Categories
Technology

The Smartphone FOLD

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.

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.

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.

Categories
Technology

IFA DAY 2

Samsung showed off its technical prowess by unveiling its highly anticipated Galaxy Foldable Smartphone. A welecome design change to the market in my opionion. I saw the new phone from a far. The display counter was chalked full of tech  press waiting to get their hands on it. 

The Korean Brand also showed off a closet steamer for clothing care. As a fashion editor, I gave it a thumbs up.

Stay tuned for more IFA highlights. 

Categories
Technology

Gear S3 from Samsung

At IFA 16 Samsung unveiled its latest smartwatch, the Gear S3.  My verdict: NO! Still not compelling enough or stylish to warrant a purchase.

I got a personal demonstration, then had hands on time.

Coming in two styles, the first is based on an elegant classic design style.  The second is a sportier, rugged design for the urban adventurer.

What I noticed immediately was the size of the round display/face; 1.3 inches in thick steel casing, light. You can swipe the display to change the face looks and access widgets.  When I tried it on, the watch dominated my wrist, a bit too noticeable for my taste. I asked  why the bigger display, I was told their customers desired a larger screen size because it was easier to read and navigate applications.   Samsung is clearly positioning this device for male users as a hi-tech wearable.

The Gear S3 uses Samsung’s TIzen OS with 4 gb of eternal storage space. All can be controlled by either the  Home Button, Back Button, or Rotating dial.  It was easy to control after a few tries.

Battery life has been improved for up to 3 days without recharging. There is a microphone and speaker for making calls.  Waist bands are standard sizes, enabling the user to change colors and styles.

I did not hate the Gear S3 but I could give myself a valid reason for wanting it.  I was unconvinced.

I did not get a launch date for the Gear 3 so check for local release dates.

Categories
Fashion

IFA Day 1

Acer has an interesting product line up this season from the ailing tech company, the brand introduced devices ranging from interacting toys for pets to a hyped up gaming pc.

The Pawbo is for pets lovers all over the world who feel guilty about their four legged friends alone.   An interactive gadget is designed for pet interaction that can be controlled from a smartphone while away from home.  It even offers treats.

The Xplova is a smart cycling computer with built in camera.  It monitors speed and fitness levels.

Staying to its core strength, the brand introduced a new gaming pc, Predator 21 is with a curve monitor, is impressive.

New  gaming technologies include infinite screen, eye tracking technology and intuitive sensing.

High-end home appliance maker Bosch’s  theme is Home Connected”.    The man inside the refrigerator now has company, a camera.   No more guessing what is on the self.  Just check via a smartphone app.  All appliances from the brand are locally produced with tight quality control procedures. If you buy a home appliance from the brand in the US.  It was produce in the US.

Panasonic is investing inFuture Living” and smart cities as the company has become involved in sustainability eco-friendly services and technology on city size scale.  In Berlin there company is involved in building a smart city in the Aldershof District with an emphasis on people and connectivity.

Laundroid is a appliance device that washes, dry, and folds clothing.  Available soon!

Samsung proves why it is still the top brand in the android world.  The Galaxy 7 smartphone is impressive with pen and user interaction. Very smooth interface and great camera.  There is also a retina scan ID feature.

The new Gear 3 smartwatch comes in two styles, one classic, the other is sporty, using Tizan Operating System, has 4GB internal storage with battery life of up to 4 days depending on usage.  There are two buttons, the home and back with a rotating bezel for scrolling and navigating applications, also different digital faces with a continuing display.  The display/face is 1.3 inches.  The casing is a bit thick.  There is an option to change bands.