Android Headliner: Why the HTC One (M8)’s Camera Misses the Mark

 

If you’re a fan of great-looking hardware, good sound quality and meaningful software features, then this was a good week for you. The new HTC One (M8) hit the scene and then immediately became available in stores. However, if you’re a fan of genuinely good mobile photography, then this week wasn’t so good for you. The new HTC One features some pretty impressive camera features, and definitely has some bragging rights, there’s no denying that. However, when all’s said and done, we’re left with low-resolution, soft images that most of us with even a passing interest in photography would have issues with sharing. The Duo Camera at the heart of the HTC One misses the mark, and instead of focusing on genuinely good images, HTC chased gimmicks.

Being able to edit photos after the fact to the degree that HTC allows in the new One is brilliant, and being able to refocus parts of a shot is downright cool. However, that novelty will soon wear thin when you realize that you’re just shooting 4-megapixel images a lot of the time. There’s nothing “ultra” about a 4-megapixel file in 2014, no matter how big those pixels are, HTC. Last year when reviewing the HTC One, I was very impressed with the camera and as I prefer to shoot with honest camera hardware, as oppose to smartphones, it takes a lot to impress me in a phone. I love photography, and it’s a very personal interest of mine. The photos I take are the ones that I want to keep as memories, pieces of art and that I want to share with my friends and family. Instagram is a fad as far as I’m concerned and while everyone thinks they can take a good-looking photo thanks to “Vintage Look filter #3456819391″, they can’t. Unfortunately for us that genuinely care about our images though, it’s the Instagram generation HTC has targeted here.

Being able to shoot slow-motion video in HD, easily control the ISO and White Balance while shooting, refocus after the fact are all awesome; but they’re just another fad. The uncomfortable truth when talking about the UltraPixel camera on the HTC One (M8) is that HTC grew lazy. Sure, it takes in a lot of light, which is key, but that’s all it can do. With Optical Image Stabilisation available in even the Nexus 5, it’s just sad to not see it being used here on the One. Add that to the fact that 2560 x 1600 screens are on most high-end tablets, and sharing images and footage to our TVs is getting easier and easier with Chromecast and other similar services, and that 4-megapixel shooter will start to show its age.

Last year, the HTC One produced bright, colorful images that looked more like genuine photos than other smartphone shooters. However, even then there were cracks showing and while everyone else pulled their socks up and Sony and Samsung both introduced better imaging experiences, HTC added another camera and a cool, fashionable feature. What they should have done, is spent time thinking how they could improve the UltraPixel camera in ways that would help it stay relevant, and continue to take the great shots that HTC promised it would.

I can’t say for certain just how good, or how bad, the images from this new HTC One are until I take some shots with it myself. However, things aren’t looking good for HTC and their Duo Camera. When I do get my hands on the new HTC One, I’ll be excited to try out the new camera, and I hope to be proven wrong, but so far it seems that HTC have left the one feature that needed work the most untouched.

Android OTA: Device Updates & Firmware Report – March 28th Edition

Android 4.4.2 Update Continues for the One in the UK, While the One Max Gets Android 4.4.2 Across Europe

Last month, the update to Android 4.4.2 KitKat was halted in the UK for the HTC One due to users reporting problems. Now however, things are back on those on all the major networks across the pond should be getting the update now. The update is more of an under-the-hood sort of thing, bringing with it few cosmetic changes, but it’s nice to have. The same can be said for the HTC One Max across Europe, as it’s been reported that the same update is rolling out to users of the 5.9-inch giant throughout the region.

The Nokia X Receives its First Update…Allow Color Changing of Tiles

Nokia’s weird Android phone has received its first update this past week and brings with it the ability to change the color of third-party app tiles on the main display. While nothing groundbreaking or anything, it’s a nice feature we suppose. The OTA was only small at 16MB in size, and changing colors for app tiles is as simple as long pressing on them and choosing the color wheel option.

HTC One Mini on AT&T Gets Android 4.4.2 and Sense 5.5

HTC have been pretty busy this week, announced a new smartphone and all, but they still managed to find time for some of their users of the HTC One Mini. On AT&T, the device has been bought up to Android 4.4.2 KitKat and is now running Sense 5.5 to boot. You’ve probably already gotten the update by now, but if you’re still waiting on it, the version number you’re looking for is 3.10.502.3 and it comes in at a sizable 658MB. Definitely one to download over WiFi, the Sense 5.5 side of things will bring extra features to BlinkFeed and more.

Sony Xperia Z1, Z1 Compact and Xperia Z Ultra Are Now Running Android 4.4.2 KitKat

Over the last couple of weeks, Sony has been rolling out Android 4.4.2 to their flagship devices of 2013, including the Xperia Z1, the Z1 Compact and the Xperia Z Ultra. All three devices should now be running software version 14.3.A.0.681, with mostly cosmetic changes. Essentially, this update brings a little of the KitKat look to Sony’s skin and brings things in line with the Xperia Z2. The emoji in the keyboard are now that of the Google Keyboard, the status bar icons are now all white and overall, things just look a little more like Google’s vision of KitKat, and there is a little bit of a speed boost as well. A nice update to have for sure, it should have hit most devices by now.

HTC One Max on Sprint Receives KitKat Update

Keeping their updates on the right track, HTC and Sprint rolled out Android 4.4.2 to the One Max earlier this week and while it’s too soon for a Sense 6 update, there’s still a lot to love about some tasty KitKat action on the One Max. The build number for this one is 2.09.651.1 and it comes in at 340MB, so download over WiFi when ready.

Sony’s Xperia M Receives Android 4.3 Jelly Bean Update

The extremely budget-minded Xperia M just got a little better this week thanks to the update to Android 4.3 Jelly Bean. The build number is 15.4.A.0.23 and this is something that only really applies to our European readers, as it’s rolled out in a number of European countries. While nothing special, it’s a nice update and does bring with it some of the more updated Sony features to the Xperia M.

Sony Announces the CP-W5 Qi Wireless Charger with 5000mAh Battery Pack

Today, Sony announced a new Qi-compatible wireless charger – which should mean that all their upcoming devices will be available with Qi Wireless charging, as of right now, none of them do. However this wireless charger is unlike others out there, it’s also Sony’s first wireless charger. It has a built-in battery, so you can essentially charge your device wirelessly. There’s a 5000mAh battery inside to charge your device, of course you can always just plug in the charger and set your phone down on top. Sony is claiming that you can charge this over 1,000 times and it’ll still retain 90% of its battery capacity. Which is pretty darn good. If you charge it once a day, that should last almost 3 years. Sony is only going to be offering the CP-W5 Qi-Wireless Charger in white, at least at launch.

It’s great to see more and more wireless chargers popping up on the market these days. We’ve already reviewed quite a few of them, like the the Tylt Vu, and the RAVPower Wireless charger, both work great. I’m really thinking that wireless charging is the future, especially with wearables. You don’t want to have to put your smart watch in a cradle and then plug it in, like you do with the Galaxy Gear, it’s just to time consuming, and what if you lose that cradle? Yeah not the best implementation of charging a wearable.

Hopefully Sony announcing this means that we’ll see future smartphones from Sony with Qi wireless charging capability. As far as I know, none of their phones have it at this point. I’ll be crossing my fingers and hoping that changes pretty soon. Sony says that the CP-W5 will be available in April, so we’ll let everyone know when it’s available so we can all run out and get one. There’s also no word on pricing, but I’d expect at least $50, since that’s the normal asking price for wireless chargers right now.

LG G2 vs. Nexus 5: Specs Of Best Android Phones 2013 Pitted; Google And LG Phone Battle It Out In Features; Smartphone Camera Comparison Shows Which Is Better

LG G2 vs. Nexus 5: Both of these Android flagships are 5-inches in size and though the Nexus 5 is a Google brand, it’s also made by LG and has the same operating system. But specs and in some cases performance of the LG and Google flagships can be very different. Of course, likle in many smartphones, a smartphone camera comparison is a must (which you can read at the last section).

 

Source: Google Play

 

 

DESIGN 

According to a review by Stuff.TV, the LG G2 and Nexus 5 are narrow-bezelled phones with screen around the 5-inch mark and from the front there’s little to tell the difference between them, except the LG logo on the G2 and the Nexus 5’s unadorned face.

But when you flip the units, you spot a difference pretty clearly. The Google Nexus 5 has a rubbery, matte-finished backside with a stamped “Nexus” logo. On the other hand, the LG G2 has a glossy plastic rear with centre-mounted camera and below it, a power/volume control button.

Stuff. TV notes that the button is a bold design decision from LG. A downside of having the button placed on that end is that you can find yourself accidentally increasing the volume when trying to turn off the unit, and vice versa.

The design of the Nexus 5 makes it look a little lighter than the LG G2. Nexus 5 weighs at 130 grams, while the LG G2 is at 143. Both devices are under 9 mm in depth. The Nexus 5 seems more pocket-friendly and both phones have useful notification LED on the front.

DISPLAY

Source: LG

The LG G2 has a 5.2-inch Full HD display with a pixel density of 423 ppi, while the Nexus 5 has a 4.9-inch Full HD screen with 445 ppi. Stuff.TV notes that there’s barely anything between these two devices, the LG G2 is slightly larger, while the Nexus 5 is a bit sharper.

Some subtle differences worth noting here though is that the Nexus 5’s screen is a little cooler than the G2. Some may even consider it “washed out” at times. But the G2 sports the richest, brightest and most vivid screens there is. It also gives great viewing angles. Both the Nexus 5 and LG g2 though sports very excellent displays.

UNIT SPECS 

The LG G2 and Nexus 5 both feature the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 CPU under the hood, and running almost similarly at 2.3GHz. Both have 2GB of RAM and a variant of 16GB and 32GB. In terms of connectivity, the two units have NFC and Bluetooth 4.0, though the LG G2 has an IR blaster that, in tandem with an app, allows it to act as a remote control for pretty much any device.

Stuff.TV says that looking at the specs, both the LG G2 and Nexus 5 are very capable units. Neither of them really will struggle running apps.

Battery life is where the LG G2 edges out the Nexus 5 in some respects. It has 3,000 mAh and in a test by Stuff.TV delivered up to 19 hours of normal use before it dropped. The Nexus 5 is packed with a 2,000 mAh battery and in terms of life doesn’t come close to the LG G2 or Samsung Galaxy S4.

On the area of music playback, the Nexus 5 is as good as pretty much any other phone out there. The LG G2 supports 24-bit/192 KHz Hi-Res Audio files. Use a pair of decent headphones with the Google flagship and you can listen to studio master quality tunes.

CONSUMER BATTLEGROUND SPECS - The Camera 

It could well be the biggest and greatest feature where a lot of units battle, the camera. One of the much-loved features of a handset and a key indicator of a smartphone, the LG G2 and Nexus 5 has very different specs. The LG flagship has a 13MP rear-facing camera with optical image stabilization. Without a doubt, Stuff.TV noted, it’s one of the best smartphone snappers in the market today.

Optical image stabilization helps with immensely dim, murky conditions. This new camera enhancement allows the user to capture sharper shots at night and indoors, even when the flash is turned off. Colour reproduction is also impressive.

The Google Nexus 5, on the other hand, has an 8MP main camera that comes with optical image stabilization as well. The device’s camera has a speedy new autofocus and boosted the vibrancy and contrast of photos. The LG G2 seems better at accurately representing real-life colors.

On the video side, the LG G2 captures 1080P at a smooth 60 fps, while the Nexus 5 is limited at 30 fps. Both the LG G2 and Nexus 5 does a respectable job in shooting video. In terms of front-facing camera, the G2 has a 2.1MP spec, while the Nexus 5 has 1.3MP.

PRICE 

In terms of price, the Nexus 5 is at $349 for its 16GB version, while the 32GB variant is at $399. The unit is unlocked, not requiring you to be committed to any carrier. A quick search online shows that the LG G2 unlocked is available for $499.20 (T-Mobile) but can be had for $0 up-front.

ANDROID 4.4 KitKat

ANDROID 4.4

In true Google fashion, the latest Nexus device predictably comes preloaded with brand new Android firmware: version 4.4, or KitKat if you prefer calling it by its dessert-themed codename. Make no mistake, this is the most significant update we've seen to Google's mobile OS since Project Butter was released a year and a half ago. Like most huge refreshes, there's a rather lengthy laundry list of enhancements, new features and APIs. Even though we'd love to discuss every single one at length, we're going to stick with the features that we think will be the most impactful.

PROJECT SVELTE

Google refers to KitKat internally as Project Svelte, and for good reason: Performance optimization is the name of the game, and indeed, the operating system and preloaded apps have been trimmed down substantially in size. Android is leaner and meaner, and performance is quicker, making Android 4.4 more efficient for lower-end devices that don't have the same powerful internals as flagship devices. In particular, KitKat is meant for devices with at least 512MB of RAM onboard.

Developers can tweak their apps with a few lines of code to detect when a low-powered device is being used; when this happens, the app can be programmed to use fewer graphics and cut down on animations, transitions and other aspects that tend to drag down the app's performance. This is all part of Google's mission to bring Android to the "next billion devices" -- i.e., users in emerging markets.

Curiously, this newfound focus on the low-end part of the market only seems to serve manufacturers who are working on new phones that have yet to be released; most existing devices with 512MB of RAM aren't getting listed as candidates for receiving Android 4.4. We'd love to see how some older (and now irrelevant) devices would fare on the new OS, but we'll simply have to wait for someone to find a way to make it happen.

USER INTERFACE

After booting up KitKat for the first time, you'll find the home screen still feels like the same old Android we know and love. But it isn't completely identical. The icons have been made a little larger to accommodate the additional screen real estate on bigger smartphones (although we noticed that many third-party app icons are a little fuzzy as a result). Google has also chosen to use a condensed version of Roboto for the home screen and app menu fonts. It fits in quite well here, but we doubt it would look as good integrated into other parts of the user experience.

You start off with only one home panel, but it can be expanded to include as many panels as you want -- we made it to 22 before giving up. Go into the app menu and you'll notice a couple drastic differences: There's wallpaper underneath the grid of icons now, rather than a pure black background, and the widget section is completely MIA. You'll find the latter by doing a long-press of the home screen, which now takes you to a screen where you can rearrange panels and change wallpaper in addition to satisfying your need for widgets.

It may be so subtle that you don't even realize it at first, but the status bar and navigation bar are no longer solid black on the home screen and app menu -- they're translucent, clearly showing off the wallpaper underneath. This is part of Google's new firmware design strategy: KitKat enables developers to completely hide these two bars, so that users can take full advantage of the extra screen space. We believe this will be incredibly useful in games and e-book apps, but this is only a small number of possible use cases.

The lock screen is largely the same as Android 4.3, but there are a few enhancements to the lock screen widgets. Most notable, however, is the new camera button on the lower-right corner of the screen; drag this up and to the left, and you're immediately into your camera app. We can't say that this is an improvement over the last version, since all we have to do on 4.3 is swipe to the left of the lock screen to access the viewfinder. Strangely, the button is placed in the same location as it is on iOS. Coincidence? You be the judge.

GOOGLE NOW

Google Now was introduced with the first Jelly Bean update as part of Project Butter, and it's grown considerably ever since. There's a lot of momentum pushing it forward, and Android 4.4 only serves to increase its usefulness exponentially. One of those areas in which it's become more helpful is its integration into the Google Experience Launcher. Turn the Google Now feature on and you'll be whisked into the standard Google Now panel as soon as you swipe to the right from the main home panel.

Even though Google insists that Motorola still acts as its own company, it clearly didn't have any qualms about using the flagship Moto X for inspiration. In particular, the Nexus 5 has been bestowed with touchless controls: From the home screen or Google Now launcher, say "OK Google" and you're prompted to speak voice commands, ranging from making phone calls to sending messages to setting your alarm, among other options. (We highly recommend that you tell Google to make you a sandwich.) This won't be showing up on every Android 4.4 device, so it's only available on the Nexus 5 for now. There's also one other significant problem with it -- you can't activate it when the screen is locked or turned off. Or when you're in the middle of another app. For what it's worth, Google has claimed a huge improvement to its voice-recognition software. Indeed, we had very few problems with the system transcribing our commands.

HANGOUTS, PHONE AND EMAIL

A few apps received much-needed overhauls with KitKat. The biggest one is arguably Hangouts, which finally integrates SMS and MMS messages into the app. It's great to be able to have all of your conversations finally showing up in one place, but it's still not possible to merge text messages and Hangout conversations together into one thread, so it was too commonplace for us to accidentally send what was intended to be a text message to a Hangout associated with the same person's email address. This is a crucial feature that will likely show up in a future version of Android, but at least Google seems to have full convergence as an end goal. Fortunately, if this isn't quite your thing, or if you're waiting for Hangouts to mature a bit, Google's added the option to change your default messaging app to a third-party service.

Google also revamped the phone app. The dialer is essentially the same, but the main screen also features a list of those people you talk to the most (regardless of who is making the calls and who is receiving them). The phone app also offers new search capabilities that let you look up businesses, contacts and other people within your Google Apps domains. It even includes Caller ID, which shows the name of businesses when they call you.

The standard Email client has also received a facelift -- so much so that if you're not looking closely you might mistake it for the Gmail app. The two now look strikingly similar, right down to the avatar boxes and slide-to-delete gestures. And that's not all: You can now delete or archive an email directly from the notification menu, rather than being forced to go into the app. Overall, this is a huge improvement -- we couldn't stand the user experience in this app prior to KitKat.

NFC

Slip an AT&T SIM in the Nexus 5 and fire up the preloaded Google Wallet app when you get the chance. Surprise -- Wallet actually works. With Android 4.4, Google's ready to go over the heads of carriers that insist on only supporting specific mobile payment partners (AT&T, for instance, is tied to Isis), by simply adding software features that eliminate the need for any carrier involvement.

How is this possible? Google has added something called Host Card Emulation, which allows any app on any device to emulate an NFC smart card, with no carrier-provisioned secure element required (though you can still use them if you prefer). In other words, all of your tap-to-pay transactions can go through whichever service you choose, regardless of which mobile operator you're using. The only thing your phone needs to make this happen is an NFC controller.

MISCELLANEOUS FEATURES

Google is also heavily emphasizing document sharing and expanded connectivity options. KitKat marks the debut of QuickOffice as a pre-loaded app (we've seen it show up on other Android devices before, but just not on phones running the stock version of Android). In addition, KitKat ushers in new connectivity features like built-in wireless printing capabilities. The downloads app is also redesigned. We do have to wonder, though, what purpose QuickOffice serves on a platform that already comes with Google Drive, which offers a similar feature set. Perhaps we'll eventually see a convergence between the two apps, but for now this is at least a welcome addition to the list of standard apps.

Screen recording is another new feature made possible through KitKat, but it's not for the everyday user; the phone (in our case, the Nexus 5) needs to be connected to your computer. We won't outline the specific steps here, but we'll link to a post that talks you through the process. What's more, the full clip (which is limited to three minute segments, at least for now) is stored on your phone as an MP4 file until you're ready to share it or transfer it back to your computer. The ability to make videos based on what is being displayed on the screen is a huge win for YouTubers and developers interested in doing a walkthrough of their app or game.

KitKat also includes a technique called sensor batching, which is similar to a few of the features offered by Apple's M7 motion-tracking coprocessor. The idea behind sensor batching is to reduce the amount of power taken up by activities that are constantly using sensor data, such as location tracking, fitness and other apps. One particular use case is step detection and step counting; yes, your Android smartphone can now become a glorified pedometer. This appears to be exclusive to the Nexus 5 for now, since it's conditional upon having the necessary hardware, but Google promises that it's working with chip makers to ensure the feature is offered in more phones going forward.

Finally, Android 4.4 brings other incredibly specific features to your phone, such as Closed Captioning, IR blaster support, two new Bluetooth profiles (HOGP and MAP), a new Location Settings tile in the Quick Settings pull-down menu and a built-in Device Manager.