Operating Systems, Software, Technology

Galaxy Tab 2 — 7.0

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  However, with this low price point will users pay in the end for a device that will become quickly outdated?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.

Social Networking, Technology

Facebook buys Instagram for $1Billion

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Yes, it is official.  Facebook will be acquiring Instagram for $1 billion and this is causing quite the alarm for technologists.  Facebook has been under fire for seemingly forever regarding it’s privacy issues and how they actually use the data that we give them.  Now, this raises the question:  “Will Facebook buying Instagram have a negative effect on the users of the Instagram service?  Will their privacy be in question?  How will Facebook use the data and pictures that are posted via this service?

Facebook has responded by saying that they will leave Instagram as it is and since this acquisition has been announced it has remained true to its promise.  On the other hand, due to the privacy issues that Facebook has, that Instagram may inherit, many users have started to deactivate their Instagram accounts.  However, one can only imagine how long it will be before Instagram takes over as the default method for sharing pictures via Facebook.

Bottom line:  Facebook has not defiled Instagram yet.  So let’s wait around see what actually happens.

Multimedia, Video

Cutting Cable? 1 Million did in 2011

Are you considering cutting cable?  If so, there are plenty of resources to make the process as painless as possible; I did it and do just fine.  With options like Netflix, HuluPlus, Amazon Instant, YouTube and more cutting the expensive cord and gaining a little more control of how you watch television can be a simple process.  Cable prices are on the rise, along with everything else in this country.  So, why continue to pay for premium channels when 9 times out of 10 your favorite programming is either getting interrupted by commercials or you are being forced to watch a certain program at an odd hour?

Using these media streaming services gives you complete control of your entertainment.  Honestly, that is the way that it should be, especially if you are paying for it.  For example, if you miss House at the regular scheduled time on Fox, so what?  Turn on your media connected tv to HuluPlus one day later and watch it at your convenience.  That is the power that an internet connected tv could give you.  On the other hand, if your HD tv does not come with any services built in try a set top box such as Roku, Boxee, or even the AppleTV (limited, but works well if you have an Apple-centric household) .  These set top boxes can connect you to the following:

  • Netflix (Roku, Boxee, AppleTV)
  • HuluPlus (Roku)
  • Amazon Instant (Roku)
  • YouTube (Roku, Boxee, AppleTV)
  • Pandora and more

The prices of these devices and based upon what suits your needs you could pay as little as $59.99 for the Roku, which is the best bang for your buck.

Bottom line:  When it comes to media content; you’ve got options.  Do not feel the need to stay tied down to your cable company.

Technology

Do you YAHOO?

We all remember the Yahoo! of yesteryear; the convenient search tool that integrated email, news, and more into the service.  In fact, Yahoo! was my primary choice for years; until I met Google.  So, what exactly has caused that downward spiral that Yahoo has been engulfed in throughout the past few years?  For starters Yahoo’s search engine market share has been falling for six straight months and as of February 2012 they are at 13.8 percent while Google is at 66.4 percent and Bing at 26.2 percent.

If we rewind time to the early 2000s you will remember that Yahoo! was at the forefront of search engines.  Fast forward to today where they are looking to layoff 2000 employees.  So, what could cause this spiral:

  • Failed advertising campaigns
  • Poor acquisitions
  • CEO troubles

Bottom line:  Yahoo! could really turn things around because the search is still powerful and they have many other services that make the ecosystem great.  However, trying to sue Facebook will not cut it.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Sony against Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

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?

Tech for the masses, meant to empower, educate and inform by Dexter Johnson.