Review Sony SmartBand: journal of your life

The owner of this accessory is not necessarily to be an athlete and spend evenings in the gym or on the treadmill. Sony SmartBand SWR10 – more advanced accessory than just a tracker. It is worn on the wrist, and he records almost everything you do: as moving, talking to whom and how to have fun. In addition, it can help and its owner – switch the track, notify you of important events, or wake up, set yourself goals and monitor their achievement.

Sony SmartBand bracelet is designed to be worn on the hand veduscheĭ (this is important), connects to ustroĭstvu running Android and allows you to control your daily physical activity. Actually, it can work without being connected to your phone, but then the sense of it is a little bit – to see their achievements FizKult-you just can not be recorded, and nothing of what you do on your smartphone. To set ourselves the task, remember what happened during the day, how many steps you did as sleeping – for all this and much more will need application Lifelog. It is paired with this application we will consider the device.

Technical characteristics Sony SmartBand

• Bluetooth 4.0;


• NFC;


• port micro-USB;


• battery life: up to 120 hours;


• Charging time: less than an hour;


• ingress protection class: IP58;


• two straps (250 mm and 214 mm);


• module weight: 21 grams.

Options Sony SmartBand

Supplied has everything you need – removable base Core, two silicone strap on the hands of different sizes, cable USB <=> micro-USB, required for charging the device, and brief instructions on how to configure.

Appearance Sony SmartBand

Sony  SmartBand consists of removable bases Core and bracelet, which is inserted into this framework.

With this decision, and a commercially available straps can always choose a combination that fits under any style of clothing.

The most important part of the bracelet – Core, – protected from the water, so that, Sony SmartBand can be worn continuously without taking even in the shower or on the beach.

On the one hand is Core USB-connector used for charging the battery, and the side – the power button and three LEDs in white, signaling the state of the device.

Connection Sony SmartBand

If you have a smartphone produced not Sony, then you first need to install the application Smart Connect. This is the most “difficult” step in tuning. In fact, things are even simpler: a brief instruction offers charging the battery for 30 minutes – and proceed with pairing devices. If your smartphone is equipped with NFC-module, just touch it to the bracelet, and the device itself will tell you what to do and what software to install.

Search for previously installed application Sony SmartBand of programs do not need, it will not be there. After pairing, and install all necessary software interface Smart Connect will be a new device – our Sony  SmartBand. Clicking on it, you can access and configure the bracelet. Or, say, to see how long he can work without recharging.

Basic settings have Sony SmartBand not so much: You can set the transition to night mode, adjust the “smart” or an alarm clock, and notice something else.

Each item has its own sub. Somewhere there are few, but somewhere – on the contrary, quite a lot. But in the case of notification settings, all depends on the amount of installed user applications.

First item is the setting of night or day activation modes. In day mode bracelet watching your activities and records everything that you do on your smartphone. And in night mode, it monitors the sleep phases to alarm could wake you up in the most opportune moment.

If you do not want to use the automatic function or activity of your schedule unstable modes can be switched independently – long press on the bracelet.

Under “Notifications” we propose to select applications that can forward incoming notification bracelet. When you receive such notice – such as messages or emails – bracelet responds vibration.

Smart alarm clock – one of the features of Sony SmartBand. As we know, human sleep is cyclical. Full cycle of phases of slow and fast sleep, lasts an average of about one and a half hours. If an alarm clock “pulls” you out of REM sleep, you are at best a day will feel tired and overwhelmed, and at worst simply press off and wake.

Smart alarm clock works differently. You specify the day and time slot in which you want to wake up, for example, from 6:30 am to 7 am.

Recording the movement of the body, Sony SmartBand calculates the sleep cycle, and on the basis of the data obtained intellektualnyĭ alarm will wake you up is not strictly at the appointed hour, and after REM sleep cycles during the transition. This – the best time to wake up: it is easy, and you will feel refreshed and sleep, even if slept less than desirable.

If the end of REM sleep misses a specified time interval (or bracelet works in day mode) intellektualnyĭ Service bell at seven o’clock.

Calculate interval awakening to be asked for Sony SmartBand, easy. Enough to know: the average duration of a full cycle of sleep in humans – a half hour. From cycle to cycle duration of the phases increases slightly. Accordingly, in order to sleep, you need to wake time, about a half hour times. Suppose you need to get up no later than seven in the morning. You go at 0:30. So you still 6.5 hours of sleep. Four full cycle takes six hours to (plus a few minutes in the sum on the transition and elongation cycles). If an alarm clock to get up in it, as delivered at 7:00, guaranteed to wake you up in the middle of the fifth cycle – and hello, sleep lack! Again, to calculate precisely when run four cycles, challenging each of them lasts about one and a half hours, but not strictly a half. Finally, there is always the probability of failure – for example, you wake up in the night by a sound or movement. Sony SmartBand allows leveling these failures: it should set the interval from 6:20 to 7:10, to a reserve – and he gently lift owner, allowing complete fourth cycle and not having to start the fifth. From the standpoint of sleep hygiene is an invention is difficult to overestimate.

About the loss of signal device – the point at which the function is activated you notice that you are drawn away from the smartphone. This feature will be demanded by the people who love to spread their smartphones on tables, like coffee shops. Forget device of dishes easily and bracelet remind host forgetfulness triple vibration.

The following setup is required to notify the bracelet could vibration for incoming calls. Very handy when you receive a call while on public transport or in a noisy street.

Last – is setting up applications that support management with the bracelet, for example, a camera or music player.

For example, to control the player, press the button and tap the bracelet:

• once – the previous track;


• twice – play / pause;


• three times – the next track.


• Appendix Lifelog

After installing the application Lifelog need to create an account, which will need to enter your name, gender, height and weight – they need to calculate the calories burned, sleep phases and other parameters.

The main screen displays Lifelog all the necessary information – in the upper half graphically displays all the events in the past days.

Occurred during the day events appear at the top of the window in the form of bubbles Lifelog. The more such a bubble, the longer it’s something you did, for example reading, playing or talking.

If the “rewind” event to the time when you were sleeping, the picture appears sleeper. And trying to look into the future, you can find out the weather forecast at this time.

The lower part shows “cups” with your performance indicators. Total thirteen cups. The closer you are close to achieving a certain goal, the higher the “fluid” in the cup.

In addition, if you click on the icon card at the bottom of the window, the map appears with the key points in which you have visited. That this information is accurate, you will need to activate the GPS-module.

To consider in detail what happened to you during the day by clicking on the right cup.

The very first in the series is worth the amount made bookmarks Life Bookmark – special moments of your life that you note personally, and do not trust your smartphone.

“The number of calories burned” – it is important to those who protects their shape or lose weight. As you can see, on this day the goal was not achieved.

“How many steps are done” today. Looking at the chart, the third of June was not enough, but the fifth day of a little more than required. The timeline shows what time as the owner walked Sony SmartBand.

The next two hours show how much time per day do you go and how much running. In “Walking” shown how much time per day you paid walking, total distance traveled, calories burned and other useful information.

If you prefer a way of life and just run around to the bus stop, and even then not always, the second point will increase very reluctantly.

“How many hours did you sleep and how” – how long sleep was slow, but how – fast. If you fall asleep later specified time, it is also displayed on the chart, as well as the time that you have enough sleep.

The following paragraphs show how many hours communicating with friends, how many shots were done on camera, how and what music streaming, which watched movies, how much time devoted to games, books and the Internet.

However, all these values ​​are relative – after all data on such activity program receives directly from the device. She just can not understand what you’ve read the book, read it if not in the program-reader, but, say, in the online library.

Runtimes Sony SmartBand

According to the manufacturer the battery life Sony SmartBand SWR10 is 120 hours. Bracelet honestly fulfills this time, and then asks for charging and … 40-50 minutes enough for him to be charged for “most do not want.” By the way, given that it is fueled via the micro-USB, you can charge the bracelet the same cable as the smartphone.

Results Sony SmartBand

Sony SmartBand SWR10 – your little memory bank. He remembers everything that happened to you in a day, week, month. Someone may object that, and so remembers everything that happened to him on a certain day. However, you should ask for this day to paint constantly – and implicitly bracelet wins. He not only remembers where you were, what, when and how many did, but quite noticeable in everyday life. And if you want to make it visible, simply change the strap to a brighter.

Pros Sony SmartBand:

• Intelligent Service;


• battery life;


• removable straps (9 colors);


• watertight.

Cons Sony SmartBand:

• under the hand strap COMPLETE sweats;


• needs smartphone application.

Review Sony SmartBand: journal of your life

Review SLR camera Canon EOS 70D

SLR camera Canon EOS 70D is a great choice for professionals on a tight budget and lovers who are really in love with the picture. This camera is able to stockpile a lot of top models, but it is easier and less

Design and Ergonomics Canon EOS 70D

By design, ergonomics and Canon EOS 70D can be safely attributed to a cohort of professional cameras. The device is kept in excellent hands and a small lens with a fixed focal length lens and a large heavy zumami.

The layout of the top panel is standard for this class of vehicles. The mode dial to the left, he aligned the power switch. This means that a right turn on the machine, you can not, that, partly offset by a good system of conservation. However, do not forget the eve included Wi-Fi, which is in sleep mode and not averse to eat electricity.

Lock prevents accidental rotation of the wheel that makes a full rotation in either direction.

Right small LCD screen with backlight, it shows the basic settings. This is another trump card – you can see the settings before shooting without attracting attention manipulation device.

A couple of microphones located in close proximity to the hot shoe. When shooting video, on-camera flash nobody uses, but the shoe is often installed on-camera light, and it may degrade the radiation pattern, as well as reduce the sensitivity of the microphones. This is not a disadvantage, because the 70D has a standard 3.5mm input for an external stereo microphone, both radio and wired. Unfortunately, the headphone output for operational quality control and sound level is not, so videographers have to settle for an indicator on the LCD screen.

Right on the top face of the body four hardware buttons for the sensitivity setting is marked for comfortable work blindly. Between click and Descent is change the wheel, as well as another hardware button.

Location controls thoughtful, when working thumb and forefinger without problems reaches for all the right points, the basic settings are changed with one hand.

On the rear panel there is a joystick, wheel framed second parameter changes and a few hardware buttons. I believe that the joystick is too low, which is especially felt when working with heavy lenses, but it is a very subjective opinion.

In a three-inch touch screen two degrees of freedom and a million-odd pixel. Capacitive sensor technology, so prepare gloves with the tips cut “fingers” for shooting in cold weather.

Viewfinder with diopter adjustment covers 98% of the future frame and provides an increase of 0.95 x. Its dimensions are relatively small, but this was largely offset by the track selection and Focusing on the LCD screen.

Slot for SD memory card hidden under a separate flap in the right pane.

Battery is in the mine at the bottom edge of the frame, tripod socket is located on the optical axis of the lens.

USB and HDMI, as well as jacks for an external microphone and a wired remote control – under the plugs on the left panel.

Front Receiver infrared remote control, timer indicator and mount the camera performance with all EF / EF-S. Crop factor 1.6x.

Button repeater diaphragm easy to press only the index finger of his left hand.

Lifting electrified flash: off and sleep mode, it does not rise. Button is designed for pressing the left thumb.

Housing is protected against dust and moisture, but the apparatus is not wet in the rain enough to take simple transparent bag, which is fixed on the lens rubber band.

Functionality Canon EOS 70D

In Canon EOS 70D debuted a new matrix dvadtsatimegapikselnaya Dual Pixel CMOS.

The idea is to digitize each pixel hardware used two photodiodes, right and left. Evaluating the difference between them can get information for a focusing system when the mirror is raised and the traditional phase sensor does not work.

As a result, the accuracy and speed of focusing in Live View and movie better than previous models.

The most interesting way to achieve focus in Live View mode indicates where the image directly on the LCD screen. Sensors collect phase information with 80% of the matrix, so tied to the hardware of the phase point is no longer required. This (except for videographers) fans will appreciate the macro, as you know, you have to install the camera on a tripod, which clearly contradicts the old recipe to focus first, and then – to crop.

When the mirror is omitted, the data for a focusing collects traditional phase sensor with 19 points, all of them are cross-shaped. Location in the frame rather uniform, the choice can be made without taking your eyes off the viewfinder.

Shutter speed range of the mechanical shutter 30 seconds to 1/8000. Flash synchronization is performed at up to 1/250.

Auto Exposure Bracketing – basic tool HDR – up to + / – 3 EV of 3, 5 or 7 frames in steps of ⅓ or ½ step. If the block does not fast-moving objects, you can get a very wide dynamic range. Incidentally, the new versions of Adobe Photoshop can handle collected bracketing series of 32-bit files in Adobe Camera RAW module and receive HDR without characteristic HDR-atrefaktov.

The device allows you to remotely control the external system flashes Canon EOS 70D Speedlite series EX, supports E-TTL II. Even with one external flash, placed, for example, at the front, you can get a simple, but much more “photographic” lighting scheme than as set out in the hot shoe on-camera flash, not to mention using only built.

External flash settings are changed in the camera – given power ratio (in E-TTL II – introduction of amendments, but more accurately obtained manually divider reaches 1/128), if several outbreaks can create two groups and change the parameters of each separately. The camera has four channels of control.

One of the interesting features of the 70D – quiet shooting. Mechanical shutter works, but much quieter than usual. This is especially noticeable during continuous shooting.

Speaking of continuous shooting. When using a fast memory card such as this, the rate of approximately 7 frames per second, for pictures with the usual settings buffer can hold up to 65 JPEG or 16 RAW. Further, the speed drops, but the camera continues to make from one to three and a half frames per second to fill the card. Verification was performed with a fast card Kingston 64 GB SDXC UHS-I U3 .

In the Canon EOS 70D has a wireless module, so that the camera can be controlled with smatrfona. Remotely configurable sensitivity and exposure compensation is introduced in the priority modes of the shutter speed and aperture, and manual – both. Provided and the manual focus (if the lens support). The footage can be viewed on your smartphone / tablet and upload from the camera to be sent by post / placement in social networks, etc.

Capacity LP-E6 battery 1800 mAh battery lasts for about 920 shots at room temperature or 850 at zero. To achieve these parameters, it is necessary to abandon the Live View and Wi-Fi. To increase the autonomy (and easy shooting in a vertical, portrait, orientation), it is desirable to buy battery grip BG-E14.

Canon EOS 70D allows you to enter an amendment to the autofocus system + / – 20 steps up to 40 lenses individually that compensates for any errors intact optics, or a total for all lenses in the same range.

Options Canon EOS 70D

On the market available several options for configuration Canon EOS 70D. Can only be purchased the camera or choose one of the sets of lenses.

Focus range varies from the “whale” up to 18-55 universal 18-200 superzoom. There are versions of lenses with STM-drive, which provides a quiet and smooth focus in video mode.

If you think that the price of 70D high, acknowledge that at the end of 2007 for the 40D had spread $ 1,500. A fast Compact Flash memory capacity of 4 GB is even more at $ 100.

The quality of images Canon EOS 70D

The combination of the new sensor and processor DIGIC 5 + provides excellent results when working in a wide range of sensitivity. As always, files for independent scrutiny, you can download it at this link .

To white balance no complaints. Canon EOS 70D footage live and juicy. While ISO 6400 ISO reaches of noise you should not worry, though it is perhaps already extreme.

Testing 70D, I remembered that the material prepared for Canon 40D in autumn 2007 and decided to compare the results of shooting for the level and nature of noise. Benefit and RAW and JPEG preserved and still life since then has not changed much … Files will not lead, take my word. Accounts 70D 40D «great grandson” – the third generation (except astrofotograficheskoy version 60Da). During this time the business has grown with the ISO 1600 and 6400, but most importantly – the chromatic noise managed to seriously reduce and reduce its impact on image quality.

Verdict Canon EOS 70D

If you need a balance between price, capacity and performance camera will note 70D. It can be very much of an arsenal of top products Canon EOS 70D, but not strongly aggravates bag. Add a couple of good lenses and a tool for creating masterpieces ready.

Pros Canon EOS 70D:

picture quality in a wide range of sensitivity, hybrid AF system in Live View and movie, a larger buffer and a good burst speed, the ability to adjust to the features of autofocus lenses

Cons Canon EOS 70D:

At ISO 6400 more results are not so impressive flash AF illuminator

Review SLR camera Canon EOS 70D

4 reasons to buy Samsung Gear Fit

What, in your opinion, is one of the main technological trends this year? Perhaps you immediately remembered the presence of dust and moisture, which can boast flagship Sony and Samsung ? Or, for example, a display with a resolution of 2560 x 1440 pixels, which is the property of the South Korean LG G3 new items ? Hardly. One of the fastest growing technologies today are devices for monitoring the status of a person during gym. Over the past few months, the shelves were replenished several representatives of this category, among which special mention deserves bracelet Samsung Gear Fit. In favor of its acquisition say a few features with which we are now acquainted.

Samsung Gear Fit – hardy

Inside Samsung Gear Fit is a small battery capacity of 210 mAh. By the standards of the hardiest of smartphones is, of course, too little. However, thanks to the intelligent power distribution accessory proved capable of much.

Our foreign colleagues from pocketnow practically does not leave a novelty. In truth, a copy of it is not used for sport, but it is a constant conjunction with a smartphone. Accordingly, the display continuously displays new notifications, and sometimes open pre-installed applications. This mode is necessary to charge Gear Fit once in 6-7 days. Not bad, is not it?

Samsung Gear Fit - protected

Some people are not quite clear reasons just love jogging in the rain. Does South Korean bracelet fit for their production? Certainly. Samsung Gear Fit, as well as the Galaxy S5, has Ingress Protection standard IP67. Consequently, jogging possible with them not only in the rain, but in the desert. You never know.

Samsung Gear Fit - new

This heading, which naturally affects the new operating system Tizen, used in the bracelet. Most of the users were satisfied with both the speed of the device and its capabilities. Check for new messages in the e-mail, follow the bedtime or interrupt his alarm watch - it’s all about Tizen. By the way, it is obvious that they will expand the new system has already managed to attract the attention of developers.

Samsung Gear Fit – gets better

Samsung engineers are seriously interested in improving the device Samsung Gear Fit. Here is one simple example. Immediately after the release for quite a strange coincidence in Samsung Gear Fit was available only to the horizontal orientation, which undoubtedly upset users. However, the problem was immediately detected, and in the near updating bracelet earned in portrait mode.

It seems, Samsung managed to create a really good device, but competitors are known, are not asleep. Will Samsung Gear Fit withstand a mysterious iWatch, which release should take place in the fall? Share your opinion in the comments.

4 reasons to buy Samsung Gear Fit

Claims to Android Wear and why Pebble still "OK"

Was a presentation of Google, over Google I / O – it’s time to speculate about what they saw. One of the central themes of the conference was the first Android Wear and clock running on the OS (which we covered in detail here ). Lucky, located directly at an event in San Francisco, even lucky enough to get to choose gadget from LG or Samsung , and later they will still Moto 360. But is it worth it on this occasion to envy?

Statistics smart watches- Android Wear

According to statistics, a month ago, the market leader in smart watches remain Pebble, though not very far ahead of the competition – they account for 35% of all devices used. After the first presentation of Android Wear we have tried to argue that awaits hero kraundfandingovogo project, which brought together worth more than 100 times greater than necessary. Then the outcome seemed obvious to me: with the release of hours on Android Wear Pebble go into oblivion. And now, LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live is available for pre-order. But Pebble in my eyes not in a hurry to fade on their background.

Autonomy - Android Wear

Declared autonomy from LG hours is 36 hours in standby mode. How they will behave in active use, we have yet to learn. The specification Gear Live specified 1-day battery life. That is, in the best case clocks have to charge every night. At least with applications for tracking sleep can say goodbye, but do not want to.

At the same time the user will appreciate the Pebble whole week battery life. Once a week I sleep statistics, perhaps, ready to sacrifice. At least one does not offer me a better user experience.

Screen - Android Wear

Bright colorful screens – this, of course, great. But what happens to them when we go out on the street, getting under bright sunlight? They can not see anything, that’s what happens. Probably watch enclose palm from the sun to see the message, it is easier than the screen of the smartphone, but still such a need does not cause delight.

Pebble, again, uses E-ink-screen, both in electronic reader. In the sun, all the information on this screen is perfectly visible.

Moreover, unlike Wear-hours, no need to press buttons on the case or poke at the screen to see which elementary hour. E-ink-screen battery spends only changing the image, allowing it to be always active.

Whether to abandon it for the sake of bright colors and touch control? Perhaps.

iWatch

To interact hours on Android Wear with a smartphone, the last to be Android 4.3 or higher. In other words, Android Wear not work with iOS-devices.

A Pebble – work. And while no iWatch flashes on the horizon, they may continue to be an option for a considerable number of users of devices from Apple.

But - Android Wear

Nevertheless, the power of Google has not been canceled. Over the past year, in between the Google I / O 2013 and 2014, the company paid developers about $ 5 billion. With the release of SDK for Android Wear they have yet another field of activity, and they will not hesitate to use it. Compete with that of the Pebble-enthusiasts community, however widely it may be, hardly can.

Marketing power again on the side of the major manufacturers. Pebble have to order online and wait and watch from LG and Samsung will be ubiquitous in electronics stores, not to mention the advertising budgets of some manufacturers.

In short, the leader Pebble is, perhaps, not be. However, if we ignore these facts aside, they still seem to me more interesting solution. What do you think about claims to Android Wear?

Claims to Android Wear and why Pebble still "OK"

"Ok Google" now works everywhere

At the conference Google I / O in the form of voice control Ok Google was given a lot of time. Service helps to drive a car without being distracted from the road, and interact with your smartphone through the clock without actually using the hands. On the eve of Google has released an update for the mobile version of Google Now.

With the upgrade to version 3.5.14 have been several important changes. First, there was a feature “History of audio”, which records your voice queries and commands. If such news from your hair stand on end from the realization of a comprehensive surveillance, read why they need it, maybe it will calm you.

Save your searches, Google Now learns to recognize your voice better, remembers your manner of pronunciation, improves the quality of speech recognition in other Google products with voice control. Your whole story is only available to you, besides, you can remove it either partially or completely. However, if you are not convinced – you can disable the feature in your Google search, the menu item “Voice Search.”

How the application works “Ok Google”

The second, and perhaps much more welcome innovation was widespread recognition of the team “Ok Google”. She now works from any application, not just from the desktop or from the Google Now, as it was previously. In addition, the team is supported and on the lock screen (not to be confused with a locked device).

To activate this function, you need to go to your Google Search – Voice Search – Recognition “Ok Google” checkmark and where you want to accept commands smartphone.

Note also the fact that even if you have already updated to version Google Search 3.5.14 – functions while they can be available to you. Google activates them remotely, and promises to provide access for all throughout the week. The only condition is Android KitKat on your device.

Does the function you? Tell us in the comments.

• Appendix: Google Search


• Developer: Google Inc


• Category: Tools


• Version: 3.5.14


• Price: Free


• Download: Google Play


• Download APK: Yandex Disk

"Ok Google" now works everywhere

LG G Watch: compatibility with Android 4.3 and the protection category IP67

Immediately (or almost simultaneously) with the opening of the conference Google I / O in San Francisco, LG G Watch has finally officially unveiled the final characteristics of its watches LG G Watch and announced the start of sales in 12 countries. Information about the platform Google Wear first appeared in March this year and was granted all these months metered, a teaspoon. So nothing new after today as plum , almost did not recognize.

News was the only information that after the 12 countries “lucky” clock “soon” will be available in 27 more countries, including Europe. And that means they can be bought with us. Anyway, in the “suitcase” deliveries. Surprise was the relative protection information hours class IP67, which means dust-proof mechanism and the ability to stay at a depth of one meter for half an hour.

Technical characteristics of the LG G Watch

Let me remind you the key features of hours: the complete absence of any key (only interesting as they are, in this case, turn on and off?), Voice control (yes, I must say cherished phrase «ok, Google») and gestures on the screen. Watches are powered by Google Wear and compatible (ura-ura!) with all smartphones running Android version 4.3 and higher. Inside worth Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 400, 1.65-inch screen with a resolution 280×280 points, the battery capacity of 400 mAh. Resources Memory – 512 MB of RAM and a 4GB drive. Weigh LG G Watch Watches 63 grams with dimensions 47h38x10 millimeters. And compatible with any watch straps width of 22 millimeters. Will be sold in two colors: black harsh (black titan) and “white on gold» (white gold). About the price we already wrote : in some countries they will cost 255 dollars (probably before taxes). Prices in different countries, as you well know, will be different.

LG G Watch: compatibility with Android 4.3 and the protection category IP67

[Rumor] iPhone 6 may represent 19 September

Everything is a little tired of data about how the iPhone 6 will look like, then it is time to change the record. Media and change. Now editorials data about when will we see a novelty. According to recent information received, the gadget can be presented September 19.

Who is the source of rumors about the release date of iPhone 6

Chinese portal Tencent, citing insider sources, reported that the 4.7-inch smartphone will be released on Friday, 19 September (this was correlated with the previous rumors about the release: in May cellular operator Deutsche Telekom warned that its customers should expect Apple product from the same number.)

Price of a new iPhone 6

What is rather unusual is the fact that the Chinese own data only two variations iPhone 6 – 32 GB and 64 GB of memory on board. The first of these should be worth 5,288 yuan (or 846 U.S. dollars), and the second – 6,288 (1008 dollars). Interestingly, the current price on the 16 GB iPhone 5s in the Middle Kingdom – 5,288 yuan and 6,088 yuan – the price of 32 GB gadget. Does this mean that Apple will get rid of the very modest number, transferring the title of “most affordable” 32-GB model? Not excluded. It makes sense.

At the same time, despite a certain logic, have insider information from China and white spots. Thus, a 5.5-inch planshetofon not mentioned anywhere, while Bloomberg recently reported that both the smartphone will be shown in a single event. And yes, in September.

Also recall that Foxconn start mass recruitment , which could mean an early start of production of the new generation iPhone 6. Probably the assembly will begin in June.

[Rumor] iPhone 6 may represent 19 September

In HTC laugh Galaxy S5

Instead of working on the shortcomings in their own devices, electronics manufacturers, including popular and famous, do not disdain to point out the flaws competitors. At this time, the vendor has become a bully … no, no stranger OnePlus (in China are busy trying to ensure everyone’s flagship One), and HTC laugh Galaxy S5.

Why HTC laugh Galaxy S5?

Although sales of the Taiwanese leader go quite a briskly to pace the fifth “galactic” smartphone HTC One M8 far , and chances please investors positive dynamics of income from the creators of the world’s first phone on Android is very slim. But that is no reason for despondency: official twitter account marketers Asian manufacturer do not very successful attempt to ridicule the opponent:

“One of these things is different from other» (One of these things is not like the other) – says the British division of HTC, but their American counterparts have decided to be straight, “Introducing the cure for poor design» (Introducing the cure for bad design) . With an assistant in the fight against calluses perforated S5 not compare just lazy, and in the “originality” marketers can be safely put “unsatisfactory”.

And here’s a hint on the same theme from OnePlus:

And how do you feel about such manifestations of “cold war” between manufacturers? And what is your opinion about HTC laugh Galaxy S5?

In HTC laugh Galaxy S5

Google Glass will get regular update

As we have mentioned earlier, Google never ceases to evolve Google Glass: many new frames, some of which are quite personal, and more and more applications available – what a vivid example. And now, just a day before Google I / O, they got up the next improvement.

The official account published in the Google Glass Google+ message, which says about the benefits of the research program and regular improvements smart points.

What has been updated in Google Glass

Thanks to user feedback over the past year to become available Glass lenses for vision, battery device was increased by 20%, and voice search is faster by 10%. And now get regular update points.

First of all, we note that the device will now be equipped with 2 GB of RAM instead of 1 GB previously provided, from which developers and all was available only 682 MB.

In addition, at the request of users, type a command «OK, Glass. Show finder “, which will display the border Glass photo or video frame. Users previously had not always clear what is in the frame, and what lies beyond its borders. Now this will be rectified.

Interface also adds support for two new cards Google Now: parking space and tracking parcels. In the future their number, by itself, will only continue to grow.

However, as is usually the case, it was not without a spoon of tar. If a software update is clear, the increment of memory caused a lot of questions in the comments. Be there already bought Glass upgrade? Where it can be done? Will it be free?

As you might guess, these questions remain unanswered. Remains unclear is whether this update says that Google is ready to withdraw from the stage of Glass ‘research’. However, it is worth noting that Google has previously exchanged Google Glass on an updated version for free.

In any case, as the search giant will go this time, we are likely to learn in the near future. And while you can while away the waiting watching videos with the reaction of the older generation on the Google Glass.

Google Glass will get regular update

Review Acer Iconia A1-830 "mini" with Intel

Introduced last year Iconia A1 has become quite a popular model due to its reasonably priced and user confidence in the brand Acer. This year the company decided to upgrade the low-cost model, abandoning the ARM-processor Mediatek in favor of the product Intel, changing the display and body materials. What else has an updated «mini» from A-brand? Matter whether the update is for the benefit of the gadget? About it – in today’s review.

The device comes in a bright blue box, inside which lies directly tablet itself, long and durable micro-USB <=> USB cable, AC adapter solid black and neatly packed instructions. Despite the fact that the device supports OTG, the manufacturer has decided not to invest in a set of OTG-cable, so wishing to connect to the gadget USB-periphery have to buy it separately.

Appearance Acer Iconia A1-830

At first glance, Acer product recalls “apple” mini-tablet. On the second you will notice that it is much larger and thicker than its prototype.

The front part of the device is completely hidden under the glass. It boasts a 7.9-inch display with a fairly thin frame. In the middle of the upper frame is placed over the display module small front camera.

In the upper right end part – a plastic button on / blocking. It is pleasant to the touch, do not play and has a good power reserve. Under the key lock – volume rocker.

At the bottom end – not covered with a flap slot microSD.

The right side of the upper end of next to each other derived 3.5-mm headphone jack, micro-USB connector and a microphone.

The back cover gadget made of silver plastic, stylized aluminum. However, there is a small area on top of the usual smooth plastic, leaving the upper end. In the upper left corner of the back cover – main camera lens. Middle housing logo emblazoned Acer, under which you can see the proud inscription Intel inside.

In the bottom of the cover are two speakers, which should provide stereo sound.

Ergonomics Acer Iconia A1-830

The first thing you feel, picking up the Acer Iconia A1-830 - it is much harder than it might seem at the view. 380 grams – very serious weight for a compact tablet, the same iPad Mini weighs 308 grams felt quite differently. However, to work with the tablet does not prevent excess weight.

Considerable thickness of the device, and because the back cover is rounded, which allows it to be in good hands. But press the release button located on the side is not very convenient, it is necessary to intercept device specifically to reach out to her index finger. If key carried on the upper end, she went straight to the pin and would be noticeably easier.

Use the device with one hand will not work for this and it velikovato hard. But, hold it with both hands, you can easily reach the thumbs up all the right points on the screen.

Ergonomics gadget can be described as satisfactory. Compared with large Acer Iconia A1-830 “tablets” product Acer, of course, wins, but of mini-tablets have a lot more user-friendly devices.

Screen Acer Iconia A1-830

Display at the Acer Iconia A1-830 is decent, though not the most modern. 768×1024 pixel resolution at 7.9 inches diagonally gives a density of 162 ppi. Pixelation visible to the naked eye, and the contours of the menu items slightly blurry. On the other hand, the screen boasts a glass, not plastic, as many “budget” tablet coating. Furthermore, it is the technology IPS, it excellent viewing angles. Loved the contrast and the colors are fairly realistic.

Display almost no glare, although noticeably fade in the sunlight. Frustrating lack oleophobic coating, but it is a common problem almost all budget devices, so it hardly makes sense to bring this claim.

Capacitive multitouch support only five simultaneous touches, but works quickly and accurately – without a problem “tapnut” even on minor UI elements.

Interface Acer Iconia A1-830

The device Acer Iconia A1-830 is running more current, although it was not the first freshness Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean. However, the manufacturer promises to upgrade to the Android 4.4 version during the summer of this year, which is good. Changes compared with the stock Android insignificant.

But the manufacturer installed on the device a lot of different programs. Company expressly agreed to compensate the low price devaysa due to “affiliate” with shops software.

For example, a music store 7Digital. To this was added an informative and beautiful weather app AccuWeather.

Not treated in the company without pre-own “cloud” service AcerCloud.

There is also a service to search for nearby hotels Agoda.

As a file manager performs Astro File Manager, which is characterized by advanced integration with a variety of “cloud” services. Do not forget to Acer and bibliophiles, setting store audiobooks Audible. Gamers also not a loser: in addition to its own store Acer’ovskogo Games Games gaming service has Kobo.

Clients installed Dropbox and Evernote, all the services Google, antivirus McAfee.

One can also note a very beautiful app Life Image, allowing you to create images of history.

Also in the kit has a soft-Skype, convenient client for listening to radio from the Internet TuneIn Radio, newsstand Zinio Acer and services for remote viewing files.

In short, a set of software allows you to work “out of the box.” And it is – a definite plus device.

Unit in operation Acer Iconia A1-830

Unlike last year’s version based on Mediatek updated A1 got a fairly powerful Intel Atom Z2560 processor with a frequency of 1.6 gigahertz. Coupled with a gigabyte of RAM and a low-resolution screen “iron” should be enough to more or less normal execution of all major tasks. 16 gigabytes of built-in storage at 11.5 available to the user.

Of course, some freezes occasionally observed, but compared with other “low cost” devices can be ignored. In AnTuTu benchmark device has gained 19,320 points, was only slightly more powerful pozaproshlogodnego Galaxy S3.

In the test Ice Storm 3D Mark benchmark device gained a satisfactory result in 6094 “parrot.”

Programs run on the tablet with decent speed for a long time to wait for anything not necessary. Also does quite decently behaved: if you do not run simultaneously dozen “heavy” pages, no slowdown will not happen when surfing or when scaled.

With 3D-race Asphalt 8 device right – loose in some places there were some, but overall it was playable.

Somewhat heavier than tossing a three-dimensional runner MinionRush. However, the play was still possible, though not without periodic unflattering comments.

But almost purely worked zombie shooter Dead Trigger 2. And so all 2D-games running on the device, all went flawlessly.

Managed without glitches play streaming video in 1080p. Another matter that on this screen to view high-definition video is not much point.

Big disappointment steel built-in speakers. Promised stereo sounds are very quiet and not to say that clean. Watch movies without headphones is still possible, but listen to the music, probably not worth it.

Camera Acer Iconia A1-830

Unlike other “budget” mini-tablets Acer Iconia A1-830 product was not only the front, but the main camera. The quality of the main can be called quite decent for its price category. In the daytime obtained pretty decent shots. Rendition, of course, playing pranks, but autofocus works well.

Camera application is started quickly, shooting also occurs without significant delays. However, light of dusk is already enough to the camera started to give color distortion and noise.

Front-facing camera for photos will not work, but you can call on Skype.

Wireless interfaces Acer Iconia A1-830

Wi-Fi is stable, no crash or hang. Device Acer Iconia A1-830 good catches even a weak signal. Bluetooth tablet uses the third version. As a result, connect wireless headphones to the device failed, but the fitness tracker Jawbone Up 24 refused to work with outdated technology. Given that almost all the “smart” trackers require economical battery power on the part of Bluetooth 4.0, control calories holders tablet from Acer, do not seem to succeed.

Autonomy Acer Iconia A1-830

Manufacturer equipped their offspring battery with no outstanding, but not in the small capacity 4000 mAh. The battery Acer Iconia A1-830 provides about seven hours of battery life with an average load. Result decent, but not a record.

An hour of video playback at maximum brightness discharge unit approximately 21%. Hour game Asphalt 8 cost about 23%.

For a less expensive tablet cases autonomy is enough. During testing, the device was used mainly for reading and surfing, and by the end of the day remained stable for about half of the charge, or a little more. In the locked position the tablet almost discharged. Leaving it overnight with a charge of 53%, nine hours by 52% found.

Results Acer Iconia A1-830

Acer Iconia A1-830 was a good value for your tablet. “Stones” from Intel is more powerful than the cost ARM-based processors, and in some operations (for example, playing FullHD-video) markedly their superiority.

Traditional quality Acer ensure device reliability in continuous operation, not to mention the availability of the service. Another argument in favor of the product can be called the Acer company’s promise to update the “pill” to Android 4.4. In short, those who are looking for quality workhorse A-brand will not be disappointed.

Pros Acer Iconia A1-830:

• low price;


• Processor Intel;


• Update coming under Android 4.4.

Cons Acer Iconia A1-830:

• quiet speaker;


• low resolution screen;


• symbolic front camera.

Review Acer Iconia A1-830 "mini" with Intel