When you think of low-priced Android powered tablets one thought comes to mind as an immediate success: Amazon Kindle Fire. Now, Samsung is on board and they have created a 7 inch version of the Galaxy Tab that will go on sale for $249. However, with this low price point will users pay in the end for a device that will become quickly outdated? See specs below:
7″ capacitive touchscreen
Dual-core 1 GHz processor
Android 4.0
8 GB on-board storage
Hopefully this device will cause a stir in the low-end tablet market, the Kindle Fire is an excellent alternative to the iPad but Amazon has almost over-processed their custom version of Android. Samsung has kept the important features of Android 4.0 present by not over-skinning and this may be a key selling point.
Bottom line: Android tablets are getting better and with specs at this price point; who can resist? Although the processor is just 1 GHz except Ice-Cream Sandwich to run smoothly.
The marvel of the Android world as of right now is Android 4.0; users and critics alike love it because of it’s elegant design, fluidity, and speed. On the other hand, there is one company that does not seem to be convinced.
Sony.
On the Sony developer blog [HERE] there is a list of reasons outlined explaining why users would not want to upgrade to the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. Sony even tried to point the finger and the browser stating that it is “quite intensive”. Read entire story [HERE]. Is it the fault of Google that Ice Cream Sandwich is not performing well or is it the fault of manufacturers such as Sony that consistently adds widgets, themes, apps, and more to the experience that eventually cause more harm than good?
Bottom line: It is remarkable how manufacturers try to “fix” and “mold” Android for their newly released devices but never put forth that same effort when an update is released to make sure that it works just the same. This really makes one wonder….is it really Google’s fault that Android fragmentation exists?
Microsoft has been hosting the Smoked by Windows Phone Challenge where the company is challenging that WP7 is faster than competing smartphones at everyday tasks. The challenge is hosted at participating Microsoft stores and winners can get a variety of prizes. In many cases that are posted by Microsoft the WP7 platform comes out victorious; of course. However, one brave opponent garnering a Samsung Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.0 won. How so? The task was to show weather from two different cities at the same time at the fastest rate. See example video below:
However, in this case for the weather showcase the Windows Phone was already setup to have two live tiles pulling weather information so by default it would’ve won; however, our friend with the Galaxy Nexus was prepared. The Android competitor had the screen lock disabled and two weather widgets by default which caused him to win and create a small uproar. The winner was even offered a phone and a laptop. Read more [HERE].
Bottom line: I am a fan of WP7, but this just shows that setting things up in your favor do not always constitute a win.
WiFi Tethering, carriers offer it but they charge those that use it. True, tethering is a service; however, when the data you are using has ALREADY been paid for, it makes less and less sense. Our smartphones can do great things — one of those is to become a mobile hotspot in a time of need.
Many early free tethering apps required you to root your Android or iOS device; however, FoxFi has caused a recent storm for Android users by bringing this convenient app to a variety of devices and let’s not mention the apps for iOS that allow the same option once jailbroken such as MyWi.
As long as there are users that believe that tethering should be part of their monthly data allowance there will be apps that allow it. I have never understood why you have to add the mobile hotspot to your data plan in order to use the ability that your device has without it.
Bottom line: Carriers, please wake up. We will tether…for FREE.
Microsoft is really pushing that Windows 8 will truly unite their platform across all devices and really give it a consistent look. However, the biggest issues are how well will Windows 8 tablets (slates) do and how will the OS fair on the desktop. Honestly, there shouldn’t be another OS that is better fitted for the enterprise than Windows 8. Sure there is a learning curve; but that SAME learning curve is there when one would hand an executive an iPad.
Things that could really work in Microsoft’s favor:
Unified across devices
Able to support many Windows applications; not just 500,000 apps
Windows tablets will provide more accessibility via USB input etc.
Multiple arenas for running applications (Metro or Windows desktop)
Bottom line: If Windows 8 turns out to be truly portable and is not overly expensive on a tablet this could potentially be a shifting in the tides.
Tech for the masses, meant to empower, educate and inform by Dexter Johnson.
Hopefully this device will cause a stir in the low-end tablet market, the Kindle Fire is an excellent alternative to the iPad but Amazon has almost over-processed their custom version of Android. Samsung has kept the important features of Android 4.0 present by not over-skinning and this may be a key selling point.
DexJohn's PC 