So, you’ve shelled out squillions on your iPhone 11 Pro and you’re now a part of the elite-ist Apple squad.

But what if your new and shiny iOS smartphone slips, slides and hits the deck?

At one time or another, some more frequently than others, we have all had that heart stopping moment where our beloved smartphones have escaped our grip and hurled to the ground – usually this occurs when you’re standing on a hard surface like a sidewalk.

Luckily for us Tech21 have our backs.

Having made smartphone protection for high end devices for years, Tech21 not only include quality sturdy protection, they do it with style.

The coloured StudioColour range sees ultimate drop-tested protection for your iPhone 11 Pro range, STG was sent a soft silicone ‘Bolt from the Blue’  case.

Raised edges around the border make sure that if your device falls face first, the impact shielding borders will take the hit protecting the glass screen.

Should your device fall on its back, the tri-lens housing grid is also looked after by way of an equally raised surrounding.

The iPhone 11 series released in varying colours – the Tech21 StudioColour series enables you to mix, match or try on a different hue for your beloved smartphone.

But – if colouring it up is not your thing and, you know, you like all to know that you have the latest iPhone everytime you use it, the smokey black Pure Tint will do just that and offer world-class protection at the same time.

Similarly to the StudioColour series of Tech21 cases, the edges of both the screen border and camera lens housing are slightly raised.

Infused with air pockets on all edging the mix of hard and soft silicone case uses the internal minimalist air pocketing to absorb any impact of up to 10 feet.

Although featuring a black tint the transparency is not lost. From the rear the original colour of your iPhone 11 Pro is still visible aswell as that prominent iPhone logo.

As Apple devices cost almost the equivalent of a mortgage and tend to be THE most expensive smartphone readily available to the main consumer market, Tech21 deliver optimal protection to ensure the longevity of your smartdevice investment is paramount.

And nothing protects your iOS friend better than Tech21.

The post Tech21 iPhone 11 Pro Cases Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

iPhone 11 Pro, Apples latest and greatest released with the usual hyped announcements from the California based tech giant.

Apple who started the whole smartphone craze back in 2007 began losing their footing over the past couple of years with their latest offering being a lowly tickled up rehash of last years with a new chip  and an increased megapixel on their rear phone camera lens.

While the iPhone X was an almost complete refresh and change in signature look for the iPhone, the XS series tended to be cut from the same mold.

Now we have number 11.

On the face of the handsets you could argue the same, the wide notch is ever present and generally takes up a large portion of the top of the screen.

The width is a bit bulkier than what I imagined it would be, Apple after all were all about design aesthetics and keeping their devices slim and trim.

However, it’s the improvements inside that really matter and where the iPhone 11 Pro sparkles.

The new battery comes in at 3190 mAH (iPhone 11 Pro) and the 11 Series comes with what Apple claim to be an all day lasting battery – or at best lasting 5 hours longer than the XS series.

But, in reality, the iPhone 11 Pro lasts more than one day – you can at moderate use gain one and a half days.

Granted I do not traditionally play many games on iPhone (I do on iPad however), but for general phone functions, media watching and music streaming, the iPhone has finally made it in to that ‘ever-lasting’ battery circle that had been exclusive to Android based smartphones to the likes of Samsung and Huawei.

The new A13 Bionic chip is indeed extremely powerful. Multitask like a whiz and then some. Close windows, meh, you wont need to. I am a heavy smartphone user – and on either Android or iOS do forget to close Apps right down after use.

Apple, with their fiercely guarded and walled garden eco-system keep the experience going from iPad to iPhone to iMac, or in my case, MacBook Pro.

Coming with iOS 13 installed, Apple are slowly but swiftly making that inevitable change from needing to use software (iTunes) to control goodness on your iPhone 11.

Let’s face it – using a dedicated desktop application to keep your mobile media in check is so mid 2000’s.

To this end – as this transition is underway, it has also become super confusing, as there’s a split between what you have backed up in iCloud and what is still on iTunes.

The App Store, for gaming is getting a bit of an overhaul, as I am seeing more games suddenly come under their new subscription service. I am still on the fence on this, I think I’d prefer to own the titles and be able to play without paying a monthly fee to do so.

Storage options are industry standard; 128GB, 256GB and 512GB.

The iPhone 11 Pro does have an eSim, but is not a 5G handset.

The iPhone 11 Pro has three cameras.

The rear weighing in at a triple 12 MP including a wide depth sensor.

In a quadrant housing that resembles one of those keyring Tiles, slapped in the left top corner. It’s not a pretty looking placement at all.

However asides from the cubed eyesore, the smarts within have been given some serious consideration.

Camera modes such as the new Group Portrait feature is made possible via the 2x Optical Zoom out. There is also a 2x Optical Zoom in and an overall 10x Zoom. So yes – the iPhone 11 Pro actually has a decent camera array.

Front camera is higher than Samsung’s Note 10 Plus, Apple have a 12MP. Nicely played.

A lot of the functionality, such as A.R. novelties has been ported over from the iPhone X and XS models, and taking a leaf from Samsung (who originally borrowedthe A.R. concept from Apple), you can create your own A.R. mini you called a Memoji which can be sent to friends or frenemies. A healthy menu of filters have also been included and all are operational on either front or rear cameras.

But, the biggest improvement is the low light camera.

iPhone 11 Pro – Night Shot

Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus – Night Shot

Huawei P30 Pro Night Shot

Previously if you took a pic at a low lit party or anywhere where there was little light you would get a pic resembling a ‘pocket pic’, you know, when your phone decides to take a photo on it’s own when it’s in your pocket or bag. Dark with no detail.

As Huawei championed the low light photography in their P30 Pro – then trumped by OPPO in their Reno 10x Zoom, the likes of Samsung began catching up with their Note 10 and now Apple offer up something, well a mix of both, but without the over saturation that you get from the Huawei Night Mode.

There isn’t a ‘Low Light’ or night Mode’ option on the front or rear camera menus, the iPhone 11 Pro will adjust automatically to the lighting conditions.

Colour me impressed apple. You did well here.

As for pricing, well don’t get me started on that.

In short iPhone’s are blatantly overpriced. But if you are going to get an iPhone then it’s likely you prefer the status of owning one. Android devices that released in the past 2 years have better specs, (asides from the main chipset), especially when it comes to the camera.

Charging the iPhone whether wireless or wired seems to be about the same (charger dependent of course).

From almost dead (or dead) to full took around 40 minutes.

Apple still need to work on fast charge that Android phones have had for a few years.

Still, the iPhone 11 Pro is not a bad device. Not at all. There are benefits to having a closed system and I do like that I do not need to have the iPhone with me if I have my MacBook. The seamless transition between devices is something I am a big fan of.

iPhone 11 Pro is in some respects a few leaps ahead for Apple and has enough (and sorely overdue) improvements, over and above the XS Series, to please.

If you’ve got the cash to squander and like that elitest feeling, iPhone 11 Pro or Pro Max is definitely the way to go.

The post iPhone 11 Pro Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Spark (New Zealand) today announced to us here at STG it will offer the latest products from Apple, including iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, a new pro line for iPhone, as well as the new dual camera iPhone 11.

Available to pre-order from Saturday 14 September at Spark NZ, customers who purchase the new iPhone 11, iPhone 11 Pro or iPhone 11 Pro Max before Wednesday 2nd October 2019 on interest-free with an Unlimited Mobile plan, will receive half-price on the plan for three months (max speeds reduced after 40GB. No tethering or hotspots unless you buy the Hotspot extra. Standard NZ and Aus numbers). 

Spark will also offer Apple Watch Series 5 GPS with Always-On Retina display on their website and in-store. 

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max features a new triple-camera system that provides a pro-level camera experience with an Ultra-Wide, Wide and Telephoto camera, delivering huge improvements to low-light photography with Night mode and the highest quality video in a smartphone. 

The powerful Apple-designed A13 Bionic chip provides unparalleled performance for every task while enabling an unprecedented leap in battery life, with iPhone 11 Pro offering up to four more hours of battery life in a day than iPhone Xs, and iPhone 11 Pro Max offering up to five hours more than iPhone Xs Max.

The new Super Retina XDR in the 5.8-inch iPhone 11 Pro and 6.5-inch iPhone 11 Pro Max is the brightest and most advanced display ever in an iPhone. iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max come in four finishes including a new midnight green.

iPhone 11 is packed with new powerful and innovative capabilities seamlessly integrated with iOS 13, bringing an unparalleled user experience. iPhone 11 introduces a powerful dual-camera system with all-new Ultra Wide and Wide angle cameras, producing the highest quality video in a smartphone, offering major improvements in low-light photography with Night mode, and Portrait mode of people, pets, things and more.

iPhone 11 is powered by the A13 Bionic chip to perform the most demanding tasks, while getting through an entire day on a single charge and is designed to withstand the elements with improved water resistance and the toughest glass ever in a smartphone. iPhone 11 comes in six new colours including purple, green, yellow, black, white and PRODUCT (RED).

Apple Watch Series 5 GPS debuts an Always-On Retina display that never sleeps, so it’s easy to see the time and other important information, without raising or tapping the display.

New location features, from a built-in compass to current elevation, help users better navigate their day. And with watchOS 6, Apple Watch users are empowered to take charge of their health and fitness with new features like Cycle Tracking, the Noise app and Activity Trends.

Pre-orders begin at 11.59pm on Friday 13th of September 2019.

The post Apple’s Most Powerful & Advanced Smartphones @ Spark NZ appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Featuring a Stunning Pro Display, A13 Bionic, Cutting-Edge Pro Camera System and Longest Battery Life Ever in iPhone with iPhone 11 Pro Max.

Apple has today announced iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max, a new pro line for iPhone that delivers advanced performance for users who want the very best smartphone.

The new Super Retina XDR display is a pro display with the brightest display ever in an iPhone.

The powerful Apple-designed A13 Bionic chip provides unparalleled performance for every task while enabling an unprecedented leap in battery life to easily get through the day. A new triple-camera system provides a pro-level camera experience with an Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto camera, delivering huge improvements to low-light photography and offering the highest quality video in a smartphone that is great for shooting action videos.

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max come in four gorgeous finishes including a beautiful new midnight green, and will be available for pre-order beginning Friday, 13th of September 2019 and in stores beginning Friday, 20th of September 2019.

“iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max are the most powerful and advanced smartphones we have ever made. They are packed with sophisticated technology that pros can count on to get their work done, and for anyone who wants the very best device made, even if they are not a pro,” said Phil Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Marketing. “iPhone 11 Pro has the first triple-camera system in iPhone and is far and away the best camera we’ve ever made, it provides our customers with great range of creative control and advanced photo and video editing features in iOS 13. The Super Retina XDR is the brightest and most advanced display in iPhone and the A13 Bionic chip sets a new bar for smartphone performance and power efficiency.”

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max have a textured matte glass back and polished stainless steel band, and come in four stunning finishes including a beautiful new midnight green. The most powerful devices are also designed to be durable — iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max feature the toughest glass ever in a smartphone and are rated IP68 for water resistance up to 4 meters for up to 30 minutes, and are protected against everyday spills including coffee and soft drinks.

The new Super Retina XDR display, a custom-designed OLED, provides users an immersive HDR viewing experience for movies and other high-definition video with up to 1,200 nits brightness. Super Retina XDR features wide colour support with system-wide colour management and True Tone to offer a more natural viewing experience. With a 2 million-to-one contrast ratio with true blacks, pro users can enjoy a more vivid viewing experience for HDR videos and photos, and the Super Retina XDR display is even more power efficient. Customers can interact with their favourite apps in a quick, seamless way with Haptic Touch deeply integrated across iOS 13 to provide app shortcuts for everyday tasks right from the Home screen, including taking a selfie in Camera, checking an appointment in Calendar or previewing email within Mail with just a simple press.

A13 Bionic, the fastest chip ever in a smartphone, provides unparalleled performance for every task iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max handle and features up to 20 percent faster CPU and GPU than A12. A13 Bionic is built for machine learning, with a faster Neural Engine for real-time photo and video analysis, and new Machine Learning Accelerators that allow the CPU to deliver more than 1 trillion operations per second. Together, A13 Bionic and iOS 13 make up the best machine learning platform in a smartphone.

All of this compute, graphics and ML performance is delivered while still enabling an unprecedented leap in battery life, with iPhone 11 Pro offering up to four more hours of battery life in a day than iPhone Xs, and iPhone 11 Pro Max offering up to five hours more than iPhone Xs Max.

iPhone 11 Pro introduces a transformative triple-camera system with all-new Ultra Wide, Wide and Telephoto cameras, deeply integrated into iOS to create a pro-level camera experience designed for everyone.

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max set a new standard in video, with the highest quality video ever in a smartphone. Each camera in the triple-camera system records brilliant 4K video with extended dynamic range and cinematic video stabilisation. With a wider field of view and large focal plane, the Ultra Wide camera is great for shooting action videos. Users can easily zoom between each of the three cameras, while Audio Zoom matches the audio to the video framing for more dynamic sound. With iOS 13, powerful video editing tools are accessible to everyone with the ability to rotate, crop, increase exposure and apply filters to videos instantly. These adjustments are easy to apply and review at a glance, so even a novice can create professional quality video projects.

With the tight integration between hardware and software, iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max take the traditional camera experience even further in a way only Apple can. The all-new Ultra Wide camera fundamentally changes the camera experience by capturing four times more scene, great for taking landscape or architecture photos, tight shots and more. The new Wide sensor with 100 percent Focus Pixels and advanced software enables Night mode, and delivers huge improvements to photos shot in indoor and outdoor low-light environments, resulting in brighter images with natural colours and reduced noise.

The triple-camera system takes Portrait mode to a new level with the ability to choose Wide and Telephoto framing, enabling Portrait mode with a wider field of view, great for taking portraits of multiple people. The Telephoto camera features a larger ƒ/2.0 aperture to capture 40 percent more light compared to iPhone Xs for better photos and videos.

Next-generation Smart HDR uses advanced machine learning to recognise subjects in the frame and intelligently relight them for more natural-looking images with greater detail. A new True Tone flash is over 30 percent brighter. Deep Fusion, coming later this spring, is a new image processing system enabled by the Neural Engine of A13 Bionic. Deep Fusion uses advanced machine learning to do pixel-by-pixel processing of photos, optimising for texture, details and noise in every part of the photo.

A redesigned camera interface provides a more immersive experience that works together with the triple-camera system and all-screen display to let users see and capture the area outside of the frame. For the first time, users can easily record video without switching out of Photo mode with QuickTake by simply holding the shutter button to start recording.

The new TrueDepth camera introduces a new 12MP camera with a wider field of view to capture selfies, and next-generation Smart HDR enables more natural-looking photos. Expressive selfie videos take on a whole new look with the TrueDepth camera that now records 4K video at up to 60 fps and 120 fps slo-mo.

Additional Features

• The new Apple-designed U1 chip uses Ultra Wideband technology, the first ever in a smartphone, for spatial awareness. With iOS 13.1 coming on 1st of October 2019, AirDrop gets even better with directionally aware suggestions.
• Face ID, the most secure facial authentication in a smartphone, gets up to 30 percent faster and easier to use with improved performance at varying distances and support for more angles.
• Spatial audio provides an immersive surround sound experience and Dolby Atmos delivers powerful, moving audio to iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max.
• Gigabit-class LTE up to 1.6Gbps and Wi-Fi 6 allow for even faster download speeds and Dual SIM with eSIM.

iOS 13 on iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max delivers a seamless experience with software and hardware integration unlike any other smartphone. iOS 13 introduces a dramatic new look with Dark Mode, a more private way to sign in to apps and websites with Sign In with Apple, and an all-new Maps experience.

With advanced Camera and Photos features, photo editing is more comprehensive and intuitive with powerful new tools that now extend to video editing. Portrait Lighting adjustments can be made right in the Camera app to adjust the intensity of light on a subject, and a new High-Key Mono effect creates a beautiful, monochromatic look for Portrait mode photos.

iPhone 11 Pro and iPhone 11 Pro Max will be available in 64GB, 256GB and 512GB models in midnight green, space grey, silver and gold starting at RRP A$1749 inc. GST and RRP A$1899 inc. GST for the 64GB models. 

The post iPhone 11 Pro & iPhone 11 Pro Max appeared first on Shane the Gamer.