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Category: Gadgets

The Android update model is clearly broken

The Android update model is clearly broken. It doesn’t serve anyone: not the handset makers, not the carriers, and least of all not the owners of Android devices who are stuck waiting ages for the updates to arrive.

Although I’d argue that every smartphone deserves the best and newest software, the idea has its practical limitations. We appear to have reached them.

I say bag the whole system-level update thing. Device makers and carriers do need to provide maintenance and security updates to keep smartphones running their best and safest, but I think smartphone owners need to simply get used to the idea of owning outdated software. If you want the brand-newest mobile platform, buy a device that has it installed from the get-go. Otherwise, don’t get upset if it is almost a year before your device is updated.

The other alternative: Google needs to devise a way so core system updates can be provided independently of manufacturer and carrier control.

February 16, 2012 | 0 comments | View Post

The Stylish Sony Ericsson Arc Is A Fantastic Multimedia Handset

The new Sony Ericsson Arc is one of the most advanced handsets out there, and arguably one of the best looking. Whilst it is an accomplished all rounder, it excels at multimedia functionality. In this article I will look at some of the features which make it a great device for multimedia use.

June 23, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

IOS 5 And What we Can Now Expect From The iPhone 4 White

Every year Apples annual software update has users eagerly waiting to update their iPhone so it can take advantage of the very latest features and functionality. Recently at the Annual Developers Congress news of the new iOS5 were released and quickly the web was full of information on exactly what this latest incarnation would mean to the customer. There are some features of the latest update however that have not been well publicised and some of them look like they could be very useful to the customer. This will be of special interest to owner of the White iPhone 4 who will be able to update their phones to iOS5 upon its release.

June 17, 2011 | 0 comments | View Post

Road Runner Mobile vs Clear on the Go

In an earlier post, I mentioned that I was a happy Clear on the Go subscriber and have been using their service for several months. I use the 3G/4G USB modem and the service has been spectacular in my town save for the few blind spots that I encounter when I am on the train. I was content with my service mainly because it did what I wanted it to do in the beginning but of late I have been going to places where their service was not available. Spending a few days with no coverage can really make you start questioning the service and look for other options. To be clear, this is in no way a problem with Clear itself (I am aware they are still expanding to some areas).

August 25, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Netflix and Roku Digital Player

I have been a Netflix customer for several years (although i suspended my account for a while and went with blockbuster to take their advantage of their program where you could trade in your mailed movie for an in-store movie). I used to watch a lot of movies and so it was logical for me to pay around $10 a month and get an unlimited number of movies than pay about $4 for a movie at my local movie rental store. This was well before Redbox came in the mix.

I think that Roku and NetFlex together make up one of the best entertainment values in today’s economic market. Roku promotes great customer service and their player is an excellent value for the money. I have bought two of them, one for myself and one for one of my children. I will probably buy more in the future for my family members and friends as gifts. I’m sold on Roku, I think that you will be also if you purchase one of these players.

August 17, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

iOS4 upgrade on iPhone 3GS is a NO NO

As I mentioned in an earlier post, upgrading to iOS4 has been more pain than anything else. Although I was consoled by being able to finally run my Skype app in the background, there are still issues that makes using the device a nightmare. My problems have been less severe than others: mostly because of games I suppose (that is one main difference I have seen with my coworkers and friends who have worse off situations than I do.) My issue has been mostly the default e-mail application. The thedailybeast.com application is finally working although at times it abruptly closes like the rest of the apps.

July 29, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Skype for iPhone: Now making calls over 3G

I have been using Skype for a long time now, mostly their long distance service which I found to be very cheap and convenient. I dislike with a passion the calling cards that require you to enter endless pin codes which can be agravating when you are calling overseas where in most cases it takes [...]

June 2, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post