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Moto G4 Will Get Android 8.0 Oreo After a While. Company Clarifies 'Miscommunication'

Tuesday, September 19, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

THREE MUST-SEE TECH PRODUCTS FROM CEDIA 2017

Tuesday, September 12, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

Acer launches the world’s first fanless 2-in-1 notebook with discrete graphics

Tuesday, September 05, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

At IFA 2017, Acer expands its portfolio of ultraslim convertible and detachable Windows 10 devices with the next generation of Swift, Spin and Switch models. The additions all incorporate the new, exceptionally powerful 8th Generation Intel® Core™ processors, more secure biometric technology supporting Windows Hello, and versatile usability features necessary for immersive entertainment and professional productivity. Along with the performance and mobility of these notebooks, they also sport a new refreshing sense of style and design, providing an ideal balance of form and function.

Switch 7 Black Edition – World’s First Fanless 2-in-1 Notebook with Discrete Graphics

Acer Switch 7 Black Edition (photo from Acer)

The pioneering Acer Switch 7 Black Edition is the world’s first fanless 2-in-1 notebook equipped with discrete graphics, made possible by Acer’s innovative Dual LiquidLoop™ fanless cooling technology. With a powerful 8th Generation Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA® GeForce® MX150 graphics, it is an ideal companion for intensive tasks, creative production and content streaming. Designed for the mobility minded, the new Switch 7 Black Edition is incredibly versatile, weighing less than 1.15 kg (2.5 lbs.)with the keyboard detached. The Switch 7 Black Edition’s slender and lightweight design features a sturdy brushed-aluminum body that offers a robust feel and beautiful tactile touch.

The Switch 7 Black Edition is Acer’s first to feature Acer AutoStand™, a patented kickstand that can be auto-deployed and auto-retracted, providing single-handed operation as simple as opening and adjusting the display on a clamshell notebook.

With a 13.5-inch IPS display with 2256 x 1504 resolution, the Switch 7 Black Edition offers a crisp, vibrant visual experience from wide viewing angles. The latest reincarnation of the Switch has an embedded stylus powered by Wacom EMR technology that features 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity and pen tilt support to control the angle, width or shading of the stroke. This stylus is now battery-free, and cased in the sleek outer shell designed to provide users with a more authentic writing and sketching experience when using Windows Ink.

Supporting Windows Hello, the Swift 7 Black Edition features an optical-based under-glass fingerprint sensor design with POA (Power on Authentication) that allows users to power on the device and login instantly with just one touch.

Swift 5 – Ultraslim and ultralight notebook for the agile user whose life never stops

Acer Swift 5 (photo from Acer)

The new Swift 5 is designed for users who want superb portability, solid performance, and a touch of style. The elegant chassis weighs less than 1 kg making it ideal for people always on the go. The Swift 5 is constructed with a sophisticated selection of materials including ultra-light magnesium-lithium alloys for the top and bottom cover, and magnesium-aluminum alloys for extra sturdiness on the palm rest area.

Utilizing the power of 8th Generation Intel Core processors, the Swift 5 offers an exceptionally fast and responsive experience with 8-hour3 battery life. With Windows 10 and 2×2 802.11ac wireless, it allows users to work effectively on the go all day – even at night thanks to the backlit keyboard.

The interactive multi-touch Full HD IPS2 touchscreen and narrow bezel design maximizes the viewing experience. Acer TrueHarmony™ with Dolby Audio™ Premium technology provides powerful and clear audio, while Skype for Business certification ensures crisp videoconferencing and a great experience with Cortana.

Spin 5 – A new convertible for every-day use.

Acer Spin 5 (photo from Acer)

Lightweight, portable, and enclosed in a head-turning metal casing, the Spin 5 is the style-conscious professional’s go-to device for all types of work and fun. The device’s versatile, convertible form factor allows users to interchange seamlessly between laptop, tablet, display and tent modes making the Spin 5 a perfect platform to create and share content.

Easy to carry around, the 13-inch model of the Spin 5 weighs in at 1.5 kg and measures in at 15.9 mm thin, while its 15-inch sibling is just over 2 kg in weight and 17.9 mm thin. While this device is portable, it’s engineered to pack a punch with new 8th Generation Intel Core processors, up to 16 GB of DDR4 memory, up to 13 hours4 of battery life, and a discrete NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 graphics option for the 15-inch model. This allows the Spin 5 to handle intensive creative production, such as graphic design and video editing. It also helps to offer premium entertainment with crisp, true-to-life colors that come alive in Full HD.

Delivering a great touch experience, the sharp 13- or 15-inch display also works with an optional Acer Active Stylus for incredible precision, offering greater control during work and increased usability through Windows Ink. Acer’s omni-directional ExoAmp Antenna optimizes the Spin 5’s antenna position to ensure a stable wireless signal, regardless of the antenna being located beneath the notebook’s metal cover and the direction the device is facing.

With Acer TrueHarmony, Dolby Audio Premium technology and two front-facing speakers cleverly placed so they won’t be blocked in any mode, the Spin 5 delivers a crystal clear and immersive audio experience. Skype for Business-certified, the Spin 5 integrates four array microphones combined with far-field voice-recognition technology that allow users to access Cortana from up to four meters away. This enables them to get quick, hands-free answers, check the weather or traffic, set a reminder, get an overview of their daily schedule, and more—all just by using their voice.

Pricing & Availability

The Acer Switch 7 Black Edition will be available in North America in December with prices starting at $1,699; and in EMEA in December starting at €1,999.

The Acer Swift 5 will be available in North America in December starting at $999; in EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africas) in December starting at €1,099; and in China in November starting at ¥7,499.

The Acer Spin 5 will be available in North America in September with both the 13-inch and 15-inch models starting at $799; and in EMEA in September with the 13-inch model starting at €899 and the 15-inch model starting at €999.

EDITORS’ NOTE: As these are from Acer’s press release, there are no words yet on when these products will be available on the Philippines and other SEA countries.

Source: Acer

5 best wearables of IFA 2017: the tech you may soon be wearing

Tuesday, September 05, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

The big announcements from IFA 2017 are done and dusted, so we now have a clear picture of everything the major fitness tracker and smartwatch manufacturers will be pushing in the run-up to Christmas and Black Friday.

And if you're currently looking around for something new to stick on your wrist, you're in luck.

A bunch of new smartwatches and fitness wearables launched at Europe's biggest tech show last week, and we've put together a collection of our favorites. Check them out below, and be sure to look out for a full review of each one very soon.

1. Samsung Gear Sport

TechRadar

Samsung's next big smartwatch upgrade isn't the most exciting new wearable launched at IFA 2017, but you can take it for a swim, unlike previous iterations.

The design has been refined, and for the first time there's offline Spotify support, which means you can upload Spotify tracks directly to your watch so you don't have to take your phone out while you're running.

There's built-in GPS, and one of the new fitness features gives you workout plans that you can even cast to your TV if you're working out at home.

2. Fitbit Ionic

The Fitbit Ionic was announced just before IFA 2017 kicked off, as the company wanted to get ahead of all the other announcements. It's the very first smartwatch made by the company – and we like what we've seen.

It has expanded fitness features, including workouts you can do straight from the watch, there's built-in GPS, and a new and improved heart rate tracker is claimed to be its most accurate ever.

A variety of apps will be available on the Fitbit Ionic too, with third-party developers working on the platform as we speak. You won't have to wait long for our full review to see if the £299.95/$299.95/AU$449.95 asking price is too much money.

3. Garmin Vivoactive 3

Garmin's latest watch still focuses on the fitness elements by including tracking for lots and lots of different exercises, but it's closer to a traditional smartwatch than anything else the company has made previously.

Personalized watch faces are available, and you've got the choice of two versions: one with a plastic body and another with a more premium metal design.

Garmin's new Garmin Pay tech also means you can connect your phone with your bank account and tap on contactless payment readers to pay while you're out and about, in a similar way to Android Pay and Apple Pay.

4. Fossil Q Venture

The Q Venture may be the best wearable launched at IFA 2017 for those with smaller wrists. It comes running Android Wear 2.0 but has a smaller design than a lot of the other watches running the same software, and it sports a premium build.

At $255 or £260 this is one of the cheaper Android Wear watches, which may make it the perfect smartwatch for you when it comes out at the end of September.

5. Samsung Gear Fit 2 Pro

The Gear Fit 2 is one of our favorite fitness trackers in the world right now, but Samsung may be about to bump it from that list with its new Gear Fit 2 Proannouncement.

Samsung's latest fitness tracker includes swimming support so you can take it in the pool with you, plus there's offline Spotify (as on the Gear Sport), so you can upload songs directly to the band and take them with you wherever you go.

On top of that there's built-in GPS support and a variety of other fitness-based feature.

SanDisk unveils 400GB microSDXC card, the highest-capacity model ever

Friday, September 01, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets , Hardware

Apple iPhone 8 will launch in September, says KGI analyst

Thursday, August 10, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

Apple iPhone 8 shows up in live video

Thursday, August 10, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

While the official launch date of Apple's new iPhone -- tipped to be called iPhone 8 -- hasn't been confirmed, there has been no shortage of leaks and rumours around it. While we have seen the 'iPhone 8' in several renders, one user has posted a live video on YouTube showing the alleged smartphone.

The short YouTube video shows the smartphone's front and back panels. The design of the device is the same as what we have seen in render and leaked images. The device is seen in Jet Black colour along with a vertical dual rear camera setup at the back. The smartphone's screen is off in the video so nothing much can be said about how the handset will work or how the UI will be revamped based on the extended display. The right side is seen with volume and power buttons while the left side is seen with an alert slider.

What's worth mentioning is that there is no visible fingerprint scanner on the smartphone. This in a way confirms rumours that Apple could be heavily banking on the face scanner or the eye scanner feature. However, we'll get to know what exactly Apple has up its sleeve when the new iPhone sees the light of the day.

Apple's upcoming iPhone will indeed be arriving on time in September, says a prolific Apple tipster and KGi Securities analyst, Ming-Chi Kuo. in his latest research note obtained by Apple Insider website, has also said that the iPhone 8, iPhone 7s and the iPhone 7s Plus will arrive in Black, Silver and Gold colour variants.

The new iPhone handsets will be launched simultaneously in September. The lineup will probably include the iPhone 8, iPhone 7s and the iPhone 7s Plus. But it has been mentioned that the 'iPhone 8' will be available in limited quantities as the supply chain will produce 2 million and 4 million units only in this quarter. The production will however, be ramped up to 45 million and 50 million units within this year.

As for the 4.7-inch iPhone 7s, Apple will produce 35 million to 38 million units, while the 5.5-inch iPhone 7s Plus will see 18 million to 20 million units.

You Can Now Buy Microsoft's VR Headset

Friday, August 04, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

FENDER FXA9 REVIEW: TECHNOLOGY WITHOUT SOUL

Thursday, August 03, 2017 Unknown 0 Comments Category : gadgets

Fender’s most expensive headphones lack the charm of the cheaper ones

Just why am I reviewing $1,299 earphones? I found myself pondering this question while rolling Fender’s new FXA9s around in my hand like a pair of translucent, expensive pebbles. The number of people in the market for such things is obviously limited, and I can’t imagine many of them would be making the decision based solely on my review. But I think of it the same way that I think of cheat codes in video games: I use those to understand the game without its usual constraints, which tends to help me win when I get back to playing without cheating.

The Fender FXA9s are professional in-ear monitors (IEMs) designed to be used onstage. Their price is close to three times that of Fender’s previous flagship model, the FXA7, and it seems to have been set only after the product was developed. In other words, Fender set out to make the best possible in-ear headphones it could and let the price take care of itself. So what is there to learn from these technologically marvelous and visually mesmerizing new earphones? Quite a bit, actually.

I loved last year’s FXA7s for one simple reason: they had beautifully exaggerated bass that made me laugh and giggle at the way it turned all my music into a booming freight train ride. There was no pretense of fidelity that I could detect, just a joyous caricature of every song that was nevertheless realistic enough to be charming rather than grotesque. From among the headphones I reviewed in 2016, many of which were more accurate and had a wider soundstage, it was those Fenders that I missed the most after the review period. Forget technical performance numbers and charts, the FXA7s warmed my soul.

This year’s FXA9s reprise the 3D-printed shells and unique silicone eartips of Fender’s FXA range, so I was rather hopeful for an FXA7 with just more of the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. The FXA9 flagship is the

This year’s FXA9s reprise the 3D-printed shells and unique silicone eartips of Fender’s FXA range, so I was rather hopeful for an FXA7 with just more of the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. The FXA9 flagship is the clean-shaven, suit-and-tie Fender earphone that’s grown out of the collection of grungy, long-haired bassheads that characterize the rest of Fender’s lineup. It’s a jarring change, especially since the company’s entire expertise — derived from Aurisonics, the small Nashville boutique that Fender acquired to design and build its IEMs — is in making the earphones with the biggest and baddest bass.

BEST SILICONE EARTIPS IN THE BUSINESS

While I was adapting to the FXA9s’ entirely different sound, I still appreciated the familiar comfort and fit that they carried over from the Fender FXA7s. The Aurisonics / Fender team developed the shape of its in-ear buds by studying scans of the ears of thousands of people, and the end result is said to fit 95 percent of ears. I’m among the 95 percent of satisfied users, finding the bulbous FXA9s a relaxed and easy fit that doesn’t fatigue or irritate me at all.

Fender also has the best silicone eartips in the industry: they are super malleable and ensure a solid seal that passively neutralizes a lot of exterior noise. Unlike the Beyerdynamic Xelentos that I just reviewed, Fender’s earphones are as good out on a busy road as they are when listened to in a quiet room. I really like the way they re-create the advantages of custom high-end IEMs — great noise isolation; contoured, ear-fitting shape; and multi-driver balanced armature architecture — in a design that has a universal fit. I have a couple of custom IEM sets, which I love dearly, but they do go quite deep inside the ear and are not the best for casual listening in bed, for example. Fender’s FXA9s compare favorably because of their reliable comfort and slightly lower price.

I find the FXA9s very easy to wear, handsome to look at with that big Fender “F” logo, and easy to maintain. But I could say all of these things about all of Fender’s preceding FXA models. What distinguishes the FXA9? The answer is in what’s on the inside, where Fender has moved to an array of six balanced armatures per earbud, each one covering a particular range of frequency response. The advantage of this sort of internal architecture is the advantage of specialization over general competence: each individual mini-speaker can be perfected for its specific task and thus its sound can be as pure and distortion-free as possible. So goes the theory, anyway.

What I found while listening to the FXA9s was a total absence of distortion, harshness... and excitement. Fender has tuned these with a very smooth high end and a shy low end. Putting on my favored hip-hop albums by Run the Jewels and Sage Francis, I feel none of the bass. I can hear it, but I never feel it; and I’m of the opinion that bass should be more felt than heard. The FXA9s certainly demonstrate good technical ability by extending to reproduce very deep bass notes and high treble (this wide dynamic range is what makes the multi-armature design appealing), but they don’t really do much with that ability. Where Run the Jewels 2 on the FXA7 used to make me smile with joy at the overwhelming bassline battling for primacy with Killer Mike’s rapping, the same album on the FXA9 feels dry and unemotional.

Fender will tell you that the FXA9s are neutral, authentic, and faithful to the music. I disagree. This goes beyond my own preference for a warmer sound: I know how albums like PJ Harvey’s Uh Huh Her should sound, and the FXA9s come close but fail to re-create that. Their sound feels somehow thin, artificial, and unconvincing. Playing music with these earphones is like playing basketball with a ball that’s been pumped up too much. The usual bounce, snap, and rhythm just aren’t there.

The laudable goal behind the FXA9s was to elevate the Fender IEM sound beyond the category of a mass-pleasing bass thumper and into the professional realm of accurate, precise sound reproduction. That’s possible to do, and I would argue that the Beyerdynamic Xelento are a great example of an in-ear headphone that doesn’t serve lashings of extra bass, but can still provide an engaging listen. Unfortunately, Fender just didn’t execute the plan it set out for itself. Balanced armatures have often been guilty of sounding unnatural, and the Fender FXA9s are a salient example of that. They give you lots of technical precision, but lack the subtle cues of realism that our minds register unconsciously. (Distortion, especially in the bass region, might be an aspect of that, as we’ve all grown accustomed to hearing it. Its absence, even if technically desirable, could make music feel less believable.)

It’s almost an unwritten rule in the headphones industry that as the price of a product goes up, its bass response goes down. I’ve never been a fan of that move, which would suggest that audiophiles are miserly sonic accountants instead of lovers and fans of music. Alas, Fender’s FXA9s only serve to illustrate why this trend is inadvisable, deadening the sound with a presentation that lacks dynamism and excitement. I guess the lesson we can draw from this is that not everything that has a higher price and model number is necessarily better.

I review earphones that cost unreasonable sums of money because sometimes, as with the Beyerdynamic Xelento, I find rare examples that could be justified as unreasoning, emotional purchases. I also review them just to know what the rest of us are missing out on. In the case of the Fender FXA9s, the answer is nothing. I still miss the FXA7s.