The Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat

I've raved about Nexus devices before in previous posts

this blog post is no different.

any phone that takes my eyes off my stellar Samsung Galaxy Note 2, has to be something worth looking at. 

and that's just what I've done!

I'm going to skip to the end real quick.....

i want one. 

lol

   now i am not very familiar with the Nexus 4, and after all the reviews I've read, apparently i didn't miss much. Even the nexus devices that were out before then, were kinda....mid-ranged...get-you-through type of devices. However, The Nexus 5, i believe, is the first Nexus device to break the cycle of being ignored for Google's line of devices.

lets get to the important stuff first.

Price..

normally i leave this for the end, you know, to sell you on it. but ill get to the selling part later.

the price on this beauty is only $349, right out the play store....

mind you, this is an unlocked device, loosely meaning that you can go to ANY carrier (minus Verizon, those meanies) for literally half.

most (unlocked) phones will cost you full retail price... and even on low-mid spec ranged devices you are looking at or 'round about $600, with the high end being at or around $800.

ill just let that sit there for a moment.....

now on to the other stuff...

What does it do!?

that's the main question right.

well this baby is equipped with the latest and greatest version of android

4.4 KitKat! oh yeah!

and that's just for starters

the phone itself is actually not that spectacular when it comes to specifications.
 it has be the trend, i guess you could say, to have the high specs on a phone to convince people that its worth keeping a device for 2 or more years and not feel bad  and broke about upgrading every 6-10 months. (yeah...that so works these days lol)
   The Nexus 5 and its developers, however, are not putting the weight on the hardware this go-around. Google has its sights set on software, and application improvement, and since KitKat can run on the most basic of devices just as well as the high spec ones, i find google's methods to fit the category under "definitely a different way of doing things"

ill list the specs here

Nexus 5 Specifications/Features

• 4.95inch 1920x1080 display (445 ppi ((pixels per inch))
• Snapdragon 800, 2.26Ghz processor (right up there with the note 2 and 3)
• Wireless Charging Available (additional purchase necessary lol)
• Gorilla Glass 3
• 1.3 mp camera (front-facing) 8mp (rear-facing) + OIS (optical image stabilization.
• 2300 mAh battery (similar to Galaxy SIII)
• 4g capable (unlike the nexus 4, from what i hear)
• 2gb Ram
• KitKat (Naturally)

Speaking of which, lets talk about it....

KitKat

KitKat brings a range of practical upgrades to the already popular android operating system.

1. for example, caller id.....

when someone or some business calls you, (remember this is always depending on your carrier as well) your phone does a Google image search for that business or establishment and presents you that image as said establishment or business is calling you.

not a big deal you say?

it is for me. i like when developers pay attention to the details.
speaking of which lets go through a few in Android 4.4 KitKat



          2. Google Now

i don't know if any of you are familiar with the Moto X. but, one of its endearing qualities was that Google Now was always listening, you could simply say  "OK Google" and a search would begin, even if the screen was off, or you were across the room...it was ALWAYS listening.

now with the Nexus 5 and KitKat, they have took the creepy out of Google Now. Its still voice activated, however, it can only be accessed when the phone screen is on and on the home screen. to initiate a vocal search, simply say, "Ok Google". cool right! right.



         3. Google Hangout/Sms Integration

now all of your contact information is in one place, and not three, like i am currently dealing with. texts and email information, in one application, threads and all. i suppose I'm really amazed that this hasn't happened before now, but there it is. lol



         4. Emoji!!!

its about time. those apple fanboys/girls have been throwing this little piece of heaven in our faces for years now. and even with Android Jellybean allowing us to finally see those long elusive symbols, we still did not have the ability to create them ourselves. well that fact is no more! with KitKat, we are free to Emoji!

here is a list of the other features of KitKat..

• Full Screen Album Art (Home Screen)
• Full Screen Application (reading, movies, easy access to notifications without leaving the app.)
• Speedier Multitasking
• Cloud Printing (wherever wifi printing is allowed)
• Low Powered audio playback (60 hours on most devices)

Needless to say, I'm really excited to grab the Nexus 5, YES! that's what i said! 

I'm leaving the note 2 world for the stock android google experience! 

oh and p.s. if you feel like donating to the cause......well....it would be much obliged. lol jk.....not really......yeah jk lol

(0.0) <---- serious face

These have been your technological announcements for Thursday, November 21st, 2013. Please govern yourselves accordingly. 

Remember! 

I could always use suggestions and comments! 

Also!

Remember to connect with me via social media (see "Connect With Me" blog post)

Until Next Time.......

AwkwardlyNormal

Connect With Me!!

i accept all questions. now whether i answer them or not, its a different story lol 

just kidding

not really.

sorry, not sorry

Connect with me over the holidays! let me know what you bought, and what was bought for you! I like hearing that kind of stuff blame it on the child in me! 

www.facebook.com/MatthewMachiavelli 

www.twitter.com/awkwardlynormal

instagram = awkwardlynormal

Google+ = Matthew Rischer

Black Friday Madness

Last Year, as some of you know, I was a sales associate at Best Buy during the holiday season. Being in that line of work, you witness a plethora of situations and my heart went out to a lot of people. The majority of customers responded in emotion, most commonly anger, because the item that the customer was searching for was either out of stock everywhere, or on a shipping hold due to delays in the mailing system.

 these kinds of examples are the only reason I do not participate in.....

Black Friday Madness

In the world of technology, you should expect this.

i mean just think about it for a second.

you walk in a store looking for the hottest item out on sale right now, on Black Friday, and they tell you, "its out of stock" and not just at that particular store you are in. but all across your state...and other states..

naturally, you are upset. 

but here is the thing.

that item that was on "sale"....

it was on sale almost 1.5 month(s) before the sales paper advertisement.

that's right....i said it.

Now, of course, items like televisions and some specific tablets will go on a special sale for a ridiculously low price, but those will be gone..20 minutes after midnight leading in to Black Friday,..I've seen it. people are crazy quick!

I too used to believe that Black Friday was the opportune time to grab that item Ive been eyeing all year, but i was so far from right, it was almost unbelievable.

With that being said here are some tips to avoid disappointing that special someone on Christmas morning.

START TODAY......

like right now!

Pre-ordering NOW will guarantee your item if you just have to have it before Christmas Day 

and if the item you seek isn't as popular as you initially thought.....

Wait till New Years Day...

when most people are off-work and returning their gifts for something that they really want.

I've seen people return perfectly perfect iPads because they were the wrong color.....

yes...that's a thing..

Like Ive said in a previous blog, spend your Black Friday at home this year, recovering from being a glutton on Thanksgiving. Put some time in with the ones you care for, and let the Gifts you give only be an extension of your emotions towards them. 

and it doesn't hurt if the gifts are exactly what they want....because you were smart!

and shopped for them early! XD

These have been your technological announcements for Thursday November 7, 2013

Please Govern yourselves accordingly

Thanks for Stopping By!

Remember! I can Always use suggestions and topics for future posts!

Comments don't hurt either

Until Next Time..

AwkwardlyNormal

Whats on Your Christmas List?

  Below are some listed devices that i believe would make excellent gifts for the tech specific people in your lives! NO this isn't my personal list! LOL but nevertheless, i hope you are itching to get out there and shop as much as I am.  

Enjoy!

• Phones

Galaxy Note 3! 

   The premier phone of the year! 95% of the worlds population would be so happy to unwrap this on Christmas morning, or some time thereafter (which ill talk about in a minute). Ive done a review on the Note 3 and all of its specifications shortly after the phone was announced by Samsung! 

check that out here ~~> (http://awkwardlynormal.blogspot.com/2013/09/samsung-unpacked-2013_5.html)

   

   Nevertheless, it would make a great present, and with the specials and sales already poking their heads out, NOW is the time to grab one, if you are considering it a Gift for somebody...or.....yourself.....lol.  ((disclaimer : prices vary by carrier))

Nexus 5 (a Google device)

    It seems like this device comes sliding in at just the right time! While the Note 3 is the premier phone of the year, The Nexus 5 is one of the most Anticipated Devices of 2013/2014. With so many leaks preceding its launch, Google has managed to NOT disappoint Nexus fans, while, at the same time, managing to grasp the attention of various users looking for an upgrade. 

   I've also done a review on Google Devices as a company product ( it is not a nexus 5 review, but that's coming!) 

you can check that out here ~~~> (http://awkwardlynormal.blogspot.com/2013/10/google-devices.html)

    

    in any event, the Nexus 5 is an unlocked, pure stock Android device which has been guaranteed to receive the latest android updates. (or at least for 18 months, but that's another blog lol) Plus it comes in at $349 for a 16gb, and $399 for the 32gb variation. Yes....an unlocked phone (meaning you can go to any carrier, EXCEPT Verizon...for now) starting at just $349.... yeah you cant beat those kinds of choices. would definitely make an awesome gift!

The iPhone 5s/c

    Yeah I know, iKnow.... you are surprised to see this phone here, but let me explain myself..... And this is just my opinion

The majority of apple product users like said product because its easy to use, and the quality is more than great. Even though Apple has failed when it comes to keeping up, they have managed to provide a consistent product since the creation of the very first iPhone. The 5s of course is the luxury model, and the 5c is the cheaper plastic variant, aimed mostly at adolescents and the elderly (we know its the truth, if you say it or not lol) ((prices also vary by carrier))

and , naturally, ive done a review on the iPhone as well

 take a look here ~~> (http://awkwardlynormal.blogspot.com/2013/09/apple-keynote-september-2013.html)

• Computers/Laptops/Chromebooks

i always want to leave this category empty because...well...

when it comes to laptops, desktops and other mobile devices, you really get what you pay for. Yes there are sales all around for low to mid ranged devices, but you are really looking at about 2-3 years of use out of said device. so when picking something like this a gift, the higher quality, the more usage you will get out of it, and the more you will pay, initially. 

Check out the Google Play Store for their chromebook selection, 

  and if you want to know what a chromebook actually is check out my blog about them here ~~> (http://awkwardlynormal.blogspot.com/2013/09/chromebooks-are-they-really-worth-it.html)

• Tablets

In this category, i am only recommending three different brands. 

    

    1.  Samsung (Note 10.1 ((2014 edition)), and Note (8inch) along with the Galaxy Tab 3 8, and 10.1 inch variants.

    

    2. The Google Nexus 7 ($229), and the Nexus 10 Tablet ($399)

     These tablets are supported by their mother companies, and have been promised to be equipped with the android and experience that we all deserve, now... you can take your chances with other brands, but I suggest these. you cant go wrong. 

    3. The Apple iPad Air ($499) and iPad Mini ($399)

    Yes, yet again the iProducts have made the list. The New iPad Air is simply impressive, the iPad mini is marginal for a tablet but still...Apple has proved that they remain a threat in the tablet department.

 Head over to Apple.com , Samsung.com and the Google Play Store for their tablets and shipping estimates.

• Bluetooth Speakers

      I would have never thought of this on my own, but a bluetooth speaker would make an awesome gift.  One in particular that i like, is the mini jawbone speaker for $179 at Target (don't know how long that's gonna last but still...) 

    Here is a list of Target's bluetooth speaker collection , I'm using Target because that is the BEST place to get these kinds of accessories! 

(http://www.target.com/s?searchTerm=bluetooth+speakers&category=0%7CAll%7Cmatchallpartial%7Call+categories&lnk=snav_sbox_bluetooth+speakers)

• Dongles

The Chromecast! 

    

   Its popularity speaks for it self. but just in case you haven't heard of it... The Chromecast is a device that hooks up to your smart television (via usb) and links your phone or tablet with your television! The device makes streaming from Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Google Play Movies, seamless and Uncomplicated.

Plus...its only $35....yep

   the perfect gift for that person who just might have everything I've listed above except this! a good tech gift with out the high tech price! (its only compatible with android at the moment!) 

again, head on over to the Google Play Store for more information! 

• Cell Phone Accessories (phone cases, earphones, wallet cases, stylus')

       Sometimes the little things add up! personally, i am a huge fan of phone cases. being an owner of a galaxy note 2, and having people comment on how large my phone is, i find it necessary to dress it up sometimes to make it stand out even more. i mean....i paid for it and all...why not? right? 

     When it comes to cellphone accessories Best Buy is your best bet! granted, they do not have everything in the world, but they do have the best deals on these things. 

     Phone cases are tricky though. so if you have an older phone like my ol Note 2, Ebay and Amazon will become your friend, when searching for a gift for that someone!....or again....yourself! XD

• Black Friday Foolishness

i implore you.... please don't get involved in this!

   Working at Best Buy during Black Friday was a nightmare...for employees and customers. 

I'm going to give you some meaningful advice...

Start Shopping Now.....

you aren't saving as much money as you think. 

and you wont have to worry about these stores running out of stock on the item you were waiting to go on sale.

Stay Home on Black Friday. Relax, and don't shop at all! 

I'm doing just that this year.

These have been your technological announcements for November 2, 2013

please govern yourselves accordingly

remember to comment and share! 

and don't forget to come back and check on me! 

i could always use comments and suggestions!

Until Next Time

AwkwardlyNormal