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  • Four Big Reveals from Google’s I/O 2018 Conference

    Four Big Reveals from Google’s I/O 2018 Conference

    Google’s massive I/O 2018 conference unveiling all their new tech and software has come and gone. If you missed it, don’t fret! We’ve got you covered. Check out the biggest news from Google this year!

     I/O 2018 Reveal #1: Smart Compose for G-Mail

    As a hybrid of predictive text and AI assistant, Smart Compose aims to make your email composition faster and easier. Using knowledge of your typing patterns and schedule, Smart Compose helps you automatically fill in chunks of sentences and streamlines your typing process.

    This functionality is sure to be useful for those who have to compose dozens of emails a day. Helping cut down on the amount of time those people spend typing will allow them to focus on more productive or thought-heavy tasks, rather than bogging them down with routine emails.

    I/O 2018 Reveal #2: Android P Public Beta

    Google announced that they are rolling out the public beta of their new Android OS, Android P. Uniquely, this beta isn’t exclusive to Google’s Pixel line of phones. It will also be available on select phones from other manufacturers. Notably, the OnePlus 6 will be eligible for the beta when it releases later this year.

    Android P is slated to be the next “big” thing. It streamlines the user experiences and adopts a more modern software suite. The new OS opts to clear out the four navigation buttons in favor of an iPhone X-like home button in the shape of a horizontal bar at the bottom of the screen. Android P also sports app suggestions based on time and location, another idea inspired by iOS.

    I/O 2018 Reveal #3: Google Smart Displays

    Continuing Google’s push to be a part of your daily routine, their Google Assistant functionality gets an update this summer with the launch of Google Smart Displays. These displays will be like Google Home speakers with screens, for lack of a better descriptor.

    Coming in July, these smart displays are poised to compete with Amazon’s Alexa-powered Echo Show displays. Interestingly, Google’s device can play YouTube videos, while the Echo Show doesn’t have that capability.

    I/O 2018 Reveal #4: Google Duplex

    This robust speaking AI software stole the show. Google Duplex is a feature of Google assistant capable of making realistic phone calls to businesses to make reservations and other phone-based services. Duplex sounds natural, lifelike, and completely unlike any speaking AI we have heard before.

    Complete with pauses and “ums,” Duplex manages to navigate conversation better than some humans and will be revolutionary for those with phone anxiety or those who simply don’t have time to make phone calls in their busy day.

  • Soon the OnePlus 6 Check Out What We Know Already

    Soon the OnePlus 6 Check Out What We Know Already

    We have a launch date for The OnePlus 6  and it is May 16, which is next week, and with a huge number of leaks – and official teasers from OnePlus itself – we have a pretty good idea of what you can expect. OnePlus will reveal its next all-powerful flagship at an event on 16 May. The Oppo-owned brand has even sold 1,000 tickets to fans ahead of the launch, just as it did for the OnePlus 5T, except on a larger scale. The London-based event will kick off at 5PM BST local time (6pm CET/12pm Eastern Time/9am Pacific Time).

     

    Dubbed “The Speed You need”, OnePlus’ big launch event will be livestreamed on YouTube. The OnePlus 6 will be replacing the OnePlus 5T (which is now off sale in the UK, Europe and US). The 5T was already one of the more impressive phones of 2017, finally bringing the taller display that’s fashionable among the big brands, as well as improvements to the camera. The OnePlus 6 promises to be even better.

    What We Know

    There have been a few details released so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect.  First off it will The internals will be powerful, with the powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 platform as well as up to 8GB RAM and 256GB storage. It’s going to feature a longer screen, complete with a notch, and that the back panel is going to be built from a custom designed glass consisting of five nano-coating layers. I’ll also be a waterproof device.

    As for the look of this thing we have gone from a thin, plastic OnePlus One to a OnePlus 5T built from a solid block of beautifully finished aluminium within four years. The Midnight Black and Sandstone White finishes are among the finest you’ll see on a solid metal device. Its a good looking device, no issues there.

    The Final Thought

    A big part of the appeal is that the phone rarely has any major compromises in a mobile that costs significantly less than the likes of the Samsung and Apple flagships. The OnePlus 6 will be a flagship killer and will defenitley be a phone to watch this year, ill have a full Smartphone spotlight on this mambojamba as soon as it is released.

     

     

  • Top Ten Things to Know About Google I/O 2018

    Top Ten Things to Know About Google I/O 2018

    Tuesday, May 8th marks the start of Google’s I/O press conference. What does Google I/O mean? What kind of things can you expect to see from Google during this event? Read on for our top ten things to know, including news, headlines, tech and more!

    Android P

    01g-androidp

    Photo Credit: Android Central

    Androids new operating system replaces all of the navigation buttons with one button, much like pre-X iPhones. Functions previously assigned to buttons will be moved to gesture controls, streamlining the user experience and modernizing the Android operating system. The new system has a focus on security and battery life. Additionally, Android P features a darker overall color palette than previous Android OS’s.

    Google Lens

    Photo Credit: Android Guys

    Google Lens technology allows users to search using their phone camera. I/O 2018 is sure to unveil new functionality and features for the software, including new functionality and integration into upcoming smart phones. The technology is likely to be a focus of Google’s, as it allows the Android platform to further distinguish itself from Apple’s iOS-powered iPhones.

    Google Chrome

    Google is sure to have a lot to say about their Chromebook line of laptops at the event. As a leader in educational fields, the Chromebook has proven very popular with teachers and students. Also expect news regarding tablets running on Chrome OS, following in the example of Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10. Focusing on educational possibilities and Google Smart Home integration seems like the most likely avenue for Google to present their Chromebook hardware.

    Google Home

    With the recent success of smart home devices like smart speakers, Google is sure to continue pressing their smart home line. Eager to dig in to Amazon’s successful Alexa-powered Echo series, Google has been emphasizing their smart home integration with products like Google Home Mini and Google Wi-Fi. Likely to be seen at I/O 2018 are Google-branded smart displays and further connectivity between Android phones, Chromebook computers and Google Home systems.

    Wear OS

    Photo Credit: Digital Trends

    The recently-renamed Wear OS, once called Android Wear, will likely be a strong focus of Google’s presentation. Capitalizing on the success and popularity of fitness trackers and smart watches, Wear OS seeks to be a strong contender in a field largely dominated by Apple and FitBit. Additionally, voice command features more in line with Google Home-style functions seem to be a new focus for Wear OS devices. A Google-made smart watch is also not out of the question!

    VR Headsets

    Photo Credit: Ars Technica

    Another trend Google seeks to weigh in on, standalone VR headsets have proven quite popular, with models like the Oculus Rift wowing gamers and tech enthusiasts alike. Google’s own VR headset, the Lenovo Mirage Solo will certainly have a presence at I/O, and there is a possibility of a Google-developed, proprietary headset being unveiled at the press conference.

    Additionally, YouTube’s 180-degree VR app VR180 is likely to be a strong component of Google’s VR push. The app makes use of new camera technology, like the Lenovo Mirage, to film 180-degree, 3D video for an immersive VR experience.

    Google Duplex

    Google has unveiled this new feature for Google Assistant, an uncannily human-like AI voice pattern that can call businesses for you. The feature uses user data to make appointments and interact with humans who are none the wiser that they are speaking with an AI. This feature is certainly odd, and some have even commented that it has unsettling implications, but it is undeniably convenient. For those with phone anxiety, or busy schedules, this could be a potentially helpful feature. What is unknown is just how advanced and responsive the AI will be when interacting with a wide variety of scenarios and people.

    Google Assistant Updates

    Photo Credit: CNET

    Google Assistant is getting updated in many meaningful ways. For one, the Duplex technology will likely be implemented to allow it to have much more natural, human-like speech patterns. It will be receiving new functionality with children, attempting to teach them to be more polite. Additionally, the technology will soon be able to execute two actions on a single command and continue conversation while executing actions, making the user interface more natural and giving the AI more flow.

    Google Maps

    Google’s GPS app is set to receive augmented reality functionality. The new Google Maps will allow for superimposed directions in a manner that is similar to the Google Lens technology and allows for live tracking of crowds. The ability to navigate crowded city areas on foot by camera is certainly intriguing, making visiting new cities and exploring on foot more attractive and much safer!

    Google News

    Continuing the focus on AI technology, Google News is set to receive updates to increase personalization. As something of a response to growing anxiety over so-called “fake news,” the new Google News initiative uses technology to help users find and support news sources they trust, and to help users fully understand the news they consume. The technology will use your preferences and location to populate your news feed with stories relevant to you. Such a redesign is likely to be a big hit, helping users to trust their news sources and stay informed about events relevant to their lives.

  • The Best Phones Money Can Buy

    The Best Phones Money Can Buy

    When it comes to premium smartphones, there’s certainly no shortage of choices out there for the discerning customer. If you’re on the lookout for the very best, look no further: here’s a round-up of the best of the best in the crowded smart phone field! Read on to find out what our favorite phones are.

    iPhone X

    The company that invented the smartphone retains their spot at the top of the heap. The iPhone X is an exemplary piece of modern tech, well worth its (admittedly hefty) price tag. This phone is sexy, for lack of a better term, with its edge-to-edge AMOLED display and sleek front face. This proves to be the phone’s drawback, as well: it’s very fragile, even compared to its younger siblings.

    However, the X is sporting the mighty A11 Bionic processor under the hood, making it the strongest iPhone ever from a technical standpoint. The star of the show on the software side is the new Face ID technology, which is consistently impressive and works in all kinds of environments and through all manner of obscuring features.

    Sunglasses, hats, facial hair: none of them managed to flummox the new face-reading tech. In summary, the phone is a stunner and will absolutely look great in your hand or handbag. As a luxury item from an instantly recognizable brand, the iPhone X is the future of more than just iPhone, it’s the future of smartphones.

    Samsung Galaxy S9

    Samsung, the challenger to Apple’s throne, certainly didn’t phone in their iPhone X competitor. The S9 isn’t quite as impressive as the iPhone X, but it comes very close. From a hardware perspective, the S9 is the absolute cream of the crop for Android phones, and even the most complicated of apps and multitasking are handled with aplomb by Samsung’s little powerhouse.

    The Infinity Edge display is almost as striking as Apple’s AMOLED screen on the iPhone X, but it lacks some of the same appeal at a glance. That all being said, the S9 is a very, very good phone. If you’re a die-hard believer in Android and would never be caught dead with an iPhone, then you will not be disappointed in this phone. However, the S8 is significantly less expensive and the S9 does not represent a massive leap forward in technology when compared to its predecessors in the way the iPhone X does for its own family. In summary: it’s great, but it’s not an iPhone X.

    GOOGLE PIXEL 2

    Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 2 presents itself as a very different device from what Samsung and Apple are pushing. The Pixel is a distinct and striking device, but it has a somewhat plastic-like finish and just isn’t quite as sleek as the iPhone X or S9. The Pixel does, however, have the best camera of the bunch, taking incredibly high-resolution photos. It also sports silky-smooth software and a fantastic user interface, with personal assistant technology that gives Siri a run for her money.

    If you prefer a slightly larger screen, the Pixel 2 XL is also a fantastic choice and comparable to its smaller counterpart. Google’s device is playing in a slightly different space than Samsung and Apple’s, and that’s okay! However, the Pixel lacks a lot of that same “wow” factor and desirability when it comes to its competitors.

    In summary, however, all three of these phones represent the very best of what the market has to offer, and each will make an excellent addition to your lifestyle, whether you’re concerned primarily with turning heads, taking stunning pictures, or just having a top-notch user experience!

  • The Best Facebook Apps for Smartphones – Android Edition

    The Best Facebook Apps for Smartphones – Android Edition

    The most popular social media service on the planet offers official apps for nearly every platform. But unfortunately for users, those official apps don’t always cater to their needs, or they may drain battery or slow down older Android devices. Luckily, there are some alternatives to the official apps – here are our top five!

    Friendly – Free / $1.99

    Friendly is a newer Facebook app that comes with some nice filtering options if you are annoyed by Facebook clutter. You can customize your news feed, filter out keywords, set a theme and use Facebook chat.

    The Pro version will cost you $1.99 to unlock. We think Friendly is well worth the cost, especially if filtering is appealing to you.

    Fast – Free / $1.49

    Fast has been around for a long time and it has evolved into a very full-featured Facebook app. With Fast, you can post, comment, share and access Groups and Pages. It even supports chat in the app, unlike the official Facebook app itself.

    There is a Pro version available for $1.49 and a Lite version that provides more basic Facebook access.

    Metal – Free

    Metal supports both Facebook and Twitter and has been gaining a lot of popularity. The app is actually a web-wrapper, which means it runs a mobile version of the Facebook/Twitter websites inside the app. There are some UI tweaks, themes and more. Although Metal is free, there are no ads. Definitely worth trying out!

    Simple – Free / $1.49

    Living up to its name, Simple is another web-wrapper app for Facebook that includes all of the basic features that you expect. You can interact with posts, upload photos and video and chat through Facebook Messenger.

    The free version is ad supported, but you can purchase the full version for $1.49 to remove them.

    Puffin for Facebook – Free

    If you have an older Android device and other Facebook apps are too slow and clunky, then consider giving Puffin for Facebook a try. It’s a browser app that is made specifically for Facebook, created by the developers of Puffin Browser. This app features some data compression tricks that lets you use less data and works great on slow network connections. If an old device or a slow connection is your situation, check out Puffin.

  • The Razor Phone 2 Rumors and Gossip

    The Razor Phone 2 Rumors and Gossip

    No no not the Motorola Razr phone you are thinking of, The Razor Phone.  Razor phone set the standard in mobile gaming with the Razer Phone: the world’s first 120Hz screen on a mobile phone. It is the first android enabled phone Ive considered swapping my iPhone for. Like technology does though the new cutting edge phone is ready for an upgrade. We are seeing chatter of the Razor 2, so we are sorting out the rumors, leaks and details to bring you the scoop on the Razor Phone 2

     

    While Razor has already increased the capabilities of the Razer Phone – the last major software update added HDR support for Netflix as well as Dolby Digital 5.1 sound for apps that support the immersive audio standard. Everyone is now expecting updates for all the various cornucopia of the gaming focused smartphone to arrive at the same time.While the company is not going to confirm or deny any future plan there have been  discussions that the Razer Phone 2  will arrive later in 2018. That would be less than a year from the launch of the first Razer Phone, but getting the handset not only in sync with the smartphone market cycle but also available in-store with better timings ahead of the festive period makes a lot of commercial sense.

     

    The Consensus is the phone will be announced at the  Berlin’s IFA in early September. We are also hearing with some substance behind it that  Razer might also turn Project Linda into a real product. This is a laptop that you slot the Razer Phone into, using the phone to power it and become a touchpad. It was demoed at CES 2018, and it would make sense for Razer to launch it alongside a new handset.

     

    What We Are Looking For

    There are a few key elements that will need to be improved for the Razor 2 to be the commercial success it should be. First off the desgin, The Razor is far to blocky and plain. Its current desgin is boring and uninspired. Razor knows how to design a curve, we have seen it in other products.  So most of us are looking to Razer’s next phone to shake things up and curve it out.

    Headphone port? We need it. Looking at the Razer Phone, there’s ample room for it, so its omission is perhaps more inexcusable than other phones that lopped off the feature. If your phone is not waterproof it should have a headphone jack

    We are going to need HD quality stereo speakers in this model. Again there is plenty of room and battery power to facilitate this, it is just lazy that the Razor doesnt have this now.Dual front-facing speakers can really make an impact in the day-to-day use of a phone.

    Wireless charging is the last very common function the Razor 2 should have. The Razer Phone doesn’t support wireless charging and there is no reason the new one should not. The company’s next phone is made with glass, that would be perhaps the easiest way to make that happen. But looking at its Hyperflux wireless charging technology currently employed with PC peripherals like the Razer Mamba Hyperflux, it seems like this feature is destined to make an appearance on its upcoming phone.

    One Other Thing

    Razor 2 will reportedly be working with google to release more timely updates. The Razor was released with Nougut when Oreo had already been available. The Razor 2 is set to be released with Android P and will receive the latest updates in much quicker fashion then its predecessor, reportedly.  A phone that adopts new software quickly is likely to become a fan-favorite, but Razer’s time with Nougat certainly didn’t spoil the experience. That’s partially due to its Nova Launcher software. It’s likely to keep with that going forward, only upgrading when its launcher is compatible with Google’s software.

     

    The Final Thought

    While I shudder to consider a life with out the iPhone, Razor is doing cutting edge stuff and should be considered the premium android brand. Considering the demographic of the android enthusiast this should be the desired and most anticipated android device on the market.

     

  • Top 3 Tablets For The Kids

    Top 3 Tablets For The Kids

     

    The Kids these days love their tech toys, and continue to blow are minds how quickly they can learn to use them and the functions they get out of them. Here is the top beginner tablets for kids that wont break the bank and can handle their abuse.

     

     

     

    1.Lenovo Tab 4 8

    Lenovo’s new 8-inch tablet is a good option for slightly older kids, ones with more experience with technology that don’t need the training-wheels of a tablet made for younger tots. Unlike Amazon’s Fire tablets, the Tab 4 8 offers a true Android experience, so you can use Google’s apps without the annoyances and risks involved with side-loading. It also offers good battery life and performance, and a bright, colorful display.

    For $20 extra, you can get Lenovo’s Kids Pack add-on, which includes content curated just for kids, parental controls, options for scheduling and limiting play time, a protective bumper case, stickers and a blue light filter.

     

     

    2.Amazon’s Fire 7 Kids Edition

    .Amazon’s Fire 7 Kids Edition bundles the company’s 7-inch budget tablet ($49 on its own) with a new protective bumper and a year’s subscription to Amazon’s FreeTime Unlimited for just $99 (16GB). Right now, it’s even cheaper, thanks to a sale that knocked it down to the nice price of $69. FreeTime Unlimited gives you more than 10,000 books, videos, educational apps and games curated for children. Plus, a two-year guarantee promises a no-questions-asked replacement if your child destroys the tablet.

     

    3.Acer’s Chromebook Tab 10

    Acer’s announced the Chromebook Tab 10, the first tablet running Chrome OS. Made for the classroom, and priced to compete with the 2017 iPad ($329), it features a 9.7-inch, 2048 x 1536-pixel screen, runs on a OP1 CPU with 4GB of RAM and offers 32GB of storage. Includes aWacom EMR stylus and will (eventually) feature Google’s Expeditions AR, a classroom learning tool.

     

    Honorable Mention: Verizon’s GizmoTab

    Unlike every other tablet on this page, Verizon’s GizmoTab ($80 with a 2-year contract, $250 off-contract) packs LTE connectivity. This way, your kids can never complain about not being able to stream videos or download games on the go. The 8-inch slate comes with a rubber bumper that protects it from falls, so junior can’t break it. If you use the GizmoTab with a Verizon data plan, you’ll get access to 300 kid-friendly apps that offer educational and entertaining experiences.

     

    The Final Thought

    This generation will prove to be the most knowledgeable, what they do with that knowledge is up to us. They will know where the answers are to any question they can think of, leaving their brain open to progressing those thoughts and answers. Getting them started on the path earlier is probably a good idea and getting the right tablet to do it.

  • Tablet Talk:  ASUS ZenPad Z8s 

    Tablet Talk:  ASUS ZenPad Z8s 

    ASUS ZenPad Z8s  is a Premium 7.9-inch tablet with a stylish, all-metal design, and featuring vivid visuals, cinematic audio, and powerful all-around performance ideal for both entertainment and productivity. ASUS ZenPad Z8s has elegant, modern styling with clean lines and an exquisite metallic texture that feels great to the touch. Its forged aluminum body weighs just 306g, is only 6.9mm thin, and is accented by double, diamond-cut edges, giving ZenPad Z8s a singular beauty that elevates the tablet experience.

    The Great

    • Bright and colorful display
    • Great performance
    • Solid audio
    • Stylish design

    The Not

    •  Verizon Exclusive
    • Short battery life

     

    The Conclusion

    The Asus ZenPad Z8s is a high-performance tablet that offers a bright display, loud audio and stylish design.

     

     

    If you’re a Verizon customer, then you’re in luck, because Asus has an exclusive tablet to serve your media needs. The 8-inch ZenPad Z8s provides a bright display, an impressive sound system and good looks, all for $250. Whether you want to watch videos on YouTube or takes notes in Google Docs, the Asus ZenPad Z8s is a reliable Android tablet that’s worth considering.

    Design: Stunning

    The Asus ZenPad Z8s measures 8.0 x 5.3 x 0.27 inches and weighs 10.7 ounces, making it the lightest 8-inch tablet I’ve seen so far. Competitors like the Lenovo Tab 4 8 measured 11.2 ounces, while the Amazon Fire HD 8 measured 13 ounces and the 9.7-inch Apple iPad came in at 16.5 ounces.The ZenPad Z8s has a sophisticated appearance. Its aluminum backing is a matte, gunmetal shade with matching plastic sides and a top bezel that houses a 13-megapixel rear shooter. Thin chrome accents decorate the edges of the tablet and rear camera, which really makes the ZenPad Z8s stand out from the competition. A bright silver Asus logo sits in the middle of the shell, while a smaller Verizon logo is situated at the bottom

    The Asus ZenPad Z8S features a Snapdragon 652 Octa-core chipset with an Adreno 510 GPU, 3GB of RAM, and 16GB of internal storage expandable to 128GB via a microSD card.

    The ZenPad Z8S’s performance is generally passable, but not extraordinary. In our testing, it ran most things well, though we did experience slow-downs, occasional delayed response, and dropped framerates in games. The lag is most noticeable while opening the app drawer, Recent Apps or waking the device up. Basically, it seems to struggle with changes to onscreen content. Most of the time it runs smoothly, but the little hiccups are noticeable. Oddly, the default Asus keyboard doesn’t play too nicely with the processor, and feels clunky, but that was nothing a switch to Google’s Gboard couldn’t resolve.

    Quick Speck Look

    • Android 7.0
    • 1.8GHz Snapdragon 652
    • 3GB RAM
    • 16GB internal storage
    • MicroSD card reader, up to 128GB SDXC
    • Micro SIM card slot

    The Final Thought

    The $250 Asus ZenPad Z8s is a speedy media tablet at a decent price. Offering a bright display, great audio and sophisticated design, the ZenPad is hard to beat for the price. And if you’re not sure if you want to shell out the cash all at one time, Verizon offers 24-month financing for $10.41 per month. Or you can opt for a two-year contract and get the ZenPad for $150 instead.

    Shoppers who just want an inexpensive 8-inch tablet may prefer Lenovo’s $128 Tab 4 8 or Amazon’s $80 Fire HD 8, both of which have longer battery life but slower performance. If you don’t mind getting your hands on a slightly bigger screen with better overall specs, then Apple’s $329 iPad may be worth the investment. However, if you just want a 4G Android tablet that you can add to your Verizon line, the ZenPad Z8s is a great choice.

  • What is this Motorola, a G6?

    What is this Motorola, a G6?

    Motorola has offered its biggest tease of the incoming Moto G6 yet. Rumored to launch soon on April 19, the clip shows off several angles of the budget-friendly phone that is looking more high-end than ever.

    Throughout the teaser, shared from the Motorola Twitter account, we’re taken on a tour around the G6’s curves and design highlights. From its glossy trim, to its notched power button and metal ear speaker grille, the video appears to confirm many of the leaks that we’ve reported on. Its front-facing fingerprint sensor makes an appearance, too, as does the dual rear-facing camera system that we saw on the Moto X4.

    Not indicated but expected, the Moto G6 Plus will have a 5.93-inch Full HD+ 18:9 screen, probably no notch, on its front and dual cameras on its back. It will be joined by the Moto G6 and the Moto G6 and Moto G6 Play when Motorola announces its 2018 roster this week.

     

    Quick Spec Look

     

    Specifications    Moto G6                                                  Moto G6 Plus                                                    Moto G6 Play

     

    • Processor            Qualcomm Snapdragon 625         Qualcomm Snapdragon 660         Qualcomm Snapdragon 430
    • Display  5.7in Full-HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9 5.93in      Full-HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9            5.7in Full-HD+ (2160×1080) 18:9
    • Memory              3GB/4GB                                                        3GB/4GB/6GB                                         3GB/4GB
    • Storage                  32GB/64GB
    • Primary Camer         Dual-lens 12Mp + 5Mp,                          Dual-lens 12Mp + 5Mp                  Single-lens camera, dual-LED flash
    • Selfie Camera               16Mp, LED flash
    • Ports                       3.5mm headphone jack
    • Fingerprint scanner         Yes, front                                                           Y es, front                                         Yes, rear
    • Battery Capacity               3000mAh                                                         3200mAh                                              4000mAh
    • Colour Options                  Black, Silver, Rose Gold Black, Silver, Teal                                             Charcoal, Gold, Deep Blue

    The Final Thought

    It’s hard to shake the feeling that we’re not looking at Moto’s next flagship. As other companies like Nokia and Asus have shown, low-end is the new high-end. Flagship features like the 18:9 aspect ratio display and dual cameras are trickling down and are now more accessible to more people.

    So while the Moto G6 and its Moto G6 Plus and Moto G6 Play may not be top-end in terms of spec, this will likely be Moto’s biggest release of the year. Since the rumored launch date is upon us, stay tuned for the latest news and hands-on reviews of Moto’s new swath of phones. The base 32GB G6 model was listed by the site at $249.99 unlocked and G6 Play priced at $199.99

  • Samsung Has Released an Internet-Free Smartphone

    Samsung Has Released an Internet-Free Smartphone

    Samsung has released the Galaxy J2 Pro, which appears to be a standard budget smartphone, but there’s one major feature (or lack thereof) – it cannot connect to the internet.

    The Galaxy J2 Pro

    Connecting to the Internet is an impossibility on the Galaxy J2 Pro. There is no Wi-Fi, no LTE, no 3G… nothing.

    Why would Samsung release a phone with no Internet capabilities? They’ve decided to cater to students or senior citizens who want to make calls and use some apps without the distraction or confusion of internet connectivity. It may also be a solid choice for parents who want to give their youngsters a way to keep in contact. Smartphone addicts looking to break free from the always-connected culture may also be intrigued by the J2 Pro.

    Features

    So, what can a smartphone that doesn’t connect to the internet do? In a nutshell, it can make phone calls, send text messages and take photos.

    • 5-inch display (qHD AMOLED)
    • 4GHz quad-core processor
    • 5GB of RAM
    • 8-megapixel rear-facing camera
    • 5-megapixel front-facing camera
    • MicroSD card slot
    • 2,600mAh removable battery

    Budget Friendly

    The Galaxy J2 Pro is nothing like Samsung’s most popular Galaxy phones like the Galaxy Note 8 or Galaxy S9. It aims to cover a different segment of the market. And unlike their big name phones, the price of the Galaxy J2 Pro is much, much cheaper.

    Right now, the J2 Pro is only available in Korea and Samsung has made no announcements on whether it will release in other countries. The price of the phone converts to around $185.