Friday, September 28, 2012

Dear Philippines: Do Not Buy an iPhone 4S (Yet)!


Source: technobuffalo.com
As you may have heard and seen now, the iPhone 5 has been released in the US and 30 more countries, with 22 of them just released today. This means that the 2 previous generations of the iPhone has their prices cut off, with the 4S now costs $99 and the 4 is now FREE (based on US prices, on a 2-year contract with a wireless carrier).

It also means that the price of the 4S that the local telcos are pretty inconsistent with the ones in the US. There are even tech-savvy Filipinos who realize this and either shell out tons of cash to get the latest right away or wait for it to arrive here.

It has come to my attention that the telcos are still pushing to sell the 4S at the same price as it was before the iPhone 5 came out and there are people who actually buy it. Sure there are promos to lower that price but not everyone can avail such.

From a fellow Filipino, I advise you to NOT get the 4S until the telcos announce the iPhone 5. If you feel that there isn't much difference, you can just get the 4S at a cheaper price (depends if the telco will still offer it). I sincerely don't want anyone to regret their purchase.

Friday, September 14, 2012

The iPhone 5 is Still A Great Smartphone


apple.com

After months and months of speculation, Apple finally launches the iPhone 5. The thing is, bloggers have been putting out rumors about this product so much that by the time that it was announced, some people were underwhelmed. I can't blame them because all the rumors that pointed to this were true. To be honest, I was really hoping that Tim Cook and Co. would surprise me but unfortunately everything was predictable.


But this doesn't mean that it isn't a great smartphone. It still has iOS, the EASIEST-to-use mobile operating system ever despite the competition heating up with Android 4.1 Jelly Bean and Windows Phone 8. And with iOS 6, new features were still introduced like the new Maps application and the Panorama mode. I gotta say though, Apple has to step up in the user interface if it wants the iPhone to last for generations.



Also, two of the biggest features that the iPhone really needed are now here in the iPhone 5, and they're both fours. One is 4G LTE, the fastest cellular network available. This means that you can surf the web, download apps, and stream HD movies with blazing-fast speeds! With the iPhone 5, LTE could go mainstream AND HOPEFULLY, will not slow everyone else's data connection down. The other one is the 4-inch screen, which is a big change in itself since the iPhone has been carrying a 3.5-inch screen since its inception in 2007. Apple obviously understands about the comfort of holding a phone with one hand and just made the phone taller and not wider so that no one will be alienated with holding it.


Apple just wants to make sure that average people would enjoy the iPhone 5 even though there were changes to be made. This phone may not please everyone, but it will be one of the reasons why the smartphone market will continue to grow. 

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Apology + New Rules for FIVE-TRIPLE-ZERO


UPDATE: iPhone 5 post is now up!

As you may have noticed, nothing really happened to the FIVE-TRIPLE-ZERO contest. I am DEEPLY SORRY for that. It's not that I don't wanna give stuff away, it's just that I've been busy for the past few months as I was doing my research project with my partner and I didn't want too much distraction. I'm actually lucky to even post this to say my apologies.

That said, I am gonna make it up to you guys by posting the new rules for the said contest:

1) Read the iPhone 5 post - Yes, it's that time again. Instead of posting my impressions on it, I am going to rant about why the iPhone 5 is still a great smartphone despite the underwhelming reactions of 57% of Americans. I'm hoping this will be a good read for you guys.

2) Comment on that post - Not just any random comment, I want a reaction to my post. I don't mind if it's negative to the point that you think I'm just an Apple fanboy or positive in a sense that  it does make sense and they're gonna sell millions of them anyways. I just wanna hear true sentiments guys.

Still deciding on the prize though. If you wanna get a clue to what it may be, go to my Twitter to find out. The deadline would be the end of October.

Sorry for not informing you guys anything. I really hope you understand my situation and will be back to post more once this busy-ness fades away.

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Sept. 12 + Apple: What to Expect, What to Do and NOT Do


theverge.com

As the invite that Apple gave to people says, It's almost here.

After months of rambling rumors, leaks, videos, and pictures, we are now about to find out what Apple has in store for us. I have this list of what to expect from this event, what to do, and NOT to do in preparation for this event. Read on as I don't want you to do anything dumb as we draw near to this.

What to Expect (and not expect):

The next iPhone - iPhone 5, or whatever they're calling it, the signs are all pointing to the next iPhone being launched in this event. Expected features include LTE, a bigger screen, a smaller dock connector, and more.

New iPods - It's been a while since there have been design changes on the iPod lineup. They deserve a much needed refresh as it is rumored that there will be new ones coming side-by-side with the new iPhone. This includes a 4-inch screen iPod touch, and a redesigned iPod nano that may have iOS design features. Here's to hoping for cheaper "gateway drugs" to Apple products.

iPad mini (?) - This elusive device has been in the rumor mill for quite some time and although it is rumored to launch on this event, signs point to October for the launch event of this to put the spotlight on the iPhone.

More goodies from iOS 6 - I've been testing out iOS 6 lately, and I have to say that the bag of tricks they have are few. As an iPhone user, I sincerely hope that what they showed in WWDC last June was all that it could do. There should be that one reason to buy any new iOS device.

What to Do (and NOT to Do):

Ask if your carrier supports 4G LTE - Smartphones these days now carry 4G LTE, at least in the US and some parts of the world. A way to check that is by looking at the specs of the New iPad HERE, then check the frequency that your carrier uses for 4G LTE. If they match, there is a good chance that the new iPhone will support it.

Don't lose hope though, as there is no final specs on the new iPhone, things can change.

DON'T BUY AN iPHONE RIGHT NOW - By now, I think you've realized this one. Just in case you didn't get it, THERE IS NO REASON FOR YOU TO BUY ONE NOW unless you're on a budget and you REALLY REALLY need it. Or just be patient and look out for September 12 (September 13 Manila time) to check if the new one's worth it. 


Here you go. I hope I've helped you in at least the basic details on the event. If you want to follow the coverage, check out The Verge and other tech sites for detailed coverage.

Apple, please don't disappoint me.