Let's Calm Down. The Nexus 6 is not the Holy Grail.

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If there's one thing that really grinds my gears in the smartphone world, it's the crusade for a pure Android experience and glorifying the Nexus brand. On October 16th, Google announced the Nexus 6 phablet and the Nexus 9 tablet. Many in the tech world are instantly declaring this the best smartphone ever. But, and I cannot stress this enough, the Nexus 6 is equal or inferior to the Galaxy Note 4 in almost every way.

On many levels, these two devices are exactly the same. They both have the same processor and RAM and the same screen resolution with (basically) the same pixels per square inch. Both have the same size battery with equivalent fast charging capabilities. The Nexus 6 claims 6 hours of battery life after 15 minutes of charging and the Note 4 claims a half full battery after 30 minutes of charging.

But the Note 4 trumps the Nexus 6 in a few key areas: Camera, Multi-Tasking and Extra Features.

Camera

No one can argue the high quality of Samsung's camera optics in its flagship smartphones. On the flip side, no one can argue against Motorola's track record of mediocrity with smartphone cameras. The Nexus 6 will have a 13 megapixel camera with OIS while the Note 4 will have a 16 megapixel camera, also with OIS. It's not about those extra 3 megapixels, it's about the whole package; software, lenses, module, etc. I'll believe a Nexus phone can equal the picture quality of the Note 4 when I see it (or when pigs fly, first class).

Multi-Tasking

The new Android operating system, code-named Lollipop, is going to be awesome. You can not deny Google's vanilla Android experience is overall better than most, if not all, manufacture skins. But true, powerful multi-tasking has only been accomplished by Samsung, not Google. Samsung was able to do this by employing the "let's see what sticks" philosophy. It's definitely not the most elegant pathway to innovation, but it works. On the Galaxy Note 4, you can easily have two apps running at the same time on the same screen. Granted, this is not true for all applications, but all the important ones are covered like, Youtube, Chrome, Messaging, Facebook, Twitter, Hangouts, Maps and Calendar (among others).  Quite frankly, in an environment where every company is incorporating each other's best features into their own smartphones (and suing left and right), how has NO OTHER manufacture copied Samsung's Multi-Window approach??? And with so much screen space on the Nexus 6, this phone is screaming for some real Samsung multi-tasking.

Extra Features

The extra "fluff" of the Galaxy Note 4 starts with the S-Pen and includes such features as fingerprint scanning, heart rate monitor, Air Gestures, Eye Tracking, Tool Box, One Hand Usability and others. The Nexus 6 has none of these features. Even the iPhone 6 Plus can stand up to fingerprint scanning and One Hand Usability. Nexus fanatics might argue "Who really needs that fluff?" But I believe in a more open mentality of "Why Not?" 

www.technobuffalo.com

Conclusion

As a disclaimer, I have not purchased a Galaxy Note 4 yet and I am not saying the Galaxy Note 4 is the best smartphone that is or ever will be. I just want to make sure people don't wait blindly for a Nexus 6 device that cannot truly standout from the competition.

The iPhone 6 Plus. If only......

www.techradar.com

I love the design of the iPhone 6 Plus. I don't understand why some tech experts and bloggers are criticizing the two plastic antenna bands on the back of the device. For me, they just help the 6 Plus stand out from the competition. I also love the software. iOS 8 is incredibly fluid and responsive with a superior App Store to Google Play (though not by much).

But, as a Galaxy Note 3 owner, there are specific features I am very hesitant to sacrifice for a return to Apple-Land.

First the missing features I could forsake without loosing much sleep:

www.theverge.com

Removable Battery

My wallet is home to me IDs, credit cards, Panera Reward Card and now my backup battery. The GN3 battery is the perfect size for a man's wallet. The Note 3 has a great battery by itself, but I do admit my Gear 2 Neo drains the battery faster that I would like. Having a backup makes me completely worry free. 

***One caveat though, the Galaxy Note 4's battery is very rectangular, so it cannot fit in a traditional wallet. Still, replacing the battery is far quicker than plugging in a portable charger and waiting to refill the battery.   

www.phonearena.com

Micro SD Card

I can purchase a 64GB iPhone 6 Plus on contract for $400 or I can purchase a Galaxy Note 4 with 32GB for $300 and get a 32GB micro SD card on Amazon for $15!

S-Pen

The S-Pen is one of those features you like having because it's their just in case. You don't really ever need it, but I like the idea of taking quick notes and jotting down ideas with the pen. But this feature is not blocking my iPhone return. 

These features are....

Camera

www.gizmag.com

www.theverge.com

Why Apple, why??? There is no need to make a statement saying "Pixels aren't everything." HTC is trying this and all I see is a beautifully design One M8 that I would never buy in 1,000,000,000,000 years. 

Don't get me wrong, in outdoor or well-lit areas, any modern smartphone takes great pictures. But even in 'ideal' conditions, a lack of megapixels incredibly hampers one important aspect of photography, zooming. If you're just taking pictures and immediately printing them out, more power to you, enjoy your iPhone 6 Plus. But if you plan on showing pictures on your tablet or desktop computer or want to zoom and then print, then you need pixels. This became apparent in a recent CNET article comparing the cameras of the Galaxy Note 4, iPhone 6 Plus and the LG G3.

The section of this article titled "100 Percent Crop" directly demonstrates the weakness of an 8 megapixel sensor. Maybe I'm just spoiled by a 13 megapixel camera on the Galaxy Note 3, but looking at 6 Plus photos in review articles, I can almost 'feel' the lack of pixels. There is an extra degree of sharpness missing which I do not think I can sacrifice for top tier design.

Quad HD

This is very much a subtle point, but it really grinds my gears. I have wholeheartedly enjoyed a 1080p screen for almost a year. Now, as Quad HD smartphone displays begin their rise, Apple's breakout phablet is staying with 1080p (as is Sony's Xperia Z3, for that matter).  I don't like that. I don't like that one bit. Particularly because Apple will create their own Quad HD display by next year!

www.cnet.com

Conclusion

Even with these concerns, I did not dive head first and pre-order the Galaxy Note 4. I need to feel the device in my hand and see the software features. I have already made several trips to the Apple Store to hold the 6 Plus (and a few more trips to come). I'm going to take my time making a decision that affects my next two years of life, and you should too.

  

Microsoft Smart Watch???

The Pebble smart watch gave the wearable computing world legitimacy a year ago. Now, Pebble is introducing Pebble Steal, a more expensive and metallic version of their popular high tech watch.

Other competitors are beginning to litter the landscape of "wearables," while the big companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft are no where to be seen (although rumors are everywhere).

In my opinion, Microsoft has the most to gain from entering this market. As the third largest operating system in the world, Windows Phone 8 would benefit from a larger ecosystem of technology products to bolster its usefulness. Plus the user interface is perfect for a watch! Square tiles on a square screen is like putting a round peg in a round hole. It just makes sense.

And here's a crazy idea.  Microsoft should leverage Skype by incorporating a front facing camera on its watch. If I could talk and video chat people from my wrist, I would be blown away. We are so close to making this type of communication a reality, I just hope Apple doesn't think of it first.

Getting back to the bigger picture. What about exclusivity? Samsung is the first massive company to attempt tying its smart watch to a very specific set of devices, Samsung Galaxy phones. Maybe Apple, Google and Microsoft are waiting to see the results of this strategy before excluding other operating systems from their smart watches. Maybe the future of wearable tech is a sad fragmentation where an investment in the watch you really want means getting a phone you detest. And maybe third party smart watch makers will take full advantage of the exclusivity of the big companies.

Pebble watches work with any Apple or Android smartphone (although many are reporting Samsung Galaxy devices do not play well with Pebble software). And the upcoming Kreyos Meteor smart watch is compatible with iOS, Android and Windows Phone.

And then there is Sony. Their smart watch is compatible with all Android phones, when the physical design could easily have allowed for an exclusive pairing with the Xperia Z lineup. In the case of Sony, the marketing strategy was probably to give them the largest consumer market possible, given their smartphone lineup is not terribly popular, at least in the United States. On a side note, Sony's emphasis on waterproof mobile devices can be a differentiating factor to help the Xperia lineup stand out.

This all boils down to money. Can companion devices to smartphones be the next money making initiative? Or do smart watches need to replace our phones completely to have any widely popular utility? I think the Pebble Steal and Galaxy Gear will show the importance of style and appearance in this new wearable landscape.  The perfect watch for me would look like the Pebble Steal with the Galaxy Gear screen and the Pebble battery life.

www.gizmag.com

I hope Microsoft is listening to all my rock solid advice. In their case, exclusivity to Windows Phone devices makes a lot of sense. If the device has killer specifications and features, there are many people who would join the Windows Phone camp. Maybe I'm being biased because I have a Lumia 1520. But I have had long stints with iOS, Android and Windows Phone and I truly believe the differences between operating systems are minimal for the average user (physical design is another story).

Come on Microsoft! Keep me invested in your platform!

Windows Phone 8...Better than Expected

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In my quest to experience all the major smartphone platforms (don't kid yourself, only 3 exist), it was time for me to try Windows Phone 8.  Having grown tired of the cheap plastic construction and "meh" camera of the Galaxy Note 2, I looked eagerly at the new Nokia Lumia 1520. Here was the behemoth I had been looking for; full 1080p screen resolution, 6 inch display and 20 mega-pixel camera.

The problem, Windows Phone 8, or so I thought.

www.windowsegis.com 

I wanted to believe the transition from Google to Microsoft could be fairly painless, and my faith was rewarded. All the important apps have Windows Phone counterparts:

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
SnapChat (6Snap)
Nokia Maps (for Google Maps)
Vine
Foursquare
Amazon
eBay
Flixster
Google Search
LinkedIn
Internet Explorer (for Google Chrome)
MetroTube and/or MyTube (both very very good YouTube replacements)
NetFlix
PayPal
Skype
Weather Channel
MLB At Bat 2013 (the most important, of course)

What is missing?

www.hardwarezone.com.sg 

There are some features of Android and Samsung's Touchwiz interface that I do miss. Firstly, a notifications center. Live Tiles on Windows Phone are supposed to give you updates throughout the day for specific apps, but there is no way to consolidate them all together. I have found myself skipping over the ticker in a Live Tile telling me I have 2 Facebook notifications.

Secondly, I miss Multi-Window from my Galaxy Note 2. Having YouTube and Facebook open at the same time was an added convenience, that while unnecessary, can easily be incorporated in Windows Phone software. You can already do this with Xbox One!

And in there lies a bigger issue with Microsoft trying to get its foot in the sandbox with Apple and Google. Cross platform support. Windows 8, Windows RT and Windows Phone 8 need to be unified in a similar way as OS Mavericks and iOS or Google Chrome and Android.  Reportedly, Microsoft knows this and plans to unify their desktop, tablet and smartphone platforms in 2014.

And there are, of course, some apps you cannot find for Windows Phone, such as banking apps, Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts, some airline apps, Candy Crush, and many Google apps. Most of these are minor apps. However, Microsoft will rarely have the newest and most popular apps until a few months down the road. For now, this is the biggest curse of Windows Phone.  Until the platform gets more popular (currently about 3% of the world market share), patience will be a virtue.

On a happier note...

With the exception of YouTube, I am pleased with the mobile web browsing experience for websites which do not have native Windows Phone apps. The best example I can give would be the Discover Card mobile website. Through Internet Explorer, I can easily manage my account just as I would with the Discover Card app on Android or iPhone. This may not be true in all cases, but worth giving a try before you shoot down Windows Phone for not having a specific application.

So what do I gain and what do I sacrifice?

I gain the second best camera on a smartphone (the Lumia 1020 being the best), a large full HD screen on a slim body and a customized, yet simplistic, interface running on the most powerful processor available.

I sacrifice the robust feature set of other platforms and their massive selection of applications.

For now, I believe this is an even exchange, but I am not completely convinced. I can easily see myself transitioning back to Android in 6 months to a year, but never back to Apple (unless they get smart and offer a larger screen iPhone).

Nexus 5 versus Lumia 1520 - Quick Comparison

I love this time of year. The leaves are changing, Thanksgiving is closing in and Christmas spirit has infected Walmart.  On top of everything, we have a series of new flagship devices from all the major tech companies for the holiday season.  I am particularly excited about the Nokia Lumia 1520 and the Google Nexus 5. Let's compare them.

Physical Dimensions: 1520 v. 5

The 1520 is clearly larger in every way compared to the Nexus 5. 

Height: 162.8mm v. 137.84mm - 18% taller

Width: 85.4mm v. 69.17mm - 23% wider

Thickness: 8.7mm v. 8.59mm - 1.3 % thicker

Weight: 206g v. 130g - 58% heavier

The dimension comparisons reveal that despite the much larger screen size, at 6 inches for the 1520 and 5 inches for the Nexus 5, the dimensions are not massively different. What really jumps out is the similarity in thickness and the huge difference in weight.  The extra width of the 1520 will make one handed usability challenging, but not impossible (I hope).

The dimensions and design of these devices comes down to personal preference. I like my smartphone to stand out in the crowd, so a Nokia phone may very well be in my future. But if you want a device that is less than bombastic and functional, the Nexus 5 is the clear winner. It has a more streamlined design and is much more pocket-able. 

Display: 1520 v. 5

368ppi Clear Black IPS LCD v. 445ppi Full HD IPS 

Gorilla Glass 2 v. Gorilla Glass 3

The downfall of larger screens at full HD resolution is the necessary sacrifice in pixel per square inch. Most will argue 368ppi is plenty good enough and might actually look better than the display on the Nexus 5 thanks to 'Clear Black' technology on the 1520 for deeper blacks. Reports are also showing that outdoor visibility is outstanding on the 1520 compared to any other major flagship. But the verdict is still out on the outdoor visibility of the Nexus 5.

For my money, the display sharpness is not an important differentiation between these phones. Size, camera and software are far more important.

Processor: 

Both devices are running the all powerful Snapdragon 800 quad core processor. Both also have 2 GB of RAM. However, it is important to point out the immense software differences play a factor in comparing the day-to-day operation of these processors. Windows Phone is designed to be a simple, sleek interface which can work perfectly fine on a dual core processor. The Nexus 5's pure Android experience is definitely sleeker and simplified compared to some manufacturer skins,  but the inclusion of a more powerful Google Now system and an always-on microphone for voice commands will take full advantage of that processor.

Software:

Windows Phone versus Android.....complete visual opposites that do the same thing. I believe that is true for any operating system.  Each platform might exceed in one area over another, but all try for the same functions, including connecting to social media, phone calls, scheduling, web browsing, texting, photos, videos, navigation, shopping, news, email, games, etc, etc, etc. 

With that said, Google clearly has a larger application selection than Windows Phone. The gap is shrinking, however, with the inclusion of Instagram and Vine in the Windows catalog.   But if you dislike mobile versions of applications and live completely on native apps, Windows Phone may not be for you. One big problem with Microsoft is the lack of a native YouTube app, but there are 3rd party options to help quell your fears. 

Another concern with Windows Phone generally is the notification system. Notifications live on tiles, not in a pull down list.  This makes sense for a large screen device, where many tiles can be seen at the same time. So the Lumia 1520 will be the first smartphone to really take advantage of this notification format. 

Camera:

If you believe a great camera on a smartphone is worth $300 extra dollars, then your mind is already made up. Even with Optical Image Stabilization and an 8 megapixel camera, the Nexus 5 is getting sub-par camera reviews so far. The 1520 is sure to blow us away in every facet, from low light to action shots to selfies and much more.

Remember, at $350 without a contract, there have to be compromises with the Nexus 5.  The camera is definitely a compromise, as is the all plastic design (although not a slippery plastic, but rather a matte finish).

A more complete comparison will have to wait until the Lumia 1520 finally hits store shelves, which will definitely be before Christmas.  A more exact date is tough to say with rumors flying around for mid-November.

Xbox One? Playstation 4?

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When the next generation gaming consoles were announced back in June, my focus lied squarely on the PS4. I have been a happy PS3 user for many years and this would be the natural upgrade. But recently, I have begun to wonder "What about the Xbox One?"

After some research, I came away with these specific features that attract me to the Xbox One:

fansided.com 

Watch TV/Apps and play a game at the same time. 

• I really like the ability to multi-task on my Samsung Galaxy Note 2.  To have that functionality on my TV would be ridiculous. There are few things in life better than watching a game of baseball while playing a game of baseball. 

Use Internet Explorer on the TV

• Who wouldn't want to shop Amazon or research the leader in steals for the National League in 2013 (ehem, Eric Young Jr.) on their big screen TV? I'm sure you can't watch Hulu shows through the Internet Explorer app, but this is still a nifty feature which supports the Xbox One as an "All Entertainment" device. 

Voice Command to turn on Xbox

• If I could turn on my Xbox with my voice, I feel like a super wizard Gandolf warlord....so there's that.

www.theinquirer.net 

Kinect

• Sony has hinted in the past they do not need to compete on the same level as Microsoft when it comes to motion control gaming. This makes a lot of sense when you consider the more comfortable form factor of the Playstation controller and the precision needed for hardcore gaming. Sony is not trying to make the PS4 and All-In-One device, which helps to differentiate the consoles.  If you have ever been interested in Kinect gaming, this is the best time to immerse yourself in the ecosystem.

Cable TV connected to the system

• It might be a minor nuisance, but I despise needing to switch inputs on the television to switch between cable and gaming. By having the cable input connected to the Xbox instead of the television directly, seamless transitions between entertainment and media becomes a reality. 

The similarities between Xbox One and Playstation 4

www.engadget.com

To say these consoles are completely different is foolish. There are many new and advanced features which can be found on both devices. Both PS4 and Xbox One allow downloading in the background while playing the same game. Both have many of the same games available (although there are exclusives to both). Both automatically record video of your game play so you can share epic boss battles instantly to social media. 

One of the lesser known common features is the second screen capability of both systems. Xbox has SmartGlass, an app for any smartphone, tablet or computer which lets you navigate the Xbox, use phone/tablet keyboard to operate Xbox, browse the internet, and play music/movies on your Xbox from your device.  Sony has the Playstation Vita for all these features, but there is also an application you can download for much of the same functionality. 

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Important Notes

us.playstation.com 

My attraction to Sony's system is two-fold. First, there is no yearly fee to use any of the Playstation services, like Netflix.  You pay for anything from the Playstation Store a la carte.  But Microsoft is now offering two free games each month with an Xbox Live Gold Membership, so paying $60 a year doesn't look so bad anymore.

www.geek.com

Secondly, the features of the Playstation controller appears better: touchpad, enhanced vibration, Share button, built-in speaker and headset jack, etc. Many people have argued the Xbox One controller is basically the Xbox 360 controller, and they wouldn't be wrong. In addition, the form factor of the Playstation controller allows for a tighter, narrow grip to prevent fatigue from a more open grip, as with the thicker controller of the Xbox One.

On the other end of the spectrum, the Playstation Camera appears to be completely inferior Kinect, as if Sony just wanted to find an easy way to appease critics who wanted some sort of motion control.  The Sony website is very vague about the full extent of the Playstation Camera capabilities, as if they themselves have no idea what to expect when it is released.

I haven't made any final decisions, but it has become clear, at least for me, that this will not be an easy choice in the end.

Kindle Fire HDX and HDX 8.9 - Impressive

www.androidcentral.com 

Amazon has just announced the latest version of the popular Kindle Fire tablet.  There are several upgrades and changes to mention, all of which make this a top notch device.

• Exclusive 7" HDX display (1920x1200), high pixel density (323 PPI), and perfect color accuracy (100% sRGB) for vivid, lifelike images that go beyond standard HD
• The fastest processor on a 7" tablet—powerful 2.2GHz quad-core processor and 2GB of RAM for fast, fluid multi-tasking, gaming, and video
• Introducing the "Mayday" button—revolutionary, on-device tech support. Connect for free to an Amazon expert 24x7, 365 days a year
• Stay productive on the go with ultra-fast web browsing, built-in OfficeSuite, and updated e-mail and calendar support for Gmail, Outlook, and more

www.stuff.co.nz

One one hand, the HDX is simply catching up to the competition in terms of internal specifications. But the innovative software feature that may make other companies uncomfortable is the "Mayday" button.

www.youtube.com

Live technical support offering remote control of your device is not something new by any stretch of the imagination, but to do this on such a large scale with tablets, as opposed to desktop computers, is remarkable.  Some people may find this unsafe or downright creepy, particularly with such a potent 'privacy' hysteria sweeping the nation.  But it makes a lot of sense. In the early days of Kindle vs. Nook, one argument against the Kindle was the lack of physical stores with technical support. This feature basically makes this a moot point. Plus, it is REALLY cool....but a little creepy. 

The other major changes that I absolutely love is the change in design to incorporate magnesium into the slimmed down body.  The Kindle Fire HD also has very good build quality, with a soft rubberized finish, but this style is even better. Amazon appears to be taking one of the best aspects of Microsoft's Surface tablet and giving it the magic touch. 

And for the Kindle Fire HDX 8.9: 

www.theverge.com 

• Exclusive 8.9" HDX display (2560x1600) with unsurpassed pixel density (339 PPI) and perfect color accuracy (100% sRGB) for vivid, lifelike images that go beyond standard HD
• Breakthrough ultra-light design—weighing just 13.2oz, it's 34% lighter than the previous generation
• Ultra-fast 2.2GHz quad-core processor—3x more powerful than previous generation—with 2GB of RAM and Adreno 330 GPU for fast, fluid gaming and video
• Introducing the "Mayday" button—revolutionary, on-device tech support. Connect for free to an Amazon expert 24x7, 365 days a year
• 8MP rear-facing camera with LED flash for high-resolution photos and 1080p HD video, plus a front-facing 720p HD camera for Skype video calls and more
• Stay productive on the go with ultra-fast web browsing, built-in OfficeSuite, plus e-mail and calendar support for Gmail, Outlook, and more

mashable.com 

There are two major updates here. First, the weight is almost 10oz less than the full size iPad with with a higher screen resolution at 339PPI at 2560x1600 compared to the iPad's 264PPI at 2048x1536. Granted, the iPad has a larger screen at 9.7 inches. But many people have complained about the iPad heft and difficulty holding the device for extended periods of time. Amazon is showing how a large tablet can be light and powerful.

Second, the HDX 8.9 has an 8 megapixel rear facing camera with flash.  That is a big upgrade to the Kindle Fire line.  However, upgrades to the larger tablet will cost you a pretty penny, starting at $379 for the lowest model, as compared to $229 for the HDX (with no rear camera).

mashable.com 

The other thing to mention is the price increase for upgrading internal storage.  For the Kindle Fire HDX, doubling the storage is only $40 from 16gb to 32gb and $80 from 16gb to 64gb.  And upgrading the storage on the HDX 8.9 is only $50 each time.  

SO WHY CAN'T EVERYONE DO THIS????? Any other company charges $100 to double the internal memory of smartphone and tablet devices (hmmmm....Apple).  That is completely ludicrous in today's technological landscape. But why should Apple be smart about pricing when no one else is charging less for storage upgrades?  Maybe Amazon will be able to push other companies to come to their senses.     

 

allthingsd.com

To finish on a positive note, Jeff Bezos has worked his magic once again. I might even break down and get an HDX myself, although I really do not need it at all. But when someone does something right at the right price, they can entice a lot of people to throw money their way. At least this should be money well spent.