Latest news with #IP67
CNA
a day ago
- Business
- CNA
Samsung Galaxy A56 review: Capable mid-ranger with some rough edges
The Samsung Galaxy A56 is a capable mid-tier device that ticks several boxes for users. While flagships grab all the attention, modern mid-range phones offer plenty of power for day-to-day tasks. Here are my impressions of this mid-range device – kudos, caveats and all. KEY SPECIFICATIONS 6.7-inch FHD+ (1,080 x 2,340) Super Amoled display, 120Hz refresh rate 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide, 5MP macro and 12MP selfie cameras Max video recording resolution: 4K (3,840 x 2,160) @30fps 12GB RAM, 256GB storage 45W wired charging 5,000mAh battery IP67 Exynos 1580 processor Collapse PREMIUM LOOKS, GOOD DISPLAY The Samsung Galaxy A56 looks and feels like a premium product with its metal case, brushed aluminium finish and Corning Gorilla Glass Victus+ front and back. The 6.7-inch display is slightly larger and has thinner bezels than last year's A55. Its peak brightness of 1,200 nits makes viewing content easy, even in bright sunlight. The FHD+ (1,080 x 2,340) Super Amoled display is sharp and offers deep blacks and vibrant colours. Its 120Hz refresh rate (adjustable to 60Hz to save battery) offers smooth scrolling. This is a great screen for watching video content, viewing photos and reading text. CAMERAS The A56 includes a four-lens camera array that's a mixed bag. It has 50MP main, 12MP ultra-wide and 5MP macro lenses. It also has a 12MP selfie camera. The main and ultra-wide cameras capture sharp, detailed photos under good lighting. This softens slightly as the light decreases. Both lenses are prone to clipping (when highlights are blown out and appear white) under extremely bright sunlight. Portrait mode produces sharp, unnatural bokeh (background blur) transitions. The macro lens is poor and works only in a narrow window. Get the distance to your object and lighting right and you can capture decent images. Otherwise, macro images are grainy and noisy. The selfie camera captures detailed, vibrant photos. It is also subject to clipping against bright backgrounds, though. PERFORMANCE The A56 is equipped with 12GB RAM, 256GB storage and a mid-range Exynos 1580 chipset. It performs everyday tasks – scrolling socials and videos, editing images, chats and browsing – smoothly. It responds snappily to light multitasking. However, it struggles with demanding games like Real Racing 3 and Call of Duty, especially at high graphics settings. The 5,000 mAh battery offers plenty of juice for daily use. In my case this included four to five hours of surfing, listening to music and watching videos. I never worried about battery life and typically ended the day with about a 30 per cent charge. It supports 45W wired charging with a compatible PD charger. From an empty battery, it charged to 50 per cent in about 28 minutes and was fully charged in about 1 hour and 18 minutes. AI AND SOFTWARE While it lacks the full Galaxy AI suite, it includes useful tools like Circle to Search, Object Erase and Best Face. Samsung promises six generations of OS upgrades and six years of security updates. This is a plus for anyone planning to keep the phone that long or resell it after a few years. HOW IT STACKS UP The Samsung Galaxy A56 offers a premium look and a great 6.7-inch display. Good battery life rounds out the package but there are some caveats. The camera array is a mixed bag with a decent main camera but poor macro lens. The mid-range processor lacks the power for more demanding games. It lacks the entire Galaxy AI suite but has commonly used AI tools that should keep non-power users happy. Pros: Great screen, premium-looking finish, good battery life Cons: Mixed camera array, processor can't handle demanding games Get it if: You want a stylish mid-range phone with a great screen and good battery life OTHER MID-RANGE OPTIONS The mid-range smartphone segment is extremely competitive with several capable choices. Here are some other picks for your shortlist, sorted by retail price: Nothing Phone (3a) (S$549): 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, 50W wired charging, 5,000mAh battery, IP64, Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor Honor 400 (S$599): 12GB RAM, 256GB storage, 80W wired charging, 6,000mAh battery, IP66, Snapdragon 7 Gen 3 processor Google Pixel 8a (S$599): 8GB RAM, 128GB storage, 18W wired/ 7.5W wireless charging, 4,492mAh battery, IP67, Google Tensor G3 processor
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
‘Battery ok, engineers not': Bengaluru CEO's 'IP67' quip over flooded car goes viral
Credit: X BENGALURU: A spell of heavy rain was all it took to send parts of India's Silicon Valley 'underwater' on Tuesday, as Bengaluru witnessed widespread waterlogging that disrupted traffic, stranded office-goers and sparked fresh concerns over the city's long-standing infrastructure woes. A car belonging to Arun Vinayak, co-founder of a local energy startup, was seen nearly submerged in waters. He shared an image of his waterlogged vehicle on X (formerly Twitter), joking that to work in India, 'your office, home and car need to be IP67 certified'—a nod to the international waterproofing standard used in electronics. His sardonic remark — "#underwater #batteryok #engineersnotok" — quickly resonated with other city dwellers grappling with the downpour. Bengaluru rain The rain, averaging 42.7mm across Bengaluru, exposed the fragile state of its drainage network. Roads turned into streams, and office commuters navigated knee-deep water in the absence of a viable public warning or mitigation system. Yet, while much of the city reeled under water, one area stood out. RR Nagar zone — which recorded a staggering 150mm of rainfall overnight, the highest in 10 years — reported minimal flooding. According to officials from the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA), the credit lies with preventive measures: timely cleaning of stormwater drains, efficient garbage removal, and a well-coordinated flood management plan. 'The Vrishabhavathi Valley passes through this region, making it prone to flooding,' a BBMP official said. 'But regular maintenance and a system of 42 interlinked lakes helped us avoid the worst.' The contrast has renewed debate over the need for sustainable urban planning. Experts have repeatedly warned that Bengaluru's unchecked construction, often near lakes and in low-lying areas, has left it vulnerable to even moderate rain.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Maximum Volume, Minimum Space: Midland Launches Compact Mini Speaker for Clear Communication
New SPKMINI Joins Premium External Speaker Line, the SPK100 and SPK200, Delivering Unmatched Audio Performance and Crisp Sound in Loud Environments KANSAS CITY, Mo., May 15, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Midland, a leader in two-way radio communication technology, today expanded its suite of audio solutions with the launch of the Mini External Speaker - SPKMINI, bringing unmatched sound capabilities in a compact design. The SPKMINI joins the companies established external speaker portfolio, which includes the enhanced SPK100 and SPK200 models, all designed to provide loud, clear, reliable communication in even the noisiest of environments. At 4.5" x 3" x 2"in size, the SPKMINI brings big sound to small spaces. It packs an impressive 10 Watts of power, making it ideal for open-air vehicles and equipment where mounting spaces are limited. Despite its compact size, it's still delivering top-tier quality and audio performance, making it a versatile addition to Midland's MicroMobile product and accessories line. Midland's line of premium external speakers include the SPK100 and SPK200, boasting 20 Watts of power, providing clear sound that cuts through ambient noise even in the most demanding environments. All three models are IP67 waterproof and dustproof— for all-weather durability. The premium SPK200 features automatic noise cancellation technology, effectively eliminating unwanted background noise, enabling crystal-clear voice communication without any distractions. All three models represent the loudest external speakers for two-way radios on the market. "At Midland, we're always looking for ways to meet the needs of our customers—especially those in off-road, overland, and agricultural industries," said Jeremy Pensick, Midland's CEO. "The new SPKMINI was built for users with limited space who still demand top-tier communication. It's a powerful new addition to our MicroMobile family and a great addition to our external speaker line." Designed exclusively for two-way radio use, the SPKMINI, SPK100, and SPK200 are heavy-duty solutions built for loud environments, delivering voice communication with clarity and volume. Each SPKMINI model includes a mini external speaker, adjustable mounting bracket with screws and a 6.5 ft heavy-duty audio cable with a 3.5 mm plug. These speakers are backed by Midland's reputation for quality and three-year warranty. Midland will showcase the SPKMINI at Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Ariz. from May 17-19 and will be located at booth #R3. All three models are now available, the SPKMINI is priced at $49.99 while the SPK100 is $69.99 and SPK200 is $129.99. For more product information or to purchase a unit, please visit About Midland A leader in communication solutions for over 50 years, Midland has transformed the way people stay connected. From introducing the first CB radios in the United States to being at the forefront of two-way radios, as well as weather and emergency alert technology, the company is committed to innovation, safety, reliability and efficiency. Located in Kansas City, the heart of the Midwest, Midland's easy-to-use radios ensure exceptional communication access for everyone, keeping families, friends, and professionals connected, while their top-of-the-line weather and emergency radios empower preparedness during critical situations. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Midland Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Engadget
12-05-2025
- Engadget
The Beats Pill portable speaker drops back down to a record-low price
It's finally that time of year where you can sit on the beach or by the pool without freezing — hallelujah. But that means you need a durable and portable speaker to accompany you. Right now, one of our favorite portable Bluetooth speakers for 2025 is back down to its record-low price. You can pick up the Beats Pill for $100, down from $150 — a 33 percent discount. We gave the Bluetooth speaker an 83 in our review thanks, in big part, to its durability. The Beats Pill has an IP67 dust and water resistance rating, meaning it's dust tight and could last about three feet under water for up to 30 minutes. So, if it accidentally tumbles into the pool, you shouldn't have to worry about it. The Beats Pill also offers a solid sound quality boost over its predecessor and 24 hours of battery life. Though the audio does suffer a bit if you have the speaker at very loud volumes and the bass tone can be inconsistent. Follow @EngadgetDeals on X for the latest tech deals and buying advice .
The Verge
06-05-2025
- The Verge
third-generation of the Beosound A1
Bang & Olufsen boosted the bass on its swanky portable speaker. The , B&O's compact Bluetooth speaker, is now available with a honey tone, eucalyptus green, or natural aluminum housing for $349. The upgraded model features up to 24 hours of battery life, an IP67 rating so you can submerge it to depths of up to one meter, and an improved woofer delivering an extra 2dB of bass over its predecessor. B&O has also added support for the aptX Adaptive Bluetooth codec.
