Technology Nerd Thread

[zitothebrave]

For just general tech geekiness, phones, computers TVs, etc.

Anyway some general musings on my behalf.

I've always wondered if Apple could actually dominate the cell market. Or at least the high end market like Beats does with the high end headphone market. To those who know about the cell market there's concern about the high end smartphone bubble popping, which would basically mean Apple's growth would slow since that's their niche. But what if Apple also released a high end Android phone? Hell it could be the same base as the iPhone just running Android OS. What would be the draw to it? Well just some musing points. First you could draw people who love the high end phones but love customization of Android. Second you can bring iTunes to Android. If you just want to make it only available on the Apple Device fine, but it's another potential revenue stream. Now you may ask yourself who would want an Android phone with iTunes? People who are iTunes and iPod users who aren't in love with the iPhone. I know plenty out there. It's a risky move but there is minimal loss to doing something like that especially if you do it with existing hardware. A move like that could be deadly for Samsung who basically sits atop and poaches the Android high end market. The reward is that for no real added cost Apple can expand it's hardware profitability. There is some loss in App Sales for sure, but I think they could easily offset that.

Second musing is about the TV Future. I'm checking out the market as my TV is now like 3 years old and showing signs of getting old so I'm cycling it to bedroom TV and getting a new one at some point, and nothing really excites me. There's some cool tech in the high end TVs but nothing that wows me in the mid range market (I would never spend 5 grand on a TV ever) They're all largely the same. Cellphones, cars, videogames, etc. there are defining features that would make me choose one over the other, but that doesn't exist for me when looking for a TV. No smart TV gives me anything to even kind of consider ditching my Roku or XBox.

My tech wishlist for this year is something like this

New TV, Probably a 46 incher may go 55. I want bigger than my 42 because it doesn't fit the room well, But I don't know how big I'm willing to goI'm
XBox one or PS4. Haven't really decided which way to go yet. I love my 360, but the PS4 is almost universally regarded as better tech. I'm gonna wait a while to see if Kinect actually utilizes better for the One I guess.

Last is not a must but I want a new desktop or laptop. I haven't decided which yet. May wind up getting both. Right now I have a very old desktop that's running a vista that got attacked hard by a virus that I removed but have been too lazy to restore all the registries that were deleted. My laptop is busted up bad and I have a chromebook which I love. i was going to get a tablet but I think I prefer the chromebook for just about everything except for playing games. I'm ditching the desktop, but I may convert my laptop to an all in one, or I may suck it up for what I use it for, or I may sell it. To Meta's shock I'm sure I"m heavily considering the Macbook pro for my laptop. Simply because of their durability. It's in my top 3 right now with the Envy Spectre and some other one that I'm forgetting about. Desktop if I go that route I'm leaning all in one but who knows where I'll go.

Anyway my nerds, discuss and argue.

[Dalyn]

http://www.oculusvr.com/

http://www.oculusvr.com/wp-content/themes/oculus/img/hp_news/engadget-oculus-rift-best-of-ces-2014.jpg

[gilesfan]

Im getting a microsoft surface tablet and will use it as a desktop when need be. I have adapter and a large monitor.

[zitothebrave]

http://www.oculusvr.com/

http://www.oculusvr.com/wp-content/themes/oculus/img/hp_news/engadget-oculus-rift-best-of-ces-2014.jpg

I would love an Oculus Rift. I'm just not sure how I'd use it short of getting a gaming PC. Need to do some research I assume.

[zitothebrave]

Im getting a microsoft surface tablet and will use it as a desktop when need be. I have adapter and a large monitor.

Getting the surface pro or RT?

[gilesfan]

Pro

[zitothebrave]

Nice, I was considering the Pro but I like the Spectre 2 in 1 more. I want the laptop more than a tablet regardless, but the Spectre is a 13 inch screen which is better for my usage. Also love the fanless tablet design.

[The Chosen One]

Lol @ beats being high end headphones.

I just bought the 2012 macbook pro. Am going to sub the 500hdd for a 250ssd. Gonna put 16gb of ram.

Very happy with my purchase. My imac from '12 has been running flawlessly despite how much I abuse it and work it.

[The Chosen One]

Zitos going to get occulus rift just for porn.

[zitothebrave]

Lol @ beats being high end headphones.

I just bought the 2012 macbook pro. Am going to sub the 500hdd for a 250ssd. Gonna put 16gb of ram.

Very happy with my purchase. My imac from '12 has been running flawlessly despite how much I abuse it and work it.

Beats are marketed as high end headphone and they cost that much. I'd never own a pair. If I was dropping serious money on headphones I'd probably get some Sennheisers. But beats is the market leader in sales. Like 59% of the market.

[The Chosen One]

Sony just released a premium Walkman for their 30th anniversary.

It retails for $800. It costs a lot because it has a built in amp so it can play hi definition audio such as flac, apple lossless, wav etc. It runs android.

I was thinking about buying one to replace ipod touch.

http://www.engadget.com/products/sony/walkman/nw-zx1/

[Krgrecw]

Zito to answer your ITunes on Android issue: Because apple doesn't make crappy products and like to control the user experience. Why put iTunes on a phone that you don't control?


Big year, year and a half coming up for Apple.

A bigger Ipad-pro tablet

iPhone six's will have a sapphire coating. 2 1/2 times as strong as what the cell phone makers currently use and the phone will be bigger

The 'I-watch' could potentially be huge. Measures your BP, heart rate, respiration rate, steps taken, calories lost, measures your sleep patterns, miles walked, play your music. Perfect for exercising.




New advanced AppleTv is rumored to come equipped with an internally AirPort Extreme wifi so watching tv should be faster and clearer. Apple TV now has it's own page at the Apple.com so hopefully it means it's not a 'hobby' anymore. If they do release an App Store for the Apple TV, that will be big.

[Hawk]

@Keith: You are better off buying a Sansa Clip and a separate amp (FiiO) ... then springing for a good set of cans. I do have to say, one of the best MP3 players I ever owned was the Sony Network Walkman. The Zunes were dandy, too.

I am a little obsessed with headphones: currently using the AKG-K550s (so-so) and Yamaha EPH-100 IEM (good). Sennheiser are decent, but I prefer Shure (SRH-840s) and Audio Technica (ATH-M50s) in the sub-$200 category. If you are willing to spend considerably more, then look at Sennheiser.

In 2014 I'd like to invest in a good DSLR with both solid picture and video modes, as well as semi-affordable lenses.

Also hoping that somebody comes out with a half-decent smart watch. I owned the Galaxy Gear for approximately 3 days. What a worthless piece of ****.

[Hawk]

The 'I-watch' could potentially be huge. Measures your BP, heart rate, respiration rate, steps taken, calories lost, measures your sleep patterns, miles walked, play your music. Perfect for exercising.

All of that is great, but I can essentially get exactly that in a Fitbit (at, in all likelihood, a fraction of the price.) Don't get me wrong - I know Apple will make it elegant and functional and moreso cooly desirable than the Fitbit - but I am more interested in a watch that acts as a useful extension to my smartphone. Give me a good camera, usable voice controls, and some nifty treats like NFC for payment, etc. Fitness features are interesting, but completely worthless to somebody like me who cycles and swims.

[zitothebrave]

Also hoping that somebody comes out with a half-decent smart watch. I owned the Galaxy Gear for approximately 3 days. What a worthless piece of ****.

I'm in the same boat. I think lots of smart watches have lots of good ideas, none have great implementation. To me Google Glass is 1000 times more interesting as wearable tech. So far the smart watches that most interest me are Pebble Steel (want to see how the apps shake out) and Razer Nabu. The latter will depend on sales. Love the idea though of using gestures to share social media info.

[zitothebrave]

Zito to answer your ITunes on Android issue: Because apple doesn't make crappy products and like to control the user experience. Why put iTunes on a phone that you don't control?


Big year, year and a half coming up for Apple.

A bigger Ipad-pro tablet

iPhone six's will have a sapphire coating. 2 1/2 times as strong as what the cell phone makers currently use and the phone will be bigger

The 'I-watch' could potentially be huge. Measures your BP, heart rate, respiration rate, steps taken, calories lost, measures your sleep patterns, miles walked, p`lay your music. Perfect for exercising.




New advanced AppleTv is rumored to come equipped with an internally AirPort Extreme wifi so watching tv should be faster and clearer. Apple TV now has it's own page at the Apple.com so hopefully it means it's not a 'hobby' anymore. If they do release an App Store for the Apple TV, that will be big.

Not to be a dick but you said the same thing last year and Apple did nothing new on the mobile front. iWatch will come out at some point this year or next year depending on sourcing, but let's not get too far ahead of ourselves.

As far as why bring iTunes to Android, it's simple. Money. If more people buy iTunes music Apple makes more money. Really simple.

All those features on the iWatch are on a fitbit sans music playing which you can do from your smartphone. Fitbit already has a huge marketshare in the health conscious world and they cost half as much as the rumored iWatch price. If you want to control your music from your smartwatch the LG Lifeband will be out first and does all of those things and works with a number of apps on Android and on iOS and has a special set of headphones you can buy that can track your heart rate and show on your phone or lifeband. And likely will be first to market, and to LG's credit, the device looks great.

http://www.lg.com/us/images/fitness-activity-trackers/fb84-bx/gallery/medium01.jpg

And the rumors I've read about sapphire has to do with the screen. Not the whole phone. Though they may do that who knows. And it's amusing that apple has basically admitted it was wrong about the iPhone sizing.

[ESP47]

I'm in the same boat. I think lots of smart watches have lots of good ideas, none have great implementation. To me Google Glass is 1000 times more interesting as wearable tech. So far the smart watches that most interest me are Pebble Steel (want to see how the apps shake out) and Razer Nabu. The latter will depend on sales. Love the idea though of using gestures to share social media info.

Google Glass is the worst piece of technology I've ever heard of. Lets all walk around with a visual tracking device that can record video, audio, GPS, as well as facial recognition in real time. All to just have a computer in front of your eyeball.. Are you insane?

[nocalgirl10]

Hey if Grant and Jerry are repping it, you know it's the cool thing to do.

[Hawk]

I'm in the same boat. I think lots of smart watches have lots of good ideas, none have great implementation. To me Google Glass is 1000 times more interesting as wearable tech. So far the smart watches that most interest me are Pebble Steel (want to see how the apps shake out) and Razer Nabu. The latter will depend on sales. Love the idea though of using gestures to share social media info.

I received an invitation to Google Glass about a month ago, but couldn't afford to get one (so ended up selling my code on eBay for $50). It is the benchmark for wearables as far as I'm concerned, but still needs a literal ****-ton of development before it's consumer ready. Although I'm sure if Google dropped the price to $300 they would sell like hotcakes, even as a relatively simple piece of equipment.

Pebble Steel is beautiful, I have been considering it ... but apparently Samsung just pushed up the launch of the Galaxy Gear II to the MWC in a few weeks, so I'm going to wait ... just like I'm waiting for KitKat on my Note.

You just know that somebody is going to break through on watches in a unique way, and I think it's going to happen this year.

[Hawk]

Another piece of tech I want in 2014: The Scarlett Johansson OS from Her. Purely for the cyber-sex ... and the surrogate sex.

[zitothebrave]

I received an invitation to Google Glass about a month ago, but couldn't afford to get one (so ended up selling my code on eBay for $50). It is the benchmark for wearables as far as I'm concerned, but still needs a literal ****-ton of development before it's consumer ready. Although I'm sure if Google dropped the price to $300 they would sell like hotcakes, even as a relatively simple piece of equipment.

Pebble Steel is beautiful, I have been considering it ... but apparently Samsung just pushed up the launch of the Galaxy Gear II to the MWC in a few weeks, so I'm going to wait ... just like I'm waiting for KitKat on my Note.

You just know that somebody is going to break through on watches in a unique way, and I think it's going to happen this year.

I think Razer may be the big break through. For those who haven't checked it out here's a preview

http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/06/razer-nabu-smart-band/

The broad potential of the device is exciting and the price point can't be beat. Question is will adoption be high enough. If it is it could be the killer smartwatch the big breakthrough as stylish, cheap, social, and health.

Love the Pebble Steel look though, just odn't know if I'd love it as a smart watch. I have little hope for the Galaxy Gear 2.

And Glass is going to be the future. Maybe not glass as you know it now but imagine if you will you like fixing your own computer. You own a dell laptop and you can get an AR guide on how to remove say the motherboard that shows you on your device what you need to do. The utilization potential of AR is insane. NYPD or LAPD (I Forget) Is testing glass which could work very well in law enforcement. From a consumer perspective, as a city dweller/visitor the navigation could prove wonderful. And unlike smartwatches you can audibly respond to texts and things of that nature.

[sturg33]

LOL at the thought of Apple improving their iPhone….

[zitothebrave]

They'll improve it, it's more the innovation that's the problem. Has the iPhone ever made as drastic of a change and design innovation as the G2? Hopefully the new one will change I like competition.

[Krgrecw]

Google glasses will be a dud:

A) you look like a douche for wearing one in public. No hottie will ever wear one.
B) privacy issues. Creeps will love them.
C) every bar, concert, theatre will ban them. They've already started.

[zitothebrave]

Google glasses will be a dud:

A) you look like a douche for wearing one in public. No hottie will ever wear one.
B) privacy issues. Creeps will love them.
C) every bar, concert, theatre will ban them. They've already started.

Concert and theaters yes, bars, not so much. I believe the only bar I've heard of banning them is that douchebag guy who did it for publicity. And what privacy case can you make for glass that you can't make for a cell phone?

As fat as the hottie point, thats just moronic. Though fun fact, people said the same thing about vibram's years ago, meanwhile you catch Hugh Jackman, Channing Tatum, and ScarJo among the people who wear them. Ignoring that little pointless anecdote. What you don't realize is glass is very much in beta, and it's going to switch it's tech up as it gets out of beta they'll focus on consumer design and attraction.

[ESP47]

Concert and theaters yes, bars, not so much. I believe the only bar I've heard of banning them is that douchebag guy who did it for publicity. And what privacy case can you make for glass that you can't make for a cell phone?

As fat as the hottie point, thats just moronic. Though fun fact, people said the same thing about vibram's years ago, meanwhile you catch Hugh Jackman, Channing Tatum, and ScarJo among the people who wear them. Ignoring that little pointless anecdote. What you don't realize is glass is very much in beta, and it's going to switch it's tech up as it gets out of beta they'll focus on consumer design and attraction.

Now you're letting google, the NSA and whoever can hack the glasses the chance to see the world through your eyes. How that doesn't set off red alarms in your head is crazy to me.

Here's how I picture Zito walking around thinking he's cool. I can't photoshop so this is the best I can do.

http://dailytrojan.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/web_GoogleGlass_RalfCheung.jpg

http://us.123rf.com/400wm/400/400/ihc/ihc0806/ihc080600362/3193318-midsection-of-businessman-holding-cactus-in-a-pot.jpg

https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR5ZPAqKFeWsuLv8H-JuCW5Mlsq4EtX4ianAF320uNngfYk69H6ug


http://www.americaspodiatrist.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Vibram-Five-Fingers-KSO-VFF.jpg

[sturg33]

They'll improve it, it's more the innovation that's the problem. Has the iPhone ever made as drastic of a change and design innovation as the G2? Hopefully the new one will change I like competition.

That's the point. They have innovated that phone since the iPhone 1 (which was obviously amazing at the time)... Samsung has blown it out of the water.

[zitothebrave]

Ehhh, the GS4 is basically the GS3 with a slightly larger screen and some gestures from the Note 2. Samsung largely sat on their laurels with the GS4 and losing sales to Motorola, LG and HTC who did all make big changes to their flagship devices.

Samsung is falling into the device spam cycle, they're far and away my least favorite of the big 4 Android phone manufacturers.

[zitothebrave]

And ESP I don't own a cactus, or any kind of khaki pants much less a duct taped pair of Khaki shorts. I do admittingly own a pair of cargo shorts which I wear when I need to carry a lot of **** during the summer or at picnics cause what else do you wear to a picnic other than cargo shorts? And I'm not a crazy person like my dad who wears pants all of the time.

[ESP47]

And ESP I don't own a cactus, or any kind of khaki pants much less a duct taped pair of Khaki shorts. I do admittingly own a pair of cargo shorts which I wear when I need to carry a lot of **** during the summer or at picnics cause what else do you wear to a picnic other than cargo shorts? And I'm not a crazy person like my dad who wears pants all of the time.

It concerns me that you're worried about the cactus and khaki shorts since those are the two least offensive parts of that outfit.

Now I do agree with you on the cargo carrying capabilities of cargo shorts. Bro fist.

[zitothebrave]

It concerns me that you're worried about the cactus and khaki shorts since those are the two least offensive parts of that outfit.

Now I do agree with you on the cargo carrying capabilities of cargo shorts. Bro fist.

http://i3.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/542/740/6d3.gif

Vibrams are the greatest pair of footwear that there is. I don't wear them nowcause **** that I'm not getting frost bite. But once it gets above 40 I wear it as long as it's not nasty outside. THey look wonky but they're super comfortable and fantastic for exercising.

ANd the glass I'll get you can hate i don't care. When your ass is lost or walks into a someone because you're staring at your phone, you can get at me then. What what

[Krgrecw]

Concert and theaters yes, bars, not so much. I believe the only bar I've heard of banning them is that douchebag guy who did it for publicity. And what privacy case can you make for glass that you can't make for a cell phone?

As fat as the hottie point, thats just moronic. Though fun fact, people said the same thing about vibram's years ago, meanwhile you catch Hugh Jackman, Channing Tatum, and ScarJo among the people who wear them. Ignoring that little pointless anecdote. What you don't realize is glass is very much in beta, and it's going to switch it's tech up as it gets out of beta they'll focus on consumer design and attraction.




You do realize it's awfully obvious if someone is taking a picture with a cellphone. Can a person wearing this sit and take pics and record videos of random people? Yes. Very Secretly. That's a major privacy issue. That's Why concerts and theaters are banning them. You can record video all day long. Bars will too. It will weird people out. No reason to even have this.


Google glass is a nerd thing. No Hollywood star/hottie will ever wear or use one of these. You think people go out and buy Vibram because Channing Tatum uses one? Nope. You think if Channing Tatum wore google glass and talked about how cool they are people would buy one? Yes

[The Chosen One]

I bought vibrams since their inception.

I wear them for workouts, and sometimes I wear them socially depends on if it's nasty outside because your feet will odor the entire room if it gets wet and ultra sweaty.

Great shoes, also great conversation pieces. It started the conversation with my ex, she bought some we went out running a few times and went from there.

[Krgrecw]

Exactly Sav. It's a niche product. If you work out you'll like them. Unlike clothes, music, movies, technology no one Is going to go out and buy vibram if some hot actor/actress/athlete wears them. but people will buy clothing brands, listen to a certain musical artist, watch a hard to find movie, or use technology if an actor/athlete/musician/actress
Talks about it.


How does google glasses improve your daily life? Why should joe blow buy one? How does it make his life easier or better?

It doesn't make your life any easier. Why it will fail. Just like that watch. Served no purpose.

[The Chosen One]

If the watches were an upgrade on fuelband or fitbit I'd buy. For casual reasons no. Fuelband is so generic but I keep getting a free one lol.

[zitothebrave]

You do realize it's awfully obvious if someone is taking a picture with a cellphone. Can a person wearing this sit and take pics and record videos of random people? Yes. Very Secretly. That's a major privacy issue. That's Why concerts and theaters are banning them. You can record video all day long. Bars will too. It will weird people out. No reason to even have this.


Google glass is a nerd thing. No Hollywood star/hottie will ever wear or use one of these. You think people go out and buy Vibram because Channing Tatum uses one? Nope. You think if Channing Tatum wore google glass and talked about how cool they are people would buy one? Yes

It's not obvious someone is taking a photo if you're discreet. I've snapped many photos without the target knowing. Hell I recorded a whole concert without someone finding out. There is a reason to have it if you're connected. I've already listed many reasons why it will change how things work.

Imagine if you will, a surgeon who can see your body temp, heart rate or whatever they look at in their peripheral vision so they can monitor it more closely and be more attentive to his surgery. That's one of many practical uses that glass can have. Again you're massively underestimating the value overall to a city dweller/visitor. Police are researching it's effectiveness.

As far as no hollywood star/hottie will ever wear of them, how else would you explain people like Brandy, Alyssa Milano, or Neil Patrick Harris want to be part of the explorer program?

[zitothebrave]

So the iPhone saphire glass rumor is killed for now. Supposedly cost killed it. Sapphire will supposedly be on the iWatch screen.

[Krgrecw]

So the iPhone saphire glass rumor is killed for now. Supposedly cost killed it. Sapphire will supposedly be on the iWatch screen.



I don't think it's killed. There's a factory in Arizona with an order making them. Apple is a secretive company. Won't know for sure until one leaks out

[zitothebrave]

I don't think it's killed. There's a factory in Arizona with an order making them. Apple is a secretive company. Won't know for sure until one leaks out

You won't know for sure, but according to people who're generally right about apple pre-releases, they tested it at Foxconn and nixed it. Maybe they'll change their mind since they still have a month or so to finalize the design.

I'm guessing given the new screen sizes they may be doing too much trying to build a sapphire screen as well. Who knows the reasoning but as of now, the rumor of an all sapphire screen is dead. Sure there will be a new one in a few weeks though

Also the rumor is the 5c will be gone. Not going to free like say the 4s. I find that hard to believe since Apple for 2 years has done the free-100-200 model that they'll drastically change that. Rumors of the introduction of a phablet lead me to believe they'll switch to a free-100-200-300 model. But I'm not sure about the other part.

On an unrelated musing, is Microsoft really in trouble now? I don't expect the tech giant to vanish, but between the rise in mobile usage and their poor foothold on tablets or smartphones, it's looking rough for them. Even the XBox One is struggling right now.

[gtcway]

On an unrelated musing, is Microsoft really in trouble now? I don't expect the tech giant to vanish, but between the rise in mobile usage and their poor foothold on tablets or smartphones, it's looking rough for them. Even the XBox One is struggling right now.

I'm kind of the tech guy in the small town I live in. I've been doing pc tech support and repairs as a hobby/side job here for about 10 years. Over the last couple years, seems like everyone is moving away from PC's. Everyone and their grandmother has a tablet, mostly ipads. Only people who need it for work are buying desktops or laptops these days.

[BlackwaterPark]

Im getting a microsoft surface tablet and will use it as a desktop when need be. I have adapter and a large monitor.

I got one for free from work to demo, and its not that great. Give me a Macbook Air any day over it!

[zitothebrave]

I got one for free from work to demo, and its not that great. Give me a Macbook Air any day over it!

Macbook air really isn't comparable.But if you prefer Mac OS you'll pick the Air over the surface pro. Or if you like the laptop form for work an ultrabook or convertible are more Macbook Air battlers. Surface Pro 2 is kind of in it's own category with the other full windows tablets. Built for people who want the use of a laptop in the form of a tablet.

[Hawk]

Leaked iPhone 6 pic (supposedly):

http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/adam/afe90eb24a013c807aa91ec4fb687df8/BgTASn4CcAEID0L.jpg

[zitothebrave]

Saw that, it looks a lot like the GS4. I guess with an HTC One spin.

[Krgrecw]

Saw that, it looks a lot like the GS4. I guess with an HTC One spin.

Thoses cases are fake. Time Warner being sold really ****s up the next Apple TV

[zitothebrave]

Time Warner sale has to clear the FCC, I don't think they'll let it. Number 1 cable provider buying out the number 2? I know the cable market is shrinking but these are still billion dollar companies that would have an effective monopoly with a control of about 1/3 of the cable TV customers.

[zitothebrave]

ALso it looks like Verizon has officially been drug into the price wars started by T-Mobile. Good news. New plans for Verizon. New plans start at 45 bucks for unlimited talk and text with a basic phone. Verizon finally introduced an incentive to sign up for it's Edge plan giving 10 or 20 off a month with Edge. Still wouldn't do it myself unless I was on the 10 GB plan and buying a phone under 480 bucks retail like the Moto X. Phones like the GS4 or iPhone still aren't really worth it most likely.

[Krgrecw]

Taco Bell is about to go with a mobile app with McDonalds and chick fil a not to far behind them.
Amen.

[zitothebrave]

What's their app supposed to do? Order and Payment? If so I'm shocked they don't have one already since Five Guys does.

[Dalyn]

http://www.techoftomorrow.com/2014/pc/intel-is-preparing-a-15-core-xeon-cpu/

http://www.techoftomorrow.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/xeon-610x299.jpg

[Hawk]

ALso it looks like Verizon has officially been drug into the price wars started by T-Mobile. Good news. New plans for Verizon. New plans start at 45 bucks for unlimited talk and text with a basic phone. Verizon finally introduced an incentive to sign up for it's Edge plan giving 10 or 20 off a month with Edge. Still wouldn't do it myself unless I was on the 10 GB plan and buying a phone under 480 bucks retail like the Moto X. Phones like the GS4 or iPhone still aren't really worth it most likely.

I'm on Edge with an unlimited data plan. I guess I won't get a discount?

[zitothebrave]

Correct. But if you signed up for say 3 gigs it would be 90 instead of before it was 100 for 2 gigs

[zitothebrave]

Google Fiber is looking into a massive expansion, great news for the consumer

https://fiber.google.com/img/newcities/map.png

for those who don't know what Google Fiber is, it's either free 5 MBPS internet, 70 dollar gigabit internet, or 120 dollar gigabit internet plus TV. Bonuses include with just the internet 1 TB of google cloud service, with no contract. With the TV there is a 2 year deal with "built in flexibility" it includes DVR, a Nexus 7, and the 1 TB cloud.

My desire to move to Portland is growing.

[Hawk]

Facebook buys WhatsApp for $16 BILLION.

[zitothebrave]

Facebook buys WhatsApp for $16 BILLION.

WTF? That can't be good for whatsapp users.

And the money of course is ridiculous but Facebook is trying to become like Google/Microsoft.

[Krgrecw]

Deal was 4billion in cash. Facebook was yes whatsapp to improve their messaging platform

[Hawk]

WTF? That can't be good for whatsapp users.

And the money of course is ridiculous but Facebook is trying to become like Google/Microsoft.

So true. Facebook ruined Instagram, too, just like Microsoft brutalized Skype.

Don't really understand the appeal of WhatsApp. Unlimited texting plans are super cheap nowadays. Or just use Google Voice.

[zitothebrave]

So true. Facebook ruined Instagram, too, just like Microsoft brutalized Skype.

Don't really understand the appeal of WhatsApp. Unlimited texting plans are super cheap nowadays. Or just use Google Voice.

International use is the big appeal. Though it seems like carriers are making it easier to text international (think both T-Mo and Verizon have plans with unlimited international text) Aside from that, I have no clue. I guess the positive is that you can message someone and they can't have your phone number as well? Though now with facebook that probably won't be the case.

[Krgrecw]

Have an ios device ?
Gba4ios app was released today. A Nintendo emulator where you don't have to jailbreak your device or download ROMS. Works well

Just change the date of your ios device to a few days back, DL the web page than after installing you can change the date back to the correct date and it works flawlessly

http://gba4iosapp.com

[Krgrecw]

Additional inside details on the Facebook-WhatsApp deal were revealed on Thursday by The Information, which cited three unnamed sources involved with the deal. Those people reportedly said that Google was willing to top Facebook's $19 billion deal, as the search giant was apparently extremely eager to bring WhatsApp under its own umbrella.

Page also made a last-minute effort to WhatsApp Chief Executive Jan Koum, offering him the ability to keep his company independent and continue competing with Facebook while using Google's deep pockets.





They should had gone with google

[zitothebrave]

They should have gone with Google but I think companies will be leary of Google after what they did to Motorola, concerned that once they get their internal workings underway they'll gut the company.

On a different note, this article is funny/sad

http://bgr.com/2014/02/20/time-warner-cable-internet-speeds-austin/

Really it's still pathetic, but it just goes to show how absurd the broadband monopolies in America are.

[Hawk]

Really it's still pathetic, but it just goes to show how absurd the broadband monopolies in America are.

I'm stuck with Comcast and pay a relative fortune for a 50Mbps downstream (which I can only seem to actually get at 2AM [prime pr0n time, though]).

When I lived in Korea my apartment came pre-wired for 50 down for $10 per month. Instead, I opted for a 100 down fiber optic package, that also delivered IPTV, and paid $25 per month (no contract). I could also stream movies at 4G speeds on the subway, hundreds of feet underground, thanks to WiBro (WiMax) which practically the entirety of Seoul was blanketed in (this was three years ago, now).

I can't decide what I miss more about Korea; the women, or the technology.

[zitothebrave]

It's totally stupid how ridiculous the cable providers are here.

I'm praying for Google FIber to expand massively and deliver the promise FiOS never did. I get why cable is expensive in the sticks, but it is stupid expensive in cities where they don't have to do a damned thing.

[zitothebrave]

This is amazing

http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/21/zelda-vr/

[zitothebrave]

http://thenextweb.com/mobile/2014/02/20/4g-data-usa-second-slowest-australia-fastest/#!wOm5w

Lol America's broadband.

[Gary82]

This is amazing

http://www.engadget.com/2014/02/21/zelda-vr/

holy ****. the potential!

[Krgrecw]

Zito , told you a year back that Samsung was dumping android. Finally happening. This is a big negative for google:

There is no word on why Samsung chose to eschew Android, though there have been reports that relations between Google and its largest OEM partners are strained. Along with the change to Tizen -- the development of which is guided jointly by Samsung and Intel -- Samsung has added several first-party applications including a standalone music player and television remote control.

[zitothebrave]

Do you enjoy reading stiff the wrong way? Switching to tozen for their galaxy gear literally means nothing. As I said Samsung ditching android would be bad for them and they aren't. They literally signed an agreement with Google recently certifying that they'll stick with android a month ago. They will release some tizen phones at some point. But when they fail or are less profitable or Google walks away with their plethora of patents that protect Samsung and Google, apple, and Microsoft sue them to the stone age and the licensing fees drive up the cost of the handsets.

[zitothebrave]

Really shocking that Android keeps shrinking growth. Man is it dying

http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/110759-image/Kantars-latest-report-on-global-smartphone-OS-market-share.jpg

[Krgrecw]

Really shocking that Android keeps shrinking growth. Man is it dying

http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/110759-image/Kantars-latest-report-on-global-smartphone-OS-market-share.jpg


Market share is practically worthless. Most phones that use android are ****ty and are of low cost. Market share doesn't make you money, Profit does.

The contract that Samsung just made with google has nothing to do with Samsung using Android. Why would Samsung ditching Google be bad for them? Samsung would make more money and have more control. How is that bad. Wouldn't it make sense to control the hardware and software?

[zitothebrave]

You shoudl read up on the deal. It's specifically a cross patent deal that Samsung signed to tighten it's bonds to Android. I'm sure you've heard of all the patent battles Samsung has had and I'm sure you've heard of the several billions of dollars Google spent getting Motorola patents that Samsung can use as leverage.

Android Marketshare is all about profit for Google, so yeah your point misses.

[Yogi44]

Saw references to the FitBit thru the thread. FYI, if you own, FitBit Flex has been recalled due to the rash it is creating on people's wrist.

[zitothebrave]

GS5 announced, interesting approach by Samsung, including on the base model IP 67 water and dust resistance. Rest is basically a given. Same basic internals as the Note 3 (as the S4 had the same basic internals as the Note 2) with a better camera.

Not a good upgrade for Samsung JMO. It's got a smaller screen than the G2, is larger than the G2, has the step up processor and GPU from the G2 (as in the very next step nothing significant) smaller battery and at best a lateral move in camera by most estimates. At the inevitable price point of 199.99 on a 2 year LG G2 is currently 99.99 on contract. Is the S4 with it's smaller internal memory and rugged design worth the extra 100?

Hopefully people realize the GS4 stinks and goes with the G3 or the New One. They're at least cool devices with different designs.

[ESP47]

What's the best windows laptop I can get for $400-500? I'm not looking to do anything crazy. I want something I can hook up to my tv to watch movies/porn. Gaming isn't a big deal to me either. The last computer I bought was around 2006 so I've been out of the loop for a long time.

[Hawk]

What's the best windows laptop I can get for $400-500? I'm not looking to do anything crazy. I want something I can hook up to my tv to watch movies/porn. Gaming isn't a big deal to me either. The last computer I bought was around 2006 so I've been out of the loop for a long time.

Sony Vaio Fit is not bad -- although it's been out almost one year old now.
Toshiba 'Premium' Series has some decent refurbs that fit your price range (new models are between $500-700). For example: http://www.toshiba.com/us/computers/laptops/satellite/P50/BP55-A5312

Or a used (circa 2012) MacBook Air.

If you are not a power user and basically task your computer to surf the internet, write e-mails, etc., then I would suggest a Chromebook and a Chromecast for 'casting' your movies/pr0n to the TV. The laptop is only ~$250 and the cast is $35. Then you can spend the rest on a hooker, or decent tablet.

[zitothebrave]

Really most computers will fit your needs.

All you need is an HDMI port like this dude has http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16834314235

[zitothebrave]

Sony Vaio Fit is not bad -- although it's been out almost one year old now.
Toshiba 'Premium' Series has some decent refurbs that fit your price range (new models are between $500-700). For example: http://www.toshiba.com/us/computers/laptops/satellite/P50/BP55-A5312

Or a used (circa 2012) MacBook Air.

If you are not a power user and basically task your computer to surf the internet, write e-mails, etc., then I would suggest a Chromebook and a Chromecast for 'casting' your movies/pr0n to the TV. The laptop is only ~$250 and the cast is $35. Then you can spend the rest on a hooker, or decent tablet.
I haven't checked ot make sure it sends audio buy my Acer C7 has an HDMI port, I"d imagine that I don't even need chromecast.

[Hawk]

I haven't checked ot make sure it sends audio buy my Acer C7 has an HDMI port, I"d imagine that I don't even need chromecast.

The only disadvantage to that solution is that an HDMI cable is not wireless like the Chromecast.

[zitothebrave]

The only disadvantage to that solution is that an HDMI cable is not wireless like the Chromecast.

THat is true, but since ESP hasn't bought a computer since the year I graduated high school, I'm guessing he probably hasn't gotten a router in quite some time and I'd hate to see how a chromecast runs on a G router.

On a related note I'm about to do a wifi overhaul. I haven't updated my network since 10 and now dual band routers are cheap.

I'm thinking something like this bad boy

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0AJ1CU2481

[ESP47]

Thanks guys I probably wont do the chromebook because I want the full capabilities of a normal computer...although the money saved to get a hooker is very enticing. So this one should be pretty good then?

http://www.frys.com/product/7571046?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

[zitothebrave]

That should more than handle what you need to do

[zitothebrave]

So according Sundar Pichai Google never made an offer for What's App.

If that's the case, then was Facebook bidding against themselves?

[zitothebrave]

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Googles-Project-Ara-is-designed-exclusively-for-6-billion-people-Ara-Developers-Conference-scheduled-for-April_id53242

Project Ara is one of the coolest techs I've heard of lately.

The idea behind project ara is awesome. Build and upgrade your phone as you want it? Don't care about camera you can skimp. Etc.

[zitothebrave]

I've posted this elsewhere before but I really love this tech

http://solaptop.com/en/products/laptops/#

Rumored to start at 350. Specs are a hair light. but it's Linux so you don't need a beast. And I consider built in bluetooth 4.0 and a MIMO wifi being more important. But solar powered rocks

[zitothebrave]

Pretty crazy sales numbers for tablets in 2013, industry had almost double the amount of sales, Android over doubling it's output, and increases from Apple and Microsoft as well. I'm assuming the decreases are from Blackberry. I don't think there were any WebOS sales in 12 that were significant. I know there are other smaller OSs but I'm trying to think of what else could have had sales in 12 that would have lead to such a big drop.

http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/112718-thumb/screen-shot-2014-03-03-at-09-27-16.png

[Krgrecw]

As we’ve said many times before, market share is not a particularly meaningful measure where Apple is concerned, for two reasons. Firstly, iOS vs Android is one company versus almost every other tablet maker (Windows being almost an irrelevance in this market). Second, Apple is not targeting the whole tablet market, only the top end of it. Seventy million extra low-end tablets dilutes Apple’s market share without costing the company a single cent in lost sales.

Which is why Apple boosted iPad sales by 9M while its market share fell from 52.8 percent to 36 percent.

The numbers did, though, emphasise the importance of the growth markets as the U.S. and Europe approach saturation point.



He release the American Sales numbers?

[zitothebrave]

I didn't down play apple, they didn't grow as much as Android did that's for sure.

[zitothebrave]

This rocks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A4vE_vpkr90#t=126

[The Chosen One]

I didn't down play apple, they didn't grow as much as Android did that's for sure.

Apple also has a big second hand sales market. I go on Craigs frequently and see people sell them at a good price all things considered so they can buy a new model.

[Krgrecw]

Apple also has a big second hand sales market. I go on Craigs frequently and see people sell them at a good price all things considered so they can buy a new model.

True on that. That's how I do it. Ipad 3 got me $350 when the ipad Air came out last fall. Not bad for a 2 yr old device. The Apple TV 2 which is old fetches $300 on the market and that was only $99 retail.

[zitothebrave]

Stop clotting my technology thread with talks about reselling electronics.

More on the coolness

http://www.engadget.com/2014/03/05/arduino-business-card-tetris/

[Krgrecw]

Where's you link to the new roku gadget ?

[zitothebrave]

Steaming stick was announced seemingly forever ago. Or at least the plans for it.

As far as my take on the device.

Cool device, dont know how it stacks against Chromecast. I think they're for different purposes. I think the Chromecast has way more potential, and at 15 bucks cheaper it will draw more eyes.

As far as benefits between the 2. Roku has way more channels, is dual band wireless N, and a few other nice things.

Don't really get the need for it. Dual band is the only real advantage it has over the Roku, now they basically have 2 devices at the same pricepoint. One small and HD only the other larger and HD and SD.

[MrShwag]

http://mostlysignssomeportents.tumblr.com/post/79876380537/how-to-break-the-internet-destroy-democracy-and

[Krgrecw]

Microsoft Office is coming to the ipad March. 27

[BlackwaterPark]

Microsoft Office is coming to the ipad March. 27

Unveiled, not released

[Krgrecw]

Unveiled, not released


I'm hearing release date by the end of March. If they hold to the $9.99 monthly subscription rate, that'll be bad for MS.

[zitothebrave]

I'm hearing release date by the end of March. If they hold to the $9.99 monthly subscription rate, that'll be bad for MS.

Why will it be bad for them? If they're adding subscribers it isn't bad. Right now they're losing money to people signing up for open office products that are available in the apple store.

That said I thought you could get office 365 and use that on an iPad anyway. That's cheaper than 9.99 a month. So I'm really confused.

[BlackwaterPark]

Microsofts initial release of everything is a failure usually.

[Krgrecw]

Hasn't everything Microsoft done ately fail?

[Carp]

Krgrecw, why are you so such an Apple snob?

I'm sorry but I've used plenty of Apple products, and while the large majority are quality products, they are nowhere near the top operating systems for the most part.

For phones, iPhones are severely lacking customization. I have a 4 yr old DROID X, which I hate, but can't currently get rid of due to paying for a wedding and not wanting to lose my unlimited with Verizon. But even my 4 yr old crappy Droid X is more customizable than the IPhone 5s. Other than being trendy, I don't get the appeal of the iPhone.

Apple computers I will admit are far superior to most PC's I've used. But they are also twice the price tag normally. I can understand someone who works from home, or is constantly on their home computer to be willing to pay the extra price. But for the everyday person who doesn't use their home computer all that often (probably the majority of home computer owners) I don't see why buying a Mac would be appealing (again, other than being trendy).

The iPad is nowhere near the top operating tablet, imo. I bought the iPad Air when it cam out. I sold it after a month and now own the Windows Surface Pro. There is no comparison to how much better the Surface Pro is than the iPad.

I just don't get the whole Apple superiority thing.

[Krgrecw]

Didn't mean to come across like a snob. With iWork and google drive being pretty much free I think asking someone to subscribe and pay $9.99 for a similar service is stupid and it won't be big.


I like apple due to Thier ecosystem. everything I have is right There on iCloud. I've always used apple products since day 1. That's what I'm used to.

[Hawk]

Fappity fap fap.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07MPprEV5-M/UyhtmRaz7xI/AAAAAAAABo8/t3Ui5DXV2ls/s1600/Moto360_Macro_alt1_with+text.jpg

http://motorola-blog.blogspot.com/2014/03/moto-360-its-time.html

[BlackwaterPark]

Krgrecw, why are you so such an Apple snob?

I'm sorry but I've used plenty of Apple products, and while the large majority are quality products, they are nowhere near the top operating systems for the most part.

For phones, iPhones are severely lacking customization. I have a 4 yr old DROID X, which I hate, but can't currently get rid of due to paying for a wedding and not wanting to lose my unlimited with Verizon. But even my 4 yr old crappy Droid X is more customizable than the IPhone 5s. Other than being trendy, I don't get the appeal of the iPhone.

Apple computers I will admit are far superior to most PC's I've used. But they are also twice the price tag normally. I can understand someone who works from home, or is constantly on their home computer to be willing to pay the extra price. But for the everyday person who doesn't use their home computer all that often (probably the majority of home computer owners) I don't see why buying a Mac would be appealing (again, other than being trendy).

The iPad is nowhere near the top operating tablet, imo. I bought the iPad Air when it cam out. I sold it after a month and now own the Windows Surface Pro. There is no comparison to how much better the Surface Pro is than the iPad.

I just don't get the whole Apple superiority thing.

I have a Surface Pro 2 from work and hardly use it as in less than 3 hours total. Its clunky, heavy, and the OS is crap.

I don't get the lack of customizations beef everyone has, I have never had the urge to customize things on my iOS devices that I couldn't do.

[zitothebrave]

Fappity fap fap.

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-07MPprEV5-M/UyhtmRaz7xI/AAAAAAAABo8/t3Ui5DXV2ls/s1600/Moto360_Macro_alt1_with+text.jpg

http://motorola-blog.blogspot.com/2014/03/moto-360-its-time.html

Yeah. The first attractive smartwatch that I've seen. I'm really excited to see how it in action. I love how it has the real watch look but then switches over to alerts, nav, etc.

[zitothebrave]

Didn't mean to come across like a snob. With iWork and google drive being pretty much free I think asking someone to subscribe and pay $9.99 for a similar service is stupid and it won't be big.


I like apple due to Thier ecosystem. everything I have is right There on iCloud. I've always used apple products since day 1. That's what I'm used to.

You mean the idea that Google and Windows use too? Cloud storage is there everywhere. iCloud is just another way for Apple to lock people into their ecosystem. Closed ecosystems suck. Apple is the king of the closed ecosystem.

[zitothebrave]

I have a Surface Pro 2 from work and hardly use it as in less than 3 hours total. Its clunky, heavy, and the OS is crap.

I don't get the lack of customizations beef everyone has, I have never had the urge to customize things on my iOS devices that I couldn't do.

How are you getting that ****ty of battery life on it? All reports I've read are 6+ hours. Do you have like max brightness and cranking your processor?

It is clunky and heavy though, because it's a computer. If the iPad had an i5 processor it would be way heavier and clunkier. You're comparing apples and oranges.

And you don't get it probably because you never had the choice. The example I give everyone is pretty clean. If you want to use a different keyboard, texting service, default web browser, or default navigation, in android you can, in iOS you can't. That's of course just a few examples of why Android is a vastly superior ecosystem to iOS.

I enjoy Apple's hardware, I think they do a good job approaching things from a visual standpoint without compromising hardware capabilities. I'm not a fan of their OSs though. But other people love them and if they do, then that's their right as a consumer. Personally I'd never go with it. As a personal consumer, my strategy is use and toss. I buy cheap computers and then use them then junk tem in 3 years. I used to buy into the high end thing when I gamed but now that I don't game anymore. I can just buy 3 mid range computers over say 10 years instead of 1 high end computer that may last me 10, but almost certainly wont without some heavy changing. Plus odds are aside from graphics and ram, the computer I'd replace it with second cycle will likely be similar in performance. Apple does not fit into that mold though. Where the cheapest laptop they have is about a grand.

Again, you can like Apple, you're totally allowed to and there are many reasons to like Apple, but the way that some fanboys go at it slobbering over Apple's knob is insane.

[zitothebrave]

So HTC M8 (the new HTC One) was announced and released today. Pretty shocking.

Personally I'd take it over the GS5. GS5 has a bit better specs on the processor side, but the dual camera and 5 MP front facing camera make it a better device for most people JMO.

That said, LG G2 is still almost as good if not better than the new flagships. So get one of them for cheap if you want to save a little.

Also Google signed an agreement to work with the maker of Rayban and Oakley to work on high fashion google glass products.

[zitothebrave]

Sad day for technology
http://www.walgreens.com/store/c/magic-shave-razorless-cream-shave%2c-regular-stregth-light-fresh-scent/ID=prod6022580-product

Get ready for oculus VR ads all the time. Facebook ruins everything.

[Hawk]

Yeah, **** Facebook.

Looking more forward to Playstation's Project Morpheus at this point.

[zitothebrave]

Problem is that Oculus is a sick platform already, Facebook is just gonna figure out a ridiculous with too much monetizing BS that will limit it's creative potential. I don't blame the Oculus guys for selling, odds of them seeing 2B is slim.

[Hawk]

I don't know, virtual environments are going to be huge in the next 5 years or so. There's a lot of money to be made.

[zitothebrave]

I don't know, virtual environments are going to be huge in the next 5 years or so. There's a lot of money to be made.

I agree, but richer companies can invest more into R&D and would poach it eventually.

[Hawk]

I agree, but richer companies can invest more into R&D and would poach it eventually.

I just hope Facebook gives Oculus the funding it needs to develop the Rift as originally intended -- as a gaming platform -- and doesn't try to recraft the technology to fit its own business model (think virtua-Farmville). Recent developments considered, I would put my money behind Morpheus. Sony has all the right utilities in place; imaging tech, multi-platform development experience, and, of course, the Playstation ecosystem. Not discounting Oculus though. Smart money is on the Rift hitting the market first.

[Dalyn]

I just hope Facebook gives Oculus the funding it needs to develop the Rift as originally intended -- as a gaming platform -- and doesn't try to recraft the technology to fit its own business model (think virtua-Farmville). Recent developments considered, I would put my money behind Morpheus. Sony has all the right utilities in place; imaging tech, multi-platform development experience, and, of course, the Playstation ecosystem. Not discounting Oculus though. Smart money is on the Rift hitting the market first.

I'm not convinced this is a bad thing. Sounds like he is going to let them do what they want and just give them tons of money to do it with. ANYTHING that increases VR interest is a good thing, in my opinion.

[The Chosen One]

ZEETS there's already compatible Japanese Porn with the occulus including a machine. Perfect 3 strike for you.

[Krgrecw]

Don't think OR and virtual gaming are going to ever be big. Some company that was into Virtual gaming was on Shark Tank a while back and the Sharks more or less agreed that it looks fun for a few minutes but it gets tiring. People want to sit down and play video games not have to move around to play.




Move makes no since for Facebook.

[The Chosen One]

"People want to sit down" that's your average person.

I think gamers would love it on certain games, especially FPS.

You don't necessarily need to move around to play. You can have the 3D on and just play with a control to move and then turn your head to look.

I watched the video of the guy driving the semi truck for occulus rift and he just had to sit there.

A zombie game would be amazing with the VR.

[Krgrecw]

Yeah but don't you more or less have to sit/stand straight up to play? If you were to slouch or sloop I imagine it wouldn't be as precise.



Maybe I'm writing this off to early. I'm not a gamer

[The Chosen One]

Yeah but don't you more or less have to sit/stand straight up to play? If you were to slouch or sloop I imagine it wouldn't be as precise.



Maybe I'm writing this off to early. I'm not a gamer

I'm sure you can adjust the axis to whatever you'd like.

The possibilities are endless really.

[Dalyn]

Don't think OR and virtual gaming are going to ever be big. Some company that was into Virtual gaming was on Shark Tank a while back and the Sharks more or less agreed that it looks fun for a few minutes but it gets tiring. People want to sit down and play video games not have to move around to play.


Move makes no since for Facebook.


Wow. You couldn't be more wrong. This is going places and gaming is only the first stop.

[The Chosen One]

I can't wait for a virtual simulation of traveling through outer space, looking around and seeing nothing but the depths of stars and space junk.

Kind of like Neil Tyson's imagination pod on Cosmos.

[Dalyn]

I can't wait for a virtual simulation of traveling through outer space, looking around and seeing nothing but the depths of stars and space junk.

Kind of like Neil Tyson's imagination pod on Cosmos.

They could actually connect you with any actual probe or rover sent out with a camera. You could very well hitch a ride on the next Mars rover, or perhaps the first sent to land on Enceladus. Board meetings. Classrooms. Baseball games. Your own heart. etc etc

[zitothebrave]

Don't think OR and virtual gaming are going to ever be big. Some company that was into Virtual gaming was on Shark Tank a while back and the Sharks more or less agreed that it looks fun for a few minutes but it gets tiring. People want to sit down and play video games not have to move around to play.




Move makes no since for Facebook.

I saw that same episode and you're misquoting the consensus. They weren't conviced that particular controller would work, not that VR wouldn't work. In fact, VR in gaming has been something they've striven for for years.

[Hawk]

One issue yet to be resolved with VR headsets is motion sickness.

[zitothebrave]

One issue yet to be resolved with VR headsets is motion sickness.

Absolutely. I also think that application will be an issue. You really can't put the OR in an arcade setting, there has to be all kinds of safety issues that it would work someplaces but not in many arcades. Also for home use, you run into a few issues involving calibration I'm sure those are simple fixes though.

[zitothebrave]

Really interesting study

http://pages.crittercism.com/rs/crittercism/images/crittercism-mobile-benchmarks.pdf

I'm not shocked that ecommerce apps have the least amount of crashing issues, their whole business model is built on need of stability I can easily imagine someone using amazon looking to buy something, it crashing then the person changing their mind. I'm not shocked about the games at all. My own experience I've had a game crash on me several times, and they're pretty much the only app on my phone that does. The findings are really interesting, basically stating that developers need to consider the Gingerbread Android users, since about 20% of android users aren't on the 4.x side yet. There's potential money being lost by ignoring them and giving them an inferior product.

Also really interesting that iPhone 5 had less crashing issues than the 5s. I wonder what's causing that from a tech standpoint? You'd think faster processor better GPU etc. would lead to less crashing, maybe there's some kind of compatibility issues out there.

And one last jab for my iOS buddies. Love how the most stable iPhone is less stable then the least stable listed Android. Really smashes the lied public perception. Gingerbread crashes 1.7% of the time, the most stable iOS 7 crashed 1.6% of the time. The most stable Android is 2 times more stable than iOS 7.1 but people say Android is buggy and crashes all of the time. It's amazing what lies people can spew.

[Krgrecw]

Kinda nitpicking to bring up crash percentages which is doubtful.

If be concerned that the google chief engineer said:

"We cannot guarantee that Android is designed to safe '

[zitothebrave]

Kinda nitpicking to bring up crash percentages which is doubtful.

If be concerned that the google chief engineer said:

"We cannot guarantee that Android is designed to safe '

It's tested over a number of users (forget the exact) very excellent thorough study.


And I'm glad they're not guaranteeing android to be safe, you'd have to have a choke hold on the device like Windows or iOS. I'm happy with my freedom coming at a slight risk.

[zitothebrave]

So thanks to Verizon mistake. I got a Moto X. I love this phone.

I haven't played with touchless control too much. It worked when I needed it to. But I love the Active notifications, Motorola Connect rocks, and the handfeel rocks.

[Hawk]

Watching Amazon's Fire TV keynote. Nothing too exciting - yet ... although games and price have not been announced yet.

[zitothebrave]

I don't see the benefit to it over Roku. Basically it's amazon's attempt to be like Apple.

Chromecast is the best deal on the market, Roku is the best steaming device in terms of total content, and Apple has a stronger built in ecosystem. I don't see how it will find it's niche. If they dropped the price point a bit it would be better and more competitive. But why get this over the Roku 3? Casual games? Voice Search? None of them do anything for me. Unless that voice search gives total control like Kinect does where you can tell your TV to pause or select OK or whatever.

[Hawk]

Agreed.

I currently own two Rokus and a Chromecast (in addition to DirecTV -- on three separate TVs) ... I just don't have a place for it, especially at that price point, although I am an Amazon fanboy.

I was hoping it would be free (or heavily subsidized) to Prime subscribers.

Would I have bought it this time a year ago, though? Absolutely.

[zitothebrave]

Well the year ago part is the catch. A year ago there was no chromecast and Roku 3 was just launching.

[Krgrecw]

The Chromecast is a good deal if your not an Apple user and you only want to stream video.


Amazon hurried up with this tv product announcement before Apple does Thier new tv announcement in a month.

I'd hold off buying any device and wait to see how many of the next generation Apple TV rumors are true

[Hawk]

AppleTV sucks.

[zitothebrave]

Chromecast is a good deal period. It's not a good deal if. I know plenty of people who own a chromecast as well as Apple TV or Roku or other smart TV because it rocks.

[zitothebrave]

Kind of sad that the total fall of Blackberry has pretty much happened as they're down to just 15% of smartphone users in Canada. That's terrible for them. Down 5% points YOY, not good for them to struggle in the motherland.

I remember years ago talking to a coworker about the blackberry gripes. Like why their response to the iPhone was the terrible storm, not developing a real OS that would let people have real internet. Also they ran into the issue of identity at that point. Were they they Curve/Bold company that appealed for so long to the business customers. Or are they the hip company competing with iPhone. They waffled between the 2 and that hurt them in the end. If they focused on keeping their business customers happy there would have been less of a fall. At the point Android came out, Blackberry would have been wise to just cut their losses and sell or at the very least, they should have licensed their email server. I would imagine Microsoft or Apple would have loved to have access to that super secure server.

Blackberry doesn't have the money behind it that WinMo does,and they're just continually losing ground to Android and iOS every year. They'll either need a killer device to spare them or they're just done. Motorola for example is a company on the rebound. They surged after the OG droid, then remained stagnant before collapsing. Now the X and G are making them resurgent.

[Hawk]

It would be cool if Blackberry went totally message based.

For example: Very small basic device (could even be some sort of wearable) ... with global cellular SMS capability (and specialized apps delivering content via SMS ... weather, sports, stocks, etc.) for like $5.99 a month. No phone capability.

Basically a portable, constantly connected WhatsApp.

[Krgrecw]

It would be cool if Blackberry went totally message based.

For example: Very small basic device (could even be some sort of wearable) ... with global cellular SMS capability (and specialized apps delivering content via SMS ... weather, sports, stocks, etc.) for like $5.99 a month. No phone capability.

Basically a portable, constantly connected WhatsApp.


Why would you want that when you can get the same thing done on a cellphone?

[Hawk]

Why would you want that when you can get the same thing done on a cellphone?

Well, why would anyone use WhatsApp and the plethora of other messaging apps on the market? The selling point would be constant international connectivity independent of text/data packages, contracts, telephone numbers. The company already has over 100MM BBM users, so the base is preexisting.

[Krgrecw]

Looks like the IWatch is finally set with an early fall debut. A $250 watch. This could be big

[zitothebrave]

Looks like the IWatch is finally set with an early fall debut. A $250 watch. This could be big

If the iWatch is priced in that range it will sell very well with the iPhone community. That said, I'd be shocked if thats the price. It will sell well because it has a partially digested Apple on it. But unless they add standalone or Android support, it's a limited device. It will sell well, better than probably most smart watches, but it's stilla limited device.

I think it more likely launches in the 299 range or it's devoid of features. ALready talking about it being sensor heavy I'm skeptical it launches for 250, for comparison, a health tracker like the fuel band costs 150, that doesn't include many of the additional features a smartphone watch will include such as a real phone connection, real display, etc. I picked the fuel band because that's the team that Apple hired for the smart watch.

The more interesting rumor I've heard is bundling the iWatch with the new iPhones. Which would be a mega risky strategy.

[Krgrecw]

The IWatch needs android support to succeed like the iPhone and ipad need to succeed?


It'll do well as long as it's not above $349. They'll have the whole health community behind it. Nice if they can get the health insurance to go in on subsidizing it.

Don't think it will have a real phone connection. It will
look mighty gay watching someone talking to Thier wrist. It's not a phone on your wrist.

[zitothebrave]

Phone connection meaning that it displays info from your phone.

Basically on the market today you have health trackers (fitbit, fuel band, etc.) and smart watches (Galaxy Gear, Pebble, etc.) the former gives information to your phone, and may receive some light information back. The latter goes both ways, giving information but also receiving it. iWatch wouldn't be very good unless you could view text alerts etc.

Personally I think the best option for a smart watch hasn't been recognized yet. HTC's Blinkfeed screams smartwatch. Android Wear is partially going that way with a Google Now watch but the question becomes social media integration that blinkfeed has. Can they also have facebook, twitter, etc. integrated in.

If all the iWatch does is track health, it adds nothing to the game, it will sell because it's by Apple and iSheep buy anything and everything Apple. But it will be a horrific product and continue Apple's march to lesser relevance. It's not the way they'll gain ground on Android.

[zitothebrave]

Unrelated note, here's a GS5 battery exploding

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkP-b1ADvbk

[zitothebrave]

Definitely no real life uses for Google Glass

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Plastic-Surgeon-finds-plenty-of-uses-for-Google-Glass-in-his-practice_id55101

[zitothebrave]

What's the next big geek thing in cell phones.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/04/15/project-ara-modular-smartphone/

Good move by Google keeping the nerds on board when they were at riskof losing because of other OSs like the Ubuntu.

[Hawk]

Speaking of OS wars, Samsung is developing a phone for Q2 release that will be built entirely on their 'Tizen' OS. I get it, I guess, but will never use a phone without a robust development community behind it. Samsung already screwed the pooch by putting Tizen on the Galaxy Gear II.

Also, curious to learn more about Amazon's new phone. It will supposedly feature visible 3D. That kind of tech I can easily be persuaded to spend money on (really Apple, a fingerprint scanner?!)

[zitothebrave]

The problem with Sammy and Tizen is because of the suit battles with Apple they need google's patent watch, if they go to bat with Tizen they'll be very vulnerable to being sued and Google won't back them.

[Krgrecw]

The problem with Sammy and Tizen is because of the suit battles with Apple they need google's patent watch, if they go to bat with Tizen they'll be very vulnerable to being sued and Google won't back them.



If you've been reading anything about the court case Samsung is already throwing Google under the bus. When Samsung is found guilty, than Google will be guilty by default. Google knows that. Googles ****ed. They should know, you never, ever leave a paper trail that could come back to hurt you.


Hawk, whatever phone Amazon comes out will be a cheaply put together phone. They'll make it cheap to sell it for cheap. Get it in as many hands as possible. That's what amazon does. Amazon isnt going to make a $600 dollar phone. Joke about the fingerprint scanner all you want, but the google fingerprint scanner has already been hacked twice and people can steal all your PayPal info if they want it. The m7 processor was actually a technological advancement. I believe the new galaxy gear is coming out with Thier version of an m7 chip.



Apple's rumored to raise the iPhone 6 by $100. Cell phone companies are saying 'no' but their also saying there's not going to be any competition for the 6 so everyone's thinking the 6 will be at least $50 more. Which sucks.




The apple-Samsung-Google lawsuit emails are worth a read if you have time. It sounds like Phil Schiller is a grade-A dick who would be all for the 'thermonuclear war'

[zitothebrave]

Google isn't ****ed at all. You realize why Apple sued HTC and Samsung but not Motorola right? Because Motorola held ust about every important mobile patent (with Microsoft holding the rest) You know that year or so ago Google bought all those patents. Apple was scared to sue Google before Google had most of the mobile phone's most important apps.

Sammy is ****ed if they piss off google cause there will be bans, big old licensing fees, etc. attached to any of those Tizen phones because Google holds the cards. If Samsung tries to torpedo google samsung will be left hanging in the wind for every single shark to attack them. Hell Google themselves may decide to attack Tizen and that would just about be the death of it.

And Google doesn't make a fingerprint Scanner. Samsung does, and Samsung got hacked. Neither of HTC's was hacked (In ONe Max and One M8) so get your facts straight. And it is a dumb gimmick right now. I think there's some potential advantages long term, but right now it's not even worthy of a beta claim. And m7 was done first by Motorola with the x8 processor, aside from having a processor dedicated to sensors and their applications, they also have a sensor for handling natural language processing. M7 isn't an advancement, it was already done. The reason most other phones don't have it though is the high end Snapdragons (like the 800) have that capability natively. The reason Motorola built their special core was because of power consumption.

If Apple raises the iPhone price, it's effect on the market would be interesting.

[Krgrecw]

You realize that Samsung is saying that they didn't copy Apples Patents. Samsungs saying that patents that Apple is arguing against are found in Android and not on Thier hardware. Samsungs calling Google engineers to pass the buck. That's not good.

[zitothebrave]

But they aren't found on Android, irregardless, apple isn't going after Google, that's probably why Samsung is going for that defense knowing Apple wouldn't tempt to go after Google. But odds of their defense working are slim. Samsung won't be ditching Google, they know they have no shot without Google's muscle behind them.

On a different note, Chromecast getting MLB.tv. Guess no one wants to support it and it will flop.

[Krgrecw]

Nike discontinuing their Fuel Band and letting all the staff go.

What timing.

[zitothebrave]

Samsung is really trying to pull away from Google huh? And they were throwing Google under the bus?

http://bgr.com/2014/04/23/2014-apple-vs-samsung-lawsuit-google/

Once Google entered 2 suits were dropped. Shocking. Shocking I say! None of us said in this thread that this would happen. No one could have seen it coming.

[Krgrecw]

You know anything about law?

Googles there because they are a big reason that Samsung is getting sued and will lose the case. So google offers to help Samsung so Samsung won't turn around and sue Google.


I guess you see it differently ?

[zitothebrave]

You know anything about law?

Googles there because they are a big reason that Samsung is getting sued and will lose the case. So google offers to help Samsung so Samsung won't turn around and sue Google.


I guess you see it differently ?

I see it differently because Samsung and Google signed an agreement.

http://www.theverge.com/2014/1/29/5358290/google-samsung-finally-agree-on-what-android-should-look-like

That sounds like someone who was gonna be sued by Samsung? Google basically saying that you have to stop doing what you have been doing to Android. They don't do that if they're afraid of being sued.GOogle pulled their weight and basically offered to back Samsung if they stick around and fall in line. Smart move on both parts, Samsung saves millions and Google keeps their biggest manufacturer.

[zitothebrave]

http://sploid.gizmodo.com/heres-why-you-should-always-screw-with-someone-wearing-1567355606/+caseychan

[The Chosen One]

Zeets don't you have occulus rift? How is the virtual porn?

[zitothebrave]

I don't have an oculus. Don't care for the tech yet. Though I'll probably get it at some point for some fun VR zelda.

[The Chosen One]

Now that I think about it, a VR Metal Gear Solid might be one of the greatest concepts of all time.

My heart would probably explode.

[Krgrecw]

Isn't there a VR pokemon out there ? Saw a video if it yesterday. Yahoo perhaps

[zitothebrave]

Isn't there a VR pokemon out there ? Saw a video if it yesterday. Yahoo perhaps

This one?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPLRjVaWtEU

[zitothebrave]

http://gizmodo.com/how-cold-war-spy-satellites-revealed-10-000-lost-cities-1567729482

[zitothebrave]

RUmor is the G-Watch is gonna come in at 199, suggesting most likely a similar price from the Moto360 since Motorola is very much in the game of low cost to get their market share up. Terrible news for Samsung and their ugly useless Galaxy Gear which costs 300 bucks. I'm guessing unless it's feature deprived, it likely means at least a 249 point for the iWatch but probably 299

[Krgrecw]

Hoping there will be a cheaper version of the iwatch. No coincedenece that Nike just killed Thier Fuel Band. Hopefully Apple will just rename and reissue that.

[Hawk]

RUmor is the G-Watch is gonna come in at 199, suggesting most likely a similar price from the Moto360 since Motorola is very much in the game of low cost to get their market share up. Terrible news for Samsung and their ugly useless Galaxy Gear which costs 300 bucks. I'm guessing unless it's feature deprived, it likely means at least a 249 point for the iWatch but probably 299

:pound:

[Krgrecw]

Amazon phone is strongly rumored to be on AT&T only.

Samsungs also having an impromptu media event a week before Apples WWDC

[zitothebrave]

Amazon phone is strongly rumored to be on AT&T only.

Samsungs also having an impromptu media event a week before Apples WWDC

The exclusive thing with Phones is terrible, I don't get why manufacturers sign those agreements. I'm 99% sure that's why the Moto X didn't sell a few million more phones was AT&T's exclusive on Moto Maker. I saw personally a handful of people who wanted the Moto X with Moto Maker opt for the GS4 instead.

Samsung I assume is going to use that event for their health tracker. I know they announced it but my guess is that this is gonna be the launch but also some new software features for Galaxy devices that link to said health tracker (forget the name, don't care to research it)

Reading the rumors of the new iPhone headphones a few interesting ideas with them (blood pressure tracking being the big one) but a few things I'm not a huge fan of. For starters. I think that the need to use lightning port for it is silly. Will have to see real life testing to compare but it sounds like for me the new LG Heart rate monitor earphones are still a cooler concept since they connect to Android and iOS and they're bluetooth to a point. Some slight refining of that tech to make the HS smaller and it's amazing.

[Hawk]

Amazon phone is strongly rumored to be on AT&T only.

If Amazon can figure out a way to offer data at a cheap price (for example, Prime Members receive 10GB free a month) I can see a lot of people latching on.

[zitothebrave]

If Amazon can figure out a way to offer data at a cheap price (for example, Prime Members receive 10GB free a month) I can see a lot of people latching on.

No way AT&T does that though. Unless it's basically a P2P connection where you can stream amazon content. May be a boost, but I don't see it.

[Krgrecw]

If Amazon can figure out a way to offer data at a cheap price (for example, Prime Members receive 10GB free a month) I can see a lot of people latching on.



Word has it that if you're a paying amazon Prime customer, amazon will cover all data used while someone is on/using the phone.

Although, I don't see how a company that hardly makes any profit (amazon) can afford that. There will be plenty of people who will sit and consume massive amounts of data on a frequent basis.

[Hawk]

No way AT&T does that though. Unless it's basically a P2P connection where you can stream amazon content. May be a boost, but I don't see it.

Do they really have a choice? AT&T is absolutely hemorrhaging marketshare.

Although, as an alternative to 'free data allotment' I could see something like 'free data when using Amazon streaming services' like you said.

[Hawk]

Word has it that if you're a paying amazon Prime customer, amazon will cover all data used while someone is on/using the phone.

Although, I don't see how a company that hardly makes any profit (amazon) can afford that. There will be plenty of people who will sit and consume massive amounts of data on a frequent basis.

That would be generous, but doesn't seem plausible. Then again, I wouldn't put anything past Amazon -- although it does seem like people overestimate their generosity. Everybody seemed to think FireTV would be free to Prime Members (it wasn't, and is hella expensive at that).

[Krgrecw]

Jury foreman in Samsung case questions how Google affects Apple’s motivation ∞

Tom Dunham was the jury foreman in the case.

Mr. Dunham said the jury was curious about how Google affected Apple’s motivation in this case. Samsung’s smartphones and tablets use Google’s Android operating system. Apple hasn’t sued Google directly, but has sued Samsung and other device makers that use Android.

“If you really feel that Google is the cause behind this, as I think everybody has observed, then don’t beat around the bush,” said Mr. Dunham, whose job at IBM was to oversee developers expected to file patents. “Let the courts decide. But a more direct approach may be something to think about.”

His comments suggest that Samsung lawyers succeeded with arguments that Samsung was merely a proxy for Apple’s real target: Google and its Android operating system. Apple’s lawyers insisted that Samsung—and not Google—was the defendant in this case.

To support its point, Samsung presented evidence of an email sent by former Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs saying that Apple should wage a “holy war” on Google.

Straight from the horse’s mouth. I don’t pretend to understand all the complexities of this case, but didn’t this start out to be about wholesale copying of a groundbreaking user interface?


Per the loop.

[zitothebrave]

Apple isn't suing google for a reason.

And the issue actually wasn't originally with Android. it was with the Samsung UI. Android was very different. This was the purported evidence

http://www.technibility.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/20100902-p5cmrjs9wdgu2pfnxf2m7bs7c8-300x285.png

IIRC that phone is running android 2.3 this is the stock 2.3 app drawer

http://images.intomobile.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/nexus-s-gingerbread-android-apps-300x500.png

I think you could easily say Samsung was copying Apple's design aesthetic. The need for rounded boxes being a big one. But you can't say that particular instance as that writer implied was an actual attack on Google, that's revisionist history.

[zitothebrave]

http://money.cnn.com/2014/05/06/technology/security/apple-email-bug/index.html?hpt=hp_t2

Read that if you have an older iPhone and concerns about security. Apparently someone can take an iPhone 4 and access your emails and attachments simply by hooking it up to a computer to bypass the lockcode.

[zitothebrave]

http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/06/intel-google-chromebooks/

[Runnin]

I'm thinking about getting a cell phone this year.

[zitothebrave]

Staples deal of the day has the Logitech Performance Mouse for 50 bucks. I was in need of replacing my mouse as mine is super old (8 years) and I wanted a slightly more gaming focused mouse.

[Hawk]

Apple in talks to buy the ****tiest headphone company on Earth (Beats) for $3.2 billion.

[zitothebrave]

Beats is ****ty but they have branding. Beats owns an insane piece of the "luxury" headphone market, something like 50%. Apple could market the **** out of beats and instead of seeing all the wannabe Dre's with beats, you'd see all the hipsters with beats. Would kind of be funny. And if anyone can get away with selling headphones for 50+ bucks it's Apple.

[Krgrecw]

Luxury headphone market? There's a difference between expensive and luxury.

This deal is not about acquiring the beats headphones.

[zitothebrave]

Luxury headphone market? There's a difference between expensive and luxury.

This deal is not about acquiring the beats headphones.

I threw it in quotes for a reason. Basically they dominate expensive headphones despite poor reviews. Because of brilliant marketing.

ANd if they're not taking the headphone market and just trying to get their streaming, they're stupid. And Apple isn't stupid.

[Krgrecw]

A) I don't believe the rumor
B ) apples never paid more than $1 billion for anyone
C) beats isn't worth more than $1 billion
D) if this is true, apple knows something than we don't know. They don't buy anyone.




Record companies won't let Apple start a streaming service , so acquiring Beats Music gives them a streaming service.

[zitothebrave]

Beats is worth more than a 1B. HP sold it's 25% stake for 260M over a year ago and Beats's profits and revenue have only gone up since then.

[zitothebrave]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s2e5ZibypDk

Basically confirming more or less Beats is sold to Apple, as Dre seems to be celebrating being a billionaire.

[zitothebrave]

Record companies won't let Apple start a streaming service , so acquiring Beats Music gives them a streaming service.

Sorry I missed this line at the end. The problem with iTunes Radio isn't record companies, it's apple. People have been having horrible experiences with it. Including the people who pay 25 bucks a year for iTunes match had issues with it. Apple may be buying Beats and part of it is to fix their struggling iTunes radio, or maybe they want both services. One to compete with Pandora and one to compete with Spotify/GOogle Play. But you can bet your ass part of it is so when you get an iPhone down the line they can "justify" the jump in price because it comes with Beats headphones, or in the Apple Store they'll offer upgrade from the normal boring Apple Headphones to the Beats headphones. Apple will make Beats insanely marketable even more so than they are now.

[Krgrecw]

Sorry I missed this line at the end. The problem with iTunes Radio isn't record companies, it's apple. People have been having horrible experiences with it. Including the people who pay 25 bucks a year for iTunes match had issues with it. Apple may be buying Beats and part of it is to fix their struggling iTunes radio, or maybe they want both services. One to compete with Pandora and one to compete with Spotify/GOogle Play. But you can bet your ass part of it is so when you get an iPhone down the line they can "justify" the jump in price because it comes with Beats headphones, or in the Apple Store they'll offer upgrade from the normal boring Apple Headphones to the Beats headphones. Apple will make Beats insanely marketable even more so than they are now.



Actually the record companies don't want to do a deal with apple. They wanted Apple to pay more than Pandora does and Apple wasn't going to do that. So Apple hired the most connected guy in the record industry and bought his company.
No one has any issues with iTunes Radio. it's not a streaming service anyways.

[zitothebrave]

Dude no one is having issues with iTunes radio?

http://forums.appleinsider.com/t/160441/92-of-itunes-radio-listeners-still-use-pandora-says-new-report

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1621912

http://macdailynews.com/2013/11/11/apples-itunes-radio-is-broken-heres-how-to-fix-it-in-a-weekend/

For real that post made me lul.

https://www.apple.com/itunes/itunes-radio/

https://www.apple.com/itunes/itunes-radio/images/itunesradio_hero_subheadline.png

Yup not a streaming service.

Can you admit anything Apple does is wrong?

[zitothebrave]

Motorola announced 2 new phones today, the Motorola E and the Motorola G with LTE and micro SD. The Price on them is stupid cheap at 129 for the E and 219 for the G.

The G is a stupid good value. To compare it to the iPhone 5S which retails at what 650?

4.5 inch vs 4 inch display, each with the same pixel density. I phone crushes it in camera, Processor though you're comparing a dual core 1.3 GHz on the iPhone vs quad core 1.2 GHz on the G. All other things considered, you have a better GPU on the iPhone I believe, and it's available for more wireless bands. But all in all if you have the choice between the 2. You can buy the G for 219 and for the price difference get a legit camera that crushes the iPhone. The G is an amazing value. And of course so is the E coming in at a lower price than most flip phones.

[zitothebrave]

http://www.engadget.com/2014/05/14/comcast-may-roll-out-data-caps-for-all-customers/

**** Comcast. Federal Government needs to step in and Socialize broadband at this point. It's ****ing terrible.

[Hawk]

I already have a data cap with Comcast at home in Charleston (300GB). For some reason, we're one of the 'pilot' cities.

[Krgrecw]

All broadband companies will be capping eventually. Can't really blame them though. Infrastructure wasn't set up to have people stream video all day long. Netflix and the cord cutters share some of the blame.

[The Chosen One]

All broadband companies will be capping eventually. Can't really blame them though. Infrastructure wasn't set up to have people stream video all day long. Netflix and the cord cutters share some of the blame.

With the monopolies some of them have.... invest back into the infrastructure instead of milking it.

[zitothebrave]

All the evidence you need cable companies are the worst is compare their own products in markets with competition vs markets without. I paid 30 bucks a month more than a friend for internet because he lived in an area with FIOS. Time Warner released faster internet in a market (think Austin) with Google fiber. Cable companies are the devil.

[Krgrecw]

All the evidence you need cable companies are the worst is compare their own products in markets with competition vs markets without. I paid 30 bucks a month more than a friend for internet because he lived in an area with FIOS. Time Warner released faster internet in a market (think Austin) with Google fiber. Cable companies are the devil.


That's the 'free market' that Sav jokes about. Any retail company is more competitive with prices/goods when there's competition. You telling me that you have no other options for internet service?

With more options prices will go down but broadband isn't like opening a McDonald's on the corner to compete with Burger King. You're talking Billions with a B

ATT offered 50 billion for direct tv. $50,000,000,000. Technology isn't cheap

[zitothebrave]

That's the 'free market' that Sav jokes about. Any retail company is more competitive with prices/goods when there's competition. You telling me that you have no other options for internet service?

With more options prices will go down but broadband isn't like opening a McDonald's on the corner to compete with Burger King. You're talking Billions with a B

ATT offered 50 billion for direct tv. $50,000,000,000. Technology isn't cheap

Honestly, no I don't. I can't get DSL where I'm at. i guess I could have DSL or Verizon Wireless (maybe) but that's a different racket.

And there isn't competition because the US Government for some reason doesn't force competition. There's no straight talk or T-mobile option for internet at home in most places. Most places have 1 cable provider in a town. I don't consider DSL a competitor to cable either. As I don't consider Cable a competitor to Fiber, especially Google.

There used to be options. There used to be MVNOs or something similar. Government killed that mandate and prices skyrocketed. Government has to step in one way or another.

[zitothebrave]

I should add, **** the FCC too. Can them can Comcast bring it under federal control.

[zitothebrave]

http://www.businessinsider.com/apple-lawsuit-iphones-dont-deliver-texts-to-android-2014-5

[zitothebrave]

Android Silver is a really cool concept that may be coming true. Basically it's Google using their muscle to move high end phones with close to stock Android.

[zitothebrave]

Checking out leaked rumors with the next 2 in line to be released flagship smartphones.

G3 is coming with a 5.5 inch 2560x1440 display. Fast processor, plenty of RAM, 13 MP camera, and many more.

Moto X+1 (want a better name) according to benchmark rumors 5.2 inch screen with 1920 by 1080 resolution. Snapdragon 800 Adreno 330, 2 GB RAM, 32 GB storage, 12 MP camera, and pedometer. Rumored to cost 400 off contract which is the biggest selling point.

[zitothebrave]

http://bgr.com/2014/05/20/moto-360-price-and-launch/

If that's indeed the pricing point for the Moto360 the galaxy gear will be up a creek without a paddle.

[zitothebrave]

A motorola contest calls the "average retail price" of Moto 360 249.99. Looking more and more like 250 is the price for the Moto 360

I'm guessing it's launch will coincide with the X+1 I'm gonna save up my mustard money so I can get the 2 of them.

BTW for those who don't know, the retail price from Motorola for the Moto X+1 is rumored to be 400. Meaning for 50 bucks mor ethan the retail price of the GS5, or the same retail price as the 5S, you can get the X+1 and the 360. Got to love motorola.

[Krgrecw]

A motorola contest calls the "average retail price" of Moto 360 249.99. Looking more and more like 250 is the price for the Moto 360

I'm guessing it's launch will coincide with the X+1 I'm gonna save up my mustard money so I can get the 2 of them.

BTW for those who don't know, the retail price from Motorola for the Moto X+1 is rumored to be 400. Meaning for 50 bucks mor ethan the retail price of the GS5, or the same retail price as the 5S, you can get the X+1 and the 360. Got to love motorola.



You'll spend $250 for a watch? Design looks good but w/o health or fitness tracking is puzzling

[zitothebrave]

You'll spend $250 for a watch? Design looks good but w/o health or fitness tracking is puzzling

Design is sick, and the X+1 will have a pedometer.

And I want it much more for a phone extension.

[Krgrecw]

Hate the ****ing Beats deal. I'll give Tim Cook the benefit of the doubt

[zitothebrave]

Apple is flush with cash. Need to use it somewhere.

[Krgrecw]

The Amazon 3d phone is revealed tomorrow. Been confirmed that it's Att only. It'll be DOA

[zitothebrave]

Yeah. Only successful exclusive phones I can think of are the iPhone and OG Droid. Aside from them the list just falls and falls fast. Amazon better have a rollout planned.

[zitothebrave]

JMO this phone is a big miss. It's priced similar to the GS5 HTC One but with specs comparable to the LG G2. Big miss.

[zitothebrave]

So I'm in the process of coming up with a PC build. I'm going for something that can be moth a gaming and Media PC. It's gonna be a slow build so the parts themselves will probably change to the latest that are out but here are the general ideas I've got

A graphics card like this

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125511

My idea is to have a dual running HDMI system one to my TV and one to a monitor. I'm debating hooking up 3. One from the DVI to a monitor, then running a long HDMI to a wall mounted monitor in my bedroom for access as well. That's less likely. I want it to my TV to watch some TV creatively.

I'm debating running a TV tuner as well as a DVR. But that seems like extra work.

FOr my board I'm thinking about the ASUS Sabertooth X79. I love ASUS boards. That board requires an i7 so I'd grab one throw in probably 16 gigs of RAM, just to prevent myself from having to add more later. Soud card I'd go middle of the road. SSD. For cases I'm less picky. I like the Corsair Carbide but I'm flexible.

For me the GPU is more important and I may step up. But I"m pretty sure stepping up would mean losing my dual HDMI

[zitothebrave]

Hawk

http://www.phonearena.com/news/Exclusive-Moto-360-will-be-in-Moto-Maker-and-launch-with-the-X1_id57623

Cool idea JMO. Motomaker for 360 so you can get the exact one you want without having to say spend extra for a band you don't want.

I'm already budgeting for the 360 with a side budget for the X+1 depending on features.

[Hawk]

That's awesome. I think it could be a huge selling point -- the ability to customize actual hardware seems to be where the industry is imminently heading. Championed by Google, of course.

That phone (360) is just so beautiful, although I am really curious to see what Apple's smart watch looks like. As much as I dislike their current phone lineup, something tells me that the Apple wearable will be gorgeous and brilliantly function OOTB. They have been really tight-lipped about it.

I'm debating buying a Gear Live, then selling it whenever the 360 comes out. Interested mainly in fitness applications (heart rate monitor) and the potential newly refined niftiness of being able to take notes, send e-mails, etc., hands-free while on the go. I owned the original first generation Gear for like 3 days and then pawned it off on eBay. It was an utter piece of **** (as are a majority of the wearables on the market right now).

[Krgrecw]

Supposedly Apple will be FDA certified and will be able to measure glucose levels. Don't believe nothing else on the market will be on those levels.

If Apple can get FDA certified and can measure glucose levels, that's a big ****ing market they'll control.

[zitothebrave]

But it will still only work with Apple, which is a problem

On that note though, accuracy would be important, if it isn't accurate it's a worthless add on FDA approved or not. I think for them the sleep monitoring is more important. But the important thing will be cost. If the unit costs 400 bucks I can't see it being a huge seller. Maybe I'm wrong but I can't see someone spending 1000 bucks on a phone and smart watch or a tablet and smart watch.

[zitothebrave]

Very good breakdown of why the US's internet system blows a fat dick.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAxMyTwmu_M&list=UUOGeU-1Fig3rrDjhm9Zs_wg

[zitothebrave]

Sammy is really looking to pull away from Google huh?

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/07/10/report-samsung-ditching-knox-in-favor-of-google-taking-over-android-security/

[zitothebrave]

COol concept.

http://www.engadget.com/2014/07/15/inkcase-plus-eink-kickstarter/

[The Chosen One]

Bought the Samsung gear fit watch for 99 at best buy. Retails between 149 and 199 at most places. Great deal despite it being limited. I'm hoping someone Will develop useful apps for it. Don't use the pedometer and sleep feature much because thr S Health app sucks. As a watch by itself though it's really beautiful.

[Krgrecw]

The IBM and Apple enterprise deal will be huge for Apple.

[zitothebrave]

The IBM and Apple enterprise deal will be huge for Apple.

I'm not commenting on the deal, but what don't you think will be huge for Apple? I guess them buying Beats but ater it happened you probably would have changed your tune.

[zitothebrave]

http://gizmodo.com/why-teslas-model-3-could-be-the-most-important-electric-1605923541

Really cool writeup on Tesla 3.

[Krgrecw]

I'm not commenting on the deal, but what don't you think will be huge for Apple? I guess them buying Beats but ater it happened you probably would have changed your tune.



What's wrong with the beats deal? It gives them the most respected guy in the music game.
You still going to sing Teslas praises after It leaks that Apple is a big partner of Theresa?

[zitothebrave]

What's wrong with the beats deal? It gives them the most respected guy in the music game.
You still going to sing Teslas praises after It leaks that Apple is a big partner of Theresa?

LMAO For real?

Not even 20 posts up


Hate the ****ing Beats deal. I'll give Tim Cook the benefit of the doubt

Well it warms my heart that you've come around and think that everything apple does is brilliant and gonna be huge for them.

You confuse me with an Apple hater. If Apple makes a quality product that I could see the value in, I'd buy it. I've considered buying a Mac Book pro. I'm just leery of spending big money on a computer again.But I have 0 interest in buying an iPhone when they're the same prive or more than far superior Android Phones and Android's OS is far superior.

[zitothebrave]

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/08/17/moto-360-shows-up-at-best-buy-for-249-outs-list-of-features/

249 compared to 229 for the G Watch. Gauntlett has been thrown it seems.

[Hawk]

Just saw this; so glad ... almost pulled the trigger on a Gear Live for $140 from Amazon yesterday. Will gladly wait (with scant patience).

Also, Texas Instruments processor? That's interesting.

[zitothebrave]

Kind of with Qualcomm's processors being the dominating one, but they have ARM processors out there already. I'm guessing they made a deal with Motorola that was cheaper than Qualcomm. IIRC the issues non-qualcomm companies had on devices had to do with LTE radios. That shouldn't be an issue on the wearable market.

[Krgrecw]

Motorolas having a press conference five days before Apple has theirs? That's retarded. All the tech press will be talking about The new iPhones and ios8. Any other device will be lost in the shuffle.





To each his own, but I'm not sold on smart watches. I imagine more people will be into activity trackers than smart watches

You still need your phone nearby to really do anything with a smart watch so you're using two devices; one that does everything (phone) and one that doesn't do a tenth as much but it goes on your wrist (watch). Why would someone need a smart watch?

[zitothebrave]

Motorolas having a press conference five days before Apple has theirs? That's retarded. All the tech press will be talking about The new iPhones and ios8. Any other device will be lost in the shuffle.





To each his own, but I'm not sold on smart watches. I imagine more people will be into activity trackers than smart watches

You still need your phone nearby to really do anything with a smart watch so you're using two devices; one that does everything (phone) and one that doesn't do a tenth as much but it goes on your wrist (watch). Why would someone need a smart watch?

Actually many smartwatches have the capacity to act just like activity trackers. They can store information locally so I'm presuming say the moto 360 could have like the fitbit your pedometer info and then wirelessly sync it to your phone.

Then add to that say you're at work or at a meeting and you want to check for an important message, it's much easier to just glance at your watch then to pull your phone out of your pocket. Say you're a city traveller and you're walking around wouldn't it be easier to ust lift your hand up to see where you're going instead of either holding your smartphone all of the time or pulling it from your pocket.

Of course the second Apple announces a Smartwatch you'll be on board. So there's no point really debating you.

[AerchAngel]

I love my 10 inch pad, it blew my friends iPad away at a 1/3 the cost. What was really cool, I had a 32 gb card with 6 blue ray movies on it and played perfectly. He can only keep two on at most.

He did boast battery life when watching movies, but since I have an LG charger, that is not an issue.

[Krgrecw]

Actually many smartwatches have the capacity to act just like activity trackers. They can store information locally so I'm presuming say the moto 360 could have like the fitbit your pedometer info and then wirelessly sync it to your phone.

Then add to that say you're at work or at a meeting and you want to check for an important message, it's much easier to just glance at your watch then to pull your phone out of your pocket. Say you're a city traveller and you're walking around wouldn't it be easier to ust lift your hand up to see where you're going instead of either holding your smartphone all of the time or pulling it from your pocket.

Of course the second Apple announces a Smartwatch you'll be on board. So there's no point really debating you.



I didnt start an apple comparison you did. I just stated that I don't think smart watches will ever be mainstream. Every smart watch has always been a dud on the market.
A pedometer doesn't make this valuable.


In your scenario about waiting for an important message wouldn't it be easier to look at your wrist? Yes it would. But what if they had a question? Out comes the phone.


If you're out walking and whatever, what if you need to text or need to make a call? Out comes the phone

[AerchAngel]

I didnt start an apple comparison you did. I just stated that I don't think smart watches will ever be mainstream. Every smart watch has always been a dud on the market.
A pedometer doesn't make this valuable.


In your scenario about waiting for an important message wouldn't it be easier to look at your wrist? Yes it would. But what if they had a question? Out comes the phone.


If you're out walking and whatever, what if you need to text or need to make a call? Out comes the phone

It can wait till I can get home. As for texting, they will be waiting a long time. I don't text and need help when I do.

[Krgrecw]

Wouldn't be shocked if most traffic accidents are because of texting one day soon.



Years ago, I tried to build a little cell phone jammer in the front of my car so the bastards around me would focus on driving instead of calling. then someone told me that'll make it worse, since everyone will look at Thier phone and think something's wrong with if.

[zitothebrave]

I didnt start an apple comparison you did. I just stated that I don't think smart watches will ever be mainstream. Every smart watch has always been a dud on the market.
A pedometer doesn't make this valuable.


In your scenario about waiting for an important message wouldn't it be easier to look at your wrist? Yes it would. But what if they had a question? Out comes the phone.


If you're out walking and whatever, what if you need to text or need to make a call? Out comes the phone

I just brought up Apple cause that's the benchmark for you considering something is a good idea.

IIRC Android Wear is fully google now integrated so you can respond via voice input and create via voice input. So say you got off the train to meet your buddy Jeff for lunch and you're 10 minutes away and you're supposed to be there, wake up your screen, give Google Now your voice command to text jeff and tell him you're late. And someone is making a keyboard that you can use on Android Wear, don't recall if it's out.

As far as why they've failed in the past, that mainly has to do with Ugly devices that don't do much. Moto360 will be the first real smartwatch test in the non-Apple ecosystem. iWatch depending on cost will probably have heavy adoption for iPhone users.

[zitothebrave]

If true the Moto X+1 looks great

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/08/21/old-moto-x-vs-new-moto-x1/

[zitothebrave]

I've been watching the Surface pro 3 ad comparing it to the Mac Book Air is interesting.

If I compare the 128 GB 13 inch Macbook Air vs Surface. Mac Book air costs 950 bucks comes with a 1.4 GHz i5 processor 4 GB ram, 128 GB flash ram. Surface Pro 3 with the surface keyboard, 128 GB ram, 4 GB Ram 1.9 GHz i5 costs 1,129 bucks. In terms of internals they're basically equals. I'm not sure where the 2 processors stack up without knowing the specifics as the listed info on processors always suck. As far as accessory differences, in the Surfaces advantage it has a touchscreen. For the macbook's advantage it has more USB ports (2 to 1) it has a thunderbolt port as well. Both have a minidisplay port.

In otherwords, I think microsoft is lying in their ad saying the Macbook is lesser to the Surface. Which bargain wise I don't believe it is. Upgrade the macbook air to an i7 8GB of Ram and 512 GB of ram it comes to 1749 and the surface for the same price runs 2079 with the keyboard.

I like the Surface but I don't think Microsoft is wise comparing it to a non-touchscreen computer. Would be better comparing it someone using a Macbook and an iPad both instead using the surface as one computer.

[Hawk]

And the plot thickens ...

http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/24/lg-g-watch-r-teaser/

http://o.aolcdn.com/hss/storage/midas/7757094b13f10e00c356c067b351ac97/200629281/lgwatch2c.png

[zitothebrave]

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

[zitothebrave]

Really freaking cool

http://www.droid-life.com/2014/08/25/new-motorola-skip-key-fob/

[Krgrecw]

Sounds cool. I wish there was a way that when I'm on my home wifi, the passcode on my phone would stay disabled so I wouldn't have to always enter the code

[zitothebrave]

Actually there's already an Android App for that. It's called Skiplock. Also does it via bluetooth as well so if you're say in your car it will remain unlocked.

[Krgrecw]

IWatch will be revealed September 9. While every other company is going with a 'smartwatch' I expect this to be totally different: A health/activity tracker with the watch components added to it.

[zitothebrave]

Apple will consider it totally different. But it will likely be a smart watch. Unless they're going cheap.

[sturg33]

apple will release a large screen iphone and somehow claim it to be revolutionary

[zitothebrave]

apple will release a large screen iphone and somehow claim it to be revolutionary

I'm hoping for more new iOS features that Android has had for ages.

[zitothebrave]

Rumor has it that there will be several apple wearables announced but not launching until next year. Pricing could go as high as 400 bucks too.

[Runnin]

Couldn't find the science thread so I'll post this here. Probably an old video but first time I've seen it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fKBhvDjuy0

[zitothebrave]

This made me laugh

http://i-cdn.phonearena.com/images/articles/136152-thumb/humor-iphone-cycle.jpg