Mobile Phones Thread

[Abdul]

Since we had a thread for laptops...

Currently planning on buying a new one but I'm having a hard time deciding between Samsung Galaxy S9+ and Pixel 2 XL.

 

[Mamoon]

Bought the iPhone X a few months ago. I is expensive no doubt, but I think it is worth it.

Easily the best phone I have ever had. Looks gorgeous, fantastic screen without compromising on practically, the camera is incredibly good and the battery is great for an iPhone.

The only downside in my view is that it is a little heavy, especially if you use a case which of course most people do. However, I never put my phones in cases so it is not a problem for me.

 

[Hitman]

Since we had a thread for laptops...

Currently planning on buying a new one but I'm having a hard time deciding between Samsung Galaxy S9+ and Pixel 2 XL.

Why buy a Pixel 2 now when Pixel 3 will be released in October?

 

[Abdul]

Bought the iPhone X a few months ago. I is expensive no doubt, but I think it is worth it.

Easily the best phone I have ever had. Looks gorgeous, fantastic screen without compromising on practically, the camera is incredibly good and the battery is great for an iPhone.

The only downside in my view is that it is a little heavy, especially if you use a case which of course most people do. However, I never put my phones in cases so it is not a problem for me.

How does it compare to the previous versions of the iPhone? I'm neutral when it comes to Apple products.

 

[Abdul]

Why buy a Pixel 2 now when Pixel 3 will be released in October?

Damn, I didn't know. Thanks for that.

 

[Shaddy86]

Pre-ordered Note 9, should get it by Friday. OP if you're looking to buy GS9+ then I'd suggest to look into to Note 9, as price wise there won't be much difference but you'll be getting much more for your money.

 

[Varun]

Bought the iPhone X a few months ago. I is expensive no doubt, but I think it is worth it.

Easily the best phone I have ever had. Looks gorgeous, fantastic screen without compromising on practically, the camera is incredibly good and the battery is great for an iPhone.

The only downside in my view is that it is a little heavy, especially if you use a case which of course most people do. However, I never put my phones in cases so it is not a problem for me.

Just wait until the iPhone 11 is released, and then this version will go to water in no time.

Then folks will buy the iPhone 11 and praise it sky high...rinse and repeat.

 

[Mamoon]

How does it compare to the previous versions of the iPhone? I'm neutral when it comes to Apple products.

It’s an upgrade in every aspect. It is the biggest upgrade since the iPhone 4 in my opinion.

 

[Abdul]

Pre-ordered Note 9, should get it by Friday. OP if you're looking to buy GS9+ then I'd suggest to look into to Note 9, as price wise there won't be much difference but you'll be getting much more for your money.

I actually have a Galaxy Note 5 currently but I'm not a fan of its shape. It's too rectangle-ish if that makes sense. Thanks for the recommendation though.

 

[Mamoon]

Just wait until the iPhone 11 is released, and then this version will go to water in no time.

Then folks will buy the iPhone 11 and praise it sky high...rinse and repeat.

Well that is how it should be. Every new version should be an upgrade on the previous one. If not, there is no point.

 

[Varun]

Well that is how it should be. Every new version should be an upgrade on the previous one. If not, there is no point.

I was referencing Apple's tactics of slowing down older iPhones, soft-destroying their battery life etc. once the latest, greatest iPhone is put out.

 

[Shaddy86]

I actually have a Galaxy Note 5 currently but I'm not a fan of its shape. It's too rectangle-ish if that makes sense. Thanks for the recommendation though.

Yea that makes sense, it can be annoying to hold and use with one hand, the galaxy series is much better in this regard. The other phone I really fancied in terms of looks is Oppo Find X, it's a really stunning phone with some cool features.

 

[Mamoon]

I was referencing Apple's tactics of slowing down older iPhones, soft-destroying their battery life etc. once the latest, greatest iPhone is put out.

I am not a tech geek so I don’t really get this. I think it is pretty logical that old phones don’t have the specs to support it.

If you install the latest android in a 2013-2014 model Samsung, I don’t think it will run smoothly.

 

[zeusathon]

I am not a tech geek so I don’t really get this. I think it is pretty logical that old phones don’t have the specs to support it.

If you install the latest android in a 2013-2014 model Samsung, I don’t think it will run smoothly.

True. I experienced a massive drop in performance of my previous J5 after Android M upgrade. So much that I had to sell it away. But unlike Apple I wasnt blackmailed to get the "necessary" upgrade.

But still, iPhone X sucks. Its the worst among flagships.

 

[introvert]

I am gonna wait till fullscreen(no notch) trend picks up among mobile companies before picking up my next phone.

I was really looking forward to flexible phones but it seems it will take another 3 to 5 years to achieve true flexible display devices.

 

[Shaddy86]

I am not a tech geek so I don’t really get this. I think it is pretty logical that old phones don’t have the specs to support it.

If you install the latest android in a 2013-2014 model Samsung, I don’t think it will run smoothly.

Apple deliberately slowed down old phone's through updates just for the heck of slowing them down not because the phone's couldn't keep up with high demanding software upgrades. Apple have accepted to doing this and their excuse was that they slowed down phone's with weaker batteries.

I can deal with weaker batteries, I'll charge it more often, it's something everyone deals with but deliberately slowing down phone's performance below its capabilities is seriously not on.

 

[Mamoon]

True. I experienced a massive drop in performance of my previous J5 after Android M upgrade. So much that I had to sell it away. But unlike Apple I wasnt blackmailed to get the "necessary" upgrade.

But still, iPhone X sucks. Its the worst among flagships.

How does that happen? My sister-in-law is still using the iPhone 6 without any problem. In fact, many people are using iPhone 6/6s till now without any issues.

Besides, not many people use the same model for more than 4-5 years anyway, so I don’t think it is as big a deal as people have made it to be.

 

[Varun]

I am not a tech geek so I don’t really get this. I think it is pretty logical that old phones don’t have the specs to support it.

If you install the latest android in a 2013-2014 model Samsung, I don’t think it will run smoothly.

Check out this thread at your leisure:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...forcing-owners-to-buy-new-ones-lawsuit-claims

 

[Mamoon]

Apple deliberately slowed down old phone's through updates just for the heck of slowing them down not because the phone's couldn't keep up with high demanding software upgrades. Apple have accepted to doing this and their excuse was that they slowed down phone's with weaker batteries.

I can deal with weaker batteries, I'll charge it more often, it's something everyone deals with but deliberately slowing down phone's performance below its capabilities is seriously not on.

Thanks. Deliberately slowing down phones is obviously not acceptable, but I don’t think many people have suffered because most people routinely upgrade their phones anyway.

 

[Abdul]

Best camera?

 

[Shaddy86]

Thanks. Deliberately slowing down phones is obviously not acceptable, but I don’t think many people have suffered because most people routinely upgrade their phones anyway.

That's true but those that cannot afford regular updates, it's really unfair to them, they own these devices and they should perform to their capabilities not slow down because apple wants them to slow down.

I'm still using my 10 year old MacBook Pro, I don't need a new personal laptop every few years, I only need to use it a few times a year and it does the job for me, the battery is weak but I keep it plugged in. It doesn't give apple the right to slow it down because it's an older device or has weaker battery. I wont be surprised if they do that to MacBook's as well but thankfully I run Windows on it so I can take control of its performances. I have loved my MacBook Pro, Apple's laptops are top notch but as a company I wouldn't trust buying from them again.

 

[Hitman]

Best camera?

The honor goes to Pixel 2 as of now. I wonder what camera upgrades the Pixel 3 will bring to the table.

 

[Hitman]

Apple has apologized for their mistake and has deigned iOS 12 such that it runs really smooth even on iPhone 6. Lots of iPhone 6 users who have installed the beta version of iOS 12 has said that it has made their phones run as smooth as a fresh out of the box phone.

 

[ChuckLee]

Just wait until the iPhone 11 is released, and then this version will go to water in no time.

Then folks will buy the iPhone 11 and praise it sky high...rinse and repeat.

This makes no sense. Obviously when a new ones released all the hype and dye will move to the next one. And everyone moved on because the newer one is always faster and has no technology.

 

[ChuckLee]

That's true but those that cannot afford regular updates, it's really unfair to them, they own these devices and they should perform to their capabilities not slow down because apple wants them to slow down.

I'm still using my 10 year old MacBook Pro, I don't need a new personal laptop every few years, I only need to use it a few times a year and it does the job for me, the battery is weak but I keep it plugged in. It doesn't give apple the right to slow it down because it's an older device or has weaker battery. I wont be surprised if they do that to MacBook's as well but thankfully I run Windows on it so I can take control of its performances. I have loved my MacBook Pro, Apple's laptops are top notch but as a company I wouldn't trust buying from them again.

What your point? Apple replaced people’s battery for £19.99 and expedited them. Heck Apple did mine for free. It’s ano an Apple problem is a lithium battery problem. At least Apple phones don’t become awful after a year a half I’m performancd and economical value.

 

[Itachi]

If you are a geek, go for xiaomi.

The low level access that xiaomi gives in their phones is next to none. You have full control over the phone. That's one aspect that I disliked about samsung because they never give full access even when you ask them.

 

[Syed1]

Recently got the Google Pixel 2 XL... BEST PHONE EVER

 

[Abdul]

Recently got the Google Pixel 2 XL... BEST PHONE EVER

With a contract or did you pay the full price?

 

[Rayyman]

I have a Pixel 2

 

[Syed1]

With a contract or did you pay the full price?

I got lucky... Brand new dabba pack for CAD 700. I got it through Kijiji, the seller had gotten it as a gift but he already had a fancy new phone so wanted to sell it. I think if you buy through Google its CAD 1250.

 

[Hadi Rizvi]

The honor goes to Pixel 2 as of now. I wonder what camera upgrades the Pixel 3 will bring to the table.

*Huawei P20 Pro

 

[Abdul]

I got lucky... Brand new dabba pack for CAD 700. I got it through Kijiji, the seller had gotten it as a gift but he already had a fancy new phone so wanted to sell it. I think if you buy through Google its CAD 1250.

Thanks. What's the workaround to having no headphone jack? I assume you have dongles?

 

[Syed1]

Thanks. What's the workaround to having no headphone jack? I assume you have dongles?

I hated that part... But in my car the phone is connected through Bluetooth so not a problem there and then for everyday use I bought headphones with the usb C connector built in. Honestly they should have just given a headphone jack.

 

[Abdul]

I hated that part... But in my car the phone is connected through Bluetooth so not a problem there and then for everyday use I bought headphones with the usb C connector built in. Honestly they should have just given a headphone jack.

From what I've heard, they removed the headphone jack only because they want you to buy their Google Pixel Buds.

 

[Syed1]

From what I've heard, they removed the headphone jack only because they want you to buy their Google Pixel Buds.

Google is the Apple of the Android world... I only bought this phone because of its camera which is still the best available even though the phone came out in 2017 and also I'm a massive fan of the stock Android.

 

[Abdul]

Google is the Apple of the Android world... I only bought this phone because of its camera which is still the best available even though the phone came out in 2017 and also I'm a massive fan of the stock Android.

Is the battery life good though? The only reason I'm wanting to buy this one is its good camera also.

 

[Syed1]

Is the battery life good though? The only reason I'm wanting to buy this one is its good camera also.

It has 3500 mAh battery so quite a big battery, I typically put on the charger before going to bed and at that point after a full days use in which I listen to music, use navigation and browse social media, it is at about 40-55%. Definitely one of the bigger phone batteries I've ever had on my phone. The downside is that the fast charging on it is a bit slower. Like my older OnePlus 3 would be fully charged in 30-40 mins, this thing takes about an hour and fifteen.

 

[zeusathon]

Best camera?

Still, Huawei P20 Pro
Video: Galaxy S9+

 

[DeadBall]

The Mrs gifted me a Galaxy S9+ which I reluctantly changed to after a couple of weeks of nagging. Don't really like changing phones as my needs are quite basic.

 

[Hitman]

The Mrs gifted me a Galaxy S9+ which I reluctantly changed to after a couple of weeks of nagging. Don't really like changing phones as my needs are quite basic.

What phone did you use previously?

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

Best camera?

Still the Pixel 2 to this day. Most experts say that and don't let benchmarks such as DxOmark confuse you. Huawei and some other manufacturers ccalibrate their cameras based on the conditions that DxOmark test their cameras in. So naturally, they will perform better in those tests rather than phones like the Pixel 2. Nevertheless, Google's pixel 2 outshines every other phone camera solely on the fact that their software is far ahead of the competition atm. Their software api's dont over saturate the photos like some samsung phones, and the contrast is on point under most lighting conditions. The best part about it is undoubtedly it's low-light capabilities. The iphone X and the s9/note 9 can come close to the pixel or even better it in good lighting sometimes, but the pixel is still far ahead when it comes to bad lighting.

 

[Abdul]

Still the Pixel 2 to this day. Most experts say that and don't let benchmarks such as DxOmark confuse you. Huawei and some other manufacturers ccalibrate their cameras based on the conditions that DxOmark test their cameras in. So naturally, they will perform better in those tests rather than phones like the Pixel 2. Nevertheless, Google's pixel 2 outshines every other phone camera solely on the fac tthat their software is far ahead of the competition atm. Their software api's dont over saturate the photos like some samsung phones, and the contrast is on point under most lighting conditions. The best part about it is undoubtedly it's low-light capabilities. The iphone X and the s9/note 9 can come close to the pixel or even better it in good lighting sometimes, but the pixel is still far ahead when it comes to bad lighting.

I watched some reviews on YouTube regarding the Pixel 2 and while it does have the best camera, there are some faults with its display. I guess it would be a wise idea to wait for Pixel 3 to launch, especially since there is not a long time left now?

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

I watched some reviews on YouTube regarding the Pixel 2 and while it does have the best camera, there are some faults with its display. I guess it would be a wise idea to wait for Pixel 3 to launch, especially since there is not a long time left now?

Yeah definitely don't buy the Pixel 2 right now. Google usually announces their new lineup of phones in October, so just wait a bit less than 2 months for the latest and greatest.

The problem with the Pixel 2 XL's display was that it was a low-quality OLED. The display had a blue tint to it and most displays were poorly calibrated. There were some Pixel 2 XL's that had decent displays but ypu had to be really lucky to get a good unit. Some units also had bad viewing angles and outdoor visiblity was very poor on most units. Some people also reported a weird slight grainy effect when viewing off-axis.

In short, it was a huge mess and hopefully LG provides better displays to google this time around.

 

[Abdul]

Yeah definitely don't buy the Pixel 2 right now. Google usually announces their new lineup of phones in October, so just wait a bit less than 2 months for the latest and greatest.

The problem with the Pixel 2 XL's display was that it was a low-quality OLED. The display had a blue tint to it and most displays were poorly calibrated. There were some Pixel 2 XL's that had decent displays but ypu had to be really lucky to get a good unit. Some units also had bad viewing angles and outdoor visiblity was very poor on most units. Some people also reported a weird slight grainy effect when viewing off-axis.

In short, it was a huge mess and hopefully LG provides better displays to google this time around.

Imagine having the option to buy Galaxy S9 with Pixels camera.

Why can't we ever have nice things, goddamnit?

 

[AssassinatedDevil]

I hated that part... But in my car the phone is connected through Bluetooth so not a problem there and then for everyday use I bought headphones with the usb C connector built in. Honestly they should have just given a headphone jack.

Most phone manufacturers won't be putting a headphone jack in their phones in the future. Blame Apple for this movement. Samsung is the sole flag-bearer of 3.5 mm jack's these days.

To be fair, 3.5 mm headphone jack's are a bit antiquated and the main problem with them is that they take up too much space inside a phone. With most manufacturers trying to slim their phones down at a breakneck pace, the headphone jack is the most likely thing they would be willing to sacrifice on.

USB C also theoretically enhances sound quality because no analog signals will be sent through the wires like they would be for a 3.5 mm jack. This means that no post processing will be needed to convert from analog to digital. Noise cancelling can also be implemented better through USB-C.Nevertheless, it's not a big enough reason to transfer to USB C headphones entirely.

 

[Abdul]

Most phone manufacturers won't be putting a headphone jack in their phones in the future. Blame Apple for this movement. Samsung is the sole flag-bearer of 3.5 mm jack's these days.

Wanna know what hypocrisy is? Google made fun of Apple when they removed the headphone jack and then Google started doing the same crap themselves. Bunch of clowns.

 

[Hitman]

Wanna know what hypocrisy is? Google made fun of Apple when they removed the headphone jack and then Google started doing the same crap themselves. Bunch of clowns.

Yea, man, I remember that. They were among the first ones to mock Apple for removing the headphone jack. And a year later they do that themselves.

 

[Abdul]

i have a pixel 2

xl?

 

[Syed1]

Seen leaks of the Pixel 3 XL... It has an ugly Apple-esque notch. The Pixel 3 however does not feature a notch and looks good.

Honestly Samsung has done an excellent job of not going to a notched display. My next phone will be a Samsung if they continue with a notch less design. However the best part about the Pixel is the stock Android.

Android Pie might be the best operating system for phones ever. Even though the name is crappy.


Also if you have big budget check out the Oppo Find X, they have near bezel-less screen and a motorized camera setup. Very sexy.

 

[Abdul]

Seen leaks of the Pixel 3 XL... It has an ugly Apple-esque notch. The Pixel 3 however does not feature a notch and looks good.

Honestly Samsung has done an excellent job of not going to a notched display. My next phone will be a Samsung if they continue with a notch less design. However the best part about the Pixel is the stock Android.

Android Pie might be the best operating system for phones ever. Even though the name is crappy.


Also if you have big budget check out the Oppo Find X, they have near bezel-less screen and a motorized camera setup. Very sexy.

Could you post the link here for the leaks, please? Don't think it goes against PP's rules.

 

[Hitman]

And the foldable phone that Samsung has been working on for years is expected to be announced at Mobile World Congress in Feb, 2019. It was supposed to be released later this year, but for some reasons Samsung postponed it to early next year. Have heard rumors that it is going to be really costly.

 

[introvert]

If you are happy with your current phone then I will advise to wait for 6 months. Notchless full screen phones will be in the trend at that time.

 

[mani1]

I have a LG V30 very happy with the sound coming out of the headphone jack.

Though its screen and camera are slightly lacking compared to Samsungs.

 

[finalfantasy7]

Best camera?

the honor 10 is very good, however the Huawei P20 Pro is the best camera phone by a good distinct, especially at night

 

[finalfantasy7]

im surprised that no one has mentioned the one plus 6 - considering its price v performance.

I still have the xioami mi max 1 - amazing screen size and the battery lasts me 4 full days - high moderate use

 

[Syed1]

And the foldable phone that Samsung has been working on for years is expected to be announced at Mobile World Congress in Feb, 2019. It was supposed to be released later this year, but for some reasons Samsung postponed it to early next year. Have heard rumors that it is going to be really costly.

You tried to sell me the idea of the foldable phone a good two years ago iirc... But Samsung keeps pushing the date forward


I won't be surprised if it gets further pushed. The issue is not the bendable screen, the issue is how to make the electronics within the phone compatible to motion with good reliability.

 

[Itachi]

im surprised that no one has mentioned the one plus 6 - considering its price v performance.

I still have the xioami mi max 1 - amazing screen size and the battery lasts me 4 full days - high moderate use

People underrate xiaomi phones a lot. But for daily use, no other phones can match xiaomi specially in $200 category. No wonder it is number 1 brand in India.

 

[BlackShadow]

People underrate xiaomi phones a lot. But for daily use, no other phones can match xiaomi specially in $200 category. No wonder it is number 1 brand in India.

I use Mi Max2 as my secondary phone, and Mi Mix2 as my primary device. Both incredible phones and I never felt a need to buy super expensive products. Xiaomi indeed is quite underrated, specially in the West.

 

[zeusathon]

People underrate xiaomi phones a lot. But for daily use, no other phones can match xiaomi specially in $200 category. No wonder it is number 1 brand in India.

Their mid rangers (the Pakistani mid range) are good. Its the flagship end where they crumble.

 

[zeusathon]

im surprised that no one has mentioned the one plus 6 - considering its price v performance.

I still have the xioami mi max 1 - amazing screen size and the battery lasts me 4 full days - high moderate use

Would have mentioned if we were in 2017.

 

[Hitman]

You tried to sell me the idea of the foldable phone a good two years ago iirc... But Samsung keeps pushing the date forward


I won't be surprised if it gets further pushed. The issue is not the bendable screen, the issue is how to make the electronics within the phone compatible to motion with good reliability.

Not 2 years ago, I said it earlier this year. The head of Samsung spoke of it in Mobile World Congress earlier this year. It was supposed to be released later this year year, but it was postponed to early next year.

 

[finalfantasy7]

People underrate xiaomi phones a lot. But for daily use, no other phones can match xiaomi specially in $200 category. No wonder it is number 1 brand in India.

reason why i bought it in the UK, brand new £165 including delivery. I nearly bought the P20 pro - this year, however i will wait for the pixel 3 xl or wait for the p30 pro next year.

Xiaomi does everything what i need to do, i dont need a amazing camera - as i just send dodgy whats app messages to friends, just use it for internet reading/browsing.
However the only downside to this phone is the camera in low light - very poor

 

[finalfantasy7]

I use Mi Max2 as my secondary phone, and Mi Mix2 as my primary device. Both incredible phones and I never felt a need to buy super expensive products. Xiaomi indeed is quite underrated, specially in the West.

is the mi max 2 camera in low light good/average/poor, as the mi max 1 is really poor - low light situations

 

[BlackShadow]

is the mi max 2 camera in low light good/average/poor, as the mi max 1 is really poor - low light situations

Poor, most $200 phones do much better. The whole Max series targets users needing huge screen and a massive battery. They havent really cared about much else to be honest.

 

[khan991]

If your not using an iphone your missing out

 

[Abdul]

Waiting for the S10 right now.

 

[Abdul]

If your not using an iphone your missing out

Missing out on what?

 

[shaz619]

Waiting for the S10 right now.

Hopefully that's a good landmark phone unlike other brands

 

[Abdul]

Hopefully that's a good landmark phone unlike other brands

Yep, the only complaint I have with Samsung is that they have never updated the look of Android, but I'm guessing they don't have the authorization to since Android is owned by Google. iOS always looked the same up until iOS6 then Apple completely revamped it.

 

[ExpressPacer]

I got the iPhone XS max recently. Good phone. It has a beautiful design, an amazing display and the screen to body ratio is just brilliant. My needs are pretty basic and I don't really use my phone's for a lot of gaming or heavy-duty stuff so I can't really compare it to anything else in terms of fast processors or stuff like that.

The USP, for me, is just how beautiful the phone is. I don't really like using a cover but the OCD in me doesn't allow me to not use one so I have a transparent cover that doesn't deprive me of the beauty of the phone by too much. Easily the most beautiful phone in the market at the moment.

As for the camera, I don't think it gets better than this, and what I love about it most is how simple it is. You can take amazing quality photos for your social media without really having to fidget around different modes and tech, unlike an android.

 

[Itachi]

I really don't understand iPhone users. You are buying a phone with a processor that is one of the fastest on earth yet your use is, calling and sending text....

You can get these even in a $100 mobile.

I am happy that desi people in third world countries could see through the facade that Apple makes and hence, xiaomi and Samsung are front runners.

 

[Suleiman]

Bought the iPhone X a few months ago. I is expensive no doubt, but I think it is worth it.

Easily the best phone I have ever had. Looks gorgeous, fantastic screen without compromising on practically, the camera is incredibly good and the battery is great for an iPhone.

The only downside in my view is that it is a little heavy, especially if you use a case which of course most people do. However, I never put my phones in cases so it is not a problem for me.

Agreed. I’m usually over protective and OCD about damage to my electronics but the feel of this phone is so good I’ve foregone the full phone cover for the first time. Got a nice screen protector though which I think is necessary for these type of phones.

 

[The Viper]

Phone case created out of artificial skin

A team of researchers has built a prototype phone case that mimics human skin.

A video released by team members shows them using it to control a handset by pinching, squeezing and prodding it to zoom in or out, and carry out other functions.

It could also be used in the future to interact with a virtual avatar.

Project leader Marc Teyssier said he understood why some people found it creepy.

"I do think it's creepy - I get it," he told the BBC.

"We are not used to human touch on objects. This project has made people reflect on what technology is and why this is creepy."

Tickling the skin on the back of the phone could release a laughing emoji in a message, for example, while a pinch could result in an expression of anger.

Writing on the project website, Mr Teyssier said the "cold interface" of a smartphone "doesn't allow natural interaction and input".

The skin consists of two different forms of silicone layers, and electrodes attached to a hardware controller.

Mr Teyssier told New Scientist that getting the right balance of materials was difficult.

"The constraint was to develop something that was stretchable and that can also detect touch," he said.

He also said that make-up or paint could be used in order to "increase anthropomorphism".

There are no plans to market the case, although Mr Teyssier has published how it was made.

"Anyone can reproduce it," he said.

The materials are mass-produced and each unit would cost less than £5 to build, he estimated.

The team also adapted it to fit other portable electronics, such as a smart watch, companion robot, and laptop launchpad.

On social media it has been greeted with a degree of fascination and horror, with many agreeing that the Skin-On case was decidedly "creepy".

"This is profoundly wrong and I want one immediately," tweeted lecturer Belinda Barnet.

The research paper on "Skin-On interfaces" has been published at the ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, taking place in Louisiana

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-49972412

 

[sweep_shot]

Google has said it will update its new Pixel 4 phones to prevent them being unlocked using the sleeping faces of their owners.

The phones, which are not yet in shops, are the first from Google to include a secure face unlock feature, in place of the fingerprint sensor used on previous iterations. The feature is also used to confirm payments and sign in to apps.

Unlike the similar feature on iPhones, FaceID, the Pixel face unlock does not require the user to be looking at the phone – or even to have their eyes open.

The operating system warns users that “your phone can be unlocked by someone else if it’s held up to your face, even if your eyes are closed”.

Google has announced an update that will offer a more secure option. “We’ve been working on an option for users to require their eyes to be open to unlock the phone, which will be delivered in a software update in the coming months,” it told technology website The Verge.

“In the meantime, if any Pixel 4 users are concerned that someone may take their phone and try to unlock it while their eyes are closed, they can activate a security feature that requires a pin, pattern or password for the next unlock.”

Google’s initial decision was based on a tradeoff between speed and security, with the company focusing more on speed than Apple had when it launched its competing system in 2017 alongside the iPhone X.

Apple pointed out that FaceID required user attention to work, preventing what one reporter called the “girlfriend nap” attack, when a suspicious partner could try to unlock the phone of their sleeping partner.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2019/oct/21/google-eye-detection-pixel-4-smartphone-unlock.

 

[srh]

bought Samsung Galaxy A50 recently, finally a phone with good battery

 

[Mercurial]

iPhone X user here, still going strong. I had bought it in 2017. I will upgrade to a 5G handset in future, after 5G is introduced in Pakistan. I don't see any compelling reason to upgrade as I don't see any revolutionary changes in the new handsets.

#iPhoneXThePioneer

 

[andy0204]

I was expecting Google pixel 4 to be the best in terms of camera but it failed in comparison to iphone 11.

 

[Itachi]

bought Samsung Galaxy A50 recently, finally a phone with good battery

Samsung m30s has 6000 mah battery. Should have gone for it provided you don't play pubg or other heavy games.

 

[imrankhannsu]

Got an Iphone XR due to a glitch on a website 6 months back. It goes with my large hand. I still dislike the notch however really love the battery. Playing call of duty on the large screen is amazing

 

[Itachi]

Got an Iphone XR due to a glitch on a website 6 months back. It goes with my large hand. I still dislike the notch however really love the battery. Playing call of duty on the large screen is amazing

XR doesn't even have full HD.