Best Electronics in MWC 2019

As Mobile World Congress 2019 ended a couple of days ago, I'm going to discuss the best gadgets and electronics from the show. The following is a list along with summaries and key takeaways.

1. Huawei Mate X

How could I avoid the main talking point of this year's MWC? A week after Samsung reveal of its Galaxy Fold, Huawei has come out with a true contender and a more staggering price tag. But, let's not bogged down on the price just yet and talk specs. This device will sport...

- Kirin 980 processor

- four cameras

- 8-inch screen (2480x2200)

- 512 GB

- 8 GB RAM

- 4,500 mAh battery 

- Balong 5000 5G modem chip. 

Only a 5G version will be offered sometime in the middle of this year and be priced at $2,600. Although there are many doubts surrounding the whole foldable phone idea, I'm still optimistic about the protentional it could bring. Especially the massive screen real estate on such a small footprint and multitasking capabilities that gets me so excited.

2. Microsoft Hololens 2

A more comfortable, intuitive, and visually pleasing follow-up Hololens has been revealed by Microsoft. Major changes in this new generation are as follows.

- Bigger field of view, doubled as before

- More balanced weight, the internals are divided into front and back

- Better hands tracking and intuitive gestures 

- Eye tracking, for logging into the device or usage for apps

For $3,500, it's a major improvement from the last generation. But you won't be buying this anytime soon, and you really shouldn't or can't. This product from the getgo wasn't intended for the consumers, instead, it's for high valued workers who need their hands free but need to access a computer too. Think medical professions, engineers, industrial designers.

3. Energizer P18k Pop

Not sure if this is a power bank with a phone or a phone with a gigantic battery. But this thing is massive. Larger than most power banks in the market, this device is rated at 18,000 mAh (hence the name). Conservatively speaking, this will last 48 hours of continuous video playback or a week of normal use. Equipt with fast charging, but charge time will take 8 hours. Here are the specs:

- Media Tek Helio P70

- 128 GB

- 6 GB RAM

- 6.2 inch LCD

- 2 pop up camera 

- 3 back camera

- 18,000 mAh 

As thick as this may be, there's still no headphone jack. Price and availability will be around $680 starting as early as June 2019.

Every New Features on Note 9 S Pen

Despite the lack of change on the surface for the new Samsung Galaxy Note 9 compared to its predecessor, internal specs have all been upgraded. Other than the 4000 mAh battery, available 1 terabyte storage and 8 GB of RAM, Note 9's new S Pen stylus is definitely one of their key selling points. Now, the new S Pen comes integrated with Bluetooth Low Energy and transforms the mere note-taking accessory into a full-fledged remote control.

Here are all the functions it has right now:

1. Presentations
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 will come pre-loaded with Microsoft apps, and it is a powerful device enough to run a PowerPoint presentation directly from the phone on a larger screen or a projector. With the phone in your pocket, you can single click the S Pen button to advance and double click to reverse to the previous slide.

2. Photos
By default, by holding down the S Pen button launches the camera, single click to take a picture, and double click to flip the camera between front or rear facing. This would be especially convenient such as when taking group photos.

In the gallery, single clicking the S Pen button advances to the next photo and double click to reverse back much like the function in PowerPoint.

3. Video and music streaming
In media apps such as downloaded music, voice recorder, and YouTube, users can single click the S Pen button to either play (record for voice recorder) or pause and double click skips to the next track.

Of course in Samsung fashion, they provide a full range of customization. Users can either enable or disable S Pen functions for specific apps. Also, single click and double click functions can be changed to your desire. And long pressing the S Pen button to launch a certain app can also be changed.

The S Pen with its Bluetooth capabilities can recharge with just 40 seconds and has a half hour battery life. Even without any battery, the S Pen still functions like a regular stylus. It is great to have a peace of mind for users not worrying and managing battery life. Even better, Samsung has announced that the S Pen is open for developers, we'll see what else we can do in the future.

New Samsung Patents for Galaxy Display - Under-screen Fingerprint Sensor, Fully Curved Edges

It's definitely no secret that Samsung has been working on an under-screen fingerprint sensor for some time now, from its original rumors in early 2017 that set to be released on the S8, then later on the Note 8 device. But time has run out. Don't worry, new hopes awakens.

Recently, Samsung has been granted a patent by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which details the multiple layers within the phone display, featuring the fingerprint sensor and three pressure sensors. As the images suggest, the scanner can be used on any part of the phone's screen for a variety of security measures.

Also found in the patents from the WIPO, it shows a 180-degree curved display on the edges that go all the way to the back. Offering a "completely new user experience" and an "improved grip".

Links:

xda-developers.com: Samsung Granted Patent for Under-screen fingerprint Sensor

xda-developers.com: New Samsung Patent Shows a Fully Curved Galaxy Smartphone

Samsung Galaxy S9 Leak - new design, new processor, headphone jack to keep

Just as Apple's iPhone X hit the market and into the consumers' hands, the design of the next flagship Samsung phone, Galaxy S9, has been leaked. The Chinese leaker, Ice universe, tweeted the massive resigned Galaxy S9. Ice universe was also the leak of the Note 8 with a 100% precision. In the picture, it seems like the Galaxy S9 will have a similar look in the front as the S8, which is not a bad thing at all since it already looks much sexier than opponents. In the back of the phone, it will sport a dual camera setup with an easier to reach fingerprint sensor.

Comparing to the iPhone X, not only the fingerprint sensor isn't getting removed, but also the 3.5mm headphone. But sadly, the Galaxy S9 isn't expecting to have a fingerprint sensor integrated into the display. Other leaks suggest the Samsung Galaxy S9 will be the first phone with a Qualcomm  Snapdragon 845 processor; just like the S8, Samsung has a period of exclusivity as they already purchased every bulk of 845 processors. Only time will tell in early next year, this is only a leak.

Read more: 

Forbes - https://goo.gl/VyaaN3

Google Bought HTC's Smartphone Division for $1.1 Billion

Google has finally made it official with the long-rumored purchase from HTC regarding their smartphone division. Both companies have confirmed that the search giant is spending $1.1 billion on HTC's smartphone engineering and patents as well. However, this deal still allows HTC to continue the smartphone path if they choose to, which they are, and scheduled to launch a new smartphone in the near future.

HTC worked for Google's Nexus phones couple years ago and again on this year's Pixel 2. Even though HTC VIVE, their VR division, wasn't part of Google's purchase, but some untrusted rumors suggest that HTC is looking for protentional buyers. I personally think that's totally NOT true, HTC wouldn't and shouldn't give up on VIVE due to their dominance in high-end VR market.

Samsung Galaxy X - Foldable Tablet Received Bluetooth Certification

The long rumored Samsung's foldable tablet, the Galaxy X, has reportedly received certification from Bluetooth Special Interest Group (Bluetooth SIG), the not-for-profit corporation oversees the development and licensing of Bluetooth technology.

Apparently, Galaxy X has the model number SM-G88N0, which strangely doesn't match any of the devices on Samsung's current portfolio or any of the upcoming products either. Earlier, this device has seen passed Wi-Fi certification by running Android 6.0.1 at the time. I hope it has at least Android Nougat by now.

As of this moment, the Samsung Galaxy X has certifications for Bluetooth 4.2 (unclear whether it will have support for Bluetooth 5.0) and Wi-Fi. But, we still have to wait for a while unstill Galaxy X hits the mainstream market.

Lenovo has showcased its foldable tablet concept multiple times but never talked about bringing it to market.

Samsung Patent Shows Smartwatch with Camera in the Center of Display

Last November, Samsung filed a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for a smartwatch with camera in its center. In this published yet only recently picked-up patent, it appears that the watch's camera would be built directly into its display and features an optical zoom.

Similarly to the quick access apps on Samsung's Edge panel, the smartwatch makes use of a wristband display with controls to open things like Settings, Gallery, Email, Music, and Alarms. Bizarre ideas, but with Samsung's release of its foldable display technology in the near future, this wristband could definitely be seen. However, as always, patients aren't proof of actual product development. And this type of design has no guarantee that will reach commercial availability. 

Nokia To-be-released Flagship Smartphone in 2017 - Nokia 9 Leaks

In recent leaks, some of the important specifications for the long rumored Nokia 9 smartphone have been surfaced. It appears that Nokia's flagship smartphone is already in the works, and it is set to launch sometime later this year.

The device reportedly going to be a part of the second batch of devices the company plans to launch. In the leak, Nokia 9 will have a 5.3-inch QHD display, along with 530 nits measured brightness. Much like Samsung's Galaxy S8, Nokia 9 will apparently have the Always-On Display feature as well as Snapdragon 835 processor chip from Qualcomm. Lastly, it is expected to have 4GB of RAM memory and 64GB of storage.

For the camera, the Nokia 9 is expected to have a 13 Megapixel dual-camera set up on the back and a similar camera on the front. Laser auto-focus is also expected as well. Moving on to the software, the Nokia 9, like other recent Nokia devices, should run on Android 7.1.1 Nougat with a custom launcher on top of it.

The Nokia 9 is expected to be priced around $700 and will support Qualcomm's Quick Charge 3.0.

Top 5 Features of the Samsung Galaxy S8

Hi there,

Samsung recently launched the long anticipated flagship, Galaxy S8, on Wednesday, March 29th. It has significantly changed their design from the previous model, the Galaxy S7. Here are some new features that I am most excited about

1. 10 nm processor 

Samsung didn't specify the 10 nm processor, it going to be either the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip or Samsung's own Exynos 8895 depending on region. Samsung claims the new chips will have a 10% CPU and 21% GPU boost from the last generation.

2. 5.8 / 6.2-inch display 

With a bigger display, cool slim black bezzles, and edge sides, watching videos or movies will be on a whole different level. I personally think 6.2-inch display is too large to handle, 5.8 is already big enough. 

3. Iris-scanner 

This technology will be Samsung's second time to put it on their device, the last one was the Note 7. With the iris scanning along with many other features, Note 7 was named the best smartphone of 2016 by many reputable reviewers. If you are wondering of falsifying other's identity, think no more, this can't be tricked by a photo.

4. Bixby

Bixby is the new AI assistant developed by Samsung, however, Galaxy S8 will also come with Google Assistant. These two AI assistants are supposed to work together and fill out each other's drawbacks. Which a lot of people are confused, and think Bixby is replacing Google Assistant. 

Bixby will have a more conversation based experience, it tracks user's health progress, interested news and so on. You can take a picture and Bixby can search it on Amazon. Bixby is still in early stages, not many details have been revealed. 

For me, I type faster than I speak, so I rarely use AI assistants. This is why Bixby is way down in 4th place on this list. Galaxy S8 even has a dedicated button for Bixby under the volume buttons, it better can change to other purposes, because I wouldn't use it a lot.

5. USB Type C

USB-C isn't anything new in the Android market, but it is the first in the Galaxy line. What more can I say? Reversible plug in with Qualcomm Quick charge will definitely make your life much easier. 

Samsung or Qualcomm haven't given any information on Quick charge. The latest Quick charge version is supposed to debut on the Galaxy S8, Qualcomm claims 5 minutes of charge will bring 5 hours of use late last year. I really hope it is true, and it will be on the Galaxy S8. Older version of Quick charge took 30 minutes to get 80% of the battery, already miles faster than Apple's Lighting, OnePlus's Dash. 

Other Features:

• Bluetooth 5.0 - better connection, longer range, connect with multiple devices.
• Facial recognition - fastest unlock, can be tricked by a photo
• On screen keys - with tactile feedback acts like a physical button, cool design

Cool New App

A new Android app I discovered last week is called Donald Draws. This recently launched app quickly caught lots of attention on the Android side, because this app is Android exclusive for now. The creator haven't conformed any announcement on Apple's App store.

Donald Draws Executive Doodle is a GIF creator with Donald Trump holding an open, blank U.S. executive order folder facing the cameras. Users can either add photos, draw or type texts on the folder. Check out some of the funny photos below to get a better understanding of this app.

Check out Donald Draws Executive Doodle in Google Play 
For much more examples, check out their twitter page.

If you enjoyed this blog, make sure to share this on social media. I would greatly appreciate it. 

Samsung Galaxy S8 May Come Sooner

If you have been on the internet recently, you probably the battery problem with Samsung's Note 7. It got many more publicity in the news, especially in the North America, because (lets be real) news medias in North America doesn't give a shit about Samsung; in contrast they basically give out free advertisements for Apple when ever they launch a new device.

But you are not here to look at my complains.

Ok, moving on. People have been making jokes on Samsung phones like, "Is that phone is going to explode?" So Samsung is trying to turn around the bad situation and gain back it's reputation. There are plenty of rumors that suggests Samsung might be releasing the S8 sooner than their typical time line.

Insiders reported that the new model numbers for the Galaxy S8 are SM-G950 and the SM-G955. Also One of the Models will be smaller screen, the other larger, similar to the S7 and S7 Edge, but both phones might have Edge displays. Internally, they are reportedly going by the codenames Dream and Dream2.

What is Samsung trying to here is to cover the negative news on the Note 7 s by releasing the next new flagship. However, from a Samsung enthusiast, I don't want Samsung rushing out their new Galaxy phone. This might result to more problems that will certainly damage the company. But if they are truly ready, releasing the S8 early is a great strategy.





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More information: http://www.androidauthority.com/samsung-galaxy-s8-sm-950-955-716419/

Here is a nice video reviewing Android Nougat

Marques Brownlee, aka "MKBHD" on YouTube posted a in depth review on Android Nougat. He touched on and demonstrated many cool new features about the new operating software update on Android with his Nexus 6P. For more detailed information on this topic you can check out an article by Android Authority here: http://www.androidauthority.com/android-7-0-features-673002/

Top Android Nougat Features

Android Nougat starts to roll out this week, only certain Nexus devices will get this update in this week. You can learn more about the release here. Google's new version of Android comes with over 250 new features. Some are changes for faster performance, while others that you can immediately notice them. There are plenty of new tricks on the software that I highly recommend trying out as soon as possible.

Split Screen Apps 

Google is finally bringing out the most recognizable feature from Samsung Galaxy phones. Now with the split screen feature, you can view and operate two apps at the same time. I am using a Samsung S6 now, sometimes, I watch YouTube videos and check my Facebook simultaneously. While using this feature, you can also read an Email and reply to a text. Most third-party apps will be supporting split screen, but I doubt games will be supporting.

Easier APP Switching 

In the new version of Android, you'll be able to jump between two apps you have used recently by double tapping the recent apps button, which is located on the bottom right except for Samsung devices. This short cut eliminates the need to navigate back to home screen, making it easier to get stuff done.

More Emoji

Google is delivering 72 more emojis with Nougat, more skin tones, redesigned people's icon, new foods and more. The multi-skin tones are really pointless, I think the original, bright yellow, is a really great neutral color between various skin tones among out society.

Android 7.0 Nougat Released

After Google's five months of beta program testing and it's officially releasing the Android 7.0 Nougat. Google will start rolling out the operating system to selected Nexus devices, including the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Nexus 6 ETC. The Nexus 5 and 7 (2013) are not eligible for the update.

The first new device with the Nougat installed will be the LG V20. Galaxy Note7 should receive an update in the next 2-3 months. HTC phones from this year and last year will be getting this update as well, but they have not verify the date of the release.