Technology catch-all thread

[HuskyCaucasian]

Apple Sheepishly Removes Competitor Antenna Performance Comparisons From Site

Apple has revamped the antenna performance page on its website, removing references to and videos of the performance of competitors' smartphones in comparison to the iPhone 4. Apple launched the page after its iPhone 4 press conference to demonstrate how a number of other handsets, including ones from Research in Motion, HTC, and Samsung, as well as the iPhone 3GS, see signal attenuation when gripped tightly in the hand.

 

Apple's continued interest in drawing its competitors into the antenna performance discussion was furthered by several updates to the site to add the Nokia N97 mini and the Motorola Droid X. Just a week after the most recent update, however, all of the comparisons have been removed, leaving only general claims that the attenuation issue affects most models of smartphones.

 

Not sure what happened here, but it has been pointed out that the Nokia N97 mini and the Motorola Droid X videos were manipulated. Not the video it self, but the results were manipulated. The N97 mini was being run in Power Save mode which cuts back on signal power and the Droid X wasnt running on 3G.

[Y2HH]

Apple Sheepishly Removes Competitor Antenna Performance Comparisons From Site

 

 

Not sure what happened here, but it has been pointed out that the Nokia N97 mini and the Motorola Droid X videos were manipulated. Not the video it self, but the results were manipulated. The N97 mini was being run in Power Save mode which cuts back on signal power and the Droid X wasnt running on 3G.

 

Apple never should have bothered with any of this nonsense, if people dont like their iPhone, they should just return them. Case closed. It's sort of how it works with everything else in this country that you buy and dislike...you return it and get something else.

 

I found it weak that Apple even tried the, "well it happens with other phones, too", bs. They should have just said, that in certain areas signal loss will occur if you hold the phone like this, you can use a case...or just return it and move on. This is basically what ended up happening anyway.

 

This story has been so overblown from the get go, it's not even funny. It's pretty apparent by now that aside from Android users, nobody cares about this so called signal issue. I don't know a single person with an I4 that returned it. I personally do not use a case of any sort, and have never had any issues with phone calls aside from the usual AT&T bs. As a matter of fact, in what were former dead zones, my phone gets signal now...so I find the i4 even better than it's predecessors. And considering they sold well over 4 million of them by now (not including the worldwide sales that just started this past weekend), it's obvious that people don't want to return them, at least, not in any percentage that matters.

Edited August 1, 2010 by Y2HH

[Balta1701]

Apple never should have bothered with any of this nonsense, if people dont like their iPhone, they should just return them. Case closed. It's sort of how it works with everything else in this country that you buy and dislike...you return it and get something else.

 

This story has been so overblown from the get go, it's not even funny. It's pretty apparent by now that aside from Android users, nobody cares about this so called signal issue. I don't know a single person with an I4 that returned it. And considering they sold well over 4 million of them by now (not including the worldwide sales that just started this past weekend), it's pretty obvious by now that the only people that care about this are the people who were never buying one in the first place.

Well, I'll admit it's scared me somewhat as a person who's considering one. I won't attempt it while they're still on AT&T and that's by far my biggest issue, but it did bother me a bit. Their reaction bothered me a bit too...lecturing users on how they're using it wrong didn't go over well.

[Y2HH]

Well, I'll admit it's scared me somewhat as a person who's considering one. I won't attempt it while they're still on AT&T and that's by far my biggest issue, but it did bother me a bit. Their reaction bothered me a bit too...lecturing users on how they're using it wrong didn't go over well.

 

I think the iPhone4 is the best phone out there right now. I've used the newer Android units, and frankly, the really nice ones (Evo/DX) are simply too big for a phone. The iPhone is 3.5", while the EVO and X are 4.3", which is nice for screen size, but simply too big for my liking. They need to pare those down to 4", which I feel could be the happy medium between the 3.5" size and the enormous 4.3" sizes. They also have to up the resolution. No reason the i4 with a 3.5" screen should have higher pixel density and resolution anymore, especially when you consider a new Android phone comes out once a month.

 

And that's my other problem with Android right now...too much too soon. The release schedule for Android phones (and I'm not talking about competitors either, but the SAME manufacturers) have to slow down. There is no excuse for a Droid, a Droid X and a Droid 2 (next few weeks) to come out in the same year, and I bet they have a few other Androids that I'm failing to mention here, making it probably 5 different Motorola branded Droids in less than 1 year. Choice is good, too much choice is not.

 

As a gadget freak, I don't want my Droid that I just bought 7 months ago obsolete by 2 NEWER phones in the same year. I already feel Apple comes out with them too fast, but a year between releases I can deal with. Take your time and release a phone that's good enough to last a year is the way I look at it, and if you can't do that, then I'll never be interested. Also, Google should release a minimum spec sheet for Android devices upon every update, so these manufacturers can't slop together a bunch of crap in a box and stuff Android on it, as it can end up spoiling the experience. Android is GOOD for competition, too much Android will actually begin to hurt itself. I already see the Android community splintering as everyone that I've spoken with has a different experience with the devices...this is coming from the fact that every Android manufacturer has 50 devices already. Make one very good low end model and one very good high end model and support them, but seriously stop with this 30 devices in 5 months crap.

[BigSqwert]

And yet there are 160K new subscribers to android phones each day.

Edited August 2, 2010 by BigSqwert

[BigSqwert]

I think the iPhone4 is the best phone out there right now. I've used the newer Android units, and frankly, the really nice ones (Evo/DX) are simply too big for a phone. The iPhone is 3.5", while the EVO and X are 4.3", which is nice for screen size, but simply too big for my liking. They need to pare those down to 4", which I feel could be the happy medium between the 3.5" size and the enormous 4.3" sizes. They also have to up the resolution. No reason the i4 with a 3.5" screen should have higher pixel density and resolution anymore, especially when you consider a new Android phone comes out once a month.

 

Obviously that's your personal opinion but people like choices. Apple provides one option for screen size. I'm 6'4" with large hands so the EVO screen size is absolutely perfect for me.

 

And that's my other problem with Android right now...too much too soon. The release schedule for Android phones (and I'm not talking about competitors either, but the SAME manufacturers) have to slow down. There is no excuse for a Droid, a Droid X and a Droid 2 (next few weeks) to come out in the same year, and I bet they have a few other Androids that I'm failing to mention here, making it probably 5 different Motorola branded Droids in less than 1 year. Choice is good, too much choice is not.

 

Who cares if there are a lot of phones coming out? Again, people like choices. All of these phones aren't cookie cutter options. You can weigh the pros and cons for which one to get. The EVO for example isn't the best gaming phone option out there for android but I don't really care much about mobile gaming so it didn't affect me. Plus you can look at provider plans. I get a nice discount from work for using Sprint so that made my choice even easier.

 

And as far as obsolescence, the iphone is just as "obsolete" after 1 year as any android phone is. Besides, most carriers provide a big discount after 1 year with a phone to allow you to upgrade. As a self-proclaimed techie you should know that.

Edited August 2, 2010 by BigSqwert

[bigruss]

And yet there are 160K new subscribers to android phones each day.

I know a few people at work with the new iphone and tehy are pretty upset by it, they just arent taht impressed compared to everyone around them with droids.

[Y2HH]

I know a few people at work with the new iphone and tehy are pretty upset by it, they just arent taht impressed compared to everyone around them with droids.

 

If these people are so jealous of Droids, why don't they just return their iPhones and get them?

 

Makes no sense.

 

I've heard things like this before, but again, all unsubstantiated, since all these iPhone4 users always seem to be complaining and saying Droids are better...but none of them return their iPhones and get Droids.

Edited August 2, 2010 by Y2HH

[Y2HH]

Obviously that's your personal opinion but people like choices. Apple provides one option for screen size. I'm 6'4" with large hands so the EVO screen size is absolutely perfect for me.

 

 

 

Who cares if there are a lot of phones coming out? Again, people like choices. All of these phones aren't cookie cutter options. You can weigh the pros and cons for which one to get. The EVO for example isn't the best gaming phone option out there for android but I don't really care much about mobile gaming so it didn't affect me. Plus you can look at provider plans. I get a nice discount from work for using Sprint so that made my choice even easier.

 

And as far as obsolescence, the iphone is just as "obsolete" after 1 year as any android phone is. Besides, most carriers provide a big discount after 1 year with a phone to allow you to upgrade. As a self-proclaimed techie you should know that.

 

My point is that it takes over a year for an iPhone to be obsolete. It takes 2 months for an Android to be obsolete.

 

You seemed to have completely missed that point.

 

The Droid X is way better than the EVO, contrary to your claim that the EVO is the best gaming option...it's not. The Droid X is the same size as the EVO, only it doesn't suffer the slowdowns, and has WAY better battery life. My point proven again. The EVO isn't even a half year old and it's obsolete.

 

Usually the discounts your talking about are 2 year upgrades...SOMETIMES they make special acceptions and let you upgrade after a year at the subsidized price...but even then, you're talking 200+$ for said upgrade, that's not cheap. As a self proclaimed techie, I do know that...

Edited August 2, 2010 by Y2HH

[BigSqwert]

My point is that it takes over a year for an iPhone to be obsolete. It takes 2 months for an Android to be obsolete.

 

You seemed to have completely missed that point.

 

The Droid X is way better than the EVO, contrary to yor claim that the EVO is the best gaming option...it's not. The Droid X is the same size as the EVO, only it doesn't suffer the slowdowns, and has WAY better battery life. My point proven again. The EVO isn't even a half year old and it's obsolete.

The EVO for example isn't the best gaming phone option out there for android

 

Also, the EVO has dual cameras for video chat. Plus I get a cheaper monthly bill for sticking with sprint and 4G speeds. Like I said....options, pros/cons.

 

And you're obviously not including other phones and operating systems when saying an iphone isn't obsolete for a full 2 years.

Edited August 2, 2010 by BigSqwert

[Y2HH]

Also, the EVO has dual cameras for video chat. Plus I get a cheaper monthly bill for sticking with sprint and 4G speeds. Like I said....options, pros/cons.

 

And you're obviously not including other phones and operating systems when saying an iphone isn't obsolete for a full 2 years.

 

Oops, misread that.

 

As for the video chat thing -- I find this totally gimmicky and stupid, especially on the i4, which requires WIFI...the porn industry seems to love facetime, though. Right now it's one of those features that people love to show off...but I find annoying and have thus far, never used other than to show people heh.

 

When Gingerbread (And3.0) comes out, I'll be ready to take a serious look at Android alternatives to the iPhone...but right now Android isn't quite there yet, despite it's openness. I think it will be a true alternative come 3.0, however.

Edited August 2, 2010 by Y2HH

[BigSqwert]

Oops, misread that.

 

As for the video chat thing -- I find this totally gimmicky and stupid, especially on the i4, which requires WIFI...the porn industry seems to love facetime, though. Right now it's one of those features that people love to show off...but I find annoying and have thus far, never used other than to show people heh.

 

At the end of the day the things that matter to me, such as the 4G speed and the much cheaper monthly bill, I'm a happy camper. There is nothing about my phone that makes feel as if I have some inferior product that I'm working with.

[Y2HH]

At the end of the day the things that matter to me, such as the 4G speed and the much cheaper monthly bill, I'm a happy camper. There is nothing about my phone that makes feel as if I have some inferior product that I'm working with.

 

My only real issue with the EVO is the size and it's poor battery life, it's a nice looking phone other than that. While technically inferior to the newer Droid X, I think it was designed better.

 

The reason I say I'll be looking toward Gingerbread (An3.0) for true alternatives to the iPhone is because Google is focusing their efforts on user experience to kill off the custom skinning everyone is doing. Right now, I truly dislike all these custom skins the different manufacturers are slapping on Android to make their devices custom. I do not like the HTC crap, and I do not like the Moto crap either. And I'm not into the entire hacker community anymore, I don't want to worry about having to root and hack roms onto my phones, I just want them to do what they do and work with the default roms.

 

I get a 19% discount on AT&T right now (through work), so the iPhone is nice for me, without it, I'd probably be more open to the EVO/Sprint alternative, as Verizon is just WAY expensive. I had Verizon before I moved to AT&T for the iPhone, and as expensive as people claim AT&T is...it's not. Verizon is just crazy expensive and they don't allow rollover. My old Verizon bill for 1 windows mobile phone was more than my current AT&T bill with 2 iPhones on it.

[iamshack]

As someone who is not seriously considering an Android phone, I do find the constant new releases of Android phones a bit confusing. I suppose that would not be the case if I were to seriously consider one, but since I have not, I watch these commercials and honestly have no idea which phone on which carrier they are even talking about. All I know is that there are some offers that give you 1 free if you purchase 1 at full price.

 

In regards to the spec wars, I think it's ridiculous. Even the techie people are having a difficult time keeping up with the constant one-upsmanship here. I actually have no clue which phones spec out the best.

 

The vast majority of cell phone users want to do the same few things: they want to text a LOT, they want to check their email, they want to have internet connectivity, they want to run facebook and twitter, they want to take pictures/videos, and they want to be able to load music or listen to radio streaming apps. The manufacturer that creates phones that do those functions well will put themselves in a very good place.

 

Secondly, Apple has done a magnificent job creating a device which is desired as a status symbol and as the "stylish" device to have. Do we really think all these girls and women keep up with the 20 new phones that come out every month? Do they read the tech articles or the forums? No. They see other people with the iPhone and they want it. It seems like every woman I meet has an iPhone. Some of them have iPhones that are 2 years old and beat to s***. But they almost always have iPhones. I dunno how anyone is going to unseat Apple in that regard.

 

 

[BigSqwert]

Excellent points shack.

[nitetrain8601]

My only real issue with the EVO is the size and it's poor battery life, it's a nice looking phone other than that. While technically inferior to the newer Droid X, I think it was designed better.

 

The reason I say I'll be looking toward Gingerbread (An3.0) for true alternatives to the iPhone is because Google is focusing their efforts on user experience to kill off the custom skinning everyone is doing. Right now, I truly dislike all these custom skins the different manufacturers are slapping on Android to make their devices custom. I do not like the HTC crap, and I do not like the Moto crap either. And I'm not into the entire hacker community anymore, I don't want to worry about having to root and hack roms onto my phones, I just want them to do what they do and work with the default roms.

 

I get a 19% discount on AT&T right now (through work), so the iPhone is nice for me, without it, I'd probably be more open to the EVO/Sprint alternative, as Verizon is just WAY expensive. I had Verizon before I moved to AT&T for the iPhone, and as expensive as people claim AT&T is...it's not. Verizon is just crazy expensive and they don't allow rollover. My old Verizon bill for 1 windows mobile phone was more than my current AT&T bill with 2 iPhones on it.

 

Agreed. I have Verizon right now and for the price, I can't wait to get out. Super duper expensive. I'm looking to jump back to Sprint.

[BigSqwert]

Just got the OTA Froyo update for my EVO. Flash 10.1 is awesome! Currently testing full episodes of Family Guy from Fox.com and they are running seamlessly.

 

There's another good reason to go Android. Free online episodes of tv shows for the major networks that provide them. That and flash games online. Flash is working really well and Steve Jobs will never implement it.

Edited August 3, 2010 by BigSqwert

[lostfan]

Just got the OTA Froyo update for my EVO. Flash 10.1 is awesome! Currently testing full episodes of Family Guy from Fox.com and they are running seamlessly.

 

There's another good reason to go Android. Free online episodes of tv shows for the major networks that provide them. That and flash games online. Flash is working really well and Steve Jobs will never implement it.

Is this available to all android users or just the EVO?

[BigSqwert]

Is this available to all android users or just the EVO?

The Nexus One already had the update, EVO and original Droid this week. Not sure on other existing phones but all the new ones coming out will either already have it or get the update soon after launch.

[Y2HH]

Just got the OTA Froyo update for my EVO. Flash 10.1 is awesome! Currently testing full episodes of Family Guy from Fox.com and they are running seamlessly.

 

There's another good reason to go Android. Free online episodes of tv shows for the major networks that provide them. That and flash games online. Flash is working really well and Steve Jobs will never implement it.

 

If iPhone users want flash that badly (most of us don't), you can jailbreak and have it.

 

Also, Flash games have to be rewritten for touch interfaces so playing them as is won't work very well, unless you like your hand covering the game you are trying to play.

 

Most episodes of online TV shows don't require Flash anymore, either. Not to agree with Jobs, but Flash is a BAD technology and needs to either a) be fixed BIG TIME, or B) go away forever and be replaced by something newer. Flash is slow on desktops, and I've seen it on Android phones...and I'm not impressed...I see quite a bit of slowdown with it, unless everything goes perfectly, which almost never happens. Of course, this isn't the Android's fault...it's Adobe's...they need to seriously learn how to program over there already. In time, I'm sure they will get it to a more real world usable point, but right now it's not there. The problem is, the longer Adobe takes to really make mobile flash efficient the worse it gets for Flash, as so many online video players are also running HTML 5 at this point. If I were Adobe, I'd kick flash production into high gear and really showcase it so they can tell Steve Jobs how wrong he is about it's inefficiency.

Edited August 3, 2010 by Y2HH

[BigSqwert]

If iPhone users want flash that badly (most of us don't),

 

I'd like to see the results of the official poll you took.

 

you can jailbreak and have it.

Something you admittedly don't even want to do yourself.

 

 

Also, Flash games have to be rewritten for touch interfaces so playing them as is won't work very well, unless you like your hand covering the game you are trying to play.

 

And you don't think with tens of millions of android phone users that flash games won't be made specifically for this demographic?

 

Most episodes of online TV shows don't require Flash anymore, either.

 

And many do.

 

unless everything goes perfectly, which almost never happens.

 

It's working perfectly on my EVO so I'm very happy.

Edited August 3, 2010 by BigSqwert

[HuskyCaucasian]

For CrackBerry users, Blackberry is announcing the new Blackberry Torch today based on their new OS.

[Y2HH]

I'd like to see the results of the official poll you took.

 

 

Something you admittedly don't even want to do yourself.

 

 

 

 

And you don't think with tens of millions of android phone users that flash games won't be made specifically for this demographic?

 

 

 

And many do.

 

 

 

It's working perfectly on my EVO so I'm very happy.

 

Actually, when iPhone 4.1 comes out, I'm considering jailbreaking it now that it's legal...and Apple can't really say much about it anymore. Mostly to break away from AT&T stupid rules...such as Facetime over 3G and tethering, etc...all of which are hampered by AT&T's contract with Apple.

 

And I'm not sure...Flash games are mostly stupid...I'd rather play a real game. Heh.

 

And you say, "and many do", there was a time, just a few months ago that they ALL did...now most do not require Flash...as time goes on, none will. Hulu is the latest to jump the HTML5 wagon...it's not IF flash goes away, it's WHEN flash goes away.

Edited August 3, 2010 by Y2HH

[Palehosefan]

If iPhone users want flash that badly (most of us don't), you can jailbreak and have it.

 

Also, Flash games have to be rewritten for touch interfaces so playing them as is won't work very well, unless you like your hand covering the game you are trying to play.

 

Most episodes of online TV shows don't require Flash anymore, either. Not to agree with Jobs, but Flash is a BAD technology and needs to either a) be fixed BIG TIME, or B) go away forever and be replaced by something newer. Flash is slow on desktops, and I've seen it on Android phones...and I'm not impressed...I see quite a bit of slowdown with it, unless everything goes perfectly, which almost never happens. Of course, this isn't the Android's fault...it's Adobe's...they need to seriously learn how to program over there already. In time, I'm sure they will get it to a more real world usable point, but right now it's not there. The problem is, the longer Adobe takes to really make mobile flash efficient the worse it gets for Flash, as so many online video players are also running HTML 5 at this point. If I were Adobe, I'd kick flash production into high gear and really showcase it so they can tell Steve Jobs how wrong he is about it's inefficiency.

 

Flash loads at the same speed as HTML. Every Flash site I have built has been under 400k and is completely run through XML and CSS. Adobe took their time with fixing Flash's CPU hogging nature of the past, but Flash Player 9 was released a few years ago and took care of this outside of the 3-D world, which Flash Player 10 has since taken care of. ActionScript 3 is an actual object-oriented language that is built in the image of Java. There is nothing wrong with the programming from Adobe, it is headed in the same direction as 95% of the other languages out. The main thing holding Flash back is that it is still a plugin, which is what it was always supposed to be. Flash was never meant to be an information-rich content producer, Flash was always supposed to be about the visual experience.

 

The things Flash does well happen to be a nice companion for mobile devices and new TV's. Things like video players, music players, picture galleries, etc have always been Flash's strong suit and will continue to be. Many new TV's will have their menu's in Flash. There's a reason Flash gained tons of market share over the span of Flash's life, and I love the point you make about Flash taking it's time compared to HTML 5. You do realize that HTML 4 was the HTML standard for 9 years!!! before HTML 5 came out? Flash has been consistently improving in programming and in the Flash Player itself. Flash isn't going anywhere, and Apple seeking a monopoly on application software is not going to be a sustaining endeavor.

 

I work with HTML, AJAXX, Javascript, and Flash on a daily basis, and there's still no comparison of a Flash presentation vs. AJaxx or Javascript. Flash wins everytime. However, information and security environments just run better in HTML environments. HTML's Canvas tag will be used for a lot of banners replacing some Flash, however the use of Javascript and CSS will take up the same amount of CPU usage as Flash.

 

Here's a fantastic(long) piece on the subject from another .NET/Flash developer.

http://flashworks.wordpress.com/2010/04/29...ure-of-the-web/

Edited August 3, 2010 by Palehosefan

[RockRaines]

Flash is simply not a safe platform which is why Jobs doesnt like it. I dont think it has anything to do with performance.

 

And the iphone's superiority in my world is simply based on the fact thats its an ipod. I can plug it into so many accessories like my alarm clock, car, stereo etc and have complete control over all of my music. I personally think thats one area that the other hardware manufacturers are missing out on as they focus on one-upping each other's droid skins.