Showing posts with label LG. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LG. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

LG G Flex 2 Unveiled at CES

The G Flex 2 is LG's second curved Android smartphone. Introduced at CES 2015 today, it blends the heritage of the original G Flex with the all-new Snapdragon 810 processor and some of the best aspects of LG’s G3 flagship to produce an excellent new phone.

Curved phones are still in the "rebel without a cause" phase of their development. They are different, but haven’t yet figured out a compelling reason to be different. That doesn’t change with the G Flex 2. LG’s Dr. Ramchan Woo, the company’s mobile architect responsible for the new G Flex, argues that all design tends to start with straight lines and rectangles, because they’re easy to make, before proceeding to the more natural and organic feel of flowing curved lines. Making curves is hard, whether you’re talking about cars, architecture, or home appliances, but doing it is worth it for LG because of the better aesthetics and ergonomics. "Why curved again?," asks Woo. "Our biggest and simplest answer is it’s more beautiful."

You don’t have to agree with Ramchan Woo’s thesis about the inevitability of curves to appreciate how much of an improvement the G Flex 2 is over the original G Flex. The number one complaint LG received about its first curved smartphone was that, at 6 inches in size, "that’s too big." People just couldn’t get to grips with such an awkward beast, and many of them were also unhappy to see it only had 720p resolution in an age where much smaller phones could comfortably accommodate 1080p and above. Now, with an improved generation of its plastic OLED technology, LG’s stepped up to the 1080p resolution and, crucially, stepped down in size class to 5.5 inches. 


The Korean company has also reduced the overall curve of the phone so that now it’s a gentle bend instead of the aggressive crescent shape of the original. This combination of more compact dimensions, better and smaller screen, and subtler curvature combines to make the G Flex 2 a much nicer phone to hold and to use than its predecessor.

Another improvement from the original G Flex is the second generation of LG’s self-healing plastic case. It now recovers from scratches and bruises in less than 10 seconds. The rear cover is super shiny and reflective in both the Flamenco Red and Platinum Silver options, but it’s an unusually nice sort of glossy surface. Yes, LG’s new phone is made out of glossy plastic, but I’m really alright with that. It doesn’t collect fingerprints easily and its ostentatious shine is rather in keeping with LG’s effort to present the G Flex 2 as a premium-class smartphone with a bit of added pizzazz.

 The G Flex 2 will be priced higher than the G3 and whatever successor to the G3 LG is planning for later this year, making it a niche higher-end device, much like the original. The big difference is that this phone is really rather good.

LG’s internal engineering team has made the G Flex 2 more shock-resistant and durable than the original. LG’s even gone so far as to take Gorilla Glass 3 from Corning and give it a special chemical treatment that the company says makes it 20 percent stronger and more durable. LG calls this Dura-Guard Glass and points out that it’s a particular improvement at the edges of the screen, which is where Gorilla Glass’ durability is apparently not as great as at the center.

The display itself is also very pleasing to the eye. I was never convinced that LG’s G3 needed a Quad HD resolution and the G Flex 2 reiterates the point: this new phone looks just as good, if not better, than its fellow 5.5-inch brandmate. 1080p resolution and the deep beautiful blacks of OLED make for vibrant, strong imagery whatever you’re looking at, and LG’s also added a slide-down motion on the lock screen that will show you the latest notifications without activating the full screen.

All of this would be meaningless without a solid software foundation and LG’s using the best around with Google’s Android 5 Lollipop. The interface retains LG’s cosmetic modifications from the original UI first introduced on the Android 4.4-powered G3, but that already cleaned up and simplified a lot of things in LG’s skin, essentially preempting the improvements of Lollipop.

The specs of the G Flex 2 are similar to those of the G3: it has the same screen size and the same 3,000mAh battery (though in this case it’s not removable), 2GB or 3GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of storage and the option to expand it via microSD. The camera is also the same 13-megapixel sensor as in the G3, though it comes with improved software and some further hardware optimizations. The laser-guided autofocus system and optical image stabilization are also both here, together with a new dual-LED flash that helps to provide more natural tones in photos that require it. NFC, Bluetooth 4.1, 802.11ac, and the latest tri-band carrier aggregation LTE complete the connectivity picture and a typically formidable spec sheet for LG. I remain impressed with the company’s restraint, though, in making this phone smaller and even admitting that the original 3,500mAh battery in the G Flex was "too big." Its absence is more than made up for with the lighter and more ergonomic device on show today.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Circular LG G Watch R Teased for IFA Unveiling!

LG teases the G Watch R, and you probably know what the "R" means


Last week, we heard that LG was working on another Android Wear device. The rumor stated that it would be the LG G Watch 2, implying that it was a direct sequel and might even replace the current G Watch; but, that wasn't right. In fact, LG is simply expanding its Android Wear lineup with the LG G Watch R. Even more, LG is directly calling out the Moto 360 for not being perfectly round. 

LG has released a teaser video for the device, which gives flashes of different parts of the G Watch R. LG did something similar even before the launch of the G3 and released a video titled, "Official Teaser" and I think every company should do this. The basic impression from the video is that this will be a round-faced watch, but if you mash together all of the pieces from the video, you get a full look at a render of LG's next smartwatch (as seen above). It appears to be designed to look like a classic wristwatch, and the render implies a metal body. If you have ever owned or seen a Tommy Hilfiger watch, you should notice that the design is very similar. The video also alludes to a step counter and compass in the watch. 

The most direct comparison is of course the Moto 360, since it is the only other round Android Wear device that we've seen. The Moto 360 isn't completely round, because the display drivers and ambient light sensor needed a place to live. The teaser goes slow-motion when it hits the part where the Moto 360 has its black bar, and says the G Watch R will be perfectly round. The G Watch R render has a wider bezel than the 360, which could be used to hide the display drivers; and, to be perfectly round, we have to assume the watch doesn't have an ambient light sensor. 

LG is expected to have the G Watch R at IFA, which starts September 5th in Berlin, but it is unclear if LG will show it off to the public or just corporate partners. Last week, an LG official called the G Watch R a "game changer". After seeing this teaser, do you agree?

A short warning before watching the video below: you won't be able to sleep tonight due to excitement :P

So, that's it guys, hope to see you again soon. If you liked this article, please also read our other articles which are listed on the right and share it with your friends who love Android too! Also, if you want to make sure you are one of the first persons to get notified when we write more awesome stuff like this, add me in your circles, +1 or follow the blog via e-mail!

Friday, June 27, 2014

LG G Watch vs Samsung Gear Live: First battle of the Android Wear devices!

Google announced the first 2 smartwatches based on Android Wear at Google I/O this year: LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live. In this article, I will first write all the advantages of one watch over the other, then their full specifications and finally, my verdict on which is the best Android Wear smartwatch available for now!


LG G Watch

  • Bigger battery: 400 mAH vs 300 mAH.
  • Cleaner design.
Samsung Gear Live

  • Thinner: 8.9 mm vs 9.95 mm.
  • Lighter: 59 gm vs 63 gm.
  • SuperAMOLED Display: Saves battery on blacks and gives deeper contrasts.
  • Heart Rate Monitor.
  • Better Screen Resolution: 320 x 320 vs 280 x 280.
  • Higher Pixel Density: 278 ppi vs 240 ppi.

Verdict

There are actually more similarities in both these watches than there are differences. The screen sizes are almost same (0.02 " difference), they both run Android Wear, support Bluetooth 4.0, have a 1.2 GHz processor, 512 MB RAM and 4 GB of storage. The Samsung Gear Live obviously packs better specifications as seen above but there is an important thing I want to point out. In India, the Samsung Gear Live is 900 Rs (15 $) costlier than the G Watch while in USA, the G Watch is costlier by 30 $. I would go for the Gear Live because of the following points:
  • 1 mm is a lot for thickness and it is also lighter, even though by 4 gm.
  • 15 $ or 30 $ are not a concern when you are looking at 200 $+ devices.
  • It sure has a smaller battery but the SuperAMOLED screen makes up for it.
  • Heart Rate Monitor: It makes no sense to me to buy a wearable and not have it, unless it's Moto 360 :P

That's it guys for this comparison, I hope you liked it! If you did, check out my other articles listed on the right or you can find the ones you might be interested in by using the labels. Follow me or our official page on Google+ to be one of the first to know whenever we write more awesome content! :)

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

LG G3 announced!

The most leaked phone of 2014 got announced, and let me tell you that this phone is a beast! In short, if you want the best specs on the market, go for the G3. But, there's more to the G3 than specs. Keep reading!

"Simple is the new Smart" is the motto for the LG G3

Knock code:

This has now become a standard feature every new LG phone. Knock Code enables users to unlock their device with a pattern of taps. Merging security and convenience, users can create a personalized code that can be entered anywhere on the screen. With the G3, users have the option of being able to use KnockON to wake the screen to check the time as well as enter the home screen directly via Knock Code. That's as simple as it gets!

Camera:


There's not only killer specs in the camera like a 13 MP shooter with Optical Image Stabilization, 4K video recording and a dual flash but also a rather intriguing new feature caller "Laser Auto Focus". The basic concept is that the black thing you see to the right of the camera shoots a laser beam and the distance is calculated by the time the laser beam takes to come back (kind of like a radar gun) and then the camera focuses to that point.
P.S: If you want to screw a friend who owns a G3, apply tape to the Laser thing and watch them dance ;) 

Quick Circle Case:


LG has been teasing this feature way before the G3 was released. It uses the same concept of Samsung's S View case but because they made it better, kudos to LG! Available in five colors, QuickCircle Case allows easy access to frequently used functions such as calling, text messaging, music and camera all from the QuickCircle window without opening the cover. In addition to the QuickCircle Case, LG will offer a lineup of Slim Guard Cases and premium Slim Hard Cases to protect the G3 in style!

Resolution and Pixel Density:


Straight away, the display of the LG G3 is very likely to be the sharpest display you have ever seen. Sporting a 5.5" screen with a resolution of 2560x1440 which calculates to be around 538 ppi, Oneplus can go back crying to Oppo :P

Bezel and build quality:




The LG G3's back is made of a combination of polycarbonate and a layer if scratch resistant material. The finish is designed in such a way that it looks like brushed metal, but it isn't. But, the good part is that the bezel is made very minimal, which I like. Giant bezels is one of the main reasons why I don't like the HTC One M8. You can see in the picture that despite the G3 being a 5.5" phone, is similar in height to the 5" HTC One M8. The G3 is available in 5 colors: Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet and Burgundy Red.

Hardware Buttons:


Following the legacy of the LG G2, the G3 doesn't have buttons on the top or the side, but on the back! And the buttons are surely made to look better than the G2. This is indeed quite a unique style by LG. YouTube tech reviewers have said that once the back buttons become a habit, they are far better than side or top hardware buttons.

Wireless Charging:

The G3 comes equipped with Wireless Charging support out of the box! The official LG wireless charger looks good and it works on the Qi standard so pretty much most of the wireless chargers can work with the G3.

Flat UI:


The overall UI looks very bloated to me (multitasking screen and everything) but LG insists that the UI is indeed, flatter. Don't get fooled by this minimal looking homescreen. Look at the video below and you'll notice how much the G3 is actually bloated. You know what, I'll just flash Cyanogenmod :)

Specs:

FINALLY! We get to the best part :D

Chipset: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 801 (up to 2.5GHz Quad-Core)
Display: 5.5-inch Quad HD IPS (2560 x 1440, 538ppi)
Memory: 16/32GB eMMC ROM, 2/3GB DDR3 RAM / microSD slot (128GB max)
Camera: Rear 13.0MP with OIS+ and Laser Auto Focus / Front 2.1MP
Battery: 3,000mAh (removable)
Operating System: Android 4.4.2 KitKat
Size: 146.3 x 74.6 x 8.9mm
Weight: 149g
Network: 4G / LTE / HSPA+ 21 Mbps (3G)
Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth Smart Ready (Apt-X), NFC, SlimPort, A-GPS/Glonass
Color: Metallic Black, Silk White, Shine Gold, Moon Violet, Burgundy Red
Other: Smart Keyboard, Smart Notice, Knock CodeTM, Guest Mode, etc.

Videos:


That's it guys! I hope you liked this article. If you did, please also read our other articles listed on the right and follow us on Google+ at google.com/+UltrafiniteBlogspot :) Keep visiting for more awesome articles!

Friday, March 21, 2014

LG G Watch Based on Android Wear Unveiled

To know more about Android Wear and Moto 360, read this article.

We were all expecting LG to be partnering with Google for it's smartwatch and it's now official! The LG G Watch is a smartwatch based on Google latest Android SDK, Android Wear.

Looks wise, it's nowhere in comparison with the Moto 360 in my opinion, which is also based on the same software. The watch looks very basic and looks like only the essentials are included.

This is LG’s fourth device developed in close collaboration with Google following the Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and the LG G Pad 8.3 Google Play Edition.

The LG G Watch powered by Android Wear will present a low barrier to entry for developers and offer the best Google experience for users. 

LG engineers worked closely with Google from the initial stages of development to ensure that the LG G Watch worked perfectly with Android Wear.

The Android Wear software based on Google Now



Google officially launched the LG G Watch at Google I/O 2014 and will start shipping from June 7 in India. It is available for 15000 Rs (~250 $) in the Indian Play Store here and for 230 $ in the US Play Store which will also start shipping from July 7. 


Technical specifications
OS: Android Wear
Screen: 1.65” 280 x 280 IPS LCD
Dimensions: 37.9 x 46.5 x 9.95 mm
Weight: 63 g
Battery: 400 mAh
Processor: 1.2 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Wireless: Bluetooth 4.0 Low Energy
Memory: 4 GB internal storage with 512 MB RAM
Ports and Connectors: USB (pogo pin) on G Watch, Micro USB on Charging Cradle
Sensors: 9 Axis (Accelerometer/Compass/Gyro)

There's not really anything more to say. So, I guess that's it guys! Hope to see you soon. If you liked this article, please also read our other articles which are listed on the right and share it with your friends who love Android too! Also, if you want to make sure you are one of the first persons to get notified when we write more awesome stuff like this, add me in your circles, +1 or follow the blog via e-mail!

Sunday, November 24, 2013

The Smart healer aka The G-Flex !!


LG's unveiled all the details for its curved smartphone. Weighing in at 177g with a 6-inch (but 720p) curved OLED display, it's powered by a Snapdragon 800 processor and 2GB of RAM, with a 13-megapixel camera housed above the two rear control buttons. And now it has become LG's thing which had started of with Samsung.

It has a quad-core processor clocked at 2.2GHz and this sensational phone offers you a 3500mAh battery so that you can spend a lot of time with it flexing your brain.

Announced in October 2013 this curved prodigy is available for around 870 euros and this unique but costly phone offers you 2GB of RAM and 32GB of internal memory.


Looking forward towards some specs , here's what we got :

GENERAL2G NetworkGSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G NetworkHSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
4G NetworkLTE 850 / 1800 LTE-A
SIMMicro-SIM
Announced2013, October
StatusAvailable. Released 2013, November
BODYDimensions160.5 x 81.6 x 8.7 mm (6.32 x 3.21 x 0.34 in)
Weight177 g (6.24 oz)
BuildCurved body and display
- Self-healing coating on the back
DISPLAYTypeCurved P-OLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size720 x 1280 pixels, 6.0 inches (~245 ppi pixel density)
MultitouchYes
SOUNDAlert typesVibration, MP3, WAV ringtones
LoudspeakerYes
3.5mm jackYes
- Dolby mobile sound enhancement
MEMORYCard slotNo
Internal32 GB, 2 GB RAM
DATAGPRSClass 12 (4+1/3+2/2+3/1+4 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
EDGEClass 12
SpeedHSDPA, 42 Mbps; HSUPA, 21 Mbps; LTE, Cat4, 50 Mbps UL, 150 Mbps DL
WLANWi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, Wi-Fi Direct, DLNA, Wi-Fi hotspot
BluetoothYes, v4.0 with A2DP, LE
NFCYes
USBYes, microUSB v3.0, USB On-the-go, USB Host
CAMERAPrimary13 MP, autofocus, LED flash
FeaturesSimultaneous video and image recording, geo-tagging,face detection, HDR
VideoYes, 1080p@60fps, HDR, stereo sound rec., video stabilization
SecondaryYes, 2.1 MP, 1080p@30fps
FEATURESOSAndroid OS, v4.2.2 (Jelly Bean)
ChipsetQualcomm MSM8974 Snapdragon 800
CPUQuad-core 2.26 GHz Krait 400
GPUAdreno 330
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass
MessagingSMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM, RSS
BrowserHTML5
RadioStereo FM radio with RDS
GPSYes, with A-GPS support and GLONASS
JavaYes, via Java MIDP emulator
ColorsTitan silver
- DMB TV tuner (Korean model only)
Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic
- SNS applications
- MP4/DviX/XviD/H.264/H.263/WMV player
- MP3/WAV/FLAC/eAAC+/AC3/WMA player
Photo viewer/editor
- Document viewer
- Organizer
Voice memo/dial/commands
Predictive text input
BATTERYNon-removable Li-Po 3500 mAh battery


As we come to know about the awesome features, here's one I'd like to highlight:

SELF-Healing Properties:
It's self-healing plastic back cover will “heal” any minor scratches, which is great for OCD folks who want to keep their phones new and shiny over time but would rather not use a skin or a case.
The plastic casing on the back is a high gloss plastic finish, similar to what rival Samsung had employed on the flagship Galaxy S4, which means that scratches and scuffs will show up quite visibly. Fortunately, with the G Flex, when keys were used to scratch the phone, the back did recover, though not 100 percent. Still, scratches became less visible and the healing time could be accelerated under warmer conditions.

Conclusion:
All in all, even if the display is fixed, which means a user cant fold it or shape it how they would want to, flexible displays, like the one LG is using on the G Flex, still offer a lot of benefits to the consumer. The phone is durable and will withstand drops and dings better than a glass screen.

Links:
GSM Arena
This is a video of one of my favorite Youtubers, Marques Brownlee displaying this feature.


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