Category Archives: Apple

What’s makes the perfect smartphone ?

Android, Apple, RIM, Tech News, Windows

I have been known to change my phone several times a year, but they are all rumours if course. That means I get to use a wide variety of phones from different manufacturers and operating system. I really don’t favour any operating system, just prefer one over the other dependant on their current hardware.

So at one point in time I changed from a Samsung Galaxy S3 to an iPhone 5, even though on paper the S3 was more capable from a technical point of view. But compared to the feel and build of the iPhone 5 it didn’t stand a chance. And as a gamer, iOS still has the deeper catalogue of games, although android is rapidly catching up. Those that read my blog will know that I currently have the HTC One. I have had this nearly 3 months which is a record time for most of my phones. To recap my phone history, from 2012 to today’s date I have owned an iPhone 4S, then a Samsung Note, Samsung S3, iPhone 5, Note 2, Nokia Lumia 620, Samsung S4 and finally the HTC One. Tablet wise has been a lot simpler. From 2012 I have had the iPad 2, iPad Mini, several faulty Nexus 7’s and finally the Sony Xperia Z Tablet. I don’t keep my old phones, just sell them normally to my friends. In case anyone says, what about Blackberry well I have a mandatory blackberry phone supplied by work. Its crap apart from a decent battery life and able to survive multiple drops. I suppose that’s a good thing really. It also has amazing signal reception. I just don’t like it.

Using all the various devices, I start to compile a list of what would make the best phone that I could keep for a really long time. And just when I think I have mastered this list, along comes a few new must have features. So what makes the perfect smartphone for me?

1. Design – it must look good. I can’t bear the thought of holding something too bland and flimsy. The HTC One and iPhone 5 both score highly here.

2. Durability – being able to survive a drop, waterproof and dust proof. The Samsung S4 is probably better made to survive a fall, as its easier to replace the parts. In terms of being waterproof and dustproof this goes to Sony Xperia Z. Owning the Z Tablet has made me realise this is actually a really good feature. I use to have a thing about buying phone cases. Since owning the Z Tablet I now realise there is no point. I can take the tablet anywhere , take photos in the rain. The Z range is not compromised specs either.

3. Camera – the expression the best camera is the one in your pocket is so true. The HTC One camera does a lot of things brilliantly. Fast shutter speed, Zoe mode which means you edit after not choose the mode before. This makes for more shots capturing the moment. It also makes an instant 30 second video highlight of an event. The file sizes are small so are quick to share on any social network. Video in 1080p with image stabilisation. But for landscapes the 4mp camera doesn’t capture enough detail. So what I would want in my next phone is the same HTC concept but 3 times the quality.

4. Audio – after being spoilt by the boomsound speakers on the HTC One which sound loud and clear, I would want something similar. Also when I connect headphones into the phone or listen via Bluetooth I want very high quality sound. Bluetooth needs the apt-x support for high quality audio.

5. Memory – for android phones a minimum 32gb internal plus micro SD card support. Same for windows, and if iPhone 64gb minimum. Ideally 128gb but that doesn’t exist yet. This allows for all my apps and games to be installed with ease and then use the memory card for photos and music.

6. Removable battery – the phone battery will die over the years. Being able to swap the battery is the cheapest way to bring back then phone to new conditions. Also, if you are away from charging points have a spare battery in your wallet resolves this scenario. Also the phone needs a decent size battery to last at least 2 days.

7. Game controllers – built in support for game controllers. The Z tablet has support built in for the Sony PS3 dual shock controller for example.

8. Wireless charging or charging dock points – being able to charge without plugging a cable in is the way forward. No effort no fuss.

9. Infra Red – its gimmicky but I love it. On my Z Tablet the included software has an eject button for my DVD player. The standard remote for my DVD doesn’t include an eject button, and as the eject button no longer works on the DVD player, I can now continue to use it via the software on the Z tablet.

10. Notification led – have the option to have flashing LEDs to let you know there is something to check is great.

11. Capacitive buttons –  less prone to failure than hardware buttons.

12. Comfort – no more than 150g and rounded sides. Rounded sides make holding the phone a joy. The Samsung S4 is a good example of comfort.

And that’s my list. So what would you add or remove ?

Amazon opens up its Game Circle to all android devices – competes with Apple’s Game Center

Android, Apple, Tech News

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Amazon has taken aim at Apple with its Game Circle. Previously only gamers with Amazon Kindle tablets could compete amongst themselves. Now Amazon’s proprietary GameCircle platform is now open to all Android devices. The backend cloud service has offered up leader boards, achievements and progress saves to Kindle tablet users but now it supports all android tablets.

However, it still involves developers integrating the new code into their games. This also comes when Google launched its own Google Play Games Services.

At the moment Apple owns the Game Center, but how long before the others catch up. And will Amazon be able to upset Google’s apple cart?

Apple preparing for a bumper product release

Apple, Tech News, , , ,

When did Apple last release a product. Nearly a year ago. So be prepared for a huge product launch of new iPads, iPad Mini, iPhone 5S and iWatch. Improvements are also likely on iPods too.

The full size iPad will copy the design of the current iPad Mini, so will feature a lighter and slimmer profile. Spec increases in processor and camera are expected too, along with iOS 7.

The iPad Mini 2 will have increased specs in the processor and camera, along with a retina based screen. But maybe more. Apple has recently been granted a new patent that allows for clever bezel technology. This could add touch controls to the bezel which will allow the bezel to also fade in and out of view, which would provide the largest screen area possible when needed as well. I hope the iPad Mini is also made available in 128gb.

The iPhone 5S should look similar to the iPhone 5, but again with better specs in processor and camera. And one new software/hardware feature that will be exclusive to the 5S. Colours are likely to feature, and this might relate to the new lower cost iPhone.

iWatch. Apple is prised to launch a smart watch. How serious is Apple about the iWatch. Enough to tempt Paul Deneve, the 53-year-old chief executive officer of haute couture fashion house Yves Saint Laurent, to head to Cupertino to be in charge of special projects. Yes a luxury Apple Watch, the iWatch.

And finally, iPods will receiver minor spec bumps in processor and camera and potentially memory.

Flipboard promise of seamless Google Reader change over appears to have failed

Android, Apple, Tech News,

Before the Google Reader shutdown,  Flipboard made a point of asking you to log in to Google Reader to save all your feeds with Flipboard. The changeover to Flipboard from Google Reader would be seamless. Well, this is what I got today.

image

Clearly, something has gone badly wrong. And after getting this message it appears I’m not alone.

Have you been affected?

Here comes the Apple iWatch

Apple, Tech News

If you had any doubt that Apple was looking at launching its own smartphone watch, then lose those doubts. Apple is slowly but surely registering the word “iWatch” around the globe. First it went to Russia and now Japan with other countries following suit.

With the iPhone 5S due out in September, this isn’t expected to change the world. Phones have plateaued in terms of specifications. Most are thin, have good cameras and are fast. So potentially a watch from Apple could be the next big thing. Don’t forget even the tablet market is maturing, so another area is needed by Apple to generate new sales. Of course there is still the tv space and game consoles. But the watch is an easier sell.

So would you rush out and buy one? Personally I wouldn’t but that is because I rarely wear a watch.

The hidden secrets of iOS 7

Apple, Tech News

Often with most phones we only touch on the surface of what it can do. Take the iPhone it is simp,y the disabled persons phone of choice. Apple has baked in so many accessibility functions that blind people can use the phone just fine.

Personally, I find this aspect of the iPhone superb. There are even specific apps for the blind. Just imagine being blind but using the iPhone camera to slowly view the area around you. As you move the camera, it speaks the colours in precise detail.

But now with iOS 7 it gets even better. Disabled people can now operate the iPhone with head movements. The option can be found in the Switch Control area of the Accessibility menu, which is designed for users who need assistance with physical and motor movements.

Taking another aspect of the new iOS 7, there is support for gaming controllers from Logitech and Moga. Now because the support will be baked into an API, more games will be able to work quickly and easily with a controller. I currently use the ps3 dual shock controller and Moga Pro to play games and the difference is night and day in terms of enjoyment and control. This is using android devices but due to fragmentation on android there isn’t one device/solution. Apple is providing this solution. And whilst you think you won’t use a controller with the iPhone, just wait until you do as I doubt you will ever be able not to use one going forward. This feature of iOS 7 will destroy the Ninetendo DS and possibly the Sony PS Vita.

Twitter $10 billion IPO approaches

Android, Apple, Tech News, Windows

Twitter over the last year or so has started to reign in its business and prevent third party twitter apps from being developed. And there was good reason for this. It needed control of its business and the potential revenue to follow.

So with the IPO set at $10 billion that’s a substantial number and assuming the IPO succeeds monetary returns are going to be expected.

So what could this do to twitter ? You could see an increase in advertising, selling and maybe a small charge to use service. Perhaps, different tiers that offer different levels of services and access.

So how would you feel about see more advertising between your tweets or even paying for the service?

In app purchases on the iPod, iPad and iPhone can be very expensive – more than full size consoles

Android, Apple, Tech News,

There have been many recent news items about people racking up £2,000 bills for their kids in app purchases. But surely it can’t be that bad?

Well let’s have a view –

– My Little Poney – most expensive item is a special pony at £42
– Real Racing 3 – several of the top cars cost £45 plus
– Gun Bros – you’ll need £100s here. Total ripoff.

The increase in freemium games, or games suddenly going from paid to a freemium model, or apps now starting to offer in app purchases has grown like crazy. In the same light, we the consumer are being ripped off at an increasing scale. I can understand buying a £40 game for a full size console, as it will have depth and long term playability, and will be the full version, but for a game like Real Racing 3 , this in app purchasing is taking the biscuit.

And if your phone or tablet crashes and you need to do a fresh install you will lose or your investments. Many games and apps are being ruined by in app purchases. Games lose fluidity. Why cant developers offer two versions. A freemium or full version?

But why don’t the owners of the app stores do something to regulate this out of control in app purchasing? Well the don’t because a large percentage of their revenues derive from the freemium and in app purchases.

There is a place for in app purchases and freemium but not at the expensive of ripping off users. I also believe there should be transparency, so that every freemium game clearly shows how much money is needed to be spent per game, and for apps with in app purchases the same rules. In addition, games or apps that you bought as full versions should not be allowed to be changed a year down the line to a part freemium or in app purchase model.

Do you agree or have a different viewpoint?

Whatsapp hits the big time with record members – details

Android, Apple, RIM, Tech News

Mobile messaging app WhatsApp has hit a huge total of 250 million users, the company has told the Wall Street Journal. A couple of million users these days is no big deal, considering how big the smartphone audience has become, but 250 million users is significant. In fact, it’s par Twitter or LinkedIn, and nearly the size of Skype.

WhatsApp is also notable for charging a 99 cent premium cost right up front, without any other in-app purchases or hidden fees. With a simple-to-understand, easy-to-use, and one-time-pay messaging service, maybe it’s easy to see just why WhatsApp is so popular.

A great service, making money and with a clear pricing policy. I just wonder how long before it gets bought for a billion dollars.