All posts by Dexter Johnson

Technology, style, fitness and health. http://dexjohnspc.com , http://topnotchmalestyletips.com and listen to the Whaddup Tech Podcast http://bit.ly/WhaddupTech
Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Hello, Google Nexus 7

Everything that you could have ever wanted in a 7 inch tablet is here.  What is that, you mat ask?

  • Nexus-branded
  • Android 4.1
  • Quad-core Tegra 3 1.5 GHz processor
  • 12 core GPU
  • 1 GB RAM
  • 1200×800 HD display (216 ppi) on scratch resistant corning glass
  • 4325 mAH battery
  • $199 starting price tag for 8 GB model ($249 for 16 GB model)

Some are calling this an Apple iPad killer, others are calling it an Amazon Kindle Fire killer, I am calling it a staple in the tablet market with an unmatched experience that is topped off by Google Play.  When Google first switched the Market to the Play Store confusion was in every corner of the Android world; however, with Play Books, Play Movies, and Play Music on Android devices we saw how it could be tied all together.  We all know that tablets are media consumption devices and what better way to consume media than Google Play.

The Nexus 7 is built by one of the leading tablet manufacturers for Google, Asus, so the hardware is not lacking in any area.  In addition, Android 4.1 (Jelly Bean) really shines; taking Android to the next level.  This latest software iteration introduces Chrome as the default browser, new notification interactions and takes full advantage of Google’s Project Butter, which focuses on the operating systems responsiveness — as if Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich wasn’t fast enough, this next iteration is blazing fast.

Bottom line:  Getting the Nexus 7 really isn’t a choice if you are an Android purist and want a seamless device.  However, if you are in the tablet market for the first time this $200 (8 GB version) is well worth every penny and has the specs to keep up for a while!  In addition, for a limited time with purchase receive $25 of credit to spend in Google Play, other free content, and it includes a copy of Transformers: Dark of the Moon.  Buy the Nexus 7 [HERE]

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Microsoft Surface…things to note

The Microsoft Surface has been shown off to the world this week as a tablet with promise and one that could potentially be poised to take over a tablet market that is dominated by the Apple iPad and the Amazon Kindle Fire.  However, could Microsoft actually pull off creating a tablet to bring it’s deserving mobile device running Windows 8 to the light?

What makes the Microsoft Surface (or any tablet running Windows 8) special?

  • It is Microsoft, the same company that has held over 90% of the desktop market for years and many more years to come
  • Unique interface
  • Intel-based tablets will provide a true desktop experience in the palm of your hands; something that an iOS or Android device will never match

What are potential downfalls of the device?

  • Price.  The Microsoft Surface running Windows 8 Pro will be in the price range of Ultrabooks; which are out of the tablet market.  However, the RT version should fall within the range of other comparable tablets; yet, the user will be limited to the Metro interface.

Bottom line:  If Microsoft plays it’s cards right they could have a real winner on their hands.  However, the pricing of this product with greatly determine it’s success.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Apple and WWDC; New and Borrowed…

iOS 6 is it revolutionary?  Are the new MacBook refreshes making you jump for joy?  Or are our friends in Cupertino piecing together parts from another mobile operating system and making everything over simplified to try to attract customers?

  • MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines have finally been refreshed; in addition the new MacBook Pro with retina display does NOT even include an optical drive; but, you cannot discern the pixels
  • iOS 6 (200 new features reported) adds adds a Maps application, better Siri integration (launch apps, more language support, iPad support), Facebook integration, Reply with message for phone calls and more.

Bottom line:  Are you wowed by the announcements that Apple made?  Or are these “improvements” not so new and overpriced?  You be the judge.

Social Networking

Facebook stock going down?

Mark Zuckerburg has become known for having a fantastic IPO from Facebook.  However, since the initial public offering of the company the price of shares are declining.

What does this say about the company?

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Surely investors are confused at the state of the stock at this point.  We have seen the worth of Zuckerburg go from $16 billion to $14 billion. Although this is more than any normal human will probably posses in a lifetime; drops like this will certainly raise eyebrows.

Bottom line: No one knows the future of Facebook.  As for now, we know this company to contain a wealth of information and it is safe to say it is not going away anytime soon.

Mobile Operating Systems, Software, Technology

Forget your carrier; get Sidecar

Voice over IP is evolving with an excellent gem of an app called Sidecar, which is available for Android and iOS devices.
Call quality as you might expect is not better than that of you carrier by any means. On the other hand, it is very good for a Wi-Fi connection; in fact there is an option to increase the quality of the audio, which will use more data. Reviews for the application for Android have came together to form a solid 3.7, which says that although the app is good there is room for improvement.

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Aside from calling, users can share video, short messages, and more.

Bottom line: This app is a must have and it really shows the future that is in the palm of technology’s hand. Sidecar will only get better; be that early adopter.