Oppo's 5x optical zoom camera is like a periscope inside your phone

ZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!

We live in a glorious age of dual-camera smartphones. Huawei uses a color sensor plus a monochrome sensor to enhance detail and contrast. LG has a standard angle camera plus an ultra-wide-angle one. Apple uses a pair of cameras to offer a 2x optical zoom.

Oppo is jumping into the dual camera age with their own take at MWC 2017: a two-sensor system that combines a standard angle camera with a telephoto zoom, but taking it all the way to 3x optical zoom with a system that uses a prism in a periscope arrangement. At first that might seem similar to the original ASUS ZenFone Zoom, and in a way it is, but for moving between the two zoom settings (and beyond), Oppo's opted for digitally melding information from the two sensors instead of ASUS's mechanical zoom that actually moved lenses inside the phone.

Turning the telephoto camera sensor so that it's pointing across the back of the phone and through a prism to see out gave Oppo more space to construct their lenses. This arrangement both reduces the intrinsic engineering challenges and cost challenges of having to miniaturize components and use expensive high-index lenses.

The downside is in size — the periscope arrangement takes up precious horizontal space to array its lenses and is 5.7mm thick. It's small, yes, but space in smartphones is becoming increasingly precious. Oppo's demonstration device (not a production bit of hardware by any means) sported an enormous top bezel to give the camera module space.

While the camera module itself is capable of 3x optical zoom, Oppo's touting this as a "lossless" 5x camera. They're doing some fancy image merging trickery, using data from both cameras to add detail to an otherwise digitally zoomed image. It's not that different from what Huawei is doing with the P10, where data from the dual cameras is combined to improve detail and contrast. While we can't yet verify the claims of "lossless" digital zoom, my brief time with the camera was encouraging. Oppo's demo devices actually zoomed to 10x digital with a surprising amount of detail and steadiness. And, yes, the demo software here is a blatant knock-off of Apple's camera app; hopefully the production hardware will come with different software.

Oppo's being tight-lipped about when we should expect their first phone using this tech, but we wouldn't be surprised if it comes later this year with a big focus on photography.

Source: Oppo's 5x optical zoom camera is like a periscope inside your phone

CamFi wireless camera controller now supports Sony digital cameras

Wireless camera controller CamFi now supports Sony digital cameras, the company announced recently. With CamFi 3.0, the latest version of the app, Sony camera owners can attach the CamFi wireless controller to their camera via a USB cable, then access and control the camera remotely using a laptop or tablet over Wi-Fi.

CamFi supports live view from Sony digital cameras, as well as Nikon and Canon cameras, and also enables photographers to change camera settings and capture shots using a laptop or tablet. The controller supports multi-camera setups, and also adds support for the latest DNP wireless printer server. The company says CamFi 3.0 also supports both Raw and JPEG image formats.

According to the CamFi Sony support page, the product presently supports the Sony a7R, a7R II, a7S, a7 II, a7, a6300, a6000, and a5100 models. Both MTP and PC Remote modes are supported; users can select their preferred mode in the camera's 'USB Connection' menu. Check out the support page for full details on how to set up and use CamFi with Sony cameras.

Press release:

GUANGDONG, CHINA. – February 23, 2017 – CamFi Limited, maker of wireless controllers for digital cameras, announced today that the new version of its app, CamFi 3.0, adds wireless tether support for Sony cameras. This feature allows the photographer to transmit photos from a Sony camera to a laptop or tablet via Wi-Fi automatically during a photo shoot. 

"CamFi is the only wireless camera controller which can support Canon, Nikon and Sony currently. The support for other camera brands will be added in the future," Said Mark Ma, CEO of CamFi, "We hope we can bring something new for the photography industry." 

CamFi 3.0 supports both raw and jpeg image file formats. It also supports live view for Sony cameras. That way, a photographer can see the live view of the camera, change the ISO, shutter speed and aperture and shoot remotely. Furthermore, the new version added support for the newest DNP wireless printer server. This allows the user to print the photo via Wi-Fi immediately after shooting. CamFi supports multiple camera control, which can be used to create a bullet time effect. 

There are many advantages to using wireless remote capture. For one thing, the technology enables the photographer to see the preview image on a large screen, such as that of a tablet, versus the small viewfinder of the camera. The tether also makes it possible for the camera to be in a position that gets the right shot, but which is not necessary comfortable or safe for the photographer. For instance, the camera can be mounted on a high railing while the photographer can see the preview while standing on the floor below. Wireless tethers are helpful for time-lapse photography and self-portraits as well. 

For more information and the full list of product specifications, please visithttp://cam-fi.com

Source: CamFi wireless camera controller now supports Sony digital cameras

LG G6 Vs. Samsung Galaxy S8 Vs. Apple's iPhone 7: Specs, Camera, Battery, Memory, Display

The LG G6 was revealed at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona Sunday. The company's flagship phone will compete with Samsung's upcoming Galaxy S8, expected to be revealed March, and the iPhone 7, Apple's current phone before it releases the iPhone 8 in September.

Here's how the three phones compare:

LG G6 Vs. Galaxy S8 Vs. iPhone 7: Battery

The LG G6 will come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset, 4GB RAM and the 3300 mAh battery. Meanwhile, the Samsung Galaxy S8 is rumored to come with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, which includes mechanisms for power efficiency and management, as well as a 3,500mAh or a 3,750mAh battery. Apple comes with an A10 Fusion chip and an M10 motion coprocessor. The device has a battery life up to 2 hours longer than the iPhone 6s, with up to 12 hours of internet usage on LTE.

LG G6 Vs. Galaxy S8 Vs. iPhone 7 : Memory

The LG G6 comes with a downside: different onboard storage of the global version from the Asian market version. The version which will be sold in the U.S., the Middle East, Europe and other parts of the world will only come with 23GB of internal memory, while the Asian market version will come with 64GB. However, both versions will come with microSD slots. The Samsung Galaxy S8 is expected to come with 8GB RAM and 256GB onboard memory. Apple's iPhone 7 comes in three versions, 32GB, 128GB and 256GB.

LG G6 Vs. Galaxy S8 Vs. iPhone 7 : Camera Features

The front camera for the LG G6 has a 5-megapixel sensor and a 100-degree field of view, while the dual cameras on the back have 13 megapixels each. The LG G6 also comes with a photo format with two square pictures in which users can share what they have in front of them and a selfie, similar to the Frontback app, according to TechCrunch.

The Galaxy S8's standard camera is rumored to include a visual search and optical character recognition (OCR) tool powered by Bixby. This means it will be able to analyze, identify and read objects and texts it sees through the lens. The search tool could also scan objects and texts the camera is pointing to and present the data to the user.

Apple's iPhone 7's front side comes with a 7-megapixel selfie camera with face detection, HDR and panoramic viewing. The device is equipped with f/22 aperture and can record 720p at 240fps and 1080p at 30fps videos. The back of the iPhone 7 features a single-lens camera with 12-megapixel high-speed sensors, f/1.8 aperture, OIS, phase detection autofocus and quad-LED (dual tone flash).

Phone Features: Home Button, Size, Display

The LG G6 comes with an almost all-display front side and a nearly bezel-less screen. The phone reveal confirmed previous rumors that LG was working on a 5.7-inch display with 18:9 aspect ratio and 1440 x 2880 screen resolution. The pixel density of the screen is 564 ppi, a bit lower than the Samsung Galaxy S7, which came with 577 ppi. The Galaxy S8 is rumored to with a 5.7-inch display and will likely feature dual-edge curved displays, thin bezels and no home button. Apple's iPhone 7 features a 4.7-inch touchscreen with 750x1334 screen resolution and 326 pixels density per inch. The phone, which features a Retina HD display, also comes with a fingerprint sensor on the home button.

LG G6, Galaxy S8 and iPhone 7 All Waterproof

Like the iPhone 7, the LG G6 is waterproof. The device got its IP68 certification and is made up of various types of sturdy glass. The front of the device is covered by Gorilla Glass 3, the back is encased in Gorilla Glass 5 and the dual-camera lenses are covered with Gorilla Glass 4. The Galaxy S8 is rumored to be waterproof and dust resistant.

LG G6, Galaxy S8 Price and Release Date

The price and release date of LG G6 have not been revealed as of yet. The starting price of an unlocked Samsung Galaxy S8 could be nearly $1,000, recent rumors suggest. The phone is expected to be introduced on March 29 and will start selling on April 21, according to a recent report. Meanwhile, the iPhone, which was released September 2016, has three prices. A 32GB iPhone 7 is priced at $649, the 128GB version is $749 and the 256GB model is $849.

Source: LG G6 Vs. Samsung Galaxy S8 Vs. Apple's iPhone 7: Specs, Camera, Battery, Memory, Display

Huawei Unveiled Honor 360-degree VR camera for smartphones

Huawei Unveiled Honor 360-degree VR camera for smartphones - GeeksNewsLab

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Honor VR Camera, which is in fact a 360-degree clip-on camera that can be used along with smartphones. Honor VR Camera in collaboration with Insta360 at an event in Beijing. Huawei is keeping its pricing and release date a secret.

The Honor VR Camera supports 3K photography (due to their 360-degree lenses), it can be used for live-streaming events and comes with an app developed by Insta360 that enables us to save and share all of our beautiful 360 degree videos. It has other phone clip-ons that plug into a phone's micro-USB port on the market for both iOS and Android devices.

There is no information regarding the pricing or a possible release date of the Honor VR camera, but it will surely be available globally according to Huawei officials.

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Source: Huawei Unveiled Honor 360-degree VR camera for smartphones

Honor 6X review: Premium dual camera smartphone priced at one third of an iPhone

Pros

High quality design, fit, and finish

Extremely low price

MicroSD expansion card

Long battery life

Loud mono speaker

Cons

No NFC for wireless payments

No water resistance

At the beginning of January I posted my first impressions of the Honor 6X and since then have had the opportunity to use the device as my daily driver for a couple of weeks.

While I personally tend to spend $800 or more on flagship phones, I thoroughly enjoyed using the $250 Honor 6X and think many people will be perfectly satisfied with a phone priced a third of today's high end smartphones from Apple, Google, and Samsung.

There are some compromises that are made at this price, but the masses may never even notice them. The pros far outweigh the cons and when you realize the Honor 6X is priced at just $250 you may even pick one up for a friend.

Specifications

Processor: HiSilicon Kirin 655 octa-core

Display: 5.5 inch 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution IPS LCD, 403 ppi

Operating system: Emotion UI 4.1 built on Android 6.0 Marshmallow

RAM: 3 GB

Storage: 32 GB internal storage with microSD storage card

Cameras: 12 megapixel and 2 megapixel dual rear cameras. 8 megapixel front facing camera

Wireless technology: FM radio, 802.11 b/g/n WiFi, Bluetooth 4.1

Battery: 3,340 mAh battery with fast charging technology

Dimensions: 150.9 x 76.2 x 8.2 mm and 162 grams

Huawei stated that the Honor 6X should get the Android 7.0 and EMUI 5.x upgrade in the first half of this year. The one missing basic specification is NFC so you will not be able to use Android Pay for any wireless payments with the Honor 6X.

As we get ready for the first pitch of Major League Baseball, it's nice to see a FM radio on this device that will allow me to listen to the Mariners all season long.

Hardware

Huawei builds gorgeous hardware and their typical design language that includes a brushed aluminum shell, snappy rear fingerprint scanner, curved glass edges, and rock solid construction is present here on the Honor 6X.

Top ZDNET Reviews

The Honor 6X has a large 5.5 inch 1080p LCD display that looks great with vibrant colors and good viewing angles. Honor implemented curved metal back sides so that the Honor 6X rests very comfortably in your hand and presents a very clean appearance.

The cameras work well with the dual camera setup supporting bokeh effects like we see on higher end devices like the Honor 8, P9, and Mate 9. You usually end up with limited camera functionality at this price, but the Honor 6X offers a ton of modes and settings to give you the flagship camera experience at a low price.

You can expand your storage with a microSD card. The mono speaker blows away what we saw on the low cost Moto devices and lets you enjoy music or make speakerphone calls comfortably.

Honor advertises a two day battery life and even as a fairly heavy smartphone user I am almost able to go a full two days. We often see claims of multi-day battery, but I tend to kill a smartphone in a day. That just isn't the case with the Honor 6X and the 1080p display, Kirin 655 processor, and large 3,340 mAh battery proves to keep you going through at least a day or two.

Software

The Honor 6X currently runs EMUI 4.1 on top of Android 6 Marshmallow. This interface is fine, but the upgrade to EMUI 5 and Android Nougat will definitely be a welcome addition. Given that the price is $250, I think consumers can enjoy the current version of the software without complaint.

This is sold as a GSM unlocked phone so it is free of carrier bloatware. There are a few Honor apps, but you don't have to use them and they don't slow down the phone at all.

The Honor 6X is quite zippy and I never experienced any lag in my daily use. I personally enjoy using the image editing tools found in the Gallery app while the available settings let me easily customize the device to my specific preferences.

Pricing and competition

Flagship smartphones are priced at $700 to nearly $1,000, but over the past couple of years we have seen lots of competition in the $400 price range. The Honor 6X is even more competitive at a low $250 price.

Looking across the market for phones in this $250 range, we see the outstanding Moto G4 Play at $150 and Moto G4 and G4 Plus at $230 and $300. These Moto phones are an outstanding value, but the fit and finish, rear fingerprint scanner, and dual camera of the Honor 6X are a bit more compelling.

Daily usage experiences and conclusions

While using the Honor 6X as my daily driver, I completely forgot it was priced at just $250. It feels like a much more expensive phone and performs at a level competitive with those at $500 or more.

I'm a fan of the 2.5D curved glass on displays and this combined with the curved back metal edges make the Honor 6X a real joy to hold in your hand. It has a top headphone jack and a great sounding bottom mono speaker that I used to enjoy my podcasts and music.

At the end of my very long work day, I looked down at the remaining battery capacity and saw the number 67. I couldn't believe that the phone had lasted that long without being charged and was going to take me into the next day. Most of my phones are in the 20s or 30s at the end of my long work days.

Dual cameras from Honor and Huawei offer some fun effects and once you spend the time to learn some of the different modes you will come to really enjoy using your phone for photography. You can get creative with the camera and the image editing software too.

The Honor 6X is an outstanding Android smartphone and is tough to beat at the low $250 price. If I didn't write about phones for a job, I think I could honestly do all I needed with the Honor 6X.

Source: Honor 6X review: Premium dual camera smartphone priced at one third of an iPhone

Fix iPhone 7 And iPhone 7 Plus Camera Freezing Problem, Here’s How

By Oliver Haslam | February 23rd, 2017

It seems we can't have an iPhone release anymore without there being some sort of issue that threatens to derail everything. The iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus have been able to avoid such a problem for the most part, though there does seem to be one issue brewing for the two devices.

It does not appear to be as serious as antennagate, for example, but if you are impacted by it, that probably doesn't matter to you. The issue, as can be seen in the video embedded below at the end, is that some iPhone 7 Plus (and iPhone 7) devices are experiencing freezing when opening the Camera app. The app does finally wake up and things are often fine from that point onwards, but something clearly is not as it should be.

It is highly likely that the issue is related to software, suggesting that an iOS release will stop the problem in its tracks. Until then though, those who cannot reliably launch the Camera app are looking for a quick fix, and while we may not be able to offer any guarantees, there are a few steps that can be taken while waiting for Apple to fix the problem properly in a future software update.

Below, you will find three potential fixes, going all the way up to the nuclear option of visiting the Genius Bar. Hopefully, it won't come to that!

Try Clearing RAM

We have covered the process that needs to be carried out in order to clear out an iOS device's RAM before, so be sure to check that out. You never know, this may just be enough to keep things running smoothly with no freezing! You can read through the aforementioned guide here: How To Free Up Or Clear RAM In iOS On iPhone, iPad, iPod touch [Tip].

Try Hard Rebooting

If a RAM clearout doesn't do the trick, you could always try hard rebooting. Again, we've covered the process for making that happen so check that out if you decide to go down that particular route. You can learn more about that here: Hard Reboot / Restart iPhone 7 Or iPhone 7 Plus, Here's How.

Visit Apple Genius

If neither of the two solutions above solve the problem, or if the problem occurs particularly frequently, take the device to Apple Genius Bar and ask for replacement or at least some diagnostics to be carried out.

You might also like to check out:

Matte Black iPhone 7 Paint Chipping Off? You Are Not Alone

Enable Native Portrait Mode In Camera App On Non-iPhone 7 Plus Devices, Here's How

Hidden macOS Sierra Features For Mac That You Probably Don't Know About

WhatsApp / WhatsPad++ On iPad And iOS 10 Without Jailbreak, Here's How To Install It

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Source: Fix iPhone 7 And iPhone 7 Plus Camera Freezing Problem, Here's How

Google Camera v4.3 adds a new zoom bar control, tweaks exposure control behavior, and allows muting camera sounds [APK Download]

Google is rolling out an update to its Camera app for Nexus and Pixel devices. The latest version isn't sporting any major new improvements, but it's not without a few refinements. This version adds an easier to use (but not entirely convenient) zoom control, tweaks the exposure control, and adds an option to mute camera sounds. We're still looking for more changes, but in the meantime you can pick up the latest version from APK Mirror if it's not already available to your phone.

What's New

Unofficial Changelog: (the stuff we found)

New zoom control bar

New "Camera Sounds" toggle

The exposure control sticks around if it's modified

Zoom bar

Just about every camera app offers some way to control the zoom level, and Google's camera app is no different. For a long time, the primary method of zooming was to use the pinch-to-zoom gesture. Alternatively, there's a setting that maps the the physical volume buttons to zoom, but that's about it.

The latest update brings an additional component to the zoom controls. After using the pinch gesture, a zoom bar will appear at the edge of the viewfinder closest to the shutter button. It shows how closely zoomed the camera is and has minus and plus buttons at each end to perform further adjustments. A small handle can also be dragged along the line for fine adjustments, and this has the added benefit of showing a label with the zoom level.

Strangely, there appears to be no any way to bring up the zoom bar through any method other than pinching. Combination of taps, swipes, and button presses have done nothing to reveal it. Even when the volume buttons are mapped to zoom, they do not bring up the new control.

The zoom bar is a nice addition, but it's a bit too hidden and not entirely convenient to access. I would guess that it's probably going to be more prominent in the next release.

Stickier exposure control

The exposure control overlay got a little bit of attention on this update, as well. One tap anywhere on the viewfinder (except on a button) will bring it up, and then adjustments can be made by sliding a finger up or down (or side-to-side in landscape orientation). However, in previous versions, the overlay automatically disappears after a few seconds without interaction from the user.

The new version tweaks this behavior to be a little more informative. Now If the exposure adjustment is set to anything other than 0.0, the control will stick around until you tap to refocus, take a picture, or take some other action that tells it to get out of the way.

This isn't really a big change, but it might be a good visual clue to users that might not have realized they've changed the exposure.

Turn off camera sounds

And finally, there's a pretty familiar addition: The option to mute the camera sounds. This is a pretty standard feature is most other camera apps and I'm sure it requires no explanation. In this case, it disables both the shutter click and the countdown beeps that come with using a timer mode.

With camera sounds disabled, users won't have to change their system volume each time they want to snap a picture without drawing the attention of nearby animals, bothering people in very quiet settings, or whatever scenario might call for absolute silence.

Note: This feature may not be available in some countries. This is possibly due to local laws that specify cameras must make a sound.

Download

The APK is signed by Google and upgrades your existing app. The cryptographic signature guarantees that the file is safe to install and was not tampered with in any way. Rather than wait for Google to push this download to your devices, which can take days, download and install it just like any other APK.

Version: 4.3.016.147548696

Source: Google Camera v4.3 adds a new zoom bar control, tweaks exposure control behavior, and allows muting camera sounds [APK Download]

iPhone 8 might pack ‘revolutionary’ front camera that snaps 3D selfies

As the iPhone 8 rumor mill continues to swing in full speed, the latest report suggests Apple might be gearing up to introduce a 'revolutionary' front camera that has the capacity to register 3D space and enable facial recognition.

The new components will allow combining depth information with 2D images from the front camera for applications such as face and iris recognition as well as 3D selfies, according to a note from KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo obtained by 9to5Mac.

"The most awesome stage"

Last year, Facebook's VP of Design thought the TNW Conference main stage was the best she'd ever been on.

Kuo speculates the bleeding-edge camera tech will be especially useful for rendering a user's face inside innovative games and apps. The 3D-enabled front-facing setup will also make it possible to use the iPhone to generate 3D selfies in augmented reality.

While the iPhone 7 Plus already supports depth detection to a limited degree thanks to its dual-cam setup, thew new sensor will be fully capable of identifying objects in depth. The software for the upgraded hardware will be purportedly developed by 3D sensor company PrimeSense, which Apple bought back in 2013.

The report aligns fairly well with previous speculation the Big A is gunning to make augmented reality a stand-out feature in the next-gen iPhone.

Kuo further remarks Apple has a huge lead over Android manufacturers when it comes to 3D sensing technologies, predicting the company will eventually remove the dual-cam back setup in favor of more compact 3D-enabled camera. But we'll probably have to wait for this beyond 2017.

Among other things, the iPhone 8 is slated to feature wireless charging, a slick OLED screen and an all-glass design with a stainless steel frame – as well as a hefty price tag of over $1,000.

KGI: OLED iPhone 8 to feature 'revolutionary' 3D-sensing front camera, detects depth for games and facial recognition on 9to5Mac

Read next: Yahoo's valuation slashed by $350 million following high-profile hacks

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Source: iPhone 8 might pack 'revolutionary' front camera that snaps 3D selfies

IP Camera Viewer

or

no thanks, take me to my download

IP Camera Viewer 5 is the next generation of our multi-camera video surveillance app. IP Camera Viewer 5 allows to monitor and record video from any number of IP cameras on your Mac. It allows to record video always, on schedule, or motion events only. Intuitive video search allows quick review of recorded video and export incidents as movies or just images. The app allows to email motion events, upload video to your FTP server, setup maps of your building, put the cameras on the maps and more.

The app supports thousands of popular IP camera models

In addition, the generic camera drivers allow toMore...

What's New Version 5.13:

Note: Now requires macOS 10.12 or later

Improved motion detection

Bug fixes

No similar apps have been recommended yet. You can add your suggestions to the right.

Like this app? Be the first to add it to a collection! Create a Collection by bringing together complementary apps that have a common theme or purpose, then share it and discover new collections! + Create a Collection

IP Camera Viewer 5 is the next generation of our multi-camera video surveillance app. IP Camera Viewer 5 allows to monitor and record video from any number of IP cameras on your Mac. It allows to record video always, on schedule, or motion events only. Intuitive video search allows quick review of recorded video and export incidents as movies or just images. The app allows to email motion events, upload video to your FTP server, setup maps of your building, put the cameras on the maps and more.

The app supports thousands of popular IP camera models

In addition, the generic camera drivers allow to support many other models: ONVIF-compatible cameras, RTSP, and MJPEG streams.

Recording of video and motion detection is available for any camera model.

Download 7-day trial to see how the app simplifies your video surveillance tasks.We appreciate your purchases. It allows us to continue improving the app. Let us know if you have a camera that is not supported yet, or if you need any other additions to the app. Please send requests and feedback to support@dcomplex.com

Version 5.13:

Note: Now requires macOS 10.12 or later

Improved motion detection

Bug fixes

Source: IP Camera Viewer

Here's how to access the iPhone's hidden mode that turns the camera into a magnifying glass

Hollis Johnson

Apple included a nifty hidden camera mode in the latest version of its iPhone software, iOS 10. 

"Magnifier" mode uses the iPhone's camera to magnify text or other small things — handy, especially, for reading fine print, or zooming in on small details.

The hidden mode can also adjust brightness and color, which is useful for people who may have issues seeing specific colors.

Using Magnifier is easy after you turn it on.

First you have to turn it on. The setting is found in Settings > General > Accessibility. Turn "Magnifier" on.

Then it's easy to access. Simply press the home button three times anywhere on the iPhone — either on the lock screen, the home screen, or in an app. 

Here's what it the screen looks like:

Screenshot

You can change the magnification by with the slider as needed:

Screenshot

By tapping the Venn diagram in the lower right hand corner, you can change the colors if that will make the image easier to see. You can increase or decrease brightness, contrast, and even invert colors.

Screenshot

EXCLUSIVE FREE REPORT: 25 Big Tech Predictions by BI Intelligence.Get the Report Now » SEE ALSO: President Trump should use an iPhone — here's why
Source: Here's how to access the iPhone's hidden mode that turns the camera into a magnifying glass

Download Stock Camera and Gallery apps from Oxygen OS 4.0.3 for OnePlus 3/3T [Install APK]

The flagship phone OnePlus 3 and the OnePlus 3T from the major Chinese manufacturer -OnePlus are running on the latest Oxygen OS 4.0.3. The new update optimizes WiFi, increased camera app stability, and RAM consumption have been decreased significantly. With the new Android 7.0 Nougat ROM for the two devices, comes new Camera app and the Gallery app. Oxygen OS 4.0.3 is quite stable and the Camera app has been enhanced along with the Gallery app as well.

With the simple guide given below, see how to download and install the new version of the Camera and Gallery app port for OnePlus 3/3T just in case the original app has become corrupt or you have changed the ROM to a different one and want the OnePlus apps. The camera app provides the best quality and performance due to the post processing features. The Nougat ROM brings us a new v5 brings changes like:-

Apps and libraries updated to those from 4.0.3

Unsupported things and errors were fixed again,

STILL_DENOICE" mode(filter) is included in the normal mode(HDR/HQ off) and

Everything else from the previous builds is included.

The download is now available for the OnePlus 3 running Android 7.0 Nougat and it comes with the download file size of 3 MB. Downloading and installing the app will take you to the latest version of the stock Camera and Gallery apps. Click here to download the APK —> OnePlusCamera-V5.apk

It is important to note, if you do not find the HDR/HQ buttons in the app and you don't get "processing" dialog while taking the pictures, do not worry. Here's the solution, simply flash this zip via TWRP and flash the app data after booting your phone. Download –> Camera.HAL1.Enabler.zip

Before beginning any installation, a backup of your current ROM is the most important thing you should do.

If you have used any camera mod before, please dirty flash the ROM and then flash the OOS Camera package again.

To begin the installation procedure, allow installation of apps from unknown sources in your device.

To do so, go to the settings> security> Allow Unknown Sources.(Check out the screenshot given below)

 

Then install the APK given above> let the installation procedure complete> open app.

If face any problem while downloading or installing the app, reach out to us by commenting in the comments section below.

Thanks to: siankatabg

Source: Download Stock Camera and Gallery apps from Oxygen OS 4.0.3 for OnePlus 3/3T [Install APK]

OneShot app for Windows 10 Mobile updated with new features

OneShot camera app for Windows 10 Mobile Devices has been updated with some new features and improvements. OneShot for Windows 10 Mobile has been updated to a new version 5.1.19.0

resolved issues with Green Pro and Green Pop XT filters in viewfinder

resolved error regarding EXIF meta data in media viewer

several other bug fixes

OneShot is a professional mobile camera app and offers high-quality filters in a lovely user interface that is overlaid on top of your viewfinder. Apply a change, such as a filter, and you can see the difference on your screen in real time.

Download OneShot for Windows 10 Mobile.

Source: OneShot app for Windows 10 Mobile updated with new features

Yi’s Home Camera is the least expensive way to stream live HD video from your house

The market is flooded with home security cameras, and they vary pretty widely in terms of price and quality. What you might not know, however, is that you don't need to pay a sky-high price to get a camera with good quality. The YI Home Camera Wireless IP Security Surveillance System costs a fraction of what companies like Nest charge, but it still streams high-quality HD video to any smartphone and sports important features like motion detection and night vision.

Here are some important notes from the product page:

Records in 720p HD to capture clear images for your records and while using 2-way audio (built-in microphone and speaker). 720P/20FPS,700Kbps; 360P/20FPS,200Kbps.

111° wide-angle lens, 940nm infrared non-invasive sensor, 4x digital zoom. Capture the scene in clarity with the wide-angle lens and zoom capabilities. The non-invasive sensor will not disturb your sleeping children.

Built-in (802.11 bgn) Single band 2.4Ghz. Reliable Wi-Fi connectivity to access your camera on YI Home App at anytime.

No monthly subscription fees: Secure your videos on a micro SD card (not included), own your video content and access video history anytime. Supports 4-32GB micro SD cards with FAT32 format.

Real-time streaming to your phone & activity alerts when motion is detected. YI Home App allows you to customize your settings according to your preferences: defined activity regions, camera sharing, customize alert schedules, and more. Available for iOS and Android.

Follow @BGRDeals on Twitter to keep up with the latest and greatest deals we find around the web.

BGR Deals content is independent of Editorial and Advertising, and BGR may receive a commission on purchases made through our posts.

Source: Yi's Home Camera is the least expensive way to stream live HD video from your house

A Peek Inside My Camera Bag: My Favorite Travel Photography Gear

This post includes a giveaway of a GoPro HERO Session (scroll down to enter!), which is being brought to you by Retale, an app that delivers in-store promotions, coupons, and weekly ads direct to your mobile device from leading retailers like Best Buy, Target, Macy's, and more. This post also contains affiliate links. 

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On average, I get at least one comment or email per week asking the same question: What camera do you use when you travel?

I've answered this question on my FAQ page, but decided that today I would take my answer one step further and give you a peek into everything that's currently in my camera bag.

So here we go with my favorite travel photography gear!

CAMERA Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II

I upgraded from the Olympus PEN series to the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II in the second half of 2015. I waffled back and forth over whether to stick with an Olympus mirrorless camera or maybe give Sony a try, but in the end I decided to stick with what I knew. (And, also, I wasn't prepared to spend over $5K on the Sony camera I would have wanted.)

I don't regret this decision at all, as the E-M5 Mark II is an incredible camera! Here's what I love about it:

It takes amazing photos! All the images you've complemented me on in the past 1.5 years have been taken with this camera.

It's small(ish). This OM-D model is not as tiny as my previous Olympus PEN cameras, but it's still a heck of a lot smaller than your average DSLR. It easily fits into the handbag I usually take with me when traveling.

I can go full manual, or use pre-set settings. This camera gives you all the control you need, but also can help you out when you're not sure exactly which settings to use.

It has a flip-out back LCD screen. This is super handy for video, low-angle photos, and even selfies since I can swivel it around a full 180-degrees.

It has built-in wi-fi, which makes transferring photos from my camera to my phone (hello Instagram) a breeze.

It's "weatherproofed," meaning I don't worry as much about a few rain drops or a blast of sand as I used to.

Northern Lights captured with my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II and 12-40mm lens

Might I eventually upgrade to an even higher-end Olympus model (or maybe the Sony a7RII if I can ever justify the cost)? Yeah, maybe! I don't think I'll ever go full-sized DSLR, though, because I love the size and weight of mirrorless cameras. For now, I'm super happy with my camera.

Lenses

I have the following lenses for my Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II:

Olympus 12-40 F2.8 PRO lens – This is my go-to lens, and is the lens that lives on my camera most of the time. It's super fast and takes really great photos.

Olympus MSC ED-M 75-300mm telephoto lens – I bought this zoom lens for my trip to Africa (wildlife photos, yo!), and definitely think it was a good investment. I could have spent a LOT more on an even nicer lens, but since I will probably only use this a couple times per year, this one will do just fine.

My next lens purchase *might* be a 25mm Prime lens. But we'll see.

Bits and bobs

Other things in my arsenal include:

Extra batteries – Because you can never really have too many! (I have 3 in total.)

SD cards – Most of my current SD cards are SanDisk Extreme Pro cards.

Filters – I use UV filters to protect all my lenses, and also have a polarizing filter and ND filter, though I admit that I don't use them much!

Camera strap – I have a cute camera strip with elephants that I got from iMo.

Cable release – Important for long exposures so I don't blur the photo by touching the shutter button.

LensPen – This marker-sized item is a must-have for anyone with a camera. One end has a brush to remove dirt, dust, and sand, and the other will safely clean your camera's lens to get rid of smudges and fingerprints.

TRIPODS

My main tripod is the Vanguard VEO 235AB. Vanguard makes a line of travel-friendly tripods (the VEO line), which means they're fairly compact and not *too* heavy. My VEO tripod has helped me photograph waterfalls in Iceland and the Northern Lights in Norway, among other things.

I also have a GorillaPod, a short little tripod with bendy legs that you can wrap around things. This is sometimes more appropriate to carry around since it's lighter and can be used more easily on-the-fly.

It's tough to get waterfall shots like this without a tripod!

VIDEO

I don't do a ton of video work or vlogging, but I do have fun putting together short videos for Facebook and YouTube every now and then. My go-to for video is currently the GoPro Hero 4 Silver. I like this model because it has a video display on the back (so you don't *have* to use your smartphone and the app to see what you're filming), and still takes great video.

I also have the following accessories to go along with my GoPro:

GoPro 3-way grip – This was the first "selfie stick" I bought for my GoPro, and it's handy for a variety of situations.

GoPole EVO extendable pole – This see-through, extendable pole is perfect for water activities since it extends to 2 feet AND floats on its own.

GoPole Bobber – This grip is my newest purchase. The Bobber floats just like the EVO, but isn't extendable at all. However, it takes up very little extra room in my bag, making it perfect to pack for those "just in case" moments.

I've also got the GoPro Smart Remote, a wrist mount, a head mount (which only Elliot gets to use because my head is too small!), and a suction cup that I've used a couple times to mount my GoPro to a car.

Me with my GoPro and GoPole EVO in Florida

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Speaking of GoPros, I have one to give away to one lucky reader thanks to Retale! We're giving away a GoPro HERO Session, which is GoPro's smallest action camera yet. The Session can capture both photo (8MP) and video (1080p60) with the press of a button, and is waterproof as-is up to 10 meters.

In order to enter to win, follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter box below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The contest will be open from February 15 through February 28. A winner will be randomly selected from all entrants and contacted on March 1.

CAMERA BAG

With a growing amount of camera gear to carry around with me, I decided to invest in a good camera bag. I went with the Pacsafe Camsafe, which is an anti-theft camera backpack that comes in two sizes. The larger bag can hold 25 liters and easily fits all my gear (and then some), while the smaller bag holds 17 liters and is better suited to trips where I'm either not taking an extra lens or not taking GoPro gear.

I actually have BOTH of these backpacks because I couldn't decide which size I would use more often! It turns out that I tend to use the smaller one on shorter trips, and the bigger one on longer trips (like my overland trip in Africa).

Pacsafe makes some incredible bags that are both durable AND functional, and I love having the peace of mind of the anti-theft features like slash-proof material and zipper hooks to make it really tough for anyone to get at my gear.

EDITING

I don't do a ton of post-processing, but I do edit nearly all my photos. Sometimes it's as simple as straightening a horizon (I can NOT seem to take a straight photo to save my life) or making a quick crop, and other times I boost the saturation or bring up shadows a bit in order to make my photos match what I saw with my eyes.

My go-to for photo editing is Adobe Lightroom. It gives you all the tools you need to touch up just about any image, and also helps you organize your image library.

You can purchase Lightroom on its own as a one-time download for about $150, or you can purchase a subscription to Adobe's Creative Cloud Photography plan, which gives you access to both Lightroom and Photoshop for $9.99 per month, plus all the updates and new features.

STORAGE

When I'm on the road, I travel with a portable hard drive in order to back up all my photos. I have a "rugged" hard drive called the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme, which is supposed to be able to survive the wear and tear most travel tech faces (i.e. bumps, drops, and general bouncing around).

Once I get home, I back my photos up online. I used to exclusively use Flickr, but I recently started creating albums on SmugMug in order to better display my photography (you can buy prints from my galleries, too!).

My most-purchased photo to date!

PHOTOGRAPHY COURSE

Lastly, I'm a big believer in learning all the things I don't know – and there are definitely plenty of things I don't know about photography!

My friend Laurence has taught me a lot about taking better photos over the years (starbursts, FTW!), and now he's compiled all his best tips into a travel photography course. The course covers everything from camera settings to image composition to night photography to photo editing, and is great for beginners who want to take their photo game to the next level.

Check it out here.

And there you have it! Everything that helps me take all the photos you see on this site. If you have any other questions about my gear or photos, leave them in the comments below!

*Note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you make a purchase after clicking on a link, I may make a small commission (at no extra cost to you, of course!).

Source: A Peek Inside My Camera Bag: My Favorite Travel Photography Gear

Nest Cameras Gain Door Recognition, Apps Gain Better Notifications

Article Comments  

Today, 1:01 PM   by Eric M. Zeman   @phonescooper

Nest today updated its camera software and mobile app for Android and iOS devices with new features and tools for keeping homes safe. In conjunction with its line of indoor and outdoor security cameras and Nest Aware, the Nest mobile app has learned to recognize doorways. It can now automatically create Activity Zones around doors, and will send notifications when it registers motion in those Activity Zones. Nest Aware users (requires monthly subscription) have long been able to designate Activity Zones manually; the change here is that Nest Cams and the Nest app can now do this on their own. Beyond the door recognition tool, the Nest app gains better alerts for A ndroid and iOS. For example, alerts will include a thumbnail image that shows users what's going on at a glance, and can let people see animated previews of Nest Cam video clips without opening the app. Further, when the Nest Protect smoke and carbon monoxide detector goes off, any Nest Cams associated with the account will show a live video feed so homeowners can assess what their entryways look like. Last, the Android version of the Nest mobile app is adding app shortcuts on the home screen. The Nest mobile app is free to download from the Google Play Store and iTunes App Store. Nest Cams, Nest Protect, and Nest Aware are all sold separately. Nest says the Nest Cam Indoor and Nest Cam Outdoor will receive the door recognition update over the next few weeks.

more info at Nest »more info at Play Store »

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Source: Nest Cameras Gain Door Recognition, Apps Gain Better Notifications

Microsoft Now Lets You Film Mixed Reality With HoloLens Hack

Showing off what Microsoft's HoloLens mixed reality can do is difficult without actually putting it on someone's head, but the company's new camera hack is providing a helping hand.

Whenever we've seen HoloLens on-stage at shows like E3, or Microsoft's own press conferences, the company will have one person wearing the kit, while the audience sees what they see using a special camera. After today, however, anyone with two HoloLens units can also record what one user is seeing thanks to what the company is calling 'Spectator View'.

It's a pretty simple concept but you'll likely need to do some shopping if you want to try it out. First off, you'll have to download a specific app that enables other software to run as a shared experience. From there, you'll have to assemble a camera rig with a camera that has an HDMI-out or photo capture SDK. You'll need an aluminum bracket that connects the bottom of your HoloLens to the top of your camera, and a 3D printed adapter that will link the two together.

Fear not; Microsoft has an in-depth guide to assembling the rig, complete with the nuts and bolts you'll need.

Spectator Mode is similar in concept to the mixed reality filming seen in the VR industry, though has added complications given HoloLens' entirely independent solution and the fact that holograms can be viewed from anywhere, not just within a specific, tracked space.

Requiring a second $3,000 HoloLens means this isn't the most cost-effective solution for demoing AR, but it does open up your HoloLens apps to a much larger viewing audience. It's a first step in bringing mixed reality into YouTube videos or sharing images on social networks; imagine giving talks and swapping out Powerpoint slides for 3D data visuals that are far more engaging for the audience.

Ultimately we'd like to see dedicated cameras for this use, or perhaps a cheaper alternative from Google as its Project Tango AR tech continues to evolve. Given HoloLens itself is still in its developer kit stages, we wouldn't expect to see official products from Microsoft that film in MR until the device itself is available to consumers. For now, this is a great way to show what HoloLens can do to as many people as possible.

Tagged with: HoloLens, mixed reality filming

Related

Source: Microsoft Now Lets You Film Mixed Reality With HoloLens Hack

Must read: top 10 Android stories

This week was a pretty busy one in the world of Android – we reviewed the Samsung Chromebook Pro, NVIDIA Shield TV (2017), Xiaomi Mi Note 2 and Snapchat Spectacles. The heavily-rumored LG Watch Sport and Style have finally been announced, and we also talked a lot about Samsung Galaxy S8 (and S8+) rumors. Here's the news of the week!

Who wants to win a Google Pixel XL?

Google's Pixel XL is one of the hottest phones on the market. Here's how you can win one!

10 Android stories we handpicked for you

Samsung Chromebook Pro review Does a stylus and support for Android apps make a big difference to the Chromebook experience? We find out, in this in-depth Samsung Chromebook Pro review!

NVIDIA Shield TV (2017) review The most capable and most fun Android TV box gets an update that slims it down and upgrades much of what made it a favorite last year. Should you buy the NVIDIA Shield TV 2017?

Xiaomi Mi Note 2 review Is the latest Xiaomi flagship just a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 clone, or does it have more to offer? We find out, in this comprehensive Xiaomi Mi Note 2 review!

10 best Valentine's Day apps for Android Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Are you prepared? If not, we have a list of apps to help you find gifts, get in the mood, and then some fun things to do once you're in the mood.

Snapchat Spectacles review Does Snap Inc. still have a hit on their hands with their wearable camera built into a pair of sunglasses? Josh reviews the Snapchat Spectacles to find out!

LG Watch Sport, Style and Android Wear 2.0 officially announced Google and LG have finally taken the wraps off the heavily-rumored LG Watch Sport and Watch Style, and Android Wear 2.0 is finally official, too!

5 great Google Now Launcher alternatives Come April, the Google Now Launcher will be removed from the Play Store. So what are your options? Here are some great Google Now Launcher alternatives!

So the Galaxy S8 and LG G6 look kinda similar, huh? Considering recent leaks of both the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the LG G6, it looks like we're going to be getting two very similar looking flagships this year.

How can Apple still sell iPhones at record average selling prices? Last quarter, Apple set several new records: most iPhones sold, highest revenue ever, and highest average selling price for the iPhone. Here's how it works.

Why and how do OEMs cheat on benchmarking? – Gary explains Benchmark cheating is back in the news, this time the culprits are OnePlus and Meizu. So why and how do OEMs cheat on benchmarking scores? Let me explain.

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About ishubhamsingh Hello TechGeeks!! I am Shubham Singh -a student,a mistakemaker,a learner,a TechGeek like you,who wants to share all that i know about softwares,cracks,keygens and general computer tweaks & tricks with you through this blog.

Source: Must read: top 10 Android stories

PixlPlay Camera Review, Breathe New Life Into Your Old Smartphone

Remember that awesomely cool, state of the art smartphone you got 5 years ago? Probably not. You likely threw it in the drawer where smartphones go to die when you got this year's awesomely cool, start of the art smartphone.

Now Pixl Toys has come up with a way to bring those old smartphones back to life...as a fun 35mm style camera for your kids. The PixlPlay Camera just launched on Kickstarter and we have been spending the last week playing with a prototype of the PixlPlay Camera.

Please watch our full video review of the PixlPlay Camera -

PixlPlay Camera Succeeds By Keeping Things Simple

If you are a parent of young kids, you probably instantly get the appeal of the PixlPlay Camera. Young kids love gadgets and electronics...but those tiny, food filled hands and constantly moving feet can be a recipe for disaster for delicate gadgets.

The PixlPlay secures your phone and keeps things very simple. No apps to install, no pairing, no configuration headaches, put the phone in, plug in the cable to the headphone jack and hand a 35mm style toy camera to the kids.

What kid doesn't like taking photos? There is still something magical about freezing your cat, your dog or your sibling on a color screen. Press a button and laugh at the funny photo that appears on the screen. The PixlPlay Camera does not complicate this simple formula for fun, in fact it enhances it.

By providing large buttons and knobs you can turn, the PixlPlay Camera lets young kids feel like professional photographers...or even better Peter Parker!

The PixlPlay Camera is Currently On Kickstarter ($20 pledge to get the PixlPlay Camera)

Visit Pixl Toys to Learn More

Source: PixlPlay Camera Review, Breathe New Life Into Your Old Smartphone

Hands-on: Running Android apps on a Chromebook could be the best of both worlds

Google wants running Android apps on a Chromebook to feel natural, and to do that, it needs to convert someone like me—someone who's consciously avoided Android's legendary malware problems. The better fit for me has been the serenity of Chrome OS, with its regular updates, innate security, and easy recovery tools. That's why I tote my Chromebook everywhere.

Android apps are coming to Chromebooks this year, though, and the truth is, they need each other. Chromebooks have had mainstream and vertical success (especially in schools), but with few native apps they're stuck in browser-land. Meanwhile, Android is straining to escape the confines of mobile devices (the few PC-sized Android devices haven't taken off). 

Putting Android apps on a Chromebook could be the best of both worlds, and Google is working hard to ensure that by taking steps to clean up its app store and encourage support for bigger screens. My mission was to see how this melding of ecosystems would feel for a daily Chromebook user. Just remember that Android app support is still in beta on Chrome OS, and even the Samsung Chromebook Pro I used is a prototype (due to ship in late April for $549). Things will likely change—but this is a first taste of an expanding world. 

Melissa Riofrio

Google's Play Store is ready to embrace Chromebook users, who will suddenly have access to millions of apps.

Leave the phone, take the Chromebook

I hate trying to do anything useful on my smartphone. Even if it were phablet-sized, I'd still grumble as I squinted at tiny text and slid my fingers around some glassy keyboard impostor. I'm looking forward to using Android apps on a Chromebook simply because I'll be able to type more or less normally (although the Chromebook Pro's eentsy Tab and Backspace keys are already bugging me.) 

The Samsung Chromebook Pro offers a first for Chromebooks: an integrated stylus for writing and drawing on a touchscreen. I loved this on Lenovo's Yoga Book (which has an Android cousin) and expect to feel the same about it on Chrome—and oh yeah, Android. The stylus needs no batteries. It slips into a spring-loaded bay and can juggle functions like laser pointer and text selection via its own menu in Chrome's app tray. It's very small and skinny, though, which means it's better suited for jotting notes than penning your next Medium post. 

The Chromebook Pro has a 360-degree hinge, so I can flip it around and suddenly have a Chrome tablet. The hard keyboard disables itself once the hinge exceeds 180 degrees, and an onscreen keyboard pops up when needed. 

Melissa Riofrio

Instagram's Android app is designed for phones. On a Chromebook, it sticks with a smartphone-sized window.

Despite my professed need for safety, the first thing I did was go off the reservation. Google provided a list of apps we could try, but it lacked the one I really wanted: Instagram. I went to the Google Play Store (after going through a few signup steps), found the app, and installed it. All apps are accessible through Chrome's App Launcher. Active apps' icons sit on the App Shelf that runs along the bottom of the Chromebook's display.

When an app isn't ready for the big screen

Chromebooks will be able to run any Android app, but some apps, like Instagram currently, will say "Designed for phones" on the app's download screen. That means when you launch it, it may look like a smartphone-sized window on your Chrome desktop.

Melissa Riofrio

Instagram's Android app stays smartphone-sized on a Chromebook display, but such a visual app deserves more space.

Instagram worked fine. I could scroll with my finger, the stylus, or the trackpad (though the app seemed more finicky about the latter method), use the app controls, and even take a photo with the Chromebook Pro's integrated camera. I wish I could have expanded this richly visual app to fill my display. 

Melissa Riofrio

Not all Android apps stretch well onto a wider screen, as this NHL app for the Detroit Red Wings shows.

On the other hand, if the app supports bigger screens simply by stretching to fit the space, you can get clumsy interfaces like the NHL app for the Detroit Red Wings shown above...

Melissa Riofrio

UnderArmour's MyFitnessPal app overextends itself when viewed on a Chromebook.

...or this UnderArmour fitness app here. Using either app on a Chromebook feels like watching a tennis game. 

I kept downloading. Here's another thing to keep in mind: Apps take up space—especially games—and some Chromebooks skimp on storage. The Chromebook Pro's 32GB is less than most people get on their smartphones. Don't go crazy if you don't have the capacity. 

Melissa Riofrio

The Asphalt 8 Android game requires over 1GB of storage space, which could tax some Chromebooks' skimpy storage.

Turning to the apps that were ready for Chrome-time, I started with Asphalt 8, an Android racing game. It took up 1GB of internal storage (gulp). It ran full-screen and worked best in tablet mode, so I could hold the Chromebook Pro as if it were a steering wheel (it has an accelerometer and gyroscope), and tap one side of the screen for brakes, the other for speed.  I wrecked my car a zillion times as I careened around the game's environment—I can't blame that all on the occasional hiccup in the game. This is why people use game controllers or a keyboard and mouse. At least I confirmed you can play an Android game on Chrome. 

Next up was ArtCanvas, a drawing app. Although it said it was designed for phones, it looked normal on my Chromebook. I love to draw and was eager to see what the Chromebook Pro's stylus could do. Samsung said it had designed the stylus experience to feel somewhat like pen on paper instead of point on glass. It still felt pretty slippery, but more notably, its pressure sensitivity seemed limited. Pressing harder gave a thicker line, while a lighter touch would give me a thinner one. If I wanted a darker color, I'd have to add layers by going over an area repeatedly. I also tried my finger, which gave me a finger-width line in most cases—and as with the stylus, minimal pressure response. With everything still in beta, I'm not making any declarations here, merely suggesting the stylus might need further refinement.

Melissa Riofrio

The ArtCanvas Android app lets you try the new stylus capabilities on the Samsung Chromebook Pro.

Note-taking's the thing

The stylus excelled at taking notes, though. As much as I treasure real keyboards, sometimes it's just easier to write than to type, especially if you're squished into a commuter train or trying to be unobtrusive at a meeting. I used Google Keep to write and store notes—not surprisingly, the beta Chrome OS made this very easy to do. The stylus worked well as a simple pen, and Google Keep did a decent job of interpreting my scrawl and turn it into type.

The key takeaway: The Chromebook Pro (and its lower-end cousin, the Chromebook Plus) show how Chrome can evolve by following the pen-enabled Windows toward more intuitive input methods. That leaves just one platform—MacOS—stubbornly resisting putting pen to PC. 

There was a time when merging Android and Chrome seemed crazy. Yet here we are now, poised to throw open the borders and let Android apps pass freely.

After my brief encounter, I can say Android apps on Chrome feel reasonably comfortable (if sometimes odd), and they're probably safer—at least for now. Android apps may open a lot of opportunities for Chromebooks, but they could also attract bad actors to this fairly pristine platform. We might yearn for the good old days, when only novices and schoolkids cared about Chromebooks.

We can look forward to a slew of new Android-friendly hardware in the coming months. Apparently Google will also try to bring along as many older Chromebooks as it can, though all bets are off for those five years and older. I'm definitely holding onto Instagram and look forward to seeing how it and other Android apps migrate to Chrome.  

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Source: Hands-on: Running Android apps on a Chromebook could be the best of both worlds

Pixlplay finds a use for your old smartphone as a toy camera for kids

Now on Kickstarter, Pixlplay from Pixl Toys looks to breathe new life into your retired Android phone or iPhone by turning it i nto a fun, kid-friendly camera. The $25 accessory is inspired by the design of classic 35mm film cameras and serves double duty as a rugged case to protect your phone. The large, rubberized grip makes it easy for kids to grasp in both hands, and rotating "aperture" and "film advance" dials provide a tactile, if purely skeuomorphic, experience.

While the dials may be fake, the shutter button is real, connecting to your phone's headphone jack to control the camera (iPhone 7 users will need to use the 3.5mm to Lightning port adapter). Initially, the Pixlplay will come with just an iOS app, which will add the option to paste funny stickers like hats and mustaches over photos. Pixl Toy s lists an Android app as a stretch goal, but the Pixlplay will also work with the default camera apps on iOS, Android, and Windows phones (as well as most third-party camera apps).

More: Fashion photographer finds toy camera challenging to use, but not impossible

The Pixlplay is designed to fit virtually all standard-size phones — so no phablets or plus-sized phones — thanks to an adjustable clamp. The Pixlplay could make a good permanent home for an old phone that is otherwise collecting dust in a drawer somewhere, but even new phones should be safe. In addition to the rugged case, a splash-resistan t screen cover shields your device while inside, hopefully allaying any fears inherent of handing a phone over to a four-year-old.

Beyond providing fun and entertainment, Pixl Toys says the Pixlplay will teach kids about the basics of photography and encourage creative expression. A collection of "activity cards" will provide creative suggestions for parents and children alike. Pixl Toys says the Pixlplay is appropriate for children ages three and up.

The Pixlplay has raised more than $9,000 so far on Kickstarter with 33 days left in its campaign, well on its way to achieving its $25,000 goal. Pledge tiers that include the Pixlplay start at $20, but spots are limited. As with all crowdfunding projects, a successful campaign does not guarantee delivery of the pro duct.

Source: Pixlplay finds a use for your old smartphone as a toy camera for kids

Pinterest’s Lens app turns your phone’s camera into a search bar

Kick off each Monday with the best news and ideas in social media.

Pinterest is bringing search to the real world.

On Wednesday the social-network-slash-search-engine introduced Lens, a mobile app that uses the phone's camera to recognize physical objects and pull up related items from Pinterest. The app appears to be Pinterest's version of Google's neglected Goggles app. Google's app is no longer available in Apple's App Store; it is still available on Android but hasn't been updated since May 2014.

Based on some GIFs provided by Pinterest, Lens focuses on objects appearing within a circular window — likely to reduce the signal-to-noise ratio — and then presents tags that it associates with the object(s) as well as relevant pins from its platform. Pinterest had teased the product in June 2016 when it announced enhancements to its visual search tool.

Pinterest's Lens app is still in testing but will be available to iPhone and Android owners in the U.S. sometime soon. While Pinterest claims the company's technology is able to recognize more than 1 billion objects, for now Lens "works best for finding home decor ideas, things to wear and food to eat," according to a company blog post.

As Lens extends Pinterest's search chops to the real world, the company is also extending search beyond the query bar on its own platform.

Pinterest's new Shop the Look feature turns items appearing in pins into products people can buy. Relevant products will be highlighted with a blue circle that people can tap to see related products that are available for purchase, either on Pinterest or through a brand's own site. CB2, Macy's, Neiman Marcus, Target and Wayfair are among the first brands to market their wares this way on Pinterest; Pinterest is sourcing their products through Curalate, Olapic, Project September, Refinery29 and ShopStyle. Pinterest's Shop the Look feature is similar to a test Instagram began last year.

Another new feature called Instant Ideas will append a white circle to pins in people's home feeds that, when tapped, will insert related pins into the feed.

About The Author Tim Peterson, Third Door Media's Social Media Reporter, has been covering the digital marketing industry since 2011. He has reported for Advertising Age, Adweek and Direct Marketing News. A born-and-raised Angeleno who graduated from New York University, he currently lives in Los Angeles. He has broken stories on Snapchat's ad plans, Hulu founding CEO Jason Kilar's attempt to take on YouTube and the assemblage of Amazon's ad-tech stack; analyzed YouTube's programming strategy, Facebook's ad-tech ambitions and ad blocking's rise; and documented digital video's biggest annual event VidCon, BuzzFeed's branded video production process and Snapchat Discover's ad load six months after launch. He has also developed tools to monitor brands' early adoption of live-streaming apps, compare Yahoo's and Google's search designs and examine the NFL's YouTube and Facebook video strategies.
Source: Pinterest's Lens app turns your phone's camera into a search bar

8 paid iPhone apps on sale for free right now

If you thought yesterday's post covering paid iPhone and iPad apps on sale for free was a good one, just wait until you get a load of today's batch. We've got eight fresh apps for you to check out on Tuesday, but don't waste any time or you might miss some of these sales.

These are paid iPhone and iPad apps that have been made available for free for a limited time by their developers. There is no way to tell how long they will be free. These sales could end an hour from now or a week from now — obviously, the only thing we can guarantee is that they were free at the time this post was written. If you click on a link and see a price listed next to an app instead of the word "get," it is no longer free. The sale has ended. If you download the app, you will be charged.

Normally $1.99.

Write faster, move the cursor, insert pre-written signatures and messages with reminders attached to them and much more with the new and groundbreaking SpeedyKey Keyboard.

Groundbreaking features:• Pre-written Replies. Never forget to write or call someone back with pre-written SpeedyReplies with reminders – perfect when you don't have the time to type a message. Just select your pre-written message, and a reminder will pop-up later. SpeedyReplies are also perfect for inserting text, like your signature, address, email etc.• Move the Cursor. Press the space-bar and drag the cursor where you want it.• Smart suggestions and auto-correct.• Write numbers and signs like "@", "?", or "," faster.• Delete a word with a single gesture.• Paste gesture.• Gorgeous themes.• Smileys.• Hide the suggestion panel for more space.• Speedy-Letters: if the selected language has some special letters, then you can quickly access them with one click. This makes it much faster to write in these languages.• Speedy-Menu to quickly change the keyboard settings or language.

The following languages are available – more will soon follow:

• Danish• English UK• English US• Faroese• Icelandic• Norwegian• Spanish• Swedish

Read more about the keyboard on: http://www.speedykey.com

Normally $2.99.

Download Lists

SelfieX

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Normally $0.99.

The app lets you take selfies with the better rear camera of the iPhone. The problem is, when you turn the screen away, you can't see if your face is framed the way you want it to be. This app voices directions to guide your framing: right, left, up or down.

When you aim the iPhone at your face at the right angle, the app automatically takes a photo.

Turn your phone back to make quick edits (crop and tune brightness, contrast, saturation) and share.

How it works:

1. Aim your iSight camera at yourself2. Listen to the instructions while catching the angle3. Turn your device back4. Edit, save and share

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Dual Browser

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Normally $3.99.

Dual browser in one display!

Browsing web becomes easier and more efficient!

Features:1. Simultaneously display Dual Web browser.2. Previous / Next page button.3. Share Screen button.4. Dual Window Extend Mode.5. Previous / Next URL button.6. URL Save button.7. Lightweight UI design to reduce memory usage can increase performance.8. Use iPad, which has an independent ability to display video on one of dual web browser.If you have any question or problems please contacthanchanglin@gmail.com.We are committed to fixing bugs as soom as possible.

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Touch Search

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Normally $0.99.

* Before "Touch Search" – Tedious & inefficient– Open Web Browser.– Type keywords– Open another tab for another search engine– type keywords– again, again

* With "Touch Search" – Type once & Just Touch– No retyping same keywords on every search engine

* Special functionality– Customizable Search engines(Search engines, Dictionaries, Shopping sites and more)– Reorder Search engines and former search engines displayed first.– Widget & 3D Touch support– iPad & iPad Pro compatible

* When you read books or news paper, you can use dictionary* Copy Text, open Widget, Touch "Clipboard" and just Touch, Touch, Touch.* Long Press appicon, type keywords once, and just Touch, Touch, Touch

Download Touch Search

The Forgotten Treasure

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Normally $0.99.

Adventurer, are you ready? There is a forgotten treasure waiting for you somewhere in the world and it is your job to find it. Grab your trusted crowbar and explore both an ancient Egyptian pyramid and a desolate Mayan temple for clues.

The Forgotten Treasure is an exciting but rather short game (1 hour's worth of puzzles, 40 minutes if you are a sharp one). It is a fun drag-n-drop adventure game with cartoonish, razor-sharp graphics, interesting objects to interact with and nice sound-effects. There is a camel (and a couple of other animals), an obelisk, a mysterious stone, lots of sand, priceless urns and much more to poke around with. You have to use that brain of yours a little but most of all this game aims for an overall feeling of good old-fashioned fun.System RequirementsThis game is thoroughly tested and runs smoothly on iPhone 5 and newer devices. It also runs fine on iPad Air if you can abide with letterbox mode. We would not recommend buying it for anything with less memory than an iPhone 5 because it will not run smoothly or not at all.This indie game is inspired by late Terry Pratchett's Discworld, Tim Schafer & Ron Gilbert's Monkey Island and Joe Kauffman's The Lost City. It is produced by a small team of dedicated individuals who enjoy their coffee black and their mobile games unpretentious and fun.

So without further ado:Peeking Peacock presents: The Forgotten Treasure.

Download The Forgotten Treasure

Alizarin

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Normally $2.99.

Download Free free the Mac App Store

Alizarin is your on-the-go solution to high-def, unlimited music with no strings attached. Enjoy the perfect music streaming service without the need for subscriptions or reoccurring payments of any sort. No limits, just pure audio.

Nowadays, even with premium music services, you are still restricted to certain limitations. You can only download a certain number of songs, you are limited to a number of playlists and you are only allowed to extend that service to just 5 devices. Why limit yourself when you can get unlimited everything, for free, on all of your devices – no strings attached.

SEARCHSearch amongst one of the world's largest music databases. Any premium song, remix or mixtape – we have it.

PLAYLISTSOrganize your music into playlists for non-stop listening. Enjoy unlimited playlists, as well as unlimited songs per playlist.

SAVE & SHARESave any song to your music library and share it with friends. Never worry about sharing a song again. It's as simple as the click of a button.

CLOUD LIBRARYEach song that you save is stored in your music cloud library for easy streaming. No need to worry about how many songs you save, your cloud library storage is unlimited.

Download Alizarin and start listening now!

Download Alizarin

Gymster Pro

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Normally $0.99.

– 2 workout modes – randomise or manualWith randomise mode simply choose the number of exercises, muscle groups to target, which gym you're at then Gymster will return totally unique workouts for you. Much like a WOD generator except based on equipment available!

– 500+ weightlifting and cardio exercises (new exercises added weekly)

– 70+ pieces of equipment to add to your gym (Updated monthly or upon request)

– 170+ IIFYM recipes with full nutritional macros breakdowns (new recipes added weekly)

– GIF tutorials

– News section with the latest articles from around the world regarding health and fitness

– Save multiple gym presets such as home gym, local gym or even body weight only gym. If you travel a lot you can even save a gym for hotels you regularly stay at.– Updated regularly so you can rest assured that you will get value for money!

– History section for logging your workouts, the perfect exercise journal to monitor your progress – Available only on Gymster ProGymster is the only fitness app that allows you to save your gym's equipment as a preset. Simply input what equipment is available, save it by giving it a name and let Gymster do the rest. If you simply only have a set of kettlebells and dumbbells available then let Gymster know and rest assured knowing you'll only see exercises you can perform!

As well as the exercises Gymster doesn't stop there, it features a recipe section with a full range of IIFYM (If it fits your macros) diet recipes. With delicious recipes such as protein peanut butter dark chocolate swirl flapjacks!Don't be afraid to get in touch if you would like to say specific IIFYM recipes, equipment, workouts or exercises added. We are here 24 hours a day!We look forward to hearing from you.

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