Bits and Bytes – June 2021 Edition

Moe from Mondo / 21-06-2021 / BitsBytes

Lego Inspired Smartphone has Entered the Chat

Building your own, customisable phone may no longer be just a fantasy.

Xiaomi has requested a patent for the Lego Smartphone, a three-piece device each housing a different smartphone aspect – camera plus PCB, battery and speaker / USB function.

While not a new concept, the Chinese electronics company could be the first to execute the idea to its full potential and give smartphone users the capability to modify parts of their device as and when they choose.

Huawei – The Right Time for A New Smartwatch?

The tech giant plans on releasing a smartwatch range without Android in June.

Since Google cut ties with the company, the Huawei Watch 3 and the Huawei Watch 3 Pro will be the first to run on the company’s own operating system – the HarmonyOS.

Only time will tell if the new system will meet consumer expectations.

A WhatsApp Mixed Bag

WhatsApp recently announced it would no longer hinder users who did not accept its updated privacy policy which came into play on 15 May.

In the lead up to the change, WhatsApp faced worldwide backlash – including from South Africa’s Information Regulator which suggested it would pursue legal action of over the inconsistent terms and conditions of the policy and wrote to the mobile messaging app requesting a revision.

The heat is still on the Facebook-owned app in various countries but earlier this month, WhatsApp released some happier news. Soon users will be able to operate on four devices using a single account. This is just one among a host of other upgrades promised by Facebook head himself, Mark Zuckerberg. Other promised upgrades include the “view once” feature, allowing users to share images and videos with their contacts that will disappear after only one viewing.

A Good Dose of Horror

Boosting tourism and immune systems go hand-in-hand in Transylvania – the birthplace of the vampire.

Bran Castle, the inspiration behind author Bram Stoker’s book Dracula, opened its doors to tourists in search of a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Tourists were given the shots for free and later gained free entry into the museum's “Medieval Torture Instruments” exhibit where they were encouraged to check out “jabs of a different kind”.

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Apple Vision Pro: Will it Replace Phones in the Future?

Can you imagine parting ways with your smartphone forever? Well, that future might here sooner than you think. And guess who's ready to shake things up? None other than Apple with its first-ever mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro.Yes, it will require you to swap a handheld device for a wearable that you strap around your head and over your eyes, but that’s what the future looks like, right? I mean, movies like Ready Player One have been preparing us for this moment for years.So, join us as we attempt to answer the question that has intrigued humankind for the past few months: Will the Apple Vision Pro replace phones in the future?A very spatial deviceBut first, what even is the Apple Vision Pro? Let’s see if Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO, can shed some light. Speaking at the launch event in June last year, he stated:“Just as the Mac introduced us to personal computing, and the iPhone introduced us to mobile computing, Apple Vision Pro introduces us to spatial computing."Spatial computing? Now, we have more questions than answers.An immersive interactive mash-upTo get a better understanding of the Apple Vision Pro, it’s key to understand Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR). These two technologies blend the digital world with your physical surroundings – and this is the essence of the device.VR creates computer-generated 3D environments that may resemble the real world or be entirely fantasticalAR overlays digital information onto the real world, enhancing it with computer-generated elementsIn other words, VR creates a completely immersive simulated environment, like a virtual tour of a home, while AR provides information, graphics, or interactive elements on top of real-world objects, like visualising furniture in your home before purchasing it or catching Pokémon in your backyard.Let the immersion beginAt this early stage, the Vision Pro tilts more towards a VR headset, but its goal is to integrate far more AR technology, where all types of apps transcend physical screens, creating a computing experience that always surrounds us, both in the physical and virtual worlds. So, as Tim Cook said, “spatial computing”.But if you were to get your hands on this device today, there's so much to love, like interacting with Apple’s most-used apps using your eye movements, voice, or hand gestures. You’ll be able to enjoy an immersive experience watching movies, embarking on virtual tours, connecting with loved ones via FaceTime, playing games and capturing spatial videos or photos using the 3D camera.99 problems & a smartphone ain't oneBefore we attempt to answer whether the Apple Vision Pro will replace phones in the future, let’s just say – 'future' is the keyword here. Currently, it isn't snatching the smartphone crown. If it were, these are all the problems you’d have to live with:You may need to take out a loan or file for bankruptcy because the device come in at a budget-busting $3,499.You’ll need to stay glued to your charging port because the battery lasts for only two hours.If you decide to go out, you won’t have the convenience of tucking it away in your pocket or bag.Even if you’re doing simple tasks, like sending a message or rejecting a call from a salesperson, you still need to wear the device.It’s quite heavy, so you may feel a little uncomfortable after a while.Apple’s playing the long gameWith all those problems, you'll be crying for your smartphone in a matter of minutes. However, as the technology improves over time, we’ll expect to see:A better battery life.Enhanced designs for all-day wear (likely one that leans towards a smart-glasses design without losing the immersive element).Improved accessibility, affordability and availability to a broader, more diverse audience.But perhaps most importantly, psychological and emotional factors need to shift. Right now, most people can’t imagine moving away from a handheld device to a VR/AR headset. It may bring about feelings of awkwardness, disconnection with the real world and uneasiness as you filter your vision through a device. It’s simply not accepted by society to use a primary device, let alone one that's literally attached to your body. But a shift in the collective mindset can change this. It's a long game and it looks like Apple is definitely willing to play.Anything is possible when a $3 trillion company has a visionFinally, it’s time to answer the question. Will the Apple Vision Pro replace smartphones in the future? To that, we say … maybe, possibly, potentially! Sorry for the anti-climax, but it's too soon to definitively say yes or no. If any company is going to be a major disruptor, convincing more than 80% of the world to look up from their phones and into a headset, it's undoubtedly the world’s first $3 trillion company! Apple has the time, the resources and the ingenuity to make it happen.It could be a gradual takeover, where VR/AR headsets (or glasses) first replace tablets as the go-to entertainment devices. But as the technology, designs, price and accessibility improve, it could replace smartphones too.The smartphone villain eraLooking ahead; the smartphone can’t reign supreme forever. Surely, we’ll eventually ditch 6-inch displays for one that uses the real world as a canvas. This could truly be the next big technological leap, and the Apple Vision Pro looks likely to be the catalyst. Imagine the endless possibilities.

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Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: Let's Help You Choose the BestIf you're torn between the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max, first things first – you have excellent taste.But with great power comes… a lot of confusion.How do you choose between two phones that are overflowing with the most jaw-dropping features?Don’t stress! We’re here to help you decide which one of these iconic smartphones is best for you. Let’s compare the most advanced Samsung and iPhone in the ultimate battle of the flagships.Not a flagship fling These top-of-the-range devices from the world's leading smartphone manufacturers scream “luxury”. Titanium frames. IP68 rated for dust and water resistance. Seriously tough screens made from next-generation glass. If durability and longevity are what you’re after, both the Galaxy S24 Ultra and iPhone 15 Pro Max are built to last. Plus, Samsung and Apple are committed to providing software updates and security patches for multiple years. We’re talking 7 and around 5 years respectively, so you can be sure that this ain’t no flagship fling!Display: Handles the outdoors better than Bear GryllsIn the showdown of screens, only one snags the top spot for being bigger, wider and brighter. The winner of this round is none other than the Galaxy S24 Ultra. Now, don’t get us wrong, both phones have some of the best display technology around, but Samsung takes it up a notch. It flexes with a 6.8-inch screen, edging out the 6.7-inch screen on the iPhone 15 Pro Max. When it comes to brightness in the sunny outdoors, the Galaxy Ultra hits 2600 nits peak brightness compared to the iPhone's 2000 nits. And thanks to some innovative Gorilla Glass Armor, the Galaxy slashes screen reflections by a whopping 75%. So, if you're on the hunt for a display that handles the great outdoors better than Bear Grylls, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is the one.Turn every moment into a photoshootWe all have that friend or family member who turns every outing into a full-blown photoshoot – capturing everything from their morning coffee to their cat.If you don’t know someone like this, well you're probably that person. And you’ll DEFINITELY be that person when you get your hands on either the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra or the iPhone 15 Pro Max because the cameras are so hard to resist.The Galaxy S24 Ultra features four back cameras with outstanding zoom capabilities, upgraded night photography and brand-new AI features exclusive to the series. Highlights are a 200MP main camera, a 50MP telephoto camera with 5x zoom and 10x optical zoom and cinematic 8K video recording. Night photography has received a massive boost, reducing blur by 60% and videos recorded on the front or back cameras are clearer and more stable thanks to new noise reduction and stabilisation technology. And we can’t ignore the new camera AI packed inside the phone, which Samsung calls the ProVisual Engine. It unlocks a cascade of features, including 100x digital zoom and generative editing that fills in borders, removes reflections and repositions the subject or object.The iPhone 15 Pro Max sports three rear cameras with innovative new designs for exceptional photos in many lighting conditions. Highlights are a 48MP main shooter that allows you to switch between three popular focal lengths, a new telephoto camera with a 5x zoom and debut tetraprism design and improved night photography powered by Apple’s Photonic Engine. The iPhone focuses more on hardware than software, giving you better control over your photos for a final result that’s closer to pro-level.But which one takes the win? If you want to experience the new generation of AI, the Galaxy S24 Ultra is a no-brainer. But if you appreciate hardware over everything else, the iPhone 15 Pro Max has a little more to offer.Neck-and-neck performance No shocker here – the quickest, most powerful phones right now are the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max. With the iPhone boasting the brand-spanking-new A17 Pro chip and the Samsung powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip optimised for the Galaxy, these phones aren't just fast; they're 'blink, and you'll miss it' fast. They are almost neck and neck on performance benchmarks, effortlessly powering through daily tasks, intensive AAA mobile games and demanding video recording and editing. Freezing and lagging don't exist here, so go ahead and jump between multiple apps, indulge in online shopping, book a holiday, catch up on series and snap random selfies to your heart’s content.Both devices offer three storage options – 256GB, 512GB or 1TB. When it comes to RAM, the Galaxy S24 Ultra has upped its game from last year's model to 12GB, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max comes in with 8GB. But here's where the Galaxy steals the spotlight – it supports Wi-Fi 7, enabling it to support tech that's still on the horizon. Despite these differences, the performance is nearly equal, marking a surprising twist as the iPhone typically takes the lead over Samsung.Bring AI to lifeSmartphones will never be the same again. Leading the charge is the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra. Its chipset, alongside Samsung's One UI 6.1 software on top of Android 14, brings AI to life. It’s able to unlock some pretty cool features that are designed to make your life easier.Besides the impressive AI camera features, you’ll also enjoy a quicker, more dynamic way to search online with Circle to Search and a whole host of translation capabilities that make communication in different languages, via calls and text messages, an absolute breeze.If you’re wondering what happened to Apple’s AI, let’s just say it’s lost in translation when compared to the Galaxy. But there are a few AI features that offer unique experiences, such as StandBy Mode ensuring your widgets stay on your radar while your phone powers up; Live Voicemail, which turns transcriptions of incoming calls into readable messages; and the Check In feature, perfect for keeping your inner circle posted on your whereabouts. However, unlike the Galaxy, these capabilities aren’t exclusive to the series, it’s enabled on all iPhone models dating back to 2019 releases.Batteries designed for flagship beastsDo these rocket-speed phones have the stamina to keep up with your non-stop lifestyle? Considering that the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra and the Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max have the best features, these batteries know how to stay powered up. With a 5000mAh battery for the Galaxy S24 Ultra and a 4,441mAh battery for the iPhone 15 Pro Max, you're looking at over 7 or 8 hours of screen time. One charge goes a long way with these flagships.The Galaxy goes all-in with wired charging speeds of 45W and 15W wirelessly. It supports reverse wireless charging too. The iPhone, on the other hand, has a wired charge of up to 25W, 15W wirelessly, and throws in the MagSafe support, featuring the new magnetic Qi2 standard.Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra vs. Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max: We have a winner!Analysing these flagship phones side by side makes it very clear that they share numerous similarities - from lightning-fast performance and exceptional photography to solid designs and great battery life. But, believe it or not, we do have a winner.And the champ is…The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra!It has levelled up massively from last year’s release to such an extent that it feels slightly more refined than the iPhone 15 Pro Max. The new Ultra is bigger, committed to longer software and security updates, goes brighter outdoors, offers more RAM, delivers faster charging speeds and, of course, embraces AI like no other phone currently on the market and does it all with a built-in stylus!

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Samsung Galaxy A15 vs Galaxy A25

Samsung Galaxy A15 vs Galaxy A25: Dreamy Budget Smartphones That'll Leave You ObsessedSearching for a new phone but on a tight budget?You've got to check out the Samsung Galaxy A15 and Samsung Galaxy A25. Affordable, loaded with fantastic features with batteries that can last up to a whopping two days!Let’s get to know these smartphones better, so you can find your perfect match.Avoid disappointment with these dreamy displaysAfter a long day, everyone would enjoy jumping into bed, whipping out their phone and catching up on the latest series, sports updates or celeb tea. But let’s be honest, not all visual experiences are equal. You might be squinting at your screen right now, hoping for an upgrade because your current smartphone makes everything look like pixelated Roblox characters.If the only reason you’re settling for a disappointing display is due to your budget, we have exciting news for you. Both the Samsung Galaxy A15 and Samsung Galaxy A25 boast top-tier displays that are usually reserved for premium devices. Keep in mind though that the Galaxy A25 carries a slightly higher price tag since it’s 5G enabled.Both devices have big 6.5-inch AMOLED screens with Full HD+ resolution. Bright colours pop and deep, rich dark tones make every detail stand out. But the visual feast doesn't stop there. Enjoy features like Vision Booster for a crystal-clear screen even under the blazing sun and Eye Comfort Shield, easing your eyes with reduced blue light for comfy binge-watching or gaming sessions.Considering the slightly higher price of the Galaxy A25, it stands out from the Galaxy A15 in a few key ways. Firstly, it delivers a smoother refresh rate at 120Hz compared to the Galaxy A15's 90Hz. Plus, it takes a slight lead in brightness, hitting 1000 nits, giving it an edge over the 800 nits on the Galaxy A15.These cameras need to be snapped upDoes your smartphone camera turn a scenic sunset into pure chaos or a full moon into a speck of dust? You deserve for your memories to be cherished, not blurry. That's where the Samsung Galaxy A15 and Samsung Galaxy A25 can come to your rescue.Samsung has packed them to the brim with cutting-edge technology because your photos are special and worth sharing with the world. The Samsung Galaxy A25 features a 50MP main camera with optical image stabilisation (OIS) and video digital image stabilisation (VDIS), an 8MP ultrawide camera, and a 2MP depth camera. On the front, you get a 13MP selfie snapper.The Galaxy A15 shares many similar features, like the 50MP main camera (without OIS andVDIS), 2MP depth camera and 13MP selfie snapper. The ultrawide camera has a slightly lower resolution at 5MP. Both devices reach a 10x digital zoom, meaning you can get closer to the action without too much effort.Both the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25 are equipped with cameras that bring out the best in every moment, from close-ups to portraits and landscapes. They will leave your current phone in the dust. But what about video capabilities? You’ll be happy to know that the Galaxy A15 records videos in Full HD clarity and the Galaxy A25 takes it up a notch to Ultra HD (4K). Plus, they both feature Slow Motion to give your videos that cinematic touch.The life of the partyIs your current phone a party pooper? Does it fizzle out just as you're capturing that perfect photo, kicks the bucket right at the plot twist of your favourite series and taps out when you're conquering Candy Crush?If your battery drains easily and recharges at a snail’s pace, you desperately need an upgrade. A device with a 2-day battery life, 25W fast-charging speeds and a big 5000mAh battery sounds like a winner. A triple threat like this is usually reserved for phones priced at R10k and above. But, surprise! Both the Galaxy A15 and Galaxy A25 bring these premium battery specs and charging speeds to the table, ensuring you won't be rudely cut off just when things get interesting. Pennywise powerhousesIf you think power and affordability are like oil and water, think again! The Samsung Galaxy A15 and Samsung Galaxy A25 are perfect examples of phones that pack a punch while pinching pennies. Under the hood of the Galaxy A25 is the Samsung Exynos 1280 chipset—it supports 5G connectivity, smooth multitasking, smarter on-device AI and delivers a graphics performance so impressive, mobile gaming might just become your new obsession.Now, let's talk about the Galaxy A15 – a total powerhouse thanks to its Mediatek Helio G99 processor. Yes, it's slightly below the Galaxy A25, but don't sleep on it. This processor is the secret behind those awesome cameras, zippy displays and jaw-dropping high resolution. Sure, it's playing second fiddle in this duo, but throw it into the ring with other phones in its price range and the Galaxy A15 shines.Both phones offer internal storage options of 128GB or 256GB with expandable storage of 1TB via a microSD card slot. RAM on the Galaxy A25 is available in two options – 6GB or 8GB, while the Galaxy A15 adds a third 4GB option.Verdict: There’s a clear winner, but… Samsung has truly outdone itself with budget devices that feel bougie. Both the Samsung Galaxy A15 and Samsung Galaxy A25 will keep you hooked with dashing displays, crystal-clear cameras, sizzling hot charging speeds and powerful processors. But if you’re looking for the best, it has to be the Galaxy A25.It stands out with a smoother refresh rate, a brighter screen, a better main camera, higher resolution video recording and of course that faster processor.But, as always, the choice is yours. You won’t be disappointed either way. Decisions, decisions!

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