While 2020 may be the year of lockdowns, it also presents a bit of a watershed as far as mobile phones are concerned. You see, unless you go really cheap with your choice of smartphone, you can pretty much guarantee that it will offer a decent screen, above-average build quality and it will take a reasonable photograph.

So, it might be worth asking the question, “have we taken the slab phone as far as we can?” Well, not quite. Granted, many of the big hitters seem to have some spin on the folding screen design, Huawei included, but it seems that there’s still life in the old dog yet. 

Sexy silicon

Huawei’s Mate series has traditionally been the company’s showcase for its latest Kirin chip which, in this case, is the Kirin 9000. The Kirin 9000 boasts 5nm technology — the same as Apple’s A14 Bionic — but the Huawei’s flagship silicon one-ups the Cupertino chip in that it has an integrated 5G modem built-in. Also, it has the grunt to thumb its nose at Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 865.

Partnering that incredibly powerful processor with built-in 5G is 8GB RAM and a capacious 4,400mAh battery that easily lasts a day. Furthermore, when it does need recharging, it can take advantage of the blistering speeds afforded to it by way of its 66W charger and 50W wireless charging capabilities. This is all wrapped up in a chassis that boasts an IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Heavenly hardware

The exterior of the Mate 40 Pro is nothing short of gorgeous. Beyond the pearlescent finish on my review model, the overall aesthetic follows the design language set by the Mate 20 and 30 Pro. So, you’ll find a centrally located camera module, curved Horizon screens, and a 3D facial scanning system for possibly the most accurate face unlocking tech available on a phone.

The 88° curved Horizon Display is vibrant and matches the best out there right now where viewing angles and brightness are concerned. The display eschews accidental touch commands thanks to Huawei’s software algorithm and, I can assure you, it does an excellent job of ignoring passing touches when navigating the striking 6.67-inch display. Additionally, the screen has a 90Hz refresh rate. Whilst this might not be the fastest out there, animations are smooth and scrolling through menus is slick. 

It’s hard not to notice the rather large cut-out in the upper left corner of the display, especially after using a P30 Pro with its little central hole punch. However, this slot houses a powerful front-facing camera system that features a 13-megapixel selfie camera, a wide-angle camera with a field-of-view of 100-degrees, and an infrared camera for face scanning. All of a sudden, that cut-out doesn’t seem so big after all, does it? Moreover, all of the kit packed into that little slot works incredibly well.

The rear of the Mate 40 Pro is covered in glass that’s coated in a soft-touch finish and is reasonably resistant to fingerprints. I love that the hardware volume rocker has returned to the Mate’s side, and stereo speakers are back too! But, it is the way that the Mystic Silver of our review model shimmers and changes colour as you move the mobile and the back catches the light that had my jaw on the floor.

Mate 40 Pro cameras 

The Mate 40 Pro’s main camera system consists of a triple-lens setup. The star of the show here is the 50-megapixel f/1.9 primary sensor, and that is joined by a 20-megapixel ultrawide-angle camera and a 13-megapixel Periscope camera.

That 50-megapixel lens boasts the largest image sensor currently in a smartphone at 23mm. Add to that Huawei’s custom-built RYYB sensor, and you can see why the Mate 40 Pro will be found at the top of the mobile photography charts getting Huawei another raft of prizes, no doubt. Night photography is still best in class, in my opinion.

Daylight snaps – click to enlarge

Low-light shots – click to enlarge

Huawei’s 20MP ultra-wide camera, dubbed “Cine Lens”, features an f/1.8 aperture and shoots at a 4:3 aspect ratio. Also, it doubles up as the Mate 40 Pro’s default video camera. It has a narrower field-of-view than the ultrawide lenses on Apple’s or Samsung’s flagships. Still, Huawei’s 20-megapixel ultrawide camera packs significantly more detail in the shot thanks to cramming in more pixels, and a larger aperture enabling more light to the photo. 

Zoom – click to enlarge

Next in line is the Mate 40 Pro’s 12MP camera, which uses a periscope system to offer 5x optical zoom. This is further bolstered by optical image stabilisation. The upshot here is that zoomed shots don’t become a big blur of smudgy pixels. Granted, go full digital zoom and things can go a bit wonky, but then how often will you need 100x zoom? I would say that any shot up to 20x zoom is more than strong enough to taunt the competition.

Huawei’s love for ultrawide lenses carries over to that front-facing Ultra Vision selfie camera, too. Like ultrawide unit at the rear, this lens keeps sharpness and exposure consistent with the primary selfie camera, allowing a much wider field of view. Furthermore, you also get excellent digital image stabilisation, which all adds up to the Mate 40 Pro being a vlogger’s dream. Not only do you get smooth video, but the frame is wide enough to ditch the selfie stick – which is always a good thing! 

By-the-way, video is shot in HDR by default. Furthermore, the camera will track your video subject as it moves without you having to move your phone—very clever stuff. 

The tricky bit

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro has excellent hardware, and the company is still at the top of the photography and videography game, then. At this point in any other regular review, this would be a done deal, and I’d be suggesting that you part with your cash right now. However, cool your jets for a bit.

These days two, perhaps three, things can make-or-break a phone. One is its camera and, as we’ve covered, the Mate 40 Pro pretty much has that wrapped up. Secondly, some people will look for battery life. Again, no worries here – the Mate 40 Pro will even wirelessly recharge other phones. Thirdly, and this is where this otherwise superb phone gets a little nervous, is app support. 

Let me start by saying that EMUI 11, the newest version of Huawei’s Android skin, is pretty slick and world’s apart from my first encounter with the OS about five years ago. Also, AppGallery is growing at an impressive rate of knots. This isn’t just homegrown talent that Huawei is packing into its app store either. Flicking through the list, you’ve got All 4, Sky, Amazon, Tinder, as well as all the leading social networking sites. The thing is, right now, there are some gaps. I’m not saying that these won’t be plugged in the next few months, but I have to review the phone as it is now. And, thanks to the software restrictions placed on Huawei’s phones by The Donald and his government, the Mate 40 Pro cannot run Google services, such as Play Store, YouTube, Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs, Google Photos.

I did manage to get plenty of my apps ported over from my P30 Pro via PhoneClone. In fact, most of them came across. And Huawei’s built-in Petal Search did its best to find and install all other apps online from sources such as APKPure. However, I couldn’t get Outlook working (required for two out of my three jobs), but Gmail, oddly, appeared to be okay. For Outlook, I simply bookmarked the Office365 app to the home screen, which was mostly fine but, obviously, I wasn’t notified when stuff landed in my inbox. Also, I couldn’t have the unified inbox that I have on my P30 Pro. Microsoft Authenticator, on the other hand, worked without issue.

Additionally, JustPark migrated over but refused to work without talking to its buddy, GooglePlay. Also, while we’re on the subject of car parks, RingGo, an app I use to pay for parking at most of the studios I rehearse and record at was absent. The same goes for UberEats, Deliveroo and Costa’s app.

All that said, Huawei’s Maps app works really well from what I have experienced, although it’s yet to get walking/cycling directions or a Street View equivalent. I also noticed it doesn’t do the satellite view thing, but I can live without that. My Nationwide app worked fine as did a few other surprise ones. I guess it depends which apps you use, how often and, if they are not yet available on Petal Search/ Hauwei’s app store. It’s all about compromise right now. Are are happy to use a workaround such as saving a shortcut to the phone’s home screen which I used for Microsoft 365, for instance? 

Huawei Mate 40 Pro review conclusion

Huawei’s Mate series is always worth checking out and the Pro, as the name suggests, is the flagship. The Mate 40 Pro continues that heritage of astounding aesthetics, potent performance, and a superb snapper. Typically, it would be a shoo-in for a perfect score underlined by ‘Must Buy’ in flashing lights. However, in the Mate 40 Pro’s case, it’s more a ‘try before you buy’ situation. Don’t get me wrong, this is a top tier phone as far as fit, finish, and fotography (sorry) goes. It’s just that not all apps are available to it right now. That could well change as we look to be ushering in a new POTUS. I’m just not sure that giving Huawei access to Google will be one of his priorities.

As with most of 2020, it’s just not quite worked out how it should.

Price and availability

The Huawei Mate 40 Pro is available now with an RRP of £1099.99.

The post Huawei Mate 40 Pro Review appeared first on GadgetyNews.

Delivering live, immersive video from its unique 180-degree tilting camera to the included Cockpit glasses, the ANAFI FPV puts you in the cockpit of Parrot’s fast, nimble, and ultraportable ANAFI drone.

The Parrot ANAFI FPV offers pilots beautiful and thrilling immersive experiences, in-depth manual controls for both piloting and imaging.

The quadcopter also boasts 4K HDR video and 21-megapixel images, easy-to-use modes and presets, effortless portability, long battery life, on the go USB-C charging and best-in-class features.

Innovation + Immersion

To unleash the ultimate immersive experience, pair your smartphone to ANAFI FPV with the FreeFlight 6.6 app, and place your phone in the included Cockpit glasses. Once you’re wearing the glasses and launch the AFAFI FPV, the unique 180-degree tilting camera – with 3-axis stabilisation and 3X zoom – will provide an exhilarating view at speeds of up to 31 mph (50 km/h).

ANAFI FPV’s brand-new FPV interface in FreeFlight 6.6 is a simple, streamlined heads-up display (HUD) with an immersive, unobstructed view of your aerial acrobatics. Additionally, any safety alerts or geofencing limits are automatically highlighted in your field of view.

The main FPV HUD shows contextual information, such as flight speed, direction, altitude and drone location. However, by clicking a button on top of the Cockpitglasses, you can easily swap to a minimal HUD interface. Doing so means you can fully immerse yourself into the FPV experience.

You can even find your ANAFI in mid-air without removing the Cockpit glasses: Switch to See-Through View, and you’ll see live video from your smartphone camera. An overlay shows the exact position of your drone. Moreover, if your ANAFI is off-screen, an icon points to its location.

The new standard for aerial photography

ANAFI FPV is so much more than incredibly fun. The camera experience is a new paradigm for aerial photographers and videographers. The full array of ANAFI’s manual camera settings are available in FPV mode – but only when you want to see them.

Photographers can enjoy total immersion in the on-screen image, exploring new techniques for shot composition – then seamlessly toggle into deep image controls to fine-tune photos and videos.

Clicking the button on Cockpitglasses and opening the settings menu offers you fully manual settings such as shutter speed, ISO, white balance, and exposure compensation. Also, there are advanced features such as an image histogram and “zebra” exposure assistance overlay.

Fast access to manual settings can also be accomplished with the Skycontroller 3, which supports custom mapping of the right trigger to adjust exposure.

Video

Two new flight presets join ANAFI’s menu of options, designed to help pilots of every level capture stunning videos with ease.

Available in FreeFlight 6.6, the new additions allow ANAFI FPV pilots to expand their creativity at the tap of a touchscreen.

Cinematic preset

With the Cinematic preset, you can capture smooth and dramatic footage that looks like you’re behind the controls of a glider. The horizontal axis of the 4K HDR camera is locked to the tilt of the drone, and footage shows every majestic bank and turn in your flight.

Racing preset

While the Cinematic preset is built for stable and fluid motion, the Racing preset will get your adrenaline pumping! The horizontal axis is also locked to the tilt of your drone, but this preset is built for speed instead of smoothness: Your videos will have a more aggressive look as ANAFI bobs and weaves through the air at high speed.

Arcade Mode

Along with the launch of ANAFI FPV, FreeFlight 6.6 also introduces Arcade Mode.

In Arcade Mode, flying is as simple as pointing the camera in the right direction. The Skycontroller 3’s left joystick controls the camera, which allows you to view in any direction, while the right joystick controls the movement of the drone.

By holding forward on the right joystick, the drone will travel in the direction the camera is pointed.

Birds Eye View

The new presets and flight mode can also be used in combination to capture stunning results. For example, using the Cinematic preset and Arcade Mode together make it incredibly simple to simulate a “bird’s eye view” as it soars and swoops through the air.

Portable

Built for any time, anywhere, ANAFI’s ultraportable drone platform included a brand new ANAFI Backpack. The pack doubles as a stable platform to prepare and launch your drone right in front of you. So, you no longer need to put your drone down on snow-covered slopes, mud and dirt, or rugged terrain as you prepare for launch.

The new backpack extends ANAFI FPV as the ultimate go-anywhere drone. ANAFI FPV’s one-of-a-kind folding design, lightweight body, and superb battery life with USB-C charging on the go complement its outstanding image quality, easy-to-use modes and presets, versatile manual controls, and groundbreaking immersive experiences.

Pricing and availability

The ANAFI FPV All-In-One Pack includes and ANAFI FPV quadcopter drone, battery, Skycontroller 3, Cockpitglasses 3, 16gb SD memory card, USB-C cable, extra set of propellers and ANAFI FPV backpack.

The cost for all of that in the AIO Pack is £729.99 and it’s available now.

The post Parrot ANAFI FPV Launched at IFA 2019 appeared first on GadgetyNews.

Soon, we’ll be heading to Paris to meet the Huawei P30 and Huawei P30 Pro. But, what does the rumour-mill tell us to expect? It is perhaps no surprise that the P30 series launch is one of the most exciting points on the smartphone calendar. So, what would this highly anticipated flagship be packing? Well, we already can discount folding of any kind as the brand’s Mate X has that covered.uawei P30 and P30 Pro

Huawei P30 and P30 Pro News

Huawei hasn’t been having an easy time recently in certain markets. However, we here at GadgetyNews have been impressed by the company’s hardware releases of the past few years, and the Mate 20 Pro remains our handset of choice. What could the P30 and P30 Pro have to entice us away from the latest curve-screened, square-lenses awesomeness of the Mate 20 Pro?

Pricing is due to see a hike as the asking price for flagship phones seems to be getting higher and higher. We would not be surprised to see the P30 Pro around £100 more than the Mate 20 Pro. If this bears out, then this would see the P30 Pro carrying a £999 price tag. Ouch!

Huawei P30 Camera

We don’t think that it takes a genius to assume that Huawei is going to focus on photography.

We have had our invitation, and the Huawei P30 will officially be unveiled on Tuesday, March 26, at a special event in Paris. The company launched its first 2018 flagships, the P20 and P20 Pro, at a dedicated launch event in Paris in March, so this is a nice touch.

Teasers are by nature vague, and the P30 invitation teaser is perhaps more apparent than most.

The phrase “Rules were made to be rewritten” appears alongside photos of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Notre Dame cathedral, all photographed and then zoomed in quite dramatically. Not long enough as to be able to examine the detail without pausing, but impressive enough. So, zoom is going to be at least an element of the P30, then.

Furthermore, Huawei has confirmed that the P30 Pro smartphone will include a periscope-style camera lens that promises to deliver ‘super zoom’ capabilities.

This connects neatly with the rumours of the company equipping the flagship with a 10x optical zoom.

There have been some leaked shots from this impressive snapper, but some have been accused of being the results of DSLRs.

Huawei P30 Design

There are always the renders which are generally not far off the mark. However, we have already seen cases advertised that give a lot of the game away.

For instance, Spigen seems quite confident that the P30 will have three camera lenses around the back, while the Pro will sport four.

The most apparent feature is in the camera array on both devices. While the P30 has three lenses on display, like last year’s P20 Pro, the P30 Pro seems to pack a four-camera array.

That said, more recent images show the P30 Pro with a slightly different third lens at the bottom of the array. Could this be the super zoom?

The P30 also appears set to ditch the physical fingerprint reader, presumably in favour of the in-screen version debuted on the Mate 20 Pro.

Looking at the display, it seems like the hole-punch cutout styling has been ditched in favour of a small and round dewdrop-style notch.

As far as the actual screen tech is concerned, both models appear to rock excellent screen-to-body ratios with only the merest hint of a chin. We are assuming that the P30 might use LCD technology while the Pro will likely pack an AMOLED panel.

Huawei P30 Performance

On the inside, we expect the P30 to arrive with the 7nm Kirin 980 processor as used in the, frankly ace, Mate 20 Pro.

However, there have been rumours stating that the P30 series will be loaded with the newer Kirin 985 chipset as it will provide improved performance and an integrated 5G modem. Keep in mind that the 985 is still yet to be officially announced.

Of course, for a new phone, it is always cool to have the latest System on Chip (SoC), especially if you are going to be attaching a premium price tag to the new blower. Do not forget though, the Kirin 980 is an excellent SoC, packs in a dual NPU (neural processing unit) for AI tasks and operates on an impressively efficient 7nm manufacturing process.

In fact, all it needs really for the latest 5G chops is an updated modem. As if by coincidence, something like the company’s own Balong 5000 modem would be just the ticket.

Huawei P30 Additional features

The Huawei Mate 20 Pro was the first of the company’s phones to showcase an in-display fingerprint sensor, and logic would suggest that this technology will persist with the P30 series, at least on the Pro model.

The dewdrop notch, while leaving more screen real estate for display stuff, does tend to rule out the clever depth-sensing face unlock technology utilised on the Mate 20 Pro. Unless, of course, they have managed to squeeze all that into the one tiny space.

While Huawei’s most recent devices already offer stereo sound output from both their speaker grilles and earpieces when playing media, the company might be planning on upping the audio credentials with its next flagship handsets.

We haven’t got long to wait, but what are your thoughts about the Huawei P30 and P30 Pro?

The post Huawei P30 and P30 Pro Looking Good for Paris appeared first on GadgetyNews.

Huawei unveiled its Mate X folding fone with the bragging rights of being the world’s fastest. The all-new multi-form factor phone features an innovative, flexible OLED foldable FullView display. The bendy skills are due to the brand’s unique falcon wing mechanical hinge, whereas as the speed boast is down to the 5G modem chipset Balong 5000.

The 6.6-inch OLED dual display panel unfolds to become an 8-inch tablet that’s only 5.4mm thick. Images look to be clear and detailed. Moreover, we are told that the panel itself is safe, durable and features outstanding cooling performance.

The screen real estate is handy for everything from editing a document to entertainment. For instance, you are able to drag images from your photo gallery to emails in split-screen mode.

Huawei’s flagship smartphones have always come with powerful cameras, and the Huawei Mate X is no different. Inside the smartphone’s slim body is the latest Leica cameras, supporting the most advanced imaging features to date.

The foldable design makes it possible for the camera system to play the role of both front and rear cameras. When folded, the Mate X shows a viewfinder on both sides, so even the subjects in the frame become part of the creative process.

Moreover, the HUAWEI Mate X comes with an integrated Fingerprint Power Button that enables users to power up the device with one tap, offering a secure and convenient experience.

Need for speed

Equipped with the world’s first 7nm 5G multi-mode modem chipset, the Balong 5000 boasts 5G download speeds of 4.6Gps on the Sub-6GHz band (theoretical).

Balong 5000 is also the world’s first chipset to support both SA and NSA architectures, meaning that you’ll not need a device upgrade to continue enjoying 5G connectivity. Moreover, the Mate X’s dual SIMs supports both 4G and 5G.

Keeping the lights on

With a large screen and powerful internals, the Mate X will need a large battery. Thankfully the new convertible features a new, purpose-designed 4,500mAh battery. Naturally, the Mate X combines the cell with AI smart power-saving technology. 55W Huawei SuperCharge tops the battery up quickly to minimise downtime for those who prefer a fast-paced lifestyle. In just 30 minutes, SuperCharge is able to charge the battery back to 85%.

Huawei Mate X price

This is where you have to sit down. All this 1st generation folding tech doesn’t come cheap. Expect to be paying 2,300 Euros to join the early adopters.

The post Huawei Mate X Folding Phone Features Falcons appeared first on GadgetyNews.

There was a time that Samsung only really had Apple to worry about. However, Huawei, Xiaomi, and in some respects OnePlus and Honor should be taken very seriously now. This situation is great for the likes of us, consumers, though. For a start, it has pushed Samsung to promise us something entirely new for its next flagship smartphone, dubbed the Samsung Galaxy X. Well, at the Samsung Developer Conference in San Francisco yesterday, that’s precisely what it did.

Samsung Galaxy X reveal

It’s been a long time coming. In fact, Samsung promised us a folding phone (The Foldiplay) back in 2013, but who are we to complain?

Justin Denison, SVP of Mobile Product Marketing chatted about the challenges of developing a folding display. All very interesting but that’s not what everyone was waiting for. Then, Denison whipped out the prototype of the Samsung Galaxy X to much applause.

Actually, the phone hasn’t been officially named, but the screen has. Welcome to the stage the Samsung Infinity Flex Display.

If we go by what DJ Koh, Samsung’s President and CEO of IT & Mobile has said recently, it sounds that we can expect this device to be the first in a series of foldable handsets. It’s been a long time coming, but a significant change to the soap bar handset monotony is on the horizon.

Furthermore, Samsung has also confirmed that it is working on foldable laptops and tablets too. We suppose that once you’ve spent all that money on engineering folding screens, you’ll want to get your money’s worth. If that’s the case, can we expect folding 4K HDR tellies too?

Samsung Galaxy X first look

So, we got our first glimpse of the Samsung Galaxy X folding phone at Samsung’s Developer Conference. It was shown off in its folded state as well as unfurled. However, Justin Denison told us that:

We’ve disguised some elements of the design but trust me, there’s a device inside here, and it is stunning.

DJ Koh added:

The foldable display lays the foundation for a new kind of mobile experience.

Watch the reveal at the full event below. The phone appears near the end, of course.

Samsung Galaxy X screen

This is obviously the star of the show.

These days screen real estate is at the forefront of every smart device design. With the Galaxy X, this is especially true.

With the new Samsung device, we saw that there will be one phone-sized screen on the outside of the phone. Additionally, when you open the phone up, you are rewarded with one that’s twice the size. When the phone is folded, it will trigger the front-facing display that will function as a typical smartphone screen.

Samsung Galaxy X screen specs

Again, nothing definite was confirmed last night by Samsung. Although, this did not prevent Denison from make some quite strong claims:

We’ve been living in a world where the size of your screen can only be as large as the device itself. Well, we’ve just added a new dimension. The Infinity Flex Display is the foundation for the smartphone of tomorrow.

The display, when unfolded, apparently measures 7.3-inches.

He went on to add that the phone could be folded “hundred of thousands of times.”

Samsung Galaxy X One UI

Having super sweet screen swagger means shizzle without swanky software.

So, how will the Galaxy X adapt to users swapping between the phone screen and the tablet screen? Imagine, all those apps will have to move from one screen to the other seamlessly. How about multitasking? Will open apps resize automatically? Well, all of that is handled, promises Samsung.

Most of this will be taken care of by Samsung’s new interface called One UI, also announced at the November 7th event.

Samsung’s press release states:

The Infinity Flex Display together with One UI delivers a new kind of mobile experience allowing users to do things they couldn’t do with an ordinary smartphone. Users now have the best of both worlds: a compact smartphone that unfolds to reveal a larger immersive display for multitasking and viewing content. The app experience seamlessly transitions from the smaller display to the larger display as the device unfolds.

Regarding multitasking, One UI will enable the Samsung Galaxy X to run three apps simultaneously when in tablet mode. Also, the redesigned icons allow better integration. According to Jee Won Lee, Senior Designer of UX Design at Samsung Mobile: “the rounded corner of our hardware is reflected in our software.”

Initially, One UI will be land on the Galaxy S9, S9+ and Note 9 in open beta. This exercise should help to iron out any wrinkles in the software before it heads out on the new Galaxy flagship.

Samsung Galaxy X features

The short version here is that no features were shown off at the official Galaxy X debut. However, DJ Koh, Samsung mobile chief, said that the long-awaited folding flagship would offer similar functionality to a tablet when the screen is unfolded.

Before dismissing the sizable screen, we must remember that, when the company first launched its Galaxy Note series back in October 2011, naysayers mocked the 5.3-inch display.

DJ Koh pointed out that eight generations of the phablet later large-screen devices are now ubiquitous. It’s hard to ignore the 6.5-inch iPhone XS Max and 6.3-inch Google Pixel 3 XL.

Koh said:

Possibly when we start selling the foldable phone, it may be a niche market, but definitely, it will expand. I’m positive that we do need a foldable phone.

As expected, everything points to the Galaxy X being compatible with the company’s S Pen digital stylus. This information fits nicely with the whispers we’ve heard of the Galaxy S and Galaxy Note lines merging next year.

Other features that we would expect to see include 5G connectivity and an in-screen fingerprint reader. Waterproofing and wireless charging are also on our wish-list for this top-flight device.

One thing that I would like to know more about is the camera. Will Samsung use the clever display tech to distract potential buyers from a camera that is merely OK? Let’s face it, with everything else this pocketable device will be doing, will there be the space to fit multiple lenses and image processing? I do hope so but, right now, I’d brace yourselves for some possibly average image capturing tech.

Samsung X battery

Wireless charging brings us neatly to the other deciding factor for many – battery life.

A brace of screens, especially that monster folding one, could impact battery life in wrong ways. However, if we think about it a bit more, as one screen will always be visible, that would cut down on locking and unlocking the tablet sized one.

Interestingly, reports from Asia suggests that Samsung has been working on a flexible battery to go in a flexible phone. The battery sizes have ranged between 3,000mAh and 6,000mAh. I would say that, in this instance, more is more.

Samsung Galaxy X under the hood

If mass production is already happening, we are assuming that the Galaxy X will be loaded with the Snapdragon 845 successor. Unless, of course, Sammy has gone down a more unique route for this unique device.

RAM will most likely come in 4GB or 6GB flavours with internal storage anywhere from 64GB upwards. However, if this is to be an all-singing, all-dancing, Galaxy S/Note love-in, I would suggest that Samsung slings in 128GB and 256GB as the cherry on top. That’s if they can make it fit.

Samsung Galaxy X availability

Let me cut to the chase here. At the November 7th conference, no release date was given for the new handset. On the plus side, Denison did say that:

“We’ll be ready to start mass production in the coming months.”

To be honest, I don’t think anyone was expecting the foldy phone to land this side of Christmas. Besides, the amount of release date rumours pointing to it happening in 2019 seems almost nailed on.

Samsung previously hinted its first foldable handset might be unveiled on-stage at CES 2019 in early January, or MWC 2019 in late February, two of the biggest tech expos. However, being pushed by other companies revealing their own folding phones, Royole being one (pictured above), has apparently forced Sammy’s hand.

Announcing is one thing but, actually being able to buy one? I wouldn’t get your hopes up for seeing the Galaxy X on the shelves directly after a full CES reveal. Even a show-and-tell-then-release pitched at MWC 2019 seems a tad optimistic. We would think April would be the earliest we could hope to see the new device on sale – and that’s still on the ‘in an ideal situation’ side of optimism.

Later might actually be better than sooner in the case of the Galaxy X though. Why? Well, because you’re going to need to start squirrelling away your pocket money right now as it’s not going to be cheap.

Samsung Galaxy X price

Naturally, Samsung avoided giving away any price details at the developer’s conference. However, we think that it is safe to say that the GX is going to be pitched at the same demographic that is happy to pay out for a fully-loaded iPhone XS Max.

Currently, there many rumours that Galaxy X will carry a price tag of £1,365 or $1,775 – that’s the current exchange rate for 2 million won, the mooted Korean price.

That price isn’t exactly just grabbed out of thin air, either. Just look at the asking price of a Galaxy Note 9 with all the trimmings – £1,099 ($1,249.99). Moreover, the Note 9 only has an everyday single screen. How very 2018!

Additionally, as mentioned earlier, Californian technology firm Royole also recently launched a folding phone. The Royole is equipped with a single OLED screen and is listed at £999 ($1,300). The Galaxy X boasts two screens.

Yup, 4-year phone contract, anyone?

The future

This could be the start of a whole new wave of smart devices. Would we still be correct in calling them just smartphones? Could we see the return of the Personal Digital Assistant (PDA)?

We at GadgetyNews are excited about the new Samsung. To be honest, we’re even more excited at how the likes of Huawei will respond. Stay tuned for that.

The post Samsung folding phone revealed – all the facts appeared first on GadgetyNews.

As well as covering the latest news and releases, including Huawei’s Mate 20 Series and the return of Palm, Gareth chats with Michelle about her tech loves and woes. Expect comparisons with the lunar landing and WiFi in Edinburgh. Also, we almost get to hear Gareth impersonate Gavin and I. A close call that one.

Tech Addicts Podcast 17 October 2018

In today’s show

• Huawei Mate 20 Pro thoughts and reactions
• Huawei Watch GT
• Razer Phone 2
• LG and Lenovo Folding Display
• Samsung Galaxy X and F thoughts
• Palm is back in town

Get involved

• Main Show URL: http://www.techaddicts.uk
• Contact:: contact@techaddicts.uk | @techaddictsuk 
  
• Gareth – @garethmyles
• Michelle – @MichelleStandup
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Samsung is getting ready to release the world’s first ever true foldable smartphone in its Galaxy X, and it looks set to arrive soon.

We were expecting the Galaxy X to land in 2019 but then we heard it would drop by the end of the year. Turns out that we were right the first time.

Although, we did hear about the Samsung Foldiplay back in 2013

Samsung reveals folding Infinity Display device at SDC 2018!

Samsung folding phone

According to a report from Korean news outlet ETNews, Samsung has begun to enter final preparations for the production of foldable screen panels.

Furthermore, these final preparations include “mass-producing” the panels needed.

This timeline certainly more than hints that Sammy wants to be the first to the line with a foldable smartphone. Additionally, with this early start, it should be all set to appear as early as February 2019.

Paper-thin folding smartphone

More than one

Additionally, the fact that Samsung is going into mass production. Firstly, this could be just to cover the expected rush to own a foldy fone. However, it could also suggest that they could well be  producing screens for other phone manufacturers. Let’s face it, this is something it already does for current phone screens, being the go-to OLED manufacturer.

Other phone brands rumoured to be working on foldable phones include the usual suspects. Needless to say, amongst those are Apple, LG, Huawei and Motorola. But. if Samsung is aiming to be first, does that mean the product may not be as refined and ready as the competition? Well, according to the company’s CEO, we’ll be getting a “finished product” at release. Then again, would they say anything else?

Galaxy X expected specs

The Samsung Galaxy X is expected to sport a 4.5-inch front screen and a foldable internal display of 7.3-inches. Further rumours suggest that this may not fold in the middle but a third of the way up.

Well, right now, pretty much anything is possible. It could be a modern spin on the clamshell phones,  or something totally new. The only thing we can guarantee is more facts will start to seep out the closer the device comes to reality. Personally, I can’t wait!

What about you? Are you down with the fold? Let us know below.

The post Samsung Galaxy X folding phone nearly here appeared first on GadgetyNews.

Well, we called it. Parrot has finally unveiled the Anafi. Moreover, this new drone clearly targeted at DJI’s Mavic line.

The French flying tech company say that their new portable UAV is the product of two years of development and a “wish list of user feedback and a biomimetic design inspired by insects.”

Parrot Anafi 4K drone

It is difficult not to compare the Anafi with the Mavic. Firstly, the new 0.7-pound Parrot drone is foldable. This is one thing that I really love about the DJI device. This allows photographers to be able to stash it away along with the rest of their equipment for travel. It also means that you can just stuff it in your jacket pocket or small bag.

Secondly, there’s a 4K HDR camera on-board, and a 21-megapixel still unit mounted on a gimbal.

Parrot tells us that the battery should last around 25 minutes in flight, which is pretty decent. If you are planning on spending a day out flying capturing scenes, you can swap the dead cell with additional batteries. Additionally, you can recharge the drone via USB-C using regular phone chargers or by plugging it in to your car power port.

The company also claims the drone is the quietest in its class. It’s not silent, of course, but that buzzing lawn mower sound has been reduced by about a third compared to earlier models from the company.

Control

The drone has a controller that plugs into an iPhone or Android device, for touchscreen visualisations via the FreeFlight 6 app.

Just like the Mavic line, there’s a number of different control modes focused on capturing different camera content, including an option for following a subject. Naturally, it of course has a selfie mode.

Video

• 4K Cinema: 24 fps
• 4K UHD: 24, 25, 30 fps
• 1080p: 24, 25, 30, 48, 50 or 60 fps

Clever Wi-Fi

Each foot of Anafi is equipped with a dual-band antenna (2.4GHz and 5GHz). This ensures optimal connection with the Parrot Skycontroller 3 regardless of the orientation of the drone.

This omnidirectional transmission system uses Wi-Fi compliant protocols developed by Parrot.

The drone constantly monitors its Wi-Fi environment in order to switch to another channel when the one it uses is too crowded. This guarantees optimal spectrum utilisation performance and allows Anafi to fly up to 4kms without interference, keeping video transmission.

Price and availability

The price should get DJI worried. Parrot are asking £650 for the Anafi. That’s £120 less than the Mavic Air.

The Anafi is due out July 1st from Parrot, Amazon and “selected retailers.”

The post Parrot Anafi folding 4K drone challenges Mavic appeared first on GadgetyNews.

We were originally expecting a folding phone from Samsung this year. However, this was apparently pushed back to 2019. Now, it might be back on course for 2018 according to the company’s report.

Samsung’s folding phone has been bounced around since 2012. It was looking highly likely that we were going to be treated to this innovation this year. That was until reports came through that the flexible phone had been pushed back a year.

The Samsung Infinity Display is here!

Samsung folding phone update

Re-engage your excitements though as Samsung may have let slip something in their earnings annnouncement for Q4 of 2017. You see, they mention foldable OLED displays in this very report.

In the report Samsung mentions that the mobile division is going to try and differentiate its smartphones by adopting cutting-edge technologies “such as foldable OLED displays.”

OK, colour me interested.

Samsung also mentions in its Q4 2017 earnings release that its OLED panel is going to improve its competitiveness in the premium segment this year. You know how it aims to do this? Well, “with the release of foldable panels” of course.

Since the company sources OLED displays for its smartphones from its display-making subsidiary, that part of the company has to start producing foldable OLED panels before the mobile division can put a device together and launch it.

We already know that Samsung has a working prototype of its foldable smartphone, the device was shown off behind closed doors to Samsung’s partners at CES earlier this month.

I for one am ready for some truly innovative hardware to shake things up in the smartphone world.

Samsung folding smartphone specs

The handset is rumoured to come with a 7.3-inch OLED display which can be folded in half.

The device would fold inwards to act as a phone and outwards to double as a tablet. Samsung Display is said to be working on a panel that folds in and out smoothly without showing any creases.

Samsung hasn’t given any timelines for its foldable panels in the press release but at least it’s confirmation that the company has made them a part of its strategy for 2018.

So, as it stands, it could make an appearance to the general public this year. I am still unconvinced that it will make it to market before their Unpacked 2019 show though.

Hopefully, Sammy will prove me wrong. What do you reckon? Let me know below.

The post Samsung folding phone could appear this year – Galaxy X appeared first on GadgetyNews.

We have been sent our first gaming headset from Roccat. The Khan Pro headphones are well priced and looks to cover all the bases.

The Roccat Khan Pro gaming headset has a wide range of competition. Even in this little corner of the interweblogosphere we’ve covered the likes of HyperX, SteelSeries, and Astro.

The Khan Pro sits right in the middle of gaming headset pricing, perhaps the most challenging arena.

So, it’s time to put on our game face and dance the Khan cans. (sorry)

Ahem, without further ado… Khaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan!

Roccat Khan Pro design

The Khan Pro is not the most daring of designs. Perhaps I was expecting more angles, highlights, more red, perhaps LEDs. For an item aimed at gamers, this headset is quite restrained in design.

I have the black headset and, save for the grey Roccat logo on one earcup and a lion symbol on the other one, it follows Henry Ford’s colour pallet.

The Khan Pro connects with two braided cables terminating in 3.5 mm jacks: one for audio, and one for the mic.

You do get a bundled adapter should you want to plug the headset in to an amp with a single connector.

While these are wired headphones they hand you some controls on can. On the left ear cup you’ll find a volume-wheel. Also, you can mute the microphone by folding it up.

Oh, that microphone almost looks like an after-thought, which is shame. You will realise why I say that later on.

You cannot remove the mic, which I don’t see as a deal-breaker as I look for a different sound profile from my gaming headphones compared to the cans I use for music. However, that mic is not pretty. The one thing it does have on its side is that it’s wonderfully bendy.

The thin headband has a fair amount of padding, while the foam earcups are both large and plush.

The headset feels light and a little insubstantial when compared to my longtime favourites, the Astro A40 TR. These headsets weigh in at 230g and Roccat is proud that these are “by far the lightest amongst gaming headsets.” I certainly can believe that.

So, the Khan Pro doesn’t particularly look special. Maybe it’s a sleeper and hides wolf-like performance under its woolly cardigan.

Check out our review of the Astro A40 TR headset and amp

Roccat Khan Pro performance

The Khan Pros are fitted with 50mm drivers rated at 25 ohms. Roccat claims a frequency response of 10 – 40000Hz. These headphones are said to posses high resolution sound.

Let’s strap them on then, shall we?

Comfort

The Khan Pro may not look like much but, egad, it is comfortable.

Additional to their featherweight lightness, the over-the-ear cups are nicely padded with memory foam. Also, the padded headband is nice and supportive.

Since you can expand the headband and the earcups swivel through 90-degrees, you can easily find the perfect fit.

I also found that the headset comfy to wear for hours at a time. Additionally, having to wear glasses, I can confirm that the Khan Pros are also good to wear if you’re a four-eyes like me.

Sound quality

Righty, according to Roccat, the Khan Pro is the first gaming headset compatible with hi-res audio. This is mostly just a marketing term — and one that’s notoriously hard to pin down, at that — but it does indeed sound great. Music, sound effects and voice acting in games come through loud and clear, whether you need party chat for esports or immersion for single-player epics.

Gaming

In terms of audio performance, the Khan Pro certainly delivered. In-game, music, sound effects and dialogue all sounded distinct and balanced.

Directional effects, footsteps and the like, were placed in the soundstage perfectly. So, whether it was the cry of a witch in Left 4 Dead or terrorists padding around in Counter Strike, I always had a good idea where the baddies were.

Chatting in-game was also clear although I have been spoilt with my Astro MixAmp where I can tweak the balance between chat and game audio. The dial on the Khan Pros works everything together. This just means you’ll have to delve in to your machine’s audio settings. It’s not a big deal but, there you have it.

Mic

Earlier I alluded to the mic’s ‘I’ve been stuck on here because someone forgot to design me’ looks were a shame. Well, personally, I think it deserves so much more care and attention as it is excellent.

This is one of the best microphones I’ve encountered on a gaming headset.

The mic produces clear sound and manages to isolate the users voice from almost all background noise. There wasn’t any undue sibilance, no nasty distortion when I got too carried away and no other nasty audio artifacts.

Music

Moving from gaming to listening to music, the Khan Pro showed itself to be equally adept. I was actually expecting them to be heavy handed in the low-end with music. Instead, they proved to be surprisingly balanced. It is almost a pity, then, that the mic is not removable. At least my A40 TR has that option, although the design of the Astros are very gamer.

Roccat Khan Pro review conclusion

I so wanted to title this bit ‘Pros and Khans’ but I resisted. See, I am better than that.

The aesthetics and materials might lack the wow factor, however the Khan Pro delivers where it counts.

These headphones deliver accurate and involving audio at a great price. Furthermore, they remain comfortable even on the longest gaming marathon.

Roccat Khan Pro price and availability

You can buy the Khan Pro headset right now from Amazon for £69.99. Bargain!

The post Roccat Khan Pro gaming headset review – Khan and get it appeared first on GadgetyNews.