Right now, the most common smartphone display resolutions are 720 x 1280 pixels (720p, or HD), 1080 x 1920 pixels (1080p, or Full HD), and 1440 x 2560 pixels (Quad HD). Of course, 480 x 800 pixels (WVGA), 480 x 854 pixels (FWVGA) and 560 x 960 pixels (qHD) also deserve to be mentioned, but these, as you've surely noticed, are rarely used today, and will probably disappear completely in the near future. What will likely not disappear anytime soon (or ever) is weird pixel resolutions. Currently, there are quite a few notable smartphones that feature screens with unusual resolutions, so we're inviting you to check them out below.In case you're wondering why there aren't any old devices on our list, it's because we're only including handsets that are now available to buy, thus still being relevant. Listed by resolution (from the lowest to the highest):Launched in September 2013, the iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c have a lot in common with the discontinued iPhone 5 from 2012, including 4-inch … [Read more...] about Defying standards: smartphones with weird display resolutions
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MetroPCS announces “joyn” a new standards based communication service
The fifth largest carrier in the US is continuing to enhance its offerings while people work out the deal to merge with T-Mobile USA. MetroPCS announced “joyn,” which is a messaging, video chat, content sharing and synchronizing serve based on the Rich Communications Services (RCS) standard administered by the GSM Association which oversees the LTE mobile standard.As a part of all 4G LTE rate plans, and enabled smartphones, joyn by MetroPCS will provide customers the ability to share contact information and status, content, as well as participated in “enhanced” chat which allows for group messaging and provides notifications of read messages. The standard also allows for Wi-Fi and video calling, which may be a handy alternative to FaceTime.Much like Google Talk, this feature will allow your contacts to see your status if you are available to chat or not. The service will allow for location sharing as well, and the exchange of content while on a call or … [Read more...] about MetroPCS announces “joyn” a new standards based communication service
Have an AT&T Nokia Lumia 1520 and still wish it had Qi-standard wireless charging? There is a way
If there is one worthwhile criticism about the Nokia Lumia 1520 for AT&T, it is that the carrier opted to strip the device of its otherwise native wireless charging ability, in favor of selling an accessory that supported wireless charging using a standard different (PMA aka Power Matters Alliance) from what Nokia supports (Qi).The battle for supremacy in wireless charging is far from over however. Qi is well established, but PMA is gaining acceptance and has some heavy hitting sponsors now backing its play, notably the aforementioned AT&T as well as Proctor & Gamble and Duracell (Powermat).For Nokia owners though, it is frustrating because back in 2012 when they picked up an AT&T branded Nokia Lumia 920 and bought a Nokia Wireless Charging Plate to take advantage of the device’s wireless charging abilities, if they chose to upgrade to the Lumia 1520, they were out of luck, even if they bought an optional charging back from AT&T due to conflicting … [Read more...] about Have an AT&T Nokia Lumia 1520 and still wish it had Qi-standard wireless charging? There is a way
Asus Chromebook Flip C302 review: standard issue
Using the Asus Chromebook Flip C302, you can almost see how Chrome OS devices are going to stop being education machines or backup couch computers and become something different for a lot of people. Just computers (or, well, maybe just tablets). It's a "premium" Chromebook, which these days basically means it's well-built, has a fast processor, and costs around $500. That puts it in the same class as the Samsung Chromebook Plus and forthcoming Samsung Chromebook Pro. The C302 is all of those things, but to me it's a sign that both Google and its manufacturing partners are stretching to redefine how you typically think about a Chromebook. Google, for its part, is working feverishly to make the Android app on Chrome OS viable (they're not ready yet). Asus, for its part, produced the excellent machine I'm reviewing right now. It's rare to use a Chrome OS laptop that genuinely feels fast, well-built, and worth more than the $300 asking price that most Chromebooks cost. But if all those … [Read more...] about Asus Chromebook Flip C302 review: standard issue
LG’s stunning ‘Wallpaper’ OLED sets the standard by which all TVs should be judged
In case you missed it, LG’s W7 series “wallpaper” OLED TV was the toast of CES 2017, and for good reason. For many, it represents the ultimate in TV design. At just 2.57mm thin – about the thickness of three quarters stacked together – it looks more like a window on the wall than any TV you’ve seen before. And at about 16.5 pounds, the display panel is light enough to hang like a piece of art, held fast by a set of magnets. In terms of cool-factor, no other TV can touch it. Except, of course, its upcoming follow-up, the LG W8 OLED. Keeping all the same design cues, right down to the included soundbar, the W8 improves on the W7 in a number of ways. LG’s new a9 (pronounced Alpha 9) chip not only offers a speedier experience with webOS 3.5, but offers enhanced picture quality with reduction in color banding and a host of other improvements. The W8 also features Google Assistant and LG’s new ThinQ platform, which work together to offer up a … [Read more...] about LG’s stunning ‘Wallpaper’ OLED sets the standard by which all TVs should be judged