tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-32635938718820162122024-03-13T06:53:43.643-07:00Thoughts and ramblingsA place where my crazy meets technology.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-78332364315797148492014-09-16T08:28:00.001-07:002014-09-16T08:28:58.132-07:00Product Review: Pressy and the Perils of KickstarterAh, Kickstarter, what a wonderful idea. I love the notion of encouraging creativity and removing the middle-man of corporate influence in the creation of products and ideas. Kickstarter has been responsible for the creation of several products I own and thousands of other projects I never got to try.<br />
<br />
One of the biggest issues I see with Kickstarter, and I myself on occasion fall into, is a lack of tempered expectations. The old saying: "If it's too good to be true, it probably is" rings extremely true on Kickstarter. You'll get people assuming that a project must be delivered on the first day of the projected month. When that fails to happen, they demand their money back and rant about how the project creator is a fraud and a shyster. They fail to understand that products, services, art, entertainment, etc, get pushed back all of the time. Sometimes designs change for the better or worse and they feel cheated then. This is completely normal human behavior.<br />
<br />
Alternatively, project creators often offer the world in the hopes of getting the funding they need. Sometimes they actually believe they can deliver on their promises and sometimes they use it to mask any inadequacies the project has. Often, due to production being cheaper in bulk, they set their goal so high it is pretty much unattainable. Both of these are problems with crowd-funding that need to be addressed in a meaningful way.<br />
<br />
Enter Pressy. The concept of the little device doesn't seem very interesting. In essence, it's a 3.5 mm headphone tip with a button on the end. The goal is to create an on-demand customized button. In theory and to some degree practice, this works. More on that in a moment, however.<br />
<br />
Pressy is the epitome of what happens with production delays, impatient backers, design changes, and excessive promises. I backed the project back in October of 2013. The projected delivery date was March 2014 and I didn't receive the Pressy until late August 2014. Truth be told, this isn't uncommon. My Impulse controller was a couple months late if I recall as well, but in the instance of Pressy, it helped create a great deal of anger.<br />
<br />
One thing that changed was the design of the holder for the Pressy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBMGaoWi6J4/VBeHanqZB6I/AAAAAAAABXE/q4ncVeCBgHA/s1600/PressyOriginal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GBMGaoWi6J4/VBeHanqZB6I/AAAAAAAABXE/q4ncVeCBgHA/s1600/PressyOriginal.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The original case design pre-April 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUPFC5fXfh0/VBeHzWvwdRI/AAAAAAAABXM/Wf_eELIRHHo/s1600/PressyNew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AUPFC5fXfh0/VBeHzWvwdRI/AAAAAAAABXM/Wf_eELIRHHo/s1600/PressyNew.jpg" height="172" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The case design that was shipped to backers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As you can see, they made some pretty drastic changes. The original appeared to be of a more harder silicone with a key ring through it. It was a simple design, but considering the project, that's not bad. Afterwards, they used a cheaper, more flexible silicone with a slot to put your headphone cord in. The change was not well-received and I agree. The new holder is much flimsier and runs a back risk of tearing at the loop.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Still, this isn't a massive issue to me considering I was in it for the actual button, not necessarily the extras. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
One of the other issues was a lack of some functionality upon delivery and issues with getting the Android app into the Play Store promptly. This led to fears of a lack of official Android support, but in the end, things worked out. However, there was (and still is) some missing functionality such as the Pressy Screen Drawing and Pressy-to-Talk. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
However, most of the app integration and functionality are intact I can proudly say. I was able to easily program most of my commands and execute them well. Sometimes they took a second or two to activate, but they worked like defined. I will say that the app is very fluid and well designed. I can't say for certain that it follows the Material guidelines for Android L, but it's certainly close enough you'd have trouble guessing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I don't appreciate is having to activate the app with the code provided in the packaging. This seems very draconian and somewhat dangerous considering if one loses their code, their Pressy is useless. Of course, this came about because naturally there were copycats. Pressy's delay in shipping facilitated that for certain. There are comparable versions of the button out there for less than a tenth of the asking price. Are they any better? I cannot say, but app reviews on the Play Store put them at a little less than Pressy itself. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With the copycats coming out of the woodwork, designs changes, delays, and missing functionality, it was the perfect storm to ignite hatred against the little start-up. Reviews for the button have ranged from <a href="http://www.androidpolice.com/2014/08/26/pressy-review-i-had-no-clue-something-could-suck-this-badly/" target="_blank">horrible</a> to <a href="http://www.androidbeat.com/2014/07/pressy-review-cute-button-pressing-issues/" target="_blank">average</a> to <a href="http://www.pocket-lint.com/news/129808-hands-on-pressy-the-almighty-physical-android-button-review" target="_blank">pretty positive</a>. This is entirely expected from a first generation product. People aren't understanding Kickstarter and what it means. You are investing in something whether it be hardware, software, a movie, music, book, or whatever ever else. You're not buying a product. The reward is to show that something came of the project.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This has led to a <a href="http://www.supercompressor.com/gear/kickstarter-frauds-worst-crooks-in-crowdfunding" target="_blank">burgeoning series of scams</a> unfortunately. There are always people looking to take advantage of a situation for their own benefit. However, this doesn't mean things are bad. Look at <a href="https://getpebble.com/steel" target="_blank">Pebble</a>, <a href="http://store.impulsecontroller.com/#!/iMpulse-Controller-2014-(Black)/p/17596202/category=9063337" target="_blank">iMpulse</a>, and <a href="https://shopmeenova.appspot.com/st/order.html" target="_blank">Meenova</a> who are now on their second generation of Kickstarter projects. Unencumbered by funding issues, they have made improvements to the original and worked on addressing complaints. This is how Kickstarter should work and how people should view it. You're helping someone get their idea off the ground. You're not buying something. Once they've established themselves, you're free to be anger at delays, but these things are projects and ideas, not a streamlined corporation pouring out your goods. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In the end, I'm alright with Pressy. It was an idea that took a great deal of work to get off the ground, but came through, which is more than can be said of other <a href="https://medium.com/@stevekreyos/the-rise-and-fall-of-kreyos-new-ac4e2d847964" target="_blank">projects</a>. Would I buy a second generation Pressy? Or perhaps another iMpulse or Meenova reader? Of course, because I've seen how the product develops and how a small company can better address concerns a large one may ignore. I have plans on getting the newer Meenova certainly. Pressy is in an even better place. There's little that can be altered at the hardware level. To succeed all they really need to do is improve the software, which they appear to be doing. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Is it an A+ product? No, but it's good enough for me and will likely get better. We should support it along with the other hopefuls who want to change the world or at least get their ideas out there. Crowdfunding is a powerful idea that can really make waves. Pebble basically pushed the smartwatch industry into overdrive. The <a href="http://tkgod.blogspot.com/2014/03/rapid-review-vol-3.html" target="_blank">Dual Drive</a> I reviewed came AFTER Meenova. This shows what kind of influence it can have. Just remember though, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is.<br /><div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-2370079196133574092014-09-11T17:52:00.000-07:002014-09-16T08:34:54.299-07:00Rapid Review vol. 5After a very long downtime, I'm back with a few new toys to review.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Arcadia-NT90C-high-speed-Charger-Smartphones/dp/B00M7F15QO" target="_blank">Arcadia NT90C Dual USB 3.4 Amp Charger</a> - $15 ($1 - my cost)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz-lIdYSoxE/VBD6Dwnv_1I/AAAAAAAABWM/fOO6MPdKTec/s1600/awc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Cz-lIdYSoxE/VBD6Dwnv_1I/AAAAAAAABWM/fOO6MPdKTec/s1600/awc.jpg" height="319" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've gotten into beta testing recently and this Arcadia wall charger was offered to my to try out. First off, dual USB chargers are nothing special to honest. They are a dime a dozen, so anyone of them that can make me take interest is a good thing. The first thing I noticed about this charger was the compact form factor and labeling.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With a sleek, 2-inch cube design and flip down plug, the Arcadia NT90C charger is compact and goes just about anywhere. The labeling of which runs as 2.4 and 1 Amp is excellent and something I rarely see on other dual chargers with variable power. The 1 Amp side is par for the course, but the 2.4 Amp side is excellent for tablets and smartphones alike. I was able to charge my Nexus 5 from 20% to almost 80% in around thirty minutes. The only drawback I've noticed is its cost is a little greater than competing models.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Excellent form factor, fold down plug, clearly labeled set-up for each USB outlet.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> A little bit more expensive than some competitors.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> A</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.bestbuy.com/site/toshiba-canvio-slim-ii-500gb-external-usb-3-0-2-0-portable-hard-drive-black/3285648.p?id=1219089768023&skuId=3285648&st=toshiba%20canvio&cp=1&lp=5" target="_blank">Toshiba Canvio Slim II 500 GB - $60</a> ($35 - my cost)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ajx_FjBZcA/VBEFgVmGkxI/AAAAAAAABWY/xU2dPSDsytY/s1600/tcs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6Ajx_FjBZcA/VBEFgVmGkxI/AAAAAAAABWY/xU2dPSDsytY/s1600/tcs2.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Portable storage is always a plus in any instance. It had been a long time since I bought a hard drive of any type. I had a few Best Buy reward zone certificates and decided to pick this little guy up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My first impression upon opening the package was how solidly this thing was constructed. Most portable hard drives, whether they be USB or AC powered, are made of plastic, but this little guy was entirely encased in metal. It's smaller than my old WD Passport at almost exactly the same thickness as my Nexus 5 (0.35 in vs 0.34 in). This is compared to my older hard drive of a half inch or more thickness.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Plugging in the SS USB 3.0 cable instantly installs the drivers for Windows and works within a couple seconds on Chrome OS. You get your usual onboard backup programs and locking password system. The hard drive only runs at 5400 rpm, but it was very quick and responsive on just about any test I could throw at it. My regular laptop is limited to USB 2.0, so unless I do a large file transfer from my Chromebook, transfer speeds remain limited for me. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Still, the hard drive is whisper quiet and the brushed aluminum is quite beautiful. The hard drive works with both stand microUSB cords and the SS USB that comes with the hard drive. It also has a three years warranty, far more than I would expect. One thing I would have liked to have seen, not just with this hard drive, but in general for portable hard drives, is a case included. Unless you need gobs of space, this hard drive will suit most average consumers quite well. However, for about $20 more than the standard price you can get a 1 TB version that's a little thicker.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Solidly built, fast, affordable, works with both regular and SS USB cords, very small and slim.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> Nothing outside of wanting a case included.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> A+<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SOL-REPUBLIC-1241-04-Interchangeable-Headphones/dp/B008OFMHXQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1410483065&sr=1-2&keywords=sol+republic+tracks+hd+v10" target="_blank">Sol Republic Tracks HD V10</a> - $77 ($37 - my cost)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfkv-v2f7Yo/VBJCFoZJosI/AAAAAAAABWs/bYvvFxf6qZo/s1600/xl_Sol_TracksHDV10_lead_624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cfkv-v2f7Yo/VBJCFoZJosI/AAAAAAAABWs/bYvvFxf6qZo/s1600/xl_Sol_TracksHDV10_lead_624.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sol Republic is one of those companies I'd been curious to check out for a while now. I had the opportunity recently with these headphones that were dramatically marked down in price. Sol Republic, for those that don't know, was co-founded by Kevin Lee who had a hand in the creation of Beats.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, these headphones sound nothing like the bass-heavy Beats. Instead, they very balanced with a bit more towards the mids. Still, both bass and high response is very good. I found the presentation very nice with the packaging. Once I opened the box, I found the headphones are actually the earpieces with an interchangeable vinyl band. Vinyl being the same material in my Philips O'Neill headphones make the band virtually unbreakable. The wires individually hooked up to the earpieces and are designed to break away rather than damage the surprisingly tough cord.<br />
<br />
The headphones themselves are actually quite beautiful with metal casing for the earpieces. It also has a three button remote built-in to the cord, but sadly only the Pause/Play button worked for my Android devices. Also, since the earpieces are on-ear rather than around ear, they get uncomfortable after a while and adjusting the band to a comfortable setting takes some work. I found the carrying case cheap, being comprised of loose neoprene. A few issues aside, they are a good set of headphones worth purchasing.<br />
<br />
<b>The Good:</b> Very good sound, interchangeable and indestructible headband, breakaway cord, three button remote on cord, beautiful appearance.<br />
<br />
<b>The Bad:</b> Somewhat uncomfortable, flimsy carrying case, limited remote use for Android.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Grade:</b> A-<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><a href="http://www.motorola.com/us/accessories-headphones-speakers/Motorola-Buds-Wireless-Headphones/Buds-Wireless-Headphones.html" target="_blank">Motorola Buds</a> - $70 ($46 - my cost)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZciJC2tgX0/VBJCMZZEJDI/AAAAAAAABW0/6d-0xU0RiV4/s1600/buds-white-540.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9ZciJC2tgX0/VBJCMZZEJDI/AAAAAAAABW0/6d-0xU0RiV4/s1600/buds-white-540.png" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bluetooth headphones should be a true wireless solution to music listening. However, this does not seem to be the case with the ones I have encountered. The Motorola Buds have a unique design of highly adjustable earbuds with cords that travel down to a U-shaped area where the battery resides. Motorola claims 10 hour battery life with these and I'll take their word for it. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Buds have very clear quality for Bluetooth headphones which others tend to sound fuzzy in my opinion. The issue I had was the volume never got loud enough, even at max. Earbuds are generally inferior to your average pair of on-ear or over-the-ear headphones, but these lack in volume even to my Logitech earbuds. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Outside of that, I had no problems pairing them up to any devices I own. The magnets at the end of the U base hold the earbuds, which is a nice touch to prevent tangling, but a carrying case would have been better. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Good battery life, clear sound, magnetic bits to hold the headphones.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> Very weak volume, no carrying case.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> C-</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's it for now. I've got reviews for the Pressy and Martian Notifier in the near future. Till next time...</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-8507767308708584852014-05-26T09:51:00.003-07:002014-05-26T09:51:40.628-07:00Rapid Review vol. 4It's been a couple of months, but I've gained some new toys, so it's time for another shot of Rapid Review.<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
SanDisk 64 GB Media Drive - $120</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVh81oSpmFE/U4Nw389fu8I/AAAAAAAABLM/_qrL6eN0BMA/s1600/large_42951_1376321833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aVh81oSpmFE/U4Nw389fu8I/AAAAAAAABLM/_qrL6eN0BMA/s1600/large_42951_1376321833.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Portable storage has become somewhat of a fixation for me lately. With so many phone and tablet manufacturers eliminating the SD card slot, adding extra storage can be a pain if you don't want to use (or lack access to) cloud storage. The SanDisk Media drive functions in a way as both external storage and a mini "Cloud" storage device. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
If hooked up to a computer, the media drive functions like any other external storage, but its real trick is working as portable WiFi hotspot for storage. This, of course, requires an app for Android, iOS, and Kindle (sorry, no Windows Phone support yet), but it's free and easy to set up. Setting it up took only a few minutes and after transferring some files to test it, I was able to access them quickly (with speeds capped at the theoretical 54 Mbps of your standard cheap WiFi router).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The drive itself is small and pocket-able with an eight hour battery life which makes it easy to take along and reduces worry over not having enough power. It also charges via the micro USB 2.0 port, reducing additional cords needed. Finally, it has a standard SD card slot for up to 128 GB in addition to the built-in 64 GB. It's possible there will be a firmware update (which is done through the app) to allow higher capacities. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
At $120, some might find it a bit pricey. For them, a $32 GB version exists at only $80 for those trying to save money. Overall, I like it. It makes the transfer of on-the-spot files to my friends quick and painless with multiple people (8 for standard files, 5 for HD video like the package advertises). The only drawback is the USB 2.0 which seems a bit dated. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Good: Solid battery life, expandable, compact size, allows for multiple users to access at once, easy to set up, updates to firmware through the phone app.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Bad: Only USB 2.0, a little pricey for some.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Final Grade B+</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Philips Bluetooth Speaker BT3500 - $79</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d72IhR6X5bQ/U4Nw8XCZ3sI/AAAAAAAABLU/2A5i43N19sY/s1600/BOLD_Philips_Speaker_BT3500B_NFC_7999%E2%82%AC_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d72IhR6X5bQ/U4Nw8XCZ3sI/AAAAAAAABLU/2A5i43N19sY/s1600/BOLD_Philips_Speaker_BT3500B_NFC_7999%E2%82%AC_1.jpg" height="187" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I've said before I have an affinity for Philips products and this speaker is no exception. Found at target one day after the BR-1X speakers mysteriously disappeared completely, I bought this speaker to replace the tiny SBT10 Philips speaker. What drew me to this speaker was the two inch drivers in a compact design. Indeed, the BT3500 bears a sort of retro design with its knob volume adjuster.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The primary concern of any Bluetooth speaker is sound quality. The BT3500 has very strong volume levels for its size and maintains clear audio even at max. However, it has no passive radiator like a lot of other speakers so bass is very weak. In the end, this speaker works great like at my work where equipment makes it hard to hear music and this speaker can push over the noise.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Additionally, it has speaker phone capability, AUX in, and NFC for quick pairing. Battery life is rated at 5 hours, a little on the low side. It does use micro USB for charging, so any standard cell phone charger will work. It comes with a cord, but no adapter, nor is there any type of carrying case so the grill tends to accumulate crud. Finally, it does have a small fold out stand that props the speakers towards the ceiling. Overall, this speaker for me is a little more niche than the BR-1X which is a better deal in my opinion.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Good: Loud and clear sound at any volume, NFC pairing, speaker phone, AUX in, standard micro USB charging.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Bad: Very little bass, battery life is subpar, no carrying case.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Final Grade: B-</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Vizio 38" Soundbar $160 - ($146 my price)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVbLF9RBuBA/U4NxDmPtd1I/AAAAAAAABLY/TfT49pLKUrs/s1600/232012-hometheatersystemssoundbars-vizio-s3821w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HVbLF9RBuBA/U4NxDmPtd1I/AAAAAAAABLY/TfT49pLKUrs/s1600/232012-hometheatersystemssoundbars-vizio-s3821w.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Soundbars are a good way to boost the quality of your TV audio without the expensive and time-consuming hassle of setting up a 5.1 sound system. I originally purchased a cheap iLive 2.0 sound bar for my TV. After owning it for about six months, I was unhappy with the overall sound quality and decided to buy the Vizio 2.1 soundbar. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Vizio 38" soundbar had near critical acclaim from customers and professional reviews alike and it shows. Setting it up took only a couple of minutes and the wireless sub-woofer paired up almost immediately. The sound was excellent and clear across the mids and highs with thunderous bass. There are also settings on the remote to adjust bass and treble along with a couple of Vizio specific settings like TRUsound. It takes a little work, but with some adjustment, anyone can get the type of sound they prefer. I will tell you, while I don't know the wattage of the speakers, they are very loud and can shake an entire room.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In addition to the remote, there are buttons on the back of the soundbar to adjust in case you lose the remote, so it isn't immediately rendered useless like a lot of other soundbars. Adjustments are displayed in the lower left of the soundbar with little LED lights. It isn't as elegant as a display, but I do appreciate so type of indicator that my last one lacked. The soundbar also comes with Bluetooth which is a nice addition typically seen in much more expensive soundbars. Finally, it comes with just about every type of connection cord you could need eliminating troublesome shopping for cords.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall, I think the soundbar is an excellent value for anyone looking to boost their viewing experience. The only issue I found was a delay when turning it on until sound came out. It's nothing major, but some might think the system is messed up initially. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Good: Excellent sound, very loud, easy to set up, Bluetooth connectivity, audio cords included great value.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Bad: Slight delay when turning on.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Final Grade: A </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-80895077524723594732014-05-05T11:48:00.000-07:002014-05-05T11:54:02.201-07:00The Nexus 7 (2013 model) - The Best 7 inch Tablet You Can Buy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SrP6v5HctA/U2fcCtlAV9I/AAAAAAAABKc/gH4iToIfoIE/s1600/Nexus_7_(2013).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8SrP6v5HctA/U2fcCtlAV9I/AAAAAAAABKc/gH4iToIfoIE/s1600/Nexus_7_(2013).png" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Very much belated this review is, but I’m back and ready to
take an in-depth look at the Nexus 7 (2013 model). The first Nexus 7 was a breath of fresh air in the tablet world. Most tablets weren't any lower than $400, the price of a basic laptop. The iPad dominated the landscape in spite of competition and any other tablets lacked decent specs. The Nexus 7 changed all of that by offering a powerful tablet at an extremely low cost. Just its presence in the tablet caused prices on tablets to drop in a race to the bottom which benefited consumers greatly. So is the 2013 model just as good as its predecessor? Let's find out.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
First off, physically, the 2012 and 2013 model could not be
any more different from each other in spite of both being made by Asus. Dimension wise, the 2013 model is narrower,
thinner, and lighter. It also possesses much more capabilities, but more on
that in a second. The first thing I really noticed about the tablet is its
thinness and build quality. The 2012 model wasn’t by any means neither cheap
nor bulky, but the newer model is as thin as any modern high end smartphone. It
also eschews the dimpled textured material on the back for a more matte finish. Overall, the build quality is very solid <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the front you have your front facing camera, light
sensor, and new to this model, LED notification light. The bottom contains the
charging port which is also a SlimPort giving this tablet the capability of
hooking up to televisions, something the former severely lacked. The right side
contains the power button, volume rocker, and microphone. On top you have your
standard headphone jack. The left is barren and the back contains the Nexus
logo etched into the case with a 5 MP rear camera and stereo speakers at the
top and bottom respectively.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On initial glance, the tablet already has considerable
bonuses compared to its predecessor. However, the most obvious noticeable thing
is its 1920 x 1200 resolution IPS screen with Gorilla Glass. With a pixel
density of 323, it was a first for a tablet at seven inches to have such a
high-end screen and is crystal clear. Color reproduction is very accurate and
brightness caps out at 583 nits compared to the meager 350 of the 2012 model.
Although blacks are a bit truer on the 2012 model, its successor manages better
contrast. Overall, it adds up to likely the best screen on any seven-inch tablet,
perhaps even any tablet.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Internally, the 2013 model is a major step up from the 2012
model. It replaces the buggy, often neglected Tegra 3 processor at 1.3 GHz for
a Snapdragon S4 Pro at 1.5 Ghz. This is a bit of a misnomer to be honest. The processor
in the 2013 model runs Krait 300 cores with DDR3L RAM running at 1600 MHz. It’s
more accurate to say that the processor is actually an underclocked S600, which
most of the internet seems to agree on. This is obviously not to undervalue the
chipset considering the massively low cost nature of the tablet. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Still, with 2 GB of RAM with 12.8 GB of memory bandwidth
compared to the 1 GB and 5.34 GB of bandwidth on the 2012 model, the processor
shows immediate performance improvement over the previous generation. This is
even with the much denser screen, which is driven by the quad core Adreno 320
that absolutely tears through just about any game you can throw at it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Outside of the immediate improvement in processing power,
the 2013 model comes with several other benefits like built-in wireless Qi
charging, Bluetooth 4.0, LTE support for certain models, GLONASS, and Miracast.
Save for the seldom used POGO pins on the 2012 model, everything from the
former returns such as smart cover support, NFC, GPS, etc. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diving right in, I rooted my tablet as usual and jumped from
the stock 4.3 to the latest version of my choice custom ROM on 4.4.2.
Everything from opening apps, playing games, and general UI animations were
buttery smooth. There was no lag in the tablet whatsoever owing to the doubled
amount of RAM here. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since it is a new addition, I feel I should comment on the
camera a little. First off, don’t go into this thinking you’re going to take
professional style photos. You’re barely going to get smartphone quality
photos. Using the rear camera in sunlight gains relatively decent photos, but
there is some distinct graininess to the edges and some noise.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvk48V4RK5M/U2fcIDof5KI/AAAAAAAABKo/sLhq5JQ0MyY/s1600/IMG_20140505_140210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvk48V4RK5M/U2fcIDof5KI/AAAAAAAABKo/sLhq5JQ0MyY/s1600/IMG_20140505_140210.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor shot with the rear facing camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The front facing camera at 1.2 MP surprisingly fares better
than expected. Colors were actually very vibrant with it, but sharpness and
noise were at appropriate levels for a camera of its low resolution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8h3OxGTNVsk/U2fcLpXMHQI/AAAAAAAABKw/ljlv-aRBWZo/s1600/IMG_20140505_140226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8h3OxGTNVsk/U2fcLpXMHQI/AAAAAAAABKw/ljlv-aRBWZo/s1600/IMG_20140505_140226.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor shot with front facing camera. (Ignore the hideous face I'm making, it was too bright for me)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, there is no flash on the rear camera like my son’s
Hisense tablet had or any OIS here. So low light photos on the rear turned out
about as good as you could expect. They were washed out in colors and filled
with noise, but passable for a simple share on Facebook. I personally have not
tested videos on the tablet, but one can assume they will turn out with similar
results.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPIqom1fH_M/U2fcQzp8QFI/AAAAAAAABK4/QTSorPQojqc/s1600/IMG_20140505_140358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xPIqom1fH_M/U2fcQzp8QFI/AAAAAAAABK4/QTSorPQojqc/s1600/IMG_20140505_140358.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor shot with rear facing camera (Pictured: Captain America bear fighting for Truth, Justice, and Photoshoots.)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On the custom side of things, my tablet personally proved
strong. I was able to load a custom kernel and push the CPU as high as 2.2 GHz,
the same my Nexus 5 runs at. I pushed the GPU from 400 MHz to 513 MHz with no
problems. The custom ROMs have come a long way and I even have multi-window
support (albeit with some occasional problems), theme support, and a several
other benefits. I found the sound from the headphone jack a little on the low
side, but with my custom kernel I was able to boost it to get much richer sound
from my headphones. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the battery department, the 2013 model has been reduced
from a 4,325 mAh to 3,950 mAh. However, significant improvements in the
processor and Android operating system have resulted in equal or better battery
life. I left my tablet on with no actions at 94 percent one night to return
later in the next and had only 3 percent. Its claims of equal battery life
compared to its predecessor are likely true. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, with a cost of $229 for the 16 GB model, $279 for
the 32 GB model, and $349 for the 32 GB LTE model, the 2013 version of the
Nexus 7 comes in at a higher cost. However, I think with the massive
improvements from the processor to the screen to additional capabilities that
the Nexus 7 (2013) is very worth it. In fact, I’d go as far as saying it’s
possibly the best value to spec tablet on the market period. Even though it is
ten months old now, there’s really nothing you can get close to it for an equivalent
price. I managed to get mine for $30 off, making it $249, the same price I paid
as the previous model and it has been worth every penny. If I had one gripe
about the tablet, besides the lackluster camera, I only wished the stereo
speakers were front facing. Other than that, it is hard to closer to perfection
than this.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Good:</b> Significant step up from last year, excellent
screen, great performance, good build quality, loads of new hardware features,
very low cost for specs.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>The Bad:</b> Mediocre camera, speakers could have been front
facing.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Grade:</b> A<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-10917330280971980812014-03-01T11:31:00.002-08:002014-03-01T11:31:45.829-08:00Rapid Review vol. 3Time for another dose of shortness. I've picked up several goodies over the course of the last few months and here are a few of the gems I found.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Philips BR-1X - $79</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1tuaE79zLY/UxI1Essxs9I/AAAAAAAABJQ/NB0pMgfkmOQ/s1600/Philips_BR_1X_SB5200G_10_frei2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_1tuaE79zLY/UxI1Essxs9I/AAAAAAAABJQ/NB0pMgfkmOQ/s1600/Philips_BR_1X_SB5200G_10_frei2.jpg" height="320" width="248" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Introduced at CES 2014, this new Bluetooth speaker from Philips caught my eye at Target. The main reason it caught my eye was the two inch drivers as opposed to the normal one inch drivers for a speaker at this cost. Pulling the speaker out of the box, I was surprised by how huge and heavy it is. This thing is built tough, though not waterproof or indestructible by any means. The rubber housing is actually a case that can be removed if you wish, but I don't recommend it.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The front has volume controls and the power button. When the power button is pressed the speaker automatically goes into pairing mode, bypassing the need for any Bluetooth button. Also on the front are IN and Out 3.5 mm jacks because the speaker can be daisy-chained. The back has both a proprietary charger and microUSB port, which drew me to the speaker since this was unique and a first I'd ever seen. Also on the back are a Bluetooth history deleting button and an Outdoor/Indoor button (more on that next).</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So how does it sound? Pretty good with an exception. First, this speaker is insanely loud for its size. I was thrown off by how loud it is. The clarity of the sound depends on the Outdoor/Indoor button. For indoor settings, the bass is solid and the clarity very good. The outdoor mode reduces bass with boosted treble to increase volume. The result is only so good to a point. After 80% volume, sound becomes scratchy and distorted. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Battery life is rated at about 6 hours, which is about average for its class. One odd thing, all the pictures show my model with yellow speaker grills, but mine are black. Nothing important and I prefer them black anyway. Overall, I'm very pleased with this speaker. It matches value for performance.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Rugged design, powerfully loud sound, great clarity in indoor mode, can be charged by two different types of charger, great price.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> Outdoor mode distorts badly at high volumes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> A</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Philips SBT10 - $30 ($20 - my cost)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOAsBmhnnRg/UxI1DRnQb2I/AAAAAAAABJM/YPn__cKb4ps/s1600/0060958523852_500X500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOAsBmhnnRg/UxI1DRnQb2I/AAAAAAAABJM/YPn__cKb4ps/s1600/0060958523852_500X500.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I bought this little Bluetooth speaker on Black Friday and it's been in my sling bag since then. I've only used it couple of times, but its not a bad little thing. Size wise, it's thicker than my Nexus 5, but the other dimensions are smaller. It can basically fit in the palm of your hand or the back of your pocket. Inside the box is the instructions and a charging cable, nothing more.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
For such a small speaker, it's pretty feature packed. On the top you've got a Play/Pause/Answer button, power button, and mute button. The bottom of the device has an Aux port for running the sound wired and a micro-USB port which is an necessity for any accessory purchases I make in order to maintain charging on the go. It also rubber stops on the bottom and back of the device so you can choose how you want to set it up. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pairing with the device was relatively painless, but it took a couple tries for my phone to find it. Afterwards though things were fine. The sound of the device is very good and clear. Bass is lacking, but for a device of this size I'm not going to knock it much. Amazingly, even at max volume, the speaker doesn't distort. It maintains clear sound even at max. However, it will only fill a small room. This isn't a sharing type speaker, more of a personal one. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The battery is rated for eight hours which is pretty solid given its size. Overall, I would recommend this speaker for anyone on the go that just wants to have some louder music or even do a speakerphone call. However, don't look to this one to be a party speaker. The speaker can be purchased at Wal-Mart or Target. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Very cheap, clear sound even at high volumes, excellent battery life, micro-USB charging, speakerphone capability is a bonus for its size, very compact.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> Weak bass, designed for a small room or personal use only.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> A </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive 32GB - $59 ($29 - my cost)</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pW1MIinScg/UxI1k8MRwyI/AAAAAAAABJg/GlU3TTHOHGE/s1600/nexusae0_wm_S4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9pW1MIinScg/UxI1k8MRwyI/AAAAAAAABJg/GlU3TTHOHGE/s1600/nexusae0_wm_S4.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These next two entries are actually two different solutions to the same problem: adding storage to cell phones and tablets on the fly. The Dual Drive works like a basic flash drive on one end, simply hooking it up to the computer. On the opposite side of the drive is a micro-USB output for connecting to your cell phone or tablet. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now there are some caveats. The device you are going to connect it to has to have USB-on-the-go or USB-OTG for short. A great deal of Android devices have this nowadays. My LG Nexus 5 has it, along with just about every recent Samsung and Motorola phone. Most tablets have it as well. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I didn't have any issues getting the system to work for both my new Nexus 7 and Nexus 5, but the device only uses USB 2.0 instead of the newer 3.0 format. While I lack any 3.0 ports on my basic laptop, my Chromebook does support it. This leads to long transfers of large files or clusters of files. It also lessens any futureproof capabilities. I found the cost prohibitive as well. I managed to get the device on sale for about $30, but off sale at twice that is too much.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The concept of the Dual Drive is an interesting one, but limited in its scope. If you can find one on sale for what I paid, it's a decent deal, but any more than that and it's not worth it. You're better off using my next entry. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Simple to use, variable storage options from 16 GB to 64 GB, compact.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> Only uses USB 2.0, costly when not on sale.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> B-</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Meenova MicroSD Card Reader - $12</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hgAtqNFLhs/UxI1FhWA1JI/AAAAAAAABJc/thObNVBkYrQ/s1600/sz_quarter-560x276-q8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7hgAtqNFLhs/UxI1FhWA1JI/AAAAAAAABJc/thObNVBkYrQ/s1600/sz_quarter-560x276-q8.jpg" height="157" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
My second foray into Kickstarter was this little gem. Like the Dual Drive above, the Meenova MicroSD Card Reader aims to assist with USB-OTG support without the need for a separate cord. Where it trumps the Dual Drive is flexibility. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Smaller than the size of a quarter, the Meenova doesn't have its own storage. Instead, you supplement a MicroSD card and plug it in. This is very useful since you can choose what size you want to use and in the end, it will cost far less than the Dual Drive even with the cost of storage. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The package contains the reader, along with a keychain attachment and adapter to connect it directly to a computer. Pulling off the cap and plugging the device into your phone or tablet, you'll see a blue LED light up letting you know your device is compatible. Some people don't like this, but I find it useful. My Nexus 5 is compatible, but my Nexus 4 wasn't and this let me know without scouring the web to find out why.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Overall, it's definitely worth it if you need to expand storage like with my Nexus phones that lack MicroSD card slots, but does just fine even with devices that do have one. Having the storage available on a keychain is a huge boon and I think this is probably the best solution to the expansion problem of devices. It's obviously not going to work on Apple devices and only uses USB 2.0, but it's an acceptable compromise given its cost.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Good:</b> Very cheap, LED indicator to help determine compatibility, keychain and adapter are great for the package, lots of potential and futureproofing thanks to using MicroSD as opposed to static flash.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>The Bad:</b> USB 2.0 only might be a drawback.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Final Grade:</b> A+</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That's it for this round. I'll be back with another Rapid Review when I find some more goodies out there in the world. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-23533987132691300582014-02-26T15:17:00.001-08:002014-02-26T15:17:06.593-08:00Entering the World of Chrome OS: My review of the Acer Chromebook C720<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EClSm58FtTE/Uw5133jwXZI/AAAAAAAABI4/9ey5kkKy-og/s1600/Acer_Chromebook_C720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EClSm58FtTE/Uw5133jwXZI/AAAAAAAABI4/9ey5kkKy-og/s1600/Acer_Chromebook_C720.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Chrome OS is certainly an anomaly among the OS's out there. The concept of being connected all the time and using the Chrome browser to do everything sounds ridiculous. However, after working with the Acer Chromebook C720, I found myself really enjoying it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First, let's look at the hardware. At first glance, you might mistake the Chromebook for a netbook or ultra portable laptop. With a width of 11.3", a depth of 8", a thickness of .75", and weight just under three pounds, the C720 is extremely lightweight and easy enough to fit into any bags or cases for netbooks. The C720 has an 11.6" 1366 x 768 resolution screen, which is pretty standard for a netbook if it were one. I do find the screen to be a little washed out with whites, but most other colors come through bright and vibrant. The screen has good brightness and even 50% brightness is acceptable for most people.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The C720 is powered by an Intel Celeron 2955U dual core processor at 1.4 GHz with 2 GB of DDR3L RAM and Intel HD Graphics with 128 MB dedicated RAM. The storage on the C720 is a paltry 16 GB solid state drive, but it can supplemented with a portable hard drive or flash drive on either the USB 2.0 or 3.0 ports. In addition to that, it has a 3.5 mm headset jack, a HDMI out port, an SD card slot, your standard locking port, and a 1.3 MP webcam. Internally, the C720 has Bluetooth 4.0 and WiFi running all the standard channels. However, there is no ethernet port. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So how does it perform? To my surprise, phenomenally. Without all the overhead of other OS's like Windows, the C720 is able to process whatever commands you give it lightning fast. While the RAM runs at twice the bandwidth of my Nexus 5, I would still be leery about loading too many web pages. Still, for its cost, it can't be beat. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking at the keyboard is a different experience altogether. While it's arranged in a Qwerty fashion, there are certain differences compared to what you would normally see on a Windows or Mac computer keyboard. The big difference I saw was with top keys and the lack of a delete key. The top keys correspond to different functions for the Chrome OS like expanding the window full screen to remove the bottom bar or changing the volume. Since this isn't Windows there's no Function key, but most people don't even use those keys so it isn't a great loss. The lack of Delete key perturbed me a little, but you can still use Backspace so it isn't the end of the world. The only thing I did wish for was media control buttons like my regular laptop, but that may be asking a bit much considering the stripped down nature of the hardware. I will say that the keyboard has excellent tactile feedback and is very comfortable to use.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The trackpad for the C720 is smooth and has good clicking action. However, there is no normal way to disable the trackpad if you wish to do so. You can disable it if you want to enter the Crosh, the developer's shell by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T, then enter the command tpcontrol set 131 0. Still, I wish there was an easier way to do this. Maybe Google will provide an update to accommodate customers later. While they can't be seen, there are stereo speakers in the laptop hidden beneath the keyboard. They are very loud, but lack bass so you're better off using the headphone jack or Bluetooth speaker for music. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The Chrome OS initially looks and feels a lot like Windows 7 in some ways. It has the "Start" menu on the lower left with the bar beneath and on the right a clock with battery meter, Wifi signal, and a tiny picture of which user is on the computer currently. Yes, Chrome OS comes with support for multiple users and upon start-up, you're prompted to enter your Google login information. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is where the Chromebook could fall apart for some people. I'm personally heavily invested in Google services from Play Music, Play Store, Drive, Docs, etc. So as soon as I log in, I have access to everything I set-up long before buying this Chromebook. In addition, it already sets up my bookmarks and history from my laptop. For someone new to Google services, you may feel underwhelmed. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Although the bottom bar and "Start" menu have icons for things like Gmail and the like, clicking them opens up a window for the address on the Chrome browser. In many ways, the Chrome OS is crippled without internet access to the Google services, but many things have been made available offline like Docs. This way you could go somewhere and create a document, then when you regain internet access, the document will sync with Google's servers for later safekeeping. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So how does it actually fare in use for me? Pretty good for the basics. I've put it through the test for some of its claims. I use it mostly for dictation at my friend's house, but I sometimes use it when I want a lightweight large screen to read from. Would it replace my regular laptop? No, not yet. There's still a heavy reliance on the cloud and interaction with the Chrome browser, plus there aren't very many web based versions of high end programs like Photoshop. However, for basic use like web browsing or reading, it's very good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Battery life on the C720 is rated at 8.5 hours with a 7 second boot-up time. Both of these are true, but the battery life is dependent on how you use the Chromebook. If you crank everything to max and stream videos all day, I doubt you will make it that time. However, if you just do basic browsing with the brightness set at around 50%, there's no question you could get this claimed battery, perhaps even more. The boot-up time is actually even faster than claimed. It's practically instantaneous.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few things I tested and researched were stuff like whether you could use a mouse with the Chromebook or how external storage would work. I bought a cheap wired mouse and hooked it up and it worked flawlessly without any need for installing drivers and whatnot. External storage was a bit trickier. I struggled a bit to get the flash drive to work, but eventually I managed to get it to copy over information onto the internal storage. The file browser, coincidentally, is one of the only things you don't interact with through the Chrome browser. There are three options in it: Google Drive, downloads, and external storage.<br />
<br />
While the Chrome OS claims to have built-in security, this is a dangerous notion. It's still possible to find a way to infect the browser or OS so the claim is only valid as long as nothing happens to it. Still, it has all of the standard things like anti-phishing and you can download AdBlockers just like on Windows. Without a registry or large sections of system to infect, I will say that it should be difficult. Just be careful with your information like you would on your regular computer.<br />
<br />
One nice feature is automatic updates. Unlike the annoying Windows Update feature that eventually forces you to restart (often against your will), Chrome OS only updates on a restart of the system when you choose to.<br />
<br />
In the end, Chrome OS is something to be interested in if you just need basic access to the web or need a simple computer to come with you when you go somewhere. At $200, the hardware here is amazing, but any higher (as there are several different versions of this model and Chromebooks from other manufacturers) and you might consider a full-fledged laptop, tablet (particularly the Surface, iPad, or Nexus 7), or if you're willing to sacrifice performance, a good old netbook for your secondary computer needs.<br />
<br />
As a parting note, the entirety of this post was done on the Chromebook with no trouble at all. I was able to research it, type it up, find any images I needed, and post it.<br />
<br />
The Good: Fast performance, excellent battery life, keyboard feels excellent, low priced, fairly well made, good feature set for cost. </div>
<div>
<br />
The Bad: Requires internet for most functionality, no standard way to disable trackpad, Chrome OS limits you to web applications and Google services.<br />
<br />
Final Grade: A- (for myself), C+ (for non-Google service users) </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-84063719898317183772014-02-19T16:26:00.000-08:002014-02-19T16:26:43.698-08:00The Best Affordable High End Android Phone, Period: My Nexus 5 Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IMyH3wYsLc/UwVGdHN5PqI/AAAAAAAABHQ/bscuUuI0K6M/s1600/Nexus_5_Front_View.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_IMyH3wYsLc/UwVGdHN5PqI/AAAAAAAABHQ/bscuUuI0K6M/s1600/Nexus_5_Front_View.png" height="320" width="189" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Another year, another Nexus. It's been an amazing journey for the series. We're closing in on five years of Nexus and this year's Nexus could easily be one of the best. Let's get down to it then shall we?<br />
<br />
First off, while the Nexus 5 is still made by LG, it's vastly different in appearance. While the overall footprint of the Nexus 5 is similar to its predecessor, the Nexus 4 (5.43 x 2.72 x .0.34 vs. 5.27 x 2.70 x 0.36), the materials used to construct them are completely different. The Nexus 4 was made of plastic with glass coating both the front and the back. This gave it a weight of 4.9 oz and what most would describe as a premium feel. It was a fragile thing and there was several reports of breaking the back glass just like the iPhone 4/4s.<br />
<br />
The Nexus 5 forgoes this for a polycarbonate shell similar to the Nexus 7 2013 (which I will review later). My black version has a matte finish and its weight is 4.59 oz which worried me that it would be cheap. This is not the case though. The Nexus 5's body is rigid and sturdy with no signs of creaking. In the end, because of its slightly longer body and reduced weight, the Nexus 5 feels more balanced in the hand than the Nexus 4 did.<br />
<br />
The front of the Nexus 5 is consumed by the 4.95 inch (marketed as 5 inches) screen with a 1.3 MP front facing camera on the left, an inconspicuous ear piece speaker only slightly bigger than the front facing camera sits in the top center, the top right has well-hidden proximity and light sensors, and finally the now standard three color LED notification is hidden in the bottom center.<br />
<br />
On top you have a headphone jack and noise cancelling microphone. The left side contains the volume rocker while the right has the power button and micro-SIM card tray. On the back you have the Nexus word logo etched into the case with the 8 MP camera and flash on the top left. The bottom of the device has what looks like stereo speakers. In truth, it's a microphone port on the right and single loudspeaker on the left.<br />
<br />
Overall, first impressions of the device will leave most people underwhelmed. The device is fairly plain looking compared to the more gaudy Nexus 4. The curves are a bit sharper on the corners too which makes it a bit more angular in appearance. Still, I found the device's chameleon like appearance pretty nice. People often ask me what type of phone I'm using when they see it. The only issue I had was the matte finish is prone to smudges. However, they are wiped away pretty easily.<br />
<br />
Internally, the Nexus 5 packs the Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 chipset running at 2.26 GHz with the Adreno 330 running at 450 MHz. Little needs to be said about this chipset that hasn't already been done on many other sites. Simply put, it tears through everything. Everything from the loading apps, shutting down the phone, overall animations, and installing apps are smooth and quick. The Nexus 5 has 2 GB of LPDDR3 RAM at 800 MHz with a bandwidth of 12.8 GB/s compared to the LPDDR2 RAM running at 533 MHz with 8.5 GB of bandwidth in the Nexus 4. The significant step up in hardware is certainly worthwhile even for someone with the Nexus 4. However, those with Snapdragon 600 chipsets and other similar level processors won't find the upgrade that necessary.<br />
<br />
Aside from the processor, the Nexus 5 comes with all of the standard things you should expect in a high-end smartphone. It includes Bluetooth 4.0 LE, GPS, NFC, Barometer, WiFi with ac support in the 2.4 GHz range, etc. In addition, Slim Port support and Qi wireless charging returns from last year.<br />
<br />
New to this model are a few things missing in the Nexus 4 that I wanted it to have. The first is LTE support. The Nexus 4 only had LTE unofficially on Band 4 whereas the Nexus 5 has it on all the major American bands save Verizon's. I experienced LTE speeds roughly the same as my HSPA+, but with better latency. However, signal strength in my town is weak in my house (compared to full bars of HSPA+) and ultimately it consumed more battery because of it. Still, there's hope for potential tower upgrades and thus the phone is futureproof in this regard.<br />
<br />
The other additions I wanted was a 32 GB storage option and USB-OTG support. The Nexus 4's internals couldn't do OTG support without an external power source, but the Nexus 5 has no problem with this. However, although the phone recognized something had been plugged in, you still need a file browser from the Play Store in order to view what's on your OTG storage.<br />
<br />
I've already went into detail about Android 4.4.2 in another post, so I'll spare you that. The screen for the Nexus 5 is a 1080 x 1920 Full HD IPS screen with 445 ppi. Simply put, it's the best screen I've ever seen. The colors are very even with maybe just a little over-saturation. It's pretty much impossible to see any pixels at this high of definition. The clarity is really just that high. However, I think this might be the top end of what I'd be interested in so far as resolution. I don't think you can make the screen any clearer than this and any more will just push the processor harder for less battery. The screen is also made of Gorilla Glass 3 and is smooth and silky under my fingertips. Smudges on the screen are easily wiped away.<br />
<br />
The cameras on the other hand, aren't all that amazing. They are very good, but you're not getting the same level you would with a Galaxy S4 or iPhone. Outdoor shots with either standard shooting or the HDR+ mode the Nexus 5 has turns out solid shots as to be expected with the HDR+ shots showing better lighting. Indoors, things can take a hit. With no flash, regular shooting in normal indoor light has noise and a yellowish cast to it. Switching to HDR+ mode fixes the color, but the mode itself has to use a lot of post-processing to do it. Basically, it corrects the color, smooths the image, and reduces the noise.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E0eVxRd5MM/UwVHGvFmC6I/AAAAAAAABHY/_5q4b2hJjEo/s1600/IMG_20140219_162405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4E0eVxRd5MM/UwVHGvFmC6I/AAAAAAAABHY/_5q4b2hJjEo/s1600/IMG_20140219_162405.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shot taken with no settings or flash in regular indoor light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3WmUPsM55o/UwVHZqMNUjI/AAAAAAAABHg/_vD9T2KEvIQ/s1600/IMG_20140219_165956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A3WmUPsM55o/UwVHZqMNUjI/AAAAAAAABHg/_vD9T2KEvIQ/s1600/IMG_20140219_165956.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor shot taken with HDR+ on under normal lighting.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1MYvU1SS5U/UwVIMWV2jZI/AAAAAAAABHs/KYwDUmmXAFs/s1600/IMG_20140219_170223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U1MYvU1SS5U/UwVIMWV2jZI/AAAAAAAABHs/KYwDUmmXAFs/s1600/IMG_20140219_170223.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor shot with no settings or flash taken late afternoon.<br /><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaf88DCZW-Y/UwVIzM6ezbI/AAAAAAAABH0/FR-tYqJA71M/s1600/IMG_20140219_170251.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vaf88DCZW-Y/UwVIzM6ezbI/AAAAAAAABH0/FR-tYqJA71M/s1600/IMG_20140219_170251.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor shot taken with HDR+ late afternoon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The results with the flash are actually not too bad. I was expecting a washed out photo, but it's much more passable than I expected. The front facing camera is your standard 1.3 MP affair. It's good for the occasional selfie or video chat which is pretty much all they are good for anyway. Overall, the camera is pretty decent. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) the Nexus 5 and its sister phone the LG G2 appears to do a good job for low light photos. It's a much better step up from the Nexus 4, but Google still has a way to go with their cameras if they want to be at the top. A start would be updating their painfully bare camera app with more options.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk4kR-PanQ0/UwVJbWj6wkI/AAAAAAAABII/veNOqEcBdoA/s1600/IMG_20140219_170400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dk4kR-PanQ0/UwVJbWj6wkI/AAAAAAAABII/veNOqEcBdoA/s1600/IMG_20140219_170400.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor shot of Bat Bearry with regular settings and flash in low light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9f2u-VkyqVM/UwVJsL0stjI/AAAAAAAABIQ/AcLxmsC_nDs/s1600/IMG_20140219_170427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9f2u-VkyqVM/UwVJsL0stjI/AAAAAAAABIQ/AcLxmsC_nDs/s1600/IMG_20140219_170427.jpg" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Indoor shot of Bat Bearry with HDR+ mode in low light.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4AiAl_DSpY/UwVJ7fV2twI/AAAAAAAABIc/cdnAFgDAQHE/s1600/IMG_20140219_170127.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E4AiAl_DSpY/UwVJ7fV2twI/AAAAAAAABIc/cdnAFgDAQHE/s1600/IMG_20140219_170127.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your standard selfie with the front facing camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If there was one thing the Nexus 5 did terribly wrong though, it would be the loudspeaker. In an age when we're getting amplified stereo speakers on smartphones, LG opted for the weakest sounding speaker on a phone I've ever heard. Thankfully I wear my Pebble or I might not even realize the phone rang sometimes. Even worse, placing your finger over the speaker port nearly completely mutes it. This was poor design on Google and LG's part. Hopefully, the next Nexus will rectify this.<br />
<br />
In the battery and data speed department, the Nexus 5 runs above average. Data in my area can vary from 3 Mbps all the way to 20 Mbps depending on traffic. Ping speeds with LTE ran at about 33 ms with HSPA+ at about twice that, which is pretty normal.<br />
<br />
For battery, provided there are no background programs keeping the phone awake, the Snapdragon 800 is a real power sipper. I don't lose more than 1% an hour which is quite good. I've yet to give it the full range of tests, but I've not had any issues making it through a full day. I may update this in the future after I run some more tests. <br />
<br />
In the end, what puts this phone as the perfect package is the price. Since the tail end of the Galaxy Nexus' life, Nexus phones have gone for $350. My model costs $400 for the 32 GB version, but the 16 GB version still runs this pricing model. For the cost, there's really no better unlocked, no-contract phone. If you prefer a contract version, I'd say go for the LG G2. It packs the same specs and a better camera. Otherwise, you really can't beat this phone if you overlook the bad loudspeaker.<br />
<br />
The Good: Phenomenal price point, fast performance, great crystal clear screen, improves upon last year's version considerably, solid build quality, good battery life.<br />
<br />
The Bad: Weak loudspeaker, camera performance is average.<br />
<br />
Final Grade: AAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-74762340768616387782014-02-16T14:05:00.000-08:002014-02-16T14:05:09.899-08:00Product Review: The Pebble Smartwatch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo9WFnBWPGA/UwE1pbCBryI/AAAAAAAABG0/deeC12IP24U/s1600/799px-Pebble_watch_trio_group_04.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jo9WFnBWPGA/UwE1pbCBryI/AAAAAAAABG0/deeC12IP24U/s1600/799px-Pebble_watch_trio_group_04.png" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
After my mediocre experience with the second generation of Sony Smartwatch, I decided to wait for better smartwatches to come out. After seeing the ridiculous Galaxy Gear with its pitiful 16 hour battery life and the Cookoo and Citizen Proximity ignoring the fact that Android has Bluetooth 4.0 support, I decided to buy the Pebble.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, I've had my eye on the Pebble for a while. I almost bought it earlier, but videos of it made it look clunky and slow. It's really not. I almost went for the extra hundred dollars and bought a Pebble Steel, but after looking at the specs, it was no better than the regular version of Pebble except with a flashier presentation.<br />
<br />
First off, the Pebble's body is a rectangular thing which immediately stands out. I've already gotten several comments about it just based on its appearance. For me, it's just the right size for my wrist. Someone smaller and the watch might overhang, but most people shouldn't have any issues with it. It comes with a silicone strap. Some might find this a bit cheap, but it's really very comfortable to wear. I haven't really worn a watch in years and I find myself missing it when I take it off.<br />
<br />
The right side of the Pebble's body is devoted to three buttons: up, down, and an OK button (probably as best it can be described). The left side of the body contains a back button and the charging port. The Pebble uses a magnetic clip with a USB cord. This is the only other item in the box besides the watch. While it is a non-standard charging method, you can't really fault it that much since in order to achieve 5 atm for the watch, it had to be sealed completely. Since it is 5 atm, you should be able to go swimming or use it in the shower. However, I have not yet since I'm a bit leery about taking expensive electronics near water. Maybe in the future I'll see how it works.<br />
<br />
The Pebble uses an "e-paper" display, however it's more a transflective LCD than what you might see in a Nook. I doubt the Pebble can maintain an image on the screen without electricity like true e-paper technology does, but I digress. The screen's resolution is 144 x 168 giving it a pixel density of 139. It's certainly not crystal clear and monochrome, but this isn't some super watch. For what the display looks like and what the watch does, it's certainly passable. It's easily readable in daylight and it has a nice feature that a quick flick of the wrist turns on the backlight for night time reading.<br />
<br />
So what can it do? Well right now, Android is still waiting for the launch of the Pebble App Store, but the basic uses of the watch are to receive notifications (from your Calendar, Gmail, Email, Facebook, Messaging app, and more), control your music, tell time (obviously), use the alarm, and reject or accept calls. The Pebble is limited to a combination of eight watch faces and/or apps. Still, I was able to load a calendar app onto the Pebble and I've seen other apps for things like using the watch as a speedometer for biking, Google Maps, and a few other programs I don't use.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAMEovNWYoA/UwE12CGmpNI/AAAAAAAABG8/uXmVqg2FnF0/s1600/Pebble_watch_email_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EAMEovNWYoA/UwE12CGmpNI/AAAAAAAABG8/uXmVqg2FnF0/s1600/Pebble_watch_email_1.png" height="181" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A sample of an email sent to the Pebble (not my arm).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Overall, I've found it's use very good. I often run around at work with little time to check my phone in the instance of an important message or notification. With the Pebble, the watch gives me a pleasant vibration and the message remains on the screen until I dismiss it with the back button. In the instance of multiple notifications, you scroll through them with the up/down buttons. Multiple dots at the top of the screen indicate how many notifications you have. I'm not sure how many it can store before it is full so someone with more knowledge feel free to chime in on the comments section. When not in a notification, scrolling with the up/down buttons changes with the clock faces.<br />
<br />
Another plus is clock faces can be animated (at the cost of battery life) and every thing is done through the Pebble control app. Syncing with the phone was fairly painless on both my Nexus 4 and 5. I believe I only lost connection one time so far in the two weeks of owning it. In addition to helping the pairing process, the Pebble control app also allows you to download a few new watch faces by the company that makes the watch, test notifications to determine how they work, adjust which music player the music command controls, choose which programs can send notifications, act as a go-between for third party apps, and update the firmware. Updating the firmware is easily the nicest part of it as it doesn't require any technical knowledge or wired set-up. Everything is done through the app wirelessly.<br />
<br />
Battery life is pretty decent for the watch. I was hoping for a little more than I got, but it managed to eek out five days on the first charge and about five on the second as well. When the battery is getting low a battery icon appears at the top of the screen in the menu section (it never shows in the clock faces to remain unobtrusive). More daily notifications, animated clock faces, and using the backlight and alarm will drain the watch faster obviously. Charging from the computer tends to take about an hour to an hour and a half, but is not too long.<br />
<br />
So are there any downsides? Well a little. Navigating with the scroll buttons can be a bit of chore depending on the notification, battery life could be a bit better, and there needs to be more storage for apps. Also, notifications like emails that contain images and HTML show up as code. So those kinds of notifications you'll be grabbing your phone to figure out what's in it.<br />
<br />
Still, for all that it does and the story of its origins (the Kickstarter is still the highest funded project on the site), the Pebble is actually a triumph. It's a smartwatch cheap enough for anyone to purchase and useful enough to not regret buying it. It's still got some growing pains, but it's obvious from recent firmware updates, the Pebble Steel, and the app store that the company is dedicated to taking this smartwatch all the way. I recommend it for anyone considering a smartwatch, but remember it's not a do-all kind of watch. Instead, think of it as a notification hub and control center for your phone.<br />
<br />
The Good: Comfortable to wear, screen is visible in all conditions, maintains good connection, all updating and app transfer done wirelessly, backlight gesture is a great idea, water resistant to 5 atm, not too costly.<br />
<br />
The Bad: Battery life could be a bit better, scrolling larger notifications can be annoying, limited app storage.<br />
<br />
Final Grade: B+ Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-64821180568786313262014-01-06T16:50:00.001-08:002014-01-06T16:50:32.571-08:00Rapid Review vol. 2I'm taking a break from a little fiction writing to do a rapid review. Sometimes new isn't always better. A lot of times a newer product comes out and changes way too much about what you love about a product line. Sometimes a newer product does like Apple and doesn't introduce enough new features to be worth your time. A lot of what I buy are the last generation products going on clearance or at extremely cheap prices. Sometimes I buy things brand new if they're really worth it, but most of the time I'm either too poor or too pragmatic to bother with new products. Here's a few things I've picked up recently (and not so recently):<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>UE Mobile Boombox - Cost $50</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idR_S4qsb7M/UstOh2GzBYI/AAAAAAAAAu4/-EWfjOcoIUc/s1600/Logitech-UE-Mobile-Boombox-White-Blue.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-idR_S4qsb7M/UstOh2GzBYI/AAAAAAAAAu4/-EWfjOcoIUc/s1600/Logitech-UE-Mobile-Boombox-White-Blue.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ultimate Ears is a subsidiary of Logitech, after they were purchased by the company in 2008. The successor to the Logitech Mini Boombox, UE Mobile Boombox is a upgrade in several different areas. Compared to the Mini Boombox, it's a little bigger in pretty much all dimensions, but that's owing to a different design. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The design of the Mobile Boombox has been simplified with a rugged rubber exterior and simple three button system, which is just volume controls and a Bluetooth button for pairing. Gone are the touch sensitive controls on the top that were prone to scratching. However, in the process because of this, you'll no longer be able to control the tracks from the speaker itself. Such is the sacrifice of a modern design.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Still, the unit does sound pretty decent. Because of the larger body design, sound is not as treble heavy as before. Things are a little more balanced with the mids being more pronounced. Bass is about the same as before, which is to say, not much. Even though it lacks bass, the unit is so portable and cheap you can hardly fault it for not being on par with a Bose unit or other competitor.<br />
<br />
A couple of other features worth mentioning are a change from NiMH to Lithium-Ion battery. This will make standby times and off times much longer. Lithium battery have much better drain times when turned off than NiMH as I have pointed out before. As before, speaker phone capability is still here. Also, a change from mini-USB to micro-USB will help charging as any standard charger for Android or Windows Phone will do. (The unit does come with its own charger and cord.) Overall, worth purchasing, but pay no more than I did at $50 as the Bluetooth speaker market is saturated.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros</b>: Durable redesign, micro-USB charging, change to Lithium Ion battery, sound remains decent.<br />
<br />
<b>Cons:</b> Loss of track control on top of unit.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Grade</b>: A<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Philips O'Neill The Stretch headphones - Cost $30-$70</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gv5HWSPE84/UstOcnndoyI/AAAAAAAAAuw/h95CVLUU5TU/s1600/%2524T2eC16VHJIkE9qU3kIWBBRR2erRilQ%257E%257E60_57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_gv5HWSPE84/UstOcnndoyI/AAAAAAAAAuw/h95CVLUU5TU/s1600/%2524T2eC16VHJIkE9qU3kIWBBRR2erRilQ%257E%257E60_57.JPG" height="320" width="228" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
My favorite headphones are a pair of these. The O'Neill brand of Philips are a high end style of headphones that don't get nearly enough praise. Finding them in stores these days is pretty much near impossible with the likes of Monster, Bose, Beats, and every other brand you see nowadays, but you can still find them on eBay for a pretty low price.<br />
<br />
First off, these are some of the most comfortable headphones I've ever worn. I can wear these things for hours with no discomfort whatsoever. I'm a fan of over-the-ear headphones for their noise cancelling properties and these do the job admirably. They have no dedicated noise cancellation, but close off your ears enough to do a more than satisfactory job.<br />
<br />
Sound quality for the unit is impressive. We're not talking super high end and audiophiles may not take away the best experience, but the average user is going to find them great. Most of the sound is balanced, but bass will appear weak without some equalizer settings on your system of choice. In fact, one could say the sound is too balanced. You'll need to work with your equalizer settings depending on what type of music you listen to so you can find optimal quality. However, once you find the best balance for your personal taste, they sound excellent.<br />
<br />
Finally, build quality is phenomenal. The main piece connecting the headphones is made out of vinyl instead of plastic or metal so it's virtually indestructible. Seriously, I've tried twisting it into tons of shapes and nothing breaks it. You also have a woven cloth-like cord with a break point near the headphones so accidents don't tear the electrical wiring, but just detach instead. These are an excellent buy that I thoroughly recommend for those wanting a higher end pair of headphones without the higher end cost. Only drawback is they are somewhat large and don't fold so they're best suited to home use, plus they lack a mic so you're using these only for listening.<br />
<br />
<b>Pros</b>: Extremely comfortable, indestructible build quality, balanced sound.<br />
<br />
<b>Cons</b>: Don't fold up so best suited for home use, no optional mic.<br />
<br />
<b>Final Grade</b>: A-<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Thermos Element 5 Hydration Bottle - Cost $20 - $40</b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-crAEHrvcE/UstOlftfzEI/AAAAAAAAAvA/k32x3YU3ubA/s1600/p88365z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K-crAEHrvcE/UstOlftfzEI/AAAAAAAAAvA/k32x3YU3ubA/s1600/p88365z.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">A non-electronic review? Sure. I'm a on the go kinda guy and I like to carry some iced tea along with me. I spent a great deal of time pouring through various bottles going hit and miss. I landed on one bottle made by Thermos that was nice, but a design flaw had it leaking every time I took a drink. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Now there are a ton of thermos type bottles out there, but many have sipping tops meant for coffee. Since I'm not a hot beverage kinda guy, it took me a lot of time to find this bottle. After browsing through eBay and the web, I came across this guy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">First off, there is absolutely no leakage at period. The design of this is very rugged. From its stainless steel construction with hard plastic on bottom and top, it's about as durable as you can make it. A nice feature of the bottle is a loop with a carabineer so you can attach it to a backpack or even your belt loop if you want. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">In terms of insulation, I can say with certainty it holds up to its claim of 24 hours for cold liquid. It's rated for 6 hours of hot liquid, but as I haven't drank anything out it, I'll just assume its probably right. The opening for liquid is more meant for cold liquids anyway. The only thing I wished was the bottle held a little more liquid. At 22 ounces it's on the larger side, but I've had ones that were 24 ounces or more so it would be nice, but for the money you can't buy a better thermos built for life's travels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pros</b>: Durable, no leakage, carabineer for hooking to other items, cold insulation lasts as advertised.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Cons</b>: Could be a little larger, opening for drinking is better suited for cold liquid.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Final Grade</b>: A</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">That's it for this post. I'll be back sometime soon with more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-90302620313235984842013-12-31T16:51:00.001-08:002013-12-31T16:51:05.198-08:00A review of Android 4.4.2...Been away for a while. There's not been a lot of time to review things nor have I had much to review. I'll probably have another rapid review soon, but for the moment, let's take a look at Android 4.4.2.<br />
<br />
Note: I skipped over reviewing Android 4.3 because I thought it was really more incremental than essential. 4.3 can be basically summed up as Bluetooth 4.0 LE support, TRIM support, auto-complete in the phone dialer, some minor Bluetooth boosts, a few graphical tweaks, revamped camera app, and a lot of under the hood changes.<br />
<br />
Android 4.4 KitKat brings some of the most significant changes to the operating system since Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0. On the surface, the first thing you'll notice on stock Android is the removal of holo blue accents from the operating system. The designers for Android have stated that the holo blue actually interfered with a lot design aesthetics for the system and a switch to a more neutral tone helped bring out the apps instead of focusing on the OS UI.<br />
<br />
Personally, at first, I was apprehensive about the change. It took a long time for me to get used to the holo blue theme after becoming enamored with Gingerbread's green. Now, I'm being corralled to another style. Thankfully though, it's actually grown on me due to the semi-transparent notification and navigation bars. At first I thought this transparency would cause issues seeing the clock or buttons, but it didn't prove so. <br />
<br />
The only negatives I have with it is there are still some holo blue accents in the system. While the clock, navigation bar, quick settings toggles, and a few others have gone all white, you still have some suspiciously holo blue areas like the settings menu quick toggles for the Wifi and Bluetooth, plus a few random menus. (I will admit, as I'm on a custom ROM, either Google or the ROM developer has taken the time to remove the last of the holo blue accents from my version, but stock ROMs still have it to my knowledge.<br />
<br />
This UI polish has also gotten a healthy boost in performance from two areas: memory reduction and better 2D rendering. Project Svelte was introduced in 4.4 to make the OS run smoothly on hardware as low as 512 MB. While you won't see any upgrades to older chipsets outside of custom ROMs, this makes it easy for just about any newer hardware to take advantage of the new version of Android. This is more fragmentation combating to hopefully prevent OEMs from just slapping an old version of Android on their phones and calling it a day.<br />
<br />
Smoothness has been enhanced thanks to software vsync that helps predict usage ahead of the hardware vsync and I can attest to its benefits. Much like 4.1 made my Galaxy Nexus feel like a new phone, 4.4 did the same for my Nexus 4. There are a host of technical improvements so if you want to read about them from a former Google software developer, check out <a href="https://plus.google.com/+RomainGuy/posts/9QSTyVCSoz3" target="_blank">this link</a>.<br />
<br />
Before I mention any other features, I should mention Google has done a lot this release to shore up consistency. I mentioned in my Ice Cream Sandwich post that the OS seemed all over the place, with certain areas looking different from others. KitKat doesn't have much of this. Some things have been made similar like to add a calendar appointment you get this little clock you punch in your time. This was applied to the alarm clock section as of KitKat. A few other things were made consistent. The font is a little more streamlined, the ugly bold numbers in the lock screen clock and clock app have been made slim, and indicators in the navigation bar on the lock screen help you know to pull up Google Now or go to the camera.<br />
<br />
Moving on from the polish of the UI, the most changed thing in the OS is the dialer. The holo theme is almost completely gone here, replaced with a search bar at the top and you favorite contacts when you open the app. You have to push the dial pad button on the bottom to bring up the dial pad with a slick animation. Even on my custom version of KitKat there's still some holo blue in the dialer which shows Google still has a ways to go to remove the overarching theme of the past three releases.<br />
<br />
The dialer still has autocomplete like before, but Nexus 5 owners get the extra benefit of being able to search business phone numbers directly from the app and have a internet based caller id from Google Maps. I've tested it out on my phone, sideloading the app, and I can only hope they remove the exclusivity of it and bring it to all Nexus devices. Nexus 5 owners also get the Google Experience Launcher that is basically an extension of Google Now. It does have the nice feature, after installing offline language recognition in US English only, to be able to talk directly to your phone from the home screen and have it search for you. Doing a little sideloading on my Nexus 4 shows it works wonderfully even on my older hardware.<br />
<br />
Outside of that, the average user will take note of the wireless printing option in the settings menu. Unfortunately, I can't be of any assistance here, but I'm sure some will find it useful. There's also a Tap and Pay option baked directly into OS that seems to appear when the NFC chip is on. This was likely to stop pushing Google Wallet and put it directly into the OS. Whatever the case may be, I've only been able to successfully use NFC on my phone to pay for something when I had a Google Waller gift card. It never worked with my bank card to my dismay and I've never bothered to try again.<br />
<br />
There's a Document app that allows you to view photos, videos, and music. It's basically a stripped down version of a file explorer and I find it a waste. Even the most ad-ridden free file explorer is much better than this so just don't bother. For those with stock Nexus experiences, you'll see there's two gallery apps, one is the old school gallery app and the other is tied into Google+ called G+ Photos. Redundant for sure.<br />
<br />
Outside of all this, there is a lot of under the hood changes including APIs for native IR blaster support, sensor batching, step detection, and counters. Immersive mode is a feature that lets you remove the status and navigation bar in apps that you use it. You can get either back just by flicking from the bottom of the screen, but this has to be programmed in. It was first seen early on in the YouTube app which did something similar. You've also got the AOSP browser running Chromium engine instead of Webkit but nobody will notice this outside the support for HTML 5. Stock Nexus devices come with Chrome pre-installed anyway.<br />
Location settings have been separated into high accuracy (which is GPS, Wifi, and mobile networks all at the same time), battery saving (just Wifi and mobile networks), and straight GPS only.<br />
<br />
There are a few other minor things like being able to set your default SMS app, but the biggest one that most people won't deal with is the ART runtime. It's a feature buried in the developers section of the settings menu. This alone requires you to go into the status section of settings and click your build number 10 times just to get the developers menu anyway, so this really isn't for the faint of heart.<br />
<br />
Basically, ART runtime is the intended future for Android. In the early days of Android (Pre 2.2), things ran pretty crappy on the system and it was sluggish regardless of hardware power. Froyo introduced the Just-In-Time (or JIT for short) compiler. What it did was compile some of the apps code initially to help the app start and then compile what else was needed as you ran the app. Nowadays with high end hardware, JIT is more of a memory hog and a burden than a benefit. ART intends to change this by compiling the entire app from the time of installation (or a reboot when you see the "Android is upgrading" screen) to reduce CPU cycles and memory bloat. It's an experimental feature right now and doesn't work for all apps, but many people have reported getting much better battery life thanks to it. The trade off however, is longer installation times for apps.<br />
<br />
Overall, KitKat is great upgrade. It strengthens even the weakest hardware and makes the top-end hardware run great. I can attest that even without ART runtime, I get better battery life and a much smoother performance. Initially, I swore off the upgrade for a while because the custom ROMs were struggling a lot harder to get a stable version going unlike previous versions, but things have come along a lot more smoothly lately. I give KitKat two thumbs up and I think Android is going to be shaped more and more around Google Now in the future.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-32104537561184576292013-09-17T06:20:00.001-07:002013-12-31T16:58:24.527-08:00The iMpulse Bluetooth Controller review - A great first generation product <div class="MsoNormal">
Kickstarter has been something of a curiosity for me. I hadn't
backed anything on the site since for the longest time there really wasn't any
projects I cared for or were interested in. The first products I heard about
which finally piqued my interest were the Pebble Smartwatch and Ouya game
console. Obviously, they been completed and both were planning to make it big
time with actual retail support so I decided to start browsing around the site.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Finally, I came
across something interesting: the Impulse controller. The Impulse was a tiny
Bluetooth controller you could attach to your key-chain. I was interested, but
when I found out they had added new functionally in the form of a presentation
remote and key finder, I was stoked. I chose the silver metal version for $45
and placed my pledge in November of 2012. Nine months later and a host of
emails involving its progress, I received my controller. I thoroughly recommend you look through <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/852638998/impulse-game-controller-and-key-finder-pocket-acce" target="_blank">the Kickstarter page</a> and <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/852638998/impulse-game-controller-and-key-finder-pocket-acce/posts" target="_blank">its Updates section</a> as it shows the process of how the controller came to be and what it takes to manufacture something like this. A great read for those interested in how our electronics are made. There is also a <a href="http://www.impulsecontroller.com/" target="_blank">home page for the controller</a> which is like the Kickstarter page, but significantly simpler and less cluttered.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unfortunately, there was manufacturing defect with the first
controller. I contacted tech support for Black Powder Media and they sent out
another controller with apologies. The second controller, another of the full
metal variant, failed. I was discouraged, but I offered the company to pay for
another replacement. This time I chose just a plastic version. The company obliged
at no cost to me, impressing me with their concern. Thankfully, the defect
seemed to be in the batch of full metal variants and not the plastic one and I
was in business. Ultimately, my device failure helped the team as they have
told me they traced the issue and future controllers should not have the
problem mine had (the technical term is oscillating frequency failure or in
basic terms, my phone couldn't find the Impulse).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The packaging for the controller is economic containing only
the controller, sleeve, lanyard, charging cable, and the small cardboard slip
for the label. My version contains a certificate of authenticity for purchasing
the metal variant. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrOVZzQwUiY/UjhQk_ad2AI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Ckj5bxNvdK8/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZrOVZzQwUiY/UjhQk_ad2AI/AAAAAAAAAoY/Ckj5bxNvdK8/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" width="272" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The package for the Impulse controller as you would receive it (lanyard will not be attached like mine is).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcPSFryRoU8/UjhQoQgtH3I/AAAAAAAAAog/BK7KhTga1fI/s1600/IMG_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hcPSFryRoU8/UjhQoQgtH3I/AAAAAAAAAog/BK7KhTga1fI/s320/IMG_0051.JPG" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contents of package: Impulse controller with sleeve, charging cable, and lanyard. (Certificate of Authenticity is only for Kickstarter pledges).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Overall, the controller itself is not much bigger than the key
fob for my car. The triangular button and four face buttons light up. On the back,
you have the two triggers with the front four-way button having plus and minus
signs for presentation mode. Pairing the controller is simple. Merely holding
the triangle button for four seconds puts the controller into pairing mode
where I quickly found it in my Bluetooth settings.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The sleeve protecting the controller also functions as a
stand for your phone or tablet. However, I would not advise using it for
tablets due to the weight. It did work great for my Nexus 4 though. It also has
a spot resembling the triangle button on the sleeve, which makes it easier to
determine which way the controller goes in. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXqgnCwNHZI/UjhQqbO_TJI/AAAAAAAAAos/6jvuYiiv1wY/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CXqgnCwNHZI/UjhQqbO_TJI/AAAAAAAAAos/6jvuYiiv1wY/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Front view of the controller. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUQl3lWehyU/UjhQschAUcI/AAAAAAAAAo0/WW-VX41u-ak/s1600/IMG_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RUQl3lWehyU/UjhQschAUcI/AAAAAAAAAo0/WW-VX41u-ak/s320/IMG_0053.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rear view of the controller. The tiny hole acting as the "dot" in the web address is actually a reset button you can do with a paper clip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_o1Q-1Jttko/UjhQubXbPPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/XcDJmC5yNE8/s1600/IMG_0054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_o1Q-1Jttko/UjhQubXbPPI/AAAAAAAAAo8/XcDJmC5yNE8/s320/IMG_0054.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My certificate I received for pledging the metal variant of the controller.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDY9f2BILJ0/UjhQw3JoVXI/AAAAAAAAApE/kKvN2Df7shY/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PDY9f2BILJ0/UjhQw3JoVXI/AAAAAAAAApE/kKvN2Df7shY/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charging cable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX29WsXN4oQ/UjhQy3Iv15I/AAAAAAAAApM/kECFHbQ9Vtk/s1600/IMG_0056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JX29WsXN4oQ/UjhQy3Iv15I/AAAAAAAAApM/kECFHbQ9Vtk/s320/IMG_0056.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Impulse sleeve. Note the triangle button pattern at the top. This indicates which way the controller should go in.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After you connect the controller, you can download the
optional Impulsify program, which serves as an instructional manual and testing
for the buttons on the controller. A second and important program for Android
is the Find My Impulse program. This program only works when the controller is
not connected which happens when it sits too long idle or the triangle button
is pushed to lock the buttons. Once activated, the controller beeps loudly
allowing you to use it as a key finder. There was an occasion where I had to
trigger the alarm twice in order to make it work. My only guess would be the
controller was sleeping and had not fully “waked up.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzQ2jJCxKYM/UjhSsxA8PvI/AAAAAAAAApU/bSESVwcBWME/s1600/2013-09-16+13.32.17.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IzQ2jJCxKYM/UjhSsxA8PvI/AAAAAAAAApU/bSESVwcBWME/s400/2013-09-16+13.32.17.png" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A screenshot of the Find My Impulse program. This is all it is. Simply tap the screen and it sets off the alarm on the controller.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIcGIAmysRA/UjhSzsm6BgI/AAAAAAAAApc/T_I97meh6Pc/s1600/2013-09-16+13.32.43.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oIcGIAmysRA/UjhSzsm6BgI/AAAAAAAAApc/T_I97meh6Pc/s400/2013-09-16+13.32.43.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Impulsify program which serves as a manual, game recommendations, and testing program for the controller.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The controller’s ergonomics are not bad actually. Although
not as comfortable as my Red Samurai controller, the Impulse still works in a
pinch. The first thing I tested it on, obviously, was emulator support. My
favorite emulator, SuperGNES, works nearly flawless. The only minor quibble I
had was the lack of a button for Start/Select. I opted to use the on-screen
buttons for this, but hopefully a future revision of the hardware will add
another button since there is enough room for below the triangle button. Some
games though are tougher to play due to the small size of the controller.
Playing Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past where free form moving is easy, but
another puzzle game like Tetris or Zoop required more fine point control and this
is where I had some difficulty with it.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<strike>Unfortunately, outside of the basic functions and emulator
support, the controller lacks gamepad support that was built into Android 4.0+.
Even some of the games listed by the Impulsify app do not work properly. Granny
Smith only worked partially. The directional pad could control her cane, but
her jump did not work on any of the buttons. However, Black Powder Media did
release an API that developers could implement to use the controller with games
not working right now. They have also told me through my contact with them they
are going to provide a firmware update to customers at no charge, which will
enable gamepad support in the future.</strike><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As far as battery life goes, the Impulse goes the distance.
Black Powder Media opted to eliminate any circuitry to check the battery and
this allowed them to double the battery life of the controller. The controller
will warn you when you are down to about 3 days or so standby by blinking four
times. You can fast charge it for 10 minutes and get a few more days or go the
distance and do two hours for a full charge. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have so far been using the Impulse on and off for about a
week and have yet to see the low battery indicator light up. The company says
the battery life under standby conditions will be about three to four weeks. I
imagine sporadic use of functions with standby will last probably about two weeks,
which is very solid. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Outside of <strike>a lack of gamepad support and</strike> an additional button, the only thing bothering me about the controller was the lanyard. The lanyard seems weak and could easily break depending on circumstance. Upon contacting Black Powder Media, they told me the itself should be very strong, enough to actually break the plastic of the controller. What would break would be the metal clasp, but the company kept this considering it is better for it to break away as opposed to the plastic loop on the controller.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall, the controller is spot on <strike>and it does just about
everything it said it was supposed to with the minor exception of gamepad
support.</strike> While the controller isn't going to be as comfortable as a full size one, it still works when you just want to play for a bit like in a waiting room or on the bus. The basic black plastic version is going to retail for $25, which is a
solid deal considering it costs about as much as a basic Bluetooth headset and does a whole lot more.
This first version may have a few minor negatives, but it should not be of any
consequence when purchasing and future versions will likely iron out any
issues. You can <a href="http://www.impulsecontroller.com/storefront.php" target="_blank">pre-order a controller on the store</a> which should ship sometime in October 2013. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Final Grade</b>: A-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Pros</b>: Lightweight and small size, great battery life,
multiple functions, great for key finding and emulators, sleeve is great for
protection and a stand for your phone, gamepad support with firmware update.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Cons</b>: Lanyard clasp is a
bit weak, could use one more button to help emulators.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<i><b>Update: </b>Black Powder Media released a firmware update for the controller through their website. This instructions are simple to follow and the result gives gamepad support to the controller. I can attest that it works after testing games like Grand Theft Auto III with it. </i></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-5854703242454767732013-09-01T21:48:00.000-07:002013-09-01T21:48:26.937-07:00Accessories and Android - A terrible relationshipUnfortunately, I don't have any products to review at the moment. Times are tough and money is down. Even worse though, there's really nothing to review. Android has always been treated like a red-headed stepchild when it comes to accessory support. Some of the things I have managed to purchase like my Philips charging dock are really one offs. Seriously, go look in store for some docks with audio capability for Android. Find any? Yeah, didn't think so.<br />
<br />
I've found a few things here and there, mostly online. There's a <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/140942532118?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649" target="_blank">Rock Dock</a> from T-Mobile that I didn't know about, but it's pretty bare bones. Of course, the now discontinued Philips Fidelio line of docks are available on eBay for cheapish now. There are quite a few docks that actually exist, but unless you're familiar with eBay and some Google research, you may be getting something good or something horrible. More to the point, in store shopping is what I'm really getting at. There are occasions where I can only find something online, like a discontinued item or import item, but I typically like to do my shopping in store to ensure I'm getting something good.<br />
<br />
Now, do the same thing with Apple. You'll find at least a dozen docks in store from an equal amount of manufacturers. It's depressing to say the least. Apple does do something right and that's create a consistent product across generations. Aside from the 30-pin to lightning port change, one dock will work for just about any Apple product from the iPhone to the iPad to the iPod.<br />
<br />
But why shouldn't it for Android? Although Android doesn't have audio out through the charging ports like Apple, you figure there would be some market for these type of things. 99.9% of Android phones use micro USB and everyone charges their phones right? They all have Bluetooth. So why aren't we seeing more of these things? Surely, the dreaded fragmentation word isn't in play considering Apple is just as fragmented these days.<br />
<br />
Another example: I really like Citizen watches. They have something called Eco Drive which allows them to be powered by light. They never need a battery. It's a wonderfully amazing product line. Recently, they came out with a watch called Proximity. It uses Bluetooth 4.0 LE and is basically a low-end smartwatch with notifications and out-of-range function for your smartphone. However, <a href="http://www.citizenwatch.com/en-us/faq-category/proximity/" target="_blank">read their site and Citizen states</a> they have no Android version of their control program in the works. Really? In fact, you can't even find the watch on the official site anymore.<br />
<br />
Another cool smartwatch that I really want is the Cookoo smartwatch. Similar to the Citizen one, albeit much cheaper and requiring basic watch batteries, Cookoo doesn't appear to have anything in the pipeline for Android. There was a beta version that works for exactly one phone: the Samsung Galaxy S4. So, if you don't have that phone, you've got a basic watch that would only cost a fraction of the $130 asking price. This is even after Android 4.3 brought Bluetooth 4.0 support a month ago and their app was just updated two days ago so certainly someone is working on something.<br />
<br />
With about a billion devices out there, every one in seven people have an Android device. Yet, companies seemingly refuse to give the platform any accessory support. It's a sad notion indeed that even with raw market dominance across the world, manufacturers aren't willing to get behind Android for anything that isn't a case (and even that can be iffy, just try to find quality cases for the Nexus 4 among other phones). I can only hope as Android grows more unified and less fragmented (as it has been doing so lately very rapidly) manufacturers will start to embrace the platform and really give it some good accessories. I certainly hope so anyway because I'm damn sure not switching to Apple.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-69585097373227360752013-08-16T10:01:00.001-07:002013-08-16T20:26:54.890-07:00A powerful tablet at a rock bottom price - my Hisense Sero 7 Pro review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AojbxLZjjI/Ug13B-LSNrI/AAAAAAAAAfU/kcoPJMDqK3A/s1600/0082405600533_500X500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3AojbxLZjjI/Ug13B-LSNrI/AAAAAAAAAfU/kcoPJMDqK3A/s400/0082405600533_500X500.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I recently decided to buy my son a tablet for his birthday. Unfortunately, money has been fairly tight lately, so I needed to keep my tablet purchase under $200. I searched through dozens of tablets from various manufacturers to different sizes, specs, and price points. Finally, I chose the Hisense Sero 7 Pro and here's why:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A look at the hardware itself</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First off, a look at the physical appearance itself. The closest competitor in more ways than one is the Nexus 7 (2012 model). The Sero 7 Pro (S7P for short) is just a little taller and wider, but about the same depth. The S7P eschews the soft touch backing of the Nexus 7 for a much cheaper textured plastic. Most stock pictures show the back as being silver, but the reality is it's more of a copper or grayish-brown color. It's weight is certainly heavier, but that's because it packing several different features (more on that shortly).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
On the front you have your all black bezel and 7" 1280 x 800 resolution screen with a 2 MP front facing camera near the upper right. The right possesses the power button and volume rocker key. On top, you'll see the microphone, microSD, headphone jack, and mini HDMI port. Finally, the back has the stereo speakers (which are amazing loud and clear, by the way) and 5 MP camera with flash.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, it doesn't quite hit the build quality of the Nexus 7, but it's passable. You can feel the inside is a little hollow, but the back cover doesn't have that much give to it. I could not find any information about whether the screen is using Gorilla Glass and I'm not inclined to damage my son's new toy so be wary. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What's inside the tablet</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Internally, it's specs are almost identical to the Nexus 7. It packs the same 1.3 GHz quad-core Tegra 3 with 1 GB of RAM. It has all of the normal things you would expect from a 2013 tablet which includes Bluetooth 3.0, Wifi in a/b/g/n styles (both 2.4/5 GHz compatibility), NFC, GPS, light sensor, etc. Where the S7P differs from the Nexus 7 is in the following: the S7P actually has vibration (something I mentioned on my Nexus 7 review) and 8 GB of storage compared to the 8/16/32 GB that the Nexus 7 had. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The tablet comes with Android 4.2.1, and while it's a couple of updates behind, it's certainly not far out of touch like some products. Hisense has taken the minimalist path and there are very few modifications to the OS. There's a screenshot button on the navigation bar and a power saving mode toggle. That's about it. The tablet is bundled with a few pieces of bloatware, but surprisingly, most of them can be uninstalled. You're going to need it because out of the 8 GB of storage, only 5.2 is available to the user after formatting, installation of the OS, and whatever programs you can't uninstall.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Performance is very good for the tablet though. It performs on par with its counterpart, the Nexus 7. Reaction time is snappy and animations are smooth. For the most part anyway. The tablet still suffers the RAM bottlenecks that the Nexus 7 had. This is largely due to having only 1 GB of RAM and the slower clock speed on the RAM when compared to more modern chipsets like my Nexus 4.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One severe defect I noticed was for some reason, trying to use the "power saving" mode in the power saving menu caused soft reboots. Soft reboots are where the OS is still loaded and just basically restarts. They're quicker than a full reboot, but they're still indicative of a problem somewhere in the code. I've switched it to balanced and haven't suffered any more of them lately. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The battery for the tablet is a 4,000 mAh Lithium Ion which comes in a bit smaller than the larger one in the Nexus 7. Still, during operation the battery holds up well and likely meets the claim made on the box of 10 hours. Standby time, however, falls short. Over the course of 12 hours, the tablet lost probably around 8 percent of its battery where my Nexus 7 only lost half that. Bear in mind, my Nexus 7 is running a custom ROM and kernel so this may impact its battery life. Still, depending on use, you'll likely charge it every other day unless you turn it off between uses. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The camera bears mentioning since the original Nexus 7 only included a 1.3 MP front facing camera and the S7P includes both a 5 MP rear and 2 MP front. Unfortunately, camera quality is average to below quality depending on location. The rear camera activates with an audible click when starting up the app. Shots outdoors with the rear camera looked passable when scaled back, but zoomed in you can see jagged edges and grainy details everywhere. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Camera performance</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVOsQUqEduQ/Ug5UYcJdW4I/AAAAAAAAAf4/qUIkr_obxkw/s1600/IMG_20130816_122645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SVOsQUqEduQ/Ug5UYcJdW4I/AAAAAAAAAf4/qUIkr_obxkw/s400/IMG_20130816_122645.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shot taken of my car with rear facing camera in daylight.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, the front facing camera suffered poorly, even more so than you would expect for a 2 MP camera. Images lack detail, suffer jagged edges, and have a cloudy, hazy effect to them.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itwAyVzUyHo/Ug5UTI3ZA0I/AAAAAAAAAfw/kpjaIMAaptM/s1600/IMG_20130816_122703.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-itwAyVzUyHo/Ug5UTI3ZA0I/AAAAAAAAAfw/kpjaIMAaptM/s640/IMG_20130816_122703.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My ugly mug testing out the front facing camera in daylight.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Indoors, the formerly passable quality really takes a hit on both cameras. The rear facing camera looks sufficient for basic images, but the noise on the photo is really turned up here. Also, in darker circumstances, the flash and focus sometimes get a little off leading to unusable pictures.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0elFM7enedg/Ug5UYPfol-I/AAAAAAAAAf8/cmiJumNIUsE/s1600/IMG_20130816_122756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0elFM7enedg/Ug5UYPfol-I/AAAAAAAAAf8/cmiJumNIUsE/s640/IMG_20130816_122756.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taken in my son's bedroom, Bearry the bear seen posing. Using rear facing camera with no flash.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Front facing photos inside are completely worthless without sufficient light. A shot taken again in the same room with a florescent light and some natural lighting from behind looks cloudy, lacks detail, and has the same obvious noise that the rear camera had.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GSD58Evbu0/Ug5UM1SeReI/AAAAAAAAAfo/OJjBDDTjpwI/s1600/IMG_20130816_122457.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4GSD58Evbu0/Ug5UM1SeReI/AAAAAAAAAfo/OJjBDDTjpwI/s640/IMG_20130816_122457.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myself, barely seen in this bad photo from the front facing camera.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
If you're taking photos outdoors in the daytime, you should be fine with the results, but for anything else, you're better off grabbing your smartphone or point-and-shoot camera. Bear in mind, while this is 4.2.1 on the tablet, it lacks photosphere in either camera, if you're into that sort of thing.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Conclusion</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the whole, it's a very good tablet for its price of $129 exclusively at Wal-Mart stores. While the 5.2 GB of usable space might be a no go for some people. You can still supplement that with a microSD card. I've yet to test the mini HDMI port so I'll have to do an update on this in the future. Some of the features in the tablet, like haptic feedback, were pleasant surprises I didn't expect. Overall, if you're not trying to keep up with the Joneses then this tablet will suit you just fine. If you're looking for a more updated software experience then the Nexus 7 (2013 model) is a better choice for around $230-270. <a href="http://androidspin.com/2013/08/01/android-4-3-will-be-coming-to-the-sero-7-pro-this-fall/" target="_blank">Hisense has stated they will update to 4.3 in the fall</a>, but only time will tell. They have sent out a minor update which was basically just some bug fixes and under the hood type stuff. If you're looking for premium, well, you'll be going with the iPad Mini at $329+ depending on model. For comparison's sake, you could get 3 Sero 7 Pros for the cost of one 32 GB iPad Mini. Your mileage and opinions may vary on which is the better deal.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
In closing, I think the Sero 7 Pro is a very good bargain for its price. It's not for the spec hounds or tech heads, but any regular joe will find considerable value out of this package. If you have any questions, post them in the comments section below.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pros: High end specs for a cheap price, decent build quality, Android 4.2 installed, more features than the Nexus 7 (2012 model), good performance.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Cons: Inferior camera performance, minor reboots when using power saving mode, only about 5 and a half GB user space.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Final Grade: B+<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-10043291877781817582013-08-04T19:24:00.000-07:002013-08-04T19:24:12.818-07:00Motorola Moto X: Overhyped and Under-delivered <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLDDg4-JmkE/Uf7XwHPxPvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/fm_K7tb366o/s1600/MotoX-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aLDDg4-JmkE/Uf7XwHPxPvI/AAAAAAAAAfA/fm_K7tb366o/s400/MotoX-10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So it's finally arrived, the much vaunted X phone that has been rumored since shortly after Google purchased Motorola. For the last two months or so, a constant flood of rumors and leaks have taken a lot of the thunder out of the reveal. Much of the hype came from the customization rumored for the phone. However, ultimately, there just isn't much to be interested in.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Let's just start off with the phone itself. The Moto X borrows a lot of design cues from its main rival, the LG Nexus 4. Overall, the basic shape is the same. The X is slightly shorter and not as wide which makes the screen dominate the phone and eliminates a notification light. The back, however, has a rounded shape which according to most people who've played with it, is very comfortable to hold. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Internally, the Moto X comes with the X8 processor system on a chip designed by Motorola. It claims to have two CPU cores, a natural language processor, contextual processor, and a quad-core Adreno 320 GPU. The reality is it's just a modified Snapdragon MSM8960T. It does have more similarities to the Nexus 4's S4 Pro APQ8064 and the newer Snapdragon 600, but let's not kid ourselves here: there's nothing revolutionary about the phone's specs. Everything else is merely passable in the smartphone wars: 720p screen, full compliment of modern versions of things like Bluetooth and GPS, 2200 mah battery, etc.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So what's the big deal? Well, the customization, camera, and software modifications. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The customization early on was rumored to be like what we have with laptops and PCs: the ability to adjust nearly everything internally such as processor, RAM, storage, etc. What we got was the ability to choose a backplate, accents, frontplate, engraving, and a few minor things like wallpapers. That's it. Is it awful? No. It's a step in the right direction towards moving other manufacturers to make more customizations, but it's not the same level of customization that the computer market has.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The camera is supposed to have Clear Pixel technology which is a sensor that allows more light for better pictures. On paper, it looks like it will, but I'll need to see comparisons in the future to determine if this is true. The software mods are somewhat interesting, but nothing revolutionary. The big things were "always-on" microphone that allows you to talk the phone like you would Google Glass without even touching it, capitalizing on the AMOLED screen technology to deliver notifications, and the quick gesture to open the camera. That's it. Everything else is pretty much stock Android 4.2.2. Not even 4.3.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So overall, the phone does break a little new ground, but it's really more against other manufacturers than something the consumer should jump for joy over. I'll admit, it is a good step in diversifying yourself in a market flooded with Samsung and Apple. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The biggest problem isn't the phone itself, it's the usual politics that follow it. Motorola isn't going the Nexus route initially and selling on the cheap. It's going through the carriers which under normal circumstances is fine, but we're seeing exclusivity again. AT&T will get not only the phone first, but the option for Moto Maker first to customize your phone (the phone without customization is 16GB and black or white only). The Galaxy S4 was such a huge hit not just on specs or recognition, but due to the fact that it was available on every carrier at almost the exact same time with no exclusivity to it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Even worse, Motorola expects consumers to pay $199 for an on contract price. This leads most to believe that off contract prices are going to be near $600. Aside from the exclusivity and the fact that it may take time for Moto Maker to trickle out to the general public, this is largely the issue that's going to make or break the Moto X. The general consensus on the web is that the Moto X just isn't a high end phone. It has no specs that meet or beat the current high end market. This combined with the fact that it is competing directly with the extremely cost friendly Nexus 4 is going to lead to disaster. Motorola says an unlocked Google Play Edition and a "cheaper" variant will be coming soon. The big question is: what are they going to reduce from an already mid-range spec device to make it cheaper and why should the public bother?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If there's one more nail in the coffin, it's this: the Moto X is only going to be available in the USA. Yep, Motorola's big comeback is only going to be available to a market of 300 million people as opposed to the 7 billion that are on the planet. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In short, Motorola is marketing the experience as opposed to the hardware. That's right, they're trying to take a page from Apple on this one. The problem is they don't have the rabid, backbone following nor the charisma. This is only going to spell disaster for the company. Although jingoistic notions of "assembled in the USA" are heartwarming to say the least, Motorola is marketing to a virtually non-existent following who live in America, will buy anything American, and have way too much disposable cash. Good luck finding all those customers, even with the $500 million advertising Google is going to funnel you. Hopefully, they'll learn from their mistakes on this one and do better next time...if they're still around. We all know how Google likes to give the ax to projects. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-21719322246910521432013-07-03T20:09:00.001-07:002013-07-03T20:09:27.093-07:00Rapid Review volume oneI was going to call this another Accessories Galore title, but I realize at least one item isn't an accessory, so I've decided to call it Rapid Reviews since they're mostly bite size three to four paragraph reviews on various things. Also, nothing here is exactly specific. A lot of what I review are things I purchase on clearance or on sale at various places. However, the majority of it will be tech related considering that's my niche. Starting off...<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Philips GoGear Mix 4 GB MP3 Player</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-em_mQLhuh4w/UdPFntZMMwI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ubRWUbWroG8/s600/SA3MXX04K_37-RTP-global-001_lowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-em_mQLhuh4w/UdPFntZMMwI/AAAAAAAAAbU/ubRWUbWroG8/s320/SA3MXX04K_37-RTP-global-001_lowres.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
MP3 players haven't been on my itinerary since I made a push towards smartphones and integrating all my tech into one device. However, I did come across this little guy in the clearance section of Meijer's for $7.50. Because of its extraordinarily cheap cost, I figured what the hell. So how is it?</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, surprisingly good. I have quite a few good experiences with Philips products in the past (barring the abysmal Fidelio app for Android) and I'm happy to say that the GoGear Mix excels in the most important aspect: sound quality. Indeed, even with my cheap JVC Flats headphones, the results are very full with the aptly named Full Sound boost on and the volume near max. It also has an FM Radio and voice recorder built in as well which adds to the value of it. Adding songs was as simple as drag and drop which means it can also function as a flash drive in a pinch. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The screen is easy to read and displays a multitude of information including song title, album title, artist, battery life, and more. The screen obviously doesn't allow for album artwork, but that's not a knock against this little player considering its stripped down nature. Another thing I loved was the simple popping the cap off to not only add music, but charge as well. This relieves me of having to keep another charger/cord on hand. The battery life is rated at 13 hours and this is about right (a newer model has twice the battery with about the same features).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only gripes I have are the lack of a clip to hold it on a shirt or pocket and the recently played function never seems to work. I also had the device freeze up once requiring me to hit the small reset button on the back, but on the whole the player is stable. There is also no memory expansion, but 4 GB should provide around 700-900 songs which can be anywhere between 30-60 hours of music depending on length and size of files. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, if you're looking for a bare-bones cheap player for yourself or a family member this is it. It's small, simple, and good sounding. Mine was 75% off, making it $30 retail which is what you can find it for on <a href="http://www.ebay.com/itm/Philips-GoGear-Mix-4GB-MP3-Player-SA3MXX04-4-Colors-/350739596555?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item51a9b5850b">eBay</a> right now. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Simple and effective player, very cost effective, decent battery life, FM radio and voice recorder are bonuses, no messy cords to deal with, excellent sound for cost.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: No clip, Recently played function never works correctly, no memory expansion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: A-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Logitech Wireless Boombox </b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Flz4ZwYOBRU/UdRSyYkHuHI/AAAAAAAAAbk/AuCwcgU9YR4/s1500/81k+7UzBJhL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Flz4ZwYOBRU/UdRSyYkHuHI/AAAAAAAAAbk/AuCwcgU9YR4/s320/81k+7UzBJhL._SL1500_.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Here's a beast I've been wanting ever since I seen it hit clearance at Target. Much like my Mini Boombox I wrote about in an earlier post, this is an older model of wireless boombox by Logitech (it has since been replaced by the UE Boombox). I managed to get this on the cheap after waiting it out at Target for $60. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
First off, it's a bit unwieldy to say the least. Not that I don't like the design, truthfully I think it's a nice curvy design that I prefer. However, while this is wireless and powered by a battery for on the go, this isn't like the Mini Boombox that fits easily inside a backpack. This speaker is really more designed for around the home or perhaps a camping trip.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Disregarding that however, this speaker sounds phenomenal. The sound is crystal clear across the board with no muddy sounds or distortion at higher volumes. It has solid bass response without going overboard. I've read that the bass can vibrate the foot (the little pop out stand in the back), but I've yet to personally experience this (probably because I don't max the speaker all the time). Like its little brother, sound trends a little more towards the treble which I prefer for listening to lyrics in my songs. Pairing was also very simple and quick. With two tweeters, two woofers, and four passive radiators, this thing is a lot of bang for the buck even at twice the cost which is generally what you find it for on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005KQ2O26" target="_blank">Amazon</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are a few downsides to the speaker though. First off, it uses a proprietary connector like you find on most stationary electronics. This means you're not going to be charging it with your cell phone charger unless you have some sort of adapter. The battery is rated for 6 hours and I assume that's correct. However, I'll have to do more extensive testing to determine if that's right. The battery is Nickel-Metal Hydride instead of the more popular Lithium Ion/Polymer variants. While NiMH batteries can contain nearly the same level of power as Li-Ion for size, they rapidly lose charge, often losing the entire charge within the span of a month of non-use so you'll want to either keep it charged or charge it before you head out to ensure good battery life. Thankfully, the battery is replaceable unlike the Mini Boombox and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-984-000181-984-000134-984-000135-Rechargeable/dp/B007NCNR7G/ref=pd_sim_sbs_cps_3" target="_blank">retails for $11 on Amazon.</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Finally, like the Mini Boombox, this speaker doesn't come with a case to hold the speaker, power supply, and aux cable. Unlike the Mini Boombox, this thing is so large that finding a case is going to be difficult. There's <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Original-Carrying-Bluetooth-984-000181/dp/B007QZXLPS" target="_blank">an official case on Amazon</a> for about $20, but they're scarce, so I'll probably have to improvise like I did with the Mini Boombox.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Excellent sound quality, great value for cost, battery is replaceable and cheap, easy to pair.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Proprietary charger, NiMH battery loses charge faster than Li-Ion, difficult to find a case for.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: B+</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Motorola Digital Photo Frame (Model: MF601)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ov9b_tjLs/UdTeLnKYJcI/AAAAAAAAAb0/AtzFesPXktc/s410/14388692.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-d2ov9b_tjLs/UdTeLnKYJcI/AAAAAAAAAb0/AtzFesPXktc/s320/14388692.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Another deal I found from Target, this little frame cost $15. It's a 6" 480 x 800 pixel screen. One of the features that drew me to it was the calendar/clock function in addition to presenting photos. Setup takes a little work with the directional pad, back, and home buttons on the base, but isn't too difficult. The frame also uses a standard CR2032 battery to maintain the time in case power is lost which is a nice, but not essential feature. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pictures displayed are crisp in comparison to most digital photo frames which tend to have resolutions of 480 x 234 (or nearly the same as the 4.3" PSP game system). Colors are accurate, but contrast seems too high. A minor feature that's almost unnoticeable is a light sensor that adjusts brightness depending on the light in the room. It's a unique feature I haven't seen in any other digital photo frames as far as I know. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are a couple of negatives though. First off, the pictures themselves need to be in the corresponding orientation. Trying to display a landscape photo in portrait mode causes the frame to cut off a great deal of the photo providing you a zoomed in view of one section. Even some portrait pictures will suffer this fate depending on how large they are. Overall, the frame has poor scaling. Aside from that, there's no accelerometer so any switching between modes must be done manually.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, this photo frame is decent for its cost (<a href="http://www.target.com/p/motorola-6-ultra-thin-lcd-digital-photo-frame-with-calendar-black-mf601/-/A-14388692" target="_blank">normally around $50</a>). The SD card slot holds up to 32 GB which is tens of thousands of photos. Its thin profile helps it fit just about anywhere provided you can overlook a couple of minor things.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Slim design, hi-res screen compared to similar competitors, calendar/clock option to go with photos, automatic brightness adjustment, up to 32 GB card sizes, battery backup for clock.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Contrast is high, scales photos poorly at times, no accelerometer, may be considered small to some people.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: B</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's it for now. I'll be back sometime soon with some more things I find lying around stores. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-61271376604428625202013-05-26T17:25:00.002-07:002013-05-26T17:26:43.754-07:00Xbox One...possibly the worst "gaming" console in historyMicrosoft is arguably the most unscrupulous, corrupt, monopolistic modern company out there these days. That's really saying something when you compare it to Apple's bullying lawsuit tactics, Google's potential privacy violations, and just about anything Big Oil is doing. MS has been on an odd up and down streak for a while. They do something decent and then follow it up with something disasterous. A good example is following up the wildly successful Windows 7 with the drastic, highly polarizing changes of Windows 8.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So when rumors began floating around about the sequel to the Xbox 360, I pretty much figured things were going to get hairy. First off, let's not even get into what was actually announced or specs or drawbacks. Let's just do a comparison between the appearance of the 360 to the One.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Be--zUi-oE/UaG-TyrP-vI/AAAAAAAAATY/kfmZ6xklkWQ/s1600/microsoft-xbox-one-4918_610x407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1Be--zUi-oE/UaG-TyrP-vI/AAAAAAAAATY/kfmZ6xklkWQ/s320/microsoft-xbox-one-4918_610x407.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avTtnkeTTk4/UaG-WmoEtFI/AAAAAAAAATg/l6O7vkFMtlo/s1600/Xbox-360S-Console-Set.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-avTtnkeTTk4/UaG-WmoEtFI/AAAAAAAAATg/l6O7vkFMtlo/s320/Xbox-360S-Console-Set.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
That's the One at top. No, it's not a CD player from the 1980's or the Philips CD-i, that's the actual console. Compare it against the 360 Slim. The new model 360 isn't the pinnacle of art, but it's more modern looking and has the nice touch of actually telling you its name. How nice of it. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So right off the bat, this console isn't something you're going to be showing off to your friends. How about specs though? Surely this thing must be powerful right? Well yes and no. Comparing it against the 360, the One would thoroughly thrash its predecessor. It packs an eight core processor, 8 GB DDR3 RAM shared between the system and the Radeon GPU, Blu-Ray drive (finally followed Sony's lead eh?), 500 GB hard drive, and support for 4K video output and 7.1 surround sound. Pretty good? Well, not so much when compared to the Playstation 4. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k86PCCuxg7E/UaHBdnYz-8I/AAAAAAAAATs/lBQQze-xhHc/s1600/microsoft_one_ps4_reaction.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k86PCCuxg7E/UaHBdnYz-8I/AAAAAAAAATs/lBQQze-xhHc/s400/microsoft_one_ps4_reaction.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
This is a comparison sheet of the Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Playstation 4. As you can see, Playstation 4's GPU is about 33% more powerful and its system memory is over twice as fast and has nearly three times the bandwidth. The really depressing part about it is the chips are fundamentally the same in most ways. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So maybe the specs aren't top notch? That didn't stop the Playstation 2 from dominating its generation even when more powerful systems arrived. Surely, it can't all be bad. No, in fact, it gets much, much worse. Let's go play by play on the announcements for this system:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>All games must be installed to the hard drive - </b>PC gamers have dealt with this for years, but consoles should be simple. Installation only happened on the PS3 because of the slow read speed on the Blu-Ray drive. Newer drives are three times faster so there's no reason installation needs to happen.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>The hard drive is non-removable - </b>Eh? So in addition to forcing me to install games onto the hard drive, I can't even replace it if it gets full. The only "bright" side is that the console will allow you to attach external hard drives over USB 3.0. However, you'll likely need to have a 7200 rpm minimum or I'm guessing you'll potentially have latency issues during gaming. Not sure on this so I'll have to do a little more research.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>You're forced to have the console connected to the internet at all times - </b>Microsoft says the console needs the internet for the best experience possible. They say the console only checks for internet connection once every 24 hours. They also go on to say that single player games will be unaffected if you lose your connection...until, you know, it tries to validate your connection later. Then, you're screwed. Lots of bullshit double talk here.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>The Kinect is required to be connected and remains listening at all times - </b>Microsoft says the Kinect can be turned off by the user but is always listening even when turned off so you can give it voice commands. Once again, double talk. Something is or it isn't when it comes to basic equipment. We're not talking quantum mechanics here. The sheer fact that you have to have the Kinect is annoying enough.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>The word on used games is a clusterfuck - </b>Used gaming has been the apparent bane of the gaming industry. How dare consumers sell and resell things they have bought for themselves? As we all know, used cars nearly destroyed the automobile industry. No, wait, they didn't. So what did Microsoft do here? Well, approximately the same thing they did in the PC gaming industry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Now, those games that you have installed are locked to your account. So while you could theoretically go to a friend's house and install your game and play with them, if you log out of the account, they're stuck with several GB of worthless data. So how would one even deal with used games? Well, details are sketchy at this point, but it's rumored that you will be able to sell your rights to say Gamestop and a certain percentage of the used game sales with go to the developers (more likely MS though given their greed). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
They've also said once the game is installed on a friend's console, they could buy it at a reduced cost, effectively as it is used. The cost? No one is saying yet till E3 this year. Rumors have even said it will be full price. What it all amounts to? The gaming industry is trying to destroy Gamestop and used games. Is it legal? Well, perhaps. It's hard to say what one classifies games as. Are they considered computer software or are they considered forms of entertainment like movies? If they are the former then yes it's legal as computer software is exempted from First Sale Doctrine (a legal reason people can sell their belongings to others without intervention by outside forces). If it's the latter however, and games are included in First Sale Doctrine, boy oh boy are the lawsuits going to come flying. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There are other pet peeves with the Xbox One I have are mostly minor and not worth mentioning. Basically, the system is more of an entertainment system than a gaming console. What does it amount to? Microsoft is trying to grasp on to the digital entertainment market long since cornered by Apple, Google, and Amazon. Their PC market is shrinking rapidly and adoption rates of Windows 8 and Phone are abysmal. Are we seeing the beginning of the end of Microsoft? Unlikely, but potentially possible. Android is now showing up on laptops and Google's software is tightly integrated with its environment and costs significantly less than say Office. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
All in all, Microsoft has seemingly gone out of their way to make the process of owning a gaming console as painful as possible. Is there a reason why? Well, my contemplation was the change from PowerPC architecture in the CPU to x86-64. I assume they are expecting people to hack the console and basically steal games by buying them, installing them, and returning them. And they're are right. It's going to happen, but only BECAUSE they chose this route. A gaming console should be as simple as turning it on, inserting a disk, and playing till you're too tired to see. The Xbox One is not a gaming console. As a journalist put it, it's the equivalent to Howard Hughes' Spruce Goose. Welcome to the next crash in the gaming industry.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-28338679693916762212013-05-11T20:38:00.000-07:002013-05-11T20:38:11.124-07:00A look at the PS Vita...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65bSQniCHJI/UY8M9IvNg3I/AAAAAAAAARw/bZ5PHcS-AzM/s1600/vita-review-us8175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-65bSQniCHJI/UY8M9IvNg3I/AAAAAAAAARw/bZ5PHcS-AzM/s320/vita-review-us8175.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This is a re-post and modified version of a review for my PS Vita</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Looking at the system initially, the overall shape of the Vita is much rounder than its predecessor the PSP. The dimensions of the Vita are just a little bigger in every way compared to the PSP. The weight of the Vita (3G version for this post) is pretty the same as the original PSP. However, it feels lighter in the hand owing to the larger size (creating greater weight distribution) and a lack of a metal chassis. It's very shiny and extremely prone to smudges. It lacks any coating to prevent smudges so bring a cleaning cloth. You're going to need it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For space accommodation, the Vita does a very good job with what it has. The dual joysticks only stick out about a quarter inch from any other button. Obviously, the large 5" touch screen takes up the majority of the front. Aside from the joysticks and screen, the left side of the front contains the standard directional pad and the Playstation button which serves as the equivalent of the home key from the PSP. This button also glows blue when in standby and orange when charging. On the right side you have the Start, Select, and standard four button set found on all Playstation products. This is where I run into a bit of issues. The four button set feels very cramped (though they have great feedback) and playing for extended periods of time can really hurt. The Start and Select button are placed awkwardly below the shape buttons making them difficult to get at when you're playing a game. I personally feel they would have been better suited below the screen like the PSP. There's certainly plenty of bezel to work with. There's also a 0.3 MP camera cleverly placed above the shape buttons. It's built into the system and covered with the glossy plastic so there's no risk of scratching the camera directly.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On the top rim you have the Power, Volume Keys, card slot for games, shoulder buttons, and output for accessories. The power and volume keys appear to be made of metal and look very striking on first glance. Both the accessory and game slot ports have covers which I appreciate at it keeps them dust free. The shoulder buttons are clear and have excellent feedback. They really feel like controller buttons. Overall this area is very well thought out.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The left side and bottom edge contain the SIM card slot on the left (only on the 3G model), headphone jack, microphone port, charging port, and Vita storage card slot. There's not much to say here, but I'm still disappointed in Sony with going with a proprietary card as opposed to the norm. There's no reason you couldn't have a regular microSD card here. The only reason they are doing it is because the Vita is selling at a loss and the cards help recoup costs. On the back side you have the rear 0.3 MP camera, the touch pad which takes up most of the space, and two oval shaped indentations. The indentations are meant as spots for your hands to hold the Vita so you don't disrupt the rear touch pad during gaming. However, in my experience, this made hold the Vita much harder. It's true you can play like this, but this just hastens the cramping of your hands.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall I'm giving the physical design of the Vita an 8.5. I'm taking points off because of the cramped shape buttons, placement of the start and select, and overall smudginess of the glossy plastic.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Turning the Vita on, you're greeted with the ultra colorful OLED screen. This is definitely one of the best selling points of the handheld. The Vita's extremely responsive touch screen is used to navigate the "bubble" style menus. You'll see some nods here and there to Android in the appearance. I'll admit I was leery at first of the bubble style they chose. I thought the XMB system the PS3 and PSP had was wonderful, but that wouldn't take advantage of the touch screen and I suppose diminish the system somewhat. Still, it works wonderfully.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Flipping between the home screens is fast as is opening menus. The qHD screen shows fine level details on everything. The ability to stop what you are doing by pressing the PS button and navigating to something else on the fly is excellent. However, some elements of the system seem very counter intuitive. For instance, there's no way to navigate or find files on the system itself, nor can you just plug and play. Instead, you're forced to use a program called content manager to do mundane tasks. Also, there's no way to determine exactly how much battery life you have, only a rough estimate based on the little icon at the top. None of these things are unfix-able In fact, a software update would take care of them so I'm not too frustrated, but I would like to know what exactly is using up my memory card.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, the replacement for the XMB is pretty passable. However, it is the one time I was hoping the OLED wasn't there. Even on the lowest brightness setting, the colors are almost painful to the eye. Still, the new menu system works and is very stable. Giving it an 8, more if Sony updates the system some.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Internally, the quad core CPU and GPU are a beast of a combination. There's been no word on frequency sets, but the chipset listed runs from 800 MHz to 2 GHz. I'm betting it's running at 1 GHz right now, with some options to increase later on like they did with the PSP. The 512 MB of RAM and 128 MB of RAM is decent, but I just feel like they skimped here. 1 GB of RAM really could have done the system some good. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Outside of the system's engine, you have all the usual suspects: Bluetooth, GPS (3G model only), Wifi b-g-n, 3G, and Sixaxis motion control. Curiously, however, is no vibration. I figured Sony would have went for this considering it's in every modern smartphone and their controllers. Alas, I assume it was passed on due to space or battery concerns.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of batteries, I'm happy to say that the battery for the Vita lasts quite long. They said 4-5 hours of gameplay, but I'm getting longer. I keep the Bluetooth and 3G off, plus the brightness low and I usually get 6-7 hours of game time for Vita games and even longer for PSP games. The standby feature is awesome. The ability to push the power button and pause the action, even in the middle of a cutscene, is great. The standby time is excellent too. You can put this system into standby for almost a day or more and come back for a little gaming afterwards. Sony did a great job here, but I'm disappointed with the built in battery.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Overall, I'm giving the guts of the system a 9. The non-replaceable battery and low RAM hurt the system some, but it's damn good for what it costs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
On to games, I'm happy to report that the majority of games you can buy on the PSN for PSP actually do work. You can purchase them directly for the system, but you can transfer them. There's no official list from Sony, but you can find them online at various forums. Still, there are a few choice titles that don't work for the system or can't be obtained at all. These include Crisis Core, MGS: Portable Ops, any of the Lumines games, Motorstorm, Resistance, and Twisted Metal to name a few. If any of those games are your favorites, either get a PSP or hold on to the one you have because they aren't here. PSOne support has been added for quite a few games including some of the most popular like Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy 7, and Resident Evil just to name a few.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the Vita games, we're a bit hit or miss here. Some of the games are great. Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 is just like the console version packed into your handheld. Lumines is great and so is Uncharted. However, there's been a lot of really weak games. There's also a lot of digital only games. Now granted, these are games like Plants vs. Zombies and Escape Plan, but for those who enjoy having physical copies beware because there are going to be a lot of these in the future.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Speaking of the future, the Vita's is a bit uncertain. On one hand, you have a new Resistance, Mortal Kombat, and Final Fantasy X HD, but on the other you have a lot of nothing. Really, right now, there isn't much to root for. I'm really hoping for some AAA titles to hit. Gravity Rush looks really cool, but outside of that, there's not much. Compound that with the fact that the Vita really needs these titles, but they are months out and it's going to hurt the system bad.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
For the games, I'm saying 8. The Vita needs a lot of work here. Sony needs to get as many PSP titles working. They also need a killer game to make people want to buy the system. Uncharted is good, but a new exclusive Metal Gear or God of War or Final Fantasy could give the system the push it needs.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Everything else... well, the system already has very good accessory support. They have great cases and screen protectors out there. I bought a cradle to keep mine safe along with a nice case that allows me to put up to 16 games in it. Other elements of the OS are OK Near helps you find other Vita owners close to you, plus welcome park has some nice mini games to help you learn how to use the system. You've also got Google Maps support as well as Netflix (though I don't recommend using it with 3G data). I'm going to give the fluff an 8. None of these things sell the system, but they can't make you think twice about it if they were wrong.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
When taken together and averaged, I gave it all an 8.3 (83) or B. There's definitely a bumpy road ahead of Sony. They've really got to get their act together if they're going to sell this thing. The fact that they didn't even have a CAPS lock button before a firmware update is a bad sign. These are things not even worth mentioning during updates if they weren't such necessity. And yet, I can't help thinking Sony could have brought this system out with everything ready to right off the bat. Being hasty has only hurt them before, so why do it again?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Final Verdict: B (Worth it, but do your research first)</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-29198463623816257552013-05-07T21:03:00.004-07:002013-05-07T21:03:55.904-07:00Some more accessories,...My last post dealt with various accessories I use for my phone and tablet. I couldn't squeeze them all in so this post will be a continuation of the last one.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Jawbone Era - Shadowbox design</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciM-pSJ9L_8/UYigDF4mDCI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Chf86Kre5T0/s1600/era-lowres-013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="135" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ciM-pSJ9L_8/UYigDF4mDCI/AAAAAAAAAQ4/Chf86Kre5T0/s200/era-lowres-013.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Ah my trusty Bluetooth headset. This is actually my third Aliph Jawbone headset. I had the Icon, then Era - Midnight (which was lost), and now Era - Shadowbox. The big thing I love about Aliph's headsets is the design and capabilities they give. The Era is longer than its predecessor, the Icon, and the design language is more art inspired than your traditional simple Bluetooth headset. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Era comes with an earhook, multiple ear gels, and a charger. Beyond that, the strength of the headset lies in what it can do. The Era is the first Bluetooth headset with an accelerometer so you can use gestures to do things such as answer or reject calls. It also adds wideband audio (or HD audio). However, the really neat thing is the ability to sync the headset with Jawbone's website. Once you do that you'll have the option to change the announcer's voice, enter caller id information, and activate specific features like NoiseAssassin (a military grade noise reduction feature). The voices demand special attention since they're not just plain voices but highly unique sounding "characters". You can choose between gravely sounding buff dudes, flirty party girls, or even a mafioso crime boss and more. The site is also where you will update your firmware as well.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The Era gets about 5 hours talk time which is less than some of its contemporaries, but I don't hold it against it too much considering Bluetooth headsets have a somewhat limited practical usage. The headset also has an app for Android that allows you to put battery information into your notification bar and alter a couple more things with the headset. The only negative to this is the program's voice overrides your "character" voice. Bit of a bummer to say the least. The headset is also expensive when compared to other ones coming in at $120. However, there are often sales where you can find the headset as low as $40. Overall, it's an amazing piece of technology for someone who wants something a little different than the regular headsets out there.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Superb design, unique features like motion controls and HD audio, programmable voices, additional auxiliary program.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Expensive, battery life could be better, Jawbone app overrides programmed voice.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: A-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Philips Fidelio AS140</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlCAC87NqOQ/UYikSkRCKHI/AAAAAAAAARE/N8zR4aIBBeQ/s1600/c26-as140-1-l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KlCAC87NqOQ/UYikSkRCKHI/AAAAAAAAARE/N8zR4aIBBeQ/s320/c26-as140-1-l.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
My Nexus S finally gave up (somewhat). After screwing up the radio and damaging the IMEI number, my Nexus S decided it would no longer grab a cellular signal. However, everything else still worked. So what was I to do with it? Well, as luck would have it, I found this fun speaker dock/alarm clock at Target for $33. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seen here, with the Nexus S coincidentally, the Fidelio dock isn't the most elegant thing I've ever seen, but it's not bad either. The dock comes with the option to connect to Bluetooth, 3.5 mm headset jack, FM radio, or just plain good old alarm clock. After turning the dock on, I quickly acclimated myself to the controls and synced my phone up with the dock. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I tested it playing a few songs which played flawlessly. The sound was more pushed towards the mid range with some moderate bass and somewhat subdued treble. The volume gets fairly loud, but not nearly as much as one might think based on the appearance of this dock. Overall, it's decent, but nothing to write home about which is a shame because I've had really good headphones and CD players from Philips in the past. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The big problems I have with this dock isn't the hardware itself, but the Fidelio app that you download from the Play Store. I frequently suffer issues with syncing, settings going bad, and other nonsensical things. I think a large part of this is the fact that the software hasn't been updated for Jelly Bean. This is a big problem with accessories like this. Often the companies release them and may provide a few updates before essentially dropping any support for them.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Overall, for the cost I paid, it's worth it. However, paying much more than that would not be. I chalk this up to the limited support and buggy program for it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Many functions for the unit, decent sound.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Buggy program diminishes the usefulness of the unit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: B- (for the dock), D (for the program)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Seidio Charging Vault</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ldFf65k6Yo/UYnMfeJJGMI/AAAAAAAAARU/0gvLPtrFljA/s1600/PBPT22-2T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3ldFf65k6Yo/UYnMfeJJGMI/AAAAAAAAARU/0gvLPtrFljA/s1600/PBPT22-2T.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Seidio has been a big part of my mobile life for at least three years now. I started buying them with my Nexus S, trying to find a solid, well-designed case. After several bad buys, I came across Seidio and have bought a Seidio case for every single Android phone thus far. So, naturally when I found out about this product, I was intrigued.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
For a long time I carried several different portable batteries around with me in case I didn't have access to an electrical outlet. They tended to vary from 500 mAh to 4000 mAh. The reason I chose the Seidio Charging Vault was the fact that the charger functioned as an AC adapter as well as a portable battery. All of my other portable batteries required them to be charged separately (usually through my computer ports). With this charger, I get the best of both worlds, an AC adapter when I'm at work and a portable battery if I'm stuck in a situation that requires it. The battery is only 2200 mAh but it's large enough to supply a full charge to my cell phone. It also has two USB outlets to charge two things at once. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I'll be replacing it soon since the outlet is only 1 Amp and I need a charger with a 2 Amp output for my tablet. There's one from a company called NewTrent for $45 that's double the size of my current battery. The Seidio Charging Vault runs $50 for the version without cords. It's a little pricey, but for someone with just a cell phone, I think it's invaluable.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Functions as both an AC adapter and portable battery, compact size, two USB ports.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Lacks 2 Amp output, pretty expensive.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: A-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-3547392856614223862013-04-29T16:38:00.001-07:002013-04-29T16:38:40.706-07:00Accessories galore...I've been toying with several accessories for my phone and tablet, so I opted to write a post about each of them.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Red Samurai game controller </b></div>
<b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZCLsodY798/UX7kqrlBMOI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/-EPyJjC61I8/s1600/884486b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hZCLsodY798/UX7kqrlBMOI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/-EPyJjC61I8/s1600/884486b1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</b><br />
<br />
Overall, the Red Samurai (RS) controller closely resembles your standard Playstation controller. It's more in line with the DualShock 2 than 3 since the L2/R2 buttons are just buttons and not triggers, but it's a good design with rubberized grips to help you hold the controller. Pairing was extremely easy and never failed on both my tablet and phone. Battery life is listed at about 8 hours per charge and I would say that's probably about right. Maybe a bit more. It does take practically forever to charge but that's not something that bothers me.<br />
<br />
As far as connectivity, it worked flawlessly for my Grand Theft Auto III game on Android as well as Dead Trigger. Emulators it only suffered one minor issue where the 3 and 4 buttons were backwards from what they should be, but I was able to program them so nothing to worry about. The controller was responsive with no lag to be found. There's no vibration feature as near as I can tell, but at $25 it's less than half the price of a PS3 controller and I didn't have to use alternative means to reprogram a PS3 controller.<br />
<br />
Pros: Cheap, easy to pair, works across many games and programs, comfortable to hold, great value, built-in rechargeable battery.<br />
<br />
Cons: No apparent rumble function, minor issues with my SNES emulator, battery life could be better.<br />
<br />
Final Grade: B+<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Bluetooth Keyboard</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9ENWkaRW3Y/UX7mff5mFXI/AAAAAAAAAPc/UD-jDJueXOo/s1600/$T2eC16VHJGYE9nooiLtqBQwZZToeN!~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I9ENWkaRW3Y/UX7mff5mFXI/AAAAAAAAAPc/UD-jDJueXOo/s200/$T2eC16VHJGYE9nooiLtqBQwZZToeN!~~60_12.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The suspiciously generic Bluetooth keyboard that I purchased off eBay is really a decent deal. Designed specifically for my Nexus 7, the keyboard was easy to pair and functions as a stand and makeshift cover for my tablet. I've yet to have to charge it thanks to the 55 hour battery life. Only minor concerns that I have were the stand part of it is fairly loose and too much jostling knocks the tablet over. While the keyboard is decently sized, it is after all scaled to a 7 inch tablet so it's not as comfortable as a full sized keyboard. For as low as $18, you really can't go wrong with it since other keyboards can go as high as three to four times this much.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pros: Cheap, great battery life, pairs well.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cons: Small size makes it a bit cramped, stand part could be a little tighter.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Final Grade: B</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Sony Smartwatch MN800</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkfJJ_RHzNo/UX7owYaHtKI/AAAAAAAAAPw/88z1-8Me4Zs/s1600/61ANN5jIw5L._SL1038_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fkfJJ_RHzNo/UX7owYaHtKI/AAAAAAAAAPw/88z1-8Me4Zs/s200/61ANN5jIw5L._SL1038_.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
Ah, the smartwatch. Such a fun concept. Seen all over in places like Dick Tracy, but never made real till now. I bought this hoping it would be similar to my phone or tablet. Unfortunately, I was mistaken. While the "watch" portion of this product works fine, the "smart" element is not really smart at all. The smartwatch itself doesn't actually store apps or have Wifi or anything you might come to expect. Instead, it contacts your phone/tablet as a base where the programs are actually stored. You're merely seeing information from the phone. Not smart indeed.<br />
<br />
Overall, I tried to work with it. The battery life was decent, getting around 4-5 days with light to moderate usage. However, the screen is 128 x 128 at 1.3 inches with a 65k color display. This creates a grainy looking screen that reminds you of a flip phone from 10 years ago. It was also finnicky, with its motion sensing not working correctly. It also requires you to stay connected to the phone so no connection, no apps. It was comfortable to wear and had replaceable bands. It also had some bizarre proprietary connection for charging (this is Sony after all, they buck convention whenever they feel). At the $75 I spent, it's not worth it.<br />
<br />
If you really want to have a "smartwatch" you have a few other choices: get yourself a sixth generation iPod nano which while not technically a smartwatch is the closest thing out there with good performance, get the Pebble which forgoes a color screen and is much more watch-like, or wait for the next big thing from Google or Apple who both have been rumored to be working on smartwatches.<br />
<br />
Pros: Comfortable to wear, good battery life.<br />
<br />
Cons: Connection issues, glorified extension of your phone basically, too costly for its function.<br />
<br />
Final Grade: D<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Logitech Mini Boombox</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUKDP8yR8rg/UX7sdaAPmvI/AAAAAAAAAQA/-xuTd8lUZHE/s1600/13045994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wUKDP8yR8rg/UX7sdaAPmvI/AAAAAAAAAQA/-xuTd8lUZHE/s200/13045994.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I've been looking at Bluetooth speakers for some time, but I've never committed under the pretense of not really seeing the use and the high cost. I finally settled on the Logitech Mini Boombox due to the fact that it was on clearance at my local Meijer's. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I found connection to speaker easy. As soon as you turn it on for the first time, the speaker goes into pairing mode. It connected easily to my phone and tablet. The sound on this little speaker is impressively loud, but lacks some range because of the close positioning of the speakers. The top contains capacitive touch buttons for changing the track, pausing/play, volume adjustment, and pairing. It also contains an aux input so you can forgo Bluetooth altogether. Battery life is estimated at 10 hours and I'm sure it will make that. I'm pleased with my purchase. I only paid $40 but you can get new ones as low as $60 online. If you're want to pay about the same, the highly rated GoGroove BlueSync speaker provides about the same level of quality for about the same price I paid for mine. If you're going higher, you might as well go with Jawbone or Bose.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only issues I had was with changing programs on my tablet, the speaker would lose connection for some reason. What I mean was it said it was connected but wasn't producing any sound. A quick power cycling fixed it, but it was annoying. It's also prone to scratches thanks to the glossy top, but I purchased a video camera bag to fit it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Excellent powerful sound, good battery life, affordable, aux input is a plus, easy to use.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Occasional connection issues, prone to scratches, sound is not as wide as it could be.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: B</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Jawbone Up 2nd Generation</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wORFPj3zefU/UX7-JQAya2I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/o_H1WeyAq2E/s1600/$(KGrHqRHJE0FF1s+,JdQBRfrHPnS5w~~60_12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wORFPj3zefU/UX7-JQAya2I/AAAAAAAAAQQ/o_H1WeyAq2E/s200/$(KGrHqRHJE0FF1s+,JdQBRfrHPnS5w~~60_12.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Not so much a cell phone accessory as it is a life accessory. I bought the Jawbone Up to help me monitor how well I was sleeping. However, that's just the surface. The Up band monitors your steps, exercise, and has a programmable alarm to wake you when your just taking a short nap or when you are in a light sleep state. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Of course, the band is just the recorder. The real meat is in the UP band app for iOS or Android. Since the band lacks Bluetooth, you transfer data through the headphone jack. It's quick, usually taking less than 30 seconds, and is pretty foolproof. While you're syncing the program will tell you how much battery which maxes at 10 days, but in reality gets probably closer to 7 depending on how active you are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The program will give tons of data from steps walked, calories burned, distance walked, light and deep sleep cycles, etc. Not only that, the program has access to a large database of food that you can program in to determine your calorie intake. So the band also makes a good assistant for losing weight if you're trying a diet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The only issues I seen are some inaccuracy in its measurements. Wearing the band on my arm for a day at work, measured around 25,000 steps which is grossly inaccurate. This was likely due to all the motion in my arms doing knife work. Putting it in my pocket and going to work measures around 14,000 to 18,000 which is much more accurate. I still wear the band during sleep however. The band is pretty expensive at $120, but I think anyone interested in their health could benefit from this. If you want a cheaper alternate there is the FitBit at around half the cost but isn't quite as feature rich in my opinion.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Pros: Comfortable to wear, good battery life, excellent program with lots of information, headphone jack connection prevents incompatibility.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Cons: Somewhat inaccurate at times, everything done through program (i.e. no readouts on the band itself)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Final Grade: A-</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
In the future, I'll post more about these sorts of things. For now, that's it.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-87370950204135154972013-04-22T22:13:00.000-07:002013-04-22T22:13:22.758-07:00Thoughts on my Nexus 7The Nexus 7 marks a firsts moment for me as it is the first tablet I've ever owned. I previously ranted against tablets as overpriced media consumption devices. I chose the Nexus 7 not just because I had money to blow, but because of its price, capabilities, and the fact that it wears the Nexus moniker. At $250, is it worth it? Well let's see.<br />
<br />
First off, the hardware itself. At $250, you'd expect something cheap, but ASUS has really came through on this tablet. It feels sturdy in the hand and solidly constructed. On the right side you have both the power button and volume rocker. The left side has a set of POGO pins and fairly hidden microphone. The bottom contains your standard micro USB and headphone jack. The front is an all black faceless slate with a 1.2 MP camera in the center near the top. On the rear you have the speaker with a rubbery, dimpled material and the Nexus on the back. The material on the back takes special note as it makes holding the tablet a much less slippery affair. That's it for the hardware. Simple and to the point.<br />
<br />
Overall, I like the appearance and feel of the tablet. I feel like I'm getting more than my money's worth. The power button and volume rocker have good feedback, but are a bit difficult to push when in my leather case. However, the tablet has a smart cover function so my case turns the screen on and off depending on whether it's open.<br />
<br />
The internals of the tablet are very impressive for its price. It comes with a Nvidia Tegra 3 quad core processor running at 1.3 GHz with a 12 core GPU running at 416 MHz (mine is overclocked to 512 MHz and can go as high as 766 MHz). It has 1 GB of RAM with NFC, Bluetooth 3.0, GPS, and all the variants of Wifi. The usual suspects are here like an accelerometer, gyroscope, microphone, etc. The one thing that is missing that I find odd is haptic feedback or vibration as its commonly known. You don't realize how much this is useful in smartphones until you don't have it in your tablet. The tablet has 32 GB of storage (28 GB after formatting and space for the OS itself) with no expansion slot. It's powered by a 4,325 mAh Li-Ion polymer non-removable battery.<br />
<br />
The screen is a 7 inch 1280 x 800 resolution IPS screen with Gorilla glass coating to prevent scratches. It comes in at 216 ppi which is very good for its price. You're still going to see some jagged edges here and there, mostly around text, but overall the screen is sharp. Color production is fairly neutral and touch screen sensitivity is good. Overall it's a very good screen, but its not groundbreaking by any means.<br />
<br />
Running 4.2.1 (started with 4.1) with a custom ROM, I found navigating around a tablet to take a little more acclimation than I did with a phone. The "fragments" effect takes place here since starting with Ice Cream Sandwich apps can run both on a phone and tablet, but appear differently on each. Unfortunately, there are a couple negative things about the tablet.<br />
<br />
<br />
First things first, there are some issues I have with the tablet. RAM is a big one. I've said before that 2 GB needs to be the minimum for Android and it shows here. After allocating some to the GPU and running several programs, I found myself running out of RAM and suffering stutters as the system had clear it out continuously. Because of this, I had to implement a minfree program to keep the minimum free RAM at 150 MB. This mitigated the issue, but it still stands that the tablet needs more RAM to be continuously fluid.<br />
<br />
Secondly, there's no expandable storage or video out. The storage I can live without. I put my entire digital music collection on the tablet and it only took 14 GB. Obviously, my collection will grow, but for now, I think 32 GB is sufficient. However, anyone with larger collections is going to have to rely on cloud storage or USB-on-the-go which allows you to connect a flash drive or SD card to the USB port. While you can connect additional storage space, there is no video out or miracast to send to a external monitor. Obviously this is a cost cutting measure, but I would have enjoyed the option to project games and the like to my 43" TV.<br />
<br />
However, this shouldn't be misconstrued as a negative review, far from it. The Nexus 7 is hands down the most cost efficient tablet on the market for its specs. The fact that it's easy to root and gets updates first is also a huge boon. I've found I actually like using it and taking it along with me in my sling bag due to its small size. I keep a Bluetooth keyboard dock and game controller with me that allows me to be productive or game whenever I want with my SNES emulator. I also have a D & D 4th edition program that keeps my character available with built in dice rollers. I even browse the news with Flipboard or watch movies with Netflix. All in all, I'm actually getting much more use out of it than I initially expected.<br />
<br />
I will fully admit I was wrong about tablets, partially. There are still some massively overpriced tablets like the iPad and the Surface. However, the cheaper tablets like the Nexus 7 and Kindle Fire are great devices for their cost and I certainly would recommend anyone buying one for their media and gaming needs. There's a rumored new version of the Nexus 7 coming with better specs like a much higher resolution screen that I'll probably pick up which means this current one will become a gift for some lucky person I suppose.<br />
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-9245773034985869442013-02-09T00:02:00.000-08:002013-02-09T00:02:05.613-08:00My review of the Nexus 4A new year, a new Nexus phone for me. I've burned through several phones lately. I've noticed I tend to only keep them for around 9 months before getting rid of them. However, this time around, I may be keeping the new Nexus 4 for quite some time.<br />
<br />
First off, lets start off with the hardware. Made by LG, the Nexus 4 has a lot in common (unfortunately I suppose) with the Apple iPhone 4/4S with its glass covered front and back. The design language on initial look still bears a lot in common with the Galaxy Nexus. It still has the same overall shape, screen size, and LED notification as its predecessor.<br />
<br />
Some of the most noticeable differences are the patented crystal-like sparkle design with the word Nexus across the back, the retiring of the iconic camera bezel we had been used for the past three Nexus phones, a shift to MicroSIM card, and a lack of removable battery. The battery was the biggest turn off for me, but thankfully LG saw fit to include a 2150 mAh battery which is even larger than my extended battery for the Galaxy Nexus.<br />
<br />
Overall, I really like the design of the hardware, but I'm leery of the glass back shattering on impact. There's definitely a case in its future. I also find the power and volume buttons have less tactile feedback than my former Nexus. The overall weight feels good in the hand and comes in at just a little more than my Galaxy Nexus with stock battery.<br />
<br />
Internally, this bad boy is a beast. The 28nm 1.5 GHz quad-core processor tears through everything creating the smoothest Android experience I have ever had. The GPU runs at 400 MHz (mine is overclocked to 487 MHz) and never fails to run games at their highest quality. As I said before, 2 GB of RAM should be the minimum for Android and it really shows here. Even with the system loaded to the max along with the memory allocated for the GPU, I still have at minimum 500 MB free. I no longer require minfree settings to maintain smooth performance or prevent sudden closes.<br />
<br />
The 4.7 inch 1280 x 768 IPS display is the most beautiful screen I have ever used. With the zero gap technology, the screen is so close to the glass you can practically reach out and touch webpages. Its sharpness, clarity, and color reproduction are even better than the HD screen of the Galaxy Nexus. It's also extremely bright.<br />
<br />
The phone also comes with the usual suspects on connectivity: Bluetooth (version 4.0), Wifi (at both 2.4 and 5 GHz ranges), GPS, GLONASS, USB 2.0, etc. Some changes are a lack of USB Host (not totally sure on this), change from MHL to SlimPort HDMI, and the addition of wireless charging. The USB Host feature I didn't use that much and I'm interested in getting the Nexus charging orb in the future to test out wireless charging. I'm not happy with the change from the accepted MHL standard to SlimPort. It just means I'm going to have to purchase another accessory.<br />
<br />
The Nexus 4 runs a 42 Mbit radio and I'm blown away by it. Previously, I maxed my connection on my Galaxy Nexus at about 9 Mbits whereas the Nexus 4 runs anywhere from 10 to 22 Mbits. It's really a huge difference in web page loading and it's certainly a welcome upgrade.<br />
<br />
One thing I haven't been too pleased with is the camera. The pictures I have taken have been a bit grainy in spite of the fact this is an 8 MP shooter with a back side illuminated sensor. I'm not sure right now whether or not this is the hardware itself or Google's lackluster camera app. On the bright side, my phone supports HDR so I'll have to take some outdoor shots in the future to see how things turn out.<br />
<br />
Battery life has been pretty good. My current battery life is at 66 percent with 16 hours off the charger giving me an overall total of about 48 hours or more depending on how I use it. Very good battery life. A lot of this is owed to the 28nm process for the processor.<br />
<br />
I'm really happy with the Nexus 4. It effectively doubled all of the specs of the Galaxy Nexus and came in at a great cost ($450 because I had to buy it on eBay since Google wasn't accepting my card for some reason). Hopefully, I hold on to this phone longer than most of my former ones. Only time and the introduction of the next Nexus phone will tell.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-22781797342893719882013-02-03T14:25:00.000-08:002013-02-03T14:25:30.711-08:00What next for Android?Android 5.0 (or 4.3 perhaps) is coming up right around the corner. Speculation says it's going to be released at the next Google I/O in May or June. Nothing is known right now about it, but I pondered what Android really needs.<br />
<br />
Camera improvements<br />
<br />
While earlier versions have introduced zero shutter lag, panorama, and photosphere, stock Android lags behind greatly compared to skinned versions. I'd like to see HDR, slow motion recording, ISO options, etc. Up till now, Google really hasn't taken the camera software in Android very seriously. We have stupid options for recording video like silly faces, but nothing really practical.<br />
<br />
File Manager<br />
<br />
It really blows my mind that Android has no dedicated file manager. Third party ROMs like MIUI and CyanogenMod and certain skinned versions of Android all have their own unique file manager programs. The option does exist to download third party options, but something this simple should be included automatically.<br />
<br />
Theme capability<br />
<br />
One of the nicer things about MIUI, AOKP, CyanogenMod, and others based of these third party ROMs is they have the ability to theme virtually every aspect of the ROM by applying a theme. MIUI has designed their own specific theme engine while CM uses the open source theme engine created by T-Mobile for their MyTouch phones. Forget your average skinning, stock Android could get around these issues of upgrade delays by allowing everyone to change their look as they want. Want it to look like the Galaxy S III? Done.<br />
<br />
These are just a few things I think Android would benefit on the whole. No doubt Google will have some unique surprises in store for everyone, but hopefully they improve some of the weaker areas in Android. It's come a long way, but there's always room for improvement.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-72570052930191501692013-01-20T22:54:00.002-08:002013-01-20T22:54:51.795-08:00Some thoughts on Android 4.2...I'm just now getting around to using Android 4.2. I find a lot of times initial releases of new Android versions are plagued with bugs or my third party programs haven't caught up with the new version yet. So typically I wait a little while till things stabilize a bit. Now that I am on 4.2, I figured I'd ramble off a few thoughts here and there about the new additions to the OS.<br />
<br />
First off, "Daydreams". Let's be realistic here: it's a fancy name for a screensaver. Of course there's nothing wrong with screensavers, but on a phone or even a tablet in which the screen is typically turned off most of the time, a screensaver seems a bit pointless. Still, it's a nice feature. You have choices between a shifting color effect, a clock, and two types of picture displays (my rooted ROM also includes the Jelly Bean easter egg as a choice as well). All of the choices have variable options.<br />
<br />
Secondly, notification toggles. Rooted users and those with certain skins already have had these for a while, but this is the first time it comes to stock Android. Overall the implementation is good. The tiles are nice and large give you a good selection of options (my custom ROM gives an even larger selection). I think this is likely the most useful and important of the additions to the OS.<br />
<br />
Next, lockscreen widgets. I'll admit, the way they choose to do this threw me for a bit of a loop. Instead of just doing it like you would on a normal homescreen, they choose to basically have you create panels for each individual widget. On the right, you have your camera from the lockscreen option and the widget are on the main lockscreen and any to the left. One thing that irked me was the fact that you have to pull down on the widget or else the unlock controls are in the way. Otherwise, it's a good addition. However, the choices of widgets are limited to certain basic functions and Google apps (my ROM allows for any widgets).<br />
<br />
Now, onto keyboard enhancements and photosphere. The biggest thing for the keyboard is a Swype-like style addition. For those who don't have Swype or use it, it allows you to draw lines over the letters to create the word instead of manually punching it in. It's a pretty good implementation, but it has a few drawbacks. Mainly the keyboard isn't very adaptive and requires you to move slowly in order to be assured you inputted the correct word. It also forces you to manually add new words in settings section with the languages as opposed to on the fly like Swype does. Overall, it's a pretty good first effort.<br />
<br />
Photosphere is completely gimmicky. Basically, it's like a sphere version of panorama mode. However, the cool effect is that after you take the photo you can push a button in corner of the screen and pan and scroll around the photo you just took . In effect, you create a virtual appearance to it. Problem is it requires 4.2 to take advantage of this feature so sharing with someone on earlier versions is pointless. Secondly, I just can't find that much use for it.<br />
<br />
Finally, there are a few misc. additions like support for wireless displays, multiple user accounts (only tablets or custom phone ROMs can access this), SELinux (which apparently existed for 10 years, but Google just now decides security is important), a new clock app, and a few other things not worth mentioning.<br />
<br />
Overall, I think 4.2 is mostly fluff. There aren't any groundbreaking features or performance enhancements. Most of the things added I already had in one form or another such as Swype or notification toggles on earlier custom builds of Android. Basically, this is closer to Gingerbread than it is Froyo. Most aesthetic rather than functional.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-47203289964257046732013-01-17T23:11:00.000-08:002013-01-17T23:11:11.215-08:00The Nexus program is in danger of becoming a failure...I find it amazing how fast technology advances. About 10 or so years ago, I bought my first computer. It was top of the line hardware with a 1 GHz processor. Nowadays, we have more powerful processors in our phones.<br />
<br />
Just five years ago, Android was introduced to the world. While Apple was burning up the scene with the iPhone, Android quietly appeared in beta form in November of 2007. It would be another year before it hit the public commercially with the HTC Dream or G1 as it was better known.<br />
<br />
For the first two years, Android couldn't gain much traction. My first Android phone was a Samsung Behold II in late 2009. It was abysmal. The software was pitiful, the hardware was pretty average for that day, and the battery never lasted more than 10 hours thanks to the earlier version of Android. These weren't good times. In fact, I nearly abandoned the operating system early on because of the bad experience I had with that phone.<br />
<br />
In early 2010, Google decided to release their own phone to show other manufacturers how Android phones should be. Their first phone was the Nexus One. It was far more powerful than any other phone on the market. In fact, it remained the most powerful phone on the market until the release of the Galaxy S series in June 2010.<br />
<br />
The Nexus One and by extension all later Nexus phones, were intended as models for the pure Android experience. Most manufacturers put custom skins on their versions of Android to differentiate themselves from everyone else. Nexus phones have the stock appearance that Google designs for each version. In fact, each version of Android are developed for the specific Nexus phone that comes with it.<br />
<br />
As well as a pure experience, Nexus phones were designed for developers. They have unlock-able bootloaders and they run on any GSM network on the planet. Each Nexus phone tends to advance hardware, adding new ideas to what can be done with the platform. So let's look what they have done with it.<br />
<br />
The Nexus One, while the most advanced hardware of the time, had a hardware glitch in the touchscreen that prevented more than two points of interaction. In comparison, most phones today have at least five points of interaction. The Nexus One also suffered from customer service issues as Google didn't really offer any additional support.<br />
<br />
The Nexus S came next about 10 months later. Its guts were the same as the Galaxy S, but with an added NFC chip. The Nexus S was sold through a partnership with Best Buy as well as online as before. Unfortunately, the NFC prevented the phone from recording 720p video because they had to replace the original camera of the Galaxy S with a different one. Even worse was the lack of takeoff of NFC. While the technology is popular overseas, it never developed into much here.<br />
<br />
My current phone, the Galaxy Nexus, launched a year later to almost immediate disaster. Google partnered this time with Verizon to release a timed exclusive on the their network. Given the fact that Verizon runs on a CDMA network (and LTE by the time of the release), it violated the unspoken spirit of the Nexus phones being globally tuned. The GSM version did release a little later, but without a store partnership as before. The big push here wasn't so much tech (though the phone was the first with a 720p screen) but Google Wallet. Google had planned to make paying with your phone the next big thing. Google Wallet never gained much traction on the Nexus S or Galaxy Nexus largely due to all the other major carriers besides Sprint supporting ISIS instead.<br />
<br />
So here we are, at the Nexus 4. It is truly an amazing phone. Once again, the Nexus is sporting top of the line hardware at a phenomenal price ($300-$350). If you can get a hold of it that is. Right now, there's a bit of finger pointing between the manufacturer LG and Google. Supplies are incredibly limited and what's out there are going for outrageous prices on eBay. T-Mobile partnered with Google to release the phone on their sites, but even they have no stock.<br />
<br />
It's really sad to see the Nexus program go this way. While they have had some success, mostly with the Nexus 7 tablet, Google really needs someone to work with them to market the Nexus phones properly. The Nexus phones are the answer to many different things. They are an answer to carrier subsidies, offering high-powered low cost phones that are unlocked. This is the sort of thing that works in Europe and Asia. They are also demoing the newest versions of Android and Google could be pitting these phones directly against Apple's iPhone. Before they could have been looked as niche, but with four different phones, two tablets, and a failed media center device, it's obvious that Google wants to develop the Nexus brand into something great. It's just that they keep screwing up. It saddens me so because Google is on the right path, but keep taking the wrong execution.<br />
<br />
Hopefully, LG and Google sort out this supply issue. I've owned every single Nexus phone and have plans on buying some of the tablets as well, but I refuse to pay eBay prices as high as $600 when they should be available for almost half of that. Google needs to get things in gear or I'll likely have to pass on this Nexus phone and that's a shame.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3263593871882016212.post-3195703395821154452012-10-03T02:03:00.001-07:002012-10-03T02:03:24.256-07:00A little more phone work...I think by now I have my phone where I want it. After tinkering with just about everything, I've found the balance in performance and battery life I like.<br />
<br />
First off, sticking with the Wheatley governor. I tested OnDemand and Interactive along with Wheatley. OnDemand generated the best battery life, but suffered jerky frame rates occasionally. Interactive arguably provided the most fluid performance, but battery life suffered. The phone didn't sleep nearly as much as it should. I would guess I lost about 20% battery life over the other governors. In the end, I found Wheatley, the governor that was specially designed for this kernel, provided the best of both worlds. It's really more of a jack of all trades. It doesn't excel in either, but overall is the best for day to day use.<br />
<br />
The I/O scheduler was initially a wash, but further work with noop proved that it was the inferior of the two. Noop showed more lag, reduced battery life, and overall degrading performance. Sio is now my preferred scheduler, which is also the stock setting.<br />
<br />
GPU remains constant at 384 MHz. The small boost in performance over the stock setting of 307 MHz without battery loss is obvious. The 512 MHz caused tons of visual glitches while scrolling through menus and such. This setting remains the same as before.<br />
<br />
FSync off is a setting I found benefited the system quite a bit. At the cost of potential data loss on a crash, I noticed less lag and overall smoothness in animations. With the setting off it also boosts battery slightly.<br />
<br />
Core and MPU overclock are staying at stock. Core OC caused reboots frequently and greatly reduced stability. MPU overclock is a bit of a wash. You can shift the setting either way to the maximum of 1.6 or 1.712 GHz, but overall the performance didn't pan out that much better. For benchmarking, it's a good idea, but daily use it just reduces stability and battery life.<br />
<br />
Voltages are still keyed with the smart reflex system. I've reduced them as low as the system says is safe and have noticed a greatly enhanced battery life.<br />
<br />
All other settings remained stock. Overall, I'm pleased with the development of the GLADoS kernel. The developer has gone out of his way to write not only an excellent control program, but also set the kernel up so tweaking is almost completely unnecessary.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14041803028244278068noreply@blogger.com0