Category: Tech

Latest Technology News, Alternative, Bio-Tech, Medical, R&D and Innovations

PhoneKid Is A Kids-Friendly Smartphone With Parental Control

Most of the parents are afraid of exposure that their children get on a smartphone. In fact, most of them do not let their children use a smartphone until a specific age. In this modern world security is also a major concern. To solve this riddle, a Spanish company has come up with a new smartphone, the PhoneKid. It was officially launched at MWC 2018. However, there is no information on the specifications, pricing, or, availability.

The PhoneKid is a regular smartphone based on the Android operating system. Similarly, it also gives a layer of control for the parent. A parent can enable or disable certain functions (remotely) by just using an app. In fact, they can replace the phone’s screen into an activity command page.

However, the child cannot do two things on the PhoneKid. One, he/she cannot turn off the smartphone, two, they cannot disable GPS or global positioning service. So, the parent will have the added advantage of tracking their children at all the time. Similarly, if the battery runs out, then there is no alternative what so ever.

What is PhoneKid?

PhoneKid is a fully fledged Android smartphone with support for Google Play store. However, it depends on the parents to give or not to give access to these services. There is a hidden SOS mode, which can be used to call the parent, whenever the user is in some kind of trouble.

This would be a great smartphone for the kids. However, the kids might not appreciate the fact that, the parents can control all the actions on the smartphone.

Conclusion:

The idea behind the concept looks promising. However, these actions can be duplicated by just installing an app on any Android or iOS smartphones. In fact, here are some the some of the apps that can give complete control over your children’s smartphone.

SecureTeen Parental Control

Kaspersky SafeKids: Parental Control for Android

Kids Place – Parental Control

March 1, 2018
Android P To Support Iris Scanner

Samsung introduced fingerprint scanner on the Samsung Galaxy S5, it made into stock android on Android Marshmallow. Samsung introduced multi-window mode on the Galaxy Note 4, it made into native Android on Android Nougat. Now Google is all set to adopt the support for Iris scanner in the Android P natively.

What does it mean?

This means that the Google Pixel 3 lineup from Google is expected to feature Iris scanner. Companies like OnePlus, Honor, and Xiaomi have already come up with the phones with face recognition. However, the technology used on these devices is not foolproof like the Iris Scanning.

In fact, the Samsung Galaxy S9 uses both Iris scanner and Face scanning to improve the over experience. Do note that, Samsung is the only mainstream smartphone maker to offer Iris scanner.

Is Iris scanner a safe authentication method?

For the most part yes. It scans different parts of the eyeball, which are very distinct even on twins. However, as of now, the one has to look at the phone from a specific distance to unlock the smartphone. Similarly, it takes an additional second more than the fingerprint scanner.

In fact, one cannot fool it using a 3D model or an identical twin like the Face ID. So, it is safe but not the fastest thing in the world. Even the hardware requirement for the Iris scanner is not as complex as Face ID, so it will be easy to mass produce.

Conclusion

The implementation of Iris scanner has been spotted on the alpha build of the Android P. Google should officially announce this new feature at the Google I/O 2018. The Google Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL could be the first set of non-Samsung smartphones to feature this new technology.

March 1, 2018
Huawei P20 Lite Images With iPhone X-Like Notch Leaked

At MWC 2018, Huawei was expected to launch the Huawei P20 Lite and save the other two devices for the March event. However, it only launched its MateBook X Pro and MediaPad M5 . This means that on the 27th of March, the company will unveil three smartphones out of which, the P20 Plus will have a triple-camera setup.

A few days ago, 360-degree renders of the P20 Lite were leaked by OnLeaks. However, live images of the smartphone have now been leaked by another popular leaker on Twitter, Evan Blass. As expected, P20 Lite will follow the footsteps of many Android phones unveiled at MWC 2018. It will have an iPhone X-like notch on the display which will house the earpiece, sensors and front camera.

Previous P20 Lite Leaked Images

On the back of the smartphone are a few decisions reminiscent of the iPhone X as well. The dual-camera setup is placed vertically and resembles that of the iPhone X. However, unlike the iPhone X, the LED flash is placed below the camera module, instead of between the two cameras. The fingerprint sensor is placed in the centre, which many missed on the iPhone X. The smartphone has a matte finish possibly made of aluminium.

Specifications

With bezels getting thinner, the standard size of a smartphone has increased from 5.5 inches to 6 inches. However, that won’t be the case with the Huawei P20 Lite. It is expected to have a 5.6 inch display with a 2160 x 1080 px resolution. Expect the resolution to be a little different, because of the notch.

Under the hood, it will have the HiSilicon Kirin 659 chipset, also found on the likes of the Honor 7X and even Honor 9 Lite. This will be paired with either 4GB or 6GB of RAM and 64GB of onboard storage. Powering the smartphone will be a 3520 mAh battery and it will run Android 8 Oreo out of the box. However, the smartphone will have Huawei’s EMUI on top as well.

March 1, 2018
Leaked: Possibly Cancelled LG G7 Design And Specifications

LG is rebuilding its flagship smartphone for 2018. In fact, the company might completely ditch the G series. However, that does not mean that the company didn’t have a plan for the LG G7.

Last year LG launched the LG G6 with a year old processor. Though the smartphone had a lot of potentials, it didn’t do well in terms of business. Since LG doesn’t want to repeat the mistake, it is taking its time to shape up a new smartphone with exciting features and specifications.

An Israeli publication has posted a hands-on video of the alleged LG G7 that could have been.

Details of the LG G7

The LG G7 looks like a refined version of the LG V30+, which is the current flagship smartphone from LG. As the name suggests, this would have been the flagship device from the South Korean smartphone manufacturer. However, this concept didn’t make the cut thanks to LG’s revamped plans.

As it is clearly visible, LG directly copied the notch from Apple iPhone X and pasted on to the LG G7. However, like the Asus ZenFone 5, the notch might be used just for styling. The specifications of the smartphone are also on-par with the latest Android flagship smartphones of 2018.

The device has a 6 inch pOLED QHD+ 3,120×1,440px display with a notch. Under the hood, the smartphone was powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4/6GB RAM and 64/128GB storage. Like every other LG smartphone, the G7 does have a micro SD card slot.

The smartphone has a dual 16 MP cameras at the back with f/1.6 aperture. However, the primary lens has OIS and the secondary lens didn’t. The front-facing 8 MP wide-angle sensor is hidden in the notch.

The LG V30+ has glass on the back

Finally, the phone has a 3000 mAh battery, which fast charging and wireless charging support. The OS was based on Android 8 Oreo with custom LG skin on the top.

Expected changes on the upcoming LG flagship

LG has given the code name for the flagship smartphone as Judy. The company has planned to go with MLCD+ display technology instead of OLED for added brightness and battery conservation. Similarly, the smartphone is also expected to offer premium DTS:X and boom box feature for the improved stereo experience. However, just like the LG G7, the Judy will be powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset.

March 1, 2018
Tekken Mobile Now Available On Android For Free

Tekken, the classic arcade action game is now available on Android. What makes this news even more interesting is the fact that, it is available for free. Head to the Google Play store to download Tekken Mobile. The app itself weighs around 196 MB + additional 150 MB for the in-game content.

Though the game is free to download, you can make in-app purchases to fasten your game progress. In fact, the app maker has monetized everything. To upgrade a loot box or the healing resource item, one has to spend real-world money.

Features:

However, do note that the plot of the game doesn’t sync with the original Tekken Mobile. So, if you are trying to get that 90s experience of playing this game in an arcade you will be half happy and half sad.

The gameplay is similar to the Injustice 2 and the Transformers: Forged to fight. So, if you have played these games, then you will understand and controls and the gestures in no time. Similarly, the complete gameplay is based on tapping either or the right side or the left side of the screen to make a move. As usual, to block a move on has to hold on to the right side of the screen for a brief second.

One thing that is really new about the gameplay is the new card system. The Cards represent the special move, which helps to win the battle in fewer moves. Using the cards, one can guard break the opponent. Though everything seems complex theoretically, practically the system is easily understandable.

Conclusion:

We tried this game on the Xiaomi Redmi Note 5 Pro with Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 chipset with 4GB RAM. The overall gaming experience was very smooth, still in some part of the game the graphics look dated. Finally, if you are into action games, then Tekken is a must try.

February 28, 2018
What Is The Future Of Front-Facing Cameras?

We all love bezel-less smartphones. Even since the turn of 2017, the bezels have become increasingly thinner and displays have become taller. All this while, the size of the whole device has remained constant. The trend has caught on so much that capable devices like the OnePlus 5, even the iPhone 8 and 8 Plus were deemed “archaic” for the modern times. By no means are they bad-looking devices, they just have modern looking siblings that are more appealing.

But, while we despise anything with bezels, we need to remember that bezels on a display have a role. While we like to call smartphones like the iPhone X or the Galaxy S9 as “bezel-less,” in reality, they aren’t. No smartphone has a 100% screen-to-body ratio and there is a genuine reason behind that. Modern day smartphones have different implementations of the front-facing cameras and the earpieces. Along with that, you need space to store all the sensors as well.

While the Mi Mix and Mi Mix 2 moved the front-facing camera on the bottom bezel to trim the other three sides, it hasn’t been a popular decision. The Galaxy S9 and S9+ with their infinity displays still have a chin and forehead which houses the sensors, camera and an earpiece. The iPhone X has a notch that houses everything. Similarly, the Essential Ph-1 has a cyborg eye-like notch for the front camera while the rest is situated just above the display.

However, it looks like two companies might have the answer to the front camera conundrum. At the ongoing MWC 2018, Vivo unveiled a concept phone, the Vivo Apex. Apart from having some of the thinnest bezels on a smartphone, it has an interesting implementation of the front camera as well. The Apex has a camera housed in the smartphone. It essentially means that when a user has to take a selfie, a camera pops out of the smartphone. It doesn’t use up any screen real estate which allowed the company to keep the bezels at 1.8mm thick.

While this is still a concept phone, it is an interesting implementation. Certainly, it is better than what Xiaomi did with the Mi Mix and Mi Mix 2. Another interesting smartphone unveiled at MWC 2018 is the Bluboo S2. However, the Bluboo S2 has an interesting implementation of the camera as well. Similar to what the OPPO N1 did, the Bluboo S2 has a rotating camera. You basically lift the camera from behind and it stands upright for front-facing functionalities.

While this does seem futuristic, more brands, and mainly, bigger brands need to adapt these for it to grow. Until we get a screen-embedded camera, these could be some of the best options to completely get rid of the bezels.

February 28, 2018
Samsung Galaxy J8 2018 Leaked On GeekBench

Samsung is expected to launch a new series of entry-level smartphones in the coming weeks. On 27th February, we covered a leak on the Samsung Galaxy J6 2018. Similarly, a new Samsung smartphone is now listed on Geekbench, which is expected to be the Galaxy J8 2018.

The interesting thing about the Galaxy J8 2018 is the fact that, the only difference between the Galaxy J6 2018 and the Galaxy J8 2018 is the amount of RAM. The J6 2018 offers 2GB RAM and the J8 2018 offers 3GB RAM. Similarly, we might see a similar design with a different screen size and resolution on the J6 and the J8.

The smartphone scores 728 points on the single core performance and 3683 points on the multi-core performance, which is similar to the other smartphones with the same chipset. In fact, the Galaxy J6 2018 scores 726 points on a single core and 3643 points on the multi-core performance.

Specifications:

The Samsung Galaxy J8 2018 is listed under the model number SM-J800FN. The device is powered by the Exynos 7870 Octa-core chipset with 3GB RAM. In fact, this chipset has been used on several smartphones including the Galaxy J6 2018 and the Galaxy J4 2018. The smartphone runs on Android 8 Oreo with expected Experience UI skin on the top.

The Exynos 7870 chipset is manufactured by 14 nm FinFET architecture with eight Cortex A-53 cores. Similarly, the chipset is equipped with Mali-T830 GPU.

Considering the chipset capabilities, the Galaxy J8 2018 might feature up to two 16 MP cameras with 1080p @30fps video recording capability. The chipset can drive displays with a max resolution of 1980 x 1200px. On that point, the smartphone might feature either 720p or 1080p full HD display unit.

Conclusion:

Samsung might launch the Galaxy J4, Galaxy J6, and the Galaxy J8 2018 in India in the next few weeks. However, we don’t expect features like 18:9 aspect ratio display and dual camera setup on these devices, as the chipset might have certain limitations on the hardware that it can support.

February 28, 2018
Xiaomi Mi 7 To Feature In-Display Fingerprint Sensor And Wireless Charging

Xiaomi has recently confirmed that its first device to run on Snapdragon 845 will be the Mi Mix 2S. However, it is fair to assume that the launch of the Mi 7 is not too far away. Many expected the Mi 7 to be launched at MWC 2018 but, the company has decided to keep its flagship smartphone under the wraps for a few more months.

However, that has not stopped more rumours to surface about the Mi 7. The Mi 7 could be launched with one of the most anticipated features of 2018 devices, an in-display fingerprint sensor. Vivo launched the first-ever smartphone with an in-display fingerprint sensor at CES 2018 and one-upped its own feat with the Vivo Apex. Apart from a futuristic “pop out camera,” the Apex has an in-display fingerprint sensor spread across half of the device’s display.

Vivo X20 Plus UD

The Xiaomi Mi 7, on the other hand, might have an implementation similar to the Vivo X20 Plus UD. If this turns out to be true, the Mi 7 might see an increase in price. The Vivo X20 Plus UD, for its specifications, is very pricey, mainly due to the technology it possesses.

Another interesting feature the company might debut in the Mi 7 is wireless charging. This was also rumoured back in September 2017 when Xiaomi joined the Wireless Power Consortium. Wireless Power Consortium was formed back in 2008. It’s sole purpose is to promote wide market adoption of the Qi wireless charging technology.

This means that the Mi 7 will have a glass build, similar to the likes of the Galaxy S9 and iPhone X. Again, the price of the Mi 7 could be defining factor in the success or failure of the device.

Conclusion

The buzz around the launch of the Mi Mix 2S won’t die out soon. However, the Mi 7 is expected to have a few features that will be a first for Xiaomi. The pricing and launch date will be interesting, considering devices like the OnePlus 6 and Asus Zenfone 5Z will be on the market as well.

February 28, 2018
Apple iPhone X And Other iPhones Available At A Discount On Flipkart

Despite the recent controversy, there is no denying that Apple iPhones age very well and you won’t have to worry about Apple’s software tweaks kicking in at least a couple of years after you buy a new iPhone. The Flipkart Apple Days sale offers great discounts on the latest iPhone models. In fact, this might be the right time to upgrade from an older smartphone.

Here are the top offers from Flipkart on various Apple iPhone X models.

Apple iPhone X

Apple iPhone X is the latest flagship smartphone from the California tech giant. The smartphone was launched in India for Rs 89,999 and Rs 1,02,000 for the 64GB and 256GB storage variant. Now, on the Flipkart sale, the same model is available for Rs 82,999 and Rs 89,999 respectively.

Apple iPhone 8 and 8 Plus

The Apple iPhone 8 and the iPhone 8 Plus share similar hardware with the Apple iPhone X. However, these two offerings from Apple are more affordable. The iPhone 8 is now available for Rs 54,999 and Rs 69,999 for the 64GB and 256GB storage variants. Similarly, the iPhone 8 Plus will be available for Rs 64,999 and Rs 79,999 for the 64GB and 256GB storage variants.

Apple iPhone 7 and 7 Plus

The Apple iPhone 7 and the iPhone 7 Plus are the last generation flagship smartphones from 2016. However, these smartphones still pack a punch and give tough competition to the Android counterparts. The iPhone 7 is now available for Rs 41,999 and Rs 55,999 for the 32GB and 128GB version. Similarly, the iPhone 8 Plus is now available for Rs 56,999 and 65,999 for the 32GB and 128GB storage variants.

iPhone 7, iPhone 7 Plus Do Not Have The Hardware Updates

Apple iPhone 6 and 6s

These models of iPhone will suite for those who are looking into the affordable iPhone model. Unlike Android counterpart, one will not experience any unresponsive experiences what so ever. In fact, these two have an added advantage of 3.5 mm headphone jack. The Apple iPhone 6 with 32GB is now available on Flipkart for RS 24,999 and the iPhone 6s 32GB model is available for Rs 32,999.

Apple iPhone SE

The Apple iPhone SE is a compact version of the original iPhone 6s. In fact, this is the most affordable iPhone available in India. The 32GB variant of the iPhone SE is now available on Flipkart for Rs 18,999.

iPhone SE

February 28, 2018
Qualcomm Announces Snapdragon 700 Chipset Series At MWC 2018

Qualcomm launched the Snapdragon 700 series chipset at MWC 2018. The Snapdragon 700 series of chipsets from Qualcomm offers premium tier-1 performance in the mid-tier smartphones.

In fact, the company claims that the Qualcomm Snapdragon 700 chipset will be able to deliver up to two times the AI performance compared to series 600. This series of chipsets will bring features and performance that was previously available on the series 800 chipset. However, the company did not unveil any chipset on this newer lineup.

Alex Katouzian, senior vice president and general manager, mobile, Qualcomm Technologies, said:

From our cutting-edge Qualcomm AI Engine to superior camera, device performance and power. The Snapdragon 700 Series is optimized to support the experiences consumers have come to expect from the most advanced mobile devices at a lower price point.

Features:

The new series will support premium features like Qualcomm Spectra ISP, Qualcomm Kryo CPU, Qualcomm Hexagon Vector Processor and Qualcomm Adreno Visual Processing to improve the overall user experience.

The chipset from the new series will offer 30% better battery efficiency compared to the Qualcomm Snapdragon 660 chipset. The chipset also supports latest WiFi standards with carrier WiFi features. Similarly, the chipset also offers Bluetooth 5.0.

The chipsets will be available for the OEMs in the first of 2018. Similarly, we will see smartphones by the end of Q3 2018.

Conclusion:

The Qualcomm Snapdragon 700 series chipset will enable OEMs to create a new smartphone segment. With this chipset, we can expect flagship smartphones at a much affordable price tag.

February 28, 2018
Samsung Galaxy S9, Galaxy S9+ To Launch In India On 6th March

On the 25th of February, Samsung launched the Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9+ in Barcelona. In India, the devices will be launched on the 6th of March and go on sale on the 16th of March. While the prices of the smartphones will be unveiled at the launch event, they are already up for pre-orders on the official Samsung India website.

However, days before the official launch, the price of the devices was leaked yesterday. The Samsung Galaxy S9 will start a price of Rs. 62,500 and the 256GB variant will be priced at Rs. 71000. The Galaxy S9+, however, will start at Rs 70,000 and the 256GB model will retail for Rs 79000. In fact, the Galaxy S8 was launched at a price of Rs 57900 and the S8+ for Rs 64900. The smartphones will be sold online via Flipkart and the official website of Samsung India.

Samsung Galaxy S9, S9+

From the Galaxy S8 to S9 devices, the physical changes are very minimal. The fingerprint sensor is now at a much better placement and the smartphones have a dual stereo speaker system tuned by AKG. The Samsung Galaxy S9 has a 5.8 inch Super AMOLED display with a 2960 x 1440 px resolution. The Galaxy S9+ sports a 6.2 inch Super AMOLED display with a 2960 x 1440 px resolution.

The Galaxy S9 and S9+ will be the first-ever smartphones launched in India with the new Exynos 9810 chipset. Coupled with the chipset is 4GB of RAM and 64GB/256GB storage for the Galaxy S9. The S9+, however, will be available in 6GB RAM/64GB storage and 6GB RAM/256GB models in India.

The Galaxy S9 has a single Dual Pixel 12 MP sensor with dual /1.5 and f/2.4 apertures. Unlike its predecessor, the Galaxy S9+ has a dual-camera setup on the back. The Galaxy S9+ has one wide-angle 12MP camera with an f/1.5 aperture and the other is a 12MP telephoto lens with an f/2.4 aperture. On the front of the smartphones is an 8MP camera with an f/1.6 aperture and records 4K videos.

February 28, 2018

OnePlus 5T Vs Asus Zenfone 5Z Vs Xiaomi Mi Mix 2

Asus has launched its new flagship smartphone, the Asus Zenfone 5Z at MWC 2018. While at first glance it might look like an iPhone X knockoff, it has a lot more going on for it. In fact, the smartphone was launched along with three other Zenfone devices. The most interesting aspect of the Asus Zenfone 5Z is that it runs on the Snapdragon 845 and is priced at EUR 479 (Rs. 38,000 approx.).

Before MWC 2018 began, many expected Samsung to rule the Snapdragon 845 roost with its Galaxy S9 and S9+. However, smartphone makers like Sony and now Asus, have launched devices powered by the Snapdragon 845 chipset as well. The Asus Zenfone 5Z is the latest one before Xiaomi launches the Mi Mix 2S in late-March.

At this price point, the Zenfoone 5Z is much more affordable than the likes of the Galaxy S9 and Xperia XZ2. However, it will be interesting to see if and when Asus decides to launch the device in India, what the pricing will be like. If the company manages to keep the pricing under Rs. 40,000 the Zenfone 5Z will directly compete with the OnePlus 5T and Xiaomi Mi Mix 2. However, both of these smartphones run on the now older Snapdragon 835 chipset.

While the design of the Asus Zenfone 5Z and its UI might not be everyone’s cup of tea, there is no denying the potential of its chipset. The Galaxy S9, however, will be powered by the Exynos 9810 in India, will launch at a price of Rs. 62500. So, how does the Asus Zenfone 5Z hold up against the likes of the OnePlus 5T and Mi Mix 2? Let’s find out.

Comparison

Specifications	Asus Zenfone 5Z	OnePlus 5T	Xiaomi Mi Mix 2
Price	Starting at EUR 479 (Rs. 38,000 approx.)	Starting at Rs. 32999	Rs. 32999
Display	6.2 inch IPS LCD	6 inch Optic AMOLED	5.99 inch IPS LCD
Resolution	2246 x 1080 px 18.5:9 402 ppi	2160 x 1080 px 18:9 401 ppi	2160 x 1080 px 18:9 403 ppi
Chipset	Snapdragon 845	Snapdragon 835	Snapdragon 835
RAM	4GB 6GB 8GB	6GB 8GB	6GB
Storage	64GB 128GB Expandable up to 400GB	64GB 128GB Non-Expandable	128GB Non-Expandable
Battery	3300 mAh QuickCharge 4.0	3300 mAh DashCharge	3400 mAh QuickCharge
Primary Camera	12MP Sony IMX363 sensorf/1.8 aperture Unspecified MP 120° wide-angle camera with 6p lens	16MP f/1.7 20MP f/1.7	12MP f/2.0
Primary Camera Video	4K @ 60fps	4K @ 30fps	4K @ 30fps
Secondary Camera	8MP f/2.0	16MP f/2.0	5MP f/2.0
Add-Ons	Fingerprint Sensor Face Unlock	Fingerprint Sensor Face Unlock	Fingerprint Sensor

February 28, 2018

Amazon Prime Music Launched in India

Amazon’s Prime Music service now available in India. The Amazon Prime music app can be downloaded from Android or iOS App Store. Similarly, users can also use the service using a standard web browser.

Amazon was testing the Amazon Prime Music In India from last 4 months. However, it was only available for the Amazon Echo users.

The Amazon Prime Music is an ad-free music streaming service from Amazon with more than 10 million songs. If you are an Amazon Prime customer, then you can use the service right away without any additional cost.

Features:

The Amazon Prime Music has a curated music playlist in 12 Indian languages. The overall UI looks clean and the song selection is also impressive. The company has also integrated Amazon Alexa into the music player.

If you have a favourite song, then the song can be saved in offline mode to reduce data usage. The Prime Music offers complete ad-free experience.

Conclusion:

With the launch of Amazon Prime Music, the company is offering a lot of a lot of services for just Rs 1000 subscription. In the first few hours of using this streaming service, it has impressed me with the choice of song selection. This might convince me to continue the subscription to the Amazon Prime.

February 28, 2018
Asus ZenFone 5Z Running On Snapdragon 845 Launched At MWC 2018

Asus launched three new ZenFone 5 smartphones at MWC 2018. The Asus ZenFone 5 Lite, ZenFone 5, ZenFone 5Z are the latest offerings from Asus, which boasts the modern design philosophy with an 18:9 aspect ratio. In fact, some of the models deliver up to 90% screen to body ratio.

Like Apple and Samsung, Asus introduced its own version of iPhone X’s Animojis called Zenimoji. However, the ZenFone 5z with flagship specifications costs half the amount of the iPhone X. With these three flagship series, the company launched the Asus ZenFone Max (M1) which is a smaller variant of the Asus ZenFone Max Plus (M1).

Price and availability:

The Asus ZenFone Max (M1) will be available in DeepSea Black, Sunlight Gold, and Ruby Red. Similarly, the Asus ZenFone 5 Lite will be available in Midnight Black, Rouge Red, and Moonlight White. The Asus ZenFone 5 and the Asus ZenFone 5z will be available in Midnight Blue and Meteor Silver from June. The Asus ZenFone 5z’s prices will start at 479 Euros.

Jerry Shen Asus CEO said:

We embarked on the ZenFone project four years ago with the idea to create empowering luxury for everyone to enjoy. Today, the ZenFone 5 Series is the most intelligent ZenFone series ever, utilizing advanced AI algorithms and big-data analytics to provide users with a unique slate of intelligent camera, communication and convenience features.

Asus ZenFone Max (M1):

The Asus ZenFone Max (M1) is the most affordable model from the company with the modern design. The smartphone has a 5.5 inch IPS LCD 1440 x 720p 18:9 aspect ratio display. Under the hood, the phone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 Quad-core or Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 Octa-core chipset with 2/3GB RAM and 16/32GB storage. Similarly, the storage is expandable up to 256GB using a micro SD card.

The smartphone has a dual primary camera setup with a 13 MP primary sensor and an 8 MP wide angle lens with the electronic image stabilisation. For the front-facing camera, the smartphone offers an 8 MP sensor. The video recording is limited to 1080p due to chipset limitations.

The smartphone is fitted with a 4000 mAH sealed battery with a micro USB port. Additionally, the smartphone also supports NFC and Bluetooth. Finally, the smartphone runs on Zen UI 5.0 based on Android 7.1 Nougat.

Asus ZenFone 5 Lite:

The Asus ZenFone 5 Lite offers a 6 inch FHD+ 2160 x 1080px IPS LCD display with 80.3% screen to body ratio. Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 or Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 Octa-core chipset with 3/4GB RAM and 32/64GB storage. Similarly, the storage is expandable using micro SD card up to 2TB.

The smartphone has a dual camera setup at the back. The primary 16 MP sensor is a normal lens and the secondary 8 MP sensor is a wide angle lens with 120-degree field of view. The primary camera setup offers features like PDAF and EIS. In fact, the smartphone also has a dual front-facing camera setup with a 20 MP + 8 MP sensor setup.

The smartphone runs on Android 8 Oreo with custom Zen UI 5 skin on the top. Finally, the smartphone packs in a 3300 mAH battery with a micro USB port.

Asus ZenFone 5 and ZenFone 5Z

The Asus ZenFone 5 is probably the most affordable smartphone with a notch. On the front, the smartphone has a 6.2-inch FHD+ 2160 x 1080px IPS LCD display with a notch on the top. The device offers a staggering 90% screen to body ratio with 19:9 aspect ratio. In fact, unlike the ZenFone 5 Lite, these devices offer a premium glass shimmery design.

The only difference between the Asus ZenFone 5 and the Asus ZenFone 5Z is the chipset and amount of RAM. The Asus ZenFone 5 is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 636 Octa-core chipset with 4/6GB RAM and 64GB onboard storage. Similarly, the Asus ZenFone 5Z is powered by the top of the tier Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 chipset with 4GB and 64GB or 6GB and 128GB or 8GB and 256GB RAM and storage models.

The smartphone has a dual primary camera stacked up vertically like the Apple iPhone X. The primary lens in the primary camera is a 12 MP sensor from Sony with f/1.8 aperture and 83-degree field of view and the second lens is an 8 MP sensor with a 120-degree field of view. The primary camera setup is something similar to the LG V30+’s camera setup.

For the front-facing camera, the phone uses an 8 MP sensor with an 84-degree field of view. The primary and the front-facing cameras are optically stabilised using 3-axial optical image stabilisation method. In fact, the camera setup is similar to the Asus ZenFone 5 Lite.

The Asus ZenFone 5 and the Asus ZenFone 5z also features dual 5-magnets speaker setup with dual NXP smart amplifiers. There is a PMIC internal dual amplifier, triple internal microphones with noise reduction, Hi-Res Audio with DTS Headphone X support. In fact, both the models support 3.5 mm headphone jack.

February 28, 2018
The Iconic Moto RAZR Might Come Back As A Foldable Smartphone

Back in 2004, way before the rise of Android and iOS, the Moto RAZR was one of the most sought-after phones. The flip phone looked premium and at the time of the launch, was wanted by almost everyone. Nokia, at that time, was the most successful phone maker and the Moto RAZR was a worthy competitor. It sold over 130 million units during its run.

Since then, Motorola has gone on to be owned by Google, and then Lenovo. It now makes Android smartphones that are nothing like the Moto RAZR. However, there is still hope. There is a possibility of the Moto RAZR making a comeback in the smartphone industry. However, don’t take our word. This is according to a comment made by the CEO of Lenovo:

With the new technology, particularly foldable screens, I think you will see more and more innovation on our smartphone design. So hopefully what you just described (referring to the Moto RAZR brand) will be developed or realized very soon.

When asked to confirm if he was specifically referring to the RAZR, he replied, “I think I have already answered the question”. It is fair to say that the company has plans for reimagining a classic with the modern-day technology. However, don’t hold your breath to it as this smartphone could be a few years away.

Nokia 8810 4G At MWC 2018

However, what will be interesting to see is the implementation of the modern-day smartphone. Much like what Nokia has done, we could see a revamped Moto RAZR with updated features, camera, and a build reminiscent of the old Moto RAZR. On the other hand, it could be a complete revamp of the old phone. Lenovo could launch a foldable smartphone running Android which folds to look like the Moto RAZR. Opportunities, as they say, are endless here.

Conclusion

HMD Global, in particular, has been instrumental in reviving a few Nokia classics. Right from the Nokia 3310 4G model to the recently launched Nokia 8810 4G, some classics have been revamped to suit the current market. Since the Moto RAZR was such an iconic phone and has been a part of the pop culture in that era, it could be a great move for Lenovo-Moto.

February 28, 2018