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July 10 date for Samsung’s next Unpacked event confirmed by Dutch retailer
9:30 pm | June 24, 2024

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

Samsung's next Unpacked launch event will be a big one. During it, the company is widely expected to unveil the Galaxy Z Fold6, Galaxy Z Flip6, Galaxy Watch7, Galaxy Watch Ultra, Galaxy Buds 3, and also finally fully launch the Galaxy Ring. A probable slip-up from a retailer in the Netherlands has today confirmed that the next Unpacked event is taking place on July 10, just as previously rumored a bunch of times. The retailer in question, Mobiel.nl, put up a teaser image on its website revealing the date - see for yourself below. Unsurprisingly, the event will be live streamed on...

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 support external drive formatting
8:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The first developer betas for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 revealed an interesting under-the-radar addition – a native external drive format function within the Files app. Apple is bringing the feature with support for APFS (case sensitive or encrypted), ExFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT) formats. The external drive formatting feature will allow iOS and iPad users to format flash drives, SD cards, SSDs, and hard drives directly from their iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 devices. Users will see the Erase Disk prompt after connecting their external drive device and long pressing on the drive volume. For more...

iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 support external drive formatting
8:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

The first developer betas for iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 revealed an interesting under-the-radar addition – a native external drive format function within the Files app. Apple is bringing the feature with support for APFS (case sensitive or encrypted), ExFAT, and MS-DOS (FAT) formats. The external drive formatting feature will allow iOS and iPad users to format flash drives, SD cards, SSDs, and hard drives directly from their iOS 18 or iPadOS 18 devices. Users will see the Erase Disk prompt after connecting their external drive device and long pressing on the drive volume. For more...

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw (3202dw) laser printer review
8:23 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off
Specs

Type: color laser printer  

Functions: Print 

Connectivity: Ethernet, USB, Wi-Fi 

Data storage slots: USB Host  

Print speed: 26ppm

Paper capacity: 250 sheets

Print quality: 600 x 600 dpi

Apple AirPrint: yes 

Consumables included: 4x setup cartridges (600 mono, 500 color pages)

Dimensions/Weight: 390 x 419 x 254 mm (WxDxH)/13.8kg

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw, known as the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3202dw in the UK, means business. This color laser printer is smaller than most letter-sized desktop devices and it looks rather smart in HP’s grey and blue livery. It’s aimed at the home office and SMB (small to medium-size business) and it has the speed and capacity to satisfy both sectors.

Being a laser printer, the print rate is a prompt 26ppm (prints per minute) and there’s room for 250 sheets of A4 or Letter paper in the main tray. It can take fairly high-yield cartridges too, although there’s not actually much toner in the box. 

We’ve tested out hundreds of the best small business printers. With its convenient multi-purpose tray and a host of security features, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw (or HP Color LaserJet Pro 3202dw in the UK) could suit both the home or the office, so let’s find out where it works best. 

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw: Design and build

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw during our printer test procedure

(Image credit: HP)

Unlike many of the best laser printers we’ve seen, the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is small for its type, especially a color model. With the home office in mind, HP has made this desktop design easy to accommodate while still having enough room for 250 sheets of paper in the main drawer. It’s a very standard form-factor with the output tray on the top, the input tray at the bottom and a front panel that opens to reveal the toner cartridges. 

Inside you can see the drawer holding the four closely packed cartridges, which are themselves not that big. The highest capacity carts available can only yield up to 3,200 black pages and 2,500 color. That’s considerably less than the 7,600 and 5,500 pages seen in our Canon i-SENSYS MF754Cdw review, for example. 

The two-inch display is not a touchscreen, but it’s easy to read, while the multi-purpose tray for single sheets of paper or envelopes, is located conveniently at the front. At the rear are connections for ethernet and USB cables. 

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw: Features & specifications

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw during our printer test procedure

(Image credit: HP)

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is a duplex printer with a few additional features essential for use in a home office or shared workspace. Dual-band Wi-Fi is built in with Wi-Fi Direct and AirPrint wireless connectivity, or you can use the USB and Ethernet ports for wired connections. There’s no NFC (near field communication) module, but HP has embedded its Wolf Pro Security software to satisfy business users. 

There’s no touchscreen and no front USB Host port either, but the front-loading multi-purpose tray is a welcome feature. You can load single sheets of letter-headed paper or envelopes into its motorised slot for those one-off print jobs that would otherwise involve reloading the main paper tray. 

There’s room for 250 sheets of paper on board and that’s any size media up to A4 and up to 200g/m² in weight. The output tray can hold 100 sheets. Being a laser, it prints equally quickly in mono or color and at a rate of 26ppm (using US letter paper) with two-sided printing at 15ppm, which means it can turn the page over itself more quickly than a lot of duplex machines.

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw ships with four TerraJet cartridges, which use less plastic than other types and are especially energy efficient thanks to the toner’s low melting point. Annoyingly, there’s only enough inbox toner for 600 black and white pages and 500 color.

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw: Setup & operation

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw during our printer test procedure

(Image credit: HP)

The TerraJet toner cartridges come pre-installed, so setting up the HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw takes only a couple of minutes. Just load some paper, turn on and follow the prompts on the display to set the date/time/region and connect to your Wi-Fi network. The only fiddly bit is entering the Wi-Fi password using the tiny cursor buttons. A touchscreen would make this easier, but it’s not essential on a print-only device, so I won’t mark it down for that.   

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw: Performance

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw during our printer test procedure

(Image credit: HP)

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw printed quickly and well and without a miss-step throughout our best printer test procedure. The quoted print speed of 26ppm (or 25ppm when using A4) is about right. Pages of text usually look sharper on a laser than an inkjet printer, due to the fact that toner never leaks into the page as ink does, and that’s the case here. For consistency and legibility at very small point sizes, this printer’s output is hard to fault. 

The TerraJet black is satisfyingly dark and the colored toner is particularly vibrant, giving mixed color documents a punchy and professional-looking finish. At 600dpi (dots per inch), the resolution looks sharp enough. The only problem is with printing photographs. HP’s brochure claims the TerraJet colors look true-to-life, but I have to disagree. The vivid tones do not look natural and they don’t shade gradually so that photos always look odd. Laser printers cannot compete with inkjets when it comes to the best photo printers, but this one is particularly bad at it. This is a laser office printer, not an inkjet photo printer, and it’s so good at printing letters and colorful pie charts, it can be forgiven for its inability to produce a lifelike photo.   

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw: Final verdict

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw during our printer test procedure

(Image credit: HP)

The HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw is equally well designed for the home office or a workgroup environment thanks to its small form factor and rapid print rate. It's not the best printer ever - this is not a premium device and there’s no touchscreen, USB Host port, or NFC, but it does possess the features that matter. That includes auto duplex printing, dual-band Wi-Fi with AirPrint and the embedded security essential in a shared office. The front-facing multi-purpose tray is convenient, while the 250-sheet paper capacity will be plenty for most purposes. HP’s vivid and efficient TerraJet toner is great for printing eye-catching text pages and brightly colored documents. It’s just a pity that it makes photographs look garish and unrealistic. There’s not much toner in the box either and replacement cartridges are somewhat expensive. Used in the right way, however, there’s still much to recommend this colorful and compact printer. 

HP Color LaserJet Pro 3201dw during our printer test procedure

(Image credit: HP)

Like the brand? We compared the best HP printers 

Oukitel WP35 rugged smartphone review
8:17 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Comments: Off

Oukitel WP35: 30-second review

The Oukitel WP35 is marketed as a durable, slimline smartphone with a battery life that will outlast most. That gives you a relatively good idea about what to expect. However, while it is slimline compared to some of the larger rugged smartphones with a similar battery life, placed side-by-side against an iPhone 15 Pro or Vivo X100, it looks decidedly large and bulky.

But, while the iPhone struggles to see a day through without a charge, the WP35 will happily sit waiting for up to 60 days on a single charge. Sure enough, the phone was given a full charge, set up, and briefly tested, then set aside for a month before being retested. The battery level after the testing had dropped to 26%. Good for a phone that hasn't seen a hint of charge in over a month, albeit on standby. By comparison, during the test, the iPhone was left fully charged on standby for around 4 days before the battery depleted while the Oukitel WP35 was in use.

Aside from the fact that the phone can sit in standby mode for such a long period, the actual usage power drain is very similar. The phone draws down on the battery capacity at much the same rate as other phones when in use, the difference being that when it goes into standby, it draws almost nothing.

The battery itself has a capacity of 11,000mAh, and it is impressive that a battery of this size is contained within a rugged smartphone that is only 14.9mm thick.

Like all the best rugged phones we've had the chance to test, being able to survive in conditions that would break most phones is really what is at the heart of the Oukitel WP35. However, when it comes to performance, the Android 14 operating system powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor, 24GB of RAM, and 256GB of expandable storage all ensure that the apps on the phone run at a decent pace.

Aside from the battery life, the big selling point of the phone is its durability, which is backed by the IP68 and IP69K ratings, along with military-grade drop resistance. Throughout the test, the phone was dropped, thrown, and sunk into water with little to no effect on the performance, although it did suffer a scuff or two. Underwater, while the phone remains functional, the touch screen and any interaction you would want stop. However, once removed from the water, a quick wipe-down is all that's needed for full functionality to return.

Another big focus of the smartphone is the camera, which features a 64MP main sensor and an 8MP night vision camera, giving you plenty of options. Overall, this is a solid and robust phone that will suit anyone who needs a tough phone that can be used away from civilization.

Oukitel WP35: Price & availability

Oukitel WP35

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • How much does it cost? Starting from $200?
  • When is it out? Available now
  • Where can you get it? You can get it directly from Oukitel here

The Oukitel WP35 can be purchased from select retailers or directly from Oukitel's website by clicking here. Pricing is around £200/$200.

  • Value: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Specifications

Oukitel WP35: Design

Oukitel WP35

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The Oukitel WP35 is designed as a tough phone for use in conditions that would break most other phones. While it's advertised as slimline, it is noticeably larger and more bulky than general consumer phones. Its weight of 388g further highlights that this is something other than a standard smartphone.

Despite the additional size, the design is very understated. The large 6.6-inch screen covers the vast majority of the phone's front with a small, minimalistic black border. The phone's thickness is just 14.9mm, which is impressive considering it contains a large 11,000mAh battery that helps to provide extended usage and standby times.

Oukitel WP35

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

The overall finish is good, and the diamond pattern on the back adds to the general aesthetics while also providing a decent grippable texture, which is handy if you're wearing gloves.

A few buttons are located around the sides of the phone, including the power/fingerprint access, volume, and a customizable button that can be programmed as the shutter release, as used in this review.

Regarding the other rugged features, the phone is tested to meet IP68 and IP69K ratings, which essentially means that it is resistant to water, dust, and drops and can survive a dunk or two underwater for short periods. To further ensure that the phone stays in one piece and is usable, the screen is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

  • Design: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Features

  • 64MP Camera with Sony IMX682 1/1.73" sensor
  • Android 14

The WP35 is equipped with a MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and, depending on the configuration, up to 24GB of RAM. Our review unit contained 8GB. While simple, this configuration makes it an ideal choice for professionals like engineers and those in the building trade. This combination ensures the ability to multitask with several apps open, including documents, cameras, and browsers.

If you are working on-site, then fast and reliable internet access is essential, and the WP35 is 5G enabled as long as there is a signal.

One of the standout features is the quality of the WP35 camera setup, which includes a 64MP main camera that is ideal for documenting job sites, inspecting progress, or showcasing completed projects. Alongside the main camera is an 8MP night vision lens, which helps to ensure clear images in low-light conditions, ideal for evening inspections or outdoor work at dusk. Additionally, the 2MP macro lens allows for close-up shots.

Along with the main camera, the WP35's 32MP front camera enables high-quality selfies, but its more important function is the ability to carry out video calls.

Protected behind the Corning Glass 5, the WP35's 6.6" 2.4K display produces vibrant colours and sharp detail and offers decent enough brightness that can be seen in most conditions easily.

Android 14 has been selected as the operating system for the WP35, which prioritizes user privacy with enhanced security features. On this phone, everything appears to work quickly, and all apps respond quickly.

The WP35's big feature is its impressive 11,000mAh battery, which has been designed for extended use in outdoor environments or during extended periods away from power sources. For anyone, such as engineers and tradespeople who spend long hours on-site or work in remote locations without easy access to charging stations, the WP35's extended battery life is a feature that will really stand out.

The phone's features are solid, and while not cutting edge when it comes to speed or performance, what this phone offers is a balance of what you need to make calls and run the apps and functions that are essential.

Oukitel WP35 review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Features: 4 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Performance

Oukitel WP35 review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Will survive in most enviroments
  • Good storage options

The Oukitel WP35, with its MediaTek Dimensity 6100+ processor and 8GB of RAM, delivers a decent all-around performance that is optimized for power efficiency rather than peak performance. However, there is an option to buy a phone with up to 24GB of RAM, which would boost application performance if you need to handle multiple files.

Through testing, the phone easily coped with most multitasking functions, such as having several Google Apps open and copying and pasting between them. The overall responsiveness and performance of the apps were also well-balanced. They should be more than enough for most professionals working with standard office-based applications in the field.

In benchmark tests, the WP35 demonstrated respectable scores: Geekbench showed a CPU Single score of 681 and a Multi score of 1907, while GPU performance reached 1277. These results highlight its ability to handle relatively intensive applications and graphics reasonably well, although it falls short when compared to mainstream consumer phones.

Battery endurance is a standout feature, thanks to the WP35's substantial 11,000mAh battery, the advanced management features that support it and the phone's power saving. The power management system allows the device to offer extended usage times, exceeding typical smartphones such as the iPhone 15 Pro. It is an ideal option if you work in challenging environments or need to work for days away from power sources.

Supporting the extended power from the battery is the rugged build that highlights that the phone has been designed with durability in mind. This is reinforced by military-grade drop resistance and IP68/IP69K ratings that show it can withstand water, dust, and shocks. Sure enough, in the test, the phone survived being dropped from a height, thrown, and submerged in cold water, and while the screen required that the moisture be wiped away before use, there were no other adverse effects on the usability of the phone.

In terms of photography, the WP35's 64MP main camera, 8MP night vision lens, and 2MP macro lens are all quite impressive. While it may not match the image quality of high-end smartphone cameras such as the iPhone 15 Pro, these three cameras perform well in real-world tests.

Images from the cameras capture detailed and clear images of a high enough quality to be suitable for professional applications such as surveys and evidence gathering. The default camera app, while straightforward, offers everything that most users will need when documenting work activities.

Benchmark scores like those from 3DMark - Wildlife (1231), Slingshot (3427), and Steel Nomad (133) - highlight the WP35's capability in handling graphical tasks and also show that if you want to game to a moderate degree, it is possible. However, this probably isn't the best choice for that type of use.

Overall, the Oukitel WP35 provides well-balanced performance, durability, and battery life that will be welcomed by many professionals. In reality, this is a phone designed to work beyond the limits of most phones. While it may not have the processing or graphics performance of most consumer units, it feels solid and will survive and work where other phones will not. It's also extremely well-priced.

Oukitel WP35 review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)
  • Performance: 3 / 5

Oukitel WP35: Final verdict

The Oukitel WP35 is essentially a well-priced and well-balanced, durable, and reliable rugged smartphone that offers industry-leading battery life, making it an ideal solution for anyone working off the beaten track. The phone's combination of 5G connectivity, processing power, and solid camera setup makes it a versatile choice for both outdoor enthusiasts and professionals. While it may be bulky, despite its slimline boast, its performance and durability make it a decent investment for those needing a phone that can withstand more than most.

Should you buy a Oukitel WP35?

Oukitel WP35 review

(Image credit: Alastair Jennings)

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...


For more durable devices, we've tested and reviewed the best rugged tablets, the best rugged laptops, and the best rugged hard drives

iQOO Z9 Lite is coming in mid-July in brown and blue
7:58 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

vivo sub-brand iQOO is getting ready to launch its lowest-end smartphone yet, which will be called Z9 Lite. According to a usually reliable tipster over on X, the iQOO Z9 Lite will become official in mid-July. It will come in brown and blue, and those are unfortunately all the details we know about it so far. However, some rumors claim this will be a rebranded vivo T3 Lite, which is due to be unveiled on June 27. iQOO Z9 If the rebranding does in fact happen, then we'll know all of the iQOO Z9 Lite's specs next week. In the meantime, note that the T3 Lite seems to have two rear...

iQOO Z9 Lite is coming in mid-July in brown and blue
7:58 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Comments: Off

vivo sub-brand iQOO is getting ready to launch its lowest-end smartphone yet, which will be called Z9 Lite. According to a usually reliable tipster over on X, the iQOO Z9 Lite will become official in mid-July. It will come in brown and blue, and those are unfortunately all the details we know about it so far. However, some rumors claim this will be a rebranded vivo T3 Lite, which is due to be unveiled on June 27. iQOO Z9 If the rebranding does in fact happen, then we'll know all of the iQOO Z9 Lite's specs next week. In the meantime, note that the T3 Lite seems to have two rear...

Realme confirms which phones will get the Live Photos feature
7:30 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Mobile phones news | Tags: | Comments: Off

The Vice President of Realme announced on Weibo that the developers' team is working on bringing a new Live Photos feature to some Realme phones. From what we gather, it's quite similar to Apple's iOS feature that records a short clip before hitting the shutter button and you get a live, moving photo in your default gallery app. The feature will arrive alongside Realme UI 6.0, meaning it will likely debut once Android 15 comes around because Realme 6.0 is based on the upcoming Android OS version. Seven handsets will get the feature first: the Realme GT5 Pro, GT5, GT Neo6, GT Neo6...

GameSir Kaleid review: one of the best PC controllers, now available for Xbox
6:42 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Gaming | Tags: , , , | Comments: Off

One-minute review

The GameSir Kaleid fixes one of the few problems I had with its predecessor, the GameSir T4 Kaleid (for the sake of simplicity, I’ll refer to it as the ‘T4’ from now on): it lacked compatibility with Xbox consoles, despite having the console’s ‘ABXY’ face button layout.

Now, GameSir has released a version of one of the best PC controllers that's compatible with Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PC. However, the Kaleid does lose the Nintendo Switch compatibility enjoyed by the T4, so it isn’t the definitive option if you have to choose between the two based on your console of choice.

The GameSir Kaleid is identical to the T4 in almost every way. If you’re familiar with the T4 and its excellent micro switch buttons and Hall effect thumbsticks, you’re getting those same features here. The only notable differences are the darker translucent shell, a mildly improved D-pad, and a slightly higher price tag.

GameSir Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

Price and availability

  •  $49.99 / £59.99 
  •  Pricier than the T4 Kaleid ($41.99 / £41.99) 
  •  US and UK availability (not currently available in Australia) 

The GameSir Kaleid launched on May 30, 2024, and can be bought either from GameSir’s website or the brand’s Amazon store page. It’s priced at $49.99 / £59.99, which is a good bit more than the T4 in the US ($41.99), and significantly more than in in the UK (£41.99). Overall, it’s similarly priced in comparison to the Xbox Wireless Controller ($59.99 / £54.99), though the GameSir wins out here in terms of overall features and customizability.

It’s worth noting that if this will be your first time purchasing a GameSir product, you can pick up the Kaleid from the brand’s official website with an 8% discount as a new customer. This brings the price of the Kaleid down to $46.99 / £56: a small saving, but noteworthy all the same.

Specs

GameSir Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

Design and features

The new GameSir Kaleid is practically identical to the T4 in terms of features. That includes Hall-effect thumbsticks to practically eliminate the risk of drift, plus welcome ancillary features like remappable rear buttons, and a central multi-function button useful for adjusting trigger stop distance, the brightness of the controller’s RGB effects, overall RGB patterns, thumbstick dead zones and button layout profile creation.

Yes, that delightful RGB lighting remains in the new Kaleid. And despite the darker translucent shell, the lighting still manages to shine brightly. In fact, I think the subtler translucency helps the RGB effect stand out much more effectively here; it looks great encased in that darker shell.

Otherwise, this is, by and large, the same controller as the T4, albeit with Xbox console compatibility in place of Nintendo Switch. This nicely positions it as a top contender for one of the best Xbox controllers in its price range. 

The new Kaleid retains that same Xbox Wireless Controller-adjacent build and button layout, and the central GameSir-branded Home button is replaced with the official Xbox logo. And yes, the Kaleid features the ‘Designed for Xbox’ seal of approval, meaning it’ll work with Xbox consoles out of the box with no fuss. 

GameSir Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

Performance

The T4 is one of my favorite PC controllers and my go-to controller for fighting games in particular, owing to its snappy micro switch buttons and drift-resistant Hall effect thumbsticks. Both of those are found here and feel just as excellent to play with.

One thing of note is that the new Kaleid’s D-pad is a step up from the T4's. Like the face buttons, it’s now micro switch-based, feeling much more tactile and responsive as a result. All other modules, meanwhile, including the shoulder buttons, triggers, sticks, and central Home and sharing buttons, feel practically identical. It also shares the T4’s lack of wireless functionality, unfortunately, so you’ll be relying on a wired USB-C connection (a cable is included in the box). This may be a dealbreaker if you typically prefer wireless play.

It’s also worth noting that you can further customize the Kaleid with the GameSir Nexus app, available on PC and now Xbox consoles as well. The dedicated controller software is genuinely excellent, allowing you to adjust thumbstick dead zones, RGB lighting patterns and brightness settings, trigger sensitivity, and map the functions of the extra rear buttons. Much of this can also be done via the controller’s multifunction button, by holding it down and referring to the button inputs found in the included manual. However, I preferred having a visual guide for my changes via the app, making it much easier to fine-tune my controller’s setup.

gamesir kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the GameSir Kaleid?

Buy it if...

Don't buy it if...

Also consider...

If the GameSir Kaleid isn’t quite what you’re looking for, consider the following two options, which we believe are strong alternative picks.

GameSir Kaleid

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the GameSir Kaleid

  •  Tested nearly every day for a week 
  •  Tested with Xbox and PC games 
  •  Compared with other recommended and affordable Xbox controllers 

I tested the GameSir Kaleid over a week, starting on Xbox Series X with titles including Halo Infinite, Elden Ring, Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon 5. I downloaded the GameSir Nexus app on the console and created numerous custom profiles based on a variety of game genres for an enhanced experience with each. I also tested the controller in conjunction with similarly excellent Xbox gamepads, such as the Xbox Wireless Controller and the Victrix Gambit.

Moving over to PC, I tested the GameSir Kaleid with a range of Steam titles, including Elden Ring once again, Final Fantasy 14 Online, and Tekken 8. My experience here was largely similar to that of the T4, given that they are, by and large, identical. As such, less testing was required here as it provided a similarly high-quality experience overall.

First reviewed June 2024

InShare review: the ups and downs of this file sharing app
6:38 pm |

Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro Software & Services | Comments: Off

In today’s interconnected world, sharing files between devices has become a cornerstone of both personal and professional productivity. Among the myriad of apps offering to simplify this process, InShare stands out as a notable option. This app promises high-speed file transfer across platforms without requiring an internet connection. In this blog post, we will review the advantages and disadvantages of using InShare for your file-sharing needs.


The Inshare file sharing solution is available for Android and iOS.

Features

There are numerous advantages to consider when evaluating InShare.

Fast transfer speeds: InShare boasts remarkable transfer speeds, enabling users to share files, large or small, in seconds. This efficiency is particularly beneficial for those dealing with high-resolution images, lengthy videos, or bulky document files that other platforms struggle to handle promptly.

Cross-platform compatibility: One of InShare's standout features is its cross-platform compatibility between Android and iOS. This enables smooth, hassle-free transfers without the need for cables or additional software.

The division between Android and iOS ecosystems has long hindered seamless file sharing. InShare bridges this gap with cross-platform functionality, allowing users to share files between operating systems without issues. This means sending a photo from an Android phone to an iPhone is as easy as sending it to another Android device, promoting an inclusive environment for all users.

Offline functionality: Unlike many file-sharing applications that rely on an internet connection, InShare works offline. This feature is especially advantageous in areas with poor or no internet connectivity, allowing you to share files anytime.

InShare doesn't require an internet connection to transfer files. Utilizing Wi-Fi Direct, it can send files without a data network, bypassing the need for a stable internet connection and capably functioning in areas with poor or no connectivity.

Easy to use: The InShare interface is user-friendly and straightforward. Users can intuitively navigate the app, select files, and initiate transfers without navigating complicated settings or configurations.

Usability is a significant factor when choosing an app, and InShare shines in its simplicity. The app boasts a user-friendly interface that enables even technologically inexperienced individuals to share files easily. With clear instructions and straightforward navigation, users can quickly learn how to use the app to its full extent.

Free: InShare is a free app accessible to a broad user base. No subscription fees or purchase costs exist so that anyone can take advantage of its file-sharing capabilities without financial commitment.

Strong security measures: Users often worry about their data security when using file transfer apps. InShare understands these concerns and ensures that files are transferred securely between devices. With procedures in place to protect against data breaches or unauthorized access, users can rest assured that their personal information remains confidential.

InShare on Android

(Image credit: InShare)

Share all types of files: Whether it's documents, videos, music, apps, or images, InShare is versatile enough to handle various file types, making it a one-stop shop for all your sharing needs. This versatility is particularly beneficial for those dealing with multiple media and documents daily.

No size limitations: One of the most significant benefits of InStore is that it imposes no size limitations on file transfers. This is incredibly useful for sending large videos or batches of high-resolution photos that could otherwise be troublesome to share via traditional methods or when concerned about cloud storage limitations.

An efficient alternative to traditional methods: Before the advent of apps like InShare, users often resorted to Bluetooth or email attachments for sharing files, which are time-consuming and have file size restrictions. InShare provides an efficient alternative faster than Bluetooth and circumvents the size limitations of email attachments.

Save on data usage: By allowing offline transfers, InShare can save users from expending their mobile data allowances — an advantage particularly appreciated by those with limited or expensive data plans. This feature also circumvents the potential costs associated with cloud services, which typically charge fees for higher storage tiers.

Easy group sharing: InShare allows you to share files with multiple people at once, simplifying the distribution of files for groups, be it family, friends, or work colleagues. The ability to send to multiple recipients simultaneously saves time and ensures everyone is on the same page.

Concerns

Lots of mobile devices being held up to the sky.

(Image credit: Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay)

There are some drawbacks to using InShare, although the positives far outnumber them. These include: 

Limited functionality without Wi-Fi Direct: InShare relies on Wi-Fi Direct for transfers, which is great for speed but means both devices must support this technology. Not all devices, especially older models, are equipped with Wi-Fi Direct, potentially limiting the app's usefulness. Those users with incompatible devices will, therefore, need to seek alternative file transfer solutions.

Device proximity requirement: For InShare to work, both devices need to be close to each other. This restriction can be inconvenient for those looking to share files from a distance, limiting the app’s use compared to cloud-based alternatives that allow remote file access and sharing from anywhere in the world.

No cloud storage integration: Unlike many file-sharing platforms, InShare does not offer cloud storage integration. This can be a source of frustration for those who wish to keep an online backup of their files for accessibility and safety. Users are responsible for their own data backups when using InShare, which might lead to potential data loss if there isn’t any backup measures in place.

Interruptions and inconsistencies: Some users report interrupted transfers due to unforeseen glitches or connectivity issues in the Wi-Fi Direct process. These disruptions can be frustrating and time-consuming, especially if large files need to be restarted from scratch.

Battery drain: Utilizing Wi-Fi Direct for file transfers can consume significant battery life on both sending and receiving devices. Users may experience a rapid depletion of their battery, which can be inconvenient if there is limited access to charging facilities, particularly when traveling or during power outages.

Ads: InShare includes advertisements that can interrupt the user experience. While ads are a common way for free apps to generate revenue, they can be invasive and irritating, prompting some users to seek ad-free alternatives, even at a cost.

Not universally compatible: InShare is tailored for mobile devices and does not directly support PC transfers. Users looking to share files with a computer must find alternative methods, which can lead to a fragmented file transfer experience across different devices.

Final Verdict

InShare is an excellent tool for sharing files between Android and iOS devices. Its outstanding speed, convenience, and security, along with its user-friendly approach, make it a great choice for those seeking a dependable file transfer solution. InShare isn't just a utility app; it serves as a bridge between platforms, people, and locations, promoting the seamless integration of our digital lives. Whether you're a professional in need of robust file-sharing capabilities or an individual wanting to share life's moments, InShare offers the efficiency, reliability, and simplicity to enhance your sharing experience.

However, it's important to be aware of InShare's limitations. From restricted device compatibility to privacy concerns and potential interruptions, there are several factors to consider before relying solely on the app for all file sharing needs. Caution and, at times, the use of supplementary services may be necessary to ensure a smooth and secure file transfer experience. As with any application, carefully evaluating the pros and cons is crucial to making an informed decision that meets personal or professional requirements.

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