The Apple Watch

Hello again! And welcome back to another installment of....

The wait is officially over and speculation can finally end. The Apple Watch has made its debut. And we hear tech expo cannot wait to dive into the details at this device. So without further provocation, here is... The Apple Watch..

The first detail of note is the fact that this watch comes in two sizes, one modest 38mm and one slightly larger, and equally less modest 42mm variant of the watch. 

But wait there's more.... Along with the two different sizes, there are three different types of chassis or watch housings, that you have to choose from. 

The entry level Apple Watch Sport, rightfully so, sporting an aluminum (rumored to be highly durable) chassis and rubber watch bands : starting at $349 for the 38mm and gradually moving up $399 for the 42mm. (Shown below)

The next tier up is simple named "The Apple Watch" sporting stainless steel chassis and watch band for an increased premium appearance, this watch ranges from $549-$1049. Prices vary depending on the watch band options you choose, along with the chassis size itself Yes you read that correctly.....

And finally, which happens to be the most expensive the "Apple Watch Edition" that encompasses a 18 karat Rose gold chassis, that starts in pricing at around $10,000. Kudos to anyone that purchases this variant, you will officially be..."that guy"...

its up to your imagination to determine if this is good or bad...lol

Now that we've hashed out the prices, lets talk about what you're getting. 

The apple watch (all variants) offers many features that the tech world has become familiar with, thanks to previous android compatible smart watch devices. These apple smart watches have a built-in microphone paired with a small useful speaker, making answering phone calls and replying to text messages a breeze. These new devices also come software features allowing all watch faces to be modified, showing vital information at a glance if you so wish it to be displayed. Naturally you can navigate to such information using buttons and dial on the watch itself but, it's a nice feature nonetheless. One of the most off features of this device is its ability to send hand drawn (by swiping on the watch screen) pictures between your own watch and a friends/spouse's apple watch. (Obviously encouraging people to buy at least 2 per household and recommending them to friends...)

But here is my (Matthew's) personal issue. Apple is and will always be known for radically redesigning, re-releasing and reformatting their devices at or around 6 months of unsuccessful sales...( (i.e. the iPhone 5s and possibly the 6s and 6plus (s) if the rumors have any truth to them....))

So persuading the masses to purchase the first generation model of this device at a price that I do believe is completely unreasonable compared to the competition (like the new pebble smart watch or Motorola 360 ) that offers equal quality and functionality is absolutely absurd.

My advice? 

Wait for a sale....or some sort of offer or decent promotion...to knock that price down.....

Or simply wait for the second generation of the device with might prove to correct the unforeseen mistakes of the first gen model...

Is it a great device? 

Of course it is!

Is it worth your first born child?

Maybe.....

No I'm just kidding...of course it isn't lol

Pre-orders start on April 10th with an expected availability of April 24th..

In any event....

These have been your technological announcements for Monday March 16th, 2015.

Please govern yourselves accordingly. 

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The Best Tech of 2014!

Welcome back to another installment of...

  Now that 2014 has reached its expected end, it would be fitting for us to take a look back and see what this past year had to offer us, in terms of technological advancement, of course.

Lets start off with the Good stuff, shall we?

The Nexus 6 & 9! 

Nexus 6 (above), Nexus 9 (below)

                After the release of the nexus 5 (smartphone) and the nexus 7 (tablet) in 2013, the fans of the popular device line had long awaited the arrival of a current model nexus from a different manufacturer. LG and ASUS were in charge of last years models, and they sold an adequate amount of units. But now, HTC and Motorola has taken their turn at making both a smartphone and tablet for the Nexus series. With the nexus 6's 5.96 inch 2560x1440p resolution, 13mp camera and 3220 mAh battery... It would seem that Motorola remembered every detail that a phablet should entail (based on public opinion, and sales from the One M8) , with an added bonus of front facing speakers. I mean who doesn't love those?

                The Nexus 9 is basically a larger version of the smartphone variant (naturally), meaning that if you bought both devices, navigating them would be a breeze, plus what makes the nexus name so popular, are the updates, straight from google, and good for at least 2 years. (Currently running lollipop/Android 5.0)

The Nexus 6 and 9 are both on my (Matthew's) christmas list, just in case anyone was wondering.

I kinda figured someone would care.....

moving on.....

The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus

           You can call Apple Inc. copycats, hypocrites or just a bunch of plain ol'  followers, but you must admit, the iPhone is better now, that it has ever been. I've reviewed the 6 and 6 Plus in a separate blog already but I will say this, the 6 plus (my personal daily driver) has impressed me! and that isn't an easy task to accomplish. The battery life is exquisite, the screen resolution, while not Quad HD, still provides a premium experience, and the build quality ( with an all metal design ), put iPhone 6 and 6 plus, at the top of my list of devices that are a must have for the last quarter of 2014.

The Pebble Smartwatch

Disclaimer : Let me just say that I'm not just putting these devices on my list, solely because I own some of them, But because they are just amazing devices of this year!

            The Pebble Smartwatch has been awarded best smartwatch of 2014 in most tech award categories. Yes, that means that the Pebble won over the Moto 360, ASUS Zen Watch, Sony smartwatch, and the Samsung Galaxy gear, all of which are more "technologically advanced" than the pebble. But what makes this device more popular than the rest?

• The Price
• Availability
• Cross-Platform Usage (meaning compatible with Apple Products as well as Android Devices)
• Look and Feel (Build Quality)
• Steel Variant
• Battery Life (up to 7 days between charges)

          Of course with a price point of $79-$99 (depending on what sale is going on at the moment), the Pebble suffers some lack of fancy tech that you get on other watches, like a touchscreen for example, or a high resolution, pixel dense multi-color display. However I find that the physical buttons on the device make me feel like more of a spy when I'm using it, and the retro look makes it very easy not to compare it to other devices, its in a class of its own.. So, there's that.

These three devices (well 4 if you count the nexus 9) are, in my opinion..the best tech of 2014!!In spite of everything else that has been released throughout the year, these devices have managed to stir up the most conversation, debate, controversy, and general buzz in the tech world during their respective debuts. Sure other tech could go on my list, like the Galaxy Note 4, great device, or the One+, equally great, the Moto X 2014, or even the HTC One M8, all wonderful pieces of tech, but they pale in comparison, not on a specifications sheet, but in popularity. 

And of course you know that's what technology is really about, 

popularity.....

In any event

These have been your technological announcements for Wednesday December 10th, 2014 

Please govern yourselves accordingly

The Note 4 Is Awesome! So why am I buying an iPhone 6?

WELCOME BACK TO.....

"The Galaxy Note 4 is easily the smart phone of the 2014-2015 tech year!"

a statement I made not even 2 hours ago...

The features it houses not only defeat the competition, but embarrasses the competitors. 

and given those reasons alone, it should the the obvious choice for me to upgrade to it (from the note 3).

Right?

So why did I (Matthew) find my self calling AT&T to reserving the 128gb Space Gray iPhone 6 Plus?

ME! 

of all people...

calling to reserve an iPhone...

its even hard to type out..

................

Why did i do it you ask?

Because I'm a die-hard Android Fan...

Let me Explain..

Yes, I  am one of Android's main advocates and have been for years, Since Verizon released their first "Droid" actually. and for the past 6 or 7 years (how ever long its been), I have only used products that have reflected such. Plus, given the fact that the last time I held an iPhone was when the 3GS was released. It occurred to me that I have not given Apple a chance at all.  And I've judged them for 7 years based on the underwhelming 3GS model. Now i must admit, that's not fair! And if I'm going to be an unbiased tech reviewer working for this great blog, it would be our (TechExpo's) best interest to have insight on ALL sides of tech, Apple included. So because of my appreciation for android, I'm buying an iPhone to get first hand experience of how and why people choose Apple over Android in the first place...

 "Apparently, people enjoy Apple products for some reason. What might that reason be?"

"What makes the iPhone so amazing, that causes people all over the world to want one?"

This were the thoughts that ran through my head as we were preparing the blog for the iPhone 6.

Admittedly, I jumped to conclusions that nothing has changed and the device simply was not worth our time reporting on.

and again, that's not fair.

So with that being said, On the 19th of September

I will be using my upgrade to purchase an iPhone, for the first time ever in my android-filled life.

And since the iPhone 6 Plus is now in a category to be compared with the Galaxy Note 4 and Note 3 (since i still have it)...

Now we have a message from the TechExpo's Administration.....

We here at TechExpo will be doing just that.

Comparing and Contrasting Every Single, Solitary Feature.

That is our Job after all, and (Matthew) will be the guinea pig for this experiment.

Don't worry, if he doesn't like it, you all WILL be the first to know.

We will also have the Note 4 in hand to review as well...

The Comparisons Game just got Real!

In Any Event

These have been your technological announcements for Friday September 12, 2014

Please govern yourselves accordingly

Thanks for stopping by,

We really appreciate it!

AND

Don't forget to show our writer and resident guinea pig some love!

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter

= Matthew Rischer

Until Next Time!

The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

Well the day has finally come.

the very day that half (or about one third) of the world was waiting for.

The release event of the new iPhone.

Now i want it to be know that I (Matthew) am, has and always will be a purebred android fan and connoisseur. This well known fact about me may not ever change..

And as much flack as I give to Apple's products and their lack of luster...

these devices appeal to a certain demographic of people that do not seem to mind the subtle changes that apple makes year to year. 

With that being said, lets get into what exactly happened today...

don't blink, you might miss these points... (lol)

okay okay ill stop... lol

•  The Infamous 8mp iSight Camera now w/ Focus Pixels Tech (with Optical Image Stabilization on the 6 Plus)
• Slow-Motion Video Recording  (120fps to 240fps ((really slow)))
• Wifi Calling (when cell signal is too low to make calls)
• VLTE Support
•  Average of 10h on battery (from what i could make out, promise of a full days' usage)
• Landscape View on select apps and even on Home screen (6 Plus Only)
• A8 processor chip (25% faster than 5s)
• 720p resolution (on the 6) and Full HD 1080p (on 6 Plus)

from what i could see, that was pretty much it. 

Of Course, the phones will come in the famous colors that include Gold, Silver and Space Gray

Pre-Orders begin Sept 12

and the phones will be available for regular purchase on Sept 19th

Prices are as follows...

for the iPhone 6 (4.7inch)

16gb - $199

64gb - $299

128gb - $399

for the iPhone 6 Plus (5.5 inch)

16gb - $299

64gb - $399

128gb - $499

why apple chose to do away with a 32gb model?...no one knows..

for the the price it should be standard...

but i digress lol

Again...i give Apple alot of problems when it comes to mobile phones. 

The company seems to know the tablet market as well as the markets of laptops and desktops. I just expect something mind-blowingly cool and exclusive, a gimmick if you will..

but maybe that's what i get for being an Android Fan..

I digress again lol

In any event
These have been your technological announcements for Tuesday September 9th, 2014
Please govern yourselves accordingly.

Thanks for stopping by
Come back and see us why don't ya!?

and don't forget to show our writer some love!

Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
= Matthew Rischer

until next time!

TechExpo'

Clash of the Tech Titans (Samsung vs. Apple vs. Motorola)

I have a problem. A problem that I haven't had in a very long time.

For the first time in about 6 years....

i don't know what phone i want..

September seems to be the magic month for new phones and accessories, and for a good reason...the holidays...

what better way to prepare to close out the year (as a business) than to release a new product that everyone (all the nerds like myself) has been anticipating since January....it gives us all time to settle into the "take my money now" mindset.. and it keeps the businesses in the black...or green, or blue or whatever is the good money making color....(lol i know its black....i think).

with that being said we have a few highly anticipated devices supposedly being announced in September (Hopefully released for sale by October/November). Those devices are the infamous iPhone 6 (4.7), the Samsung Galaxy Note 4, and the equally infamous Motorola 360 smartwatch (equipped with Android Wear which i will talk about in a separate blog post)

Even though this post is created before the official announcement of these devices, I'm going to deliver to you the most relevant of rumors that have the most validity. I wouldn't dare deliver information that I KNOW isn't true. 

Lets get in to it then shall we...

First up we have the iPhone 6.....

What's to be Expected? 

      well...we know for certain that the screen size WILL be the 4.7 and 5.5 inch options. we (I lol) also have confirmed that there will be different tiers of the iPhone just like before with the 5s and 5c. The lesser will mostly likely not come with the more expensive and highly famed Sapphire Glass...

speaking of which it seems that this Sapphire Glass is apple's new famous gimmick (everyone has them). Since one of the leading problems with iPhones, just so happens to be with the delicate glass on both the front and back of the phone. This Sapphire glass is highly bendable, extremely hard to scratch and very easy to keep clean, so you have that to look forward to... 

as far as the software side goes...apple did hint on something at WWDC a few months back, they mentioned a feature that allows you to remove yourself from group text messages... now i have to admit...that is a feature that i'm really looking forward to...like seriously..

Next we have the Samsung Galaxy Note 4....

So Whats New?

Well....there are alot of rumors going around about the Note 4 having a metal body, a quad HD display, an even more boss of a battery, stronger glass, a better camera

However...while these features have been confirmed, no one knows what else the phone will do...

Now i can guess (because sometimes i can be right...sometimes) that there will be a fingerprint scanner, and i can also guess that there will be a heart rate monitor for fitness applications, but those features have not been confirmed either....

Other than whats posted above, i cant confirm or deny any other features that the phone may or may not have.

That says a lot for Samsung. if you have unreliable leaked information, then that means you have a (for the most part) secure company. sure some details may slip out, but are they full details or just a piece of that is to come in september... 

Needless to say that Samsung's Note line hasn't disappointing us in a very very long time and i earnestly believe that the Note 4 will follow in those precise footsteps. 

Finally we have The Motorola 360 (Smartwatch)

What's This?

         Now i cant speak for anyone else, but this has to be the one device that I want over everything else I've seen this year. I have the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, and when it was released, it shared the spotlight with the Galaxy Gear and later the Gear 2 (Neo and Fit), and even further down the line the Gear Live, all of which didn't go over very well. LG even stepped out there with their G Watch, which was kind of hit and miss...more miss than hit. Motorola seems to have taken their time and created a product that ALOT of people want. 

we want a smartwatch that....

• ...has a great multi-day battery
• ...equipped with a great easy-to-read display
• ...comes with software that can be customized
• ...comes with hardware (wrist straps) that can be customized
• ...easily pairs with your android (soon to be apple) device(s)
• ...looks really expensive and unnecessarily cool and nerdy 

that last bit was for me.....

    But with that being said the Moto 360, as its being referred to, has promised all of these qualities and more. We wont know the "more" part until after the launch event coming up soon, but don't worry ill keep you posted. Ill make it my life's responsibility to do just that *side-eye*

Rumor has it that its starting off at $249....and they are going to get it from me....

with this, yes, i have the "Take My Money Now" syndrome..

don't judge me...

i know you are already but...

don't...

In Any Event

these have been your technological annoucnements for Monday August 18, 2014

 (its been a while huh).

Please Govern Yourselves Accordingly

Thanks for Stopping By

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and Life...real life that is..lol

iPhone 6 - Rumors and Speculation

Another Shorty.....

Foxconn ( a company directly affiliated with Apple.Inc) has recently confirmed that the iPhone 6 will now be available in two,  significantly larger screen sizes. One 4.7 inch variant, and one 5.5 inch display model for the phablet lovers around the world.

now that we are in the wake of wwdc (apple's bi-yearly developers conference) , and with iOS 8 (a.k.a Android KitKat lol *jokes*) coming up in the fall, one can only wonder when these phones will be released, or even announced, for that matter.

My best guess, without looking anything up, would be September. That month in particular seems to have a profitable history with Apple Inc. I've yet to figure out why, but whatever. All I know is as follows,
                                 
                                     its high time for Apple to do something....and it better be good....

yeah, i said it...

My questions to you all are as follows....

Are you excited about the new iPhone (s)?

Excited about iOS 8?

Yay or Nay for Larger screens?

I mean....is this really the death of the baby sized phone? that's all up to Apple now.

  This post is more of an alert rather than a report. a detailed expose' on iOS 8 is upcoming as i do more study into the matter.

  Below is a Video from my favorite tech vlogger Marques Brownlee (MKBHD) who recently got his hands on the iPhone 6 (dummy model) that gives a little insight on what is to be expected from Apple and Foxconn around the latter piece of 2014...just in time for Christmas.....imagine that...

 iPhone 6 Model (MKBHD) - http://youtu.be/AVpfhoi_uOM

In Any Event

These have been your technological announcements for Wednesday June 4th, 2014

please govern yourselves accordingly