Why the Surface Pro 4 is better than the Surface Book

On Oct 6, Microsoft unveiled a number of devices namely the Lumia 550, Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, Band 2, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. The Lumias are phones and the Band 2 is a smart band. The Surface Pro is a tablet while the Surface Book is a laptop of sorts. However, the way Microsoft has pitched these two devices presents an antithesis. When the third generation of the Surface Pro was released, Microsoft pitched it as the tablet that could replace your laptop but with the Surface Book, Microsoft is telling us it is the laptop that could become a tablet when you need it to be. Despite these confusing statements, there are some similarities and important differences between the two.

Apple iPad Pro: First Impression

I am not going to get into why I dislike iOS devices. This is simply an unbiased and objective look at Apple’s largest tablet, the recently unveiled iPad Pro.

The Good

Display/Screen

It has a larger screen: 12.9 inches. Also there are more pixels. Not that I am impressed by that sort of thing. Personally, 720p is more than adequate for mobile hand held devices; 1080p at the most. Anything higher is superfluous. But that’s another matter.

4GB of RAM Should Be the Minimum for Windows 10

When Microsoft announced that any PC capable of booting Windows 7 or Windows 8/8.1 would be sufficient to boot Windows 10, many PC manufacturers and retailers were irked because it meant many users wouldn't be upgrading their hardware which in turn meant lower sales for them. Keeping the requirements for Windows 10 the same as those for Windows 7 and 8 makes a lot of sense because it means more people will upgrade to the new OS. - something Microsoft desperately needs and wants.  But Microsoft may have done itself (and Windows 10) a disservice by allowing 2GB of RAM as a sufficient minimum. That's because there's a difference between booting Windows and running Windows.

Apple Watch: iamConfused

Apple Watch: iamConfused

So Apple’s foray into wearable computers has begun. Yesterday saw the unveiling of the Apple Watch. Surprisingly, it wasn’t christened the iWatch like most of us expected. Though it's a bit inconsistent with their nomenclature, it's okay. Using the ‘i’ prefix has almost run its course anyway. Until now, I have not given smartwatches much thought or attention. This is because they don’t do anything that a smartphone cannot already do (and do better). It was its circular icon grid and digital crown that caught my attention. But before I get to that, let’s extol its virtues.

Fixing Microsoft's Windows Strategy

Bill Gates had a vision/goal: a Windows PC in every home. That vision was largely accomplished. Today's computing landscape is different and Microsoft is finding it hard/difficult to maintain that dream/goal. This is because it failed to acknowledge the changing phase and face of computing. The world went mobile while Microsoft still wanted us chained to desktops and laptops. In a desperate third attempt to make amends, it hastily put together Windows 8 which turned out to be a poorly- conceived smorgasbord. It further compounded the situation by releasing Windows RT. And then there was also Windows Phone. Three products that bore the Windows name but couldn’t work together. Of course, from a capabilities and features standpoint, Windows Phone and Windows RT are the same. They run on the same hardware; the latter only has a different interface. So, is it still possible to have Windows in every home on different form factors without having disparate product lines? The answer is yes. This is what needs to be done.

1.         Admit that Windows 8/Windows RT are failures

No one is perfect. People hardly get it right all the time. Windows 8.1 didn’t solve much. Microsoft should quit trying to patch the mess and just move on to Windows 9 or whatever they want to call the next major version.

2.         Harmonise Windows across all platforms

There is some work on this already. MS is working on fusing Windows Phone and Windows RT. However, there are some finer details to this. True harmonisation means the EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE & FEATURES across all platforms; form-factor permitting. For example, the full Bluetooth stack is open on Windows PC. Why not let it be open on Windows Phone/RT? 

Another example is the incompatibility between Windows Phone 7 and Outlook on PC. Outlook couldn’t transfer or sync contacts with a Windows Phone 7 device that I had.  A Microsoft product that couldn’t sync with Outlook. Go figure. I confess I haven’t bothered to try out Windows Phone 8 so I don’t know if this is still the case.

Also, if Windows on PC has a file manager (Windows Explorer), then why not Windows Phone?

3.         Strip windows down to the absolute essentials needed for mainstream casual computing.

Most people don't need IIS, Active Directory, Domain Services, Kerberos, etc. These advanced components could be downloaded at will when needed; perhaps a nominal one-time fee could be charged for each of component/module.

4.         Simplify and streamline the UI

Microsoft should give up the Windows 8 and 8.1 experiment. The user interface just doesn’t cut. Every newer release of a UI should enable the faster accomplishment of tasks and functions. As we know, this is not the case with Windows 8; it seems the developers took the approach of designing an adventure game where for the sake of replay value, things are designed to take longer.

5.         Abandon WMA and WMV

WMA and WMV are failed projects; nobody uses them. Their performance is neither comparable nor superior. MS should throw in the towel and embrace MKV (Matroska video). In my opinion, this is the best video container under the sun. I am not an audiophile but I think mp3 is good enough. That being said, Windows should also have native support for the lossless format of choice: FLAC and also support surround sound tech like DTS. Support for all the above should be built-in and should work right out of the box. 

6.         Simplify the Windows lineup

Cancel Windows Starter edition. It is a non-starter. And while at it, simplify the entire Windows lineup. I haven’t known them by heart since Vista’s release.

7.         Reduce the Price of Windows or Make It Free of Charge

This is a controversial one. Reducing the price of Windows would definitely have a heavy impact on Microsoft's revenue but then they would still be getting something for it. And then they would have increased market share/mindshare. They could also make it free. There are rumours that Microsoft is considering a free version of Windows that would be tied to Microsoft services – Bing Search, Nokia Here Maps, etc. This free approach contributed in no small way to Android’s success and dominance. They could make the basic but full-featured consumer version for PC free. This would be unlike Blackberry and its BBM on iPhone and Android efforts. I'm not sure how this would help the company stay afloat but that's another matter.

8.         Confine Zune to the shameful annals of history

Don’t require/mandate any special software to use/activate or transfer media to the device. 

These are my two cents. 

Appstores + Discrimination = Piracy

The internet is a wonderful thing. It has facilitated unimaginable forms of interpersonal communication. It allows people separated by great distances to talk to and see each other in real time. It also enables people that are not in the same physical location to collaborate in real time. In the same vein, it has enabled lightning-quick access to information; libraries, encyclopedias, journals, magazines, films and music are available on the internet. It has also presented myriad economic opportunities by spawning a hitherto unimaginable industries such as online casinos and has opened up  participation in foreign stock markets. All in all, it has fostered a global economy and has brought lent new credence to the phrase: global village.

Quick Thoughts on Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 had been unveiled and released. Let's get right to first impressions. All in all, I would call it an iterative update. Though there's a lot of new stuff going on under the hood, visually, it mostly a collection of tweaks; many of which have been available for years from third party developers and custom ROMs.

The iPad is a Tablet

Before any premature conclusions are formed, understand that this is not an appraisal of the iPad. The title above is as literal as it gets; the iPad is a tablet. So why am I stating the obvious? Well, in some circles, it would seem the obvious is not so obvious. This is about many online retailers that choose to categorise the iPad differently from all other tablets. I have observed this trend for quite some time now and it is upsetting to see more stores emulate this folly. 

 

Choosing a Name for the Upcoming Nexus Tablet

With the world waiting on the refresh of Google's Nexus 7 tablet, what will this refresh be called?

Names like Nexus 7 2 are just as foolish a name as Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0

Nexus 7 HD is a superfluous name seeing as the original is also HD albeit 720p HD.

Christening it The New Nexus 7 will be repeating the foolishness of Apple with the iPad 3.


Using Nexus 7.2 will just confuse people into thinking that the screen is 7.2 inches.

So what will it be called? Here's a thought: The Nexus 8. I think this makes the most sense. But then again, a name like the Nexus 8 is not without its pitfalls.

+Joss Benyon suggested the name Nexus 7+. That seems to be the best name so far. I think it's quite brilliant.

+Hau Tran has also asked the important question of what the Nexus phones would be called after the sixth iteration?

As for the real name, we'll find out soon enough.

Update
Alas, it's  the New Nexus 7. Not the best and wisest naming/branding.

Don't Get Excited About Activation Lock

I should point out that I am yet to use iOS 7 beta. Therefore, this article is partly speculative but rest assured that some concrete facts are included as well.

Apple’s new anti-theft feature in iOS 7, Activation Lock, is being hailed as the absolute deterrent to phone theft. As mentioned earlier, I am yet to try iOS 7 out but from what I can surmise, Activation Lock is anything but perfect.

Hisense Sero 7 Pro: The Best 7-inch Tablet

The best 7-inch Android tablet has been the Google Nexus 7 retailing for $200. Indeed, the Nexus 7 deserves its pride of place in the tablet market as Asus and Google proved that it was possible to deliver top-spec hardware and good build quality at a low price. The Nexus 7 is not without its faults though. Its major sore point is the lack of expandable storage. But its absence has more to do with the idiosyncrasies of Google and its Nexus devices than it has to do with cost. Regardless, no other 7 inch Android tablet has been able to offer a perfect mix of performance and price. Many have come close but miss the mark. That is no longer the case though. There is a new King of the Hill and its name is the Sero 7 Pro.

BBM on iPhone & Android: Could this be BlackBerry’s Waterloo?

I should start by saying pun intended. BlackBerry has announced that their instant messaging service, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will be available on Apple’s iPhone and Google Android in a few months. On the face of it, making a service available on multiple platforms is a good move as it ensures cross-compatibility and helps to grow its user base. There is however an exception to every rule and in this case, I think Blackberry is that exception.

Person of Interest: The Machine (from a tech perspective)

This is a tech version of an earlier article. I should start by saying this: if you do not watch Person of Interest, then this article is not for you. It will make little or no sense to you. However, if you are one of the fortunate people that watch this show but are not a techie, then please read on. I theorized that Finch could still control the machine.  My primary concern here is The Machine’s command set/command structure.

Finding The Perfect 7-inch Tablet

To say that there are many 7 inch tablets in the market would be an understatement. This is because the 7 inch category of the tablet market is burgeoning with many different and diverse models. This is understandable considering that the main advantages of a 7 incher are its small size and ease of portability. There is something for everyone from the ultra-budget end of the price spectrum to the premium and top-end models. So when I was asked to suggest a good 7 inch tablet a few weeks ago, I had just one requirement: a tablet hat strikes the right balance between price, performance and features. And of course, it has to run Android. How hard could it be?

Just How bad is Plastic?

Consumer electronics come in all shapes and sizes but the material used for their enclosures (housing or shell if you prefer) are not so varied. Generally, these enclosures are either made of plastic, glass, metal or wood. Sometimes, a combination of some or all of these materials is used. In recent times, plastic enclosures have been derided and labelled as inferior but is there any merit to this argument?

System Modules Should be Differentiated From Apps

The difference between system modules and apps is inherent in their respective definitions. In a strict sense, system modules and apps are both application software. There is however a subtle difference. System modules are a core, native and integral part of a system while apps in the loose sense are third party apps. Another less subtle way of distinguishing between the two is thus: system modules cannot be uninstalled by the user while apps can be uninstalled. I say less subtle because some OEMs and carriers install bloatware that cannot ordinarily be removed.

What’s the Purpose of a Wallpaper?

Wallpapers certainly add colour, life and pizzazz to any screen. Some wallpapers comprise of repeating patterns. Others are photographs of famous places; buildings; cars or people. So naturally, I find it very miffing anytime I come across any person who has used a photograph of say, his child or famous landscape and then proceeds to have parts of or the whole photograph covered up with icons.

On Using a Phone as a Remote Control

The recently unveiled Samsung Galaxy S4 and LG Optimus G Pro have infra-red transmitters that allow them to act as remote controls for several home electronics like TVs, stereos and air conditioners. While I appreciate the ability to use a phone as a ‘universal’ remote, I think the feature is of limited utility.

The Adverse Economics of 3D Printing

Most articles on 3D printing have focused on the creative opportunities afforded by the revolutionary technology. Others have pointed out its darker prospects such as being able to print firearms in one’s home. One thing’s for certain; 3D printing is here to stay and the technology will get better and better over time though there are some who are convinced it is nothing but a passing fancy that is doomed to failure or obscurity like 3D TV and 3D movies.

The purpose of this article is to briefly discuss the disruptive economic effects of the technology. History lends credence to the fact that every revolutionary technology usually renders other established industries obsolete. The digital music player and mp3s continues to reduce sales of the music CD market. The advent of ebooks had pretty much done the same thing to physical books. Email has caused a reduction in the use of postal services. The photo film manufacturing and development industries were done in by the advent of the digital photography. Remember Kodak, Agfa and Jessops. So which industries are threatened by 3D printing?

HP Gets It Wrong Again

Our favourite PC manufacturer, HP, has once again dipped its toes into the tablet market. Their latest offering, named Slate 7 is as its name suggests, a 7 incher. Now for a bit of history if you please.