I like the Pixel 6 Pro a lot, but this first party case from Google is one of the worst accessories I think I’ve ever used. An open letter to Google, right before the Pixel 7 announcement, I hope this is improved for their next phone.
There’s an ebb and flow in computing. A new chip is rarely a perfect one-to-one upgrade over an older chip. Different features, different initiatives, changing consumer needs, numerous factors influence a chip design.
Google’s Tensor is an interesting beast.
Tensor is an attempt at focusing phone hardware to better run Google software. It’s an attempt at creating more hardware and software synergy for Google services. It’s a surprisingly successful solution for a first generation System on Chip (SOC), but it is first gen and we should expect improvements from succeeding generations.
What does Tensor 2 need to be successful? Not a lot… Continue reading “Google Tensor 2: I don’t need a lot from this chip to fix the Pixel 7”
Let’s be clear. I consider myself a phone camera “specialist”.
I don’t believe I’m an especially talented photographer, but I use phone cameras in specific ways to accomplish professional tasks. I enjoy photography, and I think I’ve cultivated a personal style for macro and candid shots. I don’t believe my experiences are unique, and generally anyone with a basic level of curiosity would likely arrive at a similar level of proficiency.
I’ve shot since high school, starting with old 35mm film cameras, and bring those experiences to mobile and digital photography.
When you ask a specialist about their hobby, you’re likely to get a very different response than someone who’s more passively “into technology”.
With that preamble out of the way, what’s the deal with new phone cameras?
No really. Chances are pretty good you’re missing the point of a good night mode on your phone camera.
We know the complaints. We’ve heard the “hot takes”.
“If I’m taking a photo at night, shouldn’t it be DARK? I HATE how PROCESSED phone photos are!”
Our competitors: Vivo X80 Pro vs Panasonic Lumix G9 with 12mm at f/2.8
It’s worth taking a second to break this sentiment down, because it’s likely being shared by someone who really doesn’t understand photography. At least, not as well as they think they do…
You pull your phone out of your pocket and casually place your thumb on the screen. You feel THAT buzz as your phone refuses entry. Without investing too much focus, you slide your thumb to re-orient, but before you properly place your thumb down again, you feel the “bad buzz”. Now, fully invested with your visual and tactile attention, you prepare for attempt number three…
Best case scenario, you get into your phone and realize the notification you received really wasn’t worth this effort. Worst case, you have to put in your pin or password, and the notification was even LESS worth this effort.
I was a huge fan of ZTE phones during the Axon 7 era. I’ve been really curious what the company has to offer today. Judging whether the Axon 40 earns its “Ultra” badge, we should probably break down the current spectrum of phone pricing. Continue reading “ZTE Axon 40 Ultra: Can we get an ULTRA Phone for cheap?”
It’s always fun to revisit the last generation of LG phones, but at the same time, it’s a little sad to see how much we’ve lost on premium tier phones.
LG stopped producing phones in 2020. They went out on a high note. The V60, Velvet, and Wing were a terrific trio, highlighting everything we enjoy about LG design and innovation.
The memory of LG doesn’t reflect the actual products released by the brand.
Ask a techie about the label, and you’re likely to get replies joking about “boot loops” and a poor track record for updates. Unless someone spent actual time with the brand, it was easy to overlook the significant improvements to build quality and support.
It would be like making an “all Samsungs explode” joke today. A lazy joke in poor taste.
