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Pixel 2 XL review

I’ve been using a Pixel 2 XL Android smartphone for the past 5 months and have yet to write a review about it even though it has swiftly become one of my all-time favorite Android phones. Does that mean it’s the perfect Android smartphone? Nope, not even close. But right now it’s perfect for me and that’s what counts. Let’s take a look.

What is it?

The Pixel 2 XL is Google’s flagship Android smartphone which is powered by a stock version of Android version 8 otherwise known as Oreo.

Hardware specifications

Processor: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ 835
Operating System: Android 8.0.0 (Oreo)
Memory: 4GB RAM, Storage 64GB or 128GB
Display: 6in 2880 x 1440 pixels, 538ppi pOLED Display, 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5
Network: Carrier unlocked
4G LTE FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B12/B13/B17/B20/B25/B26/B28/B29/B30/B32/B66
TD-LTE Bands: 38/40/41
GSM/EDGE: Quad-band (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz)
UMTS/HSPA+/HSDPA: Bands 1/2/4/5/8
CDMA EVDO Rev A: BC0/BC1/BC10
Supports up to CAT 15 (800Mbps DL / 75Mbps UL), 3x DL CA, 4×4 MIMO, 256-QAM DL and 64-QAM UL depending on carrier support
Camera (rear): 12.2MP, f/1.8
Camera (front): 8MP
Connectivity: Bluetooth: BT5.0+LE
WiFi: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz
NFC: yes
Positioning: GPS/Glonass
Battery: 3520 mAh
Dimensions: 6.2 x 3.0 x 0.3 in (157.9 X 76.4 X 7.9 mm)
Weight: 6.2 oz (175 grams)
Water and Dust Resistant IP67 under IEC standard 60529

What’s in the box

Pixel 2 XL
USB-C 18W charging plug
USB-C to USB-C cable
USB-C to 3.5mm headphone adapter
Quick start guide
Quick switch adapter

Design and features

Google sells 2 sizes of the Pixel 2. I decided to buy the Pixel 2 XL because I was moving on from a Nexus 6p so I was already used to carrying a phablet-sized phone.

As far as first impressions go, the Pixel 2 XL looks like most other larger phones. It’s rectangular with rounded corners, has no buttons on the front, and has slim bezels on the edges. The Pixel 2 XL doesn’t have a bezel-less display like the iPhone X or the Essential Phone. But it’s close enough for me.

Other than the display, the only other things on the front of the Pixel 2 XL are the front firing speakers.

When you flip the Pixel over, you’ll find a glass section at the top where the camera and LED flash are located. Below that is the fingerprint scanner which is surrounded by a smooth matte finish and a Google G logo at the bottom. I like the matte finish on the back of the Pixel because it adds some grip and it hides fingerprints and smudges.

You’ll find the SIM card slot on the left side of the phone and on the right side you’ll find the power button and one-piece volume button. On the top edge of the phone is a microphone and the USB-C charging port is on the bottom edge.

In hand, the Pixel 2 XL feels solid. It’s neither lightweight or heavy. I think it’s just right. A quick squeeze and a shake reveal no flexing or rattles. But, squeezing the sides towards the bottom of the phone triggers the Google Assistant to do your bidding. More on that later.

Display

Soon after the Pixel 2 phones were available, people began reporting about problems with the displays having a blueish tint when not viewed straight on. Other complaints about the display included problems with the touch screen being insensitive on the edges, muted colors, and burn in issues.

When I read about these supposed defects, I obviously became concerned that I had purchased a dud phone. But I’d already been using my Pixel 2 XL for a few days before reading about these problems which I had not noticed on my own unit. Once I read about the blue tint issue, I checked my phone and I definitely saw what they were talking about. Did it make me mad or consider returning my phone since I was still within the return window? No, it didn’t. I had not noticed the problem until it was pointed out to me and even after I saw the issue with my own eyes, I didn’t really care because I don’t use my phone with the screen tilted away from me. I look at it straight on and in that orientation, the screen looks fine to me.

As for the issues with the touchscreen not registering taps on the edges, muted colors, and burn in, I haven’t noticed the touch screen sensitivity issue or burn in issue with my phone so I can’t comment on them. But if I’d had these problems it would have really annoyed me and I would have returned the phone immediately.

I didn’t really notice the muted color issue until it was pointed out. But Google released a fix for that so it’s a non-issue now.

However, there is one issue with the Pixel 2 XL display that I’ve noticed but haven’t read much about… My Pixel 2 XL screen has picked up a LOT of fine scratches in the last couple of months. It seemed like the scratches magically appeared several months after I got the phone. I should mention that I do not use screen protectors on my phone because I don’t like the feel of the edge of the glass protectors on a curved screen like the Pixel 2’s screen.

The scratches on my screen aren’t immediately noticeable. Y0u have to tilt the phone to see them in certain lighting conditions. Seeing them made my stomach drop but I shrugged it off figuring that the phone is a tool and “stuff” happens to tools. As long as the camera lens doesn’t suffer the same fate (and it’s fine so far), I can deal with it.

Fingerprint reader

If you’ve read my phone reviews, you may remember that I like to gripe about how much trouble I have with fingerprint sensors. They just don’t work for me for longer than a day or two. I’d resigned myself to live with this tragic issue until the Pixel 2 XL came into my life. I half-heartedly set up the fingerprint reader with the index fingers of both hands and figured it would stop working soon thereafter. I was wrong. I’ve not had to reprogram my prints yet. The sensor on the Pixel 2 XL works every single time and it works fast. To say that it makes me happy that I can unlock my phone by touching the sensor on the back is an understatement. I feel like I’ve finally been let into a club for the cool kids now 🙂

In all seriousness, being able to easily unlock my phone without drawing a pattern or tapping a 4-digit pin number is wonderful. I thought the Pixel 2 XL was the only phone in the world with a fingerprint sensor that would work with my alien prints, but when I recently had the opportunity to review the Huawei Mate 10 Pro, it also worked great. But then I reviewed the Samsung Galaxy S9 and I was back to same old problems.

Camera

The Pixel 2 XL’s camera is excellent. It’s so good that I ended up selling my Canon 70D DSLR and have been using my Pixel 2 XL as my primary and only camera. I use it for day to day snaps and for all my product photography for my reviews.

Here are some sample images that have not been edited in any way.















I’m very happy with the Pixel 2 XL’s camera and the only way it could be better would be an ultra-fast snap option likeHuaweiauwei Mate 10 Pro.

Audio quality

The Pixel’s front firing speakers sound good when listening to music or watching videos without using headphones. Even at full volume, audio sounds clear and crisp. I do wish the bass was a bit stronger, but I rarely if ever listen to music or watch videos listening to the sound through the built-in speakers so I don’t find this a big deal.

Using the Pixel 2 XL for phone calls

So far I’ve had no issues making and receiving calls on the T-mobile network with this phone. The volume level and clarity on both sides of conversations have been just fine.

Software and user interface

Google’s Pixel phones have stock Android, so you don’t have to waste space with a bunch of apps that the carriers load that you will never use or special skins that you may or may not like that enhance the user interface.

There are advantages to buying a Pixel that other phones don’t have.

  1. OS updates faster than other phones
  2. Google promises security updates for at least the next 3 years
  3. Free unlimited full resolution photo storage to the Google cloud until 2020.

The Pixel 2 does have a feature that isn’t stock and that other Android phones don’t have. It’s the Active Edge feature that launches the Google Assistant when you squeeze the lower half of the phone. When I first heard about the feature, I thought it sounded silly. But I’ve actually grown to really like it once I tuned in the sensitivity level.

In addition to launching Google Assistant, the Active Edge feature can be used to silence alarms, timers, and incoming calls. I wish you could also customize it to launch the camera app and take a picture which would be a great use for it.

Overall performance and battery life using the Pixel 2 XL for day to day tasks

This phone has a 3520mAh battery that keeps it running for a full work day of normal use. It’s a shame that the Pixel 2 doesn’t have wireless charging, but battery levels are topped off pretty quickly when connected to power. I don’t have a power cable near my bed, so I don’t charge it throughout the night. I’ve yet to have it run out of power by morning, although I do charge it as soon as I get to work.

As far as performance, I think the Pixel 2 XL does very well. It might not feel quite a fast as the latest phones that I’ve reviewed, but the difference is negligible.

What I like

  • Great camera
  • Fast fingerprint sensor
  • Stock Android, no bloatware
  • 2-year warranty and 3 years of security updates

What needs to be improved

  • Screen scratches too easily
  • Price
  • Needs HDMI out from USB-C port

Final thoughts

As I already stated at the beginning of this review, the Pixel 2 XL has become one of my all-time favorite Android phones. Although it doesn’t have a micro SD card slot, Qi charging, or HDMI out, it’s yet to disappoint me with day to day performance. I’ve reviewed several phones since buying the Pixel 2 XL and I’ve yet to feel the need to replace this phone. It’s become a dependable workhorse for me and I look forward to seeing what features gen 3 brings to the Pixel later this year.

Price: $849.00 – $949.00
Where to buy: Google and Amazon
Source: The product for this review was purchased with my own funds.

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Pixel 2 XL review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 25, 2018 at 2:23 pm.

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Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker review

It’s no secret that Master & Dynamic make some of my favorite headphones. Not only do the MH40, MW50 and MW60 sound great, they are also quite comfortable and have a retro look that’s simply stunning. Even so, M&D continue to innovate, both aesthetically and sonically with earphones and now a desktop speaker. I use the word desktop carefully because the MA770 Wireless Speaker is a 36.4 lb. concrete monster—in a good way.

What is it?

The Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless is a concrete (yes, concrete) Bluetooth speaker with a built-in pedigree that sets it apart from almost any other speaker, Bluetooth or not.

Specs

  • Dimensions: 14.5”(H) x 18”(W) x 9.5”(D)
  • Speakers:
    1.5” Titanium dome tweeter
    Dual 4″ Woven Kevlar Long Throw Woofers
  • 100W Class D 3 Discrete Channel amplifier
  • Weight: 36.4lbs
  • Ported cabinet materials:
  • Proprietary grey concrete composite, stainless steel and anodized aluminum
  • Wireless Connectivity:
    Dual band 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.1 with BLE
    Chromecast built-in, Bluetooth 4.1 with BLE, 3.5mm Auxiliary Analog, TOSLINK Optical Audio
  • Streaming Services:
    Chromecast enabled applications including: Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Soundcloud, Deezer and more

Design and features

A lot of work went into the design of the MA770. Master & Dynamic had an architect design the speaker—and not just any architect. Tanzania born Sir David Adjaye is the architect of the National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall in Washington D.C. His eye for unusual design is plainly evident in the MA770 speaker. He formed its unusual triangular-themed shape from concrete. He said, “This speaker is not about the traditional idea of making boxes, but about a directional form. We created a new geometry for this speaker.” Whether this geometry benefits the audio or not, I can’t say—it certainly doesn’t hurt it.

The MA770 is a singular speaker with no stereo separation. For that matter, there’s hardly any stereo in other Bluetooth speakers large or small, so it’s hard to fault the MA770 for that. However, you can pair two of them for true left/right stereo—if you have the money.

The front panel on the MA770 consists of four buttons, but it looks like five: Volume down, Volume up, Pause and Source buttons. The Source button handles 4 modes that are listed on what looks just like a fifth button: Cast (Chromecast), BT (Bluetooth), AUX and OPT (optical). These buttons are an example of design over function. First, the small, white letters against brushed aluminum are hard to see unless the lighting is just right. Secondly, the Source button must be pressed to switch between the four sources listed on the fifth button that isn’t a button. I found myself pressing this “button” wondering why it wouldn’t work. It’s not intuitive.

The MA770 Wireless Speaker is heavy in both weight and sound. One of the reasons that concrete—mixed with M&D developed polymers—was used is to increase damping and reduce resonance—their words. What this means is more detailed audio with less unwanted vibrations that can cause distortion. It has dual 4 in. kevlar long throw woofers with a single 1.5 in. titanium tweeter that sits slightly above and between them. Lift off its magnetically held aluminum grill and it doesn’t look like an impressive array of speakers. Don’t let it fool you. Due to its 100-watt class D amplifier, the MA770 can rock loud and shake things with its low end.

Besides wireless Bluetooth and built-in Chromecast, there are two wired methods for connecting the MA770 to a music source: Standard AUX and optical (Toslink). Optical is good for any PC that has an optical out port (like an earlier iMac) or stereo receiver. Optical (and Bluetooth) make use of the built-in digital audio converter (DAC) which can handle any digital music file up to 24bit/96kHz—a higher resolution than most people will ever use. M&D did not pack AUX and optical cords with the MA770. In this price range, they should have been included.

Speaking of Chromecast—in previous reviews, I’ve had my issues with this wireless protocol but many people use it and like it, so the more speakers that incorporate alternatives to Bluetooth, the better. Chromecast also supports enabled applications such as Spotify, Tidal, Pandora, Soundcloud and more.

The MA770’s unique shape directs lower frequency air out the back through an open port while the woofers handle the bass notes with ease. Robert Palmer’s song, “Johnny and Mary” has super low bass notes thrown into the middle of the song. They appear out of nowhere and can easily buzz lesser speakers. Not these. If anything, the bass was tamed a bit too much for my taste, but what the MA770 played was tight without a hint of muddiness. The same is true of Brian Eno’s “Written, Forgotten” with its pulsing, relentless bass rhythm. Note that I had both of these songs turned up all the way—maxing out both the iMac and the MA770. No distortion at all—and that’s using Bluetooth.

It’s not just bassy songs that the MA770 handles well. The speaker sounds musical, meaning that it sounds great whether being played loudly or at low volume for background music.

The MA770 is not a portable speaker. Once set in place, you’ll want to leave it there. I had to move it around for photos and became paranoid that I would accidentally drop it. Not only is it heavy, but its unusual shape makes it difficult to grasp. It’s highly recommended that two people move it when necessary. Sending the speaker back after this review will not be an easy task.

Even though the MA770 sounds good for serious listening—especially if it can be paired with another—it excels at setting the mood while playing in the background. There is probably no better music made to be aural wallpaper than albums by Steve Roach and Brian Eno. Roach’s 28-minute opus, “Structures from Silence” sounds perfect when played at low volume during dinner and conversation. Many speakers stop sounding substantial when played low—the bass drops off—but the MA770 still can command an audience whether you’re paying attention or not.

Does the MA770 sound better than other less expensive speakers? Sometimes, but not always. I’ve reviewed less expensive speakers that sound better. But that’s not the purpose of the MA770 speaker. The MA770 makes a statement about design, art and sound and how they can relate to each other. Few people will appreciate that or even be able to afford it (me included). But some will and have the means to act on it.

What I like

The unique shape of the MA770 can be polarizing, but the more I used it, the more I like its unusual shape. The sound is commanding, but the MA770 works even better as a room background speaker, while not losing any presence.

What needs to be improved

For some reason, the volume-up key does not work on my Apple keyboard when used with the MA770 speaker. I have to get up and turn up the volume on the speaker itself—there is no remote. This has never happened with other speakers. It takes two paired speakers to become serious about listening in true stereo—which doubles the price.

Final Thoughts

To say the Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker is unique is an understatement. It manages to make the equally unusual Bowers and Wilkins Zeppelin speaker look tame by comparison. The MA770 is breathtakingly expensive. But if you are a rare individual who can afford such luxuries, go for it. The MA770 will please you in both sight and sound.

Price: $1,800 US
Where to buy: Master & Dynamic
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Master & Dynamic and will be returned after the review is posted.

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Master & Dynamic MA770 Wireless Speaker review originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 25, 2018 at 9:30 am.

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The Universal Lens Cap is the answer to great lens protection


If you are like me, when you are using multiple lenses for a photo shoot, you try to keep the lens caps in some sort of order so that it is easy to pick up the right one for the right lens without having to try multiple times. However, in my case, and I am sure that I am not alone in this, the caps inevitably get mixed up and getting the right one on the lens becomes a distraction and sometimes quite frustrating in the middle of a busy shoot.

I recently came across a company called Kurvd that makes a really great Universal Lens Cap. “The ULC fits any lens with a barrel diameter between 60mm and 150mm”. This means that it will fit almost every lens in my kit, and it no longer matters which lens cap I grab. It is also built to completely cover the lens for better protection from dust and water and even the occasional unintentional “bump”. By design, it cannot fall off because of an accidental touch or because of any weird vibration, as conventional lens caps can and do.

If you would like to grab one of these Universal Lens Caps, you can head over to the Kurvd website and pick one up for $30.00.

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The Universal Lens Cap is the answer to great lens protection originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 25, 2018 at 8:30 am.

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Self-balancing scooters, balance board for standing desks, vacuums, and more – Weekly roundup

It’s supposedly Spring now. You wouldn’t know it by the 10 or so inches of snow that we’ve received here in Southern Indiana this week. I’m not complain too much about it since a lot of the Gadgeteer writers live in the north east which has been hammered by Mother Nature several times. I guess the best part about snow days is staying inside and playing with your gadgets! If you’re inside today, how about catching up on all our articles from the past week. I’ve created a list to make it easy. Enjoy!

News

Enjoy spreadable butter with the Butterie dish

Game Boy alarm clock wakes you up to Super Mario tunes

The Rode NT1-A Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone is music to the ears

Ecobee recruits Amazon’s Alexa for their new Switch+ smart switch

Go retro with Barbie and her Dream House

Master & Dynamic create a soundtrack for the iconic Leica Brand

The Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod is ready to go with you everywhere

Save money doing pedicures at home with Stedi Pedi

The Sennheiser HD 280 Pro Circumaural Closed-Back Monitor Headphones are perfect for the studio

Play games like it’s 1989 with this Gameboy style case for iPhone

Ruggard Lens Cases are built for the job!

Sony’s SRS-XB41 speaker is ready to PARTY with flashing multi-colored lights

By Odin’s beard, this toolkit is for only the worthiest handyman

Aalo is reinventing furniture literally one piece at a time

Create an inflatable version of yourself because why not?

Carry the moon in your pocket

Adaptalux shines the light at the end of the tunnel

Say Hello to the new video doorbell from Nest

The Shure Super 55 Deluxe Vocal Microphone is super in every way!

There’s nothing kinky about the Bernini Pro Series garden hose

Save $100 on a Huawei Mate 10 Pro

Keep your tablet close at hand but out of the mix with this cutting board

The Westcott X-Drop Kit (5×7′) Green Screen is just what the Director ordered!

Tell time in the sweep of a radar screen with this watch from Tokyoflash Japan

SCOTTeVEST spreads their love of pockets with a Spring sale

Carbon fiber ukulele, Black Panther pocket knife, MAGNO Ti mechanical pencil, and more – Notable crowdfunding campaigns

The Zoom H6 Handy Recorder gives you the quality audio recordings that you really need

Display your own message with the Kaptur Smart LCD Hat

Reviews

Sumo Solace review

Audew Vehicle Vacuum Cleaner Review

Verb Caffeinated Energy Bar review

HyperX Cloud Revolver Gunmetal gaming headset review

FluidStance Bamboo Level balance board review

iLife A8 robotic vacuum cleaner review

Coocheer self-balancing scooter review

Airfree Onix 3000 Air Purifier review

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Self-balancing scooters, balance board for standing desks, vacuums, and more – Weekly roundup originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 24, 2018 at 4:59 pm.

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Enjoy spreadable butter with the Butterie dish

Over the years, there’s been a lot of discussion of how to get spreadable butter here on The Gadgeteer.  We’ve examined heated knives, water-immersion chambers, and even electric butter dishes.  This Butterie dish keeps it simple by just keeping the butter covered and sitting on the kitchen counter.

Butterie is made of 95% BPA-free plastic and 5% silicone.  The flip-top lid never touches the butter or the countertop for cleanliness.  It measures 9″ x 5.5″ x 3″, so it’s big enough for two sticks of butter or one of the larger European blocks.  The included spreader sits on the front knife rest. Keep it out of direct sunlight, and the butter will stay fresh for up to three weeks when kept at room temperature (68-78°F).

Both the knife and the dish are dishwasher- and microwave-safe. The Butterie Flip-Top Butter Dish and Spreader is available in cobalt blue, sunflower yellow, light blue, white, taupe, red, and ivory for $12.95 at The Grommet.

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Enjoy spreadable butter with the Butterie dish originally appeared on The Gadgeteer on March 24, 2018 at 12:30 pm.

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