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October 30, 2023

Android OS Explained

What is Android?

Android is the operating system that you mainly find on smartphones and tablets. But what is an operating system? This is a program that is loaded into the memory after starting up your smartphone and controls the hardware. The operating system gives you access to, for example, your camera or Whatsapp. Without an operating system, your phone wouldn't work.

Different android shells

Because Android is an open-source operating system, many manufacturers create their own layer over the Android base. As a result, colors, icons, and menu structures differ per brand. Smartphones from Samsung, OnePlus, and Nokia all run on Android, but the software still looks different. Many manufacturers also add their own apps in addition to the standard Android apps from Google. So you often have the same kind of apps. These are pre-installed and cannot always be removed. You will lose part of your storage space.

What are the different Android shells?

Google delivers a new basic version of the Android operating system every year. However, Android is not the same on every brand of smartphone. Manufacturers often adjust a number of properties. This creates differences in, for example, design, menu structures, and available functions. It depends on your personal preference whether the Android shell suits you well.

What is an Android shell?

android peel skins
All Android smartphones run on Android, Google's operating system. This is an open-source operating system. This means that everyone can use the software and adjust it to their own liking. That is exactly what manufacturers do: almost every brand makes its own layer over the Android base. As a result, colors, menu structures and icons differ per smartphone brand. Furthermore, manufacturers sometimes choose to add extra functions or apps. For example, smartphones from Samsung and OnePlus all run on Android, but the operating system still looks very different.
View all Android smartphones

Samsung: OneUI

What is Samsung One UI?  
Samsung adopts Android to accommodate special functions. Consider, for example, operation with the S Pen with Note devices. The design of Samsung's Android version is quite different from standard Android. For example, the icons are larger and have different colors. You download a Samsung theme to customize this design to your liking. Devices with OneUI contain many apps (bloatware) pre-installed by Samsung, such as Calendar or the virtual assistant Bixby. It is not possible to remove these apps with OneUI. As a result, you will lose part of your storage space.

Huawei and Honor: EMUI

Huawei announces plans to update 37 devices to EMUI 11 - NotebookCheck.net News
EMUI stands for Emotion User Interface. This Android shell looks quite different from other smartphones. For example, Huawei and Honor use many colors and large icons. Furthermore, there is relatively a lot of bloatware on these smartphones. These are pre-installed apps by Huawei and Honor, which you sometimes cannot remove. Think of your own calculator or note app. Furthermore, smartphones with EMUI apps that run in the background quickly close. This saves your battery.
View all Huawei smartphones

OnePlus: OxygenOS

The OnePlus 7 and 7T series finally receive Android 11 and OxygenOS 11 updates - NotebookCheck.net News
On OnePlus smartphones, you will find an operating system that combines standard Android with a number of additions. This way you can easily adjust the standard icons to your own taste. You not only change the color but also determine the shape of the buttons. OnePlus has already pre-installed apps itself. Don't need these apps? Then you can easily remove them yourself. The menus are well-arranged and somewhat comparable to the basic version of Android.

Xiaomi: MIUI

MIUI 12: Top Six Features Coming to Xiaomi's Android 10-Based Mobile OS | Technology News
Xiaomi MIUI is very different from the standard Android version. The settings menu of this interface is arranged differently and the design also looks different. You can adjust this to your own taste with Xiaomi themes. You can remove the bloatware installed on the device yourself. A disadvantage of MIUI are the advertisements that you encounter in several places. For example, you don't see them only on the internet like with other brands, but also in your settings menu, for example. You can prevent this with an adblocker.

Nokia and Motorola: Android One

POCO has no plans to launch Android One smartphones - Gizmochina
Android One is a form of the standard Android version as developed by Google. Android One is not a real shell, but a kind of quality label that says something about updates. Because of the 'bare' Android version, the manufacturer does not have to make expensive and time-consuming adjustments to updates. This allows you to receive updates soon after they come out. The features and design of Android One are not exciting or innovative, but they are simple and easy to use. All Nokias and most Motorola smartphones run on Android One. The operating system on the other Motorola devices looks almost the same in terms of design.
View all Android One smartphones

OPPO: ColorOS

Oppo's ColorOS 11 announced: Best new features explained
Color OS is quite different from standard Android in a number of areas. The menu structure, for example with your settings, is very different. Some options or settings are further hidden than you are used to with other Android interfaces. Furthermore, the design and switching between different apps look different. This is not necessarily better or worse. The switch to an OPPO smartphone with ColorOS takes some getting used to. Whether you like it depends on your own taste and preferences.

Sony: Xperia UI

Sony uses Xperia UI. This shell is quite similar to the standard Android version, but there are certainly differences. For example, Sony makes a number of small changes to the design. For example, the colors are slightly darker. Sony also adds functions behind the scenes. For example, the Stamina Mode helps to save battery. Furthermore, the manufacturer is economical with bloatware. So the storage memory is not taken up by pre-installed apps.
View all Sony smartphones

Open-source platform

The Android operating system is open-source software. This means that anyone can easily take over and adapt the original version of Android. For example, manufacturers of smartphones and tablets. App developers also have free rein. As a result, a lot of new apps appear. For example, at the end of 2020 more than 3 million apps were already available in the Google Play Store.

Different Android versions

Different Android versions
The very first version of Android appeared in 2008. This was Android 1.0 Angel Cake. Today, Google releases one major update every year. These updates provide new functions, a new appearance of Android or, for example, better security. Previously, the different versions were named after treats. Some examples include Android 7.0 Nougat, Android 8.0 Oreo, and Android 9.0 Pie. Since Android 10, this is no longer the case. Are you curious about the different Android versions? Then go to the advice page below.

All Android versions at a glance

Android is Google's mobile operating system and one of the most popular smartphone operating systems. The first Android version was released in 2008 under the name Android Alpha (Android 1.0). This was followed by different versions named after sweets and treats such as marshmallows and Lollipop. On this page, we list the last four Android versions for you. For each version, we highlight key features and improvements.

Which Android version does my smartphone have?

Which Android version
Do you want to know which Android version your smartphone has? On your phone, go to settings. Scroll down and choose 'About phone' or 'About device'. You will then see under 'Firmware version' or 'Android version' which version you have on your device. Unfortunately, not all functions that we mention on this page are available by default on all smartphones with a certain Android version. Some functions have been specially developed for a number of Android devices. Do you want to know more about Android in general and the pros and cons? Then view our advice page.

Android 11

Android 11
With Android 11 you make a video recording of the screen. You choose whether you record the sound from your microphone or from the device. Notifications have also been updated. Chat notifications have a separate block in the notification screen and you can set which people are always at the top. In addition, Google has made a number of privacy developments with the new update. For example, you give apps one-time access to certain files. You also 'reset' your smartphone rights for apps that you have not used for a number of months.

Android 10

Android 10
Android 10 is the first Android version without candy as a nickname. The dark mode has been improved quite a bit. Black is now really black instead of gray. OLED screens turn off these pixels, giving smartphones with such a screen a longer battery life. You also choose to only give an app access to your location if you use the app. With the new Focus Mode, you ensure that you cannot open various apps for a certain time. This way you keep all the attention on your work.

Android 9.0 Pie

Android 9.0 Pie
With Android 9.0 Pie, Android once again provides more security. For example, apps that run in the background no longer have access to the camera and microphone. The controls have also been updated. In Pie you only have one home button instead of several navigation buttons. You control it by swiping in a direction. This way you can easily browse between apps, for example. Furthermore, the notifications of messages have become a lot more convenient. You can respond directly and see the last part of a conversation.

Android 8.0 Oreo

Android 8.0 Oreo
With Android 8.0 Oreo, your smartphone starts up twice as fast. Improvements in Webview and Java also ensure apps that start up faster and hang less often. The addition of Google Play Protect prevents damage from malware and faulty apps. Do you sometimes forget usernames and passwords? Thanks to Autofill, these are filled in in Oreo 8.0. With Picture in Picture mode (PiP), you can watch a series via Netflix while simultaneously looking up something in your browser.

Older Android versions

Android versions
The Android operating system has changed a lot over the years. Below you will find an overview.
  • Android KitKat 4.4: the first version available for smartphones with 512 MB RAM.
  • Android 5.0 + 5.1 Lollipop: The system is more stable and less likely to crash.
  • Android 6.0 Marshmallow: enables, among other things, sleep mode when you are not using your smartphone. This way you have more battery left.
  • Android 7.0 + 7.1 Nougat: is known for the multi-window mode that allows you to open multiple apps on one screen. In addition, this version supports the virtual reality app Daydream.
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October 30, 2023

4K UHD vs. Full HD What’s the difference?

What is the difference between Full HD and 4K?

The main difference between a Full HD TV and a 4K TV is that the latter provides a sharper image than the former. Both Full HD and 4K UHD represent the resolution of a display. The term resolution is considered as the pixel count in digital imaging. Full HD resolution means there are true 1920 pixels in width and 1080 pixels in height. In this article you can read what the terms full HD and 4K mean, we indicate where you can encounter both resolutions and we list the differences between the 2 for you.

The technical differences

full hd

Full HD

Full HD is the resolution that you regularly encounter with televisions and beamers, Blu-ray players and video content. The image is 1920 pixels wide and 1080 pixels high: a total of 2.07 megapixels. Full HD is also referred to as 1080i and 1080p. Below you can read more about the difference between these terms. Do not confuse Full HD and HD Ready with each other. With a resolution of 1280 x 720 pixels, HD Ready has less than half the pixels of Full HD. This difference is clearly visible at a short distance or on a large screen.
View all full HD TVs
4K

4K

4K, which was also called UHD and formerly Ultra HD, is a resolution that is common in televisions and regularly in beamers. The image resolution is 3840 x 2160, which equates to 8.3 megapixels. TVs, media players, and videos with 4K resolution, therefore, show 4 times as many pixels as Full HD images. Many 4K televisions and video players have an upscale on board that makes Full HD videos appear sharper. This way, you can also enjoy the sharper image of a 4K television with images recorded in Full HD.
View all 4K TVs

The difference between 1080i and 1080p

The number stands for the number of horizontal image lines of Full HD: 1080. The 'i' stands for interlaced. For types of images, the TV builds up an image by blinking the even and odd lines alternately. The 'p' in 1080p stands for progressive. The television makes a picture to refresh all 1080 picture lines from top to bottom, one by one. You can easily recognize the difference with fast-moving images. With 1080i you can see that the even and odd image lines clearly differ from each other. 4K images are always progressive and are therefore referred to as 2160p.

Do you choose full HD or 4K?

Whether you should go for a 4K television depends on a number of things. Are you a fanatic gamer or movie watcher? Then it is wise to go for a 4K television because most films and games can be seen in that resolution. Do you mainly watch the eight o'clock news, talk shows and every now and then a movie? Then you could opt for full HD. The screen size and the distance between you and the television also matters. The bigger your television is and or the closer you are to the screen, the more you can get from 4K.
View all televisions
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October 30, 2023

8K (UHD) Explained

What is 8K (UHD)?

The 8K resolution is 4 times sharper than 4K. The arrival of 8K TVs seems very early, as there are no 8K images available yet. Nevertheless, an 8K TV is worth considering thanks to smart upscaling techniques. In this article, I will tell you all about it.

4 times sharper than 4K

The 8K resolution is 4 times sharper than 4K. This is because an 8K image consists of 7,680 x 4,320 pixels. In total, these are more than 33 million pixels, while the 4K resolution has 8 million. In practice, small details such as grains of sand are more visible. Note that on screens up to 65 inches, the difference in sharpness is barely visible to the naked eye. That is why 8K is especially an added value when you buy a larger TV.

Little 8K footage

8K footage
With the exception of a few demo videos, no 8K footage is available yet. Although some movies have already been shot in 8K, today's Blu-rays can't handle a large amount of data. For TV channels, a higher resolution costs extra bandwidth. For this reason, most programs are not even available in 4K. It seems most logical that video services such as Netflix will become the first providers of 8K images. When this will happen is not yet known.

Sharper image thanks to 8K upscaling

8K upscaling
The TV manufacturers are also aware of the limited 8K offer. That is why they develop advanced techniques that sharpen lower-quality images. For example, Samsung's 8K TVs with artificial intelligence add extra pixels to the image. This makes your current film collection more detailed, especially on a large screen.
View all 8K TVs
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October 30, 2023

4K (UHD) Explained

What is 4K (UHD)?

4K (UHD) is the name of a resolution that is 4 times sharper than Full HD. 4K has a minimum sharpness of 3840 by 2160 pixels, which is more than 8 million pixels in total. This ensures a razor-sharp display of films, photos, and games. On this page, we explain what 4K is and what the advantage is.

UHD

A UHD image contains more than 8 million pixels, while a Full HD image has 2 million pixels. This makes the UHD resolution 4 times sharper. You mainly see the difference in sharpness on screens from a size of 40 inches. To view UHD images, both the TV and source must support this resolution. This can be a UHD Blu-ray player or game console, but video services such as YouTube and Netflix also increasingly offer UHD videos.

4K

The 4K resolution is an image standard for cinemas and consists of 4,096 x 2,160 pixels. The difference with UHD is that the row of horizontal pixels is wider. This is because the cinema screen is proportionally wider than the screen of a TV. Yet 4K is now intertwined with the UHD of the TV industry. During your search for a TV, you can assume that 4K and UHD mean the same.
View all 4K UHD TVs

8K

The successor to the 4K resolution is 8K. This resolution is 4 times sharper than 4K, which means that an 8K screen consists of approximately 33 million pixels. Although little footage is available in 8K yet, 8K TVs are already available. These televisions use a technique called upscaling, which makes the TV sharper images of lower resolution. What is 8K (UHD)? Get the Latest Tips and Tricks
October 30, 2023

Thunderbolt 4 Explained

What Is Thunderbolt 4?

Thunderbolt technology is a cable connection interface developed by Intel over the last decade. Here are three of the most important features of Thunderbolt technology:
  • Thunderbolt ports provide high bandwidth for connecting high-speed devices.
  • Thunderbolt cables help to ensure a quality connection between the device and a PC.
  • Thunderbolt accessories make it easy to expand the capabilities of your PC with docking options and external devices.

The Benefits of Thunderbolt 4

While all ports fulfill the basic purpose of connecting input/output devices to a PC, Thunderbolt 4 ports have several distinct advantages:
  • Flexibility. Some ports power your devices. Others transfer data from devices to the PC. Still, others transfer video signals from your PC to an external monitor. A Thunderbolt port can do all three. It delivers high-speed data transfer, outputs a video signal, and can deliver power to compatible devices (including charging a lightweight laptop) simultaneously.
  • Bandwidth. Thunderbolt 4 ports have a 40Gbps (gigabits per second) bidirectional bandwidth. That means data can be moved to and from external storage quickly, and that up to five Thunderbolt devices can be connected for flexible device configurations—all powered by one port.
  • Versatile connectivity. Thunderbolt 4 ports are compatible with many connection standards, including previous versions of Thunderbolt, USB, DisplayPort, and PCle. The ports fit standard USB-C type connectors.
What can you connect with Thunderbolt 4?
  • Thunderbolt devices. Connect devices bearing the Thunderbolt logo, including docks, displays, storage, and video capture devices. Thunderbolt 3 devices and cables are compatible with Thunderbolt 4 ports. Older Thunderbolt devices will work too but require an adapter.
  • External monitors. Connect multiple displays. One Thunderbolt 4 port can connect up to two 4K 60hz DisplayPort or HDMI monitors through a compatible dock or an adapter. Thunderbolt designated monitors can be connected directly.
  • Storage. Connect a high-speed external Thunderbolt SSD to expand the storage capacity of your system and achieve speeds on par with internal drives.
  • USB peripherals. Connect USB devices like mice, keyboards, controllers, and headsets for gaming.
  • PCI Express (PCIe) devices. Utilize a PCIe expansion chassis to access compatible PCIe devices, such as video capture devices for live-streaming gameplay.
  • Networking. Connect to a high-speed 10 Gigabit Ethernet network via an adapter or use a Thunderbolt cable to connect two computers over a peer-to-peer network. This allows for transferring large volumes of data from one PC to another, which is ideal when upgrading to a new system.
  • Charging. Connect your phone, a lightweight notebook PC (that requires less than 100W), and other compatible USB devices to charge them quickly.

What’s New with Thunderbolt 4?

Thunderbolt 4 is the latest generation of Thunderbolt. These ports are found on PCs with 11th Gen Intel® Core™ mobile processors or systems that are equipped with a Thunderbolt 4 controller. Thunderbolt 4 brings numerous improvements and new features to the table when compared to Thunderbolt 3.
  • Speed. Thunderbolt 4 ports have the same high-speed 40Gbps bandwidth as Thunderbolt™ 3. However, minimum PCIe data requirements have increased from 16Gbps to 32Gbps. This means that high-speed external PCIe devices like storage and external graphics could see significant increases in transfer rates and performance.
  • Security. VT-d based DMA protection helps prevent security threats by remapping requests from external devices and checking for proper permissions.
  • Wake from sleep. This feature allows a PC to be brought out of hibernation with peripherals that are connected through a dock.

The Benefits of Gaming with Thunderbolt 4

Thunderbolt 4 provides significant advantages, but how can it improve your gaming setup? Docking
Photo of multiport Thunderbolt 4 dock
A multiport Thunderbolt 4 dock can connect via a Thunderbolt 4 cable to a single Thunderbolt 4 port on your PC. The benefits of Thunderbolt 4 docking include:
  • Port expansion. Increase the number of devices you can connect to a laptop or desktop PC with a Thunderbolt 4 dock. For example, connect a gaming keyboard, a wired gaming mouse, external monitor, and SSD to a dock, and then to a PC with a single Thunderbolt 4 cable. Just how many — and what kind — of ports are supported will vary depending on the dock’s make and model. Most Thunderbolt 4 docks increase the number of Thunderbolt 4 ports available and frequently feature additional ports for USB 3.0 Type-A, DisplayPort, and audio.
  • Ease of throughput. With a bandwidth of 40Gbps, Thunderbolt 4 ports make it easy to connect high-performance devices — such as a gaming monitor and a high-speed SSD — and use them at their intended speeds without overloading the port’s capacity. Because the bandwidth is bidirectional, the outgoing video signal won’t conflict with incoming data from peripherals or a storage drive.
  • Cable management. Use a dock to keep your gaming space organized, with all of your gaming accessories plugging into a central hub instead of connecting directly to the PC itself. With just one cable going from the dock to your PC, your gaming area stays clean and free of clutter.
  • Mobility. Simply detach one cable instead of three or four when you want to relocate with your laptop.

External Upgrades

Photo of back of gaming monitor and external component with Thunderbolt 4 ports
Thunderbolt 4 ports also provide external access to the high-speed PCIe bus, allowing components that use PCIe to be connected without having to install them internally.
  • External SSD. Run games from an external NVMe SSD, such as the Samsung Portable SSD X5 and the built-in drive in the Seagate FireCuda Gaming Dock. Because NVMe storage uses PCIe instead of the older SATA connectors used by SATA SSDs and traditional HDDs, read/write speeds are fast enough for gaming from an external storage device. This allows games to be transferred to an external drive, so they can be played on any system that supports Thunderbolt 4.
  • Video capture devices. Another possibility is attaching an external capture device for streaming, such as the AVerMedia Live Gamer BOLT. You can capture gameplay in full 4K at 60Hz or in 1080p at 240Hz. Having a dedicated unit for capturing gameplay frees up system resources, allowing you to play games at higher settings while retaining clear video quality.
  • External Graphics. Connect an external GPU to boost the graphical performance of a laptop or lightweight PC, allowing you to play more games at higher settings.
Cable Simplification There are a number of benefits to replacing USB cables in your gaming setup with Thunderbolt 4, the foremost being simplicity.
  • They’re simple. With USB having gone through so many revisions, finding the right cable can be confusing. USB 2.0? USB 3.2 5Gbps? USB 3.2 10Gbps? USB 3/DP? A single Thunderbolt 4 cable does the job of all of them.
  • They’re easy to identify. With some USB cables, it can be hard to identify what version of cable you’re using and what features it supports. All Thunderbolt 4 connectors are marked with the Thunderbolt symbol and the number 4, so you know exactly what you’re getting.
  • They transmit data farther. With a longer data transmission distance, Thunderbolt 4 cables provide top transfer speeds at up to 2 meters (6.56 feet) in length — ideal for building a gaming laptop setup.
  • They’re certified. Thunderbolt cables are tested for quality and required to meet certification standards.

Connect More Devices with Thunderbolt 4

Artistic photo of devices with Thunderbolt 4 ports
If simple, versatile, and powerful I/O functionality is a priority, look for a PC with Thunderbolt 4 ports. A Thunderbolt™ dock with multiple Thunderbolt™ ports allows you to connect all your gaming accessories and a high-speed monitor, all the while keeping your gaming space neat and organized. Thunderbolt™ devices also provide powerful external performance. Thunderbolt™ SSDs and Thunderbolt™ docks with integrated storage let you store games with large file sizes and play them at fast speeds, while Thunderbolt external capture devices improve the quality of your stream, and can help you grow an audience. Whether you choose a desktop or laptop for your next gaming system, Thunderbolt 4 technology provides extensive options for expanding your setup. Get the Latest Tips and Tricks Source: Intel
Redmi 10 Specifications and price in Kenya
October 30, 2023

Redmi 10 Specifications and price in Kenya

Redmi 10 Specifications and price in Kenya

Xiaomi today launched Redmi 10. Following up with a full suite of major upgrades compared with its predecessor, Redmi 10 touts the series’ first 50MP hi-res camera, 90Hz 6.5” FHD+ AdaptiveSync display, a powerful chipset, and a sleek design, making exceptional performance available to more and more people.     Redmi 10 comes packed with flagship-grade features for a smartphone of this caliber to deliver performance that exceeds expectations. The value of Redmi 10 offers speaks for itself. Its outstanding 50MP camera for high-res shots is a first of its kind in its category, making cutting-edge photography accessible to all. But it also boasts a 90Hz refresh rate and high-performance hardware, making Redmi 10 a top-of-the-line contender in its bracket.    

Reinvent the entry-level smartphone experience with a killer camera and display

Redmi 10’s 50MP ultra-high-resolution main camera captures amazing content with stellar details. Accompanied by an 8MP ultra-wide camera, 2MP macro camera, and a 2MP depth sensor, Redmi 10 gives you the freedom to capture moments in all situations. The device also packs a suite of stylish filters to add flair for your shots, as well as panorama selfies ideal for large group shots that get you and all your friends in the picture. Looking at its display, it comes with a large 6.5” screen with FHD+ resolution, while a 90Hz refresh rate for seamless scrolling and swiping is a treat for your eyes. Paired with AdaptiveSync technology, the phone automatically adjusts the refresh rate to your content, keeping your battery alive longer as it’ll boost refresh rates for only those moments when you actually need it. In addition, Redmi 10 features Reading Mode 3.0 to relax your eyes as you flip through your favorite content.    

Next-level experience showcased in a sleek and stylish design

Powered by a 2.0GHz octa-core MediaTek Helio G88 processor, Redmi 10 is designed from the ground up to perform. Utilizing a lightning-fast GPU, Redmi 10 takes your mobile performance to a whole new height with powerful hardware and next-level features. With a massive 5,000mAh battery, 18W fast charging, and an in-box 22.5W charger, you are able to sail through your tasks without worry. Redmi 10 has a sleek and stylish design that’s smooth to the touch and a joy to behold. It’s available in 3 beautiful colors; matte Carbon Gray and Pebble White with a classic, smooth fingerprint-proof finish, and a beautifully textured glossy Sea Blue. In addition, it comes with MIUI 12.5 out of the box and offers an immersive audio experience with its dual speakers. Redmi 10 comes in three variants – 4GB+64GB, 4GB+128GB and 6GB+128GB. All will be available for purchase via Xiaomi’s official sales channels from August 20th. Prices start at USD179, USD199, and USD219  respectively.

Redmi 10 Specifications and price in Kenya

Redmi 10
Processor MediaTek Helio G88
Display 6.5″ FHD+ DotDisplay 2400 x 1080 resolution 90Hz refresh rate with AdaptiveSync display (45/60/90Hz) Reading mode 3.0, Sunlight display
Rear Camera 50MP main camera 丨 8MP ultra-wide-angle camera 丨 2MP macro camera丨 2MP depth sensor
Front Camera 8MP
Battery & Charging 5,000mAh battery丨 18W fast charging 丨 9W reverse wired charging | 22.5W in-box charger
Audio Dual speaker 3.5mm headphone jack
Unlock Side fingerprint sensor; AI Face Unlock
System MIUI 12.5 based on Android 11
Color* Carbon Gray, Pebble White, Sea Blue
Dimension & Weight 161.95 x 75.53 x 8.92mm 181g
Variant* 4GB + 64GB; 4GB+128GB; 6GB+128GB
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Crysis Remastered Trilogy
October 30, 2023

What to expect from Crysis Remastered Trilogy

Crytek announced that the Crysis Remastered Trilogy will launch for consoles and PC this fall. The Crysis Remastered Trilogy features the single-player remasters of Crysis, Crysis 2, and Crysis 3, optimized in partnership with Saber Interactive for today's consoles and PC hardware. The three-game bundle will be available on PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch and for PC, with the game playing even smoother on next-gen PS5 and Xbox Series X/S. Crysis Remastered is available for these platforms now, and the remasters of Crysis 2 and Crysis 3 will also be made available separately.
Crysis Remastered Trilogy will give players not familiar with the franchise to be able to play through the whole storyline from the very beginning with this all-in-one bundle. Players will be transported through, North Korean islands, to New York City where they’ll have to save humanity from a deadly virus, to the finale where they’ll be on a revenge mission to uncover the truth about C.E.L.L. https://youtu.be/_b0csk7IdJw The Crysis Trilogy includes: Crysis Remastered: A simple rescue mission turns into an all-out war as alien invaders swarm over a chain of North Korean islands. Playing as super-soldier Nomad, you are armed with a powerful Nanosuit equipped with Speed, Strength, Armor, and Cloaking abilities. Use a vast arsenal of modular weaponry and adapt your tactics and gear to dominate enemies in an enormous sandbox world. Crysis 2 Remastered: Aliens have returned to a world ravaged by climate disasters. As the invaders lay waste to New York and begin an assault that threatens the total annihilation of humankind, only you have the technology to lead the fightback. Equipped with the upgraded Nanosuit 2.0, customize your suit and weapons in real-time and unlock powerful abilities in the battle for humanity's survival. Crysis 3 Remastered: New York City has been transformed into a sprawling urban rainforest sheltered by a giant nanodome. Prophet must fight through seven distinct districts against human and alien forces, using the Nanosuit's superior technology to deploy brute force or opting for stealth to achieve his goals. Equipped with a deadly Predator Bow, there's no wrong way to save the world. "We're excited to announce that these iconic Crysis games are returning in one bundle, remastered for a new generation of hardware," said Steffen Halbig, Project Lead. "Each game is  enhanced to look and play beautifully on today's platforms, delivering the finest Crysis experience for both newcomers to our classic franchise or players wishing to relive the adventure." For more information about the Crysis Remastered Trilogy, please visit www.crysis.com.
Crysis Remastered Trilogy is available to PRE-ORDER NOW!
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October 30, 2023

Soundbar Buying Guide in Kenya

What to look for when buying a soundbar

Do you want to improve the sound of your television? Then a soundbar is a good choice for you. A soundbar can easily create a better sound for your favorite movies, series, and sports or TV programs. Do you ever want to expand your sound setup to a multi-room system or a home cinema? Then a soundbar is the right basis to start with. A Soundbar is a compact speaker system and a stylish, simple solution for enhancing your home entertainment experience with more volume, enhanced bass, and greater clarity. With fewer speakers and wires than a home theatre system, a soundbar is easy to set up.

What to consider when buying a soundbar

Soundbar with television
Choosing a soundbar is not an easy task. Of course, you have to find the soundbar that meets your needs. Ask yourself the following:
  • Which connection is on your television?
  • Do you want to connect the soundbar wirelessly?
  • Do you want a multi-room setup?
  • What kind of sound quality do you expect from the soundbar?
View all soundbars here

1. Size

You need to think about the size to ensure the soundbar you choose is suitable for your home:
  • Is a soundbar suited to the size of your room? Soundbars suit small-to-medium-size rooms.
  • Does the soundbar suit the size of your TV? It can be narrower than your TV, but wider will look odd.
  • Is there space for a soundbar? Will it fit in front of the TV, on the shelf underneath, or on the wall?
You can wall mount your soundbar under your TV to save space, and wireless speakers eliminate cable clutter for a minimalist style. View all soundbars here

2. Surround Sound

Soundbars have multiple built-in speakers and channels. They assign specific speakers/speakers to each channel, so the greater the number of speakers and channels, the more the sound will seem to surround you.

What do soundbar channels do?

All the different aspects of what you hear (dialogue, music, and action) have different frequencies. The channels inside the soundbar isolate and direct these different frequencies to different speakers, so the sound you hear appears to come from all around.

What do soundbar numbers mean?

When you’re comparing soundbars, you’ll see that they all have a number, which tells you:
  • How many channels it has (first number) – more channels imitate surround sound better.
  • If it has a subwoofer (second number) – which creates deep bass in action scenes and music.
  • If it has any upward-firing speakers (third number) – to simulate sound coming from above.
So when you see these numbers used to describe a soundbar, they mean the soundbar has:
  • 2.0 – Two channels to improve your TV’s sound (zero = a soundbar with no subwoofer ).
  • 2.1 – Two channels for better TV audio, plus it’s a soundbar with a subwoofer for deep bass.
  • 5.1 – Five channels simulate surround sound better than a 2.1, plus there’s a subwoofer for deep bass.
  • 7.1.2 – Seven channels create the best faux-surround sound, plus there’s a subwoofer for deep bass, and two upward-firing drivers simulate sound coming from above.
So in a nutshell, when the numbers are higher, what you hear sounds more like surround sound (even though technically it’s not because there are no speakers behind or above you). If your living room is too small for a home theatre system (around 25 square meters or less), but you still want real surround sound, you can create a compact home theatre system with other wireless speakers (that you already use for your music, or you can buy a rear speaker kit for your wireless soundbar ). Position the wireless speakers behind you, and then link them to your soundbar wirelessly using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connectivity. View all soundbars here

3. Connectivity

HDMI port
You need to ensure that the TV soundbar you choose has all the connections you need for your TV and other entertainment sources such as your set-top box, DVD player, Blu-ray player, media player, gaming consoles, and USB storage devices. Still, you don’t pay more for more connections than you need. If your soundbar and TV both have HDMI ports you can connect your devices to either, and once you’ve connected your soundbar to the TV, all sound will be played through the soundbar instead of the TV speakers. You can also connect your compatible wireless devices to the soundbar wirelessly if it’s a:
  • Bluetooth soundbar – Bluetooth streams music to it from a compatible phone, tablet, or PC.
  • Wi-Fi soundbar – stream music and audio straight to the soundbar from the cloud via Wi-Fi, and use your compatible smart speaker for voice control convenience.
  • Chromecast soundbar – cast music and audio to it from compatible devices. If the soundbar doesn’t have a built-in Chromecast and you want it, just plug in a Chromecast Audio dongle.
Older TVs will most likely need analog inputs, or if you’ve got a 4K Ultra High Definition TV you can match it with a 4K video-compatible soundbar for the ultimate in-home entertainment. Some soundbars include cables and some don’t so check whether you need to buy cables separately. View all soundbars here

4. Music Speakers

Soundbars are also great for listening to music. With a USB input you can plug in your favorite music files – just make sure you check which file formats it supports – MP3, WMA, and Dolby Digital audio. If you choose a soundbar with Bluetooth connectivity you can connect your compatible phone, tablet, or computer wirelessly and play music through the soundbar. You can also listen to CDs through your Blu-ray player for enhanced audio. Soundbars with built-in Wi-Fi also allow to you listen to your online music libraries and streaming services. Your soundbar can also help you set up a multi-room music system, with lots of soundbar brands allowing communication with other music players, speakers, and receivers using your Wi-Fi network so you can stream music wirelessly throughout your whole home. View all soundbars here

5. Control

Most soundbars come with their own remote, but if you hate having too many controls and have the right TV and soundbar connections, you can program most TV and cable remotes to control your soundbar. Many also have remote apps so you can use your phone or tablet to control the soundbar. If your soundbar has lots of features it’s probably best to use the soundbar remote or remote app. View all soundbars here

6. Subwoofer

Surround sound
A subwoofer boosts the bass, which is important if you like action movies, TV shows, games, and music with lots of lower-frequency sounds. Some soundbars have:
  • A separate subwoofer that’s usually wireless and just needs to be plugged into power.
  • A built-in subwoofer that saves space (because you don’t need a separate subwoofer).
If there’s not enough space for a separate subwoofer, a broad platform-style soundbar is recommended, as the larger speakers give you better overall bass than a slimmer soundbar. View all soundbars here

7. Special Soundbar Features to look for

Different soundbars have different features so think about which ones are important to you:
  • Dialogue speaker or settings – to enhance the characters’ speech so voices sound clearer.
  • Special modes – designed to specifically enhance your movie, gaming, or music experiences.
  • Volume-leveling technology – makes all sound consistent for quieter ads and sound effects.
  • Distortion-cancelling technology – helps prevent distortion for deep, detailed-sounding bass.
  • Surround Sound Expansion technology – helps extend sound sideways and upwards so you feel immersed in the action.
  • 4K/HDR/3D Pass-Through – maintains the quality of 4K, HDR, and 3D content as it passes through the soundbar (so you can connect your devices to your soundbar instead of the TV).
  • Google Assistant compatible – can connect to a compatible Google Assistant device for voice-controlled music on the soundbar.
  • Alexa compatible – can connect to an Amazon Echo smart speaker for voice-controlled music on the soundbar.
  • SmartThings compatible – can connect to Wi-Fi for convenient soundbar control using the SmartThings app.
  • Dolby Atmos technology – reproduces audio created in Dolby-Atmos with impressive clarity, richness, detail, and depth for immersive entertainment.
  • DTS-X sound technology – reproduces the audio carefully crafted by TV and filmmakers in Dts-X for an immersive surround-sound experience.
  • Harman Kardon sound technology – produces rich, refined audio for lifelike sound.
  • Meridian sound technology – produces clear, heart-stopping, high-fidelity sound.
View all soundbars here

8. Whole House Entertainment System

To create a complete home entertainment system that services the whole house, connect your soundbar to multi-room speakers in the bedrooms, kitchen, and study. That way, you can listen to the music you love in every room as you move around the house, setting the mood and giving your daily happiness a boost.

You can also use your connected TV, soundbar, and multi-room speakers to amplify party music and create impressive cinematic sound, all controlled by your smartphone via the relevant brand’s app.

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October 30, 2023

How to choose the right size for your iPhone

How do you choose the right size for your iPhone?

During your search for the best iPhone for you, you also think about the size. Are you going for the small iPhone 12 mini, the average iPhone 12 or does the large iPhone 12 Pro Max suit you better? In this article, you can read what you should pay attention to if you are unsure about the size of your iPhone.

Choose iPhone size

We help you choose the right size by going through the following:
  • The difference between regular and Plus and Max versions
  • iPhone 12 and 12 Pro have an intermediate size
  • The difference between format and screen size
  • Operate a small screen with one hand
All Apple iPhone

The difference between regular and Plus, Max and mini versions

Different iPhone sizes
Many Apple devices have a larger version. For example, the Apple iPhone 8 has a 'Plus' version and the Apple iPhone 12 Pro has a 'Max' version. The difference between these 2 variants is mainly the screen size. In addition, Plus and Max models can have more working memory and/or a larger battery. With the iPhone 12 mini, Apple is introducing a small variant of the entry-level model for the first time. With the iPhone 12 mini, you get a handy 5.4-inch screen. On the other hand, you lose an hour of your battery life; such a small device does not fit a large battery.

Intermediate buddy: iPhone 12 and 12 Pro

iPhone 12 and 12 Pro are in between their generation in terms of size. As a result, they have a nice intermediate size if you think the mini version is too small and the Max version is too large. These models have a borderless 6.1-inch screen and fall into the 'average size' category thanks to their dimensions.

Carry in your pocket: a small size

For many people, pockets are not deep enough to store an iPhone. But if your trouser pockets are still deep enough, it's nice if your device fits in them. In that case, opt for a small iPhone. With a small device, you can also easily operate the screen with one hand.

Watching movies and playing games: a big screen

Gaming and watching movies on iPhone
Do you play mobile games in the dentist's waiting room or do you regularly run Netflix marathons on your iPhone? Then nothing is better than being carried away by as many details as possible. The bigger the screen, the more vividly your favorite characters come to the fore.

Apple iPhone models with the same size

Same size
iPhone XR iPhone 11
iPhone 11 iPhone XR
iPhone 11 Pro iPhone X and iPhone Xs
iPhone SE iPhone 6, iPhone 6s, iPhone 7, and iPhone 8
iPhone 12 mini -
iPhone 12 iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Pro Max -

Conclusion

iPhone 12 and 12 mini
Consider a Plus or Max variant if you...
  • ... operate your device with 2 hands.
  • ... like to be carried away in games, films, and series.
Consider a regular variant if you...
  • ... finds it important that you can operate your device with one hand.
  • ... want to spend as little as possible. Because regular variants are cheaper than Max and Plus variants.
View all Apple iPhone
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