APPLE WATCH A BIT iFFY SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

Above: The long, long overdue Apple Watch. Can it live up to the hype?

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
APPLE WATCH: A BIT iFFY.

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that all is well with you and yours! I also hope that your tech is performing as it should! Nothing worse than glitched out tech! Hey, my Samsung Galaxy S2 is still going strong!

Man, it’s as though Apple can do no wrong even when it is doing wrong! The Apple Watch isn’t commercially available and already it has “won” an award from the iF International Forum Design in Germany! Gosh! Golly! Gee! Wow! Isn’t that amazing? Isn’t that fantastic?

#Apple #AppleWatch #Samsung #GearS #Moto360 #AndroidWear

iFFY
C’mon, can an unproven smart or dumb watch win an award for “design”? If Synapse Circuit were to give an award for aesthetics alone that award would go to Samsung’s Gear S! It scores platinum as it is a great curved screen design and it looks like the future now! Samsung has been on top of the smartwatch game for quite a while now; they’ve been experimenting and working hard on creating the ultimate smartwatch. Whether it runs Tizen or Android Wear is immaterial as it works with Galaxy handsets.


Above: The elegant techno-chic of the Samsung Gear S running Tizen; it can take calls too amongst many functions. It pairs up with a Galaxy Android handset too! 

But this unproven Apple Watch has won an award???? It seems like Apple is taking shortcuts to glory – I hope not for the sake of the Church of Apple parishioners but you’ve only got to look at the lacklustre iPhone 6 & 6 Plus to see that some of it is a mishmash of newish and very gone past the sell by date technology. The fingerprint scanner is fairly new to Apple but was a feature on early Motorola handsets; I think fingerprint technology for unlocking a phone is overrated but great to verify payments. But, hey, Apple has been beaten once again by ZTE and its retina scanner on the Grand S3 handset and I wonder if Apple will somehow use a retina scanner on the iPhone 7. The Retina screen has been buried, dug up and cremated by a number of screens on Android handsets. The only thing worthy of praise on an iPhone is the processor. As for iOS... ...it’s not Android. Sorry if that upsets anyone.



So, if the Apple Watch is following in that iPhone line then I think it’s not going to be good news. I get the impression that Apple is working frantically behind the scenes to get the Apple Watch into shape to stand up to the competition. Well, it’s not exactly a competition is it? I mean, I won’t be getting an Apple Watch as all my gear is Android. Yes, I would love to buy into something different to switch it up and keep it interesting but I honestly don’t see much out there. I think Ubuntu for mobile and Tizen could really deliver something interesting and worth having in the not too distant future.

ANDROID WEAR PREPPING FOR iOS
Google are said to be working on an iPhone app that will provide a bridge to Android Wear devices. Now I wonder why that is? Is it because Google are anticipating the Apple Watch to be something of a disappointment?

Well, I hope not as the Church of Apple followers deserve the best. But they have put up with the iPhone... Another factor is that the Apple Watch will be the first of its kind for Apple whereas other manufacturers – principally Samsung – have had many smartwatches out already. So, I would imagine that there is a lot of pressure on Apple to deliver.


Above: The rather good looking ASUS ZenWatch.

At this point I can understand a little why Cook and co talk it up big as they have to push themselves to live up to the hype. That’s a lot of pressure they put on themselves and it could look very, very bad when they don’t deliver. That “Digital Crown” could turn them into Digital Clowns overnight with the impending release of the Apple Watch come 9 March 2015. So far it looks like Apple is doing a hype job in the fashion industry to make the Apple Watch something of a fashion statement / icon before anyone has a real chance to see what it is all about. It’s kind of clever but if the smartwatch is more of a miss than a hit it would be interesting to see if the fashion industry will disassociate itself from the Apple Watch and how quickly.

What will the Apple Watch do differently from what Android Wear, Tizen and WebOS? We’ll just have to wait and see! Are you planning on getting the Apple Watch?

RIVALRY


Above: Spot the ugly duckling...

That’s right, Apple and Samsung are still locked in a battle of rivalry. There is a reason why Samsung kept it pure Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge – with the exception of the Gear VR S6. Whether you like it or not the iPhone 6 & 6 Plus has been outclassed by the Next Galaxy – twice! Trust me; Apple is feeling the pressure to deliver! Look at the time it has taken from when the Apple Watch was introduced in September 2014 to March 2015. Six months! Apple knows, like we all know, that Samsung is capable of knocking out a device from conception to retail in less than half the time! And with the amount of practice that Samsung has had with the smartwatch they can definitely analyse what the Apple Watch is about and produce something to rival it many times over.

Samsung is always hungry and they intend to claw back its market share. Rumour has it that Samsung are getting ready to announce another smartwatch and I am quite sure that they are waiting to see what the Apple Watch is all about before they make their move. I am anticipating something elegant, futuristic like the Galaxy S6 is and very, very functional. I can see Samsung also aligning itself with the fashion industry because what they have to offer will be something that looks great and can deliver the goods!



I feel the pressure for Apple. Apple relies on others to manifest its ideas whereas Samsung is a manufacturing industry unto itself! And that’s one major difference between Apple and Samsung. There is only so much that hype can do! Apple may garner awards but it’s the functionality that counts. There again Apple has created such as brand that many people want to buy into.

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SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG UNPACKED 5

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
UNPACKED 5, THE GALAXY S5 & GEARS!
#Samsung #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #MWC2014 #GalaxyS5Prime #Unpacked #Gear

Good evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that all is well with you! Yes, the wait is long over as the Galaxy Unpacked 5 has just finished.

If you missed the live event I will give you a rundown...

SUBDUED: TH E UNPACKED 5 PART 1
My goodness... What happened?? The Samsung Unpacked 5 event saw Samsung at their most humble! Gone was the flair and supreme showmanship! No celebrity presenters to speak of! It was a very odd Unpacked for Samsung indeed... I am a bit shell-shocked!

If this is part 1 I can only imagine that part 2 will feature the Galaxy S5 Prime (as leaked by a third party protective case manufacturer). How about the S5 Zoom? S5 Active? Or have we seen an amalgamation of the S5 and what would be a separate Active device? S5 Mini? The Unpacked for the Galaxy Note 4 probably will not be announced until August / September 2014.

THE GALAXY S5: DESIGN
I did my best to prepare us for not too much of a design departure and I am glad that I did! The design...

Well, as a fan of Samsung I can say that I appreciate the design. I am not wowed by it but I do appreciate that it’s water and dust resistant (not waterproof and it probably won’t last long in a sandstorm).

As predicted, the Galaxy S5 design takes up from where the Note 3 left off. I guess the faux leather backing hasn’t made it to this model... Could it be designated for the Galaxy S5 Prime? Here’s the GS5 spec:-

NETWORK
LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)

DISPLAY
5.1” FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)

AP
2.5GHz Quad core application processor

OS
Android 4.4.2 (Kitkat)

CAMERA
16MP (rear), 2.0MP (front)

VIDEO
UHD@30fps, HDR, video stabilization
Video Codec : H.263, H.264(AVC), MPEG4, VC-1, Sorenson Spark, MP43, WMV7, WMV8, VP8
Video Format: MP4, M4V, 3GP, 3G2, WMV, ASF, AVI, FLV, MKV, WEBM

AUDIO
Audio Codec : MP3, AMR-NB/WB, AAC/ AAC+/ eAAC+, WMA, Vorbis, FLAC
Audio Format: MP3, M4A, 3GA, AAC, OGG, OGA, WAV, WMA, AMR, AWB, FLAC, MID, MIDI, XMF, MXMF, IMY, RTTTL, RTX, OTA

CAMERA FEATURES
HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
IP67 Dust and water Resistant
Ultra Power Saving Mode
Download Booster
S Health 3.0
Quick Connect
Private Mode
Kids Mode

Google Mobile Services: Chrome, Drive, Photos, Gmail, Google, Google+, Google Settings, Hangouts, Maps, Play Books, Play Games, Play Newsstand, Play Movie & TV, Play Music, Play Store, Voice Search, YouTube

CONNECTIVITY
WiFi: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac HT80, MIMO(2x2)
Bluetooth®: 4.0 BLE / ANT+
USB: USB 3.0
NFC
IR Remote

SENSOR
Accelerometer, gyro, proximity, compass, barometer, Hall, RGB ambient light, Gesture (IR), Finger Scanner, Heart rate sensor

MEMORY / STORAGE
RAM: 2GB
Internal Memory: 16/32GB
microSD slot upto 64GB

DIMENSIONS
142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g

BATTERY
2800mAh
Standby time: 390 hrs / Talk time: 21 hrs

GALAXY S5: FIRST IMPRESSIONS SPEC-WISE
The Galaxy S5 ticks all the boxes when it comes to specifications and features. I think the LTE and Wi-Fi support is outstanding and should be rocket of a handset! I was expecting 3 or 4GB of RAM but it’s 2GB, which is good enough.

The Finger Scanner has made it! I am curious as to how this works! And if that’s not enough, there’s a Heart Rate Sensor where the camera flash is (at the rear.

Speaking of the camera... Yes, it will capture 4K video and it’s a 16MP instead of the anticipated 20MP. The camera has some depth of field attributes that is a feature on SLRs, Selective Focus, but I do believe that the camera software is more simplified. I have to see it to believe it! HDR promises to be faster and I can’t wait to test this!

WHAT SAMSUNG SAYS OF CUSTOMERS WANTS
Samsung says that the customer “Wants a powerful, fast but simple technology...” That’s why the camera has been overhauled to be practically minimalist in comparison to the Galaxy S4.

Normally Samsung would talk about sharing the latest Galaxy S screen with other Galaxy S models and compatible televisions. They would also talk a little more about their TouchWiz improvements, but it was said that the S features wouldn’t get in the way of the interface.

And once again, there was no mention of Android (the GS5 is running KitKat) or a listing of specification.

I am not too sure about all that... Yes, I appreciate that the S features on the interface are streamlined, etc. Of course, a faster camera is desired. But with regards to the camera I would have wanted a simplified interface and an option to have more complex photography attributes presented to me. Hmmmm...

MY OVERALL THOUGHTS OF THE UNPACKED 5, GALAXY S5 & GEAR 2014
This was a tactical launch from Samsung. I suspect that this is just the beginning of their onslaught. Again, this was part 1! And in part 1 Samsung made sure that they hit certain marks such as the LTE 4 and Wi-Fi connectivity with no uncertainty! They have made a great and compelling argument to the everyman and everywoman. What they have done with the Galaxy S5 presentation is to iPhone-ized it. “iPhone-ized” it??? Yes, Samsung has presented the GS5 as a simple, back to basics handset. It’s practical, fast, powerful and very simple to use. It should appeal!

Yes, Samsung introduced the full Gear family: Gear 2, Gear 2 Neo and Gear Fit – the first wearable device to feature a curved AMOLED display! Cool! I am curious about the Gear pricing!

Samsung knows that the competition is stronger than ever this year! I am quite sure that come part 2 we will be seeing the Galaxy S5 Prime and other handsets introduced to the Galaxy Family! HTC is coming! As is Sony and LG to name a few! And of course, we are expecting the iPhone 6! Usually, Samsung introduces the next Galaxy S successor at around April / May but it has come in February! You have to suspect that something is going on! Wink, wink!

I love the Electric Blue colour! I did state in one of my articles that I wished for an Electric Blue colour and Samsung has made me feel that they did it just for me! Aaah! Lol! Oh, I would say that the bezel and handset is slightly thicker to accommodate for the water and dust resistance. Again, I do prefer a thicker handset just because it makes it easier to take pictures! There’s nothing more nerve-shredding than taking a photo with a device that is wafer thin! The slightest knock and I shudder to think!

I can’t wait to review one!

SOUND
Oh, I almost forgot to mention that Samsung introduced some new headphones! Looking good! I wonder how they sound?

Great idea! Payment through using a fingerprint verification.

Oooh... I have to try it!

Jock strap...

Get fit with the Samsung Gear Fit!

The Gear 2 gets a "Home" button.

Great colours! Blue, Blue Electric Blue...

The Galaxy S5 Heart Rate Monitor.

 Samsung's J. K. Shin wearing the Gear Fit.

 Once your children get a hold of your phone you may not get it back!

If the battery says "10% power" the Ultra Power Saving Mode kicks in and extends the battery for 24 hours! That's amazing! Essentially, the GS5 screen is reduced to black and white.

Now you can hide your pictures! ;) 

I can't wait to hear them!

The user interface promises to be simpler.

What do you reckon?

Review coming very soon.... Stay tuned...

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 SAMSUNG GEAR, NEO AND TIZEN

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
1 DAY TO GO... THE SAMSUNG GEAR 2 & NEO RUNNING TIZEN!
#Samsung #Gear2 #GearNeo #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #MWC2014 #GalaxyS5Prime

Good late evening / early morning, Synapse Circuit Readers! How are you doing? Are you asleep? I ought to be asleep! Lol! Here I am reporting on what’s happening in the world of tech!

1 more day to go before we will learn exactly what the Galaxy S5 and, possibly, S5 Prime will entail! Gosh! I can hardly contain my excitement!

SAMSUNG OFFERS UNMATCHED FREEDOM AND STYLE WITH THE NEXT GENERATION OF GEAR DEVICES
The stylish Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo offer consumers increased connectivity, customization, and control

Barcelona, Spain – February 23, 2014 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today introduced the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo designed to take the freedom, convenience and style of wearable technology to the next level. The Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo offer consumers enhanced connectivity and a completely integrated approach for the most personal wearable experience.

“Samsung continues to lead innovation in the wearable market by creating devices that are completely integrated into the lives of consumers through extended connectivity features, stylish customization options and a robust application ecosystem,” Said JK Shin, CEO and President of IT & Mobile Division, Samsung Electronics. “With the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo, we have enhanced everything consumers love about the Gear to offer unparalleled smart freedom in their everyday life.”

The next generation of mobile freedom

Samsung achieved a significant improvement as a leading smart wearable provider with Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo. Both devices offer a lightweight design with premium finishes that reflect modern trends.

A Camera is equipped to a main body instead to strap, making the Samsung Gear 2 a sleek and sharp smart companion. Consumers are now available to express their mood or coordinate with their outfit with modern and sophisticated strap color options including Charcoal Black, Gold Brown and Wild Orange for Gear2 and Charcoal Black, Mocha Grey and Wild Orange for Gear 2 and Neo. The home screen background, clock face and font are also customizable to reflect their personal taste.

The Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are essential companion devices, allow users to accept or ignore incoming calls and messages, and providing instant notification options based on a user’s activity and habits.

Both devices act as an extension of a consumer’s daily life, offering users more control of their lives with standalone features, such as controlling electronic products such as TV, settop box through WatchON Remote application in their own home with an embedded IrLED sensor. The addition of a standalone music player with Bluetooth headset means people can leave their smartphone at home and still enjoy their music on the go.

Both devices also offer personal fitness coaching in real time, allowing users to develop a customizable fitness routine and monitor their heart rate in order to improve their overall well-being.

Finally, the Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo let users connect to a wide variety of Samsung devices and access an enriched application ecosystem as the first wearable powered by Tizen based wearable platform. Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo are compatible with more than dozens of Samsung Galaxy smartphones at launch.

Samsung Gear 2 and Gear 2 Neo will be available around the world starting from April. Do you think there could be a Samsung Tizen S5 in the works? Would you buy it?

What do you reckon?

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