the live TV streaming business. And according to a new report from Bloomberg, Amazon is planning to do just that.
Amazon is said to be exploring the creation of a live online television streaming service that would include programming from major players such as CBS and NBC. Now, Amazon already offers its Prime Video streaming service which is more akin to Netflix or Hulu. This new streaming service, though, would make Amazon a competitor with Dish Network’s Sling TV by offering a host of live content that’s normally only available to those with a cable subscription.
The report notes that Amazon is still in the early stages of creating this service, so there’s a chance that the company has no plans to enter the live TV streaming business at all. With more and more major players entering the live TV streaming space, we’d say this is a logical next step for Amazon. We’ll be sure to keep you posted if we hear anything else regarding Amazon’s plans.
What does HTC need to do to get back on track?
I need to start by saying I’m partial to HTC phones. Not only because they were my entry into Android phones (like many Android users in fact), but because I stuck with them. Up through the One M7, they were my only experience with Android. I had every HTC Evo phone in the series prior to the M7.
The One M8 gave me a reason to finally try another OEM, because the M8 did not push the envelope like previous HTC phones did. When the One M9 launch came by, I was hoping HTC would knock it out of the park. It didn’t, by any means.
So here I am, still waiting for a reason to join HTC once again.
But what exactly is HTC doing wrong? In other words, how would you change the One phone so that you would buy it?
Before I begin, this article is not meant to be another opportunity for haters to drop in a “HTC sucks, I hope they go under” comment. While HTC has made mistakes, it is no where near the level to just say the company sucks and turn your head away.
Design
It’s no doubt that the One series have been beauties. HTC lets the finely-machined metal do the talking. Although the simplistic design is tired at its 3rd iteration, that sexy brushed metal can still attract.
Unfortunately with the M9, HTC did not fix a glaring problem with the M8. The phone is simply too big for a 5-inch phone.
The size of the phone is too weird of a spot to be in. The phone is too big for consumers who still want a smaller display. And the display is too small for consumers who want a phablet.
And why is this? The bezel is due to both the dual-front speakers and that infamous black bar area under the screen.
Now, HTC has expressed that there’s important circuitry under the black bar that inhibits removing it. Excuses won’t help save your phone. Something has to be done.
Concept of what the M9 was thought to be
The next problem is in only offering a 5-inch display phone. This is the craziest thing to me. There are so many people who want large displays. Ignoring that much of the market is inexcusable.
Camera
As many, I was pretty upset about the camera in the One M9. Not only because it was a weak contender in the flagship arena, but because in the past, HTC had so much emphasis on superior smartphone camera technology. On the One X/Evo LTE, HTC made it a point to increase the lens aperture (where others didn’t make it a focus until later on).
The subsequent Ultrapixel camera received mixed reception, but at least HTC was taking a stance on something they believed in. I still value low-light capability over MP count.
But with the M9 camera, I didn’t sense any of that passion. It just felt like HTC said, “Here you go, a high MP camera. Enjoy.” Firstly, abandoning the low-light focus made HTC look disorganized and lost. Next, the Toshiba-manufacturer camera sensor in the M9 had issues that other flagships have ironed out by now (grainy/fuzzy shots in lower-light and over-exposure in dynamic range situations). I don’t know if the fault was in the choice of sensor or not enough development on HTC’s part.
What else?
I’ve covered my big issues with HTC’s current offering: Bezel, no large display option, and camera. Do you agree? If you could, what would you tell HTC the next launch needs to have to get your hard-earned money?
Leaks of the upcoming One A9 are worrisome, hinting at a mid-ranger with considerable bezel. It was once thought to be a big-hitter, to make up for the M9’s lack of sales. The direction of the A9 now appears to be a strong budget contender. We’ll know the full scoop on Oct. 20th.
Regardless of what happens, I won’t forget where we’ve come from. HTC was there in the beginning of Android, and its contribution isn’t deserving of quick dismissal.
The post What does HTC need to do to get back on track? appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Moshi Venturo laptop backpack review: classy with function
With the school year being in full swing for more than a month, we take for granted what we use to carry around all of our supplies. The backpack is probably the most needed and essential tool for students throughout their education, whether it is high school and younger or college. What a perfect time to review a backpack, right? Well you’re in luck because Moshi was kind enough to send over their Venturo backpack for review.
I currently am in college for Web Programming, so I need to bring my laptop everywhere I go, from class to class and even to work on occasion. One thing that annoys me a bit about my current backpack is that it doesn’t have a dedicated laptop sleeve (it’s a Dakine skateboarding backpack). If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it as they always say. Well, thankfully Moshi wanted me to test out their Venturo backpack, so I got my wish.
The Moshi Venturo is a sleek and slim laptop backpack that looks a little more professionally and presentable than my current backpack. For this review, I was sent the Charcoal Black version with orange accents. If that’s not your thing, Blue Steel, Titanium Gray, and Navy Blue options are also available. The backpack comes in at only 28.74 ounces and has dimensions of 20.08″ x 4.13″ x 14.57″. It is very light and slim, but is still able to hold a 15″ laptop.
On the outside of the Moshi Venturo is “lightweight and durable fabric with weather-resistant surface treatment”. That seems pretty technical, but I can’t disagree. Using the Venturo for the better part of September into October, I have seen no signs of wear whatsoever. During my daily usage, it is opened and closed around ten times a day at the minimum and that is with taking a computer and textbooks out multiple times in between.
Up in Minnesota during the fall it doesn’t rain too much, but when it did I wasn’t worried. I fully trusted having my school computer in my backpack without the fear of it being damaged. I still wouldn’t want to let it sit outside for extended periods, but with 5-10 minutes of rainfall, everything remained dry as could be.
One thing I’ve learned from reviewing Moshi products is that they are nothing but quality. When I opened up the Venturo I was impressed with the high-quality zipper handles Moshi employed. They are very heavy-duty and don’t seem like they will bend or break. I’ve had that issue in the past where my zipper handle will bend or even break, but that looks nearly impossible on the Venturo. I couldn’t even bend them if I tried.
One thing necessary on backpacks is a lot of padding to keep things comfortable, especially when hauling around multiple textbooks. The back of the Moshi Venturo has a very thick padded air-mesh back support along with some on the actual strap. When using the Venturo, I have found out that it is comfortable with very small amounts of weight. Although it has a good amount of padding, once I added a few textbooks alongside my 15″ laptop, the strap stressed my shoulder.
The backpack does fit very nicely and is definitely comfortable to wear, just with an adequate amount of weight. Once it gets a little too heavy, it is uncomfortable after extended periods of time. To be honest, no padding could help this, that’s just the sacrifice you make when you purchase a one strapped backpack. On the other side of things, I do like how Moshi included a second handle on the side of the Venturo which then can be carried like a briefcase. I found myself using this option a lot more when I had to carry more than two textbooks.
Overall, the Moshi Venturo is a great option if you are looking for a nice backpack to carry your laptop, schoolwork, and other electronics. The problem is, it becomes a little uncomfortable with a little extra weight. The design is spot on and is very appealing. It is very easy to tote around to an interview for example, that is what I plan on using it for. It is a lot more presentable than a regular backpack if you have to bring your laptop or papers to show examples of your work. If Moshi were to make a “regular” backpack with two straps, I would jump all over that.
If you would like to purchase the Moshi Venturo, it can be found on Moshi’s official website for $119.95 and on Amazon for $118.95.
The post Moshi Venturo laptop backpack review: classy with function appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Hands-On With Twelve South’s New Universal BookArc for MacBooks
Twelve South today unveiled an all new design for its popular BookArc, introducing a revamped version that’s compatible with all current Apple MacBook models, including the 12-inch Retina MacBook, the Retina MacBook Pro, the non-Retina MacBook, and the MacBook Air.
The BookArc, for those unfamiliar with the product, is designed to hold a MacBook while it’s being used in clamshell mode when connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse for an organized desktop setup. A vertical docking station like the BookArc can keep a MacBook in clamshell mode out of the way and cooler than it would be when flat on a desk.
Twelve South’s new BookArc has the same general arc shape as previous BookArcs, but it ships with several silicone inserts that can be swapped out to fit different MacBooks. Taking out a silicone insert takes just a few seconds, and while putting one in is a bit tricker, it’s a painless process that should allow people with multiple MacBooks to switch between inserts with ease.
An insert that fits both the Retina MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air ships with the BookArc, and inside the packaging, there are additional inserts sized for the thicker non-Retina MacBook Pro and the thinner 12-inch Retina MacBook. Customers who previously owned a BookArc for the Retina MacBook Pro will be familiar with the different inserts, as that model also came with inserts to fit different MacBooks.
Read more 
Recent Samsung Galaxy models star in two new TV advertisements
There is no doubt that Samsung’s new Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ are among the best smartphones available to date. Just this morning, the Korean tech giant released two new TV advertisements.
These aren’t the first commercials for Samsung’s new devices. Both the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 Edge+ went on sale last month in countries all over the world. Apparently, the company felt the need for two additional TV ads further reminding people of the newest devices they have to offer. Each ad shows off a different feature making the device better than the rest. One for each smartphone. These features include the amazingly detailed Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge+ camera, in addition to the beautiful display and S Pen features that come included on the Galaxy Note 5. You can check them out in the embedded YouTube videos down below.
Samsung Galaxy Note 5
Click here to view the embedded video.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Recent Samsung Galaxy models star in two new TV advertisements
Telltale Games makes ‘Tales From the Borderlands’ Episode 1 free for a time
If you haven’t heard of Telltales Games, well, you should! They’ve adapted two hit TV series–Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead–and transformed them into a succinct and enjoyable adventure game experiences on Android.
Some of their most recent efforts include bringing Minecraft: Story Mode to Android. It’s not due to launch until October 15, but to tide you over, Telltale Games is offering up Tales from the Borderlands: Episode One for free as opposed to the usual $5 rate.
Click here to view the embedded video.
It goes without saying, Telltale makes some great adventure titles for Android, but at $5 an episode, it’s a hard price to swallow. Luckily, those that are interested in Tales from the Borderlands will be able to try the first episode for free. There are five episodes total, but only four are available right now. That said, with the first one free, the other available options will only run you $15, which isn’t bad for the amount of content you’re getting.
Anyone picking the game up?
Come comment on this article: Telltale Games makes ‘Tales From the Borderlands’ Episode 1 free for a time
Virgin Mobile offers up its own data-free music streaming service
If you’re on Virgin Mobile, the Sprint subsidy is following T-Mobile’s lead by offering up data-free music streaming, meaning you can stream without digging into your month’s data allotment. And frankly, for some of us, streaming is our biggest data expenditure, making this a data-free streaming a welcome addition.
This new service will be available from Virgin Mobile on October 9. However, only Pandora, Slacker, and iHeartRadio are supported, but the carrier plans on adding more services to its lineup soon. “Soon,” the famous last words, but it’d still be nice to see Play Music and Spotify get added to the list.
Virgin Mobile recently upgraded its Unlimited plans to include more data.
source: Virgin Mobile
Come comment on this article: Virgin Mobile offers up its own data-free music streaming service
AIVAnet 