Virtual Content Has No Border

Category: Tech Gadgets

Why Samsung and Google Should Offer Foldable Phone Rentals!

People find foldable phones fascinating. They offer a tablet-sized display that can run two apps at once and then be folded and put in your pocket. This seems like the future of productivity that we want. But these phones are also very expensive, too expensive for us. We can’t justify spending $1,800 or even more in Europe for a Google Pixel Fold or Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 just to see if they’re worth it.

We have read comparisons between the Pixel Fold and Galaxy Z Fold 5, but we still not sure which one to choose. Many are used to Google’s first-gen product issues, so we are cautious. Do we need to prioritize the camera like on a regular phone, or focus on productivity? It’s a tough decision.

To really know if these phones are right for us, we wish we could test them properly. Not just in a store for a couple of minutes, but to rent and use them for a week or two. many want to experience their strengths and weaknesses before making a decision.

Foldables are new and expensive. YouTube videos and reviews can’t tell us how they’ll work for us personally. We trust reviews, but this is a different experience. We are undecided because we don’t want to waste money. We haven’t bought a foldable in five years.

Other industries have rental or trial programs. many can pay a small fee to test a product for a short time in your daily life. You can see how it really fits your needs. Samsung and Google could benefit from offering this for foldables.

Many would love to rent an open-box Pixel Fold or Z Fold 5 for a week or two for a reasonable fee. If we like it, Wr would buy a new one. If not, we would not return it. This would be better than buying and returning within 30 days. Official rental programs would be better than third-party options.

An official rental program for foldables makes sense. It’s better than Samsung’s marketing ploy of showing iPhones as foldables. It would help undecided buyers like us. Samsung and Google could gain more customers by giving us a chance to test these phones properly.

August 27, 2023
The Evolution of Dumbphones: Best Picks for 2023

In the world of phones, there’s a niche that’s gaining attention – the world of dumbphones. These are phones that don’t demand your constant attention or contribute to digital habits. Over the past year or two, the landscape of dumbphones has evolved significantly. While some popular options are fading away due to changing networks, new and modern choices have emerged, ranging from affordable to luxurious.

Jose Briones, the author of “Low Tech Life: A Guide to Mindful Digital Minimalism,” recently shared insights on the current range of dumbphones. He discussed his findings both in a YouTube video and on the dumphones subreddit. One standout in this category is the TCL Flip 2, which offers an incredibly budget-friendly option compared to premium smartphones.

Priced at only $20, the TCL Flip 2 provides an incredible value for those seeking a basic phone experience with a few extras. The phone is customizable and has the capability to install apps like WhatsApp, Signal, and Spotify if you follow the provided guide. What’s impressive is not only the affordability but also the phone’s compatibility with most major carriers in the US and potentially even beyond, if you manage to find an unlocked version.

However, there’s one specific recommendation that deserves attention – the Cat S22 flip phone, which I impulsively purchased and have been experimenting with. This phone, available on Amazon, has recently been discounted to $67 and comes unlocked. It strikes a balance between being too basic to get lost in and being smart enough to support functional apps when needed.

The phone market is diverse, catering to a wide range of preferences. Dumbphones offer a refreshing alternative to the constant stream of notifications and digital noise that we often find ourselves immersed in. Whether it’s the budget-friendly TCL Flip 2 or the versatile Cat S22 flip phone, these options provide a chance to simplify our digital experience while still staying connected when necessary. As technology continues to evolve, it’s worth exploring the world of dumbphones and considering how they can enhance your relationship with technology.

August 27, 2023
Galaxy Z Fold 5: Get Latest Foldable Smartphone with $120 Discount!

The latest flagship foldable smartphone from Samsung, the Galaxy Z Fold 5, is currently on sale with a discount of $120 directly from Samsung. This discount takes the form of a free storage upgrade, boosting the storage capacity from 256GB to 512 GB. Instead of the original price of $1,920, you’ll only need to pay $1,800. However, please note that this price reduction is applicable to only two color choices: Phantom Black and Icy Blue. If you’re content with these color options, now might be the perfect time to take advantage of this special offer, but act quickly as the expiration date of this deal is uncertain.

The Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 made its debut just a few weeks ago, capturing significant attention following its highly anticipated unveiling at the Samsung Galaxy Unpacked event last month. This foldable phone has already gained recognition as the top choice in our collection of the best phones, primarily due to the impressive improvements it brings over its predecessor.

When comparing the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 4, several enhancements in the new model stand out. These upgrades include a sleeker and lighter design, an innovative Flex Hinge mechanism allowing the device to fully close, a swifter Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and enhanced battery efficiency.

Key features of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 encompass its sizable 7.6-inch primary screen and a 6.2-inch cover screen, both featuring AMOLED 2X displays capable of reaching refresh rates of 120Hz. Additionally, the phone boasts an IPX8 water resistance rating and runs on Android 13 with Samsung’s pre-installed OneUI 5.1.1 interface. In the camera department, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 boasts a 50MP primary camera, a 12MP wide-angle camera, a 10MP telephoto camera, a 10MP cover screen camera, and even a 4MP under-display camera.

This month’s unexpected phone deal highlights the 512GB variant of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 available for $1,800 directly from Samsung. This pricing matches the cost of its 256GB model, offering substantial savings of $120. Notably, this discount applies exclusively to the Phantom Black and Icy Blue color selections, which are popular choices for this foldable smartphone. It’s advisable to take prompt action on this offer, as it’s anticipated that the availability of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5 at this reduced price won’t last for long.

August 27, 2023
Revolutionizing Foldable Phone Photography: OPPO Find N3 Flip’s Innovative Portrait Camera

OPPO is known for its innovative smartphones, and the upcoming OPPO Find N3 Flip is no exception. Set to be officially released on August 29, this foldable phone is making waves with its revolutionary addition – a professional portrait camera.

OPPO is taking portrait photography to new heights with the Find N3 Flip, aiming to set a new standard for small foldable phone cameras. This unique camera, which claims to be the world’s first of its kind, is a standout feature of the Find N3 Flip, promising to redefine portrait photography on a foldable device.

One of the key features of this camera is its golden portrait focal length. This, combined with the distinct design of the small-folded shape, offers photographers more creative options for capturing stunning portrait shots. OPPO has already given a glimpse of the camera’s capabilities by sharing sample images taken with the Find N3 Flip.

What sets this camera apart is its ability to create a natural bokeh effect that seamlessly blends subjects with their surroundings. Unlike traditional methods that can make portraits feel artificial, OPPO’s innovation captures scenes in a way that mimics how our eyes perceive the world. The result is immersive images where subjects merge harmoniously with their environments.

However, the OPPO Find N3 Flip doesn’t only excel in the camera department. It inherits the exceptional imaging technology of the Find X6 series, delivering top-tier results even in its compact foldable design. This is achieved through advanced technologies like the Ultra Light Shadow Image Engine, which fine-tunes light, shadow, color, and details through intricate calculations. The outcome is impressive: portraits with natural lighting, three-dimensional features, vivid details, and a bokeh effect that rivals traditional optical cameras.

As we count down to the official release of the OPPO Find N3 Flip, excitement is building for the debut of this game-changing device. With its pioneering portrait camera and the promise of unparalleled imaging capabilities, OPPO is about to redefine foldable phone photography. Mark your calendars for August 29, when this innovative device takes center stage alongside the new Watch 4 Pro.

August 27, 2023
Sony’s VR2 Headset: Next-Level Immersive Gaming Experience!

Sony has launched a new Virtual Reality (VR) headset for their PlayStation gaming system. This exciting headset was set to be introduced in 2023, and it comes with some interesting features that gamers will love.

PlayStation gamers from all around the world had been eagerly waiting for this new VR headset. Sony shared a lot of information about the headset’s specifications, giving gamers a glimpse of what to expect.

One standout feature of Sony’s new VR headset is its ability to provide stunning 4K resolution visuals. It’s also designed to maintain a refresh rate of 120 Hz, which means that the images will be very smooth and lifelike. Gamers will also have a wide field of view, around 110 degrees, which will make them feel more immersed in the virtual worlds they explore.

To use the headset, gamers will need to connect it to their PlayStation using a USB C cable. This new VR2 headset will come with support for about 20 games right from the start. Popular games like Horizon and Resident Evil Village will fully support this VR experience.

Sony has thought about everything when it comes to enhancing the VR2 headset. It’s equipped with a built-in camera that helps with motion tracking, making the gaming experience even more interactive. Gamers will also be pleased to know that they’ll be able to hear the sounds of their surroundings clearly, even when they’re wearing the headset. Plus, they can even share their gameplay with others by broadcasting specific games.

If you’re lucky enough to own a PlayStation 5 console, you’ll be able to take full advantage of the special features that it offers, such as the Adaptive Trigger and Haptic Feedback. These features will enhance the gaming experience when using the VR2 headset.

As of now, Sony hasn’t revealed the price of the headset, but with all these exciting features, it’s sure to be a hot topic of discussion among gamers. The wait for this new VR experience is almost over, and soon players will be able to dive into virtual worlds like never before.

August 25, 2023
Nokia Introduces Clever Corteca Software for Better Home Internet

Nokia has introduced a new software called Corteca, designed to improve internet connections at home. This software is clever and works in the cloud as well as at your home. It helps internet providers make customers happier, earn more money, and save on costs.

Nokia’s new software also comes with a store full of apps that can make money, and it works together with other software makers. Nokia is the first company to offer this solution using open-source software and industry rules. This solution is great for working with different brands of equipment.

This software package has three main parts: a smart controller that works in the cloud (Corteca Cloud), a place where you can get different apps (Corteca Applications), and software for devices like routers and Wi-Fi extenders (Corteca Device Software). It’s important to note that Nokia had already created a Wi-Fi Cloud Controller before, so the new part of this announcement is the app store.

Nokia has been working on Corteca for a while because they know that Wi-Fi can sometimes be slow and frustrating. The app store in Corteca will let internet providers earn more money from their networks by offering new services like better gaming, parental controls for kids, firewalls to protect from online threats, VPNs for security, and SD-WAN solutions for businesses.

Ever ever since it was started using Nokia Beacons, people’s home Wi-Fi has been really good, solving all the problems. we wish more people could get Nokia beacons too. When you look at the graphics and features of Corteca, the Nokia Pure design style that accidentally came out in March 2023 fits really well.

August 24, 2023
Samsung’s Smart City: Behind-the-Scenes Look at Smartphone Manufacturing

Twice a year, Samsung unveils its latest devices at Galaxy Unpacked, showcasing years of research and development that goes into creating innovative gadgets. While we rarely get a glimpse into the manufacturing process, I recently had the unique opportunity to tour Samsung’s “Smart City,” where they build devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5. Join me on this journey as we delve into the impressive world of smartphone production.

Touring smartphone manufacturing facilities is a rarity, and I was excited to get a firsthand look at how these devices come to life. While I’ve had the chance to visit similar facilities before, this time, I was better prepared with notes and an eager attitude to learn. Let’s explore the incredible processes that enable Samsung to pack so much technology into our pocket-sized devices.

Located in Gumi, a city southeast of Seoul in South Korea, Samsung’s Smart City is a hub of industrial activity. Spread over a significant area, it accommodates multiple campuses, dormitories, a hospital, a school, and various centers for employees. It’s here that Samsung conducts extensive research and development to optimize their manufacturing and assembly processes. With a staggering 6 billion smartphones produced globally across all its factories, Smart City plays a pivotal role in Samsung’s innovation.

The journey through Smart City begins with a walk down memory lane in Samsung’s smartphone museum. Here, a variety of iconic devices, such as the first Galaxy S and the groundbreaking Galaxy Edge, are showcased. An entire room is dedicated to displaying every smartphone model Samsung has ever made, giving an impressive overview of the company’s evolution in mobile technology. As a tech enthusiast, seeing all these devices in one place was truly awe-inspiring.

Our tour took us to a room where cross-sections of the Galaxy Z Fold 5 and Galaxy Z Flip 5 were on display. Each part was meticulously arranged to reveal how components are stacked inside these innovative devices. This served as a sneak peek of what we’d witness later on the assembly line.

The heart of the manufacturing process lies in the assembly line. In Samsung’s Gumi facility, 25 assembly lines work in harmony, with 16 currently operational. These lines not only produce Samsung’s own devices but also cater to other OEMs, highlighting the company’s prowess in contract manufacturing. Walking between two assembly lines assembling the Galaxy S23 Ultra and Galaxy Z Fold 5, I gained a deep appreciation for the complexity and precision involved.

Assembled devices undergo rigorous testing, with various robots conducting inspections. Water resistance tests involve air expansion within the device, while camera parallax correction ensures optimal photo alignment. A low failure rate of 0.7% showcases the quality of Samsung’s manufacturing. While automation has streamlined much of the process, the final packing step still relies on manual labor.

Samsung is on the path to full automation, with plans to automate the entire assembly process by year-end. Despite advancements, certain steps still require human touch. Notably, packing and labeling are steps yet to be fully automated. Still, Samsung’s commitment to automation and optimization is evident in the advanced machinery and robotics employed.

A highlight of the tour was the automation testing lab, where devices are subjected to various conditions and simulations. From accelerated aging to Bluetooth connectivity tests, Samsung’s dedication to real-world scenarios is impressive. Their innovative software tie-ins enhance the testing experience, ensuring devices perform exceptionally even under demanding conditions.

Touring Samsung’s Smart City offered a rare glimpse into the evolution of smartphones. From manufacturing techniques to testing procedures, I witnessed the dedication to innovation that drives Samsung forward. The meticulous attention to detail, commitment to quality, and ongoing pursuit of automation are all evident in the devices that end up in our pockets and on our wrists.

source: androidcentral

August 23, 2023
USB-C Phone Accessories for 2023: Enhance Your Smartphone Experience

The era of USB-C has arrived, bringing with it a wave of versatile and efficient accessories to complement your smartphone. Gone are the days of multiple USB connectors; USB-C has become the standard for most modern smartphones, including the best models on the market. Let’s delve into the realm of the best USB-C phone accessories that can elevate your mobile experience.

USB technology has come a long way since its inception in the ’90s. With the emergence of USB-C, a transformation has taken place over the past few years. With the exception of Apple, almost every smartphone on our list of best devices features USB-C connectivity. Let’s explore the realm of USB-C phone accessories that can amplify your smartphone usage.

Gone are the days of juggling between various USB connectors like microUSB, Mini USB, and more. The universal adoption of USB-C has simplified the landscape. Beyond its role in charging, USB-C offers a plethora of possibilities. Here, we’ve compiled a list of 10 exceptional USB-C accessories that can seamlessly integrate with your smartphone.

USB-C isn’t a new USB standard; instead, it’s the latest type of USB connector that has revolutionized the tech industry. Its reversible design sets USB-C apart, allowing for easy plug-in regardless of orientation. Moreover, USB-C cables support bidirectional charging, meaning your smartphone can charge a peripheral device and vice versa.

While USB-C itself isn’t inherently faster than previous USB versions, most USB-C cables are equipped with USB 3.1 technology, offering twice the speed of USB 3.0. The introduction of USB 4 has further elevated the capabilities of USB-C.

USB-C isn’t limited to charging; it also supports concurrent power and video transfer. Recent advancements have enabled audio transmission as well. Furthermore, USB-C seamlessly integrates with high-speed data connectivity standards like Thunderbolt 3 and 4, enabling the use of large 4K screens for power and display purposes.

Universal USB-C Desktop Charging Dock
Enhance your device’s functionality with a charging dock that accommodates any USB-C-equipped device. This dock facilitates simultaneous charging and data sync, making the most of USB-C’s capabilities.

Anker PowerCore+ 20100 USB-C
Experience rapid charging with Anker’s PowerCore+. This power bank boasts a high-capacity 20,100mAh cell, ensuring multiple charges for your smartphone.

USB-C to Micro-USB Adapter
This small but essential adapter allows you to connect microUSB devices to your USB-C-enabled gear. It supports USB OTG technology and offers rapid charging and data transfer rates.

USB-C Car Charger
Upgrade your car charging experience with a USB-C car charger that plugs into your vehicle’s 12V port. Equipped with both USB-C and USB-A outputs, it even features a built-in 3000mAh battery for backup charging.

Kanex USB-C to HDMI 4K Adapter
Easily project your content on a 4K screen using this straightforward adapter. Just plug it into your USB-C port and connect it to a display via HDMI for an enhanced visual experience.

As USB-C becomes the standard, embracing its versatility is essential. From charging to data transfer and audio/video capabilities, USB-C phone accessories have unlocked new dimensions of smartphone usage. Whether you’re looking to charge on the go, connect peripherals, or enhance your multimedia experience, USB-C accessories are here to transform the way you interact with your smartphone.

August 22, 2023
Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Titanium Frame: A Bold Move or a Safe Evolution?

Samsung’s upcoming flagship phone lineup, the Galaxy S24 series, has been generating a lot of buzz lately, despite the fact that there are still several months to go before the official reveal. In a recent leak, attention was drawn to the rumored titanium frame of the S24 Ultra, with an intriguing detail: this change won’t impact the phone’s weight.

Now, additional details are emerging from renowned leaker Ice Universe, shedding light on the regular Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus models. Traditionally, Samsung has maintained a consistent design across its flagship phones, characterized by a smooth, curved aesthetic resembling a pebble. However, according to Ice Universe, a design shift is in store for the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus. Specifically, these models are rumored to feature flat sides.

While Apple’s iPhone has previously transitioned from flat sides to curved and back to flat, the Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus represent Samsung’s first foray into flat-sided frames. A key distinction here is that current iPhones possess flat sides all around.

But here’s the question: if the regular Galaxy S24 models are adopting flat sides, will the Galaxy S24 Ultra follow suit? As of now, Ice Universe hasn’t provided any hints that the Ultra variant will undergo a similar change. Therefore, it’s reasonable to anticipate that the Ultra will maintain its predecessor’s design, at least for the time being.

An intriguing consideration in this design shift is the potential impact on the feel and look of the phones. Preferences regarding flat versus curved frames are quite subjective. Some users argue that flat sides are uncomfortable to hold, while others contend that they provide a more secure grip. Furthermore, proponents of boxier shapes claim that such designs facilitate optimal spacing of internal components.

Beyond practical considerations, Samsung might be aiming to introduce a fresh appearance to its flagship lineup. The Galaxy S series has retained a consistent look over the years, and this might be an opportune time to experiment with something new, especially given the incremental nature of recent upgrades.

August 22, 2023
Quad-Bayer Sensor: A Game-Changer in Photography, Advantages and Insights

The new OM System ‘Olympus’ OM-1 camera introduces an intriguing feature called the ‘quad-Bayer’ sensor design. This article aims to explain the concept, along with its advantages and drawbacks. The quad-Bayer sensor design employs a Bayer color filter array where each ‘red’, ‘green’, or ‘blue’ filter patch covers four pixels instead of just one. This is shown in the illustration below, comparing the standard Bayer array with the quad-Bayer alternative.

It’s important to clarify some terms here – while manufacturers often refer to the pixel as a ‘photo-diode’, each of the four pixels beneath a color filter functions independently and can be read separately. This design wouldn’t make sense otherwise. Initially, the quad-Bayer arrangement might seem to halve the sensor’s resolution, but there’s a reason behind it, as we’ll explore later.

This quad-Bayer sensor approach is commonly seen in smartphones. You might wonder how a phone’s lens provides enough resolution for sensors with up to 100MP. The answer is that it can’t. However, a small pixel aperture can help increase resolution. In phones, the quad-Bayer setup allows the combination of all four pixels in low light conditions. In brighter lighting, the pixels are used individually, enhancing sharpness by effectively reducing the pixel aperture.

The first consumer cameras to adopt this arrangement were the Panasonic Lumix GH5S and Sony Alpha 7S III, which cater to video with lower pixel counts. Notably, these cameras lack the function mentioned earlier. So, what’s the advantage of the quad-Bayer layout? Both these cameras employ the design shown in figure 2, featuring individual microlenses for each pixel.

This preserves the efficiency of the microlens in focusing light onto the pixel’s active area. However, this design doesn’t offer any improvement over using larger native pixels. The real reason behind its adoption lies in cost savings during production. The specialized nature of the low pixel count sensor allows it to be a variant of another product, leading to reduced manufacturing expenses. For instance, Sony’s 12MP sensor can be derived from a 48MP sensor – a strategy seen in their full-frame sensors with similar pixel counts.

Now, let’s delve into the OM-1. This camera employs a distinct microlens arrangement, as shown in figure 3. In this case, one microlens covers each quad-pixel color filter. Although this approach reduces efficiency by focusing light on inactive parts of each pixel, it introduces a significant advantage: the sensor now offers a phase-difference focus detection mechanism. This system is akin to Canon’s dual-pixel arrangement but functions both horizontally and vertically.

With this sensor design, every pixel in the frame becomes a focus pixel, enabling ‘cross-type’ detection. When capturing a frame, there’s no need to interpolate focusing pixels. Canon provides a ‘dual pixel raw’ feature that extracts depth information from images. While a quad-pixel raw option would be intriguing, OM System currently doesn’t offer it.

August 22, 2023