Google Pixel Watch: What really matters in a wearable?

Pixel Watch impressions!

Using the Pixel Watch for a couple weeks, I have more questions than answers.
Lots of criticisms point to the omissions and the first generation aspect, but what’s really important in a watch? I don’t think this is the watch for me, but there’s one feature which might be a deal maker for other folks.

Let’s take a look! Continue reading “Google Pixel Watch: What really matters in a wearable?”

First look at the NEW Google Pixel 7 Pro! | Cameras, battery, speakers performance test for Pixel 7

My first impressions of the Picel 7 Pro are live on Mobile IQ! I’m not sure why this video was delayed, I shot it a week ago, but it’s ready to go now!

The new Google Pixel 7 Pro is here! We’re taking a first look at Google’s new phone, and sharing some EARLY impressions! What’s new? What’s better? What still needs more work? Here we go!

Continue reading “First look at the NEW Google Pixel 7 Pro! | Cameras, battery, speakers performance test for Pixel 7”

Surface Duo and Android 12L – What is “good” Software Support?

The Duo and Duo 2 are finally on Android 12L!

Whenever there’s some Surface news, we can always count on some derisive tech commentary. The folks all too happy to show you how CLEVER they are in panning a niche device.

“I knew it wasn’t going to sell as many units as a POPULAR phone.”

To be fair, there is SOME fun in that. Folks who genuinely enjoy the Surface Duo can get a chuckle out of how small our community really is.

The idea I consistently need to push back against is this lazy notion that Microsoft’s updates for the Surface have been poor. It takes a terrific tech hack to look at the Duos, only look at an Android “number”, and say:

“It needs to be gooder BIGGER Android number!” Continue reading “Surface Duo and Android 12L – What is “good” Software Support?”

Pixel 7 Pro: Cinematic Video vs HDR Video – Is the blur worth it?

Pixel 7 Pro cinematic video test! AKA – “Juan is terrible at color grading HDR footage”!
Just a quick vlog to take a look at the new cinematic video mode on the Pixel 7 Pro, and why I probably won’t be using it much in the future. Continue reading “Pixel 7 Pro: Cinematic Video vs HDR Video – Is the blur worth it?”

Infinix Zero Ultra: A mid-range phone with a CRAZY Camera…

Infinix Zero Ultra Review!

This brand makes GREAT bang for buck phones, but moving up to a higher mid-range price means facing TOUGH competition. The Zero Ultra has a couple tricks up its sleeve to handle that fight. SUPER fast charging, and this camera is really fun… Continue reading “Infinix Zero Ultra: A mid-range phone with a CRAZY Camera…”

Xiaomi 12T First Look: A Great Phone in a CROWDED Market!

Xiaomi 12T first impressions.

Xiaomi is REALLY good at making phones around this price. Refreshing the 12, and focusing on power efficiency, we arrive at a VERY nice daily driver option. It feels premium, and it performs well. It’s far from the only phone in this tier though, and the competition in “THE MIDDLE” is getting tougher and tougher. Continue reading “Xiaomi 12T First Look: A Great Phone in a CROWDED Market!”

Google made one of the worst phone cases I’ve ever used…

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.

This case is bad, and Google should feel bad… Continue reading “Google made one of the worst phone cases I’ve ever used…”

Google Tensor 2: I don’t need a lot from this chip to fix the Pixel 7

The semiconductor industry is a crazy place.

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”