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Review: Lenovo ZUK Z1 lightweight Android Champion

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Lenovo ZUK Z1 – Hands On review

Lenovo backed ZUK for their first smartphone release to add more credibility to the device. Most customers are a little reluctant to buy a product from a company they never heard of, and seeing a known brand name backing a device adds a sense of reassurance that the ZUK Z1 has a higher standard of quality.

Chinese companies are becoming more appealing to European and US customers because of their budget friendly prices and high specs. While these devices can’t go head to head with a Samsung, iPhone or Sony flagship, they manage to pull off a design and performance almost as good, but with a half or less price tag.

At a first glance, we see a striking resemblance to the iPhone 6s. This could be a sign that they are not confident enough to make their own design and instead opted to mimic another phone design with proven success. It’s understandable for their first device, I hope that for future phones they will craft a gorgeous design that others will copy.

DESIGN & BUILD

The ZUK’s Z1 design is very elegant, mainly because it mimics another elegant device, but it does have its own features that set it apart. The first impression of this phone, even when you look at its box, is one of quality. It’s made from a hard cardboard, with a nice texture and it feels sturdy and well thought. The accessories come in their own small boxes and they fit like puzzle pieces very tight.

Inside the box you get the ZUK Z1 smartphone, a USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable (used for data transfer and charging), AC adapter and the SIM ejector tool. I am a bit disappointed that there is no hands-free headphones in the box. But the phone has a 3.5 mm audio jack so it can use any standard headphones.

Moving on to the device itself, from the start I can say that it’s above most budget phones because of the metal frame. It would have been even nicer to see a metal unibody design. The metal frame runs around the edge of the ZUK Z1 and is a bit curved. It looks good, feels very nice and gives the phone a weight that makes it feel solid but not too heavy. ZUK says that the material is aviation grade aluminum, so it’s strong and light.

The front features a 5.5″ display with a 69.3 % screen to body ratio, a front secondary camera near the earpiece and below the screen sits a rectangular home button that is also a fingerprint reader. On the left there is a dual Nano SIM tray and on the right side sits the power button and volume rocker. The 3.5mm audio jack is found on the top edge and the bottom edge house the speaker grill, USB Type-C port and the microphone.

The back panel is made of plastic and is non-removable, the disadvantage is that plastic is more brittle than metal and more care must be given not to crack or brake it. The back of the ZUK Z1 features the main camera, a secondary microphone for stereo recording and a dual LED flash.

There is a chrome ring on each side of the smartphone where the screen and back panel connect to the frame. These small details sum up to give the ZUK Z1 a quality feel, above most of the other budget phones in its class.

DISPLAY

The ZUK Z1 comes with a 5.5″ IPC LCS full HD display with a pixel density of 401 ppi. 1080 pixels is a big plus for a mid-range smartphone and the display performs very well, having a high brightness level, approx.. 400 nits and contrast ratio of 1500:1

The display has some advantage on its side, being an IPS panel the viewing angles are good and the “Adaptive brightness” function works nicely, the screen is legible indoors and outside in bright light. Another interesting feature is “Live Display”, this allow the ZUK Z1 to have two different color and brightness settings. One for night and the other for day time, the switch between the two settings can be manual or automatic.

The night “temperature” is closer to a worm white that is more pleasing to the eye. Under bright sun light, the “Automatic outdoor mode” increases the screen’s brightness and saturation. With the aid of these software features the screen delivers a very nice, sharp and crisp image.

HARDWARE

Under the ZUK’s Z1 hood lies a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 with a 32 bit Quad-core CPU clocked at 2.5 GHz and the Adreno 330 GPU. A rare feature among budget phones is the 3 GB of RAM, which works very well with the chipset and helps the phone handle complex tasks and multitasking very easily.

The UI is fast and responsive and even with a dozen apps opened in the background I saw no lag when switching between the menu screens. The Adreno 330 works very well on ZUK’s Z1 full HD screen and handles graphics pretty well. This is still a budget phone, high-end games will not run as smooth on the ZUK Z1 as they would on a top of the line flagship.

Internal storage is very generous on the ZUK Z1, the device comes in one 64 GB variant. A minus for this phone is the lack of external memory support. This isn’t a real problem, the 64 GB are more then enough to store music, photos and video for a normal use.

The audio experience is above average. There are different audio options available for listening with headphones, the built in speaker or on a Bluetooth device.

ZUK Z1 has several audio apps, but it relies on Google Music for offline playback and streaming. Audio FX has several preset music genders and a programmable 5-channel equalizer.

The loud speaker delivers a decent sound, but it lacks depth.

Lenovo-ZUK-Z1-Audio-Speakers

Amazing sound – I would say a true contender if not even better than the first HTC One M7 sound system had.

The main camera has a 13 MP sensor that takes QHD pictures and can record video at FHD with 30 or 60 fps. In good light the camera takes beautiful pictures with rich and fairly accurate colors. The problem came when I used the camera indoors or in a dimmer ambient light, low light has a devastating effect on the picture’s quality. This is no surprise, it’s a well known fact that a phone’s price is directly related to the camera’s performance and the ZUK Z1 is no exception.

To help the 13 MP main camera and the 8 MP secondary ZUK equipped it with image stabilization software. The camera app is nicely made and the access to different functions and options is very intuitive.

 

Lenovo-ZUK-Z1-picture-taken-Pumpkin-toy

Lenovo-ZUK-Z1-Holiday-Halloween-Ghost

The fingerprint sensor is set on the home button. This button can interpreted different actions. Just by touching it with the finger that has the saved print it unlocks the device. A full press will take us to the home screen and just touching the button will take us back. I encountered no issue with the fingerprint sensor, it recognized my fingerprints every time.

One of the most important feature of the ZUK Z1 is the 4100 mAh battery. I’m starting to like Chinese manufacturers more and more. They use powerful batteries on their devices, but for some reasons the top tech companies are reluctant to do the same. For me power autonomy is very important, I try to avoid smartphones that need a charge after a day of mixed use.

SOFTWARE

The ZUK Z1 runs on Cyanogen OS 12.1, based on Android 5.1.1 Lillipop. Cyanogen is certified by Google and has full Goole suite. This is a very clean version of Android, it doesn’t have any unnecessary preloaded apps. But it offer more customization possibilities than what we see on Nexus devices. The ZUK Z1 has capacitive buttons near the Home Button, but the OS can show the those 3 buttons on-screen.

The phone can be set to wake or sleep on double tap and the home screen has multiple design options. For example the search bar can be removed, what scroll effect to use, pixel density on many more.

KEY SPECS

  • NETWORK: 2G; 3G; 4G.
  • BODY: 155.7 x 77.3 x 8.9 mm, 175 g.
  • SIM: dual Nano-SIM.
  • DISPLAY: IPS LCD Touchscreen; 5.5″ with 1080 x 1920 pixels; 401 ppi; 69.3% screen to body ratio.
  • CHIPSET: Qualcomm MSM8974AC Snapdragon 801; CPU Quad-core 2.5 GHz Krait 400; GPU Adreno 330.
  • MEMORY: 3 GB RAM, 64 GB internal storage; no external memory support.
  • CAMERA: rear 13 MP, dual LED flash, front 8 MP; full HD video recording.
  • BATTERY: 4100 mAh non-removable

 

CONCLUSION

The ZUK Z1 is a very well crafted budget phone with features that surpass its price tag. The materials used give a quality, almost premium feel and the hardware chosen makes the phone run smooth. A normal use, not running cutting edge games, will go without a hitch and web browsing is very fast, almost as fast as on the OnePlus Two.

One thing I didn’t like about the materials is the feedback after pressing the Home Button. It feels a bit off and it doesn’t give that satisfying click sound and feel. I’m not saying it doesn’t work well, it responded promptly every time I used it.

As a first device from ZUK, I can say that the Z1 is a success and I’m looking forward to see future devices released by this company.

The Lenovo Zuk Z1 is available from Coolicool’s China and Europe warehouses. Use the coupon code CICZUK for a $30 discounts at former or EUZUK to get $20 off from the latter.

Who doesn’t enjoy listening to a good story. Personally I love reading about the people who inspire me and what it took for them to achieve their success. As I am a bit of a self confessed tech geek I think there is no better way to discover these stories than by reading every day some articles or the newspaper . My bookcases are filled with good tech biographies, they remind me that anyone can be a success. So even if you come from an underprivileged part of society or you aren’t the smartest person in the room we all have a chance to reach the top. The same message shines in my beliefs. All it takes to succeed is a good idea, a little risk and a lot of hard work and any geek can become a success. VENI VIDI VICI .

Gadgets

Amazon DJI Store in Germany hacked? DJI NEO Fly More Combo reveals it

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We wanted to check all DJI Stores across the world on Amazon and found out an interesting probable hack on there store in Germany.

See below Screenshot

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Some might even buy the Fly More package without regards to the Title –

KuyuqudGVg 6 x 12 Inch Summer Sushi Printed License Plate Frame for Car, Car Tag, Car Tag  –What?????

So when you buy it and than realize you receive a pack of Car Tags instead of DJI NEO Fly More Combo and want to ask a refund will Amazon Germany give it back to you or will the buyers remain with a minus 293 Euro in there account.

What are you thougts about this?

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Spotify is providing refunds for Car Thing as it confronts a lawsuit regarding the malfunctioning of the streaming device

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Spotify is receiving ongoing criticism for its choice to terminate support for Car Thing, its in-car streaming device, which was announced in May. According to the company, the device will become inoperable after December 9, 2024. Gen Z users on TikTok are sharing videos to express their dissatisfaction with Spotify’s decision and its suggested measures, such as transitioning to Android Auto or CarPlay. The users point out that they often lacked access to integrated infotainment systems in their cars, which makes them a prime target market for a specialized player like Car Thing.

The streaming service’s in-car device hadn’t been on the market long enough to become outdated. The product was introduced in February 2022 but was subsequently discontinued within the same year. However, the company assured customers who had already purchased units that it would continue to provide support and maintenance. Prior to its release, Spotify CEO Daniel Ek indicated that there was a significant consumer interest in this product. During an earnings call with investors, Ek reported that over 2 million users had registered on the Car Thing waitlist in anticipation of its launch.

While Spotify did not disclose official figures, it is probable that Car Thing did not meet expectations or did not justify further investment in the current challenging economic climate. Spotify, on the other hand, terminated approximately 1,500 employees towards the end of last year. This followed previous rounds of layoffs earlier in the year that impacted hundreds of employees.

Car Thing users, on the other hand, are not concerned with the company’s financial issues; their primary concern is the functionality of the device or, at the very least, receiving a refund for the $90 cost.

As a result, some individuals have attempted to lodge their complaints directly with Spotify by sending direct messages on the X platform using the handle @SpotifyCares or by utilizing different email addresses associated with Spotify that have been shared on Reddit. As a result, certain users have reported that Spotify provided them with multiple months of a premium subscription as compensation for their inconvenience, whereas others have stated that they inquired with customer service and were informed that no reimbursements were being offered.

According to Spotify, they have recently implemented a refund procedure for Car Thing. However, the user must present evidence of purchase in order to be eligible for the refund.

Car Thing users were officially informed about the availability of customer support through a second email sent on Friday of last week, in response to the increasing criticism and dissatisfaction caused by the discontinuation of Car Thing. Within the message, Spotify provides users with the appropriate customer support link to contact the company. The email does not guarantee any reimbursements but states that users can contact us for inquiries.

Although a refund might appease a certain segment of the user population who are dissatisfied with Car Thing, numerous individuals are earnestly imploring the company through TikTok videos and comments on Spotify’s TikTok posts to refrain from rendering their device inoperable. (Indeed, grievances regarding the Car Thing have become so prevalent on Spotify’s videos that the algorithmically generated search recommendation on certain videos is “what is the spotify car thing.”)

“Spotify, I kindly request that you refrain from subjecting me to any further distress.” “I have a strong affection for my automobile,” expressed Carla, a TikTok user known as @carlititica on the platform.

“Depressed,” expressed another user, @nikkilovestech. “They seem to encourage people to use their phone, which is a source of distraction,” she stated in the video description while demonstrating a Car Thing mounted on her dashboard. In her video, she also addressed the issue of electronic waste resulting from the discontinuation of a fully functional product.

Spotify is still facing challenges regarding the discontinuation of Car Thing, despite the introduction of a refund process that has not been widely publicized. According to Billboard, Spotify is currently dealing with a class action lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The lawsuit alleges that Spotify deceived customers by selling them a product that would soon become outdated, and then failing to provide refunds. The lawsuit was initiated on May 28th.

While Spotify is unable to provide a comment regarding the lawsuit, a representative did share the following statement regarding Car Thing:

The objective of our Car Thing investigation in the United States was to gain further insights into individuals’ auditory habits while driving. In July 2022, we made a public statement declaring our decision to cease any future manufacturing activities, and now we must bid farewell to the devices altogether. The deactivation of all Car Thing devices will occur on December 9, 2024, giving users until that date to continue using them. To gain further knowledge about the various methods available for listening to Spotify in your car, please refer to the For The Record section. Car Thing users can contact Customer Support for any inquiries by visiting: https://support.spotify.com/us/contact-spotify-support/

While the issues surrounding Car Thing may not impact all of Spotify’s user base, this development coincides with a period when users are already dissatisfied with being required to pay additional fees for features they consider essential to a music service, such as access to lyrics, a feature that Spotify recently made available only to paying subscribers. Furthermore, users are expressing dissatisfaction with Car Thing and are issuing ultimatums to discontinue their subscription to Spotify due to the introduction of paid access to lyrics.

Furthermore, Spotify raised its subscription fees last year, and Bloomberg has reported that another price hike is imminent in 2024.

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Mobile Devices

3 Video Games About Women’s Health

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Video games have transcended entertainment to become powerful tools for promoting health and wellness. One notable genre in this realm is fitness gaming, exemplified by titles like Hatsune Miku Fit Boxing, which motivates players to engage in physical activity to enhance their fitness levels. Building on this foundation, developers have ventured into women’s health with games designed to raise awareness and empower players to take control of their well-being. Here are 3 video games on women’s health that provide valuable health information and foster a sense of agency to uplift women around the world.

Tampon Run – Menstrual health

Created by Girls Who Code alumnae Andrea Gonzales and Sophie Houser in 2014, Tampon Run is an old-school 8-bit online game where the main character, Luna, lobs tampons to destroy enemies, who will confiscate the tampons if she lets them pass by. Interestingly, the concept of weaponized tampons is based on a real incident that occurred in 2013, where Texas state troopers confiscated tampons as potential projectiles, but not guns, from visitors observing a vote on abortion restrictions at the Texas State Capitol. The goal of Tampon Run is to destigmatize periods and menstrual products, which, up until recently, have not been properly studied to measure their absorbency, which underscores the need to address menstrual health so that women can get better care.

In between tossing tampons, Luna shares empowering messages about how periods are a natural part of women’s lives and should not be a source of shame or embarrassment. The game is available to play on the Tampon Run website and can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for iOS users.

PCOS Vitality – PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a complex hormonal condition and the leading cause of female infertility that affects approximately 5 to 6 million women in the US, according to the Endocrine Society. Common features of the condition include having irregular menstrual periods, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries. Additionally, some studies estimate that up to 88% of women with PCOS are overweight or obese. While there are weight loss programs helping women tackle PCOS, focusing on aspects like lifestyle, symptom management, diet, and other tips for how to lose weight with PCOS, the condition itself remains grossly under-researched. For some women, it may take years to confirm that they have PCOS, as there are other disorders that mimic PCOS signs and symptoms that must be excluded.

The lack of research has extended to a lack of awareness among the general population and is what clinicians from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland are trying to address with the 2023 game PCOS Vitality. Essentially a learning tool, the game takes users through a simple obstacle course. As you click toward the finish line, you are asked simple trivia questions about PCOS. The game is free to play on Focus Games’ website.

Bound by Blood – Period poverty

Period poverty refers to the lack of regular access to period products, painkillers, or underwear during a menstrual cycle. In the US, where 16.9 million menstruating women live in poverty, two-thirds cannot afford basic menstrual products. Period poverty has also been associated with mental health issues and urinary tract infections.

Available to play on the itch.io website, Bound by Blood was created by Jessica Gates in 2017 and aims to educate players about the reality of period poverty. Users take the character of Beth, a homeless woman who wakes up in her car and realizes that she’s started her period. Players then make a series of choices to try to stay as hygienic as possible in spite of lacking resources such as menstrual products and clean restrooms. There isn’t really a way to “win” the game, and it is instead a peek into the reality of life where period products are inaccessible and how this affects women’s quality of life.

Through these games, players not only gain valuable insights into various aspects of women’s health but also find themselves actively engaged in their own well-being. As developers continue to explore this emerging field, the potential for video games to serve as educational tools and catalysts for change in healthcare remains promising

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