Tag: Source: Androidcentral.com

Evaluating Previous and Current Smartphones: Securing the Optimal Value on Your Upcoming Acquisition

**The Right Selection May Not Be What You Assume**

In the current rapid-paced technological landscape, making the correct buying choice can frequently be more intricate than it seems at first glance. With the unending arrival of new products, one might easily presume that the most recent model is the superior option. Nevertheless, the right selection may not always align with your assumptions.

When contemplating a tech acquisition, it’s important to assess your genuine needs against the attraction of the newest features. Frequently, models from the previous year can offer outstanding value, providing many of the same functionalities at a lower cost. For example, opting for an older smartphone model might be a wise choice if the upgraded version doesn’t present significant enhancements that are meaningful to you.

Promotional events such as Amazon’s Prime Day or Black Friday can further muddy the waters of decision-making. These occasions can distort standard pricing patterns, occasionally rendering newer models more financially accessible than anticipated. For instance, during a recent event, the price gap between the Google Pixel 9 Pro and the more recent Pixel 10 Pro was minimal, making the latter an appealing choice.

When determining whether to opt for an older or more recent model, consider these points:

1. **Savings on Costs**: Previous models commonly experience price reductions when new inventory comes in. This can be an excellent opportunity to save money if the older model satisfies your requirements.

2. **Guarantee and Durability**: Selecting a reasonably new model assures you receive a complete warranty and a device that hasn’t undergone wear and tear.

3. **Gradual Enhancements**: Technological progress is usually gradual. If the new model does not present notable improvements compared to the previous one, it may not be worth the additional expense.

4. **Latest Features**: If you appreciate innovative features unique to the latest model, this might warrant the elevated price.

Ultimately, whether you opt for an older or newer model, you’re succeeding either way if the product fulfills your needs and fits your budget. The essential point is to shop thoughtfully, conduct your research, and arrive at a choice based on what truly holds significance for you.

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OnePlus 15: A Robust Android Equipped with an Expansive Battery and ‘Super Flash’ Charging

The firm disclosed the power supply within its upcoming flagship, and it appears poised to make waves.

What you need to know

– OnePlus verified that its forthcoming flagship will incorporate an enormous 7,300mAh battery utilizing its Glacier Battery technology.
– The entity’s social media update indicates that it will be coupled with 120W wired “Super Flash” charging and 50W wireless charging.
– OnePlus emphasized that the gadget will launch in China on October 27 before possibly reaching international markets by mid-November.

OnePlus is preparing for its next flagship announcement, and its latest teaser is generating excitement among users regarding extended phone usage.

Late this weekend (Oct 19), OnePlus began to showcase another significant highlight about its upcoming flagship: its battery. Among its innovations, the OnePlus 15 has been affirmed to include a substantial 7,300mAh Glacier Battery. The Chinese manufacturer has combined this new power source with its emphasis on enhancing the phone’s gaming performance. OnePlus claims this battery is engineered to optimize its “ultra-high-frame-rate gaming” experience.

Naturally, with such an increased capacity, users can enjoy gaming for extended periods, whether they’re engaging in Zenless Zone Zero or attempting to capture Pokémon in Pokémon GO!

Accompanying this 7,300mAh battery is a 120W “Super Flash Charger” and a 50W “Wireless Flash Charger.” The Chinese announcement mentions that this is the “year’s only” (machine-translated), potentially suggesting that the OnePlus 15 might be the sole device consumers encounter with this level of charging.

The company reaffirms that the device will debut on October 27.

Confirmed and approaching rapidly

OnePlus initially introduced its Glacier Battery technology last year, as it prepared to implement it in its devices. At that time, the firm announced a 6,100mAh capacity for its smartphones that year, but now we are witnessing an increase of over 1,000mAh with the OnePlus 15. This implies the next flagship will operate for a longer duration and recharge quicker than the OnePlus 13, which only featured 80W wired charging.

The OnePlus 15 was recently officially announced by the company a few days ago. As noted today, OnePlus confirmed that the device will be released to Chinese consumers first on October 27. It has been established that the phone will feature a Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 along with a 165Hz refresh rate display, emphasizing that significant gaming focus. It will also improve your scrolling and video viewing experience as well.

Another confirmed detail is that the OnePlus 15 will come in three colors: Sand Storm, Absolute Black, and Mist Purple. It is anticipated that global markets could see the OnePlus 15 by mid-November, meaning interested consumers in the U.S. may not have to wait too long.

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Evaluating the Suunto Coach: Is AI Capable of Substituting Your Personal Trainer?

AI continues to strive for ubiquity, extending its reach to your wrists and fitness routines. In contrast to generative AI “slop” like photo and video creation, there is a compelling argument for AI to permeate your exercise and wellness strategies. Access to a personal trainer, sports physician, or physical therapist is a luxury few can afford; therefore, a precise and user-friendly AI solution could bridge that gap.

Naturally, this places significant expectations on a technology known for its occasional errors. When health is at stake, it’s crucial to be discerning about the devices and functionalities you place your trust in. Whether we embrace it or not, AI is poised to influence the health sector — with brands like Garmin, Strava, Apple, Samsung, Google, and many more introducing AI-enhanced features now.

Suunto enhanced its Suunto Coach, an AI-driven workout assistant, to facilitate AI-created training plans over the summer. I’ve been testing them with the recently launched Vertical 2 adventure watch, and I find it fascinating for two reasons. First, Suunto Coach and My plan are free of charge. Second, they are genuinely employing AI, which is not something every workout feature that claims to be AI can validate.

So, is it effective? Here are my initial impressions after using the Vertical 2 for two weeks and establishing an AI workout regimen.

### Creating a personalized My plan with Suunto Coach

After recording several running and walking sessions with the Suunto Vertical 2, I set out to create the AI-generated training plan utilizing Suunto Coach. The initial step involves a brief questionnaire aimed at understanding your training objectives and abilities.

Suunto will inquire about the number of hours you train each week, followed by your maximum time commitment. You’ll also have the opportunity to select a specific day for long runs or express a preference for strength and cross-training workouts. Finally, you’ll disclose your race target and terrain type.

The questions might differ based on your chosen training plan. I opted for the “Get fast for 5km” plan, as my primary concern is improving my 5K time rather than increasing mileage. I completed the questionnaire based on this goal, aiming for a personal best on a flat and swift course.

From that point, Suunto will carry out some AI processing in the background to develop your training regimen. This process can take some time, typically between 10 to 30 minutes. The positive aspect is that you only need to undertake this once for each plan. Utilizing the context derived from your responses, Suunto will generate a customized training routine.

The initial experience reminded me of Samsung’s Running Coach, a similar feature that also involves a brief questionnaire for assessing your capabilities. However, it appears there is more AI processing taking place with Suunto Coach. The plan creation time is longer and provides more variety than Running Coach, which tends to be more rigid with set time and distance running levels.

This is what captivates me about Suunto Coach and the AI-generated training plans, known as “My plan,” which are still in beta. For better or for worse, they genuinely employ AI. Conversely, AI has not made a significant difference in Running Coach or Apple’s Workout Buddy. The latter primarily reiterates live statistics you are already familiar with seeing on your Apple Watch.

### A fitness tool with promise, but some quirks

Once the training plan was created, I recognized immediate promise along with a few peculiarities. The plan appears tailored and considerate, featuring weekly targets, long-term objectives, and specific instructions for individual workouts. It effectively incorporates best practices for running and integrates them into a dedicated plan.

For example, my plan included strategically placed rest days and an easy, low-mileage week after each pair of intense training weeks. The 10-week schedule suggested six weeks of strenuous workouts and three weeks of recovery running, culminating in a taper during the final week. Its design aims to optimize performance while managing mileage and preventing injuries from overuse.

These are established tips and strategies that even seasoned runners find challenging to implement. It’s encouraging to see them encapsulated within a comprehensive training plan that shifts the strategy burden from the runner to AI.

However, several elements could benefit from adjustment. The time, mileage, and pace targets for each session didn’t appear to correspond with the data I had already logged on the Vertical 2. This suggests that the AI engine of Suunto Coach is relying more on the questionnaire than on your historical stats when formulating a plan. It’s intended to evolve dynamically, yet it remains in beta.

I also found it odd that the AI workout plan randomly included a cross-country skiing session during week eight. As someone who has never engaged in cross-country skiing, and given its complexity for a first-time experience, it’s quite an unusual suggestion.

### Suunto Coach serves best as a guide, not a blueprint

I intend to continue using Suunto Coach, despite areas for enhancement. It appears to be genuinely beneficial for training as long as

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Get a Discount of Up to $300 on the 2024 Motorola Stylus Phone at Best Buy

The Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) stands out in the mid-tier smartphone sector, delivering features that nearly compete with flagship devices while still being budget-friendly. This phone is particularly attractive to individuals who value the convenience of a built-in stylus, a feature that boosts productivity and creativity while on the move.

The Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) boasts a 6.7-inch OLED screen, offering vibrant hues and rich contrasts that elevate the user experience, whether you’re watching videos or surfing the web. The display’s 120Hz refresh rate guarantees seamless scrolling and smooth animations, a characteristic usually seen in pricier models.

Internally, the phone utilizes the Qualcomm Snapdragon 6 Gen 1 processor, complemented by 8GB of RAM, providing impressive performance for daily activities and multitasking. This setup ensures the device can manage resource-intensive applications and games with ease, making it a dependable option for users requiring a phone that can keep pace with their hectic lives.

Photography fans will value the phone’s camera arrangement, featuring a 50MP wide lens, a 13MP ultrawide shooter, and a 32MP front-facing camera. These cameras produce detailed and vibrant images, ideal for both casual clicks and more serious photography.

A highlight of the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is its enduring battery life, which guarantees that the device can last an entire day without needing to be charged. This is paired with the phone’s vegan leather back, offering a premium touch while also enhancing grip, minimizing the risk of accidental drops.

Despite its stellar features, the Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is still wallet-friendly. It is accessible at considerable discounts, especially when bought through stores like Best Buy, where it can be available for as low as $200 under certain conditions. This positions it as an ideal choice for those looking for a high-performing device without overspending.

In conclusion, the Motorola Moto G Stylus 5G (2024) is a superb option for users seeking a smartphone that combines flagship-like functionalities at a mid-range cost. Its blend of a premium display, robust performance, adaptable camera system, and distinctive stylus capability makes it a noteworthy contender in the bustling smartphone arena.

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AWS Service Interruption Disrupts Online Services, Impacting Reddit, Fortnite, and More for Multiple Hours
(Image credit: Logo Wine)

Essential information to note

  • The Amazon Web Services outage affected numerous platforms and services globally.
  • The peak of the outage occurred around 3 AM ET, impacting more than 13,000 users as reported by Downdetector.
  • This incident underscores the dependency on major cloud providers and has spurred discussions on adopting varied multi-cloud approaches.

On Monday morning (Oct. 20), individuals awoke to yet another extensive internet disruption, this time attributed to Amazon’s Web Services. The cloud platform, crucial for a significant portion of the internet and applications such as Reddit, Fortnite, Snapchat, Canva, and Apple TV, experienced service interruptions. Reports suggest that government services worldwide and numerous companies were also affected by this downtime.

Multiple sources indicate that users began encountering service issues as early as 12 AM ET, with the outage reaching its peak around 3 AM ET. As per Downdetector, from 4 AM ET to 12 PM ET, more than 13,000 individuals were reported to be affected by this outage. Reuters <a data-analytics-id="inline-link" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/retail-consumer/amazons-cloud-unit-re

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“Oura Launches Innovative Tools for Tracking Stress and Blood Pressure”

The Oura app is rolling out major updates designed to improve user health insights and management. These enhancements emphasize immersive health perspectives and broadened Cycle Insights, underlining Oura’s dedication to preventive health.

The app’s latest features feature Cumulative Stress, aimed at assisting users in grasping the effects of chronic stress on their bodies. This addition delivers insights into how stress influences sleep, heart reactions, and temperature control. Moreover, Oura is initiating a Blood Pressure Profile study to detect hypertension risks, merging Oura Ring data with user lifestyle details.

The app’s interface is also undergoing a transformation. The Today tab now presents a detailed overview of user well-being, whereas the My Health tab offers a more transparent view of long-term health. The Vitals tab supplies insights into sleep, stress, and cardiovascular patterns. Cycle Insights has been enhanced to present a 12-month perspective on period and fertility forecasts.

These updates, grounded in peer-reviewed research and algorithm improvements, seek to provide users with a richer understanding of their health, with a global rollout anticipated soon on Android and iOS.

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Retroid Unveils Future Gaming Handheld with ‘The Future is Now’ Tagline

Will the Retroid Pocket 6 Shape the Future? Or Is It Something Different?

Retroid has ignited enthusiasm within the gaming community with a teaser for its forthcoming device, believed to be the Retroid Pocket 6. The teaser, which guarantees further information on October 27, has left fans pondering the trajectory of handheld gaming.

The market for gaming handhelds is booming, with Retroid ready to launch its next flagship product. The Retroid Pocket 6 is anticipated to include significant enhancements, potentially driven by the Snapdragon G2 Gen 2, delivering improved CPU and GPU capabilities. This aligns with Retroid’s announcement at GDC 2025, where it collaborated with Qualcomm to promise state-of-the-art technology.

Although the design of the Retroid Pocket 6 is still under wraps, possibilities vary from a classic horizontal configuration to a clamshell format, mirroring current trends. Retroid may even surprise us with both designs, appealing to varied preferences in the competitive sub-$300 segment.

The rivalry is intense, with AYANEO and AYN unveiling groundbreaking devices like the Pocket FIT and Odin 3, respectively. Anbernic’s forthcoming RG DS, available for under $100, enhances the competitive scene. Retroid needs to present an attractive product to uphold its status.

The gaming community is keenly anticipating Retroid’s announcement, eager to discover if the Retroid Pocket 6 will transform handheld gaming or if another competitor will rise as the future of the sector.

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UGREEN’s DH2300 and DH4300 Plus: Budget-Friendly NAS Options for Your Requirements

UGREEN is shaking up the budget NAS sector with the introduction of its latest 2-bay NASync DH2300 and 4-bay NASync DS4300 Plus units. Renowned for its robust hardware and adaptable software, UGREEN has rapidly become a favored name among NAS enthusiasts. The DH2300, available for $189, presents a compelling alternative to the well-known DiskStation DS223j, equipped with Gigabit Ethernet, a Rockchip RK3576 processor, 4GB of RAM, and a 32GB SSD for software setup. It also features USB-A, USB-C, and HDMI ports.

The DS4300 Plus, priced at $364, offers 8GB of RAM, 2.5 Gigabit Ethernet, and comparable connectivity options. Both devices can accommodate 30TB drives, providing flexible solutions for storage requirements. UGREEN’s elegant design and solid hardware set these models apart as excellent choices for newcomers to the NAS world, with the DH2300 standing out as a particularly appealing option for beginners.

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What I Desire in Samsung’s Tri-Fold Device Following My Experience with Huawei’s Mate XT

Samsung’s Rumored Galaxy Z TriFold Promises to Be an Impressive Foldable

Huawei stole the spotlight this year with the Mate XT. Its tri-folding design offers a distinct advantage over conventional foldables, and after spending ample time with the phone, it’s remarkable how natural it feels for daily use. Initially, I assumed it would serve more as a tech showcase than an actual device, but that’s far from the truth — the Mate XT functions perfectly as a daily companion, and I’ve utilized it extensively. The ability to unfold the phone into a tablet-sized display is simply incredible, and the excitement of that feature remains fresh.

With Huawei setting the pace, it’s no surprise that other companies are eager to join in. Samsung is expected to unveil its own version of a tri-folding device called the Galaxy Z TriFold, and with rumors hinting at an upcoming launch, here’s what I hope to see from this phone.

A Design That Is Not Awkward

Samsung has successfully revamped the design of its foldable devices with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and I wish the tri-folding model mirrors this aesthetic. The Z Fold 7 is enjoyable to hold and use due to its elegant design, making a noticeable improvement over the Z Fold 6 and earlier versions. It feels just as light and slim as the Honor Magic V5 and Vivo X Fold 5, and it wasn’t until I compared the Fold 7 with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold that I appreciated the substantial difference this year.

Huawei is well-known for its sleek products, and the Mate XT exemplifies this; the tri-folding device measures only 4.8mm when fully opened, and this slimness is crucial for its modern appearance. Samsung must achieve similar thinness with its tri-folding device. With the Z Fold 7 weighing in at 215g and a thickness of 4.2mm, that’s an excellent benchmark, and I want Samsung to utilize this foldable as the foundation and enhance that design.

Cameras That Can Compete with the Mate XT

Samsung upgraded the Z Fold 7 with an essential 200MP camera enhancement this year, enabling the foldable to capture significantly improved photos and videos. The Galaxy Z TriFold must incorporate the same cameras to stand up not only to Samsung’s standards but also compared to other foldables.

While I was initially uncertain about Huawei’s camera capabilities with the Mate XT, its tri-folding device proved to house some of the finest cameras in its class. The Mate XT consistently delivers impressive photos and videos, and I’ve never felt restricted by the camera quality on this device.

Despite foldables being primarily about increased display space, the potential price of over $3,000 for the Galaxy Z TriFold necessitates exceptional cameras — it’s essential. Samsung has demonstrated its capability in this domain this year, and we will have to watch and see if it can replicate that success with its tri-folding offering.

A Battery That Endures the Whole Day

There’s a lot to appreciate about the Galaxy Z Fold 7, yet one ongoing frustration is its battery life. The foldable features a modest 4,400mAh battery, and while it holds up for a full day with moderate usage, I often find myself needing to charge it before the day’s end.

Most other foldable devices come equipped with at least a 5,000mAh battery, with Samsung being noted for its conservative approach in this aspect — even Google opted for a larger 5,015mAh battery in the Pixel 10 Pro Fold this year. All this indicates that the Galaxy Z TriFold should have a larger battery to compete effectively with the Mate XT.

However, that may not actually be the reality; leaks suggest that the tri-folding device could utilize the same 4,400mAh battery as the Galaxy Z Fold 7, and if that ends up being accurate, it will be disappointing.

A Foldable I Truly Want to Use

Another frustration with the Z Fold 7 is its tendency to wobble when used on a desk. The leaner design and the switch to larger camera sensors result in the rear cameras protruding slightly more than in previous models, and since Samsung maintained the camera module’s position, the foldable tends to rock significantly.

Huawei and various other Chinese manufacturers address this concern through a center-mounted camera island, and Samsung should consider this approach. It’s unlikely that the Z TriFold’s design will deviate significantly from the Z Fold 7, but regardless, I desire a phone that remains stable on my desk without constantly shifting around.

Substantial Software

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COROS APEX 4 Fitness Assessment: Merging Classic Attributes with Contemporary Improvements

Garmin enthusiasts nostalgic for MIP displays, robust battery life, and a fair price for GPS and HR precision will appreciate the COROS APEX 4.

My experience testing the COROS APEX 4 over the last few weeks has rekindled memories of my time with the 2022 Garmin Forerunner 955, my preferred running watch prior to Garmin and competitors moving away from MIP displays. A considerable number of fitness watch aficionados are unhappy with this shift, including my brother-in-law who owns a 955. While I do prefer AMOLED displays, the APEX 4 stands out as an excellent option for those who remain loyal to MIP technology.

The previous COROS model, the NOMAD, takes on the Garmin Instinct 3 in a limited segment: budget-friendly, durable hiking watches that boast weeks of battery life. An MIP display seemed well-suited.

The APEX 4 is designed for trail runners and “mountain athletes” who value battery longevity and outdoor visibility. However, its $429/479 price pits it against tougher contenders like the Suunto Race 2, Garmin Forerunner 570, and Polar Vantage M3 — all of which feature AMOLED displays, with the first two offering 2,000 nits for outstanding visibility in bright sunlight.

Initial impressions

I evaluated the COROS APEX 2 and APEX 2 Pro in 2022 while still becoming familiar with wearables. The hardware impressed me, particularly the remarkable battery longevity, but I noticed that the GPS and HR accuracy could be improved, the health tracking and software had several shortcomings, and the MIP displays were frustratingly dim.

It’s no surprise that the APEX 4 offers improved accuracy (as detailed below), the battery life continues to astonish me, and the MIP display presents much better contrast, rendering it functional — though oddly, the NOMAD’s display is easier to read indoors. I suspect the APEX 4’s sapphire layer refracts more obstructive light.

Most importantly, the APEX 4’s new Ambiq Apollo 510 processor delivers the smoothest, fastest maps I’ve encountered outside of Apple and Wear OS devices, where most competitors like Garmin tend to lag. You can now view street and trail names, and the crown allows for effortless zooming in on tricky trail intersections or zooming out for a broader perspective in a matter of seconds.

My only issues lie with the turn-by-turn navigation for imported courses. It generally operates effectively, but I observed twice that upon reaching a loop, the arrow prompted me to proceed in the opposite direction of my chosen path.

When I intentionally deviated from the course, the APEX 4 detected it and alerted me immediately. However, the turn-by-turn directions do not adjust based on your facing direction, so when I missed a right turn and turned around, it still instructed me to turn right. I hope COROS addresses both of my mapping concerns in the future.

Thanks to its new processor, the APEX 4 is well-equipped for years of enhancements. Over three years, the APEX 2 incorporated HRV and stress metrics, sleep quality, running form analysis, Strava Live Segments, and safety alerts, among numerous new features. While Garmin watch updates often diminish after 1–2 years, updates for the APEX 4 should continue for a much longer period.

I specifically anticipate that its integrated depth gauge sensor will allow for scuba diving eventually, and COROS mentioned to Chase the Summit that it may utilize the mic & speaker for offline voice commands in the future.

COROS APEX 4 GPS accuracy

Not all dual-band GPS watches are made the same. After testing nearly every brand’s GPS accuracy, I found that COROS’s latest models closely match Garmin for reliability, with the APEX 4 following suit. Prepare for some impressively straight GPS paths, with only a few minor glitches.

I took three dual-frequency GPS watches — the Garmin Forerunner 970, Google Pixel Watch 4, and APEX 4 — on a 19-mile run; while Google mainly relies on L1 and L5 GPS frequencies, Garmin and COROS additionally access other GNSS signals as necessary.

In the end, Garmin measured 0.01 miles further and Google 0.01 miles shorter; feel free to check out my Pixel Watch 4 fitness test for its results, but I’ve concentrated on the two main competitors here. Generally, all nineteen miles displayed the two signals either overlapping or closely parallel. They tended to register simultaneously or within seconds at each mile marker.

I only have one criticism: The APEX 4’s final map displayed a warp effect from my current location to a previous one and back, as illustrated above. It did not influence my distance outcomes, but it added roughly 50m to my final altitude measurements.

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