Google Pixel Buds – Review

The Introduction When Apple made their own AirPod wireless headphones a lot of tech fans were waiting for Google to show off their own version. Using their own Pixel brand, Google announced the Pixel Buds at last year’s Google I/O event and the headline feature was  the instant …

#MWC18 – Meet the Land Rover Explore

Sadly no, we’re not getting to test-drive a new Land Rover. However, Land Rover have started making phones. This is their first, and it comes via Bullitt Group, the same people who came up with the CAT phones. It’s another rugged handset for rugged lives. It’ll be on …

Truly unlimited everything with Virgin Media

It looks like Virgin Media are keen to get noticed. The caveat to this particular offer, though, is that you’re already a Virgin Media broadband or TV customer. If you are, listen up. First, the facts. Virgin Media use the EE masts, so coverage is very good indeed. …

Boston Dynamics notch up the freakiness

Alright, this is just plain scary now. We saw the oh-my-god dog robot things just a week ago, but Boston Dynamics have decided to go and attack one as it’s doing the clever door-opening trick. What freaks me out is the natural movements of this thing. The way …

#MWC18 – The CAT S61. A phone that can smell.

Back in 2015 I managed to get a look at some cool new tech that could give your smartphone a sense of smell. Now, it’s here, inside the all-new CAT S61. This is a smartphone that can check the air quality around you. It’ll measure temperature, humidity and …

DJI Mavic Air unboxing video and first impressions

DJI Mavic Air – intro In his first article and video for Coolsmartdrone.com Coolsmartphone.com, Lukasz unboxes the latest drone from DJI, the Mavic Air, comparing it with other drones, and shares his first impressions and some footage from the beautiful Scottish coast. Let’s get to the headlines first: …

Huawei P20 Spotted?

A few days ago we had some mysterious postcards sent to us from Huawei. There was a definite emphasis on camera tech and, although we’re not expecting the handset in question to be announced at Mobile World Congress. This, we think, is all about the upcoming Huawei P20. …

Smart Stand 360 – Review

Good points: Price Build quality Can be fitted to a multitude of devices Lots of stand combinations Choice of colours Bad Points: Adds some bulk Doesn’t adhere to all cases I really like products that are simple in nature, simple to use and do a good job, and …

Windows Phone – Now even deader than it already was

Each year at Mobile World Congress I tend to remember the big Windows Phone 7 launch. It was held in 2010 at the Catalonia Barcelona Plaza Hotel and they placed a large placard above the entrance with big sticker over the name “7 Series”. Yes, back in 2010 …

Doogee Mix 2 – Now it’s crazy cheap

This morning an email dropped into my mailbox from Banggood. Within the promotional mail was a link to the DOOGEE MIX 2. This is now down to just £153.70 – that’s 30% cheaper than previously. I’ve not reviewed this one personally but the specs do seem very decent …

Mobile World Congress – Unrivalled coverage. Join us for #MWC18

Do you want a quick trip down memory lane? Well, I’ve taken a look at our first ever trip to Barcelona for Mobile World Congress. The year was 2010, before a Microsoft Operating system called “Windows Phone” even existed. Android was at Version 2 and was called “Eclair” …

Coolsmartphone Podcast 222 Porgi Intervention

Another week, another published edited podcast. The Porgs are doing a mighty fine job, even while I vacation in the United States of America (#murica). https://youtu.be/o3EtIAyeu-Y We apologise in advance for the audio quality, at this point we were still learning what a microphone is and left the …

EE Hawk – Review

The Introduction I’ve said it many times in the past. These days you don’t need to spend a fortune to get some great hardware specs, and this is even more true when it comes to some network-branded devices. The EE Hawk is the networks’ latest branded handset, and …

Samsung Galaxy S9 – The leaks continue!

Remember how the esteemed leaker, Evan Blass, told everyone that he was going to retire? Yeah, well… that didn’t happen, and his leaks continue to be rock solid, year after year. We’ve already had lots of specs being leaked, but now there’s clearer shots of both the Galaxy …

Want better coverage? Go to church.

Getting coverage into rural areas is a constant challenge for the networks. We’ve seen EE using an innovative home-broadband solution for rural homes and Vodafone have their Sure Signal kit plus new mini masts. However, the problem with planning permission and fierce opposition to unsightly large masts in …

Honor 9 Lite – Video review

This morning I had a bit of a rant about this phone, and I’ll tell you why. I’ve been in this business since 2002. For years I’ve reviewed the “top-end” phones and a smattering of “budget Android handsets”. The latter, and let’s not beat about the bush, are …

Honor 9 vs Honor 9 Lite – The camera test… and a rant

I’m properly intrigued by these two phones. The Honor 9 has been in my pocket for many months now and I think it’s a brilliant handset. It’s £349.99 from the official UK store. The newly-announced Honor 9 Lite, on the right here, has an arguably better screen and …

Moto Z2 Play coming to Three UK

Three emailed us recently with some exciting news for gaming fans, but with the mass emails for Mobile World Congress it looks like it was overlooked. Thankfully the news is that the Motorola Z2 Play will be coming to Three UK in April, with an exclusive gamepad thrown …