Showing posts with label PHONES. Show all posts

Tuesday

Is Upgrading from Google Pixel 8 Pro to Pixel 9 Pro Worth It?

Aynorms 13 August 1

The Google Pixel 9 Pro is here, but is it the right Pixel phone for you?

On Tuesday, Google announced the redesigned Pixel 9 Pro at its Made by Google event in Mountain View, California. Whether you're a current Pixel user or you're thinking about getting a new phone, you may now be wondering whether the new Pixel 9 Pro is worth your money.

The most exciting part of new Pixel launches is usually software, but there are some hardware differences that might justify trading in your old phone for the Pixel 9 Pro. You can still buy a Pixel 8 Pro directly from Google, though, and the Pixel 9 Pro's advantages might not be worth it for everyone.

Here's a look at how the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro compare and how to decide which one is right for you.

Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: Price

The Pixel 9 Pro announced on Tuesday starts at $999, the same original starting price as the Pixel 8 Pro. That doesn't mean both models have the same price, though.

Google offers two generations of Pixel phones simultaneously, with the previous year's models having a reduced starting price. That means you can now get the Pixel 8 Pro for $899 if you don't need all the latest features in the Pixel 9 Pro or want to save some money.

For instance, you could use that $100 starting price difference to upgrade your storage in the Pixel 8 Pro, scoring 256GB instead of 128GB.

There's one additional wrinkle in Google's pricing this year: the Pixel 9 Pro comes in two different sizes, 6.3-inch and 6.8-inch. The larger 6.8-inch version, the Pixel 9 Pro XL, has a higher starting price of $1,099. To put that into perspective, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch display. So, the Pixel Pro pricing line-up currently looks like this:

Google Pixel 9 w/ free $100 Credit: from $799 @ Google Store

Google Pixel 9 Pro w/ free $200 Credit: from $999 @ Google Store

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL w/ free $200 Credit: from $1,099 @ Google Store

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold w/ free $350 Credit: from $1,799 @ Google Store

Retaining the old model at a reduced price is Apple's typical strategy and makes me wonder what the future holds for the Pixel 9a when it presumably launches in early 2025, but that's a question for another day.

Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: Specs

The Pixel 9 Pro might cost more than the Pixel 8 Pro, but some notable spec differences could make that higher price worth it.

For example, the Pixel 9 Pro has 16GB of RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro only has 12GB. You might not notice the difference much during tasks like web browsing or scrolling through social media, but extra RAM can offer a significant performance boost for AI tasks or gaming.

The Pixel 9 Pro also has the newer Google Tensor G4 processor, while the Pixel 8 Pro has last year's Google Tensor G3.

Rumors ahead of this week's Made by Google event hinted that the Tensor G4 only offers minor improvements over the Tensor G3. If you're currently using a Pixel 8 Pro, upgrading to the Pixel 9 Pro might not provide a significant performance boost. On the other hand, if you have an older Pixel, you'll probably appreciate the newer processor and extra RAM, especially if you like to multi-task, play games, or use on-device AI. We'll of course know more once we get the Pixel 9 Pro in for testing.

One spec that might convince current Pixel users to upgrade is the new camera setup. The Pixel 9 Pro features a 42MP front-facing camera, a massive upgrade over the 10.5MP selfie camera in the Pixel 8 Pro. The rear camera array also supports Super Res Zoom and 8K for video now. So, if camera quality and features are your top priority, the Pixel 9 Pro could be a worthy upgrade.

Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: Design

The Pixel 9 Pro's design aesthetic resembles previous Pixel models, but there are a few differences. The most obvious is the redesigned camera bump. This year, Google adopted a more squared-off pill-shaped design and ditched the curved bar-style camera bump seen on the Pixel 8 Pro. While the camera bar had staunch defenders, it's remained a contentious design, so it will be interesting to see how people react to this change.

Google applied that squared-off aesthetic to the entire chassis design on the Pixel 9 Pro. It has flat edges all the way around, unlike the curves on last year's model.

The Pixel 9 Pro and 8 Pro also come in slightly different colors. Both are available in black and white, but Google revamped the pale "Mint" green on the Pixel 8 Pro with a darker "Hazel" green for the Pixel 9 Pro. Google also swapped out last year's "Bay" blue for "Rose Quartz," which is a pale pink. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL are both available in the same four colors.

These differences come down to personal preference, although none alone justify upgrading, especially if you already have a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro.

Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: How to choose

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro are both powerful Android phones, and most people will have a good experience with either. The main differences to consider are price, camera, and design.

The Pixel 8 Pro has a lower starting price than the Pixel 9 Pro, making it the frontrunner for those looking to save some money. However, the Pixel 9 Pro has a far more powerful front-facing camera. Both phones have similar rear camera arrays, but the Pixel 9 Pro could be worth paying a bit more for if you frequently use your selfie camera.

Design mainly comes down to personal preferences, but the new Rose Quartz color is exclusive to the Pixel 9 Pro. So, if you're a fan of pink, you'll want to go with that one.

It's also worth noting that the Pixel 9 Pro is probably not worth upgrading if you already have a Pixel 8 Pro. Unless the RAM boost or improved selfie camera are game changers for you, the cost for a trade-in isn't worth it.

Laptop Mag will be covering all the latest news from this week's Made by Google event, so stay tuned for more details and updates.

Apple launches its first most unique sports app

PHONES

Aynorms 26 February 0

Apple is taking an even bigger swing at sports.

The company on Wednesday launched Apple Sports, a free app for the iPhone that delivers real-time scores, key statistics, and live betting odds.

At launch, users will have access to live data from the NBA, NHL, and MLS, among other leagues. The app, Apple’s first in the sports arena, is being released ahead of March Madness, offering real-time data for both men’s and women’s NCAA basketball. Other leagues will be added over time, including the NFL and MLB.

“We created Apple Sports to give sports fans what they want — an app that delivers incredibly fast access to scores and stats,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services who oversees the app and was personally involved in its creation.

The app, which will not include advertising at its launch, represents Apple’s latest dive into the world of sports, a multibillion-dollar business that technology companies have made recent entrants into, challenging the legacy media companies who have traditionally held the lucrative broadcast rights. It also threatens to upend the mobile sports app space that has long been dominated by advertising-supported apps from ESPN and others.

Apple has in recent years struck deals with various sports leagues, such as the MLB and MLS, to stream games on its Apple TV+ streaming service. Amazon, a chief rival in the technology and streaming industry, has started exclusively airing “Thursday Night Football” and an NFL game on Black Friday.

While Apple Sports can alert users to where a game is being broadcast, it will not stream games directly inside the app, instead pointing users to the correct app to watch the action.

Technology and media companies are increasingly eyeing sports rights to amass a paying audience for their streaming services. In recent months, the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl shattered ratings records and NBCUniversal’s exclusive Peacock broadcast of a wild card game led to the biggest single day of streaming on record, according to Nielsen.

iPhone 15 pro max vs Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra which phone is best?

PHONES

Aynorms 08 February 0

The Samsung Galaxy S24, S24 Plus and S24 ultra launched on 31 January and are almost certainly destined to join the ranks of the best phones of 2024.

You can read our full review of the Galaxy S24 ultra for all the details, but you might be wondering how Samsung’s new devices compare with one of the most popular phones on the market today: the iPhone 15 Pro Max.

Both phones offer cutting-edge specifications, running on the most advanced hardware available and with the best displays Samsung and Apple can manage. In terms of features such as speed, battery life, cameras and performance, they’re very similar devices.

Both the iPhone 15 pro max and the Galaxy S24 ultra have their own strengths, so deciding which phone is right for you partly comes down to personal preference. To help you choose, let’s dive into the differences between the Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra and iPhone 15 pro max.

Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra vs iPhone 15 pro max: Specs

Comparing the raw specifications of the Galaxy S24 ultra and iPhone 15 pro max gives us a technical overview of the differences between the phones, though it’s not necessarily the best way to choose between the two.

Here’s a rundown of both phones, for reference.

Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra vs iPhone 15 pro max: Display

Samsung is as well known for its televisions as it is for phones, to the extent that the Korean tech giant even manufactures displays for rival companies. Even Apple uses Samsung screens in the iPhone 15 pro max.

The biggest upgrade to either phone’s display is the Samsung Galaxy S24’s newly improved peak brightness of 2,600 nits, beating the 2,000 nits peak brightness of the iPhone 15 pro max.

Peak brightness has unexpectedly emerged as a new battleground for flagship smartphones but while, on paper, the S24 ultra is a clear winner, there’s little practical difference between the two. This is especially true in the UK and northern Europe, where the sun is never so bright that you’d struggle to read your phone’s screen.

Elsewhere, both the Samsung Galaxy S24 ultra and the iPhone 15 pro max offer very similar display experiences. Samsung’s screen has a slightly higher pixel density (505ppi vs 460ppi) making it almost imperceptibly sharper, but both phone screens are neck and neck where it matters: both use HDR10 and run at a smooth-scrolling 120Hz refresh rate.

Galaxy S24 ultra vs iPhone 15 pro max: Cameras

Both Samsung and Apple use an array of camera lenses to achieve excellent shots at a range of zoom levels, but this year’s flagship Galaxy device actually gets a technical downgrade over the S23 ultra, dropping the 10x optical lens in favour of a less powerful 5x lens backed up by a larger and more light-sensitive sensor.

This means you still get that headline-grabbing 100x super zoom capability, but the S24 ultra is now using a mixture of pixel-binning techniques and some fancy machine-learning magic to produce decent telephoto shots even at extreme zoom levels.

Compare that to the iPhone 15 pro max, which also tops out at 5x optical zoom but uses a significantly smaller sensor to capture light. On paper, that places Apple’s camera hardware some distance behind Samsung’s, but the raw specs don’t tell the full story. The A17 Pro chip in the iPhone 15 pro max uses next-level image processing to produce incredible smartphone photography. The Galaxy S24 ultra camera system is technically more versatile, but which phone’s pictures you prefer largely comes down to personal preference, as Samsung and Apple’s algorithms subtly tweak results toward a particular style, colour balance and contrast.

Galaxy S24 ultra vs iPhone 15 pro max: Design

Samsung has clearly taken design cues from Apple this year, gracing the new Galaxy S24 ultra with a new titanium frame and a flat display. Ditching the “waterfall edge” makes using the S-Pen stylus slightly more comfortable, as the tip of the pen no longer slips off the side of the phone when you doodle too close to the edge of the screen. Otherwise, the design of the three latest Samsung phones will be familiar to anyone who’s used a Galaxy device before.

The Galaxy S24 ultra uses a rather severe-looking, squared-off display, giving it a boxier look and feel than the gentler, rounded-off corners of the iPhone 15 pro max. This writer prefers the softer edges of Apple’s phone, but neither design is objectively better. The iPhone 15 pro max is lighter, but not enough to make a serious difference. It also uses the ‘dynamic island’ camera notch to house the selfie camera, whereas Samsung’s phone squeezes its front camera into a tiny cutout no wider than a grain of rice.

Galaxy S24 ultra vs iPhone 15 pro max: Verdict

Drawing a like-for-like comparison between the Galaxy S24 and the iPhone 15 isn’t straightforward, as both offer unique software features not found on the other.

Samsung’s newest phone introduces a range of AI-powered tools for editing photos, translating live phone calls and improving your writing, for example. The iPhone 15 pro max gets an automatic home advantage for anyone who’s already bought into the Apple ecosystem.

In terms of pure hardware specs, however, it’s the Galaxy S24 ultra that wins. Samsung’s newest flagship offers a better camera system, a host of new AI features, Google’s latest search tools and the versatile S-Pen stylus.

WhatsApp feature allows you to share your screen

Aynorms 05 September 0

New WhatsApp feature allows you to share your screen: here's how

Earlier today Meta CEO and mixed martial artist Mark Zuckerberg announced a new screen-sharing feature will be rolling out for WhatsApp. As reported by TechCrunch, the new screen-sharing feature will allow screen-sharing between WhatsApp contacts across iOS, Android, and Windows devices.

Meta also is making improvements to the WhatsApp video chat experience adding support for landscape orientation during video calls on mobile. Word of the new Landscape Mode for video calls first appeared in the app’s release notes for July. The Photo shared by Zuckerberg shows the new feature in Meta’s feature teaser image below.

WhatsApp Warns users over fee to keep old messages

Here's how to share your screen in WhatsApp

Although the new feature will be rolling out over the next few days and weeks, we figured why not share how to use it with you. I mean, what are WhatsApp friends for?

First, tap on the phone button in the video controls to access the screen-sharing feature. Your device will prompt you to let you know you're about to begin recording or casting with WhatsApp. Next, tap Start Now to begin your screen-sharing session. To stop sharing your screen, tap Stop Sharing. That's it, and now you know how to share your screen within WhatsApp.

Please note that screen sharing isn't available during audio calls and that audio for shared content from Netflix, Youtube, or video games, cannot be heard by those you're sharing your screen with. I'm happy to report that your screen-sharing session is protected by the end to end encryption. Nobody, not even the folks at WhatsApp, are able to see or hear what is being shared.

It is advised that to enjoy the best user experience, you update to the latest version of WhatsApp. Also, if those whom you try to share your screen with do not have the newest version, they will be prompted to download it.....

Get cash from Facebook $725 million settlement

WORLD

Aynorms 04 September 0

How to file Facebook class action lawsuit: Get cash from $725 million settlement

If you've had a Facebook longer than the time you didn't, you may be able to earn some money right now.

Facebook users in the United States between May 24, 2007, and December 22, 2022, inclusive, are eligible for a cash payment from a Class Action Settlement. The deadline to file a claim online is 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 25, 2023.

Here's how to file Facebook class action lawsuit.

How to file Facebook class action lawsuit

Submitting your claim online is the easiest way to file, just go to this link here.

Step 1) Fill out your contact information.

Step 2) Answer the three following questions.Did you reside in the United States at any time between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022, inclusive?

Were you a Facebook user at any time between May 24, 2007 and December 22, 2022?

Are you filing a claim for a current account, a deleted account or a combination of both?

Step 3) Add a method for receiving payment. Options include PayPal, Venmo, Zelle, Mastercard, and Direct Deposit.

Step 4) Sign.

How much money will I get?

According to the Settlement's FAQ, it depends on how many Settlement Class Members submit valid claims and how long you were a user on Facebook during the Class Period.

For each month that you had an activated Facebook account, you'll receive one point, and those points will be multiplied to add up to your settlement amount. $750 million is a lot of money, but Facebook also has a lot of users.

It could be less than $1 or it could be $100. We just don't know right now.
What happens if I do nothing? Something

If you do not take part in this claim, and effectively "Do Nothing," you are still automatically part of the Settlement. But if you do nothing, you won't receive a payment and you give up the right to sue, continue to sue, or be part of another lawsuit against Facebook that's related to this suit.

How to recover permanently deleted text messages on Android

TECHNOLOGY

Aynorms 04 September 0

Here's how to get all of your deleted text messages back

One of the worst modern tech experiences is dealing with deleted data that may not have even been your fault in the first place, so we get the need to recover permanently deleted text messages.

We'll be focusing on the Android side of things in this guide, but because Android can never be simple, we'll be showing you how to recover texts on both the Google Messages app and the Samsung Messages app.

Here's how to recover permanently deleted text messages on Android.

How to recover permanently deleted text messages

Step 1) Open Settings on your smartphone.

(Image credit: Future)

Step 2) Scroll down to Google Services & preferences.

(Image credit: Future)

Step 3) Click Backup.

(Image credit: Future)

Step 4) Determine if the last backup held the messages you intend to restore. If the dates add up and you're willing to go down this rabbit hole, you'll have to factory reset your phone and restore from your backup. This can be a bit dicey, so double check to see if you have any other data that wasn't backed up and back them up manually.

(Image credit: Future)

Step 5) Taking the plunge? Okay. Go to Settings > System > Reset options > Erase all data (factory reset). When your phone restarts, you'll be able to select the backup you wish to restore.

For Samsung Messages:

Step 1) Open Samsung Messages.

Step 2) Tap the three-dot icon.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Step 3) Click Trash.

Step 4) Select a conversation and click Restore. Don't see the desired texts? Proceed to Step 5.

Step 5) Go to Settings > Accounts and back up > Samsung Cloud > Restore data.

(Image credit: Samsung)

Step 6) Now sift through your backups and see if the dates add up.

Step 7) Once you've found your backup, click the Messages option to restore the deleted texts.

Unfortunately, these methods are contingent upon you backing up data on your phone. But if you're desperate to get those texts and you don't have a back up, you could always phone in the NSA.

Happy recovering!

This iPhone trick lets you unlock your device with your voice

TECHNOLOGY

Aynorms 03 September 0

This iPhone trick lets you unlock your device with your voice — do it in 5 steps

We found a little-known iPhone trick that lets you use your voice as password. In other words, you can unlock your phone with nothing but a word or two. This bizarre iPhone hack comes from TikToker @hardreset.info who — get this — uses lipstick to make this weird feature work.

However, we can't help but wonder, "Why would anyone do this?" Vocal passwords sound like a bad idea. After all, the whole point of passwords is that they're secretive, tucked away from prying eyes and hushed from pricked up ears. Not blurted out for the world to hear. However, if this level of lax security doesn't bother you, and the thought of unlocking your device with your voice intrigues you, I won't stop you.

How to unlock your iPhone with your voice

Keep in mind that this only works if you use a passcode to unlock your device (as opposed to Face ID or Touch ID).

For the first step, let's follow @hardset.info. His passcode is 2,5,2,5,2,5. He makes note of where his fingers fall on the screen by marking lipstick smudges on the display. For this step, we highly suggest using stickers instead (Who wants lipstick smudges on their iPhone screen? Gross!)

1. Next, head to Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control.

(Image credit: Future)

2. Navigate to Customize Commands > Create a New Command

(Image credit: Future)

3. Under "Phrase," input the vocal password you'd like to use. (Maybe try "Open Sesame?")

Vocal password unlock iPhone trick (Image credit: Future)

4. Tap on Action > Run Custom Gesture

5. Tap on the markings on the screen, whether they're lipstick smudges or stickers, as if you're unlocking your phone with your passcode. Tap Save.

Now, whenever you say your new password (e.g., "Open Sesame"), your iPhone will unlock by running the custom gesture you set (i.e., your passcode). Again, there really isn't a need to do this, plus it undermines the whole point of having a password (i.e., security), but if you want to give this bizarre trick a try, go for it.

Reset an iPhone without your password

TECHNOLOGY

Aynorms 03 September 0

How to reset an iPhone without your password

With iPhone 15 just around the corner, it’s time to think about resetting your old Apple slab. Here’s how to do it if you’ve forgotten your password.

It’s an easy combination to forget — especially if you haven’t used it in a while! Luckily, the Cupertino chums have given you two methods that are easy enough to wipe your iPhone, and reset it completely as if a brand new blower.

So if this is you, or you’re frustratingly locked out your iPhone after someone played a prank and changed the password/Face ID (yes, that happened to me), read on.

How to reset your iPhone with Find My

This is the quicker option, but you are technically exploiting a feature that is used for if your phone is lost or stolen. If you have lost your phone, don’t immediately go to erase your iPhone. Stick it in Lost Mode instead, which will lock your device from any nefarious use.

Step 1: Open up a web browser on your laptop/desktop, and login to the iCloud website

(Image credit: Future)

Step 2: From here, click Find iPhone

Step 3: This will open up a map showing all your devices, where you can select your iPhone

(Image credit: Future)

Step 4: When the pop up appears, click Erase iPhone, enter your Apple ID credentials, and confirm the phone erasure

Step 5: From here, you can then set it up as a new iPhone

How to reset your iPhone to with Finder or iTunes

This way will require a combo of button presses and timing the cable connection with said button presses. It’s a little more complicated, but it’s easy to nail down!

Step 1: Turn your iPhone off. For any phones newer than iPhone 8, press and hold the Lock and Volume down buttons until the power slider appears. For anything older, you only need to press and hold the Lock button for the same result

Step 2: When it’s turned off, connect the iPhone to your Mac or PC, and force the phone into recovery mode. To do this, there are a few different options: If you’re using a newer phone than the iPhone 8, press and hold the Lock button on the right side

If you’re using an iPhone 7, press and hold the Volume Down button

Anything older, press and hold the Home button

Step 3: Keep holding this button while you see the Apple logo appear. At some point, you’ll see the the recovery mode screen — a picture of charging cable and a laptop

Step 4: At this point, open up Finder on Mac or iTunes on Windows

(Image credit: Future)

Step 5: Select the iPhone that appears, and you’ll find an error message saying that the iPhone has a problem. From here, select Restore

Step 6: This process can take a while, but when complete, you will be able to setup your iPhone as new

Apple Watch Series 9 may use 3D-printed parts

TECHNOLOGY

Aynorms 03 September 1

Apple Watch Series 9 may use 3D-printed parts to go green and make more green

The iPhone 15 may be the headliner at the Apple September event, but there’s still plenty of excitement surrounding the Apple Watch Series 9 debut. While there will certainly be upgrades to this year’s wearable over last year’s, we’re more fascinated by a recent report from Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman that indicates Apple will start using 3D printing processes with some Apple Watch Series 9 models.

This builds on a rumor from analyst Ming-Chi Kuo last month explaining how Apple may use 3D printing technology to create tiny titanium pieces on the Apple Watch Ultra 2. The company is starting small with 3D printing, but eventually, these processes could be enhanced for Apple’s larger devices, like smartphones or tablets.

What’s the big deal with 3D printing Apple Watch parts?

The two big benefits of Apple using 3D printers for wearable parts include eliminating unnecessary waste and reducing overall costs and production speed. Typically, components are cut from a large slab of metal, and there ends up being a lot of excess material after parts are cut out. This wastes material and money, whereas 3D printing creates the perfect amount of what you need and decreases the environmental impact.

Gurman explains that Apple is using a process known as binder jetting to create the Apple Watch Series 9 chassis. Binder jetting starts with a powdered substance, goes through a process known as sintering that “uses heat and pressure to squeeze the material into what feels like traditional steel,” and ends with a milling process to smooth out the final shape.

Right now, the company is just playing around with 3D printing the chassis for stainless steel Apple Watch Series 9 models, which 9to5Mac says “make up a minority of the watch hardware.” Because there’s less demand for these steel models, there’s less risk if anything goes wrong with mass 3D printing this vital component for the Apple Watch Series 9.

There's going to be quite a bit to cover at the Apple September event, so it'll be no surprise if we don't hear directly from Apple about 3D-printed components of the Watch Series 9. In the meantime, be sure to check out everything we know about the Apple Watch Series 9 so far to see if you should pick one up when it's available.

How to use Live Voicemail in iOS 17

WINDOWS

Aynorms 10 March 0

One of the biggest features coming to iOS 17 is Live Voicemail. It transcribes voicemail messages in real-time so you can decide whether to pick up or not.

Similar to Android’s Call Screening feature, it is a godsend when it comes to screening your calls, avoiding scammers, and deciding whether to pick up the call from that annoying friend who calls about the smallest things that could be a text message (you know who you are).

How do you turn it on and use it? It’s actually super easy, and you can activate it in three steps. Also, a quick heads up to my fellow Brits: this feature is available only in the US and Canada right now.
How to turn on Live Voicemail in iOS 17

Step 1: Go into your Settings, scroll down and select Phone.

Step 2: Find Live Voicemail, and select it.

Step 3: Switch Live Voicemail on, and voila, it will start working. Once the call goes to voicemail, you’ll get the choice to either accept the call or block the caller.

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