A quick first impression of the Xiaomi 10 5G Smartphone. A high-end feel, sharp screen, lightweight Android power device packing great features. Stay Tuned for more details.
From #Berlin, a #smartphone review of the Xiaomi Mi 10 5G. #techreview #technology #TechnologyCompany #connected #mobile #tech #technews #android #device pic.twitter.com/KiQxOqWdX0
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) August 14, 2020
Every August I feature the latest gadgets. Devices I like or want to have. This year is no different.
I am going out on a limb here. Mystery Vibe deliver simple or high tech pleasure.
Stay Tuned for the story.
Mystery Vibe Sex Toy
Like everyone, I am making the most of working out, running in the park everyday, sprinting on stairs. But my gym recently opened with new protocols, less equipment, new routine. Change is good, but I wanted to turbo charge my workout. Garmin watches have a reputation of durability with a fitness following.
My first impressions: A bit complicated to set up but it is my first time with the device. Thankfully, there are many YouTube videos. I managed to get the basic data up and running.
Still working on how to navigate the interface. I took the watch for a run in the park, then a round at the gym. Slowly, I could around to having a digital fitness partner.
Stay Tuned for the unboxing and my opinion on the Garmin 945 watch.
What did Steve think of the affordable Monolith Headphones?
First, the Monolith M300 Planar Headphone set is sumptuously packaged in a deluxe black box that slides out to reveal a leather case with Velcro closure containing a heavy duty plastic headphone with long nylon cable, and metal adaptor. There are also different size plastic ear hooks included which offer adaptability to the user. However, they’re not so flexible. The pieces have a sense of breaking easily which could lead to the trouble of finding more durable replacements. Also included are no less than four sets of ear plugs for added comfort. Overall, the aesthetic is not exactly state of the art. Instead going more for endurance against wear and tear (despite the ear hooks) as opposed to a trend-setting look. The latter could have been easily achieved, perhaps Monolith is looking for an alternative appeal in the market.
The sound performance, ultimately the most important aspect, is where the M300 Planar is at its most competitive. Whether it is on the Laptop, Smart Phone or Amplifier. There is a definitively balanced, detailed and spacious stereo soundscape clarity which elevates it to the level of a practical choice at mid-price level and should ensure customer satisfaction. Compared to other headphones in its price range there is a conspicuously louder and more balanced sound, layered in its frequency while very harmonious on the ear. Overall, if its sound first and foremost the user is looking for, then the M300 Planar does well against its competitors.
Where the headsets falter is the heavy black nylon cable with bolt-like adaptor. This is reminiscent of an old electric guitar lead. It might not be everyone’s choice, particularly to youth buyers.
By Steven Yates is a Black and Paper contributor.
I have been in the market for a new laptop. Currently, I use a MacBook Pro. Loyalty is a not factor because I have had different brands over the years. My needs change or evolve when it comes to work devices.
Given a chance to test the HP Spectre gave me an opportunity, why not? I know the HP brand but I am not familiar with the companies product line. Certainly, I did not think they had a stylishly designed product that would fit my needs. I had a pleasant tech surprise.
My initial reaction: A nice finish, pleasing to the eye, and easy to put under the arm in a rush with the leather case.
Battery life is good. The flat keyboard is comfortable with a responsive touchpad. The overall performance, fast, while easy to use.
While I was using this Spectre I broke my arm, then in a cast for 7 weeks.
I had a mixed impression of the facial ID system. Without glasses, fine, there were problems wearing glasses for identification. I used the ID code.
The portability factor, weighing around 3 pounds, worked for me while traveling around Italy and France on a working holiday. I used the tablet feature for spontaneous on set conversations. When writing I put in the table top setting. The tent mode was good for breakfast meetings.
I had a touch screen PC in the past. Using one again reminds me what I missed about them. They are intuitive and easy to use. The 13 inch backlight screen is sharp.
Staying in the premium league for Spectre, the Bang Olusen speakers are good for those like me who listen to music while working.
I had no problems with heating while simultaneously keeping many windows open.
HP is positioning the Spectre for those searching for a style with reliability in their PC’s. You will not be ashamed sitting at a cafe using this slick device.
About this review, sadly, I broke my and ended in the hospital and with a cast for almost 2 months. I did not have the opportunity to really put the Spectre through a more rigorous test. However, overall, I liked the PC.
Intel Core CPU, Intel UHD Graphics, Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity, micro sd port, 13 inch touch screen
Part 2 of the Black and Paper exclusive interview with Tamy Ribeiro on the future of mobility.
I decided to shift the conversation from the challenges faced as a woman in the field, to ask her expert opinions on the future of mobility and our interaction with cars.
We met at the Shift Automotive Conference during IFA Berlin. How will Driverless Cars transform society? Will driving become more leisurely?
Personally owned cars sit idle 95% of the time. There are pain points for insurance, licensing, parking, etc. With self-driving mobility as a service, people will have transportation at their fingertips with zero friction points. This will transform many aspects of our lives in a positive way. Not to mention the fact that reduced time spent behind the wheel frees up a lot of time for entertainment, news, radio, reading a book or anything else a passenger might feel like doing when they don’t have to focus on the road. So in that way, driving will absolutely become more leisurely.
Cars will have to be designed differently.
Absolutely. When it comes to transportation as we know it today, there is huge potential to improve transportation with their current design. However, autonomous vehicles will bring new mobility services to the ecosystem, and in this case, new concepts will be developed.
The design of a car will no longer be about making life easy for the driver, but rather for the passenger. Which is what we’ll all become when we no longer have the need to have our hands on the steering wheel. That means extra focus can be given to comfort and entertainment, making being in the car a more leisure activity.
Driverless cars have been a part of Sci Fi Films. Reality seems trickier.
Autonomous driving is one of the hardest challenges mankind has ever faced. It is a moonshot that needs to be worked on every day. Waymo, for example, is a leader in the market and has over 16M kilometers of driving on public roads and 16B kilometers of simulation. Still, they prioritize launching in regions where they can drive safely. For those that are not aware of the complexity of driverless cars, cities like New York or Berlin would be the first choice when analysing market potential. However, Waymo is currently operating in Phoenix to learn, while adding more capability and geographical reach each month. It’ll be decades before self-driving cars are all over the roads.
Based in Hamburg, Germany, Amy Ribeiro is the Chief Mobility Evangelist and Head of Partnerships for Wunder Mobility.
A very, very, busy at IFA to say the least. Is the hype around 5G real? I attended the Key Note Address by Qualcomm Head Cristiano Amon turned my head around on the subject. The informative talk gave me a lot of insight. A new industrial revolution could be at hand.
The other keynote address by Huawei’s Richard Yu showed the direction the tech giant brand is headed. The new Kirin Chip is small and fast. Additionally, the debut of new phones in pleasing colours showed the company is moving to challenge Samsung and Apple in the lifestyle tech area. The Freebuds 3 are similar in look to other earbuds. I will report on them later. According to Mr. Yu they are vastly superior.
Stay Tuned for more coverage. A bit overwhelmed by IFA 2019
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.
IFA 2019 is around the corner. Our coverage starts September 4 from Berlin. 27 halls filled with A.I.,Virtual Reality, Connectivity, Headsets, and Automotive devices. All the latest news and trends from world’s most important consumer electronics show.
Technology Preview
The IFA Innovation Media Briefing 2019 showed the world of connectivity is expanding. The emphasis was centered on lifestyle. New home appliances with features aimed at making life easier were shown. I was reminded of those 1950’s television commercials showing new microwave ovens to housewives
A.I. or Artificial Intelligence moves forward. But the subject is so large it felt we are seeing pieces not the whole picture. The moral implications as well as social aspects were examined.
5G roll out continues from carriers.
My Highlights:
From #Berlin @IFA_Berlin. #LG #Washermachine is made to last. OH MY! #Appliance #highheels #technews #ThursdayThoughts #kitchendesign #kitchen #washer #shoes #coinnovation pic.twitter.com/l1dUtGRx1a
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) July 11, 2019
Korean brand LG launched a new washer machine with the meaning “durable” as the center piece. (See Video) After seeing the demonstration I can say, “That is Durable”. A second piece of added technology is the steam function, making clothing less wrinkled after washing.
From #Berlin @IFA_Berlin #IMB. A #Cooking device for a Pizza & an Egg from @Philips. I was Amazed! #coinnovation #food #homeappliances #tech #techNews #recipes #cook #kitchen #consumerelectronics #appliances #makelifebetter #IFA2019 #PhilipsPR pic.twitter.com/hDbRARYE3e
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) July 11, 2019
The Philips Fryer evolves. A counter top cooking appliance designed for preparing all types of foods.
Chinese appliance maker Hisense has moved upscale with new kitchen looks with smooth rich surfaces.
From #Berlin @IFA_Berlin IMB. Has #R2D2 arrived? MediSana has a #tech monitoring #device that feels like a #droid from #StarWars. #coinnovation #consumerelectronics #technews #FridayThoughts #technology pic.twitter.com/cVYlBU6ZtM
— BlackandPaper (@BlackandPaper1) July 12, 2019
The Medisana droid is the Star Wars is here now moment. A robot with multiple cameras, screen, and self movement made for senior care monitoring. Soon, R2D2 will soon be a household appliance.
Small appliance goods producer WMF introduced a few products for relaxing. A herbal pot with light, a wine chiller, and a table top fondue set for 8.
Tech giant Samsung is rolling out Bixby. A smart-home voice service challenge to Google Assistant and Alexa.
I hate moping floors. The Karcher floor steamer maybe my life saver. The brand still produces in it’s home country, Germany.
The side conversations at IMB were interesting. They are opportunities for learning inside information and getting real opinions.
Google Assistant and Amazon now dominate the home leaving Microsoft and Apple in the dust.
Will American technology dominate in the future in the face of Trade Wars?
I was a bit surprised by the lack of mobile phone technology this year.
Stay Tuned for full coverage of IFA 2019 starting September 6th. We will have the latest news and trends.