Xiaomi's new Redmi Note 4 promises 25% longer battery life

During a launch event in India, Xiaomi showed off their new budget smartphone dubbed the Redmi Note 4. This device is the spiritual successor to last year's Redmi Note 3 which sold millions in both India and China. The new Redmi Note 4 builds upon last year's success with a a new software package based on Android 7.0 Nougat.

Additionally, the device support VoLTE and Xiaomi has included a massive 4,100mAh battery with the Redmi Note 4 and they are promising battery life up to 2 days with the phone. Beyond that, the design of the Redmi Note 4 is still the same unibody aluminium build but the company has tuned the design to include tapered edges for a better feel in the hand.

Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 Key Specifications

— 5.5-inch 1080P IPS LCD display
— Snapdragon 625 SoC
— 2/3/4GB RAM
— 32/64GB expandable memory
— 13MP f2.0 rear camera
— 5MP f2.0 front camera
— 4,100mAh battery
— Android 7,.0 Nougat
— Dual SIM LTE
— 151 x 76 x 8.5mm
— 165g
— Black, Gold, Gray

Xiaomi will begin offering the Redmi Note 4 in India on January 23 through their online partners. The baseline model will cost as low as Rs. 9,999 (~US$ 146 / ~MYR 6,70). Expect to see the Redmi Note 4 launch in Malaysia in the coming months.



ORIGINAL SOURCE: XIAOMI

HTC's new U series ditches the aluminium unibody design for a glass one

Taiwan smartphone maker HTC is kicking off the year with a brand new smartphone series that they are calling HTC U. Two devices under this new series are the HTC U Play and HTC U Ultra. Both devices are expected to hit the markets in both February and March respectively. 

What makes the new HTC U Play and U Ultra unique is that they come in a brand new glass and metal design. This is by no means the first time we're seeing such a design but HTC's approach introduces striking color options that make it look more mesmerizing than any other glass backed smartphone out there. And to top things off, the bigger 128GB HTC U Ultra comes covered with sapphire crystal glass which is one of the most durable glass out there.

HTC U Play Key Specifications

— 5.2-inch 1080P Super LCD display
— MediaTek Helio P10 SoC
— 3/4GB RAM
— 32/64GB expandable memory
— 16MP f2.0 rear camera
— 16MP f2.0 front camera
— 2,500mAh battery
— Android 6.0 Marshmallow
— Dual SIM LTE
— 146 x 72.9 x 8mm

— 145g

— Black, Pink, White, Blue

HTC U Ultra Key Specifications

— 5.7-inch 1440P Super LCD5 display
— 2.05-inch 160 x 1040 secondary display
— Snapdragon 821 SoC
— 4GB RAM
— 64/128GB expandable memory
— 12MP f1.8rear camera
— 16MP front camera
— 3,000mAh battery
— Android 7.0 Nougat
— Dual SIM LTE
— 162.4 x 79.8 x 8mm

— 170g

— Black, Pink, White, Blue

Beyond the glitz and glamour, the new HTC U smartphones also come with a USB Type-C port which is a critical spec because HTC has not included a 3.5mm headphone jack with the device. But HTC is including a pair of USB-C earphones in the box.

Moving on to more positive aspects of the HTC U series, both devices come with a new voice unlock feature that works hand in hand with the 4 always-on microphone on the device. There's also the trusty fingerprint sensor on the front. Other than that, the HTC U series looks like a pretty compelling smartphone.

At this point we're not sure if this is HTC's flagship devices for the year as the pricing for both these devices are placed at a premium.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: HTC

HMD Global starts off the Nokia brand with the new Nokia 6

After the long wait, the company that has bought the rights to sell Nokia smartphones, HMD Global is announcing the first Nokia branded android smartphone. Dubbed the Nokia 6, this new smartphone coming exclusively for the China market marks the beginning of the new Nokia brand. Unlike older Nokia phones, the Nokia 6 only comes in black and it runs on Android.

In terms of hardware specifications, the Nokia 6 is a pretty mid-range device by today's standard and bucking up on the trend of budget devices these days, the Nokia 6 features an aluminium unibody design.

Nokia 6 Key Specifications

— 5.5-inch 1080P IPS LCD display
— Snapdragon 430 SoC
— 4GB RAM
— 64GB expandable memory
— 16MP f2.0 rear camera
— 8MP f2.0 front camera
— 3,000mAh battery
— Android 7.0 Nougat
— Dual SIM LTE
— 154 x 75.8 x 8.4mm

HMD Global will offer the Nokia 6 in China through JD.com for a price of US$ 245 (~MYR 1,096). Expect to see more higher end Nokia devices coming out later this year.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: NOKIA

Samsung's 2017 Galaxy A series brings Samsung Pay to the masses

Starting off the new year, Samsung is taking wraps off their new mainstream line of Galaxy phones. Once again, the Galaxy A series is being refreshed with improved aesthetics and features from flagship phones. First and foremost is the design which takes inspiration from their flagship smartphones. The 3D glass back and metal frame makes the 2017 Galaxy A series a premium offering.

In addition to that, Samsung has also included features like a USB Type-C port, better software experience, an always on display powered by the AMOLED display, IP68 water and dust resistance and also Samsung Pay. The addition of Samsung Pay is a big one as Samsung will continue expanding their mobile payment service this year and having more devices support it will help it's growth.

Samsung will begin offering the 2017 Galaxy A series beginning February 2017. Stay tuned for details about the Malaysian launch

Samsung Galaxy A3 (2017) Key Specifications

— 4.7-inch 720P Super AMOLED display
— Octa-core SoC
— 2GB RAM
— 16GB expandable memory
— 13MP f1.9 rear camera
— 8MP f1.9 front camera
— 2,350mAh battery
— Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
— Dual SIM LTE

— 135.4 x 66.2 x 7.9mm

— Black, Gold, Blue, Peach

Samsung Galaxy A5 (2017) Key Specifications

— 5.2-inch 1080P Super AMOLED display
— Exynos 7880 SoC
— 3GB RAM
— 32GB expandable memory
— 16MP f1.9 rear camera
— 16MP f1.9 front camera
— 3,000mAh battery
— Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
— Dual SIM LTE

— 146.1 x 71.4 x 7.9mm

— Black, Gold, Blue, Peach

Samsung Galaxy A7 (2017) Key Specifications

— 5.7-inch 1080P Super AMOLED display
— Exynos 7870 SoC
— 3GB RAM
— 32GB expandable memory
— 16MP f1.9 rear camera
— 16MP f1.9 front camera
— 3,600mAh battery
— Android 6.0.1 Marshmallow
— Dual SIM LTE

— 156.8 x 77.6 x 7.9mm

— Black, Gold, Blue, Peach

Instagram's latest feature enables bookmarking photos and videos

It was just a couple of weeks back that Instagram rolled out the ability to broadcast live video from their Instagram Moments feature. Today, the company is introducing a new feature that is designed to help users in the classic instagram experience. With the latest Instagram update, users will be able to save posts that they wish to review in the future through the bookmark icon on the bottom of an Instagram post. The saved photos and videos will then be stored in a section in the profile tab.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: INSTAGRAM

Instagram rolls out live video and self-destructing photos

Earlier this year, the Facebook owned Instagram overhauled their app and introduced a new moments feature that is designed get users to use the app more often. Today, Instragram is rolling out two new features that users can take advantage. The two new features are live videos and disappearing photos.

Both the features are accessed through the existing moments screen and the update is now available for both iOS and Android versions of the app. Live videos work similarly like they do on Facebook and disappearing photos are basically Instagram direct photos/videos that will disappear after the image is viewed.

If these features sound similar, Instagram's moment feature is exactly like Snapchat minus the live video. Learn more about how all of this works out in the source link below.

ORIGINAL SOURCE: INSTAGRAM

TECNO CONTINUES TO THRILL FANS WITH HIGH END DEVICES

 

TECNO recently launched TECNO Boom J8, the launch which took place at Golf View Hotel, GRA Ikeja, Lagos had in attendance the who is who in the Nigeria music industry from legendary Ruggedman “Ruggedy Baba”, Weird MC, to more recent musical artistes like Chuddy-K, Klever-J, Capital Femi, Art Quake, Georgetown, Danagog, Immaculate, Olawale (of Project Fame), Shola and a host of others.The event which was anchored by one of Nigeria’s finest MCs cum comedian, MC Bash.

The reason for the occasion, the new TECNO BOOM J8 is a device worth giving attention and one unique thing about the BOOM J8 is that the next generation music phone, runs on TECNO’s new custom tailored User Interface, the HiOS.

The fastest User Interface?

The HiOS is the fastest User Interface till now. Let us catch a glimpse of that. HiOS is TECNO's new User Interface, which aims to provide interactive and user-friendly experience, for unlimited fun. It combines 1000 times functional optimization and more than 500 engineers’ energy together.

What’s the difference between HiOS and other User Interface? The performance of this is faster by 60% than others. There is Hi manager in HiOS that helps us to manage the phone and put all the Apps in order so that the performance can be improved effectively. You can get rid of the slow OS which leaves your phone in a mess.

The old-fashion camera may be boring, and what interesting experience can HiOS bring to you?

Taking photos just by gesture!

                     

HiOS with the fastest camera---gesture camera shutter. Normally, we use a complicated procedures: opening the camera, adjusting focus and the light, pressing the camera button. That was so complicated and time-wasting. Now, HiOS with the convenient camera, by gesture, only 0.3 second! Beautiful moments are flying and they should be cherished forever. With the gesture camera shutter, 0.3 second to keep the precious moments. Why not choose an easier and convenient UI?

The most beautiful music smartphone?

With the TECNO BOOM J8, TECNO has delivered a phone that can rival any other High End mobile device in terms of design and build quality.

             

                                             

With the same 5.5-inch screen, Boom J8 owns larger screen proportion than iphone 6s plus.  In Both the width and the length, Boom J8 is smaller than iphone 6s while their screen sizes are 5.5-inch. When it comes to the proportion of the screen, the iPhone 6s is 67.67% while the Boom J8 is 77.35%.  We pulled a difficult process in technology to make the phone be smarter even with the large screen. Boom J8 went through 172 processes to make it to be perfect slim and beautiful! With 5.5-inch screen but still be smarter! Operating this 5.5-inch phone with only one hand easily for texting and messaging happy people.

The most professional music effects?

                      

Boom J8 adopts the new music master Boom Maxx. What’s the BOOM Maxx? Boom maxx is a very professional music maker which helps the music enthusiasts to produce proper music.

Many music stars use MAXX to make their own songs! You can also be professional music savvy person with it. Simulating different scenes, perfect bass, disposing voice, we can try the fantastic music experience. We can also redact the genre, no matter rock, blues or classical, just choose what you like and listen to the live concert at home!

New trend with Boom Headphone?

Music lovers can enjoy live music with the Boom Headphone!

TECNO streamlined the Boom Headphone with fast curves, smooth surfaces, and no visible screws. Boom J8 has created soft ear cups and an ergonomic bellow to create a flexible, custom fit for every head shape, so you can keep your music all to yourself. It's made of squidgy rubber rather than synthetic leather or fabric, intended to ensure the Boom Headphone stay on your head, making them suitable for jogging - most over-ears headphones simply aren't. The Boom headphone also comes with cloth cable covers to ensure durability. Besides, a mix of active noise cancellation and simpler isolation means they fare pretty well on public transportand you can enjoy the beats anywhere and anytime.

Have I told you that the Boom Headphone is free? Yes, the music equipment is popular all over the whole Africa and now we can get it free!

The Biggest retail store in Nigeria, SLOT is currently doing a Promo on the TECNO Boom J8. You can now PRE ORDER the Boom J8 for as low as N1000 from any SLOT outlet Today (April 6^th) up until Monday Night and get a ticket. You can then purchase the Boom J8 when it’s readily available next week for N40,000 and get a free Power Bank worth N3,000.

This device is surely something to have and you can’t miss.

Excerpts from The TECNO Boom J8 Launch and Unveiling of HiOS

If you didn’t hear about the TECNO Boom J8 Launch yesterday, well I’m glad you’re back from underneath the rock from whence you came.  TECNO decided to change the game coming from an era when all TECNO devices shipped with near stock android experience to the HiOS - a UI that embodies simplicity, uniqueness and style, starting with the Boom J8.

Now, besides all the glitz and glamour of the event, most people want to know what exactly went down and what the guests took home with them.

The Boom j8 as you know is TECNO’s sleekest device yet would be running the maiden edition of the HiOS which is TECNO’s own customized User Interface, it’s also a successor to the Boom J7 and an upgrade from last year’s hot cake, Camon C8.

TECNO had 500+ engineers working to make HiOS a huge success and it’s not a surprise to hear about the countless things that you can do with your Boom J8 thanks to the HiOS. The HiOS is superfast and it’s 3000mAh lasts as long as a 5000mAh battery and TECNO Told us why at the launch.

The HiOS is designed to upgrade the performance of TECNO Mobile phones to over 60% of what is presently obtainable. For me, I want to believe this can be a true reflection of the performance of the BOOM J8 after experiencing the phone at the event yesterday.

Even as the tag line for the HiOS is Unique, Easy and Fun. For me as a lover fun, I cannot do but enjoy having this phone with me even though I failed to win one of the phones available during the raffle draw yesterday.

The HiOS truly is uniquely designed with functions that set the smartphone apart from other smartphones. The HiOS was launched yesterday and one of the features that intrigued me at the launch yesterday was the Hi Manager. For me personally, this is revolutionary for the smartphone market. I kept telling myself how a “follow come” application could do so much in a phone. This seemed to me all like a mirage until after I experienced the phone and by extension the application.

After all, the man who introduced this application may not be wrong afterwards, the Hi Manager is the SMARTEST phone manager and trust me, you can take my word for this on this one. While he was trying to talk to the teeming audience about this device and the HiOS, he mentioned just two distinct features of the HiOS that changed my sentiments towards this device and its functionalities. I would just mention the functions of the Hi Manager quickly.

For me, I like to boot my phone without any application preset to boot with it and this application thus allows me to set applications that boot with my smartphone. Surely, the word smart may not just be appropriate for this Hi Manager in this regard. While I am still looking out for another better and more befitting word for this Hi Manager, I would just that intelligence has been taken to another level on this one.

Surely, as a Nigerian who lives in a world where data is not yet cheap, I cannot but love the fact that this application can allow me save my data in a smart way with its Bandwidth Manager feature. This feature allows any user to set how much data he or she wants to use within a particular period and the icing on the cake is that I can set Facebook or all those data swallowing applications not to smell data! Oh my God, this is surely a stress relief if you ask me.

Another part of this event that I enjoyed was the introduction of the camera! For me, I love to always archive events, images and other activities that may serve as a source of inspiration for me sometime later on, being a creative person and for sure, the speed at which my camera open up from the lock screen is one that I hold in high esteem.

I was impressed with the fact that the BOOM J8 has a speed that is 200% higher than most other mobile phones in its range. This for me is lovely. So, the next time I see that adorable pet being walked down the road, the next time I drive past a particular art design on the road, I am rest assured that my camera cannot fail me once I have the BOOM J8 with me.

Another take away for me from the event is the fact that they organizers of the event were bold enough to compare the phone with an Iphone, and not just an Iphone, the Almighty Iphone 6splus, in fact, the comparison was in form of camera angle! For me, I have always been a crusader for the Iphone is best for taking wide angle pictures and I surely had to silently opt out of that crusade after seeing this yesterday. The BOOM J8 has a 77.35% screen proportion, which means it can take wider pictures. This means that for every board meeting we hold and want to capture everyone in the picture, the BOOM J8 is the phone to have for this function.

The BOOM J8 is super slim! Trust me, I love slim phones which are even complemented with beauty and this for me is not disappointing at all.

One final thing that I ensured I took away from yesterday’s event is that the BOOM Player has the largest music resource!

One question I also kept asking about this BOOM Player yesterday was simple: How can my phone in Lagos listen to a radio station in Ibadan? I was astonished when the presenter opened his phone, his BOOM Player and tuned in to a Radio station in Enugu state! This was in amazement of the audience, although I was just there waiting for my own experience of the phone, because, at that point of the event, I was so touched in my spirit that I had ONLY one thing in my mind! How can a music phone be this complete in 2016?

Surely, TECNO Mobile has gotten this right with the TECNO BOOM J8, which was launched yesterday in Lagos. It was a wow experience over all. The reception also complemented for the beautiful device that was presented to the public, You can check out some of the videos HERE, HERE and HERE.