Tag Archives: smartphone

Smartphones, Tablets

The 10 Worst Android Devices Ever Made By A Major Brand

Motorola’s attempt to innovate smartphone design was poorly showcased by the Motorola Backflip and Motorola Flipout, both released in 2010. Despite their efforts to move away from conventional form factors, their unconventional designs were more confusing than groundbreaking.

The Motorola Backflip introduced a backward-flipping keyboard that created ergonomic issues. Placing the keyboard on the back of the device required users to open the phone to access the physical keys, resulting in an awkward and inconvenient experience. This design choice not only defied user expectations but also made the device less user-friendly.

In addition to its unusual form factor, the Backflip struggled with outdated hardware and software. The device’s modest processor and older version of Android failed to keep up with its competitors. The combination of lackluster specifications and unconventional design positioned the Backflip as a niche device that failed to attract a wider audience.

Following closely behind the Backflip, the Motorola Flipout took a different approach to unconventional design. Released later in 2010, the Flipout featured a square form factor that could be flipped open to reveal a small QWERTY keyboard. While the square design aimed to provide a compact and pocket-friendly option, it presented its own challenges.

The square form factor, though unique, raised concerns about the device’s practicality. The limited size of the display compromised the user experience, especially when compared to more traditional rectangular designs. The square shape, while intriguing, diverged from smartphone evolution. Additionally, the Flipout faced criticism for its build quality, particularly the durability of its hinge mechanism, which was essential for the flipping action.

Car Accessories

Want To Add Remote Start To Your Car Before Winter? Here’s How Much It’ll Likely Cost

There are three main types of aftermarket remote starts: one-way, two-way, and smartphone starting. One-way remote starts are the most common and basic. You press the remote start button while the vehicle is locked, and it sends a signal to your vehicle. The vehicle lights flash to signal that the vehicle has turned on. However, you won’t know your vehicle has started via the remote unless you have a view of your vehicle.

On the other hand, a two-way remote start works similarly. When the remote start is successful, there will either be an LED light or an LCD screen telling you your vehicle has started. Finally, a smartphone remote start is the same as a two-way, but you can remotely start your vehicle from your phone, and it will indicate on the smartphone that the vehicle has started.

Each type of remote starter will vary in its starting range, difficulty to install, and compatibility. Base-level remote starts typically start a vehicle within 50 feet –- the best fit for starting your vehicle within close proximity of your home or office. More advanced remote starts can reach around 1,000 feet or more, while some smartphone remote starts have an unlimited range as long as your phone and vehicle are within a cellular network.

Depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model, it may be more expensive to install. Some remote starts are universal, but some may require additional wiring and extra parts for it to work properly.

Smartphones

Top 5 Android Camera Lens Attachments for Better Photos

If you’re a casual photographer interested in a versatile and affordable smartphone lens, you should consider the Xenvo Pro Lens Kit. With over 19,000 ratings on Amazon and an average rating of 4.2 stars, this lens kit is highly regarded and popular among users. It is priced at $39 and compatible with most of the best Android phones and tablets, thanks to its convenient clip-on design.

The Xenvo Pro lens kit offers a 0.45x wide-angle lens and a 15x macro lens. The macro lens allows you to capture close-up shots as close as half an inch away from your subjects. The wide-angle lens is made of premium glass, which prevents distortion around the edges and vignetting that often occurs with cheaper lenses. You have the option to switch between the two lenses or combine them for a wide-angle macro shot.

In addition to the lenses, the kit includes a rechargeable clip-on LED fill light. This fill light provides a warm glow that is incredibly useful for low-light photography. Several accessories are also included in the kit, such as a charging cable for the LED light, a travel case, a quick-release lanyard, and a cleaning cloth. Notably, the Xenvo Pro comes with a lifetime warranty, which is not common for lens attachments.

Technology

How To Find And Change The Settings For Your Pixel Stand

The Pixel Stand is a wireless charging accessory designed for Qi-compatible devices. It provides convenient wireless charging capabilities. The first-generation Pixel Stand delivers 10W charging, while the second generation offers faster charging up to 23W for devices like the Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 7, and Pixel 7 Pro. It also supports up to 15W (EPP) for Qi-certified devices, but not all devices with Qi certification support the EPP standard.

Both generations of the Pixel Stand have useful features such as quick access to Google Assistant, Google Assistant routines, and your visual snapshot. Additionally, when you place your smartphone on the Pixel Stand, it can act as a digital photo frame. The second generation of the Pixel Stand brings some improvements, including a built-in fan for better heat dissipation to prevent overheating during charging. It also has a sleeker and more refined design.

Technology

Removing Spyware From Your Android Phone: A How-To Guide

When it comes to spyware, whether on your Android phone or PC, it’s best to maintain a healthy skepticism. Avoid tapping on random ads, downloading apps from outside the Google Play Store, and responding to unusual unsolicited messages. Verify any supposed issues with your mobile provider by visiting their official website or calling them.

In addition to being vigilant, you can utilize security features to make it harder for spyware to infiltrate your phone. Google Play Protect, for example, regularly scans your installed apps for abnormalities, providing an extra layer of protection.

Android Play Protect scan resultsDaniel Trock/SlashGear

  1. Open the Google Play Store app.

  2. Tap your profile icon.

  3. Tap “Play Protect.”

  4. If Play Protect is disabled, tap the gear icon in the top-right.

  5. Enable the “Scan apps with Play Protect” toggle.

It is also recommended to install an antivirus utility on your smartphone to establish firewalls and perform deeper scans than Play Protect. Additionally, enable two-step verification for all email accounts synced to your phone to make it more difficult for unauthorized access.