Tag Archives: google

Operating Systems, Technology

LG Nexus 4; Sold Out

One hour.  One hour is how long it took for Google’s latest Nexus flagship have it’s stock reduced to zero (both 8GB and 16GB versions).

That is pretty impressive.

If you tried to purchase the device there was error after error to be encountered. Some users even experienced Chrome crashing due to the Play Store being so overloaded. Though frustrating, those that showed perseverance have their orders now confirmed and they should have this beast of a smartphone sitting at their doorsteps in a matter of days to a week.

Bottom line: Congratulations to the lucky few. Great job Google on producing a wonderful device that consumers really want. One piece of advice stock up more so that everyone van get one!

Mobile Operating Systems

Impending Android Announcement

With Google’s latest Android announcement around the corner; Android fans, myself included, are on the edge of their seats.  There are many predictions to be had regarding what Google will show us on Monday, October 29th.

However, one thing is almost for certain:  We will see a new Nexus device.  What exactly does Nexus mean you ask?  Pure unaltered Android without lousy carrier or manufacturer modifications.  That means no extraneous bloatware can spoil yet another glorious Android device.  In addition, it is rumored that there will be a slew of new Nexus devices from many manufacturers just waiting to grace your pockets with stock Android greatness.  On the other hand, it would honestly be fantastic if Google would allow any OEM to “create” a Nexus device just by following strict guidelines:

  • No carrier installed apps
  • No Android UI changes
  • Meeting certain hardware specifications

Instantly we would have a variety of top-tier Android devices that were powered to get the job done.  This would be good for consumers as well as Google because it would put that confidence back to the Nexus name, which is one that Verizon almost put a black mark on by withholding system updates to their version of Samsung’s Galaxy Nexus.

Additionally, it is speculation that Google will refresh the Nexus 7 line by introducing a 32 GB model and potentially a model with 3G/4G support.  Speaking of powerful tablets; Samsung is rumored to be making a 10-inch Nexus tablet for our enjoyment.

On the other hand, this all boils down to a possible update to the Android operating system, which is currently at 4.1.2.  Yes, Android 4.2 (Key Lime Pie) is on the horizon.  Does Android need a new full-update or an incremental update.  Remember, Android 4.0 and 4.1 together have a combined marketshare of 25%; so, is this the best time for a new version to be released?  It seems that OEMs typically put either the latest or next to latest version of Android onto the devices they build so, just as a new version will be a good thing for us early adopters — how long will it take to penetrate the market?

Bottom line:  What happens at Google’s announcement will likely awe us.  Be prepared for a new Nexus device of sorts and if a new version of Android comes out, be prepared to sell it to your friends — let’s help take away market from Gingerbread ( Android 2.3) and give it to finer tuned versions of Google’s OS!

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

iPhone 5, why it isn’t that great

Apple, a company known for making beautiful looking and innovative products are equally known for entrapping customers in their ecosystem and releasing incremental upgrades that you “have” to buy.  The iPhone 5 is exactly that, an incremental upgrade that honestly is not that great.  Why?

Let’s start off by getting the facts out of the way.  Apple has the largest app collection on the planet, top-tier developer support, recurring users and devices that look like they should be walking down the runway.  On the other hand, with all of these facts that they can tout; they still do not have the highest global market-share like Google’s Android.  When Apple releases a product things are greater than “big”, they are gargantuan.  The press loses its mind, there is leak after leak and fan-boys worldwide almost pass out as the new device is unveiled.  However, things just were not the same with this release.  Apple not only released this update to the phone because the iPhone 4S had been out for a year, but because they had to play catch up with the market leader.  To prove a point, these are a few of the upgrades to the iPhone:

  • 4G
  • 4 inch screen
  • Faster Wi-Fi
  • Thinner
  • Battery improvements
  • Call screen options (such as: send a text to the caller letting them know you are in a meeting etc.)
  • Panoramic photos
  • Can captures pictures will recording video

Now, with these “upgrades” in line, let’s debunk them.  4G LTE is a technology that practically every high-end device released in the last year and a half has taken advantage of, the iPhone should have included it in the 4 or 4S, but it did not.  As usual, the company forced it’s customers to wait on a technology that, at the time, was already advanced enough to go into their phone.  The part that is even worse is that the buyers of the phone accepted it; which I will never understand.  The iPhone has had the same size screen since it’s “revolutionary” debut in 2007.  Why?  The screen size of 3.5 inches should’ve been discarded with the iPhone 4 iteration, imagine if they debuted their retina display on a 4″ or 4.5″ display — that would’ve been truly resolutionary.  Honestly.

The rest of the list of “upgrades” are things that older phones have had for a while.  On the other hand, when Apple releases these same features they are treated as if they are brand new and unbelievable. Whether you love the iPhone or not, it is hard to say that these additions weren’t a long time coming.

Bottom line:  I watched the keynote, not to climb on an anti-Apple perch; but, to honestly hope to see something great and new.   I saw something good, the iPhone 5 is a beautiful looking device, perhaps the best design on the market.  But when you pair a list of improvements that aren’t new with the same stale OS from 2007 – it just isn’t that great; but Tim Cook had the audacity to say, “It is the biggest thing to happen to the iPhone since the iPhone.”

Technology

Google’s Nexus 7 Ad — Why complain?

Technologists near and far almost had a cow when they went to our favorite search engine and saw this:

Some were so shocked that Google decided to put an ad on their homepage.  However, most people took Google’s move in stride; I sure did.  This is an excellent move for the search giant.  Not only will you search from Google, you will see a great device with unbelievable specs peeking out at you.  Who could ask for more?

The Nexus 7 is one of the best tablets on market, regardless of size (7 inches).  However, now that this ad is being displayed on Google’s actual homepage; it will reach audiences that it never could.  While the Nexus 7 has garnered a huge amount of much earned success and respect from tech-goers like you and me.  On the other hand, there is a completely different audience that might not have had the opportunity to learn about the biggest tech release of the year.

Bottom line:  Smart move Google; naysayers — get over it.

Technology

Motorola to sue Apple

Within the past two years Apple has tried to sue virtually any Android manufacturer that they saw as a threat. Apparently, competition isn’t a belief that Steve Jobs founded his multi-billion dollar behemoth of a company on.

Now, a big name has stepped up to the plate against Cupertino and this means war.  Could we use Motorola and Google interchangeably here?  Possibly.  However, Motorola is still its own entity that operates under Google.  Motorola is a wireless patent goldmine.  Although, Motorola may not own the “illustrious” slide to unlock or pinch to zoom, let’s round up a patent that they believe Apple is infringing upon. For example, Apple devices can sync data between themselves, such as bookmarks, messages, and more. Motorola is big on wireless technologies — not shapes and looks. These are standards that have been set across an industry. Some can even argue that they actually matter more.

I sure do.

Bottom line:. Motorola suing Apple sounds like the perfect idea for a company that wants to sue everyone else out of the marketplace. I call it their just desserts.