We are specialists in quality batteries. We have batteries, chargers and accessories for everything you can think of. Low prices, big inventory, expert advice. Find your battery here!
PS Plus Premiumsubscribers get the pleasure of playing some greatPS2 classicson modern consoles. Games like Dino Crisis, and Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoon are offered on the service for no additional cost. Sony partnerImplicit Conversionshas worked with a company to bring these classics back to new platforms, and have compiled a list of the most requested games to bring back to life.
The Simpsons: Hit & Run and GTA: Vice City Stories most requested PS Plus Premium Classics
Implicit Conversions’ list of most requested games were compiled using 1,400 requests from its Discord community. Here are the top 10 PS2 and PSP games players would like to see come to PS Plus Premium:
The Simpsons: Hit & Run may not be the most critically acclaimed game, but it is most certainly one of the most beloved. Since its release in 2003 for PS2, it has garnered a significant cult following. A fan even fully remade the game using Unreal Engine 5. When it released, it received a 78 on the review aggregate site Metacritic.
GTA: Vice City Stories, and God of War: Ghost of Sparta took the second and third spot respectively. Both were released for the PSP, and are arguably two of the best games for PlayStation’s first portable. Both were also critically lauded, each receiving an 86 on Metacritic.
One of the games on this list are currently already available for PS Plus Premium subscribers. Sly Cooper and the Thievius Raccoon was added to the service inJune 2024. The other PS2 classic added to the service the same month was Tomb Raider Legend.
PlayStation just announced its latest PS Plus Premium Game Catalog entries for January 2025. It includes Indiana Jones and the Staff of Kings, and Medievil 2.
We know Windows 10 is on borrowed time – but is the Windows 11 upgrade offer, too?
A Microsoft blog post has been written about the free Windows 11 upgrade
It mentions that the upgrade is for a ‘limited time only’
This could be read as a hint that Microsoft will drop the free offer when Windows 10 expires later this year
In an interesting turn of events, perhaps in an effort to increase thepressure on Windows 10 users to upgrade,Microsofthas issued a vague suggestion that the free upgrade toWindows 11might expire, possibly at the same time support runs out for the older OS.
Neowinnoticed that Microsoft has penned ablog postwhich advisesWindows 10users that they need to carefully mull their options considering that support is discontinued on October 14, 2025. And naturally, one of those choices is to upgrade to Windows 11 (another is topay for an extended program of updatesfor a year, an option that’s not been available to consumers in the past, just businesses).
At any rate, the key point is the title of the post, which is: “Free Upgrade to Windows 11 (For a Limited Time Only).”
Now, this is interesting, because as far as we’re aware, Microsoft has never specifically mentioned that the free upgrade to Windows 11 has a time limit on it.
One way you could read this title, then, is that there is indeed an expiry date for the offer, which would presumably be when Windows 10 support finishes – which is the hint imparted here, given the subject of the blog post.
The question this throws up is: will Windows 11 no longer be free whenWindows 10 hits End of Life? Well, we shouldn’t get carried away here, that’s for sure, as it’s notable that the only mentioned of ‘limited time’ is in the headline, and there’s no reference to this anywhere else in the article. You’d expect it to be clarified somewhere, after all, so perhaps it’s just a throwaway comment of sorts.
That said, this feels like some kind of a hint being dropped, and the official stance on the freebie offer, as outlined by Microsoft in the FAQ for the ‘How to get Windows 11’ portal is as follows: “The free upgrade offer does not have a specific end date for eligible systems. However, Microsoft reserves the right to eventually end support for the free offer.”
No one has ever taken that second sentence all that seriously, and it’s been regarded as just part of the usual clauses and embellishments that can be added by companies in a ‘just in case’ kind of fashion. However, perhaps Microsoft will actually exercise that right when Windows 10 shuffles off its mortal coil later this year. It’s far from unthinkable.
While we can envisage such a future, there remains a pressing concern for Microsoft – Windows 11 adoption has been painfully slow. And ultimately, the software giant still wants people to make the move to Windows 11, so ditching the free offer would work against that.
Or, perhaps more to the point, if the freebie upgrade is officially canned come October 2025, Microsoft might still leave loopholes open that allow folks to step up to Windows 11 free of charge. Just as happened with Windows 10 when Microsoft ended thefree upgradethere, which was only supposed to be good for a year, but wasleft available for a long, long timeafter that period had expired.
It’s my feeling this is likely a move by Microsoft to help persuade fence-sitters to get on with it and upgrade to Windows 11, which, to be fair,at this point they should be doing anyway. Overall, I’m not convinced there’s any real teeth to the very vague threat aired here, but I could of course be wrong.
The DJI Flip is an innovative beginner drone with vlogging, selfie and camera drone functionality making it similar to the DJI Neo but more advanced.
Space Verdict The DJI Flip is a sub-250 g beginner drone that’s incredibly easy to use with capabilities that allow it to be flown autonomously and as a camera drone. The image quality is good, but not exceptional.
Dimensions:5.35×2.44×6.5 inches/136x62x165 mm folded, 9.17x11x3.11 inches/233x280x79 mm unfolded
Battery:3110 mAh / up to 31 minutes flight time
Charger type:USB-C cable / battery charging hub
Modes:Cine, Normal, Sport
Video transmission range:8 miles / 13km (FCC), 5 miles / 8km (CE/SRRC/MIC)
Video resolution:Up to 4K
Frame rates:4K up to 60 FPS, FHD up to 100 FPS, up to 2.7k vertical up to 30 FPS
Since the launch of theDJI Neo, which is extremely similar to the HoverAir X1 Pro and its still available predecessor, theHoverAir X1, the world’s leading drone manufacturer has begun to take beginner drones in a new direction. The DJI Flip is the latest beginner model to hit the shelves, and this vlogging drone delivers intelligent flight modes alongside camera drone functionality.
With this level of versatility alongside an attractive base kit price of $439, the Flip will likely appeal to beginner and enthusiast drone pilots. This is a drone that will undoubtedly take a place among thebest beginner dronesconsidering all this alongside the unique folding design of the Flip, where safety is paramount.
Moving back to the design, which is one of the most eye-catching aspects of the Flip, there’s no way you’ll have seen a drone like this before. The four propellers are encased in lightweight propeller guards for safer flights when tracking you. These fold down below the airframe and when folded out, make the Flip a much larger drone, but within the regulator-friendly sub-250g category.
The Flip can be flown independently without an app or controller, with the DJI Fly app or one of two controllers that are available in the kits. Intelligent flight modes allow for precise subject tracking while the camera can capture up to 4K 60 FPS video, 4K 100 FPS slow motion video and up to 2.7K 30 FPS vertical video in both Normal and D-Log M color profiles. Plus, photos can be captured in JPEG and Raw formats.
The DJI Flip drone, small in size and white in color, folded up with the propeller sitting underneath the body, on a stoney background.
Folding design
Propeller guards
Multiple controller options
Most drones these days feature a folding design, and the DJI Flip is no exception here despite its unique design. This sub-250g drone features propeller guards made of polycarbonate around the edges with lightweight carbon fiber string on the top and bottom; these fold up from below the airframe to create a drone that’s much larger than other models within the sub-250g category.
Folded, the Flip is 5.35×2.44×6.5 inches/136x62x165 mm which increases to 9.17x11x3.11 inches/233x280x79 mm when unfolded. It’s a strange-looking drone in both states, but its design is functional and makes sense for a drone that can be used autonomously for vlogging and taking selfies, and also works as a fully functioning camera drone.
A shot from above of trees covering the centre and left of the photo, with water also featuring on the left and car parks to the right of the picture.
The Flip’s airframe is taller than other sub-250g drones and is also a different shape, but this incorporates the 3D infrared sensor at the front of the drone above the gimbal. The black panel at the front of the drone also displays the currently active intelligent flight mode, which is great when using the drone app-free; with the mode button on the side of the drone allowing you to select the desired mode.
The drone can also be controlled with the DJI Fly app, including manually, and using voice control which is convenient and allows flight parameters to be adjusted. For camera drone use, the Flip can also be flown using the DJI RC-N3 controller or the DJI RC 2 smart controller. Which controller depends on the kit you choose. For the review, the DJI RC 2 was supplied and this is a fantastic controller featuring a bright and clear built-in 5.5-inch display.
This number of control options is fantastic for a beginner model because it allows users to select the control method that’s most suitable for the current flight. Traditional controllers are naturally the best option for flying manually, as a camera drone, but for vlogging and selfie functionality, app-free or control with the DJI Fly app are perfect.
A drone is sitting on a stoney floor, we’re looking at it from front on. A black camera is front and centre while four white propellers sit to the side of the white body.
AI subject tracking
2GB of internal storage
Wind resistance isn’t great
As previously mentioned, one of the standout features of the Flip is that it’s a vlogging drone and a camera drone aimed at beginners. This means it has excellent intelligent flight modes for subject tracking alongside the ability for audio to be captured via the DJI Fly app when enabled, so you can record your voice while capturing video, or with the DJI Mic connected to your smartphone; propeller noise is filtered out/reduced in both situations.
The Flip’s Intelligent flight modes include Follow, Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight and Helix where AI subject tracking aims to keep the subject in the centre of the frame during photo and video capture. This works exceptionally well with ActiveTrack 4.0, Spotlight 2.0, and Point of Interest 3.0 all playing a part in its success as a feature.
Within the DJI Fly app, there’s also Manual Control which allows you to fly the Flip using on-screen controls and although limited in terms of flight distance and control, it’s a useful to have feature but is still no match for a traditional controller. The physical controllers provide the best manual flight experience possible and also allow pilots to access Quickshots, which include Dronie, Circle, Rocket, Spotlight, Helix, and Boomerang.
Some wind turbines in open green fields with blue skies in the centre and right of the photo with gray clouds to the left.
With GPS positioning, the Flip can effectively hold position and this alongside the 3D Infrared Sensing System provides safe and effective Return to Home functionality in even complex environments. The return path is shown on the controller screen and DJI claims that this feature also makes lowlight and night flights safer. The sensing system also acts as forward-facing collision avoidance with a brake option available to stop the Flip when an obstacle is detected.
In terms of camera drone flight performance, the Flip flies well overall and its ability to be flown autonomously and as a camera drone makes it highly versatile. The drone can fly at speeds up to 27mph in Sport mode with Normal and Cine also available for slower and smoother flight. But it’s not the fastest drone, and it’s not the best performer in windier conditions with a noticeable reduction in flight speed. This could be a result of the shape of the propellers alongside the propeller guards themselves.
Other features include Hyperlapse with Free, Circle, Course Lock, and Waypoint options that can capture hyperlapse videos at up to 4K horizontally or 2.7K vertically. The charging hub also features fast charging where two batteries can be charged simultaneously while the hub can accommodate four batteries in total rather than the three most DJI hubs can accept at once.
Data transfers of up to 30MB/S to the DJI Fly app allow users to easily move photos and videos captured with the Flip to their phone. The Flip can also be plugged into a computer via USB-C to transfer data from the 2GB internal storage and/or the installed microSD card without switching the drone on. 2GB of onboard storage is next to nothing these days, especially when capturing 4K video, so a microSD card is essential.
DJI Flip review: Performance
A white battery charging hub on a multi-dark coloured stone background
12MP/48MP 1/1.3-inch sensor
Up to 4K 60 FPS video
Raw photos and D-Log M video are available
The Flip features a 3-axis mechanical gimbal for smooth footage, but this unfortunately doesn’t rotate between landscape and portrait format like the DJI Mini 3 and Mini 4 Pro models. This isn’t a major issue since the Flip can capture cropped vertical video which is ideal for social media, but it would be a welcome feature if available.
The camera features a 12MP/48MP 1/1.3-inch Quad Bayer 4-in-1 sensor with large pixels and Dual Native ISO Integration. The lens offers a 24mm equivalent focal length with an f/1.7 aperture and focus that ranges from one meter to infinity. There’s also a digital zoom for photos and videos that’s either 3x or 4x depending on the shooting mode and capture resolution selected.
Image quality is good but not amazing by any stretch; it’s fair to say that it sits firmly in the realms of beginner quality. That’s not to say you can’t capture high-quality imagery, it’s just not at the same level as the DJI Mini 4 Pro with the same size sensor, for example. To be fair, the price difference between the two drones naturally suggests that the Mini 4 Pro is the more advanced model.
Photos and videos exhibit a degree of muddiness, which may be a result of HDR if it’s applied to all photos and videos as the marketing materials vaguely suggest. Otherwise, as is the norm for consumer drones, photos and videos are sharpest in the centre of the frame with some fall off towards the edges.
Video can be captured in 4K at up to 60fps, 4K at 100fps in Slow Motion mode, 1080p up to 100fps and vertical video can be captured in 1080p and 2.7k at 30fps. Video can be captured in the Normal color profile for straight out-of-camera footage, which is ideal for beginners and quick turnarounds; while advanced users can capture in the 10-bit D-Log M flat profile with a 150Mbps bitrate for greater dynamic range and the ability to color grade footage. Photos can be captured in JPEG and Raw formats, so there are plenty of options to suit most pilots.
DJI Flip Review: Cost
A white drone with four propellers sits on a stoney floor as we look down on it from a bird’s eye view.
The DJI Flip is available in three kit options where the controllers available are the main deciding factor. The DJI Flip kit includes the drone, DJI RC-N3 controller, one battery, a pair of spare propellers and other basic accessories for $439. The DJI Flip (DJI RC 2) kit, which is identical apart from the controller, costs $639.
The DJI RC 2 Fly More Combo is the only Fly More Combo available but is well-priced compared to the base kit when you consider the additional accessories and the benefits of the smart controller. This kit includes all of the above alongside two additional batteries, a four-battery charging hub, a shoulder bag and two additional pairs of spare propellers for $779.
Should you buy the DJI Flip?
A close up of a propeller with a white rim and black spokes and blades on a stoney background.
The DJI Flip is certainly an interesting drone that sets a new direction for beginner models thanks to its versatility. On the one hand, you have the vlogging/selfie drone element, thanks to the intelligent flight modes for autonomous flight and subject tracking, alongside the ability to capture audio through the DJI Fly app. On the other, you have the camera drone functionality that further extends the usefulness of the drone.
These aspects of the Flip, as well as its relatively low cost, make it a great option for beginners and it is marketed as a beginner drone after all. But with this, the image quality produced isn’t as good as the DJI Mini 3 or DJI Mini 4 Pro. So, if you’d prefer the best image quality possible with a sub-250g drone, one of these models will be more suitable.
If this product isn’t for you
a gray remote control with two knobs on both top corners displays an orange screen that takes up most of the space.
TheDJI Neois a selfie drone with the same intelligent flight modes as the DJI Flip, as well as multiple flight control options. Photo and video capture isn’t as good as the Flip, but the Neo is still a great beginner drone at a reasonable price.
TheDJI Mini 4 Prois the best sub-250g camera drone available and produces superior image quality for photos and videos. It also features advanced subject tracking so it can be safely flown as close to people as the Flip, making it a great drone for subject tracking if this is important to you.
The DJI Flip FPV may look like an FPV drone but it isn’t one, so if you’d like to be able to capture immersive FPV video theDJI Avata 2is perfect. What’s more, the DJI RC Motion 3 makes the Avata incredibly easy and intuitive for beginners, while advanced pilots have other control options.
Nobody likes a price hike but Microsoft is preparing to raise the cost of its 365 subscriptions to “ensure Microsoft customers are among the first to access powerful AI features in our apps.”
The (somewhat) good new is it’s only happening in a few countries for now and the U.S. isn’t among them.
As spotted byThe Register, Microsoft has sent out emails to 365 users in six Asia-Pacific countries, detailing that subscriptions will see a big price hike of up to 45%. The increase will come to Microsoft 365 Family and 365 Personal subscriptions.
According to emails, Australian 365 Family users will also see an increase from AU$139 to AU$179, while 365 Personal subscribers will have a rise from AU$109 to AU$159. That’s a 45% price hike, and it’s all for AI features and enhancements in apps that’s contributing to it.
Currently, these price increases have been noted in several countries: Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand. While there’s no word of this steep cost raise coming to other countries, we’ve already heard ofMicrosoft announcing a 365 and Copilot price hike, which is set to arrive in April.
The price hike is set to contribute to several improvements to a suite of apps, such as “advanced security with Microsoft Defender, creative tools like Clipchamp, and countless enhancements to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Outlook,” a Microsoft spokespersonsaid. More importantly, it comes withMicrosoft Copilotand Designer.
Fortunately, as stated in the post, these price hikes aren’t mandatory if users don’t want the added AI features, as a basic version of Microsoft 365 will be available, too.
One of the biggest AI features that seems to be bumping up the price for Microsoft 365 subscriptions is Copilot, but it’s already had a rocky start.Microsoft Recallis an interesting yet flawed feature, while otherfeatures can be fun and useful, but not worth a 45% price increase.
If Microsoft follows through with this high price hike around the world, it will need to ensure that it’s AI features are updated and upgraded, offering more to users in apps such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and more. Even our own Alex Wawro thinksApple Intelligence is already better than Windows Copilotdespite it still rolling out.
Luckily, there are other feature Microsoft is bringing to PCs, including being able toconnect to a Meta Quest headset with three virtual displays, along with bringing anAirDrop-like feature for Windows to share files easily between a PC and iPhone.
After extensive testing, Google is finally bringing its dual SIM support to more Android users in the U.S. and beyond
What you need to know
Users on Reddit have started reporting that Google is pushing its dual SIM RCS support in Messages via a new stable version.
Threads state that the feature is appearing on several Pixel 9 and Samsung Galaxy devices in the U.S., Canada, and Germany.
Reports from last fall showed that Google was likely extending its testing of the feature as very few users spotted it in beta.
It looks like Google’s next step in messaging for its U.S. users is seeing a proper rollout in January.
Highlighted by 9to5Google, userson Reddithave started a thread about the arrival of Dual SIM support for RCS texting in Google Messages. The O.P. (original poster) states they’ve received dual SIM over RCS support in Messages on theirPixel 9 Pro. Another user chimed in, stating they’ve also received support for it, which involves using both SIMs “simultaneously.”
That particular post added that their deviceis not enrolled in the betaand has appeared in version messages.android_20241120_00_RC07 of the Messages app.
Several more posts say the dual SIM support has rolled onto the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Galaxy Z Fold 6. Moreover, users have mentioned the feature delivering support for SIM cards belonging to Verizon, AT&T, and USMobile.
Elsewhere, a9to5Googlepost doubled down on user reports on Reddit regarding its stable app version release. The publication also highlighted other threads that claim the feature is even appearing for more users in the most recent Messages beta, v20250112_00_RC00. Additionally, users outside of the U.S.have reportedly noticed supportappearing on Android, which signals an even wider rollout than originally theorized.
A user with a Galaxy S23 FE in Canada posted a screenshot of the feature’s arrival on their device, as well as another in Germany.
Google has beenslowly moving towardits official push for dual SIM support for RCS texting since last fall. There was a more secluded beta earlier last year; however, some users started noticing it quite sparingly in November. The reports were sporadic as some saw it on stable while others only spotted it in its beta version.
Regardless, seeing as it’s more apparent in January, users should notice the dual SIM feature in the RCS Chats page of the Messages app settings. There, beneath “turn on RCS,” users will notice both SIM cards alongside two checkboxes. Users can decide which card to use at any given moment or have them both active at once.
It’s worth mentioning that there are some routine verification steps the cards must go through in the app before everything’s green.
Outside of RCS, Google recently detailed the addition of more AI software in Messages to help userscombat spam/tricky scam texts. If the app detects a potential sign of spam, it will either automatically drop it in the appropriate folder or alert you about it for better judgment.
Samsung wants to buy your old smartphone, but unlike its usual trade-in programs, its newly launchedGalaxy Easy Rewardprogram doesn’t require you to buy a new phone at all. With it, Samsung is taking on the various phone recycling and used device centers that purchase your old phone, saving you the effort of selling it privately.
Galaxy Easy Reward goes online in Korea on January 14, and the range of phones Samsung will buy is extensive. Starting out with the Galaxy S20 series, Samsung will also buy back the S21, S22, and S23 series, along with the Galaxy Z Fold 3, Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Fold 5. It closes out the list with the Galaxy Z Flip 3, Galaxy Z Flip 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 5. The latestGalaxy S24series,Galaxy Z Fold 6, andGalaxy Z Flip 6aren’t included.
How much the phone is worth depends on the condition, and it appears the Galaxy Easy Reward system will initially provide an estimate, and will finalize the price once the device has been returned. It will grade phones in an unusual way too, with either “Excellent” or “Good” presumably meaning the phone can be resold, and the final “Recycle” grade meaning the phone will be broken down for parts.
It also seems Samsung will buy non-Samsung devices, but the wording isn’t clear in the translated Korean press release. Why has Samsung launched the Galaxy Easy Reward program? A quote from Samsung Electronics’ Vice President Jung Ho-jin explains:
“We expect this program to increase the long-term value of Galaxy products and contribute to the circular economy,” he said.
The Apple iPhone is well-known for retaining its value on the used market compared to most other smartphones, and it appears Samsung wants to give its phones a boost. A top-spec, mint conditioniPhone 16 Plustrades for up to $763 according to used device buyerSellCell, while aSamsung Galaxy S24 Plusfetchesup to $613. By increasing the phone’s used value, Samsung likely hopes to tempt more buyers to its brand-new phones.
The Galaxy Easy Reward program will first launch in Korea, but the press release states it will expand to other regions in the future.
Half-frame cameras are making a comeback as a more economical way to shoot real film
The craving for a retro look is bringing film photography back into the spotlight – and with it a number of new cameras. From theKodakEktar H35 to thePentax17, a number of these new film cameras introduced to keep up with the retro craze are half-frame cameras. While the half-frame camera has a long history, the resurgence of film has many novices asking a key question: what is a half-frame camera?
A half-frame camera splits the film in half in order to fit two images side-by-side in the space normally occupied by one. That means that a traditional roll of 36 exposure film will instead shoot 72 images. The half-frame camera’s lower cost per image and uniquely vertical aspect ratio is bringing the format back into the limelight.
Here’s what photographers need to know about the half-frame format.
The first image in this film strip is a traditional 35mm image, while the next four are from half-frame cameras(Image credit: Pentax)
A half-frame camera is a film camera that splits the standard 35mm film in half. A traditional 35mm roll of film records the image on a 36mm by 24mm section of film. Half-frame cameras split the frame in half, fitting two images side-by-side instead of one. This results in an image that’s 18 by 24mm instead. A key advantage of half-frame is that photographers can get twice as many shots in a single roll of film, so a 36 exposure roll of film creates 72 images.
During the development process, photographers can choose to leave the images in half frame format, which creates a diptych or two images side-by-side. Or, the images can be trimmed to hold one image on the print or film scan, producing images that look similar to what a full-frame 35mm would produce.
Because half-frame cameras split a traditional photo in half, the aspect ratio or dimensions of the image are different. A traditional 35mm film camera takes a 3:2 horizontal aspect ratio. A half-frame camera, on the other hand, takes an image that has a 3:4 aspect ratio.
The split design on a half frame camera also means that holding the camera horizontally results in vertical images. Photographers can still take horizontal images, but need to hold the camera itself vertically – opposite of a traditional 35mm camera.
Half-frame isn’t a new concept, as the format was alsopopular in the 1960s. However, the format seems to be particularly suited for photographers shooting film in a digital world. Besides getting more images without buying twice as much film, the aspect ratio of half-frame photos are well-suited for a vertical smartphone screen. Recent half-frame camera launches include thePentax 17,Alfie Tych+,Kodak Ektar H35, and theLomography Lomourette.
Does a half-frame camera produce lower quality images than a full frame camera?
The Kodak Ektar H35 is a half-frame camera
While half-frame cameras can take good quality images, there are a few notable differences in the quality of an image shot with half film compared to a traditional 35mm format. Fitting two images instead of one on a single frame will magnify the grain of the film.
That means if you want less grain, you may want to choose a lower ISO film type. Of course, choosing a lower ISO film type means you’ll need to use a slower shutter speed or brighter aperture, so some photographers prefer to just embrace that real film grain.
Because a half-frame photograph takes up less space on the film, the resolution of your film scans will also be lower than those from a full-frame camera.
Full frame cameras, then, typically perform better in low light than a half-frame camera. Full frame cameras also have a tendency to be a bit sharper, but sharpness will vary based on the lens used as well.
The Pentax 17, a half-frame camera, is the company’s first new film camera in decades
A half-frame camera operates much in the same way a traditional 35mm film camera does – except it takes twice as many images per roll of film. A half-frame camera doesn’t “do” anything that a full frame camera doesn’t, unless you really want diptychs, or two photos side-by-side. Instead, half-frame cameras are more about being a more economical way to use film.
Can you use regular film in a half-frame camera?
Half-frame cameras use regular 35mm film, as this animation of loading film into the Pentax 17 demonstrates(Image credit: Ricoh Imaging)
Half-frame cameras use regular 35mm film, they just expose and wind that film a bit differently. That’s great news, as the 35mm film format is easy to find. That gives photographers many different film emulsions to choose from, whether they want black and white, traditional color, or unique special effect film.
While half-frame cameras use the same film, if you send the film into a lab for development, you’ll want to note that the film is half frame. You can instruct the lab to leave the frames together as diptychs, or separate them and treat them as individual photos.
Microsoft has notified users of itsMicrosoft 365 suitein six countries about hefty price increases when renewing their subscriptions.
The company claims that the increases are necessary to ensure that Microsoft customers are among the first to access powerful AI features in its apps.
Last week, subscribers in Asia received emails about the upcoming price increases. An annual Microsoft 365 Family subscription in Australia will increase from AU$139 to AU$179 (converted from 83.57 euros to 107.64 euros) when renewed, an increase of nearly 29 percent. For Microsoft 365 Personal subscriptions, the price will rise from AU$109 to AU$159 (from 65.55 euros to 95.61 euros), an increase of nearly 46 percent. Microsoft’s Australian website currently displays these prices as standard. The price increases have been announced for Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand.
New features added
A Microsoft spokesperson stated that the price changes reflect the extensive subscription benefits Microsoft has added over the past 12 years, including advanced security with Microsoft Defender and creative tools such as Clipchamp. This is in addition to numerous improvements in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Outlook. According to the spokesperson, the price changes also include new features such as Microsoft Copilot and Microsoft Designer.
The spokesperson added that the enhancements are not mandatory. Subscribers can opt for a cheaper version of Microsoft 365 without Copilot.
A Microsoft 365 Classic option is available without the price increases, but many users report it is difficult to find. For example, the alternative appears only when cancelling a subscription. And users find the process confusing or cumbersome. Even with search engines like Bing (from Microsoft) and Google, finding details about this suite proves difficult.
In March 2024, however, Microsoft didpromise tooffer Office editions under perpetual licenses, albeit without associated cloud services.
The announcement provoked many negative reactions online. Users accused Microsoft of inflating prices. Microsoft has not answered whether these price increases will be implemented elsewhere. It is also unclear whether the price increases will affect business licenses. The company stated that the goal of the changes is to listen, learn, and improve based on customer feedback.
Microsoft has pledged to invest as much as $80 billion in datacenters by 2025, primarily for AI applications. The cost of these investments appears to be passed on to customers. However, this is meeting resistance, especially since many AI features Microsoft offers are available for free from other providers.
We tested out the Doogee S200 – a relatively rugged smartphone with a cool mecha-design.
Verdict The Doogee S200 is a durable device that’s unashamedly chunky, heavy, and with an eye-catching futuristic style. There are plenty of built-in features that make it ideal for most on-site work, or for hiking, and camping, although the specs are not the most rugged I’ve ever seen. A brawler, not a tank.
Pros
+Rugged design
+Futuristic ‘mecha’ style
+100MP camera
+Night vision
+Toolbag of apps
Cons
-Not the toughest specs
-May be too big for some
-Speakers are somewhat tinny
The Doogee S200 is a heavyweight rugged phone – and I mean heavyweight. I weighed this beast at 369g, and it feels it in the hand. Bold, chunky, and the absolute opposite of unassuming as a phone can be. But then, that’s what you want from a ruggedized phone. You want it to feel like it can take a battering, survive a long drop.
On that score, the S200 certainly looks and feels the part. How does it measure up in terms of robustness and durability against thebest rugged phonesmy team and I regularly review? I put it to the test.
The Doogee S200 is widely available from the official site andAmazon. On the official Doogee site, it retails for $412, which puts it at the upper-end of the mid-range compared to rivals.
Front: 20MPRear: 100 MP AI camera, 20 MP, (night vision)
OS:
Android 14
Biometrics:
Fingerprint
Dimensions:
7.07 x 3.25 x 0.63in (179.5 x 82.5 x 16mm)
Battery:
10100 mAh (33W fast charge)
Weight:
369g
Accessories
See site
Doogee S200: Design
(Image credit: Doogee)
There’s something delightfully futuristic about the design of the Doogee S200, with its hard lines and poker-straight cutaway edges. Like it’s been built by robots. Specifically, those created by Skynet.
The front screen is protected by the ubiquitous Corning Gorilla Glass – not the hardiest of all screens, but acceptable at this price. A 20MP front camera is centrally placed at the top of the display. Where the buttons and ports rest along the side, we have screwed-in alloy strips to offer extra protection to these moving (or rather, moveable) parts and resist bending under pressure. I quite like the feel of these buttons – they’re almost flush against the phone, thick in appearance, but with a soft, springy feel when depressed – so you know your press has been registered, even without looking. Better still, on the left side, beneath the dual SIM card port is a custom button, which can be personalized for three selected quick actions for one click, double-click, and long press. At the bottom, you’ll find the charging port, suitably covered with a rubber gasket to guard against dust and leaks.
Flip over the phone and the rear is equally aggressive in design. with the speaker and microphone shielded by aerospace-grade alloy casing cut with what look like exhaust ports of the sort you might find on a mobile workstation or gaming PC. Dominating this space is the 1.32in circular AMOLED screen. And it’s one of the best features of the phone. Bright and vivid, this display can be used as a clock-face, act as a compass, and more. Flanking this screen are three cameras and an infra-red flash lamp.
So, we know the S200 feels heavy in the hand, and with dimensions of 179.5 x 82.5 x 16mm (7.07 x 3.25 x 0.63in), you’re going to need large hands to fully wrap around the device. I have considerably average-sized hands, and found the most comfortable holding position was to have the phone laying flat against my fingers, with the tips peeking around the side. This isn’t the most secure hold, of course, but otherwise operating the S200 worked well in this position.
In terms of protection, the Doogee S200 is rated for IP68, IP69K, and MIL-STD 810. This is pretty standard for most of the rugged phones we’ve tested here, making it dust-proof, waterproof, and drop-proof.
Running on Android 14, I found performance to be excellent. I’m always a bit wary of rugged phones, which can sometimes focus more on the hardware than the software. It’s all very well being able to hurl the phone at a brick wall or see it run over by a steamroller, but if operation is sluggish, it’s enough to make you want to cut it up with a chainsaw.
Thankfully, those issues aren’t apparent in the Doogee S200. Performance is smooth, apps open quickly, and I experienced no problems in everyday operation. But then, I expected good results here, since the phone is specced with a Mediatek Dimensity 7050 processor and 32GB RAM (my review unit came with the maximum 32GB, although 12GB RAM is the base amount – still more than enough to power most apps and general use).
The 6.72in screen here is also very nice to use. Boasting a 1080×2400 resolution and 1400:1 contrast ratio that is excellent in dark environments and outdoors in direct sunlight. It even features a 120Hz refresh rate, making it suitable for on-the-go gaming. There’s also a Game Mode, which sounds good, but does little beyond keeping your games in a library and turning off notifications.
In any case, I downloaded a handful of games to see if the phone could keep up when reaction time is a factor.Call of DutyMobileplayed flawlessly here, as didMarioKart Tour. These more or less mirrored tests on aGooglePixel 5. However, duringNeed for Speed: No Limitsthere were occasional frame-rate drops and lagging when the screen became busy or animations were too fast. Still, the high refresh rate is a nice extra where available to have, and much higher than you’ll find on most traditional phones. Just set realistic expectations here – you do not have a rugged Steam Deck in your hands.
Finally, the S200 sports a 10100 mAh battery. Not the biggest battery I’ve seen in a phone like this, and I would’ve liked to see wireless charging to round-out the package. But it’s good for general use, especially when combined with the 33W fast-charging.
Performance:4 / 5
Doogee S200: In use
As a rugged phone, the Doogee S200 performs exactly as you’d expect. I’ve hurled it down stairs and out of first-floor windows and drowned it in the bath, and it’s still chugging along. It’s rated to a 1.8m drop, which isn’t particularly high but offers some protection should it slip from a gloved hand. I tested out a drop at this height, and the phone survived as expected. I chanced myarm, tossing it higher, the phone falling further. There were no visible signs of wear, but I probably wouldn’t want to do this too often. The Doogee S200 feels rugged only up to a point. A rowdy brawler, but not a tank.
As a smartphone, it performs well and without issue. Connectivity, which includes Wi-Fi 6 and NFC, is also welcome. Out of the box, the phone is loaded with a range of apps and extras designed for on-site work. This includes Glove Mode, located in Settings, and the Toolbag App. It’s here where you can access a range of essential worksite tools, such as compass, ruler, and digital spirit level. I particularly like this, as it means the phone is ready for the jobsite straight away, no messing about.
I quite enjoyed the addition of the rear circular subscreen. Though not a game-changer by any means, I appreciated the ability to glance at the clock regardless of which way I was holding the S200. Alongside the time, it felt very smooth swiping through the other options on the subscreen, such as music player controls and calendar. Disappointingly, as far as I could tell, there’s no way to customize which apps are displayed here. Through the MiniScreen Subscreen Settings, you’re free to set a range of clock faces – I went for analogue in this sea of digital – or make your own. It’s basic, but fun. You can also change how to wake the miniscreen.
I found the 100MP camera is nice – not the highest megapixel camera around, but distinctly higher than many devices we’ve tested from rivals like Oukitel, where 64MP is more common. Elsewhere, the night vision camera proved exceptional and, for many workers, I can see this becoming a go-to mid-range rugged phone for this feature alone. Gaming and media playback was good, with colors crisp and vivid on the fair-sized screen. However, I did find the speakers only adequate – these are the typical tinny phone speakers, the smartphone standard, with very little bass. Overall, in use, the Doogee S200 delivered exactly the sort of experience I’d expect from a phone of this price and in this category.
In use:4 / 5
Doogee S200: Final verdict
The Doogee S200 is, very literally, a solid smartphone, built for rugged use. True, the specs aren’t the toughest and hardiest out there – and for genuinely hostile environments, I’d think twice about taking it on the job. However, for general use on worksites, or hiking and camping, the S200 is more than robust enough. Yes, it’s big and heavy – that’s part of its charm, alongside the cyber-futuristic mecha-style design, its sliced corners and exposed rivets on the side. If you want a phone that’s durable, built to go up against the elements, and still looks great doing it, there’s a lot to recommend here.
Buy it if…
You want a rugged phone with plenty of features If you want a big, chunky, robust smartphone with good performance and 5G, the Doogee S200 ticks plenty of boxes.
You want a built-in compass and night vision This phone boasts a night vision camera and compass amongst a host of tools and features that’ll be welcome on any jobsite.
Don’t buy it if…
You don’t need a durable phone However nice it is, there’s no good reason to pick up this phone unless you need a ruggedized device that’ll take a few knocks.You want a lightweight device The Doogee S200 is unashamedly big and heavy, whichever way you measure it. Not one for slipping away in a tight pocket or handbag.
HMD has removed all Nokia-branded smartphones from its website, signaling the end of Nokia’s presence in the smartphone market.
Feature phones under the Nokia brand are still available for purchase, distinguishing them from the now-unavailable smartphones.
Despite the disappearance of Nokia smartphones, the company remains active in various other technological fields and projects, potentially allowing for more focus on non-phone endeavors.
For several years now, rumors have swirled that Nokia would be leaving the phone space. The iconic company, most known for the jokes around its supposedly indestructible phones, has struggled to maintain its presence in the smartphone market. In 2017, HMD purchased the rights to make Nokia-branded devices. And despitereassurances as recently as August, it seems that Nokia smartphones are no longer an option. They have all been listed as unavailable on theHMD websiteand moved to a separate section from HMD’s smartphones.
The page displays links and images to over a dozen different Nokia smartphones and tablets, but clicking any of those will show a barebones summary with a message saying, “This phone is no longer available.” HMD has rearranged the site to place more focus on its own devices. There has been no official statement regarding the change, but it seems that HMD has thrown in the towel on trying to keep the brand alive. However, there is one important thing to note: Only Nokia-branded smartphones are gone. Feature phones — or “dumb” phones — are still available for purchase, at least for now.
This potentially marks a major change in the smartphone industry, but it doesn’t mean Nokia as a brand is going anywhere. Nokia is involved in a lot more than just phones; it also provides technology to a huge range of different fields and is even working on a collaborative project with several other companies to put a cellular network on the moon. If Nokia backs out of the phone game, it will open up more resources for the company to devote to its other projects.
At this point, what happens next for Nokia is anyone’s guess. The company almost has a nostalgic presence in the market as one of the first big names in the smartphone game, but after multiple attempts to save the brand over the last few years, perhaps it’s time for Nokia to concede the fight to the current market leaders.
/https://tf-cmsv2-smithsonianmag-media.s3.amazonaws.com/filer_public/9c/82/9c82e291-a42e-45db-8fcc-27cadfe320ca/selection_of_nokia_mobile_handsets_including_unseen_prototypes___credit__aleksi_poutanen__aalto_university_2024.jpg)