How to turn your Android-based smartphone in the Moto X

 

Moto X, is considered by many to be one of the best Android-smartphones in 2013. It has excellent performance, nice design, fits comfortably in your hand. But its main feature, of course, in the other, namely, support voice control and active notifications. Get Moto X in is no easy task, but to introduce interesting features on the smartphone is quite real.

Active notifications

Remove the smartphone from his pocket and immediately see the new notification, agree, very convenient. To implement such functionality in Google Play has long appeared application DynamicNotifications, which we have surveyed our site. The application has a huge number of settings and allows the user to polish their work as they need it.

If you happen to be one of the users of smart phones running on Android KitKat, it is available to you another alternative, which is also much easier to handle. The application is called, for the fans, “sat down and went» – AcDisplay.

Appendix: AcDisplay

Developer: ACheps

Category: Personalization

Version: 1.2.5

Price: Free

Download: Google Play

Voice-activated control

Voice assistant in the vast Google Play great variety available, many of which you probably already encountered from preset S-voice and to “Assistant” Recently appeared in the Market another application with the picturesque name “Assistant darling.”

A distinctive feature of Dusi in that it has no interface, it just listens to you and does what you said. There are several options for activating an application, such as hand flapping above the screen or shake the smartphone itself, or, of course, a code phrase.

Do Dusi has a set of functions it can perform, so that if she does not understand your command, it will simply ask “what to do”. This allows you to “communicate” with an assistant in a fairly free form.

Appendix: Assistant Darling

Developer: UseYoVoice

Category: Jobs

Version: 1.1.5

Price: Free

Download: Google Play

Smart gesture

Another cool feature is the launch of Moto X camera phone after a wave. In other words, when you hold the device in your hand, you need to make two sharp turn brush and the camera starts. It is very convenient.

Now Google Play also appeared an application that performs this function and – QuickCamera. Application as simple as you can only calibrate the sensitivity of the device to the WAG and enable or disable the service itself. The only catch is that at this stage it is in alpha testing.

If it does not bother you and you still want to try, you should do the following:

• enter into this community on Google+


• go to this link and click «Become a tester»


• after notification «You are now a tester» click «Download QuickCamera from the Play Store»

Despite the alpha version, the application is perfectly fulfills its function, it is necessary only to experiment with the sensitivity settings.

Fly in the ointment

In Moto X for all of these opportunities to use additional processors, thus avoiding increased battery discharge. How will the operation of applications on your device depends on your settings. However, to control the flow of precious energy, you may need the following applications, which already has reviews on Android Insider:

• Wakelock Detector


• Greenify

How to turn your Android-based smartphone in the Moto X

Increasing the number of megapixels: Pros and Cons

One of the most curious features of man is infinite growth it needs. For example, the first bike was an accomplishment, and then – the car, and now one of the fastest and most popular vehicles used aircraft. A similar trend is natural, and is reflected in the world of mobile technology. Do you remember what size diagonal flagships were three years ago? And what do we see today? The same thing happens with megapixel cameras smartphones. But does it make sense to expect them to increase? Let’s deal.

Despite a really huge number of devices submitted, the number of megapixels their cameras in most cases the same. It is about unspoken standard 8 megapixels, which is slowly but very steadily shifted toward 13. However, the market is there and contradictory decisions. Consider the need to increase the resolution of images, by the way, it is easiest for them.

More the better

Understand the desire to have a smartphone with a lot of megapixels incredibly simple. The main reason for this, of course, related to the quality of the image. And if you see the difference between the 38-megapixel image Nokia Lumia 1020 and 50-megapixel picture OPPO Find 7 can only aesthetes, the dissimilarity images HTC One M8 and the same iPhone 5s will be noticeable to all.

In addition, the important point is the simultaneous development of various services and other high-tech devices. For example, some time ago, the world famous Video YouTube learned to play 4K video. In addition, recently held release tablet with the same display resolution.

The smaller, the better

In favor of maintaining the usual characteristics of the camera says the opportunity to increase the physical size of the pixel, which will guarantee the creation of good pictures even in low light conditions. Such attempts are engineers Taiwanese company HTC, but to call this experience the best language does not turn.

Finally, increasing the number of megapixels implies growth of the physical dimensions of the smartphone. Illustrative of the problem are 1020 and Nokia Lumia 808 PureView. Making last lie flat on the surface categorically impossible, which, incidentally, makes it difficult to use these devices without taking them away.

Perhaps the most sensible solution to this situation is the recently introduced OPPO Find 7. His camera has 13 megapixels, but thanks to the capabilities of smartphone software able to create a 50-megapixel photos.

And what resolution camera is ideal for you?

Increasing the number of megapixels: Pros and Cons

Battle cameras. Galaxy Note 3 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Galaxy Note 3 – this, along with the Galaxy S5, the company’s flagship smartphone Samsung. Distinctive features of the device – it’s a 5.7-inch screen, Snapdragon processor 800, S Pen stylus, and in addition, 13 megapixel camera capable of recording video in 4K. Yet not everyone can play screen image at this resolution. So if this is so important detail?

Photographer Alec Weinstein (Alec Weinstein) decided to conduct a test, in which he compared the quality of the recorded video to Note 3 and one of the top SLR cameras, the 22-megapixel Canon EOS 5D Mark III with lens SIGMA 24-70 mm f/2.8.

In the video, filmed by Weinstein demonstrated both visuals simultaneously with two devices. Signature of where any of them, there is some time later. So the player settings, install YouTube quality 1080, expand the video to full screen and choose the one that you think looks better.

Of course, it is worth considering the fact that the survey is conducted during the day, with abundant sunlight, which is the optimal conditions for the smartphone’s camera.

In addition, the photographer tried to put the camera on an equal footing. So, Note 3 was reduced to recording resolution 1080p, on a par with those in which writes Canon. And the latter, in turn, have been adjusted setting contrast, saturation, sharpness, color temperature of some parameters, as well as committed minor manipulation of the exposure.

Nevertheless, the results of a little unexpected. Many plans video shot Note 3 looks detailed, and in the presence of contrast lighting – less objects in the shadows darkened. Of course, this does not mean that the smartphone is packed SLR camera on the shoulder, but the development is definitely there, and it can not but rejoice.

And as far as the camera you are picky when choosing a new smartphone?

Battle cameras. Galaxy Note 3 vs Canon EOS 5D Mark III

Keyboard with touch-sensitive buttons in MacBook? And why not?

A new kind of keyboard with touch buttons is not just another crazy invention of the Chinese, but quite possible future. Most recently, the Patent Office has replenished a very interesting application from Apple entitled “Multifunctional keyboard assembly variants.”

The basic gist is this: each key is equipped with a display, which will be displayed different icons depending on the running program. For example, in normal mode it will be a letter or digit, and when working in a graphical editor symbols will be changed for special tools icons. It is possible that some of the keys will be designed to run certain programs (Safari, for example).

The idea, in fact, is not so new. Such a decision is at “Lebedev Studio”. But Apple design feature is that each key will respond to touch (in other words, it will touch), it will use a variety of gestures (and want it to be then this mouse?).

There is information and that the keys are made of glass (quite logical in the presence of the display), it can be perceived even as a plus, because such coverage is much stronger than the usual plastic to all of us.

Keyboard with touch-sensitive buttons in MacBook? And why not?

Became known cost of Google Glass

Shares “Corporations Good”, which was held in April, every citizen of the United States reached the legal age could buy Google Glass for $ 1,500. Children from TechInsights (yes and everyone else) a price tag seemed not very fair, so they decided to disassemble the unit and see what there is “precious” inside.

As it turned out, the full cost of all elements of credit does not exceed $ 80. The most expensive item – the processor (14 dollars). All wireless modules are “pulled” by $ 11. Display Google Glass can not cost more than $ 3, memory – $ 8, and the cost of the camera is only $ 6. Non-electronic parts and materials of the body was evaluated in 18 dollars.

 

Recall some specifications:

• Display: 640×360


• Camera: 5 megapixel


• RAM: 1 GB


• Internal memory: 16 GB


• Processor: Texas Instruments OMAP 4430


• Battery: 570 mAh


• Sensors: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GPS, gyroscope, accelerometer and compass

The company itself said that the real figures are totally different, although more specific information and not given.

Became known cost of Google Glass

Preview Sony Alpha A77-II. The second edition of a top kropnutyh DSLR with Translucent Mirror

 

Probably just lazy not had time to put in my two cents to the development holivarov that Sony abandoned their SLR and switched only mirrorless segment. Indeed, to understand the logic of it is difficult, and attempts to analyze some marketing moves leads to one conclusion: yes there will be no real SLR Translucent Mirror.

Previously, it was all just and right – NEX-series lacks mirrors, A-series comes with a mirror. And then the series just became much less update, unlike regular novelties NEX. Then came new bezzerkalka labeled Alpha and everyone understood that …

Nobody knew, actually. Because Sony has decided to create cognitive dissonance and updated one of its most popular, top DSLRs Sony A77.

When you look at the novelty, the only sign of recognition becomes labeling model, near which a small font appended II. Throughout the rest of the camera was identical to the previous version, which is not so bad – at the level of ergonomics there. Will not go away and protection against dust, rain and moisture. And here was the hot shoe human standard.

The main emphasis is on auto-focus, and it is not in vain. Now clever phase system Focusing whole has 79 points, 15 of which are made on a cross type. So now you can safely trust automation. The manufacturer promises and excellent work during video recording system. It is true cool as if the promises are confirmed in practice, it will be possible to write cinematic images without the need to be interrupted or stopatsya. At least, compared to 19 sensors (11 of them – the Crusades) in the previous model, the gain is high. Naturally, AF tracking, area selection and everything that we used to see in the cells of this level there is.

Burst speed with continuous AF – 12 frames per second. According to this indicator A77 are approaching masthead Nikon D4, which we discussed here . Buffer, however, is not as roomy – the manufacturer promises 60 full size Jpeg. If this proves true – that such values ​​will suffice for all.

The number of megapixels is the same as the precursor – 24. Only here APS-C matrix is ​​constructed in analogy with A7R and A6000. Use of new technology has allowed the imaging is achieved 20% increase sensitivity. Now you can shoot from 100 to ISO 25600 without worrying – processor Bionz X takes care not only about speed, but also an adequate noise reduction system. At least, so says she Sony.

Viewfinder – electronic, with FullHD resolution and, as I understand it, a mad upgrade system. Screen – 3 “, turning on three axes, with HD resolution and technology WhiteMagic – extra white subpixels improve readability in the sun, add brightness and save energy.

Naturally, and improved video capabilities. No, write 4K novelty can not (need to sell the same company A7S somehow), but with a FullHD 60r/24r copes easily. Visuals written in AVCHD 2.0. Of course, the company has taken care of those who will be first to buy a camera for video purposes – of settings: three levels of sensitivity tracking autofocus, marking the screen tracking the level of sound and full HDMI to connect various accessories.

Of course, the trend in 2014 as a Wi-Fi card sharing images and control the camera there – all this is done by applying PlayMemories.

New product will be available in June 1200 at a price of bucks for the carcass. For those wishing to purchase a version of the whale with the lens Sony 16-50mm F2.8 price will increase by another $ 600.

What do you think of the new Sony Alpha A77-II?

Preview Sony Alpha A77-II. The second edition of a top kropnutyh DSLR with Translucent Mirror

Preview Leica T. New mirrorless camera and a few lenses to it

Probably just lazy people never heard of the legendary instrument Henri Cartier-Bresson – Leica (you can read her story here).

Due to the enormous popularity of cameras in the first place, and accurate manual assembly each instance, thorough work on all nodes of the mechanism, reliability and quality. Some even believe that the optics of Leica – the best in the world. But I think here it is more that the rangefinder camera – it is, after all, a different world, a different philosophy, a different vision.

Initially producing copies Film, Leica has gradually shifted to digital FullFrame, type M9, medium format S-Series, as well as expanded its line of more affordable V-Lux, D-Lux, X and C. And now the family added a new bezzerkalkoy – Leica T.

The form factor is typical of most modern mirrorless cameras. Body machined from a single piece of aluminum – now it seems the trend. I think that the weight and tactile feel will be more than enjoyable. Yes, and look clearly appreciated by lovers of minimalism. Not for nothing above it worked designers AUDI.

Controls a bit. Top – a few buttons and drums control, rear – fully touch screen immovable.

He then 3.7 inches, with a resolution of HD, made by technology TFT. Producers promise that the management of all functions of the device is incredibly simple and logical thanks to redesigned menu. So you can not worry not only on account of the on / off some settings, but about otsmotren material. The display will also be well read in bright sunlight – at least, the press release promises that it will be so.

But the Leica offers everyone to purchase an external viewfinder. With 0.71 x magnification, 100% frame coverage and FullHD-resolution. In general, the eyes do not tear.

Inside – 16 MP APS-C matrix. A smoothing filter before it is naturally not. I think that this head will be enough to get great shots in all conditions. Sensitivity range – from 125 to 12,500 ISO.

Autofocus contrast type. Available to the user a huge variety of modes: Single AF or tracking, multi-zone, aiming point or aiming to identify the person – all, as in all.

Of course, do not forget about the manufacturer and the trend of the season – you can now connect your iOS-device (and only iOS) to the camera, Wi-Fi and a fumble photos or use your mobile device as a remote control.

Together with the Leica introduced its four new T-lens. Two of them, The Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. and Summicron-T 3mm F2 ASPH. – Already been submitted and are available for purchase.

Promise even two glasses – 11-23mm F3.5-4.5 and 55-135mm F3.5-4.5. As for me, too dark, and could be lighter. For owners of the M-line optics is a special adapter.

Naturally, for those wishing to have a huge number of various accessories, cases, straps, handbags, but be prepared for the fact that all this will cost a lot.

Price per carcass – 1850 dollars for The Vario-Elmar-T 18-56mm F3.5-5.6 ASPH. – $ 1,750 for Summicron-T 3mm F2 ASPH. – 1950 dollars, and the viewfinder – $ 600.

It turns out that this camera purely premium class, and entertainment for the soul, but not for serious work. At least, so I can see it.

And any thoughts about the new Leica T-system do you have?

Preview Leica T. New mirrorless camera and a few lenses to it