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Friday, September 20, 2013

5th Generation iPod touch Review

Besides the iPhone 5, the 5th generation iPod touch is the best handheld entertainment and Internet device I've ever used. It is, in every way, excellent. From its large screen to its light weight, from its much-improved cameras to an expanded feature set in iOS 6, the 5th gen. touch is a remarkably versatile and high-quality device. If you don't want or need the always-on Internet, and monthly costs, of an iPhone, there's no better pocket-sized gadget you can buy.


New Screen, New Size

The latest touch takes everything that was good about previous models--and there was a lot--and improves on it in a few major ways. First, like the iPhone 5, it sports a 4-inch, 1136 x 640 Retina Display screen. At its large size and high resolution, the screen is gorgeous and makes playing games, watching videos, and using apps a joy.

Despite the substantially larger screen, though, the touch itself isn't a lot bigger than its predecessor. That's because rather than making the screen taller and wider, Apple has only made it taller, leaving the touch's width at the same easy-to-hold, palm-friendly size users have always enjoyed. As a result, you can still easily use the touch with one hand and its portability and usability aren't diminished.


This is quite an engineering accomplishment, made even more impressive by the fact that Apple has also made the 5th touch thinner and lighter than the last version. While the 4th generation was 0.28 inches thick, the 5th generation is 0.24 inches thick. The 4th gen. model weighed in at 3.56 ounces, while the new edition is just 3.10 ounces. These changes may sound like tiny fractions of the whole, and thus not likely to make much of a difference, but they do. It's hard to fathom just how light and thin the new touch is, while still feeling solid, reliable, and high quality.

Beyond the improved screen and body, the touch's internals are improved, too, thanks to its inclusion of a new processor and new Wi-Fi hardware. This model uses the Apple A5 processor, the same as the iPhone 4S and iPad 2, which is a substantial upgrade over the A4 chip in the last generation. The Wi-Fi chips have also been upgraded to support both the 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz frequencies (the last model supported only 2.4 GHz), making the touch more able to connect to high-speed networks.

Much Improved Cameras

The other major internal component improved in the 5th generation iPod touch are its cameras. The 4th generation model added two cameras to enable FaceTime video chats, but neither camera was terrifically high-quality: the back camera topped out at just under 1 megapixel resolution. That was fine for taking low-res video or video chats, but the still photos weren't great. That's changed quite a bit with this generation.


While this model still supports FaceTime, the back camera now offers 5 megapixel resolution, camera flash, and the ability to capture 1080p HD video (up from 720p HD). The user-facing camera packs 1.2 megapixel resolution and 720p HD recording. And, thanks to iOS 6, the new touch supports panoramic photos, too. While the previous touch's cameras made it a solid device for video chats but not photography, the upgraded cameras in the 5th generation touch take the device beyond video chatting and into being a serious tool for capturing high-quality stills and videos. 

iOS 6--Better Than the Headlines

Besides hardware changes, the 5th touch come pre-loaded with iOS 6 and the many improvements it brings to the platform. While the majority of the headlines about iOS 6 have gone to the problems with the Maps app (and the removal of the YouTube app)--and those are real issues that will affect many users--those stories overshadow the many benefits of iOS 6. Perhaps the flashiest and most obvious improvement 5th gen. touch users will see is the ability to use Siri, Apple's voice-activated digital assistant. Siri was not available on the previous model (presumably because the processor couldn't handle the task), but users of this model will get to enjoy dictating emails and texts, asking Siri for information, and finding restaurants, shops, and movies by voice.

While many of the other features of iOS 6 aren't quite as obvious as Siri, the OS adds tons of useful features, fixes bugs, improves performance and generally adds polish to an already great device.

The Loop and The Headphones

One major new introduction with the 5th generation iPod touch is The Loop. This is a wrist strap (a la Nintendo's Wiimote) that lets you tether the touch to your arm for carrying and to make sure you don't drop your new device. The Loop is secured to the bottom back corner of the touch. There's a small button there that, when clicked, pops up a nub that you wrap The Loop around. Slip the other end over your hand and you're good to go.

In my testing, The Loop was impressively sturdy. I tried flailing my arm, whipping it (though somewhat gently, I admit; I didn't want to send the touch across the living room!), and otherwise doing things that could cause The Loop to slip off either my hand or the touch. In all instances, it remained securely anchored to my wrist.

I wish the same high marks could be given to the earbuds included with the touch, Apple's new EarPods. The EarPods update the iPod's trademark earbuds with a new, ear-canal-friendly shape and improved speakers. And all that's been said about them is correct: the fit is night and day improved over the old models, and these earbuds don't feel like they'll fall out at any minute. Sound is improved, too. The problem, though, is that the EarPods included with the touch aren't as full-featured as those that come with the iPhone. The iPhone version includes an inline remote to control volume, songs, and other features; this is missing from the ones that come with the touch. To get that version, you'll have to shell out an extra $30. That seems a bit nickel-and-dime for a device that runs nearly $300 for the entry-level model.

The Bottom Line

Despite that quibble, the 5th generation iPod touch is, without a doubt, the best, most complete handheld portable media and Internet device I've ever used. If you don't need the always-on Internet and phone features of the iPhone, or the larger screen of the iPad, this is the device you should get. Even at the relatively steep price, the features it offers--Internet access, email, messaging, apps, games, music, video--are so compelling, so polished that it will seem like a bargain.

iPod Apps Store

App Store. Over 900,000 more reasons to love iPod touch.

This one app leads you to over 900,000 more.4 Many of which are free. And the list gets longer day by day. There’s no telling what you’ll find in the App Store.
  • Browse apps.

    Shop the App Store in a few different ways. Tap Featured to get a list of new apps and see what’s hot. Peruse by categories such as Music, Education, Social Networking, Kids, and more. Check out the Top 25 apps. Search for apps relevant to where you are. Or do a quick search to find a specific app.Learn more about apps from the App Store
  • Find apps with Genius.

    Tap the Genius button on the App Store Featured page, and Genius will recommend new apps based on the ones you and others have downloaded.
  • Apps Near Me.

    Use Apps Near Me — a new feature in the App Store — to see a collection of popular apps relevant to your current location. Let’s say you’re at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Just open the App Store, tap Near Me, and you’ll see a collection of popular apps you might find useful.
  • Download apps.

    When you find an app you want, buy it, then download it wirelessly to your iPod touch from anywhere over Wi-Fi. The Apple ID you use to buy music from iTunes is the same one you use to buy apps from the App Store.
  • Apps and iCloud.

    With iCloud, you can have any new apps you buy on your iPod touch automatically download to your iPhone or iPad over Wi-Fi or a cellular connection.2 So your latest purchases are ready and waiting for you, no matter which device you’re using.

Messages with iMessage

Messages with iMessage. Free text messaging. Yep, free.

Send text messages from iPod touch to other iOS or Mac users over Wi-Fi. Text a little. Text a lot. Text as much as your thumbs can handle. It’s unlimited. And it’s free.
  • Unlimited texts over Wi‑Fi.

    With the Messages app on iPod touch, you can text other iOS or Mac devices using iMessage. It’s free and unlimited. You can even send photos, videos, locations, and contacts. Or have Siri send a text for you. Everything happens over Wi-Fi. Your messages are securely encrypted. And if you have more than one iOS device, iMessage keeps the conversation going across all of them.
  • Group messaging.

    Text one-on-one or send one for all. Group messages let you keep multiple friends in the loop. Give your study group a heads-up about where you’re sitting in the library or tell the family you’re running late for dinner. Just add multiple recipients in the To field and let the chatter begin.
  • Read receipts.

    It can be a little bothersome not knowing if your text was read or even received. Happily, Messages lets you know if and when your text went through. If your friend has read receipts enabled, you’ll see that your message was read. And you’ll always know when your friend is in the middle of typing a reply because iMessage shows you ellipses inside a chat bubble.

Music. DNA of IPod toch

Music. The DNA of iPod touch.

Your workouts, your cram sessions, your commute, your late-night dance party of one. It’s your music that keeps you going.


iTunes Radio.
ITunes Radio
Tap into iTunes Radio free on your iPod touch and stream the best selection of music, including over 300 DJ-curated and genre-focused stations. Or create and customize stations based on your favorite artists, songs, or genres. The more you listen, the more personalized your stations become. Learn more about iTunes Radio

Genius playlists and mixes.
When you’re listening to a track you love and want to hear others that go great with it, let Genius take over. It finds complementary songs you own and makes a Genius playlist for you. Or let Genius automatically search your library to find songs that go great together and make mixes for you.

iTunes and iCloud.
Buy and download new music on your iPod touch over Wi-Fi with the iTunes app. When you do, iCloud can automatically download it to all your devices — iPhone, iPad, Mac, or PC.2

Bluetooth and AirPlay.
Pair your iPod touch to Bluetooth-enabled devices like headphones. Or stream music from your iPod touch to AirPlay-enabled speakers over Wi-Fi, to your home entertainment system via Apple TV, or to any speaker connected to an AirPort Express. So you and your music can go wireless, whenever. Learn more about AirPlay

iPod touch apps Fun police

Fun police, we have a situation.

Capture every moment with the 5-megapixel iSight camera.1 Crank up your favorite albums on iTunes. Turn on iTunes Radio. Send unlimited text messages. Or surf the web in a smarter way. iPod touch has so much built in, it’s crazy. In a good way.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Two new iPhone models coming in September

Two new iPhone models coming in September

People at Hon Hai Precision Industry Company say that it will begin shipping two Apple iPhone models—one premium, one economy—in early September, according to a new report.

The Wall Street Journal's Lorraine Luk and Ian Sherr report that it's all a part of Apple's strategy to "regain momentum." The dominant technology company has never before introduced different iPhone models at the same time.

Sources at suppliers told the reporters that their companies began producing components for the devices in June. The high-end model will have a metal case; the low-end model may not.

Earlier, AllThingsD pegged Apple's planned announcement for September 10, but it's unclear exactly what the plan is. Will Apple introduce them both at once, or stagger them? How does that impact fourth quarter holiday season sales? And what about those crazy rumored colors?

Unsurprisingly, Samsung—which now sells more smartphones than Apple—is planning its own product party on September 4. Rumors suggest the company is preparing a new Galaxy Note "phablet," the phone-tablet hybrid device, and an electronic watch called the "Galaxy Gear."

Three things we're wondering:

  • Can Samsung successfully interrupt Apple's bid for momentum? (Has the twinned event tactic ever worked before?)
  • Apple has made missteps this year. Can it get out of its own way this time?
  • What is the true strategy behind Apple's next moves: attack the sizeable portion of the world's population that aren't holding a smartphone, or merely convincing those who aren't holding Apple smartphones to defect?

Motorola Droid Maxx Review

Motorola Droid Maxx Review
Verizon Motorola Droid Maxx Review: Battery life to please the road warrior

Droid Maxx in hand

Last week I wrote my first impressions of the Motorola Droid Maxx and after using it for the past week I am ready to give it my rating. My Moto X review went live yesterday and soon Verizon customers will be able to choose between it and the Droid Maxx. While the Moto X will likely appeal to the masses due to it small size and features, the Droid Maxx is a great option for those who need to go even longer without charging up their phone.

Hardware

The Droid Maxx is a dense device with a weight of 5.86 ounces, but it still fits comfortably in my rather large hand and has a reasonable 0.34 inch thickness. The Kevlar back is attractive and has a matte finish to help you hold onto the device. I love the way the screen goes out to all the edges and curves down into the sides. However, unlike the Moto X, the viewable display does not extend right to the edges so there is more side bezel on the Maxx.

One reason for the hefty weight of the Droid Maxx is the focus on the whopping 3,500 mAh battery. I did not conduct any scientific battery tests, but instead used it as I would any other primary device. My HTC One and iPhone 5 must be charged during the day to go my full long day (4:10 am to 10 pm) so it was quite a relief to see the Droid Maxx go nearly two of these days without worry. Motorola advertises the Droid Maxx with a 48 hour battery life and that may be true for most folks, but I am a heavy smartphone user and am on my phone quite a bit each day. It was so refreshing I am considering keeping my Verizon account and picking up the Droid Maxx.

The Droid Maxx has dedicated capacitive buttons below the display with a small Kevlar chin below these buttons. The right side is blank, the top has the 3.5mm headset jack, and the bottom has the microUSB port. The right side is where you will find the power button and volume controller. Interestinly, the volume controller slides out to reveal the nanoSIM card slot, which is the first time I have ever seen the volume controls used for an access port.

The camera is centered on the upper back with a black metal grill around it. The flash is found to the left of the camera lens and the speaker to the right. Like the Moto X, the mono speaker on the Droid Maxx is very loud and competes well with the HTC One dual front stereo speakers. There is no dimpled Motorola logo on the back like the Moto X, but a textured symbol is found at the center.

The Droid Maxx has the same 720p resolution as the Moto X, but in a slightly larger variant. The Super AMOLED display looks great, but is not as clear as my HTC One and is not as viewable in full sunlight as my One's LCD.

Software

The cool software features from the Moto X, including active notifications, touchless controls, Motorola Assist, Migrate, and double twist to launch the camera are all included on the Droid Maxx. These are welcome additions and offer some innovation compared to other Android, iOS, and Windows Phone devices.

Also like the Moto X, you will find a nearly pure Google experience on the Droid Maxx. There is no overbearing custom UI or anything taking away from the Android experience.

You will find many things pre-installed by Verizon and Motorola, which may turn people off a bit. These apps and services include Amazon Kindle, Amazon App Store, Ingress, iMDb, Quickoffice, Verizon Tones, VZ Navigator, VZ Security, Caller Name ID, and Mobile Hotspot. Most are helpful apps and utilities, but some Android purists won't like seeing apps that take away a bit from the Google experience.


I personally don't care for the industrial Droid branding, wallpaper, and sounds, but I do like the funky clock, weather, and battery widget loaded by default. One tap of the plus expands the three bubbles and it was quick and easy to flip through cities to view weather around the world. I also liked how easy it was to set alarms and access clock functions with this widget.

I am not a fan of the non-removable Google search bar and wish Motorola would give us the option to remove it. With the excellent integrated voice control, there is really no need for this and it takes up valuable screen real estate on the home screen.
Pros and Cons

To summarize my experiences and the specifications of the Motorola Droid Maxx, here are my pros and cons.

Pros

  • Refreshingly long battery life
  • Attractive Super AMOLED 720p screen
  • Solid design and form factor
  • Innovative software/hardware functionality
  • Responsive performance
  • Standard Qi wireless charging

Cons

  • High price
  • Bit too much Droid branding
  • May be heavy for many folks
  • Lack of Android 4.3 OS

Pricing and availability

The Motorola Droid Maxx retails for $299.99 with a 2-year contract or $650 month-to-month. This equates to $27.15/month with the Edge program. This is one of the highest prices around for a smartphone and while I think it is a solid phone, I am not convinced it is worth that high price.
The competition

The Nokia Lumia 1020 is another smartphone priced at $299.99, but that phone has an amazing 41 megapixel camera that can't be beat. The 64GB iPhone 5 is also priced at $299.99 and I would argue that the Droid Maxx offers more than the iPhone 5.

You can also find the comparable HTC One, Galaxy S4, and Moto X from major US carriers at a $199.99 price. I understand the Droid Maxx has a monster of a battery, but the other specs and features are in line with the $199.99 phone models.

Specifications

The Droid Maxx has nearly all the same specs as the new Moto X. Two differences include the Qi wireless charging capability and larger 5 inch display.

  • Customized dual-core 1.7 GHz processor, with quad-core GPU
  • Android 4.2.2 Jelly Bean OS
  • 2GB RAM
  • 32GB internal storage
  • 5 inch 1280x720 pixels resolution Super AMOLED screen
  • 10 megapixel camera and 2 megapixel front facing camera
  • 802.11 a/b/g/n WiFi and Bluetooth 4.0 + LE
  • 3,500 mAh battery
  • Qi wireless charging support
  •  Dimensions of 5.41 x 2.8 x 0.34 inches and 5.86 ounces


Conclusion

I thoroughly enjoyed going a couple of days without worrying about battery life on the Droid Maxx and am still thinking of picking one up. The software and hardware features found on the Moto X (voice control, active notifications, twist to launch camera) were great to also see on the Droid Maxx. In addition, the Qi wireless charging removed one of the cons I had with the Moto X.

If I did not already have an Android phone I was very happy with, the HTC One, then I would likely pick up the Droid Maxx since it does provide all the great things of the Moto X with wireless charging and battery life that will please every road warrior. If you are a Verizon customer looking for an Android phone to take out and about then you should consider the Droid Maxx. Unfortunately, it is only available on Verizon.
 
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