Hammond commented on Great watch, affordable pri...
Hammond
There is divided opinion as to whether Motorola should have produced a more superior smartwatch, after four years. It feels like there isn't much to make it stand out, despite having a good display and decent performance.
Hammond commented on Google could change Fitbit'...
Hammond
Some years back, Fitbit was the leader with regards to fitness wearables. Its position could have weakened over the past few years, and Google could as well turn-around its fortunes. Let's see how the next few months (and probably years) pan... See more
Hammond commented on Will privacy be a far-fetch...
Hammond
It is no longer practical to talk about online privacy anymore. Most of the apps that we interact with now gather a certain percentage of our data. I don't imagine how this app can be a reality in this age of privacy-consciousness!
Hammond commented on Worthy rival to AirPods?
Hazard - Edited
When anyone thought of AirPods alternatives, Galaxy Buds, Beats Powerbeats Pro and Sony WF-1000XM3 quickly came to mind. In my opinion, AirPods Pro now competes with Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless, the Bose SoundSport and the Sony WF-1000XM3.... See more
Hammond
A few years ago, no one could have imagined that wireless headphones were going to take over the world. Right now, companies are competing and outdoing each other in matters of technology. The AirPods Pro just took the notch higher!
Hammond
The Echo Buds are worth the price, despite being cheaper than the AirPods. However, the AirPods Pro could be the game-changer; now fitting in the ears securely and being sweat and water-resistant.
Hammond commented on Did competition push out Pl...
Jade25
I don't know what changes Sony expected to come into effect, but it makes sense for the company to focus on its core gaming business. Either way, Sony is moving away from Vue because it hasn't been profitable in the past.
Hammond
The venture wasn't profitable, prompting Sony to make a business decision. It is hard to predict the kind of changes to expect in the Pay-TV scene. Are more people moving away or towards subscription-streaming services?
Hammond commented on Gmail is making you pay for...
Lachlan86
Eh, I think this is a pretty slimy move. As if they can't afford to cover the increase in costs of whatever data they're storing? Please. Bad move, Google.
Hammond
Users have enjoyed free storage for a long time, and it's only fair that the company charges a fee once you cross the 15GB mark. However, this won't be a problem for a majority of users who haven't even used up half of their allocation.
Hammond commented on Google's Face Unlock vs App...
Elijah
I think both the Pixel and iPhone are starting to resemble each other too much.  Same thing goes for Samsung's models.  The article raises a good point, but at the end of the day, most smartphones are eerily similar.  
Hammond
It is now not uncommon for smartphone companies to copy one another. Is the face unlock feature more secure? It may have its flaws now, but could still be a technology for the future.
Hammond commented on MSI's Latest Gaming Laptop ...
Hammond
I haven't heard of this company before, but this looks like a decent gaming laptop, considering the introduction of the first generation of AMD Navi graphics.
Hammond commented on Google's Face Unlock vs App...
SilentCrescendo
If you think your eyes should have to be open in order for the unlocking mechanism to work, then Apple's Face ID is better since it meets that requirement.  Google's Face Unlock does not. 
Hammond
That is the first thing that crossed my mind, even though the article makes no mention of it. The flaws with the Face Unlock feature of the Pixel 4 mean that Google is yet to match Apple!
Hammond commented on Optimizing your PC's perfor...
FancyyFrog
I am a terrible computer owner because I do all of these. I do updates but I usually delay them for a few weeks. I will bookmark this and take a few hours to go through my computer soon to delete some junk off of it.
Hammond
Same here. It takes me ages to remember something as easy as clearing junk files. Thank you for this link, it will be easy to bookmark and use it as a reference, in future.
Hammond commented on Will Facebook's Libra take ...
Hammond
Facebook tosses itself in unfamiliar waters and succeeds at times. Libra's success or failure could depend on the popularity of other cryptocurrencies. 
Hammond commented on An incredible wireless head...
Hammond
These headphones seem to tick the relevant boxes, except that most gamers don't like the mic that sticks out. I don't find the USB-based connection to be limiting; I'd prefer to put it on charge when not in use.
Hammond commented on Did you hear about the Camb...
EyeForAnEye
Facebook banned him? Wow, talk about unethical. Legally, how were they allowed to ban him for exposing them? It seems like something that they could get in a lot of trouble for. 
Hammond
I doubt that Chris Wylie lost any legitimacy by being banned from Facebook. If anything, he wouldn't want to be associated with the company at the centre of such a scandal. Many of us would never attempt to be whistleblowers, considering the... See more
Hammond commented on Does the Galaxy Fold requir...
Persefoni
It truly seems like this smart phone just won't work.  Samsung has some extraordinarily talented designers, testers, and researchers, so I wonder why they can't make it work well?  
Hammond
To me, it seems like there's a deliberate focus on 'getting there first'. Surely Samsung is a reputable company with a workforce that can design a defect-free device. 
Hammond commented on Are foldable smartphones re...
Hammond
Foldable phones seem fragile, and it doesn't help matters that they are also pricey. They don't seem to be the technology for the future. It will be interesting to see the outcome of Apple's exploration of this idea.
Hammond commented on Does the Galaxy Fold requir...
Hammond
It would be disastrous for the company to go ahead with the launch with such concerns making the headlines. My only hope is that when the time comes, the Galaxy Fold will easily fit into any pocket.
Hammond commented on The choice of a good ebook ...
Hammond
I love physical books as well, but there's so much convenience with ebooks. I love reading on my iPad because my preferred format is epub. The Amazon Kindle is great, but it would be great if it supported more book formats.
Hammond
I hadn't heard of this software, and I just checked and found it in the App Store. It looks like an app worth having based on its reviews and ratings. Thank you for this suggestion; I will give it a try soon enoug
Hammond commented on Pretty Sexy, Right?
Hammond
The launch of this smartphone will be a make-or-break moment for the company. Nonetheless, various rumours indicate that it could run on the Android 10 OS version.
Hammond commented on The 5G Euphoria
Hammond
According to the article, Sprint is working hard to deliver the first 5G smartphone in the US and feels that AT & T could hamper their efforts. Unfortunately, legal suits could damage 5G's reputation and delay its rollout.
Hammond commented on The iPad 10.2-inch
Hammond
The iPad is unique, and I wouldn't mind it being my device for choice. I think it is one Apple product that has stood the test of time, and that continues to dominate the rest. I find the rest of the e-readers to be somehow limited in scope.
Hammond commented on Is Apple going to play it s...
Hammond
Wow, so Apple is going to launch four variations of the iPhone 11? Many enthusiasts will love to see the first-ever 5G iPhone but then, is a foldable also in the offing? Time will tell.
Hammond commented on Financial discipline
Hammond
Financial discipline doesn't come easy for anyone. I love reading books where the author gives practical advice and also narrates a story of his struggles (if any). I agree that Dave Ramsey is such a great writer!
Hammond commented on So many headphones! How to ...
Hammond
Most of the brands in this collection are little known, and this shows the kind of variety we have now. Apart from cost, it is important to consider the noise-cancellation feature, when shopping for headphones/earphones.
Hammond commented on How do you like Samsung lap...
Hammond
Samsung manufactures quality products, and laptops are not an exception. Like @Pete205 opines, most consumers associate the company with smartphones when in reality, the company has diversified.
Hammond commented on When your glasses can snap ...
Hammond
Whenever I read such stories, I get convinced that VR and to a large extent AR, will continue to define future technology. Despite being costly, these spectacles seem to fit the bill.
Hammond
I agree with you to some extent @Joserock, but it feels like the high price tag will most likely limit their appeal, especially among Snapchat's core user base.
Hammond commented on Useful Gear for All Walks o...
Hammond - Edited
You need a good device when out there at the farm so I understand the inclusion of the waterproof smartphone in the list. There are plenty of gadgets in the collection that anyone will find pretty useful.
Hammond commented on Make Your Lifestyle Greener
Hammond
Well, it's just hit me that there are companies out there doing their best to ensure that there's more positive contribution to nature. Tech companies need to shout more about these products.
Hammond commented on It's always Google and Apple
Hammond
I guess that Google is much more dominant than Apple considering that only a small portion of the population owns iPhones. On the other hand, the bigger companies are buying off the smaller upcoming ones hence remaining dominant.
Hammond commented on A mic for carpool karaoke?
Hammond - Edited
I think that this is something we'd love to have considering the number of road trips we normally have in a year. Whereas this may not be for everyone, any person that cherishes music will see its importance.
Hammond commented on Huawei's new phones
Hammond
US tensions take issue with the supposed 'cozziness' with the Chinese government amidst fears that its equipment could be used to spy on other countries and/or companies. In my opinion, the company will continue to make strides in spite of this... See more
Hammond commented on FedEx refused to deliver a ...
Hammond - Edited
Huawei is decent competition but it feels like the US has singled it out and applying unfair competition. We are seeing a trade war that is slowly getting out of hand and in the end, the ramifications will not be good for both countries.
Hammond commented on Had you rather buy or rent?
Lachlan86
If I was using it frequently, I would definitely purchase it. Constantly renting isn't cost effective, and at the end of the day, you own nothing. 
Hammond
It makes sense to buy rather than rent if you use a scooter frequently. In the long run, you will save a lot of money. On the other hand, renting makes if you don't ride the scooter frequently.
Hammond commented on Not Your Average Drone
Hammond - Edited
I read this and wondered why the company would 'quietly' launch a drone especially when not being quiet isn't what consumers are used to? Well, turns out it is not for sale. I guess there will be more revenue generated through renting it out.
Hammond commented on Earbuds are gaining popularity
codechaser
Those look a little big, but it's a top-notch brand.  I've never had a problem with cords tangling since it  just takes a second to wrap them up.  Both have their place though.  I prefer wireless earbuds for running and wired headphones for... See more
Hammond
Well, earbuds may be the trend now but I'm yet to fully embrace them. With wired headphones, you don't have to worry about them running out of charge. Either way, the future is definitely wireless.
Hammond commented on What warrants the slash in ...
techgirl
Companies want to get rid of their old product as fast as possible and push their new device for inflated prices. For those of us who don't mind having "outdated" phones, it's a steal.
Hammond
Ooh yes, it makes sense when we look at it from this point of view. Many people don't mind owning what others would regard as being 'outdated' provided it was in good condition.
Hammond commented on Going onward with the drones
Hammond
Well, I think having humans as the final couriers is a good place to start and perhaps there will be other advancements with time. I can't wait to see how well Uber will implement this.
Hammond
Well, the think about using machines is that you require time to perfect almost everything about their capabilities. I think it is just a matter of time before this revolution happens.
Hammond commented on Is this the best gaming lap...
Harper - Edited
I have to admit that its cooling system sounds awesome and its processor and graphics card sound speedy.  I'm curious to see how many gamers purchase the laptop and of course, I'll be watching reviews to see how it really performs. 
Hammond
With most companies unveiling great flagship gaming devices, the one that will stand out has to have a great cooling system. Any gamer surely deserves a device that's worth the price.
Hammond commented on Huawei to Release Their Own...
Phoenix
I wonder if enough damage has been done to the company's credibility that a new OS will just be associated with fears of cybercrime.  Are consumers really caught up in this drama?  To me it doesn't seem like many people care, but then again, I... See more
Hammond
I know quite a number of Huawei users and I think that the consumers are caught up in an ugly trade war between these two countries. Either way, it doesn't look good for Google to pull out in such a manner.
Hammond - Edited
Even before reading the article, I almost had a feeling that the 'Plan B' must have been occasioned by the recent attempt by Google, to block Huawei from using some of its apps. It will be interesting to see how this story develops!
Hammond commented on The Lenovo Chromebook offer...
Carter - Edited
A lot of businesses like to keep their documents in the cloud because it makes it easier to work remotely while keeping up with the day-to-day operations.  A Chromebook works great for that purpose.
Hammond
Absolutely and I think that it makes sense to have documents in the cloud, as long there is guaranteed security. I have not owned a Chromebook before but now this looks like the path to follow now!
Hammond commented on Google Glass Enterprise Edi...
Hammond - Edited
It was brilliant for Google to realize that the public wasn't buying into this idea, from the beginning. The fact that the Google Glass is smaller than headsets offered by competitors, sounds appealing. Clearly, anyone who thought VR/AR had... See more
Hammond commented on Cost versus quality
Hammond - Edited
Enter competition and we probably have most companies manufacturing electronic devices with varying quality. Brand loyalty used to count but of late, it is possible to stumble upon a little known brand but that manufactures quality products. 
Hammond commented on Sennheiser to Release New H...
Apocalips
Look at the price tag! Then again, this is Sennheiser we're talking about. It's nice to see the soundbars evolving because it's one of my personal favorites, but I'll probably stick to the mid-class ones for now or invest in headphones because... See more
Hammond
Woow, everything sounded cool until I saw that price tag! Soundbars are often seen as a substitute for the home theater but this may just be the real deal. Luckily, its release date is less than a month away.
Hammond commented on Wireless Carries Throttling...
Hammond
It is ridiculous that a data company would even consider throttling mobile data in such instances. Why would anyone think of subjecting a company to twice the cost of a data plan in the event of an emergency? Surely this has to be stopped at all... See more
Hammond commented on A restart could solve your ...
EyeForAnEye
I always found the opposite to be true. The first thing I do is restart my computer and it rarely fixes the problem. If we're talking about things lagging, then yes, restarting does work. For larger issues, it doesn't seem to do anything. 
Hammond
I agree with you and in most cases, it is best to try the simple tricks (such as restarting) so as to gauge whether or not the PC/laptop has bigger issues.
Hammond commented on Motorola Razr Takes on the ...
Hammond - Edited
I love this design and the company is probably aiming to set itself apart, especially with foldable phones starting to take over the technological space. Watching the video just illustrates how sleek this device is plus there is a quite a... See more
Hammond commented on Ever Ran Tests on Your Smar...
Hammond
I have never run any diagnostic tests on my phone and every time there is a log, the easiest way out is normally to clear the web history or check the cookie settings. The battery performance is also a good indicator of the condition of the... See more
Hammond commented on Information at the cost of ...
Hammond
I have never been okay with giving up my privacy but most of these 'smart' gadgets make us sacrifice this for the sake of convenience. After all, personal data is only dangerous when it lands in the wrong hands.
Hammond commented on Zuckerberg To Hold Tech Talks
Hammond
I stopped paying attention to Facebook after the first ever data scandal because since then, all manner of accusations have been leveled against it. The issue around user privacy will probably continue to be a major talking point this year.
Hammond commented on Would you purchase a Chrome...
SystemWars
The article raises a good point about price, but I wouldn't buy a Chromebook at the moment because I don't want trapped in Google's ecosystem.  
Hammond
Using the Chromebook seems restrictive plus its incompatibility with certain apps becomes a major disadvantage. The truth of the matter is that not all of these devices are cheap.
Hammond commented on An Expensive TV With A Chea...
AIisLife
It is odd that they aren't charging more since Toshiba is a well known-brand.  It's nice to see a lower price point though. 
Hammond - Edited
Somehow, the article raises an important point OLED panels not necessarily guaranteeing quality. Could this be a strategy by the company to make a statement in this competitive market? I wouldn't be surprised if the prices went up after... See more
Hammond commented on Use Aperture Priority Mode ...
Hammond
I just bookmarked this site because after getting a beginner camera (the Nikon D3400) I haven't yet been able to shoot in any other mode apart from the auto mode. It would be great to be able to master how to shoot in the Manual, Aperture... See more
Hammond commented on An Expensive TV With A Chea...
Hammond - Edited
Toshiba is a well known brand so I wasn't really wary of the quality of this OLED TV even before reading this article. The low price would raise a red flag but after reading the review, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase the Toshiba 55X9863DB.
Hammond commented on Clearing your browser cache
paradox84
The first thing any tech support worker tells you to do is clear your cache. The first thing I do when I'm experiencing a computer issue is clear the cache. It doesn't usually solve my problem, to be honest.
Hammond
This is true and it makes everything else easier when you first clear the cache and see if a problem persists, before calling tech support. I tried to set up the automatic option but it seems not to work with my laptop.
Hammond commented on Isn't online privacy or a l...
Hammond
Most people agree that what lacks in the online platform is a law to regulate the usage of peoples' data. As a user of the internet, I shouldn't use a lot of energy to ensure that my browsing experience is private. On the contrary, this needs to... See more
Hammond commented on Puma to Sell Smart Shoe Again
Hammond
By releasing just 86 pairs, is Puma carefully treading the waters so as to ascertain whether mass production would actually work? I have a feeling that this shoe company will not just stop there.
Hammond commented on Selecting a phone for a sen...
AIisLife
I got my grandparents one of the Jitterbug phones and it works great for what they need.  The buttons are large enough that they're easy to see and the phone is very simple to work. 
Hammond
The best thing is that these phones are not only easy to use but long lasting as well. Most senior citizens that are tech-savvy prefer to have both a smartphone and a simple phone that can perform basic functions.
Hammond commented on Blackmail scam seems to be ...
Hammond - Edited
The sad bit is that despite all the information out there, scammers will always find someone to dupe. People need to keep themselves updated will all the tricks that these fraudsters keep reinventing.
Hammond commented on USB sticks are inexpensive ...
DarrenJax
I stopped losing them once I started buying the USB thumb drives that hook on my keys.  I keep some standard rescue apps on it like the article suggests. 
Hammond
Though this is a safer method, there is still the risk of losing your keys as well, As a matter of precaution, I only carry the USB stick whenever I need to transfer files rather than as a storage device.
Hammond commented on Tech for Cats and Dogs
CptJaneway
I love the idea of the Smart Dog Tag. My dog always escapes from the backyard and causes a headache for me tracking him down. I would love something that instantly alerts me if he gets a certain distance away from the house. I also like the look... See more
Hammond
The smart dog tag is an obvious choice for me because my dogs love to hide in the backyard. The feeders would also be a good addition especially because of the built-in replenishment system.
Hammond commented on A whole new world in contac...
Hammond
The fact that the company raised a good sum for this project is a good indicator but like Verypunny says, this doesn't look like an idea whose time has come. I think that it makes sense to work on reducing the size of the current AR glasses.
Hammond commented on The high cost of repairing ...
techgirl
Apple is notorious for having high costs at both initial purchase and for repairs, so this isn't exactly shocking. If you buy an Apple product, you should be aware that it comes with a high expense. Personally, I don't buy Apple products because... See more
Hammond - Edited
Interestingly, I have had better luck with iPhones than any other smartphones I have owned before. It can be costly to do these repairs but overall it is important to go that extra mile in ensuring that a device is fully safeguarded.
Hammond commented on Is Face ID really secure a...
Sphera
If our phone is truly able to analyze more than ten thousands elements of our face to create the face ID, then I think it is as safe as the fingerprints in terms of being unique. However, faces often temporarily change. What happens when we put... See more
Hammond
The concept of the Face ID has challenged my mind for long and it may be the factor that determines whether or not I go for the iPhone X. I am thrilled by the fact that it projects over 30,000 invisible dots on the face hence creating a detailed... See more
Hammond commented on Features you could easily m...
Hammond - Edited
I will be frank here and admit that I am not so curious with what my phone can offer.  I have used the Assistive Touch before, even without knowing that there are a lot more things that make the iPhone very unique.
Hammond commented on Why do smartphones overheat?
Sharkbait
Too many programs running will heat up the phone. We, humans, even become hot-headed when we are doing so much. I make sure that I close all the programs running in the background when I'm not using the phone for it not to overheat.
Hammond
This is very true. Many people let a lot of apps run in the background, even when not in use. Overheating could easily cause massive damage to the battery but most of us only try to salvage the situation when it is almost too late. 
Hammond commented on 5G is Here, Availability is...
Hammond
Everyone has been eagerly waiting for 5G but it doesn't matter if it takes a little while longer. There is every reason to be excited because this technology will bring with it great milestones.
Hammond commented on An Android tablet as a chea...
ItsFidgety
I am kind of loyal to Apple, but not too much. My problem seems to be that Android tablets simply don't last as long as my Apple products do. I've had my iPad for 4 years and my Android tablets lasted me 1-2 years.
Hammond
I agree with you on this; longevity is such a major factor when considering which device to buy. I think that cost alone, shouldn't be used to determine which tablet to go for.
Hammond commented on How popular do you think iP...
VeryPunny
"Better than good enough" seems like damning with faint praise.  I think the XR model is excellent and like most things made by Apple, it will perform well and be a big hit.  
Hammond - Edited
I completely concur with you because more and more people are purchasing the XR. As much as I care about my phone's display, the $250 price difference between this phone and the XS seems exaggerated. 
Hammond commented on Is absolute anonymity possi...
Elijah
In practice, a lot of what they suggest makes it more difficult to browse the web, buy stuff online, and chat on my favorite sites.  I care about my privacy, but only at my convenience.  
Hammond
True Elijah. Have you noticed that almost every site you visit seems to have a redirect to a different site? In a way, affiliate marketing and target advertising has given rise to a lack of privacy. 
TimmyZ
Unless we know how to do redundant and alternating IP's then we "may" hide our location. All IP addresses have a physical location even though we can mask it with a VPN or a privacy software. To me, the best way to hide is not to use the... See more
Hammond
The last bit of your post just cracked me up because I cannot recall the last time I used the snail mail. The internet has become a big part of our lives and it is nearly impossible to live without it.
Hammond commented on Are foldable phones the fut...
Hammond - Edited
So whose idea was it originally: Huawei's or Samsung's? Either way, competing companies looking to outdo other is one way in which technological trends emerge. Let's wait and see if this will be out by Nov 7.
Hammond commented on The Chrome OS Tablet
Ramrod
Google usually tries to make things affordable, like the Chromebook for example. I think they know that's their biggest appeal among the masses so I'm sure we can expect this to have at least a relatively friendly price tag. It sounds pretty... See more
Hammond
I am eager to hear when the launch will happen, because to the masses, what matters most is the affordability and convenience that this may offer. I don't find the Pixelbook to be anywhere near affordable so something cheaper will be a good... See more
TimmyZ
Google waited for a long time before creating their own hardware. Android has been used by most smartphones, besides Apple and Microsoft-affiliated phones. If Google will remain true to lightweight and fast performance, then this will be a hit... See more
Hammond
I agree that it would have been more convenient for Google to create their own hardware when it would have been more beneficial to have had this innovation, from the beginning. We will probably have to wait and see whether this will be an... See more
Hammond commented on Now we have wireless power ...
Hammond
Well, this is a good innovation but I have two reservations. Firstly, it would be awesome for the power bank to be compatible with all existing smartphones, rather than with just a few. Also, I would love to still use my phone and have it... See more
Hammond
Well, I stand corrected but reading the article, it seems that to use the wireless charger, you need to upgrade to a smartphone that supports this technology. I agree with you that safety seems to be the issue here and there is a greater... See more
Hammond commented on More Expensive But Lower Fe...
Sharkbait
As the time is approaching for the release of these new iPhones, everyone has their own opinion or "educated guess" about the matter. I don't think Apple will sell a lower class phone with a higher price than the XS's.
Hammond - Edited
Recent reports have it that the iPhone 9 will be sold at no more than $699. I somewhat agree that everyone always has an opinion before a release and this is normally based on 'leaks'.