A couple of weeks ago I loaded the new Android operating system on to my Samsung Galaxy S2.
Named as Icecream Sandwich...Google insist on having these strange names for their Android versions... this version 4.03 is designed for the latest crop of handsets and tablets running Android.
The main things I have noticed, as far as improvements are concerend are related to multi tasking. The phone generally runs smoother, and switches between applications swiftly and effectively.
It takes a little bit of time to recognise some of the changes as you delve deeper in to the day to day use of a smart phone. There has been upgrades to the Email client, using my work Exchange account, and it took me a couple of days to figure out some of the improvements. It's now easier to attach a file to an email, and like a desk top PC, I can attach any file on my phone, or I can take a photo and share that easily. Speaking of photos, renaming, cropping, rotating and editing photos is much easier. The Galaxy S2 takes great 8MP photos by the way, and I love the panorama shooting mode. (See photo of the Hiroshima Peace Park below)
The menu system has been changed slightly, and I have found the settings are easier to find and adjust. Things like accessing the the data usage menu, and being able to set data limits and warnings are great, given that a Smart phone can easily use a lot of data if you are not mindful of this. Power saving features have improved, and I am getting about 30% more from my battery life, which is fantastic!
If you are considering a Smart phone, or looking to upgrade one, I recommend the Samsung Galaxy S2 as one of the most user friendly and highly specced phones on the market today, and now with the upgrade to ANDROID 4.0, it's even better. As a matter of fact, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus that is being heavily promoted as the first ANDROID 4.0 phone on the Australian market is actually an older phone with lower features, so now that the Galaxy S2 has been given this upgrade... it's definitely my choice.
iPad 3, iPad 3, iPad 3 It seems that all the tech media talk in recent weeks was the imminent release of the Apple iPad 3. Such a lot of media and consumer attention for such a small change in design.
I am not saying the iPad 3 is not a good piece of kit, but it is not a quantum leap that encourages consumers to upgrade from the iPad 2. Only if you feel the absolute need for higher resolution graphics does it make any sense. In ordinary use day by day, I do not believe the higher res screen will make much difference when using the iPad 3 to access the web, or even watching YouTube.
Maybe there is enough graphics grunt to make movie watching a little more pleasurable, but this really is a personal thing given the size of the screen and the unlikeliness of a family sitting around their much lauded iPad 3 in the lounge room watching Ice Age 4.
What all this hype does show is that Apple have managed to create more than a user friendly tablet and smart phone (iPhone). They have pulled the ultimate marketing coup... creating buying frenzies and media attention around the world, all talking about the next release device from Apple. Even going so far as to encourage rumours about upcoming product upgrades, what might or might not be included or improved on. Talk about controlling a market.
I am even guilty of joining in the hype, discussing the Apple iPad 3 here or even the iPhone in earlier blog posts.
Those that know me know that I am a fan of Android, but even the best competitor against the iPad 3, Samsung's beautiful Galaxy Tab 10.1 leaves me feeling a little under whelmed. Don't get me wrong. I love my Samsung tablet, lighter than the iPad, thin, bright screen and all. But why did Samsung remove the advantages they had over the iPad by using a propriety connector in stead of micro USB? Why did they remove the ability to upgrade memory via micro SD card slot. These were the things that made Samsung competitive with the original Galaxy Tab 7.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon every day. It will always be exciting to read through content from other writers and practice a little something from their websites.
This is an electronic payment system for smart phones that communicates with the new EFTPOS Terminals being rolled out by banks into retail channels.
Essentially, you are able to have all your credit card details and personal information stored on your mobile smart phone using an App. Just like you can simply "flash" your chipped credit card at a retailer now and the payment is deducted quickly and automatically, NFC via a mobile wallet will take this even further giving the consumer control over a number of credit cards or accounts. This clever technology will eventually mean there will be no reason to carry a wallet full of credit cards or cash, and once again the humble mobile phone becomes even more entwined and entangled into our lives.
Last year in May, I said this new technology would be introduced in a short period of time to Australia, and now it is a reality. We are already using "Chipped" Credit Cards for swipe payments and the new NFC technolgy is now starting to appear in Smart Phones this year.
Google isn't the only one developing Apps and NFC for payments, as Apple is also rumoured to be developing the same type of technology for their popular iPhone.
The rexently launched Google Samsung Galaxy Nexus Smart Phone has a smart chip included to allow the use of NFC, and HTC have just launched the "Velocity" smartphone in Australia with NFC included.
I welocome your thoughts about NFC payments, and eliminating the need for a wallet full of cards and cash? Will we also carry our ID in our smartphones? No need for a driver's licence? Are we safe? is Big Brother watching?
There are many questions around this technology, but at the end of the day I believe most of us will be using Near Field Communication (NFC) on our smart phones to make purchases.
Australians are often the first to embrace new technology, so I feel we will jump on board with NFC too.
Google's Nexus phone has been a long time coming to the shores of Australia.
Produced by Samsung, and known in OZ as the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, this smart phone is pitched at the high level consumer looking for the best of the best.
What makes this phone special are two key features that set it apart from all other smartphones in the market today.
1. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is the first phone in Australia to come loaded with the much anticipated Android Icecream Sandwich opertaing system. This new OS is the pinacle of Google's popular system for smart phones bringing a better consumer experience, faster speeds and improved muti-tasking. Everything the high end user needs.
2. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is also the first SmartPhone in Australia to sport a "Near Field Communication" (NFC) chip. This brings a whole new technology to SmartPhones, allowing you to use your Galaxy Nexus as your credit card, paying for items at wave and pay outlets, which are becoming more prevalent in the Australian market.
You can read more about this technology in an earlier post of mine here.
The Motorola Xoom has arrived at jenlist Distributors and makes a great alternative to the Apple iPad if you are looking for a sophisticated handheld Tablet capable of delivering exceptional performance and versatility.
With 32Gb of on board memory, Micro SD slot to expand memory by a further 32GB, WiFi and a Dual Core 1.2 Mghz processor, this 10.1 inch tablet has the power and spped to meet almost all your portabel comuting needs.
The version we are selling is WiFi only and retails at $599.
You can pair this with a pocket Wifi from Optus, Boost Mobile of Virgin Mobile and enjoy computing on the go.
The Motorola Xoom is running the latest Android 3.1 Honeycomb operating system designed specifically for larger screen tablets like the Xoom. Honeycomb offer true mutlitasking enabling you to quickly switch between running programs and APPS.
You can enjoy full navigation on the latest Samsung Smart Phones.
One of the best things about the latest breed of Smart Phones from Samsung running Googles Android operating system is the inclusion of spoken, turn by turn Australia wide navigation from Navigon.
The complete Australian Mapping is included on the supplied Micro SD card with most Samsung Android Smart Phones. This means you can enjoy full navigation with out the need for an internet or data connection, as the mapping works seemlessly in the background and location is plotted via the built in GPS of the Samsung Smart Phone.
So, for as little as $149 you can enjoy all the benefits of having one of the latest Android powered Samsung Smart Phones as well as full spoken turn by turn navigation by Navigon. By the way, Navigon is a Garmin company. Garmin is the biggest name in Navigation in the world.
Check out the Boost Samsung Galaxy Mini in White or Black and the Optus Samsung Gio. These fabulous Prepaid handsets come with FREE Navigon spoken turn by turn navigation from Garmin.
Many a word will continue to be written about the impact that Tablets will have on the human race.
The humble tablet as we refer to them today can maybe be compared to that famous tablet of the late 90's that "kept people up all night".
Statistics show that tablet usage is on the up, (no pun intended), and of course we have the iPad from Apple to thank for that, just like we can thank Pfizer for bring the must have tablet for all night performance to market back in 1998. Coincidentally, 1998 is the same year Donna and I started Jenlist Distributors.
It is estimated that usage of the Smart Phone and Tablet will see more people spending time surfing the Web next year on their personal Tablet or Smart Phone than they do on a traditional PC. It's hard to believe I am today referring to a "tradtional PC" that in reality has only really been in common use in homes since about 1998, about the same time Pfizer and Jenlist had uplifting moments.
But enough word play. I think you get my drift by now.
As per the graph right, the average Android user (and this is the same for users of Apple's iPad and iPhone) spends almost an hour a day interacting with the Web or apps. This just shows that consumers that may have spent this time interacting with friends, watching TV, playing sport, etc has re-assigned their time to spend more of it surfing the web or using applications such as email, game play or social media interaction. So, they still interact with friends then, but on a broader scale with more people in further away places as well as locally.
So, what is it I am trying to get at here? Simple, I think.
If you are a retailer and want to be a part of this growth, then I strongly suggest you get involved in retailing products that these consumers are purchasing, get involved with Social Media to "talk" to your consumers, and embrace the future within your business. An hour a day now will soon turn into 2 hours.
Your customers will continue to upgrade their devices, and more often than not they will do this in a convenient and comfortable environment. Make sure your retail outlet is a comfortable environment to be in and make sure you offer the latest "smart" devices for them to purchase.
Android outsells iOS in Australia It's official Googles Android operating system for smart phones now surpasses sales of Apples' iOS operating system for the iPhone in Australia, making Android the most commonly used Smart Phone operating system around the world.
For almost 12 months, Android has out sold iOS in Europe and America, but last week finally made the cut to overtake iOS in Australia.
Local Telco's are selling many different branded Android handsets from the likes of Motorola, Samsung, Huawei, Sony Ericsson, LG and many others, both on Post Paid and Pre Paid.
The cost benefits are part reason for Android outselling iOS as is the fact that multiple manufacturers have embraced the open operating system from Google.
Another interesting fact is, 1 in 2 handsets sold in Australia are now Smart Phones with internet access. This used to be an area reserved for the business market, but all consumers are wanting the benefits of smart "connected" mobiles.
If you haven't tried one of the new smart phones, then maybe it's time you upgraded your handset to one of many Android powered Smart Phones available today.
Prices have plummeted in recent months and you can now pick up a great bargain on Prepaid for as little as $79 rrp.
My suggestion would be that if you are thinking of buying an Android powered smart phone, buy one that runs Android Operating System 2.2 (Froyo) or above for the best user experience.
It seems that Smart Phones are unstoppable in desirability and sales as consumers discover the many benefits of owning a smart phone connected to the internet.
The Android phone is now the most popular or desired phone, closely followed by Apple's iPhone. The reason Android is doing so well is not only the clever "Open Source" operating system but the choice consumers have when it comes to the brand of phone. There are Android based phones from Samsung, Motorola, LG and Sony Ericsson, to name the well known brands, but more and more "Smart" Android phones are coming from manufacturers like Huawei and ZTE.
Not only does Android offer smart phone operating systems, but it also powers dozens of tablets from a myriad of manufacturers.
Price will often play a significant role in sales and this has been proven to drive Smart Phone sales in recent months as the local carriers offer quality Android phones on Pre-Paid, starting from as little as $99.
If you aren't stocking Android Smart Phones in your shop, then maybe it is time you jumped on board the Smart Phone train to ensure you don't get left behind.
After all, mobile phones have become a convenience item... almost disposable. Your customers are always looking to upgrade or purchase the latest handset, so make sure you offer choice.
So true dad! My housemate has an iPhone AND a HTC Desire but was still talking last night about upgrading and what phone he will get next. Pretty hard to keep up!
I love technology and all the things it can do for us in this day and age. Those that know me know that I am always embracing new technologies, whether I need it or not.... BUT ! I can't help but be a bit careful about the latest announcement from Google that they are running their Google Wallet in San Francisco and New York City as test markets. What is Google Wallet I hear you say?
This is what is termed as NFC (Near Field Communication) payment systems for smart phones. Essentially, you will be able to have all your credit card details and personal information stored on your mobile smart phone using an App. Just like you can simply "flash" your chipped credit card at a retailer now and the payment is deducted quickly and automatically, NFC via a mobile wallet will take this even further giving the consumer control over a number of credit cards or accounts. This clever technology will eventually mean there will be no reason to carry a wallet full of credit cards or cash, and once again the humble mobile phone becomes even more entwined and entangled into our lives. No doubt it will be a short period of time before NFC payments is a reality world wide, and I am sure the younger generation will see many advantages have having the one device (their smart phone) doing absolutely everything for them. Google isn't the only one developing Apps and NFC for payments, as Apple is also rumoured to be developing the same type of technology for their popular iPhone. Naturally, smartphone hardware needs to be capable of NFC, and so far there are only one or two devices able to use NFC, but it won't take long.
What do you think about NFC payments, and eliminating the need for a wallet full of cards and cash? Will we also carry our ID in our smartphones? No need for a driver's licence?
PersonalIy I don’t like idea of the Google wallet. If you leave it on what’s to stop someone going around bumping into people with a scanner in their pocket? Like a virtual pick pocket. Not for me. I went to Coles last night and swiped my debit card and
didn’t have to put in my pin for the purchase! Not very secure. They have just implemented and new thing with purchases under a certain amount no pin or sgnature is required.
The menu system has been changed slightly, and I have found the settings are easier to find and adjust. Things like accessing the the data usage menu, and being able to set data limits and warnings are great, given that a Smart phone can easily use a lot of data if you are not mindful of this. Power saving features have improved, and I am getting about 30% more from my battery life, which is fantastic!
The Motorola Xoom has arrived at jenlist Distributors and makes a great alternative to the Apple iPad if you are looking for a sophisticated handheld Tablet capable of delivering exceptional performance and versatility.
Many a word will continue to be written about the impact that Tablets will have on the human race.
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