Why wait for reviewers? You can get the full scoop on all the new features coming to the Galaxy S5 and Gear smartwatches before they’re released! The following two videos have all that handsy gadget molestation action you folks are so fond of, with an 8 minute vid for the GS5 and 9 minutes for all the Gear 2 and Gear Fit. Enjoy!
You can do better than this commercial Samsung. Confusing “HD” with more MegaPixels? Really?
Dear Samsung,
I’m a fan of your work. I think you cracked the code on funny ads which skewer your competition (namely Apple). Those spots featuring people sitting in lines for the next iPhone? Priceless.
Of late however, it seems like you might be struggling. Depending on fiscal quarter, you’re often the number one in sales. It’s a little harder to beat up on your competition when you’re in the top spot without looking like a bully. We’re also reaching that point where it’s getting a bit more difficult to communicate to consumers why they should upgrade their phones, when it seems like all we’re getting are modest spec bumps.
Case in point, your most recent ad featuring the Galaxy S4’s camera is the worst combination of picking on Apple and throwing around meaningless buzz words and specs to try and impress us.
I honestly don’t mind a snarky tone, but it’s the absurd implications of what “Full HD” means which bothers me.
First of all, “Full HD” really only pertains to video and is a consumer shorthand for 1080p, which itself is an abbreviation of the actual video resolution of 1920×1080. Thirty times a second, a 1920×1080 resolution image is flashed on the screen which allows for fluid and highly detailed video. It has NOTHING to do with still photography. That’s where megapixels come into play. The iPhone’s 8MP camera shoots 1080p video, but each still is 3264×2448. That’s a whole lot more than “Full HD” isn’t it? You missed out on an opportunity to feature drama shot more fully, and to brag that pictures from your camera will have a resolution of 4128×3096.
Of course this is all inane as you can’t even win the resolution war. Nokia has you handily slapped with 20MP (4992×3744) and 40MP (7152×5368) resolution cameras. What’s worst, I’ve detailed on numerous occasions how resolution doesn’t mean you’ll get better images. Things like OIS and image processing can often provide more significant improvements to photos and videos than just having millions more dots. Congratulations, you’ve brought us back to the MEGAPIXEL WARS that consumer point and shoot cameras fought years ago.
Not to mention phones like your own Galaxy Note 3 or the LG G Flex are capable of delivering 4K video which is FOUR TIMES the resolution of the video on the GS4. Doesn’t little Jack deserve full motion video with that kind of clarity for his big life moment?
This is not your best work Samsung. We all know you can do better than this. As we’re closing in on the release of the Galaxy S5, which many are criticizing for not being enough of a departure or upgrade from the S4, hopefully your ad agency is able to bring a bit more nuance to the discussion.
Sincerely,
SomeGadgetGuy
Nokia Lumia Icon Camera Review: The Most Comprehensive Camera Test Online!
With a camera which performs VERY similarly to the Lumia 1520, we finally run the Nokia Lumia Icon through our real world camera test bench.
Bright scenes, Macro, exposure transitions, low light, and we spend some time to focus on the audio! Let’s check out this Icon!
Google Play Turns 2 – Offers you some birthday goodies
It’s funny to think that Google’s online Android store, dubbed Play, is only two years old. Tech moves so quickly that it feels like this branding has been around a lot longer.
Anywho, with birthdays comes presents, and Google has a few goodies on tap for you with app offers, free songs, and sales on albums and movies.
Hit up the Play store for more info, and wish them a happy second trip around the sun!
AT&T invests more than $1.95 billion into LA improvements
Consumers are getting hungrier for better service and data access. In Los Angeles, AT&T is pushing forward on wired and wireless improvements for consumers and businesses.
Over the last three years, Big Blue has poured almost $2 Billion into opening up new pockets of LTE for thousands of LA residents, and offering up fiber lines to over 40,000 business locations.
“Continued investment in fast and reliable Internet connectivity is critical for both quality of life and economic growth in Los Angeles said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce. “Enhanced wireless and wired connectivity is an important benefit for residents, and the expansion of fiber-optic connections helps to level the playing field for small and mid-sized businesses across the metro area.”
Hopefully we’ll soon see more of that competitive spirit for residential wired services. LA is looking into providing free basic data service to all residents over the next several years, and we know Google is investigating a Fiber roll out in Northern California. AT&T has shown that it’s game to compete, matching Google’s offerings in Austin, so fingers crossed that we Los Angelenos start seeing some better opportunities than what we currently have with cable.
Full PR below.
Continue reading “AT&T invests more than $1.95 billion into LA improvements”
Lenovo Flex 20 Long Term Review: 20″, Battery Powered, Touchscreen Windows 8 All-in-One PC
It’s time for the wrap up! I’ve been using the Lenovo Flex 20 for a couple months, and it’s been an interesting exercise in where the future of home and desktop PC’s might lead us.
Let’s take a look!
Related:
Shop for the Flex 20.
Flex 20 First Impressions.
Flex 20 Speaker Test.
Kodak PIXPRO SP1 Review – Waterproof, Rugged, Wireless Action Camera!
Drivers Can Read Maps on Phones in CA, but You Should Still Be Cautious…
The courts are starting to catch up with technology, but I would still use a BOATLOAD of caution when using your phone while operating a motor vehicle in California.
Steven Spriggs was pulled over and issued a $165 ticket in January of 2012. He was using his iPhone to look up a map, but the officer wrote out the ticket saying he violated Vehicle Code 23123 which pertains to talking on a phone without a hands free kit. Specifically 23123 (a):
(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.
Of course most of what happens on our phones isn’t necessarily tied to talking anymore. The 5th District Court of Appeals sided with Spriggs, stating that this part of the vehicle code could have been worded clearer, and that it did not pertain to looking at maps.
We’ve won one small victory for common sense, however there are still plenty of reasons to exercise caution while utilizing your phone for navigation and communication while operating a motor vehicle. Continue reading “Drivers Can Read Maps on Phones in CA, but You Should Still Be Cautious…”