First observations iPhone 3Gs

noreply@blogger.com (Bernie Eller) — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 10:38:00 +0000

Believe me, trying to be critical about Apple products, is like trying to be critical about the Dalai Lama. Well, having used the 3GS for a few days now, I've definitely noticed one major point of difference between itself and the 2G & 3G versions, speed. The OS is far more responsive, apps open faster, and the time gap between switching of apps has improved dramatically. Using the touch keyboard is now a far more precise experience, without any hint of lag! In some ways I think it's almost enough, to make up for the lack of the iPhones ability to run multiple apps at the same time, like some iPhone competitors do. I'm able to switch in and out of various apps fast enough now, not having to even think about it twice!

Other additions to the GS seem relatively transparent compared to its gearshift up in processor speed and overall performance improvements. Voice commands are fun and on occasion, do work (while I'm driving at least), but the correct technique will take some getting use to. iTunes syncing is one area that's benefited from a faster processor in the GS along with possibly faster Flash RAM, syncing takes about 1/3 of the time it used to. This is great when you need to sync some podcasts or music before dashing out the door.

The new compass is a welcome addition also when using Maps in the car, enhancing the experience with direction capability. Now I can see exactly which direction I'm heading in! How long now before Maps includes, turn-by-turn voice instructions, I wonder?

Today I was pleasantly surprised to discover, that the microphone headset that comes with the GS, has had a make over. There's a volume up and volume down button, also a centre button, letting you answer calls as well as change tracks. This all works in a not to dissimilar way to the new iPod Shuffle. Great when you’re at the gym! So, while I'm still testing out some of the new features, including the camera, which has definitely improved with it's touch focus feature and added picture detail. Speed, has been, by far the most noticeable part of the upgrade experience.

In summary, if you are an iPhone power user, relying on the device mostly for business, the upgrade is well worth it. Having said that, if you use the phone more for its calling experience (imagine that?), rather than the apps, bells and whistles, then maybe you can hold out long enough for a more dramatic 2010 makeover? I didn't think so...

Google announces new OS for net-books!

noreply@blogger.com (Bernie Eller) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 07:40:00 +0000

Free at last. Free at last!

The new Google Chrome operating system will run in a new system on top of a Linux kernel, a free computer OS that has been the foundation for the open-source community for some years.Google has already introduced an operating system for mobile devices, called Android, which is already running on some net-books presently.

Google, believes a Chrome-based system will be better suited for running applications in netbooks than the current Android system. The system will be developed by the open-source community over the next 12 months, Google hopes the new OS will be available mid 2010.

Cant wait!

networx

First observations iPhone 3Gs

Google announces new OS for net-books!