Category Archives: Technology

Technology

Android 5.1 on the Nexus 6

This update, in not so many words, in phenomenal.  In short, Google took a fast phone that performs well and made it fast-ER and perform even bett-ER.

First off, the Nexus 6 is a quad core device; however, out of the box on Android 5.0 the Nexus 6 would only utilize 2 of the 4 cores in the device for any task.  This could easily be pointed out by bringing up and app such as System Monitor and view your CPU processes.  Now, this device utilizes all of the cores and it is a stark difference.  Recents appear instantly after a button process and overall everything just seems so much smoother as if this is the way it was meant to be to begin with.

Screenshot_2015-04-17-12-54-32

 

In conclusion:  The complete user experience is overhauled by being able to utilize all cores of the device, which we should’ve been able to use from the beginning.  Excellent job Google, excellent job!

Technology

Apple Watch Initial Impressions

In a reactive move Apple Inc. has officially released a beautiful new product line called the Apple Watch.  This device will pair easily with your iPhone to display notifications, make mobile payments and make your life easier — or so the company says.

However, the interface seems too difficult to use. Let’s take a step back and remember that this thing sits on your wrist and should require minimal attention and touching in order to initiate a task or act upon an actionable item — this doesn’t seem to be the case.

Of course time will only tell how users interact and feel about the device but it is surely different than the likes of Android Wear devices.

Technology

A Smartphone is a utility device (Rant)

What do you use for smartphone for?  Gaming, social networking or just texting and calling — perhaps a plethora of all of the above?  Well, for whatever it is worth a smartphone, in my opinion, is only a utility device and when and if it stops making my life easier, I will have to find another device that can do so.  I don’t game and I do not spend endless hours on social networks. Today, there are so many people that have smartphones that do not utilize any of the following:

  • Social networking apps
  • GPS Navigation
  • MP3 player qualities
  • Use of anything requiring data in general

For those that meet this criteria, my question to you is:  Why do you have a smartphone to begin with? For those that simply want to talk and text and simple feature phone or flip phone (although a bit archaic at this point) can fully meet your needs.  Smartphones come at a cost — a learning curve albeit, that learning curve to technologists is small or non-existent, let’s not forget the older generation or people who simply do not enjoy the technology that these devices have to offer. Bottom line:  The next time someone wants a new phone and asks for suggestions remember that a smartphone is a great device and fits the requirements for many if not most people in this technology driven world; however, for some, easy of use and simplicity is key.

Operating Systems, Technology

ASUS Nexus Player First Impressions

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

Technology

Google Services “front and center” on Google devices

More and more lately while digging through reviews, there are instances of people jabbing Google (such as CNet) for making their services the highlighted ones on a device that IT is selling.  No one has ever complained that Apple forces you to use iTunes or that Amazon forces you to use their proprietary ecosystem — so why is Google being singled out here? Absolutely nothing new.

Singlehandedly, Google has taken the mobile industry by storm quickly catapulting Android to the forefront.  The company has had many “stabs” at the living room: Google TV, Nexus Q, Chromecast (which is great) and the newly introduced Android TV (this platform builds in the ability to cast in addition to full game support that can really bring a rich experience to the end user).

 

Nexus Player interface shown.
Nexus Player interface shown.

It seems more and more in reviews that Google just cannot get it right in the eyes of the reviewers at some tech centered websites and it needs to change.  Many often complain that it only has 8GB of storage, which is exactly the same amount as Apple TV and Amazon’s Fire TV.  Learn to see the promise of the vast ecosystem that google brings to the table and how it can potentially reshape the pathetic living room experience that is dominated by Comcast and Time Warner.

Wake up.