The Technoscribbler

The Guide through the Walker Madness

Okay, before we dive into the actual topic, I would just like to extend a big thanks to the Digital Walker team for giving me the opportunity of being part of this years event. I wasn’t ablet o attend the previous ones and this was one of my dreams for 2018 to be a part of it and it was worth every second of it. Without further ado, let’s get on with the guide!

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The Walker Madness 2018 is here with a bang!

It’s a wonderful time to be a tech junkie! The biggest and most anticipated gadget sale is FINALLY here! Following the success of DIGITAL WALKER’S Christmas Comes Early Sale Event the past years, they usher in a BETTER and BIGGER Sale event dubbed as the DIGITAL WALKER MADNESS SALE 2018!

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Top 5 Reasons to get the ZenFone Max Pro M1

Sometime in April when ASUSreleased one of the most sought out Zenfones in 2018, the Max pro M1 has paved the way for a ton of possibilities that literally changed the perception of what a gaming phone is. If you think about it, how can a device be considered a “gaming phone” if the battery can’t even last the long hours of gaming on the go? In this article, I’m gonna be talking about the top 5…

Tronsmart | Encore Spunky Buds

Right when smartphones started ditching the ever dependable headphone jack there had always been that choice, to use some kind of USB type of dongle or to go for wireless earphones or in other words connected via bluetooth. This is my review of the Encore Spunky Buds by Tronsmart.

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The Nokia 1 is by far one of the cheapest smartphones in the market to date. It comes in a rather light package but still manages to deliver what is expected from a smartphone.

Let’s first talk about what comes in the box:

1. The device itself 2. Safety manuals & Warranty card 3. Micro-USB cable for data transfer and charging 4. Power adapter 5. Earphones

Not many manufacturers today include all the essentials and it’s quite surprising that some elements are being left out in exchange for some aesthetic an example of which would be a pair of earphones. I’d go for benefit over design any given day.

  Just like it’s older brother, the Nokia 2.1, the Nokia 1 comes with a removable back which gives you access to the 2 sim slots and Micro SD card slot. One feature that I’m sure a lot of 90’s kids would surely appreciate is that it comes with a removable battery, which is a rather rare feature in 2018.

The Nokia 1 comes with a 4.5″ LCD display which is pleasant to hold, it gives a rather strange feeling considering that most smartphones that had been released usually comes with a 5.5″ screen or bigger. One thing that I’d like to stress however, despite the small screen, in person the display on the Nokia 1 looks a lot better compared to it’s older brother the Nokia 2.1 which is rather strange considering the price difference.

In terms of it’s design choice, it pretty much shares some similar desgin queus from the Nokia 2.1, both garnering a polycarbonate (plastic) build making it less prone to glass cracking when dropped. Although plastic scratches relatively easily and if plastic is scratched, you’ll defintely gonna feel it run through your fingers.

Under the hood, the Nokia 1 is powered by “Android Go”, which is basically a toned down version of what is usually called “Stock Android”. The overall UI is pretty much stock, this means, there are no bloatware applications, no duplicate applications from OEM’s, just pure Google.

The Nokia 1 is powered by an MTK6737M (MediaTek processor) paired with 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage. Personally, if you’re considering of getting a smartphone just for the heck of you having a means to communicate, browse your social media newsfeeds, watch videos while on the commute, this configuration can do just that.

Heavy tasks, and you might start noticing some hiccups here and there, but again, you’re looking at a sub 5,000 peso smartphone.

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Despite the low price tag and specifications, the overall experience of using the device is not that bad, due to the Android Go interface. Transitioning from the app drawer to the settings to the message still feels smooth which is great for a smartphone in this price-point. I’ve used other cheap phones and it’s nowhere near this, honestly speaking.

Verdict:

The Nokia 1 is by far no power-user smartphone. I would probably recommend this to those who just wants a dependable smartphone that can get the job done as a daily driver. This can also be a good entry-point for kids, especially if you want to keep tabs on your kids who’s playing around or mainly giving them a means to communicate with friends and family.

I’d strongly recommend to get a Micro SD card though, with the low internal storage, this can get full quite easily and having the extra storage is always a good idea to house your content on the fly.

The Nokia 2.1 is basically a revamped version of the original Nokia 2 that was released sometime in 2017. It comes with a few added bonus features can appeal to many individuals but not all. The retail package itself is pretty similar to previous Nokia smartphones that had been released dating back from back in the Windows Phone era. Personally, I’m liking it, simply because it gives them their own unique unboxing experience, unlike the usual smart phone box you’d see with random brands.

Inside the box comes with the following and do take note, this is a budget centered smart phone.

The unit itself

Micro-USB cable for data transfer and charging

Power brick

Earphones

Manuals

Pretty much all the essential items that would normally come with a smart phone, and for the price, it’s pretty good so far.

What I found rather interesting was the charging brick, it’s not the typical blockish white charger, instead, it still has the original form factor of a charger by Nokia which is great and easy to hold/ grip.

The earphones, on the other hand, isn’t my usual cup of tea. I personally prefer ear buds over the standard earphones simply because it helps block out any noise in the background when listening to tunes or if you’re working in a coffee shop and you don’t want any distractions.

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I’m sure there will be a few who’d say “err…still Micro-USB?”, yes, it’s a MicroUSB cable and not USB Type-C. To be honest, I’m not even that bothered as much simply because USB Type-C cables aren’t that vast yet here in the Philippines. Probably if you’re the type who uses all the high-end stuff, then that would matter, but if you’re still using the same old laptop or computer that has the standard USB ports, then this shouldn’t even be an issue.

The Nokia 2.1 is pretty reminiscent of any smart phone that was released a few years ago. It’s not the usual unibody design since the back is removable which also gives you access to the sim and Micro SD card slot.

I did like the Nokia trademark of using polycarbonate since this brand was one of the first to actually use this type of material although the supposed “chrome” sidings kind of gave it a cheap look simply because it’s just for aesthetic purposes. The device itself is pretty much plastic so no glass breaking issues here should you drop the device by accident on its back.

*It’s worth noting that the front houses what looks like 2 speaker grills. (to be continued)*

Under the hood, the Nokia 2.1 is powered by a very capable Qualcomm Snapdragon 425 which in my opinion is one of the best processors that was released a year ago since it is very power efficient and workable.

Alongside this comes with a stock Android 8.1.0 experience since the Nokia 2.1 is running the “Android Go” edition by Google this basically means, you’ll be getting timely updates practically the same time any update is released to the more expensive smartphones out there such as the Pixel phones by Google. As well as a toned down version of apps that are designed specifically for the this type of device.

In terms of photography, the Nokia 2.1 comes with an 8 MP rear camera with an LED flash and a 5 MP front facing camera. This type of camera configuration was more the “In” thing probably 2 years ago and in 2018, the supposed “norm” would probably be a 13 MP / 5 MP combo.

I did manage to snap a few photos just testing out the capabilities of the device, and although I kind of knew the outcome, it still managed to produce decent photos, especially with good lightning. In terms of low-light situations however, this is where the device may fall short, despite using the LED flash didn’t quite make that much of a difference.

Okay, let’s stick to reality, and if photography is your cup of tea, you’re not gonna be caught spending less than $200 on a smart phone and expect DSLR grade photography. This of course by no means states that the camera on the Nokia 2.1 is bad, you can still take good photos provided there’s decent lighting, but with my testing, there was always a need for decent lighting to get more out of the subject you’re trying to capture.

It comes with a few tricks such as beautification and manual mode, but the changes aren’t that noticeable so having them turned on or off won’t give that much difference.

If there’s anything that I’d like put a little stress into this device, is the amount of storage and RAM the internals is combo’d with. It only comes with a measly 1GB of RAM and 8GB of internal storage (which only 4GB is usable).

This basically translates to limiting you to what you can do with this device. Sure, the device comes with an expandable storage and all, but why go to that extent when they would’ve just jacked up the internal storage to at least 16GB.

The Nokia 2.1 is currently retailing for Php 5,990 which, for the price seems reasonable, especially if you’re on a tight budget and you basically just need a daily driver.

Verdict:

The Nokia 2.1 is categorized as an entry-level smart phone that packs in a few notable features that can deliver a certain level of appreciation for the average consumer. With its relatively big screen, stock Android experience and a low price tag, for a daily driver this is a win. If you’re a power-user however, who’s constantly playing games I strongly recommend for you to look elsewhere, or perhaps go for it’s older siblings the Nokia 6.1 or 7.1 to give you that extra kick.

Vivo releases Y95 that brings expansive view, enhanced selfies, higher capacity battery

MANILA, November 12, 2018 – Global smartphone brand Vivo has released another powerful addition to its growing family, the Vivo Y95, that comes with the maker’s thumbprint specs—a 6.22-inch Halo FullView™ Display for an expansive view and a 20-megapixel front camera for clearer selfies. But what’s great about the new release is its higher capacity battery and other features that make every Y95…

AI Photography | Effortlessly capturing treasured memories

The art of photography has already undergone a fundamental transformation with the rise of camera phones. That transformation is set to evolve to another level with the science of photography being the focus of emerging AI-embedded smartphones. AI-powered cameras promise a better ‘read’ of different photography settings and can automate functions that could take months or years to learn down to a…

AI | The Catalyst for Personalized Experiences

Smartphones today are no longer simple communications devices that surf the web and offer a few apps. With the introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI), today’s smartphones should be perceived as ‘platforms of intelligence’. Today’s phones strive to understand user behavior in ways that will elevate the user experience to greater heights. Gartner 1 has predicted that by 2022, 80% of…

MacBook Air 2018 | Is it worth the Additional Cost?

Last year November, I decided to jump into the Apple ecosystem and got myself a MacBook Air 2017 edition. Compared to its previous version, it mostly had an incremental upgrade specifically with the processor while everything else remained the same. With the recent release of the new MacBook Air which garnered a few upgrades and a design change, is it worth spending your hard earned money? Here…

( Please do note that this device was not provided or sponsored by ASUS in any way. I love the devices they make and this is purely purchased out of my own money, and the review is pure of my own free will)

Now that we have covered the formalities, let’s get on with this re-review.

In a short period of time, from April to October, I’ve seen other brands release countless mid-range devices showcasing pretty much the same design, same internal configurations, all having the same AI tech with their own twist. Out of all these devices, however, I still tend to go back to the ZenFone 5 (just like their tagline “Back to 5“).

The ZenFone 5 is built based on pure research, “what the people want” and I personally see nothing wrong with that approach. A lot of critics would often say it’s a clone of the iPhone X, or what’s supposed to be a prototype of what the iPhone X would’ve looked like. Between the iPhone X and the Zenfone 5, I think ASUS pulled off the design better to a certain extent.

In terms of its performance, despite the recent updates and all, the Zenfone 5 still is performing like a dream. I’d normally say “beast” but since this isn’t a flagship that houses the Snapdragon 845 like the ZenFone 5Z or the recently released ROG Phone, let’s just stick to “a dream”. It performs tasks effortlessly, swiftly transitions from one app to the other making multi-tasking a breeze. In terms of gaming, it does come with a few hits and misses, but then this is a mid-range device after all.

In terms of photography, I’m still blown away with the images this bad boy can do. I won’t go into detail that much since I did a separate article for that if you’d like to check that out simply click this link.

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Last I checked the ZenFone 5 (2018 edition) is on a price drop, not sure if this is because of the holidays or it’s just because of the time, but this is currently being sold for 17,995, which is less 2,000 pesos from its original SRP.

Here’s a quick unboxing video of the ASUS ZenFone 5 (2018 Edition):

Verdict

For 2018, we’ve seen a lot of smartphones that had been released which pretty much embraces the tall displays, notched design, dual vertical camera lens and a few others to name but having to compare all that in the market right now, my first pick would still be the Zenfone 5. It gives you a taste of every single feature a consumer would need ranging from great performance to awesome photography, a capable device in terms of gaming and for the price of 17,995 which feels like a smartphone that is usually priced around 25,000 and above, this is my pick for the best mid-range smartphone in 2018.

So if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, or perhaps you’re looking into getting a new daily-driver that you can actually depend on, try giving the ASUS Zenfone 5 2018 edition a second look, you might be surprised as to what this bad boy can do compared to the rest of the pack.

Cheers

The Swosh! App

Okay, just to give anyone an idea, whenever someone recommends an app for me to use, instantly I’d check it out on the Google Play store or Appstore and download it right of the bat but, before jumping right into it testing it out and the like, I do a little research just to see the background of the app, this is basically the nerd side of me (a little backstory wouldn’t hurt).

The Swosh app, as written on their website is an on-demand laundry app that provides smooth, convenient and quality laundry services in Metro Manila. This, for most people simply translates to a laundry service business that up their game and decided to make their own app to raise the bar for other laundry competitors.

However, that’s not the case with Swosh. Swosh is more like a medium, the “middle-man”. The Swosh app basically gives you the ability to connect to different laundry providers within your area through the app. The interesting part is, you’re not exactly reaching out to the laundry business owners, but you’re interacting with Swosh!directly.

Process

So how does it work?

Just like any other app, it requires mobile data or Wi-Fi connectivity. Make sure the GPS of your device is turned on as this would greatly help in locating laundry brand partners within your area.

Once you’ve indicated your address, you can then choose which laundry brand partner you’d like, select the number of bags and that’s about it. The Swosh app follows a scheduling process so don’t expect them to drop by your house the same day.

Of course, just like any other Laundry brands, they too have their own turn around time-frame depending on what you intend to have washed. For typical clothes it’s 24 hours, comforters, blankets etc, would take around 2 days and then everything else longer.

I tested the Swosh app a few days ago, and unlike others who would bring just a few clothes for testing purposes I personally went all out and did the whole bunch. In 24 hours, I got my all my clothes back pressed and folded and it was indeed an amazing experience.

Social Media

If there’s anything that I like about the Swosh! brand is that they have an active entity on social media, although most brands do, their page is very active. One aspect that makes them stand out is the beautifully crafted images shown on their page.

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Now, if you’re leaning towards being part of the Swosh Community, here’s a quick video that basically shows how to start using Swosh:

Verdict – N05IFLF

So where does the Swosh app fit in your life? Simple, the Swosh app basically has a niche type of approach. Most apps you see that provides service is for food, transportation, shopping, grocery etc… now we have an app that’s dedicated to your laundry. This practically goes into a full circle in making everything just in the palm of your hands.

Feel free to click the following links should you consider the idea of downloading the app with their respective platforms:

Android: Link iOS: Link

Cheers!

ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) finally debuted the much-awaited and critically-acclaimed gaming smartphone, the ASUS ROG Phone, taking the Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) main stage by storm with much fanfare from hardcore fans.

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ESGS 2018 | Sharp Philippines joins as official exhibitor

One of the biggest and top gaming events in Southeast Asia Electronic Sports and Gaming Summit (ESGS) is coming to the Philippines this October 26 to 28, 2018 at SMX, Manila. The three-day event will be the largest gathering of gamers in the country.

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The wait has been long, but it’s worth it. On October 26, Beyond the Box, the country’s fastest growing Apple Premium Reseller is launching the new iPhone Xs and Xs Max at Uptown Mall in BGC. The line will start on Oct 25 at 10:00AM, while activities will start at 7:00PM, while selling starts at exactly 12:01AM on Oct 26, 2018! Read on and be informed!

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Converge ICT (CICT) Solutions, the leading provider of pure fiber internet solutions in the Philippines, today announced it has further strengthened its Carrier Ethernet services capabilities with successful completion of MEF CE 2.0 Certification. The certification augments the company’s core solutions competencies.

The rigorous CE 2.0 testing included certification of E-Line EPL/EVPL, E-Access…

Our way of viewing films has changed ever since smartphones emerged. We are no longer limited to watching through television, theater, and other large media devices. Smartphone technology has revolutionized media accessibility as it gives us the freedom and mobility to consume media on a whim. For instance, we can simply watch our favorite film while commuting to work, traveling around the…