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Samsung

Samsung and Microsoft Expand Partnership And We’re All For it

Samsung and Microsoft Expand Partnership And We’re All For it

In the world of technology bustling with innumerable and sometimes expendable additions, Samsung and Microsoft partnership is something we can all get behind.

In addition to the most anticipated and momentous unveiling of Samsung Galaxy Note 10, Samsung Unpacked 2019 event in Brooklyn witnessed several surprises. Having teamed up in the past as well, Samsung and Microsoft have yet again announced an expanded partnership that promises to provide professionals the best services and solutions by integrating both of the companies’ hardware and software.

This reunion between the two tech giants resulted in the introduction of Samsung’s flagship smartphones power-packed and pre-installed with the latest versions of Microsoft apps including OneDrive, OneNote, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Skype, coupled with DeX functionality. This partnership also promises pre-installation of “Your Phone” application that interfaces phones with Windows 10.

The highlight of the event was showcasing of Samsung Galaxy Note 10, the latest in our favorite phablet line. Let’s take a look at what’s new in detail and what the partnership between the two means:

The Perfect Model

samsung, microsoft, tech, technology, pc, smartphones;

Via: Mobygeek

The newly announced flagship Galaxy Note 10 is absolutely top of the line with its 6.1 inch infinity display with an edge to edge look. This ultra-slim and elegant design boasts a dynamic AMOLED display with a 2280×1080 resolution, 8GB RAM, 256 GB internal storage and 3500 mAh battery.

DeX on PC

samsung, microsoft, tech, technology, pc, smartphones;

Via: Samsung

Samsung DeX is a desktop-like interface that enables the users to get a full-fledged desktop experience with their Galaxy devices. Previously, phones needed to be plugged into a monitor to access the desktop OS but the latest version now allows you to transfer files between devices and use the same apps you use on your phone by plugging Galaxy Note 10 into a Windows 10 or a Mac computer via a USB connection.

Link to Windows

samsung, microsoft, tech, technology, pc, smartphones;

Via: The Verge

Another major improvement is “Your Phone” linking Note 10 to Windows 10 that enables users to sync photos, send messages, manage notifications and scroll through apps while being on their PC. On top of that, this feature is updated to allow Window users to also make and receive phone calls on their laptop.

Microsoft Apps Integration

samsung, microsoft, tech, technology, pc, smartphones;

Via: Windows Central

Always keeping its users excited, Samsung has taken its smartphone experience up a notch with all the latest Microsoft apps optimised and integrated with the phones, and an update readily configured for the S-pen that will allow the users to interact with emails, contacts and calendars by merely hovering above the screen. The Microsoft apps as mentioned earlier will include Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. By the end of 2019, a new feature will also be introduced allowing the two-way sync of Outlook calendar and Samsung calendar making life easier for the professionals.

Outlook for Wearables

samsung, microsoft, tech, technology, pc, smartphones;

Samsung and Microsoft’s alliance guarantees the birth of innovative digital experiences to help businesses evolve. One such feature promoting this transformation will be a new Outlook design for wearable devices. Galaxy wearable users will be given a new Outlook design in future to check their inbox without even picking up their phones.

Galaxy Book S

samsung, microsoft, tech, technology, pc, smartphones;

Via: Samsung

A new Galaxy S book is also introduced which is an always-connected Windows 10 device that brings the smartphone experience to PC and makes sure you power through your day without a hiccup. The performance perfection of this ultra-portable design is ensured by a 7th Generation Intel Core i5 processor, dual Core 3.1GHz for the 12-inch model and an Intel Core m3 processor, dual-core 2.6GHz for the 10.6-inch model. Featuring Gigabit LTE connectivity, the new Snapdragon 8cx mobile computer platform, keyboard and S pen, Galaxy Book S is the highest-end Windows 10 laptop powered by ARM designed for you to get things done anywhere in the world. It is also the first one to be announced featuring the Snapdragon 8cx.

This collaboration will enable Samsung to integrate Windows 10 laptops with its popular smartphone apps. This will conversely result in an inclination of Windows users to purchase mobile phones since they will now have the new Windows 10 features. The cross-platform connectivity is a win-win situation for consumers who use devices and apps from both companies. From the looks of it, this reunion between Samsung and Microsoft brings everything together and would mean even bigger things in the future.

August 20, 2019 0 comment

The Foldable Smartphone: Latest News & Rumours about the Samsung Galaxy X

The Foldable Smartphone: Latest News & Rumours about the Samsung Galaxy X

Last week in Barcelona, Samsung wowed us with the official launch of the much-anticipated Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus at MWC 2018. While we’re still overwhelmed by the two new smartphones, the Korean tech giant is already planning something even more exciting – the foldable Galaxy X! Samsung claims in its latest earnings report that it “will continue its efforts to differentiate its smartphones by adopting cutting-edge technologies, such as foldable OLED displays.” It seems that the company is nearing production of its long-rumoured pioneering handset. Read on to find out more about this ground-breaking gadget:

Reports suggest that the experimental Samsung Galaxy X was presented with a launch schedule during a private event at this year’s CES. Two models were reportedly shown in the behind-closed-doors showcase, an inward folding version and an outward folding one. However, no images have been leaked.

Features & Design

We know that the Samsung Galaxy X is going to be a foldable 2-in-1 phone and tablet, but we still can’t be sure how it exactly works. Samsung has previously demonstrated curved and bendable screens, but a foldable one is still yet to be displayed openly.

According to rumours, we’ll be expecting a 4K (3840 x 2160px) resolution. The 5-inch display could be folded out into a 7-inch mini tablet. The foldable phone could also come with a dual-camera at the rear. It is very likely that the phone is going to be powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 or Exynos 9810 processor, with minimum 6GB of RAM. There will probably be a microSD card slot and a non-removable battery.

In late 2016, Samsung applied for a patent that gives us some hints on how the Galaxy X may eventually look like.

It is a hinged device with a design very similar to that of the Microsoft Surface Book, which suggests that there may be a similar small cavity when the phone is folded over. Nevertheless, it doesn’t change the fact that the Galaxy X is an unprecedented piece of smartphone technology!

When it comes to flexible OLED displays, Samsung is not the only player in the field. LG and Lenovo have demonstrated bendable displays and devices at a number of industry events. The two competitors have also registered multiple patents for the technology. LG even has curved OLED screens in production, which are used on its monitors, TVs and curved smartphones like the LG Flex. While LG may be taking the lead on the display side with its announcement of the 65-inch rollable OLED TV at CES 2018, it’s a brilliant strategy of Samsung to become the pioneer of foldable smartphones.

Release Date

Samsung has confirmed that the foldable Galaxy X will be released in 2018, probably towards the end of the year. However, it is reported that this avant-garde gadget will only be available in a limited number of around 100,000 and exclusively in Korea, Samsung’s home nation. This quirky folding phone may be one of the hardest to bag in 2018!

We can’t wait for the Samsung Galaxy X to be finally released! Are you as excited as us? Keep up with more updates on the Samsung Galaxy X, helpful reviews and other tech related news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk.

March 8, 2018 0 comment

MWC 2018: Latest News & Highlights So Far

MWC 2018: Latest News & Highlights So Far

MWC 2018 is well underway! The world’s most influential phone manufacturers are now gathering in Barcelona to showcase their latest innovations at one of the biggest events of the mobile industry. Interested in knowing about the intriguing gadgets the show has unveiled so far? Read on for all the latest news!

Samsung Galaxy S9 & Galaxy S9 Plus

The much-anticipated launch of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus has given MWC 2018 an exciting start! Samsung’s latest Android handsets are equipped with innovative dual-aperture camera, improved fingerprint sensors as well as thrilling new facial recognition and AR technologies. Featuring QHD + Super AMOLED displays with a resolution of 1440 x 2960, the new smartphones will deliver the crispest and clearest visuals. The US versions of the phones will include the most up-to-date Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor while the UK versions will be powered by Samsung’s own Exynos 9810 chipsets. Pre-orders are now open in Europe and will be available in the US on 2^nd March, with a global launch scheduled on 16^th March. Are you excited?!

Sony Xperia XZ2 & XZ2 Compact

The Sony Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact are possibly the most legit rivals of the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus. At this year’s MWC, Sony finally ditches its tired design and offers something new. The massive bezel surrounding the display on its previous devices is gone; instead, we find a stretched out 18:9 screen. This makes the Xperia XZ2 and XZ2 Compact the most modern-looking Sony phones. Apart from the increased size, the brilliant displays of the two phones are 4K HDR-ready. What’s more, the Xperia XZ2 is powered by the latest Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, which makes it comparable to the new Samsung handsets! If you’re into smaller phones, you’ll want to check out the 5-inch XZ2 Compact. Prefer a bigger screen? The 5.7-inch XZ2 is tailored for you!

Nokia 8110 4G

The banana phone is back! Nokia reveals that the iconic Matrix phone, the 8110, is going to be re-released – this time with 4G! The Nokia 8110 4G features the unique curve and slider of the original, with the keypad hidden under the slider. It has a 2.4-inch curved display with QVGA resolution. Powered by a Qualcomm 205 dual-core chipset with 512MB, the 8110 4G has just enough power to become a feature phone. The Smart Feature OS offers you an updated version of the classic snake game, along with Facebook, Twitter, Google Maps and Google Assistant apps! The long-lasting battery – what Nokia phones are most famous for – remains as the most remarkable feature of the banana phone. The 1500mAh battery can last up to 25 days standby from a single charge!

LG V30S ThinQ

Instead of unveiling its next flagship, LG presents us an upgraded version of the V30, the V30S ThinQ at MWC 2018. The new smartphone retains plenty of features of the original V30 but with 6GB instead of 4GB RAM, 128GB internal storage and new colours – Moroccan Blue and Platinum. Assisted by AI, the camera changes shooting modes according to what you’re taking a photo of. For example, if you’re taking pictures of food, the “Dedicated Mode” will be activated, enhancing contrast and saturation. When it’s too dark, the new “Bright Mode” introduces more light into the pictures by combining megapixels to make them bigger. Although there isn’t a massive upgrade in the V30S ThinQ compared to the old V30, it is still a phone we’re going to love.

STK X2

British manufacturer STK is introducing a new member to the low-cost market – the X2! Despite its small price tag, the Android smartphone has a 5.7-inch HD+ display and a sophisticated glass and aluminium body that makes it look expensive. It also comes with STK Care, a ROM-based optimisation tool that effectively prevents slowdown over prolonged use. The phone will literally feel brand new every time you pick it up! What impresses us the most is the X2’s software department: it’s running Android 8.1 Oreo with additional support features such as a 24-hour support system an on-device diagnostic tool for troubleshooting hardware issues!

Are you enjoying MWC 2018 so far? We can’t wait to see what the rest of the exhibition is going to offer! We’ll keep you up to date with the planet’s largest mobile phone show. Stay tuned!

Keep up with all the latest product launches and tech news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk.

February 28, 2018 0 comment

Samsung Launches Modular TV Called “The Wall”

Samsung Launches Modular TV Called “The Wall”

At this year’s CES, Korean tech giant Samsung has unveiled a massive 146-inch modular TV – so huge that it’s appropriately called ‘’The Wall’’!

Featuring a micro-LED display that excels in delivering the deepest black and bright highlights, the TV will rival OLED screens from their competitor LG’s flagship products.

If 146 inches isn’t enough for you, the mega-telly’s modular technology will even allow you to customise the size of your TV! The Wall can link up to other units to build a display as big as your lounge and bank balance will allow (!) And we’re not expecting it to be cheap as Samsung’s current 75-inch TVs are around £5000.

Much smaller than current LEDs in TVs, MicroLEDs generate their own light, enabling individual pixels to be turned on and off. This results in higher contrast, richer colours and a more dynamic range. The self-emitting LEDs will be able to produce a bright picture without a backlight, which hinders the creation of deep blacks on screens since its illumination spills beyond the pixels it is targeted at.

These features may sound familiar to you as Samsung had already demoed this technology at last year’s CES. The technology was only referred as a prototype that wouldn’t be seen on any actual product anytime soon however, 12 months later, The Wall is almost ready for commercial sale.

You may think there’s no difference between watching on a projector and on The Wall. Why bother going to the fuss of having an enormous TV? Well, the modular TV’s picture quality is guaranteed to beat what a projector can manage. Just imagine having an IMAX-like experience in your living room! Your home cinema experience will also be more fuss-free – You’ll just have to sit back and switch the mega-telly on without worrying about unfurling the screen, fiddling about with the projector or making sure your room is dark enough for the projector to deliver a good picture.

We’re expecting a huge price tag since MicroLED displays are difficult to manufacture. Each of the LEDs have to be placed onto a layer by machines and there are millions of LEDs in a single screen. Even though Samsung was pitching its monster TV as a ‘’consumer’’ product, it’s unlikely to attract bargain hunters.

Samsung has not yet revealed details on the pricing of The Wall. Its release date is also yet to be announced. Are you as excited as we are?!

Stay tuned for more exciting news and launches from CES 2018!

Keep up with all the latest product launches and tech news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk.

January 11, 2018 0 comment

CES 2018: Latest News & Highlights So Far

CES 2018: Latest News & Highlights So Far

CES 2018 is officially here! Held in Las Vegas, the biggest tech show of the year has already brought us a number of exciting announcements and new product launches. Want to know more about the innovative gadgets and intriguing concepts the show has unveiled? Read on for more on the biggest tech show of the year!

1. Samsung ‘’The Wall” TV

The Wall is the highlight of Samsung’s CES 2018 TV preview. It’s an enormous 146-inch 4K television, designed to turn an entire wall into a screen. Without any bezels, the modular TV can be connected to other units, which means the display can be made to whatever size you want it to be! The fact that it is a MicroLED screen makes The Wall even more impressive! Made of pixels that generate their own light, the screen allows each pixel to be turned on and off, producing enhanced contrast and a more dynamic range.

2. Sony Xperia XA2, Xperia XA2 Ultra & Xperia L2 Smartphones

(Source: alphr)

Sony has surprised us by revealing 3 new Xperia smartphones at CES, instead of reserving the announcement of new phones for MWC. The Xperia XA2 is equipped with a 120° super-wide front-facing camera, while the XA2 Ultra comes with an additional 16MP snapper with optical image stabilisation. In terms of screen size, the XA2 has a 5.5-inch display, while the XA2 Ultra features a 6-inch screen. Both phones offer 1080p HD displays, Qualcomm Snapdragon 630 processors and the latest Android Oreo.

The Xperia L2 is the low-cost version, ideal for anyone on a budget. The new phone is still sophisticated despite its smaller price tag; it features a 5.5-inch display, a quad-core MediaTek MT6737T processor, 3GB RAM and is backed by Android Nougat. We are yet to know more about the Xperia L2 after it launches later this month, who else is excited?

3. NVIDIA BFGDs

Holder of one of the first conferences of CES 2018, the GPU giant NVIDIA announced its new Big Format Gaming Displays (BFGDs), a new initiative to create the most outstanding PC gaming screens. Joining hands with Acer, ASUS and HP, the GPU maker announced plans to create 65-inch, 4K 120Hz HDR screens with integrated Nvidia G-Sync technology and Nvidia Shield functionality. By the time the BFGDs are released, they may be one of the largest screens you can ever connect your PC gaming rig to!

4. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop

CES is bringing a lot of good news to gamers this year! Acer introduced Nitro 5, its latest budget gaming laptop at the tech show. Running AMD’s Radeon RX560 GPU and powered by an AMD Ryzen mobile processor, the Nitro 5 is undoubtedly going to offer an exceptional performance. This affordable gaming laptop is predicted to be available in April 2018. Gamers, get ready to enjoy this powerful machine without worrying about your wallet!

CES 2018 is presenting us with endless possibilities and it’s almost impossible to predict what we’re going to see next! We’ll keep you up to date with this gadget-filled week.

Keep up with all the latest product launches and tech news at www.laptopoutletblog.co.uk.

January 8, 2018 0 comment

Samsung Galaxy S9: release date, news & rumours

Samsung Galaxy S9: release date, news & rumours

With Apple having its new flagship iPhone released, it is not surprising that Samsung has been building hype for its next big thing – the Samsung Galaxy S9. As the Korean brand is one of Apple’s main rivals, it makes sense to compare the new Android phone to the iPhone X. So what exactly is the Galaxy S9? Read on to find out more about its design, specs, news, release date and other rumours!

Design & Display

Retaining the same 5.8-inch panel size as the Galaxy S8, the Galaxy S9 is not going to bring any surprise in terms of sizing. Nevertheless, it is reported that a new lamination process is introduced to produce a phone screen that is curved on all four edges. The screen is finished off with a new water-repellent coating, making the new Samsung phone rain-friendly. What would make the display even more unique would be the rumoured in-screen fingerprint scanner. This is a notable move by Samsung to combat the recent complaints regarding the placement of the fingerprint sensor next to the rear camera on the latest Samsung phones.

Last but not least, the Galaxy 9 may feature a modular design. Magnetic pins may be introduced on the back of the phone so that users can upgrade the device by attaching external modules!

Camera & Battery

Although the size of the phone is remaining unchanged, a larger battery is expected in the Galaxy S9 as it is reported that the substrate-like PCB technology Samsung is using enables a bigger battery to be fitted in without having a larger processor.

The Samsung Galaxy S9 is rumoured to be able to produce some of the most stunning slow motion videos. According to industry sources, Samsung is developing a rear camera that shoots at 1000 frames per second – more powerful than any smartphones on the market. This is going to make the new flagship phone stand out from the crowd.

OS & Power

The Snapdragon 845 is very likely to be powering UK versions of the Galaxy S9. The octa-core chip has four cores running at 2.8GHz and four at 1.8GHz. The performance of the fastest cores are 30% stronger than the fastest cores in the Snapdragon 835! While power use has been decreased, the enhancement in AI processing and graphics performance is noteworthy. The chipset also bumps up the camera’s video recording potential to Ultra-HD!

As for elsewhere in the world outside of the UK, Samsung is going to uses its own Exynos 9810 chips that has just been announced. The LTE modem included makes the Galaxy S9 faster than any other smartphones – It supports theoretical download speeds of 1.2Gbps, which means you could download an HD movie in 10 seconds!

Nevertheless, we are probably not going to find 6GB of RAM inside, even though the feature is found on a number of older phones, Samsung has decided to stick with the sensible 4GB spec.

Release Date & Price

A February or March 2018 launch is expected. Traditionally, Samsung launches its flagship before MWC in February, but some also say there will be a late February announcement before the official launch in early March.

Price wise, with the Galaxy S8 launched at £689, there is no doubt that the Samsung Galaxy S9 is going to be expensive. However, as Samsung has been keeping its pricing in line with other flagship phone makers up till this year, we do not expect the price to go any higher than the current RRP.

Are you as excited as you for the release of the Samsung Galaxy S9?! For more of the latest information on the Samsung Galaxy S9, helpful reviews and other tech related news, keep track of our blog.

January 5, 2018 0 comment

The iPhone X: The 10th Anniversary Of The iPhone

The iPhone X: The 10th Anniversary Of The iPhone

Apple was very secretive about the 10^th anniversary of the iPhone, while rumours spread like wild fire; suspense only heightened as the launch day finally came. To clear up any confusion, it was a surprise to the masses that Apple actually released three phones; the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X. The iPhone X has stolen the limelight to say the least. So what exactly is it? Well, there were whispers that the iPhone X was the same as the iPhone 8, but was just given a little more attention and a different name to highlight the milestone age of the iPhone turning 10; this evidently isn’t the case. This little stunner of a phone has tongues wagging and jaws dropping, so read on to see what all the excitement is about!

Appearance & No Home Button

(Source: Apple)

The assumption that the home button would be removed had been bouncing around and it was put into motion with the iPhone X, but not the 8 or 8 Plus. Whilst this feature is being heavily praised for improving the aesthetics of the phone, it has indeed been seen before (LG G6) and the Samsung Galaxy range seem to be heading in that direction as pioneers of the curved edges and somewhat infinity screens. Although, we can’t deny this is a rather stunning phone. The removal of the home button enhances the slick and chic look that Apple is ever so loved and famous for. Available in silver and space grey, they’re very easy on the eye to say the least, but we couldn’t help but feel that there’s something missing- the iPhone X in black.

Face ID

Abandoning the infamous home button means ditching the finger print scanner that unlocked previous iPhone models. So Apple is kicking up the fancy tech features a notch and have now introduced face scanner ID. The security feature utilises the front camera (obviously), mapping out facial features and recognising them in order to unlock the phone. However, at Apple’s latest convention in LA when demonstrating the face ID scanner for the first time ever, live and on camera, it unfortunately didn’t work on the first attempt. Perhaps it was nerves, perhaps it was the phone, we’re not sure. Apple don’t really make mistakes, so chances are it was a one off or a little bad luck- but we’ll know for sure when the phone is available to the public. A rather cool feature (quite well presented on their website if you’re interested) is how the facial recognition technology adapts and learns of changing facial features over time, like growing a beard, wearing hats/scarves that may potentially cover your face or recognising different expressions.

Camera

(Source: Apple)

The camera is the same as its predecessor- the iPhone 7. It has a 12MP wide-angle dual camera, plus some extra features. Portrait mode for selfies is a great feature if you’re brave enough to snap your face in high def. The artistically blurred background gives the impression of DSLR quality without the hassle of carrying a clunky camera around. Portrait lighting lets you manipulate photos with ease, no apps, or transfers to your computer to use Photoshop.

Wireless Charging

(Source: Telegraph)

So this feature is pretty cool, there’s no fiddling with wires, you simply place it on the dock. Also the infamous Apple charging cable that always breaks will hopefully be left behind. You can charge your phone, watch and earphones; all at the same time too! We have only one little query, so the charging cable is gone, why keep the Apple port, why not bring the normal earphone jack back? It’s just a little unnecessary now seeing as the port has no purpose other than earphones, that you either buy from Apple, or have to buy an adapter for if you use your own.

AR & Animoji

(Source: The Verge)

The ASUS ZenFone AR was the first phone with built in augmented reality and virtual reality, and it seems Apple have jumped on the bandwagon too. Apple introduced Animoji this year, which is a dynamic cartoon emoji that moves and speaks based on your actual face motions.

Animoji utilises augmented reality to enable you to transfer your facial expressions to your choice of emoji- pretty cool right? TrueDepth camera can decipher and analyse over 50 muscular movements to make an emoji of your choice mimic your expression (choice of 12 emojis)

Price

Now, this is where most people’s draw drop in shock and start to think the iPhone 8 is probably a better purchase. The 64GB model is priced at just £1 short of a grand- £999. The 256GB model is £1149. Smartphones just as good and capable are half the price, but this phone is definitely not for everyone. The premium feel features and of course, price makes this phone more of an accessory and luxury item.

So there you have it, the key features of the 10^th anniversary iPhone X! We hope we’ve given you further insight to some of the phone’s cool features and helped you come to a decision if you were in the midst of contemplating; to buy or not to buy? For more latest tech news and releases, helpful top picks and reviews- visit our blog.

The iPhone X not for you? Check out our range of mobile phones here.

September 14, 2017 0 comment

Top Tech Essentials For Students

Top Tech Essentials For Students

Starting university soon? It’s a big change, but here at Laptop Outlet we’re here to help! Between buying pot and pans and trying to find recipes for stuff that’ll take no more than 10 minutes to cook, tech is another hurdle to climb over. In the comfort of your house everything is there, but what exactly do you need and what isn’t a necessity? We’re here to walk you through the top tech essentials for students!

Laptops

First and foremost, quite possibly the most important- a laptop! Having a budget and limited room in halls, this will be your go-to device for everything, whether it’s ordering cheap take-out, doing research, writing up essays, gaming or watching films. We suggest you look into your course requirements and avoid making any hasty decisions. If your course requires more power-consuming and demanding software (graphic design, film, digital art etc) we suggest you go for a powerful processor- perhaps an i7 Intel processor. Alongside this, you’ll probably need a device with a higher than usual RAM and storage space, and most definitely more advanced graphics. So check what your area of study requires. What do you need? If you like to game and watch films, look into a laptop that is an all-rounder- great for work and play purposes.

Key points to consider before buying:

Preference (Brand, style, hybrid or laptop, touchscreen or not)
Course requirements (power-draining software?)
Study purposes only or entertainment too?
How much do you store on your laptop? How much storage space do you need?
Price, what’s your budget?
Portability, do you plan to travel with your laptop or work on the go?
Aesthetics, do you want something that looks good?
Student discount? Certain stores and brands do this. (Student Beans & Uni Days)
Check with your university to see if you’re eligible for funding or if you can be provided with a laptop during term time (e.g. low income household, disability allowance, grant).

Speakers

Part of the university experience is the social aspect. Whether it’s a chilled night with friends, getting ready for a night out, flat party or just jamming to your favourite tunes while cooking- a speaker is a must have. With loads to choose from, some are as cheap as a tenner! Depending on your needs pick something suited to your lifestyle.

Key points to consider:

Portability? Do you want/need to take them out the house or not?
How loud you like to listen to music?
Price & brand
Do you need Bluetooth/wireless speakers?
Do you want a multi-functional speaker? Perhaps one with a radio?

Printer

Now this is an optional one. With tech advancement having been so great in the past decade, universities have jumped on the bandwagon of high-tech! So much of your work may be handed in electronically, so check with your course/module leader. If you’re a fan of typing up notes and printing them out when exam period hits, then consider investing in one. Or perhaps art and photography students might need to print pictures out? See if it’s an essential, if not don’t make the unnecessary purchase (that money could be used on cheap Chinese food!). Alongside this, all universities offer a printing service, it’s usually well priced; often 10p per A4 page.

Key points to consider:

How large of a printer do you need? (A4 or larger?)
Price & brand
Wireless?
Do you have space for it?
Is it essential for your course or could you manage with university printing?
Photo printer so you stick them up in your room as decoration or to remember your favourite uni moments?

Smartphone

Other than the obvious purpose of communication, you’ll be surprised how much your smartphone can help with education. Listening to audiobook can save you a tonne of time and money; they’re cheaper than physical copies and you can get through an entire book so much quicker. Something for all your necessary apps, space to snap photos through freshers and music. You might even need to use your phone for quickly looking over notes before a big test or organising your time and writing up to-do lists. Keep up to date with social media, with university events, needing Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to connect with people; do you have a phone that can handle all of that?

Key points to consider:

Price & brand
Storage – What you’ll use it for? (music, photos, notes, recording lectures, photography etc)
Social Media
Screen size – Will you be using it to read lecture notes on or simply as a means of communication?

Portable Charger

It may seem like something unnecessary but if you need your phone all day and are used to constantly being on it- that combined with a full day of lectures could leave you with a dead battery. Something small and mighty can provide you with that extra power your phone needs to get through the day. However, this item isn’t a must-have for everyone, but do grab it if you need it!

Key points to consider:

Is it a necessity?
How long can your phone last?
Your lecture schedule- if you have time between classes you can easily charge in a coffee shop or back at your room.

USB

Believe it or not, this little guy might be your life saver at times. With last minute cramming and looming deadlines you can never anticipate when your laptop will crash, so saving your work on one of these little guys as you go along could prevent the loss of your essay on the Third Reich. If you’re working in the library, some students find online storage a hassle, so just save your work on this little guy and head on back to the flat, pop it in your laptop and resume work.

Key points to consider:

How much storage you need.
Price & brand
Whether you think you need it or not, make sure you have one to be on the safe side!

Microsoft Office

A must-have for every student! Whether it’s essay writing or group presentation, this is a must have. Check with your university as they often offer this to students free or at a reduced price.

Anti-Virus Software

As much as it may seem like a cost you’d rather avoid, this is absolutely essential. A virus could render your device obsolete and completely wreck it. Having had work and entertainment stored on your laptop, perhaps important passwords too, it’s absolutely vital you protect your device. Do you really want to lose your assignment 10 hours before a deadline? Alongside this, whilst Netflix is affordable, many choose to use the not so safe and legal websites to stream films and shows that come with a higher risk of such threats, so be prepared!

So there you have it, our student tech essentials for university! We hope we’ve armed you with some good knowledge too. If you weren’t sure on what you needed, hopefully you know or have an idea now! We offer up to 15% off with Student Beans on selected student items, so check it out!

For more helpful guides, top picks and tech related news- visit our blog.

August 25, 2017 0 comment

Android Smartphones: The Latest Releases

Android Smartphones: The Latest Releases

On the hunt for a new smartphone? Prefer Android to Apple? Well, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve picked out the latest releases, the crème de la crème of the latest smartphones to hit the market. So lets get started!

Honor 9

Screen: 5.15” honor

RAM: 4GB/6GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB

Camera: Rear- 20MP Dual Lens, Front- 8MP

OS: Android 7 Nougat

Pros:

Sleek and aesthetically pleasing exterior
Affordable price

Cons:

Very mediocre camera for dual lens

With all the high-end features that most popular manufacturers include in their products, we are majorly impressed with the Honor 9. In comparison to manufacturers like Apple and Samsung, Huawei Honor isn’t as established, thus meaning it has a smaller customer pool and less customer loyalty which knocks down the price of the phone when it’s just as efficient and powerful as the Galaxy or iPhone range (good news for you)! The most notable feature is the eye -catching design. Available in sapphire blue and glacier grey with a chic glass exterior, this phone has a luxurious look and feel.

Our Verdict:

Although Honor isn’t as well-known as other manufacturers like Apple or Samsung, the Honor 9 is still in the league as being just as powerful as an iPhone, but more affordable.

Asus ZenFone AR

Screen: 5.7”

RAM: 6GB/8GB

Storage: 64GB/128GB

Camera: Rear- 23MP

Dual Lens, Front- 8MP

OS: Android 7 Nougat

Pros:

First phone with built-in VR & AR
Great screen quality
Impressive camera

Cons:

Very expensive

ASUS has topped the game with the first phone to be certified and come with Daydream and Tango, it’s probably a flagship product in the history of AR and VR products. So with the market for augmented and virtual products growing, this product has us intrigued. It’s more than just gaming- furnishing your new apartment? If only you could try furniture out the same way you try on shoes…Well, you can now! AR & VR is proving to be handy in day-to-day life so if it’s something that appeals to you, this phone comes highly recommended. Asides from that obvious golden feature, the phone itself is great. This phone takes quick charging to a new level, you can gain up to 60% in the charging time of 40 minutes, despite fast charging being a feature on many new smartphones we haven’t come across anything as fast as this. The unusually high 23MP front camera will ensure every snap or Instagram post is of immense clarity and of utmost detail.

Our Verdict:

If you’ve jumped on the newly formed bandwagon of AR and VR, whether it be for gaming or for every day help- take the plunge if you can afford it! It’s the first and only phone to have such innovative features.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Active

Screen: 5.8” 526c6377-3097-4e96-83c6-ef2b7ac800f7

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB

Camera: Rear- 12MP, Front- 8MP

OS: Android 7 Nougat

(Source: DigitalTrends)

Pros:

Great camera quality
Very durable

Cons:

Not the best choice for power & performance, focuses primarily on durability

With durability being this phones key feature, this is an ideal choice for those who are into extreme sports, constantly active or just plain clumsy. With all the powerful features of the well-known S range, this little guy is a little tougher. The S8 Active can survive under water for 30 minutes at a depth of up to 5ft. With a shatter resistant screen, this phone can withstand more than a few harsh tumbles. It is also equipped to handle more extreme climates that lesser devices would not be able to handle. Alongside this, its chip (the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835) has been proven to be up to 25% more efficient than the chip of its predecessor the S7 Active; alongside upping the resolution from 2560 x 1440 to 2960 x 1440.

Our Verdict:

Hands down- a top choice for those who like to live life on the edge. Withstanding water and heavy drops, alongside being shatter-resistant this phone is tailored for those who indulge in extreme sports.

Motorola Moto Z2 Force

Screen: 5.5” 7827fbc8-f4e8-4d9f-b750-3f4ea0544186

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 64GB

Camera: Rear- 12MP dual lens, Front- 5MP

OS: Android 7.1.1

(Source: TechRadar)

Pros:

Can withstand everyday drops and falls with ease
Lengthy battery life
Good camera

Cons:

Plain design
Cannot withstand hard drops, only day-to-day normal tumbles
Not scratch and water proof

Upon first glance, it’s a little tricky to spot the differences between the Z2 and its predecessor but there are some noticeable improvements if you dig a little deeper. It’s 13% thinner and 12% lighter (145g) and Motorola managed to fit a dual-lens camera in- amazing! The new 3500mAh battery can stretch battery life for up to 2 days (depends on use). MotoMods further enhances the excitement surrounding this device, with choices of the Moto 360 camera, JBL speakers, an upcoming game controller, a 10x zoom lens, an attachable projector and the Turbo Power battery pack. Despite not being scratch proof or shock proof, this phone has immense 5 screen layers; effectively getting rid of the common screen crack issue that most people face.

Our Verdict:

If you love to capture high-definition pictures but don’t want the hassle of carrying a DSLR- this is your perfect phone. With the MotoMods to improve picture quality, alongside the included camera being of a high standard- you’re in for vivid photos and true-to-life imagery. It’s also a worthy purchase for those who need a little extra protection when it comes to everyday use.

LG G6

Screen: 5.7” 85c31912-e767-4509-b240-d428e496224b

RAM: 4GB

Storage: 32GB

Camera: Rear- 13MP dual lens, Front- 5MP

OS: Android 7

Pros:

Simple and elegant design
Waterproof

Cons:

Very pricey

With its slick and durable design LG are onto a winner having made their best phone yet. The exterior is a combination of metal and glass, framed with aluminum, with 2 sheets of Gorilla Glass 5 on the back and Gorilla Glass 3 on the front. The platinum shade is by far the most eye-catching, so if you’re looking into buying this phone, see if you can get your hands on this colour. With new features such as IP68 certification of dust and water-resistance, this phone definitely tops the LG G5 with the additional features such as these. The Snapdragon 821 chip ensures smooth-sailing navigation, effectively elevating the phones efficiency and power-consumption, alongside decreasing thermal energy given off by the device earning its place in our top picks of the best Android smartphones released so far this year.

Our Verdict:

This is by far LG’s greatest phone yet, so if you’re a fan of the brand and have the money, this phone would be a great purchase. The luxury design makes this an ideal buy for those who need/want to use their device in a formal or work environment.

So there you have it, the latest and best releases of Android smartphones. If you were on the hunt for a new Android phone, we hope this article has been of some assistance. If you’re still undecided, check out our range of Android smartphones.

For more updates on latest releases, top picks, helpful reviews and other tech news- visit our blog.

August 23, 2017 0 comment

Top Android Phones To Buy In The UK 2017

Top Android Phones To Buy In The UK 2017

An android phone can cost up to a fortune, so make sure you invest in one which will keep you in good company for many years…or until your next upgrade anyway. So fear not, we’re here to help you find your ideal device and make your search easier. So carry on reading to find out the top android phones to buy in the UK 2017!

Sony Xperia XA

Processor: MediaTek MT6755 ^62A57FAC74C25DD5E47B8F05238B3104FA4E9C20681113172B^pimgpsh_fullsize_distr

Ram: 3GB

Storage: 16GB

Display: 6”

Screen Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Camera: 21.5MP Rear+ 8MP

OS: Android 6.0

The new Sony Xperia is able to; capture bright and sharp images within a fraction of a second, Optical Image Stabilisation gives you picture perfect quality and clarity when taking a snap in darker environments, and the wide focal coverage enable to tap anywhere on the screen to focus on a subject. So if you’re a fan of photography or love to take pictures when out and about with friends, this is an ideal purchase for you. Always on your phone? Constantly out the house? You needn’t worry about charging as this Sony phone has a battery life of up to 2 days between charges.

Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge

Processor: Octa Core

Ram: 4GB

Storage: 32GB

Display: 5.5”

Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440

Camera: 12MP Rear + 5MP Front

OS: Android 6.0

With a generation of new phones being released every year, Samsung is the only brand that comes close to rivalling Apple’s infamous iPhone. The S7 Edge gives you high-end smart phone features without a big screen that most newly released phones have adapted, as well as ditching the immense cost that phones such as its upgraded models and the iPhone come at. The elegantly curved design and size allows you to seamlessly navigate and use your phone with one hand and is the perfect pocket sized companion. Samsung propelled themselves onto the gaming front, the S7 Edge was the first smartphone to support Vulkan API enabling a greater gaming experience and prolonged battery life ensures gaming (and other phone use) for lengthier periods without the hassle of charging when on the go.

LG G5

Processor: Octa Core

Ram: 3GB

Storage: 32GB

Display: 5.3”

Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440

Camera: 16MP Rear+ 8MP Front

OS: Android 6.0.1

This LG G5, unlike any another phone comes with a bundle which contains a cam plus module, H3 headphones and a B&O Hi-Fi speaker. Regardless of this amazing bundle, the phone itself is absolutely remarkable. The ability to trap a massive frame of 135 degrees ensures no one will be left out of your group selfie! The slide out battery seems a little outdated, but for those constantly out the house or consistently travelling, it enables constant use so you can carry a spare battery and pop it in to ensure emails are returned and phone calls get answered.

Motorola Google Nexus 6

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 ^FF61935D896E634EBA15AF07BDE0295A0EAD5A00B423631670^pimgpsh_fullsize_distr

Ram: 3GB

Storage: 32GB

Display: 6”

Camera: 2MP Front + 13MP Back

Screen Resolution: 2560 x 1440

OS: Android 5.0 (Lollipop)

With a top of the range Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor combines with 3GB RAM, this phone is made for the most industrious of people, with the processing capability of handling power- draining apps, lengthy usage and multitasking. With an impressive screen resolution, 6” display and graphic quality, watching your favourite shows will be an immersive experience; without the usual hassles of squinting at a small screen and blurred images.

Lenovo K5

Processor: QUALCOMM Snapdragon 415

Ram: 2GB RAM

Storage: 16GB

Display: 5”

Screen Resolution: (1280 x 720)

Camera: 13MP Rear+ 5MP Front

OS: Android 5.1

Small, smart and straight to the point. An efficient phone for all your day to day needs, from emails, calls and texts to pictures, music and videos. Want to keep business and pleasure separate? This phone is the epitome of duality due to the dual-SIM configuration that allows you to have to numbers on one smartphone; so switch contact between clients and the family in an easy to handle fashion.

As this blog comes to an end, we hope we’ve helped you end the search for the perfect android phone! If you’re still undecided, check out our range of android phones and you’ll be sure to find something suited to your needs!

For more helpful reviews, useful top picks and tech related news,

Check out our blog.

July 26, 2017 0 comment

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