:: Be Inspired and Write ::

Terra Novae is Moving To Blog In Tech!

2020-05-31T22:39:00.000+07:00

We're finally moving.

This sure is the most extraordinary time in our lives. Who would've thought that we'd live to see a global pandemic taking place. With everything in the news today, I hope that everyone stays safe, healthy, and at your homes.

The first time I posted on this blog was a decade ago. At the time, it was just a school assignment about blogging, SEO, and the Internet. Then, after that, I realized that I am fond of writing, sort of. The posts were about everything at first, but as time goes, the focus narrows down to technology.

In 2016, Technoverse was born. I am Indonesian, and I thought it wasn't appropriate for me to write content only in English, so I took an initiative to write a blog in Indonesian, using Wordpress. I stayed away from Blogger because Blogger seemed to have been losing more and more popularity. Also, Wordpress is much more superior to Blogger when it comes to technology and customization. There are tons of themes and plugins to suit your needs. You can even turn Wordpress to a full-fledged e-commerce platform if you want.

Fast forward to 2019. I feel like no one is using Blogger any more. Sure, there was a design update in around 2017-2018, but it was still the same old Blogger. The design and the dashboard felt ancient compared to Wordpress. It's like Blogger is living on life support. Google has shut down many of its modern platforms now, and personally, I'm confused why Google is keeping Blogger around. Nevertheless, I've finally decided to migrate Terra Novae to Wordpress.

Introducing Blog In Tech. Successor to Terra Novae.

Enter, Blog In Tech. Though the site name is new, it will still contain the articles translated from Technoverse, but with a different design and technologies. With Wordpress, I can shape Blog In Tech to anything I want, down to the performance level, and that's a good thing. It's a very exciting side project.

This isn't goodbye, though. This blog will still be open and available, but new articles will no longer be posted here. Terra Novae isn't going away. It's moving on, to a better technology and platform.

See you on the new site, and thank you for all your support! :D

Installing Precision Touchpad on Your Laptop

2019-06-10T10:00:00.000+07:00

Windows touchpads have been inferior to Macs for a long while.

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If you've ever used Macbooks before, I'm sure you notice that their touchpads are (way) superior than most Windows notebooks. You're not alone, and the majority of people also say the same thing. Unfortunately, it's not always caused by inferior hardware. Sometimes, it's caused by the software.

Not anymore on the software side, though. Microsoft, in their infinite wisdom, has decided to develop their own touchpad driver called Precision. It has multi-finger gestures, and smooth scrolling and animations. Combined with better trackpad material, you can have (almost) the same experience as a Mac. You can compare them side by side with Synaptics or ELAN touchpads and you'll notice the difference immediately.

The good news is, Precision drivers are being adopted by more and more PC manufacturers. The bad news, there are still some PC manufacturers out there that insists on using inferior trackpad software like Synaptics or ELAN. One example, is my late 2018 Spectre x360. It's a beautiful laptop, has great speakers, keyboard, and screen. Unfortunately, it still uses Synaptics driver.

Ever since before I bought the Spectre, I've read numerous threads on Reddit about installing Precision driver, but they seem to be difficult to follow. In fact, I already reset my Spectre on its first day because I accidentally deleted the trackpad app, which was not available on Microsoft Store.

Fortunately, I've found a much easier way. I haven't tried it on other notebooks, but since it uses generic software from Microsoft, I have no reason to doubt that it should work on other notebooks. But still, I don't promise anything, and you follow this guide on your own risk.

Precision Touchpad is Built-In on Windows, but Windows Replaces Them Quickly

One funny thing I noticed was that after uninstalling the Synaptics Driver and restarts, for a brief moment, I saw in Windows Settings that my touchpad has turned to Precision Touchpad. I noticed the smoothness and the gestures immediately. Unfortunately, Windows Update automatically searched and installed Synaptics driver soon after, prompting you to restart. After you restart, you guessed it, it's back to bad ol' Synaptics.

First Step: Update to Windows 10 May Update (1903) and Pause Updates

Windows 10 is infamous of its 'Automatic Update' feature. Ironically, it took Microsoft 2 major updates to roll out a 'feature' to pause updates. This is going to be our key to installing Precision touchpad, and make sure it stays that way.

Make sure you've updated to Windows 10 version 1903 (May 2019 Update)

Yes, it's only available on the recently-released Windows 10 May 2019 update or version 1903. You may have installed it. If you haven't, you can download Windows Update Assistant on this link here and update. Make sure you have installed previous updates first, since there may be newer version for your touchpad driver already. Updating may take a while, and while it's relatively safe to update your computer, creating a backup never hurts.

Windows 10 version 1903 allows you to pause updates.

Once you're done updating, go to Windows Update and hit that pause button. This should prevent Windows from re-installing your driver as soon as you uninstall it.

Second Step: Uninstall Touchpad Driver

Before taking another step, you're going to need another input device, such as a mouse or a touchscreen, as this step will temporarily disable your touchpad.

Go to Device Manager. You can search it directly from the Start Menu (oh, how I love this convenient feature...), and go to Mice section. Look for your touchpad device (in my case, it's Synaptics). Right click, and select Uninstall Device. A confirmation dialog will appear, and make sure you check the Delete the driver software for this device checkbox as seen in the following picture (Ignore the different device, I had finished uninstalling the driver by the time I wrote this article.). You won't be able to use your Touchpad for a while after this step.

Uninstall your touchpad as well as its driver

You should be prompted to restart. Go ahead. Once you're finished, go to Touchpad section in Windows Settings. You should have Precision touchpad now.

Third Step: Hide the Touchpad Driver Update

The wushowhide tool will help us prevent Windows from reinstalling your old touchpad.

Now that you have the Precision touchpad, we need to make sure that Windows won't reinstall your old touchpad driver. Some sources say you need to tweak with Windows Registry and all. However, fortunately, Microsoft has created a tool precisely for this use case: wushowhide. This tool does exactly what its name says: show and hide Windows updates.

The link came straight from Microsoft's website, so I can guarantee its safety. Open the tool, and click Next. It will attempt to check for updates available to your device. Once it's done, click Hide Updates button, and select your touchpad driver.

You can hide your touchpad updates from this tool.

Once it's finished, you can verify it works by resuming the Windows Update from Settings. It shouldn't install the hidden updates. Well, hopefully Microsoft doesn't make any changes in this method any time soon.

You can also "restore" updates that you've hidden.

Final Step: Verifying It Works

Congratulations. You now have Precision touchpad.

Some Reddit users complain that installing Precision drivers may cause strange issues like buggy keyboard backlight, touchpad dead after sleep, or even somehow the old Touchpad is installed again. Go ahead and do some of these scenarios, and hopefully you won't experience any issues.

I've successfully tried this method on my HP Spectre x360 gem-cut and until now, I haven't had any problems. I love using the touchpad and I don't think I need a mice any time soon. I only wish that HP implemented force touch Trackpad like Apple. It'd be awesome.

Anyway, I guess that's all for now, Folks. Hopefully, you find this article useful and here's hoping that more and more PC manufacturers use the superior Precision driver. As usual, if you have any questions or comments, go ahead and sound them off below. I'll try answering them the best I can. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and looking forward to your next visit. Have a nice day! :D

BBM Shutting Down - The End of An Era

2019-05-28T10:00:00.000+07:00

BBM Logo

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A month ago, a surprising (yet unsurprising) news arrived in my Google News: BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is shutting down on May 31st, 2019. That brought me immediately into a nostalgic mood. BBM was the first mobile messenger I've ever tried, and it even brought me the first experience of using a smartphone, which then turns me into a technology enthusiast like today. So yes, I had a bit of history with BBM.

Today, I think I'm going to pay a tribute to BBM by telling what I know about what used to be the only mobile messenger.

What Made Me Use BlackBerry Messenger

When I was in high school (probably around 2009), Indonesia was hit with BlackBerry fever. The brand suddenly skyrocketed and everybody had one. Even those who hadn't a single interest in the platform was forced to use it, because everybody used BBM at the time. Even until some time after Android and iOS have hit the market, many people still clung to BlackBerry.

BBM was easy to use. Even senior people can pick it up quickly.

At the time, BBM wasn't available on other platforms yet, and it stayed that way until 2013, a few years after Android and iOS exist. It became their key strength point, just like iMessage for iOS in certain countries today. Sharing PIN was also a thing, and was a big hit among Indonesian teens and adults alike. The presence of BBM groups also marked the beginning of the earliest form of online shops.

Later version of BBM adds free voice calling, while maintaining the simplicity of the platform.

BBM was fairly simple and easy to use. What's not so simple was... their hardware. But hey, that's a story for another day.

Then... There's WhatsApp

In around 2010-2011, if I remember correctly, a new messenger gained traction: WhatsApp. The new messenger was available on every platform then, even Symbian and BBOS. The messenger promised no ads, though there's insignificant fee of $1 per year, and offered an easy way to register: phone number. WhatsApp will automatically scan your contacts for WhatsApp account. You no longer had to export/import contacts or remember someone's PIN. Just save their number into your contact, and you're golden.

WhatsApp was the beginning of the end for BBM.

Again, if I remember correctly, it took WhatsApp quite a while to gain enough popularity because at the time, both Android and iOS were still popular among higher-end segment of the market because not only they were expensive, but lower-end Android phones were painful to use at the time. That's why most people still stuck with BBM.

Rise of Messengers and Mobile OSes

Android was growing rapidly, while iOS kept receiving modest updates while maintaining the platform's stability.

As years go by, Android and iOS kept innovating. There was also Windows Mobile. With that, new cross-platform messengers such as WhatsApp and Line also grew in popularity.

Two BlackBerry phones with OS 7.

On the other hand, BlackBerry seemed to stay stagnant. Yes, they updated their mobile OS with more colorful scheme, but their hardware remained painful to use. They were slow and expensive, and phones with older OS cannot be updated to OS7, the latest version at the time. BlackBerry users started adopting WhatsApp, while still using BBM, as many people were still using it.

Fighting A Losing War

In 2013, along with their new, modern mobile OS, the BlackBerry 10, BlackBerry announced that BBM will finally available on its biggest competitors: Android and iOS.

BBM was available to iOS and Android in 2013. Too little too late?

In my opinion, this move by BlackBerry was too late then. By that time, WhatsApp was already popular, along with other messengers such as LINE or KakaoTalk. Apple users have been sitting cozily on iMessage for a few years then. Android and iOS have gained traction and they were even better than before.

BlackBerry OS before BlackBerry 10 was still as slow and seemed like dinosaurs compared to their more modern counterparts. Maybe BlackBerry felt that if they didn't expand, they would lose completely. This could be their last attempt at saving their business.

Beginning of The End

In 2016, Emtek Group, an Indonesia-based company, acquired the licensing rights to use and develop BBM. Basically, they acquired the APIs and would continue the development of BBM. Meanwhile, BlackBerry still actively maintains BBM Enterprise (or BBMe), which targets enterprise users and a paid service.

Emtek acquired licensing rights for BBM Personal in 2016.

The new BBM continuously tried adding new (monetizing) features into the messenger, by adding features like custom PIN, stickers, and integration with local services. In Indonesia, for example, there is an integration with e-wallet service DANA for sending money and payments. There's also integration with Bukalapak, a popular e-commerce platform (backed by the same Emtek Group), and more.

However, unfortunately, it was already too late to save BBM. It already lost traction compared to other messengers like WhatsApp (which has gone free), Telegram, and LINE. Most people I know ditched BBM for at least one of those. Only older people use BBM now, and probably those who have been selling online since the early days of BBM.

On April 18, 2019, Emtek announced that they would discontinue the BBM service on May 31, 2019. The reason in their blog post is quite clear: The technology industry however, is very fluid, and in spite of our substantial efforts, users have moved on to other platforms, while new users proved difficult to sign on.

BBM will be replaced by BBM Enterprise, still maintained by BlackBerry themselves.

If it makes you feel any better, users can move on to BBM Enterprise, which is a paid service. But should you decide to do so, you may have to start over, as BBM will delete all data from their servers 7 days after the service has shut down, as mentioned here.

Conclusion: A Farewell To BBM

Goodbye BBM. Though you're no longer with us, you will always be remembered
as the pioneer of mobile messaging platform.

To be honest, BBM has been a friend I've grown up with. It accompanied me during my high school, and until a point in college. I had so many memories with it.

But when I realized that I fell in love with Android (I still am), I had to ditch BBM. If only BlackBerry wasn't late to open up their platform and innovate, I don't think it would end this way.

So, I have these mixed feelings with the BBM's shutdown. At one point, I'm sad because I'll be losing an old friend, but on the other hand, I know that I had to move on. BBM was losing traction (especially in the consumer space) and business is business; if it isn't profitable, there's no use keeping it around, right?

Well, unless BlackBerry goes crazy and open-sourced the application, which I highly doubt. That might save BBM. Might.

Okay, so I guess that's all for now, Folks. Sorry if this article is a bit long, because I'm having this nostalgic feeling of BBM. In fact, I'm planning for a follow-up article about BlackBerry hardware. Stay tuned. Oh, and feel free to discuss this article in the comments section below. The facts may not be accurate, as I stopped using BBM 5-6 years ago and have not been paying attention to its development. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and I look forward to your next visit.

Have a nice day! :D

Digital Lending Safety Measures

2019-04-20T10:00:00.000+07:00

Digital lending illustration

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Technology and the Internet has really made our life easier. We can do everything, from controlling our appliances to ordering food. Recently, there's a new trend in town: You can borrow money, digitally.

Yes, that's right. Since your financial records are available and stored digitally (your savings, transactions, and shopping history), lending companies can monitor them and help them decide whether you're eligible for a loan or not.

Unfortunately, that doesn't come without consequences. At least in Indonesia, unregulated lending companies offer easy loan with unrealistic interest rates, data misuse, and even abuse. There have been reports and victims from these "digital loan sharks". One even committed suicide.

That is exactly why I'm writing this article. To give you some tips on how to avoid these loan sharks, and if possible, make you ask yourselves whether you need to take the loan or not. Here they are:

Are you borrowing from a regulated creditor?

Financial service has always been a sensitive industry due to their impact on the economy. That is why, it is heavily regulated, no matter where you are.

If you live in Indonesia, the financial industry is regulated by OJK (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan or Financial Services Authority). All fintech and banking companies will have to comply to their regulations. In return, they'll get their "approval stamp", and trust from the people. So, when applying for a digital loan, you'll need to watch out for this approval stamp, like the one below.

Look for this logo whenever you're trying to invest or take a loan.
The logo is watermarked to prevent misuse.

Okay, if you say the stamp can be taken from Google Images, then you can ask for their registration number. If they are indeed registered in the authority, they'll be more than happy to provide you their registration number. Otherwise, well... I think you'll need to get your loan somewhere else.

Do you really, really, really need the loan?

Be mindful before taking a loan. It's going to cost you in the long run.

Okay, now that you've made sure that you borrow money from a reputable, regulated company, time to ask yourself: Do you really need the loan?

Is it needed for something important, or is it possible postpone whatever you want to purchase until the next payday?

Because a loan is not something to be taken lightly. You'll need to commit to paying it until it's paid off, and that will certainly put more burden on your budget in the next few months.

Have you read the loan terms and conditions... twice?

Don't just click agree without knowing what you're signing up for.

Terms and conditions are not enjoyable reading, especially financial ones. But please, do take a moment to read... Or at least ask for a summary. If you're not clear, please do not hesitate to ask again and again, as this will certainly affect how you pay your loan.
Usually, this includes, but not limited to:

Interest calculation
Payment date and amount each month
Late payment penalty
Early settlement penalty

Of course, there may be more. If you either disagree or feel that something is funny, do not hesitate to ask, or even reconsider taking that particular loan.

Are you capable of paying your debt?

I don't mean to underestimate your financial capabilities, but before pulling the trigger on that loan, I strongly recommend to make a forecast on your future budget, making those payments into account.

You don't want to be this person, do you?

If you're still able to afford your living, savings, and bills with those payments, go ahead. Otherwise, well... You know what I'm going to say.

Keep an eye on your app permission

Consider this a bonus tip. Sure, paying your loan is your responsibility and there will be consequences if don't pay on time. However, there are some lenders out there that kinds of go overboard when trying to collect your payments. I'm not blaming any particular company, but it's real. It's on the news, if you're willing to search. One example is terrorizing your contacts randomly late at night.

By default, your applications do not have access to your sensitive information (such as audio recording, camera, messages, etc.). In order to gain access, they'll have to ask your permission. It's usually in the form of a dialog like below.

Watch the permissions your app asks of your phone.

However, what's disastrous is that most people often disregard this request. Either they're way too eager to get a new loan or to use the app, they just click that "Allow" button without even thinking what the app can do with that permission. One example is to access your contact, and do God-knows-what with it. It could be worse: they can even steal your pictures or take a picture unknowingly.

That's why I highly recommend you to think about the permissions you give to your apps. If that permission sounds irrelevant or even suspicious, reject that request. If the developer can explain why they need such permissions, you can reconsider. If they don't, maybe it's time to find an alternative?

Conclusion: Know What You're Up Against

Knowing what you're up against is the first step in the right direction before
taking that loan.

Taking a loan is not a sinful act. It's even necessary in some cases. However, before pulling that trigger, you need to make sure that you understand what you're up against. And like shopping, it's strongly recommended to compare between one loan products to another. Who knows, there could be some beneficial promotions, gifts, etc.

Oh, and last but not least, make sure you can pay it off. Once your credit score tumbles, you may have a hard time applying for other financial services such as mortgage and credit cards.

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. I hope this small article can help you identify what to do before you decide to take a loan. As usual, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to sound them off in the comments section below. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and see you in the next article! :D

Opinion - Why I No Longer Flash For Fun

2019-03-08T10:00:00.000+07:00

Flashing illustration

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Android users have been treated with one strong benefit: choice. Imagine, you have lots of devices to choose, all with various specs and manufacturers. If you want, you can also change the phone's stock OS to community-made ones (dubbed flashing). I've never seen any mobile OS did this before. To be fair, iOS users also have access to jailbreaking, but it's becoming less and less popular now, since it relies on the OS' security flaws, which Apple patches regularly.

Believe it or not, I also used to enjoy flashing, but that was years ago. Android devices weren't as affordable as they are now, and the fragmentation was so bad that devices felt old very fast.

My first Android device was the original Samsung Galaxy S. It was a big, reliable device that was dubbed "The iPhone Killer". I've kept it for almost 4-5 years, I think, even though it stays in the drawer after the second year. I decided to give it a new lease of life with custom ROM, and it went on and on until the device felt really sluggish, battery was dead, and replacements were difficult. It was the time for me to let it go.

The original Samsung Galaxy S. Prelude to one of the most prominent Android flagships.

But that was the past. Now, as I grow older and older, I've gone tired with it. I'm still doing some flashing, but not for fun.

Here are a few reasons why I quit flashing. Oh, before you bash me, please note that this is merely my opinion intended for general users. Of course, you may disagree, and we can discuss it further in the comments section below.

Smartphones Have become Better and More Affordable

Xiaomi's Redmi line is synonymous with the phrase "Value for Money"

Compared to a decade ago, smartphones have become much better, in terms of both hardware and software, and affordable. Heck, even low-end phones and mid-rangers are already fast enough for most tasks these days.

Phone prices have also gone lower thanks to the siege from Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei, Oppo, and Vivo. During early days of Android, lower prices mean sluggish performance. Now that's no longer the case.

I have seen many people using their mid-range devices for at least 2 years, and when I asked why they kept their phone for that long, they simply replied, "It's enough for my needs.". When I asked when they would buy a new phone, they replied, "Until my phone broke down."

Mid-Range Phones Picks Up The Pace

Nowadays people look up to flagships because of their shiny new features. Fast forward a year, and you'll probably find those features in mid-range phones. Multi-camera setups are the example of this. There are different implementations, yes, but it was initially only available on flagships.

Samsung's Galaxy A7 and A9 are the first mid-range phones to feature more than two cameras.

Some features may remain exclusive for flagships, such as Dual OIS or high resolution OLED screen, but hey, let me ask you a question: How much do you need them?

Flashing Requires Thoroughness

XDA has long time been the go-to source for flashing firmwares. If you've ever been to one of their custom firmware threads, I'm sure you're familiar with the long list of pre-requisites, disclaimers, and known issues.

You need to make sure that you've read every single line of those texts before you flash, or you'll be facing trouble, which brings us to the next point...

Flashing Has Consequences

Anyone who has flashed before should know that they put their device at risk. I'm not talking about warranty, but rather the risk that you may brick your device. There are two types of brick: soft brick and hard brick. If you got the former, you can try reflashing and see if you're in luck. However, if you got the latter, you're pretty much screwed.

Bricking your device is one of the biggest risks in flashing.

Some ROMs also offer root out of the box. Though this may be good news for those the tinkerers, you may lose access to your financial and banking apps, as they don't allow root access for security reasons.

If you flash on a second device, good for you. As for me who prefers to use only a single device, I'd rather lose root access than my finance apps.

Be Wise on Choosing Which ROM to Install

Sure, custom ROMs may offer better performance tweaks, newer Android versions, and shiny new features. However, you also need to choose your provider wisely.

Lineage OS is one of the better custom ROM choices for the masses out there.

The beauty of Android's open source model is that everyone is allowed to create their own ROMs. However, again, no ROM is perfect. So, if you choose to go this path, make sure you choose a credible provider. Why, because there will be bugs, and not all developers out there are motivated enough to maintain their ROM for a long while.

Conclusion: Know The Consequences

This isn't a hate post for those who love to flash their phones, but rather a disclaimer for those haven't flashed... or at least thinking about flashing.

Again, I'm not saying that flashing is bad. In some cases, it's even necessary. For example, to replace fake ROMs in certain Xiaomi devices. However, it's also important to know about its consequences.

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. This is an opinion piece, so feel free to leave your agreement/disagreement/comments in the comment section below. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and see you in the next article! :D

Typing Hero Review - Do You Remember Autotext?

2019-02-06T10:00:00.000+07:00

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I have a question. Have you guys ever used BlackBerry before? Yes, that archaic (now extinct) business-oriented mobile device. Anyway, in BlackBerry, they used to have this neat feature called Autotext. It basically replaced certain phrases to anything you want. So, for example, you want to replace omw to on my way. Just type 'omw' and it will automatically replace the former with the latter. We used to use this for those complex emojis comprised of multiple characters. It was a thing, back then.

Fast forward to 2019, mobile OSes have become much smarter, much more modern, and much more feature-rich. But, I haven't seen similar features like Blackberry's Autotext. A few while ago, however, a friend told me about his app, which provides the same functionality as the said feature.

Enter Typing Hero. With the motto of type less, write more, let's see how it lives up to its motto, shall we?

Simple and Minimalistic UI

Typing Hero is a rather simple app. The main screen is just a list of phrases (dubbed keywords) and their respective replacements (dubbed texts). There's a plus button on the bottom right of the screen to add new phrases (or snippets).

Typing Hero snippet list

Adding new snippets is also simple. Just type the keyword and its replacement, then you can check the boxes below the text fields depending on your needs. To save, just click the floppy disk button on the top right side of the screen. If you want to create another snippet after saving that one, click the +1 button next to it.

It's easy to add new snippets.

Keyboard-Independent

I'm gonna be honest with you. At first, I thought that this was another keyboard app, since its functions are all about text input. However, I was wrong. It turns out that it uses Android's accessibility service. Yes, you have to turn it on manually in order for this app to work, but you only need to do that once.

Using Android's accessibility means Typing Hero will work regardless of what keyboard you use.

Once it's turned on, no matter what keyboard you use, you'll still be able to use the app's features. I've used the app with both Gboard (formerly Google Keyboard) and Samsung Keyboard. Typing Hero works just fine on both keyboards.

It Works on Most Text Fields

I've tried Typing Hero on many types of text fields, from small ones like Instagram's comment box to large ones like iAWriter for Android, my go-to app for writing articles you read on this website. They mostly work, although they don't work in some apps which have "large" text inputs, such as Microsoft's OneNote, Word, and GMail's email composer. Typing Hero also doesn't work in password fields, though I think this is more of a security issue rather than a bug. Unfortunately, I can't list all apps here, you'll have to try it yourself.

The developer is already aware of this issue, and promises to provide an alternative solution in the future. You can read more about Typing Hero's limitations here.

Issue Tracking

Let's face it. No application is perfect. As a developer myself, I know that there will always be bugs, it's just a matter of time. That's why the developer of Typing Hero has set up a Github page for tracking issues and upcoming features. In addition, there's also a Telegram channel for discussing the app. Not only that, the developer is also active in responding to the reviews in the Play Store.

I'll leave the links to those information in the end of the article.

Conclusion

Typing Hero is available for free, but according to the developer, the premium version is in the works.

For writers like me, there are certain phrases or sentences that I repeatedly write, such as the placeholder for translation link in the beginning of my articles. I can also use it for non-critical information that I keep forgetting, such as ID number for a loyalty card, my email, etc. With Typing Hero, I can just write a short phrase, and be done with it.

And yes, there are still limitations. But during my testing, I found that this app works most of the time, and it actually saves me time. I certainly hope the developer can keep updating the apps to iron out the limitations.

Currently, Typing Hero is available for free, but the developer told me that he's planning to launch a premium version in the future. The features are still currently in consideration, but one includes the recently-popular dark theme. You can read more in the issue tracker page in the end of this article.

You can download Typing Hero for free here

You can read more about Typing Hero here

You can join Typing Hero Telegram channel here

You can view Typing Hero's issue tracker here

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. Hopefully you'll find Typing Hero useful, and as usual, thanks for reading and see you in the next article! :D

Pocophone F1 Review - Affordable 845

2018-12-31T17:00:00.000+07:00

Pocophone F1 Official Shot

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The Pocophone, without a doubt, is the most intriguing device of 2018. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of unique devices throughout 2018, such as the Vivo NEX, Oppo Find X, etc. However, The Pocophone F1, in my opinion, is the one which turned the most heads. It may not bring the most innovative design, but it brings the most interesting pricing.

Luckily, I had the chance to try it out for about a month. My initial impression was that this phone could be the game changer in the ever-more-expensive smartphone market. Was it justified? Keep scrolling to find out!

Design and Packaging

Nice black and yellow box

From the box alone, you're already told that Xiaomi is the one behind the Pocophone brand, which explains the aggresive pricing. Flip the box, and you'll see this phone offers a lot for the money. Don't worry, we'll get through them later.

What you are getting for your money

Open the box, and you'll have an almost-complete package:

The phone itself
USB-A to USB-C cable
QuickCharge 3.0-capable power adapter
Transparent soft case
SIM ejector
Warranty card and quick start guide

You don't get a pair of headset, but that's been the norm for Xiaomi phones for a while. Even their flagships don't give you headphones.

What's inside the box

My unit is steel blue in color. There's this new strange-but-welcome trend for colors in smartphones. It's refreshing to see more phone colors besides black, white, and gold.

The phone adopts a full-screen design (I refuse to call them bezel-less) with a notch and a chin. It's not the most beautiful design, sure, but it works. The notch houses an IR camera, selfie camera, earpiece/second speaker, ambient light and proximity sensors. There's a small LED notification light below the display.

Notched, full-screen display

The notification LED light

The back case is made of polycarbonate. A few years ago, the material was considered cheap, but to be honest, after handling many phones with slippery glass back, I'd say this material is fine. It could've been metal, but for what they're asking, I guess it's fine. At least they don't use that awful-slippery cheap thin plastic Samsung used on their older flagship phones...

Anyway, enough materials. The back houses the dual camera setup accompanied with the dual-tone LED flash, as well as the circular fingerprint sensor.

The back side

The bottom side, as usual hides the second speaker and the USB C port. Yes, there are two speaker grilles, but as usual for phones with similar setup, the other grille houses the microphone.

Speaker, microphone, and USB-C port

The top side houses the increasingly-scarce 3.5mm headphone jack and another microphone.

Headphone jack is still there

The right side is where all the buttons are: volume rockers and power/sleep button.

All the buttons are placed on the right side

Nothing but the SIM tray on the left side

Finally, the left side houses the hybrid SIM tray. Yes, Folks, even though the Pocophone supports external storage, you'll have to choose between second SIM card or external storage. Both SIMs are nano, though.

The hybrid SIM card tray

Well, at first glance, the Pocophone F1's design might not turn any heads, but it works. Out of the box, you'll have everything you need.

Display

Let's start with the first and foremost aspect: display. The Pocophone is equipped with bright FHD+ (2246x1080), 6.18" IPS LCD display.

Having a notch means you'll have limited notification areas. As far as I know, there's no way to hide the notch, for now. There's something that bothers me, though: The top left and right radius don't seem equal. I don't know, here's the picture of it below. I know this seems small, but I just can't unsee it.

Am I the only one that sees this?

Beyond that, the LCD seems to be okay. You'll have to live with the notch but don't worry, you'll get used to it.

Performance

The Pocophone is equipped with Snapdragon 845. Yes, Folks, the same chipset among flagships such as Google Pixel 3 (XL), LG G7, Galaxy S9(+), Galaxy Note 9, OnePlus 6T, etc. So, the performance here is going to be amazing.

The specs of my review unit, before Pie update came

Sensors in the Pocophone

My unit just recently got the Android Pie update (good job, let's see how long they can deliver timely updates!), and the update seems to have improved its performance further.

Stock results out of the box

Results after the first update

Results after the Pie update

For those who doesn't care about benchmarks, real life usage has been impressive as well. I haven't found any hiccups and stalls throughout my usage.

CPU aside, my review unit is the 6/128 variant, meaning it has 6GB of RAM and 128 GB of UFS2.1 storage, meaning that file transfers and storage performance should be fast.

Factory resetting after the Pie update reveals that Pocophone, on idle, consumes ~1.7GB of RAM and ~10.69GB of storage. That leaves you with ample space to load apps and multitasks.

Storage usage after factory reset after Pie update

Then there's the so-called LiquidCool technology, which puts a large copper vapor chamber inside your phone. In reality, this really helps with the phone's thermal. I've run 3D games, Antutu Benchmark, and the phone only got warm at worst.

Additionally, the Pocophone F1 has a stereo speaker. One speaker is in the earpiece, and the other is on the bottom of the phone. Though stereo, the volume on each speaker is not equal, even though the separation is clearly present.

Battery

And here's another strong point for this affordable phone: battery. The phone's massive 4,000mAh battery is enough to get me through the day. Even if it's not enough, the included adapter is QuickCharge 3.0-capable and so does the phone. Much better than the other brand which leaves you to buy your own quick charger.

Using the included power adapter

In reality, the QuickCharge 3.0 delivers approximately 2.7A in 4V. This may vary depending on your adapter and jack, but the conclusion stays: It's fast.

Camera

The Pocophone F1 is fitted with dual cameras on the back: 12MP f/1.9 Dual Pixel with 5MP f/2.0. The secondary sensor isn't telephoto, and only serves as the depth sensor for those blur portrait-mode effects. For the uninitiated, Dual Pixel autofocus enables fast and accurate focusing on moving objects, much faster than Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF). None of the sensors has OIS.

I'll let you judge the camera quality yourself. Here are some image samples taken with Pocophone F1's rear camera:

And here are some samples in low-light:

As for the front camera, it's a 20MP unit equipped with IR for face unlock in complete darkness. Like most front cameras, this one doesn't have autofocus.

Conclusion

Pocophone offers one heck of a performance for the price

The Pocophone is indeed a phone geared towards those who wants to squeeze as much performance as possible for the least amount of buck... And I'd say it works. Xiaomi made some right sacrifices in non-important areas. For at least IDR 4,600,000, you can get a smartphone with flagship specs, excellent cooling... and okay for everything else.

So yeah, if you're in the market for a high-performance phone but don't want to pay too much for it, this phone is for you. Just expect that there would be sacrifices in some areas.

Pros

Affordable with flagship specs
USB-C with QuickCharge 3.0
Excellent Cooling

Cons

Unbalanced stereo speakers

Well, I guess that's all for this review, Folks. I'm currently coming up with a new review format, since it's been quite a long while since my last review. As usual, if you have any questions, I'll do my best to answer them, as my time with the Pocophone is limited. Finally, thanks for reading and see you in the next article. Happy holidays! :D

Windows Subsystem Linux (WSL): A Boon for Developers

2018-12-24T19:00:00.000+07:00

Never thought I'd see the day.

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I'm a software developer. I code for a living. Also, I used to use Windows for my everyday tasks, and negligent to switch to Linux, despite what everyone says.

However, almost a year ago, I was issued a MacBook by my company, and a coding boot camp. From there, I learned that you can do your development faster from UNIX and its derivatives (Linux, macOS) compared to Windows. There are so many tools built into the Terminal and installing most development tools and libraries (such as Brew, ZSH) are also easier and faster. These tools aren't available to Windows users, even though they are so efficient and time-saving. Even if there is, installing it may take more effort.

On the other hand, I cannot fully commit to Linux. I sometimes game and fully switching to Mac is expensive. So, what's the solution for me?

Enter Windows Subsystem Linux, or WSL, for short, something that Microsoft officially supports in October 2018. It basically offers the capability of running UNIX shell inside Windows. I've given it a try and so far, it's promising.

Installing WSL

Enable Feature in PowerShell

Installing WSL is pretty easy. All you need to do is to make sure you've installed Windows 10 October update, then go enable WSL in PowerShell using the following command. Oh, and make sure you execute it with admin rights.

Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName Microsoft-Windows-Subsystem-Linux

Enabling the feature in PowerShell.

After you're done, you'll be prompted to restart your computer.

Installing Linux Distribution

When you're done restarting, go ahead and search for Linux in Microsoft Store. You'll be greeted with a banner like the image below. Click Get the apps button to view available Linux distributions.

Microsoft even prepared this banner for WSL.

Install the app normally.

Installing Ubuntu from Microsoft Store.

Using WSL

Initializing Distribution

Once your distro is done installing, you can either access it via the Start menu (your distribution name) or from the Command Prompt by launching wsl.exe.

Once installed, WSL is available in your Start menu.

The program will take you through the initialization process, in which you'll create the default UNIX account needed for various purposes, one of which is running a command with sudo.

An account is needed to run commands which require root access.

Go Nuts

On WSL, you can use your favorite UNIX commands.

As I said earlier, you can always access your Linux terminal via Start menu or wsl.exe. From there, you can use all your favorite UNIX commands such as ls, grep, or any other. You can also install tools and libraries that are only available on UNIX such as zsh and linuxBrew. There are some few caveats, though, as WSL itself is still in development. Here are some that I know:

It doesn't have GUI (obviously...)
The directory location is a bit different. Instead of using drive letter directly, you'll have to go to /mnt/driveLetter to access your Windows drive.
There may be incompatibilities between Windows and Linux version of the same software. For example, Linux Git has a strange issue of considering (almost) all files being changed, while in Windows version nothing was changed. Your mileage may vary.
The WSL comes with bare package. Depending on your view, this may either be good or bad thing.

Conclusion

I never thought this would be possible on Windows.

Windows Subsystem Linux (or WSL) is the breakthrough we've been looking for, especially for software developers. I've always envied the Mac for having both UNIX and being pleasant to use, and always wished Windows to have the same capability. Now, we have it. Sure, it's not perfect and still in active development, but at least it's usable and I've already reaped some of its benefits. It seems like Microsoft has been hitting the right targets recently. Good job.

If you're a software developer and uses Linux or Mac for your everyday job, and have a Windows computer lying around, I'd recommend you to give it a try. Who knows, you might like it.

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. I hope this article is useful for you, and sorry for the long update, since I'm gearing up for holiday XD. Finally, as usual, thanks for visiting and see you in the next article. Happy long holidays, everyone! :D

Phishing Email 101

2018-11-07T10:00:00.000+07:00

Phishing illutstration

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Something funny occurred to me yesterday. I received an email which said that I signed up for a free trial on Apple App Store. The email said that the trial subscription was free for a week, then it would charge me.

Of course, I was surprised. Why, because I rarely buy apps on my iPad. I thought someone hacked into my account, but again, I didn't register my credit card in my Apple ID.

But I took a deeper look, and find out that it was a...

Phishing Email

Yup, that's it. Upon closer inspection into that surprising email, I concluded that my account was safe, and that email was nothing but a bluff. But hey, it looked so real.

The mail looks so genuine at first.

Had I not taken a closer look, I would've already taken the bait, and whoever had had sent the email to me, he/she would've gotten my Apple ID for real.

So yes, that's an example of what is mostly known as phishing emails. Phishing emails are basically emails that trick you to give away your important personal information, such as credit card numbers, online or bank account credentials, etc. They even go as far as recreating the whole website or email to make you think it was the real deal. In my case, it's Apple's App Store invoice.

Unsuspecting users will just follow the instructions blindly, and that would've been very dangerous. That's why I'm writing this article, to give you some precautionary steps to identify these annoying copycats.

Where is it from?

Usually, one dead giveaway of a phishing email is where it is sent from. If it was from an unknown or suspicious-looking domain, then there's a good chance that it is fake. Take a look at the one that I mentioned in the beginning.

Apple invoices certainly come from Apple's domain, and the one above does not. It came from a strange-looking domain, and it's the first and clearest giveaway.

It's certainly not coming from Apple.

However, unfortunately, there are ways to spoof these sender name and address. But don't worry, we have a few more tricks up our sleeve.

Is the content relevant?

Read the contents of the email once again. Have you made any changes to whatever is mentioned in the email? Is the information relevant to you? If it's not, then I bet it's safe enough for you to disregard it.

In my example, the charge was both in US Dollars and Indian Rupees. That's ridiculous. Why, because not only it is inconsistent, but also because my Apple ID uses Indonesian Rupiah, my local currency.

How can Apple be as inconsistent as putting two different currencies in a single email?

Another giveaway in my example is the link placements in my email. I know that Apple always puts their company information including important information in the bottom of the email. That information (such as privacy policy, etc.) is in the form of links. Strangely, however, the texts don't have links. Though some have them, it's related to our next point, which is...

Are the links okay?

Yes. Check the links before you click on it. If it's coming from a strange or suspicious website, then most likely, it's a fake.

The given is link is funny. Why would Apple mask its link like this?

In my example, the links are not only the same, but also masked using some sort of a URL shortener. I tried clicking at the link to see what happens, but my browser stopped me.

Most of today's browsers are so smart they know you're being deceived.

Yes, some modern browsers already know which websites are flagged as phishing or deceptive. But don't let your guard down, as buying new domains and setting up websites aren't that difficult.

HTTPS and Root Domain

If you have a question about how to identify whether a site is valid or not, let's get a bit more technical.

All reputable companies (and many smaller ones) use something called HTTPS on their websites. HTTPS makes the communication between the server (the website) and the client (your device) secure, or at least much more difficult to intercept. Finding out whether a site uses HTTPS or not is easy. Just look at the padlock symbol on the left of the web address. This applies to both desktop and mobile devices.

Watch the padlock before the address.

While HTTPS certificates are mostly paid, there are a few solutions out there which give away these certificates for free, so let's get to the next point for added security: root domain.

Generally speaking, a root domain is the top-level directory housing other subdirectories on a website. Confused? Here's an illustration for you:

A simple illustration for Root Domain.

Examples of this include apple.com, google.com, paypal.com, and many more. Many companies typically use the same root domain, while separating their services in subdomains, such as apple.com/mac or images.google.com. Some companies even buy similar root domains, so people wouldn't get into the wrong website, such as gooogle.com, which will kindly redirect you to the correct google.com.

Now, it's quite rare for companies to use different root domains for public use (even though there are some, they're usually a completely different address, and announced widely in public). Different root domains, especially the ones that spell funny, mean that it's very likely fake, no matter how close the new site look to the original.

They look disturbingly similar.

So, you need to watch out for subtle changes in a root domain in your email, such as applesm.com, geoogle.com, or any other funny-spelling domains.

Vigilance is Key

It doesn't matter how good you are in computers, the key here is vigilance. Heck, even an expert in computer science and security can still fall into these phishing scams.

If you notice something looks suspicious or dicey, either ask someone with better knowledge, or disregard the email altogether. Or better, contact the customer support directly and ask about the validity of the email. Better safe than sorry, right?

So I guess that's all for now, Folks. This is just a small PSA, since it happened to me, and I don't want you to fall into that trap. Remember, vigilance is key, and if you're uncertain, either disregard or contact customer support. Finally, thanks for reading, and see you in the next article (hopefully soon). Have a nice day! :D

Amazon Kindle 3rd Gen Paperwhite Review - Remarkable Reading Companion

2018-10-24T10:00:00.000+07:00

Kindle Paperwhite 3rd Gen

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e-Readers are a unique breed of device. It doesn't do anything else besides providing you a sole experience of reading digital books. In a way, it's more cost-savvy to buy a full-fledged tablet. However, for some, full-fledged tablets may be "too cluttered" or "have too many distractions". This is where these single-tasker gadgets come in.

The Amazon Kindle brand is synonymous to this. Their Kindle devices went back over a decade ago with their distinctive e-ink displays. I've been dying to get myself one, especially since they're not available in Indonesia. Fortunately, I was able to get my hands on a Kindle Paperwhite (third generation) a few months back. And after all this time, I'm ready to share my experiences.

Update: Amazon just launched the 4th generation Kindle Paperwhite. Thinner and lighter design, waterproof, more storage, and Bluetooth. This article has been rewritten to adopt to the new device.

Packaging and Design - It's like having a booklet in your pocket

The Box

Open the box, and you'll immediately be greeted with the slab and a quick start guide. There's a cable inside the box, but no AC adapter. I wish they had included it, even though it's not that big of problem. We are used to carrying power banks everywhere, no? Besides, the Kindle Paperwhite doesn't need to be charged that often. More on that later.

I originally thought it was a card...

What's impressive is that the display is already on during the unboxing. I thought it was some kind of a card, but I was wrong. I guess that's the strongest point of a high-resolution e-ink display. It looks like real ink on real paper.

Only the bottom side is busy. Everything else is empty.

More on the design, the only busy side is the bottom, where you have the micro USB port, LED indicator, and power/sleep button.

With 6" display and tons of bezels, the Paperwhite is a tad smaller than an iPad Mini. But the bezels aren't bad news, though, as you need them to hold the device properly like a book.

Key Features: Screen and Battery

As I said before, the Paperwhite is equipped with an e-ink display. As the name says, the screen simulates real ink. While it has excellent contrast ratio (making it look really like traditional paper) and consumes very little power, the display is monochrome and has incredibly low refresh rate. That's why every time it changes screen, the screen flickers.

The e-ink display looks like real ink on real paper in person.

That excellent contrast ratio alone makes the e-ink display the perfect choice for dedicated e-readers like the Paperwhite. It gives significantly less eye strain than your standard LCDs, allowing you to read for hours. In case you want to read at night, there's backlight. But believe me, if you turn that on, you'll render the display strength useless.

A single full charge can last you days, even weeks.

Let's move on to the next strong point of the Paperwhite: battery. I've used the Paperwhite for 2 months with just a single charge. Granted, I don't use it everyday, but I can tell you that a single charge can last days, even a week.

Other Features:

Special Offers

If you're unfamiliar with Amazon hardware, some of them come with "special offers", which reduce price for a bit in exchange of showing you ads (in the lockscreen, in Paperwhite's case). Depending on how you use Amazon, you might like it. In case you don't, you can contact Amazon support and ask them to lift the ads. In my case, since I live in Indonesia and Amazon isn't here (yet), I use that reason to take away these "special offers".

Wi-Fi (and Cellular)

The Paperwhite also comes with Wi-Fi. Cellular model is available, but just like the iPad, I haven't felt the need to shell extra dollars for that functionality. I mean, it's not like you're going to browse the web on that monochrome screen or have the urge to immediately buy books outdoors, right? Anyway, the Wi-Fi is for syncing and downloading your books, as well as updating the software in your Paperwhite. There's a browser available, but I don't bother using it.

Wi-Fi can be used for syncing your ebook collection and software update.

Calibre Support

Calibre is very useful in managing your ebook collection.

If you're into eBooks, you should check out Calibre. It's like your all-in-one eBook management tool for your computer, and you can also use it to put your eBooks into Paperwhite, which is convenient. I'm planning to write an article about the tool itself in the near future. Calibre is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Conclusion: A Solid Reading Partner

If you're into reading. You should give one a try. But think carefully, as the successor
to the 3rd gen is already available.

The Kindle Paperwhite is created solely to serve one purpose: reading. While I cannot write longer reviews about such device, I can say one thing: It's great at what it does. With thousands of titles available in Amazon and the capability to load up your own e-books, the Kindle Paperwhite is a solid, long-lasting reading partner.

So, should you invest your hard-earned ~U$120 for a Paperwhite? I'd say hold your horses. Why, because Amazon just launched the successor to this device. It has thinner and lighter design, waterproof, more storage (from 8GB), and Bluetooth audio support. The newer device is sold for a bit higher price (~U$129), so why settle for less? Chances are if you get the latest version now, you won't have to upgrade, at least for the next 3 years.

If you're aiming for a lower price for some reason, though, I'll say go ahead, as this version is perfectly solid and usable, even though I'll raise an eyebrow and ask "Why?".

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. This is the first article in a while, and I hope I can deliver new articles more frequently in the near future. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your next visit. Have a nice day! :D

Google Tasks Review - Google's Second Attempt at To-Do List

2018-07-21T10:00:00.000+07:00

Google Tasks logo

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Believe it or not, to-do lists have played quite an important part in my life. They (obviously) help me keep track of my tasks, my shopping lists, and even my blogging process. I do admire Apple's Reminder app, as it is simple, user friendly, and just works. It effortlessly and automatically syncs across your devices (mac, iPhone, iPad), so the principle of 'write once, see everywhere' is gracefully and elegantly applied here.

I wish I could've said the same about Google, though. For some reason, I cannot bear using iOS as my primary mobile OS, so I cannot maximize that Reminder app's full potential. Unfortunately, Google didn't have the same app that works as good as Apple's Reminder. They do have Keep, but you can't possibly call keep a full to-do list app, no? For me, Google Keep is more like a versatile, all-in-one notes app, which is not what I'm looking for. I could also use Google Calendar, but I also wanted my calendar to be clean as well. If I'm not mistaken, Google also had some kind of a task app, but it was unintuitive, and well hidden in Google Calendar.

I've also tried using third party alternatives such as Any.do, Wunderlist, and even Microsoft To-Do. While they're not bad, I want a first party solution, which is created by the same company who develops the OS. Why, because their app will have the same design language as the target OS, something that I hold dear. Besides, we had something called 'Organizer' during the feature phone days. Why can't we have the same thing in modern OSes?

Enter Google Tasks. This newly-released app is Google's latest attempt at making a first-party to-do app. As soon as they announced it, I was thrilled. From the icon alone, it seems like Google is finally putting an effort into this. I even went straight to APKMirror to download the app because at the time, it wasn't available in my country's Play Store. My initial impression was promising, and I've been using it for a few weeks now. I'm ready to share my opinion about it. Stay tuned.

Material Design Takes The Lead

Material design is reflected in the splash screen.

Google's material design is the design principle for both Android and their apps. Look at their other apps (GMail, Google Search, Keep, etc.) and you'll see what I mean. The new Google Tasks is no exception. I personally like it, though. It's simple, minimalistic, and somehow, that illusion of 3D depth is satisfying for me.

Simplicity is Its Power

List of tasks

Ever heard of the phrase "less is more"? That's exactly what I think of Google Tasks. It has only the essential features: list, task, subtask, description, and due date. Unlike other tasks app, Google Tasks doesn't support location reminder or comments. Those features might be added later via updates, but for now, for me, personally, Google Tasks is front-and-center, and is sufficient for my needs.

Adding tasks

Adding tasks is simple. Just click the "Add a new task" button and add your task. While adding your new task, you can also add a due date and description. Want to edit your task? Just click on the task, and edit away.

Details of a task.

Unfortunately, subtasks can only be added when editing your task. Also, subtasks don't have their own description and due date. You might want to be as descriptive as possible in the title to prevent confusion in the future.

Manage Multiple Google Accounts

Google Tasks allows you to manage tasks on multiple Google accounts.

Just like many other apps by Google, Tasks also allows you to add and manage multiple Google accounts. Each account will have their own data, so you can separate the tasks between your business and personal accounts.

Google Tasks is Cross-Platform

Google Tasks is also available on iOS and the web. I haven't tried the iOS app, so I can't comment on it. However, its web app is integrated into the new GMail interface (yay, more material, more condensed) along with Keep and Calendar.

You can access Google Tasks web client right from the GMail.

What's great about Google Tasks' web app is that it shares similar features to its mobile counterpart, albeit being smaller. Sharing the same space with GMail should improve your productivity, as you can immediately create tasks as soon as you receive and email for them.

Conclusion

As a man who loves simplicity and minimalism, I must say that I like Google Tasks. This latest attempt at to-do list by Google seems to be working well, at least for me. It has all the necessary features in a simple, user-friendly interface. It also incorporates material design, which is a plus if you're using Android.

Pros:

Material design
Less is more, only the essential features in a user-friendly UI
Cross platform

Cons:

Unable to add subtasks when creating a task
Subtasks don't have their own description and due date

So, do I recommend Google Tasks? Hell yes, if you are someone who is looking for a simple, front-and-center to-do app. If you are looking for more, though, I'm afraid you'll have to look somewhere else.

Well, I guess that's all, Folks. As usual, if you have any questions, sound off in the comments section below. The review is short, yes, because the app itself is simple and minimalistic, so there's not much to write about. Anyway, thanks for reading and see you in the next article! :D

Guide: Migrate Your Wordpress Site From One Server to Another

2018-07-07T10:00:00.000+07:00

Wordpress migration illustration

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P.S.: Please excuse some of the pictures. Currently, I'm testing a watermarking software. Watermarking is needed to prevent misuse of the pictures in this blog. Pictures will only be watermarked if I personally took or made them.

If you’re looking for an easy, no-nonsense blogging platform, Wordpress is still the way to go. It’s supported by many hosting companies, has solid community, thousands of plugins and themes, and regular updates. Installing it is also a breeze, with many hosting companies offer automatic, scripted installation for free. If you want an example, our sister blog, Technoverse, is based on Wordpress.

But, the problem with a lot of hosting platforms is that sometimes, we feel the urge to move. This urge can be caused by many things: cheaper rates, promotions, better and faster servers, etc. This move calls for migration, and for some people, it's a terrifying word.

Worry not, today I'm going to show you that Wordpress migration is not terrifying at all. I've already moved from one hosting to another for at least three times, either Technoverse or my other Wordpress projects. So yeah, the following method is already tried and tested.

Start with File Backup

The first step is to backup all the Wordpress files in your server. You can compress your whole site's directory then download it, or you can choose to download all your files using FTP (such as FileZilla or Cyberduck).

Believe me, compressing before downloading is much faster than using FTP... If you're into that sort of thing...

This can take a while, especially when your site is already large, and has a lot of media files.
Remember, all files must be downloaded. Otherwise, you'll risk breaking your site in the new server later.

Continue with Database Backup

In case you don't know, all your site configurations and posts are stored in the database, including data for your themes and plugins. So yeah, they work together. Excluding one from another will render your site useless.

You can backup your database (I'll refer to them as DB from now on) by accessing PHPMyAdmin on your hosting platform (or other web-based DB app your hosting platform uses). Identify your DB name, and export the database (yes, the whole database). This will give you a SQL file. You'll need to re-import this file in your new server.

Exporting your DB using PHPMyAdmin is fairly easy and straightforward.

Identifying your Site's DB

If you're not sure which DB your site uses, you can look at a file named wp-config.php. It's located in your site directory. You can't miss it.

The wp-config.php file is located on the outermost location inside your site directory.

Open that file, and you'll see the following line: define('DB_NAME', 'test-db');
On the example above, test-db is the DB name your site is using.

Let the Migration Begin!

Okay, so the backup is ready, and I assume your server is ready too. Let's start migrating, then.

Create Database in New Server

First, you'll need to create an empty DB for your migrated site. This may vary depending on your hosting platform, but be sure to remember the DB credentials:

The DB Wizard in cPanel will guide you step by step to set up your new DB.

DB host address (usually localhost)
DB name
DB username
DB password.

Update Your wp-config.php File

Now that you've created a new, empty DB, you need to tell your site to read from the new DB. Open the wp-config.php file, and make the necessary changes.

You should see a lot of this line: define('XXX', 'YYY'). Change the YYY (leave the quotes be) to your new configuration.

Most likely you'll only need to change four items:

DB_NAME, which is the name of your DB.
DB_USER, which is the username to access your DB.
DB_PASSWORD, which is the password to access your DB.
DB_HOST, which is the address to your DB. Usually localhost, but yours could be different.

Under most and normal circumstances, you'll only need to update the four lines above.

Upload the Files to Your New Server

Uploading files in cPanel is straightfoward.

The next thing you can do is upload the backup to the server, then extract it, if you compressed them earlier. Be mindful of the directory though, as different directory means different URL in the web world. Again, depending on your backup size, this can take a while.

Adjust the DB to Your New Server

If you don't change your address/domain/URL, you can safely skip this step.

While the upload is going, you should prepare your DB for the new server. Open that SQL file you got from DB backup earlier, and replace your old URL with the new one.

With the right text editor, you can easily and quickly replace all your old domain with the new one in the SQL file.

You can use any text editor you like, but I personally recommend Notepad++ for Windows, or Atom for both macOS and Windows, as both of them are simple, powerful, and most of all, free.

I love both Atom and Visual Studio Code because they're free, powerful, and cross-platform.

Import SQL File to Your New DB

Now, even though your upload is complete, your site won't work because your DB is empty. In fact, it might throw an error. To fix this, import the SQL file you just modified to your new DB.

Import your recently-exported SQL file to "move" your DB to the new server.

If you're using PHPMyAdmin, you can use the 'import' tab to do this. Click 'Browse', then 'Go'. Wait until it is complete.

Check If Everything Works - Enjoy Your New Site!

Last but not least, once everything's done, check if your site fully works. Try navigating here and there, taking a look at your posts, media files. You might want to take a look at your themes and plugins. In some cases, you might need to re-install them.

Everything works? Great. Enjoy your new site!

Alternative: Premium Services

If you feel that doing it yourself is too bothersome, there are some services out there that can do the job for you for a fee. Heck, your new hosting company might also offer this service.

Fantasktic is one of the companies that provide Wordpress migration service. I never used them, though.

Personally, I've never tried any of them, so I can't really give any recommendation. Besides, if you're migrating often, this can be expensive, so be wary.

Well, that's it. Not that difficult, right? I've tried and tested the above methods multiple times, so it should work. If it doesn't work for you, have your say in the comments below and I'll try my best to help. Finally, as usual, thanks for visiting and see you in the next article! :D

Quick Tip - Quickly Switching Phones

2018-05-16T10:00:00.000+07:00

Switching Phones - An Illustration

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I'll admit this last few weeks are kind of slow, so that's why I'm writing this. In this article, I'm going to share a tip on how to quickly move between devices. A decade ago, moving between devices is a pain. You have to manually backup your contacts, photos, etc. using PC Suite, if you still remember the term. Coupled with the limited technology back then, it was a painful chore. But now, thanks to cloud technology, everything is a snap. I'll show you.

Oh, and before we begin, let me tell you that I'll be using the most common services, which should be used by most people. You may use other services, but I bet that you are currently using at least one of these. Oh, and this guide is mainly aimed for switching from one Android phone to another. I'll mention iOS at some points, but that's not our main topic.

Contacts, Calendar, Mail: Google Account

Some of Google's services.

By default, your Google account automatically syncs your data to the cloud: contacts, mail, calendars, etc. However, everything might not be automated--you might still need to configure some things. Once you login in your new device, all your data should be synced automatically. The transition should be seamless.

Notes: Google Keep, OneNote

One reason why I love Google Keep is that it is integrated with your Google account. Just sign in, and your notes are automatically synced. It's also simple and cuttle-free, which makes it perfect for a simple scribble or to-do list.

Contrary to the picture above, OneNote is also compatible with Android, MacOS, and Windows.

However, for more complex notes, I prefer Microsoft's OneNote. It's simple yet organized and feature-rich. Similar to Google Keep, to sync your notes in OneNote, simply sign in to your Microsoft account (Outlook, Live, Office 365, or Exchange). Oh, FYI, both are multi-platform, which means you can use them on both iOS and Android.

Storage: Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive

Google Drive is useful for storing and syncing your files across devices.

You don't need to use all of them, but if you do, each of them has their own app, be it on Android or iOS. With these apps, you'll be able to upload or download your files into or from the cloud. When you use their apps on your computer, with the right configuration, they'll automatically sync the files, so you don't have to manually plug your phone into your computer and copy the files manually.
This does require a decent Internet connection, though…

Photos: Google Photos

With Google Photos, you won't have to worry about storage and memory cards anymore.

If you're asking why I need a separate photo section, it's because the storage mentioned in the previous point is severely limited. Google Drive gives 15GB, Dropbox gives 2GB, while OneDrive gives 5GB (you're free to pay for more, but I don't). Google Photos, however, gives you unlimited storage if you choose their definition of "high quality" photos, which is generous and decent. What's better is that Google Photos is also available on iOS, which makes it easier for you to switch platforms.

Google is The Key for Moving Cross-Platform

Look at someone dead in the eye and tell them "I don't use Google". They'll most likely laugh, especially when they know you're using an Android phone. Unless you live in China or in a highly-isolated country, chances are you're using Google. Not only for emails, but also for everything else: Photos, Notes, Storage, etc. Apple has their own iCloud solution. However, like any other Apple products, support for external platform is very minimal, if any...

What about My Messages?

WhatsApp has their own built-in backup solution, even though it is not cross-platform.

Unfortunately, there is no single solution for backing up all your messages. Depending on your messaging provider and phone, you might have a cloud solution (such as WhatsApp). Some solutions don't have backup features (such as LINE) so unfortunately, you'll have to let go of your messages. There may be third-party backup services, but I've never tried any of them.

Trust is The Key

If you've been paying attention, I've been recommending either Google or Microsoft. I am aware that there are privacy concerns, especially with the former, given their advancements in their AI technology (their Google Assistant is decades smarter than Siri). As you know, AI requires a lot of training, and where does your training come from? Your data. Targeted advertising, which is currently still Google's primary source of income, also requires your data: your browsing behavior, to be precise.

Google has a tool which allows you to control what you share with them.

See the pattern here? Yes, in exchange with your data, you are allowed to use their convenient services. Well, after all, somebody has to pay all the bills, right? The question is, do you trust Google with your data? I know I do, because I value their services more, and to me, they're very helpful and convenient. In case you're wondering what data Google is collecting about you, you can use Google's privacy checkup tool here. Fortunately, Google hasn't messed up as bad as Facebook, so I feel a bit safer about them. As for Microsoft, well, most of their services are paid (and quite pricey, too), so I don't expect them to mine and use our data as much as Google.

Like it or not, cloud is the way forward, and it will get more and more widespread in the future. It comes with a risk, yes, but is that risk worth the effort to go back to the old days of manually transferring files and contacts through your PC? Or is it worth setting up your own cloud infrastructure (this one is really pricey...)? I don't think so.

Well, I guess that's all about this quick guide, Folks. I know some of you may disagree with this article, that's fine. In fact, I'd like to know how you move over your data when switching to a new phone. Tell me more in the comments section. Finally, as always, thanks for reading and see you in the next article! :D

Steelseries Rival 600 - A Festival of Colors

2018-03-31T10:00:00.000+07:00

Steelseries Rival 600 official shot.

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I'm a gaming accessories hater-turned-fan, especially after trying Steelseries' Rival 500 (review here). I then bought a MSi laptop (which happens to have Steelseries keyboard), and the next thing I knew, I was already entrenched in Steelseries' ecosystem. Funny how your mind can be changed just by trying out the real-life product.

I'm on the verge of buying their mousepad, but that's a story for another day. What I'm going to talk about today is the latest mouse on their lineup, the Rival 600. Its beautiful design and symmetric streams of colors enticed me into buying it. I've used it for both gaming and working for approximately a week now, and I'm ready to share my experience. Okay, so shall we start?

Packaging and Design

Steelseries Rival 600 box

I've been anticipating the Rival 600 ever since its launch, so I was very happy when the product came to my doorstep. The box is just like other Steelseries products, with the mouse featured along with geometrical pattern background.

What's inside

Open it, and you'll find the mouse itself, along with a cable (it's detachable!) and a small case fitted with 8 weight blocks, each weighing 4 grams.

What's inside. Detailed.

The weight blocks

By far, this is the neatest-looking mouse I've seen at an affordable price. No, don't get me started on Mad Catz' R.A.T series mouse, they look way too frightening to use. I'll probably vote for Razer's Ouroboros, but its price is almost, if not already, twice the Rival 600, though it also supports wireless.

The RAT Pro X+ from Madcatz. Frightening.

It's made of matte black plastic. Though smooth and quite pleasant to use, I'm afraid that it might pick up dust and sweat easily, something that I'm prone of.

Clean your mouse regularly, boys!

Anyway, you can open up the sides to insert the weight blocks. It's held together by a couple of strong magnets. Quite convenient if you tend to change weight often. Each side can hold up to 4 blocks, so you may add up to 16 grams in total. Since I previously used the Rival 500 (which was very heavy, by the way...), I used all the blocks to make myself comfortable. Oh, and there are also three additional buttons on the left side.

Left side.

Right side.

As I said earlier, the cable was detachable. Even though it uses microUSB, the tip is oddly-shaped which fits perfectly in the mouse. This is cumbersome, because if the cable breaks, you can't just pick up a spare microUSB cable and replace it.

The cable is detachable.

The tip of the cable will make it harder for you to replace it.

Flip the mouse over, and the design here is no less neat. You have three rubber pads to make sure the mouse glides smoothly on the surface. There's also an extra sensor, which is said to minimize distortion when moving the mouse.

The flipside. There are rubber pads and an extra sensor.

Overall, I'm very impressed with the Rival 600's design. Let's see if its performance gives the same impression.

Experience

Using the Steelseries Rival 600 has always been a pleasure, though I needed to make some adjustments. Its narrower, longer, and lighter than my Rival 500. Strangely, I also felt that the buttons are heavier compared to the 500. It took me a few days to get used to it. I also miss the tactile feedback (read: vibration) on the 500. I think Steelseries could've fitted that in the 600, given its higher model number.

As for the advertised TrueMove3+ sensor, when I curiously lifted the mouse then put it back down, the cursor indeed returned to its original position. Honestly, the feature wasn't that useful for me. I don't know, maybe because I don't game competitively that much?

The Steelseries Engine serves as a hub to all your Steelseries peripherals.

Anyway, speaking about Steelseries, I'm sure you know about their Steelseries Engine software. It's a centralized hub to configure everything related to your Steelseries peripherals. You can control the cursor speed (CPI), button mappings, illumination, and more. So far, I've only been using the first three features, though.

You can customize a lot of things in the Engine.

I'll say it again, the illumination is neat. To make that stream of colors in the middle, there are a total of six RGB zones, each you can configure to have its own colors. When you turn both on, it feels like having your own lava lamp, minus the blob.

Depending on your creativity, your mouse can give away beautiful streams of colors.

Conclusion

The Steelseries Rival 600 is a neat-looking mouse that won't disappoint... given the right audience.

To be honest, I feel that the key point in the Rival 600 is its design, since I don't feel the significance of their so-called TrueMove3+ sensor. Well, take it from non-pro casual gamer which mostly uses his mouse for working purposes.

Anyway, despite being a great mouse, apart from the design, I don't feel that the Rival 600 warrants an upgrade, from either Rival 500 or 700. Its price point is kind of a little bit close to each other, and you'll lose that satisfying tactile feedback available both Rival 500 and 700.

Pros

Beautiful design
RGB. Lots of it.

Cons

No tactile feedback
The TrueMove3+ sensor isn't really that useful for everyday life
Pricing is a little bit too close to Rival 500 and 700
Matte surface is prone to dust and sweat

Okay, I guess that's all for now. I hope this article is useful for you, especially those of you who is in the market for a new gaming mouse. As usual, if you have any questions, just sound them in the comments below. Finally, thanks for reading and I'll see you in the next article. Have a nice weekend! :D

Parallel Space Review - Feels Like Having Two Phones

2018-03-14T10:00:00.000+07:00

Parallel Space Logo

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Until a couple of months ago, I've been having two smartphones with me. That's because I still believed that one phone will never be able to have two WhatsApps. If it was, it would take a toll on the battery.

However, I then felt burdened. Not only because I had to maintain both of them, but also because one felt neglected. So, I decided to give MIUI's Dual Apps a shot (I've been a loyal Xiaomi fan)... And it works like a charm.

Okay. One device was sold. Then, I needed to switch phone because mine was actually my father's. Okay, I decided to move to Zenfone, simply because I wanted to try something different. Then, I missed MIUI's Dual Apps. The ZenUI 3 at the time didn't support twin apps yet.

So, I went ahead and tried Parallel Space. It kept coming up in search results, not sure if it was good marketing or the app was really good. And you know what, I've been happy. I even bought the Pro version.

Parallel Space page in Google Play Store.

Then, Zenfone 3 Oreo update came. It supported Twin Apps and it worked, although there were bugs. So, I put Parallel Space aside.

Then, I upgraded to Zenfone Zoom S because the original Zenfone 3 was needed by my sister. It supported Twin Apps, but there was this critical bug that prevented me from connecting to my Google account, so I used Parallel Space once again.

Then, I decided to make this review. I know some people will find this little app useful... Because I do.

Parallel Space Can Clone Not Only WhatsApp

Though I only used it for WhatsApp, it's assuring to know that it can also clone other apps. When you decide to "install" an app in your Parallel Space, it will offer you a list of installed apps that it can clone.

You can clone not only WhatsApp.

Parallel Space will also automatically install an app's dependency(s), if they are installed already. For example, when I added Flipboard, Parallel Space automatically added Facebook and Twitter. This is probably to enable Flipboard's integration with those two apps.

You Can Secure Your Parallel Space

Most Android phones from Chinese vendors usually have the AppLock feature, which requires your PIN or fingerprint when opening an app. Parallel Space supports that, too.

You can secure your Parallel Space with Pattern.

Parallel Space Has Built-In Browser

Not sure why, but Parallel Space has its own built-in browser. This browser, although named Private Browser, still records your history. You still have an option to remove browsing data on exit, though.

For whatever reason, Parallel Space has a browser.

Parallel Space is Like Having A Second Phone

Judging by its behavior, Parallel Space clones the bare necessities of an Android phone, such as Google Play Services. This is needed so that the apps inside can interact with your Google account, like WhatsApp and its backup/restore functionality.

Not only that, you can also install apps only in that space, dubbed Incognito Installation. Once you select an app, it will redirect you to the Play Store to install the app. Then, to make it 'Incognito', Parallel Space will recommend you to delete the app on your original space.

Incognito mode lets you leave apps only in Parallel Space.

In case you're curious, Parallel Space has its own Task Manager, which shows you how much memory it's using. Correct, the more apps you install in it, the more memory it uses. Just your everyday laws of physics.

Parallel Space's internal task manager.

Parallel Space Auto Updates Apps

Here's a fun fact that I recently discovered. I curiously compared the versions between two WhatsApps in my phone, and they're the same. The original app was updated two days before. There are two possibilities: Parallel Space independently auto-updates the app, or once it detects a version difference, it will update.

Parallel Space is Ad-Supported

Like all freemium apps, Parallel Space is ad-supported. I personally don't think the ads are annoying, but if you're planning to use it for a long time, then shelling out ~IDR67,000 is no big deal, compared to what you get.

Beware of Battery Saving Apps

Some Chinese-based smartphones have built-in task killer apps. Make sure to whitelist your cloned apps (or even Parallel Space itself) or they will automatically close, preventing them from updating and notifying you from the background.

Conclusion

Before knowing Parallel Space, a feature to have dual apps is a must for me, limiting my choice of smartphone brands. I had to do an extensive research first before deciding to buy. With Parallel Space, the limit is no more. I can just buy the phone I want. If it doesn't support dual apps or is buggy (like the one in my Zoom S), I can just install Parallel Space and be done with it.

Though I've only been using it for WhatsApp, I already feel that Parallel Space is very useful.

So, I guess that's all, Folks. If you're like me, who's tired of handling two devices at the same time, I hope you'll find Parallel Space useful. As usual, if you have questions, don't hesitate to ask. Finally, thanks for reading and have a nice day. See you in the next article! :D

Download Parallel Space from Google Play Store

Infinix Zero 5 Review: A Worthy Flagship Upgrade

2018-02-24T10:00:00.000+07:00

Infinix Zero 5 Official Shot

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Even though I thought I already suspended device reviews, an opportunity suddenly popped up. My father decided that he wanted to try out Infinix's latest Zero flagship, the Zero 5. I suspect there were a few things that tempted him to upgrade: Dual camera, large screen, and most importantly: insanely affordable price. Yeah, the latter is the most important because at the moment, there's no phone at that price range which has 6GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage.

The specs seem beastly. Add a slew of accessories into the packaging and dedicated SD card slot (in addition to 2 SIM slots), you'll have yourself a great flagship. My father chose the flashy red color, and fortunate enough, I have the chance to try the phone out for a week, before sending it to him.

So, the million-dollar question is, is it worth your money? Or rather, why is it worth your money? Let's find that out!

Design and Packaging

The box looks striking enough.

Wrapped in black and glossy red, Infinix Zero 5's box looks striking. There's a small sticker on the top-right corner, which guarantees the Zero 5 to receive the latest Android version one time. Well, only time will tell. Last time, the Zero 4 received Nougat while launching with Marshmallow, so I guess (and hope) Infinix could live up to their promise.

On the back of the box, there are the key features of the phone: dual camera, XCharge (Infinix's proprietary fast-charge tech), octa-core processor, large screen, etc. See for yourself in the picture below.

The key feature looks good.

As I said before, Infinix is really generous with the accessories. Not only you get the usual earbuds, charger, and cable, you also get a soft plastic case and a USB-C to micro USB adapter. It's small, so be careful not to lose it.

Infinix gives you a lot of accessories in the package.

Be careful not to lose this tiny adapter.

Without doubt, the included charger supports XCharge. As you can see on the picture below, the adapter supports charging up to 12V and 1.5A. As an added bonus, Infinix has already applied a screen protector to your phone. Judging by the scarcity of Infinix accessories in the wild, this kind of addition is gladly welcome.

The included charger supports Infinix's XCharge technology.

Look closely. Infinix has already included a screen protector.

Okay, let's move on to the device. With a display size almost touching 6", the Infinix Zero 5 is big, even though not as big as its plus-sized predecessor. For those who have big hands like me, you won't find it unwieldy. Otherwise, you might need to hold the phone with both hands.

Let's start with the front side, which is the busiest. There's the screen, the front camera, earpiece, LED flash, and sensors (light sensors, proximity sensors).


The phone's large size might make it unwieldy for some.

The back will remind you of Huawei and Google's retired Nexus 6P. Many of my friends were impressed with the back design. "It looks masculine," they said. Well, though I prefer black, the red doesn't look bad, either. Anyway, the dual camera sits flush on top, in the black strip. Infinix made sure that you know that the camera is capable of 2X optical zoom (that's the key feature of this phone) by explicitly writing it on the right side. The cameras are accompanied by a large LED flash in the middle. Additionally, there's also the always-on fingerprint sensor in the middle, and a bunch of branding and stuffs below.

The back actually looks good.

The bottom side is quite busy, you have the single speaker, accompanied by the USB-C port (finally), a mic, and a 3.5mm headphone jack (yay!). Let's hope Infinix won't ditch the 3.5mm audio jack soon.

On the right side, you we have the dual SIM slot, volume rockers, and the power button. The power button is textured like the Zero 4 Plus, and their positioning is still in the middle, which makes them easier to reach.

Headphone jack retains the spotlight, USB-C makes the debut.

The power button is textured, you'll recognize it instantly.

The top side is clean. There's nothing there, so let's move on. On the left side, there's the dedicated SD card slot. Yes, I'm happy to announce that Infinix Zero 5 has three dedicated slots: 2 micro SIM and 1 SD card.

Nothing on the top side.

Only SD Card slot is on the left.

Dual SIM and dedicated SD card slot. Amazing.

Infinix's Zero 5 design may not be the most original out there, but it's definitely an upgrade from the Zero 4, especially in the camera (the Zero 4 camera design was a total disaster). As for the packaging, Infinix superbly provides a complete package. This means you won't need to go through the trouble of looking for accessories. Just snap in the included case and you're done.

Hardware

In the heart of the Zero 5, there's the Mediatek Helio P25. In case you're wondering, Infinix is starting to turn its head to Qualcomm, with their latest Hot S3 phone, but that's a story for another day. Speaking about the P25, it is powered by 8 A53 cores, divided into two (performance and power-efficiency cores) running at 2.6GHz and 1.6GHz respectively. Though it seems like a downgrade compared to the Zero 4 Plus, when you think about the upgrade in other departments (camera, RAM, storage), it actually makes sense.

Infinix Zero 5 specs in a nutshell.

Storage-wise, the 64GB of storage and 6GB of RAM make the Zero 5 a very capable multitasker. Firing up the phone, I got approximately 48GB of free space, and 4.56GB of free RAM. That's more than plenty for this price point. Anyway, adhering to the tradition, the Zero 5 scores 65,931 points on AnTuTu. Not bad, but not stellar, either.

Free space and RAM when firing up for the first time.

A middling AnTuTu score.

Now, let's talk about the screen. It seems to have a good sunlight eligibility, even though the auto brightness setting is quite annoying. I have to re-adjust the brightness manually quite often, even though the automatic brightness is on. As for the full HD panel, it's your standard 16:9 ratio, as opposed to the trending 18:9. Ratio aside, the large and vivid panel serves well as your multimedia companion.

As for sensors, the only ones that are missing are temperature and pressure sensor. Gyroscope sensor is present, so doing VR shouldn't be a problem, if you like that sort of thing. The fingerprint sensor on the back is quite fast and accurate. However, the Zero 5 doesn't support NFC. That's fine, no other phone in this price point has that feature.

Only temperature and pressure sensors are missing.

Finally, the battery. Have I not mentioned that it's even bigger than the Zero 4 Plus? Well, it is: 4,000mAh compared to 4,350mAh. Coupled with the more power-efficient Helio P25, the Zero 5, theoretically, should have more superior battery life compared to its bulky predecessor. Right, with normal usage, the 4,350mAh power pack manages to keep me company for at least a full day. If not, the XCharge-capable adapter should be able to top it up quickly.

Software

I'll just put this again here.

The Zero 5 runs Infinix's third iteration of their proprietary Android skin, the XOS 3, on top of Android Nougat. There's no news of Oreo yet, but according to the sticker on the box, it will come. While testing, I received a couple of software updates, each of which claim to improve phone and camera performance. I hope that Infinix will continue to release regular updates like this.

Lockscreen

Software-wise, the XOS is just like your everyday Chinese Android skin. There's no app drawer, and there are a bunch of built-in utility apps just like Security and Battery. On the former you can configure permissions for apps, while the latter allows you to enable Ultra Power Saving mode and tweaks various system settings hoping to squeeze more battery life out of your battery.

Security.

Battery.

Phone Master.

For social media freaks, there's the Multi Account app. In short, this app makes a clone for some of your app (preferably social apps such as Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp) so you can simultaneously use two accounts in the same device. This feature has been a must for me since I decided to keep just one phone.

Multi Account is here to fulfill your social needs.

XOS also supports various gestures. The most convenient and famous gesture is the double tap to sleep/wake. Another useful gesture is to take screenshots by sliding your three fingers up or down.
Oh, and in case you don't see it, when the connected adapter supports XCharge, you'll see two lightning bolts next to the battery icon instead of one.

Camera

Now comes my favorite part, the camera. Infinix is so proud of the Zero 5's camera that they make it the primary selling point. The rear camera features one 12MP f/2.0 lens and one 13MP telephoto lens (they don't specify the aperture). This combination gives you 2X optical zoom. Sadly, there's no OIS. The laser autofocus featured on the Zero 4 duo is gone, too. But hey, the Zero 5 is still capable to take great pictures in good lighting. Here are the samples:

Zoom 2X

Food Shot

Zoom 2X

Mini Chizza. By KFC.

In minimum lighting, surprisingly, the photos produced don't seem to have that much noise. In fact, it's quite impressive. Here, see for yourself:

A cup of tea at night.

Night Cafe

Your typical night in a residential area.

Zoom Twice

Though I'm not a fan of using LED flash, the big one on the Infinix Zero 5 helps quite a lot when trying to illuminate your photo subjects:

Without LED flash

With flash

Conclusion

A Flagship Worthy of Its Price

Picking up from the Zero 4 Plus, I feel that Infinix knows what they are doing. They seem to learn from the mistakes their previous flagship, and managed to deliver an outstanding product, at a very attractive price. Though I don't really like their XOS, I must admit that I like the hardware. The cameras are surprisingly good, and there's plenty of storage.

One thing that I don't like from this phone is its auto brightness, which never seem to get things right. The Zero 5 is also on the heavy side. If you can easily hold it with one hand, I don't mind, it becomes solid. If it's big and unwieldy, however, your chances of dropping it will increase.

So, who is this phone for? It's for those who don't mind big phones and are currently looking for as much bang-for-the-buck as possible. At IDR 3,500,000, there's currently no phone that can beat the Zero 5 in terms of specs.

Pros:

Flagship-level specs
Very capable cameras
Dedicated dual SIM and SD card slots
Affordable price

Cons:

Automatic brightness is annoying
Though smaller than the Zero 4 Plus, it is still heavy and unwieldy for some people

Okay, I guess that's all for this review, Folks. I hope you enjoy reading this article, and if you have questions, just ask away. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your next visit. Have a nice weekend! :D

Quick Guide - Prevent Windows Auto App Install

2018-02-15T10:00:00.000+07:00

Our guide today has something to do with Microsoft Store.

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I'm pretty sure that while Windows 7 and 8 still has a considerable market share, most of you have tasted Windows 10. During its first setup, we were introduced to Cortana and a bunch of configuration which may concern our privacy. As if that's not annoying enough, I found myself facing another problem: automatic installation of a few apps. Even after uninstalling them, they kept coming again.

Don't get me wrong, Windows 10, in my opinion, is the best Windows yet in terms of features and UI. However, Microsoft seems to take on this software-as-a-service a little too seriously. What I fear the most is when we no longer have complete control over installing these so-called "sponsored" and "we think you might love" apps.

The Problem

So, the apps that Microsoft kept installing in my PC was the infamous Candy Crush Soda Saga, Royal Revolt, and Dragon-something, I forgot. You may have a different set of apps. I've tried uninstalling them again and again, but after a few minutes (or restarts), they kept showing up. I thought it might be a virus (though it's highly unlikely), but I got nothing after a few number of scans.

The only way I could suppress the install was to disconnect my PC from the Internet. But that wasn't practical, was it? I need Internet, for both work and entertainment, so that solution was a no-go.

The solution

So yeah, after looking at several forum and Reddit posts about the same problem (there seems to be plenty...), I've finally come to a conclusion: Microsoft Store auto-update, and an app named App Installer. You can just turn off the former in favor of automatic updates. As for the latter, fortunately, Microsoft allows you to uninstall it. Microsoft says it's a tool for side-loading Windows apps, but I've never had a chance to use it... even once, so it was an easy good-bye for me.

To turn off the automatic update on Microsoft Store, just open the app, then navigate to Settings menu via the three-dot button on the top-right corner of the store window. Turn off the setting for "Update apps automatically", which should be on the first position.

Sometimes the definition of "Automatic Update" has to be cleared.

To uninstall App Installer, simply search for "Uninstall" using Cortana or your Windows' start menu. Look for an app named "App Installer", click on it, and simply click "Uninstall".

So long, App Installer. I hardly knew ye.

After performing the above steps, you shouldn't need to restart your computer. Uninstall those unwanted apps, and they shouldn't haunt you anymore. It's been almost a month for me and I haven't got those apps in my system. At least not involuntarily.

Well, Folks, that's it for this quick guide. I hope it's useful for you. As usual, if you have any questions, just pop them up and I'll answer them as quickly as I can. Stay tuned, I got a surprise coming shortly :p. Finally, thanks for reading and have a nice day! :D

Quick Guide: Clear Administrator Error When Removing Google Account On Xiaomi Devices

2018-01-13T10:00:00.000+07:00

Illustration. No, we're not talking about iOS today.

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It's been quite a while since I last wrote a quick guide. Well, things have been busy and since there's no budget for a new device, well… device reviews will be paused for quite a bit. Instead, I will be writing reviews for apps and quick guides for overcoming errors in my devices.

So, what's in store this time? Recently, I switched from Xiaomi Mi Note 2 to Asus Zenfone 3. Why, because the Mi Note 2 was not mine, and I won a free Zenfone 3. I prefer Zenfone 3's camera (which uses the same sensor as Mi 5, BTW) so I switched. Fortunately, the Snapdragon 625 wasn't that much slower than the former-flagship 821, so I don't really notice the downgrade.

Before returning the Mi Note 2, I had to remove my Google Account in it. Otherwise, the owner will need my password to re-use that device, even after a factory reset. That's been the case ever since Android Lollipop, to at least make it more difficult for thieves to misuse your device. Unfortunately, I had this strange error when trying to remove my primary Google Account.

The strange error I encountered.

The Fix

The fix? Turned out to be simple: Security. I always enable fingerprint unlock on my devices (it's easy and secure), and on MIUI, apparently it's not possible to remove the primary Google Account without removing the device security first (I used both PIN and Fingerprint unlock). After removing them, Voila! I successfully removed the Google Account, and the reset went smoothly.

Completely removing lockscreen security solves this problem.

Again, I've only seen this error on MIUI, notably MIUI9 (there are some cases on MIUI8 according to MIUI forum as well). I've tried reproducing the same error on my Zenfone 3, and failed. It seems like this "feature" is indeed available only on MIUI.

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. Quick, isn't it? Okay, as usual, if you have any questions, ask away in the comments section below. Finally, thanks for reading and see you on the next article. Have a nice weekend! :D

Aukey PA-T11 Review: One Station To Rule Them All

2017-12-31T10:00:00.000+07:00

Aukey PA-T11 official shot.

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Nowadays, we tend to have more than one gadgets. Most of us, I reckon, have at least one smartphone and one power bank (and probably a tablet). Imagine living in a house with more people, and that number rises. If each of us use a single adapter for each of our device, how many outlets do we need? Many. And I'm pretty sure you wouldn't want to put extension terminal everywhere in your house, right?

Enter the Aukey PA-T11, a multi-port USB charging station. It has enough USB port to charge 6 of your devices with a single outlet. Also, it supports Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0 standard for those who think that the standard 2A charging is too slow.

It looks simple and convenient. But is that all? Well, let's find out in this Aukey PA-T11 review article. Shall we?

Packaging and Design

The box is already as heavy as it is.

There's not much to say about the box. You can flip open the front, revealing the charging station, along with some of its key features written.

Aukey PA-T11's key features are written here.

The accessory itself is quite heavy, though. Inside, you'll find not only the essentials (PA-T11, AC cable, a bunch of papers), but also a USB-A to micro USB cable. Well, at least you won't have to buy an extra micro USB cable.

You'll find the essentials, along with an extra micro USB cable.

The PA-T11 blocky design actually looks good in your desk, by the way. The black color blends pretty well with pretty much any surface: work desk, bedside table, coffee table, etc. Now, let's take a closer look at what it offers.

Yeah, pretty much any surface.

On the back, there's the DC input port. On the right side, there's a small LED which indicates power. There's nothing else on the right or the sides.

DC input port on the back.

The star of the show is definitely the front, where you have 6 USB ports. 2 of which complies to Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0 standard (colored orange). So yeah, this station is capable for topping up your gadgets quickly. The rest is pretty standard, charging at 5V / 2.4A spec.

The front houses 6 ports. Two of which support Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0.

All in all, the design of the PA-T11 is simple and elegant. The addition of a USB cable inside the box is nice, so you don't have to buy another cable.

Experience

With nothing else to discuss but the usage, let's skip ahead. When I was writing this review, I coincidentally have 2 devices that support Qualcomm's QuickCharge 3.0: Xiaomi Mi5 and Xiaomi Mi Note 2. Usually, a station like this divides the input electricity to each port, so I was skeptical that both would be fast-charged.

However, I was pleasantly proven wrong. Using an app named Ampere, which can roughly measure the input current, both devices were quick-charged (4.X V and >2.5A). Another way to know is that MIUI's latest ROM lets you know if your device is being quick-charged (if your device supports it, of course…) through either your lockscreen, or the charging icon on the top notification bar.

Both devices were fast-charged at the same time.

The rounded lightning icon on top means your device is being fast-charged.

In case you're wondering, the QC3.0 port is backward-compatible, meaning it will revert to the usual 5V/2.4A spec when the device plugged into it doesn't support QC3.0. I tested this with a Zenfone 3 using Ampere and there didn't seem to be any difference whether I use the orange or green port.

My Zenfone 3 doesn't support QuickCharge.

Additionally, I was also able to charge my iPad at the same time, and that doesn't seem to slow down the previous two devices. I don't have enough devices to fill all the ports, but based on my experience, I'm pretty confident that all devices will be charged as quickly as the others.

Conclusion

Aukey PA-T11 is a versatile and affordable charging station.

At roughly IDR 450,000 (~U$33), you get a charging station which can charge up to 6 devices simultaneously (two of which is Qualcomm's QC3.0). If that isn't a good deal, I don't know what is, especially if you have multiple devices, and you travel often. Rather than bringing one AC adapter per device, why not just carry this PA-T11? I know I will.

Unfortunately, I haven't found any flaw on this accessory... yet (it's unfortunate because it makes as if this is a one-sided review). I've used it for approximately a month and I still love it. In fact, I've shelved my AC adapters in favor of this charging station. So yeah, if you need an accessory that can fast-charge many devices at once, I'll gladly recommend the Aukey PA-T11.

Okay, I guess that's all for now, Folks. Hope this review is useful for you. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask in the comments section below. I'll do my best to answer. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading, and I'm looking forward to your next visit. Have a great new year, everyone! :D

Infinix XE-02 Noise-Cancelling Earphones Review: A Unique and Affordable Concept

2017-12-23T10:00:00.000+07:00

Infinix XE-02 Official Shot

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As a software developer, earphones play an integral role in my job. It gives me enough entertainment to push past the requirements and deadlines. That's why I've been looking for a great pair of earphones. Of course, they have to be affordable. I just can't justify spending IDR 1,000,000 on a product of such category.

You know I've reviewed Infinix Zero 4 Plus before and their included earphones are pretty good by my standards. That's what pushed me to try out another product of theirs: Infinix XE-02 Noise-Cancelling Earphones. Costing only IDR 299,000 and offering battery-powered noise cancellation feature, do these earbuds deserve a place in your ear?

Let's find out.

Packaging and Design

Infinix XE-02 Box

The XE-02 comes with quite a fancy packaging, like a phone. Slide out the box, and you'll immediately notice the unique-shaped earbuds with the noise-cancelling box, a carrying pouch, and a couple of leaflets. Inside the pouch you'll find a couple pair of bud replacements, allowing you to choose which is most comfortable for you.

The pouch is great for storing the earphones and replacement buds when not in use.

The earbuds themselves look different thanks to the fin-shaped rubber on top of them. The fin mimics the contour of your ear, helping the buds stay put, even when you're running. The outer layer is made of textured aluminum, which gives it a unique glow. There's a small LED on the layer, which will turn on when the noise cancellation is on.

The buds glow when the noise cancellation is active.

Then there's the noise-cancellation box. There's nothing on the button except micro USB port for charging, power toggle, and status LED. One flaw that I noticed is that the distance between the jack and the box is kind of short, which may disturb you if you want to listen to music with your phone in the pocket.

Micro USB port for charging the noise cancellation feature.

LED battery status on the noise cancellation box.

For your convenience, the XE-02 also has handsfree controls and mic, allowing you to take calls and control the volume right from the earphones.

From left to right: Volume Control + Mic, noise cancellation box, earbud

Overall the packaging is complete, and I personally like the design. Let's see if I like the sound as much as I like the design.

Sound, Comfort, and Noise Cancellation

Thanks to the isolated bud design, the XE-02 is already as noise-cancelling as it is. It is quite loud and the bass is there. Unfortunately, I'm not an expert in audio, but I can say that the sound quality is good and balanced enough for me for this price range. Again, at least you can feel the bass.

The buds' design is already noise-cancelling by nature.

As for comfort, thanks to the fin and the rubber material, I've used the XE-02 for 2 hours and it doesn't hurt my ear.

The buds are really comfortable to wear and the fin helps them stay in place.

Now let's move on to the most interesting part of this unit, the so-called noise-cancellation. Turning it on is easy, just slide the power toggle on the box, and the LED light beside it will turn on. Infinix claims that the noise is reduced by 95% and boosts the volume up to 110dB. Maybe that's why this feature requires extra power.

At first I thought it just boosted the volume, effectively cancelling all noise outside, because that's what initially happened. But after pausing my music for a bit and leaving the noise-cancellation on, I indeed feel my surroundings are much quieter that it's scary. That, I felt when I was in an open office, surrounded by chattering people. I guess XE-02 indeed lives up to Infinix' claims.

As previously written, the feature is powered by a small battery which you can recharge using your standard micro USB cable which, unfortunately, is not included. I haven't rated the battery life but Infinix promises 8 hours of music with a full charge.

Conclusion

Infinix XE-02 offers a unique concept in an affordable price.

At IDR 299,000, I feel that Infinix delivers a high-quality earphones with a unique feature. To be honest, this is the first time I've ever heard about battery-powered noise-cancellation, and I like it. Ah, one more thing. The box says "For Android", but it's actually compatible with iOS; I've tried it on my iPad.

Pros

Complete package with an affordable price
Battery-powered noise cancellation works like a charm
Comfortable bud design and material

Cons

Distance from the jack to the noise-cancellation box is short.
Micro USB cable is not included

So yeah, there you have it. If you happen to look for a pair of nice earbuds at a price that won't make your wallet scream, I recommend the XE-02. Not only because of the sound quality, but also the noise-cancellation.

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. I hope you enjoy reading it. As usual, if you have any questions, feel free to sound them off in the comments below. Finally, thanks for visiting and I'm looking forward to your next visit. Have a nice day! :D

Starting a Website: Instant or Not?

2017-12-16T10:00:00.000+07:00

Starting a Website: Instant or Not?

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Okay, so you want to have your own website — either to keep up with the trends, upscale your professional reputation, or tell the world about your business. That's okay. But just like they say, the first step is the hardest to make.

One thing people tend to ask themselves is whether they'll use instant website, or craft one from scratch. In this article, I'll briefly explain about each, what they are for and against, so you won't have a hard time choosing. At the end of this article, I'll offer you a website hosting that I've been using to try out, including a 10% off coupon code.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's go.

Instant Website

This type of website is the simplest of all, because coding skills are not necessary. It's very easy to set them up — so easy and simple that it is called WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) because well, the acronym should be self-explanatory enough. CMS and blogging platforms are also included in this category because again, no coding skills are necessary. A few examples include WIX, Weebly, and WordPress. Some are free, some are not.

This type of website is the simplest of all, because coding skills are not necessary.

However, the simplicity comes at the cost of flexibility. In order to add new features or redesign, you may need to hire a specialized developer. In other cases, the provider might offer such service. Both options don't come cheap, unfortunately. Therefore, instant websites are suitable for people who just want to update their contents, without frequently adding new features or changing design. This includes blogs, landing pages, and corporate profiles.

Simplicity comes at the cost of flexibility.

One more thing: this site you're in is based on Blogger. Why? Because it's a blog. I need nothing else from this site apart from adding new articles and replying to comments. The most complex thing I'll do is redesigning the sidebar. It's fast, free, and have all the features I need. Why bother developing it from the ground-up?

This website you're reading is based on Blogger.

Non-Instant Website

Frankly, I haven't even thought of a name for this category yet, so let it be for now. As opposed to instant websites, non-instant websites are those that are developed entirely from scratch. Yes, from sketching out designs, designing architectures to building using actual codes. This, obviously, isn't as simple as its counterpart, and can be very costly. I think you can even categorize this as a web application.

As opposed to instant websites, non-instant websites are those that are developed entirely from scratch.

However, this results in great flexibility (if designed correctly from the start), especially if you're the one who builds it. You already know how and where to insert new features, so it shouldn't be as costly as the first time.

Want to build your own website? Either hire a developer or learn to code.

Because of the cost and difficulty, non-instant websites are often developed either as complex web applications, or company profiles for startups (or people who want to get noticed) and large (tech) companies. Personal bloggers can use this, however personally I'm not sure if the cost is worth the money.

Technoverse Markdown Editor Tool was created from scratch.

One example is seen on Technoverse's Markdown Editor Tool. As adding features like this is difficult for me on WordPress, it's easier for me to create this feature from scratch, separate from the main page. Yes, you can mix instant and non-instant web pages. Pick whichever suits you.

You can mix instant and non-instant web pages.

Shared Hosting Offer

Now, for the promotional part. In order to publish your website, you need a place to store and serve them. This place is called a hosting. There are many kinds of hosting available, ranging from the simplest (ready to use), to the most complex, where you have to set things up from scratch.

If you're a blogger like me, you shouldn't need anything complex. However, if you need something more complex, you might want to look at VPS (Virtual Private Server). In a nutshell, having VPS is like having your own computer in the cloud.

Servers are required to publish and serve your website, no matter which type of site you choose.

Whichever you choose, you're going to need a reliable hosting. Take a look at Niagahoster (the site is in Indonesian). I've been using this hosting for a several years with no problem. The price is right, support is top-notch and the service itself is quite reliable. That's why I'm confident in recommending it to everyone.

Now here's a good deal: I've got a 10% discount coupon for you. Just input this code whenever you're placing an order, whether it's virtual server, shared hosting, or anything else:

a-TERRANOVAE10

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. As usual, if you have any questions, sound them off in the comments section below, be it about hosting, websites, etc. I'll be glad to help. Finally, thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your next visit. Have a nice day! :D

*By making a purchase from the above links, the author may be entitled for a commission. All promotions provided are subject to Niagahoster's terms and conditions and may be changed without prior notice. The author is not responsible for materials given or taken from Niagahoster.

Infinix Zero 4 Plus Review - Camera Monster

2017-10-31T11:00:00.000+07:00

Infinix Zero 4 Plus Official Shot

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Infinix is probably a brand most of you never heard before, but here in Indonesia, the brand has gained quite a traction, especially in the official market (that's the term for "legal" phones, which have passed certain regulations and have a more dependable warranty), in which Xiaomi still has limited presence. FYI, Infinix is also present in Africa, the Middle East, and some Asian countries.

Enter the Infinix Zero 4 Plus. Positioned as a flagship for the brand, it houses some key specs such as Mediatek's Deca-Core Helio X20, 20.7MP Camera with OIS, and a large, Full-HD 6" screen. Its big screen may be cumbersome for some, but this means that this smartphone should be perfect for gaming and multimedia consumption. With a competitive price of Rp3,799,000.00 (~U$285), is it a worthy phablet to have?
Let's find out.

Design and Packaging

The box is reminds me of the original Galaxy S box I got 7 years ago. It's black, and minimalistic. No picture of the phone whatsoever in the box, though.

What's inside the box

Open the box, and you'll immediately see the monstrous phablet. Below it are some goodies you might not find in other brands, such as a hard case, tempered glass screen protector, a pair of headphones, and (obviously) a charging adapter, and micro USB cable. Oh wait, there's also a couple of paperwork like a quick start guide and a warranty card. A SIM ejector is also included.

Quite a complete package.

Kudos to Infinix for the complete packaging. This means that you can be confident to immediately use the phone without worrying about accessories.

Okay, so let's jump to the phone. Let's start from the front as usual. There's the screen, the earpiece, surrounded by the 13MP front camera and proximity sensor. On the top left side, there's a LED flash, in case there's a lack of light on your selfie.

The large, colorful full HD screen

On the right side, there's the volume rocker, and the power button, which is textured. Infinix probably did this to make it easier for the users to differentiate between volume rocker and the power button. Both are put on the same side probably because of ergonomics. For a phone this big, it's easier to reach the buttons when they are on the same side, and down by a few centimeters.

Auxilliary buttons on the right side.

On the left side, there's the SIM slot which houses a hybrid three-choose-two tray. This isn't strange, considering this has become a trend in the mid-range market. As a reminder, you can choose either dual SIM compatibility (Micro and Nano) or a single SIM (Micro) accompanied by a microSD card.

Only SIM tray on the right

Hybrid slots are becoming the norm these days.

On the top side, there's only the 3.5mm headphone jack. Not surprising, since the lack of headphone jack, as far as I know, only happens on the upper end of the market. There's no IR blaster, though, so you can't control your TV with this phone.

Headphone jack on the top

On the bottom, there's the speaker grille and a micro USB port for charging and data transfer. Make no mistake, even though there are two speaker grilles, it's not stereo. The other one is a microphone.

Port, speaker, and mic on the bottom

On the back, there's the rear OIS-enabled 20.7MP camera accompanied by a fingerprint sensor beneath it, LED Flash and laser autofocus module beside it, and an additional mic above it. Others is the branding of the device. What really turns me off is that large camera hump. True, it may give the Zero 4 Plus its identity, but it also renders putting the phone face-up uncomfortable, especially with the fear of scratching the lens.

The back. The star of the show.
The bump is uninspiring, though.

Fortunately, the hard case is thick enough to compensate for the hump, so whenever you put your phone face-up with the case on, the surface won't touch the lens.

Without the included hard case, the bump would surely
hit the surface.

From the side, the included hard case masks the bump.

So yeah, the packaging is abundant with the necessary accessories, and the phone's design is somewhat proving to be an identity of its own, although the camera hump leaves quite a bad impression.

Hardware

The Zero 4 Plus is powered by Mediatek Helio X20, a deca-core (that's 10 cores for you) CPU featuring a couple of powerful A72 cores clocked at 2.1GHz. So on paper, it should be powerful enough to run most applications. For power efficiency during light use, there are 8 less-powerful A53 cores. With AnTuTu, the phone reaches the score of ~83,400 points, comparable with the Redmi Note 4 and even the Samsung Galaxy C9 Pro, which costs more.

The CPU includes a whopping 10 cores.

The specs don't lie, though. Everyday performance feels smooth and fast. Coupled with 4GB RAM and 32GB of storage, the Zero 4 Plus should be powerful enough for your multitasking activities.
The Full-HD LCD display is perfect for media consumption. One thing that is unfortunate, though, is that the sunlight visibility is disappointing. Even cranking the brightness to the max still is not enough to get a clear view under the bright sunlight.

Antutu Score

All the basic sensors are covered, from the traditional light sensor, to the magnetic sensor. Oh, for your information, the Zero 4 Plus supports gyroscope, which means that this phone should support VR, provided you can get a big enough VR headset. The fingerprint sensor is fast, accurate, and always-on, which means you can wake and unlock your phone just by putting your finger on it. Sadly, there's no NFC, although it's still acceptable in this price point.

The Zero 4 Plus includes all the basic sensors.

As for the juice, the Zero 4 Plus contains 4,000mAh, which is more than enough to power the phone for one day. Don't worry about recharging, though, as the phone supports fast-charging, dubbed XCharge. Using the included adapter, the Zero 4 Plus charges from 30% to 100% in just 1 hour and 22 minutes (7 A.M. to 8.22 A.M).

Software

XOS is what's running this phone.

On the software side, the Zero 4 Plus runs on Android 6 (Marshmallow). Nougat release is imminent, even though Google has just released Android Oreo. But hey, being late is better than never, right?

Based on Marshmallow.

Just like other Chinese-based manufacturers, Zero 4 Plus runs a heavily-customized Android called XOS, at version 2.1.0, codenamed Chameleon. The launcher offers plenty of customization options, including icon size, desktop grids, etc.

XOS offers quite a handful of customization options.

Similarly, there are apps for power, space, and security management. There's also an app called XHide, which you can use to hide apps and files. Hidden items are still accessible, though, only from the app and after you input your password or fingerprint.

XManager helps you manage various things to your phone.

XPower lets you manage your phone's power consumption.

As for backups, Infinix also provides a service called XCloud. You guess it, it's for storing and syncing your data in the cloud, as well as device backup, so you can get started with a new Infinix phone instantly from where you stopped. You need to register for an XAccount to use this service.

XCloud takes care of your phone backup.

For your convenience, Zero 4 Plus supports double tap to wake. It also supports gestures while it sleeps. For example, you can open the camera by drawing the letter "C" while the phone is asleep. Though limited to a few letters, you can customize this in the settings. There's no double tap to sleep, though.

Offscreen gestures help in launching applications quickly when your
device is asleep.

Double tap to wake is supported.

Camera

Okay, the next big thing is the camera. Infinix seems to place the Zero 4 series as a camera flagship phone, boasting high resolution sensor, manual mode, laser focus, and OIS. Well, let me tell you that the camera lives up to Infinix' claims. Here are some camera samples:

The 20.7MP rear sensor is capable of taking decent, if not great, pictures. The OIS really helps stabilizing the grip on this huge phone, reducing blur. Unfortunately, the focus on this phone is kind of slow. The laser autofocus, which is said to help focusing much faster, doesn't seem to work. Even though the object is close, the focusing speed is still occassionally slower compared to my Xiaomi Mi5, which doesn't have laser autofocus. Anyway, here are some camera samples.

Manual mode in Zero 4 Plus' camera

The manual mode? It's complete. You got the full control for EV, ISO, focus, white balance, and ME in case you like to "Go Pro" with the camera. Not all smartphones in this price point provide such flexibility.

Conclusion

The Zero 4 Plus delivers a large phone with a great camera and
affordable price.

After using the Zero 4 Plus for a few weeks, I feel that the brand indeed has potential. Compared to other phones at this price level, the Zero 4 Plus offers more, like great camera and stellar battery life. The Xiaomi Redmi Note 4 may be its rival, but its camera is completely powerless against the Zero 4 Plus.

There aren't any disturbing cutbacks in my finding, although to some, the large screen may be cumbersome, but I think it's perfect if you want to use this phone for both productivity and media consumption without breaking the bank. In fact, this review is written entirely on the phone.

If you're looking a for an affordable phone with big screen, great camera and battery life, then you can include the Infinix Zero 4 Plus in your shopping list.

Pros:

Great camera quality for its class
Great battery life
Complete accessories included in the box

Cons:

Focus is on the slow side for a far object
Poor sunlight visibility
Uninspiring camera hump

Well, that's all for now, Folks. If you have any questions regarding the Infinix Zero 4 Plus, sound them off in the columns section below. Finally, as usual, thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your next visit. Have a great weekend!

Non-CPO Refurbished iPhone - 6 Months Later...

2017-10-04T14:00:00.000+07:00

Six months later...

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Remember the iPhone6 I told you about in this post? Well… it's been about 6 months, and I've decided to part ways with it. In the last week, I've experienced something strange: ghost touch.
What's ghost touch? Ghost touch is a term when your touchscreen detects touches when you don't, as if there's a ghost playing with your phone. This is very annoying, as this not only renders your phone unusable, but also performs unwanted actions in your phone, like calling someone, messaging random people, etc.

At first I thought it was a software bug. During the first times, it rarely happens, and disappears after locking and unlocking the phone. As time goes, it becomes more and more prominent, that even a restart couldn't fix it. I've tried restoring it, starting anew, delete my phone backup, and it still doesn't work.

So, what did I do? Find out after the break.

Decision To Sell

Selling the iPhone was the only viable option.

I've really grown attached to the phone. I even considered to repair the screen instead of selling it until I got enough money to purchase a brand-new Apple-branded phone. However, a short research on that option left me with a conclusion that repairing the screen was not a viable option.
Yes, it's expensive, and there's no warranty, meaning that I'll have to shell out additional cash should the problem rise again. Taking it to an authorized service center wasn't an option, either, as they will charge more for the repair, if they didn't refuse to take it.

So, I decided to sell it. I sold it to a shop, since it still has warranty, and I'm pretty certain that shops like them have better connection and experiences dealing with that kind of problem. I got a pretty decent amount of dough, which eases the pain in my heart for a bit.

Lesson Learned

There's always a lesson in every things happening in life.

Simple. Never ever buy a non-CPO refurbished iPhone again. This was an experiment that I wanted to find out myself and I got what I wanted, even though the conclusion was kind of… painful. The bright side of this experiment is that I'm starting to like the iOS phone ecosystem.

Nevertheless, I currently switch my phone to Infinix Zero 4 Plus, another Android phone, which I am going to review soon. All this while I'm saving up to buy a brand new iPhone 8. Yes, I can't wait to give iPhone another try, properly this time.

Why not iPhone X? Well, the reason is simple: price. Also, I'm somehow not impressed with the new flagship's design, which omits the iconic home button and touch ID. Yes, we have to embrace change, but I'm not ready to do that just yet.

Well, I guess that's all, Folks. The moral of the story is, avoid buying non-CPO refurbished iPhones at all costs, as they seem to be more trouble-prone than usual, and have shorter lifespan. Finally, as usual, thanks for visiting, and I'm looking forward to your next visit! :D

Technoverse Markdown Editor is Now Live!

2017-08-26T11:30:00.000+07:00

Markdown Logo

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A few years ago, when I was in the college, I don't even know what Markdown was. It wasn't a programming language, and learning it had no effect on my GPA. Skip to graduation and entering the professional world, I began knowing bit by bit about this simple markup language, especially when I was trained to use GitHub.

Instantly, I felt that Markdown is the right language for me, who writes a lot, and asked myself why I hadn't learned it earlier. Compared to your traditional word processing techniques, Markdown offers unparalleled simplicity and speed. For example, you just need to add asterisks (*) to make the text either italic, bold, or both. To create headings, just use hashtags (#). The more hashtags you use, the lower the header rank is. Creating lists are also much simpler.

The all-new Technoverse Markdown Editor.

With the new blossoming love for the language, I decided to create a simple web-based Markdown editor which instantly converts Markdown syntax to either HTML code or page with just a simple toggle. Try it out. I've just posted it live. To fully experience the real-time editing, a desktop computer is recommended.

For your information, I built the application using open source technologies. I use Twitter Bootstrap for the UI, and showdown for the Markdown converter. After all, programmers are lazy. Why reinvent the wheel if there already is a wheel?

If you're interested in learning about Markdown, go ahead and follow this tutorial from GitHub. Tell me how you feel about the editor in the comments section below. Have a nice day, everyone!

Non-CPO Refurbished iPhone: An Account

2017-07-08T10:00:00.000+07:00

iPhone 6 and 6 Plus Official Shots

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Refurbished iPhones are neither new nor unsafe. Apple has long been known to sell refurbished products: broken products which were taken back to Apple, then restored to working conditions. Its cheaper price and one year warranty from Apple makes it more popular for budget-conscious customers. These official refurbished products are known as Apple Certified Pre-Owned (or CPO for short). Those products are obviously safe, but what if you decide to buy a non-CPO iPhone?

Call me crazy, but I just bought one. I've been using Android ever since the original Galaxy S, so you should know how entrenched I am in the Android world. I've also been using iPad since iPad2, and I like it. That's why I thought of trying out the phenomenal device. However, before going for the latest and greatest (it's less than 6 months until September, so buying the iPhone7 now isn't worth it), I thought of getting a discounted device first.

And so, I bought a refurbished iPhone 6. As the title said, it's not Apple's CPO product, but rather, some distributor repaired it and sold it back. Therefore, I'm pretty certain that the quality isn't as great as Apple's. In fact, some buyers claim that their non-CPO iPhones have fatal problems just a few weeks (or even days) after using them. You know, scary stuffs like leaking battery, dead screen, unresponsive camera, etc. Fortunately, nothing is wrong with my unit. However, there are... differences... that I would like to share with you all. Want to find out more? Head after the break.

Package and Accessories: Non-Genuine Stuffs

Okay, there's nothing wrong with the picture.

At first glance, there's nothing wrong with the phone. It came sealed, just like other new phones you buy from stores. The box said "Apple Certified Pre-Owned", but you should know that these boxes shouldn't be difficult to produce. Looking at the back, there's your usual stickers that explain about the phone and its information such as model number, capacity, serial number, and IMEI.

Phone information on the back.

The contents of the box are complete, too. There's the phone (of course...), Earpods, Lightning cable, charging adapter, SIM ejector, and a bunch of paperwork. Look closer, however, and you'll see that these accessories are not as genuine as it should've been.

Let's start from the Earpods. A few years back, I bought one, and I've passed it down to my sister a year later. Until now, she still uses it regularly and loves it. Its quality is discernible from the one I got from this refurbished phone's box. There's a clear and noticeable cut on one of the pods which seems like a manufacturing defect, something which you shouldn't see in genuine Earpods.

The clear, noticeable cut which shouldn't be present in genuine products.

The next evidence of questionable genuineness is the quality of the cable itself. It seems hollow and untidy. Even in one section, on top of the mic and controller, the cable seems to be folded. I thought it would break the internals, but the sound worked just fine. Since knowing this, I decided just to leave these Earpods in the retail box.

The Earpods cable feels hollow and vulnerable.

The next evidence is on the jack. Just like the Earpods, there's a noticeable plastic excess near the jack (look at the picture below). In my opinion, this is clearly a miss on the quality control side, something that Apple isn't known for. Since discovering this, I've significantly lowered my expectations on other included accessories.

Do you see the plastic excess around the jack?

The next is the Lightning cable. Nothing seems wrong on the USB-A side, but there's a thin fiber coming out from the Lightning side. The design is also a tiny-bit different from the original. This time, I have an original cable with me, for my iPad, so I can directly compare them side-to-side. From the second picture below this paragraph, you'll notice that the original cable is much smoother compared to the included cable.

Look closer, and you'll see a thin fiber coming out from the Lightning base.

Original Lightning cable (left) compared to the included Lightning cable (right)

That's for the Lightning cable. After looking at the quality of the first two accessories, I've become more afraid than ever to use the charging adapter. There's nothing physically wrong with it, but uh, well... I'd rather play it safe and use my genuine iPad charger instead. How do I know if my iPad charger is genuine? Well, I bought my iPad new directly from an Apple store, so its genuineness is of no doubt.

There's nothing wrong with the adapter, at least physically.

Well, the seller does mention that there's no warranty on the accessories. Moreover, a lot of reviews say that the accessories aren't genuine, so this should be within my expectations. My opinion? Using the Earpods should be fine, but I'd recommend buying a new, genuine set of charger. Using counterfeit chargers may lead to trouble.

The iPhone: Like New

While the accessories are hopeless, the iPhone itself
is flawless.

While things go south on the included accessories, the iPhone itself looks flawless. The physique is very much like new: no dent, no scratches. Some claimed to receive flawed phones with dents and scratches. Fortunately, I didn't.

As I said, just like new.

The LCD is bright, the buttons are solid, and the Touch ID works. Overall, I'm satisfied with the quality of the phone. Unfortunately, I could only inspect what I could see. There's no way for me to disassemble the phone and take a look at its internals because of lack of skills and tools. Let's just assume that if the phone works, the internals should at least be acceptable, regardless of genuineness and quality.

Using The Phone: Solid with Minor Problems

Do you know that there are replica iPhones out there? Some dub them as HDC (High Definition Copy), Supercopy, or King Copy. These phones, although look exactly like iPhones, actually run Android. The simplest way to find out whether your iPhone is real is to open the App Store. If it opens Google Play, well, your iPhone is a replica.

There's no skin for Google Play Store, right?

Another way is to input your serial number (you can find them in your phone's Settings -> General -> About) on https://checkcoverage.apple.com. From there, you'll know that your iPhone is genuine. As a bonus, you can also see your phone's warranty. For non-CPO iPhones of older models, chances are your warranty has expired.

Besides finding out whether your iPhone is genuine, you can also check its warranty
(Apple's warranty).

There. My iPhone is genuine. Next, moving on to performance. The overall performance is snappy, as expected of Apple's hardware, regardless of its age of almost 3 years. Wireless performance for Wi-Fi is fast, while cellular performance seems to be on the less side. Somehow, it receives less signal than other devices using the same operator. Well, as long as I can use it as my daily driver, I don't mind. Speakers and mic also work flawlessly.

Next, the battery. Sometimes, the battery seems to be stuck on charging at 98%. However, after unplugging and plugging it again, it immediately says 100%. This could either be software or hardware defect. Fortunately, this defect doesn't seem to affect the battery life: my iPhone lasts for a day with a full charge. I haven't used it yet for gaming, though, as I know that the battery won't last long. Seriously, after using Androids with 3,000mAh++ of battery, 1,810mAh battery feels... lacking.

9 hours for standby and 1 hour of usage and still 72% left.
Everything seems good.

Next, the camera. This is one aspect where I love iPhones. Despite its age, the iPhone 6 can still take great pictures. The samples below should be enough to say that my camera sensor isn't defective:

Cloudy day outside.

Ditto.

Better day.

Who wants some apples?

Meatbowl Lunch

Look at the focus.

The focus still works flawlessly, as well as the LED flash. One aspect that I fear the most of defect after the display and battery, is the camera. Fortunately, mine doesn't seem to have defect in any of those departments.

Unfortunately, after a few days, my home button started feeling wobbly. I've researched this issue and found that many people with new iPhones also experience this. The Touch ID still works, though, and pressing the button still feels solid. It just feels strange. Fortunately, everything else still works until today, which has been more than a month since purchase date. Hopefully, it will stay this way, at least until I got my hands on any iPhone that will be launched this year.

Tips for Buying Non-CPO Refurbished iPhone

While my experience is still within the "pleasing" parameters, I can't say the same for all of you after looking at abysmal reviews of these phones. So, here are some tips before you decide to "live dangerously":

Make sure you buy from a trusted seller. Look at the reviews, and make sure the seller allows you to return defective products, or at least help you claim the warranty, as distributors warranty are very, very difficult and annoying to claim.
Make sure the IMEI and Serial Numbers from the box match with the ones on the phone (both physically and in the software). This is to make sure that you get the right iPhone, and in case you want to sell your iPhone, this should make the process easier. Also, check the serial number at https://checkcoverage.apple.com to make sure your iPhone is genuine.
Lower your expectations. You bought a product with a price much lower than the actual price, so there should be cuts in some corners, right? Just don't expect your new phone to be as flawless as a brand new phone.
Test everything (mic, wireless, camera, LCD, telephony, etc.) right after have the chance. Should you find any flaw, immediately ask the seller for a replacement. This is why the first tip is important.

Yes, it's much safer to get brand new phones from Apple's authorized sellers. However, if you're on a tight budget, want to try out iPhones, and willing to cut corners here and there, buying a non-CPO iPhone can be a choice. Just remember to lower your expectations, though.

Well, I guess that's all for now, Folks. I hope this article can give you some insights before buying a non-CPO iPhone. If you indeed decide to buy one, I hope you don't get a lemon, and best of luck for you. If you have any questions regarding this, sound them off in the comments below and I'll do my best to answer them. Finally, thanks for reading and I'm looking forward to your next visit. :D