Is Xiaomi going to form an alliance with Mozilla?
Recently, Twitter user, John Bernard, called Xiaomi the “fifth largest smartphone vender in Q2 2014” and that “three of the top nine” manufacturers “are now Firefox OS partners.”
Related: Mozilla is ready to release $25 USD Firefox OS smartphone
But who is John Bernard? It turns out that he is the Global Director of marketing at Mozilla and is in charge of promoting devices that use the Firefox OS around the world. Even though he did not directly say that Xiaomi will also use the Firefox OX, why did he bring them up? Could it be that Xiaomi and Firefox have already formed a partnership?
Right now, Xiaomi’s star products are the Mi phone and Red Mi. If they managed to attract WP and Firefox OS, then they could expand their product line.
Subor X7 has MX3’s panda design and round Home button
Recently, Subor’s new phone has been listed at China’s MIT under the model number, “Subor X7.”
Unlike the Subor X3 which mimicked the Mi 4, the Subor X7 mimics the Meizu MX3 in its panda design (black front/white rear) and having the round Home button located in the front panel. It is much bigger than the MX3, however.
Furthermore, the front camera lens and position are different from the MX3’s although there is not any clear information about that as of now.
Xiaomi iHealth blood pressure dock review
Xiaomi is no longer just a cellphone company. They have released all kinds of devices from the Mi Box to the Mi TV, from the Mi Router to the Mi Band… Now, Xiaomi has ventured into the territory for smart home applicances and medical devices.
On September 25, Xiaomi, along with Silicon Valley-based iHealth, formally launched a smart blood pressure dock which is said to be “completely compatible” with the Red Mi Phone and only costs 199 RMB (32.14 USD).
Related: Unboxing: iHealth Blood Pressure Dock
The Xiaomi-customized iHealth Blood Pressure Dock (model number BP3) only requires users to download its corresponding App to use it. It offers a Cloud synchronization feature that allows sons and daughters to find out their parents’ blood pressure on time.
For many of those who are not familiar with iHealth, it first began a partnership with Apple and created Apple Health which released devices such as a blood pressure monitors, and devices that check your blood sugar levels, etc.
Xiaomi releasing an iHealth Blood Pressure Dock is not just a spur of the moment thing. This month, they invested $25,000,000 on iHealth starting a partnership with the them. This is why the iHealth device was first compatible with the Red Mi.
This device can be connected to a computer by USB connector to charge it. Because it has a 400mAh battery, it can be fully charged in less than half an hour with a 5V1A adapter. After using it 54 times within 24 hours, it is still 71% charged, so it should last for an entire month.
To adapt it for Android devices, iHealth replaced the Apple’s Lightning Connector with a Micro USB port. In addition, they also added a rotating dock due to the fact that different phones might have different locations for their ports.
The port may be a bit too low so users should watch it for a while after they put their phone there. If it is loose, you can just have the phone lean on the base so that it will not fall.
After inserting the phone on the dock, the reset button will automatically light up. If it is green, that means that the dock is fully charged. If it is red, it does not have enough power.
Some may wonder if this device can charge their phone. The iOS version can charge an iPhone but the Xiaomi version does not.
A rubber cable can be directly connected to the dock’s charging port.
Power port
There are instructions on the armband.
To use the iHealth blood pressure dock, you need to have an Android phone that is compatible with it. This version has been advertised as “completely compatible with the Red Mi, Red Mi 1S, and Red Mi Note, as well as the Mi 2S and above.” This is mainly because the Red Mi’s Micro USB port is place right in the middle of the front and fits perfectly when inserted in the dock.
Because Xiaomi allows data transmission by Micro USB not the Bluetooth like the iOS, it is compatible with recently released Android phones that are OTG-supported. The writer tried it with the OnePlus One, Vivo Xshot, and MX4, and all of them worked.
Next, we will show how to connect this device with the Mi 4.
First, download and install the iHealth App on your phone. Afterwards, when you place your phone on the dock, your phone will automatically start the App and immediately go to the “Start measuring” interface. It is all very simple and old folks should not have any problems following these instructions.
Wear the armband around 2cm from your elbow.
Conclusion
As Xiaomi’s second health-related smart device, the iHealth blood pressure dock is worth the price. There is practically no difference between it and the iOS version except that it is 1/4th the price of the later and has Xiaomi’s classic style.
Compared to using blood pressure devices with their own screens, using the iHealth blood pressure dock may seem a bit of complicated, but it is only the process of connecting your phone that is somewhat troublesome. When you connect it, the App automatically starts. After you familiarize yourself with the entire process, you should be done measuring your blood pressure in just 2 minutes. Older folks should have no trouble whatsoever using this.
As for the results, the results are shown more directly. Not only does it show high blood pressure, low blood pressure, and heart rate in different colors, it clearly takes note where they are in the graph, and suggest what you should eat or drink. This device supports Cloud synchronization. It can make a graph based on the entire week’s tests which helps you monitor any problems with your body.
Pipo W3 hands on
The Pipo W3 uses the new 22nm Intel Atom Z3775D processor which has a frequency of up to 2.4GHz. It sports a 10.1-inch 1920 x 1200 IPS display screen and 5mp rear camera with autofocus. It also has 2GB RAM and 64GB ROM. Regarding internet specifications, this tablet has a built-in 3G internet card.
Related: PIPO H3 to use MTK6592 4G chipset, becomes the first 4G tablet to use MTK processor
Chuwi DX1, The First Tablet with Rotating Camera
Recently, Chuwi introduced a new tablet with a 13mp revolving camera—DX1. Those interested can finally pre-order this tablet at JD.com on October 5 for only 799 RMB.
Related: Chuwi VX8, Android tablet with MediaTek MT8127 chipset
One of the most attractive features of this tablet is its 206 degree revolving camera, it’s the first tablet with this feature. Most tablets usually have a front and rear camera design where the front lens has lower pixels than the rear and does not have an LED flashlight. A rotating camera can make people take pictures from front as good as rear. You can take Self-Shooting without any problem and from any angle as you like.
Hasee X55 4G hands on
On October 28, Hasee released their first 4G smartphone, the Hasee X55. This phone sports a 5.5-inch 720p display screen and 5mp/14mp dual-camera, uses an MTK octa-core LTE processor (MT6592+MT6390), has 2G RAM and 16G ROM, is powered by a 3000mAh battery, and runs on the kitkat OS.
Related: Price at RMB1999($325)! World’s first Wechat phone from Hasee
This phone is said to sport an aluminium-titanium mid-frame which is better than stainless steel and aluminium-magnesium. It is harder and more scratch-resistant the latter two. Its case follows a panda design (black front and white back).
The Hasee X55 goes on sale after the National Holiday break and costs 999 RMB (162.71 USD).
OnePlus 2 might Launch in 2015
NEVER SETTLE! and it is happening so. Back in April this year, One Plus One opened its curtains in smartphone market and gathered lot of attention due to its unusual invite system, still many are not able to get due to this and held all aces indeed. With this success the company released a low-cost, high quality ear-phone known as Silver bullets and now it hints at a successor that might get released in Q2 or Q3 next year.
A Reddit AMA session made it clear that , OnePlus 2(might be) will be out in Q2 or Q3 of 2015 by then Android L would be standard and this would run based on it. OnePlus even revealed that it’s considering a smaller device compared the 5.5-inch phone it released earlier this year. We’d love to see the company bring its software and hardware to a smaller screen.
You can even expect a OnePlus wearable device or tablet which might be released, according to discussion on Reddit AMA session. The firm said it’s not impressed by any smartwatch currently on the market, so you can expect a bunch of devices next year from this lad.
Vivo Funtouch OS 2.0 leaked, based on Android 4.4.2
Recently, Vivo introduced its next operating system, the Funtouch OS 2.0. This version is based on the Android 4.4.2 which has a simple design.
Related: Real Photos of vivo X5L leaked
According to Vivo CMO, @冯磊Alex, the Funtouch OS 2.0 uses a flatter design and the tabs have been redesigned. The quick menu that is accessed when sliding your finger upwards has been redesigned as well with better visual effects. According to Alex, the Funtouch OS 2.0 can support display screens for Vivo Y27 phones and up.
Mogu M8 Will Come with MTK octa-core, 5.5-inch screen, and 2G RAM
After the success of Mogu M7, Mogu recently announced that they would release the next cellphone in their M series which they brand as the “Folks’ Phones.” They named the phone as Mogu M8 and it will have a more stunning design and stronger specifications.
According to Mogu, the M8 will be powered with a 2GHz Octa-core cpu from MTK, which is clearly the MTK6592T. It will sport a 5.5-inch screen and 13mp Sony camera and have 2G RAM and 16G ROM. This phone will have a fingerprint sensor that people can use to unlock their phones. As for its appearance, it has a more upright design. It has red buttons. Its base is grainy.
Well the resolution of the screen hasn’t been released yet, is Mogu hiding something?
OPPO Color OS 2.0 released; has powerful energy conservation mode and single-layer desktop
Before China’s National Holiday break, OPPO launched the Color OS 2.0 standard edition in its forums.
Not only does the first version support the OPPO Find 7 (Standard and Lightweight versions); it also supports the OPPO Find 5 and the OPPO N1 (which has a revolving camera).
Related: How To Install Google Play Into Color OS On OPPO Find 7 And OnePlus One
The Color OS 2.0 standard version uses a single-layer desktop and reusable icons. It has a neat and simple look and is easy to use. Besides the desktop, it has a lot of animated features. You can redesign the desktop using hand movements. Most importantly, it has a high-level power conservation mode.
Infocus M2 has selfie camera with LED light as well as pre-shot beauty enhancement feature
As more people get into social media, more users are starting to consider the quality of photo features (especially selfie cameras) when buying new cellphones. Recently, a new phone called the InFocus M2 was introduced and is said to have great selfie functions and specs.
According to reports, the InFocus M2 sports a 8mp front-facing camera but this is not why it has great selfie specs. Besides have a high resolution, it also has an LED flash which should solve any problems in the background when taking a selfie. It also has an adjustable preview beauty enhancement feature that lets the user see the enhanced quality of the photo when framing a selfie shot. It also has a BSI CMOS rear camera.
The InFocus M2 sports a 4.2-inch 1280 x 768 screen, uses the Snapdragon MSN8926 quad-core processor, and has 1GB RAM and 8GB ROM. It is powered by a 2010mAh battery and supports dual-SIM. It also supports TD-LTE+FDD-LTE dual-4G as well as TD-SCDMA, WCDMA, and GSM.
Meizu engineer: Next month, we will release a smart router
Recently, Meizu engineer cefanty made the following announcement in Meizu’s forums. “Our smart router is currently at the developing stage and there should be news about it next month.” Like Xiaomi, Meizu plans to enter the smart router market. It has already created a brand of smart furniture in Shenzhen. The following is a screenshot of the dialogue, followed by its translation.
Cefanty: (9/15) Thanks for your support. Our Shenzhen branch has already developed a series of smart home appliances and are wrapping up the Meizu ecosystem.
Nolongerafan: I don’t know what you are laughing about.
Cefanty: Our smart router is already in the developing process and there should be news about it next month.
OnePlus Silver Bullet Earphones Trial Use
Recently, OnePlus released a set of in-ear earphones made of aluminum called the “OnePlus Silver Bullet Earphones.” It went on sale on September 26 at 10:30 AM for 99 RMB (16.11 USD).
Although these earphones only cost 99 RMB, it has a lot of technological selling points such as its use of NPEI diaphragm which is lighter, and slimmer, and a faster vibration rate letting the earphones emit a clearer and more natural sound quality.
The Silver Bullet Earphones have a wire that has an in-line module with three buttons. The texture and elasticity of the wire are pretty good. The module lets the user play or pause music, as well as increase or decrease the volume. It is also compatible with mainstream Android phones. It was twisted more than 30,000 times and pulled for 60 seconds for OnePiece’s severe endurance tests which it passed.
There is also a special mixer App for the OnePlus One regarding the Silver Bullet Earphones which users can use to adjust the earphones’ sound frequency.
OnePlus Silver Bullet Earphones Q/A and references
1. Frequency response and distortion
2. Wire module architecture
There are three buttons on the module which is tightly held. It is easy for the user to press the buttons and has a good texture.
3. Material
Highly elastic fibers were used to make the interior cables (Huntsman); the exterior is made of TPE.
4. The earphones’ cable vs. its other strengths
Highly elastic fibers were used to make the interior cables (Huntsman) which increased their endurance. The exterior is made of TPE which has fine leather and not easily crumpled. It also has good texture and weakens stethoscope effects.
5. Benefits of an earshell made of metal
It lowers any problems that affect low-frequency sound quality and also has a nice design.
6. Do the OnePlus One Silver Bullet earphones have better sound quality than the Xiaomi Huosai earphones?
The red line represents the Huosai’s frequency wave while the green line represents the Silver Bullet’s. As the graph shows, the Huosai’s low/medium frequency is higher, but it fell at its mid frequency causing the sound to be a bit unintelligible. The Silver Bullet’s frequency is a bit more steady and even.
8. Is there an interesting story behind the Silver Bullet’s design?
During the tuning process, because of the high volume, the sound did not seem natural. Then, they changed the diaphragm once again.
9. How do these earphones provide better sound quality?
The NPEI diaphragm is slimmer and has lighter quality providing a better and more natural sound.
Huawei Honor 6 will be available in India from October 6
Back in June, Huawei announced its Flagship Honor 6 with company’s own Kirin 920 chipset with an octa-core processor in China. This phone which is also tagged as Glory 6 or Mulan will be available in India from October 6th exclusively via Flipkart.
The phone is priced at 19,999 INR( which translates to 324$). And will be available black and white handset colors. Flipkart has already listed the handset in its website with coming soon! notification. Huawei has certain market in sub-continent and this phone can prove to be a big hit.
Lets have a quick round up of its specs.
Huawei Honor 6 has a 5″ 1080p display and powered byKirin 920 chipset – an octa-core processor (4x Cortex-A15 @ 1.7GHz, 4x Cortex-A7 @ 1.3GHz) coupled with Mali T628 GPU and 3GB of RAM. The 16GB expandable storage give you an ample space, 13MP rear and 5MP front cameras completes the camera part, and a 3,100 mAh battery gives you a better juice indeed.
So Indians be prepared to own this beast.
Coolpad Grand 5 (VC-1) leaked with Sony 20 mega-pixel sensor IMX220 rotating camera
The Coolpad V1-C has attracted many people since it was first listed at the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology’s website due to its powerful specs. Now, it was leaked online that this phone, under the name “Coolpad Grand 5,” will have a 270 degree revolving camera (Sony’s 20.65mp IM220) and is expected to come out this October.
The V1-C’s MIIT entry does not mention anything about a revolving camera but this does not rule out the possible of Coolpad releasing versions that have one. The leaker also confirmed that its rear case will be made of Kevlar.
The Grand 5 will also sport a 5.98-inch touchscreen that has a 2560 x 1440 resolution. It will also use the 2.5GHz Snapdragon 801 processor and has 3GB RAM and 32GB ROM (can be expanded to 128GB by memory card). It also supports dual-SIM cards and is compatible with TD-LTE/LTE-FDD/CDMA2000/CDMA 1X/GSM networks. Its OS is the Android 4.4.4.
ZTE to release big-screen version of ZTE V5
There has been a lot of buzz recently about the ZTE V5 smartphone. After ZTE formally announced on their official Weibo account that they would change the name of the “ZTE Red Bull Phone” to the “ZTE V5 phone” on September 22, yesterday more information was posted online about the phone saying that a new version with a big screen may be released.
Related: Photo of new ZTE V5 phone’s screen panel leaked
In the photo, you can see that the upright edges of the ZTE V5 Big-Screen Smartphone’s design. You can also see its Home button. It uses the Nubia UI, has a 13mp light sensor camera, and like the original V5, it comes in different-colored rear cases.
OPPO N3 to use VOOC rapid charger
Other than having top-knotch hardware, the OPPO N3 flagship phone has other new features such a very light mid-frame made of a lithium-aluminum alloy, and VOOC rapid-charger technology.
OPPO first introduced VOOC when they released the OPPO Find 7. You can make two-hour phone calls after only 5 minutes of charging the phone. After 30 minutes, it is 75% charged. There is no doubt that the VOOC will be very useful for the N3.
According to OPPO, its inclusion of a rapid charger will causes the phone’s size to shrink. The USB wire can also be taken off.
The OPPO N3 sports a 1080p screen and 13mp revolving camera (206 degrees), uses the Snapdragon 805, and has 3GB RAM.
Elephone G4 and Elephone TV BOX debut at DealExtreme
Elephone is expanding very fast, the 1 year old brand release a lot of models with good sales amount. There is one extension device for Elephone, called TV BOX. We promise you to serve with more and more technically advanced electronic devices which will really make your life far more convenient. The recent debut of G4 and TV BOX was awesome. Elephone is going to launch a huge sale along with the largest China based ecommerce website — DealExtreme.
Soon from September 29th to October 15th, you will come across with the unbelievable deals of getting G4 in 106.99 USD and TV BOX in 79.99 USD. However, once after completion of this debut program you will be provided G4 with the costs of 108.88 USD and TV BOX in 88.88 USD. The good news for the first 100 G4 customers is that, they can get free 16GB TF cards. Apart from these 100 G4 customers, further 1000 earliest customers will get 8GB TF cards.
Why Meizu MX4’s international price is higher than in China
Meizu unveiled the Meizu MX4 flagship earlier this month to rival Xiaomi’s Mi4. The company made sure that its device was better or atleast at par with Mi4 in terms of specifications as well as pricing. In fact, when Meizu MX4 went up for pre-order, we were all surprised to see that the company priced it much lesser than Xiaomi’s flagship.
MX4 was available for $293 for the 16 GB, $325 for the 32 GB, and $390 for the 64 GB, which is around $10-$20 less than you’ll have to pay for the Mi4. The only major difference between the two handsets was the extra gig of RAM and the Qualcomm Snapdragon processor on the Xiaomi Mi4. Rest of the specs were more or less the same.
This was the pricing for the home market, i.e. China. But when it came to the international market, the MX4 costs a lot higher. Each MX4 storage variant was almost $100 more than what it was priced for the Chinese market, which surprised us all. For example, Meizu MX4 is available for $450 on GearBest for the 16GB variant. The 32 GB variant costs even more and is priced at $489.
Clearly, there’s a significant difference between the two prices. So, we made a little inquiry from our side to see why there’s such a difference between the home pricing and the international pricing.
After our investigation, we came to know that Meizu has priced the MX4 higher for international resellers, Meizu knows people out of China who want this phone are willing to pay more. which means international customers have to pay more to pre-order the device.
So, what you can get for around $350 in China, you’ll have to pay around $450 if you want it in an international market. However, there’s another twist. The company says that the MX4 international price includes shipping and import taxes in certain areas like Europe, North America, Asia and New Zealand. So, naturally this translates into a higher pricetag for international customers.
But even at this price, MX4 is a great buy. Most of the flagships available in international markets are priced well above $600, which makes this device with such specifications and features a value for money proposition.
So would you buy the new MX4 at $450 or would you choose any other device?
