731–740 of 874 posts
After using a phone with stereo speakers ( http://cdn01.androidauthority.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/08... ) there's no way I'm going back to mono. What's frustrating is that the bottom part looks perfect for a second speaker.
What's the benefit of stereo speakers if they are centimeters from each other? Aren't those going to sound like mono one?
It won't sound like mono.
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Because it's not new technology.
New in what way? Finally it looks like that Google consolidated it`s efforts in something meaningful. With google home, wifi, casts, pixel (for which they control manufacturing), AI in the front, google photos for free (unlimited full-res storage for pixel phones), you can not say that they are not going in the right direction. Complaining because of some price bump or some nitpicking is closing the eyes on the big p…
I'm saddened by the continued fragmentation. "Google Assistant" replaces the Google search bar... but only on the Pixel? So this is yet another Android device that behaves differently from every other. The exclusive carrier is Verizon. Why not Google Fi? The default video app is Duo. Why not Hangouts? Does "Google Now On Tap" get replaced by the assistant for the Pixel? Is that just for the Pixel? I don't get it. I d…
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As always the most compelling thing about the phone is Google's support - fast releases and minimal carrier bloat. You have a nice list of positives and I'm not disputing them. But the feature list for what is now Googles top phone is underwhelming. 4 GB of RAM is barely adequate - it should be 6 GB like the other Snapdragon 821 flagship. No water proofing? That's the new black. Bottom-facing speakers? Complete regre…
Doesn't the iPhone 7 have only 3 GB of RAM? If 4 GB is "barely adequate" then the iPhone 7 must be pretty bad. /s
1) It is interesting to note that, different from the desktop market a decade ago, there is no monopoly by a single provider for smartphone tech. This means that the upcoming challengers try to challenge using the same tech rather than come up with something really innovative. That there is no monopoly in this space, might actually reduce the speed of innovation! These parties are happy to compete with each other on familiar grounds. To me this comes across as a gentlemen's agreement in which knights establish the boundaries of their fight. Google says: it's gonna be phones, don't be afraid we come with weapons that you're not anticipating.
2) If we limit ourselves to smartphones, what would real innovation look like? For me it's twofold: a) getting rid of the other things in my pocket. I currently carry: keys, a wallet, a public transport card, a customer loyalty card, a squash subscription card, and a driver license mainly as ID. b) never worry about charging. The former can solved by actually making use of the existing technology. The latter needs a wireless charging infrastructure that works on a distance and a few R&D years (http://www.wi-charge.com/).
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> I've been on android for a while, so I'm sure I'm biased, but stock AOSP Android is pretty much perfect for me. Very minimal and aesthetically beautiful, but still powerful and customizable. You can get AOSP on a lot of phones, you just have to be comfortable flashing a custom ROM. I don't understand why anyone would pay iPhone prices for an Android phone. Even if the hardware quality is similar (which it won't be,…
That Xiaomi Redmi 2 seems to be exactly what I've been looking for. Maybe a little big but I'll take it if it means CM support, replaceable battery and swappable SD card. Any idea if it works on Project Fi? I can't seem to find a definitive answer.
2) Some Xiaomi phones do not even come with unlocked LTE bands, depending on your region; try to confirm what bands are available before you buy.
Let's not go into a fight about Google vs Apple, but consider the landscape. 1) It is interesting to note that, different from the desktop market a decade ago, there is no monopoly by a single provider for smartphone tech. This means that the upcoming challengers try to challenge using the same tech rather than come up with something really innovative. That there is no monopoly in this space, might actually reduce th…
As an incremental step, I'm seeing more cell phone cases with a slot to store credit cards, cash, and ID.
I know, ideally they'd be gone though.
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Every alarm, timer, and reminder I set (on my phone), are set by voice. I chose it because "Set an alarm for 8am" really is the best interface to interact with that subsystem.
Ditto, the Echo is worth it alone for this. "Echo, what time is it" "Echo, set an alarm for [+8 hours]". And when I'm about to sleep and I realize I've forgotten the alarm, I don't have to turn on a glaring blue screen.
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> The icon-based home screen is showing it's age and will need a revolution rather than an evolution. Why? It is easy, intuitive, and used by millions of people. Change for changes sake?
Glanceable information on the home screen is useful so users don't have to open every app, it also changes the home screen from being just "an launcher" to potentially provide useful information that you might need rather then being "just a launcher". It's just "one step less" in some scenarios. Notifications are great for things that need your attention but the home screen becomes a little more of a seredipious view…