Apple's new upgraded phones, iPhone 6 and iPhone 6S Plus

 Hye guys! Sorry for that this post took something. I've actually been quite busy since I've just finished my first week at work! Yay! But I'll be making efforts to put in new contents as soon as possible. I'm going to post a post on the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus (eventhough it has been sold in certain countries it still hasn't reached Malaysia so maybe I'm still early) to those who might need information on these new models by Apple as pre-orders will open next week in Malaysia. Enjoy!

As expected the Apple Event went ahead at 1a.m. Malaysian time (which basically means no sleep for us in Malaysia who were watching it live) So what did Apple released this time around with their new motto

 "The only thing that's changed is everything".

Not surprising as most of us know that this is the 'S' year which means basically all of last year's models will receive internal upgrades rather than external (no complaining if it's deemed significant enough and if you happen to like the external design). So that morning Apple launced the iPhone 6S to replace the iPhone 6, and the iPhone 6S Plus to replace the iPhone 6 Plus. An addition to the now standard 3 colours is another fourth option that would certainly be a favourite among the ladies which is the ROSE GOLD colour.

Rumours circulated saying that Apple will be incorporating their Force Touch technology into their iPhone. While that actually happened, Apple decides to give it another name which is 3D Touch (same function). A new technology that Apple first introduced in the Apple Watch that was then placed in the new Macbook Air, it introduced a new method of navigating by sensing the difference between a touch and a press. While pressing an icon, a pop-menu will appear listing down all features actions. For example, pressing the camera app icon would bring up a list of action choices such as 'Take a Selfie', 'Record a video', 'Record a slo-mo' and 'Take a photo'. Other applications that has implemented this as well are Mail, Maps, MEssages, Facebook, Instagram, Dropbox and Wechat (many more to come).

Before this there were many bend issues with the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus where apparently you could bent your iPhone 6 Plus with your hands if you applied enough force. To overcome this problem Apple this time used Series 7000 Aluminium  for the construction of the new iPhones (similar material found in the Apple Watch Sport) that is said to be stronger and could handle higher pressure. Unbox therapy has already done a stress test on the new aliminium chassis for the new iPhones, you can watch the video here.

In terms of screen size the iPhone 6S remains at 4.7-inch while the 6S Plus also remains at 5.5-inch. Both displays are ionized strengthened.

Moving onto the internal components, the iPhone 6S/Plus has a new A9 processor that is said to be built by Samsung and TSMC. The 64-bit A9 70% more power and 90% more graphics performance compared to the A8. The new co-processor M9 was also introduced and now records live health, fitness, movement informations.

Touch ID has also been upgraded to the second generation which is supposed to be twice faster,

The most ineresting part that I feel most of you guys are waiting for is that the camera has finally been upgraded! The previou camera was excellent but lately many competitors have stepped up their games and released cameras as good as or even better than the iPhones. Samsung with their S6/Edge and Note 5 which are better than iPhones' camera (tested by PhoneArena ) and LG G4 that is on par with the 6/Plus. And we still haven't taken into account Sony's latest improved lenses on the Xperia Z5 that uses Sony Exmor technology. So it's high time that Apple upgraded its camera. DxOMark has tested the Xperia Z5's camera and the result may surprise you. Here's the link.

After almost 4 years of using their iSight 8MP camera, Apple now introduced their new 12MP iSight camera. They said that they would only increase megapixel counts when they didn't have to compromise on the quality of the pictures taken. One of the advantages of this new camera is that it can now capture 50% more pixel, has a faster autofocus and best of all better pictures. (See example of photos below)

Photos meanwhile comes alive with the new Live Photo function that takes a photo a second before and after the shutter camera is pressed. It would also be sort of a short video to remake the memory of the time the photo was taken as it would record sounds as well. You can turn this feature on or off by pressing the button on the top of the camera app. After that you just take a Live Photo as you would take a normal one.

The new camera has the ability to now capture Panoramas as big as 63MP. It's also capable of recording 4K video (eventhough you can't watch it on your phone)! The front camera also received a boost to now a 5MP Facetime HD for brighter and more beautiful selfies. If the rear camera has the True Tone flash, the front camera now uses the screen as a flash. 'Retina Flash' mimics the True Tone Flash by increasing the brightness of the display by 3x the standard.

Choices of storage for the new iPhones this time around is 16GB, 64GB and 128GB. In my opinion 16GB is not enough now as resolutions of videos keeps on increasing, applications requiring more MBs, you'll quickly find yourself needing more space.

The Wi-fi connectivity on the phone has been upgraded to be twice faster while there is now support for LTE Advance as well.

iPhone 6S and 6S Plus will ship with the new iOS 9. For more information about it, do visit this link. The expected date is on the 16 September.

Apple also surprisingly launced an Android app to entice android users to migrate which is the Move to iOS app. 

The new iPhones will be open for pre-orders in the US and the first batch of countries by September 12 and worldwide sales would be on 25 September (Singapore is among the first, Malaysia will definitely be left out)

Souce: Apple.com


GALLERY

Photos taken with the iSight 12MP/iPhone 6S/Plus

Accessories

BLACKBERRY's ANDROID: PRIV

After speculations and rumours that Blackberry will be moving to Android comes a few photos showing a device bearing blackberry's name and logo. This certainly sparked the internet with the possibility of an Android powered Blackberry (trust me many people would like this). Finally Blackberry's CEO officially revealed the device and thus confirming the rumours. Here's what he has to say on the matter: privacy IS a fast-disappearing privilege in the modern world. The same goes for productivity. Somewhere along the way, most smartphones evolved from tools into toys, with vendors prioritizing fun over work. With PRIV’s software enhancements, physical keyboard and oversized screen, all enabled by the slider form factor, we’re bringing privacy, productivity, and, oh yes, some sexy, back.

Codenamed Venice, its official name is Blackberry PRIV (short for PRIVacy).

We all know that Blackberry makes good quality phones all except for the software, BB7 and BB10, which nowadays compared to Android or iOS is behing in several key areas such as features, capabilities, dan most importantly apps. Its only advantage would be in terms of security where it is still quite ahead. The reason the company is still alive is due to its niche market which compromises of the likes of President Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, businessman and militaries. Most developers don't bother to write extra codes anymore for Blackberry for many reasons. So if Blackberry can actually make an Android version that is safe, that is definitely a win for us consumer.

What is interesting about Blackberry is that the new PRIV is equipped with high-end specs as compared to their other devices. Yay!!

Rumours are that the PRIV will be equipped with a Snapdragon 808 hexacore, 3GB RAM, 3000 mAh removeable battery, 5.5-inch QHD screen with 537 ppi that is apparently dual-curved, an 18MP rear camera with Fast Focus, OIS, 4K Video recording; while the front camera is a 5MP HD shooter.

For those longing for physical keyboards, the PRIV will have a sliding keyboard.

Whatever happens, in my opinion the PRIV will definitely increase sales for Blackberry. Many still like and remember the Blackberry of old during its golden era. Who knows maybe the PRIV will be the one who bring Blackberry back to the front line.

Source: Blackberry, androidpit, AndroidApps

iOS 9 NOW AVAILABLE TO DOWNLOAD

Hye Guys! 

As expected, iOS 9 is finally here!! Yay!!!

Just as Apple promised the new iOS is definitely slimmer as my iPhone 5S requires only 1GB of free space to download the new operating system (do tell me what size the download is on your respective model).

Basically what the new iOS entails:

• Improved Security (iOS 9 fix massive vulnerability)
• New multi-task layout (that now shows potraits of running applications)
• New spotlight for searches
• an upgraded Siri who is more proactive
• Much improvements to the iPad (Split View)
• and best of all, better battery life!! (Apple promised around an extra hour of usage for the iPhone 6)

Devices that uses iOS 8 are able to download the latest update, meaning owners of 4S can still enjoy Apple OS support. Fret not, Apple also promised that the new OS is optimised to run on older devices. 

If you want more info on iOS 9, do visit my specific post on it here.

You can either download it Over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update

There you should find the new iOS ready to download. As of the moment the server is kind of crowded as people rush to download the new iOS so expect the download to fail to start in a few attempts.

The second method is by using iTunes (if you don't want to delete spaces on your iPhone). Simply connect your iPhone to your computer, open up iTunes, go to the iPhone menu and Click on updates.

Happy updating!

Sources: BGR.

Pictures coming soon - when my download and installation finishes

If you like to read on what the new OS is offering:

SONY BRINGS OUT ITS LATEST RANGE OF XPERIA Zs: Z5 Compact, the smaller brother

The last of the trio that Sony presented at IFA 2015 is the smallest in terms of size but not performance, Xperia Z5 Compact. Manufacturers tend to do nowadays is to create a smaller/lite version of their main flagship but most of the time will tune them down. What I like about Sony is that the smaller counterpart is not compromised in terms of performance. So in essence you get a phone that is easier to handle with one hand without sacrificing power and features.

The Z5 Compact is quite similar to the Z5 apart from only 2-3 differences and I think that'll be the main focus for this post.

To start with, the display is well smaller at 4.6-inch and is only HD (1280x720p) quality all packed within a body measuring 127 x 65 x 8.9 mm. The same technology can also be found within this Z5 compact as in the Z5 which are: Triluminos Display for more true-to-life colour palette, X-Reality to bring more details into the screen and Dynamic Contrast Enhancer that helps enlarge the viewing angle.

Another aspect of the phone that is different is the battery which is now at only 2700 mAh (still big by today's standard) and promises 2 days of usage by Sony (STAMINA Mode). And while the other two models receive 3GB of RAM, the compact only get 2GB. Should be enough but hey more wouldn't hurt. ( The Xperia Z5 Compact also supports Quick Charge)

The Xperia Z5 Compact is built using the same excellent built materials as on the Xperia Z5, frosted glass with wrapped around slick metal. A finger print sensor on an enlarged power button with a dedicated camera button right next to it. 

The processor is the same, the powerful revised version of the Octa-core Snapdragon 810 that is suppose to be less hot with Adreno 430 integrated for running games or graphic intensive applications.
It has 32GB of storage with the option of additional storage through microSD of up to 200GB.

It has the same camera, the new upgraded 23MP Sony Exmor RS f/2.0 rear camera with wide G-Lens (24mm), ultrafast Hybrid Autofocus (in 0.03second) and SteadyShot. The front is also a 5MP shooter Sony Exmor R with wide G-Lens (25mm) capable of shooting FHD videos.

And finally it is waterproof as its bigger versions which should be a much welcomed feature. 

For more explanation on the technologies found in the Z5 Compact do give the Z5 post a read as like I said before these two are quite similar apart from the few differences.

You can get this phone in 2 bright colours, yellow and coral, and 2 standard colours, White and Black. The Z5 compact will also arrive with Android 5.1 pre-installed.

While the Z5 Compact would be a great small phone with high-end specifications, it's still a bit dissappointing that Sony didn't at least gave the Z5 Compact a FHD display instead of a HD one. With more contents being made available in FHD is a no brainer why Sony didn't opted for it because I'm sure there market for a small flagship exist (I for one do prefer smartphones that I can use with one hand). Here's to hoping that Sony produces their next compact flagship with improvements in these areas. 

Apparently Sony has teased a Z5 Compact Premium which has incredible specs! Even beating some on the Z5. Will try to get news on it asap. 


Here's the specifications on the Xperia Z5 Compact:

• 4.6-inch HD (1280x720p) 323 ppi
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 with Adreno 430 GPU 64-bit Octa-core processor
• 32GB of storage with 2GB RAM 
• microSD slot with up to 200GB of expansion
• 23MP Sony Exmor RS f/2.0 rear camera with 5MP rear camera
• Android Lollipop 5.1.1
• 2700 mAh non-removable battery with STAMINA mode
• Waterproof and dust tight (IP68)
• LTE Cat 6
• PS4 Remote Play
• Single NanoSim

Source: Sony, XperiaBlog, AndroidAuthority, GSMArena

SONY BRINGS OUT ITS LATEST RANGE OF XPERIA Zs: Z5 PREMIUM, the first smartphone with 4K

Alongside the Z5 launch was two other devices, the Z5 Premium and the Z5 Compact. In this post we are going to take a look at the Z5 Premium and what makes it special. The first of the feature that is going to get your attention is, you guessed it, the 4K Display. One of the first found on a smartphone.

The 5.5-inch 4K 3840x2160 pixels, IPS Triluminos Display (shows more palette of colours that are true-to-life) is contains 4 times the details as compared to a Full HD display (found on the Xperia Z5). But what's the use you ask for the extra details if most websites and social medias offers only FHD contents? Well the Xperia Z5 Premium has a technology that upscale contents on its screen to 4K resolution while maintaining the details.

Apart from the display, most of the other components are the same as those found on the Z5.
In terms of built quality it is excellently crafted with frosted glass to reduce finger smudges wrapped around with a slick metal. This certainly gives a feel and look of premium to it.

On the sides you'll find a larger power button with an integrated finger print sensor. A new solution for the placement of the sensor, that feels natural and is quite swift. There's also a camera button right next to it to give you a natural camera like feel when taking pictures.Another special feature only found on the Xperia Z5 Premium the chrome-like back that reflects like a mirror (handy for girls right?)

Same Snapdragon 810 and Adreno 430 is also powering it and is helped with a high capacity 3430 mAh battery that Sony states will give you up to 2 days of battery life (with STAMINA Mode), not surprising since Sony's Xperias are known to be durable in terms of battery life.


The Xperia Z5 Premium also gets the new upgraded 23MP Sony Exmor RS f/2.0 for mobile with G lens that is wide-angled (24mm) and allows more light to be captured. It's capable of ultra fast auto focusing within a sheer 0.03 seconds with the help of their new Hybrid AutoFocus (combines  contrast-detection for accuracy and phase-detection for speed). Other than that the camera has a 5x Clear image zoom and 8x digital zoom.

It is able to capture photos with an ISO of up to 12800. Sony also promises better low-light photos  with their new Exmor RS CMOS censors. Recording 4K videos would be easier with the inclusion of Sony's trademark SteadyShot on this device. 

The front camera meanwhile is a 5MP Sony Exmor R for mobile wide wide-angle lens (25mm) capable of shooting FHD videos and also has the SteadyShot technology for better selfies.

You can also find the Hi-Res audio which makes the musics sounds clearer and closer to their original recordings, as well as the same waterproof ratings (IP65/68). Do keep in mind that Sony recommend taking the phone with the highest waterproof rating into depth not deeper than 1.5m of fresh water for no longer than 30 minutes.

Colours that available for this model are: Gold, White/Silver and black. 

Here's the specifications on the Xperia Z5 Premium:

• 5.5-inch Ultra HD (3840x2160) 806 ppi
• Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 with Adreno 430 GPU 64-bit Octa-core processor
• 32GB of storage with 3GB RAM 
• microSD slot with up to 200GB of expansion
• 23MP Sony Exmor RS f/2.0 rear camera with 5MP rear camera
• Android Lollipop 5.1
• 3430 mAh non-removable battery with STAMINA mode
• Waterproof and dust tight (IP68)
• LTE Cat 6
• PS4 Remote Play
• Single NanoSim

Source: Sony, XperiaBlog, AndroidAuthority, GSMArena