Tag: Google

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Is the Pixel 9 Pro “Cheating” its RAW Files?

Well… No… But kinda? Maybe?

When I talk about camera sensor improvements, I’m mostly impressed by sensor sizes getting larger. When we increase sensor surface area, we see more dramatic improvements to photo quality. The aesthetics of a photo change with a larger sensor, and we can demonstrate things like depth of field and bokeh more easily.

That’s not to say that staying at the same sensor size, and adopting new tech at that size, can’t ALSO bring benefits. It’s just, in my time reviewing phones, I haven’t seen where the “tech” upgrade has ever been as noticeable as the “size” upgrade.

Recently, one of the few times that pattern has been challenged was while reviewing the Xiaomi 14. My expectations were REALLY low as it was another phone with a 1/1.3″ type sensor, but this time the sensor was from Omnivision.

In my experience, Omnivision made the “cheap” sensors for companies that wanted to save money on manufacturing.

With my expectations that low, it was shocking to see the Xiaomi 14 outperform the Galaxy Note 24. Had sensor tech (at comparable sizes) finally made a noticeable impact on low light performance? Did this change the whole game?
Continue reading “Is the Pixel 9 Pro “Cheating” its RAW Files?”

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We’re not ready for ID’s on our phones…

It’s a convenience, but one that needs safeguarding.

Californians can now keep a digital copy of their driver’s license in Google Wallet. I believe this is an important step in making identity easier to verify, and these tools might eventually be more accessible than the way we require carrying physical cards.

It is a technology I think will be useful, and I’m happy to see some babysteps towards improving the experience. It’s an important improvement over  carrying grocery store membership cards. Continue reading “We’re not ready for ID’s on our phones…”

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Six Years Later: Are Folding Phones Done?

Asking a legit question, and curious what folks thoughts are. Phones with a hinge that bend and fold, we’ve had them for several years now. However, they haven’t reached much market share, and aren’t expected to be that popular over the next five years.

Is the folding phone done? Continue reading “Six Years Later: Are Folding Phones Done?”

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Pixel Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch 2 vs TicWatch Enduro Long Term Comparison: The “OTHER” Wear OS Smartwatches!

If you’re shopping a full featured smartwatch (especially in North America) chances are pretty good the bulk of sales are going to Apple and Samsung. However, if you want more features than on a fitness tracking watch, there are a handful of other players to consider.

The Other Brands

We’re going to take a look at three players for this comparison:

These are premium options, that each run a full build of Wear OS (built on Android), and are capable of installing a wide variety of apps. They differ from fitness tracking watches in having more robust software and better support for rich notifications and replies. They are more powerful “wrist computers”, but that often means they will get poorer battery life than fitness trackers. Continue reading “Pixel Watch 2 vs OnePlus Watch 2 vs TicWatch Enduro Long Term Comparison: The “OTHER” Wear OS Smartwatches!”

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Chipolo or Pebblebee? The Easier Google Find My Device Tracker to Setup?

Pebblebee or Chipolo? Exactly ONE YEAR to the day I place orders for these location tracking tags, they finally arrived!

Playing with these new Google compatible trackers, and it’s interesting to see how the setup is slightly different between the two brands.

Checking out the packaging and the setup! It’s exciting to get a look at the new Find My Device network in action!

Which one is easier to setup? Let’s take a quick look! Continue reading “Chipolo or Pebblebee? The Easier Google Find My Device Tracker to Setup?”

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When Apple Fans Defend Google: AI Edition!

Apple fans on Threads are CORRECT!

Apple not bringing LLM features to current iPhones and iPads is NOT an indication that Apple is failing to support their products!

So why did we think this was a problem when Google did something similar with Gemini? Continue reading “When Apple Fans Defend Google: AI Edition!”

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Maybe Stop Shilling for Apple’s AirTags? Google’s Find My Device Network is JUST Getting Started…

It’s time for another round of hack tech “reviews” comparing Google products against Apple products. This round?

Location trackers.

I’ve been pretty vocal on the topic for the last year, pointing out how Apple used its size to bully competitors, and how in this specific instance, Apple fell far short anticipating concerns with AirTag privacy and security.

After a year-long delay (caused by Apple), folks on Android are finally getting access to tags, cards, and clips that offer up networked location tracking capabilities.

And in the first week that these products are hitting Google’s network, it’s time for Hack Tech “reviewers” to declare Apple “the winner” in a completely unfair comparison. Continue reading “Maybe Stop Shilling for Apple’s AirTags? Google’s Find My Device Network is JUST Getting Started…”

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Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: The Best Mid-Range Phone Fight in the USA!

Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R! It’s time for a showdown!

These two phones have the same MSRP, but deliver VERY different experiences! Which one is the right fit for your needs?

Let’s FIGHT! Continue reading “Pixel 8a vs OnePlus 12R: The Best Mid-Range Phone Fight in the USA!”

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