iPhone 8 may actually be released on time

Over the past few months, we've seen an endless number of conflicting rumors regarding the iPhone 8's release date. Whereas some reports claimed that Apple's next-gen iPhone would hit store shelves in September, more ominous reports have relayed that the device may be subject to a multi-week delay. In fact, the most pessimistic projection has Apple releasing the iPhone 8 as late as November. According to scattered reports, the rumored iPhone 8 delay was rooted in manufacturing challenges and a shortage of advanced components such as the device's 3D camera sensors.

Now to be fair, iPhone rumors are never in short supply, so part of the challenge is knowing which rumors are worth paying attention to. That said, one of the most reliable iPhone leakers in recent years delivered some welcome news for folks who can't wait to get their hands on Apple's next-gen iPhone. According to Steve Hemmerstoffe, who you might know better by his Twitter handle "OnLeaks", mass production on the iPhone 8 is slated to begin in August ahead of a September launch. Again, iPhone release date rumors are a dime a dozen, but Hemmerstoffe has a very strong track record with respect to Apple rumors, so his projections should accordingly be given more weight.

Ahead of the iPhone 8 release, it's worth noting that shares of Apple have been climbing steadily in recent weeks, primarily due to excitement surrounding the device. As it stands now, shares of Apple are trading in the $155-$156 range, reaching new all-time highs in the process. By way of comparison, shares of Apple were trading in the $90 range at this time last year, representing gains of nearly 75% year over year.

Join the Network World communities on Facebook and LinkedIn to comment on topics that are top of mind.
Source: iPhone 8 may actually be released on time

Global Smartphone 3D Camera Market to Record High Demand by 2016-2024

Sarasota, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/11/2017 -- Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Smartphone 3D Camera Market: Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 – 2021"

Nowadays, people are more vigilant about recent features in their phone. However, 3D camera in smart phones is a trendy feature among all of them. It is getting more advanced as technology is developing. 3D camera in these phones is an advanced feature which helps to capture enhanced pictures and videos with the best quality. 3D camera accompanied with 3D sensors captures a sense movement, the accurate size of objects & environments. The performance of the 3D camera is enhanced with HD clarity and object sensing. It is getting more popular in the young generation with attractive features.

Request Free Sample Report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/sample/smartphone-3d-camera-market

The demand of the 3D camera in smartphones is i ncreasing along with growing population. Emerging technology such as 3D scanning enables market players to bring innovative products with providing high-quality images and videos. Increasing adoption of the 3D camera in smartphones by young generation is expected to boost the market growth in the near future. High demand from entertainment and media industry for high-resolution images further propels the global smartphone 3D camera market. Increasing disposal income and changing lifestyle are also responsible for growing popularity of smartphone 3D camera in the market. Smartphone manufacturers inhibiting 3D technology in smartphones will open new market opportunities and enhance product sales in the coming years. In addition, increasing adoption of virtual reality applications and home automation is anticipated to impact the growth of the global market in a positive way. Conversely, huge purchasing price and compatibility issues of the smartphone may restrain the growth of the smar tphone 3D camera market in the future.

The smartphone 3D camera market is segmented based on technology as, time-of-flight and stereoscopy. Stereoscopy provides the high quality of pictures, accuracy in capturing images, and reliability. Hence, it is the largest segment in the smartphone 3D camera market. The smartphone 3D camera market is segmented based on the camera resolution as below 8MP, 8 to 16MP, and above 16 MP. Most of the customers prefer cameras in the range of 8 to 16 MP smartphone, hence it accounts for the largest market share.

Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/toc/smartphone-3d-camera-market

Asia-Pacific is the leading market for smartphone 3D camera in the world. This trend is followed by North America. The spending power of the middle-class people in Asia Pacific increases the growth of the market. Emerging economies such as India and China are also expected to propel market in the future.

Some of th e major players in the smartphone 3D camera market are Sony Panasonic Corporation, Cannon, Panas, Sony Corporation, Microsoft, Sharp Corporation, and PMD. Other key players include Nikon, LG Electronics, HTC, Infineon Technologies, SoftKinetic, Toshiba, Intel Corporation, Samsung Electronics, and Pelican.

Browse detail report @ https://www.zionmarketresearch.com/report/smartphone-3d-camera-market

Global Smartphone 3D Camera Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth America(U.S.); Europe(UK, France, Germany); Asia-Pacific(China, Japan, India); Latin America(Brazil); The Middle East and Africa

Source: Global Smartphone 3D Camera Market to Record High Demand by 2016-2024

Kantar Worldpanel: Smartphone Market Growth in India Grabs Worldwide Attention

Expanding 4G Services Stimulate Domestic Sales, Global Manufacturers Increase Investments in Local Presence

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - May 10, 2017) - New data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech shows that smartphone vendors are reacting to saturated markets in the West by turning more aggressively to developing regions as sources of new revenue. Across the US, China, and EU5, smartphone sales have surpassed 90% of the potential market. Even in Latin America -- specifically Brazil and Mexico, smartphone sales also exceed 80%.

"With a population of 1.3 billion people and the second-largest mobile market after China, India is the next major focal point for smartphone vendors. In the first quarter of 2017, smartphone penetration in India reached 48%, a growth rate of 16% from the prior year," said Lauren Guenveur, Consumer Insight Director for Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. "Rapidly expanding 4G infrastructure and low-cost 4G data services introduced by India telecom leader Reliance Jio have led to increased competition in India and stimulated higher demand for 4G-capable devices. The push towards digital currency, which promotes a potent new use case for smartphones, is also expected to accelerate sales."

Chinese vendors have increased their smartphone sales share in India from 27% in Q1 2016 to 50% in Q1 2017. Xiaomi, Oppo, Vivo, and Lenovo have made significant investments in India in an effort to disrupt the local vendors, and out-maneuver South Korean giant Samsung, which continues to rank as the largest smartphone supplier in India with 27% of smartphone sales in Q1 2017. This is a dip from 30% in the same period a year earlier.

Xiaomi and BBK (Vivo) are currently tied for second place in India at 12% of sales each, followed by Lenovo (including Moto) at 11%, and Oppo at 10%. Local brands Micromax, Intex, Lyf, and others have captured 12% of India smartphone sales.

Apple accounted for three percent of sales in the most recent period but has made several strategic moves in India, including teaming up with Reliance Jio to offer free 4G service for one year to purchasers of iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus. Apple is also planning to manufacture iPhones in India in the near future to deflect some of the high import taxes that make iPhones inaccessible to many Indian buyers.

Over the next 12 months, 51% of current mobile phone owners in India say they intend to upgrade their devices. For current smartphone owners, that number is 52%. Samsung is the top brand preferred in India at 26%, followed by Apple at 15%. Between 7% and 8% of consumers intend to purchase Vivo or Oppo products.

"Purchases over $300 remain a small fraction of the market, but this is where Apple and Samsung dominate," Guenveur added. "For Apple and Samsung, opportunities in India may not be immediate, but over the next few years we believe that consumers will become more engaged in services, 4G infrastructure will be stronger, and by all predictions -- people will want more premium phones."

Global OS Data

The latest data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech also reveals that in Q1 2017 and despite an Apple earnings report that did not meet Wall Street's expectations for iPhone sales, the company continued to make year-on-year share gains across most markets except urban China.

"The first quarter of 2017 produced the lowest iOS share in China since the second quarter of 2014 with 12.4 percent of smartphone sales. Android continued to make year-on-year gains with 87.2 percent of smartphone sales," Guenveur explained. "For iOS, this represents a 9.1 percentage point drop from the first quarter of 2016. At the same time, iPhone 7 remained the best-selling device in urban China with 3.8 percent of a market that has become increasingly fragmented."

The greatest increase for Apple came in Great Britain, with 40.4 percent of smartphone sales, an increase of 5.6 percentage points, and in the US, with 38.9 percent of smartphone sales, an increase of 5.2 percentage points year-over-year.

To read Lauren Guenveur's latest blog, visit:https://www.kantarworldpanel.com/global/news/Focus-on-India-Smartphone-Market-Analysis

Complete Global OS data and an optional PDF file are available here:https://www.kantarworldpanel.com/global/news/Android-87-Share-in-China-More-Brands-Competing

Note: The Kantar Worldpanel ComTech dataviz can be embedded into online articles for a visual representation of Kantar Worldpanel ComTech Smartphone OS market share data. Click here to copy the embed code.

About Kantar Worldpanel

Kantar Worldpanel is the global expert in shoppers' behavior. Through continuous monitoring, advanced analytics, and tailored solutions, Kantar Worldpanel inspires successful decisions by brand owners, retailers, market analysts, and government organizations globally.

With over 60 years' experience, a team of 3,500, and services covering 60 countries directly or through partners, Kantar Worldpanel turns purchase behavior into competitive advantage in markets as diverse as FMCG, impulse products, fashion, baby, telecommunications, and entertainment, among many others.

For further information, please visit us at www.kantarworldpanel.comTwitter: Google+: LinkedIn: RSS: Newsletter:

Source: Kantar Worldpanel: Smartphone Market Growth in India Grabs Worldwide Attention

Aadhaar-based OS for Android smartphones: Indus OS and Delta ID could change the digital landscape in India

Home > News > Aadhaar-based OS for Android smartphones: Indus OS and Delta ID could change the digital landscape in India IndusOS and Delta ID in partnership with domestic manufacturers are said to bring mid-ranger smartphones running the Aadhaar-based OS until next year.

Indus OS, a homegrown multi-lingual operating system brand, and iris scanning technology provider Delta ID have announced plans to launch an Aadhaar-authenticated operating system for India. This unique operating system uses iris biometric technology for secure identification and authentication. The companies are expected to release the Aadhaar-authenticated operating system this quarter.

In a statement, Rakesh Deshmukh, Co-founder and CEO of Indus OS said the company aims to get 100 million users to use the Aadhaar-authenticated OS by 2020. While that may happen in the future, Aadhaar-based systems have received mainstream attention in the industry. Lately, the Government of India has launched a number of initiatives giving rise to more Aadhaar-authenticated applications. "With the government pushing for higher adoption of Aadhaar-related services in the country, this innovation will give smartphone manufacturers an extra edge and act as a means to showcase their support towards government-led initiatives," the company said in a statement.

What is Indus OS?

The Aadhaar-authenticated OS supports 12 native Indian languages. In addition, it has partnered with 6 domestic smartphone brands including Micromax, Intex, Karbonn, Celkon and Swipe. With the Aadhaar-authenticated OS, the company aims to help drive mass adoption of Government to citizen services and initiatives. Presently, India has over 1 billion of the total population registered with an Aadhaar card.

Indus OS and Delta ID, together has created a combination of software and hardware that captures biometric iris information via built-in iris scanner on the smartphone. The OS then encodes this information and encrypts it with the unique ID public password. This encrypted information is then securely sent to the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) server and if matched, the server responds with a 'Yes' token. Once authenticated, the user gets authorized to utilize Aadhaar ID for a whole suite of activities.

An Aadhaar card registered user virtually has all of its biometric data recorded with the government. This, in turn, has led government and other private players to come up with the Aadhaar-authenticated system. Last year, Reliance Jio activated its customer's services in the least possible time upon fingerprint authentication via fingerprint scanner machines and data stored on UIDAI server. Initiatives such as these have significantly eased the hassles caused by paperwork for consumers and has also reduced waiting time for activation of services.

FingerPrint scanner vs. iris scanner

While the fingerprint scanner technology has not completely been redundant yet, iris scanner technology still has a great amount of potential to be explored. There are currently not many smartphones available readily with IRIS scanner on board. Last we heard of it was on high-end Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+. This means the cost of iris scanner hardware has to be subsequently brought down for the system to spread on a wide scale.

IndusOS and Delta ID in partnership with domestic manufacturers are said to bring mid-ranger smartphones running the Aadhaar-based OS until next year. "We hope the combination of sophisticated iris scanning technology provided by Delta ID, with the consumer insights of Indus OS, the made-in-India operating system can enable faster adoption of Aadhaar-based services," said Salil Prabhakar, President, and CEO of Delta ID. ALSO READ:  135 million Aadhaar numbers made public by four government portals: CIS report

Rise of affordable iris-scanner integrated smartphones 

This is likely to give rise to use of sophisticated low-cost iris scanner hardware by smartphone manufacturer and soon the technology could be seen on affordable mid-range phone and not only limited to premium smartphones. As is the scenario, currently fingerprint scanner is popularly used on every other smartphone and once can easily exercise the technology on smartphones starting from Rs 10,000.

With Aadhaar-based OS integrated and low-cost IRIS scanning camera built in smartphones, the future has bright possibilities for it to soon be put to use to authenticate digital payments app which presently is limited to fingerprint authentication.

Published: May 9, 2017 5:55 PM IST | Updated: May 9, 2017 5:55 PM IST
Source: Aadhaar-based OS for Android smartphones: Indus OS and Delta ID could change the digital landscape in India

Nokia Phones Release Date

aIt's Almost TIME! The nokia phones release date should be announced anytime soon!

HMD Global, a Finish company that owns the rights to market Nokia phones hosted an event in New Delhi yesterday, resulting to speculations that the nokia phones release date is on its way.

Nokia at Mobile World Conference unveiled three Android devices – the Nokia 3, 5 and 6 along with an updated version of the iconic Nokia 3310.

Nokia Phones Release Date

We've heard reports that Nokia is planning to launch its new range of handsets in the UK by end of June. Also, at the time of their global announcement it is also expected that HMD Global will release these new devices in the second quarter of 2017 (May-June) to the Indian market.

However, HMD Global did not officially announce when it will release all these Nokia handsets. It is speculated that the firm will announce the release date of all these devices at the event in New Delhi yesterday.

Just to remind you guys, the new 3310 qualifies as a "feature phone". Unlike other smartphones, this is capable of providing 3G/4G connectivity. The Nokia 3310 just uses 2.5G connectivity and runs on S30+ operating system, and comes with a 2.4-inch display screen.

HDM Global claims that this colored-screen phone has month long stand-by and can deliver 22 hours of talk-time – this is 10x more than the original. The new Nokia 3310 comes with a 2MP rear camera and comes preinstalled with a new the modern version of the classic "Snake" game. Cool eh? It will be available in four color variants such as Warm Red, Yellow, both with a gloss finish, and matte finished Dark Blue and Grey. It is said that it will cost us €49 (appox. under Rs 3,500).

The Nokia 6

The Nokia 6 smartphone features a 5.5-inch and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 430 SoC. It has 3GB RAM and 32GB storage which can further be expanded via microSD card. It also has a 16MP rear camera and a 8MP front camera.

In its new offering, HMD will roll out a limited edition glossy Arte Black variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage option. The Nokia 6 will be available for €229 (approx. Rs 16,000).

The Nokia 5

The Nokia 5 features a 5.3-inch HD display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It runs on Qualcomm's Snapdragon 430 processor with Adreno 505 GPU. It is coupled with 2GB RAM and has 16GB of storage. Other salient features include a 13MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. Available in four colorways – Matte Black, Silver, Tempered Blue and Copper. The Nokia 5 will retail at an average global retail price of €189 (approx. Rs 13,300).

Nokia 3

Nokia 3 features a 3-inch display protected by Corning Gorilla Glass. It is powered by MediaTek MTK 6737 with 2GB RAM and 16GB storage. It will be available in four colors – Silver White, Matte Black, Tempered Blue and Copper White. The Nokia 3 will retail at an affordable price, compared to the other two, of €139 (approx. Rs 9,800).

All these Nokia-branded smartphones will run on Android 7.1.1 Nougat out of the box.

Source: DeccanChronicle

Source: Nokia Phones Release Date

Funxim Unveils Wireless Smartphone Charging Product: Moonsonata

  View as PDF  Print View   

MoonSonata is the World's First Wireless Inductive Phone Charger System with Built-in Bluetooth Speaker. Coming Soon on Kickstarter.

May 7, 2017 /MarketersMedia/ --

Funxim, a full-service startup comprised of engineers who have been specializing in developing wireless charging capabilities and accessories for over 4-years now, this week unveiled their latest wireless product, the Moonsonata, a wireless charger for phones and tablets.

Now enabling smartphone owners to get rid of their charging cables for powering devices wirelessly without the need to plug in annoying wires, Moonsonata utilizes Qi Inductive Charging Technology that charges devices anywhere, at anytime.

"Every on-the-go individual knows how frustrating it can be to locate outlets when trying to make it through the day," said Eason Soncent, Founder and Owner of Funxim. "It forces them to stop everything, sit down next to an outlet, and wait. With our Moonsonata product, we're offering people a different way to get in their tablet charge without compromising on time."

The Moonsonata product is certified by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) and is compatible with all Qi-certified devices. The product can also be retrofitted to separate Qi receives for making them compatible with the Sonata. It's built around an ultra-slim 7mm, precision cut down to the millimeter, exterior surface that includes a high gloss and sandblast finish.

For interested product users, simply place the smartphone on the bracket of the Moonsonata. Magically, wireless charging will be transferring from the product to the smartphone.

"The technology incorporated into this product is going to leave consumers in awe of the seamless charging ability," said Socent. "Spread the word on the official completion of our latest gadget, and head on over to our site today to get a visual for the Moonsonata."

The Moonsonata comes with a display holder stand for an immersive viewing experience as well as a Bluetooth speaker for playing phone and tablet's music.

For more information, visit: https://www.funxim.net/.

Contact Info:Name: Eason SoncentOrganization: Funxim

Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zQhOMBU1Yw

Source URL: http://marketersmedia.com/funxim-unveils-wireless-smartphone-charging-product-moonsonata/194710

For more information, please visit http://www.funxim.net

Source: MarketersMedia

Release ID: 194710

Neorb Lab Announces the World's First Bluetooth Headphone Adapter that Doesn't Just Only Do Streaming Music (Mon 8th May 17)

Official JVZoo Seller & Affiliate Training to Release on 9th of May 2017 (Mon 8th May 17)

Nottingham Digital Marketing Reputation Management Online Service Launched (Mon 8th May 17)

Buy & Sell Homes In Rancho San Pasqual Escondido With Top Realtor Ivan Cazarez (Mon 8th May 17)

Optical Transceivers Market Forecasts to Grow $41.1 Billion By 2022 Driven by 100 Gbps and 400 Gbps devices (Mon 8th May 17)

Bag72 Officially Announces Availability of 72 Hour Emergency Kit Variants for Online Visitors (Mon 8th May 17)

Source: Funxim Unveils Wireless Smartphone Charging Product: Moonsonata

How To Turn Your Smartphone Into An (Almost) Nintendo Switch

Nintendo's questionable supply chain strategies mean there are still gamers trying to get their hands on a Switch, two months after its release. But why bother trying to hunt down another console when the smartphone in your pocket can already do almost everything the Switch can — with a few upgrades.

Image: Gizmodo

Nintendo Switch Review: Plays Zelda Great, Doesn't Do Much Else

After a shipping snafu with Amazon, I spent the better part of a day trying to track a Nintendo Switch down. I experienced exactly what many hopeful Switch owners will experience. And now I've spent the last few days living the Switch life, playing the best it has to offer and I can say, unequivocally, that this system is not worth the hassle of tracking it down.

Read more

You probably occasionally use your smartphone as a portable gaming machine, although limited to just quick rounds of Candy Crush as you ride the subway every day. But a modern smartphone, with a beefy processor and a decent-sized display, can do almost everything the Nintendo Switch can (sadly Breath of the Wild will still be out of your reach).

What We Know About The Nintendo Switch's Garbage Graphics

The Nintendo Switch looks like it might be complete weaksauce when compared to the best consoles from Sony and Microsoft. But the real question is. Does that matter? Probably not.

Read more

In fact, your smartphone might actually offer a few upgrades over the Switch! There are far more games available, including emulators that let you play classic titles from almost any console. Though you'll need to put in a little effort if you want to play old Zelda games on your iPhone.

Besides games, your phone almost certainly offers a better visual experience than the Switch does. Nintendo chose to use an LCD display limited to a resolution of just 1280x720 pixels and many smartphones are capable of at least full 1920x1080 HD resolutions with colour saturation and fidelity that far outperform the Switch's screen.

But having access to thousands of great titles on a beautiful screen means nothing when trying to play action games using a touchscreen. Ask anyone who's tried, it is an act of absolute frustration.

Controllers

So the first upgrade you'll need to turn your smartphone into a Switch are some better controls. After all, touchscreens suck when it comes to playing games that require more than just tapping the screen. With the right accessories you can almost perfectly emulate the Switch's handheld gaming experience, or connect multiple wireless controllers for some mobile multiplayer.

Switch Style Controllers Gamevice Controller (iOS)

The closest you'll get to recreating the Nintendo Switch's form factor is the $150 Gamevice that wraps your smartphone in a pair of halved controllers featuring analogue joysticks, a directional pad and a set of four action buttons. You'll at least need an iPhone 6 to use it, but it connects to the device's Lightning port without the need for battery-sucking Bluetooth.

MOGA Ace Power Controller (iOS)

It's essentially the same product as the Gamevice, but the MOGA Ace Power packs a rechargeable battery to help keep your smartphone running longer, but it's only compatible with older iPhones. Anything larger than the iPhone 5s will be too big for the MOGA Ace Power to wrap around. Australian stock is hard to come by, but you can always hit up eBay, where prices start at $34 (including postage).

8Bitdo Zero Controller (iOS & Android)

The Switch's two controllers handily slide off either end of the console to be used for multiplayer experiences, and if you want a similarly super tiny controller for your iOS or Android device than maybe you should consider the $30 8Bitdo Zero. It works with any device that can wirelessly connect to Bluetooth peripherals and offers basic controls including shoulder buttons, a directional pad, and four action buttons.

Switch Pro Style Controllers SteelSeries Stratus XL Controller (Android)

We're a big fan of SteelSeries, so while the $89 SteelSeries Stratus XL isn't ideal for travelling, we still think it's a good choice for when your smartphone's connected to a TV for big-screen gaming. It's not as cool as a Switch controller but its a comparable alternative to the Nintendo Switch's Pro Controller. And while it doesn't have any force feedback features, it does promise 40 hours of gameplay on a single pair of AA batteries.

SteelSeries Nimbus Controller (iOS)

The $100 SteelSeries Nimbus wireless controller is the iOS equivalent of the company's Stratus XL, giving you essentially the same experience as the full-size Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. With a few bonuses: It can be charged using the same Lightning cable you plug your iPhone into every night and it features a dedicated menu button for navigating iOS or your Apple TV.

8Bitdo Wireless NES & SNES Controllers (iOS & Android)

The Nintendo Switch will inevitably get access to the company's Virtual Console, letting you play your favourite classic games. But with a smartphone running an emulator you can play them all now. And with 8Bitdo's $53 NES and SNES Bluetooth controllers, near-perfect recreations of the originals, you might feel like you're back in your parent's basement, slamming cans of Passiona while playing Super Mario World.

Video Adapters

One of the Nintendo Switch's most unique features is its ability to transform from a handheld gaming system to a part of your entertainment center so you can play your games on a big screen TV. The Switch relies on a cumbersome dock to do this, but there are more elegant ways to connect your smartphone to a TV, including going wireless.

There are pros and cons to each approach, however, so you'll need to decide what works best for you. Going wireless means you don't have to deal with your smartphone being tethered to a long HDMI cable. But it might mean some costly hardware upgrades if you don't already have a reliable wireless network in your home, or a TV setup that facilitates streaming from a mobile device.

Using a video adaptor physically connected to your TV means you'll have to wrangle HDMI and charging cables while you play. Yet it also guarantees smooth frame rates at all times, and the ability to enjoy your games on a friend's TV, or a TV in a hotel room, where you can't easily connect to a reliable (or secure) wireless network.

The Wireless Options Apple TV (iOS)

If you want to wirelessly connect your iPhone to your TV using AirPlay, the Apple TV is your easiest solution. However, at $239 it's half the price of a Nintendo Switch and you'll need to ensure your wireless router is up to the task of streaming video to your TV without dropping frames, which can ruin the gaming experience.

Google Chromecast (Android)

Chromcast can with iPhones games streamed to the TV too, but the experience isn't always pleasant. Yet, for mirroring the gaming action on your Android smartphone to a TV, using a Google Chromecast is the way to go. Its small and unobtrusive and is only $59. That's a downright bargain — as long as you can live with resolutions that top out at 1920x1080 HD.

Google Chromecast Ultra (Android)

Can the Nintendo Switch do 4K? Nope. But your Android smartphone probably can when connected to your TV via the Google Chromecast Ultra. It goes $99 — just ten dollars more than a Switch game and it has an ethernet port for connecting directly to your router. That should help take some of the load off of your wireless network to ensure solid frame rates when streaming your favourite games.

The Wired Options Apple Lightning Digital AV Adaptor (iOS)

Reliable wired options for iOS devices are few and far between. If you're using an iPhone your best bet is to shell out a few more bucks to Apple and buy the $75 official Lightning to HDMI adaptor. Fortunately it also includes an additional USB-C port so you can power your device while it's connected to a TV using its Lightning port.

MicroUSB to HDMI Adaptor (Android)

If you're using an older Android device that doesn't have a USB-C connection, you'll need this microUSB to HDMI adaptor. You probably won't be able to push 4K resolution games to your TV, but at $8 it's a cheap and compact solution.

Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adaptor (Android)

The iPhone doesn't support USB-C just yet, but most of the Android smartphones released in the past year do. As do many laptops. So Apple's USB-C to HDMI adaptor might be worth the $109 investment. When you're not using it to connect an Android smartphone to your TV for gaming, it also has a USB-A port for connecting older peripherals to your fancy new laptop.

Games

This is where your makeshift smartphone Switch can run laps around Nintendo's console — at least in terms of selection. At the moment, the best reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch are Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. That's just two games. They both happen to be very good games, but the iTunes App Store and the Google Play store both have thousands of titles you can download, and plenty that are actually good.

But which platform offers the better gaming experience? Apple's walled garden approach to its app store means you're less likely to get fooled buying a knock-off game. Its MFi certification program also ensures that if a controller says 'Made for iPhone' on the packaging, it's guaranteed to connect and work with your phone right out of the box. Not all iOS games will work with a MFi-approved controller, however, and using a generic Bluetooth gamepad with your iPhone is hit and miss.

Android smartphones, on the other hand, have access to the Google Play store, which is like the wild west when it comes to content. Anything and everything goes, and you can probably find exactly what you need if you know where to look. That includes games, apps for remapping the buttons on a Bluetooth controller so it works flawlessly with any title, and emulators.

Part of the appeal of recent Nintendo consoles has been the company's Virtual Console which allows you to play classic NES, SNES, and Game Boy games on modern hardware. But with the right emulator, Android smartphones can play classic games from countless different consoles, including the Atari 2600, Playstation, Game Boy Advance, PSP, PS2 and even the Game Cube. As for finding those games (commonly referred to as ROMs) that's between you and a strategic Google search.

How To Build Your Own Mini SNES

The NES Classic Edition is almost perfect — short controller cords not withstanding — and if you can buy one, it's one of our favourite gifts, especially if you don't want to leave the house. But it only plays NES games, and 30 games at that. Plenty of people — us included — would love a tiny system to play our favourite Super Nintendo games. Or Genesis games.

Read more

Can you play games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe on your smartphone yet? No. So the Nintendo Switch will always be able to hold that over your smartphone FrankenSwitch. But you just saved yourself $US300+ ($404)+, and having to wait in yet another line hoping that Best Buy has restocked enough of them.

Source: How To Turn Your Smartphone Into An (Almost) Nintendo Switch