The Honor 6x does the iPhone’s portrait trick for $250

Smartphones with dual cameras are about to become the norm now that Apple has jumped aboard the bandwagon. And they’re about to spread to more affordable phones too. Budget phone maker Honor has just unveiled the $250 Honor 6x, which the company says is the first smartphone “in its price range” to sport two cameras on the rear. After a few days with a preview unit, I found the Honor 6x decent for the price, with its dual camera setup in particular delivering mostly effective results.

Like its predecessor, the Honor 6x is sturdy, but otherwise has a forgettable design. Its metal body is not as dense as slightly more expensive mid-range phones from Huawei, OnePlus, ZTE and LeEco, making it feel less premium. Still, it’s lightweight, slightly curved body makes for a good grip.

The Honor 6x’s 5.5-inch full HD IPS display isn’t as rich or saturated as what you’ll find on a slightly pricier phone, but it does the job. Images and videos look clear; the orange flames and Spiderman’s blue and red costume were vivid in a trailer for Homecoming. However, I’ve gotten used to — and even prefer — the deeper blacks, higher contrast and punchier colors on higher-end devices. The 6x’s screen is also hard to see in direct sunlight, since its max output is a relatively dim 300 nits. At $250, though, the phone’s display isn’t worth complaining about.

Something worth griping about, though, is the Honor 6x’s outdated software. The Honor 6x will ship with the older 4.1 version of the company’s EMUI overlay over Android 6.0 Marshmallow. This means you won’t get the option to enable the app drawer that EMUI eschews,or the slicker Settings interface that the new EMUI 5.0 offers on devices like the Huawei Mate 9. Honor promises that an update to Android N and EMUI 5.0 will arrive early this year, though, so you won’t have to hold out for too long. The company also said its version of EMUI 5.0 will be specifically tailored for the US market, so it may be slightly different from Huawei’s flavor. You will get the new “eye comfort” mode at least, which removes blue light from the screen, as well as the ability to lock specific content with your fingerprints.

Now, for the main reason we’re even looking at the Honor 6x: Can a $250 phone have a dual-camera setup that’s not absolute garbage? The answer is a pleasantly surprising yes. The Honor 6x has a 12-megapixel RGB sensor and a 2-megapixel monochrome one to enable a wide aperture mode similar to that on the iPhone 7 Plus and Huawei Mate 9.

With this setting, you can get a soft, blurry background while keeping your subject in focus. In fact, to quote Honor, you can “bokeh all day”. During my testing, this worked well, although it requires some finesse. Your subject has to take up at least a third of the foreground for the effect to look good. You can also adjust the amount of blur you want in the image by adjusting a so-called aperture. You’re not really changing the lens opening here – you’re just using the software to mimic the effect you’d get from changing the actual physical aperture on a typical camera.

A picture taken with wide aperture mode activated on the Honor 6x.

Pictures without the wide aperture effect, including selfies with the 8-megapixel front camera, were generally vivid, accurately colored and sharp. But they’re not as eye-catching as the ones with wide aperture enabled, so I’d keep that feature on.

Like the Mate 9, the Honor 6x is powered by parent company Huawei’s Kirin CPU. But the Honor uses the less powerful octa-core Kirin 655 processor. It has 3GB of RAM and 32GB of storage onboard, which you can expand up to 128GB via microSD. Unfortunately, the unit we received had software that prevented benchmarking, so we weren’t able to test it, but the device felt responsive overall. However, it definitely doesn’t feel as smooth or zippy as the Mate 9 or the OnePlus 3T. I noticed some small delays in switching between apps and launching the gallery that I wouldn’t experience on a higher-end phone.

Honor also squeezed a 3340mAh battery into the 6x, promising 2.2 days of juice with average use and 1.5 days with heavy use. If those claims hold true, the 6x should be able to survive a full day without needing to be chained to an outlet.

Based on what I’ve seen so far, the Honor 6x’s greatest appeal is its surprisingly good dual-camera and wide aperture mode. Once its software is updated, the phone should be easier to use and more functional than it is now. Like most unlocked phones coming to the US from abroad, the Honor 6x will only work on GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile (sorry, Sprint and Verizon subscribers). Honor is certainly the first company to offer a two-camera setup at this price, but it won’t be the last to do so. I’m still skeptical that a sub-$300 smartphone can deliver pictures that look as good as those taken with the iPhone 7 Plus, but this at least allows those with tighter budgets to achieve similar effects on their photos.

The Honor 6x will be available from January 4th in the US for $250 and Europe for £224.99. Those in America can get it for $200 during one of four flash sales, which makes the phone a much better deal.

Edgar Alvarez contributed to this report.

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ODG launches its Snapdragon 835-based mixed-reality glasses

The name Osterhout Design Group (ODG) might not sound all that familiar, but it has unveiled two mixed-reality smartglasses at this year’s CES. These new devices called the R-8 and the R-9 are two of the first wearables powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835. They’re both capable of augmented and virtual reality overlays, though the R-9 has more sophisticated features to go with its higher price point. It has a 50-degree field-of-view, whereas the R-8 has a 40-degree FOV, and a 1080p resolution. Further, it functions as a development platform for mobile AR and VR, as well as smartglass applications.

A Qualcomm blog post that leaked yesterday revealed that the Snapdragon 835 chip reduces the lag between motion tracking and what you see on screen, lowering the chances of triggering motion sickness. It also improves positional audio for more realistic experiences. These features make the new smartglasses promising successors to the company’s R-7 headset, which you might have heard of if you followed Pokémon Go news last year: ODG created an unofficial port of Niantic’s game for the device back in mid-2016. The company’s experience goes back further than the R-7, though. In fact, that odd Mini AR goggles it created in collaboration with Qualcomm and BMW was based on an even older pair called (you guessed it) the R-6.

The good news is that the two new devices will be much more affordable than the $2,750 R-7. ODG plans to start shipping out the R-9 as soon as the second quarter of 2017 for $,1799. The R-8 will be available sometime in the second half of the year for under $1,000.

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Source: ODG

Qualcomm wants to make smarter cars by sharing sensor data

You don’t need us to tell you that modern cars aren’t just cars. They’re places to surf the web and watch movies, and they’re getting smarter by the day. With the launch of its new Drive Data platform, Qualcomm is trying to add another big role to that list. As far as the company is concerned, modern cars are roving sensors too, and there’s a lot to be done with all the data they collect.

Let’s back up for a second. New cars will ship with loads of sensors, from really obvious ones like cameras and GPS to acceleration monitors and radar systems. They all serve valuable purposes on their own, but some interesting new features can be developed if the data they generate are placed in the right context. That’s where the Drive Data platform comes in: It uses Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 820Am automotive processor to weave the data from all of those sensors together for interpretation. For instance, Qualcomm says its test hardware can use a car’s navigation, inertia and camera information to pinpoint its location to within about a meter.

So, what’s that kind of data actually good for? A lot, surprisingly. Qualcomm Auto’s Nakul Duggal told Engadget that mapping companies might be interested in location data crowdsourced from cars with the right hardware. That granular location information gets more valuable as car makers continue to add new sensors to their vehicles, too. Let’s say GM (or a company like it) tricks out a new ride with sensors that monitor temperature or pollution levels. When combined with all the other data the car is collecting, connected cars could feasibly be used to create environmental maps in real time.

Companies that deal with large fleets of cars, like car rental outfits or Uber, could also use this data to keep tabs on driver behavior and distraction. It’s not hard to imagine some companies going a little overboard about how it chooses to interpret some of this data, but for now, all we can do is wait and see. Remember, the Drive Data platform still in its early stages, and was designed to work with one specific kind of automotive processor. We’ve seen car makers like Audi embrace the platform for its 2017 cars, but it will be a while before this kind of smart data meshing makes it to the masses.

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Qualcomm plans to bring gigabit data speeds to your car

Remember last year, when Qualcomm pulled back the curtain on its X16 LTE modem? At the time, the chipmaker touted peak download speeds of up to 1Gbps for smartphones, even though gigabit speeds were (and are) basically impossible to experience in the wild. Still, the age of super high-speed wireless data is fast approaching, which is why Qualcomm just announced that it’s bringing that X16 modem to cars. It will be a while before you get to torrent movies in a flash from the comfort of your Chevy, though: The modem is baked into a new module reference design that carmakers will likely adopt further down the line.

A lot of signal processing and multiple antennas are required to make this high-speed system work properly, and looking at the modem’s implementation in smartphones offers more insight into how it will all work. The modem can connect to 10 LTE data streams from multiple aggregated carrier signals. In other words, it pulls down data through lots of different channels and smartly reassembles it all right in the nick of time. Lots of bandwidth means more than just an easier time streaming episodes of The Crown on roadtrips too: We’re also looking at faster map updates for built-in navigation systems, for example, not to mention quicker access to information about road conditions and weather.

And let’s not forget all the sensors that are in your car (or will be in your next one). Qualcomm is pushing for a way to mash-up their data and interpret them to help with more precise mapping and car fleet management. That collected data can do plenty of good strictly within the car itself thanks to Qualcomm’s Drive Data platform, but companies can build applications that use that information if it gets relayed via wireless connections. Move aside, smartphones: The combination of high-speed data and machine learning could well lead to a new generation of killer apps for your car.

Click here to catch up on the latest news from CES 2017.

CES 2017: ‘OWC DEC’ Adds More Storage and Ports to the 2016 MacBook Pro

Other World Computing today announced the OWC DEC, an attachment designed to snap onto the bottom of a 2016 MacBook Pro to add additional functionality to the machine.

The OWC DEC adds 4TB of storage, an SD Card Slot, USB Type-A ports for using standard USB devices, and a Gigabit Ethernet port. According to OWC, additional features will be introduced at a later date.

OWC has crafted the DEC from aircraft-grade aluminum that’s designed to match with the finish of the MacBook Pro. It attaches flush to the bottom of the MacBook Pro, making it thicker, but doing away with the need for a separate dock. OWC says the DEC will be “as thin as a 2012 MacBook Pro,” which was 0.95 inches thick. The pictures of the OWC DEC appear to be early renderings and do not depict all of the listed ports.

“We’ve been developing this concept for over three years and feel now is the perfect time for this ground-breaking product,” said O’Connor. “Storage space is always at a premium on a laptop and without the potential to upgrade the factory drive, the OWC DEC brings that option back in addition to cleanly supporting the gear we all rely on.”

OWC plans to begin shipping the DEC out to customers in the spring of 2017. Pricing has not yet been announced.
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CES 2017: Belkin Adds Mini Smart Plug and Dimmer Light Switch to WeMo Lineup

Belkin is introducing two new smart home products at CES 2017 this week, including the WeMo Mini smart plug and WeMo Dimmer light switch.

The WeMo Mini is a compact smart plug that is half the size of the older WeMo Switch smart plug, allowing homeowners to stack two of them in a single wall outlet. The smart plug enables homeowners to wirelessly control lamps, heaters, fans, and more over Wi-Fi using the free WeMo app for iPhone [Direct Link].

The WeMo Mini can be controlled remotely as well with an iPhone or iPad connected to a cellular network, with no hub or subscription required. The smart plug also supports Amazon Echo and Google Home for control via voice commands, and IFTTT and “home” and “away” modes on Nest thermostats.

The WeMo Dimmer, a CES 2017 Innovations Award Honoree, is Belkin’s next-generation smart dimming light switch with new features such as Night Mode, which prevents harsh lights at night, and a customized bulb calibration.

Current dimmer products have a single dimming range for all bulb types, which tends to create flickering and noise issues, but Wemo Dimmer uses the Wemo app to custom calibrate for any bulb type including incandescents (up to 400 watts), CFLs or LEDs, to eliminate those annoyances. In addition, Night Mode enables users to set a specific level of brightness during a set period of time, which is ideal for middle-of-the-night bathroom trips or checking on the kids when they are asleep.

The WeMo Dimmer, like the Mini Smart Plug, is compatible with Amazon Echo and Google Home for dimming and on/off control via voice commands, as well as the Nest thermostat’s “home” and “away” modes.

WeMo Mini is available now for pre-order on Belkin’s website for $34.99, and will be in stores later in January. The WeMo Dimmer will be available in the spring, but pricing has not been finalized. WeMo products do not support HomeKit, as Belkin placed plans to support the Apple platform on hold last year.

Tags: Belkin, WeMo, CES 2017
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CES 2017: ExoLens Announces iPhone 7 Case Compatible With Zeiss Lenses

ExoLens, a company that’s partnered with Zeiss to bring professional-grade lenses to the iPhone, today announced a new protective case for the iPhone 7. The case is designed to keep the iPhone 7 safe from bumps, scratches, and drops while it’s being used with ExoLens’ range of Zeiss lenses.

Designed for the iPhone 7, ExoLens says the new accessory is an “ultra-durable dual layer case” created with impact-resistant materials and designed to be slim and low-profile.

“After launching our line of ZEISS ExoLens mobile photography solutions earlier this year, consumers told us that they loved the mobile photography lenses, but also expressed a desire for a solution that protected their iPhone, while still providing the lens attachment capability,” says John Fellowes, Chief Executive Officer of Fellowes Brands. “The new ExoLens Case will provide the ability for users to seamlessly utilize our visually enhancing lenses, but the case will also shield the individuals iPhone from everyday drops and scratches at the same time.”

The case is compatible with all Pro Zeiss Lenses and upcoming ExoLens Prime lenses. The company sells a range of Zeiss telephoto, macro, and wide-angle lenses, which range in price from $150 to $200.

The ExoLens Case will be available for purchase during the first quarter of 2017. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Tags: exolens, CES 2017
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CES 2017: ConnectSense Announces HomeKit-Compatible Sensors and Bluetooth Extender

At the Consumer Electronics Show that’s taking place this week, ConnectSense is showing off its latest connected home products, including HomeKit-compatible sensors and a new Bluetooth Extender.

ConnectSense’s Bluetooth Extender serves as a Bluetooth to Wi-Fi converter and is designed to allow users to access and control their Bluetooth-enabled sensors and products outside of their homes.

The Bluetooth Extender works with HomeKit or with the ConnectSense Cloud, and when paired with ConnectSense’s new Bluetooth-enabled temperature and water sensors, it allows those sensors to be accessed from anywhere. It also works with other Bluetooth-enabled sensors, such as those from Elgato’s Eve lineup.

With ConnectSense cloud, sensor data is saved to the cloud and notifications can be sent to a smartphone or via email. Using the ConnectSense Bluetooth Extender, HomeKit users do not need to have an Apple TV or an iPad to access their Bluetooth-enabled accessories, which were previously the only way to use Bluetooth HomeKit products when away from the home.

ConnectSense is also showing off its Smart Outlet and the aforementioned new sensors, the Bluetooth Temperature & Humidity Sensor, which detects room temperature, and the ConnectSense Bluetooth Water sensor, designed to detect water and send alerts before damage can be caused. Both sensors work over Bluetooth and are powered by AAA batteries.

Water Sensor on left, Temperature Sensor on right
Pricing and specific release dates for the sensors and the Bluetooth Extender have not yet been announced.

Tags: ConnectSense, CES 2017
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Feel great in 2017: Get fit with MrMobile

It’s that special time of year! The time we all say “heck no, I’m not going to keep all this holiday weight!” and trundle off to the gym… for about a week. But not this year! You know it’s going to be different, and you want some apps to help you keep to that goal.

MrMobile and his friends Jon Rettinger of TechnoBuffalo, Serenity Caldwell at iMore, Marques Brownlee at MKBHD, Krystal Key, Joshua Vergara at Android Authority, Safwan Ahmedmia at SuperSaf, and Jaime Rivera at PocketNow suggest their favorite apps to keep you getting healthy this 2017. Let us and them know which ones work for you!

Stay social, my friends

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And thanks to all our friends who collaborated on this video:

Jon Rettinger [TechnoBuffalo]

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Serenity Caldwell [iMore]

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Marques Brownlee [MKBHD]

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Krystal Key

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Joshua Vergara

• Android Authority on the Web
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Safwan Ahmedmia [SuperSaf]

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Jaime Rivera [Pocketnow]

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Acer announces education-focused Chromebook 11 N7 with rugged body, $229 starting price

As Chromebooks continue to dominate the education market, Acer keeps its line fresh.

This one won’t necessarily get the Chromebook enthusiasts excited, but Acer has another education-focused Chromebook hitting the budget segment with a rugged body. The Chromebook 11 N7 (or model C731) is an 11-inch offering made to take a beating without also looking too tough, so it still has a tad bit of design appeal while also being sturdy for the expected rigors of many months being passed around in the classroom.

Acer has outfitted the Chromebook 11 N7 with a spill-resistant keyboard, and claims the laptop is built to MIL-STD 810G spec including drop testing up to 48 inches. That’s good resistance and should be more than enough for the application, and despite the extra toughness it still comes in at under three pounds.

This won’t get Chromebook fans jumping for joy, but is necessary for the education market.

The new Chromebook 11 N7 offers just a 1366×768 resolution display, but can be optioned up with an IPS touchscreen (look for a C731T model number) and in either case folds down completely flat for more collaborative viewing possibilities. The screen resolution surely helps with battery life, which Acer rates at 12 hours, and even if it comes up a bit short of that figure the battery life will be more than enough for the way it’s most likely to be deployed in a school.

Though the range starts at just $229 and is focused on education the internal specs are actually pretty solid. The base configuration offers 4GB of RAM, 16GB of storage (32GB is optional) and is powered by an Intel Celeron N3060. It also offers HDMI out and two USB 3.0 ports, as well as 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The combination isn’t likely to make Chromebook enthusiasts salivate, but it’s great to see even these low-end machines that generally offer lower performance getting a little spec bump.

Acer will have the Chromebook 11 N7 on sale in North America starting this month, and the rest of the world starting in February. Sales are initially limited to education and commercial customers, but chances are if you’re interested in getting one for personal use they’ll make their way out in due time.

Press release:

Rugged Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) is a Smart Solution for Classrooms

• Durability features include drop tested to 48-inches (122 cm), spill-resistant keyboard; compliant with stringent U.S. Military Standard (MIL-STD 810G)
• Long 12-hour battery life lessens the need to charge every day
• Fan-less design boosts reliability, quiet operation for classrooms, libraries, lab time
• Easy to deploy and administer; ideal for labs, carts and 1:1 programs
• PS touch screen (C731T) or non-touch (C731) 11.6-inch display options

LAS VEGAS (Jan. 3, 2017) Acer today announced the availability of its newest Chromebook for education customers, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) with enhanced durability features. In addition, it provides long battery life and a fan-less design, making it an exceptional choice for schools and school districts that want a reliable, powerful and quiet device for student learning.

“Chromebooks have become the de facto standard for education technology in many districts around the country,” said Chris Chiang, Vice President of Product Management at Acer America. “The new Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) will set the bar even higher for what schools utilize for their classrooms and labs – a durable design, quiet fan-less operation and a portable form factor that makes them easy to transport for 1:1 programs, around the classroom, outside and in the lab.”

According to data from Gartner, Acer Group is the world’s leading Chromebook brand with over 33 percent market share in 2015.

Durable Design Features Enhance Real-Time Learning

The durability and design features of the Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) ensure maximum uptime and contribute to reduced IT maintenance. The device endured rigorous testing to meet the demanding U.S. MIL-STD 810G military standard3. This military specification testing validates the
ruggedness, durability and quality of the Chromebook 11 N7 (C731), so that student learning can take place in a variety of environments.

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) can handle up to 132 pounds (60kg) of downward force on the top cover, while the reinforced case and hinges result in greater resistance to twisting and stress, even if students cram them into their backpacks. In addition, the corner-shield structure and rubber bumper keyboard surround further protect the Chromebook, so it can tolerate drops from heights up to 48 inches (122cm). These features ensure the Chromebook will be protected whether it takes a tumble while being transported or is accidentally knocked off a desk. The anti-slip pattern on the rear case makes it easy to grip and helps prevent it from slipping out of students’ hands.

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) has a spill-resistant keyboard that provides protection against spills of up to 11 fluid ounces (330ml) of water. The unique gutter system under the keyboard and touchpad drains water so that it’s routed away from internal components and out the bottom of the chassis.

A new feature to the Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) is the keyboard design with recessed keys that prevent the key caps from being easily removed by students. In addition, the keyboard was designed for an excellent typing experience for students, many of whom are still learning keyboarding skills.

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) has a fan-less design that provides cool and quiet operation, so it doesn’t add noise, even to a whole classroom of students. Also, reliability is boosted since it doesn’t require venting that may cause airflow issues and dust accumulation.

Long Battery Life up to 12 Hours, Excellent Performance

Administrators and teachers won’t have to worry about charging their Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) every evening, since it provides up to 12 hours of battery life, enough for several days of classroom use1. This long battery life is also ideal for 1:1 programs where students use their Chromebook throughout the school day, then take it home for homework and fun. Powered by Intel® Celeron® dual-core processors, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) delivers solid everyday performance.

Touch Display Option, 180-Degree Hinge Promotes Sharing

School administrators can meet their curriculum and budget requirements with different models of the Chromebook 11 N7. The Acer C731T has an 11.6-inch IPS touch screen display, while the C731 has a standard non-touch display. Touch models allow students a heightened level of engagement, since any webpage or app can benefit from touch gestures in both solo and group settings. The display has a 1366×768 resolution that ensures sharp and legible apps and text as well as vivid, clear videos and photos. Also, the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731)’s hinge is designed to open up to 180 degrees – so it can lay flat on a table for sharing during certain lessons such as labs.

The slim and portable form factor makes the Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) ideal for use anywhere – at home, school, work and on-the-go. It measures only 0.87 inches (22mm) thin and weighs only 2.98 pounds (1.35kg).

The Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) will provide additional capabilities thanks to planned support for Android apps via the Google PlayTM Store in the coming months.

Students Stay Connected

Students can stay connected to their campus network with the fast dual-band 2×2 MIMO 802.11ac Wi-Fi. The device connects easily to peripherals via Bluetooth 4.0, two USB 3.0 ports and one HDMI port. Students can plug in headphones with the 3.5mm combo audio port. Files can be transferred with the device’s built-in SD card reader.

Sharing and Collaborating

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) supports multiple user sign on to keep each student’s data safe. Students simply log onto their unique accounts to ensure their project, Gmail and other information is kept safe, even if the Chromebook is lost or stolen. Storage on Google Drive protects files, documents, and photos safely in the cloud, and ensures that the most current version is always available. Students can also access files offline, and even open and edit Microsoft® Office documents as well as Google Documents.

Easy to Deploy, Manage, Keep Safe; Backed by Acer Support

The Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) is easy to deploy and manage. IT administrators will find it easy to make updates, configure apps, utilize extensions and policies and more with the web- based management.

Students will stay protected since Chrome OS is automatically updated and guards against ever- changing online threats, such as viruses and malware. The new Acer Chromebook 11 N7 (C731) has a Kensington lock, so it can be secured to a wireless cart or lab.
U.S.-based Acer Premier Care also is provided to U.S. Acer education and business customers purchasing 100+ units. Acer education customers can also take advantage of the Acer Educare Warranty Programs to further protect their investment with solutions such as battery replacement, paid two-way shipping, and accidental damage protection.

Price and Availability

Several models of the new Acer Chromebook 11 N7 – both the C731 with a non-touch display and C731T with an IPS touch screen display – will be available with either 16GB or 32GB eMMC storage and 4GB of RAM. It will be available to education and commercial customers in North America in January with prices starting at $229.99, and in EMEA in February with prices starting at €299.
Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via http://www.acer.com.