Cube T8 8-Inch Phablet Mixes Android 5.1 and 4G

Cube T8 Android 5.1 4G Phablet 02

Budget tablets rarely sport 4G connectivity, and when that happens, manufacturers usually don’t include phone functionality into them. Cube T8 is a clear exception, as it has some rather impressive specs at a small price.

Cube has quite a few tablets in its portfolio, running Windows, Android, or both. The T8 is based solely on Android 5.1, but given the price, I can understand the lack of a dual-boot environment.

MediaTek’s MTK8735, on which the T8 is based, is a 64-bit chipset that’s designed specifically for phablets. It includes a quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU clocked at 1.3Ghz, and while there’s no word on the manufacturer’s website about the GPU, some sources claim it’s made by AMD, which sounds really weird. Cube equipped the T8 with 1GB of RAM and 16GB of ROM, which might not sound like a lot, but judging by the performance of other devices, I’d say that this is enough for Android 5.1.

To make sure that you’re using the device to its entire capacity, the manufacturer made the T8 a dual-SIM phablet, meaning you can use one SIM for data and another one for voice and texts, or just two SIM cards from two different operators. I’m not sure what combination of frequencies is supported, but at least one SIM will work in 4G networks, both FDD and TDD.

Other connectivity options include Bluetooth 4.0, dual-mode Wi-Fi (working in the 2.4 and 5Ghz frequencies), OTG, and GPS, which is yet another great feature to see in a budget tablet. A data connection paired with a GPS sensors can really save lives in an unknown area. In addition to that, it’s far better to use an 8-inch GPS while driving, rather than staring into a 4 or 5-inch display. Assuming that the GPS is accurate, this might really represent a great solution while traveling.

At 1280×800, the 8-inch display isn’t jaw-droppingly good, but on the other hand, it’s also less harsh on the 4,000mAh battery, which allegedly can keep the devices running for up to 5 hours when playing videos. For a casual user, that should be enough.

Cube T8 is currently sold by GearBest for $95.99. This price is more than adequate for its specs, and more than that, it’s less than what the manufacturer itself sells it for.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about the Cube i7 Remix tablet that puts productivity first, or the UNU M7006 Android tablet.

Gaia Multitool Displays 3D Printing’s Practicality

Gaia Multitool 3D printer

The trick to creating a commercially successful 3D printer is to eliminate any restrictions regarding the size of the 3D printed objects. Gaia Multitool does away with such limitations.

Gaia Multitool is actually a range of three differently sized 3D printers that accommodate different needs and purposes. The diversification is not only generated by the size of the devices, but also by the materials they can work with.

Here is how Tytan 3D, the manufacturer of the Gaia Multitool, described their product:

“GAIA Multitool gives you complete freedom to create items using almost every possible manufacturing technique. It uses 10 interchangeable toolheads, which turn the machine into several different devices. GAIA Multitool uses delta kinematics and is made from high quality components used in professional industrial machines. It also uses 32-bit electronics based on Smoothieware as well as drivers dedicated for CNC milling machines.

GAIA Multitool is a one of a kind multifunctional device that combines the capabilities of a 3D printer, CNC router, laser engraver, and a number of other tools, giving the user complete freedom to create exciting projects. But what makes GAIA Multitool truly special is its ability to 3D print models from clay, porcelain and many other 100% natural materials that users can prepare themselves!

Each version is ideal for a different type of user depending on their needs and expectations. The Standard version is capable of utilizing all 10 of the various toolheads and has a large enough working area to satisfy the requirements of most typical projects. For larger projects, there is a larger version of the machine – MAXX is one of the biggest 3D printers on the market, with a maximum printing height of 175 cm. And yes, that means you’ll be able to 3D print objects 1 meter high out of ceramics!”

Gaia Multitool is currently the subject of a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter. To make the jump from a concept to a marketable product, Tytan 3D needs to raise $50,000, which sounds like a very small sum for such an impressive and complex product. The smallest of the printers can be secured by early birds for $1,500, and assuming that the project is successful, the products will be shipped in June or September 2016, depending on the status of the backers.

Be social! Follow Walyou on Facebook and Twitter, and read more related stories about Makerbot’s acquisition of Layer by Layer, or Mcor Isis, which employs layered paper to bring color to 3D printing.