HTC One M8 Review (from a Samsung Galaxy S4 user)

The HTC One M8 was recently released on March 25, 2014. The HTC One M8 is continuing where the HTC One left off as HTC's flagship device for 2014. Below is a quick review on the HTC One M8 with my impressions. Several pictures of the device (and pictures captured from the camera) are below. Enjoy!

Introduction

I will skip most of the detailed technical specifications and list what matters to most people:

Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 801

Display: 5.0" 1080p, "Super LCD 3" with RGB matrix (441 ppi) - Corning Gorilla Glass 3

Camera: 4.0 MP, f/2.0, Dual-LED flash, 28 mm lens, 2.0 MP depth of field sensor

Memory: 2 GB LPDDR3 RAM

Build Quality and Performance

Coming from a Samsung Galaxy S4, the premium unibody aluminum frame and brushed metal backing is a welcome upgrade. HTC does not skimp when it comes to materials, and the HTC One M8 certainly feels like a premium product in my hands compared to the Galaxy S4. Granted, it is prone to slipping because of the ultra-smooth aluminum finish, but I am very happy with the build quality.

The HTC One M8 has a more pronounced curve throughout the phone as compared to the previous HTC One. Additionally, the back of the phone has been streamlined and looks cleaner than the previous HTC One in my opinion.

The phone is utilizing the fastest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor as of April 2014, the Snapdragon 801. Needless to say, it does not slow down during any task--which is expected from a flagship device like the HTC One M8. Previously, my Galaxy S4 did slow down when launching and exiting applications--and although it was a very slight slowdown (1 second or so), it was noticeable. I am happy to say that every application opens with no slowdown on the HTC One M8.

I think a large part of the speed differential is not only the processor but the User Interface. HTC's Sense 6.0 is clean and lean, and definitely faster than TouchWiz (Samsung's UI). I tried out my brother's iPhone 5S and the HTC One M8 kept pace and sometimes outperformed in opening and exiting applications. The time differences are in the milliseconds so it is difficult to judge which phone is faster from a practical standpoint.

There will certainly be benchmark reports coming out that show phone performance speeds and top contenders. But from a practical standpoint, nearly all flagship devices today have indistinguishable speeds when performing everyday tasks (e-mail, music, web browsing).

Key Features

The HTC One M8 comes with the latest version of Android as of April 2014 (4.4 - KitKat), so all of the features included in Android 4.4 KitKat come with the phone. Apart from KitKat, the biggest key feature that I saw in the HTC One M8 is the dual camera and "UFocus" feature. This feature allows the user to change depth/focus after taking a shot. The result is quite staggering, many photos look as if they were taken by a DSLR. Here is a quick example of a picture I took of a lock:

Original / UFocus on Foreground (Lock)

Original / UFocus on Background

Another great feature of the HTC One M8 is Launch Gestures. Launch Gestures allow you to simply double tap on your phone to turn it on, or swipe in multiple different directions to do different things (enter Voice Commands by swiping down, Sense Feed by swiping left, etc.)

The M8 also contains a plethora of filters and editing capabilities, as do most other phones. I found the included filters to be of rather good quality and not as gimmicky as most other phone filters.

HTC One M8 Example Pictures

Original (Left) / "Satura" Filter (Right)

Original (Left) / UFocus on Foreground/Wallet (Right)

There are many other features of the phone, but I thought these two features stood out the most to me.

Impressions

I was ultimately very impressed by the HTC One M8. Everything from the build quality, performance, and unique features of the phone made me enjoy the phone from the start. I will definitely be using my phone's camera more often to get that delicious bokeh that most phones can't produce, but the HTC One M8 can via UFocus.

Coming from a Samsung Galaxy S4, I love the HTC One M8. Unless you are a die hard Samsung fan and utilize everything from the multi-window capabilities to Samsung applications, I think you would be hard-pressed to not like the HTC One M8 after trying it out. And to all Apple users, what is taking you so long to come over to Android? You're missing out!

Additional Pictures

 

 

 

What Are In-Ear Monitors (IEMs)?

With the advent of portable music, a majority of people listen to music with headphones or earphones. Why not listen to your music the way it's meant to be heard? Higher fidelity audio can now be enjoyed on-the-go. While there is already a large market for high-end headphones and earphones, today I would like to recommend a type of headphone that I firmly believe are the best portable headphones: in-ear monitors.

In-ear monitors (often abbreviated to IEMs) are essentially like earphones, except they form a seal within your ear canal (do not confuse this with your inner ear). This seal helps reduce outside noises by approximately -20 through -28 dB. This is called noise isolation, and it is different from noise cancellation (which removes outside noises by utilizing frequency waves to annihilate the ambient waves coming from outside).

The result from this noise isolation? Better attenuation of details in music, as details usually drown out when you are listening with earphones and ambient noise is leaking in. Not only this, but you crank the volume much less than you normally would, since you can listen to your music at lower volumes.

IEMs provide a much more comfortable fit when used with foam tips. Better yet, they don't fall out of yours ears like regular earphones.

Image Source: djtechtools.com

However, the real advantage of in-ear monitors lie in their exceptional technology. IEMs often utilize 2 or 3 sound drivers to "separate" the sound frequencies between the lows (for bass), mids (midrange—for vocals), and highs. Secondly, the type of driver technology used is often Balanced Armature drivers (I go into detail about the difference between Balanced Armature drivers and Dynamic Drivers in my post here). By utilizing several sound drivers, audio quality tends to skyrocket. Your favorite band sounds like they are right there in the room playing with you. Vocals are pristine and clear. Bass is clean and without distortion. Highs shine without being drowned out by everything else.

Many IEMs utilize multiple drivers. The result is an increase in sound quality.

Image Source: shure.co.uk

The end result? You can actually appreciate the rawness of an electric guitar or the thumping beats in hip-hop songs. Sometimes, you realize that you haven't actually listened to your favorite band before this increase in audio quality.

Overall, there are three attributes about IEMs that make them stand out among other headphones:

1. Noise Isolation: This results in better attenuation to details in music and no need to crank up the volume to dangerous levels.
2. Sound Quality: Multiple drivers often result in a tremendous increase in sound quality. Since each speaker only focuses on one range of the spectrum (i.e., one speaker for mids, highs, and lows), distortion is very low while details are preserved. Many (not all) IEMs utilize multiple drivers.
3. Comfort and Fit: IEMs super soft foam tips can be used (such as Comply tips), which are compressed prior to insertion, and then expand in your ear. When they're done expanding, you can barely feel anything on.

You may be thinking "But I hate sticking things in my ears!". In that case, IEMs may be a good choice.

A majority of IEMs are compatible with foam tips—which are not only super soft, but also have fantastic seals compared to plastic tips. Foam tips can be compressed prior to insertion, and once they're in your ears they expand to fit the shape of your ear canal. Thus, IEMs with foam tips can be much more comfortable than earphones that irritate your ears or constantly fall out. One of the best manufacturers of these types of foam, Comply, offers multiple types of soft tips for a variety of IEMs.

Soft foam tips (such as Comply tips) offer superior comfort compared to earphones.

Image Source: noisyhotel.com

IEMs range in their audio quality and prices. Some of the most affordable IEMs start around $100—however, these IEMs are usually single balanced armature driver IEMs and do not offer a good balance between value and audio quality. Moving up towards higher fidelity IEMs usually results in 2 or 3 drivers being utilized. These IEMs range between $200-$400+ in price, depending on their configuration and brand. The important thing to note is that IEMs should be considered as an investment, as they do not usually fail from wire issues and driver failures. If they do, most IEM manufacturers offer a minimum of a 1-year warranty, with others offering 2-year warranties and higher.

With a variety of IEM manufacturers including Shure, Sennheiser, Westone, and EarSonics, it can be difficult to choose the right IEM for you. It is important to make sure that you know what type of sound signature you prefer (be sure to see my post on sound signatures here), as well as the type of music you listen to and enjoy. You can also consult the head-fi forums for more information regarding IEMs and which IEM is right for you.

If you do decide to purchase IEMs, enjoy the increased noise isolation, sound quality, and comfort. You may just rediscover details in music that you've never heard before!

Olympus OM-D E-M5 In-depth Review

Here is my in-depth review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5. This is an excellent camera for the amateur and the enthusiast. I highly recommend this camera.




Included in the review are sample images and a sample video:

Please let me know what you think!

Olympus OM-D Test Video (Low Light, Manual Focus)

Here is a video I shot with the Olympus OM-D in low light using manual focus. I'm using the OM-D with the Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 lens.

I am very impressed with the video quality from this camera. The audio is also very good.

Olympus OM-D Low Light Performance with Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4

I took the Olympus OM-D out last night for some low light shots. The camera performed very well in low light, with outstanding image quality even at high ISO levels. The Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 produced beautiful bokeh and colors. Here are some low light shots:

f/2.0 @ ISO 1600

f/1.4 @ ISO 1600

f/1.6 @ ISO 3200

f/1.4 @ ISO 400

  

f/1.4 @ ISO 1600

Olympus OM-D with Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 Shots

I took some pictures with the Olympus OM-D and Panasonic Leica 25mm f/1.4 and wanted to share :)

 The second picture is with the Light Tone art filter applied. Some of the art filters are actually really good in my opinion!

Micro Four Thirds vs. DSLR Cameras

Many people are familiar with DSLR (Digital single-lens reflex) cameras. Most DSLR cameras use an APS-C sensor, which is much larger than the sensor in your cell phone or your point-and-shoot camera. A large sensor allows the camera to receive more light—and typically, a larger sensor means that the camera will produce better images. However, in order to house this larger sensor the overall weight and size of the camera also increases—not to mention the cost of the camera. This is where a smaller, yet capable camera sensor system comes in: Micro Four Thirds.

As shown in the image above, the Micro Four Thirds sensor is much larger than a conventional point-and-shoot sensor (between 1/2.5" and 1/1.6"), but still smaller than an APS-C sensor and a Full Frame sensor.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

The Micro Four Thirds System is a relatively new camera standard that has an image sensor which is much larger than a point-and-shoot's sensor, but still smaller than an APS-C sensor. This allows users to have image quality similar to a digital SLR camera while reducing the size, weight, and costs associated with digital SLR cameras.

The main advantages of Micro Four Thirds cameras include:

• Reduced weight and size as compared to DSLR cameras
• Excellent image quality as compared to point-and-shoot cameras
• Interchangeable lenses on a single standard (it does not matter if you're shooting Panasonic or Olympus—the Micro Four Thirds standard allows for lenses to be interchanged as long as the lens is Micro Four Thirds)
• Less expensive than DSLR cameras, while retaining most of the image quality

Micro Four Thirds cameras allow for interchangeable lenses.
Image source: Wikimedia Commons

One of the main features of Micro Four Thirds cameras is that the Micro Four Thirds standard allows for interchangeable lenses on any Micro Four Thirds cameras, provided that the lens is Micro Four Thirds. This allows the user to choose his or her lens and mount it to the camera instead of being stuck to a fixed lens on a point-and-shoot camera. Additionally, it does not matter if your lens is made by Panasonic and you are mounting it on an Olympus camera—as long as the lens is Micro Four Thirds, it will be interchangeable among different Micro Four Thirds cameras. This is a significant benefit, as users do not have to decide between manufacturers when purchasing lenses (i.e., Nikon and Canon).

Cameras like the Olympus OM-D include features like a magnesium alloy body and 9 FPS shooting, trending closer to the features offered by high-end DSLRS.
Image source: pli-it.blogspot.com

Created by Olympus and Panasonic in 2008, the Micro Four Thirds system has been gaining popularity among both the average consumer and the enthusiast. Upcoming cameras like the Olympus OM-D ($999 for body only, $1299 with 14-50mm kit lens) includes features usually found in high-end DSLRs such as a Magnesium Alloy body and 9 FPS capability. For the consumer looking for a simpler point-and-shoot type of camera can opt for a cheaper Panasonic DMC-GF2, which costs less than $400 with a 14-42mm lens and offers much better image quality than a comparable point-and-shoot in the same price range.

This new camera format is causing many users of DSLRs to sell their camera gear and move over to the Micro Four Thirds system. Keep in mind, a full frame DSLR such as the Canon 5d Mark II will still have superior image quality when compared to a Micro Four Thirds camera, because of the larger image sensor. However, for users who do not shoot professionally and want to carry a smaller, lighter, camera that offers outstanding image quality—the Micro Four Thirds system offers more for less, when compared to a bulky DSLR. And it is this "bang for the buck + size + weight + image quality" combination that is making the Micro Four Thirds system gain so much popularity.

OLED vs. LED-LCD and Current HDTV Technology

TV Technology always seems to be improving. With CES 2012, we have been exposed to more OLED devices, and more notably OLED TVs. OLED stands for organic light-emitting diode, and it is paving the way for better picture, higher contrast, and thinner televisions and visual devices.

OLED TVs on display at CES 2012.
Image source: treehugger.com

What is the difference between OLED and LED-LCD TVs which are available now? To summarize a huge subject in to a few sentences: OLED does not require a backlight, as compared to an LCD which requires a backlight (the backlight being LEDs in an LED-LCD TV). This simple fact allows an OLED to be drastically thinner than conventional HDTVs out today.

Another huge advantage of OLED displays is the fact that they have the potential be twisted and turned to almost any degree, given their extremely thin nature and no need for a backlight.

OLED displays have the potential to be twisted and bent in many different angles
while preserving the image. Try that with a conventional screen.
Image source: mydigitallife.info

OLED technology has always been in the back of manufacturers' minds, but recently the technology has finally seen the momentum that the market has been waiting for. With an already saturated LCD TV Market, new technologies must break the barrier of what is possible in terms of image quality, contrast, and realism. OLED is exactly that new technology which will revitalize a market that currently seems capped.

Many cellphones already use an AMOLED screen which offers a drastic different when viewing pictures and video. OLED technology has been expensive to develop, but like any other technology, with time prices come down (we can see this same trend in the SSD market).

OLED redefines how thin TVs can be.
Image source: treehugger.com

Get ready for the new revolution past the standard HDTVs that we have on the market today. With OLED, we will certainly see drastically better picture quality, contrast, and with that, the possibility of a new HDTV standard with a much higher resolution than 1080p. Strap yourselves for an exciting decade in visual technology.

Google Acquires Motorola Mobility - What Now?

Google (GOOG) has recently announced that they will be acquiring Motorola Mobility (MMI) for a whopping $12.5 billion. The deal was under wraps even within Google, as only top management knew about the acquisition up until this week, when Google officially announced their largest acquisition.

The acquisition shakes things up in an already competitive mobile-phone market comprised of giants like Apple, Microsoft, and RIM. What makes this acquisition more interesting is the fact that Google is the developer of the widely popular Android mobile operating system, which already comprises approximately 48% of the market share of worldwide phones operating systems (Canalys, 2011).

The Android operating system is designed by Google and is one

of the most popular operating systems in the mobile phone world.

Image Source: android.com

However, this poses antitrust and regulatory issues for Google in court. Google is optimistic that the acquisition will be given a green light albeit it is possible there will be several conditions set forth by the court. Such conditions include a "chinese wall" between Google's Android division and Google's hardware/manufacturing divisions for handsets to avoid any preference for Motorola products before other manufacturers such as LG, Samsung, and HTC. For example, Google may effectively seize more market share with Motorola if they choose to release new versions of Android onto their Motorola products prior to releasing them for use on other phones. In addition, if the acquisition does go through, Google has agreed to pay $2.5 billion in cash to Motorola Mobility--a sign of the regulatory risks involved with this acquisition.

Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility may put Google in a stronger position to
compete with the Apple iPhone's huge market share in the mobile phone market.
Image Source: eastersealstech.com

One of the primary benefits of this acquisition is that Google will now have the ability to manufacture and design their own phones with ease, something that rival Apple has had the power of doing for years with their iPhone. Additionally, Google gets an arsenal of patents (17,000 and counting to be exact, with 7,500 pending) to defend their designs with. Recently patents have been an essential part of defending and attacking other companies which attempt to replicate certain design features and software features; for example, Apple recently sued Samsung over their Galaxy Tablet 2, which resembles the Apple iPad 2.

With the ability to manufacture phones on a much larger scale than before, as well as the ability to defend intellectual designs with thousands of patents, Google may be making quite a good decision in acquiring Motorola Mobility. Only time will confirm whether or not it was a good decision in the long run.