Month: August 2019

Cool Uses for Your Old Smartphone: What to do When You Upgrade

When you upgrade to a new smartphone, it can be hard to decide what to do with your old phone. You don’t want to just toss it in a drawer, as it’s a great piece of technology. You could sell it, though doing so is a huge hassle and you normally don’t even get back half of what you paid for it. So, what are you supposed to do with an old smartphone to keep it useful even though you’ve got a better handset?

Today we’re going over some fun and useful things you can turn your old phone into. Whether you’re looking for a new computer mouse or a game system, you’d be surprised at just how useful your old, worn-out smartphone can still be. Let’s get started!

Wireless Mouse

If you’ve got an old smartphone, why not turn it into a wireless mouse? No, seriously! If you download an app like Remote Mouse, you can use the phone’s gyro sensor to simulate the movement of a mouse. You connect your phone to your computer over the same wi-fi network, and then the phone functions as a mouse. It’s pretty simple!

For instance, if you often use a laptop and want to keep a mouse with it, but don’t feel like buying any new pieces of technology, you can just use your old cell phone! This allows you to keep it in the same bag as your laptop and easily bust it out for when you need it. Not bad for something that was going to sit in a desk drawer!

Universal Remote

There are a lot of devices on your wireless network that can be controlled via a universal remote. For example, if you have a Roku, a Smart TV or a game console like an Xbox One or a PS4, you can control them all from a universal remote. However, proper universal remotes can be relatively expensive, and your old phone can do this just fine!

Download an app like iRule, which offers an interface for proper universal remote control, and sync it with your wireless devices. You can even control your smart home tech, like your smart bulbs or smart locks, from this universal remote. Just dedicate the old phone to sitting on the coffee table to control all of your home’s functions, and you’re good to go!

Game Boy

Our favorite use for an old Android phone is easily to convert it into a Game Boy emulator. The HyperKin Smartboy Mobile Device is $50 from the HyperKin website, and it can convert most older Android devices into a proper, functioning Game Boy. If your phone is compatible with the device, you simply plug your phone into the device via the USB-C connector, and then plug and run your own Game Boy cartridges.

The Hyperkin is fully compatible with both original Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges, allowing you to play hundreds of old games just like you used to on your old handheld! If you’ve got an old Android phone and some Game Boy cartridges lying around but nothing to play them on, the HyperKin Smartboy is the device for you.

Google Home

If you have an older Android device that is up-to-date on firmware, you can get a charging stand for it, connect it to a Bluetooth speaker, and create a Google Home yourself. While Google Home devices are $130, a Bluetooth speaker could cost you half as much or less and sound just as good. Just like that, you’ve built your own Google Home smart speaker to work as your smart home hub! It’s significantly less expensive if you already have the old Android phone lying around, and it works just as well as a proper smart speaker!

August 9, 2019
5 Best Features in the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10 Plus

To kick off the unveiling of the new Samsung Galaxy Note 10 and Galaxy Note 10 Plus, we’ve gathered a list jam-packed with the 5 coolest features included in the new smartphones. The Galaxy Note 10 is not just a new smartphone, it’s a gaming console, a film studio, a computer, comes with your own personal magic wand – and its all in one device!

1. Smaller – and bigger
The Samsung Galaxy Note has always been identified as a “big phone.” Users are pleased to see a smaller, hand-friendly version of the Note 10. It is about 0.2-inches smaller than the Note 9 and the Note 10+. 0.2-inches may not sound like much, however it makes a significant difference when it comes to fitting in your hand. On the contrary, this is the first time Samsung has rolled out two versions of the Note to include the Note+ for those who prefer a bigger smartphone.

2. 3D Scanning
While Samsung is not the first to roll out 3D scanning, they came up with a cool application for 3D scanning with Augmented Reality. Consumers can now 3D scan objects and drop them into their photos and videos. It doesn’t stop there; consumers can even animate them using motion capture. This will be huge for consumers that put out content on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.

3. Super-fast charging
Long gone are the days where your smartphone battery dies a few hours after charging. With a quick 30-minute charging session, the Galaxy Note 10 will hold battery juice all day long. Samsung did this by including a 45W charger to amp up the wattage in comparison to competitors that have a 30W charger.

4. S-pen
Say goodbye to selfie sticks and self-timers because the Galaxy Note 10 comes with an S-pen that will allow consumers to take remote photos. It gets even better, with an accelerometer and gyroscope in the S-pen, consumers have their own personal magic wand with gesture-recognition technology.

5. 5G
The future is here – 5G is the latest version of cellular networks. This is a once in a decade upgrade to the way consumers can wirelessly deliver data, making the Galaxy Note 10 one of the fastest and most powerful smartphones in the market. Just how much faster? In this new era, the Galaxy Note 10 with 5G will average out to be roughly 20 times faster than the traditional 4G network you are currently using.

August 9, 2019
Top 3 Affordable Luxury Car Interiors in 2019

You spend a lot of your time inside your car and we know the impact the interior has on your overall driving experience. Luxury car interiors have shifted gears and broken barriers in comfort and technology during the past decade. But just how nice of a car can you get for your dollar? We have the scoop.

1. Audi A4

Starting at $39,200

Cutting-Edge Technology

While the Audi has always offered an exceptional interior experience, the A4 takes luxury interiors to the next level. They offer cutting-edge technology, starting with virtual cockpit set in a whopping 12.3-inch display. Here the driver can customize information, such as navigation, radio, and even Google Earth imagery.

MMI® touch

An amazing detail that many competitors at the A4’s price point do not offer is the available 8.3-inch center display. This includes MMI® touch with handwriting recognition technology which allows drivers to write their destination quickly without distractions rather than trying to navigate the screen using their finger on the touchpad.

Pre sense®

Audi’s goal is to raise the bar on the driver’s experience – and awareness. The A4 is equipped with pre sense® to protect the vehicle in unusual or emergency movements as an effort to increase the drivers’ awareness and help prevent accidents. It will help to detect other cars or pedestrians while automatically initiating the emergency breaks at up to 52 mph!

Easy on the eyes

Sporting high-quality leather upholstery, the A4 comfortably seats up to five people. In addition to comfort and support, the seats are ventilated and heated in both the front and rear, setting this 5-star vehicle up for success during anytime of the year!

2. BMW X3

Starting at $42,450

Passion for performance

BMW owners are notorious for their loyalty to their luxury vehicles. The X3 is a cost-effective model that includes all the luxury touches that are non-negotiable for BMW drivers. With technology such as rain sensing wipers, front and rear parking sensors, automatic emergency breaking and driver drowsiness monitoring, the X3 is crafted to sharpen the driving experience.

Distinctive design

Hop inside the X3 and revel in the high-quality materials used throughout the modern interior. The X3 seats up to five people across two surprisingly spacious rows dressed in upscale leather. With intelligent connections the X3 offers a seamless interface to include the latest version of iDrive that responds to touch, voice commands, and even gesture detection technology.

Heads-up display

Another key feature that helps this luxury vehicle stand out from the competition within its price point is the Heads-up Display. This feature offers holographic projection on the drivers windshield that provides vital driving information such as speed limits, navigation guidance and emergency warnings all while keeping your eyes on the road.

Stay connected

Always one step ahead BMW has included wireless charging and a wifi hotspot that allows your passengers to connect at ease. To put the cherry on the cake, the X3 includes a 3D Surround View App that lets you remotely view it from every angle, from anywhere. This feature is meant to give you peace of mind by allowing you to make sure your X3 is safe – and right where you left it.

3. Volvo XC90

Starting at $47,000

Scandinavian design & Swedish craftmanship

Volvo doesn’t shift gears very often, but when it does, it makes it count. The XC90 breaks barriers with its cutting-edge safety and timeless design. This luxury SUV is crafted with clean, minimal Scandinavian designs as genuine walnut wood inlays and seats that even offer massage and ventilation options!

A place to relax

With word-class legroom, the X90 accommodates all your passengers in luxury and comfort with seven standard seats. Similar to a movie-theater design, the third-row seats are raised to give its passengers a better view. They can even be folded from the trunk with just a simple touch of a button.

The power of touch

The technology in the XC90 has been crafted to keep you in control all while making your life easier. Volvo wanted to display the most important features right at your fingertips by including their Digital Driver Display behind the steering wheel. This feature automatically adjusts the brightness according to the surrounding outdoor light and even projects a hologram with vital driver information on the windshield.

Get a better view, all around

The 360 Surround View Camera that gives you a bird’s eye view of the XC90 and its surroundings. Connection is made easy in the XC90 so you can seamlessly connect your smartphone to Apple CarPlay and Android audio quickly and easily, every time. Use your voice to turn your XC90 into your personal assistant with capability to access your music, send messages or take calls.

August 9, 2019
2020 Toyota Tacoma: First Look

If you’re in the market to buy a pickup truck, your cup runneth over with options. From new vehicles like the Jeep Gladiator and returning favorites like the Ford Ranger to old stalwarts like the Ford F-Series and the Toyota Tacoma, it’s hard to make a decision. The new 2020 Tacoma wants to make that decision a little more clear-cut with a glut of new features that make the quality-of-life with this truck that much nicer without completely redesigning the vehicle.

2020 Toyota Tacoma: First Look

What’s New?

All trim levels excepting the base SR trim are getting a new 8-inch infotainment touchscreen. The SR trim keeps the old 7-inch screen, but that’s to be expected. While the rest of the car world has been quick to pick up Android Auto and Apple Carplay, this is the first time the Tacoma has sported these features. It’s better late than never, though! Also new to the 2020 model is the inclusion of Amazon Alexa, allowing for voice controls out of the box.

Other big additions are outside the cab, such as the new LED headlamps, a new grille design and some slightly altered taillights. In short, many of the exterior design changes are aimed at making the vehicle look that much more modern and newer. This includes three-dimensional looking sequential turn signals, a few updated body lines and a more modern-looking front grille.

Quality of Life

The addition of a power driver seat in all but the SR trim is a welcome one. Additionally, the comfortable design of the seats makes the ride quality that much nicer, even when taking the truck off-roading. Terrain-select features are far from the norm in the truck world, so it’s great to see the feature on display here. The TRD and TRD Off-Road trims offer a terrain-select feature that includes options for rock and dirt, loose rock, mud and sand and more.

Also on display in the TRD and TRD Off-Road is an active multi-terrain monitor that helps you keep an eye on what’s happening beneath the wheels. This is great, since it’s often hard to tell where your wheels are in the massive Tacoma, what with its giant hood in the way and the high driving position you’re in. In short, if you’re looking to take a truck off-roading, the 2020 Toyota Tacoma is going to be a solid choice in the TRD and TRD Off-Road trims.

Under the Hood

The base SR trim sports a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine with only 159 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque, which isn’t exactly great for heading off-road. If off-roading is your thing, both TRD trims offer a great engine for doing just that. The engine on display under the hood of these trim levels is a 3.5-liter V6 engine sporting 278 horses and 265 pound-feet of torque.

With the right equipment, the Tacoma can haul 1,600 pounds in the bed, or tow up to 6,400 pounds. While that’s not the best-in-class when it comes to hauling or towing, it’s impressive when you look at the frame the Tacoma sits on and the age of the base build. Whether or not this is a dealbreaker, of course, depends on how much you plan to tow.

Safety Features

The tech running in the 2020 Tacoma is impressive, to say the least. Driver safety features like automatic emergency breaking, pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control will all be shipping standard on the Tacoma line. Rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot alerts will also be shipping standard on TRD Pro and Limited trims, as well as being available on the other two trims as options.

In short, this is the same Tacoma you know, now with even more great technology running under the steering wheel. It’s hard to go wrong with the new Tacoma if you’re interested in off-roading!

August 8, 2019
MacBook Deals: Why are They so Cheap Right Now?

It’s back to school season, which means it’s time to get all the best supplies. If you’ve been holding out for great deals on back-to-school tech like laptops, then the recent price trends of the 2019 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro should have you excited. Both devices have seen steep price cuts only a few weeks after hitting the market. But why is that, and how can you take the best advantage of it? Let’s take a closer look.

MacBook Deals: What’s Going On?

The Deals

The newest MacBook Air, which dropped in July of this year, started off at $1,100. However, over the weekend, the device has been spotted on sale for as low as $900, and that’s before even considering back-to-school events that could help you save even more. Likewise, the 2019 MacBook Pro, which started around $1,900, can be found on sale for up to $300 off at several retailers. Again, this is before factoring in back-to-school sales.

MacBooks are ideal for college students, as they are both easy-to-use and well-tuned for creative endeavors. The sleek interface is top-notch, the software is snappy and reliable, and you don’t have to worry about any viruses sneaking into the airtight Mac OS. As such, if you’ve been holding out to pick up a new laptop for heading off to college, the MacBook is the one you want, especially in light of these deals.

Why the Price Cuts?

Apple isn’t exactly a budget brand, so many are wondering what exactly is going on with these price slashes. After all, the 2019 MacBook Air landed just five weeks ago, and it’s already seeing serious price cuts. What gives? Is something wrong with these laptops?

Well, there are a few factors at play. Firstly, Apple is seeing their products sitting on store shelves for longer than retailers would like. The company shipped a lot more MacBooks to retailers than they normally would for a first shipment in order to get out ahead of projected tariffs on goods assembled in China. Keep in mind, tariffs apply on the import date, not the sale date.

Since retailers have tons of these MacBooks on shelves, they’re eager to move some units. However, as we’ve established, Apple products are really expensive. So expensive, in fact, that many people would just as soon buy a Windows laptop or a Chromebook of similar build quality for several hundred dollars less. Low demand and high supply tends to have the effect of squeezing the price of a product down.

Why This is a Big Deal?

Apple’s products don’t usually go on sale at all. If you were lucky enough to find a discounted Apple product, it would be an older model that a retailer was trying to offload. It’s almost entirely unheard of to see brand-new Apple products getting $300 price cuts. One could compare Apple to Nintendo, another company who’s products almost never see price cuts until they’re obsolete, or Disney, who sells eighty-year-old movies for full retail prices.

While some may argue that Apple’s products should start out closer to this price point, it’s hard to deny the superb build quality and excellent user interface of MacBooks. The perfect storm of economic pressures and unusual political climates have made for a great moment for buyers. Whether you’ve used a MacBook before or you’re just looking for a great laptop to carry off to school with you, there’s never been a better moment to snap up a brand-new Mac.

August 8, 2019
It’s International Cat Day! Fun Facts About Cats

The internet is really only good for two things. Reading articles on your favorite website, and looking at pictures of cats. Since today is international cat day, there are even more cats on the internet than usual. In honor of our furry friends, today we’re going over some fun facts and trivia about the fuzzy little jerks we love. No dogs allowed, it’s International Cat Day!

Cat Facts

Popularity Contest

We’re not saying it’s a contest, but cats are totally more popular than dogs. In fact, the only pet that’s more popular in America than cats are fish! Over 94 million cats are happily living with their humans in the US, making them more popular than dogs, rabbits, ferrets and pretty much every other pet animal.

We’re not saying cats are better, but we are saying that cats have almost twice as many neuron connections as dogs do. If you’ve ever seen your cat do something that would have required much more intelligence than you’d expect them to possess, then you were likely seeing the 300 million neurons in their frontal cortex going to work.

Purring Mysteries

Scientists are actually unsure about how, exactly, cats purr. Everyone who’s had a happy cat in their lap can tell you that the fuzzy little balls of love vibrate when they’re content, but we’re not sure what the actual mechanism of this calming habit is. What we do know is that kitties purr in a variety of situations, from contentedness to distress, and often for conflicting reasons. Some cats have even been known to purr while injured, or while recovering from injury.

As it turns out, some tests have shown that cats’ purrs are at the exact frequency that helps to stimulate muscle and bone growth and healing. As such, the old adage about cats having nine lives might have more truth to it than we though. Even if a cat sustains a fall from a high location or gets injured in a fight, they can recover better than comparable animals of a similar size.

Meow Meanings

Domestic cats meow loudly to attract the attention of humans. This is adorable, of course, but it’s also a bit of a window into the behavioral psychology of cats. In nature, cats only meow when they’re kittens, just to attract the attention of their mothers. Once they’re fully grown, cats almost never meow at one another. As such, cats’ penchant for meowing at humans indicates that they are more kitten-like than adult cats that grew up outdoors.

This arrested development could also explain why domestic cats are so much gentler and sweeter than their feral counterparts. Where adult feral cats are terrified of humans and run from them, domestic cats seem to not mind the huge size difference between their caretakers and themselves. This is likely because they simply view their humans as parents, and themselves as permanent kittens.

Big Cat Connections

A number of behaviors observed in house cats can also be seen on display in big cats like lions and tigers. Love of boxes, purring, chasing string around: these are all common indicators of an essential “cat-ness”. Even innocuous connections, like the love of catnip and the propensity to rub their faces on things they like, indicate a close connection between these dramatically different-sized cousins.

Southpaws

Unlike humans, who are right-hand-dominate 90% of the time, cats appear to be left-paw-dominant in nearly all cases. Only a few cats seem to show a preference for their right paws over their left paws. Anecdotally, some people claim that lefties are better with cats, or are more likely to be cat people, though the overall popularity of cats shows that this isn’t a requirement.

August 8, 2019
Foldable iPad on the Horizon? Rumor Mill

By now, if you haven’t heard of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, you’ve done a great job avoiding the folding smartphone hype that Samsung has generated. Many Apple fans have been left wondering: does this new folding phone hype mean that a foldable iPhone could be coming?

According to insider info from an investor note reported by CNBC, it’s more likely we first see a folding iPad before the tech comes to the smartphone line that started the smartphone craze. The note indicates that Apple is “steadily working” on a folding iPad, and expects to release the device in 2020.

Foldable Craze

For a brief moment after the April delay of the Samsung Galaxy Fold, it looked like the folding phone hype might die before the first example of the technology even hit the market. However, Samsung seems to have course-corrected the beleaguered device and is set to launch it properly by the end of September. The hype surrounding this device can’t really be overstated.

The biggest draw to these folding handset designs, like what we’ll also see on the Huawei Mate X, is that they pack the size of a tablet into the portability of a smartphone. That, alone, is a big reason to be excited about this tech getting traction. However, there are some serious hurdles to overcome in order to make the folding designs of these touchscreen devices a possibility.

Folding Screen Hardware

One of two things is required for a folding smartphone or tablet to become a reality. That’s either a firm, foldable plastic, or an as-yet undeveloped bendable glass to use as a display. The Samsung Galaxy Fold, for example, is using a durable, pliable and strong plastic for its display. It’s likely Apple will be utilizing similar materials for their folding devices, though they could be waiting for the much-rumored folding Gorilla Glass to become a reality.

Another issue that Apple is likely looking to avoid is the same PR backlash that hit Samsung when the Fold was delayed. Review models of the Fold were reported to have serious hardware issues, including the screen flickering, debris working under the display and causing bulges, and a thin membrane that could be peeled off the display resulting in a complete screen failure. Apple will likely be more patient than Samsung in developing their own folding devices.

Why iPad First?

The news that Apple will focus on iPad before bringing folding tech to the iPhone is interesting. While Samsung has more interest in making their smartphone screens larger, Apple seems to want to start by making their larger devices more portable.

It’s unlike Apple to roll new features to the iPad before the iPhone, though, in this case, the company could be hedging their bets. After all, folding displays have more hurdles to overcome than just hardware. There’s also the issue of hardware cost.

Hardware Cost

It’s no secret that smartphone tech is getting more expensive as the years go by and manufacturers are cramming more and more high-tech features into them. However, the eye-watering $2,000 price tag of the Samsung Galaxy Phone has even power users thinking twice before reaching for their wallets. It was already difficult for many to reconcile a $1,000 smartphone, but doubling that might be a bridge too far for some users.

As such, it’s not surprising that Apple might test the waters with a folding iPad, first, to gauge interest. After all, the iPad tends to have a higher starting cost than the iPhone. Adding a few hundred more dollars to that cost to include a folding hinge might not be as big of a turn-off for iPad buyers as it would be for iPhone buyers.

August 7, 2019
Kia Seltos First Look: A New Crossover Niche for Kia

It would be a serious understatement to say that SUVs are red-hot right now. Where once sedans were the workhorse car for the family, SUVs are now the go-to for a busy family with lots of driving to do. Among carmakers, Kia is one of the best for lovers of crossovers and SUVs: the Sorento, the Sportage, the Telluride; the list goes on. With the new Kia Seltos, that list is about to get even longer.

Kia Seltos First Look

The New Niche

Kia just lit up competition like the Traverse and Atlas when it released the massive Telluride SUV recently, but now it’s gunning for some very different SUVs. The Seltos is more of a crossover SUV, a bit smaller and sportier, and is looking to compete with vehicles like the Honda HR-V. Ostensibly, this puts the Seltos as being a bit beefier than the Soul, but a bit slimmer than the Niro.

To back up those “crossover” claims, the Seltos will have options for center locking differential and all-wheel drive, all while looking the part. The design is active and sporty, with a tall nose and some smooth lines around the body. The recognizable Kia “tiger-nose” grille is here and is as complex and busy as ever, complete with a fascinating stacked-LED headlamp design. In short, this car looks weird, interesting, and, most importantly, cutting-edge.

Drive Quality

The Seltos sports another tried-and-true Kia design: the rock-solid 1.6-liter, 175 horsepower engine you’d recognize from other Kia SUVs. While this engine won’t be winning any street races, it’s still a solid drive train for your daily driver, offering good acceleration to keep up with highway traffic. Power is smooth and pulls evenly, while the transmission shifts evenly when you’re asking it for more power.

The ride quality is also stellar. Between the smooth suspension and clean handling, this is clearly a vehicle for people who need to do a lot of driving. For a busy person with a family who needs to drive around town a lot, these are some pretty great features. All of this goes hand-in-hand with a comfortable interior that is amply stocked with tech and safety features.

Interior

The materials on display in the Seltos’ interior are simple and straightforward, which all works well for the vehicle. Despite a more measured appearance than an SUV like the Telluride, the Seltos still manages to come across as refined and nice, if not exactly luxurious. There’s a lot of black plastic on display, but it all looks reasonably nice.

A 10.2-inch touchscreen pulls infotainment duties, doing a good job of running Kia’s UVO infotainment OS. The interface is snappy, quick to respond and easy-to-use. As you might expect from a tech-focused company like Kia, the Seltos’ infotainment system is compatible with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allowing you to use your smartphone’s features through the robust in-car system. The best thing about this interior, though, is the full complement of safety features.

Safety Features

Six airbags might sound like a lot, but you’ll be glad to have them if you get into an accident. Options for automatic braking in an emergency are available, as is rear cross-traffic alerts and pedestrian detection. There’s also an impressive and comprehensive suite of lane-keep assist technology. Kia’s marketing claims this feature is robust enough to keep you in your lane even when you’ve got your hands off the wheel. This system works in tandem with an adaptive cruise control to allow you to somewhat automate highway driving.

The 2020 Seltos isn’t confirmed to be coming stateside just yet. However, given how impressive the little crossover looks, we’d be surprised if we didn’t see it here very soon.

August 7, 2019
New Samsung Galaxy 10 Details Leaked Only Hours Before Launch

Samsung’s Galaxy Note 10 is said to be one of the best and most powerful phones of 2019. The Note 10 is launching today, August 7, but that hasn’t stopped the leaks and videos – here’s everything we know.

To announce the launch of the new Galaxy Note 10 today, August 7, Samsung is hosting a live press conference in the Big Apple, Brooklyn to be exact. The launch event kicks off at 1PM PST / 4PM EDT (9PM BST). Rumor has it that with all the leaks over the past few months combined, it is doubtful that Samsung will have very many surprises in store for us. Here’s what we know.

Galaxy Note 10 Leaks

Assuming the combined Galaxy Note 10 leaks are legitimate, Samsung will be announcing two versions of the new Galaxy Note today – The Note 10 and the Note 10 Plus. Equipped with 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch screens, the new smartphones will certainly not disappoint. According to the leaks, they will both be sporting an all new S-Pen, which will basically serve as your personal magic wand with air gestures for your new smartphone. But wait, there’s more!

Alongside a rumored “Superfast Charge” that will feed the Note 10 hours of battery juice in just a matter of a few minutes, a Verizon ad campaign has gone live to promote the new smartphone, confirming it to include a 5G option when purchasing. This brings the total number of new Galaxy Note 10 to four options! What does 5G mean?

5G Speeds

5G is the latest and fastest version of cellphone technology, made to download and upload at lightning speed! So, whatever you are currently doing on your smartphone, you’ll be able to do it faster and better with the new Galaxy Note 10 5G option. But we know the real question you’re wondering – How much will this cost you?

Cost

Well, there is no getting around the fact that with every new smartphone that comes out, the higher the price tag that comes with it. When we look at the Note 9, there is no doubt that it is a very, very expensive phone, and we are not expecting the Note 10 to be any less pricey. While the price has not yet been officially confirmed, we have the scoop.

According to Droid-Life, we should see the Galaxy Note 10 start off around $950 and the Galaxy Note 10+ to start off at $1,100. On the contrary, a leak from Russia indicated that the Note 10 will at a price point between $1,100 – $1,200. Is it worth it?

Features

While the Galaxy Note 9 was jam-packed with worthwhile features, in many ways it felt like only a small upgrade from the Note 8, released just the year before. We have high hopes from the Samsung Galaxy Note 10 to justify the hefty price tag that comes with it.

While all recent Samsung smartphones have included water resistance, the Galaxy Note 10 is equipped with protection that is expected to have a significantly stronger defense against high-pressure and high-temperature water. That’ll come in handy the next time you drop your phone in some water.

Video Leak

In the leaked clip, it appears that the Galaxy Note 10+ comes with a small punch-hole cut out for the front camera. While the top smartphones that are currently in the market have the capability to record with HDR video, the Galaxy Note 9 does not. This is a very weak point to an otherwise great camera.

We are hopeful that the Galaxy Note 10’s high price point will include not only HDR recording, but like many competitors a 4K HDR recording feature. Could the imminent release of the new smartphone race to the top of the best Android Phones? There is not a long wait to find out.

August 7, 2019
Toyota 4Runner Review: Most Rugged Mid-Size SUV?

Toyota is a company known for making family-friendly vehicles that are reliable, if a little plain. One of their most well-known SUVs, the 4Runner, is a favorite among those looking for a rugged-but-practical vehicle. It’s great for going around town, going to soccer games and going on trips. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the design and features of the 4Runner to help you decide if it’s the right vehicle for you and your family.

Toyota 4Runner

Design

The 4Runner has a very angular, boxy design that looks right at home among the rugged designs of companies like Jeep or GM. It’s a far cry from the softer, smoother appearance of Toyota’s Corolla or Prius models, and it stands apart thanks to its large front grille, high wheel arches and rectangular headlamps. The design is a bit divisive: some people love the rugged look, while others prefer the softer appearance of competitors’ SUVs.

It’s worth noting that the rugged look of the 4Runner is more than just an appearance. It’s actually a rather sturdy vehicle, with body-on-a-frame design that allows it to go off-roading with no issue. If you spring for AWD, this SUV is a great choice for straying far from the beaten path. Thanks to the ample interior room, you’ll also have tons of space to haul your camping or fishing supplies, too!

Interior

Speaking of the interior, the 4Runner is a bit of an odd vehicle when you’re in the cabin. It’s a little lacking on the tech side, offering a slightly outdated-feeling infotainment system with a small touch screen and a low screen resolution. The infotainment system’s interface is a bit sluggish, and it can take some time to connect to Bluetooth devices like smartphones.

However, the ride is comfortable, and the seats are cozy. The suspension allows for a smooth ride even over rough terrain, which is great for a vehicle you’ll likely be taking off-roading. This makes for a great experience riding around town, too, as the vehicle handles even poor-quality roads well while you’re commuting. This is all bolstered by the great cargo space. You can even lay the back seats down to increase the amount of storage space, making the 4Runner a good choice for people who love going camping.

Engine

The engine, like much of the 4Runner, is old-school and tried-and-true. It’s sporting a 4.o-liter V6 with a 5-speed transmission, the same engine that was first seen back in the 4Runner in 2004. However, Toyota seems to be sticking to a strategy of “don’t fix what isn’t broken”, as this vehicle’s engine works great for what it wants to do. The acceleration and handling are nothing to write home about, but they feel nice on a vehicle of this size.

The power response from the engine is very smooth, and the ride stays nice and relaxing even when you’re getting up to highway speeds. This solid engine offers a great amount of power for what you need it to do, though it won’t be winning any drag races. That said, the engine is a bit of a gas-guzzler, drinking down a gallon of gas to go only 17 miles in the city, or 21 mpg on the highway.

Bottom Line

The 4Runner is an old-school vehicle. It sports designs that date back over a decade, and it shows in the fuel economy and lack of tech in the cabin. However, for the starting price of $34,810, it offers a very rugged driving experience to those who want a straightforward and pure drive. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t want bells and whistles, just a solid vehicle with solid construction, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota 4Runner.

August 6, 2019