Olio Type One Smartwatch reported for Android and also iOS

There’s been a lot of talk about Apple’s forthcoming high-priced wearable referred to as the Apple Enjoy. It’s set to be essentially the most expensive wearables out there when it arrives the following month, but it’s not really the only upcoming smartwatch that could cost more than your handset. Your Olio Model 1 Smartwatch has merely been unveiled, and it’s visiting market with a cost tag of $595.

The Olio Type One Smartwatch is unique for multiple reason. First away, it’s round and that is still a rarity currently although more manufacturers are starting to adopt the variety factor. It’s also built to be almost widespread, as it work with both Operating system and iOS devices so you will have no platform wars using this wearable. Unless you game a Windows phone that is, as there’s been recently no word of support for the OS at the moment.

As for the program powering the smartwatch, the UI is enabled to send you notifications which are ‘important’ based on who you connect to frequently. The lines on the watch face actually differ in length depending on the number of notifications you’ve acquired. A few in the other tech tips include Temporal Water ways, Dynamic Visualizations, and a personal assistant because of the name of Olio Assist. Needless to point out, it can tell time also, and it’s smart enough to lead you to control third-party solutions and make obligations.

Cool software doesn’t complete a great smartwatch, as nobody wants with an ugly brick strapped to their wrist. Olio certainly didn’t skimp on the build quality while using the Olio Model 1 Smartwatch as it employs Ion-Exchange glass and also surgical grade 316L stainless. Throw in wifi charging and water-resistance, and you’ve got yourself a great timepiece that stands right out of the crowd.

If you’re looking to get the Olio Type One Smartwatch, it usually is difficult as the company is set to generate a limited run in the smartwatches that may roll out summer time. The Olio Type One Smartwatch price ranges.

Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 comparability review: What's the particular difference?

Sony hasn't launched the Xperia Z4 yet just how does the present Xperia Z3 compare to Samsung's fresh Galaxy S6? Discover in our comparability review.

Laptop Review - Samsung announced the particular Galaxy S6 in MWC 2015 evidently but Sony decided not to launch the Xperia Z4 despite saying it turned out happy with any six month recharge cycle. That means the particular Xperia Z3 continues to be the firm's flagship phone but how might it compare towards the new Galaxy S6? Discover in our Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 comparability review. Also observe: Best smartphones 2015 along with Best Android mobile phones 2015.

Since the particular Xperia Z3 is usually last year's flagship touch screen phone, it's a minor unfair to compare both of these handsets but they will need to compete in the market until its successor arrives so we're fine by it really. We may, of course, compare both the 2015 flagships from Samsung and Sony if your Xperia Z4 roll-outs. Read next: Best new smartphones arriving 2015.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 assessment: Price

Arriving about 10 April, the Galaxy S6 has an official price of £599 from Samsung for the cheapest model. However, retailers like Unlocked Mobiles own it pegged slightly lower at £584. In either case it's a premium sale price. Also see: Samsung Galaxy S6 UK generate date, price along with specs

Since it's been available for six months roughly the Sony Xperia Z3 got dropped in price tag from its original £499 which is already £100 less expensive. You can opt for it up, during the time of writing for close to £390 so that's a significant saving in comparison to the Galaxy S6.

Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 assessment: Design

The Galaxy S6 is still recognisable as any Samsung flagship cell phone but there are a number of changes in the planning. There's a fresh metal frame which looks just like iPhone 6 and gone would be the dreaded flimsy plastic material rear cover in favour of a Gorilla A glass 4 panel.

Samsung has made greater slender phone here at 6. 8 mm along with 138 g in comparison to the Z3 which is usually 7. 3 mm along with 152 g.

Although shape is rather different – Sony's Xperia Z3 would be the trademark square – the mixture of a metal shape and glass the front and rear make both of these phones pretty related. While the Galaxy S6's camera sticks out and the phone features a physical home critical, the Z3 possesses neither.

Neither has any removable battery due to the design and even though Galaxy S5 is usually waterproof, Samsung has decreased this feature on the Galaxy S6. Because usual, you can respond on Sony to present waterproofing.
Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 assessment: Hardware

Screen size remains a similar on the Galaxy S6 at 5. 1in which is marginally smaller than the Z3's 5. 2in. However, the resolution have been upgraded to Quad HD (1440 x 2560) along with Samsung still is true of its SuperAMOLED technological innovation. It's also value pointing out that there's a Galaxy S6 Edge that includes a dual edge screen.

Sony's is an even more traditional Full HD resolution plus it uses its individual Triluminos technology. There's nothing wrong with the display on the Xperia Z3 nevertheless Quad HD merely looks stunning and so the Galaxy S6 pips the item here.

Inside the particular Galaxy S6 is usually Samsung's own Exynos 7420 octa-core cpu (quad-core 1. 5 GHz Cortex-A53 along with quad-core 2. 1 GHz Cortex-A57), 3 GB of RAM along with a Mali-T760 GPU. The firm found themselves not going straight down the Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 option.

The Xperia Z3 features a Snapdragon 801 which is 2. 5 GHz quad-core and there's also 3 GB of RAM and a great Adreno 330 GPU. Both offer top-end functionality but it's understandable that this newer Galaxy S6 is more of a powerhouse. The Xperia Z4 ought to challenge it more closely using a Snapdragon 810.

On storage, the two differ vastly using the Galaxy S6 easily obtainable in 32-, 64- and 128 GB drives but Samsung possesses dropped the microSD card which happens to be there so you can not add any far more. Sony just possesses 16- and 32 GB version with the Xperia Z3 and also the latter is harder in to the future by. However, it does offer a microSD card slot to help you add up to help 128 GB far more.

Wireless is tightly matched with dual-band 11ac Wi-Fi, Wireless bluetooth 4. 1 using atpX, NFC along with 4G LTE. However, Sony doesn't provide an IR blaster, heartrate monitor or fingerprint reader, which are all highlights of the Galaxy S6. Samsung's phone also has Cat 6 4G LTE in comparison to Cat 4 and so is theoretically two times as fast.

Sony fights returning with exclusive features such as High Res audio support together with addition of PS4 Out of the way Play so these could possibly be of more use for your requirements than some extra sensors.

Things are a close match in terms of cameras as the particular Sony Xperia Z3 features a 20. 7 Mp rear camera while the Galaxy S6 features a 16 Mp snapper. Both can shoot video in up to 4K resolution nevertheless it's worth remembering that that Samsung provides optical image stabilisation along with Sony offers up to ISO 12800. If you find attractive selfies then the particular Galaxy S6 features a higher resolution the front camera a 5 Mp in comparison to 2. 2 Mp.

Samsung Galaxy S6 vs Sony Xperia Z3 assessment: Software

You'll obtain Android 5. 0 Lollipop using the latest TouchWiz user interface on the Galaxy S6 out of your box and . normally say it is a lot heavier as compared to Sony's Xperia user interface but this version is stripped returning considerably. Samsung's phones now accompany Microsoft apps pre-installed even so the firm gives you to be able to remove apps you won't want.

It's quite refreshing and while the Xperia Z3 even now ships with Google android 4. 4. 4 KitKat, it's upgradable to help 5. 0 Lollipop. Even as we mentioned earlier, Sony offers the main benefit of software features like High Res sound and PS4 Out of the way Play.

There's no outright winner on software since it's really down to particular taste and that features you'll truly find useful. Without having a PlayStation next PS4 Remote Participate in is irrelevant

There are currently no techie specifications recorded because of this product.

The Samsung Galaxy S6 would be the better phone in this article, offering more informed hardware but clearly so since it's a few months newer than its rival. However, the Sony Xperia Z3 is still a top-notch handset and can be cheaper so remains a considerable purchase.   

Asus ZenWatch evaluation: a sophisticated-looking Operating system smartwatch

The ZenWatch is just about the most attractive block Android Wear watches available. The OLED screen is gently curved having a polished stainless metallic body inlaid having a rose gold-coloured inset. A normal brown leather strap having a locking clasp completes the appearance.

Comfortable, nicely styled, functional along with a hidden heartbeat function this Operating system Wear watch comes as a surprise

The classic styling might not exactly suit everyone, however at 75g with weight and 9. 4mm thick, the watch will be comfortable to use, does not feel chunky along with the 1. 63-inch Gorilla A glass 3-covered screen will be bright and somewhat crisp. It is additionally water resistant for you to IP55 standards, which means no swimming, but rain is not an issue.

The smartwatch has a built-in heart rate sensor, but instead of being an optical sensor it relies on a capacitive one. Two fingers have to be placed on this metal frame on the watch to finish a circuit in addition to measure the wearer’s heart. I found it as accurate as the optical heart rate sensors, but it requires slightly longer to secure a measurement.

But because you'll find nothing that needs pressing contrary to the wrist the watch doesn't have to be seeing that tight as people that have optical sensors, that makes it more comfortable for you to wear – an extra considering how hardly ever I actually make use of the heart rate functions on such watches.
Android Put on

Every Android Put on watch operates like basically any other. It connects to a Android smartphone via Bluetooth. Users swipe in addition to tap to find their way the interface, speak with it to insight text and carryout searches and receive vibrating notifications for the wrist. On the ZenWatch it can be all very fluid and is successful.

The ZenWatch distinguishes itself with age 14 custom watch faces beyond just the built-in Wear kinds. These include attractive and useful analogue confronts, digital ones with more information such as steps and also other time zones, in addition to faces that merge both.

A ZenWatch Manager application for the phone helps customise the watch faces and offers options for muting the phone, finding the enjoy and setting an alert if your watch and phone are separated.

One of the most useful additions is often a smart unlock placing that keeps this smartphone unlocked if your watch is related. The feature was added into the latest version of Android 5 Lollipop, but for smartphones still with KitKat or lower it’s a great asset.

Asus’s Wellness conditioning tracking app is successful enough for heartbeat monitoring – fortunately, as it can not be uninstalled. Up by Jawbone comes pre-installed regarding tracking steps, but may be disabled.

The ZenWatch lasted less than two days an average of during my testing. It could pretty much last two days and nights on some events, but on others barely daily and half. I suspect that if you could totally disable the included apps and relied solely for the built-in Google programs including Fit for heartbeat tracking it would certainly consistently last 2 days, but I have no way to try that.

Most Android Put on watches last about a day and a half per charge, apart from the Sony Smartwatch 3 that lasts about three.

The watch slots in to a grey plastic charging cradle having a microUSB port, which is successful enough, while a smaller button on the lower of the enjoy turns it with.

Verdict

The Asus ZenWatch is often a surprise. It will be comfortable, looks great and is successful. The heart rate monitor is suitable to infrequent lab tests, and the screen is bright and can be clearly understand in sunlight.

Needing to charge it no less than every two days is often a drag, but almost every other smartwatch short on the Pebble suffers from the same drawback.

The always-on background display mode while using the OLED screen makes it a very good watch for actually telling any time, which others possess neglected.

Overall, the ZenWatch is easily among the best Android Wear watches available and a solid contender for the incoming Apple View.

Pros: comfortable, attractive, normal/replaceable watch band, heart rate observe, curved glass

Negatives: less than two-day electric battery life, bundled apps can not be removed, another charging cradle to lose.

Nexus 9 assessment - a middling Google android tablet, which has been great

The HTC-made Nexus 9 desires a slice with the iPad Air a couple of and Xperia Z4's pie, but is it nearly the job?

Android Review - Because launch of the actual Nexus 10 several years ago, Google has chosen to focused on its smart dataphone and compact, in lieu of full-size, tablet varies, but it's now time for any comeback. After effectively making the Nexus 10 to assemble dust, the Nexus 9 has the iPad in its sights just as before.

Nexus 9 assessment: design

But how good is this kind of HTC-manufactured tablet? Should it sock it to the iPad Air a couple of, or is it just another Android also happened to run, destined for the actual try-again discount pack?

If it were all as a result of appearance and quality, the answers in order to those questions wouldn’t possibly be particularly positive. Pull the Nexus 9 via its box and the vital thing you might wonder is where your money has removed.

The Nexus 9 is actually ringed with blown aluminium, which appears to be smart enough; it’s capped with shatter- and scratch-resistant Gorilla Goblet 3; and it's got a pleasingly minimal appearance, too. Unfortunately, though, it’s undermined hugely by cheap-feeling plastic around the rear and underwhelming quality.

Tap the rear lightly plus it gives disconcertingly; twist the tablet and the whole thing creaks and groans. Pull with a corner of the panel plus it starts to come from its mooring, however the rear isn’t made to be user-removable at all. If you opt for the “lunar white” or “sand” versions, anticipate to get the cleaning cloth out often: it picks upward grime like nobody’s small business. Alternatively, choose the actual “indigo black” model instead.

The Nexus 9 can’t keep a candle to the iPad Air a couple of or, for of which matter, the Samsung Universe Tab S 8. four, Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8. 9in or our current much-loved Android tablet, the actual Sony Xperia Z2 Product, all of that happen to be more solid-feeling and attractive.

The only pluses are that it’s relatively light – actually, at 425g, it weighs a fraction under the equivalent ipad tablet Air 2, as well as smaller overall size (it measures 154 back button 7. 95 x 228mm) means it depends for folk having large hands to figure out in one mitt. Otherwise it’s a bit of a disappointment.

Nexus 9 assessment: prices, options and features

Usually, Nexus devices represent fantastic value, which counteracts any issues due to slightly inferior quality and features. At £319, the Nexus 9 definitely undercuts the ipad tablet Air 2 – on the other hand, simply being cheaper isn’t adequate these days.

At this price, the Nexus 9 is in direct competition with all the Kindle Fire HDX 8. 9in (£319), the actual Samsung Galaxy Ersus 8. 4 (£275), the Sony Xperia Z2 Tablet (£369) and the original iPad Air (£319), all which offer more features, have a more inviting design, or both equally.

And to increase its woes, there aren’t many choices for would-be customers either. You can obtain a 32GB Wi-Fi Nexus 9 for £399 and a 32GB 4G model for £459, nevertheless that’s your ton. Anyone wanting more storage will likely be stuck, particularly since there’s no microSD slot intended for expansion - a big miss in each of our opinion.

Nexus 9 assessment: Display

The Nexus 9’s display screen makes a a little bit better first impression. Turn the Nexus 9 in, and you’re greeted by the bright, vibrant, crystal-clear graphic. It measures 9in through the diagonal, so it’s a little smaller than the actual iPad Air 2’s display, but with the identical resolution of 1, 536 back button 2, 048, this narrowly outdoes this for pixel density, at 284ppi.

We also such as 4: 3 aspect ratio that it resolution delivers. Usually, the screens in Android tablets are 16: 9 or 16: 10 extramarital liasons, which feel a little awkward - they're too tall to practically easy use in portrait orientation and too short in landscape. With the actual Nexus 9, all of us felt comfortable whatsoever way up all of us held the product. In portrait, you get an abundance of room to understand most websites with their full width and never having to zoom in, and in landscape, there's enough height to the screen that you don't feel you're needing to scroll on a regular basis.

The disadvantage with the 4: 3 ratio is actually that movies never look quite nearly as good, with much broader black bars earlier mentioned and below, but it's a satisfactory compromise and must not affect your enjoyment a lot of.

In our techie tests, the numbers look good, also. At maximum purity, the IPS display screen outmatches the ipad tablet Air 2, reaching 456cd/m2 using a full white display screen (compared with 401cd/m2), and contrast is really a fine 1, 092: 1. Colour accuracy is extremely good indeed, by having an average Delta E of 1. 53 and a maximum of 3. 52, and the display is capable of displaying 94. 9% with the sRGB colour field.

However, there is really a problem, and it’s a reasonably big one: around all edges with the display is a new gentle white glow – proof of major backlight seapage. This is in particular noticeable – and distracting – throughout movie playback, once the light is evident in dark views, and against the actual black bars earlier mentioned and below the film.

Nexus 9 assessment: performance

In terminology of performance there’s much less to complain regarding, but the Nexus 9 nevertheless doesn’t post a totally unblemished set regarding results. Under the hood is really a dual-core Nvidia Tegra K1 computer chip running at a couple of. 3GHz and the Nvidia Kepler DX1 GPU, together with 2GB of RAM. This combination performed brilliantly inside benchmarks, coming an extremely close second to the iPad Air 2 inside more demanding tests.

In the Geekbench 3 PC test, it won 1, 889 and 3, 346 inside single- and multi-core things, second only to the iPad Air 2’s 1, 683 and 4, 078, and inside GFXBench gaming tests it wasn’t a lot behind with frame rates of 46fps and 22fps (compared having 53fps and 24fps). Oddly, its time inside SunSpider JavaScript test wasn’t everything that impressive. It finished using a time of 953ms, further behind the ipad tablet Air’s 289ms.

That may be a blip, however, since generally use, we by no means felt wanting intended for speed. The Nexus 9 feels every bit as responsive as the iPad Air a couple of, and nothing we made it possible to throw at this caused it to a great deal as break a new sweat. Clearly, the actual Nvidia K1 is actually highly capable.

Nexus 9 assessment: Android 5 (Lollipop)

The Nexus 9’s major attraction isn’t it is performance, however, it’s the software program: Android 5 (Lollipop). What’s completely new? With Android’s biggest ever update, it’s difficult to know how to start, but the greatest change is inside visuals. Android 5 is really a completely different looking operating system, much brighter and cleaner than just before, and the completely new “Material Design” scheme works in promoting a more contemporary feel.

The adjustments aren’t just skin color deep. Almost every portion of the user interface has been updated. The keyboard set, for instance, don't has edges or anything else delineating the correspondence, but our keying accuracy hasn’t endured. It simply makes it easier to understand the alternative characters.

The lock display screen now boasts richer notifications you can double tap in order to open, or swipe in order to dismiss. The pull-down Notifications menu has been revamped: anyone can expand and contract individual notifications, or mute them for any period; and quick settings are available with an additional pull down with the menu. The software drawer has completely new clothes, too: icons are arranged using a white “card”, which floats above a new darker background.

One particularly nice feature with the new version regarding Android is a chance to pick and opt for which apps to setup from a previously stored Android device. When you first set up the actual Nexus 9, as opposed to being given the option to restore via backup or by pass, as with past versions, you’re given a list with boxes to tick next to the apps you choose, so you don’t have to go through the rigmarole regarding removing apps you don’t want, or installing them one after the other from the Enjoy Store. It’s a little improvement, but an extremely welcome one.

Even the back, Home and app-switcher buttons in the bottoom of the screen have been redesigned, although all of us think the triangle, circle and square really are a touch too cryptic.

We’re also none too looking towards the new app-switcher display screen, which introduces a far more fussy 3D Rolodex-style view; it’s unnecessarily fussy in this view. However, generally we do such as new look. Every UI element are now able to be given not just X and Y co-ordinates, but likewise a Z co-ordinate intended for depth, with the OPERATING SYSTEM calculating real-time shadows dependant on those numbers. This makes Android look fresh and contemporary, and since the actual changes extend to every one the major Google apps (Gmail, Calendar and for that reason on), it’s a reasonably consistent look, also.

Behind the views, there’s now help for 64-bit processors and, at long previous, a move from the Dalvik JIT runtime – with which portions of the OS and apps will be compiled at runtime – to the new ART method, which uses pre-compiled code. It’s a move aimed towards improving all-round responsiveness and eradicating the lag that many Android devices would certainly demonstrate (even rather powerful ones) on the oddest of periods.

Time will tell how well this kind of works – and we’ll report back when our office Nexus 7 (2012) will get its update – but with all the Nexus 9 all of us haven’t yet knowledgeable any significant lag.

Android 5 (Lollipop) is additionally jam-packed with innovative features, designed to express to and help make yourself easier, from the message around the lockscreen that notifys you how long your device will require to charge, to the reworked battery-saver setting, which kicks in at 15% (it's achievable to customise this kind of, if need be). In all of the, we're pleased with all the new Android; it's actually a big improvement.

It’s worth remembering, too, that since the Nexus 9 is definitely an official Google device, it will obtain the next version regarding Android first, and updates should appear through quicker, too.
Nexus 9 assessment: battery life

Android 5 (Lollipop) likewise introduces new battery efficiencies within the moniker Project Volta, that happen to be aimed at generating the OS more power-efficient, especially in standby. For case in point, Android won’t now wake a device to use a network process when there’s no network connection productive; it can class unimportant app jobs together and run them in a short time, instead of getting out of bed the device in demand; and there’s now a chance to delay housekeeping work until your product or phone is associated with the mains.

This all bodes nicely for general stamina, and in each of our tests the Nexus 9 performed with aplomb. The very first time we ran each of our battery test all of us made the blunder of not putting it into airline flight mode, but despite syncing data inside background over Wi-Fi to the first eight hours with the test, it nevertheless outperformed the the actual iPad Air a couple of, lasting 13hrs 46mins in this looping 720p online video test. This end result also compares nicely with leading Google android tablets: the Sony Xperia Z2 Product lasted 14hrs 38mins and the Amazon Kindle Fire HDX 8. 9 intended for 16hrs 55mins.

If we ran the analyze again, this time having flight mode enabled through, the Nexus 9 lasted a remarkable 14hrs 59mins - using a par with the actual Xperia Z2 Product, but still not quite just like the HDX 8. 9.

Play games on it and, as having most devices, you'll see battery life plummet swiftly. However, with the actual Nexus 9, battery drain is a lot more pronounced than its key compete with. In the GFXBench power supply test, a projected runtime regarding 3hrs 25mins shows that anyone using this for intensive gaming will have to run to the actual mains slightly with greater regularity than owners with the iPad Air a couple of, which posted a new projected runtime regarding 3hrs 52mins on this test.

This doesn't seem like a huge variation, but we observed the Nexus 9 synthetically limiting the frame rate to conserve battery power: it averaged 34fps over the GFXBench battery analyze, which is considerably slower than what the Tegra K1 is capable of.

We were a little bit concerned, too, through the temperature the rear housing next to the camera reached over the more intensive tests we ran. This hit 46 levels after periods pf major use, which we observed unpleasantly hot to the touch.

Nexus 9: digital cameras, connectivity and audio system

Camera quality isn’t critical using a tablet, but with all the iPad Air a couple of upping the bet, it’s only fair to compare each in more depth than usual. In terms regarding raw specifications, the Nexus is using a par, with the 8-megapixel, f/2. 4 aperture camera on the rear and a new 1. 6-megapixel one at the cab end, and it pulls ahead with the help of a single-LED adobe flash.

Quality is fine for casual button snaps, but we found how the Nexus 9 offered help to blow available highlights badly, which the automatic bright balance went drastically wrong frequently; under strip lights at the office, everything took using a bluish tinge. Autofocus ended up being terribly slow, in particular in low gentle, hunting backwards and forwards forever before locking in. This isn't a device you’ll want to consider with you in order to shoot snaps of this kids in the institution play, and it isn’t a patch around the iPad Air 2 on this regard.

The Nexus 9 comes with the iPad outdone, just, on connection, with NFC on board besides 802. 11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4. 1 having A2DP and aptX sound support. Plus, sound quality is superb. With HTC’s BoomSound front-facing music system speakers, the Nexus 9 pumping systems out the audio by having an unusual level regarding strength and fortitude.

Volume levels are high – adequate to comfortably check out TV programmes and movies without reaching to the headphones – and there’s obviously any good degree of entire body and bass. The iPad Air 2 is good although not this good.
Nexus 9 vs Sony Xperia Z4 product

As well as the iPad Air a couple of, the Nexus 9 encounters another serious competitor inside shape of the actual Sony Xperia Z4 product.

Released at MWC 2015, the Xperia Z4 tablet has a larger, 10. 1 in screen with 2K quality, but at 6. 1mm as practically 2mm tinner versus Nexus 9. There are also Wi-Fi only or 4G versions, both which weigh a sliver beneath 400g, making them at the very least 30g lighter versus Nexus.

On the within, the Z4 product has somewhat better specs, including the octa-core processor, however the Nexus has larger battery capacity. We're yet so that you can fully put the actual Z4 through it is paces, but you can read our hands-on assessment here.
Nexus 9 assessment: verdict

Overall, it’s tricky to understand what to label of the Nexus 9. For the one hand, it’s the actual fastest Android product we’ve tested, and battery life for light tasks like watching video is actually superb. It has a bright, sharp display in a practical, usable four: 3 aspect rate, and great audio system, plus it’s gentle and reasonably slender.

In addition, this runs pure Google android, and the price to the base model undercuts the actual iPad Air 2 by the definitive margin. Additionally it is cheaper than each of our favourite large-screened Google android tablet - the actual Sony Xperia Z2 Product.

Yet it has many serious flaws, with poor quality chief among them. Then there’s the actual high battery exhaustion under load, backlight leakage round the edges of the actual screen, no microSD enlargement, and a deficit of high-capacity models, which put a major dent on this tablet's appeal.

Let us be clear about one thing, the Nexus 9 is a great Android tablet; on the other hand, it’s also far from perfect.

Top 10 Best Android Tablets Buyers Guide: March 2015 Edition

Android Reviews - Top 10 Best Android Tablets Buyers Guide: March 2015 Edition, Mobile World Congress has come and gone, and while we have some exciting tablets launching soon, the Xperia Z4 Tablet isn’t available just yet, so it won’t make an appearance in this list. After all, we only feature devices that you can go out and purchase right away. This leaves us with a list that’s pretty familiar, but as another month rolls by, those tablets that were showing their age before are only looking that much older.

Amazon Fire HD 6 and 7

Amazon’s Fire tablets might not feature the same set of Google Services that we come to expect from an Android tablet, but they’re great for content consumption as well as handing over to the little ones without fear of destroying your own tablet. Coming in at either 6-inch or 7-inches this time around, these aren’t much to look at, but they’re great for casual users and excellent gifts for those that have never used a tabelt before. An easy transition from owners of Kindles, the Fire HD line of tablets are easy to use.

Amazon Fire HDX 8.9

Amazon has become exceedingly good at providing users with digital content. They might have started out with just books, but they now offer magazines, TV shows, movies, apps and games. If you’re basically looking after a larger entertainment device, then you can’t go wrong with a Fire HDX. It’s a powerful machine with a Snapdragon 801 and an excellent 8.9-inch 2560 x 1600 display and it’s great for watching movies and TV on the move.

Google Nexus 7 (2013)

While the Nexus 9 has been out for some time now, there’s no reason why the Nexus 7 isn’t a decent option any more. After all, that 1920 x 1200 7-inch display still looks great and it’s been updated to Android 5.1 Lollipop. An excellent little tablet that’s perfect for those on the move looking for a tablet to keep themselves entertained, the Nexus 7 is cheap, more than capable for everyday use and still runs the absolute latest version of Android. That Snapdragon S4 Pro is not quite as spry as it used to be, but Lollipop has made things a little sweeter for Nexus 7 users, and the new Android 5.1 update is said to be even snappier.

Yoga Tablet 2 Pro

Not too long ago, Lenovo introduced follow-ups to their original Yoga tablets and out of those was the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro, which features a 13-inch Quad HD display and a subwoofer thanks to a JBL sound system. We recently reviewed the Yoga Tablet 2 Pro and we really liked what we saw. The Pico Projector isn’t exactly great, but it does the job and it’s a feature many of its competitors simply don’t offer. The same can be said of the subwoofer and excellent sound quality all round. Its size however, remains a challenge for a lot of users as a 13-inch display is far from what you’d call super-portable. The stand that made the Android Yoga tablets popular in the first place is back again and this time around there’s a hook, further extending the uses for this big beast of a tablet. Innovative hardware like this is what will drive tablet sales forward in a market that feels close to stagnating.

Sony Xperia Z3 Compact Tablet

The Xperia Z3 Tablet Compact, despite its long, long name, is a tablet that builds on the excellence found in the Xperia Z2 and the Xperia Z3 line of smartphones. It is however, a little pricey, especially for a tablet that uses a 1080p display in the face of Quad HD panels. Still, it’s powered by a Snapdragon 801 and like the Xperia Z3, it’s one of the best out there for listening to music and overall performance. If only it were a little more affordable, Sony would have a real winner on their hands. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in then you can purchase one

Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 – 2014 Edition

The Galaxy Note 10.1 – 2014 Edition has been around for some time now, and it’s beginning to show some signs of age. It’s not as spry as it once was and there are tablets out there that simply outclass it in many ways. Which is a shame, as the S-Pen is a handy feature here and the display is great. However, up against the Super AMOLED display in the Galaxy Tab S 10.5, this isn’t as nice to look at. Hopefully, Samsung releases a new version of this great tablet sooner, rather than later.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 8.4

Perhaps the best compromise between small and large in a tablet, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 has the right boxes ticked, with big, golden ticks. The display is an excellent 2560 x 1600, but the 8.4-inch panel really comes to life thanks to the Super AMOLED technology Samsung uses in their high-end smartphones. Great for reading magazines, watching movies and generally anything that involves a lot of color and images, the Galaxy Tab S 8.4 is the take-everywhere tablet that has the specs and display of something a little larger. For more on the Galaxy Tab S 8.4

NVIDIA SHIELD Tablet

Versatility is the aim of the game with the SHIELD Tablet from NVIDIA, and with its recent update to Android 5.0 Lollipop, it joins an elusive club of tablets running the latest version of Google’s OS. Not only does this guy feature stock, clean Android software, a great piece of silicon in the Tegra K1 and a controller for gaming, but it also has NVIDIA Grid which changes things quite a bit. If you’re a casual gamer, looking for a decent tablet all-round, then this is a decent bet, and it won’t break the bank, either.

Google Nexus 9

You know what the Nexus 9 isn’t? Exciting. That’s not a bad thing though, at least not in my eyes, a tablet doesn’t have to be exciting for it to be good. Instead what the Nexus 9 is is solid, dependable and one of the few available that offers a 4:3 display, which is hi-res at 2048 x 1536 and very bright. This 4:3 ratio helps the Nexus 9 to stand out and for those spend most of their time browsing the web, this is a great tablet to consider. If you want a tablet that does everything fairly well, then this is a decent candidate. The display is really bright, and while not vivid it’s accurate and more than good enough. That 64-bit Tegra K1 ensures excellent performance in games and should ensure smooth performance on all future Android updates like Android 5.1. With stereo BoomSound speakers firing sound out from the front of the tablet, this also has some of the best sound reproduction available for a tablet.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5

Samsung’s Super AMOLED display tech is even more impressive on a display at this sort of size, the Galaxy Tab S 10.5 is the tablet to take with you on long trips to watch your favorite TV or movies on and it’s also a great all-rounder as well. It offers the same sort of size as an iPad, has an arguably superior display and the widescreen format is great for movies, YouTube and playing games. It’s got it where it counts on the inside, too and this is easily one of the best tablets Samsung has ever rolled off its production line, for now, at least. While it doesn’t feature Lollipop or a blazing-fast graphics chip, what it does have is an impressive laundry list of features great for tablet users and one of the best displays available anywhere.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Update: 5 Things to Know Right Now

Google’s Android 5.1 Lollipop update is currently pushing out to several devices not including the aging Nexus 4

Android Reviews - With Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop questions swirling, we want to take a look at what we think Nexus 4 users need to know right now about the Android 5.1 Lollipop update that should roll out to the device sometime in the future.

A little over two weeks ago, Google finally confirmed the elephant in the room. The elephant? Android 5.1 Lollipop, an update that had been rumored for arrival at the end of last year and one that Google quietly confirmed for Android One devices several months back. Android 5.1 Lollipop is much bigger than your standard Android update because it delivers feature enhancements on top of crucial bug fixes for Android problems.

In typical Google fashion, the Nexus Android 5.1 Lollipop update is rolling out to select Nexus devices in an extremely slow manner. The update, which surfaced in the Android Open Source Project two weeks ago, is finally starting to reach some devices Over-the-Air though many Nexus users are still without their upgrade to Android 5.1 Lollipop. One of the device’s that isn’t receiving an Android 5.1 Lollipop update, at least not yet is.

Nexus 4 users, who received the Android 5.0 update and Android 5.0.1 Lollipop update, have been complaining about a number of Lollipop problems in recent months and many are excited about the prospects of Android 5.1 Lollipop. With an Android 5.1 Lollipop update missing in action, we’ve been getting a ton of questions about its whereabouts and about what to expect from Google’s Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update.

Today, we want to take a look at what we know so far about the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 release and offer some guidance to Nexus 4 users who are currently on Android 5.0.1 Lollipop and below. If you haven’t been following Google’s Android 5.1 deployment, this will catch you up to speed.
Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Update All but Confirmed

Google didn’t confirm a Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update outright when it announced its Android 5.1 Lollipop roll out earlier this month but all signs point to a release in the future.

Android Police, a site with a solid track record when it comes to Nexus Android releases, believes that Google will roll out the Android 5.1 Lollipop update to all Nexus devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop. We also have some solid evidence that points to a Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop release in the future.

Earlier this month, Myce spotted an Android 5.1 Lollipop build running on the Nexus 4. What this means is that Google has the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Lollipop update in testing. If the update is in testing behind the scenes, there’s a very good chance that it will roll out to the public in the near future. So, at this point, there’s no reason to fret.

Sure, it might be a few days or even a few weeks before Google pushes this update out but it would be surprising to see Android 5.1 Lollipop skip the Nexus 4 altogether. It’s an old device but it should get the bump to Google’s latest and greatest firmware.
Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Release Date MIA

The Nexus 4 Android 5.1 release date remains missing in action and given what we’ve seen from the rest of Google’s Android 5.1 Lollipop updates, we probably won’t find out about the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 release date until just beforehand.

Google rarely announces specific release dates. When it does, the announcement typically comes in the form of a blog post. Google’s Android 5.1 blog post did not outline a specific date for any Nexus devices and we’ve seen Android 5.1 Lollipop updates and OTAs roll out pretty much at random over the past two weeks.

The only clue that Nexus 4 users will probably get is an arrival in the AOSP. Once an update is pushed into the AOSP, an OTA typically isn’t too far behind. In the case of Android 5.1, we’ve seen a gap of about a week between AOSP and OTA.

If you are getting anxious about the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 update, you’ll want to keep an eye on AOSP. Google probably won’t announce anything so you’ll need to check once or twice a day as we push deeper into March and into April. The start of the OTA will be impossible to predict so you’ll need to remain patient.

Nexus 4 Android 5.1 Features

Google’s Android 5.1 Lollipop updates are all very similar in that they come with a number of new features and enhancements for Nexus smartphones and tablets. There are a few differences (HD Voice for the Nexus 6 being one of them) but the Nexus 4 Android 5.1 update will probably closely mirror what we’ve seen already.

Acer Aspire E 15 Es1-512-C88M

Android Reviews - Acer Aspire E 15 Es1-512-C88M is a very nice laptop. It has all the features you could ask for at the price, and it looks nice and runs fast. There is nothing I seriously dislike about it and would definitely recommend it for work, school, and entertainment.

DETAILED Acer Aspire E 15 Es1-512-C88M REVIEW

After comparing numerous laptops, I decided to get this one. The battery life is very long (7 hours), and it has some great features, such as Bluetooth and USB 3.0. Also, it looks nice, which I know is important to many people, including me.

As for Windows 8 (Windows 8.1, to be specific), I really like it. Once you get used to it, there's a good chance you'll like it, too. The desktop is very similar to Windows 7, but the start menu changed; it is now the start SCREEN, where you launch your apps, programs, etc. If you scroll down or click the down arrow in the start screen (to go to ALL APPS), you can find all programs and apps installed on your computer (including Control Panel, Windows Help, etc.). You can get loads of awesome free or paid apps and games from the APP STORE app, if you have a Microsoft Account (which you can set up for free when setting up the laptop). Windows 8.1 isn't the best thing for serious multitaskers, though, because apps are in full screen only

PROS: Acer Aspire E 15 Es1-512-C88M

USB 3.0
- Dell doesn't have it, the rest do.
- Acer has one port.

Bluetooth
- Only Toshiba has it, the rest don't.
- Acer has Bluetooth 4.0.

Battery Life
- One Asus has 3.75 hr life, the rest range between 4-5.5.
- ACER HAS SEVEN FREAKING HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE!

Speaker
- The Toshiba and HP speakers suck big time! They are very low quality and thin.
- ACER HAS AN AMAZING SOUND SYSTEM FOR A LAPTOP! You don't need a speaker to get crisp sound with enough base.

Thinness/Sleekness/Appearance
- Toshiba is the thinnest and sleekest, the rest are at least 0.25-0.50 inch thicker.
- Toshiba and Asus have a bad case of finger marking! It is so disgusting to look at. The slightest touch leaves finger marks on it. HP and Dell are okay.
- Acer is almost as thin as the Toshiba, which makes it neat looking too.
- Acer repels finger marks, thus no disgusting finger marks on them!

CONS: Acer Aspire E 15 Es1-512-C88M

- Acer is the heaviest of the lot, adding 0.50 lbs.
- Acer does not have the Caps or Num lock lighting
- Acer does not have an optical drive.
- Acer ports are at the back of the laptop, as opposed to the traditional sides.

Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Lollipop 5.0.2 update incoming

Android Reviews - The Android Lollipop update is slowly progressing to an increasing number of devices but there’s still a long way to go. There’s good news for owners of one of Samsung’s Galaxy tablets though, as the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 Lollipop 5.0.2 update is now incoming. As usual the upgrade for this device has started arriving in one region, but we usually then see it rolling out to further markets before too much longer.

The Galaxy Tab S 10.5 released last summer running the Android 4.4.2 KitKat operating system so many owners will be looking forward to the improvements that Lollipop will bring. It’s arriving right now for the WiFi version of the tablet in France, in the form of Android 5.0.2 Lollipop for model number SM-T800.

This is appearing as an OTA (over-the-air) update or users can choose to install it via Samsung’s Kies. It moves the firmware to version T800XXU1BOCC and has a March 17th build date. Users of this device in France are receiving notifications about the update, but can also check manually by heading to the Menu on their device, followed by Settings, About Device, and finally Software Update.

Although there’s no news yet on when the update will spread to further regions, this is a good indicator for other markets. It doesn’t usually take very long to start cropping up for other countries so we expect to hear more on this over the next few weeks.

Are you pleased to hear that the Android 5.0.2 Lollipop update is now starting to be pushed out to the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5? Maybe you wonder why OS updates can take quite some time to arrive for all owners of the same device?