When The Fat Lady Sings: The Pentagon Considers Apple, Android over Blackberry
November 1st, 2012 by Christen
In case you didn’t think the mobile takeover was real, the U.S. Government is considering leaving it’s archaic standard of RIM and Blackberry devices and opting for Apple or Android instead. In a quest for a larger, mature app ecosystems – The U.S. Government has officially announced that they’re accepting applications for new service providers that can manage keeping their defense secrets – A SECRET.
TechCrunch reports The U.S. Government will now be looking into solutions for provisioning iOS and Android devices in addition to those featuring RIM’s BlackBerry OS, according to a new report from Reuters. That means RIM will no longer have the exclusive contract for smartphone devices at the U.S. Defense Department, though it will remain another option.
A posting for the Defense Information Systems Agency is looking for companies to submit applications detailing how they can provide software to monitor and enforce strict security measures required for sensitive defense-related operations. The potential size of any arrangement with the Defense Department is huge: it could span 8 million devices all told. But the DOD doesn’t mean RIM is left out in the cold; in fact, BlackBerry’s Mobile Fusion cross-platform mobile device management solution is among the software solutions that could theoretically meet the needs of the DOD.
RIM said that it will be offering Fusion as a potential solution for consideration, in an interview with Reuters. And while other organizations like U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have announced they’ll switch entirely to iPhone, BlackBerry still probably won’t kicked out of the Pentagon altogether, at least in the immediate future, so while this is a blow, it isn’t a knock-out punch quite yet.
What do you think? Could you be seeing our Commander in Chief President Obama on #TeamApple or #TeamAndroid soon? Which device do you think he prefers?
Five Things You Thought You Knew About The Apple iPad Mini
October 24th, 2012 by Tech StaffSure the sound you heard around the world yesterday afternoon was a bit of joy, shock, awe and even a few snarky jokes once Apple’s iPad mini was revealed. Aside from the general size, weight & price – you’ve probably assumed that you know all that you need to know regarding the device. If you’re curious about the entire scoop or haven’t gotten the scoop in details before – keep reading…
SPECS: The new model comes in both black and white. The 7.9-inch screen with 4:3 aspect ratio gives the iPad mini a size advantage over 7-inch competitors. The area measures 29.6 square inches to 21.9 on a 16:9 7-inch tablet. RESOLUTION: It has the same resolution as the original iPad and iPad 2, at 1,024 x 768. WEIGHT: At 10.9 ounces, the iPad mini is less than half the weight of the full-size iPad. It’s just 0.28 of an inch thick. PERFORMANCE: The iPad mini packs an A5 chip, the processor that was first seen in the iPad 2, and it’s the same chip that powers the current iPod touch. It has a front-facing FaceTime 720p camera, with 5-megapixel camera in back. It also includes Apple’s new Lightning connector, which first debuted on the iPhone 5. PRICE: The iPad mini starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi-only version with 16GB capacity. Higher capacities and 4G LTE options are available. Prices for Wi-Fi-only versions are: $429 for 32GB, and $529 for 64GB. For the cellular versions, prices are $459, $559 and $659 for 16, 32 and 64GB, respectively. Pre-orders begin Oct. 26. The iPad mini starts at $329 for the Wi-Fi-only version with 16GB capacity. Higher capacities and 4G LTE options are available. Prices for Wi-Fi-only versions are: $429 for 32GB, and $529 for 64GB. For the cellular versions, prices are $459, $559 and $659 for 16, 32 and 64GB.
AVAILABILITY: Pre-orders begin Oct. 26 with delivery dates scheduled for November 2nd.
Are you planning on becoming an iPad mini owner?
Are You Tech Fan Wedged In A World Apple iPhones, iPads and MacBooks?
October 22nd, 2012 by Christen
If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it many times before. Apple has single-handedly become a successful company because of it’s lifestyle appeal to tech – not because of superior products. As a matter of fact, you may notice more of it’s competitors taking a few cues from the widely successful company but appealing to the novice and sometimes tech snobbish users of today. Have you ever asked yourself if Apple users really think differently? Or have they been brainwashed instead? Apple fanboys and fangirls everywhere have jumped at each and every new product released by Apple, not because of it’s superiority in the marketplace but simply because it’s manufactured by Apple.
Discover if you’re an “Apple hater” or just plain immune to psychological lifestyle marketing. This infographic gets to the bottom of why people buy Apple products, and what keeps them from buying them. And it shows how they feel about those products once they’ve bought them. If you’re having trouble understanding this unusual infographic, here’s a quick guide: On the left side are those who haven’t bought Apple products, and on the right are those who have been enveloped in Apple’s alleged reality distortion field.
Are you an Apple Super Fan? Do you believe Apple’s success has been simply because of the reality distortion?
Which side do you fall on?
Apple Rumor Mill: Your iPad 2 Could Become Extinct Before You Know It!
October 19th, 2012 by Christen
As an iPad 2 owner (twice over) – I believe that there are just some things that are inevitable. New products develop, while older products fade out to pasture. With the New iPad release nearly knocking the original iPad product to extinction, it’s only a matter of time until the the natural progression product evolution takes place leaving another product behind. But what do I know? According to CNET.com -
Tablet buyers may see the iPad 2 sink away as the iPad Mini prepares to surface, says Evercore Partners analyst Rob Cihra. According to Chira - Apple could phase out the iPad 2 because the company’s vision leads toward “clearer product tiers,”. Apple is expected to unveil the iPad Mini at a launch event on October 23.
Launched in March 2011, the 16GB iPad 2 is currently available through Apple at a price of $399 for the Wi-Fi only version and $529 for the Wi-Fi + 3G edition. In contrast, the new iPadstarts at a price of $499 for the 16GB Wi-Fi version and shoots up to $829 for the 64GB model with Wi-Fi and 4G.
Apple has teased at a smaller iPad, using the term “we’ve got a little more to show you” on the invites for the October 23 event. But the company hasn’t yet officially announced any such device, so there’s been only speculation about it. Some reports say the smaller tablet will be available November 2nd and sport a 7.85-inch screen with the entry-level model offering 8GB of storage and Wi-Fi only access and a price tag of $249.
I’ll admit, I was once a faithful iPad 2 user until I purchased my Macbook air earlier this year. My primary love for these Apple products was because of one reason, mobility. Since I’m always on the go, you can most-likely catch me with my Macbook air and doing work while I have free time during the day. However, I probably won’t be intrigued by the the iPad Mini once it’s announce next week and released next month, simply because if it’s anything like the iPhone 5 release, it’ll probably fall short to it’s competing Samsung product.)
Are you excited about the new iPad Mini? Are you an iPad 2 owner or New iPad owner looking forward to getting the new iPad mini counterpart or do you think it’s just another status quo product on the market?
Apple VS Samsung…Which Tablet Comes Out On Top?
October 10th, 2012 by Christen
With the clear domination of the Samsung S3 in comparison to Apple’s newest iPhone 5 and my secret obsession with the new Samsung Galaxy Note – I’m beginning to feel “a certain way” about the Apple vs Samsung battle. As an Apple “Trinity” title holder, (Apple Trinity = owning an iPad 2, iPhone 4s and a Macbook Air) I have recently wondered about my decision to go with “All Apple Everything!” versus opting to buy superior tech products no matter what brand they’re affiliated with. (I could easily go into a rant behind the psychological marketing genius of Apple as a company, however – I’ll just leave it to you to form an opinion of your own based on the strength of each competing product in the computer tablet market.)
CNet.com recently explored the battle of the fittest tablet between Apple’s New iPad and the Samsung Galaxy 10.1. Check out this video and vote for your favorite tab device in the comments below…
So what do you think? Are you in the market for a new tablet? Which tab comes out on top for you? Cast your vote below…
Could Google Possibly Create An Android Only App?
October 1st, 2012 by ChristenLast week, while on the phone with my sister – I gave her an impromptu tutorial on iOS 6 and the pros and cons on updating her phone. While we both were excited about the VIP email, Do Not Disturb feature and phone call answering/text feature – we both agreed that the Google maps discontinuation on her phone wasn’t worth the hassle of updating her device. Sure, there are other iPhone users that haven’t taken the plunge into iOS 6 and if they’re heavy Google map users then they have good reason. Since it’s clear that Google isn’t in a hurry to release an iPhone app of its’ own – is it safe to say that some sort of app release retaliation is eminemnt?
What if Google released an exclusive Android only app?
We already know that in this day and age of smartphone devices, they’re all running neck to neck in all the top areas including design, technology and over-all user experience and the smartphone you own is strictly based on preference, not performance. Forbes.com questions if an exclusive Google maps app could become Android’s killer app and I think it absolutely could happen. Forbes.com states:
There’s no relief in sight to Apple’s flawed Maps app; to get the full fledged Google Maps, you must be on Android. This has essentially been the approach that Google has taken. Google Maps on Android has gained more and more features than what was on the iPhone. But Google has done this in a subtle manner, without the clear delineation of choice for phone buyers. Instead, Page could take a page from Steve Jobs’ playbook and go “thermonuclear,” as Jobs did against Google’s Android and Adobe’s Flash.
For the gambit to succeed, Google would have to make Google Maps the clear industry standard and continuously extend its lead. It has to be so good that buyers otherwise predisposed to Apple or Microsoft would buy an Android phone instead. That’s a big bet. But with a 6-year head start in mapping and complete control of the hardware and the operating software, it is plausible bet.
With trillions at stake, it might even be a good bet.
What do you think? Do you depend on Google maps strongly? If you’re an iPhone user and Google created an Android-only app, would you make the switch? Why? Sound off below…
So That iPhone 5 That You Just Bought…Guess How Much It Really Cost To Create It…
September 21st, 2012 by Christen
With the iPhone 5 cultmania taking place all weekend long (or until Apple’s inventory is completely sucked dry) – it makes you wonder, of all the cash that’ll be shelved out…how much of it is really paying for the iPhone 5 device itself. Sure you know that Apple will have somewhat of a markup…but when you compare how much it cost to make the phone and how much consumers are buying it for…it may surprise you…
The gorilla glass display and touchscreen: $44.00
Memory: $20.00
Improved camera: $18.00
Battery: $4.50
Processor: $17.50…
That’s not all…
The entire cost to manufacture an iPhone 5 device is only $206.85…and eBay already has listings of the device in the thousands??? So how much did you really pay for the device and how much did you pay for the Apple logo?
So You’ve Just Powered On Your New iPhone 5… Now What?
September 21st, 2012 by Christen
…Now what?
You’ve patiently waited in line (or else you ordered online) and now you have the most coveted smartphone on the planet in your possession. Resisting the urge to rip open the box, you’ve probably racked your brain figuring out the first thing you want to do with your new Apple iPhone 5. (If you’re reading this – excited about your iPhone 5 delivery waiting on your doorstep while you’re at the office *pay attention*)
If this is your first or upgraded device, now is the time to charge & activate your phone.
Now the musical fun begins. Get your upgraded iTunes and Earpods ready… If you want to use the iTunes Store or the App Store–and you must, right? Why would you get an iPhone if you didn’t want to take advantage of its hundreds of thousands of amazing apps?–you need an iTunes account. These free accounts not only let you buy music, movies, apps, and more at iTunes, they’re also used as part of iCloud, Find My iPhone, FaceTime, and many other awesome technologies on the iPhone.
Dive into all the new features from iOS6 including Passbook, Facetime (over 3G), VIP email and even the “Do Not Disturb” functions…
Once you’ve spent a little time with the built-in apps, your next stop is the App Store, where you can get all kinds of new programs. Whether you’re looking for games or an app to watch Netflix on your iPhone, ideas on what to make for dinner or apps to help you improve your workouts, you’ll find them at the App Store–and usually just for a few dollars.
Be sure to snap a few panoramic shots with the new updated camera and iSight. The camera now has an 8 megapixel sensor, 3,264 x 2,448 pixel resolution with backside illumination, hybrid IR filter, five-element lens, f2.4 aperture, is 25 percent smaller and can take panoramic photos. The video camera captures 1080p HD quality. Front-facing camera features 720p support, backside illuminated sensor, and FaceTime works over 3G with iOS 6.
Your new iPhone 5 is now ready for the weekend! What are you going to do first?
You’ve Updated Your Apple Device to iOS6…Now What?
September 19th, 2012 by Christen
Instagram: Patiently awaiting my Macbook Air & iPad 2 to load the iOS6 update
If you’re like me, earlier today you couldn’t wait to begin downloading Apple’s newest operating system update iOS6. Why? Well beyond the fact that you’d hate to be the last kid on the block using outdated software – you’re probably excited about some of the nifty upgrades and treats wrapped inside of iOS6′s release. You’ve eagerly clicked on the “software update” button on your iPhone, iPad or Mac and you’ve patiently waiting through the seemingly never ending installation. Just when you thought you were finished, your device re-booted and yet another never ending “loading” timeline separates you from your fully updated device.
Finally! You have Apple’s iOS6 software update…Now What?
Since a lot of you have asked about the iPhone update (either you have an iPhone 4 or 4s with no intention on purchasing the iPhone 5) — this one’s for you!
iPhone users: (In a nutshell)
- Looking for photos? With the updated photo stream, you can share photos with select people and create your very own private photo sharing network. (Think Instagram without the creepers…)
- Facebook integration allows users to have instant access to Facebook in apps, the web browser and Siri PLUS contacts, events and birthdays can also sync with the calendar.
- Facetime will now work over cellular connections. Low iPhone battery? No worries You can choose to answer on your iPad or Mac.
- Passbook will solve all your ticketing & reward membership card needs. It collects all of your loyalty cards, ticket information and other info into one neat place for easy access. Even better, it’s location-enabled and can display your movie tickets while approaching the theater or airline ticket at the airport.
- Siri got smarter: She can Tweet & update Facebook statuses, knows much more about restaurants, movies & sports and she just aims to please…
- Say goodbye to Google Maps: The open street map looks great (w/ Yelp integration) and the 3-D satellite view for NY, SF, LA and London is phenomenal however don’t look for subway, bus or other transit information here – because it’s gone. (Be prepared to get familiar with HopStop or other 3rd party transit apps for public transit info.)
- VIP email baby! There is a new VIP feature that will highlight mail from people you really want to hear from. (no more client mail getting lost in the shuffle…praise the lord!)
Have you begun exploring the latest updates on your Apple device? What are your favorites so far? Were the updates worth the wait?
Rumor Mill: Is This The New Apple iPad Mini?
September 18th, 2012 by Tech Staff
According to Gizmodo, the Chinese site Bolopad claims that these are exclusive shots of the upcoming Apple iPad Mini release. The 7.8-inch iPad looks like the real deal – but is it legit? Are releasing leaked pics Apple’s newest ploy in positioning themselves against the competition? Just yesterday we questioned Apple’s latest iPhone 5 release & disappointment in the loss of surprise that Apple once had. Apparently, we’re not the only ones questioning Apple…
The author states,
“I have to admit that I’m starting to think that all these leaks can’t be just a coincidence. The iPhone 5 has been the most broadly leaked product in Apple’s history. The new iPad mini is going to be the next. It almost feels like Apple is letting these products out of the factories to control market expectations and backlash from the press and consumers. Or perhaps Foxconn’s workers are getting smarter at smuggling them out the factory. Or things have gotten so massive that it’s impossible to control.”
What do you think? Would you rather have leaked images or would you prefer the element of surprise when it comes to new tech releases?
