When it comes to mobile phones, one name tends to come out the most often: Samsung. Samsung’s Galaxy phones pretty much dominate the android market and are an excellent choice for a high-end smartphone. There are definitely other options, though, and we thought it would be useful to shed some light on two less popular but still excellent models, the OnePlus3 and Moto Z.
After Motorola’s acquisition by Lenovo, they’ve been making great strides and progress. They’ve been unable to post significant sales numbers, but this isn’t due to a flaw with their handsets. Rather, Apple and Samsung are so dominant that it’s far more likely to see someone with a Galaxy or iPhone than another manufacturer’s device. OnePlus also has some great models too. I think it’s important to have a view of some other players in the field so that consumers can make informed decisions, so we’ll be taking a look at Motorola’s Moto Z as well as OnePlus’s OnePlus3. First we’ll review a quick list of the phones’ specifications.
OnePlus 3
Dimensions: 152.7 x 74.7 x 7.4 mm, 158g
Display: 5.5in Super AMOLED 1080 x 1920 pixels (~401 ppi pixel density)
OS: Android Marshmallow + Oxygen OS UI
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
Memory: 6GB
Storage Options: 64GB
SD-Support: No
Primary Camera: 16MP, f/2.0, OIS, phase detection autofocus, dual-LED flash, 1/2.8″ sensor size, 1.12 µm pixel size
Secondary Camera: 8MP, f/2.0, 1/3.2″ sensor size, 1.4 µm pixel size
Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 3000 mAh battery
Update: Android 7.1.1 is now officially available on OnePlus 3 &3T
Moto Z
Dimensions: 153.3 x 75.3 x 5.2 mm, 136g
Display: 5.5in AMOLED 1440 x 2560 pixels (~535 ppi pixel density)
OS: Android Marshmallow (Stock)
Chipset: Qualcomm MSM8996 Snapdragon 820
Memory: 4GB
Storage Options: 32GB/64GB
SD-Support: Up to 256GB
Primary Camera: 13 MP, f/1.8, OIS, laser autofocus, dual-LED flash
Secondary Camera: 5MP, f/2.2, LED flash
Battery: Non-removable Li-Po 2,600 mAh battery
These lists are a little jargon-filled and it may be hard for the non-technologically inclined to draw conclusions from these lists, so we’re going to go over some categories that are easier to draw comparisons in.
Design
With Motorola’s Moto Z, the company has opted for a more premium look than with the phone’s predecessors. The Moto Z features “aircraft grade” aluminum and stainless steel construction for the frame, and reinforced Gorilla Glass 4 panels for both front and back. The phone is also lighter and thinner than the OnePlus 3. It’s available in a selection of metallic finishes as well as either a white or black front fascia. The back also features an interesting and classy striped design.
The Motorola also allows users a huge amount of customization which gives it an advantage over the OnePlus3. The Moto Z is modifiable with a series of MotoMods, a range of magnetised clip-on back panels designed just for the Moto Z and the Moto Z Force. Some of the MotoMods allow just visual customization, but there are also some that add functional advantages. Regardless, since this is the display section, know that the Moto Z allows you to really make the phone your own with different finishes in the clip on panels.
The OnePlus3 features an all-metal aluminium unibody design, without the older design interchangeable back panels. Even though they’ve forgone customizability it’s definitely an upgraded and more luxurious handset. The OnePlus3 is a little heavier than the Moto Z but only slightly. It’s also available in a selection of metallic color choices.
Both mobile phones feature a 5.5 inch display, but the Moto Z has an AMOLED panel with a QHD resolution at 535ppi, while the OnePlus 3 has a Super AMOLED with a 1080p Full HD at 401ppi. The pixel density will probably not make a difference to the naked eye, but the Super AMOLED on the OnePlus3 provides a notable increase in color, contrast, and overall image quality.
Hardware
Both phones feature the same processor, though the OnePlus3 features 50% more RAM than the Moto Z which is a pretty big amount. There have, however, been hardware tests that place phones with 4G of RAM as “faster in speed” than the OnePlus3. That’s not to say that the OnePlus3 won’t be faster than Motorola’s model, just that the RAM difference might not make as big of a deal as it seems. The Moto Z also features stock android so it might run a little faster than the OnePlus3 which is heavily customized.
The OnePlus3 only comes with one option, 64 GB. That’s a decent amount of storage, but the fact that the Moto Z is available in both 32 GB and 64 GB with support for micro SD expansion gives users a lot more options. Motorola’s phone definitely pulls ahead in this regard.
The Moto Z has a 2,600mAh battery cell which is significantly smaller than the OnePlus3’s 3,000mAh setup. That said, Moto Z owners have the option to customize the battery life further via MotoMods or upgrade to a slightly thicker Moto Z Force with a 3,500mAh cell.
Price
The Moto Z is priced around $700 dollars while the OnePlus3 is significantly less expensive at around 380. This is really a huge deal when the phones are in such close running and the Moto Z suggests different mods to match some of the OnePlus3’s features. This is a field that really sets the two phones apart.
Verdict
The Moto Z and OnePlus3 are relatively close in terms of specs, with each phone having pros and cons over the other in different categories. Because they’re so close, it should be pretty difficult to choose a model, but the fact of the matter is that the Moto Z is twice as expensive as the OnePlus3. I cannot in good conscience recommend the Moto Z when the race is so close and it’s so much more expensive. The OnePlus3 comes out on top.
Gadgets
Amazon DJI Store in Germany hacked? DJI NEO Fly More Combo reveals it
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
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?
Gadgets
Spotify is providing refunds for Car Thing as it confronts a lawsuit regarding the malfunctioning of the streaming device
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.
Mobile Devices
3 Video Games About Women’s Health
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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