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Bonus camera head to head: Lumia 950 XL vs Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
A few days ago I did an imaging shootout between the Lumia 950 XL and the Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G, which the latter won by a nose. But as I was capturing the test shots, I also did so on my iPhone 12 Pro Max - just in case. And, in view of the way the new iPhone flagship went down to the Lumia in my first head to head, I thought I'd give it another chance. I mean, it's only fair - and the data is all sitting here on my computer anyway, so why not look at this new test photo set afresh?
How to: Sync to-dos and reminders between Windows, Cloud, Android
A few weeks ago, as the latest benefit from its ever closer integration with Microsoft products, Samsung flipped a switch in their 'Reminder' application on their Android 10 (and upwards) smartphones, enabling full sync with Microsoft's To-Do system (Windows 10 Mobile, Desktop, Cloud, inside Outlook, etc.) And it all works, in fact it does so as well as anyone might hope for, and (for AAWP readers) this includes compatibility with 'ye olde' Windows 10 Mobile. Screenshot proof and a walk-through below!
Review: Tronsmart Mega Pro 60W 10000mAh Bluetooth speaker
OK, pedal to the metal, what happens when you take everything about Bluetooth speakers and crank all the possible parameters 'up to 11'? 60W stereo output, twin amplifiers, three speaker cones, rugged and IPX5 waterproof, Bluetooth 5, twin 5000mAh batteries, with power bank mode, NFC for easy pairing, TWS stereo mode, LED strip lit controls. Put all of this together in a single accessory and you have the mother of all Bluetooth speakers. Tronsmart call this 'Portable', which it is - fine to cart from house to house or room to room, but way too heavy for that picnic or hike with the family! But wow, does it deliver.
Camera head to head: Lumia 950 XL vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G
A couple of days ago I compared the new Galaxy S20 FE (5G) with the classic Lumia 950 XL, this being cross-posted on AAWP. There's an awful lot to like, from the flat screen to rugged plastic back to optical FPS, from the loud stereo speakers to the well thought out triple camera system. But it's the latter that's under scrutiny here, or at least the main and telephoto cameras. Has Samsung's image processing improved from the first S20 attempts (e.g. here)?
Head to head: Lumia 950 XL vs Samsung Galaxy S20 FE
'FE' in the name here refers to 'Fan Edition' and, although Samsung didn't bring back the 3.5mm audio jack, they certainly stepped up their game in terms of appealing characteristics at a sensible price. The S20 FE is new in for review and a detailed comparison with the Lumia 950 XL is here below - I'll do an imaging shoot out too, don't worry!
Review: Choetech 10000mAh 2-in-1 Wireless Charger
Qi wireless charging is starting to make it into power banks now and this is a great example of the breed, sent in for review by Choetech. As you'll see below, you can even charge three smartphones or other devices at the same time, which is impressive, perhaps on a family day out. It's tough, it's capable, it's very pocketable, and it's not too expensive. It even supports pass-through charging, so you can use it as a desktop Qi charging pad when at home.
A final maps update for Windows 10 Mobile (again!)
Earlier in the year, in May, we had an offline maps update for Windows 10 Mobile, months after the platform itself went 'end of support'. At the time, and with the TomTom deal announced, we thought that this was the last offline maps update we would see for Windows 10 Mobile. But not so - a few days ago we had another, with bang up to date late 2020 roads. Not bad for an out of support OS, I think.
Review: NexDock Touch
The original 'NexDock 2' (yes, yes, there was a original from a previous generation) lapdock was reviewed here in some detail and I was generally impressed, though let down a little by the screen bezels and the appallingly quiet speakers. The NexDock Touch manages to fix both of these, with bells on, then adds a full capacitive touchscreen and a much bigger internal battery. In theory compatible with the Lumia 950 and other Continuum-enabled Windows 10 Mobile phones, plus Samsung DeX-enabled Galaxy devices, I give this the full review treatment. Tldr; Windows 10 Mobile enthusiasts will want to stick with the NexDock 2, but Samsung owners can see this as full steam ahead into a touch lapdock world.
Review: Type C (including Power Delivery) charger round-up
Over the years we've seen an uptake in USB Type C. The Lumia 950/XL were in the vanguard, along with the Google Nexus devices of the time. From basic 5V/3A delivery through to multiple voltages in 2020, Type C has both come a long way and also gotten slightly more confusing. Here, providing a brief summary of the technicalities involved, I also want to (start to) review some of the commercially available USB Type C mains adapters. Don't worry, I'll add to this in time.
Gallery: NexDock Touch (DeX/Continuum lapdock)
A year ago, I reviewed the NexDock 2, providing a full Type C Continuum lapdock experience for Windows 10 Mobile flagships and, importantly, any other smartphone with desktop support in its OS. So Samsung DeX on the top end Galaxy phones, Huawei's Easy Projection' and even LG with a more primitive offering. The NexDock 2 was impressive but flawed, but the NexDock Touch fixes all complaints and is The. Most. Impressive. Lapdock I've seen so far. Full review coming very soon, but here are my first thoughts and image gallery.
