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
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.
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.
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:
Is the to be released Moto 360 an aesthetically pleasing device?
You bet it is; however, is all of the hype really worth it? Especially when the device will run an operating system that we’ve seen, touched and have a wealth of experience with already.
Personally, I’ve had conversations with people waiting on this device like it will offer a drastically different experience. Sorry to crush your dreams….but it won’t. Android Wear as an operating system for wearable devices cannot be manipulated by OEM (thankfully); so, the differences between the Moto 360, LG G Watch and Samsung Gear Live will be minute.
Moto 360 shown running Android Wear.
Bottom line: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” The Moto 360 is a fantastic device; however, it will not make or break Android Wear.
The Right to be Forgotten, this “act” that has been put in place for search engines in Europe, is a way that a person can have relevant links to themselves removed that could be potentially defaming. Plaintiffs in the case could be ex-murderers, felons or anyone that has something on the internet posted about themselves that they deem unjust.
Pathetic.
This is clearly censoring of the internet that essentially takes away free speech. It would be more permissible for items that are not true to be taken down; however, these are true writings that people may believe will negatively affect them.
Bottom line: Do not run from the facts.
Tech for the masses, meant to empower, educate and inform by Dexter Johnson.
DexJohn's PC 