Category: Technology

Technology has changed the world.  Everyone has a device these days.  We cover the tech world with news and interviews on the latest gadgets.

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Technology

Nokia goes Affordable

Nokia

Nokia was once the undisputed king of the mobile phone market, with a market share of over 50% in 2008. However, the company was slow to adapt to the rise of smartphones, and by 2013, its market share had fallen to just 3%.

In 2014, Nokia sold its handset business to Microsoft. HMD Global, a Finnish company, then acquired the rights to use the Nokia brand on smartphones. HMD has since released a number of Nokia-branded smartphones, but they have yet to make a significant impact on buyers.

Nokia
Nokia

The Specs and Why

The G60 5G is Nokia’s mid price smartphone packed with premium qualities.

The specs are:

6.58 inch display

128 GB internal storage

Android Operating System

Front and rear cameras

Pros:

  • Good user experience
  • Long battery life
  • Fast charging
  • Sustainable design

Cons:

  • Camera can be slow to focus in low light
  • Pro mode can be slow to configure
  • Design is not as distinctive as some older Nokia phones

As far as the user experience, fine, reactive and smooth. Downloading and using apps was instant without complications. Battery life is good. I was able to recharge quickly.

Camera quality is good not great in the auto mode, it took a few times to get the proper focus. In challenging light situations I needed patients. There is a pro-mode gives the user more control but takes too much time to configure for a fast shot. Portrait mode, take it on leave it.

Being a Nordic company, Nokia designed and produced the device with strong sustainability credentials. Many parts of the G60 are made from recycled parts. The packaging is all from recycled materials.

Nokia
Sustainable Packaging

On the “cool factor” not so much of a reaction from friends and family. The ubiquitous rectangular candy bar shaped smartphone is a far cry from the Nokia’s glorious past design philosophy when models had strong character. Today the company is about functionality and sturdy devices over distinctive looks.

Overall, I think the Nokia G60 5G is a good phone for the price. It has a few drawbacks, but it also has a lot on the table. If you are looking for an affordable 5G phone with good sustainability credentials, then I would recommend considering this one.

IFA 2023, check out all our coverage and news from the big tech event here.

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Technology

Worth IT?

Once a the dominate name in mobile phones NOKIA has fallen far from it’s heyday. I have been using the Finnish brand’s G60 5G. Is the mid level device worth it? Find out in my coming review.

Stay Tuned for my IFA 2023 Coverage.

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Feature Technology

Not So Cheap Buds

REDMI Earbuds

Recently I needed a new pair of earbuds. As a regular gym goer , time goes by faster, tuned into my own music. Another reason, I keep loosing my sound devices. This time my criteria was price, nothing over 50 euros, decent quality and hopefully long life. A journey to the local Media Market, telling the sales person, she recommended Redmi Buds 4 Lite from Xiaomi.

REDMI Earbuds


My take on the budget buds after a month usage, yes they are well worth the 20 euros price. Sound quality is fine, easy to pair with devices. The touch control functions are responsive, just tap on the bud.


The Redmi Buds do not have noise cancellation, which could be a bummer in a fitness studio, however, the sound quality and volume were limited but not a deal killer. The in-ear buds fit is snug, I had no problems with a piece falling out during two hour works. The connection was solid, never lost the Bluetooth signal.


Battery life has been reported a five-hour duration. The sound cues tell the user when to recharge in the small case. Also, the smartphone connection indicated the amount of charge on each bud.

I only used the microphone once, passable for connected conversations.
If a buyer thinks the low price means cheap, far from the truth, consider it twenty euros well spent.


Final Words: Redmi Buds 4 Lite are WORTH A BUY

For all the latest news and reviews from IFA 2023 starting August 30th, keep checking here.

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Technology

The Smartphone FOLD

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5

Samsung introduced a new flagship phone with a vintage feature, a flip open screen. Reaching back to before mobile phones were smart, flipping open a feature mobile was common from brands Ericsson and Motorola. The Korean giant has the new supped up Galaxy Z Flip 5 smartphone entering the Android arena.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Flip Side
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Full Screen

What I liked: The sharp screen and a quick, responsive interface with smooth movement got my attention. Camera is good, and built designed with a tripod for face time conversations.

What I did not like: Folded hinge, my thought, when would it break? The Flip feels awkward, bulky in the pocket.

Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Hinge
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5
Screen Details and Interface

Priced at 1.299 euros, Samsung is positioning their latest device at the hight end segment while targeting young or millennial consumers.

While foldable phones sales have grown in recent years despite, slowing sales in the smartphone field, the design character falls short of originality and personal expression.

I had limited time to play with the Galaxy Z Flip 5. This quick review is based on limited interaction.

Stay tuned for IFA 2023 technology news and reviews.

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Technology

Sears & tech trends in 2023

IFA IMB

Once upon time there was a major American department store named “Sears”. The Chicago based chain covered the retail landscape coast to coast from big cities to small towns offering everything from toys, clothes and household goods. What made Sears special? The once mighty retailer had Craftsman tools and Kenmore appliances. Those two labels had a reputation of durability and quality. So well made, they came with life warranties and repairs. The process was easy, a buyer could take a tool back or call for a hassle free, at times no charge, service repair covered by the warranty. Modern appliance companies could take a cue from this vintage customer service template.

Sears Appliances
Sears Appliances

As the world shifts to pressing concerns and priorities, from AI, geo-political forces, energy shortages, supply chain disruptions, environmental concerns and Inflation Living Crisis, new models will have to develop.

Will the consumer appliances embrace the circular economy? What about Technologies Planned Obsolescence model? The Innovation Media Briefing for IFA 2023 came together to discuss upcoming trends in technology and consumer appliances. Will the consumer appliance brands embrace the circular economy? What about technologies Planned Obsolescence model? One of the major topics, developing a repairing and service economy for electronic goods. The EU is in the process of passing a right to repair laws, giving consumers a claim to repair electronic goods with access to spare parts.

As the consumers want more goods with a sustainable footprint, the buy now and throw away model is coming under scrutiny. When was the last time anyone had a display repaired? High cost and lack of repair professionals make it easier to buy another. Should I wait for a repairman when it would take me under fifteen minutes to work to electronic store? There are more barriers to fixing tech devices; companies control their supplies and services training.

Are buyers willing to spend money on the latest gadget during these times? Doubtful, in Berlin we face high energy bills this winter. More buyers are delaying unnecessary purchase in face of increasing basic living costs, keeping their old tech longer.

The technology industry after years of soaring above the clouds is dropping back to Earth in 2023, however, they are finding the world is a disparate place.

IFA 2023 starts August 31st.

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Technology

Can Apple Make The World Want Headgear?

Apple Vision Pro

Is this gadget a new way to communicate with life or a gimmick? Spatial computing or Virtual Reality has been the element of sci-fi films. Can Apple make us want to wear headgear indoors? Vision Pro will have built in a tech cult following. The 2D and 3D makes compelling interaction. Conference calls and connected team work may never be the same. The Cupertino California company has thrown in a lot new technology in this experience based gadget, filing over 5000 patents. Retail price $3500.

The down sides of this technology are: 1. Weight 2.Display 3.Fatigue

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Technology Travel

Checking Out the Nokia G60

I got the Nokia G60 5G smartphone to check out. I am still learning how the Android 12 device works. For a spin I walked the famous Nuremberg Christmas Market using the camera. Impressive and fast are my first impressions. The images turned out to be sharp and vivid.

Nokia G 60 in Nuremberg
Nokia G 60 in Nuremberg
Nokia G 60 in Nuremberg
NOKIA G 60 In Nuremberg
Nokia G 60 in Nuremberg

I will give a full review of the Nokia G60 5G smartphone soon. I am still playing.

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Technology

Luxe and FIFA

Loewe

The FIFA World Cup starts this weekend. If you have deep pockets and want the ultimate viewing experience check out the new displays from Loewe. The historic German brand just released a series of televisions just in time for the global sports event. The razor thin ICONIC display is a technical marvel at 7999 euros.

ICONIC

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Feature Technology

Getting Around The City

Innotrans2022

More from the InnoTrans 2022 event of mobility and transportation. The move to digital experience has accelerated. The trend of big companies and governments embracing start ups and smaller companies to help solve key problems facing transportation. One Berlin based start up is teaming up with DBahn for a car hailing service as part of monthly metro pass.

Autonomous automobiles were talked about, but I am not convinced. Right now this technology is in its infancy with many questions.

As I have written, I am in favour of anything that can get me around a city in less time.

VDL bus (Below) set the tone of a Star Trek Spaceship. Captain Picard could be at the helm.

  • VDL
  • Innotrans 2022
    Star Trek Interior
  • Innotrans
    EM Card Charging Station
  • Innotrans 2022
    Train Motor

Soon, there will be more charging stations on the streets. I liked the Digital screen and minimal look of EM Card.

  • CalTrans LA
  • innotrans 2022
    LA is getting a monorail

Traveling Los Angeles could get easier in the future with these two modes of transportation.

Skoda showed off a long train. I am sure there is enough space for all during rush hour. A Spanish tech company Zeleros told me their hyper loop concept will be operation in 2030.

  • Skoda Tram Train
  • Innotrans2022
    Hyper loop Car
  • New Paris Metro Stock from CAF
  • Berlin Seat
  • innotrans 2022
    Oliva Torras mock up of the
    Milan Metro Interior

Zipping around Paris for fashion Week will be easier on this rolling stock. Berlin Seating interior. I know this Milan Metro Line 1 interior all too well, during Milan Fashion Week it is my de-facto limo.

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Feature Technology

Getting Around

InnoTrans

I attended my first InnoTrans event in Berlin. Why would I go to a mass transit trade fair? As a person who uses public transport in every city I visit for either business or pleasure getting around is crucial. I am not a high profile magazine editor wearing Prada. During fashion weeks I jump on and off buses, trams and metro networks all day.

InnoTrans is the largest mobility event in Europe occurring every two years. After Covid, there was a great deal enthusiasm to reconnect. I knew no one. Twenty-nine massive halls with exhibitors from around the world discussing mass transit. Ask me about the brake mechanics of a tram, not a clue! But there was a shift to mobility, design and customer experience. Manufacturers and operators are transitioning to to connected and digital spheres. Metro screens guide riders to transfers or local spots. Transport apps better coordinate travel plans. Regional trains have vertical bike holders as well as battery rechargers for commuters.

Overall, it was fascinating participating in InnoTrans, a learning curve, but well worth it.

  • KonCar
  • The rounded exterior
  • InnoTrans koncar
    Back seats of the KonCar Tram

Sitting in the KonCar Tram felt similar to a living room experience instead of the cattle car feel of mass transit.

Pod Car-Hopefully, in 2024 these will be on the street

  • Interactive Display
  • InnoTrans
    Interactive Display

These interactive displays have to potential to engage users in many ways.

  • Vienna Metro Info Screen
  • InnoTrans Vienna Metro
    Holistic Vienna Metro Interior
  • InnoTrans
    Dubai’s Sky Pod

Buzzing around in the air similar to the iconic 1960’s cartoon THE JETSONS.