The Tech Hacks : 2016

Monday 22 February 2016

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly

Welcome back to Android Apps Weekly! Here are your big headlines from the last week:

Google has a new feature in their Gmail app called Gmailify. This gives your non-Google email accounts Gmail features such as Spam filtering and more. All you have to do is sign into your non-Gmail accounts in Gmail and then enable the feature to get started and you can unlink them at any time.
Right on schedule, Nintendo has opened up the pre-registration for their upcoming Miitomo game for mobile devices. You’ll have to create a Nintendo account to do so which doesn’t take long. This is one step closer to release, but we still don’t have an exact date just yet.
An App Annie report was released this week that predicts that Google Play Store sales and revenue should triple by 2020, outpacing the Apple App Store. It’s good news for Google fans and especially for Google along with all Google Play developers. This is most likely thanks to emerging markets buying smartphones for the first time.
The latest Humble Bundle is now live! This week will feature a bunch of Kemco games which are jRPG titles. They provide many hours of game play and decent stories. You can pay $1 for three games, beat the average for three more games, or pay $6 and get every game.
It was announced this week that Google Play Games will be supporting custom gamer tags in the near future. This is a great addition for those who may not want to game with their real names and gives gamers the chance to be creative. It’s rolling out right now and should reach you soon.

For even more Android apps and games news, releases, and updates, don’t forget to check out this week’s newsletter! There we’ll have a ton of stuff that we didn’t have space for here. If you would like, you can sign up for the newsletter using the form below and get it sent straight to your inbox every Sunday!

Splash Cars

[Price: Free with in-app purchases]
Splash Cars is a fun little free roaming game where you drive a car around that drops paint so you can paint the town. The mechanics are relatively simple and the premise is easy to understand. You drive around painting stuff while being tailed by the police. There are power ups that can hinder the police and you can even turn folks to your cause. It’s a time waster to be sure, but it’s a good little diversion that’s worth checking out.

Get it now on Google Play!

Foodie

[Price: Free]
Foodie is a free camera application that was released by LINE, the well known chatting and calls service. It’s an easy camera app that has 26 built in filters that are specifically made to bring some pizzazz to your food photography. On top of the filters, there are also some lightweight editing tools to further enhance the images, auto blurring, and a guide is included to help you make the best use of it. It’s entirely free with no in-app purchases which means there’s no harm in trying.

Get it now on Google Play!
Foodie Android Apps Weekly

GameBattles

[Price: Free]
GameBattles is an eSports gaming platform that lets players compete against one another, form teams, prepare matches, and all kinds of other stuff. The app is an extension of the service and it lets you check on upcoming matches, view your profile, and see any achievements you may have earned. It’s a little simple, but it looks nice and seems to work smoothly. If you do any competitive gaming, it may be worth looking into this one.

Get it now on Google Play!
GameBattles Android Apps Weekly

Wolfram Cloud

[Price: Free]
Wolfram has released a beta application for Wolfram Cloud which is an app that taps into their popular web service. Using this app, you can access the Wolfram Programming Cloud and continue working on projects you may have there. Of course, most people who are interested in an application like this are those who already use Wolfram or are intending to use it. Still, the app seems to work pretty well and it’s a great addition if you use Wolfram Cloud already.

Get it now on Google Play!

Bombing Bastards Touch

[Price: Free]
Bombing Bastards Touch is an unapologetic Bomberman clone that uses a lot of the same concepts and ideas. The game features 30 puzzle maps across five worlds for you to play through. Each one will be riddled with puzzles, bad guys, and power ups to help you along your way. There are even boss fights. What makes this game unique is that it’s entirely free with no in-app purchases and is probably the best game at that price point that we’ve seen in a long time. Check it out!

Get it now on Google Play!

Related best app lists:

If we missed any big Android apps or games news or releases, tell us about them in the comments! To see our complete list of best app lists, click here.

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LG G5 vs Galaxy Note 5 Quick Camera Shootout

lg g5 first look aa-6

With every year comes a series of new flagships that all claim to offer vast improvements in areas such as battery, performance and, more often than not, the camera. LG is no different, with the LG G5 offering a new dual camera set up coupled with the 16MP sensor found on the LG V10, but how does the new camera stack up to the competition?

Without doubt, the Galaxy Note 5 sports one of the best cameras on the market but six months later, does the LG G5 have enough to pick up the mantle from Samsung’s flagship? Is the wide-angle lens enough to make the LG G5 the best smartphone camera on the market or does the Galaxy Note 5 still reign supreme?

While we intend to test the camera fully as part of the upcoming review, we thought we’d put the LG G5 through a very quick camera test against the undoubted best all-round smartphone camera in the Galaxy Note 5. It’s worth keeping in mind that this isn’t final software or hardware on the LG G5 but it does give us a chance to form some very early impressions. Let’s take a closer look in this quick camera shootout; before we get into the images themselves, let’s look at the key camera specs of each handset:

	LG G5	Galaxy Note 5
Main camera	16MP	16MP
Secondary camera	8MP wide-angle	None
Aperture	f/1.8	f/1.9
Focus	Phase Detection Autofocus	Autofocus
Sensor size	1/2.6"	1/2.6"
Pixel size	TBC	1.12µm
Optical Image Stabilisation	Yes	Yes
Manual mode?	Yes	Yes
Video capture	4K @30fps 1080p @60fps	4K @30fps 1080p @60fps
Front camera	8MP 1440p video	5MP, f/1.9 22mm 1440p video

Below you’ll find the Galaxy Note 5 images on the left and the LG G5 images on the right. Where possible, we’ve kept to the same focal width but with the automatic switch between standard and wide-angle views on the LG G5, this isn’t always possible.

With each set of images, we’ve detailed which image was the most lifelike along with any other observations we made.

The Galaxy Note 5 is affected by external light flares, which results in a slight washing out of the photo’s colours, while the LG G5 produces a vibrant, yet slightly darker image.

The Galaxy Note 5 overcompensates for the colours in the scene with over saturation on the stand and the wood background, while the LG G5 does seem a lot closer to the actual scene.

Here, the LG G5 image seems to be a tad dull, whereas the Galaxy Note 5 image is slightly oversaturated but still the closest to the actual scene. It’s also worth noting the detail of the individual lights in the chandelier is more defined in the Galaxy Note 5 image.

Here the differences between the two cameras are very minimal, with good lighting meaning both cameras are almost identical to the actual scene. The LG G5 camera does product a slightly darker image but this also comes with more definition in the background.

Again, the two cameras produce very similar photos but the LG G5 is actually closest to the overall scene. It’s worth noting that neither phone captured the detail near the window to the right of the scene in the background.

Here, the Galaxy Note 5 proves to take the better image, with the bust having more detail and vibrant colours than the image captured by the G5.

Both images are a little noisy when you zoom into them, but the LG G5 does appear to be slightly more defined although the Galaxy Note 5 captures more detail in the background.

The Galaxy Note 5’s oversaturation leads to an image where the colours are too saturatated and not reflective of the actual scene. In comparison, the G5’s image is almost identical to the actual scene, aside from it being slightly darker.

Both cameras fail to capture the scene accurately, with the Galaxy Note 5 presenting more saturated colours and the G5 image appearing to be darker than the actual scene. Given the Galaxy Note 5 image is more saturated, it does appear to be more aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

With many different colours and a lot information to capture, this is a scene that could prove a challenge for most smartphones. Both smartphones take great images here but the Galaxy Note 5 does seem to be more defined, with the LG G5 just losing out on a lack of detail when you get into the image.

Here, the over-saturation on the Galaxy Note 5 again means it doesn’t accurately reflect the scene, and the LG G5 does a better job at accurately portraying the various colours in the painting on the wall.

While the Galaxy Note 5 image does appear to look more pleasing, it is actually the LG G5 that offers the truest portrayal of the scene as the Galaxy Note 5’s image is warmer and heavily oversaturated. The G5’s picture is more natural but there is slight blooming in the highlights.

Both images are very similar and each smartphone camera seems capable of handling the various colours and details in the scene.

Here the LG G5 seems to handle the light flare from the right of the scene much better than the Galaxy Note 5, which seems to struggle with the light flare and under saturates the colours in the image.

There’s no denying that the LG G5 is definitely a step up from past LG smartphones with accurate and great photos in most conditions. Does it surpass the Galaxy Note 5? That’s a question we’ll answer in a more in-depth comparison once we have a production unit in the coming weeks but for now, let us know your views and which handset you think has the better camera in the comments below!

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More evidence that Android N may drop the app drawer

galaxy s7 vs lg g5 quick look aa-3

The evidence supporting the lack of an app drawer in the Android N release is really starting to stack up. The just-announced LG G5 has no app drawer and while the Galaxy S7 does have an app drawer, there is a hidden setting to remove it. All of this is making it look increasingly likely that Google is indeed planning to ditch one of Android’s most recognizable features.

In case you missed it, we recently heard from multiple sources that current pre-release builds of what will eventually become Android 7.0 do not include the app drawer. With two of the biggest smartphone releases of 2016 essentially supporting the no app drawer theory, I think we’re soon going to be getting used to an app drawer-less OS. Or installing custom launchers.

lg g5 first look aa-11

I asked LG why it didn’t include an app drawer option in the LG G5 and was told it would only cause more confusion to have an optional app drawer. Although the Galaxy S7 does include an app drawer, there’s an experimental setting in the Galaxy Labs section of the S7 UI called “show all apps on home screen”. Considering the early access OEMs have to new Android versions, this has to be more than just a coincidence.

The interesting thing is that Samsung is clearly hedging its bets, by including both options with a simple “do you find this useful?” up vote/down vote system for the feature. I cornered a Samsung employee during Unpacked and asked what the likelihood was of Samsung flying in the face of Google’s vision for Android 7.0 if a significant number of respondents wanted to keep the app drawer. Perhaps not surprisingly, no one wanted to be quoted but I was I was told that Samsung is very keen on being responsive to customer feedback right now.

Samsung-Galaxy-S7-Edge-22

The massive backlash last year surrounding the removal of microSD, water-resistance and a removable battery in the Galaxy S6 was heard loud and clear at Samsung HQ. While Samsung still seems more committed to power optimization over a replaceable battery, the re-introduction of a microSD card slot and IP68 rating in the Galaxy S7 are sure to make it a crowd favorite this year.

BIG HITTERS FROM MWC 2016:

If Samsung truly is more interested in delivering what the customer wants over what Google wants, then the results of this simple Galaxy S7 straw poll could very much affect the way the majority of Android users understand the operating system in years to come. If more Galaxy S7 owners say they want to keep the app drawer, then Samsung would be foolish to remove it. After all, the bitter memory of the 2015 mass exodus of Galaxy fans would still be resonating within the company.

samsung galaxy s7 first look aa-14

Because Samsung is practically synonymous with Android, if Samsung does opt to keep the app drawer – even if it reverses the S7 situation and makes the default setting “no app drawer” with an option to enable it – it could put the brakes on Google’s vision in a massive way. By giving away Android, Google can do its best to direct what Android is, but it can’t control the forks or modifications that OEMs bring to it.

Of course, many Asian manufacturers already go against the grain by not including an app drawer even when stock Android does. So if Samsung was to maintain the status quo it would simply be an inversion of the current situation, but one where the world’s largest Android manufacturer by far doesn’t go along with Google’s idea of Android. Considering Samsung Mobile’s complicated forecast for 2016, keeping the fans happy might just be the top priority for a change, so if you buy a Galaxy S7, be sure to make your vote count.

Do you like the app drawer? Do you think Samsung would choose to keep it if the fans want it?

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US will only receive 32GB Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

Samsung-Galaxy-S7-10

Although the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge come in 32GB and 64GB variants, rumors began circulating prior to the Unpacked event that only the 32GB version would be available in some European markets. Now Samsung has confirmed that not only is this true, but moreover, the 64GB version won’t be available in the US either.

There’s still speculation as to why Samsung is limiting device selection in some of their largest markets, but some believe that the 32GB versions of these devices may have a higher profit margin than the 64GB equivalents. They are effectively assuring that only the more profitable version is available in areas where sales of these devices will be massive.

If this is the case, then it’s a clever move that probably won’t ruffle too many feathers, seeing as the S7 line brings back the greatly-missed expandable storage capability that was absent on S6 models. Since users can easily expand their device’s storage, it seems unlikely that too many Samsung fans will be disappointed by being unable to snag 64GB of internal storage.

galaxy s7 crop

However, this does put an as-of-yet unconfirmed feature of the S7 line in the spotlight. Although Android 6.0 offers the capability for external storage to be treated as internal storage, it’s not clear yet whether or not the Galaxy S7 or S7 edge will support this. The LG G5, for instance, does not offer this capability, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to hear that Samsung’s flagships won’t either.

It would seem that if the S7 line will let its users treat microSD cards as internal storage, then this will be a complete non-issue. However, if power users start to feel limited by those 32GB of storage space, we might start to hear some squeaky wheels. We’ll keep you posted as we learn more, but in the meantime, what are your thoughts about the Galaxy S7 and S7 edge’s lack of a 64GB version in many regions? Let us know your theories and opinions in the comments!

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LG G5 vs LG V10 quick look

LG’s G-series has consistently proven to be one of the best devices of the year and last year, the company followed up by the G4 with its new LG V10, which proved to be one of the best devices they’ve ever made. Fast forward a few months and LG’s new G-series flagship has arrived but how does the LG V10 compare to the LG G5, and which phone is the one to have? Let’s take a look in this quick look comparison between the LG G5 and the LG V10.

One of the biggest changes between the LG G5 and the LG V10 is the build, with the latter featuring a combination of metal and duraguard (which is silicon in another name) and the former, an all-metal aluminium build. The addition of duraguard to the LG V10 means it is certified as being shock resistant, and is considerably more rugged than the LG G5.

The switch to an all metal build means LG has been able to make the LG G5 considerably thinner and svelter than the V10, which is thicker, wider and taller than LG’s new flagship. The aluminum build means LG has kept the weight somewhat down, with the G5 weighing in at 159 grams, versus the V10 which tips the scales at 191 grams.

The switch to metal also means LG has moved away from its trademark rear button combo on the V10 to a more traditional arrangement on the G5. On its new flagship, LG has kept the power button on the rear and embedded a fingerprint reader in it, but moved the volume keys to the left of the handset.

The LG V10 is one of the largest LG phones made in recent years as it sports a 5.7-inch Quad HD IPS display and has a secondary 2.1-inch display above it. In comparison, the LG G5 is considerably smaller as it has a 5.3-inch QHD display and, rather than use a secondary screen, LG has opted for a smaller on-screen Always On Display on its new flagship. The G5 also has a 3D Arc design that curves the display ever so slightly near the earpiece at the top of the display and this is designed to improve the in-hand and on-call experience.

The LG V10 is unique for many reasons and one of these is the dual front camera setup, with LG using two 5MP cameras on the front for intriguing selfies. The LG G5 builds on this dual camera setup by bringing them to the rear of the phone, where the 16MP standard sensor – which is almost identical to the 16MP rear camera on the V10 – is complimented by a secondary wide-angle 8MP sensor.

The second camera on the G5 allows it to capture 135 degree wide-angle shots and, unlike the V10 where you have to manually switch between the two cameras, the G5 automatically switches camera as you zoom in and out of a scene. Both cameras offer 16MP resolution and the LG V10 uses laser autofocus, while the G5 is equipped with phase detection autofocus and continuous autofocus. One feature that hasn’t made it from the V10 to the G5 is the manual video software feature, with LG opting to use the G4’s camera software on the G5 and keep certain features exclusive to V-series devices.

LG isn’t the first company to switch to a metal build but the Korean company has approached this in a different way to others, as it hasn’t sacrificed expandable storage or a removable battery for the sake of the improved build quality. As a result, the G5 has a removable bottom cover that allows you to access the 2800mAh battery (which is 200mAh smaller than the V10), which forms a key part of LG’s new modular design, and allows you to attach additional accessories – such as a camera grip with embedded battery – to the handset.

The smaller battery on the LG G5 is predominantly down to the design constraints of the new modular design but LG has included support for Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 3.0 standard, which means you can charge your battery to 80% in just 25 minutes. The G5 also sees LG switch to the new USB Type-C standard, while the V10 uses the older – but more widely supported at the moment – microUSB standard.

Monday 22 February 2016

5 Android apps you shouldn’t miss this week! – Android Apps Weekly

Splash Cars

Foodie

GameBattles

Wolfram Cloud

Bombing Bastards Touch

LG G5 vs Galaxy Note 5 Quick Camera Shootout

More evidence that Android N may drop the app drawer

BIG HITTERS FROM MWC 2016:

US will only receive 32GB Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 edge

LG G5 vs LG V10 quick look

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