Showing posts with label smartphone. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smartphone. Show all posts

Wednesday, 4 February 2015

10 Best Smartphones in the World

These are the top 10 best smartphones in the world now.The iOS and Android OS have taken over  and there is nothing BB OS can do about it;)
*The price conversions are done at N192.50

10. The Lumia 930
Given the recent success of Windows Phones, Microsoft’s highly-publicized takeover of Nokia augers well for the brand’s existing and future handsets. Take the Lumia 930, for example, which offers considerable versatility, a huge range of purposeful apps and a 20 mega-pixel camera that is arguably the single most impressive on the market. There is also a vibrant OLED screen that provides incredible color and deep contrast, providing a visual experience that is both engaging and reassuring.
From safety-conscious applications that enable users to hire private hire vehicles in low-signal areas to the handset’s thick metal frame and polycarbonate back, everything about this smartphone hits at security and reliability. This is a crucial consideration when buying a smartphone, especially one that comes with a hefty $619.23 USD (N119,170.81).The qualities of the Lumia more than justify this retail price point, and offset the issues caused by a typically slow and cumbersome Windows interface.

Verdict: Despite featuring a relatively slow interface and being occasionally frustrating to use, the Lumia 930 is a reliable and versatile handset that remains one of the leading Windows Phone’s available.



9. The Samsung Galaxy Alpha
While Samsung may have pledged to revamp their smartphone output in the wake of plummeting sales that have reached a three-year low, some of their previous handsets remain standard bearers for aesthetic design and slick processing speeds. Take the Galaxy Alpha, for example, which boasts a high resolution 4.7 inch display, a purposeful camera and a surprisingly powerful battery performance. It is also easy to operate with one hand, while it enables users to seamlessly manage multiple applications simultaneously without the need for compromise.

Ease of use is a crucial design feature of all Samsung handsets, both in terms of handling and operation. The Galaxy Alpha is no exception to this rule, as it weighs just 115 grams and is extremely slim line with a thickness of just 6.7 mm. The only drawback of this smartphone is that it lacks a striking functional feature, which makes it slightly difficult to justify an average retail price of $843 USD (N162,235). Despite this, it remains something of a flagship handset for the Samsung brand and a smartphone that delivers a slick and enjoyable user experience.

Verdict: Lightweight, slick and beautifully designed, the Galaxy Alpha embodies everything that is good about Samsung smartphones and is only let-down by a lack of outstanding operational features.



8. The Sony Xperia Z3
One of the strongest and most durable smartphones on the market, Sony’s Xperia Z3 is a triumph of understated and yet robust design. It also includes everything that you would expect to see from a piece of highly-evolved Sony technology, from the brands ‘Triluminos’ display to high resolution audio quality and an incredible 20.7 mega-pixel camera complete with 4K video capability. The handset is also water and dust proof, while its nylon corners helps to protect your investment should you be unfortunate enough to drop it during use.

So far, so good, and at this juncture is appears as though Sony’s Xperia Z3 model has the specification to fully justify its $841.48 (N161,850) price tag. Its precise position on this list is determined largely by its faults, however, which include a flawed and occasionally restricted operating system and an overheating camera function. While these faults may not completely hinder your everyday use of the phone, they provide an inconvenience that you would not expect from such a costly and well-designed model.

Verdict: Despite high quality audio and video , the Sony Xperia Z3 is let down by minor operating system flaws and camera bugs. Although these are relatively small details, they are worthy of merit when you consider the inflated retail price.



7. The iPhone 5S
As the dominant smartphone brand, Apple is renowned for delivering innovative and purposeful handsets that offer considerable value for money. The iPhone 5S provides a relevant case in point, as even though it is not a flagship smartphone it is an excellent device that is powered by purposeful software and exceptionally easy to use. While it was released too early to feature the innovative Apple Pay technology and an enhanced camera function, its compact size and iconic, sleek design offers a convenient and affordable smartphone solution to users.

The release of the iPhone 6 has also triggered an increase in demand for the 5S, as while the former provides incremental improvements in terms of the iOS 8 operating system and functionality its launch has helped to drive down the cost its predecessor. The iPhone 5S can be purchased for as little as $228.38(N43,878) in the current market, and this price represents significant value even in an age of simple, affordable handsets. Even accounting for the recurring bugs that have blighted the iOS 7, this handset is ideal for those who are not in a position to purchase the iPhone 6 outright or upgrade their contract.

Verdict: While the iPhone 5S may have been overshadowed by the launch of the 6 and 6Plus handsets, it retains many of the design features that distinguish Apple from other brands. It is now also available at a bargain price and offers considerable value for users’ money.



6. The Nexus 5
Google’s much vaunted Project Ara promises to revolutionize the smartphone industry in 2015, as it will see the world’s first modular handsets released onto the consumer market. This is a development for the future, however, and for now Google are content to design and manufacture their own Nexus handsets in conjunction with leading smartphone players such as HTC, LG and Samsung. The best of these is the Nexus 5, which is a premium handset that incorporates the latest Android operating system and drives exceptionally quick processing speeds.

While Google is incredibly adept at developing and integrating software, it has enjoyed less success when launching new hardware onto the market. By tapping into the expertise of leading smartphone brands, however, Google have managed to combine slick performance and innovative app features with a stylish and robust design. This seamlessly built package is also available at a competitive price point, with Nexus 5 handsets currently being sold for as little as $452.16(N86,987). Along with 2GB of RAM and a high resolution 4.9 inch screen, the Nexus 5 offers the perfect balance of style, function and affordability for customers.

Verdict: Google’s Nexus 5 is the brands leading smartphone to date, and one that is ideal for prolific users who like to access multiple applications simultaneously. Software fans can also benefit from incredibly slick performance and the very latest Android updates.



5. The Moto G Handset
Today’s mobile market is extremely diverse, as basic, low-end feature phones have been replaced with affordable handsets with smartphone capabilities. Some of these models are also among the finest on the market, with the Moto G providing a relevant example. Built solidly from plastic and equipped with a high resolution 4.5 inch screen, it is also powered by the latest version of Android and delivers outstanding audio quality. A high performance battery completes a comprehensive if largely unexciting specification, while also underlining the functional and practical design qualities of the Moto G.

If there is one unique feature that distinguishes the Moto G from its rivals, however, it is the price point. Despite a high end specification it can be purchased from new for as little as $206.92(N39,600), which is 75% lower than the cost of the iPhone 6 or the Sony Xperia Z3. This represents an incredible saving, even in a market where low-budget handsets are becoming increasingly popular and technologically advanced. Undoubtedly the leading budget smartphone on the current market, the Moto G is an entry-level handset that has succeeded in rivaling Apple and Samsung.

Verdict: The market leading budget smartphone, the Moto G handset offers far more than a low-end price point. It is also robust, durable and functional, and boasts a specification that can rival the majority of best-selling smartphones on the market.



4. The Samsung Galaxy S5
We have already discussed Samsung’s recent struggles in the smartphone market, but these should not disguise the brands reputation for producing high specification handsets. Take the Galaxy S5, for example, which remains one of the best phones on the market even with a costly retail price of $887.46 (N170,400). The handset’s stellar feature is undoubtedly its ground-breaking 16 mega-pixel camera, which boasts dynamic range and a high performance Auto Focus function. The phone’s ridged, silver edging and perforated back also contributes towards a uniquely stylish design, while its range of wearable technology accessories such as the Gear Fit Fitness Band has only recently become fully appreciated.

This is the kind of innovation that will help Samsung to recover it’s market share, and the Galaxy S5 should serve as a template for the brands’ future smartphone launches. This handset is also worthy of consideration as it proved to be far more durable and easy to use than the previously released Galaxy S4, thanks primarily to a fortified resistance to dust, water and sudden impact. The high resolution 5.1 inch touchscreen is also exceptionally easy to navigate, helping the user to enjoy a slick and ultimately rewarding smartphone experience. If there is a minor criticism, it is that the slightly inflated price tag makes you feel as though you are investing primarily in the camera feature rather than an overall smartphone package.

Verdict: The primary example of what Samsung can achieve as a smartphone brand, the Galaxy S5 is well worth its place on our list. While there may be a handful of superior handsets on the current market, few boast the same quality of camera or image capturing technology.



3. The LG G3
While the LG brand may be synonymous with video streaming and 4K televisions, it has also developed a number of excellent smartphones. The best of these is the LG G3, which is available from $314.41(N60,400) and can lay claim to being the premier smartphone with regards to stylish design and high resolution display. It also features a robust design, meaning that it is largely impervious to dust and water while it is unlikely to suffer significant damage when it is dropped or bumped. This is an important consideration, especially when buying such an expensive handset outright or agreeing to a costly monthly contract.

LG have also stayed true to their core expertise when designing the G3, equipping the handset with an excellent 5.5 inch display and an outstanding 13.1 mega-pixel, rear-facing camera. These features make it ideal for capturing videos and streaming them online, while they are also easy to use and access. The only negative aspect of the LG G3 is a number of minor operating system faults, which LG have pledged to resolve either through the release of a new handset or in conjunction with upcoming Android updates. If the brand manages to achieve this, it may have a smartphone that can claim to be the best on the market.

Verdict: Both stylish and easy to use in equal measure, the LG G3 is close to being the premier handset on the consumer market. It is certainly among the best when it comes to delivering a high quality visual experience and video streaming capabilities.



2. The HTC One (M8)
This is HTC’s flagship smartphone, and unquestionably the premier handset on the market until the latter part of 2014. It is definitely the best Android smartphone available at present, whether you consider its iconic, all-metal design or innovative HTC Sense interface which enables users to seamlessly navigate between apps, web pages and browsers at any given time. The 5 inch display is extremely high quality and delivers clearly defined imagery, whether you are reviewing pictures or streaming a movie online. The handset also boasts a wide range of useful widgets and applications, including a real-time weather feature and ‘Zoe’ (which enables the intelligent sharing of images, films in videos in a single space).

While the device is not cheap with a starting price of approximately$820.02(N157,800), it offers relatively good value when compared with handsets such as the Sony Xperia Z3 and Samsung’s Galaxy Alpha. It is slightly let down by a disappointing camera feature, however, which was one of the primary selling points used by HTC to market the phone prior to its release. Despite claiming to use ‘ultra-pixels’ as opposed to the industry standard ‘mega-pixels’, the image quality is decidedly average while the camera also lacks innovative or unique user features.

Verdict: Regardless of an over-hyped and slightly underwhelming camera feature, the HTC One is the premier Android handset on the market and an incredibly well-designed product. It also offers good value for money and outstanding versatility to users.



1. The iPhone 6
Apple’s iPhone series remains the most dominant player in the smartphone market, and the coveted iPhone 6 has only served to fortify this position of considerable strength. Thanks to the success of this product, iPhone’s now account for 39.5 of all British smartphone sales and this represents a rise of 10.4 during the third financial quarter of 2014. There are several reasons for the popularity of this product, aside from its relatively competitive Pay-as-you-go price point of $826.15(N158,963).

More specifically, it has a larger higher resolution 4.7 inch display, a significantly improved battery life and a slimmer, more aesthetically pleasing design than previous models. It was also powered by the impressive and highly evolved iOS 8, which features an advanced graphics engine referred to simply as Metal and numerous, incremental improvements that contribute towards a more seamless user experience. So while it may lack the processing speeds of some Samsung and HTC handsets, its diverse range of applications, overall ease of use and compatibility with mobile gaming marks it as a multi-purpose smartphone that offers outstanding value for money.

Verdict: Functional, stylish and multi-purpose, the iPhone 6 has quickly and clearly established itself as the number one smartphone on the existing market. Launched alongside the iOS 8, it offers an enhanced user experience that no current smartphone can match as we enter 2015.


Friday, 16 January 2015

How To Track and Recover Your Stolen Phone and Laptop: ANDROID


The Android OS has more apps: Free and Paid, than the Blackberry OS . The ones listed below are the best free apps you can use for recovery of stolen Android phones.

PREY
To use Prey Anti-Theft you have to get it installed before the phone goes missing. You control the anti-theft features of Prey primarily through the Prey Project website, at which you can track your phone's location, capture its IP address, activate its camera, sound an alarm, message the device, and lock the device.Prey also takes pictures silently using both the front and rear camera (Handy to see the thief"s face!!). Just go to Google Play and download it .The app is hidden and can only be uninstalled with a password.




Where’s My Droid
Where’s My Droid is a pure Find my Phone app to help you locate your phone. When your smartphone goes missing, sending a code via text will make the phone ring (even when set in silent mode) while another text code sends you the GPS coordinates of the phone.
Alternatively, you can remotely control your phone by connecting it to the Commander option, a web-based interface. Where’s My Droid also offers a Pro version which lets you take pictures with the camera (you might be able to take a snapshot of the perpetrator), remote lock the phone rendering it impenetrable or remote wipe the app to save your data from misuse.





Plan B
If you had not install any tracking app before your Android device was stolen or misplaced, Plan B will be a lifesaver. Plan B is an Android app from Lookout Labs which locates your smartphone using cell towers and GPS, then sends the location of your smartphone to your Gmail Inbox.
In some smartphones, Plan B can enable the GPS on the phone then update you with its location every 10 minutes. For phones with no such support, you can text ‘location’ from another phone, and details of the missing phone’s location will be sent to your email. In the absence of a data connection, the software will send its location via SMS instead.




Android Lost Free
This app is not only perfect for finding your lost phone, it will also torment the thief (something which we’re sure they fully deserve). You can activate (via SMS or the Web) the alarm to ring with a flashing screen, enable and disable the GPS, data and Wi-Fi connection, remote wipe the SD card, and get their latest call list.

Although it’s a free app, the app lets you take pictures from the smartphone camera (front and rear) and make your phone speak using text-to-speech. Once the SIM card is changed, you will be informed via email. This app can be used even after you have lost your smartphone due to its remote install feature and is hidden from the launcher to prevent uninstallation






How To Track and Recover Your Stolen Phone and Laptop: APPLE iPHONE


 APPLE iPHONE RECOVERY
If you misplace your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac, the Find My iPhone app will let you use any iOS device to find it and protect your data. Simply install this free app, open it, and sign in with the Apple ID you use for iCloud. Find My iPhone will help you locate your missing device on a map, remotely lock it, play a sound, display a message, or erase all the data on it. 


For missing iOS devices, Find My iPhone also includes Lost Mode. Lost Mode locks your device with a passcode and can display a custom message and contact phone number right on the Lock Screen. While in Lost Mode, your device can keep track of where it has been and report back so you can view its recent location history, right from the Find My iPhone app.

Please note that Find My iPhone must be enabled in iCloud settings on your device before you can locate it with this app.


FEATURES



• Locate your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Mac on a map 

• Play a sound for two minutes at full volume (even if your device is set to silent) 

• Remotely lock your device with a passcode 

• Display a custom message on the Lock Screen

• View recent location history of your device while in Lost Mode (iOS devices)

• Get driving directions to device location

• Remotely erase all content and settings on your device

• Battery charge indicator

PREY  can also be used on Apple products, see how ;



REQUIREMENTS 
• Find My iPhone 4.0 requires iOS 8 or later and iCloud. You can create a free Apple ID to use with iCloud on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch or Mac. 
• Wi-Fi or cellular internet connection is required. WiFi-only devices must be connected to the Internet via a registered Wi-Fi network to be located.

Thursday, 15 January 2015

How To Track and Recover Your Stolen Phone and Laptop: BLACKBERRY



The bad news: At some point, your handset or your laptop is likely to go missing. Whether it falls out of your pocket in a taxi, or you leave it unattended in a public place for a few seconds only to have a sharp guy with sticky fingers and low moral fiber "move" it, your gadgets are vulnerable.I am going to try give you,as best as I can ,the tips and resources to help in the recovery .

For Blackberry Tracking

Blackberry doesn't have much free tracking apps but the "BerryLocate" is a good option;basically it will provide you a key you'll use on the site through another phone or computer to get the location of your phone.

Requirements

 A Blackberry
 OS 5 or later
 Built in GPS device
 An internet connection (data or wifi)


Instructions

1. On your Blackberry navigate to www.berrylocate.com/bb

2. Click on the “Click here” label

3. Select Download

4. When it is installed click run, or look for the BerryLocate icon which looks like a world map, and click on that.

5. Give the app trusted status and allow it to access the GPS

6. Click on the Berry Locate icon on your blackberry (It looks like a little map with an arrow on it).

7. Once you see that co-ordinates have been captured, go to www.berrylocate.com and click on “Find my Phone”.

8. Enter the key as shown on your BlackBerry screen.

Saturday, 10 January 2015

Your Android phone soon to be controlled with your Eyes!



Using your smartphone may soon be a hands-off experience—at least, if Eye Tribe gets its way.

The eye-tracking-software maker unveiled at CES 2015 the world’s first eye-tracking software development kit (SDK) forAndroid devices. With this tool, developers can create apps that no longer require users to actually touch, tap, or swipe anything.

Eye Tribe’s SDK isn’t the first we’ve seen of eye-gesture controls for mobile devices—Samsung most prominently made the feature a part of its flagship Galaxy S4 device—but making the technology available for developers could help to speed its evolution and encourage new innovations.

“With our solution, OEMs can fast-track integration of real eye tracking,” said CEO of Eye Tribe Sune Alstrup Johansen in a statement. “We want to bust the myth that it is an expensive and complicated affair.”

If you’re not having enough fun with the technology itself, Eye Tribe has also partnered with the Lego Group to develop learning tools and new ways to interact with Lego sets. According to Eye Tribe, the project “allows users to build their favorite Lego sets with eye tracking,” which sounds suspiciously like they’ve figured out how to harness the Force from Star Wars.

Eye Tribe’s technology has gained the attention of CES, with the Eye Tribe Tracker, a small device that connects to your computer to enable eye tracking capabilities, receiving recognition as a 2015 Innovation Award honoree. The Tracker will be available topurchase for $99 and is compatible with Windows, OS X, and Android OS.

Sunday, 4 January 2015

11 Phones To Watch Out for in 2015 - Part 1

In 2015 technology can only go one place...UP. Latest improvements are abound, processors are at blistering speed ,cameras are at eagle eye quality and cost...well,can only go one place...UP...lol.

No hope in sight yet for Blackberry as their products are not on my list(sorry to BB users,myself included) so without furthermore ado I give you the phone to watch out for in 2015....not in any particular order shaaa.

Samsung Galaxy S6-If you're a Samsung fan but would rather stick to a phone than a phablet then the S6 will be just what you're looking for. Samsung's finally expected to tackle the plastic build quality criticism that its S-series handsets have received, using an all-metal design in line with that of the Galaxy Alpha.

LAUNCH : Rumored ,April 2015

SPECS


Design
- Water resistant up to 1 meter and 30 minutes
-Fingerprint sensor 
- IP67 certified - dust and water resistant

NETWORK :GSM / HSPA / 4GLTE

DISPLAY 
Type:Super AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 1440 x 2560 pixels, 5.5 inches (~534 ppi pixel density)
Multitouch Yes
Protection Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- TouchWiz UI

Processor and Operating System
OS Android OS, v5.0 (Lollipop)
Chipset Exynos 7420
CPU Quad-core 1.3 GHz Cortex-A53 & Quad-core 1.9 GHz Cortex-A57
GPU Mali-T760

MEMORY 
Card slot microSD, up to 128 GB
Internal 32 GB , 3 GB RAM

CAMERA Primary 20 MP, 4992 х 3744 pixels, phase detection autofocus, LED flash
Features Geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR, panorama
Video 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps, 720p@120fps, HDR, dual-video rec.
Secondary 5 MP, 1080p@30fps, dual video call


COMMUNICATION
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, hotspot
Bluetooth v4.0, A2DP, LE, apt-X
GPS Yes, with A-GPS, GLONASS, Beidou
NFC Yes
USB microUSB v3.0 (MHL 3 TV-out), USB Host

FEATURES Sensors Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, gesture, heart rate

PRICE


......To be continued :)