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Nyko Playpad Quick Review

My Nyko Playpad came in from Amazon on Friday (earlier than the estimated ship date I might add...) and here are my quick thoughts.
Summary: Very disappointing. Build quality is questionable, it doesn't work with a lot of games and their 'app' is a broken mess.
Details:
1. The device is VERY small. I have small hands and it is difficult to press the L1, R1, L2 and R2 buttons because the thing is so small. Some one with slightly larger hands would probably have a really hard time using this device. This isn't a knock per se, because it is advertised as a 'portable' solution. You just probably don't want to plan to do any extended gaming on this.
2. The build quality feels light, cheap and 'plasticky'. I feel like I am going to break the L2 and R2 buttons every time I press them. This feels like a cheap $15 knock off controller, not a $40 controller in the same price range as an XBox controller.
3. The analog controls are stiff and imprecise. They are not covered in the same rubber texture that the body is covered in, and the raised 'bumps' that are there to provide grip are VERY raised. It feels like pressing your thumbs on tiny spikes and is not comfortable.
4. The free app that exists to allow you to map buttons (which would solve the game compatibility problem) does not work. The entry in the Google Play store warns the app 'is in beta'. 'Beta' is being generous. I could not get the app to sync the controller on either my HTC phone or my Asus Infinity. The sync process crashes at 50%.
Even more strange is the fact that the app doesn't use the 'App Mode' of the controller. When starting the app, a warning appears that 'In the current version, the app uses the HID/Game Pad mode'. The 'App Switch' at the top of the controller has to be in HID/Game pad mode to work (it still doesn't sync even when you use the right mode).
I am not the only one with this problem. There are numerous complaints and '1' ratings.
5. Unless your game supports this pad specifically or has built in remap functions, the controller is probably not going to work. In Snesoid for example, only one of the analog controllers and the 'Y' button work, and the rest just cause the 'Exit App' screen to appear.
6. The charging dongle that comes with the controller is an actual dongle. It is not a cable. This makes it very difficult to charge the device.
Conclusions. Right now this was a waste of my $40. When the app is fixed the pad might be usable, but it still will not be a product I would recommend to anyone.

I bought the Playpad Pro the other day from Gamestop and I would rate it 7/10. Overall, I'm very happy with the construction of the controller. I haven't held the regular Playpad, but I can tell you the Playpad Pro has a nice rubberized, non-slip finish to it and it feels surprisingly solid for what it is. It worked perfectly right out of the box with all of my favorite emulators (anything by yongzh, fpse, etc...). I'm disappointed to report that the triggers would not work with Max Payne Mobile. But, hey, not big deal as long as you don't need Bullet Time or the ability to shoot Max's guns! :/
Also, the app, as reported by bluejay2345 is indeed a desolate wasteland of perhaps 10 games, 3 of which you have maybe even heard of. One of these titles is Grand Theft Auto III, which admittedly worked amazingly well. The game controlled (and looked) even better than I remembered on the console versions. That being said, Nyko needs to show the app some serious TLC if this thing is ever going to catch on. They've got a really great concept going here, but it's in need of some immediate support.
But overall, I would highly recommend the Nyko Playpad Pro. Especially if your main goal is to relive classic games through emulation on your beastly tablet.

Do the analog sticks work with FPSE? I've read a review on Amazon where some guy can't make them work with FPSE.

I'm pleased to report that the left analog stick works fine. I couldn't get the right one to work, but I don't believe the ps1 had a right analog stick anyway.

I wish I had bought the Pro version instead of the portable version. It sounds like a much better deal, particularly given that they are the same price.

radio five said:
I bought the Playpad Pro the other day from Gamestop and I would rate it 7/10. Overall, I'm very happy with the construction of the controller. I haven't held the regular Playpad, but I can tell you the Playpad Pro has a nice rubberized, non-slip finish to it and it feels surprisingly solid for what it is. It worked perfectly right out of the box with all of my favorite emulators (anything by yongzh, fpse, etc...). I'm disappointed to report that the triggers would not work with Max Payne Mobile. But, hey, not big deal as long as you don't need Bullet Time or the ability to shoot Max's guns! :/
Also, the app, as reported by bluejay2345 is indeed a desolate wasteland of perhaps 10 games, 3 of which you have maybe even heard of. One of these titles is Grand Theft Auto III, which admittedly worked amazingly well. The game controlled (and looked) even better than I remembered on the console versions. That being said, Nyko needs to show the app some serious TLC if this thing is ever going to catch on. They've got a really great concept going here, but it's in need of some immediate support.
But overall, I would highly recommend the Nyko Playpad Pro. Especially if your main goal is to relive classic games through emulation on your beastly tablet.
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Hi, did you buy Playpad Pro on line. I live in the UK and I can't find any where to buy it.

What gamepad would you suggest for Android as an alternative to this device if you'd pay any price ?

maxal said:
Hi, did you buy Playpad Pro on line. I live in the UK and I can't find any where to buy it.
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I bought mine from a brick and mortar Gamestop in my town.
(sorry for the late response)
---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:24 PM ----------
dazdaz said:
What gamepad would you suggest for Android as an alternative to this device if you'd pay any price ?
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That's the frustrating part of this whole thing. In my opinion, this is the best gamepad on the market. The build is solid and it feels like a nice, sturdy, ergonomic controller with all the necessary buttons. The problem we're faced with is the software. There is no other bluetooth gamepad out there that will do anything more than this will. Triggers are simply not recognized by any game unless it is already optimized for it, such as GTA III. Nyko's playground app is supposed to let you map any button to do what you like for any game out there. Unfortunately, it doesn't and the app is virtually worthless at this point. Once they finally come out with an update that enables the app to do what it's advertised to do, this will be the ultimate solution.

Does anyone know if this works with Bard's Tale?

radio five said:
I bought mine from a brick and mortar Gamestop in my town.
(sorry for the late response)
---------- Post added at 03:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:24 PM ----------
That's the frustrating part of this whole thing. In my opinion, this is the best gamepad on the market. The build is solid and it feels like a nice, sturdy, ergonomic controller with all the necessary buttons. The problem we're faced with is the software. There is no other bluetooth gamepad out there that will do anything more than this will. Triggers are simply not recognized by any game unless it is already optimized for it, such as GTA III. Nyko's playground app is supposed to let you map any button to do what you like for any game out there. Unfortunately, it doesn't and the app is virtually worthless at this point. Once they finally come out with an update that enables the app to do what it's advertised to do, this will be the ultimate solution.
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When are Nyko due to release an app update ? I finally ordered my gamepad and can't wait to have a few rounds of my favourite games on the Tablet.

I think I am going to invest in the Moga, you put your phone in it or fold that part away and use it like a regular blue tooth gamepad for our tablets. It's $50 or $60 at best buy, I forgot.

dazdaz said:
What gamepad would you suggest for Android as an alternative to this device if you'd pay any price ?
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Click to collapse
The PS3 Dualshock is the best controller for the TF. IMHO.

Ready2Mosh said:
I think I am going to invest in the Moga, you put your phone in it or fold that part away and use it like a regular blue tooth gamepad for our tablets. It's $50 or $60 at best buy, I forgot.
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Good luck. I heard the Moga is just as bad or worse. Great idea, but again poor execution. Wish I could a sixaxis without rooting. For my phone that's what I use, but for my tablet i want to keep stock (twc app, ect...)
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

I own the MOGA, Playpad and the Steelseries Free controller.
Out of the three, the Steelseries is my favorite. Its very comfortable... at least i feel it is.
The MOGA does not have native bluetooth IME support unless you use the universal driver app.
The Problem the MOGA has is that it isn't using android native drivers. Input starts out smooth but eventually lag... lag really, really bad.
If Power A figures out a way around the lag their app and drivers cause, then the controller would be amazing. Until they do, use the universal driver app.
The Nyko Playpad's Playground app is crappy and needs an update... bad. The thumb sticks/numbs are not as smooth as I was hoping, though it's about the same level of sensitivity as the MOGA.
The Steelseries Free just feels amazing. The Thumb Sticks are extremely smooth and every click just feels right. The only downside I have with the controller is the Price.
$80
You can get a PS3 controller for cheaper.

I just spent a couple hours playing FPSE with the Playpad and I'm satisfied although the L2 and R2 buttons do not work in HID mode. I can live without dual analog support until Nyko gets their Playground app straightened out (or someone straightens it out for them, or suggests a good alternative) but I am a bit concerned about the L2 and R2 buttons, which were the main reason I chose this pad over an iControlpad (that only has two "shoulder" buttons). I also have not yet attempted to use the Playground app and probably won't until I have a game to play that really forces me to.
As far as the size goes, I was actually hoping it would be just a bit smaller. It is light but it seems fairly durable. Gamestop promised me a 30 day no questions asked warranty so I intend to do my best to break it in the next 30 days, I already dropped it right on its shoulder buttons before I ever even turned it on for the first time and it was none the worse for wear. It's also as mash-proof as I was hoping it would be. I'm slightly concerned that the L2 and R2 buttons may break in my pocket not from mashing but from catching up under their lips and pulling/levering but I guess we'll see. Unfortunately I may not realize it if they are since as I said they don't function in HID mode. I will make a point of testing them as I near my cut-off date if I'm still not using them for games.
If the SteelSeries wasn't twice the price, I might have considered it since it is definitely smaller and I'm not surprised to hear that it has a nice feel since it looked like it had a nice build quality but the Playpad is acceptable in this department and it is the only mobile gamepad that has four shoulder buttons.

Xbox 360 wireless controller
I just use my xbox 360 controller with the wireless usb adapter, which you could get from amazon for under $20 and the usb/bt joycenter app (paid) with touch server. The controller navigates the tablet out of the box, but needs the app to play emulators and touch games like modern combat and nova. I get to use my wireless xbox 360 controller on my pc as well with the adapter which I already had. The only thing I had to buy was the app which I think was like 6 dollars. Works fine for me.

It's better now
It works great now. Especially for emulators. Every button works on Mupen64 and ePSXe, even both analogue sticks.

Is Touch Mapping supported?

Moga Pro - The Best Way to Game on Mobile

So after i gave away my smaller moga controller in a giveaway(winner will be announced July 5th) i decided to order the moga pro and give my perspective on it. this controller is a must have for hardcore mobile gamers, especially with console like quality games releasing everyday. This controller only retails for $49.99 so it's very affordable. And with enough feed back from you guys im def giving this away once i throw up a few more videos on it. tell me what you guys think about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC-HBdCjmIc

SNNTEC said:
So after i gave away my smaller moga controller in a giveaway(winner will be announced July 5th) i decided to order the moga pro and give my perspective on it. this controller is a must have for hardcore mobile gamers, especially with console like quality games releasing everyday. This controller only retails for $49.99 so it's very affordable. And with enough feed back from you guys im def giving this away once i throw up a few more videos on it. tell me what you guys think about.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BC-HBdCjmIc
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It really is affordable. But only if you live in the states. International shipping is heaps too expensive.

lambstone said:
It really is affordable. But only if you live in the states. International shipping is heaps too expensive.
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This is available from Game.co.uk if you live in the UK. I used flubit.com and got it for £34.99 and it came delivered from Game.:laugh:

gazjlfc said:
This is available from Game.co.uk if you live in the UK. I used flubit.com and got it for £34.99 and it came delivered from Game.:laugh:
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Yeah, unfortunately I'm in Australia. Shipping from UK is expensive too.

Just posted a very detailed review of MOGA Pro: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=2351418
Check out my other reviews in signature links, all very detailed write up of the latest accessories and gadgets for your smartphone and tablets!

Nice bro..
Sent from my SCH-I605 using Tapatalk 2

any uk folk still after this, game.co.uk have this in stock at the moment. i've just ordered mine, will post back once it arrives to report if it's actually any better/worse than the many other awful blutooth controllers for android phones
fingers crossed this one's half decent

Another cheap alternative to this if you dont have to have wireless is a OTG Usb cable and hooking up a PS3 controller, works PERFECT and no need to be rooted or no drivers to install
plug in and play
you can use it over bluetooth if you are rooted

received this yesterday and i'm really happy with it. much better than the nyko and other android controllers i've tried. works best on moga enhanced games like dead trigger and gta iii. these games auto-detect when the moga is connected and adjust the control system accordingly. so there is no need to remap buttons or change any settings, these games just work out of the box so to speak.
for other games, the moga can make use of the HID mode. this is great for emulators where you can map each button to match whichever corresponding button in the emulator.
only problem is that the "select" button can not be mapped, as it always acts as the "back" button (same as the back button at the bottom of the phone itself). this is the same on every wireless controller i've tried though. i think the ps3 dual shock 3 controller can be mapped correctly, but without root this needs to be plugged in.
also, it took me a while to work out the axis mapping on epsxe, as these are not mapped by pressing the triggers or using the sticks, but must be selected manually. this took a bit of trial and error, so to save you the trouble, here are the settings that work......these may work for other controllers too?
Left Stick X = AXIS_X
Left Stick Y = AXIS_Y
Right Stick X = AXIS_Z
Right Stick Y = AXIS_RZ
L2 Stick = AXIS_BRAKE
R2 Stick = AXIS_GAS
If you do not set the axis correctly, they will simply not operate within the psx games.
I also set analogue range to Circle rather than Square.
now that all my emulators are set up, i'm very happy with this controller. it works well, holds the phone nicely, isn't too heavy and is very responsive. would recommend this controller certainly over any other i've tried, unless you are rooted or don't mind using a wired controller, in which case stick with the ps3 ds3, that's the ultimate conroller and works flawlessly.

[Q] MSI GS70 Stealth Or Razer Blade 14"???

Hey guys, help me decide between the Razer or the MSI laptop. Im not huge on the 17 inch razer , the touch pad screen doesn't mater much to me, so basically which laptop between the two would you chose... thanks :good:

Shotgun4 said:
Hey guys, help me decide between the Razer or the MSI laptop. Im not huge on the 17 inch razer , the touch pad screen doesn't mater much to me, so basically which laptop between the two would you chose... thanks :good:
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Click to collapse
If you don't have a choice, the GS70S, otherwise search google for some well known gaming PC manufacturers and buy a custom laptop from there; usually far better value for your money. The GS70S offers more storage for games, movies, music and other stuff too,

Desolutional said:
If you don't have a choice, the GS70S, otherwise search google for some well known gaming PC manufacturers and buy a custom laptop from there; usually far better value for your money. The GS70S offers more storage for games, movies, music and other stuff too,
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Do you know of any manufactures that alow you to custom build a decent, thin gaming laptop? And whats your thoughts on maingear pulse 17 ?
Thanks

Shotgun4 said:
Do you know of any manufactures that alow you to custom build a decent, thin gaming laptop? And whats your thoughts on maingear pulse 17 ?
Thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you want a thin gamer's laptop, go for the Pulse, I how you feel about Razer products. The pulse looks great, however, the thinner the laptop the greater the heat produced and the lower the capacity of the battery (small battery, cause of the thinness). If you are gaming on AC then grab the pulse. For browsing the web and movies, both the pulse and razer power down the GPU so you won't be burning through too much battery.
Which is also why many custom laptops are quite chunky too, mainly for the battery and SLI graphics.

Desolutional said:
If you want a thin gamer's laptop, go for the Pulse, I how you feel about Razer products. The pulse looks great, however, the thinner the laptop the greater the heat produced and the lower the capacity of the battery (small battery, cause of the thinness). If you are gaming on AC then grab the pulse. For browsing the web and movies, both the pulse and razer power down the GPU so you won't be burning through too much battery.
Which is also why many custom laptops are quite chunky too, mainly for the battery and SLI graphics.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Manly if im gaming, the laptop will be pluged in with a fan base under it, i need the protablity for collage. So ive basically pit out the MSI Stealth because ive heard some bad things on cheap build quality as the screen bends and the latches have broke. I haven't heard puch about the pulse , and the razer has a steep price for not being as customizable.
So overall, you would choose based on, using it for gaming with fan dock and ac power, with protability and build quality , the razer?
Thanks again

As I don't live in the US I don't know what the pulse company support is like, but I know that Razer support is great, so I suggest grabbing the Razer, best of luck.
Sent from my GT-I8160 using xda app-developers app

Ziber Xra - Android Multi-Touch Coffee Table

Hello,
Over the last couple months I have been designing and building an android powered Coffee Table. I named it the Ziber Xra. Below are the pics.
I want feedback from you guys and constructive criticism for the next one. Your ideas are welcome.
Specs:
Multi-Touch Screen Size 22"
AnTuTu Score: fresh android install, 35663 after loaded with tons of apps, 24380 (not sure why there's such a big difference. Anyone?)
OS Android KitKat 4.4.2 64-bit, Supports Windows 8
1.8 Ghz Dual Core Intel Celeron
4Gb DDR3 RAM
WiFi 802.11b/g/n 150Mbps 64/128-bit WEP, WPA, WPA2 encryption and WPS-compatible
Bluetooth(needs driver fix, only works part of the time)
USB Ports 2
Headphone Jack
6 speakers (3 on each side)
400 Watt Audio Amp
USB Webcam Support
USB Mic Support
Here is a short video of the table: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-a3wTI5j0Gk

I'm starting work on the next one. I have learned a lot and this time I want to focus more on a nice design. I will also be working a lot more on the software side so thats where you guys could help a lot!
I would love ideas and opinions.
So far I'm thinking:
TV cable input with digital TV app
Wireless charging on table surface
40" led screen
IP66 water resistant
Bose sound system(more compact for less clunky legs)

Whoa that android table is awesome! It would be cool of the entire top was the screen with a bit more contemporary metallic grey metal legs, although it would make for a pretty bad sounding speaker box being all metal.

Thanks for the feedback! I agree with the screen idea and contemporary look. I had a guy over here last night and he got all excited about it and thinks theres a market for touch coffee tables if I could make quality at a cheap price. This guy has done very well in the business world. He thinks it would be good to eventually make different lines of tables.
One like this out of solid walnut to fit in a living room nicely with the rest of the furniture. And then one with the entire surface as one big screen out of brushed aluminum and stuff like that with a different physical design.
Its just a dream, but im working hard towards the next one to really make it well with tons of features and high build quality. If anyone is interested I can post pictures along the whole process. Providing no one steals my ideas!

This looks GREAT!! I Would love to have one.
Love to see...
MAME Controls boards (usb or wireless so you can put them away) for some Awesome Old Skool Gaming!!
Maybe a wireless hard drive to share media.
If you make the screen the full size of the table then where can you put your drink?
---------- Post added at 05:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:44 PM ----------
Do you have a build log? Would love to see that as well..

This looks GREAT!! I Would love to have one.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that a preorder? haha...
As for the MAME and old school gaming, couldn't I just get the MAME4droid app? or would it take special hardware controls too?
Wireless Hardrive: I could probably inegrate SAMBA into a system build somehow.
I never thought of that about the screen being too big. Since it uses infrared, setting a drink on the surface could really make it go weird. Haha even Einstein probably lost his glasses on his head!
I didnt put together a build log but I could probably do that from memory.
I have a friend whos an engineer and i think he may help me figure out how to make the screen so it can tilt up for whatching movies. Thats one feature that would really set it apart from all the other tables out there.(which arent many)
EDIT: Check this link out https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/472263971/playsurface-the-affordable-multi-touch-computing-t

Beer Battle!!!
LOL, Are you going to add Beer Battle!!! that looks neat!!!
Well for MAME you dont need hardware controls but.. it makes it more fun!

Beer battle is great right!! I don't know how possible it is with IR touch technology but its worth research!
OK, I really have never played the old games (I'm only 16) so I don't really no what hardware controls would be used. Is there USB ones already made somewhere? My table supports USB game controllers.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using Tapatalk

No bluetooth 5.0

Is it just me or is this missing feature disappointing to anyone else?

tkoreaper said:
Is it just me or is this missing feature disappointing to anyone else?
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Hmm, tbh I don't use Bluetooth and if I did it would usually be within the range such as car Bluetooth or connect to a speaker. I guess it is a shame they couldn't have put the latest tech in it but it's nothing I'm too concerned with. It having no 3.5mm jack is more concerning but if it has excellent battery then perhaps I won't need to listen to music and charge it so often.

Bluetooth 5.0 is only any good if you are connecting to accessories with 5.0 as well, otherwise it will only be as good as the lowest version of Bluetooth that you are connecting to. But right now I struggle to find any accessories with 5.0. Still would have been nice for future proofing, but I won't lose any sleep over it.

aliHTCDHD said:
Hmm, tbh I don't use Bluetooth and if I did it would usually be within the range such as car Bluetooth or connect to a speaker. I guess it is a shame they couldn't have put the latest tech in it but it's nothing I'm too concerned with. It having no 3.5mm jack is more concerning but if it has excellent battery then perhaps I won't need to listen to music and charge it so often.
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Well there are a lot of benefits to Bluetooth 5 over version 4.2 such as twice the data transfer speed, 4x the range (yes, FOUR... That's 800 feet), enough bandwidth to support two devices at one time, and it'll also help facilitate additional location-based functionality. As for the missing 3.5mm jack HTC has said that an adapter will be sent with the device along with some USB-C headphones that people are claiming to be really good.

shineyads said:
Bluetooth 5.0 is only any good if you are connecting to accessories with 5.0 as well, otherwise it will only be as good as the lowest version of Bluetooth that you are connecting to. But right now I struggle to find any accessories with 5.0. Still would have been nice for future proofing, but I won't lose any sleep over it.
Click to expand...
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The other devices need to be 5.0 to take advantage of the new speed and range, yes, but not everything else.

tkoreaper said:
The other devices need to be 5.0 to take advantage of the new speed and range, yes, but not everything else.
Click to expand...
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What is it that you want bluetooth 5 for over, say, 4.2?

tkoreaper said:
Well there are a lot of benefits to Bluetooth 5 over version 4.2 such as twice the data transfer speed, 4x the range (yes, FOUR... That's 800 feet), enough bandwidth to support two devices at one time, and it'll also help facilitate additional location-based functionality. As for the missing 3.5mm jack HTC has said that an adapter will be sent with the device along with some USB-C headphones that people are claiming to be really good.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's a big improvement for sure which I was aware of but not the exact figures. The issue of lacking 5.0 really depends on how individuals use their Bluetooth, I never use it so I'm fine. I'm aware of the 3.5 adaptor, I was just saying in my previous post that hopefully the battery will last long enough to listen to music when intended before battery is low. If battery does become low and the USB type c is being used for the headphones than that's a big issue that will definitely be more concerning than not having Bluetooth 5.0. It would be great if they could make an adaptor with a 3.5mm port and charging port next to it, this would solve any battery concerns while listening to music.

shineyads said:
What is it that you want bluetooth 5 for over, say, 4.2?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I like everything that it offers, but mostly the ability to be connected to two bluetooth devices at once and the increased bandwidth is nothing but good news for audiophiles like myself considering bluetooth has been pretty crappy in terms of quality.

aliHTCDHD said:
That's a big improvement for sure which I was aware of but not the exact figures. The issue of lacking 5.0 really depends on how individuals use their Bluetooth, I never use it so I'm fine. I'm aware of the 3.5 adaptor, I was just saying in my previous post that hopefully the battery will last long enough to listen to music when intended before battery is low. If battery does become low and the USB type c is being used for the headphones than that's a big issue that will definitely be more concerning than not having Bluetooth 5.0. It would be great if they could make an adaptor with a 3.5mm port and charging port next to it, this would solve any battery concerns while listening to music.
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Well, I currently have the HTC 10 that also has a 3,000mAh battery and I have no problem getting a full day's use out of it. The U11 can only get better with the more efficient 835 SoC.

tkoreaper said:
Well, I currently have the HTC 10 that also has a 3,000mAh battery and I have no problem getting a full day's use out of it. The U11 can only get better with the more efficient 835 SoC.
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That's great to hear. I'm looking forward to my two year upgrade as my contract ends. I'm overall very impressed with the phone. I have the m9 in case my signature does not mention it. From the reviews, it has the best audio, performance, camera, microphones and should have a good battery endurance.
What about yourself, are you thinking of upgrading to this device and in what's situations do you use Bluetooth?

aliHTCDHD said:
That's great to hear. I'm looking forward to my two year upgrade as my contract ends. I'm overall very impressed with the phone. I have the m9 in case my signature does not mention it. From the reviews, it has the best audio, performance, camera, microphones and should have a good battery endurance.
What about yourself, are you thinking of upgrading to this device and in what's situations do you use Bluetooth?
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It's kinda a no-brainer considering I'd get it at $300 off. They sent me an email with a code to take $50 off and with their upgrade program they'll give me $250 for my HTC 10. They will give you money for your M9 as well, but it would likely only be about $100-150. However, I 'm still contemplating on whether I should wait or not because I like the Solar Red color, but it's not currently available for purchase and chances are that in a month or two they may offer $100 off.

tkoreaper said:
I like everything that it offers, but mostly the ability to be connected to two bluetooth devices at once and the increased bandwidth is nothing but good news for audiophiles like myself considering bluetooth has been pretty crappy in terms of quality.
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To be fair, if you're an audiophile then you should be going wired as the quality will still be superior to BT5. Won't you need to have cans with BT5 to get the full benefit of going wireless?
I'll be making use of the in-box 3.5mm adaptor with amp, but I'll also try out the in-box earbuds as they sound quite interesting (no pun intended).

shineyads said:
To be fair, if you're an audiophile then you should be going wired as the quality will still be superior to BT5. Won't you need to have cans with BT5 to get the full benefit of going wireless?
I'll be making use of the in-box 3.5mm adaptor with amp, but I'll also try out the in-box earbuds as they sound quite interesting (no pun intended).
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Click to collapse
I understand, but I think Bluetooth 5's capabilities may be enough to push it into the audiophile range and we'll start seeing much better headphones as a result... I guess the real new feature of the the 5.0 standard is the dramatic increase in range. Can you imagine leaving your phone in the car and running around a track with your headphones on, not needing to carry the phone with you?

tkoreaper said:
It's kinda a no-brainer considering I'd get it at $300 off. They sent me an email with a code to take $50 off and with their upgrade program they'll give me $250 for my HTC 10. They will give you money for your M9 as well, but it would likely only be about $100-150. However, I 'm still contemplating on whether I should wait or not because I like the Solar Red color, but it's not currently available for purchase and chances are that in a month or two they may offer $100 off.
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Lucky you , I'm in UK so will have to check with HTC UK whether they have any deal. I'll be wanting to see them in person before purchasing, the colours are rather unique. I'm feeling kinda excited tbh. I can't wait to try the speakers, camera and performance. Hopefully it's a huge improvement over the m9.

tkoreaper said:
I understand, but I think Bluetooth 5's capabilities may be enough to push it into the audiophile range and we'll start seeing much better headphones as a result... I guess the real new feature of the the 5.0 standard is the dramatic increase in range. Can you imagine leaving your phone in the car and running around a track with your headphones on, not needing to carry the phone with you?
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Not really - what if you want to change playlist or send a message to someone? Lol
I agree though, BT5 does have some great benefits but until we see some accessories with BT5 in them then 4.2 does me fine. I reckon it'll probably take a year for BT5 to be more widespread... at which time it'll be time to upgrade to the HTC U12 anyway! Lol

shineyads said:
Not really - what if you want to change playlist or send a message to someone? Lol
I agree though, BT5 does have some great benefits but until we see some accessories with BT5 in them then 4.2 does me fine. I reckon it'll probably take a year for BT5 to be more widespread... at which time it'll be time to upgrade to the HTC U12 anyway! Lol
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Depends on your phones... with all the personal assistants on the phone and the ability already to change tracks or give verbal commands over bluetooth I don't see how that would be difficult to achieve.

tkoreaper said:
Depends on your phones... with all the personal assistants on the phone and the ability already to change tracks or give verbal commands over bluetooth I don't see how that would be difficult to achieve.
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True, but I'm so breathless running round a track that no assistant would make out what I'm trying to say! I also prefer checking my running stats on my phone as you get more detail than on something like a SmartWatch.
I guess it all depends on how you use BT and what you need it for, but I'm happy enough with 4.2 for now. I mainly want it to show metadata for tracks I'm streaming through my car audio... Something my last 2 Samsung's haven't been able to do when every other phone can!

shineyads said:
True, but I'm so breathless running round a track that no assistant would make out what I'm trying to say! I also prefer checking my running stats on my phone as you get more detail than on something like a SmartWatch.
I guess it all depends on how you use BT and what you need it for, but I'm happy enough with 4.2 for now. I mainly want it to show metadata for tracks I'm streaming through my car audio... Something my last 2 Samsung's haven't been able to do when every other phone can!
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The future is here... there's really no limit. Just because you have no display to look at that doesn't mean you have absolutely no way to get that information by other means. I wouldn't underestimate the capabilities of Google Assistant and Alexa.

tkoreaper said:
The future is here... there's really no limit. Just because you have no display to look at that doesn't mean you have absolutely no way to get that information by other means. I wouldn't underestimate the capabilities of Google Assistant and Alexa.
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OK, so how does GA take my SpO2 levels on my S7 Edge if the phone is in the car? It can't even trigger that if I have the phone in my hand - there is absolutely no way it can do it! It also can't tell me what my different splits are or what route I took or how it compared to my last run... and that's if I use Google Fit, which I don't! There's very little 3rd party app integration at the moment for various reasons - assistant software is very much in its infancy and will need a long time to mature.
There will always be limits and the future, by definition, is never here.
I think we'll have to agree to differ on this one - it sounds like it may meet your needs, but it's a long way from meeting mine.

shineyads said:
OK, so how does GA take my SpO2 levels on my S7 Edge if the phone is in the car? It can't even trigger that if I have the phone in my hand - there is absolutely no way it can do it! It also can't tell me what my different splits are or what route I took or how it compared to my last run... and that's if I use Google Fit, which I don't! There's very little 3rd party app integration at the moment for various reasons - assistant software is very much in its infancy and will need a long time to mature.
There will always be limits and the future, by definition, is never here.
I think we'll have to agree to differ on this one - it sounds like it may meet your needs, but it's a long way from meeting mine.
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I'd argue that Alexa is further along, at least when it comes to 3rd party integration. You're also forgetting that with BT 5 you can connect to two devices so you could also wear something with your Sp02 levels if that's really important to you. I think at this point, you're just really grasping at anything to justify BT 5 not being a true upgrade to 4.2