SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG vs. APPLE 2014 REVEAL 2

Above: The gorgeous Galaxy Note Pro 10.1.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Full review coming very soon....

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

ANDROID TO GET A CHROME BODY?

Android & Chrome merging will give us even more devices to choose from!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
ANDROID TO GET A CHROME BODY?
#Google #Android #Chrome #AndroidChromeMerge

Good evening / early morning, Synapse Circuit Readers! What’s happening with you? I hope that all is well with you and yours! I had to visit the dentist earlier... The anaesthetic is finally wearing off! I’d like to invent anaesthetic chewing gum as it will:

A) Prepare you for a dentist visit.
B) Prepare you for an argument with your nearest and dearest!

Lately I have been reading of a possible merger of Google Android and Chrome to happen this June to coincide with the Google i / O conference this year. A couple of years ago (at least) I had it in mind that such a merge was inevitable.

ANDROID LOLLIPOP? LIQUORICE?
Whatever the next version of Android will be called I think it is going to be pretty darned amazing. There’s a lot of scope to be had from merging Chrome with Android.

When Sundar Pichai took the reins from Andy Rubin one of the things he stated was that there’s no plans to merge Android and Chrome yet it seems to be happening what with Google Now becoming integrated into Chrome with Voice Search. Hmmmm... I wonder if my mic input is being tapped... Hmmm... Anyway, I wonder how difficult it would be to actually merge Android with Chrome. It seems to me that Google has a split personality by having two separate operating systems. Still, it’s better than a bipolar Apple in that iOS is cannibalizing OS X and they are not happy with themselves; one minute there’s euphoria regarding the next iPad and then comes the depression when the iPhone 5C bombs, iPhone 5S – with the exception of the 64-bit processor – is pretty much behind the competition.

Luckily for Google it doesn’t manufacture anything and will not suffer like Apple is suffering. You have to acknowledge that Google is doing remarkably well with its Android Nexus devices and Chromebooks!  But just think of the potential that can be had with the Android and Chrome merge.

GOOGLE LEFT TO ITS OWN DEVICES: WHAM!!! BAM!!!
With Android and Chrome merging it creates a unified ecosystem whereby Android can run Chrome apps and vice versa!

I was wondering why Google shut down devices that featured a dual Android and Windows boot. Do you remember the Samsung ATIV Q (at least I think that’s what it’s called)? The ATIV Q looked like a sweet bit of tech that was poised to wow the world and all of a sudden it was a no go! And recently Asus got the Google treatment to stop the release of dual Android and Windows devices. But that was all of a sudden; one Tech minute Google didn’t seem to mind such dual devices and the next they are pulling their support.

I think the reason behind Google pulling their blessing is because:

A) Microsoft has been raging an anti-Google trust campaign. That’s bound to piss Google off.
B) The Android and Chrome merge is happening.

Can you imagine the potential? Apple would have a meltdown due to the fact that Google would have created a uniform operating system that can run on handsets, tablets and Chromebooks, etc. And if that became a reality my PC days would be numbered.

What stops me buying a Chromebook is that I have two solid PCs and none of which can play a 4K video clip! However, the Galaxy S5 and Note 3 is able to record and playback 4K video. So, in order for me to work with 4K video on my PC is for me to invest into a new monitor and most likely upgrade the CPU and RAM. With each passing day the PC is becoming less relevant.

Android mobile devices would take on a whole new meaning! What are the odds that Google announce a 64-bit Android / Chrome this June?

What do you reckon?   

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 LONDON LAUNCH 10 APRIL 2014

This is one time I was glad to be a part of the crowd! Photo taken with the Galaxy S4.

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
SAMSUNG GALAXY S5 LONDON LAUNCH
10 APRIL 2014
#Samsung #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #Gear2 #Gear2Neo #GearFit #London #Stratford

Good early morning / late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! How are you tonight? I hope that all is well and that you had a brilliant day!

Earlier on – yesterday evening I went along to the Samsung Galaxy S5 launch in London’s Olympic Stratford City!

18:00
I managed to get to the Samsung store located in Stratford within the massive mall that is Westfield! “The first 100 people get a prize...” Yeah, right! Lol! There couldn’t have been more than 50 in the queue at the time of my arrival and it was about 18:50 when I was able to get into the store.

Once I got in the atmosphere was jubilant! There were drinks in the form of champagne and orange juice. And there were some nibbles too – balls of vegetables with cheese and meat alternatives.

Note: There were many people in the queue with iPhones! Gosh! Hahaha! It seems that all the publicity that Apple is giving Samsung through the constant lawsuits has paid off! Hee hee hee...

19:30
The Samsung store was packed out and a vast number of the attendees came to pick up their handset! It was quite astonishing to see people queuing up inside to collect their pre-ordered Galaxy S5. But there again it is the one of the most innovative handsets on the planet right now!

The store floor, as you’d expect, was filled with Galaxy S5s and the Gear 2 wearable devices! I spent quite a bit of time with the Galaxy S5!

MISLEAD?
I’ve been reading up on the so called appraisals by the usual tech-media suspects that have the GS5 as “not much of an improvement on the GS4...” WRONG!!!! VERY!!!!

I am the proud owner of the GS4 and when I compared the two I was pretty much blown away by how different the GS5 actually is!

SIZE MATTERS
For starters the Galaxy S5 is substantially bigger without while retaining its identity as a handset and not a phablet.

VELVET GLOVE
Gone is the shiny plastic back plate that houses the battery, etc and in its place is the velvety perforated material that will prove to be fingerprint (and all the greasiness that comes with fingers) resistant. The velvet texture makes the GS5 so much nicer to handle – so much so that the size increase is not an issue at all!

DAZPLAY
“DazPlay” is what happens when you combine the words “dazzling” and “display”! The 5.1” full HD Super AMOLED screen is probably one of – if not – the best screen I have ever seen thus so far! The display goes beyond superlatives! The screen is really that brilliant (see what I did there?)! 



DON’T SAY CHEESE
Above is a picture taken with the Galaxy S5; I didn't have enough time to set the camera up. I did record some 4K and full HD video that I couldn't send as the files were way to big! The other pictures were taken with my GS4!

The 16MP camera is definitely a huge improvement – especially as the focus is almost instantaneous! I managed to take a few shots and I was suitably impressed with the results although I would welcome the opportunity to test the camera thoroughly!

FINGERED?
Yes, the Fingerprint Unlock really works! Don’t be fooled by the media claiming that it’s “dodgy”. Uh-uh! I saw a demonstration whereby it was fingerprint locked and it couldn’t be unlocked by some of audience – including me – invited to test it. When the GS5 got back to the demonstrator he was able to unlock it without a hitch!

BENCHMARK SCORES?
Let me tell you right now that the 2.5GHz quad-core processor shifts! The interaction was snappy and I couldn’t detect any lag in the interface.

Websites launch instantaneously as does apps. Ok, I couldn’t test everything but from what I saw I was very happy with it!

TOUCHWIZ MELTDOWN?
The TouchWiz overlay is somewhat subdued and that makes TouchWiz less intrusive to those who like the minimalist vanilla Android feel; it’s a good compromise between the two. I like that I can say, “Ok, Google” and up pops Google Now!

There again, I can’t say that I have any complaints about TouchWiz post GS3. I thought TouchWiz on the Galaxy S2 was a tad heavy and I had to replace both Google Android and TouchWiz with a CyanogenMod custom ROM that has extended the life of my GS2! Anyhoo... ...the combination of Android KitKat and TouchWiz Nature UX is sweet! There’s even a magazine-type of interaction that is similar to the news feed of HTC Sense. But the way Samsung has done it is very pleasing; it doesn’t dominate but fits in to the scheme of things.

CONCLUDING FIRST IMPRESSIONS
WOW!!!! The Galaxy S5 should do well!

EVENT EVALUATION

Venue: 10 / 10.
The Samsung Stratford City store is a very grand and spacious venue.

Officials: 8 / 10.
The Samsung team were very knowledgeable and helpful. I wasn’t impressed with not getting my free prize for being amongst the first 100 people through the door! Ha!

Materials: 10 / 10.
We didn’t have to wait long to have a play with the Galaxy S5 and Gear 2 wearable devices.

Check out the pics and video from the event here: Media

I will leave you with the specifications once more!

GS5 SPEC:-

NETWORK
LTE Cat.4 (150/50Mbps)

DISPLAY
5.1” FHD Super AMOLED (1920 x 1080)

AP
2.5GHz Quad core application processor

OS
Android 4.4.2 (Kitkat)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DIMENSIONS
142.0 x 72.5 x 8.1mm, 145g

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

What do you reckon?

Full review coming very soon....

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT MAGIX SAMPLITUDE MUSIC STUDIO 2014 REVIEW

Above: Samplitude Music Studio 2014 main interface displaying the MIDI editor and mixing desk.  

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
MAGIX SAMPLITUDE MUSIC STUDIO 2014
£79.99

#MAGIX, #MusicStudio2014 #Samplitude

Good Hour, Synapse Circuit Readers! As always I hope that all is well in your world! Life is great and greater when we take the time to enjoy it!

One of the many, many ways in which we can enjoy life is through making music! Check out the latest Music Studio from Magix!

SONIC SUITE!
Essentially, Music Studio 2014 is a studio suite that is aimed at the musician, producer and band. It’s a different beast to the Music Maker program that is more aimed at the computer musician. Read the review here if you haven’t read it already: http://synapse-circuit.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/magix-music-maker-2014-premium-review.html

Music Studio comes from the mammoth music software, Samplitude Pro for the consummate professional music producer and from it you have the essential ingredients to produce music.

INTERFACE
The interface has 5 modes for your comfort: Professional, Easy, Standard, Recording and Export. Easy mode gives you the basics as the full blown professional interface may come across as intimidating if coming from simpler applications such as the aforementioned Music Maker.

However, Music Studio is pretty much straightforward to operate no matter what interface is selected; it’s probably easier to start in easy mode to get the composition started and switch to professional mode for more intricate details. The demos show off the interfaces admirably.

What’s more is that if you have a touch screen computer you can drag and drop sound files in tracks, etc.

WORKING
Working with Music Studio is always a pleasure as it simplifies the music production process. As a (dormant) solo artist I have to say that I have a preference for the Music Maker program but I can work in Music Studio just as easily! Where Music Studio comes into its own is with the recording facilities available such as the MR-128 that allows the quick recording of up to 6 instruments and two effects buses. But you can record up to 128 tracks simultaneously.

WHAT’S NEW FROM THE PREVIOUS VERSION?
With the 2014 version we have the DN-e1 analogue synthesizer that comes with a great array of presets for bass, drums, leads, pads and so much more! The sound quality is awesome and it is quite easy to tweak the preset sounds to create an individual sound!

There are other instruments in the form of:-

Power Guitar*

Vintage Organ

Pop Brass

Electric Piano

* You have to download Power Guitar once the program has installed!

For the vocally non pitch perfect there’s Vocal Tune that allows the manual adjustment of pitch.

And, finally, there is the Mastering Suite 4 that allows for “auto mastering”. Auto Mastering, when clicked, will optimize the overall sound of the composition; it works very, very well and, naturally, you can use other presets and / or tweak until your ear is content!

LOVE?
What’s not love about Samplitude Music Studio 2014? Take the Mastering Suite for example; it is so, so very easy to master your tracks for the purpose of burning to CD, MP3, etc. Professionals will tell you that you MUST use the arcane expertise services of a mastering studio. Uh-uh! That is a thing of the past! Still on the subject of mastering... ...there are so many awesome music software out there at various prices – even free – that have all the effects for mastering but do not make it as easy to add the polish to the finished composition. Often such software expects the user to be familiar and have some expertise with mastering a track. Both Samplitude Music Studio and Music Maker make mastering an absolute breeze! All the guess work is removed!

Of course, Samplitude Music Studio is compatible with VST instruments and effects in addition to the set of instruments and effects included by default (with exception to the Power Guitar that has to be downloaded). The default instruments and effects are outstanding in sound quality – they are certainly not toys! You can also purchase more Magix instruments from its website.

MIDI
Because Samplitude Music Studio 2104 is a derivative of the professional program, Samplitude, the MIDI facilities is solid! I actually like working with the MIDI editor. If it were up to me I would combine the Samplitude Music Studio 2014 MIDI editor to replace the one in Music Maker and will work in the same way i.e. by double clicking on the track one can start composing / editing in step-time! But that said, I could work in Samplitude Music Studio very comfortably!

CONCLUSION
Although Samplitude Music Studio (2104) is aimed at the musician, band and producer it shouldn’t be overlooked by the computer musician who prefers to edit music together as opposed to play and record it from manual dexterity. Music Studio is more than capable and represents excellent value for money!

There is a standard version that retails for £49.99 but the “Samplitude” version is the best! I’d advise anyone considering expensive DAWs to purchase Samplitude Music Studio and use the surplus cash to purchase great instruments and effects! Samplitude Music Studio 2014 has it all!



Watch out for a competition where you can win this awesome digital audio workstation!

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT SAMSUNG 2014 HYPE!

Above: Is this the Galaxy F? This one is supposed to be rockin' a QHD screen!

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
SAMSUNG 2014 HYPE!
#Samsung #GalaxyS5 #GS5 #SamsungvsApple #GalaxyS5Prime #Unpacked2 #Gear #Apple

Good late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that you had a wonderful day! And if your day is unravelling where you are there is still time!

Yes, reviews are coming this week! I just have to catch up on the latest Tech-News! Please be patient! I have some great products lined for you!

The official UK launch of the Galaxy S5 is a couple of days away and I hope to cover the event in East London! But in the meantime...

APPLE vs. SAMSUNG
The latest Tech-War battle has revealed a lot about Apple that has confirmed the speculative Synapse Circuit articles concerning the inadequacy of Apple products. Jobs, Cook and Schiller fears Android and Samsung (and I bet LG, Asus, Lenovo / Motorola and many Android manufacturers) and that the lawsuits are attempts to put a spanner in the works of Samsung especially as they are doing wonders in the smartphone and tablet market! No matter what Apple does in or out of court they give Samsung so much publicity inadvertently that it could render the lawsuits a total waste of time! I do think that Samsung is will claim more of a percentage of handsets this year over the iPhone. We’ll see...

APPLE WWDC 2014
You may be aware that Apple is going to have its developer conference in 2 – 6 June. So, my guess is that Samsung will launch the devices based on the S5 (such as S5 Zoom, S5 Active and perhaps this elusive “Prime” model that people are still talking about) not too far from the Apple WWDC!

Predicting the WWDC I can see an update to the iOS7, OS X, a smartwatch (iWatch), Apple TV and most likely the iPhone 6 that will sport a 4.7” screen and 4” screen for those who are happy with the screen as it is.

And there will probably be the second generation iPhone C – 5C.  

Also form Samsung it is possible that they could use the opportunity to launch the Galaxy F which may or may not be the “Prime” model.

S5 IS ALIVE!
Ooooh, yes! As has proven to be the case with Samsung’s designs from the S3 up – it’s only when you have the handset in your hands do you appreciate the beauty of it! I had one in my hand yesterday evening and I WANT ONE!!!! I can hardly wait to attend the official UK event in Stratford East London.

I hope to bring you footage of the London event!

GRAPHENE
Samsung is said to have made great progress in producing a material called “Graphene” that is used to make flexible screens. If it were up to Samsung they would have had a handset with a flexible screen out on the market already! Maybe, just maybe The “F” in this rumoured Galaxy F could stand for “Flexible”.

GEAR WATCHPHONE
Samsung is also said to be launching a Gear model that works as a standalone phone that uses a SIM card. I can envisage the use of a flexible screen in that model too!

IN CLOSING
Samsung has to keep up with its innovation and therefore we will be seeing a lot more from them this year! The S5 hasn’t quite reached the UK yet but there is the Galaxy Ace Style budget handset that’s on its way and the second generation Galaxy Camera is already on the market and it looks so much better than last year’s effort!

What do you reckon?

I am hoping that I can bring you reviews as soon as possible! Stay tuned!  

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT THE LATEST APPLE vs SAMSUNG

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What do you reckon?

Standby for some reviews...

Take good care!

Thank you for watching and reading!

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

Synapse Circuit Dot Com

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT MAGIX XARA PHOTO & GRAPHIC DESIGNER 9

SYNAPSE CIRCUIT
MAGIX XARA PHOTO & GRAPHIC DESIGNER 9
#MAGIX, #XARA #Photo&GraphicDesigner9

Good late evening, Synapse Circuit Readers! I hope that all is well with you! I wish I could say the same... I do apologize for the recent lapse in articles / reviews due to personal issues. But I am happy to say that things are looking up!

Here’s some great news for photo editors and graphic designers!

BE A DESIGNER WITH MAGIX
Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 9 - Ideal Software for all Photo Editing, Illustration and Graphic Design Needs!

Xara Photo & Graphic Designer v9 is the perfect software choice for all your photo and graphic design work, with powerful photo editing and enhancement features, and truly flexible illustration and design tools.

Main New Features Include:

Advanced Healing Brush – remove blemishes with a single click, or brush over an area to erase it.

New Mask and Selection tools. Easily paint, or draw a region or area to enhance, such as adjust the brightness, sharpness, colour temperature etc.

Advanced background erase. Extract complex shapes such a people or objects in the foreground, and place them on alternate backgrounds.

Drag and drop re-colouring of clipart and vector groups.

Google Font support. Browse, preview and install any of the 600+ Google Fonts. Although Google Fonts were primarily designed to be web fonts, they are open source Truetype or OpenType fonts and Xara has built in a way to automatically download and install the font as a Windows font.

11 new Photo Effects including Fake HDR, Polarized Grayscale and Colour Splash to highlight a colour.

New clipart including a wide range of ‘company logo’ designs.

Most of Xara's photo editing tools are non-destructive. Also known as 'parametric image editing', this non-destructive technique allows you to adjust or even remove edits at any point in the future, without affecting the original image. Photo edits are stored as the parameters to be changed (such as brightness or blend levels) rather than the altered pixels. This is much faster, more powerful, more memory efficient, and allows near infinite Undo.

Xara Photo and Graphic Designer introduces some really advanced photo editing features. An automatic background erase that normally takes hours of careful manual masking (or would be impossible), can be done in seconds. The Healing Brush is built on what Xara believe to be the most advanced intelligent 'fill in' algorithms anywhere. The new Mask and Selection tools make it easier than ever to apply edits to specific areas, and to have those edits seamlessly blended into your photo.

Charles Moir, Managing Director of Xara said: "As the name suggests 'Photo & Graphic Designer' is more than just another photo editor. It's one of the most advanced and powerful vector graphics programs available, and seamlessly combines all the photo editing features you're likely to need. Why should you have to use one program for general vector 'artwork' style graphics and another for photo editing, when you can get one, really fast, really easy-to-use graphics program that does it all? It's simply the most advanced photo and graphics editing tool available, for the money."

Price & Availability:

Xara Photo & Graphic Designer 9 is available £69.99 (inc VAT)

It operates on Windows XP/Vista/7/8 /8.1

For more information please see - xara.com

About Xara Group Ltd:

Xara, founded in 1981, was one of the oldest independent software developers in the UK, until it was acquired by Magix AG in 2007. Xara continues to develop innovative graphics, website building, and document publishing tools, which are marketed around the world under both the MAGIX and Xara brand names.

About MAGIX AG:

MAGIX is a leading international provider of high-quality software, online services and digital contents for multimedia communications. Since 1993, MAGIX has been developing leading technologies for creation, editing, management and presentation of photos and graphics, videos and music. Internationally, MAGIX operates from branches in the USA, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. The product range is targeted towards laymen and professionals alike and goes beyond the PC range to include seamlessly integrated online and mobile applications.

According to its retail sales figures, MAGIX leads in the multimedia software sector in the most important European markets, and is one of the most successful competitors in the USA. Fifteen years of market presence as well as one thousand awards worldwide testify to the company's power of innovation.

Review and competition coming soon...

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