SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG vs. APPLE 2014 REVEAL 2

Above: The gorgeous Galaxy Note Pro 10.1.

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
SAMSUNG vs. APPLE 2014:
THE REVEAL
#Samsung #Apple #SamsungvsApple2013 #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #Gear2 #Gear2Neo #GearFit

Good sunny Sunday afternoon, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that all is well in your world and I hope that the Sun is out where you are too! Mmmmm... A bit of Sun makes all the difference! I am about to have Sunday dinner with the folks and while I am waiting for my phones to charge I thought I’d bash this one out...

The ongoing and recent round of the battles between Samsung and Apple is revealing what I more or less suspected...

REVELATION 1: SAMSUNG WANTS TO LEAVE ANDROID
Really? I recall when the Galaxy S3 was launched there wasn’t much said – if anything by the way of Android. If I am correct this is when the Apple fired off their offensive against Samsung (to fleece them). I could tell that Samsung’s J.K. Shin wasn’t too happy about the prospect of entertaining an impotent Apple unable to innovate but sue competition. Uh-uh! I felt that Shin was seething underneath the spectacle of the GS3 launch or was it the Galaxy Note 2? Oh, well... I just recall that there was very little mention of Google Android.

Here’s what I am speculating... And remember I am only speculating for the purpose of writing this article. I can’t exactly prove anything...

I am speculating that Samsung felt as though Google weren’t doing enough to back them against the Apple lawsuit. I would also imagine that Samsung were thinking along the lines of: ‘Is working with Google worth the hassle?’ Over 40 million sales of the Galaxy S4 later and 30 million of the Galaxy Note 2 later I reckon Samsung has found the answer to that question: YES!!!!

And yes, I reckon Samsung felt that in the battle to squash the ridiculous notion that they “stole” from Apple that it had to compete in every way possible with the items such as S Voice and S Translator that is not too dissimilar to Google Translate and Google Search / Now. Assuming that Google asked Samsung to tone it down for the Galaxy S5 may have caused a bit of frustration. However, I am of the belief that Samsung can understand that there’s not much point in reinventing the wheel through wanting to match – if not beat – Apple at its own game with Siri, etc.

I would like to think that Samsung can now concentrate on the design of its line of Android based handsets and let the Android operating system breathe a bit more. There again, those who know how to make the most of their premium Galaxy handsets are able to decide for themselves what aspect of Android or Samsung they can use. I think it’s all good! But just one thing: I do think that by Samsung easing back on presenting a heavy TouchWiz interface overlay will do the consumer a world of good in that it prevents confusion and a feeling of being overwhelmed by the Samsung hubs! People either love, like or aren’t too enthusiastic regarding TouchWiz. I personally don’t mind TouchWiz – Nature UI, in my opinion, is the best! I do appreciate the scale back for the Galaxy S5.

Even though Samsung is working on the Tizen operating system I don’t think that they will part from Android anytime soon! Android, as you know, is the most popular mobile operating system in the world and if they take out bits of Chrome so that one can use the Chrome applications then it could be the most popular operating system period! I do hope that Sundar Pichai makes it happen! I reckon that would be the day when I will give the tired Microsoft Windows and the PC! Well, if I could run the Chrome enhanced Android on my PC instead that would be something!

Samsung would face the uphill struggle of publicizing Tizen based devices – not that it would be impossible to sell it! People who love technology would certainly buy into it – if it was radical enough! I mean, look at the recent changes in iOS – it’s Android influenced! I am almost certain that Apple will bring out some Android style widgets for a little customization for iOS8.

I wonder if there would be a possibility of dual Tizen and Android based devices in the not too distant future... Hmmmmm... I wonder...

EXAGGERATING TAB SALES
This exaggerating of Galaxy Tab sales is no big deal! Apple does it all the time. I mean, look at the “record breaking” sales of the iPhone 5S and then the fall in value of its shares. Apple knows all about the tricks of exaggeration as they do it all the time: every press opportunity and launch they exaggerate everything! No one is going to forget Apple Maps in a hurry – especially if you ended up getting lost when using it. But they talked it up so much in the press launch that you thought that Google Maps was in trouble! Uh-uh!

Regarding the Galaxy Tab, Samsung has to get over the huge hype that Apple has made of its iPad. With every version of the Galaxy Tab the wall of the iPad hype gets broken down in the eyes of the consumer. I have always preferred the Galaxy / Android tablet over the iPad for the materials alone; metal and glass is so very overrated. Again, we want durability in our devices. Durability equals longevity and the iPad (especially the Air) is stunning to look at but you’re afraid to take it outside in case you drop it and it sort of remains a rich person’s toy.

Samsung tablets and Android tablets in general are now seeping into the mainstream in a big way! The consumer is starting to realize that the “i” in iPhone, Pod and Pad stands for iTunes and that’s where Apple wants to keep the consumer hence no external memory options! Just ask the parents who have been faced with massive credit card bills from child’s play! This is to say that children accidently building up huge bills through Google Play Store can’t happen but it’s far more frequent with the App Store. There are more controls to accommodate children built into Android tablets. Not to mention the various Android tablets aimed at children! The cost conscious parent can save their hard earned money! That said, many children ask their parents for the iPad because of the esteem that Apple has managed to imbue into the product.

WORK
Yes, it’s an understatement to say that Samsung has its work cut out to maintain their lead at the top but their Pro Galaxy Tab tablets speak volumes. It’s got to a point whereby Apple, at this moment in time, isn’t able to compete with Samsung. Samsung’s competition is going to be the hungry Chinese manufacturers looking to break into the marketplace. If I am correct there are a couple of handsets that already boast a QHD screen that come from China: Vivo and Oppo! I am sure that Samsung will follow suit with the rumoured Galaxy F range of new devices.

But for now Apple is not in the race! Samsung remains the overall winner no matter what the court decides.

Hey, don't take my word for it... Here:

http://youtu.be/sCnB5azFmTs - Galaxy Note 3

http://youtu.be/x2bK8ZdADsk - Galaxy Pro Series
What do you reckon?

Full review coming very soon....

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more! 

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT THE LATEST APPLE vs SAMSUNG

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
THE LATEST APPLE vs SAMSUNG PROVES SYNAPSE CIRCUIT RIGHT
#Apple #Samsung #ApplevsSamsung #iPhone6 #iPhone6Rumours

Good afternoon, Synapse Circuit Readers! How are you? Apologies for the lack of articles and reviews for the last couple of weeks... I’ve been going through some issues. I recommend that you ought to see your GP for a blood pressure assessment. Blood pressure is a silent killer! DO NOT take your health for granted!

Now what have I missed in the delightful world of tech? Ah, yes! Apple vs. Samsung yet again! Thank goodness for the smartphone as it has allowed me to follow both sides of the equation.

VERY REVEALING vs. VERY OBVIOUS
It’s no surprise to learn that Samsung – like any tech rival – would want to create competing products to rival if not usurp the competition. As you know, when the iPhone was launched it was done with great pomp that only the late Steve Jobs could deliver. Please put your pants back on – I want bore them off you! Lol!

The iPhone was presented as the greatest thing to have happened in the evolution of mobile phones. Some people fell for it and some didn’t. If you have read my articles on the iPhone and the exclusion of Adobe Flash, the shortcomings of the iOS etc then you will know that the iPhone was mainly smokescreens and mirrors. What did Apple think would happen where the mobile marketplace is concerned? Did Jobs and co think that the marketplace was theirs for the taking and that there will be no competition?? That’s apparently what he thought! Imagine if there was only ONE television manufacturer in the whole world. That’s right: it’s impossible.

IT’S SAMSUNG!
That’s right, Apple are going after Samsung and not Google indirectly. Forget this nonsense over “copying” because what is really at the heart of the constant lawsuits is the fact that Apple has underestimated the mobile devices marketplace. Yes, it’s that simple. Apple has always promoted itself as cutting edge but how can it be cutting edge when it doesn’t have a device that can compete with the Galaxy Note (3), it hasn’t get a cost effective tablet for all the family and even the (in)famous retina screen has been surpassed by first the larger Android screen and subsequently by larger HD screens and design?!

So, the idea that Apple is indirectly attacking Google is incorrect. They are attacking Samsung simply because Samsung’s products are better. Sure, the iOS devices have an advantage of quality apps from day one but after playing around with my nephews iPhone 5S I can see that quality apps is becoming less of an issue on Android.

LEGACY
The legacy of Jobs is to launch a “thermonuclear” and “holy” war on Android and Samsung as recent emails have further revealed in more detail. It’s nothing that Synapse Circuit didn’t know already. Instead of producing competitive products, Apple have decided to make its revenue from lawsuits that use nationalism, the US Presidency and outright inadequacy disguised as “patent infringement” to win sympathy and ultimately the suit. Sadly for Apple fanatics, the constant lawsuits show that Apple is unable to compete with great products. What a shame. This latest lawsuit has revealed that fact: Apple cannot compete with the likes of Samsung, LG, HTC, etc.

BAD ADVERTS
It has been revealed that Apple’s Phil Schiller has been unhappy with what I assume to be the iPhone adverts. The iPad adverts look a lot better because the product is of a higher standard. Oh, there were some “Genius” adverts that bombed too!

When I look at the iPhone ads I just cringe with embarrassment. The iPhone ads have more to do with propaganda and nationalism. I think that an ad should tell you about the product to make you want it. Apple ads are a stark contrast to Samsung ads! I think the Galaxy S3 ads were the best that I have ever seen at that time and since! The S3 ads sold me on the camera, the hand gestures, design, etc. And of course, those wonderful Anti-Apple Fanboy / girl adverts that delightfully takes the Mickey out of the adoring queuing iPhone fans, “The next big thing is already here!”

It comes as no surprise as to why Apple’s Phil Schiller is unhappy with the adverts.

Check this ad: Would you give it thumbs up? http://youtu.be/O99m7lebirE

HERE’S ANOTHER REASON WHY YOU (AS AN iPHONE FAN) SHOULDN’T GET YOUR HOPES UP FOR A 5” iPHONE
Apart from the (in)famous “Thumb” video proclaiming the “Common Sense of Hand Science” (above) the other reason for Apple to keep the iPhone screen size under 5” is because anything looking like a phablet will eat into the iPad mini and iPad market. At lot of iPad users would simply use the iPhablet than to spend money on a tablet that will be outdated in a year’s time.

The iPad has eaten into the sales of the Mac computers, the iPad mini has eaten into the sales of the iPad and an iPhablet would certainly eat into both the iPad mini and iPad market.

We’ll see! And if by some great effort from Apple that they produce an iPhone over 4.7” would that give Samsung a cause for a lawsuit? Probably!

What do you reckon?

Standby for some reviews...

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more! 

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT: 2013: A REVIEW. PART TWO: THE FALL OF APPLE.

The united colours of Apple iPhone 5C. See?

The Android inspired iOS7...

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT:
2013: A REVIEW.
#Technology2013 #Apple #iPhone #iPad

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! How are you? I hope that I have helped you in choosing gifts this Christmas as I am sure I have done last year!

Here I am looking at what I see as the highs and lows of 2013’s world of Tech!

PART TWO: THE FALL OF APPLE.

WORST TECH COMPANY OF THE YEAR: APPLE
MOST DISAPPOINTING HANDSET OF 2013: iPhone 5S
Every time I see an article on Apple it usually begins with something along the lines of, “Samsung are good at copying our technology...” YAWN!!!! That just bores me rigid! I can’t go beyond those opening lines! Apple has yet to put out a phablet or come anywhere close to 5” on the iPhone. Apple aren’t as innovative as they once were; fact! And it is that fact that Apple can’t deal with, so they take it out on their successful rivals, Samsung. Never mind the stupid lawsuits over trivial claims to screen interactions such as pinch to zoom, etc. Apple didn’t have anything in the tank and no amount of settlement due or undue from Samsung can hide that fact.

Apple just can’t take the competition and it is such a shame to see adults behave in this manner. I think that Apple needs a new CEO to steer them out of the hole that Jobs have dug them into. Cook keeps on digging deeper and deeper. Apple will just look like they are copying when they release iPhones with larger screens. How will those ads regarding ‘Hand Science’ go down in the future? I think those ads will go down as a laughing stock in the history of tech.

Just about every high-end Android handset beats the iPhone 5S hands down! I am sure there’s an unintentional pun in that last sentence. The Samsung Galaxy S4 and Note 3 reign supreme! Even the HTC One trumps the iPhone in the design steaks where aesthetics are concerned! Fingerprint ID is an old idea that has been jettisoned by Motorola! Apple hasn’t done enough! Ok, the 64bit architecture is good but I have yet to hear of anyone saying that it is a major improvement over last year’s model. I honestly think that 64bits on the iPhone is like the quad-core on Android. There could be more potential for 64bit on Android and from what I have understood, Google are looking to bring 64bit to the Android operating system. Samsung are just waiting in the wings to do something with 64bit technology!

HOT AIR RETINA
While they (Apple) smirk at the tablet efforts from Android manufacturers and Microsoft they have essentially devalued the iPad with the iPad mini. Nobody in their right mind would want to throw over £400 at a tablet just so that it can out of date the following year. That £400 could go to better use on a Windows laptop! Sure, it does not look as chic and up-to-date as carrying a tablet around but you will be more productive knowing that you have access to real software. The Apple tablet is just the king’s new clothes! Now the iPad mini is a better more affordable option but the Google Nexus 7 2013 offers the better screen and for a lower asking price. I think Apple is blowing hot air which steams up the retinas! And this is the reason why Apple has lost the tablet (and phone) battle against Android! If I wanted to I could go out and get any one of the range of available Android tablets for around £200 or under. I can even get an Android tablet with 3G added for less than it would cost for an iPad mini!

Apple just seems to be all over the place. I really hope that they will improve and give their followers what they want: bigger screens and an end to the bickering! Oh, the need a new CEO with better ideas! Again, Steve Wozniak ought to take over the reins so that Apple mobile devices can benefit more from Google technology! Let’s not forget that Google Maps helped them out when Apple Maps were sending people to destinations unknown!

Apple needs to open up and share!

Roll on 2014 for Apple!

Well, I hope you have enjoyed this instalment of 2013 in review!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS FROM SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more! 

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SAMSUNG GALAXY ROUND: THE FIRST SMARTPHONE WITH A FLEXIBLE SCREEN!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
SAMSUNG GALAXY ROUND: THE FIRST SMARTPHONE WITH A FLEXIBLE SCREEN!
#Samsung #GalaxyRound

Good late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! Yes, Samsung has done it! Samsung has beaten LG to be the first to release a handset with a flexible screen!

INTRODUCING THE GALAXY ROUND

Galaxy Round Spec:

NETWORK
2G Network   GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network   HSDPA
4G Network   LTE-A

Announced   2013, October

BODY           
Dimensions  151.1 x 79.6 x 7.9 mm (5.95 x 3.13 x 0.31 in)
Weight           154 g (5.43 oz)

DISPLAY      
Type   Super Flexible AMOLED capacitive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size    1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.7 inches (~386 ppi pixel density)
Multitouch     Yes

SOUND        
Alert types     Vibration; MP3, WAV ringtones
Loudspeaker   Yes
3.5mm jack    Yes

MEMORY     
Card slot microSD, up to 64 GB
Internal 32 GB, 3 GB RAM

DATA
GPRS Yes
EDGE Yes
Speed            HSPA+, LTE-A

WLAN           
Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac, dual-band, DLNA, Wi-Fi Direct, Wi-Fi hotspot
Bluetooth       Yes, v4.0 with A2DP, LE, EDR
NFC    Yes
Infrared port  Yes

USB
microUSB v3.0 (MHL 2), USB Host

CAMERA      
Primary 13 MP, 4128 x 3096 pixels, autofocus, LED flash
Features: Dual Shot, Simultaneous video and image recording, geo-tagging, touch focus, face and smile detection, image stabilization, panorama, HDR
Video  Yes, 2160p@30fps, 1080p@60fps

Secondary Yes, 2 MP, 1080p@30fps

FEATURES 
Android OS, v4.3 (Jelly Bean)
Chipset Qualcomm Snapdragon 800
CPU Quad-core 2.3 GHz Krait 400
GPU Adreno 330
Sensors: Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, temperature, humidity, gesture
Messaging: SMS(threaded view), MMS, Email, Push Mail, IM, RSS
Browser: HTML5
GPS Yes, with A-GPS support
Java    Yes, via Java MIDP emulator
Colours Luxury Brown with more colours to come

- ANT+ support

- S-Voice natural language commands and dictation

- Air gestures

- SNS integration

- Active noise cancellation with dedicated mic

- Dropbox (50 GB storage)

- TV-out (via MHL A/V link)

- MP4/DivX/XviD/WMV/H.264/H.263 player

- MP3/WAV/eAAC+/AC3/FLAC player

- Organizer

- Image/video editor

- Document editor (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)

- Google Search, Maps, Gmail,

YouTube, Calendar, Google Talk, Picasa

- Voice memo/dial/commands

- Predictive text input (Swype)

BATTERY              
Li-Ion 2800 mAh battery

IS THIS THE RUMOURED GALAXY NOTE 3 WITH A FLEXIBLE SCREEN?
The Galaxy Round is an interesting handset that will be released initially for the Korean market; there is no news as to when it’ll be available internationally.

But is this the much rumoured limited edition Galaxy Note 3 albeit with a flexible screen? It certainly looks that way then why not call it something like ‘Galaxy Note 3 Flex’? Then again it is missing the S Pen which is an integral part of the Galaxy Note concept.

A RUSH?
It looks as though Samsung are rushing product to pulverise Apple, exposing them as tired and unimaginative. Yes, Samsung did that with the Galaxy S2 right up to the Note 3. I would imagine that Samsung had to beat rival, LG into being the first to release a handset with a flexible screen. I am not too sure what I was expecting from Samsung regarding the flexible screen but I can’t say the Galaxy Round is it. This is not to say that I don’t like the Galaxy Round, as with all things new it takes some time to get used to. I guess it will be an entirely different thing in the hand!

Just like the Galaxy Gear smartwatch, the Galaxy Round is going to work its way into the consciousness of the masses! Well, it has yet to be released internationally and there’s a possibility that it won’t reach the UK or any other market outside Korea. I get the feeling that Samsung are already looking at a flexible screen display handset for the international market. From what I gather, Samsung aren’t yet able to mass produce flexible screens and once they have solved mass production we’re going to see yet another revolution in smartphone technology! I can see a massive wristband handset that features the flexible screen – I’d have one of those in a heartbeat! Then again, I would have all of Samsung’s high end mobile devices in a heartbeat!

I hope you enjoyed this introduction. Stay tuned for more reviews to come.

Watch this space!

Take good care!

Please enjoy the video below! Feel free to leave some comments and subscribe!

Thank you for watching and reading!

Please check out the Synapse Circuit website for video, i-PDF and more! 

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

THE SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3 REVIEW

A picture from the Samsung Galaxy Note 3. The colours are very, very accurate!
The quality is there! It is such a shame that I didn't have time to show you video footage! But I can assure you that you will not be disappointed with photos and video!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT REVIEWS:

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3
Check prices online!
#Samsung #GalaxyNote3

Good afternoon, Synapse Circuit Readers! How goes it today? I can tell you that I am feeling great and dandy! It’s a remarkably sunny day here in London at this time of year! I hope the weather is good – if not great – where you are!

Wanna joke? Okay... Get ready... This’ll kill ya!

“Samsung trade-ins have raised to 210% since the availability of the iPhone 5S.”

When I read that headline I laughed so hard that I broke out into a sweat! Hahahaha! I suspect that this is yet another PR stunt that Apple is behind. C’mon, “SAMSUNG” trade-ins in particular???? That’s horsepoop! Ha!

EARLIER TODAY...

...I popped into my local Phones 4U store to see a friend and he let me know that the Galaxy Note 3 was in the store and I had to try it out!

WARNING: DO NOT TOUCH THE GALAXY NOTE 3!
Once you have the Galaxy Note 3 in your hands you do not want to let go!

Now, let’s take a look the Galaxy Note 3...

...SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE 3

Spec:-

Samsung Galaxy Note 3 Specs:-

Network
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets (Dependent on market)

Processor
LTE 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor
3G 1.9 GHz Octa Core Processor ( A15 1.9 GHz + A7 1.3 GHz)
The selection of AP will be differed by markets.

Display
5.7inch (144.3mm) Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)

OS
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)

Camera
Main(Rear): 13 Mega-pixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus camera with Smart Stabilization,
LED Flash(High CRI), and Zero Shutter Lag
Sub (Front): 2 Mega-pixel BSI sensor with Smart Stabilization,
Full HD recording @30fps
Dual Camera: Dual Shot / Dual Recording/ Dual Video Call
Recording: UHD 30fps, Smooth motion (FHD 60fps), Slow motion (HD 120fps)
Camera Mode: Drama Shot, Sound & Shot, Animated Photo, Eraser, Best Photo, Best Face, Beauty Face, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports, Golf, Surround shot, Live effect

Video
Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8, HEVC
Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p), UHD (*may differ by market)

Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(*), WAV(*)
(*) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support
S Pen Optimized Features

Air Command: Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write, S Finder, Pen Window
S Note, Multi Window, new Easy Clip, Direct Pen Input

Additional Features:-
Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Video, Share Document, Play Games

Story Album, S Translator
Samsung Smart Scroll, Samsung Smart Pause, Air Gesture, Air View

Samsung Apps, Samsung Hub, ChatON (Voice/Video Call, Share screen, 3-way calling), Samsung WatchON

S Voice™ Hands Free, S Health
Samsung Adapt Display, Samsung Adapt Sound
Auto adjust touch sensitivity (Glove friendly)

Samsung Link, Screen Mirroring
Safety Assistance, Samsung
Google Mobile Services
Chrome, Search, Gmail, Google+, Maps, Play Books
Play Movies, Play Music, Play Store, Hangouts
Voice Search, YouTube, Google Settings, Play Games, Messenger

Connectivity
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80)
GPS / GLONASS
NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.0 (LE)
IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0
Sensor
Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB
Proximity, Barometer, Temperature & Humidity, Hall Sensor

Memory
32/ 64 GB User memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB)
3GB RAM

Dimension
151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, 168g

Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 3,200 mAh

COULD IT BE THAT I AM IN LOVE YET AGAIN????

Let’s get right on in there...

DESIGN & FORM: A FAUX PAS?
Samsung have managed to surpass expectations yet again! It’s one thing to see pictures of the Galaxy Note 3 and it is an entirely different thing when it is in your hands!

The design, as I predicted, took up where the Galaxy S4 left off. The Galaxy Note 3 looks like a bigger and refined S4. The size is perfect and the handset is remarkably light – especially when compared to the Note 2!

The faux leather battery cover feels wonderful and increases the grip tremendously when compared to the smooth cover of the Note 2.

I just wished that the faux metal was real as it would add more to its premium finish. But make no mistake, the Note 3 looks and feels premium! I LOVE IT!

FUNCTION
I immediately got on well with the Note 3; no need to go through any tutorial or ask for help. My friend looked both relieved and impressed that I know more about the Note 3 than he does or did thanks to me showing him how it works. Not that I am showing off or anything like that but I found myself having to correct him on a few things. One of the things I corrected him on was the video capability: the Note 3 does indeed capture 4K video and the playback was as slick as melted butter! Beautiful!

My friend kept on calling the battery back “leather”; I told him that if he were speaking to a customer they’d be mislead.

He thought that the 5.7” screen had to be in a 4K resolution in order to record 4K video! Oh my good God! Maybe I should distance myself from this guy... I am kind of serious because I do think that sales assistants should know what they are talking about – it’s what they get paid for! For crying out loud!!!!

THE CAMERA
The camera is very much the same as the Galaxy S4 what with all the different modes and functions. The only addition I could see was the 4K video. Oh, I tell a little lie... ...the pictures and video appeared to be a little sharper. I wish I had been able to get a sample of both 1080p and 4K video; but you can take my word that the video is pristine! I have never seen video like it on a handset before! The video footage is crisp, sharp and remarkably smooth! I could hardly believe my eyes! I wonder if a software update for the S4 could make the video footage that much better... Hmmmm... I know that an update for the S4 fixed some issues with the camera.

Again, I was impressed with the photos!

BROWSER & MEDIA
I was particularly impressed with the web browser because websites look as intended! I have seen some browsers on various handsets make a mess of an otherwise good site! As a onetime professional web designer I find it is a relief to not create a phone version of a site. Surfing the Internet was a very, very wonderful experience.

Because of the CPU and 3 GB RAM pages loaded up instantaneously – as fast – if not faster than a decent PC! Wow!

Watching full HD YouTube video was also very, very pleasing. That beautiful 5.7” screen is so vivid!

S PEN
The S Pen has improved a great deal and Air Command makes it a breeze to make notes, perform searches, etc. The S Pen allows me to write the way I write; I did not have to accommodate for the device. Uh-uh! The Note 3 truly felt like an extension of how I work.

The only niggle I have with the S Pen is that I wished it was round like a pen for a more comfortable grip but you do get used to it.

VERDICT
Yes, I am in love again! I WANT ONE YESTERDAY! That’s how I feel about the Note 3! I WANT ONE!

The design is superb and, for the umpteenth time, I do appreciate that it’s made from high quality plastic that makes for durability. That said, I do think that the faux metal frame could result – over time – with peeling. Y’know? It’s when the metallic finish starts to peel away so that you’re left with the dull plastic underneath. There again, this peeling has yet to happen on my S4 and Note 2 – they look like I bought them yesterday!

SCORE OUT OF 5
5 / 5

SPITTING OUT THE PIPS
As you know, I have been seriously thinking about purchasing a tablet this year. However, the Galaxy Note 3 has made me question if such a purchase is necessary. The Note 3 is simply stunning! I feel that I could everything that I need to do on it... I think I can do without a laptop and certainly a tablet if I had the Note 3.

What I like about the tablet is the larger screen size – not just for media but productivity too! A larger screen size will prompt me to purchase a decent equivalent to Microsoft Office. I have noticed that I don’t need to carry a pen and paper around with me with the Note 2 but when it comes to productivity I tend to use my PC. I want to challenge myself to using the Android phablet and / tablet to the max! The 5.7” inch screen does make a difference!

I was actually thinking of purchasing an Asus Fonepad because I like the idea of being able to make calls as well as having a tablet. But now I am seriously thinking of the Note 3 as it has such powerful hardware!

The Note 3 could easily sway iPhone users and possibly iPad mini users as the screen offers a better resolution and power! Think about it... You buy an iPad mini and have to use Wi-Fi and for the amount you have to pay for it, £269 for the 16 GB version it seems a waste. Or if you wanted 3G with the iPad mini you’d have to add an extra £100 to the above price tag. Oh, not to mention having to then pay for the 3G connection!

With the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 you get a wonderful 3 GB RAM, a superfast quad-core processor, a removable battery, 32 GB of internal storage and further expansion via microSD up to 64 GB!!!! If that’s not enough you have 192 KHz audio recording and USB 3! Sure, there’s an initial deposit of anywhere between £45 and £75 – depending on the network and then it’s around £45 - £50 a month. After 2 years it’s a grand total of £1,200. It may seem a lot but you have everything in one:

1. Voice & video calling.

2. LTE or 3G connection.

3. Solid and powerful hardware.

4. Great productivity apps.

The price you end up paying for the iPad mini could set you back around the same – more if you go over data / minute plan!

I want to get mine on the Three network because they have a better deal than any other network in the country (UK). I am looking for unlimited data, 4G (when it arrives on Three) which will be at no extra cost and a good amount of minutes. I know that I will save a lot of my minutes by using these wonderful free calling apps! Cool!

But I hope that I have given you something to consider!

I hope you enjoyed this review. Stay tuned for more reviews to come.

Watch this space!

Take good care!

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SAMSUNG UNPACKED: EPISODE 2 @ Berlin IFA!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SAMSUNG UNPACKED: EPISODE 2 @ Berlin IFA!  
#Samsung #SamsungUnpacked #SamsungIFA #SamsungGalaxyNote3 #SamsungGear #SamsungGalaxyNote10.1

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! It’s that time again... Time to take note, the Samsung Galaxy Note 3 to be precise!

BLOWN AWAY!
Wow! I have to say that Samsung did not disappoint tonight! Samsung delivered what are the best devices that I’ve ever seen! The Galaxy Note 3 is a superb instrument, the design is sublime. And yes, it does feature 4K video recording but it appears as though there may be two different models (3G & LTE) and one of which will feature the 4K video camera. Hmmmm...

NOTE 3
I am very happy that Samsung stuck to using plastic for the body; the removable back is textured to simulate a leather notebook. The back will come in different colours. There will be great accessories to be had that are very much like that offered for the Galaxy S4 – especially the windowed case which allows for the receiving of calls.

The 3GB of RAM came through – thankfully! Check out the spec below...

NOTE 3 SPEC

Network
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE): 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G (HSPA＋ 42Mbps): 850 / 900 / 1900 / 2100 MHz
4G (LTE Cat 4 150/50Mbps) : up to 6 different band sets (Dependent on market)

Processor
LTE 2.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor
3G 1.9 GHz Octa Core Processor (A15 1.9 GHz ＋ A7 1.3 GHz)
The selection of AP will be differed by markets.

Display
5.7inch (144.3mm) Full HD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)

OS
Android 4.3 (Jelly Bean)

Camera
Main (Rear): 13 Mega-pixel BSI Sensor, Auto Focus camera with Smart Stabilization, LED Flash (High CRI), and Zero Shutter Lag

Sub (Front): 2 Mega-pixel BSI sensor with Smart Stabilization, Full HD recording @30fps

Dual Camera: Dual Shot / Dual Recording/ Dual Video Call,
Recording: UHD 30fps, Smooth motion (FHD 60fps), Slow motion (HD 120fps)

Camera Mode: Drama Shot, Sound & Shot, Animated Photo, Eraser, Best Photo, Best Face, Beauty Face, HDR (High Dynamic Range), Panorama, Sports, Golf, Surround shot, Live effect

Video
Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8, HEVC Recording & Playback: Full HD (1080p), UHD (＊may differ by market)

Audio
Codec: MP3, AAC/AAC＋/eAAC＋, WMA, AMR-NB/WB, Vorbis, FLAC(＊), WAV(＊)
(＊) Ultra High Quality Audio (~192KHz, 24 bit) support

S Pen Optimized Features
Air Command: Action Memo, Scrapbook, Screen Write, S Finder, Pen Window
S Note, Multi Window, new Easy Clip, Direct Pen Input

Additional Features
Group Play: Share Music, Share Picture, Share Video, Share Document, Play Games
Story Album, S Translator Samsung Smart Scroll, Samsung Smart Pause, Air Gesture, Air View, Samsung Apps, Samsung Hub, ChatON (Voice/Video Call, Share screen, 3-way calling), Samsung WatchONS Voice™ Hands Free, S Health, Samsung Adapt Display, Samsung Adapt Sound Auto adjust touch sensitivity (Glove friendly), Samsung Link, Screen Mirroring. Safety Assistance, Samsung KNOX

Google Mobile Services
Chrome, Search, Gmail, Google＋, Maps, Play Books, Play Movies, Play Music, Play Store, Hangouts, Voice Search, YouTube, Google Settings, Play Games, Messenger

Connectivity
WiFi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (HT80)
GPS / GLONASS
NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.0 (LE)
IR LED (Remote Control), MHL 2.0

Sensor
Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB
Proximity, Barometer, Temperature & Humidity, Hall Sensor

Memory
32/ 64 GB User memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB)
3GB RAM

Dimension
151.2 x 79.2 x 8.3mm, 168g

Battery
Standard battery, Li-ion 3,200 mAh

MY THOUGHTS
Put simply that’s... KA and POW!!!! I WANT ONE!!!! The Galaxy Note 3 blows the competition away! There’s Multiview Smartshare that allows multiple Note 3 users to create a large screen to view video for example. I do hope that the 4K video comes to the UK / European markets!

It’s a journalists dream! Imagine being able to take high quality photos and videos which can be media ready... Gone are the need for dedicated devices such as a video camera and digital camera. Naturally, it is dependent on where the media is destined for delivery. However, if your media is web based you are laughing! C’mon, 1080p video at 60 frames per second! Wow! Oh, the 13MP camera gets an LED and stabilization to enhance low light photography! Awesome!

The features of the Note 3 are encompassing but I ought to mention ‘Air Command’ which brings up a fan-like interaction that allows you to access S Pen features and applications. I don’t think there is a manufacturer that can match the usability features that Samsung puts into its premium handsets.

GEAR SMARTWATCH
Gear met with my anticipations and expectations in that it is very much like an extension of the Bluetooth headset; it is intended to compliment the premium Galaxy range of handsets. Again, I do want one!!!!

Voice operation
The built-in speaker allows users to conduct hands-free calls directly from the Gear, maintaining connections to their mobile communications without disrupting their daily routines. For example, a user leaving the grocery store, whose hands are full with shopping bags, could still make a call by speaking into the GALAXY Gear without touching the screen. Users can also draft messages, create new calendar entries, set alarms, and check the weather on the GALAXY Gear with S Voice.

Capture daily life from your wrist
In addition to enabling smart device controls, Samsung GALAXY Gear introduces several features that help users easily capture life’s meaningful moments which otherwise might be missed. With the Memographer feature, a 1.9 Megapixel camera, users who are on the move or participating in physical activities can record both photos and video to create quick, visual records of important information or events from their daily lives, as well as share them on their social networks. Extending the quick-record concept, Voice Memo lets users capture important thoughts or conversations from their wrists and save those voice recordings into texts on their Samsung GALAXY devices.

A growing list of controls for favorite features
With the GALAXY Gear, users gain a wide range of favorite features that further increase the benefits of this new accessory. New security enhancement Auto Lock automatically secures the companion smartphone screen any time that GALAXY Gear is more than 1.5 meters away from the smartphone, and then unlocks the smartphone when the companion devices are near each other again. Find My Device helps users find the location of their smart devices when they have been misplaced by making them beep, illuminate and vibrate. With Samsung GALAXY Gear, users can also control the music played on their Samsung GALAXY devices. As with traditional music players, it helps users browse, play and pause songs even when their smart device is not within reach. Finally, the GALAXY Gear also works like a Pedometer to track physical activity via enhanced, built-in sensor technology. This feature systematically and automatically monitors users so they can track key personal data such as calories burned, steps taken and distance covered.

Standalone Watch and Iconic Fashion Accessory
Samsung GALAXY Gear embodies understated elegance. Its refined design, executed in, high-quality finishes, conjures images of luxury jewelry while still being understated enough to go well with any outfit. A rounded and simple flowing form wraps around the body, integrating with the user’s personal environment, and maintaining comfort at all times. The GALAXY Gear also serves as a wristwatch and includes several face options that create the opportunity for users to personalize their watch face. It will come preloaded with 10 different clock options and more choices will be downloadable via Samsung Apps. The GALAXY Gear experience can be further personalized by selecting from six colors that will be available at launch: Jet Black, Mocha Gray, Wild Orange, Oatmeal Beige, Rose Gold, and Lime Green.

Samsung GALAXY Gear will be launched with the GALAXY Note 3 in more than 140 countries around the world starting from September 25.

You may have noticed that the date for release in most countries is September 25 and not the 16 as indicated by the UK Three network that will be giving users 4G at no extra cost!!!! Brilliant! I would imagine there will be an upfront cost for the Note 3 and there could be a special offer to combine it with Gear! Cool! Oh my! I just want them already! Lol!

GALAXY NOTE 10.1 2014 EDITION: THEY’VE SMASHED IT!
Naturally, I knew that Samsung was going to introduce a tablet and I was wrong about a 12” version. But, hey, that could come later on in the fall of 2013 or early 2014!

Certainly, the Note 10.1 2014 edition has smashed the retina screen once and for all. Before you accuse me of being an Apple hater I am just stating that at last Android tablet users have yet another tablet option with a great screen resolution! That’s it! 2560 x 1600! WOW! I should reserve my “WOW” until I have seen what it costs! Lol! If you have been following my articles on the Android tablet phenomenon you will know that I am in the market for a tablet this year. I think I will wait it out a little to see what develops! There will be 3G / WiFi and LTE versions! Cool! See photo above for more spec! Again, I want it! Lol!

The Galaxy Note 10.1 2014 edition appears to be superlative!

PRESENTATION
The presentation was definitely a step back from the Galaxy S4 launch but it was very enjoyable nonetheless. I thought Jason Bradbury was quite good as the MC.

Again, what I love about Samsung presentations is that they do not get involved in taking pot shots at the competition, namely Apple, and prefer to wow the audience with amazing products with great usability.

Samsung even mentioned Android for a change! Perhaps Samsung and Google weren’t on good terms (as suggested by some press) for whatever reason but that they are mentioning Android shows anyone in doubt that Samsung are not going to move away from the Android platform anytime soon!

The presentation was also broadcast featured a live link via satellite to New York’s Times Square!

The ‘Design Your Life’ theme worked brilliantly and I do believe that Samsung has delivered the future today! Lol! So Futurama (the Sci-Fi cartoon series).

As a tech fan Samsung makes me glad to be alive in this day and age!

What do you reckon?   

Take good care!

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LG G2 - THE SUPERPHONE

 SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

LG G2 - THE SUPERPHONE
#LG #LGG2 #G2

Good early morning, Synapse Circuit Readers! 2013 is certainly the year of the Superphone! We’ve seen great offerings from Samsung, HTC and most recently, Google Motorola. And now it’s the turn of LG to take a shot at the title with their G2 which launches later today!

HERE’S THE ANTICIPATED SPEC:

Android 4.3

5.2-inch display 1920 × 1080

2.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with Adreno 330 graphics chip

2GB of RAM

32GB internal storage

13MP rear camera

2.1MP front-facing camera

Nano-SIM

4G / LTE capabilities

Back volume buttons

138.5mm x 70.9mm x 8.9mm thin

143 grams

2,610mAh removable battery

With the above spec we’re looking at a challenge to the Samsung Galaxy Note 2 and the yet unannounced Note 3. There’s no doubt that the G2 is a muscle handset and it is going to appeal to those who want the power and the glory of the phablet! I would want one!

The camera promises to be very, very useful and I can’t wait to review this one!

APPLE iPHONE?
When I see such handsets pouring out of the Android mothership the more the present iPhone sinks into oblivion. The LG G2 looks set to cause maximum damage and is a definite throw down to Samsung. If you love your muscle phones like I do then I know you want to find out about the Galaxy Note 3. Judging by the pictures above it seems as though there’s a tiny bezel on the G2 and the Note 3 is rumoured to have no bezel at all plus a few variations one of which will feature a flexible display! We all know about the race between those two technological giants to be the first to deliver a handset with the flexible display. LG is rumoured to be ready with such a handset later this year. I think most people are excited that prospect – flexible screens... Wow! Where looking at the realms of Sci-Fi! 

While the future of handsets look like a three-way battle between Samsung, LG and HTC we can’t discount what Apple will come up with! I just get the feeling that they will relent on the screen size and deliver a 4.7” screen and with a bigger screen size there will be a higher spec. I get the feeling that Apple wants to push better cameras (front and back), an improved retina display and a better design; the iPhone design hasn’t changed much at all and a new design is very likely. Watch out! Apple is desperate and desperation means danger!

Most of the innovation in smartphone / superphone comes from Android and it’s going to be interesting to see what the rest of the industry does to keep relevant.

What do you reckon?   

Take good care!

Please enjoy the video below! Feel free to leave some comments and subscribe!

 

 Thank you for watching and reading!

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