The Future of Computing

For a tech, it seems that computing could get fairly basic in the near future. Currently iOS from Apple gives iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad users a closed environment for computing. Sure there's 300,000 plus applications in the app store, and some of them are down right amazing, but there is also plenty of programs on the Internet that you and I like to download. It's probably available in the app store, but if it isn't, don't plan on installing it. It's not possible on those iOS devices. Cloud storage is the latest rage. Have you seen that Google is coming out with a laptop that is based entirely on their Chrome OS. This laptop is likely to have minimal internal storage and operate primarily in a virtual state. With most of your documents, pictures, and even music being streamed from a remote (Cloud) location. Essentially this does make the OS less if not impervious of virus threats, but it also keeps your data safe. In the grand scheme of it all, its just going to limit us from what we shouldn't be doing. Copying that friends CD/DVD, downloading that torrent file that is loaded with viruses, or sending spam mail. You may not know it, but cloud computing is good for you, well, at least in theory. We'll see what the future holds with new App stores coming to MAC OS, and possibly Windows 8 turning into a virtual OS like Google Chrome OS.

Google TV or Apple TV

The ironic part of this debate is that neither one is a TV, but still, both make your TV a lot more fun. The Apple TV from the start looks really cool. It's small and sleek, and almost the size of a hockey puck! Although not round, and probably not as heavy, but more fun to watch than the Sport! The Apple TV has a great interface that is based on the iOS operating system and as soon as the software update of 4.2 is released it will really make watching movies, pictures and listening to music on your TV/home stereo really cool. You come in from work, you've been listening to some music, or say a Podcast. Just hit a button and it sends it to your TV and home stereo so you can listen while vegging on the couch, all this done wirelessly and effortlessly. Want to control Apple TV, well you can use the simplistic metal remote included or use the application on your iPhone, iPod touch, or even iPad. Integration between all the Apple products is going to be really nice once the update is made. The Apple TV allows you to stream your content to it, but if you want to download movies or TV shows from iTunes it will be rental only. Netflix has its on interface on the Apple TV as well, but of course you'll need a membership.

Google TV has something that I have always wanted in regards to a media center PC and that's the ability to just get on the internet. This was never practical with most HTPC (Home Theater Personal Computers) because they were bulky, noisy and usually too expensive! Google TV seems to have a nice integration for surfing while watching TV. Think of Windows Media Center, but better! The Google TV device appears to be a lot more pricey than the Apple TV. The logitech box that appears a little larger than a portable DVD player is set for $299, although this appears to include a wireless keyboard as well. Still much more than the $99 Apple TV. Google TV has apps like Pandora, Twitter, Naptster and Netflix as well. Apple has Netflix integrated but you wonder how long before Steve and the boys at Apple open the floodgates of the App store to this device, that could be impressive, if so.

Overall, I think both devices are going to improve TV, and hopefully put the pressure on cable and satellite providers to lower their cost. If only ESPN can come out with an App that allows all sports to be streamed in full HD, then we could all consider dropping our cable/satellite contracts.

Android vs. iPhone

So it's fairly evident that the latest battle in technology is Android vs. the iPhone. Financial Times.com reports that Android operating system phones has grabbed the third place most popular mobile device with 10.6% vs. 8.2% in Q2 for 2010.

Ok, there's the numbers, now lets break this down for what it really means. "Android" is an operating system that is getting deployed by 4 major mobile providers in Att, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Sprint. These phones are being manufactured by multiple hardware manufactures including Motorola, HTC, Sony/Ericsson, LG, and Samsung to name a few. This hardly appears like a fair fight. I can only imagine once the iPhone becomes available from T-Mobile, Verizon and Sprint that it will not only regain the lead from Android, but even surpass those ugly Nokia and beyond boring Blackberry phones.

New Apple iMacs

The evolution of the all-in-one desktop from Apple has come a long way. The original iMac came in 1998 in form of a CRT with a green translucent plastic housing that held all the components visible. In late 2004 the design that most closely resembles the current and new iMacs was released. In 2004 that model had a white casing much like many of Apple's products today (macbook, airport, iPhones). These new iMacs that were released on July 27, are the first Apple computers to contain an Intel i3 chip in edition to the recently available i5 and i7 chips. This is the quad core chip upgrade to the still popular Intel Core 2 Duo line. The main improvements from the Core 2 Duo are the DMI support, smaller architecture (32nm), onboard GPU and inherit speed because of these improvements and obviously "more cores". Nvidia is sent packing and ATI is in with a new graphics cards this time. Overall the new iMacs appear to look the same, but what's cooking inside should make them a real option for video editors, power users and lets face it, anyone who can afford them. Its the best looking desktop on the planet and if you must have a desktop, and a monitor sitting on your desk, why not have it all integrated into a piece of art that can double as a large digital picture frame, or even watch movies on it, if your desk is strategically placed. I am still disappointed that there was no usb 3 and blu-ray option added, but maybe next time.

iPhone 4 KEV-TECH Review

The iPhone 4 is fast, sleek and once again ON TOP of the competition!

The first thing you'll appreciate about the new iPhone 4 is the display. Its incredible how much brighter and detailed it is from the 3G and 3GS models. The resolution went from 480x320 to a whopping 960x640. That's HD and you can tell when you play any HD content on the device but also everything looks sharper on this new display.

The speed is the next thing you notice and that comes from the internal Apple A4 chip clocking at 1Ghz. This is up from 600mhz on the 3GS and a measly 400mhz for the 3G (2008 model). Also, they have stepped up the RAM in the iPhone 4 to 512GB. That's double the amount of RAM from the 3GS and 4 times that of the 3G model. Engineered and dedicated hardware all comes together with the new iOS 4 operating system for the iPhone 4. It adds multitasking, grouping of icons in folders, and more. The new iPhone sports a very capable 5 megapixel camera (which really can replace your compact point and shoot) with an LED flash and takes 720P HD video as well. There is front facing camera that allows video chat via the FaceTime application that allows iphone 4 users to chat over WiFi. [see the demo here FaceTime]

The battery life increased slightly from the previous model and then there is the new design. The new design feels solid in your hand. You can really grip it and it sits well on your desk. No rocking with this model because of the squared edges. As stunning as the new design is, I highly recommend a case. Not just because it may help the rumored antenna issue, but the phone is 85% glass now. So, by having an all glass back and front you want to take care of this gem. I recommend a case that wraps around the back and protects it. The phone may feel a little better in your hand and slip in and out of your pockets a little easier without a case but remember, this phone is only a loaner until the new one comes out and you sell what now is the "latest and greatest" for the "New and improved". I've seen beat-up, non-working iphone 3g's (model from 2008) going for $100+ on eBay. Why?, "don't ask"- just join in on the greatest resale appliance ever known to mankind. You, as a consumer and iPhone owner need to take care of that device. Enjoy and use it to its full potential, but as soon as your eligible, trust me, its better, its faster and you deserve it. You waited two years, maybe one, but your current phone is your ticket to "What's NEW".

Overall I would give the iPhone a 9 out of 10 at this point, only because I know updates should solve some issues with possible bluetooth bugs as well as the proximity sensors. Personally I have not seen the antenna issues, but I have always had a case over my phone and Charlotte has a strong 3G connectivity.

iPhone 4 Press Conference

Tomorrow, July 16th, 1pm eastern time, Apple holds a press conference on the iPhone 4 and the complaints of reception issues. This should interesting. You can bet that Apple will not be recalling the device, but I think they may issue free bumper cases, because cases seem to mask the issue. Although, do you think maybe version 4.5 the CDMA Verizon model may have a different antenna design???

Update: Apple to issue all iPhone 4 owners a free case. The Bumper case, or some other cases that they deem eligible. More information to follow at the end of this week on www.apple.com

If you missed the press conference, click the link to catch the full address by Steve Jobs- http://events.apple.com.edgesuite.net/100716iab73asc/event/index.html

The blog has launched!

The KEV-TECH blog has officially launched, stay tuned for new postings!