Device Advice – Consumer Electronics Show 2018
Welcome to the latest and very special edition of our ‘Device Advice’ blog where we take a look at the latest devices and popular industry trends that are dominating conversation.
It’s already January which can only mean one thing – the arrival of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), a launchpad for devices and gadgets ready to be debuted to the world.
Whilst it’s been some time since a smartphone stole the headlines during CES, 2018 has delivered a range of mobile news – from new colours and market releases through to the latest devices and technologies explored.
We take a look at our key highlights from the world of mobile at CES:
Sony announces three new devices – Sony Xperia XA2, Xpedia XA2 Ultra and Xperia L2
Expected to be released as early as next month, Sony has released a trio of Xpedia phones, which are set to appeal to photography enthusiasts with cameras that can shoot 120-degree images. The Xpedia XA2 Ultra is set to be the most impressive device of the three, offering a 6-inch 1080p edge-to-edge screen and a 23MP f/2.0 rear camera. Many regions will also get a finger print sensor on the back of the devices, whilst the US will now find a finger unlock button that works after months of seeking this functionality.
The world’s first smartphone with in-display finger print is revealed
CES 2018 offered the opportunity to check out one of the hottest rumours across the smartphone space – the arrival of an in-display finger scanner. Located in an unnamed Vivo flagship smartphone, the optical sensor – made by sensor company Synaptics – sits underneath a Samsung AMOLED display. When your fingertip touches the target, the sensor runs the image of your finger print through an AI processor, designed to recognised 300 characteristics of your digit, before unlocking the device.
Introducing Project Linda
Whilst undertaking an idea that has, admittedly been previously developed – pairing a smartphone with a laptop to serve as a dock – Project Linda was revealed at CES by Razer as a marriage between the Razer Phone and a laptop dock, repurposing the mobile device as a trackpad and touch screen. As a phone that focuses on its gaming capabilities, the expectation is that Project Linda will encourage further engagement and a more immersive experience for users. Whilst still in demo, Razer says it likes to view announcements like these as a way to source consumer feedback to determine market interest.
Samsung Galaxy A8 and a secret reveal of the Galaxy X?
Launched just before CES but officially debuted at the event, the Samsung Galaxy A8 is the latest mid-to-high end smartphone in Samsung’s fleet. With a 5.6-inch full HD Super AMOLED display, 4GB of RAM and a 16MP rear camera, the device will offer an affordable but stylish handset to those who can’t stretch to the price tag of the Galaxy S8. Meanwhile, secret sources have suggested a small group of attendees were invited to view the Galaxy X – the first foldable smartphone – to determine market response and interest. Watch this space.
And in other news?
Despite a rather challenging fortnight, (AT&T dropped its plans to launch the device just before CES kicked off), Huawei announced the Mate 10 Pro will be made available for pre-order in the US from 4th February.
Asus unveiled the Zenfone Max Plus, a device that claims to survive 21 hours of web browsing or 13 hours of video playback. In addition, the Zenfone Max Plus can even be used as a power bank to charge other devices – perfect for friends with battery drained devices.
What about LG’s presence? Well, for mobile there wasn’t one, aside from news of a ‘raspberry rose’ coloured V30 which speaks volumes regarding LG’s focus for the year. At a CES press conference, LG electronics CEO, Cho Sung-jinn said “…we will unveil new smartphones when it is needed. But we will not launch it just because other rivals do.”
As for the Samsung Galaxy S9, well that won’t launch until next month, but there are plenty of rumours to suggest it will be one of Samsung’s most ambitious devices to date.
Stay tuned to the Adam Phones blog for more reviews of the latest devices, and make sure to keep in touch with us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+.
