Samsung Galaxy S5, Galaxy Gear 2, Gear Neo and Gear Fit (Samsung Unpacked February 24th 2014)

Samsung hosted it's (what seems like annual) Unpacked Event this year in Barcelona, Spain during the Mobile World Congress Convention. Yes! I know I'm late reporting this, but I've been distracted from the tech world for some time now, however, every now and again I get about 20-30 seconds to retreat back to the world of technology. So here i am.....and here it is!

First point on my list of Samsung Tech, is the Galaxy S 5....

.........or as I like to refer to, the iPhone 5s ( what should of happened )

Naturally, with the release of the iPhone 5s, Samsung was bound to release its counterpart sooner or later, and without fail...they did just that. Normally I would run through the specs But i found a Picture that does just that! And here it is.

Now, one thing that I like about this phone, that is not mentioned on the diagram above, is the new Ultra Power Saving Mode, which , when activated, shuts down everything other than the ability to make and receive calls and texts ( at the owners command, or automatic setting). This power saving mode combined with at 2800 mAh battery is sure to give you the 24 to 48 hour range that seems to be in high demand these days. (Aren't you proud of me for using pictures? ((you nod you head "yes")) yeah me too LOL)

Needless to say that the 5s sorry S5 will more than definitely give some great and however unfair competition for its Apple counter-partner. We well let the sales tell the story.... #AndroidFanForever

Moving on.....

                                   Samsung Galaxy Gear 2

Now, after only a few months, we have a 2nd incarnation of the Galaxy Gear! (shown above) appropriately called the Gear 2, and with just a few simple changes to it, Samsung has proved to be listening to consumers. The Camera, Microphone and Speaker is now located on the watch itself rather than the wrist-strap like its predecessor. The Gear 2 is also equipped with a larger battery that is rumored to last for at least 3 days. I do believe the Gear 2 will outsell its predecessor, however, if the original gear will go on sale for an (actually) reasonable price, I would most definitely purchase it. I was happy with the first version, but I,m happier with the second installment!

Speaking of Price reductions, The Gear Neo (shown below) is a camera-less, speaker-less version of the Gear 2, for those who just want the basics in wearable tech. Other than that everything the Gear 2 and Gear Neo are exactly the same.

                                        

 Samsung Galaxy Gear Neo

This next piece of equipment is what I'm impressed with is the Gear Fit. Although it does not have the camera or the microphone speaker (like the Gear Neo), It does have the shape that i believe ALL smart- watches/smart-bands SHOULD have.. (shown below)

                                        

 Samsung Galaxy Gear Fit

As far as pricing as concerned, that information has not been released yet, what has been revealed is the debut date/time, in April.

But you know I have pricing predictions, they are as follows

Gear 2 = $299

Gear Neo and Fit = $199

Galaxy S5 = $249 (all carriers)

You think so? I think so....

In any event........

these have been your technological announcements for Tuesday March 11, 2014, please govern yourselves accordingly!

Thanks for Stopping by, Tell a Friend, and come back yourself if you wanna

Remember!! I can always use suggestions and topics! Ask questions as well!! 

Until Next Time

AwkwardlyNormal

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

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