SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG TALK 9 AD INFINITUM

Above: Genius Samsung ads poking a bit of fun at Apple!

Above: The writing is on the wall...

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SAMSUNG TALK 9:
AD INFINITUM

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers. How are you? I hope that all is well in your world and that you are making the most of your tech! Thank you so much for taking the time to read my articles and for your kind comments! Much appreciated!

I guess you have worked out that with “Ad infinitum” I am referring to the latest Samsung ads aimed squarely at the other guys! Wink, wink...

NO FAIR?   
#Samsung #SamsungGalaxyNote4 #GalaxyNoteEdge #GalaxyAlpha # #SamsungUNPACKED2014Episode2 #GearS #GearVR #GalaxyMega2 #GalaxyTabS #GalaxyS6

THE BIASED TECH-MEDIA RUMBLED!
As you know, I have exposed the Apple biased tech-media from way back and how they capture the feeble minded public’s lack of imagination and an unwillingness to think for themselves. Now the Apple biased tech media are crying, “No fair!” and “Bad taste” with regards to Samsung’s tweets regarding Apple’s misfire of which some of the missiles (the AppleWatch range) will make an impact come 2015 and the latest humorous anti-Apple ads. Have you seen them? I think they are funny and to be taken with a pinch of salt in terms of being "spiteful"! “Bad taste”? Not because of the pinch of salt but because it is said that the belated marketing genius should be left to "rest in peace". Let me tell you something right now! As much as I hated Jobs’ disdain and a complete lack of good sportsmanship towards the competition I thought he demonstrated great passion and a dedicated vision – albeit flawed – with regards to the rebranding of Apple and its position as a leading technological pioneer (although not accurate). However, the man aimed his coffin at the competition in his death! It’s okay for the iPhone based media to disturb him with praise towards these cannibalizing products that he was vehemently opposed to:-

A tablet smaller than 10”; Jobs had a good laugh at the Google Nexus 7 and Cook sanctioned the 7.9 iPad mini.

A larger iPhone; such was the power of Jobs’ vision and charisma that he convinced the iPhone user that 3.5” was ideal. Seriously???? Is it any wonder that this caused iPhone users to HATE on us Android users without really understanding why???? These hardcore iDiots talk “premium” to defend the stupid screen size but the components certainly aren't. The biased tech-media clearly demonstrated that they think that iPhone users are iDiots to suggest that the size of my hands is the same as every iPhone user on the planet. But all of a sudden – thanks to Samsung’s ads (and a bit of commonsense) – the much hyped keynote that happened on the 9/9/14 was centred on two larger iPhone models. Technological innovation??? I think not! iThinkNot...

Again, if the sentiment is that Jobs should rest in peace then they – both Apple and the biased tech-media are certainly picking their moments and not moments tinged with wisdom. It’s okay though to refer to Jobs’ hatred of Android whenever Apple looks weak against the brilliant top of the range handsets that include Samsung’s Galaxy S and Note range. Is it journalism to dismiss the iPad beating Galaxy Tab S only to falsely praise the iPad Air as THE best tablet on the market? But it was okay to pursue pointless litigation in the literal spirit of Jobs to remove, unjustifiably, some Samsung products off the shelves (so to speak).

Biased tech-media, you have been exposed... AGAIN!!!

CROWNED DUMB
Do you remember when Samsung released the first Galaxy Gear smartwatch September 4, 2013 (wow, it feels like longer)? Do you remember what Cook said about it? Let me paraphrase... He said something along the lines of this: “Samsung has showed what the smartwatch shouldn’t be... Trust them (Samsung) to make a mess of it...” Harsh words from a CEO of a corporation based around the notion of being at the very cutting edge of technological excellence. iPhone users had extremely high hopes of an Apple smartwatch. Cook’s dismissive comment on the Galaxy Gear was taken as the throwing down of the gauntlet. We were fooled into thinking that Apple was going to show the world just how a smartwatch should be executed. Timing (hee hee) was everything...

Do you remember the classic Simpson’s episode whereby Homer tracked down his long lost brother, the owner of a car design and manufacturing company, who then got Homer to design the "all American car"? Can you remember the result and the reaction when it was revealed? Hahahaha! That was such a funny episode! The episode is called 'Oh, Brother, Where Art Thou?' The Simpsons Season 2 Episode 15.



Above: 'The Homer' car made for fun in real life!

When the AppleWatch was revealed it looked and still looks like a bit of a monstrosity with that awful “Digital Crown”. That’s what Apple is famous for redesign and reinvention (not to mention marketing)! The “candy bar” mobile phone morphed into buttonless touch screen handset that was the first iPhone. Now they have taken the traditional analogue watch and redesigned it with this monstrous “Digital Crown” that serves to be awkward if you are left handed – the “Digital Crown” will be hard to manipulate when worn on the right wrist. Now that’s what I call a dumbwatch! Scattering a bunch of apps on the screen of the AppleWatch looks like a mess! It's the equivalent of throwing poop at the wall; something will stick! Apple haven't figured out how to make a decent UI (user interface) for its ecosysem.

I’ve long since exposed Apple as re-designers as opposed to true technological innovators. Once they have a redesign they feel is ripe then their media machine is unleashed to convince you that you need it above anything else available on the market. Apple’s media machine is frightening as I have exposed just how far it goes! In the UK there is a questionable tech TV program coming back on the air in a few days and some people have dubbed it “The Apple Show”! Hahahaha! It’s true! I’ve seen some really dumb comparisons of the iPhone with leading premium Android handsets and the verdict has been, “Yes, the iPhone wins this challenge because blah, blah, blah...” Yeah, right!

Google and Samsung have the right idea to make their smartwatches screen-centric in that you use the touch screen to interface with it and / or use voice commands. There is a reason why Apple concentrated on the myriad alternative wristbands for its AppleWatch and it’s because it is not the pinnacle of technical excellence as they’d like to have you believe.

I was honestly expecting by Cook’s throwdown that we’d see something that belongs in a recent Sci-Fi movie and the world came to realize that Apple had just literally digitalized – if you can call it that – the analogue watch. Only the ardent and most devoted attendee of the Church of Apple will spend $349 on a dumbwatch. Me? If I were an Apple follower I’d invest that $349 somewhere else... An iPad maybe??? Let me pass that collection plate to the person next to me!

I think that the smartwatch should be viewed as a cursor to compliment the handset and to also compliment YOU! Act on your whims / requests. Here’s a scenario that I am imagining regarding the usefulness of a smartwatch.

“OK, Google... I want to walk to the nearest Whole Food store in Central London; direct me!”

What I want to hear from my smartwatch is this...

“The nearest Whole Food store is in Piccadilly Circus. Would you like directions?”

“Yes.”

“Keep walking to the end of this street... Cross at the traffic lights and then turn left...”

I will keep hearing directions until I reach my destination. And when I am veering off I am told that I am going off course and / or an alternate route would be suggested instead – maybe I want to do some sightseeing along the way! I don’t really want to have my face into the smartwatch all the way there. I can opt to have the directions spoken through a Bluetooth headset if need be!

The other vision I have is that the design is more elongated lengthwise and wider height-wise. In other words I have the equivalent of a Galaxy S5 Mini – for example – on my wrist with a nice curved SuperAMOLED screen complimented with a hypoallergenic wristband not unlike what we have seen in some Sci-Fi movies (check out a movie called 'Lock Out'). I envisage such a smartwatch – “LifeCursor” as I call it as I think “smartwatch” is an already dated expression / term. It’s just because we wear the device on our wrists that we associate it with a watch. Yes, we watch it but we can also listen to it too!

Apple can only make its move once there is a device out there to re-imagine and repackage as its own! Apple can't invent. Now the Galaxy Note Edge is what I call innovation and invention. The design is sublime!

UNDERSTANDING
Sadly, the Apple biased tech media will continue to misdirect the mentally dull and / or vulnerable into the idea that Samsung is being "insensitive" with regards to their recent responses to the iPhone 6 models and AppleWatch with their Twitter and YouTube outbursts. What we are not seeing in the tech media and the media in general is news bulletins on TV, for example, stating that Samsung was right with its design of handsets based around a larger screen. What they say when mentioning the competition is something along these lines, “It’s the news that every iPhone user has been waiting for... ...news of larger screens... Apple looks as like they are trailing behind its competitors...”

They do not mention Samsung by name and how it pioneered the market for handsets with larger screens. They may mention Samsung in the context of an "enemy" but they rarely state the truth: Samsung premium products are the best - plastic or not! They don’t even mention Samsung’s groundbreaking Galaxy Note 4, Note Edge, Gear S and Gear VR in comparison to Apple’s feeble keynote products! They didn’t even bother report news of these fabulous Galaxy Tab S range that features a screen that just burns out the iPad’s! That’s not journalism. Yes, of course, they keep harping on about "plastic" as though they haven't seen iPhone's that look as though they've been in a warzone! That's what I call brainwashing! It's definitely not right!

Oh, please Note (4) (hee hee) that my usual iPhone attackers have fallen silent after 9/9/14! Gee, I wonder why? Hahahaha!

ARE YOU LOOKING?
Looking for some gigantic big, big love? Your search is over: Bigger than big

Things to think about...

THANKS FOR READING...

Please check out the Synapse Circuit site here: Synapse Circuit.com

STANDBY FOR REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS!

Yes, I am well aware that the site is due an update soon! It’s coming...

Synapse Circuit for tech news, opinions, articles, reviews and competitions. You will find interactive PDF magazines, videos and links to free legal software! Check it out at Synapse Circuit dot com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG TALK 8 GAME OVER

Above: The Galaxy Note Edge. The Edge Screen seems practical; I must have it!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SAMSUNG TALK 8:
GAME OVER

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers. How goes it? Did you see the Apple keynote? Do you find yourself giggling over Phil Schiller waxing lyrical about “landscape mode”? I was shopping for dinner earlier on today and I must have looked like a nutcase laughing to myself recalling that “landscape” moment. Something so simple has become a landmark for Apple and its much celebrated iPhone. Golly!

One thing is for sure during the keynote it became very, very clear - and quickly so - that Samsung’s technological firepower proved to be too much for Apple to bear!

SAMSUNG HAVE...
...THE EDGE!  
#Samsung #SamsungGalaxyNote4 #GalaxyNoteEdge #GalaxyAlpha # #SamsungUNPACKED2014Episode2 #Mega2 #GalaxyS6

THEY CAME TO DESTROY
Bewildering! If I had to think of a single word to describe Samsung’s efforts this year that would be it: “bewildering”. Other words would be: Ferocious and virulent! Top Gun! Despite the rapidly morphing Android market Samsung keeps coming on like the Terminator. Galaxy S5 disappointment, “I’ll be back...” The emerging markets in Asia toppling Samsung from the top spot, “F*** you, a**hole...” And upon last night’s Apple keynote, “I now know why humans cry...” Apple just buckled under the pressure. I don’t have to tell you that the innards of the Galaxy Note 4 trump the iPhone 6 Plus at least four times over! The Galaxy Note 4 QHD 5.7” screen has burned the iPhone / iPad retina to a crisp! Earlier this year the Galaxy Tab S range of tablets just took apart the iPad. I think Google really needs to get the tablet app situation under control and support what Samsung (and other manufacturers) are coming up with. I can’t deny that some of the Android apps for video editing and eBook creation are a little ropey. Some of these video editing apps are just adware! It’s a pain in the ass!

To be honest with you, Apple just looked silly last night. What was Conan O’Brien’s joke again? Ah, “iPhone 6; last year’s Samsung’s Galaxy...” Ba Boom! Tish! <Drum ‘n’ snare> However, the spec on the Galaxy Note 4 and Note Edge is years ahead of the iPhone 6 Plus in sheer technological and design terminology! Futurama vs. The Flintstones! It’s not worth me listing the spec of the iPhone 6 handsets as it makes no sense whatsoever!

In one of my Apple Talk articles I pointed out – mostly to iPhone nut-jobs = iDiots – that a mid-range handset like the Motorola Moto G 4G is near enough as good – if not better than the iPhone 5S and some of them simply could not believe or want to entertain it! They kept going on about this “premium” nonsense because of a bit of metal! Wow! And no doubt that the iPhone faithful will lap these new versions up! They’re only too willing to pay over the odds for such inferior technology! Don’t get me wrong, the iPhone is a good handset but it’s cleverly overpriced by the Apple smoke ‘n’ mirrors hype machine.

DIGITAL CLOWN(S)
Above: Techno Doomsday? iPhone fans wish they'd say even less and do a lot more! 

That’s how I would describe Apple with regards to its keynote last night. If Futurama ever comes back on the air (God, I hope it does) the Apple iPhone 6 keynote could be referenced as some kind of weird futuristic night of comedians. “Is... n’t... ...it... fan... ...tas... ...tic?” <Tim Cook’s head in a jar drawls> No it bloody well isn’t!!! No matter how slowly Cook speaks in this deliberately hypnotic slow enunciation talk he cannot get away from the fact that what he headlined was a comedy of errors.

“Hey, now it’s in landscape mode...” Ba Boom! Tish!  <Applause> “Ladies ‘n’ gentlemen put your hands together for Phil Schiller! Was... ...n’t... ...he... ...fan... ...tas... ...tic?” Er... NO!!!

And then came the biggest joke of the night, “Apple Watch”. Not iWatch as in Edward Snowden’s whistle blowing revelation that the National Security Agency and other Secret Service Agencies around the world had been spying on the digital output from the iPhone and other devices as much as the tech giants protested that they never consented. Yeah, right! When the security of the first world has your nuts in its hands you are going to cough! Anyhoo...

I had to laugh when I heard the AppleWatch dial was called the “Digital Crown”. But you have to hand it to Apple in that they know what they are doing when it comes to promotion. They must have sat around for a year with this design brief in mind, “How can we give the lazy tech media something that translates into favourable headlines?” Yes, Digital Crown is already being used by these, er, uhm... “Tech media / journalists” (?) to state that the AppleWatch is the crowning glory of the smartwatches. What the...???? Anyone with a modicum of commonsense will tell you the following:-

1. There’s a reason why the AppleWatch is called the “AppleWatch” and that’s because you will need an iDevice to work with it i.e. an iPhone and presumably an iPad too! Everybody!!! Ditch your Android devices, get an iPhone 6 or 6L and get the AppleWatch! Yay! You’re in business! Oh, but you have to wait until next year!

2. Android Wear based smartwatches should work within the Android ecosystem and they will not cost as much as the AppleWatch – at least to my knowledge thus so far!

3. The Samsung Gear S is a phenomenal looking smartwatch in my humble opinion and I want one! I own 3 Samsung handsets: Galaxy S2, S4 and Note 2. I am after the Galaxy Note Edge this year and I am totally happy that the Gear S will work, presumably, with just the Samsung handsets. It’s logical.

4. I am spoiled for choice when it comes to Android based smartwatches and the Moto 360 and ASUS ZenWatch look like good alternatives.

But, hey: Anything for a cheap headline at the expense of some great technology coming from the competition, eh?

And, of course, for the iPhone faithful they get a free album from some other Digital Clowns calling themselves musicians. Wonderful!

UNDERSTATED
Compared to the Apple keynote the Samsung reveal looks understated. No daft videos of a “designer” speaking as if from the Heavens about the painful ethos of the design process. Nobody standing in front of a still photograph said to be taken by the new device to show how great a picture can look because of the enhanced new camera features. What we got from Samsung was people actually taking live pictures using a few of the camera modes such as Wide Selfie!

The products, mostly, speak from themselves. I state “mostly” because Samsung, for reasons assumed by myself, do not extensively demonstrate its product functionality ever since the Galaxy S4 launch. We got glimpses via well thought out videos that show the multi-microphones for example. That’s what I call FANTASTIC!!! I used to be the sort of journalist that interviewed people and I could have done with this facility on my handset!

We saw the newly enhanced S Pen and what it can do... And what did those other guys show? Land-freaking-scape mode. It’s not funny anymore! Stop laughing! The AppleWatch didn't show why it was better above the competition... But wait! There is no competition because Apple only serves its own ecosystem whereas Samsung has to compete with other Android Wear manufacturers! Now if Samsung made a smartwatch aimed at the iOS ecosystem that would be a different proposition.

GEAR S
Now that’s what I’m talking about! A real great looking smartwatch! None of this idiotic retro “Digital Crown” nonsense but a well thought out interface that includes a QWERTY keyboard! Some idiot tech personality (an irritating one at that) claimed that the Gear S interface is “crap” or something like that but I bet he hasn’t used it extensively. I think it takes a while to get used to a new device. But as an iPhone owner he is going to get the AppleWatch even if he “probably won’t use it”. How’s that for “cool” swagger? Why bother? It’s stupid! Good luck to him!

I think the Gear S has got the right idea and it deserves to take off as I’m sure it will! The great advantage is that you do not need to link it to smartphone accept initially when you power it up! A UV monitor can be useful to help you avoid skin cancer!

Tizen deserves a shot – especially if it works with Android!

GEAR VR
Above: The awesome Gear VR! Videodrome? You have to see that movie!

Now the Gear VR is a brilliant compliment to the Galaxy Note 4 handset unlike the AppleWatch is to the iPhone in terms of functionality and cost. I have understood that the Gear VR will cost a remarkable $199! Now compare that to the $349 AppleWatch; yes, I know they are two different products but don’t the loyal iPhone folk deserve a break? Instead of a free U2 album it would have been useful if Apple gave its hardcore fans a decent price on its smartwatch. Never mind, if they want to pay that price then good luck to them. When Apple tells you to like U2 you had better comply! Ha ha!

The Gear VR makes me weigh up if I should go for the Galaxy Note Edge or Note 4 or both! But I have a bit of time to think about it! I may hold out to see what the Galaxy S6 will bring! Another curved screen design? Hmmmm... I am so curious about the GS6... Right now I am imagining watching my favourite movies on the Gear VR! I’m also imagining the educational potential – the closest thing I will get to that gizmo featured in the Matrix movie that implants knowledge into the brain... “Whoa... I know Kung Fu...”

NOTHING IN THE TANK?
That’s essentially what Apple showed last night. Again, if you love the iPhone I am truly happy that you can now get to enjoy your own big screen without looking over my shoulder! Lol! But it shows that there is a potential flaw in iOS that it isn’t able to adopt resolutions above 1080p! I asked, “Surely there must be more to the Apple event other than larger screens?” I really thought we’d be witnessing QHD retina or something like that and if not how about some new iPads to take the (Galaxy Note) edge off the lacklustre iPhone 6 models? Uh-uh! Instead we got to see a glimpse into 2015 with the AppleWatch and its Digital Clowning... Ooops! I meant Crowning glory! Sheesh!

You know what? Apple would have done well to utilize a hologram of the great ringmaster himself to introduce the products... Wait... There’s more...

This is the “out there” products that require a “new definition”? NO!!! Now wouldn’t it have been great if Apple produced a smartwatch that can be used by anyone that is not dependent upon the iPhone or any other phone? That’s my definition of an Apple product requiring a new definition!

I am sure that Samsung / Android users could transfer files from the Galaxy Note 4, for example, to the Mac computer as I do with a PC.

One more time! I don’t hate Apple. I would like to see them bring some actual innovation to the world of tech. What Apple has done is to take old concepts and made them mainstream. However, iOS is proving to be a little undercooked in that it has a resolution problem and can’t currently match the Android QHD screens.

Take the iPad as a greater example of being not well thought out:-

1. The iPad is the reimagining of the Microsoft computer tablet that proved to be too expensive and troublesome to realize. The iPad is undoubtedly a great device but when there is an ultra-slim Macbook Air available you have to ask yourself, “Do I really need this extra expense?” And, “Am I not better off using proper programs as opposed to applications?”

2. There is no longevity in the iPad – not if you feel that you must get the next version a year later. In my opinion Android tablets have a longer shelf life – especially Samsung tablets! Also if you feel that you must get the latest best thing you haven’t lost such a big investment as you would with an iPad.

3. The cost of a 4G enabled iPad is nuts compared to the cost of manufacture! Again, the latest trend in Android tablets is to bring in 3G / 4G connectivity either by default or at a better cost ratio to the consumer.

Is it any wonder that the iPad sales are in decline? Look at how potentially cumbersome it is to carry around; sure, it’s not as cumbersome as carrying a laptop around all day but you’d still prefer a smaller large screen device. And this is probably why Apple was reticent to go larger with the iPhone. Samsung doesn’t have a problem regarding cannibalization. Apple’s cannibalization:-

iPhone 6 Plus cannibalizes the iPad mini and possibly iPad.

iPad mini cannibalizes the iPad.

iPad possibly cannibalizes the Macbook Air.

Tell a lie – inadvertently! Because the Galaxy Note has really come into its own (with version 3) I think that it is preferred over the Galaxy S range – for some people! I see the Galaxy S5 as an everyday busybody handset that is powerful but not as stacked in functionality as the Note 3 (and 4). It just goes to show that the Galaxy Note (3 & 4) places computing power in everybody’s hand! The iPad comes across as a device for the unbearable snooty up-themselves-type and that’s not what technology is about. Well, not in my books!

The wonderful ability that Samsung has is the suspense it creates regarding new products. Because the Galaxy S5 has taken a bit of a knock from notable (hee hee... no pun intended...) competitors Samsung has to come back with something stronger for the Galaxy S6! I look forward to the guessing frenzy, the “leaks” and finally learning about the actual device very soon!

POWER
The beauty of Samsung handsets is that the battery can be replaced! I don’t understand why iPhone users don’t understand this. The amount of times my iPhone friends say that they will call me back when they get home because the battery is dying and they have no other recourse than to plug it into the wall! If you are lucky you can charge your iPhone whilst at a cafe – if you can find an outlet!

All I have to do with my Galaxy handsets is just replace the battery! And not to mention the new power saving options on the newer models! I also have to say that I prefer a removable polycarbonate battery cover over non-removable metal that has the potential to scratch and dent!

Plus I have access to expand the storage via a microSD card up to 128GB on the Galaxy Note 4 and Galaxy S5.

That’s what I call power!

Things to think about...

THANKS FOR READING...

Please check out the Synapse Circuit site here: Synapse Circuit.com

STANDBY FOR REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS!

Yes, I am well aware that the site is due an update soon! It’s coming...

Synapse Circuit for tech news, opinions, articles, reviews and competitions. You will find interactive PDF magazines, videos and links to free legal software! Check it out at Synapse Circuit dot com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT APPLE TALK 7 AFTERMATH

Above: Gigantic BIg Big Love...

 SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
APPLE TALK 7: 9/9/14
THE DAY AFTER YESTERDAY
THE AFTERMATH

Good day, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that you are well and that you have good weather around you! It’s a lovely day here in London even though we are fast approaching autumn! Are you reeling in shock and disbelief from the day after yesterday? I did my best to console you...

...if the two distinctive camps that is iOS and Android aren’t taking swipes at each other it’s the Apple biased tech media that pours gasoline upon the dry heap of chips! Some of the things I have seen in the aftermath from the day after yesterday posted up on Facebook pages belonging to the various tech media on the keynote cracks me up! Pre-keynote I saw some really dumb headlines from the most obviously biased media stating how they (Apple) were going to wipe Samsung’s efforts and boy were they wrong... Hahahahaha!

#Apple #Samsung #Google #SteveJobs #TimCook #iPhone6 #iPhone6Phablet #iPhone6Plus #AppleWatch #GalaxyNote4 #GalaxyAlpha #GalaxyNoteEdge

BIG IS BEAUTIFUL
After all that fuss and laughing at Android, Apple has finally seen the light that bigger is often better for the simple fact that you can see more. Sure, there will be the ardent Jobs faction that would want to adhere to the small form factor but the truth is that once you have a larger phone in your hands you will find yourself being able to adapt quicker than you think! One of the great advantages as a reviewer is that I get to handle a great deal of handsets (and other devices) and when I first got the Galaxy S3 it felt big until I got the first Galaxy Note... ...and when I had to return these beautifully large devices I really missed them! Watching video on the bigger screens is a great joy and once you’ve gone big you will find it hard to go back – unless you really have tiny dainty hands!

If you have been reading my articles leading up to the launch of the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus one of the questions I asked was, “Is that all iPhone fans have to look forward to: bigger screens and a smartwatch?” The biased tech media were predicting something out of this world and I couldn’t see how. I tell you, these so called “leaks” do a very good job of letting people down gently who are very realistic. Of course, we realists consciously leave a bit of room to be awe struck and this does not happen very often these days!

That said, it seems as though iPhone fans are quite disappointed as a whole. I am fairly disappointed as a technology fan. I will tell you why – if you haven’t worked it out further down this article.

A SLICE OF HUMBLE APPLE PIE
Personally, I think being humble suits Apple better – especially in these times where Android handsets are packing some serious hardware! Steve Jobs was like the mad uncle that you can just about stand once or twice a year but Tim Cook is a stark contrast to Jobs and appears as your Beatnik pop who is on the right side of cool – just! I didn’t witness any ridiculing of Android yesterday and I feel that Tim Cook and Apple are better for it. As I have stated in yesterday’s article, Apple are concentrating on its own game – as they should! I have said it once - a hundred and a thousand and one times that Apple wasted so much time in litigations when it should have been concentrating on the next wave of future technology that they can spearhead. What the constant litigations said to me was that Apple does not have anything in the tank innovation-wise – not that they had much before! I’ve pointed it out long before a tech pundit stated that what Apple does is to redesign concepts that had already been in existence for a while. There’s nothing wrong with that until you start to believe in myths propagated by the PR wing that goes to the media and right back at the source who have gained a bit of amnesia when the sales projections look more than healthy! In other words Apple believed in its own myth and when Android became a serious threat to its centre stage poor Jobs steered Apple in the wrong direction with Jobs as Captain Ahab to the Android Whale.

The obviously biased tech media did its best to rally the iPhone crowd and once again the wheels have fallen off the vehicle. But it’s not as bad is it seems... ...in the Apple ecosystem the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus comes down like manna from the Heavens but it could be that Jobs is rolling in the grave at the new “bigger than bigger” iPhone handsets... How does that song go? Ah, yes... “Gigantic, gigantic... Big, big love...”

The overly Apple biased tech media got a massive slap in the face...

TECH? NO!
This where it gets a little disappointing for lovers of tech-spec! You know us Android people: PACK IT ALL IN THERE!!!! That’s us!

It’s true, iOS and Android serve very different but similar functions and so the tech to functionality ratio does not make any real sense to compare the two. I think that the iPhone is incredibly responsive considering that the ‘A’ CPU is a dual-core and that it has 1GB of RAM! Whereas the Android handset can feature a quad-core CPU and anything up to 3GB of RAM and some people – iPhone folk – will complain that Android is “laggy”. Hmmmm... Is this Android or the hardware? And I think the answer to this question is fast approaching with Android 5: Lemon Meringue Pie. We will see if this will alleviate the problems with lag. Yet, in saying that, I do feel that the lag on Android is the result of a custom user interface unique to the various manufacturers that essentially places another operating system (of sorts) over Android. When I run a more pure Android operating system courtesy of CyanogenMod I do not experience such lag. As an Android fan I am hoping that version 5 will either be strong enough to perform with manufacturer user interfaces or that the manufacturers will cease the need for a custom UI and either include unique functions in a widget form or program it into Android without the need for a UI overlay. I do think that Google have put a lot of effort into the forthcoming version of Android that it would be a shame not to use it in its purity! Oh! I went off on a bit of a tangent there...

However, we can see that the onetime selling point of Apple mobile device products was the “retina” screen. The QHD screens on some of the high end Android handsets have buried the retina concept, dug it up again and ground it into dust. That’s just the way it is if you want to get technical! In technological respects the iPhone is lagging (see what I did there?) behind a great deal! What makes me laugh is that some iPhone media pundits have stated something along the lines of, “Well, on an 4.7” screen it doesn’t make that much sense to have full 1080p resolution...” But I know that if Apple had pulled it off they’d be applauding it. This is the resolution of the 4.7” iPhone: 750 x 1334 pixels with a pixel density of 326. And, of course, this is fine. The resolution of the forthcoming Moto G (2014) is: 720 x 1280 pixels with a pixel density of 294 and it will cost considerably less than the iPhone 6! While it is very obvious that the Moto G (2014) is a little bigger and of a slightly lower resolution we know that such differences does not matter.

That said, once you see a QHD screen on a top of the range Android handset and go back to anything less than 1080p you will notice the difference. Here’s the resolution of the QHD screen taken from the Samsung Galaxy Note 4: 1440 x 2560 pixels, 5.7 inches (515 ppi pixel density). Here’s the resolution for the 6 Plus: 1080 x 1920 pixels, 5.5 inches (401 ppi pixel density).

The 8MP camera of the iPhone 6 models looks like an overall improvement but I am predicting that we will see better pictures and video coming from the Galaxy Note 4 & Edge cameras at 16MP. Note (see what I did there?) that the Galaxy Note 4 & Edge cameras can record 4K video at 2160p, 30fps, 1080p, 60fps, optical stabilization, dual-video rec.

And let’s not forget that the Galaxy Note 4 screen doubles up as the screen for the Gear VR! I can’t say that I have read or watched any “tech news” (sic) noticing these crucial differences in the wake!

Once again, the overtly iPhone biased tech media that predicted Apple would come up with vastly superior products have had its ass served up to them with a side order of apple sauce (gosh, I am good...).

This will make you laugh... I read an iPhone fanatic’s retort to a bit of teasing from an Android fan that goes something like this, “Android people can’t even afford a 4K TV...” Let’s hope he will be able to afford the high prices for these technically less superior than the best of Android handsets.

And because of the obvious inferior tech-spec on the iPhone 6 handsets I reckon that’s another dip in the value of Apple shares. But because the iPhone works remarkably well and has its very own ecosystem they will sell! Dare I say that there will be many iPhone users jumping ship for either the Galaxy Note 4 or Edge!



DON’T LAUGH
The most funniest part of the keynote was when Phil Schiller was showing off the iPhone 6 in landscape mode... Oh my goodnes! Hahahahahaha! C’mon... I couldn’t believe it!

“And here is the iPhone 6 screen in landscape mode for those who prefer it that way...” I am paraphrasing but that was a hoot!

Another aspect that made me laugh was the “Digital Crown” that is the AppleWatch dial that would be used on an ordinary analogue watch to wind the mechanics and to set the time. Very retro and quite frankly someone on TV summed it up, “It’s like watching 70s Star Trek...” Oh, the AppleWatch won’t be out until next year!

Although the keynote was quite humble I sense that Apple is very, very nervous about powerfully featured handsets such as the Galaxy Note 4 & Edge coming to the market next month that the iPhone 6 models are coming this month to get a jump start!        

When I visit Central London over the weekend I hope to catch the folk lining up outside the Apple store in a bid to sell their places to desperate iPhone fans that want to be amongst the first to have it in their hands! I do wonder as to how many people will actually pay up to £1k ??? Yes, one thousand British Pound Sterling - for a place at the front of the queue! And will there be a bid for it?

SAMSUNG

You have to admit that Samsung has won the show and tell competition! I am not only looking very much forward to being the proud owner of the Galaxy Note Edge but to watch the hilarious adverts that only Samsung can make with regards to poking a bit of fun towards the iPhone user!



I don’t think Samsung even let out a sigh of relief in the hope that Apple would release technically inferior products. Knowing Samsung like I do it wouldn’t surprise me if they did any of the following before we see the AppleWatch in 2015:-

1. Update the Gear S operating system software.

2. Bring out a couple more smartwatches!

But there again, because of the great divide between iOS and Android it may not matter unless such products can entice the iPhone user away. Seriously, if I was an iPhone user and looked at the spec for the Galaxy Note 4 knowing that Android 5 is around the corner... I’d probably keep my little 5S as a secondary handset (it’s nice to have a bit of variety) and go for the Galaxy Note Edge for that unusual look!



As an iPhone / Apple fan you might think that I am biased and you will be right! But I am biased as a consumer. The Samsung Galaxy Note Edge is my choice. Unlike some Android folk I am not interested into making you feel bad because you prefer the iPhone. I love technology in general and it is my observation – you may or may not agree with me – that the tech that has gone into the Apple products are technologically inferior. You might say, “But the iPhone is 64-bit!” I have yet to see what 64-bit bring s to the table on the iOS platform. I don’t profess to know everything there is to know about technology – particularly the merits of 64-bit CPUs on a mobile device! I have been told by “experts” that to make use of a 64-bit CPU on the iPhone one needs at least 4GB of RAM! There you go!


Nonetheless, as I have stated earlier, we will be seeing Android handsets and tablets coming out with a 64-bit CPU and I have to admit that I haven’t heard or read that Android requires at least 4GB of RAM to make use of a 64-bit CPU.

So, keep the comments civil! Lol!

CONCLUSION
It’s horses for courses at the end of the day! I still think that Apple did quite well with the launch and that these bigger handsets should do well and for those who are happy with the 5S / 5C will probably stick to those models – if it ain’t broke... I reckon that Apple could have done a 6 Mini that would essentially be the 5S but upgraded internally (and visually too as I really like this design).

The question is: Will there be a 6S to come along in the spring? I am sure that Samsung are busy looking to bring something special to the Galaxy S6 come the spring of 2015! From where the Galaxy S range is sitting it needs some reworking to get it back up there as I reckon the LG G3 toppled it from the top spot! Samsung’s back is up against the wall where the Galaxy S is concerned and I predict that they will come out fighting to get its position at number one back!

But then again, I do think that Apple are on its own within its own ecosystem and that anything Samsung does in the future is going to be competing with top Android handsets! In my opinion Samsung has won the war with Apple in terms of technical and design firepower! It’s going to be business as usual for the mobile device manufacturers until another patent spat erupts! Let’s hope that it doesn’t! Wink, wink...

That’s something to think about!

THANKS FOR READING...

Please check out the Synapse Circuit site here: Synapse Circuit.com

REVIEWS & COMPETITIONS ARE COMING SOON!!! PLEASE STANDBY!!!

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SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG TALK 7 THE AFTERMATH

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
SAMSUNG TALK 7:
UNPACKED EPISODE 2 2014:
THE AFTERMATH...

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers. How are you? I hope that all is well in your world! Today we got some awesome news in the form of the fantastic Galaxy Note 4!

Did the Galaxy Note 4 launch make your day?

I for one am very, very happy to know that the Galaxy Note 4 will be my upgrade later on this year! I hope to bring you a review before then!

EDGING OUT: ALPHA  
#Samsung #SamsungGalaxyNote4 #GalaxyNoteEdge #GalaxyAlpha # #SamsungUNPACKED2014Episode2 #Mega2 #GalaxyS6

UNRELENTING
As always, Samsung has come out in 2014 firing on all cylinders! I have never seen so much output from any other manufacturer. ASUS has got to be a close second what with their tablets, handsets, motherboards, etc. But I can’t think of a manufacturer other than Samsung that have put out a dazzling array of strong Android (and Tizen) products that ought to be on anyone’s Christmas shopping list:-

Galaxy S5 / Mini
Gear (range of smartwatches pre Gear S)
Galaxy KZoom
Galaxy Tab 4
Galaxy Tab S
Galaxy Mega 2
Galaxy Alpha
Gear S
Galaxy Note 4
Galaxy Note Edge
Gear VR
Galaxy Tab Active

Gosh! Golly! How about the products released internationally that the UK / European / USA markets don’t see? I could go on listing Samsung products but I won’t!

Samsung has seen firsthand how the mobile device market can change and they have responded to those changes by putting out product after product after product. It seems as though no other manufacturer can conceptualize a device and get it out to the market faster! They are good! In all the time I have known of Samsung there have been some brilliant innovations such as the initial Galaxy Note and the Galaxy Beam! The Galaxy Beam projecting handset was quite impressive and I wish that Samsung would incorporate the projector into, say the Galaxy Note, for example.

I was stunned with the first Galaxy Note and it has gone from strength to strength! Today it is flashing a bit of metal! Ha ha!

UNDERSTANDING THE
GALAXY ALPHA DESIGN
As you know, Samsung has launched the Galaxy Alpha 4.7” handset that features metal frame for that “premium” feel that those other guys keep going on about... What makes me laugh is how some of those other guys can be so dim-witted regarding some of the things I write. For example I stated that the Android (and most other handsets) are around 95% screen and the next thing I know I get the nutjobs counterclaiming my statement with vitriol. Golly!

Some sheeple are so mentally dull that they aren’t able to decipher that the user interfaces 100% through the screen – hence the term “touch screen”. Who interfaces with the back of the phone? iPhone users? No! It’s many Android handset users who are able to swap out a spent battery for a fully charged one! This is why I have gone for Samsung handsets – I can swap out the battery!

So, when I read / listen to the Apple based tech pundits saying that the Galaxy Alpha is a great handset except the polycarbonate battery cover I roll my eyes! If the Galaxy Alpha had a metal battery cover it is very likely that such a thin bit of metal will be prone to being bent out of shape and possibly breaking off where the tabs plug into the main phone.

The polycarbonate battery cover works to give the handset a practical grip and let’s not forget the brilliant Samsung ads that show iphone users being stuck to the wall via the charge cable. Like all Samsung’s handsets you’d just remove the dead battery and put in a charged spare. Simple! Why make things complicated, iPhone users? Think ‘removable battery’! Or don’t think ‘removable battery’! The choice is yours! Ha ha!

The 4.7” HD Super AMOLED (1280 x 720 312 ppi pixel density) screen is sharp enough! It’s not quite “retina” but retina on such a small iPhone screen is mostly a gimmick! The Galaxy Alpha will sit just comfortably with individuals looking for that “premium” feel as Samsung high end handsets have always had a premium experience.

Oh, I do believe that LG G2 has buttons placed on the back of that handset!

UNDERSTANDING THE
GALAXY NOTE EDGE DESIGN
C’mon, stop messing around! You and I knew that a Samsung handset featuring a curved screen was on the cards. We’ve been expecting it ever since we saw the YOUM display prototype at the CES convention. Some of us wanted to see it and some of us wanted to have it in our possession. I belong to the latter! So, why now that it is a reality are the usual (biased) pundits saying that it’s “weird”? Hahahaha! I tell you... ...whenever Samsung comes up with something truly innovative the iPhone biased tech pundits claim “weird” and “typical Samsung excess” in a hope that Samsung will crash and burn! The tech pundits were wrong about the initial Galaxy Note and they are very, very wrong about the Galaxy Note Edge. I predict that the Galaxy Note Edge will be sold out upon its release!

Had that been Apple’s innovation the tech pundits – correction: the Apple biased tech pundits – would be all over it hailing it as revolutionary! <Cue the pain of design documentary – if Jony Ive had designed the iPhone Edge> I am telling you now: Samsung have changed the way we interface with the touch screen handset!

I guess it’s because what the iPhone fanatics have to look forward to is, er... ...hmmm... ...larger iPhones. <Cue the pain of making the iPhone larger documentary starring Jony Ive who will go back on the iPhone designed around the thumb> I can’t wait to see how they front it out; it’s going to be fun! Oh, and the iWatch (name yet to be confirmed) should get iPhone fans excited! But we’ve seen a great looking bunch of smartwatches from great manufacturers – including yours truly! The Gear S!

The Galaxy Note Edge changes the way we interface with touch screen and that is true innovation unlike a bigger screen. But hey, if little things make certain sheeple happy... Or should that be “bigger things”? Ha ha!

Again, the battery of the Galaxy Note Edge is removable and the faux leather texture will make the handset easier to grip. Does it need a metal frame? Heck, no!

GALAXY NOTE 4 & EDGE SPEC
The specifications of the Galaxy Note 4 and Edge are hardcore! It would have been so sweet to have the 64-bit CPU cherry on top but they are sweet enough as it is:

GALAXY NOTE 4

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) or 4G (LTE Cat 6 300/50Mbps)
* May differ by country and carrier

CPU
2.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor
1.9 GHz Octa-Core (1.9GHz Quad + 1.3GHz Quad-Core) Processor
*May differ by country and carrier

DISPLAY
5.7 inch (143.9mm) Quad HD Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440)

OS
Android 4.4 (KitKat)

CAMERA
Rear Facing: 16 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Smart OIS
Front Facing: 3.7 Mega pixel camera with f1.9
Rear Facing Camera : HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Rear-cam Selfie, Beauty face, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More, Dual Camera
Front Facing Camera: Selfie, Wide Selfie

VIDEO
Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8
Recording & Playback: up to UHD

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

S PEN OPTIMIZED FEATURES
Air Command (Action Memo, Smart Select, Image Clip, Screen Write)
S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen Input

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Multi Window
Ultra Power Saving Mode
Voice Recorder (Normal Mode, Interview Mode, Meeting Mode, Voice Memo)
Download Booster
S Health 3.5
Dynamic Lock Screen
Briefing
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 PCIe
GPS / GLONASS / Baidu
NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.1 (BLE,ANT+)
IR LED (Remote Control), USB2.0, MHL 3.0

SENSOR
Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB, IR-LED
Proximity, Barometer, Hall Sensor, Finger Scanner, UV, Heart Rate Monitoring, SpO2 (Dependent on market)

MEMORY
32 GB Internal memory ＋ micro SD slot (up to 64GB)
3GB RAM

DIMENSION
153.5 x 78.6 x 8.5mm, 176g

BATTERY
Standard battery, Li-ion 3,220mAh, Fast Charging (Adaptive Fast Charging & QC2.0)

SAMSUNG GALAXY NOTE EDGE PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

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) or 4G(LTE Cat 6 300/50Mbps)
*May differ by country and carrier.

CPU
2.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor

DISPLAY
5.6 inch (141.9mm) Quad HD+ Super AMOLED (2560 x 1440 + 160)

OS
Android 4.4 (KitKat)

CAMERA

Rear Facing: 16 Mega pixel Auto Focus camera with Smart OIS
Front Facing: 3.7 Mega pixel camera with f1.9
Rear Facing Camera: HDR (Rich tone), Selective Focus, Rear-cam Selfie, Beauty face, Virtual Tour Shot, Shot & More, Dual Camera
Front Facing Camera: Selfie, Wide Selfie

VIDEO
Codec: H.264, MPEG-4, H.263, VC-1, WMV7, WMV8, Sorenson Spark, MP43, VP8, Recording & Playback: up to UHD

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

S PEN OPTIMIZED FEATURES
Air Command: Action Memo, Screen Write, Image Clip, Smart Select,
S Note, Snap Note, Direct Pen Input

ADDITIONAL FEATURES
Multi Window
Ultra Power Saving Mode
Voice Recorder (Normal Mode, Interview Mode, Meeting Mode, Voice Memo)
Download Booster
S Health 3.5
Dynamic Lock Screen
Briefing
Edge screen UX: Revolving Interaction, Immersive apps(Camera, Video, S Note),
Ticker board, Express me, Quick Tools, Night Clock, etc
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 PCIe
GPS / GLONASS / Beidou
NFC, Bluetooth® v 4.1 (BLE, ANT+)
IR LED (Remote Control), USB2.0, MHL 3.0

SENSOR
Gesture, Accelerometer, Geo-magnetic, Gyroscope, RGB, IR-LED
Proximity, Barometer, Hall Sensor, Finger Scanner, UV, Heart Rate Monitoring, SpO2 (Dependent on market)

MEMORY
32/ 64 GB Internal memory ＋ microSD slot (up to 64GB)
3GB RAM

DIMENSION
151.3 x 82.4 x 8.3mm, 174g

BATTERY
Standard battery, Li-ion 3,000 mAh, Fast Charging (Adaptive Fast Charging & QC2.0)

GEAR VR
Gear VR is a clever virtual reality device that relies on the Galaxy Note 4 to function; it’s very likely that network retail outlets will bundle both devices at a (hopefully) decent rental cost. I am very curious – as a non-gamer and film lover this could be a way for me enjoy HD / 4K movies in the comfort of my home. No more going to a crap cinema with the annoyances around me from inappropriate placement of feet near my head, young hooligans causing minor havoc and the sickly scent of cinema food – YUCK!!!

There’s so much potential here. I will be keeping my eyes peeled on Gear VR!

CAN APPLE RECOVER FROM THESE SAMSUNG BLOWS?
The 9^th day of September is 3 days away... It’s a day of reckoning. Can Apple pull ‘em out of the bag? Surely, iPhone fanatics can’t be expecting larger handsets alone? Okay, a faster processor and some refinement in the design – nothing radical. But there has to be more! It’s very likely that the iWatch will make an appearance... There’s probably a reason why we haven’t seen any “leaks” of this iWatch and we’ll find out soon enough.

I can see some new iPad models; I am curious about those. The grapevine has it that we’ll be seeing 13 inch iPad Air model with an anti-glare coating along with the standard sizes.

When Samsung dropped the Galaxy Note 4, Edge, Gear S and VR it was reported that Apple shares fell. Does that indicate weak products come September 9^th? Hmmmm... Apple is keeping very, very quiet about the impending launch and this could be for one of two reasons:

The products are just updates to the existing iPhone and iPad; because of the sheer number of smartwatches announced this year the iWatch has lost its surprise appeal! I wonder how many Android fans will be watching the event live out of curiosity.

There will be some unexpected qualities in the devices that will have the wow factor for not only iPhone fans but technology fans period! Throw in a couple of Mac computers for good measure; they’ll most likely be previews of what’s to come around Christmas.

You can never really tell with Apple and they are a technological company that have fallen behind in many ways. It’s a company with its back against the wall and this would be the time to come out with some techno-guns blazing! Cook has said that they are working on “phenomenal stuff” but given that Cook is known for exaggeration I can only envision disappointment. C’mon, iOS 8 boasts functionality that Android users have had for years. And not to mention the larger screens which seems to be a big deal which is odd given that iPhone users seem very comfortable with their small screens! Talking about exaggeration...

SAMSUNG vs. APPLE?
Is the war over? The truth is that these companies will always be competing to bring innovative products to the market. What is hoped for is that there will be no more of that nastiness that has been plaguing the world of tech. I’d like to see good sportsmanship from here on out. If I see Android pie charts come the 9^th and hear “those other guys” I’ll be disappointed.

Things to think about...

THANKS FOR READING...

Please check out the Synapse Circuit site here: Synapse Circuit.com

STANDBY FOR REVIEWS AND COMPETITIONS!

Yes, I am well aware that the site is due an update soon! It’s coming...

Synapse Circuit for tech news, opinions, articles, reviews and competitions. You will find interactive PDF magazines, videos and links to free legal software! Check it out at Synapse Circuit dot com