Windows Phone 8...Better than Expected

blogs.msdn.com

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?

www.trustedreviews.com 

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. 

.

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.

First Impressions of iOS 7

dribbble.com

I like it....for what it is...

Let me explain.  iOS 7 brings several new and useful features which Apple products have lacked since the inception of the iPhone in 2007.  Notable among these are "Control Center," notifications, system wide search, multi-tasking, better Siri and better camera and photo apps.  I particularly like a couple of things.

First, control center was a desperately needed addition.  When you swipe up from the bottom of the screen, you can control music playback, volume, Airplane Mode, WiFi, Bluetooth, Do Not Disturb, Mute, Brightness, Timer and activate the camera (and a flashlight for the iPhone).  I also really like the new multi-tasking interface, where a double-tap of the home button shows you a list of full screen views of the applications running in the background. You can then swipe up to stop the application. This is SO much better than holding down the icon and trying to tap the little 'x' in the corner. 

hypebeast.com
This is a great summary of the important changes.

But the real change being offered is in the design interface.   Everything about iOS has been visually modified to signify a new chapter in Apple's philosophy for technology, spear-headed by Sir John Ive (Tim Cook is really just the kind southern uncle of the group).  First, the Parallax. No, not the Green Lantern super villain, but Apple's description of the very cool motion of the background against the icons, almost like they are two separate layers. Then, there are the colors. Neon is the only word I can use to describe the color scheme.  Surprisingly, I accepted it much quicker than I thought I would.  The colors blend in very well with the overall design of the software. Apple has been pushing 'colors' extremely hard for the past year or so and this feels like the culmination of their vision for the company. 

For the first few minutes after I downloaded iOS 7 to my iPad 3 (it took 3 hours, but that's what happens on launch day), I immediately had doubts about leaving iPhone for the Galaxy Note 2. 

www.webdesignerdepot.com

Then, the reality of the software kicked in.

Nothing has fundamentally changed.  It looks shiny and new, but there are no major changes to pull me back to Apple. Same screen, (basically) same battery, same price point.

In the end, this is a welcome change to the software and a successful transition to a new identity. But it will not bring back those who, like myself, left the iPhone for devices which could easily last one day on a single charge with a more respectable screen size.

Still, maybe I can have a Galaxy Note 2 and an iPhone 5S.......

Galaxy Gear. Here's what to LOVE and what to HATE.

gadgets.ndtv.com

As I come down from cloud-9 and consider the ramifications of Samsung's announcements, I feel torn right down the middle.  Half of me is waiting in line to order the Galaxy Gear. The other half is disappointed and longing for the Galaxy Gear 2.  Let me start with my dislikes and and end on a positive note......THE GALAXY NOTE 3 (ha, ha).

allthingsd.com -

The disappointments:

One day Battery Life

This is one of the major concerns in the wearable-tech sphere.  How much productivity do you sacrifice for convenience? Apparently, for Samsung, almost none.  With only 25 hours of battery life, the Galaxy Gear will most likely become a 'charge every night device.'  That will not sit well for power-users and technology buffs who expect more life with less battery.  Many early adopters of smart watches have been spoiled by Pebble, which lasts approximately 5-7 days on one charge. However, the extended battery life comes at the extent of functionality. The Galaxy Gear is unquestionably a more powerful and versatile product. Samsung made the conscious choice to sacrifice battery life for performance and features. The perfect smart watch would have no such compromises.

The Camera 

On one hand, no one expected the Gear to have a camera built into the wristband. It will be a useful selling point if the software is functional. The problem is, Samsung shouldn't have launched a wristband camera with just a 1.9 megapixel sensor.  I understand it must have been an engineering challenge to incorporate any camera at all, let alone a battery, flash storage and RAM, in such a small device. And I also understand a bigger camera would have been a drain on battery life and storage on the device. And I also also understand even the best smart phones on the market only carry a 2 megapixel front-facing camera.  

All that being said, if Samsung wanted to surprise us with this feature, I would have been much more impressed if the MP count was a little higher.

Limited Market

Once the Gear is usable with the S3, S4 and Note 2, sales will explode...I think.  Samsung is taking a risk by shunning the masses and only rewarding loyal customers with this smart watch.  Only time will tell (what a great joke) if the Gear can be profitable as well as functional.

What I LOVE:

abcnews.go.com 

The Applications

I am a proponent of a small smartphone screen on my wrist, not just a cursary look at notifications and caller ID. The Gear truly feels like a small smartphone with over 70 applications at launch which are specifically designed for the smart watch. However, it is unclear how independant these applications can be when not paried to the phone. Heck, they may be completely unusable without the Note 3.

The Calling Feature

I should find this gimmicky, but I don't. I think it would be extremely cool (maybe geeky is the right word) to raise my hand to my face to answer a call. As with many Samsung products, real world testing is necessary to see the responsiveness of this feature. I really hope it works well.

www.trustedreviews.com 

The Design

I don't think anyone can argue that Samsung crashed and burned with the design.  The build and materials are high quality, making this device a pioneer in fashionable wearable tech, an industry that will explode when Google, Apple and Microsoft get in the smart-watch game. I can definitely see myself wearing this device everyday.

Verdict

Will I get a Galaxy Gear? Definitely not until I know the Galaxy Note 2 is getting the necessary software upgrade. Even then, I want to see what the technology world thinks of this device, particularly in battery life and application usefulness. But I'll guarantee one thing, I am getting a smart watch as soon as I think the industry has matured. Again....time will tell.

The Future of Wearable Technology

I want Google Glass. I want sneakers that track my steps/speed/elevation. I want a wristwatch that can transmit notifications from my smartphone and transmit my body to another dimension (not really). I want wearable technology to become mainstream. But I also want to be patient.

One of the fastest growing branches of wearable tech is the 'smart-watch.'  In fact, Best Buy has started selling the Pebble Smart-Watch in retail stores.  I have come close on several occasions to pre-ordering this device through the website, but my instincts told me otherwise. Reviews online about Pebble can be summed up by saying "it's a good start."

The Smart Watch Dilemma

www.kickstarter.com -

www.tested.com

Two major issues plague the smart-watch landscape; battery life and software.  There are two schools of thought with the battery quandary.  Companies can use simple black and white displays similar to e-ink, which made the Kindle so wildly popular.  While this saves battery life tremendously and makes the watch user friendly in direct sunlight, it limits the functionality and, in some ways, lowers the quality.  That is the strategy of Pebble.  On the other side of the coin is Sony, who's second generation smart-watch recently announced will have a 1.6 inch multi-touch OLED screen. This approach is a killer for battery life, as it basically forces you to charge your watch when you charge your phone before going to bed.  The upside is a miniature smartphone screen on your wrist which negates the need to check your phone for every notification.

Then there is the software.  It is very easy to connect a smart-watch with a phone through Bluetooth, NFC or WiFi. The challenge lies with the display of information.  Pebble assures it backers that more and more applications on smartphones will be able to work with Pebble smart-watch over the next few months. Meanwhile, Sony's watch is only compatible with Android based phones (Pebble works with both iOS and Android).

hothardware.com 

What the world needs is a stylish, customized watch that works with iOS, Android and Windows Phone (Blackberry is dead in my opinion).  This watch needs to last 5 days on a single charge, to reflect the work week, and the screen should be multi-touch and resemble a smartphone screen while having anti-glare properties. Finally, this perfect watch must be able to communicate with every application on your smartphone and also display information, like caller ID and texts/emails.  And it should also be waterproof, a trend that is catching on quickly in the mobile tech market.

We have not quite reached the pinnacle of smart-watch perfection, but we are moving extremely quickly towards that goal. Apple and Google have the opportunity to get things right and take full control of this budding market.....kinda like with smartphone software. We will have to wait for September/October to see what these juggernauts have in store for us.

Google Glass

gadget-tech.org

In regards to Google Glass......I WANT IT.  The device itself is stylish while drawing just the right amount of attention to your face (at least in my opinion).  While there is always room for improvement on a first generation model, Google Glass is an impressive piece of technology, if it works as advertised.  It feels like something out of Star Trek when you start projecting information onto a miniature screen hovering over your right eye.

My concerns with Google Glass include the camera itself and the connectivity.  Why is no one concerned about the 5 megapixel camera?  There is no reason in the world to include a meager 5MP camera on this device, particularly for the price. If the price is decent (under $500), I can live with the camera. But otherwise, shame on Google for delivering a crappy product.

I also hope the connectivity is rock solid by the time Glass is releases to the public.  I don't want the screen hovering over my eye to be constantly searching for a signal or slowly downloading data. Hopefully, the more we use Google Now, the better the service will become when Glass starts flying off the shelves.

My Prediction

5 years...in 5 years no one will be second guessing smart watches or Google Glass. In 2018, these devices will be as common as smartphones and tablets. They are a natural extension of the evolution of technology which ignited with the internet and blossomed with the smartphone.

My Issue with the Samsung Galaxy Note 2

ehabheikal.net 

About 2 months ago, I purchased a used Galaxy Note 2 from eBay with the intent of falling in love with the 5.5 inch Super AMOLED display and saying goodbye to the iPhone 5 forever.  I do love the Note 2 and I do not regret the purchase for a second, but I can not let go of my iPhone 5. Here's why:

Build Quality:

reviews.cnet.co.uk

Along with the HTC One, the iPhone 5 is one of the most beautifully crafted phones ever. The aluminium casing and the precision laser cut frame make this device a joy to hold.  The same cannot be said for the Galaxy Note 2. Although it feels very good in the hand, despite the all plastic design and the massive size, there is not a feeling of pleasure from handling the device.  The glossy 'hyper-glaze' coating is to blame. I'm not quite sure why Samsung includes this on almost every smartphone these days.  It makes the phone slippery and collects fingerprints like nothing I've ever seen before. But the feel of a phone is not quite enough to sell me one way or the other. The software is even more important.

Software:

techcrunch.com 

I have tried to fall madly in love with Android Jelly Bean. It does some things much better than iOS, such as multitasking, quick settings and widgets. But it's biggest fault is in Google Play.  I just don't see the same quality in the applications compared to what I find in the App Store.  It's no longer a matter of quantity, but it is a matter of quality.  In the struggle between freedom and regulation, Apple and Google fall on opposite ends of the spectrum. Google believes giving more freedom to app developers will bolster creativity and encourage radical new ideas that could be the beginnings of the next 'must-have' application. Apple, on the other hand, believes regulation and oversight lead to more professional, well-conceived apps.  After my experience with both platforms, I am leaning towards the philosophy of Apple.  Fragmentation across hundreds of different smartphones using Android certainly plays a role in translating applications from Google Play to individual devices.  That is the price Google pays to have such a wide reaching grasp on the smartphone market.

www.ibtimes.com 

What I really want is for Apple to introduce a larger iPhone! But the best estimation is 2014 based on Tim Cook's comments from recent interviews.  He publicly admitted that there would need to be a complete overhaul of applications to accommodate larger screen sizes.  I begrudgingly accept this concern, given that some apps designed for iPhone 4 and 4S are still waiting to be updated for iPhone 5.

But Apple really should put an emphasis on increasing screen size before Samsung, LG and Sony saturate the market with 5.5-6.5 inch displays.  Very soon, the lure of a larger screen will start drawing Apple fanatics away from the iPhone 5 and towards almost any other phone being released this year, the vast majority having larger than 4 inch displays with the most advanced Android software available.  iOS 7 may stem the tide for a bit, but I will not get another iPhone until they increase the screen size...and go with a quad-core processor....and Infared communication....and better low light pictures.....

Getting back to the Note 2....The next generation needs to be thinner with a 1080p full HD screen and a better camera (the Note 2 camera is great, but there is always room for improvement).  But most of all, I need to see Android mature to the reliability, smoothness and usability of iOS, particularly with the selection of applications. Many Google lovers will argue vehemently that Jelly Bean is far superior to iOS 6 and even iOS 7.  My personal opinion is that iOS 7 will address many of the shortcomings of past operating systems and push the iPhone to even greater levels of popularity.

Apple and iOS 7 are Back in the Game!

With a plethora of new features announced on June 11 at WWDC, Apple has began to tip the scales back in its favor, after a few months of incredible Android phones hitting the market. iOS 7 is basically EVERYTHING Apple needed to do in the ever-escalating battle against Android.  The next step would be a larger phone.....but let's not get ahead of ourselves.

Here is what I really like about iOS 7....then one thing I could do without.

Control Center
THANK YOU! Finally, iPhone users can swipe up from the bottom of the screen and find quick access to 'Airplane Mode,' 'Do Not Disturb,' 'Bluetooth' and even a flashlight. Android users have had this functionality for quite a long time and it has been sorely missed by Apple fans.  Quick and easy access to settings you use everyday has always been important to me. I love the combined notifications and quick setting with Android Jelly Bean, but I am equally happy with separating them into two different gestures in iOS 7.

Multitasking
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! Although iOS has technically had multitasking for a while now, it was a complete pain in the 'derriere' to close applications running in the background. Now, following Android's lead, iPhone users can see full page views of all applications currently running and easily close them with a swipe. This still requires double-tapping the home screen, which is not the most fluid gesture (and I become concerned with the home button's long term viability), but it certainly works.

Notification Center
This is a more subtle improvement, but extremely useful.  The Notification Center is now available on the lock screen. This is another example of taking a great idea and making it simpler and more intuitive.  You can also see notifications sorted by 'Today,' 'All,' or 'Missed.' As far as I know, Android doesn't support a sorting feature for your notifications (although I'm sure there's an app for that). For people who prefer a password to unlock their phone, being able to save the extra step to see notifications is time saving.

AirDrop
I was not expecting this, but it makes sense. Samsung Galaxy owners can tap their phones together to quickly transfer photos and information. Now, iPhone owners can do the same...without the touching. Now one friend in your group can take that great photo and everyone can get a copy without waiting for a Facebook upload. The service uses a special wireless signal to communicate between other iPhones in the area. This means you can actually discover friends nearby. You don't have to give them special access to share through AirDrop. It just works.

iTunes Radio
Everyone and their mother has been waiting for iTunes Radio. Nothing here is groundbreaking, but there are a couple of features that make the software stand out. First, it is built directly into the music app. You can listen to a station and quickly buy any song you like from iTunes. That will certainly make the music companies happy. Secondly, you can control how the stations develop. Any song you like can be tagged so that the station finds similar songs to play in the future. And any song you hate can be tagged to never be played again. There have been many times on Pandora where I found a song I never want to hear again. That alone will sway me to iTunes Radio. Finally, assuming iTunes Match (a service for backing up your music) remains the same price, iTunes Radio can be ad-free for $25 a year! That is the best deal in online radio.

Now, the problem
The one glaring issue which many people have brought to the surface is the color scheme of iOS 7. It is very...neon.  I'm just not confident my eyes won't be permanently damaged after staring at this screen for a few days (squinting really, the the 4 inch screen size).  Apple does has time to dim down the color palate. iOS 7 will not be offered to the masses until the fall.  I understand the idea was to make an iOS overhaul to adapt to ever changing consumer needs, but this particular color change will take some getting used to.

Apple to Unveil iOS 7 Very Soon...And It Better Not Be Groundbreaking

Tim Cook uncharacteristically announced recently that the Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) this June will be the launch point for the new version of Apple mobile phone software, iOS 7.  Rumors had swirled like a tornado dancing with a hurricane that John Ive....sorry, Sir John Ive, would have a major role in the development of the new iOS, favoring simplicity. Previous iterations were well known for incorporating real-world looking elements, such as a lined paper display for 'Notes' and a felt poker table appearance for 'Game Center.' That will certainly come to a screeching halt very soon, but what other changes or updates can we expect?

I believe many die-hard followers are not optimistic for a major software change. I assume Tim Cook will try to emphasis how amazing the software already is in it's present state, and they want to make it even better (I will bet big Monopoly money that line is spoken at some point in the keynote).  A new look will certainly be welcomed, but drastic changes would be a mistake.

Apple's success with the original iPhone was multi-faceted. First, they had a monopoly on the smartphone market because they basically invented it (at least the modern version we know today). Second, Steve Jobs sold this device as a massive miracle of technology that can fit in your pocket. Third, and most important these days, the software was simple, powerful and intuitive. Every iteration has built upon the success of the original iOS without drastically changing the usability. iOS 7 MUST be more of the same.

Any company's bottom line is to make money. Apple makes a lot of money. They make so much money, the company is keeping literally millions of dollars on their balance sheets as cold hard cash. That being said, to win over consumers, the company needs to target as many demographics as they can.

I would argue the younger population is almost saturated with smartphones by now (15-30 year olds).  Smartphones need to continue to infiltrate the older demographic (say over 30) and the foreign demographic.

Older people can be very hesitant to change anything. That's why our government and the Catholic Church work so slowly. Too many old people in charge. But that's a discussion for another day. Older consumers looking to buy a smartphone want something easy to use that just works. Apple has been preaching that from the beginning and differentiates itself from Android with this philosophy.  Even Microsoft sees the value in simple but powerful software with Windows Phone 8. They were just late to the party.

I really believe only an incredibly small percent of Americans actually need Android powered smartphones. Many technology websites chastise Apple for its restrictive control of the App Store, its unwillingness to adopt NFC and larger screen sizes, and the lack of customization of iOS.  But 99.999% of Americans just want a smartphone that works and is easy to use. They fact that the iPhone 5 has beautiful build quality is the frosting on the cheesecake which has vaulted the iPhone to the most popular smartphone in the USA.

I look forward to the upgrades in iOS 7. While I am currently testing the awesomeness of the Galaxy Note 2, I will keep my iPhone 5 close by until I know exactly what to expect from WWDC.  I don't expect Apple to impress me, but I do expect them to make every iteration better than the last.