iOS or Android: which offers more?

When the first iPad was released back in 2010 many commentators questioned whether they would succeed; given that they didn’t seem to fulfill an obvious gap in the market. Too large for a pocket, unable to take calls - buy an iPad the joke went and pay hundreds of dollars for a bigger, more useless version of the phone you already have.

Time has clearly shown those early naysayers wrong; as 229 million tablets were sold worldwide last year. Approximately 68 million, or 30%, of the total were Apple devices and while collated Android sales figures are not yet available for 2015 it is likely in the 140m - 150m range; confirming that these two operating systems maintain a virtual duopoly on the tablet market.

Which to plump for?

Assuming your choice is between an iOS and Android device, what are the main advantages of each system? The primary advantages of iOS are twofold - it is incredibly intuitive and, because the system is built for a very small range of devices, the 500,000 iPad specific apps will run extremely well; with few glitches or crashes. However for the trademark Apple style, you will have to pay somewhat over the odds.

Android tablets are sold by a variety of manufacturers, and utilise a wide variety of hardware. Samsung, Kobo, Asus and, of course, Google have all released successful tablet ranges running Android - but on a wide variety of screen sizes, processor types and other hardware options. Although this gives the consumer a relatively larger choice it comes with usability drawbacks - you may download an app for your Android tablet and find it requires hardware your model doesn’t have. You’ll also run into more bugs and crashes - but be compensated by a larger range of titles and the greater freedom given to developers in the Android framework.

As an example, Android users rave about Tasker which allows you to program your phone to perform actions when triggered; like turning on WiFi as you approach home, for example. No equivalent app exists for iOS because Apple are incredibly reluctant to give any developers the “under the hood” access these apps require.

Of course both systems share their basic functionality and have a large overlap in the range of compatible apps. Whichever system you buy you’ll be able to watch TV on Netflix, read emails or play video games on the move. Given the recent surge in popularity of “interactive gaming”; betting to you or I, most casinos and bookmakers ensure their full suite of games is available on all platforms.

Before making your choice try to think what you want to use your new tablet for. If you’re just looking to watch videos and music; Android will likely fulfill your needs at a lower price. If however you’re looking to do a bit more, organising emails, contacts and calendars for example, you’ll likely find iOS far more simple and intuitive.

Author - Dan Brook

HTC Do Not Support the Re Camera

I was excited about the Re Camera when it was announced. Yes, I had my concerns and yes it does need some work, but HTC tried something new, which is always good in this fast paced tech world that we live in. 

My first experience with the Re Camera will be shared with you on the Geekanoids Channel later today. However, I would like to share my second experience here and my dismay at the TOTAL LACK OF SUPPORT offered by HTC. I will let the screenshots below tell the story and welcome your comments. Please click the images to expand to readable size.

Chat Support Window

HTC Re Camera Chat Support Page

The first screenshot is of my chat transcript, where I was in a state of amazement at the responses. The second screenshot shows the HTC Re support page from where I accessed the chat support window.

Is Apple Purchasing Beats by Dre a Good Move?

Its been in the news that Apple has recently bought Beats audio. Before we get to what we think, lets go back to the very start of digital music, and what many say started it all; Apple …

Specifically the iPod was the very first true way of having your music go where ever you did. It changed the way people listened to music, and literally changed the music industry. Some would argue that the Ipod was one of the most important inventions Apple ever made. Boy did it sell, at the start nearly 400 million sold, not to mention  the millions if not billions that have been sold ever since. Then the iPod touch came out, the true start of capacitive touchscreens and what gave way to perhaps the most well known and most talked about phone ever; the iPhone

Beats isn't a company to mess with either. A privately owned company that never releases results or revenue earnings and who is known for the color red does very well for themselves. The high priced and amazing quality and portable speakers are where their main revenue comes from. Beats Music does okay, just okay with an estimated paid subscription group of just 200 000 people, but the streaming service does have some great options in terms of songs. Lets face it, Beats is one of the best known audio brands in North America and Europe where Apple dominates in not only profit but also market shares

So why now? Well with Apple getting set to launch their new iPhones very soon I'm sure they wouldn't mind having Beats Music to add to their iTunes collection, Beats has some very big contacts and experts in the music industry as well. Apple might also want some help in the headphones department, when Beats was working with HTC the made some awesome earphones that shipped with the HTC One. Now does that mean the Apple will stop including their well known while earpods? Probably not, but Beats could of course help improve them. But the biggest reason they probably would have bought Beats is to improve sound. When Beats was working with HTC they produced such amazing sound that we just couldn't get enough of it. I still personally use an HTC One as my daily driver and one of the biggest reasons is because it still has Beats. Apple already has amazing sound and having Beats on board will only help that cause.

Now nothings been officially announced but what do you think? Do you think that this will help Apple, as always leave a comment down below and follow us on social media, subscribe on Youtube and keep checking the website. Thanks for reading!

Author: Ben Smith - Twitter

Apple updates iWork For iOS, OS X and iCloud

Hot off the heels of Microsoft launching an iPad version of it’s famous office suite and making the iPhone version free to view and edit, Apple have released updates to its office suite - iWork. The update includes new features for Pages, Numbers and Keynote and includes better support for Microsoft Office documents.

The biggest change to come with this update is the ‘view only’ feature which allows you to share a document, spreadsheet or presentation with others without allowing them to be able to edit the document. Apple have also made the overall compatibility with Microsoft office much better particularly with password protected documents. The update also brings with it full compatibility with the newest version of Microsoft Office which has just been recently released.

Apple have also updated the desktop version of iWork and added some new transitions in Keynote, new design tools in Numbers and some new tools for creating charts and editing documents in Pages.

As for the web (iCloud) version of iWork the suite has now been updated with full retina support and a slightly refreshed design for the documents editor.

The mobile apps also received updates and enhancements such as Keynotes remote feature, documents in Pages and sheets in Numbers can now be searched by file name from within the mobile apps.

It’s no surprise that Apple have started to make updates to it’s iWork suite of apps after Microsoft released it’s subscription based iPad app. However it seems unlikely that hardened Apple fans will be won over when they have a free option with iWork which although not as feature rich as Microsoft Office it’s more than capable of getting the job done.

For a complete list of features in this update checkout Apple’s website.


 

iTunes on Android?

We often say that certain things will never happen such as Apple releasing Android versions of it’s applications, but every now and then we are taken by surprise. One such surprise is the prospect of iTunes being released for Android. iTunes has long been an Apple only product with the exception of the iTunes version for Windows. However that could soon be about to change if recent reports are to be believed.

Currently Apple has iTunes radio which is a free ad-supported service that allows users to listen to music and create stations based on artists, song and genre. It doesn’t however have a streaming service. Apple is reportedly in talks regarding a streaming service like Spotify though it has been stated that talks are in very early stages.

If Apple were to release iTunes for Android it would certainly shake things up. Although Google does have a music service on Android it’s music collection is quite sparse when compared to iTunes due to licensing restrictions in certain countries. Extending the reach of iTunes would give other services such as spotify a run for their money.

Steve Jobs was dead against bringing iTunes to Windows originally and felt the same about Android. However with Tim Cook at the helm it seems anything is possible as he publicly revealed that he has "no religious issues" porting its software over.

I would personally just like to be able to get iTunes radio in the United Kingdom before worrying about on-demand streaming services. What do you think of the idea of iTunes being available on Android handsets? Is this a bold move by Apple or a terrible idea? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.

 

iOS 7.1 update released

Apple yesterday released the much anticipated iOS 7.1 update for all devices capable of running iOS 7 so that’s iPhone 4 and later and iPad 2 and later and both iPad mini devices. iOS 7.1 contains some significant features including the addition of CarPlay, formerly known as iOS in the Car. This allows users with a ‘CarPlay’ enabled  vehicle to use features of their iPhone using the cars dashboard touchscreen for features such as sending and receiving texts answering and making calls and interacting with Siri.

The update also fixes the issue whereby the touch ID was not very responsive for the iPhone 5S and brings stability and performance improvements to the aging iPhone 4. Having tested iOS 7.1 on an iPhone 4 I can confirm that this update has significantly improved the experience of iOS 7  and the iPhone 4 runs a lot smoother than it did prior to this update. Many iPhone 4 users have complained about the poor performance of iOS 7 on their iPhone so I would encourage anyone still using an iPhone 4 to update and reap the benefits.

Other users have complained about a ‘White Screen of Death’ since the launch of iOS 7 particularly on the iPhone 5S and 5C and this has also been addressed in the latest update with Apple claiming they fixed a bug that may cause the homescreen to crash.

There were numerous other small updates and tweaks such as those listed below:

  • CarPlay: formerly known as iOS in the Car, which supports iPhone calling, music, maps, and messaging. It also allows users to control certain functions through iOS’ in-built voice-activated assistance Siri;

  • Siri improvements: Including natural-sounding voices for U.K. English, Australian English, Japanese, and Mandarin Chinese. You can also use it in push-to-talk mode by holding the Home button for the duration of your query;

  • Calendar changes: The list view has returned in month view, and the update has also included country-specific holidays added for many locales;

  • iTunes Radio updates: The radio feature, first introduced in iOS 7, has been updated with new features, including the ability to buy albums over-the-air from “Now Playing”;

  • Accessibility additions: The “parallax” motion feature option now includes Weather, Messages, and multi-tasking user interface animations;

  • Camera settings bolstered: Including a setting that allows users to automatically enable HDR mode for iPhone 5s users;

  • Touch ID improved: The software that controls the biometric reader has been improved to make fingerprint recognition better.

To update your device to the latest firmware simply go to the settings app, tap about and then check for updates. As always you can also update to the latest version of iOS by connecting your device to your computer and using iTunes which may be your only solution if you are currently running a Jailbreak on your device. Please be aware that as discussed last week if you update to this firmware you will lose any active jailbreak currently on your device.

Image Courtesy of KĀRLIS DAMBRĀNS (Flickr)

 

The evolution of the iPhone

The iPhone has been a staple in the smartphone market since Steve Jobs announced the arrival of the first incarnation back in January of 2007. Revolutionising the mobile platform from that point forward, the iPhone has generated huge interest across the world and has become the poster boy of the smartphone industry.

Here’s a little look back on the past, present and future of this iconic device.

iPhone 1 – Nov 2007

Merging the popular iPod with a revolutionary touchscreen phone and mobile web browser, the first generation iPhone unleashed a world of potential. Creating the mould for all smartphones to follow, the iPhone 1 featured a 2MP in-built camera, up to 8GB of storage and a 3.5-inch, 320 x 480 pixel resolution screen, making it the best display of its generation.

iPhone 3G – July 2008

While its predecessor didn’t support third-party apps, the iPhone 3G saw the birth of the App Store. Building the model for true multi-functionality in a slimmed-down design, the App Store helped the iPhone breed to begin gaining traction amongst consumers. Along with this exciting update, the iPhone 3G also allowed users to make use of new high-speed connectivity,allowing a smooth connection to online sites such as Facebook and Platinum Play for the first time.

iPhone 3GS – June 2009


 

The iPhone 3GS failed to bring major changes to the table, but succeeded in giving the 3G a satisfactory reboot. Although no changes were made to the screen or general appearance, this model delivered faster performances as well as an improved 3.2MP camera, an increased storage capacity and new voice control features that would pave the way for Siri.

iPhone 4 – June 2010

Apple’s flagship device was given a major transformation for the release of the iPhone 4. While its competitors had started catching up to the 3G, Apple left them in the dust when the new flat design hit the shelves in 2010. The screenwas swapped for a high-resolution Retina display along with a top-of-the-class 5MP camera and HD video recording capabilities, as well as with other internal improvements that showed why Apple still held the crown in the world of smartphones.

iPhone 4S – Oct 2011

Following in the footsteps of the 3GS, the 4S gave the fourth generation model a minor upgrade to bring it up to scratch. While the shell stayed unaltered, the inside came with a new A5 processor, 8MP camera and 1080p video recording, as well as improved graphic capabilities and the debut of Sirias an exclusive feature.

iPhone 5 – Sept 2012

Following a number of internal revamps from the 4S, the iPhone 5 focused more on reshaping the phone’s architecture. The handset became 20% lighter than its predecessor, sporting a 4-inch screen and a 640 x 1136 pixel ratio. The iPhone had never looked better.

iPhone 5S/5C – Sept 2013

Locking horns with major competitor Android, the iPhone 5C was more or less a carbon copy of the iPhone 5, but with a plastic-back, longer battery life and a more reasonable price tag.

As for the 5C, this handset made further improvements under the hood, adding a better camera feature and a fingerprint reader located under the home button.

The launch of the iOS 7 updates also bought about the most radical shake-up the operating system had seen in recent years

iPhone 6 - ?

Rumours are currently circulating over the iPhone 6, with speculation on the price, specs and release date running wild. Credible sources are predicting that the model will feature a bigger display, measuring in at a 4.8-inch form factor. Some are also stating that Apple could offer a range of smartphone devices, including a 4.7-inch and 5.6-inch model as well as their branded smart watch.

Following a $578 million deal between Apple and GT Advanced Technologies, the eighth generation iPhone will most likely contain a Sapphire glass screen. Upgraded from the current Gorilla Glass, this scratch-resistant material is almost unbreakable, second only to diamond in terms of hardness, and would increase screen clarity.

Other, less plausible rumours point to a curved design and wraparound display. While the appearance of these features in concept images have gotten the media and consumers excited, the designers themselves are admitting that they stretch the realms of possibility.

“Such a design may appear on the iPhone 6 or 7, or maybe never,” said designer Nickolay Lamm.”It’s a cool design, but one which is unlikely to give Apple a sustainable competitive advantage.”

Credit: Nickolay Lamm iPhone 6 concept design

 

Apple issues iPhone and Apple TV updates

It's update time again as Apple has today released another minor update to iOS 7 that provides a fix to the SSL connection verification issues that people have been experiencing. The 7.0.6 update comes less than a month after Apple released the 7.0.5 update for iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C users that fixed network issues affecting people in china. To update your devices open the settings app and navigate to the 'software update' option. If you prefer to update your device via iTunes you can connect your device to your Mac or PC and update there too. 

Apple have also been releasing beta versions of iOS 7.1 to developers over the last few months and is currently at 7.1.4 as of last week. Unlike today's minor update iOS 7.1 is a more feature rich release with major improvements to Mobile Device Management mass deployment system and possibly a new 'volume services' web client. It is expected that iOS 7.1 will be out of beta and available to the public towards the end of March. 

Alongside the iOS 7.1.6 update Apple also released an update for older devices by way of a 6.1.6 release which is available for iPhone 3GS and iPod Touch fourth generation which are unable to run iOS 7. 

Update:

Alongside today's updates for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, Apple also released an update for Apple TV. The 6.0.2 update has been classed a stability and performance updates and can be downloaded via the devices settings menu. 

Apple's 'iWatch' Said to Arrive in October 2014 with Wireless Charging

According to Chinese site C Technology, Apple is planning to release its long-rumored iWatch alongside the next iPhone in October 2014, with the company having tested two iWatch prototypes. However, the report also states that Apple has not decided on the final screen size of the device, with the prototype units being powered by a 100 mAh battery. The iWatch is also said to include wireless charging capabilities which will allow the device to charge from up to a meter away...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

Apple Supports 'Hour of Code' Campaign for Students with Free Workshops in U.S. Retail Stores

Apple today announced that it will be participating in the "Hour of Code" initiative this Wednesday by offering free workshops in its U.S. stores introducing students to computer programming. Apple is setting aside the 5:00-6:00 PM hour at all of its retail stores for its workshops, and reservations are required. 

The broader initiative is sponsored by the non-profit Code.org with the backing of a wide variety of political, corporate, and personal supporters. The goal of the campaign is to introduce 10 million students to computer programming, with the ultimate goal of every student learning a basic level of programming...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours

iTunes Match Expands to Finland, Denmark, Norway and Sweden

Apple has recently expanded iTunes Match availability to several Nordic countries, according to both reports on Twitter and tip from a MacRumors reader. 

iTunes users in Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden now have access to the service, which has a yearly price of 249 kr in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway and €24.99 in Finland. In comparison, iTunes Match is $24.99 in the United States and £21.99 in the U.K...

Read the full story here... Source: Mac Rumours