The Nexus Player by Asus and Google….is it a good device? Or is it a great device? First impressions are everything and one thing to note is that the UX is unbelievable. Simply navigating through menus and available content is a breeze and very refreshing. One thing notable about navigation is that it just makes sense. There is absolutely little to no learning curve when it comes to using and operating the device – pick up the remote and go.
Content is something that will come. Android TV is a new platform for developers to take advantage of; however, one notable addition out of the box is Hulu Plus, which Google TV never got. The new Android Developer Studio makes it easy for developers to create applications for all screen sizes with ease – so let’s not freak out about this. In addition, the selection of apps upon release is not bad at all, with a plethora of games and the media apps that are most popular, you will be fine.
The remote is another story. Upon my first hands-on feel, this thing feels like it was made by a child. Looking at the remote is one thing, pleasing; however, manipulating the screen with the remote works; yet, sometimes it is creaky and honestly feels cheap (this may be the break in period as I didn’t notice it too much after extended use). Pairing the remote control is a breeze and happens almost instantaneously and you are ready to use your Nexus Player.
Full review to follow after more time.
Bottom line: This is a great device that is a wonder to use. With Google at the forefront the Nexus Player shines. Overall rating of 8/10
With the release of Apple’s iPhone 6, 6 Plus and iOS 8 there have been a flurry of reviews, some highly one-sided and some more favorable. On DexJohn’s PC, I aim to be non-biased and look at things from a pure technological standpoint. With that being said, let’s review this device shall we?
[This is an Android user’s review after having a brief hands-on with the iPhone 6 Plus.]
Feel of the device:
First off, the model I had time with was the iPhone 6 Plus, mentioned above, has an incredible build quality and overall solid feel to the device. This phone does not feel cheap, overly light or bulky. However, this cannot be said about the predecessor to this device, the iPhone 5/5S — this model looked well crafted; yet, after holding feels almost too light and unsubstantial (as if a breeze could whisp the phone away from your hands). Many early reviews of the device balk at the fact that the camera protrudes slightly from the back. My opinion, get over it! Honestly, when you put a high quality sensor into a device it is o.k. for it to stick out slightly on the back (hence the Nexus 5, Galaxy series devices) or either the phone would be thicker. But you wouldn’t want that would you?
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus in hand comparison.
Since I was dealing with the Plus version, I can say that although the device is the largest iPhone yet — it feels great. My daily driver is a Nexus 5 with a 5″ screen and after using devices like this and the Galaxy Note, this iPhone doesn’t feel that large. One thing to note is that bezels on this device are quite large, so many Android OEMs can put this same size screen (5.5″) into a device and it will be noticeably smaller in comparison. Unfortunately, this seems to be something that the user will have to deal with…that home button seems to be permanently cemented into iOS devices (unless Apple switches to on-screen controls).
Responsiveness and Speed:
iOS has always been responsive, that is one of the “trademarks” of the operating system. Upon the press of an app icon it almost loads immediately. Notice the word, almost. iOS and Android are built using entirely different frameworks with Android being built to mirror Blackberry initially and iOS built for ease of use. With that being said, iOS app launching and Android app launching are essentially a toss up. Here is one difference, while iOS apps launch almost instantly, the content within that app may be slow to appear (this happens in many cases). So, the user will be in the app; however, you will be waiting on content. This is almost the opposite for Android, the app and content load happen almost instantaneously. Notice the word, almost. Neither one of these mobile OSes are perfect and being the stickler I am for performance — I take note.
On the other hand, swiping and moving about the operating system are fine as always — no noticeable hiccups.
Operating System:
In this case, iOS is iOS — a lot really hasn’t changed, which may be my biggest sticking point.
However, let’s start with the good first. The fact that not a lot has changed is a good thing for many seasoned iOS users. The operating system is very familiar and inviting, not to mention easy to use. Upon waking the device, the user will be greeting with a simple UI consisting of a grid of icons, for increased functionality, these icons can be moved into folders to “declutter” the home screens since iOS lacks an app drawer. There are a few new features baked in such as voice replies on the keyboard and Apple Pay, which is essentially a new system for NFC payments — exactly how useful Apple Pay (NFC in general) will be is solely upon the shoulders of retailers.
The bad. While iOS has stuck with the tried and true, many manufacturers (not just Apple) have become content with offering minor tweaks to their “latest and greatest” products. This could have been prime opportunity for Apple to completely alter iOS and make the device that it powers more of a true mobile computer. With that being said, apps still cannot talk to each other and customizations are still essentially non-exist (with the exceptions that keyboards and a few other apps can now be modified)…..unless Apple deems it “fine and good”. One thing to note is that for this to happen, Apple may have to significantly bump up the hardware — if you compare the latest iPhone to any modern Android device, it is easily beaten in terms of hardware; however, the biggest difference is the UX that is achieved on a iOS device.
Overall, iOS itself is not bad as long as you like to stay within the realms defined by it.
Overall Impressions:
The iPhone 6/6Plus is good, darn good.
Is it worth it to upgrade if you have an iPhone 5S? In my opinion, unless you need a larger screen and NFC payments — no; however, the next iteration should be an absolute upgrade. Why? Typically, phones that were released earlier with a newer OS on the hardware (even when tuned to certain devices, which is the case with Apple) will still result in a poor user experience. However, for users that are stuck on the iPhone 4 or 5 — there is no question. UPGRADE.
iOS and Android is all up to personal preference, what mobile OS you use is entirely up to you. As there is no perfect phone, let’s rate this device:
Smartphones have become a staple in the typical “busy” person lifestyle. These neat little devices help manage our contacts, calendars and ultimately our lives. With such powerful peripherals at arms reach one cannot help but to pull their device out for a quick check.
What if you could reach in your pocket less? What if you could receive notifications that keep you plugging throughout your day that are unobtrusive and don’t make you seem rude to people you may be talking to?
The day is here.
Android Wear was officially introduced at Google I/O 2014 and this platform is looking promising from the very beginning. Android was essentially built around the premise of multitasking and notifications that allow you to get a glimpse inside of applications on your device without the constant need to open one up. Android Wear gives you the ability to see all notifications on your wrist and take action on them. This added convenience is certainly a game changer and the industry has taken notice.
Bottom line: The perfect companion to your smartphone is here. It is officially time to free your hands from your pockets and have notifications in your face that are easily managed and there when you need them.
Samsung, HTC, LG, Apple and other mobile device manufacturers promise us this and that regarding the quality of the new piece of technology that we’ve spent our hard-earned money on. However, most importantly we want a device that will last the 2 years that most of us agree to have it when we sign the contract. Apple is known for producing superb products when it comes to the build aspect (regardless of whether you are an iOS fan or not this holds true).
Build quality plays several important roles in how one views their device:
How the device feels in your hand
How well the device holds up to abuse
Bottom line: Ultimately, it is up to the consumer — there are many devices that all seem to find homes somewhere, so the choice is yours!
Could this be the start of game-changing, fully functional Windows 8 tablets? This product by Dell certainly turns heads. Let’s start with the price, this tablet starts out at $229 (Amazon; seen here) for the 32GB version — absolute steal. Next, take a look at the specs, although they are not amazing, remember this is a fully functional Windows 8.1 Pro machine — meaning you can get real work done. This tablet can run MS Office, Photoshop, video editing suites and more. Reviewers are simply raving about this device and to be honest the rave reviews are well-deserved.
Dell has nailed price, performance and gave consumers a full versions of Windows on an 8″ slab — way to go.
Please see a detailed review from [Windows RT Review] below:
Bottom line: If you are looking for an affordable Windows 8 tablet or an affordable tablet in general — this is an excellent choice and the fact that it runs the full verison of Windows 8.1 is a great selling point.
Tech for the masses, meant to empower, educate and inform by Dexter Johnson.
DexJohn's PC 