Tuesday, 31 October 2017

Sony 2Q17 earnings are great, just not for Xperias

Sony Mobile is doing okay in sales year over year, but major challenges continue to tear a hole in its balance sheet. But hey, that's what Spider-Man's for.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/11/01/sony-2q17-earnings-mobile-ugh

iPhone X deals begin, Google Pixel 2 sales double & more – Pocketnow Daily

Watch today's Pocketnow Daily as we talk about the iPhone X deals that have just begun, Google Pixel 2 sales double & more

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/iphone-x-deals-begin-pocketnow-daily

Apple spins lack of under-display Touch ID in favor of Face ID

A Touch ID sensor that would work under the display was never part of the plans for the iPhone X, Apple's hardware development head said.

The post Apple spins lack of under-display Touch ID in favor of Face ID appeared first on Pocketnow.



from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/apple-spins-touch-id-face-id

Galaxy S8 Android Oreo beta gets new digital paperwork

The Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ for Sprint and T-Mobile as well as unlocked units are expected to initiate the testing in the United States.

The post Galaxy S8 Android Oreo beta gets new digital paperwork appeared first on Pocketnow.



from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/galaxy-s8-android-oreo-beta-eula-faq

Android debuts Fast Pair spec for Bluetooth LE headphones

Google is trying to grab manufacturer partners to pair up quickly with Android devices across Oreo, Nougat and Marshmallow.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/android-debuts-fast-pair-spec-for-bluetooth-le-headphones

watchOS 4.1, iOS 11.1 now available for download

The latest iOS, watchOS, macOS and tvOS updates fix up the Wi-Fi KRACK vulnerability. Apple Watch Series 3 Cellular users can now stream music.

The post watchOS 4.1, iOS 11.1 now available for download appeared first on Pocketnow.



from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/ios-11-1-watchos-4-1-out

Best Buy’s $100 iPhone X surcharge was tied to carriers

If you bought an iPhone X straight-up, you would have had to pay $100 more than if you could on a carrier financing plan.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/best-buys-iphone-x-surcharge-was-tied-to-carriers

Apple's apparently already designing iPhones and iPads without Qualcomm chips

The spat between Apple and chipmaker Qualcomm just keeps getting nastier and nastier, and apparently Apple may finally have had enough of it. 

According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Apple is already busy designing iPhones and iPads without Qualcomm components. 

Instead, future phones may be packed with chips from Qualcomm rivals Intel and MediaTek. Qualcomm stock dropped by almost 8% today in the wake of the news.

The report claims that the final straw for Apple was when Qualcomm allegedly decided to withhold the software needed to test Qualcomm's own chips on Apple's prototype devices. 

These are but new chapters in a long series of unfortunate events. Qualcomm's move was likely prompted by Apple's recent $1 billion lawsuit against the chipmaker in which it claimed it has "nothing to do with" technologies that Qualcomm was seeking royalty payments for. 

Apple then decided to stop making licensing payments to Qualcomm, which led to a massive drop in revenue for Qualcomm. Qualcomm has tried to ban the sale of select iPhones in the US, and has also begun an attempt to get iPhone sales banned in China.

For all the animosity, though, Qualcomm sounds almost ready to make amends in its statement to The Wall Street Journal, which was in response to the question of whether Apple was redesigning its phones specifically because Qualcomm didn't send the testing software. Qualcomm sent the same response to TechRadar, but referenced the WSJ's question.

"The Qualcomm modem that could be used in the next generation iPhone has already been fully tested and released to Apple," the statement read. "We are committed to supporting Apple’s new devices consistent with our support of all others in the industry. Qualcomm’s wireless solutions remain the gold standard for premium tier smartphones."

Tough break

The mixed messages aren't all that surprising. Qualcomm is currently the largest manufacturer of chips for mobile devices by far, but that could change in favor of companies like Intel and MediaTek if Apple decides to walk away for good.

It's already attempted to in the past, as the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus carried both Intel and Qualcomm chips, as did this year's iPhone 8 and iPhone 8 Plus. For the next phone after the iPhone X, Apple might be able to make an entirely clean break.

Apple reportedly has until June to make its decision, although that's a bit late in the game, considering that the Cupertino company usually announces its new iPhones in September. There's also a chance that we'll see a new iPad Pro as early as next summer, which could make matters even more complicated. 

With all of that uncertainty on the table, it's probable we'll have to wait another generation before we finally see a Qualcomm-free iPhone (if, of course, we ever do).

We asked Qualcomm for a statement, but the company declined to comment on the speculation that Apple may stop using its chips. We also contacted Apple, but did not receive a response.



from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/apples-apparently-already-designing-iphones-and-ipads-without-qualcomm-chips

Pichai: initial Pixel 2 sales double from original Pixel’s rate

There's one piece of good news for the Pixel 2 as sales from day one are way up from the Pixel. But it's just day one. What now?

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/pichai-initial-pixel-2-sales-double-from-original-pixels-rate

An iPhone X deal (and way more) is coming up for Sam’s Club members

Big-time Sam's Club gift cards for those buying a new iPhone or an even bigger one with Galaxy phones. And you've got tablet savings, too.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/an-iphone-x-deal-is-coming-up-for-sams-club

Meizu and MediaTek partner for facial recognition tech

Will MediaTek be able to churn up China with fancy face-reading cameras with Meizu... perhaps on a Meizu phone next year?

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/meizu-and-mediatek-partner-for-facial-recognition-tech

Microsoft Surface Pro with LTE Advanced ships to business customers in December

A long overdue LTE-enabled Microsoft Surface Pro is coming in December to business customers, priced at $1,149 and up stateside.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/microsoft-surface-pro-lte-advanced-december-launch-business-customers

Sprint sells LG G Pad F2 8.0 for $150, optional Plus Pack fetches $80

Unlike T-Mobile's LG G Pad X2 8.0 Plus, which comes with a bundled Plus Pack, Sprint's LG G Pad F2 8.0 can also be purchased by itself.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/sprint-lg-g-pad-f2-8-0-optional-plus-pack-pricing

BlackBerry Motion gets official launch date and pricing in Canada for carrier quartet

The all-touch TCL-made BlackBerry Motion is almost ready for primetime up north, where it's going to cost around $600 CAD outright.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/blackberry-motion-canada-launch-date-pricing-carriers

The best iPhone 7 deals in October 2017

Apple could break Qualcomm alliance for 2018 iPhones and iPads, relying on Intel and ‘possibly’ MediaTek

No Qualcomm LTE modems for any iPhone or iPad variants next year? That may have sounded like a far-fetched theory a while ago, but now it's possible.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/apple-rumors-give-up-qualcomm-modems-2018-iphones-ipads

Sony Xperia XZs joins company’s discount party at $500 across numerous US retailers

Available earlier this year for as much as $700, the unlocked Sony Xperia XZs currently fetches just $500 at Amazon, Best Buy and B&H.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/sony-xperia-xzs-discount-numerous-us-retailers

Samsung Electronics appoints three new co-CEOs, announces full record-setting Q3 2017 results

Samsung Electronics is keen to avoid a leadership "vacuum" with a younger new generation of managers while making even more money during Q3 than Q2 2017.

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from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/samsung-electronics-new-co-ceos-record-q3-2017-results

Jio iPhone X and Google Pixel 2 pre-order offers revealed: Everything you need to know

Reliance Jio has announced its iPhone X and Google Pixel 2 pre-order offers, giving users an option to get buyback guarantees and freebies up to Rs. 35,000 on the purchase of these two latest flagship smartphones. While iPhone X customers on the Reliance Jio network can get as much as 70% value on buyback, Pixel 2 customers can get freebies worth up to Rs. 35,000.

Jio iPhone X pre-order offers

Extending its 70% buyback offer to the iPhone X as well, Reliance Jio has also announced a special plan for iPhone X customers. Under its iPhone X pre-order offer, Reliance Jio customers will have to recharge with a minimum amount of Rs. 799 per month for the first 12 months to qualify for 70% buyback.

Under the Rs. 799 plan, iPhone X customers on the Jio network will get up to 3GB of high-speed 4G data per day, unlimited calls (local and STD, even on roaming), unlimited SMS and access to Jio apps worth Rs. 1250. This plan will be valid for a period of 28 days, meaning you will have to recharge with the Rs. 799 plan for 13 times at a minimum.

Pre-book the iPhone X on Jio at Rs. 1,999

Reliance Jio has started accepting pre-orders for the iPhone X at Rs. 1,999.

Further clarifying, the Jio iPhone X pre-order offer is valid on iPhone X purchased from Jio.com, MyJio, Amazon.in (sold by Reliance Digital) or RRL. The Jio iPhone X pre-order plan is valid from October 27th to November 3rd. The Jio iPhone Buyback Offer enrolment is applicable from September 29th to December 31st, 2017.

Users will have to recharge with the Rs. 799 per month plan for the entire 12-month period. Additionally, users can also recharge with a one-time plan of Rs. 9,999 to qualify for the offer.

Jio Google Pixel 2 pre-order offers

In addition to the iPhone X and iPhone 8 offers, Reliance Jio has also announced a slew of pre-order offers on the Google Pixel 2.

Pixel 2 users on Jio network will get unlimited data and voice benefits worth Rs. 9,999 for an year – with this offer, Pixel 2 users can enjoy up to 750GB of high-speed 4G LTE data, in addition to unlimited voice, SMS and Jio apps access.

HDFC credit card customers can also enjoy cashback of Rs. 8,000 when purchasing the new Pixel 2 smartphone on EMIs. Jio is also offering an additional exchange bonus of Rs. 5,000 and a pair of Sennheiser earphones worth Rs. 11,990 for free. In total, users can avail freebies worth Rs. 35,000 on pre-ordering the Pixel 2 on the Jio network.

The Jio Google Pixel 2 offer is valid starting from October 27 to January 24, 2018.



from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/jio-iphone-x-and-google-pixel-2-pre-order-offers-revealed-everything-you-need-to-know

Best iPhone X cases: how to protect your nearly bezel-less iPhone

Updated: New cases have been unveiled so we've added 10 more of them to our list, giving you even more options.

With a starting price of $999 / £999 / AU$1,579 the iPhone X is a phone you’ll want to keep protected more than any other, especially with the glass back and lack of bezels potentially making it more susceptible to damage than previous models.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to keep it safe, with dozens if not hundreds of cases already available, suiting just about every budget, style and need.

There are a lot of good ones out there, and a lot which aren’t so great, so we’ve selected some of our favorites to get you started. These cover a wide range of prices, looks and materials, so there should be something here you’ll like.

TechRadar has yet to use any of these cases in real life though and we've just put this collection together so you can see the different looks, features and designs of the cases on offer.

We'll be adding more cases to this list as time goes by and as we see more options appear on the market, too.

Note: we've ranked these from cheapest to most expensive according to prices at time of writing.

With the JETech Protective Case you’re getting a lot of case for not very much money at all. It’s a black TPU case – so far so basic, but it has a carbon fiber design, giving it a bit of flair, and a textured frame for extra grip.

This JETech case also has a built-in metal kickstand, so you can prop your iPhone X up for hands-free viewing, while air cushion technology gives you more drop defense than you might expect.

Ultimately it’s a fairly plain case, and you can get more protection elsewhere, but it looks to strike a good balance between features and price.

TOZO claims this is the world’s thinnest hard-shell case for the iPhone X and while we can’t be sure whether that’s true or not, it’s certainly very slim at just 0.35mm thick.

That makes it a great choice if you don’t want to add any bulk to your fancy new phone, especially given the low price of this case, which should make it all the more appealing if your bank balance is hurting after buying the iPhone X itself.

However, while it will offer some protection against scrapes, we’re not confident that a case this thin will do much to protect your phone from drops.

This is one of the cheapest iPhone X cases on the market right now and it should protect your phone from the odd scratch. 

We don't think it'll be able to do much to protect your device if you drop it though and the gel material probably won't feel as comfortable on your palms as the glass that's on the back of the iPhone X.

Sometimes the simplest option is the best option, and the Spigen Ultra Hybrid iPhone X case is certainly simple.

It’s available in a range of colors, but they all include a transparent back, so you can see your iPhone X in full while keeping it protected.

It’s just a simple polycarbonate hard case, but it’s slim, has pronounced button covers so the buttons are easy to find and press, large cut-outs that can fit most cables, and it’s made from a non-slip material, so you’re less likely to drop your phone.

If you do still drop it though the case sports air cushioned corners, which should help keep your iPhone X in one piece.

Most of the options we’ve covered so far have been fairly plain, but the ESR Marble Pattern cover really stands out, with a marble design in black, blue, grey or white.

Beneath the surface it’s a thin and light TPU case, and there’s nothing clever going on here, so you’re only getting basic protection, but it includes a smooth, anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint finish, raised lips to protect the screen and camera, and a low price tag.

Desmay claims to be selling one of the very thinnest iPhone X cases.

In fact, it's thin enough that you'll still be able to use wireless charging, and the company claims this case will also give you "maximum protection", so hopefully this will protect your phone well.

If plastic’s not doing it for you, consider the Snakehive Walnut Wood case. This uses real walnut on the back, and there are other versions available which use different types of wood, including bamboo, rosewood, maple and cherry wood.

The use of wood gives the case a stylish, high-end and slightly unusual appearance which is sure to turn more heads than the average iPhone X case.

As the case uses real wood each one is also unique, and though this isn’t a wallet case there’s a handy credit card slot hidden away on the inside.

It’s also cheaper than you might expect. The only downsides we can see is that it won’t deliver as much protection as some of the bulkier cases, and although the back is wood the sides and phone holder are plastic, but that’s almost always the case with a wooden cover.

This one may be one of the best looking cases we've seen for the iPhone X so far and the super thin design means the case shouldn't make your phone much bulgier in your pocket.

It's uncertain how protective that vertical camera cut-out will be, but here you'll get the choice of a variety of colors including a bold blue and green. Those aren't colors you can buy the new iPhone X in.

This is perhaps the most protective case we've seen for the iPhone X so far. It looks to have a sturdy design that will ensure if you drop your phone it won't break.

That said, this isn't the most attractive case as you will lose the premium glass-backed design we've been excited about on the iPhone X.

Snakehive's premium leather iPhone X case comes in a variety of colors and uses matching stitching, which is different depending on what shade you opt for.

The listing for the Snakehive premium leather case does suggest it'll provide access for a 3.5mm headphone port, which the iPhone X famously doesn't have, so we're uncertain if there will be a few unnecessary gaps in the bodywork of the case.

That said, it looks great, plus you'll have three card slots and there's an even larger compartment so you can use your new iPhone X case as a wallet too.

Unlike the choice above, the Tech21 Evo Tactical won't protect the screen of your iPhone X, but you can always buy a screen protector to ensure you don't scratch up that 5.8-inch bezel-less display.

The design of this case should help protect it from drops, but it's currently uncertain if you'll be able to wirelessly charge your phone while it's in this case.

Combining style and protection, the X-Doria Defense Lux case has an anodized aluminum frame with built-in air pockets to absorb shock.

In fact, the case exceeds military drop test standards, so it should keep your iPhone X safer than most, but it also looks good, not just thanks to the aforementioned metal frame, but also because of the back, which comes in a choice of ballistic nylon, black leather, carbon fiber or wood.

That’s an interesting selection of materials, each of which will give the X-Doria Defense Lux case a quite different appearance to most other iPhone X covers.

You might understandably want to put protection first when buying an iPhone X case, and if so the Urban Armor Gear Feather-Light Rugged Case should make for a good option.

It combines a hard outer shell with a soft, impact-resistant core, plus skid pads on the back, which add up to a case that can meet military drop test standards.

It also sports a visually striking – albeit rather rugged – design, and as the name suggests it’s surprisingly light, thanks to a honeycomb structure which also aids its drop protection.

Wireless charging and contactless payments also work through the case, so you’re not losing any functionality.

This case is slim once again, but it's made of metal and has a magnetic clasp on the side to ensure your phone screen won't easily get scratched up.

It also has a military-grade drop protection certificate, so you can be certain this case will protect your iPhone X the time you inevitably drop it.

The Gear4 Battersea iPhone X case comes with the company's D30 impact protection, which should allow you to drop the phone without having to worry about it smashing.

There won't be any protection for your phone's screen while it's in your pocket - so you may want to buy a screen protector - but it comes with an attractive and comfortable soft touch finish on the rear and edges.

The OtterBox Statement Series Case at once wants to show your phone off and show itself off, as you can tell from the back, which is mostly transparent but has a large section of colored leather at the bottom.

This gives the case a far more distinctive, high-end look than your average transparent case, and being from OtterBox you can trust that it’s well-built. In fact, it’s passed over 24 tests lasting more than 238 hours to ensure it offers maximum protection.

This leather case won't take away from the bold look of the iPhone X's almost bezel-less screen, as it just sits around the back and edges of the phone.

The Nodus Collection Shell case gives easy access to the lightning port as well as the silent switch on the side, while raised leather parts will allow you to change the volume easily.

If you want a high-end case for your high-end phone you could consider an Ullu SnapOn case, as these are made from real leather and have a classy, expensive look.

This is also a case that’s available in a wide range of colors, from fairly normal blacks and browns, to pink, tangerine and even one with an army camouflage design.

Being a leather case, it doesn’t have all the high-tech drop protection of something like the Urban Armor Gear case elsewhere on this list, but it will provide some protection and look good doing it.

How about one of the most premium leather iPhone X cases on the market? The Greenwich Horo leather folio case looks phenomenal, but is a very expensive choice.

If you want to protect your phone and keep the high-end look of the iPhone X, this looks like it will be one of the best options money can buy.

This official Apple case is perhaps unsurprisingly one of the most expensive, but it goes some way to justifying the price tag, as it’s crafted from French leather, and unlike the Ullu case above it covers the front of the phone as well as the back, with a wallet-like design.

That means you get more protection and Apple’s also made use of the flap on the front by adding a couple of slots, which you can use to hold cash and cards.

The case will also wake your iPhone X up when you open it, and put it to sleep when closed, and it doesn’t prevent the phone from being wirelessly charged.



from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/best-iphone-x-cases

Nokia 2 with two-day battery life announced in India

iPhone X first look: 24 hours with Apple's hottest ever iPhone

I’ve been carrying the new iPhone X around for 24 hours, and while it’s nowhere near long enough to write a full review, it’s been an interesting enough glance into what Apple is trying to do with the iPhone to share some early thoughts.

My main question when reviewing this phone is simple: is this really the ‘future of smartphones’, as Tim Cook suggested it is? 

This is a phone that loses a lot of the tried and tested features of previous handsets, so what’s really new here, the stuff that would impress those who want to know what the new iPhone is really like?

In the hand

While I’d already picked up the iPhone X and had a good fondle at September’s launch event out in Cupertino, I was still taken with how heavy it was when I removed it from the box.

The outer rim, encased in polished stainless steel on the silver model I’m using, feels chunky and rounded, but in a premium way, rather than being overly large in the hand. It harks back to multiple iPhone designs of the past, and will feel familiar to most.

There’s a glass back, like that found on the iPhone 8 pairing, and it feels more expensive in the hand where it wraps into the metal rim. The glass back also allows for wireless charging, which is the whole point of changing the material on the rear of the phone.

Interestingly, the camera bump is different to the one on the iPhone 8 Plus. It’s intriguing simply because while both have the same dual-sensor array, the protrusion on the 8 Plus rolls smoothly into the chassis, where the iPhone X’s bump is sharp and angular. 

Well, I say interesting. You might not even care. Just letting you know.

Face ID impresses

Right – straight into the big one. Apple has ditched Touch ID for the iPhone X, the fingerprint sensor making way for facial recognition. 

That’s what the notch at the top of the phone is all about, the bezel-less design interrupted by an obvious chunk bitten out the top. It houses the TrueDepth camera, an advanced piece of kit that’s able to map the human face with very high accuracy.

During the set-up process the iPhone X asks you to look into the camera, spin your head around a couple of times and the process is done – and this efficiency is crucial. 

The fingerprint sensor worked just fine – it woke the phone up, it securely let you into the handset… so why change it at all?

Well, the way I realised that I’m not going to have an issue with Face ID is that, within 10 minutes, I realised that I hadn’t turned it on, as I was getting into my phone whenever I woke it up.

Except I had enabled it. It was that quick. 

Over the next 24 hours, I tested Face ID in the pitch black (slower, but still fine), first thing when waking up in a dark room in the morning (no slowdown whatsoever) and when walking… again, it picked up my face fine.

In fact, the only issue I could find is when the phone is flat on your desk and you can’t open it using a thumb to have a look at a notification. You’ll need to lift the phone up, and comparing the speed of unlocking with an iPhone 8 Plus, it’s definitely quicker to open up the phone with a thumb over Face ID.

But – especially given the nightmares I’ve experienced with the same face recognition techniques on the Samsung Galaxy Note 8 – Apple has executed facial recognition really, really well.

The screen

Does the iPhone X have a good screen? If you’re talking to one of the legion of Android fans, you’ll probably get a shrug. They’ll point to the fact that Samsung phones have been using AMOLED technology for years, with higher resolution, and that displays with more cinematic aspect ratios are nothing new.

But that misses the point of what Apple has always been about. While the fact that the base-level iPhone 8 has a standard HD screen still rankles (for that cost, we’d expect more pixels) it’s always been about the quality of the display, not the spec sheet.

And given the nightmare Google has been suffering with the Pixel 2 XL, with elements of the display burning in and terrible viewing angles, Apple has shown its prowess in making a screen that looks good and works well in equal measure - and given the display is the window into the thing you’re going to be looking at many, many times a day, getting this right is crucial.

So it’s fortunate for Apple that the iPhone X, with its 5.8-inch display, looks flawless. It’s far less color-rich than the Samsung Galaxy range, and you can’t tweak the way the colors look like you can on many Android phones, but no matter which way you look at the X you’re not going to see an unsightly blue tint.

Watching movies on this phone, with its Mobile HDR-enabled display, was supposed to be a dream, and it generally is. However, I’ve not noted that anything looks superb just yet, although I’ve not spent a great deal of time drilling into it. 

One thing to note though: there’s not a lot of HDR content out there right now. Apple’s making a big deal of the fact that if you’ve bought any HD films on iTunes already they’ll be automatically upgraded to 4K HDR… but most of them aren’t enabled yet.

This is – presumably – because it’s not struck the right deals with the studios at the moment, but I’ve got reams of video from Marvel that would look amazing in HDR / Dolby Vision, and they’re still stuck in boring old HD versions right now.

Animoji

Why did Apple include the poo emoji in its new Animoji offering? I’m literally sending messages to my pals as a talking turd, and wondering what I’m doing with my life.

Rolling back for those that don’t know: Animoji is the new feature on the iPhone X, where the TrueDepth camera maps your facial movements and transposes them onto a talking emoji.

It’s incredibly accurate – every flick of your eyebrow, mouth or ear is mimicked on the screen perfectly, and it’s something that people just love playing with when picking up the iPhone X.

However, it’s not going to be a must-have feature, and I can see it going the way of the effects in iMessage… you’ll send a laser effect with your message on occasion when you remember it’s there, but it’s not going to be that often.

What does excite me is what developers will do with this camera – already Snap is showing some cool facial recognition (even if it is reminiscent of a comedy sketch demeaning Silicon Valley startups) and the ability to face-map will be a fun new tool for developers.

Apps need work, quickly

Let’s not be too unfair right now – the iPhone X isn’t out yet, so you wouldn’t expect a lot of developers to have re-coded their apps to work on the longer screen.

But they sorely need to, and quickly. When you’re looking at an app that’s coded for a ‘normal’ iPhone screen, the black bars above and below the display make it look like you’re just using an older device… just one shorn of the home button.

Of the mainstream apps I use, only Twitter has been optimized to actually fill the whole screen, and with something like Netflix a movie will sit quietly in the middle of the screen, with black bars all around.

A double-tap will fill the display back up again, and you’re into a really impressive, immersive image, taking up the whole screen. The notch at the top of the screen does get in the way though, annoying you in the periphery of your vision.

You’ll forget about it quickly, but it’s not ideal. While I get that this is where the powerful TrueDepth camera sits, it does spoil the all-screen effect somewhat. It would be better if movies didn’t spill around the camera notch.

You’re still getting a wide cinematic effect in this mode, and it would all look a lot cleaner.

No camera improvements, but that's no bad thing

This is an iPhone camera – and a really good one. If you’ve owned an iPhone before, you’ll know what I mean – it takes fast, natural-looking images that simply look good on the screen.

Actually, scratch that – while the photos themselves aren’t noticeably better in the first 24 hours compared to the iPhone 8 Plus, they look so much better on the OLED screen, with the improved contrast ratio giving everything a premium sheen.

One thing I have noticed: while both cameras now have optical image stabilization, and the telephoto lens has a wider aperture for improved low-light capture, the iPhone X will still default to the main, wide-angle lens and choose digital zoom over optical when things get a bit darker.

That seems to be because it’s prioritizing picture quality overall – rather than offering a ‘proper’ zoom with a darker photo, it’s gone for the better snap. 

The front-facing camera – the 7MP sensor for taking selfies – is really impressive now, thanks to its ability to actually sense depth – you can get the same background blurring effects from the front camera as the rear one, and picture quality improves massively as a result.

However, I don’t really want to comment too much on the camera before the full review has been conducted – the iPhone isn’t a phone filled with settings to tweak, so it needs a full run-down in multiple scenarios to really see where it’s strong and weak.

So, what do we think?

The iPhone X is the most impressive iPhone I’ve ever held – I’m almost annoyed that the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus existed first, because they’ve taken some of the shine off the launch.

The fact that I’ve already played with handsets using the A11 Bionic chip at the heart of this phone detracts from the fact that the iPhone X is so powerful. And the fact this isn’t the first iPhone with wireless charging is a shame too – all this coming with the iPhone X would have been brilliant.

But even without that, the fusion of much-improved screen, face-mapping technology and condensed design means the iPhone X is the biggest jump forward for the iPhone ever. If the iPhone 8 wasn’t on sale, and if the iPhone X didn’t cost so much, I’d be tempted to say that the rest of the competition should shut up shop and go home.

Because while multiple Android phones offer better specs or features than the iPhone X, that’s not a consideration for those looking to remain in the iPhone ecosystem, and very few Android phones wrap said features together in such a cohesive way.

Again, this is only a first impressions piece with the iPhone X – there’s a lot more to learn about this phone. But the main concern that many people, including myself, had – that Face ID wouldn’t work and would make it almost impossible to get into the iPhone X – has turned out to be nothing to worry about, and creating such powerful facial recognition is really impressive. Apple has managed something its rivals simply could not.

The iPhone X is the most expensive flagship phone on the market by some distance - but early impressions are that it’s going some way to justifying that cost.



from TechRadar: Phone and communications news http://www.techradar.com/news/iphone-x-first-look-24-hours-with-apples-hottest-ever-iphone

T-Mobile lets the HTC U11 Life out of the bag, Un-carrier sales expected to start November 3

T-Mobile couldn't wait for the official November 2 announcement of the mid-range HTC U11 Life, revealing everything but the phone's US price tag.

The post T-Mobile lets the HTC U11 Life out of the bag, Un-carrier sales expected to start November 3 appeared first on Pocketnow.



from Pocketnow http://pocketnow.com/2017/10/31/t-mobile-confirms-htc-u11-life-specs-features