MANFROTTO FOR iPHONE 6 AND 6 PLUS SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
NEWS!
AN iPHONE 6 & 6 PLUS PHOTOGRAPHERS DREAM COME TRUE...

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope you are well and dandy! I also hope that your tech is working as it should!

Here’s some great news for iPhone 6 & 6 Plus users!

#iPhone #iPhone6 #iPhone6Plus

SNAPPY PROTECTION
Specifically designed to provide protection for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and enhance your ‘iPhonography’ skills!

London, March 2015 - Manfrotto, the world leader in equipment and accessories for the photography and imaging industry has enlarged the KLYP+ family with the addition of the KLYP+ for iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

Specifically designed to provide protection for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus and enhance your ‘iPhonography’ skills, the KLYP+ case is constructed of strong polycarbonate to protect your device from scratches and falls. Each case comes with a small kickstand that props up the iPhone and, thanks to the tripod adaptor, allows you to connect it to any camera support.

Available in three different colour ranges: black/anthracite, white/cool grey and red/anthracite, the KLYP+ is perfect for those who love to capture special moments using the stylish, compact and intuitive accessories in the KLYP+ range.

Available to buy in selected retailers at the end of March.

Prices from £24.95 inc VAT

For more information, visit www.manfrotto.co.uk

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Expect more reviews, news, opinions, competitions and more from Synapse Circuit!

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APPLE BRANDING IT’S ALL IN YOUR TINY MIND SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

The MacBook Air 2015 is very cost effective for Apple if people buy it!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
APPLE BRANDING:
IT’S ALL IN YOUR TINY MIND

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! It is so wonderful to see you! It’s getting late now and I am on a little bit of a roll... I am downloading my mind while freedom of speech is still an option!

This week a couple of people called me a “Samsung Knight” because of my recent articles on Apple. These people obviously feel that I shouldn’t criticise technological issues or lack thereof... I obviously think otherwise! Read on...

#Apple #AppleWatch #Macbook #Notepad

#Samsung #TheNextGalaxy #UnpackedEpisodeOne2015 #GalaxyS6 #GalaxySEdge #GalaxyS6Edge

APPLE


Y’know, people... No, that’s the wrong terminology... Let me start again...

Unless my understanding comes from another dimension I could swear that Apple announced a whole load of polished turds at the recent Sprung Backwards keynote on the 9^th of March. And it seems to me like the Church of Apple parishioners are on a mission (nice pun loaded with great irony – even if I do say so myself) to justify the crap they are given from that fashion house that tries to marry a Frankenstein monster of bought technology (as Apple really haven’t done anything since the Mackintosh) with the freaky bride of fashion / design.

Y’know, the Church of Apple parishioners are just like any other extreme religious organization that can’t hack (hee hee) criticism of its doctrine. Sorry, Apple parishioners but I critique consumer technology. If you want to pretend that you know my thoughts without reading them and claiming them as “click bait”... Who says “click bait” in this day and age? Oh, Apple fanatics! Pardon me! If you can’t take criticism then by all means don’t read my articles on your beloved brand / religion. And don’t bother me with your attempts at character assassination as you ought to look at yourself for buying into half-baked and overpriced, er, technology (sic). For the Apple fanatics that are still here reason with me...



Above: Digital Clown, Jony Ive.

About your iPhone... Tell me, does the standard iPhone come in full 1080p? The answer is no. How is it that you are willing to pay such a high price for it in comparison to Android handsets? Okay, the Samsung manufactured A8 processor is good and iOS is pretty light in that there is no lag on it, but there is no lag on the non-64-bit Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the Google / Motorola Nexus 6 that both feature a quad-HD resolution that’s 1440 x 2560 pixels to you as you are probably ignorant of that fact! Yet the iPhone 6 Plus is extortionately priced and it can only manage a 1080p screen???? Do you actually believe Cook and co when they tell you that these “handsets are viewed by many as the best in the industry,”? By whose standards??? There again Apple seems to have bought off the tech-media from the so-called “professionals” to so-called “bloggers & vloggers”.



It’s not okay for me to criticise Apple’s smartphone efforts but it is okay for you to attack Samsung for outclassing the iPhone 10 times over with the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge by claiming, “It’s an Android iPhone...” Mind you there are some Android extremists too who say the same thing but cannot see how the battery is markedly different from not only the iPhone’s battery but the previous Galaxy S and Note generations in that they allow you to charge rapidly! And the Android extremists think that they are going to run out of storage space with the current options when the Galaxy S4 (and possibly S5) was sold under contract in the UK with only 16GB with a microSD slot. Yes, I know... I am starting to repeat myself but it is as though some Android folk don’t know how to use cloud storage...



There are a good number of cloud storage options aside from Google Drive and they all allow you to access these drives from a computer! And if you happen to live in an area where a good 3G / 4G cannot be easily accessed and have no unlimited data then the USB on the go flash drives (that are often more inexpensive than its microSD cousin) is another option. And, of course, you can hook the handset up to the PC and transfer files across (that includes sensitive pictures and images) to be burned on a DVD or Bluray disc. Some Android people are going on as if they feel compelled to use up all the internal storage on the new Galaxy S6 / S6 Edge handsets all at once! That is never going to happen. Again, Samsung has eschewed the 16GB internal storage for 32GB as a standard and, once again, it seems as though UK carriers are giving the consumer the 64 and 128 GB options on the S6 Edge. I am up for that! That’s my rant over regarding the badly kitted out iPhone and these ill-conceived ideas about the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge being an “iPhone clone”.

APPLE WATCH
I will spare you the repetition as you already know how I feel about that... You’re paying an extra $349 to keep your £539.00 16GB iPhone 6 and £619 16GB iPhone 6 Plus in your pocket... Apple Watch(out)!

APPLE TV
You know already what I think about that heap of junk, right? Read it here: Apple TV Junk

MACBOOK NOTEBOOK


Above: MacBook Air 2015 with the brilliant GarageBand on the display. 

Let me see if I understand it correctly... The only thing you will be able to do with the new $1299 Macbook Notebook is to take notes on it??? You probably can’t use it for serious video editing or anything of a serious productivity nature because the processor isn’t powerful enough, is that right??? It looks like you are getting a mobile device experience in a notebook form for, iRepeat, $1299??? Wouldn’t be better off with an iPad, a proper Macbook, a decent 64-bit Android phablet / tablet or PC desktop or laptop??? There’s only one USB C port on it that requires a $79 adaptor??? Are you kidding me???


Above: ThinkPad X1 Carbon Ultrabook that features 2 USB 3 ports and HDMI! It's starts at $1,080 with a Intel Core i5-5200U Processor (3MB Cache, up to 2.70GHz). You can add a Core i7 processor and add a touchscreen for around $1, 890! 

The new Macbook...

So, that’s my critique of Apple and if you don’t like it then tough! If you want to buy these products then good for you! I guess you love a brand over real technological innovation. Feair enough... Let me leave you with this...



Thank you so much for reading Synapse Circuit!

Expect more reviews, news, opinions, competitions and more from Synapse Circuit!

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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

APPLE WATCH KEYNOTE 2015 THE AFTERMATH SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

Sprung backwards?

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
APPLE WATCH KEYNOTE 2015THE AFTERMATH

 Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! How are you? It’s a lovely sunny day here in London right now! I hope spring has sprung wherever you may be!

Now that the Apple Watch has been reviled – I mean revealed - will you be getting it?

Here’s my thoughts... Read on...

#Apple #AppleWatch #Macbook #USBC
Break
NEW CHINESE APPLE STORE



It seems that Apple has honed its keynotes to begin with announcing a new store. And why not as money is the bottom line for Cook / Apple? Of course! The mark-up price for Apple devices is so high that they can afford to open up these massive shops – churches – to bring in the flock.

'Bringing in the sheep, bringing in the sheep,
We shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheep...'

The Church of Apple is spreading its gospel around the globe. The new Chinese store in Westlake, Hangzhou. The shop looks great; it’s so beautifully realized like most Apple stores. Break
APPLE TV

Break
Straight over to Apple TV... I don’t think Cook realized it but he has revealed that the Apple TV box is not a great seller and will probably only appeal to Apple parishioners – the operative word being “probably” as there are better TV gadgets around such as Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku 1 & 2, Now TV (here in the UK at least) and at some point the Google Nexus Player which looks an awful lot like Amazon Fire TV.

The price dropped to $69 for the event from $99. Oh, the audience which looked like it mainly consisted of Apple personnel, was treated to the Game of Thrones trailer for the next season. I can’t say that Apple TV was impressive.

“Todhaay we have exciting neouws that the CEOhhh from HBOhhh...”

Is it me but has Cook changed is accent to a syrupy Southern drawl? Talk about pouring it on! Again, Cook makes bold and illogical claims that Apple TV has “reinvented the way in which people watch television.”

Let’s forget about the other aforementioned digital TV solutions. And let’s forget about the NVIDIA 4K video streaming console while we’re at it! Break
iPHONE: MEDICALLY TOUCHED



Next up was some talk or hype – whatever you prefer – about the iPhone. Again, more exaggerations as the “retina” screen is dead to a many Android handsets including Samsung’s SuperAMOLED technology. Bear in mind that Apple has poached some Samsung screen experts. As for the iPhone design... Well, I guess that is subjective as I don’t like it. I think that what Motorola has done with the Moto is excellent as is LG handsets, HTC and, of course, Samsung’s Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge!

Oh, may I remind you that the iPhone can’t do proper 1080p HD on the standard version of the 6 range while the Galaxy S6 models are boasting quad HD 5.1” screens. There is a flaw in the iOS operating system with regards to full HD. So, whoever considers that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus is the “best mobile phones in the world” hasn’t touched a premium or even high-end Android phone. I LOVE technology and that I don’t own an iPhone should tell you something. Anyhoo, the fact that I think that iPhone is outdated and outclassed on many levels didn’t stop me from appreciating the medical research aspect of the keynote.

I was actually quite touched that Apple have spent some time engaging medical research centres to monitor many ailments that include Parkinson’s, Asthma and a few others, by using the iPhone. It’s peculiar that Apple can be concerned about health yet its record on being Earth and people friendly is less than healthy where the sourcing of materials go and the workers in the manufacturing plants are concerned. Not to mention McDonald’s fast food chain of restaurants accepts Apple Pay! I’ll have a Big Mac to go with my heart attack, thank you!

Yes, Cook also mentioned a 50% growth for the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus over the industry as a whole. Again, these figures show the following:-

A) Many Android consumers held off purchases last year because they want the new 64-bit devices. C’mon, Cook knows better than that. Android has sold over a billion devices last year. Come April 10 I expect to see a large spike in the Android market for the Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge. And there will be a rush for other handsets too: LG G4, HTC One M9, ASUS ZenFone 2 and many others. Make a note: 2015 is the year of 64-bit Android and I am quite sure that sales will be exponential.

B) Despite trying to dictate to iPhone users about the 4.5” handset being ideal to fit the hand there was a great, great demand for a bigger iPhone. And there are two reasons why Apple didn’t want to raise the size bar 1). As mentioned earlier, Apple is not able to do proper HD as many apps do not scale up! Just look at the situation with the 5S and how there were black bars around certain apps; it also caused developers a bit of a headache to recode the apps to fit. 2). Apple knew that it would be a disaster for the iPad. The iPad compared to Android tablets haven’t become ubiquitous on the streets. Cannibalization has hit the iPad big time with the advent of 6 Plus that Apple is now trying to get it into schools and business. There wasn’t a mention of an iPad Pro for that reason as Apple is struggling to shift the iPad units they have already.

While the sales have been exceptional for Apple for the iPhone I have documented the great amount of iPhone 6 and 6 Plus units being dumped in the computer exchange stores and will continue to happen as some iPhone users are jumping ship to the Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge. Break
Break
NEW MACBOOK & USB-C
Moving on, Apple introduced the reinvention of its notepad, Macbook. The Macbook is a gorgeous looking notepad with a new keyboard and new battery technology. Well done! As you have probably figured I am not a Mac person and there are great Macbook alternatives for the PC. And – if you are brave enough – there will be a few decent 64-bit Android tablets from the likes of Samsung, Sony and others. But for Macbook users / Apple enthusiasts it is potentially brilliant news! Once again Apple have created yet another connection technology in the USB-C port that connects with a USB-C cable that is the same end to end and there is not top or bottom to it. Great! But not so great because you will need an adapter to for your current devices which comes in at $79!

Does this mean that the Lightning port and cable is obsolete? Will USB-C be a feature of the iPhone 6S? iPad? I can see that USB-C will piss off some Apple users but many will invite this as progress. Still, $79 for an adapter??? I guess that’s another area where Apple can generate a massive profit on something that should cost no more than $2 to make – probably!

As per usual the introduction of the new Macbook ended with a video featuring the voice of Apple’s design god, Jony Ive. $1299 & $1599???? Not me!

There was also some news about the Macbook Pro that does not seem to feature the USB-C port but Thunderbolt is there for sure. Break
APPLE WATCH
Break


Above: Turn to the left! Fa, fa, fa, fa, fashion!

At last... Apple Watch! “The most advanced timepiece ever created...” No, I don’t think so! The pricing is even crazier than the claim! Pricing starts at: $350 (£299, AU$499) and ends at $17,000 (£13,500, AU$24,000) and I don’t see where the value is apart from using the precious metal gold.

Apple used a fashion model to sell it further, Christy Turlington Burns who has many strings to her bow including being a marathon runner. Cue Turlington Burns video... She’s also going to run a London marathon that is a Virgin Money fundraiser and guess what Turlington Burns will be wearing for the event... ...yes, the Apple Watch!
The demo didn’t impress me at all; I think Apple Watch is pretty less than ordinary and that’s why Cook is pushing it as a fashion accessory – hence the gold! If I didn’t know better I would say it’s a joke!

As an Android user I can see that it would be advantageous to not reach for the phone each and every time and therefore it is cost effective for an Android smartwatch. I also like that Samsung has done with the Gear S that doesn’t rely on a handset like the Apple Watch and Android Wear because it uses its own Tizen operating system that is compatible with Galaxy handsets. I do think that Samsung has the right idea and I would love for them to deliver a smartwatch with the full version of Android whereby I can use it standalone or in conjunction with my other Android handsets. But here is the problem that I have with the smartwatch concept...Break


Above: Detonating the Digital Crown; it's just a matter of time (sorry) before the Apple parishioners get to find out how long the battery will last!
Break Break
IT’S A WATCH!
I don’t really want a smartwatch... As a child I watched loads of Sci-Fi TV and movies right up to the present day. Jeez, I was just watching Blade Runner the Director’s Cut and noted just how much the screen technology has dated. Anyhoo! I want a cylindrical wristband that is 80% screen! I think that can be achieved by Samsung with its YOUM flexible screen technology incased in flexiglass or some kind of silicone material that can be washed and water resistant. As a technology fanatic I would welcome yet another handset in this form!

For some reason I am one of those people who just can’t wear a watch. I find it irritating. Of course, that’s just me. I would love to try a smartwatch for a couple of months to see what kind of experience it would give me. Will it be an enhancement or just a relatively expensive accessory – but nothing as expensive like the Apple Watch!

Apple have gone to great lengths in making the thing look like a watch and, once again, because it is so expensive I would spend the money on better things i.e. a 64-bit Android tablet, a trip to a seaside town for a weekend stay in a hotel, a trip to Germany, replacing my 3G Android with a 4G one or just treat myself (and someone else) in a decent authentic Japanese sushi restaurant or an alternative restaurant for seafood!

Oh, it was funny that Google put out an ad for Android Wear just before the Apple Watch keynote! I guess that’s to show how Apple is once again trying to reinvent an existing technology. Noted from the time (oooh, not intentional but I like it) Apple announced it during the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus keynote.

The battery in the Apple Watch is supposed to last 18 hours but that remains to be seen. As you know from my last article on Apple, ‘Digital Clowns,’ they are prepared to blame the user for using the device too much. Blame it on the love for these beautiful, gorgeous and fantastic products – as Apple would say and boy do they! Break
IN CLOSING
I can’t honestly say that I was impressed by anything in the Apple keynote where I say to myself, “I want one of those...” I do feel that Apple is lagging behind. All that fuss to introduce an over expensive mediocre smartwatch and products in general. I just do not see the point. That elitist nonsense is disharmonious to the planet. Freaking £13,500 for a dumbwatch! Yeah, that’s what I call it, “dumbwatch” it doesn’t do anything that will change lives. You know what? I could put the £299 towards a Galaxy S5 that I know I can take to the gym with me and not worry about sweat, water, etc.

The only thing that looks good and promising is the USB-C standard that was made with other technology houses with Apple.

Tim Cook? Even though he toned down the competition bashing I get the impression that he’s in cloud cuckoo land in thinking that Apple products “are the best in the world.” Apple just comes across to me as a dictatorship: this is what we’ve done and you are going to like them and pay whatever price tag we put upon it.

Again, Apple does not invent. You can’t even say that they reinvent as the iPhone is appalling (for the reasons above). Apple redesigns. I wonder what technology they will hijack next... Apple TV shows me that it has run out of ideas to be shamelessly flogging an old device like that as the aforementioned TV gadgets are better and less expensive too! Apple should have at least showcased Apple TV 2 in addition.

It’s obvious to me that sales and profit comes before true innovation. The Apple Watch isn’t a threat to Android Wear after all that fighting talk and put downs – aimed primarily at Samsung. Apple can be likened to the theatrics of World Wrestling Entertainment Inc. “Yeah, Samsung! I am gonna smack you down with 6 Plus!”

C’mon, Apple... Let’s apply some more effort in technological innovation. Hey, I HATE tin openers! How about redesigning the tin opener as I had to struggle opening a can of fish the other day! iTin! Put an AI in it that speaks to me to let me know that I am doing it right or wrong... “No. It’s the wrong angle and if you are not going to apply yourself you had better put me back in the drawer...” Yeah, I’d buy that.

On a more serious note... I would have loved for Apple to say that they will do more for the Foxconn factory workers as the BBC documentary, Panorama, showed what life is like for a factory worker. Anti-suicide nets???? C'mon!

The Apple Watch is on sale April 24 2015.

Thank you so much for reading Synapse Circuit!

Expect more reviews, news, opinions, competitions and more from Synapse Circuit!

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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

ZOOMR SELF-DESTRUCTING IMAGES COMPLETE ANONYMITY SYNAPSE CIRCUIT

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
NEWS:
NEW APP FOR iPHONE: ZOOMR AVAILABLE ON APPSTORE, WINNING AUDIENCES WITH SELF-DESTRUCTING IMAGES, CHATS AND COMPLETE ANONYMITY

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that you are well! It is always great to see you! Well, this is the last article for this session! I am so glad that you are enjoying my work!

Here’s some great news for iPhone users!

#iPhone #Zoomr #SelfDestruct #Privacy

MISSION POSSIBLE
The Zoomr App for iPhone lets you post self-destructing photos, comment and rate selfies of other users, chat in private – all with full anonymity and confidence that all content will be gone in 2 days.

Sydney, Australia –March 10th, 2015 - A free app for iPhone, Zoomr has just been released on AppStore and is quickly gaining an audience. The main features offered in the app are complete anonymity and self-destructing posts, comments and chats. Although some features are similar to popular apps like Whisper or Snapchat, Zoomr promises extended functionality that should be interesting to a broader audience.

“There are many fun ways to use the app. For instance, you can gather opinion on your new hairstyle, outfit, accessories and such by posting a selfie for everyone to see,” says Anna Clark of Zoomr. “You can be sure the anonymous feedback will be genuine, unlike what you’d hear from your friends who may want to spare your feelings. Knowing what’s hot and what’s not can help your self-confidence and make you the star of a party or social gathering. Likewise, you could get comments on home design ideas, hobbies or crafts, and pretty much anything you may want independent opinion on. The app’s purpose is very versatile!”

Zoomr lets a person create an absolutely anonymous profile that is linked to the user’s iPhone and can’t be accessed from any other device. Starting with the app takes seconds, as it automatically suggests a username and profile picture. Users can post photos that can be viewed, commented and rated by everyone. Posts can be sorted for viewing by popularity, timestamp or location. Private chats let users make new friends and set up IRL meets.

The main idea of the app is that all posts, comments and chats are erased in 48 hours, which helps keep content from spreading online and helps users remain anonymous. When someone wants to keep certain posts or comments, they can take screenshots to save on their device for keeping.

Company Background:
Zoomr is an Australian startup that began as a project within a well-known publisher of PC optimization software for Microsoft Windows®. A team of 6 driven individuals had been working on the Zoomr app for iPhones since September of 2014 and finally launched it this February.  Another successful iOS app project by the Sydney-based Zoomr team is ShutterBee – a photo-sharing and trip-logging app for travelers. The Zoomr app is available for free from the Apple AppStore. More information on the app can be found at www.zoomr.com.

Thank you so much for reading Synapse Circuit!

Expect more reviews, news, opinions, competitions and more from Synapse Circuit!

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

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

iPHONE 6 AND 6 PLUS DUMPED FOR GALAXY S6

Above: iPhone 6 and 6 Plus (along with a load of 5C models) are dashed out of disappointment.

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
iPHONE 6 / 6 PLUS FAILURE

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! As always it's great to see you. I hope all is well and that you're chilling out this Sunday!

Have you sold your iPhone 6 or 6 Plus in anticipation of the Samsung Galaxy S6 or S6 Edge? 

#iPhone6 #iPhone6Plus #AppleFail #Samsung #GalaxyS6 #GalaxyS6Edge 

iPHONE 6 & 6 PLUS FAILURE
If you've been following my articles then you'll know that I have documented the rapid rate at which the iPhone 6 & 6 Plus have been dumped within less than 2 months of reaching retail outlets. That's unprecedented for Apple.

This iPhone 6 & 6 Plus dumping phenomenon continues to this day! The picture above was taken only just last week! This is a Computer Exchange Shop in Middlesex, Greater London. Offline, I get approached in mobile device retail outlets at random by individuals, predominately male, that tell me what they think of the iPhone and how they are going for Samsung Galaxy S5 or Note 3 and now 4 instead. Why people approach me I just don't know... Maybe I've got a welcoming persona. 

Now that Samsung have announced the Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge I suspect that more and more iPhone owners will trade in their latest iPhone model. I'll be documenting that too.

INTERNATIONALLY
I also suspect that this iPhone 6 and 6 Plus dumping is happening around the globe. I feel that the love affair in China is over as iOS 8 does not take full advantage of the 1080p screen of the 6 Plus and the standard screen is nowhere near the QHD screens as found on many Android models including the Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge. In addition the iPhone cannot utilize USB-On-The-Go like Android handsets are able to thus extending the storage capacity. 

The pre-order sales for the Samsung Galaxy S6 & S6 Edge has broken records exceeding over 20 million and counting! I'm not surprised in the slightest. These new handsets are so very desirable as they have superseded - redefined what is considered "premium". 

I'm looking forward to having the edge - the S6 Edge to be precise!

Thank you for reading Synapse Circuit! 

More news, opinions, articles and competitions coming this week! Standby!

iPHONE SALES FABRICATIONS

Above: Here is an assortment of iPhone handsets that include: 5C, a few iPhone 6 and 6 Plus models. Apple has kept a tight lid on the sales of the 5C and I suspect that either the iPhone 6 or 6 Plus isn't doing so well in Europe. The markup on the iPhone is high and therefore profit is assured.

Do you think that Apple exaggerates its iPhone sales to give the impression that there is such a high demand? I'd like to see the real sales figures.

The tech related media have it mind that iPhone sales have outsold Android in the fall of 2014 yet Android still dominates by far. If anything Android sales have slowed with the anticipation of 64-bit handsets this year. All eyes are upon the Samsung Galaxy S6 to restore order to the Android marketplace.

Thank you for reading Synapse Circuit. 

A new website is coming soon. 

Synapse Circuit dot com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT WHAT’S WRONG WITH HTC?

Above: HTC CEO, Peter Chou.

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
WHAT’S WRONG WITH HTC?

Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! It's so lovely to see you! I hope that all is well with you and yours!

Hey! Are you due for an upgrade soon? How does the HTC One M9 or the Galaxy S6 grab you?

#HTC #OneM9 #Hima #1stMarch #TimCook #Samsung #GalaxyS6 #GalaxySEdge

HATER
When I think about HTC several things come to mind...

1. CEO, Peter Chou was trashing the Samsung Galaxy S4 upon the launch with very uncomplimentary choice words regarding the Air gestures.

2. Beautiful designs that look like they’ve come out of Sci-Fi movies from different eras – the Desire reminds me of the Buck Rodgers of 1939 but in a positive way.

3. Deeply disappointing cameras.
 
TRASH TALK
I will never understand why rivals in business or any other arena think that talking trash against the other will cause the other to crumble or something... Maybe this kind of thing works in the martial arts / boxing sports industries but it definitely does not work in the mobile device industry. Apple? Apple against “those other guys”? Well, if the recent record iPhone 6 & 6 Plus sales are to be believed and anything to go by then I am certain that this is because Cook and co did not focus the attention upon so called rivals (remember: iOS and Android are two separate platforms). Ever since Apple kicked up a stink against Samsung and Android in general they’ve been inadvertently promoting “those other guys” and especially Samsung. Had Apple mentioned the rival Galaxy Note at the iPhone 6 Plus launch it would have diverted the attention to the better handset and cause people to think about the up and coming Galaxy Note 4. Smart move!

Going back to HTC... Apart from the beautiful and original handset designs HTC never did anything with Android other than to enclose it with its Sense UI overlay. Whether you like Samsung’s TouchWiz or not you just have to appreciate the marvellous things that Samsung has brought out of Android such as the Air gestures and eye tracker for example. Sense is okay, but I do prefer TouchWiz. That said, I do wish for aspects of TouchWiz to come in the form of widgets... Ironically, now that Android is going into the 64-bit era I don’t think there will be an issue of lag even in the heaviest of version of TouchWiz. That said the 32-bit Galaxy Note 4 and the Nexus 6 are equally fast and there is no lag thus so far!

Because Sense does not bring much – if anything to the Android UI HTC ought to think about giving consumers a vanilla or close to experience like that of the Moto handsets from Motorola.

DESIRABLE
What I love about Android in general is that the operating system inspires manufacturers to create the most amazing designs... ...just take look at LG and the G3... Mwah! Gorgeous! The Sharp Aquos Crystal... WOW! I do think that HTC definitely blazed a trail in the design department. I actually wanted the One M7, M8 and I know that I would want the M9.

Certainly the One M7 beat the iPhone at its own game; the front-facing speakers are wonderful! The unibody feels so good in the hand. As I’ve said before, the One M7 came across like an alien visitor had left his / her phone behind. ET can’t phone home...

I have to say that, as a Samsung fan, that I was tempted to go HTC as the Samsung designs got safe after the Galaxy S3. I was also tempted by the LG G3 too! But there is one department that HTC has always been lacking in...

SAY “CHEESE”
I can’t think of a single HTC handset that features a decent camera. I did a review on a HTC Sensation a while back and the camera was bad despite the wonderful design. So, when I heard “Ultrapixels” and how it really boiled down to 4MP I knew that the One M7 was not for me. I LOVE smartphone photography and the one manufacturer that has kept true to its camera promise is... <drum roll> ...Samsung! I was so very impressed with the Galaxy S3 camera and it got better for the Galaxy S4, Note 2, 3 and 4.

I am always bewildered by some of the “reviews” I’ve seen on Samsung’s premium efforts with regards to the camera interface... ...some reviews say that the camera interface is too complex when it is anything but! If you own a good digital camera you will find similar – if not the same – options for auto, night photography, sports and so on. Fair enough, it does take a bit of time to get used to but once you have tried out the photo options you’d be prepared for any situation instinctively. Another thing that I love about Samsung premium handset cameras is that I can say “shoot” and the shot is taken. The camera is a principal reason why I have stuck with Samsung handsets. And while the designs have become fairly safe they do grow on me once the handset is in my possession.

What I find frustrating about HTC cameras is that the photos are grainy – so much noise is present in photos taken in various situations. Obviously, night shots suffer the most. Video can be choppy and not crisp.

CONSISTENTLY INCONSISTENT
It seems very obvious to me that HTC wants to be like Samsung – maybe not so much now as Samsung’s profits seems to be sliding at the moment but HTC releases a bunch of interesting looking handsets – well, they are variants of the One M design that all feature a disappointing camera.

I wonder to myself as to why HTC doesn’t get the camera of its flagship right before releasing all these other handsets. I find that a bit strange. Who is buying these handsets? I can’t say that I have seen anything but the One M7 & M8 on the streets of London. I’ve learned to not bother with HTC midrange handsets as the power isn’t there and, again, the camera is disappointing.

As always, the HTC handsets look tempting but they just aren’t happening for my tastes.

IN CLOSING
I think that HTC could actually do it this time... ...the One M9 could actually be the handset that can challenge the Samsung Galaxy S6 in a big way! Here are some rumoured specs:-

5" 1080p Super LCD3 display.
Snapdragon 810 chip.
Adreno 430 GPU.
3GB of RAM.
32GB, 64GB and 128GB of internal storage options.

If the 5” 1080p display is correct then it shows HTC is looking to maximize the battery longevity. Quad-HD displays are great but they do drain the battery somewhat. Hmmmm... I am not too sure if 5” is a good thing by today’s standards. When I look at the iPhone 6 and then the 6 Plus I wonder why anyone would bother with the smaller version. That said, a lot of people seem to think that 5” is just about right. I guess that once you go beyond 5” it’s hard to go back. I love the Galaxy Note 4 and Nexus 6 screens and I am looking at getting one or two more handsets this year... A 5.5” screen is what I am looking for. If I go below 5.5” then it has to be something special. There's another rumour going around that HTC will release a 6" version alongside the 5"! We'll see...

The camera rumours get interesting with a 20.7MP main camera with either a 4MP Ultrapixel or 13MP front-facing camera. Now, if the camera comes from Sony then it could make a great difference to the sales as non-technical consumers have come to understand the photographic possibilities of a premium smartphone. I reckon that many consumers got taken in by the metal unibody and front-facing speakers. If they heard “Ultrapixels” and thought that meant a decent camera then they certainly found out the hard way. There again, I can imagine that there are many people that feel the 4MP Ultrapixel camera is enough for their social network feeds. I think such folk are in a minority.



The One M9 could be a best seller for HTC and it will be announced 1^st March 2015 at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain. Yes, the same date as the Samsung Galaxy S6 launch! Ooooh! Fight! Fight!

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SYNAPSE CIRCUIT APPLE TALK 11 KEEP CALM iPHONE 6 AND iPAD AIR

CEX CHANGE: iPhone 6 and Plus.

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
APPLE TALK 11:

APPLE...
...KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON!

What’s going on with Apple? Goodhour, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that all is well with you and that you are making great progress with your projects! Send me a link via G+! I am very interested in what you are doing!

Do you know what to make of Apple these days? Me? I am not so sure... I know, I know... ...you as an Apple fanatic is thinking, ‘Let the Apple bashing begin...’ But I can honestly say that I don’t get Apple at all. Here are my latest thoughts on Apple...

#Apple #Samsung #Google #SteveJobs #TimCook #iPhone6 #iPhone6Phablet #iPhone6Plus #AppleWatch #GalaxyNote4 #GalaxyAlpha #GalaxyNoteEdge #GalaxyTabS #Nexus9 #iPadAir2 #iPadMini3

PRETENCE?
As someone who appreciates technology I can see that the latest iPhones aren’t as advanced as expected. As someone who appreciates design I can see that the iPhones aren’t exciting where design is concerned. Believe it or not I am always looking for a reason to buy into other competing technologies outside of Android and I’ve yet to see an iPhone, BlackBerry and Windows handset that make me say, “I must have this!” One of the Nokia Windows handsets almost had me there!

I UNDERSTAND...
Yes, as an Apple fan I expect you to upgrade your iPhone despite the lack of advancement – barring the 64-bit processor – that is prevalent upon the Android platform. C’mon, whether you hate (and ‘hate’ is a strong word) Android and the various manufacturers you have to admit – at least to yourself – that Android handsets and tablets are better designed and the technology is constantly getting better what with 64-bit processors coming to Android devices this year notably the Google Nexus 9 tablet manufactured by HTC! Just looking at the high-end Android devices from Samsung, Motorola, LG, HTC, Huawei, etc you can see instantly that so much work as been put into the design of such great handsets:-

Galaxy Note 4
Nexus 6
Moto X 2014
Ascend Mate 2
G3
One M8

BUT IF YOU HAVEN’T BOUGHT INTO APPLE...
In other words you don’t have a MAC computer and you want to own what is arguably the “best” easy to use smartphone in the world and you’ve opted for the iPhone 6 range. Upon closer inspection you notice some discrepancies that you can’t tolerate and that’s why you’ve gotten rid of it. Discrepancies such as the cheap feel of the build – it doesn’t look or feel “premium” and the problems that have come with iOS 8.

UNPRECEDENTED
These are austere times and we can forget this fact upon the release of a new device. We quickly jump on the bandwagon and it quickly becomes apparent it’s a device one can do without, so it’s ‘Hello pawnshop’! And, of course, we sometimes purchase a device only to discover that it’s a disappointment.



 However, it is unprecedented that there are so many iPhone 6 and Plus models in the Computer Exchange stores in London. A few weeks ago I got a shock to see so many on display! Only days after the iPhone 6 models were available in the Apple stores many of them have ended up in these secondhand / pawn shops!

What’s going on? When I read and watch the reviews on the iPhone 6 models the reviewers seem less than satisfied with the overall experience. Reviewers all seem to be saying that the best improvement is the battery, camera and media consumption on the bigger screen. And when the iPhone 6 Plus is compared to the Galaxy Note 4 many reviewers foolishly state that the multi-screen functions is “difficult” compared to the simplicity of the way the iPhone works. Seriously! What was the point in such reviews? The Galaxy Note 4 is so very easy to operate that you must have had a lobotomy to not be able to figure it out! These so called reviewers mask out the negatives of the iPhone 6 models by creating problems that do not exist with the competition i.e. (the aforementioned) Galaxy Note 4. Sure, when it comes to the quality of the iPhone 6 camera it may still hold its own against the premium Android handsets but in some of the tests that I have seen the reviewer doesn’t appear to have used the camera functions / settings on the competing handsets beyond HDR. Again, the iPhone biased reviewers concentrate on the iPhone 6 and Plus cameras to mask the fact that the competing Android handsets have more to offer all-round! For example, the S Pen on the Galaxy Note 4 makes it one of the most versatile handsets on the planet! The Galaxy Note 4 goes beyond being “big”.

iPAD UP IN THE AIR
Just last week Apple announced the iPad Air 2, iPad mini 3 and the iMac with the 5K Retina display! I can understand why Apple felt the need to whack a whopping 5K on its new iMac because “Retina” had lost its value where the Android premium handsets and tablets are concerned; a 5K screen is one way to try and revive the Retina concept.

The notion of “Retina” on the iPad mini 3 seems like a waste of time as does the iPad Air 2 for the simple fact that the iPad has lost its commercial appeal; people aren’t in a hurry to replace their old iPad models because it’s not necessary. If it ain’t broke don’t fix it! The latest iPads doesn’t bring anything vital to the proceedings! This is one reason why the iPad market is in decline.

Other reasons for the iPad tanking is that it cannot compete with many ranges of Android tablets on the market today – some of which offers 4G LTE at such an affordable price! Some 7” Android 4G / 3G enabled tablets allows you to make and receive phone calls! Gosh!

And for the Apple fanatic, the iPhone 6 Plus will certainly eat into iPad sales! I would imagine that the money saved will go towards the iMac! It makes sense to me!

Then when you look at the overseas emerging markets i.e. Third World countries the iPad just isn’t cost effective and loses out to Chromebooks and cost effective Android tablets!

It remains to be seen if the iPad will find a new lease of life as a business accessory as some of the Android tablets have.

There you go!

That’s something to think about!

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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