Why I dropped the Moto X 2014 as my daily driver
It was October 2014, and I had just dumped Sprint as my carrier because it was time to cut down on expenses. My wife had just retired because of a medical condition, and we needed a cheaper plan. At the time, I had 3 phones: The Galaxy Note 3, the LG G-Flex, and the HTC One M8. These phones were on unlimited plans, but the bill was around 600 dollars a month.
So after a few days of looking around, I found a special with Verizon. The Moto X 2014 was fairly cheap, new to the market, and I thought Motorola had a great reputation, so I bought two for me and my wife.
I was a very happy camper for about two months. Then, I got the lollipop update, and things started to get worse. If I were a light or average user on a smartphone, I could probably have gotten by with the dramatically decreased battery life. However, I use my phone for everything. I talk, text, research, and write articles while using my Moto X. My point is, the battery simply cannot keep up. Unsupported, I could only get about 3 hours of screen on time.
Another problem was that I bought the 16 gig model. Once you put in three or four applications that are of decent size, you’re out of usable space. I have several movies and games that couldn’t fit on the hard drive. That was my fault, but the combination of the two problems got to be too much to handle. Clearly, something had to change.
So I bought a battery case, thinking that should at least make it much easier to deal with. It didn’t work out the way I hoped. The battery case only added about two hours of screen on time until both the phone, and the battery case were out of power, and I was eager to find a wall outlet before my phone was dead. The case was also supposed to support USB on the go memory, however, that feature wasn’t supported by the handset.
I enjoy the Moto X 2014, heck I’m sure that most people do as well. The phone itself is really well made. Aside from certain issues with lollipop I never had a problem that made the phone reset. It’s a good deal.. for someone else.
I decided to go back to HTC and use the One M8. I never had any problems with the M8. The software is really fast and efficient to use. The memory on my phone is a 32 gig model so I won’t run short of memory unless I choose to. I hate to say this, but Blink feed is a very good feature of Sence 6, and vastly improved in Sence 7. Last, but certainly not least, is that the battery is bigger than the Moto-X 2014. I’m sorry, but at the end of the day, I need the power and efficiency that comes with the M8.
I may not be the only person who has made this decision. I’m just one of the few who has a platform to complain, and then write about it. I have nothing against Motorola, and if the next handset improves the issues that I outline here, I would consider going back. However, for now I will be ready to use the HTC One M8 for the next year or so.
The post Why I dropped the Moto X 2014 as my daily driver appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC confirms Android M support for One M9 models
HTC representative Jeff Gordon took to twitter to confirm the One M9 and the One M9+ would receive Android M support. It should not come as much of a surprise given the devices are only a few months old and already run the most current versions of Android available.
Android M, announced at Google I/O yesterday, is now available in a developer preview release. The official build will likely debut some time in the third quarter of the year.
HTC was quick to pledge support for Android L last year, even going to far as to promise an expected timetable. Although HTC would miss its self-imposed mark by a short window it was able to deliver Android 5.0 updates to a number of models within the first few months of general availability.
We might look for HTC to make a more formal blanket statement regarding Android M down the road. It stands to reason that the One M8 and other models will be in line to receive the release once it’s available.
The post HTC confirms Android M support for One M9 models appeared first on AndroidGuys.
HTC releases kernel sources for One M7 and M8 Google Play Editions
HTC has released the kernel sources for Android 5.1 on both the One M7 and One M8 Google Play Edition. This comes just a month after releasing the update for the two devices.
The HTC One M7 release sits at version 6.04.1700.6 while its bigger brother, the One M8 shows a 4.04.1700.6 version. What does this mean for you? Well, if your just an average user, it means absolutely nothing.
On the other hand, developers will be excited to get the kernel sources for these devices, as it’ll help developers bring better custom software to the device. For example, if for some reason HTC refused to put Android M on their two Google Play Edition phones, the kernel sources would help developers get that on there for those who are comfortable flashing ROMs.
You can get the two kernel source codes by hitting the source link below.
source: HTC Dev
Come comment on this article: HTC releases kernel sources for One M7 and M8 Google Play Editions
HTC’s WF5w smartphone looks to be their thinnest device yet
A new HTC device was certified in China with the model number WF5w. This phone obviously isn’t official, but the Chinese certification page lists the physical dimensions at just 152 grams and 7.49 mm thin. That bests HTC’s current thinnest smartphone, the E9+, by a small margin.
The phone reportedly runs Android 5.0.2 with a 5.5-inch, 720p display. There’s an octa-core processor on board, 2 GB of RAM, 13 megapixel front and rear cameras, and 16 GB of internal storage with an SD card slot. The phone isn’t bad by any stretch, but it’s clear the thinness will be the most unique feature here.
The radios in the device indicate this particular model will only be seen in China, but HTC has been known to release international variants of their devices, so there’s still a chance we’ll see this more readily available. The phone will probably end up falling into the Desire line, but we’ll know more once HTC makes it official.
source: TENAA
via: Phone Arena
Come comment on this article: HTC’s WF5w smartphone looks to be their thinnest device yet
DxOMark tests the One M9 camera, and the results are not pretty
Reviewers mostly agree: the One M9 is a great smartphone dragged down by a sub-par camera experience. Worse, the same could be said about the last year’s One M8, meaning that HTC failed to fix the one glaring issue holding back its flagship line. But just how bad is the One M9’s camera problem? DxOMark, the respected photography resource, weighed in, and its assessment won’t make HTC happy.
The One M9 ranks the 22nd in DxOMark’s mobile rankings, behind the Amazon Fire Phone, the iPhone 4S, and the Galaxy S3. With a score of 69, the One M9 barely manages to outrank the One M8, which scored 68 points. Even more worrying, the One M9 is miles behind the competition: the Galaxy S6/Edge ranks first (86), followed by the Note 4 (83), iPhone 6/Plus (82), and the Galaxy S5 and Xperia Z3 (both 79).
DxOMark notes that the One M9 does well in bright light, but points were deducted for color oversaturation in low light, inaccurate white balance, loss of sharpness at image corners, as well as strong ringing and fringing. The One M9 does worse in video (just 61), with cons including the lack of stabilization, detail loss, and color oversaturation.
There you have it – a more or less objective look at how the One M9 compares to its peers in terms of imaging.
With this said, just because DxOMark (or any other reviewer) ranked the One M9 camera poorly, it doesn’t mean you won’t like it. Your expectations and standards probably differ and you may not care about stuff like video stabilization or white balance. So our best advice is to try to test the One M9 before making a decision.
Android Authority this week – May 24, 2015
Android fans, Google I/O is coming next week and we’re just excited as you are for all the Googley goodies coming our way! The past week brought us some glimpses of what’s coming, including details about Google’s new Android-based Internet of Things operating system codenamed Brillo; in other news, Asus introduced the affordable Zenfone 2 in the US; LG launched the G4 Stylus and G4c; we heard about Google’s plans to build fingerprint sensor support into Android M; Oppo launched the sleek R7 and R7 Plus; we heard rumors about HTC’s low-cost tablet; and got our first glimpse of the Iron Man edition of the Galaxy S6 Edge.
Inside AA HQ
Please join the AA team in welcoming Phil Vierno onboard! A mechanical engineer IRL, Phil is passionate about New York City, coffee, and fitness. But what’s he’s truly crazy about is creating awesome videos about mobile tech. Phil’s first video on AA is a review of the Oppo R1x, and many more will hopefully follow.
This week Darcy and Josh visited Beijing, China for the launch of the Oppo R7 and R7 Plus. Check out our coverage, including one of the few hands-on video impressions of the R7 and R7 Plus.
Next week is all about Google I/O. In the past, the annual festival of all things Google has brought us new devices, major upgrades to Google apps, and most recently, a preview edition of Android Lollipop. With Android M (Marshmallow? Muffin?) all but confirmed, we can’t wait for the obligatory surprise. As usual, AA will be on the ground at Moscone Center in San Francisco. More later this week!
We’re giving away another Samsung Galaxy S6 this week! Get your raffle tickets from here and good luck!
Android Authority Podcast
The stuff you shouldn’t miss
- Feature: What makes a perfect smartphone? AA readers’ answers here!
- Feature: Simon ponders on the features that could (or should) be part of Android M
- Feature: In his posh British accent, Gary explains VR and the role that Android plays in its growth
- Opinion: Andrew muses on the merits of Motorola’s smartphone design philosophy
- For developers: Obaro has a primer on what Google I/O bring for Android app developers
- Review: Phil looks at the mid-range Oppo R1x and comes out moderately impressed
Top news of the week
And here are the top news in the Android world this week:
Zenfone 2 lands stateside
- Asus ZenFone 2 hits U.S. retailers tomorrow, starting at $199
- Ahead of tomorrow’s U.S. launch, Amazon is now selling the ZenFone 2 starting at $199
LG G4 Stylus and G4c are
Google IO/Android M rumors
- Google will reportedly launch its photo sharing service sometime soon
- Android M may feature native fingerprint authentication
- Report: Google will show off new Internet of Things platform at I/O, code-named Brillo
Meet the Oppo R7/R7 Plus
- Oppo R7 and R7 Plus launch: specs, features, and availability
- Oppo R7 hands-on and first impressions
- Oppo R7 Plus hands-on and first look
Google apps updates
- Google Maps is getting new traffic alerts just in time for Memorial Day
- Hangouts for Chrome updated with much more refined UI
- Google brings 60fps live streams to YouTube
HTC tablet rumors
An Iron Man-worthy Galaxy S6 Edge
Sound off
We always want to hear your feedback. Whether it’s criticism or praise, feel free to tell us what you think about Android Authority’s content, design, and community. Comment here or get in touch with us on our social channels:
Happy Sunday!
HTC Mail app reaches the Play Store for better future updates
HTC’s stock mail application has now made its way to the Google Play Store, making it easier for the company to update it whenever necessary. This follows a long list of HTC apps such as BlinkFeed, Gallery etc that are already available in the Play Store.
In the past, HTC had to update the entire system to bring changes to these applications. But by making them separate from the system, the company can ensure that updates are sent in periodically even though the system isn’t updated.
The Mail app is compatible with a wide range of Sense UI running smartphones (Android 5.0 or higher) and is exclusive to HTC devices.
Come comment on this article: HTC Mail app reaches the Play Store for better future updates
HTC One M9 droptest gets a bit crazy, host brings in a flamethrower
A typical drop test generally involves tossing the phone a few different ways, while checking out the level of damage seen in between each drop. For the website Digiato, however, drop test apparently means dropping it a few times and then lighting it on fire.
The extreme drop test starts out normally enough, but after three drops are complete, the video’s host takes 700-degree fire to the One M9’s metallic body via a flamethrower. It’s pretty much a given that the phone didn’t survive the fiery hell unleashed upon it, but it actually lasted for an impressive amount of time before the display went black.
Obviously drop tests of any nature don’t really prove anything and are more about chance than actual device durability, but when you add an extra torture method to it like a flamethrower it can be admittedly kind of fun (or painful) to watch.
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What did you think, were you impressed by how well the One M9 fared before finally dying, considering the extreme torture it underwent?
Rumour: HTC to cut component orders for One M9 by 30%
While Samsung decided to push the boat out with its Galaxy S6 and S6 edge smartphones in terms of design and construction materials, HTC were content to rely on the same formula that saw its One M8 and One M7 smartphones garner well-deserved awards and praise. Unsurprisingly to some (although not to Rob), it would seem that HTC’s apparent complacency when it came to the design of the One M9, is coming home to roost.
At least, this is according to reports emanating from HTC’s supply chain in Taiwan. These sources say that HTC will cut its component orders by as much as 30% due to lower-than-expected sales of the M9 smartphone. Despite HTC releasing numerous other handsets loosely based on the M9 such as the M9+, it remains to be seen whether the lost sales can be made up. The added competition from Chinese handset makers such as Lenovo, Huawei, Oppo and Xiaomi among others means that HTC is experiencing added pressure in its traditional markets.
Surprisingly, HTC has decided against releasing a Mini version of the M9. Let’s hope that the complacency seen with the launch of the M9 is a mere blip on the horizon, and that HTC sorts its sales strategy out once more or we might see the Taiwanese manufacturer experience the sort of financial woes we did just a couple of years ago.
Source: DigiTimes
Come comment on this article: Rumour: HTC to cut component orders for One M9 by 30%
HTC’s rumoured 7-inch H7 tablet gets spotted with Quad-core CPU and Dual-SIM support
If you discount manufacturing the Nexus 9 tablet for Google, HTC has been out of the tablet market for quite a while, with its last offerings being the JetStream and Flyer devices. Thanks to a recent tumour and today’s spotting of the HTC H7 tablet on India’s import-export database, Zauba, it seems that HTC are gearing up to re-enter the tablet market before the end of the second quarter.
The listing states that seven H7 tablet devices were shipped to India for testing. It even reveals the basic specifications of the tablet:
- 7-Inch display
- 1.2GHz Quad-core processor
- 1GB RAM
- 16GB Internal storage
- Dual-SIM
Interestingly, the H7 will support Dual-SIM’s which is somewhat unusual for tablets, even in India where it is a common feature for smartphones. The listing says that the tablets are worth INR 9,565, around $150. As you can probably tell from the specifications, the H7 tablet appears to be headed for the budget segment. I’m sure that it won’t be long until we an image of the H7 tablet leaks, or until HTC themselves make an announcement.
Source: Zauba
Via: PhoneArena
Come comment on this article: HTC’s rumoured 7-inch H7 tablet gets spotted with Quad-core CPU and Dual-SIM support
AIVAnet 