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The CAT S52 is the latest in CAT’s long line of highly lauded rugged devices and offers uncompromising levels of durability in a sleek and sophisticated design. This makes the device an unparalleled option for those looking for an attractive device that can withstand a typical working day unscathed.   If this is why the CAT S52 is an option for you, then you might be wondering whether the device is Dual SIM; enabling you to separate the professional from the personal. The CAT S52 comes as both Single SIM AND Dual SIM variants, supporting Nano-SIM cards. The Dual SIM variant supports Dual Stand-by, whilst a separate microSD card can be used at the same time for extra storage.   The CAT S52 is available from Clove Technology for £449.99 including VAT with worldwide shipping.     CAT S52 | £449.99 inc-VAT What is Dual SIM Stand-by? Generally speaking, there are two main variations of Dual SIM smartphones; dual standby and dual active. The CAT S52 supports dual SIM standby, meaning that you can’t use both SIM cards simultaneously. Indeed, when neither SIM is in use, then both SIM 1 and SIM 2 are active and connected to their own mobile network. However, since they both utilise only one radio transceiver, once SIM1 becomes active, SIM 2 becomes inactive (and vice versa). So, if you are using SIM 1 to make a call, if somebody else calls you on SIM 2, they will not be able to get through. Simply speaking, if both SIMs are in standby mode, you can use them to make and receive calls and texts on either. It is then when you take the call on SIM 1, that SIM 2 becomes inactive until SIM 1 is not being used. What are the Benefits of a Dual SIM Smartphone? If you consider yourself to be the average smartphone user; calling and texting family and friends as well as playing apps or surfing the web, then the honest answer is that you probably don’t actually need a Dual SIM device. However, there are a number of situations in which having a Dual SIM smartphone is hugely beneficial. Personal vs Professional Usage If you juggle between work and personal usage on one device, then a Dual SIM device is the perfect solution. With a Dual SIM phone, you can use two different numbers at once and switch quickly and efficiently between them. This completely eradicates the need to either carry two phones at once or switch between SIM cards. Travelling If you enjoy travelling and still want to make full use of your smartphone, then purchasing a Dual SIM device is essential. With a Dual SIM device, you can still make use of your so-called ‘home’ line and keep in constant contact with love ones. But at the same time, you can make the most of a cheap local SIM, utilising local data plans and network coverage. In this way, you can access the internet and make calls with the local SIM but still be able to take texts and calls from home. Benefit from different network deals / coverage Dual SIM devices aren’t locked to a particular network and so you’re able to sign up to any provider that you like. In this way, you can utilise the deals of different networks. You can sign up to a SIM package that provides cheap data as well as a separate SIM package that offers great rates on texts and calls; combining them into the ultimate deal for you. Alongside this, having two SIMs with different providers increases your likelihood of coverage. If SIM 1 doesn’t receive reception in a particular area, then you’ve always got SIM 2 to rely on. Is the CAT S52 Worth It? Despite being crafted for its rugged capabilities, the CAT S52 is the first durable device that doesn’t compromise on it’s looks. Indeed, it’s noticeably slim at just 9.69mm and yet the high-grade aluminium frame still promises the levels of durability that we’ve come to expect of CAT devices. This includes an IP68 certification against dust, dirt and sand as well as protection from water at a depth of 1.5m for up to 35 minutes. A MIL-SPEC-810G rating is also part of the package and promises protection against drops of 1.5m onto concrete, vibration resistance and the ability to work in a temperature range of -30C to 65C. A coating of Corning Gorilla Glass 6 provides added protection to the Super-Bright 5.65-inch HD+ IPS display, which is easy to read in all conditions including sunlight. Glove-on technology has also been enabled to improve interaction with the display when wearing gloves or using the device with wet hands. Alongside this, the CAT S52 boasts the ‘best camera on a rugged phone’; a 12MP dual pixel Sony sensor with a bright f/1.8 aperture for stunning photos even in low light. A 3,100mAh battery keeps you working for longer and support fast charging to minimise downtime. CAT S52 Key Specifications Android 9.0 (with an update to 10) Mediatek Helio P35 Octacore 2.3GHz Super Bright 5.65” HD+ IPS display High-performance camera Slim design; 9.69mm thick IP68 certified; sand, dust and dirt resistant Drop tested: up to 1.5m (5ft) onto concrete Waterproof: depth of 1.5m for up to 35 minutes 64GB internal storage / 4GB RAM

Fairphone is trying to create a fairer and more sustainable electronics industry and with the Fairphone 3, claim to have created the most environmentally friendly smartphone in the world. This includes responsible material sourcing, advocating for workers’ welfare, producing longer-lasting products and reducing waste. Fairphone 3 | £400 inc-VAT Design/Display As well as being the most environmentally friendly smartphone in the world, the Fairphone 3 is also a nifty device!  The 5.65-inch Full HD+ IPS display is smaller than most flagships currently on the market, but this might not be a bad thing for all of you looking for a pocket friendly device. With a pixel resolution of 2160 x 1080 at 427ppi the quality is certainly there and allows for good colours and even better viewing angles; characteristic of an IPS panel. The screen itself is protected by a layer of Gorilla Glass 5 that should help against any unwanted bruises. The body of the device is noticeably large though, measuring 158 x 71.88 x 9.89mm and weighing 189g. It is a modular system though, so that you can replace each component if it breaks. Indeed, the screwdriver in box means that you can do this yourself, as Fairphone sells replacement modules on its website. iFixit gave the Fairphone 3 a perfect score for repairability and this should enable use of the smartphone for longer than its counterparts. Despite this, the device itself is surprisingly attractive, with a semi-opaque polycarbonate back that allows you to see some of the internals as well as this slogan, ‘Change is in your hands’. There’s also a fingerprint scanner to the rear which has been pleasantly speedy in our time with the device and doesn’t attract smudges like other devices. A 3.5mm headphone jack is also at the top of the device, whilst the Fairphone 3 has dual speakers with stereo sound, reaching 95dB at max volume.  5.65-inch Full HD+ IPS display  2160 x 1080  427ppi Gorilla Glass 5  158 x 71.88 x 9.89mm 189g Semi-opaque design  Fingerprint scanner  3.5mm headphone jack Camera Moving slightly up, the Fairphone 3 houses a 12MP rear camera with an f/1.8 aperture. This is a Sony IMX363 sensor and is also found on the Pixel 3a, with autofocus, HDR and phase detection. Google’s software is far superior, however the Fairphone 3 does allow for digital zoom at up to 8 times – but results are certainly grainy. Indeed, with only one lens, the Fairphone 3 is at a clear disadvantage when it comes to depth estimation for bokeh as it relies solely on its ability to detect a person in an image. The results aren’t too bad; however isolation and more jagged edges are often inaccurate. Pro Mode is also featured and allows you tweak a number of factors including ISO, type of focus, filters and contrast. But general shots, without filters applied are generally very good with vivid colours and accurate detail. If selfies are more your thing, then the Fairphone 3 has an 8MP front camera with an f/2.0 aperture and HDR. This also supports 8x digital zoom and portrait shooting, however, does not include Beauty Mode or other similar features. Overall, colour reproduction is pretty good, and details are accurate without being crisp. You can also record 4K video at up to 30fps, 1080p @ 30fps and 720p @ 60fps. Video recording is boosted by digital stabilisation which allows for relatively shake-free video, whilst colours on the whole are vivid with acceptable levels of detail. 12MP rear camera; Sony IMX363; f/1.8 aperture   Autofocus, HDR, phase detection  8x digital zoom  8MP front camera; f/2.0 aperture; HDR 4K @ 30fps; 1080p @ 30fps; 720p @ 60fps Performance On the performance side of things, the Fairphone 3 runs Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 632, coupled with 4GB RAM. For basic day-to-day use, this is more than sufficient, however probably isn’t the device for you if you’re an avid gamer. You’re also looking at 64GB of internal memory, expandable with a microSD card up to 400GB. Android 9.0 (Pie) ships in box, with security and software updates guaranteed for up to five years from release.  In keeping with the sustainability of Fairphone, the 3,000mAh battery is easily replaceable by pulling off the back cover. This is a decent battery size, giving 20 hours of talk time overall. The Fairphone 3 accepts a USB Type-C cable and Quick Charge 3.0 is also supported so that you can charge from 0-100% within 3 and a half hours. The Fairphone 3 is also IP54 rated, meaning that it is protected against dust, as well as being protected against sprays from all directions. So, you can use the device without too much issue in the rain, but if you drop it in a puddle, you may face issues. Qualcomm Snapdragon 332; 4GB RAM  64GB internal storage MicroSD support up to 400GB  Android 9.0 (Pie)  3,000mAh battery; 20hrs talk time  USB Type-C  Quick Charge 3.0 IP54 rating 

Motorola has gained quite the reputation for their affordable range of smartphones and the Motorola One Macro is the latest to hit the market. The fourth device in Motorola's 'One' series, the Macro rests on a unique selling point; a dedicated macro lens shooter. Display and Design The display of the device certainly isn’t macro and is a 6.2-inch IPS HD+ display with a 1520 x 720-pixel resolution at 259 pixels per inch. The waterdrop notch at the top might not be to everybody’s liking, but this does allow for an 82% screen-to-body ratio which is striking to the eye. Indeed, the 19:9 aspect ratio is tall and slender, although a peak brightness of 480 nits and a 1,757:1 contrast ratio is on the lower end of the spectrum; but don’t forget that this is a budget device. Indeed, you probably get what you pay for when it comes to the display. The large screen size certainly has its pros, however combining this with a low-resolution results in clear pixel density issues. That said, Motorola allow you to set the colour saturation level of the display, choosing from three presets; Natural, Boosted and Saturated to tailor to your liking. ‘Peek Display’ allows you to view notifications directly from your screen, whilst ‘Attentive Display’ keeps your screen on whilst you’re looking at it, or whilst in front of your face. Display aside, the Motorola One Action is a generally good-looking device. It is crafted from plastic to save on costs; however, this makes it lighter and more durable than its aluminium and glass counterparts. It weighs just 186g overall and at 157.6 x 75.4 x 9mm is easily pocket friendly. That said, whilst a splash-resistant nano-coating gives it an IPX2 rating, there’s no Gorilla Glass for protection against bumps and scratches, so you might not want to leave it rattling around in a handbag. The subtle gradient from top to bottom is a really nice touch though, although we did find that the polycarbonate frame has been fingerprint prone.  The fingerprint scanner is to the rear, emphasised by that logo, and has been pretty quick in the time that we’ve had with the device. 6.2-inch IPS HD+ display 1520 x 720 259ppi 82% screen-to-body ratio 19:9 aspect ratio 480 nits peak brightness  1,757:1 contrast ratio Plastic body 186g 157.6 x 75.4 x 9mm IPX2 rating  Fingerprint scanner  Camera Whilst close-up photography is at the heart of the One Macro, it actually comes with a triple-lens rear setup. This consists of a 13MP main lens with an f/2.0 aperture, that dedicated 2MP macro lens with an f/2.2 aperture and a 2MP depth sensor also with an f/2.2 aperture to help with that all-important foreground-background separation for portrait photography. That dedicated macro camera supports autofocus, meaning it can focus from distances as close as 2cm. Results were mixed in my time with the device and it sometimes took longer than expected for the device to focus, but all in all, an impressive amount of detail is captured.  Overall, the camera app is very easy to navigate. A number of nifty features are also included, such as Spot Colour; which isolates a single colour within an image and Live Filter. Cinemagraph takes a burst of shorts and then allows you to highlight sections of the image to allow them to move, whilst the remainder is stationary. The One Macro also allows you to shoot a time-lapse and slow-motion video. Alongside this, video recording is supported at up to Full HD at 120fps from the rear camera. You can also record with macro shots, although this is limited to 720p. If selfies are more your thing, then the front camera is an 8MP sensor with an f/2.2 aperture. The front camera software also allows for a heap of bonuses, including Face Beauty, Auto Smile Capture, Portrait Mode, Cinemagraph, Slow-Mo video and Timelapse. You can similarly shoot Full HD video through the front lens at 30fps. Triple lens rear setup 13MP main lens, f/2.0 aperture 2MP macro lens, f/2.2 aperture 2MP depth sensor, f/2.2 aperture  Full HD video @ 120fps  8MP front sensor, f/2.2 aperture  Performance The Motorola One Macro is powered by 4GB RAM and a Mediatek Helio P70 processor, which is one of the faster chipsets within the budget smartphone world. An update to Android 10 is on its way, however the One Macro ships with Android 9.0 Pie in box, modified only slightly by some very small additions from Motorola. I’m a big fan of Moto Actions which utilise simple actions for basic phone uses. A double karate-like action will turn on your phone torch, whilst two twists works to open your camera. It also has sensors that detect movement, so if you’re close to your device then basic information will show on the display. For a device of this standing, the 4,000mAh battery is outstanding and should get you close to 2 days of usage – depending upon how you use your device. The One Macro also ships with a 10W fast charger in box, to get you back up and running in no time. Rounding things up, the Motorola One Macro supports a microSD card up to 512GB if the 64GB internal storage is not enough, has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB Type-C port but unfortunately no support for NFC. Mediatek Helio P70 Processor 4GB RAM Android 9.0 (Pie) 4,000mAh battery 10W fast charger  MicroSD support up to 512GB  3.5mm headphone jack USB Type-C  Motorola has developed quite the reputation for its range of affordable smartphones and the One Macro – whilst slightly specialised – doesn’t do that any harm. Whether a specialised macro lens is enough for you to purchase a device is your choice, but at only £179.99 inc-VAT from Clove Technology you can’t really go wrong.

Motorola's Moto G-series have long been renowned for the exceptional quality that they provide at a mid-range price point.  The Moto G7 Plus received rave reviews, so how does the new and improved Moto G8 Plus compare? Design/Display The Moto G8 Plus certainly doesn’t look like a mid-range device, sporting a stunning 6.3-inch Max Vision FullHD+ IPS display for bright colours and clarity. Indeed, this boasts a pixel resolution of 2280 x 1080 at roughly 400-pixels per inch and edge-to-edge technology makes media playback a real pleasure. The dewdrop notch hasn’t hindered video playback all that much - which is good news since there is no software tech to hide it – as an 82.5% screen-to-body ratio and tall 19:9 aspect ratio allows for a really immersive experience. A contrast ratio of 1612:1 isn’t all that bad for a device at this price point, however an LCD panel will never compete with the true backs that can be produced by an OLED display. The screen itself is topped by a layer of Panda Glass to protect it from bumps and bruises, whilst the device itself has a thin nano-coating layer that Motorola describes as ‘water-repellent’ but not waterproof. The device also comes with a TPU case in box. Indeed, the G8 Plus is a plastic build, rather than the more premium glass. This does make it fairly prone to smudges and dirt, but on the plus side, it’s less likely to shatter and is more lightweight. At 188g and with dimensions of 158.35 x 75.83 x 9.09mm it’s a lot more pocket friendly than many other similar devices. We're big fans of the gradient finish on the back and the Motorola logo doubles up as a fingerprint scanner. 6.3-inch Max Vision FullHD+ IPS display  2280 x 1080 400ppi 82.5% screen-to-body ratio 19:9 aspect ratio 1612:1 contrast ratio Panda Glass coating  Water-repellent layer  188g 158.35 x 75.83 x 9.09mm Fingerprint scanner   Camera The rear of the device is also home to a triple lens camera system, consisting of a 48MP main sensor with an f/1.7 aperture and PDAF tech, a 5MP depth sensor with an f/2.2 aperture, and lastly a 16MP ultra-wide action camera, with an f/2.2 aperture and a 117-degree field of view. Images shot with ample lighting are brilliant, with plenty of detail and decent colour reproduction. On board AI enhancements also work very well to ensure the best possible picture every time and don’t over-saturate as much as other similar devices that we’ve used. That said, Dynamic Range could be better – even with HDR turned on. Quad Pixel tech is also respectable and works by combining four pixels into a single large on, for improved light sensitivity that gives for more detailed pictures with improved colour and clarity. The resulting pictures are of course 12MP. Motorola’s camera software isn’t half bad and High Res Zoom allows for digital zoom at up to 8 times, getting you closer to your subject. Night Vision also works to increase low light sensitivity so that you can capture every detail whether it’s day or night. The Moto G8 Plus is able to record 4K video @ 30fps, or Full HD @ 120fps and comes with Electronic Video Stabilisation to keep your moving images smooth and focused. The 16MP Action Camera can shoot horizontal video even when held in a portrait orientation, however the maximum resolution with this lens is 1080p. If selfies are more your thing, then the G8 Plus has a single 25MP front shooter with an f/2.0 aperture. This comes with similar Quad Pixel tech for 6MP results and takes some really impressive selfies for the price point. Triple rear-camera setup 48MP main sensor, f/1.7 aperture and PDAF 5MP depth sensor, f/2.2 aperture 16MP ultra-wide Action Cam, f/2.2 aperture and 117-degree field of view Onboard AI  High Res Zoom; 8x digital zoom  4K video @ 30fps; Full HD @ 120fps  25MP front camera, f/2.0 aperture      Performance The Moto G8 Plus runs the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon 665 processor with 4GB RAM; making simple day-to-day tasks fast and smooth. Android 9 (Pie) ships in box with a promise of an update to Android 10 soon and is lightly dusted with Moto Experiences such as Gestures. This allows you to do things like activate your torch with a double karate chop or launch the camera with two swift twists. Onto the battery, then the 4000mAh is fantastic for this kind of device and should keep you going for 1-2 days. When it is time to recharge, the device comes with a 18W TurboPower charger in box and takes just over 2 hours to charge from 0-100%. The G8 Plus has 64GB of internal storage for all of those apps and pictures, however, also supports a microSD card up to 512GB within the hybrid SIM slot. Finishing things off, the G8 Plus has a 3.5mm headphone jack, a USB-C port and support for NFC. Qualcomm Snapdragon 665  4GB RAM  Android 9.0 (Pie) with imminent update to Android 10 4,000mAh battery  18W TurboPower Charger  64GB internal storage  MicroSD support up to 512GB 3.5mm headphone jack  USB-C port NFC     Motorola’s G-range has long been at the forefront when it comes to great mid-range devices and with the G8 Plus it certainly continues that trend. With a near-pure Android experience, a fantastic battery life and a triple lens camera headed up by a 48MP lens, the G8 Plus gets all of the essentials very very right - and some. For only £239.99 inc-VAT from Clove Technology, you won’t find many better all-round experiences than the Moto G8 Plus; so go and check that out.  

The Google Pixel 4 comes with a heap of handy new features, one of the most exciting of these being Motion Sense. Soli’s radar tech brings hands-free gestures to the Pixel 4, allowing you to complete a range of basic actions. Here is exactly what you can do and how you can adjust Motion Sense settings according to your preferences.  Google Pixel 4 | From £713.99 inc-VAT   Motion Sense: What Can You Do? Silence Interruptions The first handy thing that Motion Sense allows you to do is to silence notifications such as alarms or phone calls; simply wave your hand across the screen to snooze that alarm or to mute that call.  Importantly, when you wave to silence notifications, it will do just that; silencing the call rather than actually declining it.  Skip Songs A similar motion waving motion will also work to skip through songs, either going forwards or back.  For this means, Motion Sense is compatible with a number of popular applications including Spotify and YouTube Music. Wave your hand from left to right to skip a song, or alternatively from right to left to go back a song.  In the spirit of being hands-free, this will work even when your screen is off or on standby. Detect Presence Soli’s radar tech is able to detect objects between 0.6-inches and a foot away when lying flat on a table, so is able to detect your presence with ease. This means that when no motion is detected, it can switch the display to a power-saving ambient mode.   Motion Sense: How to Adjust Your Settings Enable or Disable Motion Sense Google’s Motion Sense might not be for everyone, so turning it off altogether might be the solution for you. If you want to turn off the radar feature, then head to your device’s ‘Settings’ > find ‘System’ and then click ‘Motion Sense’. This screen will be your base for adjusting all Motion Sense Settings according to your preferences.. When here, tap the toggle to on or off. Find the 'Settings' menu on your Pixel 4 Click the 'System' tab Select 'Motion Sense' Adjust the first toggle to on or off    Turn on Screen When Nearby If you want to adjust the settings of a particular action, rather than Motion Sense as a whole, then you can do this too.  Within your Settings, once more locate ‘Motion Sense’ to find your list of options. The first thing you can do is utilise Motion Sense to turn on your screen when you’re nearby, under ‘Ambient Display’. Turn on ‘Reach to Check Phone’ in order to awaken your screen when you reach for it, or ‘Show Display when Nearby’ to keep your screen on when you’re nearby. Find the 'Settings' menu on your Pixel 4 Click the 'System' tab Select 'Motion Sense' Find the 'Ambient Display' heading  Activate 'Reach to Check Phone' to awaken screen when reaching for it  Activate 'Show Display when Nearby' to keep screen on when close by   Start/Stop Silencing Interruptions You can also adjust your settings to start (or stop) silencing interruptions. In the same way, from the Motion Sense settings, find the ‘Silence Interruptions’ tab and turn the toggle on or off. Find the 'Settings' menu on your Pixel 4 Click the 'System' tab Select 'Motion Sense' Adjust the toggle next to 'Silence Interruptions'   Start/Stop Skipping Songs and Change Swipe Direction One of the most popular uses for Motion Sense is to control your music and your Pixel device allows you to turn the feature on or off altogether, as well as changing the swiping motions attached to each action.   Find the 'Skip Songs' tab within Motion Sense Settings and turn the toggle to off, next to the 'Skip songs' heading.  Similarly, press 'Swipe direction' to adjust which swiping movement achieves which actions.  Find the 'Settings' menu on your Pixel 4 Click the 'System' tab Select 'Motion Sense' Select 'Skip Songs' Turn blue toggle on/off to activate or deactivate song skipping  Press 'Swipe Direction' to change different motions    We hope that this helped you in personalising your Motion Sense preferences, but if you do have any questions then please comment below. The Google Pixel 4 and 4 XL are both shipping from Clove, starting at £713.99 inc-VAT.

One of the best ways to quickly save different content is by taking a screenshot. These captures are easy to view back and easy to share. Fortunately, when screen-shotting with your Google Pixel 4 there are a couple of methods to choose from; depending upon what you find easiest or most efficient. So let’s have a run through them. OPTION 1: POWER BUTTON The first means of screenshotting is done by locating the power button to the right of your device. The Pixel 4's design makes this particularly easy, since it is accented by a different colour; in the case of the Just Black variant, the button is white.  Find the screen that you would like to capture and press and hold the power button for a couple of seconds. Soon, four icons will appear on the right hand side of the screen; 'Power Off', 'Restart', 'Screenshot' and 'Emergency'. Click screenshot and a notification will show at the top to indicate that your image has been saved. Either tap on the notification to see the shot itself, or tap on the options to share, edit or delete. Find the screen or image that you would like to capture Locate the power button to the right side of your device Hold down the button until four icons appear From the icons, select 'Screenshot'  Your screen will be captured and a notification will show at the top of the page Tap to view the image, or 'Share', 'Edit' or 'Delete' OPTION 2: POWER BUTTON AND VOLUME DOWN If you want a quicker screen shot, then the easier alternative for you might be to locate the power button AND the volume down button just below it. So, find the screen you want to capture and simultaneously press and hold the power button and volume down. As with before, you will see a notification at the top of the screen that will allow you to share, edit or delete the image taken. Open the screen that you would like to capture  Locate the power button AND the volume button below it Simultaneously press and hold the volume down and power button Your screen will again be captured and a notification will show at the top of the page OPTION 3: GOOGLE ASSISTANT The final way to snap a screenshot is through Google Assistant. First, make sure Google Assistant is actually enabled by holding the home button and following the setup instructions. When you’re ready to capture your screen, say ‘OK Google’ or activate Google Assistant at the bottom of your device. When the assistant appears simply say ‘take a screenshot’ and you will again see that top notification appear. Ensure that Google Assistant is enabled on your device  Activate your assistant and say 'take a screenshot' Again, your screen will be captured and a notification will show at the top of the page We hope that this has helped with your screen-shotting needs but if you have any questions then please just comment below. Don’t forget that the Google Pixel 4 is available from Clove for £713.99 inc-VAT.  

The Google Pixel 4 is a stunning device, however, is notably button-less, leading many of you to ask us how to close, open and manage all your apps. Well, we’re here to show you. Accessing all of your recent applications is incredibly easy; all you need to do is swipe from the bottom of your Pixel 4 screen and up. This will load your recent apps screen where you can easily scroll through the apps list with ease. To open a selected app, then swipe through until you locate it. Then, simply click on it and will load in full screen.  If you wish to close an individual app, then similarly scroll through to find the selected app. When you've found it, swipe it up to the top of the screen and it will clear.  If you want to clear all of your apps, then scroll all of the way left until you reach the end and select 'Clear All'. Swipe from the bottom of the screen to the top Your recent apps screen will show, allowing you to easily swipe through recent apps TO OPEN: Scroll to the app you want to select and tap on itTO CLOSE AN APP: Scroll to the selected app and swipe it up TO CLOSE ALL APPS: Swipe to the far left and select 'Clear All' We hope that this has helped you to manage your apps, but if you have any other questions then please comment below. Don't forget that the Google Pixel 4 is available from Clove Technology, starting at £713.99 inc-VAT.

The Google Pixel 4 is one of the best devices on the market when it comes to both creating and viewing media. To make the most of this, you may want to utilise more than one app at once, so we are going to show you how to split screen with the Pixel 4.   To utilise split screen mode, first locate the app that you want to display within the top portion of your screen.  After loading it up, swipe up from the bottom of your display so that your recent apps screen appears. Tap the large icon at the top of your first app until 3 icons appear.  From here, select 'Split Screen' and your first app will shrink into the top of your screen. This will allow you to choose the other app that you would like to run simultaneously at the bottom of your display.  By default, these will take up half of a screen each, however you can adjust the size of each by moving the white tile in the middle of the screen. Similarly, if you want to revert back to just one of these apps, then slide the tile either up or down.  Find the first application you want to use and load it up Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to view your recent apps  Tap the icon above this app (the first app you are using) Select 'Split Screen' from the icons Choose the other app that you would like to run at the bottom of the screen Change the screen size by sliding the white tile Revert back to one app by sliding the tile to the top or bottom We hope that this has helped you to split your Pixel 4 screen, but if you have any other questions then please comment below. Don’t forget that the Google Pixel 4 is available from Clove for £713.99 inc-VAT!  

Built for their durability, CAT devices have traditionally been big, chunky, heavy and well-protected. The CAT S52 promises similar levels of ruggedness but looks more like a phone that you would actually want to buy. With this model, CAT is clearly looking to reach a wider market, but does how does it measure up to CAT’s standards of durability? CAT S52 | £449.99 inc-VAT Ruggedness As you’ve come to expect of rugged devices, the CAT S52 comes with the highest IP68 rating which means that it’s all but impervious to sand, dust and water.This means that your CAT S52 will be protected completely from contact with harmful dust; whether it’s wood shavings, sand or soil.Alongside this, the S52 can be completely submerged in water and is waterproof down to 1.5 metres for up to 35 minutes. It is important to remember that all of these tests are performed in fresh water, so you should certainly exercise more caution around salt-water, chlorine or spilt drinks.The CAT S52 also comes with a MIL-SPEC-810G certification, testing which involves thermal shock, vibration, humidity and salt mist. This certifies protection against drops of up to 1.5m (or 5 foot) onto concrete, which is noticeably higher than where you’d naturally hold your device. Indeed, the CAT S52 is drop tested repeatedly onto concrete from this height, on every side and corner of the phone.The display of the CAT S52 is further protected by a 0.7mm pane of toughened Corning Gorilla Glass 6, recessed beneath a protective ridge; vital in protecting the display from scratches and bumps.Finally, the CAT S52 can operate within a temperature range of -30-degrees to 65-degrees and has a category 4 resistance to vibration. It is also covered by a 2-year comprehensive warranty in Europe. IP68 certification Waterproof down to 1.5m for 35 minutes  MIL-SPEC-810G certification  Protection of drops up to 1.5m/5ft onto concrete  0.7mm Corning Gorilla Glass 6 -30 to 65 degree temperature range  Category 4 resistance to vibration 2-year comprehensive warranty in Europe   Design and Display Rugged devices are designed to be as they are, with no need to add a case or other accessories - and the CAT S52 is the sleekest CAT device to date; whilst still being incredibly tough. Indeed, at 158.1 x 76.6 x 9.69mm and weighing 210g, the S52 is one of few rugged devices that is genuinely pocket friendly.That said, it still feels incredibly sturdy thanks to the high-grade aluminium frame, whilst the non-slip rubberised TPU back gives for a great grip in hand and attractive matte-like finish. Unlike a lot of other rugged devices, there are no removable caps over ports since the ports are actually waterproof; helping with the overall sleekness of design. The display isn’t half bad either, as a super bright 5.65-inch HD+ IPS panel is bright in all conditions; even direct sunlight. This comes with a 1440 x 720-pixel resolution at 285ppi, with 16M colours at the standard 18:9 aspect ratio, giving a 68% screen-to-body ratio overall.Colours are bright and vivid and wet finger/glove-on tech can be enabled so that you don’t have any issues using the touch screen whilst working. This is particularly important since the physical navigation buttons have been removed in favour of Android’s virtual buttons.The CAT S52 also comes with a rear fingerprint scanner which is the first on any CAT phone and has been pretty quick and reliable in the time that we’ve had with the device. 5.65" HD+ IPS display  1440 x 720 285ppi 16M colours 18:9 aspect ratio 68% screen-to-body ratio 158.1 x 76.6 x 9.69mm High-grade aluminium frame  Rubberised TPU back Waterproof ports    Camera CAT has labelled the S52 as having the best camera currently available on a rugged phone, with a single 12MP lens on the rear, with a bright f/1.8 aperture, dual pixel PDAF and EIS.For a device of this kind, pictures are pretty impressive, and details aren’t half bad. The bright aperture gives for some great low light shots whilst fast and accurate focusing comes courtesy of its dual pixel Sony sensor. The CAT S52 also comes equipped with an 8MP front sensor and supports video shooting at up to 1080p @ 30fps. 12MP rear lens; f/1.8 aperture; dual pixel PDAF; EIS 8MP front camera  Video recording at 1080p @ 30fps  Performance On the performance side of things, the CAT S52 runs a Mediatek Helio P35 Octacore 2.3GHz processor along with 4GB of RAM which provides all the speed and efficiency that you’ll need for daily tasks. Switching between apps has been an effortless experience, even when using more power-intensive apps and games. Indeed, the CAT S52 comes with Android 9.0 (Pie) in box, however an upgrade to Android 10 is reportedly due early in 2020. You’re also promised security patches every 90 days. A 3,100mAh battery is more than respectable for a device of this standing and CAT claims that this provides up to 29 hours of talk time, up to 28 days of stand-by time and a day-and-a-half of ‘real world’ battery life. When it is time to recharge, then the S52 also supports fast charging.At the top of the device, you’ll find a 3.5mm headphone jack, whilst the waterproof USB Type-C port is to the bottom. The S52 all supports a microSD card and a Nano SIM, both of which can be accessed to the left of the device. Finishing things off, the device is 4G, with dual band WiFi, Bluetooth 5.0 and NFC. Mediatek Helio P35 Octacore 2.3GHz processor  4GB RAM  Android 9 (Pie); Android 10 due early 2020 Security patches every 90 days  3,100mAh battery  29 hours talk time; 28 days standby; 1.5 days 'real world' Fast charging supporting 3.5mm headphone jack  microSD card support  4G; dual band WiFi; Bluetooth 5.0; NFC  

What to do if you are unable to turn off PIN, password or pattern unlock on Android This is a post from our smartphone FAQ section. To see other questions please click here. To see browse the Android phones that we sell, see our smartphones section on the Clove website.  In order to use certain features on your Android device, you will be required to set a PIN, pattern or password lock; these are the three most secure methods for locking the device. When one of these is required, the two other methods, slide or face unlock, will be greyed out and display the message ‘Disabled by administrator, encryption policy or credential storage’. If you are unable to disable PIN, password or pattern unlock on your Android device, it is likely that you have the setting in place in order to use one of the following functions (see a more detailed description for each one after the list below): Screen security. This is located under settings > security > screen security Device Encryption. This is found under settings > security > encryption. Setting a device administrator. This is found under settings > security > device administration VPN. This is found under settings > more > VPN The first three in the list above are fairly easy to spot as they are all located under the security section of the settings menu. However, it can be easy to forget that you have set a password in order to use a VPN, so if having checked it is not one of he first three requiring a PIN, be sure to check that you have removed any VPNs. Changing Screen Security Screen security is either set by you, or can be required by a device administrator (app). If it is the case that you have set a PIN, password or pattern, you can easily turn it off or choose another locking method by going to settings > security > screen security. If you are unable to remove the security setting and see the message ‘Disabled by administrator, encryption policy or credential storage’, it is likely because of one of the settings described below. Device Encryption Device encryption is activated or deactivated from settings > security > encryption. If you encrypt the device, a PIN/password/pattern is required each time you turn the device on. It makes your data more secure should you lose the device and takes around an hour to set up. If you are unable to remove the PIN code from your phone, check that you have not encrypted the handset. You can do this by looking under the encryption part of the settings menu. Removing a device administrator Some applications will require administrator access to your device in order to perform certain actions. When using an app that requires administrator access, it will usually prompt you from within the app to turn on administrator access. The majority of apps that do this will also show a message to inform you that you need to revoke administrator access before uninstalling the app, which is important. Some apps only require administrator access to perform certain actions, so you do not necessarily need to grant administrator access to use the entire app, but only to use certain features. Sometimes the app will require that you set a secure lock method as part of its administrator access. One such example of this is adding an Exchange email account. You need to grant the app administrator access with certain permissions and set a secure lock method. This is usually so that the device can be accessed remotely if lost or stolen. If you are unable to remove the PIN setting from your device, it may be because an administrator is requiring it. You can revoke administrator access by going to settings > security > device administration and then unticking the box next to the apps on the list. If it is an account, such as email, that is requiring the security setting, you will also need to remove this from your device in order to remove the PIN lock. Adding or removing a VPN on Android When setting up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) on your device, Android now requires that you have a secure lock method in place. Seeing as this is the case, it would make sense to have the VPN menu under security settings, but it isn’t at the moment. This makes it easy to forget that you have set up PIN security for it. If you have tried changing the three settings described above but your handset still requires a PIN number, you may have a VPN that needs removing. To do this navigate to settings > more > VPN, long press on any networks that have been added and then select remove.

A breakdown of IP ratings and what these numbers mean CAT S60 waterproof up to 5 metres When looking at a new smartphone or other items you may have seen an IP rating advertised: IP67, IP68, IP57 or IP58. IP stands for Ingress Protection. The numbers denote how well a product is resistant to solid objects/particles and liquids. The first digit is in the range 0-6 and the second ranges from 0-8 (with a new “9K” added in recent years). Most smartphone products advertised as rugged will have the 57, 58, 67 or 68 categories. Others are still fairly common. An ‘X’ can be substituted for one of the digits if there is only one class of protection; i.e. IPX4 would address splashed water resistance only – the product may not have been specifically tested for solid objects or particulates. The first digit recognises the mechanical protection: The second digit illustrates the level of water ingress protection: There is also an additional “9K” rating for water ingress. If this is specified, then the device is protected from high-pressure cleaning or steam jets. Very few phones offer this level of protection, however, the Cat S61, released in July 2018 is one such device. When putting together these ratings indicate how well the device is protected from foreign bodies and water. IP68 ToughPhone Defender 2 For example, the consumer-oriented Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are rated as IP68, along with several rugged phones by manufacturers such as Cat. Some older phones or wearables may have lower ratings such as IP54 or IP55. This means they can withstand splashes and rain but the design does not protect from complete immersion or severely dusty environments. The difference between 7 and 8 on the liquid scale is subtle but important. 7 is “Protection against immersion” whereas 8 is against “complete, continuous submersion”. Immersion could be considered a quick drop into a body of water such as a puddle or toilet bowl. Where there is an x8 rating, you can leave the phone underwater for a continued time. You’ll often see adverts that describe up to 2 metres for 30 minutes. Port covers and coated electronics Samsung Galaxy S7 water resistant charging port and screen coating A cheap way to offer an IP rating is to cover sensitive areas with rubber plugs and seals. This includes charging ports and headphone sockets. Invariably these covers create the required rating but can be frustrating if you have to regularly pop them open. Newer (and generally more expensive) IP rated phones have opted to cover sensitive areas with a water-resistant (hydrophobic) coating. You’ll see this on the newer consumer-oriented phones from Samsung and Sony where the design and fashion of the phone are important. You can also buy these yourself in the form of Crystalusion Liquid Glass. More trades-oriented phones from Cat, DeWalt and Defender tend to use rubber seals or screw in plastic. These are less likely to fail in extreme conditions. Nano-coated ports also need to dry before using them safely.

The Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL have won many plaudits with their photography capabilities and smooth operating system, and now it’s the turn of the Google Pixel 3a. Despite being Google’s mid-range offering, the Pixel 3a comes with a host of features that are usually reserved for much more expensive devices. But is the Google Pixel 3a water resistant? The Google Pixel 3a is not ‘officially’ water resistant and does not come with a certified IP rating. That said, it is coated in DragonTail glass; a toughened glass that provides an extra layer of protection. The Google Pixel 3a is available from Clove Technology in Clearly White, Just Black and Purple-ish for £418.80 inc-VAT. Google Pixel 3a | £418.80 inc-VAT What is Dragontail glass, and does it help with water resistance? Despite not having an official IP rating, the Google Pixel 3a does have a Dragontail Glass covering. Dragontail Glass is an alkali-aluminosilicate sheet glass engineered for a combination of thinness, lightness and damage-resistance. This is created by a so-called float process, in which liquid glass is sent over a furnace of molten tin. Particles are then added for strengthening before the glass is quickly cooled and sent for cutting. Consequently, Dragontail glass is extremely strong, highly resistant to scratching and hard. Indeed, a small, millimetre-thin sample is claimed to be able to withstand 60 kilos of weight, by bending before it breaks. As such, whilst not being produced to be water resistant, this essentially provides your smartphone device with a thin extra layer which is durable and resilient. When you think about it as an extra layer of protection to your device, you get a rough idea of how this might work in the face of small drops of water such as light rain. We certainly wouldn’t advise taking the Google Pixel 3a swimming with you, but it should be able to cope with light rain. It’s always best to avoid this where possible and act with due care and diligence.    What is an IP rating and is it important? An IP rating is an international standard that is used to define levels of sealing effectiveness of electrical enclosures against intrusion from foreign bodies (such as dirt and dust) and moisture. An IP rating is presented in the form of ‘IP’ (Ingress Protection) followed by two numbers. The first of these numbers refers to the protection provided against solids. This number ranges from 1 to 6 and the higher the number, the better the protection. For example, 1 promises protection against solid objects over 50mm, whilst a 6 rating indicates that a device is dust tight. The second number then, refers to protection from liquids and ranges from 1 to 8. In this instance, a ‘1’ rating describes the protection against vertically falling drops of water (such as rain), whilst a top-of-the-class ‘8’ rating promises protection against the effects of long periods of immersion in water, usually outlined by the manufacturer. As such, an IP68 rating is currently the best certification that can be ascribed to a smartphone device, however it’s important to remember that the relevant testing is only performed using fresh water. Subsequently, you may experience an extremely different outcome in the face of salt water and other liquids such as spilt drinks.   Why is the Google Pixel 3a not IP certified? One of the key reasons why many devices do not come with a certified IP rating is due to the extra costs that this entails. In this case, the Google Pixel 3a is considered to be the so-called ‘budget’ variant of the Pixel 3 family. The Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL both come with a top-of-the-class IP68 rating. Generally, the further up a line you go and the more you pay, the greater the water resistance that is offered. The Google Pixel 3a is a mid-range and affordable variant of the device and if waterproofing were brought into this, then costs would rise significantly.    Are there any other ways to protect the Google Pixel 3a from water? Whilst the Google Pixel 3a does not come with certified waterproofing, there are a number of ways in which you can protect your device from water. The best of these is by purchasing a waterproof case for your device. The DiCAPac Action Universal Case is perfect for wet scenarios and provides all of the protection that you need to be more adventurous with your smartphone device in tandem. As well as coming with the highest grade JIS IPX8 waterproof rating, the window on the front is crystal clear so that you can easily see the screen on your phone and still use all of the features that you need. Indeed, you are still able to make full use of the touchscreen whilst it’s in the case and make calls. The case also protects again dust and other particles, as well as water.   Is the Google Pixel 3a worth it? Google has become synonymous with providing an exceptional photography experience to their smartphones, and the Google Pixel 3a is certainly no different. A 12.2MP dual-pixel lens features on the rear, with an f/1.8 aperture and optical image stabilisation. Instead of utilising multiple lenses, Google relies on its exceptional software and the Pixel 3a comes with the same Night Sight mode that has won plaudits on the Pixel 3. As well as in impressive 8MP front camera, other notable features include Portrait Mode with depth editor and Colour Pop, which isolates a subject by softening the background in black and white. Plus, unlimited storage in high quality with Google Photos means that you can capture it all. A 3000mAh battery lasts up to 30 hours, aided by Adaptive Battery which learns your favourite apps and reduces to power to those that you rarely use. Further, an 18W adaptor is included in the box, providing up to 7 hours of use on a single 15-minute charge.   Google Pixel 3a Key Features 6-inch Full HD+ OLED display Android 9.0 Pie 2MP dual-pixel, f/1.8 rear camera Unlimited Google Photos storage Qualcomm Snapdragon 670 3000mAh battery 18W Fast Charging 64GB / 4GB RAM   Google Pixel 3a | £418.80 inc-VAT