2011: Year of the iPad 2!

[roundcorners]

Another morning, another press release, another Monster Android device... yawn...  can I go back to bed now?  I swear... what do "i" users talk about all year between press-releases?  Are people really still talking about Siri, or lack of it... the broken battery... the now outdated software...?

I saw this chart on G+ yesterday... honestly, not quite sure how accurate it is but...

Anyways... with every passing day, Android is taking leaps & bounds in technology...

Today we got full detail of the Asus Transformer Prime
http://phandroid.com/2011/11/09/a-closer-look-asus-transformer-prime-hardware-details/

Can anyone say QUAD-Core NVIDA Tegra 3!!! in the Prime...!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2U2r3yKg0Ng[/youtube]


wait... 5 cores...! sweeeet...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1qKdBX4-jc&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=C30ShWQm5pI[/youtube]


[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gl-UGVhmAA&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]



Talking about Quad-Cores... can anyone say Edge?
http://phandroid.com/2011/11/08/more-htc-edge-details-emerge/

"They?ll be using NVIDIA?s quad-core Tegra 3 to take on the task, a change of pace from the norm as HTC usually goes with Qualcomm chipsets. We imagine they chose NVIDIA as competing vendors? quad-core chipsets are not yet ready for production.
The processor will be clocked at 1.5GHz and that alongside 1GB of RAM is needed to power the 4.7 inch 720p display we?re being treated to. There is a chance we?re also getting 32GB and an 8 megapixel f2.2 HD camera sensor with a flash, as well as a front-facing camera.

With these specs we wouldn?t be surprised if this turns out to be HTC?s first device to ship with Ice Cream Sandwich..."


IMHO... somewhat Android Civilians like myself... are almost paralyzed by the pace technology is advancing, with any technology... I am constantly weighing the cost of waiting and the loss of production to the cost of being an early adaptor and loosing out on further advancements...


oh... the predicaments of being Android...  time to take the little guy for a walk...
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IcJW8JU8rak&feature=related[/youtube]

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I'm early adopting the Transformer Prime... that thing is awesome. Hopefully I can find when it releases, it took me few weeks to get the original TF and then another week to get the keyboard dock.

2 things that really stand out... it's thinner than the Galaxy Tab and the iPad 2 AND it has 12-hour battery life... and still keeps expansion slot/ports. The Super IPS+ display and the improved sound system is gravy... on top of gravy.

One thing I found strange is that reports are saying that the Prime release was delayed until December to prepare it for Ice Cream Sandwich, yet it's going to be released with Honeycomb and then an ICS upgrade will be available later in December. I guess they want to get it into consumer hands first (and be the first Tegra 3 tablet out).

If you're not getting an iPad... the Transformer Prime IS the Android tablet to get, especially if you're looking for something that has netbook/notebook functionality.

Although... I would also recommend the cheaper 7-8" Android tablets for those of you just looking for a consumptive device, I just haven't figured out which one is the best.

 

[jvna]

I can't wait to have a look at the TF Prime too.

 

[roundcorners]

IHO... this might be THE ONE... I might have to fight you for this one; I might finally loose my Tab-ginity to the Prime... $499 in Dec just in time for X-mas...

We have a couple of shows coming up after Thanksgiving, and I want to be sporting the newest tab for our literature... I don't want to be slepping heavy boxes of brochures all the way to New York this time...!

Slow afternoon... found the first part of Glow Ball...

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBvaDtshLY8&feature=player_embedded#![/youtube]

 

[roundcorners]

The Aquarium of the Pacific is one of our favorite places in the world; the wife and I frequented the place during our newly-wed days.  We haven't been back since the kid and it's going be a trip taking him today.  I'm taking a much needed day off and calling in sick.  We are all ready to go, got my App downloaded, should really add to the experience and also checking out the LB App in tow, might even discover something new about our favorite city.
http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/
https://market.android.com/details?id=org.aquariumofthepacific.visitor_guide&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm9yZy5hcXVhcml1bW9mdGhlcGFjaWZpYy52aXNpdG9yX2d1aWRlIl0.

Downtown Long Beach
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.geoffiti.AppMain&feature=also_installed#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEwNCwiY29tLmdlb2ZmaXRpLkFwcE1haW4iXQ..

Humm... this is interesting... looking at the Irvine City Website... there seems to be a Travel Advisory Warning for Long Beach...  it is stating that if you plan on visiting LB that there is a strong possiblity that you might see actual Homeless People, Pan Handlers and generally rude people... thugs and gangsters oh.. and old crappy stucco-less houses without any signs of a garage from the front elevation... oh my...!



In other Android news...

The Springboard is moved back to 11/16

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=unVsH-Id_Lo&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]



Toy's R Us... will be have my next gadget fix...http://phandroid.com/2011/11/09/toy...er-specs-and-price-are-better-than-you-think/

$200 for the kid... dual core... not bad...



Nook for Android has newstands...! Yes!! Can I get rid of my Google Books now...http://www.androidcentral.com/nook-android-update-adds-nook-newsstand

 

[irvinehomeowner]

RC, are you getting your Droid Razr today? 11:11am on 11/11/11.

 

[roundcorners]

It's Friday again, and I need a hefty dose of futuristic inspiration... I have been dreading checking out MS's Youtube Channel, but I see they've uploaded some videos recently... to be honest I got bored and didn't even finished watching all the videos... so tell me if anything is interesting after the second or third video.  Some of the devices seem waaay to outdated and bulky... LMAO...!

Every time I look at my son, I get lost in wonder of what he would see one day; the world he will inherit, the places he will visit, the people he will meet and the kind of technologies he will use.  I don't even know how to prepare him for such a daunting task, except to draw out as much of his natural curiosity, creativity and enthusiasm.  If I can help him to critically think, expose him and help him to adapt to as many different situations possible and help him to follow God and love people, then I'd say I've done a good job.

I do catch myself shutting him down physically and emotionally when he gets too noisy, messy or dangerous; not really because I think he'll bother the neighbors (we live on a 11,000 sq-ft/lot), loose a toy or get hurt but because mostly its just an inconvenience to my time, my on-line life and my agenda.  I have to remind myself the wise words of Ms. Frizzle: Take chances, make mistakes and get messy!

It is pretty wild to see a two year old already so comfortable video chatting with his cousins half way around the world, he can sure slice a respectable score on Fruit Ninja and he expects to interact with every character in his eBook.  I can't even imagine what Android will do tomorrow, let alone next week, next month and the next 10-20 years; but I sure can't wait to see...

Productivity Future Vision
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6cNdhOKwi0[/youtube]

Health Future Vision
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_profilepage&v=C4LbAUa4ZwY#t=109s[/youtube]

Banking Future Vision
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=C6ToydnM064#t=71s[/youtube]

Retail Future Vision
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0pv9RYmtO1g#t=32s[/youtube]

Manufacturing Future Vision
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=EMdXj9qFr4M#t=34s[/youtube]

 

[jvna]

Technology is an amazing thing and moves at blinding speed.  But I worry about the dark belly of technology.  There are more and more data breaches, more scams, more fraud that gets committed every day.  There are organized crime syndicates that only work with technology, like fake anti-malware or botnets.  I worry about cyber bullying as my kids will soon be at the age where they are connected online.

 

[momopi]

 

[roundcorners]

How does your phone do under pressure?  I mean when the chips are down, and you really need your phone to come through, how does it do?  Here is a simple test that most "i" users fail miserably.  Think of a picture on your phone; if you can't whip out your phone and find that particular picture in under 20 seconds; then I'm afraid your phone has let you down.

I pick the picture test because it's one of the things we do most.  We all love to show pictures to people, most times during conversations.  Be honest, how many times have you been in a middle of a conversation about something you've just done and wanted to do a little show and tell on the spot but you end up fumbling your phone for more than a minute while you leave your friend in a awkward silence?

The picture test is just the first example; what if you had to look up a particular website; find an email address or an physical address on the spot; find a restaurant (by cuisine); help get a lost friend to your location; or to more serious situations; say your wife just called, and she just got into an accident; what is the number to poison control; or where is the nearest emergency room when you're out of town.

Believe it or not, I actually practice for these situations.  I had 20 minutes on Sunday to kill; in that time frame, I found out that a family I was looking for at church was sick; I was able to text the wife; find a Subway; call ahead and place my order as I drove; find the directions to their home and deliver the lunch and make it back before the end of the service.

There are so many instances where my Android has not let me down; for one, my entire life is on Gmail (I can totally understand about the security thing);  there are so many times, I needed my son's SSN#, my EIN#, insurance policy #, an email address only found on a Carbon Copy; a phone number that was buried under 30 replys; or that ever elusive PDF attachment.  That dedicated "Search" button on Android has saved me more times than not!

Here is another situation; you're at a red light; you only got one minute to jot down a thought, shoot an urgent email, record a melody,  jot a couple of bullet point or record an actual voice note; can you do it?

You have just been given that "million" dollar idea and you know if you don't write it down; it'll be lost forever.  Or can you take a grocery list or directions on the spot; how about while driving; or how about with a crying baby in the back seat, and the wife that is hungry and pissed with you?  Can your phone perform under pressure?  If you can not confidently answer yes, then maybe you should consider an Android...

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Maybe you should stop trying to compare your "Android experience" with "i-users" and just understand things can be done by both efficiently.

Remember, I have both and until you do too, your arguments are only one-sided.

P.S. While you're driving... it's not a good idea to be doing anything on your phone... Android or otherwise... the cops don't ask you what kind of phone you are using before giving you a ticket.

 

[jvna]

So leaked Best Buy Black Friday ads show the ASUS TF on sale for $249, the Toshiba Thrive for $279 and the Acer Iconia 7 for $189.  I'd rather take the upcoming TF Prime, but for $249, the Transformer looks great.  However, I've never camped out for any Black Friday and don't see myself doing that this year.

http://www.talkandroid.com/72127-black-friday-at-best-buy-more-like-tablet-blowout-friday/?utm_source=feedburner-ta&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+AndroidNewsGoogleAndroidForums+%28Android+News%2C+Rumours%2C+and+Updates%29

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Noooooo... I guess there goes selling my TF+dock for $450 on craigslist!

I would wait for the Prime... the 32gb for $499 plus $150 keyboard dock could probably be had for $600 online in a few months. Me... I'm one of those "gotta have it now early adopter" nerds... so I'll be Amazon hunting the day it releases.

 

[jvna]

I still think you can sell your TF and dock for near $450.  I don't know of any of my friends that will be camping nor will I, even though I'd buy the Transformer for $250.  The difference of $150 still isn't enough draw for me to camp and hope that I'll get one.  I'm gonna say that the people who do end up getting it on BF won't sell it.  I'm usually not one for new tech (I used to be in the past), but if I were to get a tablet, it would be the upcoming Transfomer Prime.

 

[qwerty]

RC - you need to stop with this android madness. I have an iphone 4S and it has yet to fail me, you take this phone stuff way too seriously.

 

[roundcorners]

Just called a few BB... I'm up here in Industry this morning... they have not recieved their shipment of Kindle Fires yet...

Apple loses smartphone share in Q3, as Android maintains explosive growth... as expected...http://www.bgr.com/2011/11/15/apple...-in-q3-as-android-maintains-explosive-growth/

New NFC Chips Can Be Embedded Into Products To Identify Cheap Knockoffs
Mr. Pat (CK) should be happy with this...

totally not interested, but... Siri Cracked Open... available on Android...

http://techcrunch.com/2011/11/14/si...ening-it-up-to-other-devices-or-even-android/


Last yesterday we got another Android goodness, Google released the ICS source code so we can definitely look for CM9!http://m.bgr.com/2011/11/14/google-releases-android-4-0-ice-cream-sandwich-source-code/

I'm not a Black Friday guy either... but things might change this year... what is everyone else scoping out...?  I hear BB will open early like Thursday midnight...?  Gotta confirm... 24" TV for $80...?  Did anyone else got their Fire shipped yet (Starlight...)??

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I almost threw my Android phone out the window yesterday... it was overheating, kept rebooting, dropped BT so I had to re-setup pairing with my IHOmobile.

I took it into the store last Saturday to get the speaker replaced because it wouldn't ring... and it's only 4 months old.

Tell me RC, how many times have you had to power-cycle your phone? You talk about pressure usage testing... but you fail to mention reliability. Like my old WinMobile phone, my Android phone tends to lock up or I have to power-cycle just to get it working... I haven't had to do that almost at all with an iPhone. It's just like PCs and Macs... the openness of the OS tends to let other things mess things up and you end up rebooting to fix it.

I hope there is a new Nexus next year that's not as huge... I have no idea what's wrong with my phone, it could be the hardware, the maker UI skin or my certain version of Android... at least with a Nexus, I'll be getting pure Android like with my TF.

 

[roundcorners]

To be honest... I do have to re-boot about once a week... there is a great article Jerry did over at AC about RAM memory..
http://www.androidcentral.com/ram-what-it-how-its-used-and-why-you-shouldnt-care

how Task Killers aren't really good, but my phone does run better after a good re-boot... maybe because my internal memory is so low...  and it's not like my phone doesn't work, it's just things don't get refreshed as quickly... and I get a blank screen in-between functions sometimes... no biggie...

now before with my stock Sense, I never really remembered having to re-boot at all...

Which phone did you get BTW... I don't remember you sharing that... check out some forums, maybe other have the same problem...

sorry man... what can I say... some robots are temperamental, you gotta give it some love, if you know what I mean...

 

[irvinehomeowner]

Yeah... well after your rant yesterday about pressure usage... my phone decided to act up while I was trying to hands-free call the wife to make sure one of us picked up the kids. I couldn't really do anything while driving so I pulled over and I couldn't even make a non-bluetooth call using the handset because it kept rebooting and time was ticking off the clock. I ended up pulling out the iPhone to call her and get things worked out.

So yeah... pressure situation, ended up going to your iFriend and it made me think of your post. It doesn't dissuade me from Android... it's still my primary phone and will be even after I get rid of this one... I just don't think it's as perfect as you feel it is.

(and I think you asked this before, but Siri does read your texts... it's pretty cool)

 

[irvinehomeowner]

I was able to play with Fire today (hehe).

It's surprisingly slick and the screen looks really good (I wonder why I didn't feel that way when it was the Blackberry Playbook?).

To me, Amazon basically Apple-fied the Android tablet to make it more consumer friendly... not a nerd toy for the techies like me and RC. They've put up their Amazon walled garden and want you play there instead of in iOS (or even Android for that matter). At $200, this is going to be pretty successful... not sure if it will generate iPad numbers but it's really like an iPad Mini... or aPad. Remember the first iPad? No camera, no external memory... well... here is again, smaller and Amazon style.

While the Nook Tablet has better specs, $50 makes a big difference between $199 and $249... B&N really should have threw in a bit more (even just a crappy camera no one would use but you can say it's there).