Tuesday, February 4, 2014

GADGETS AND GIZMOS SPECIAL....... The Next Generation



GADGETS AND GIZMOS The Next Generation

The Google-LG Nexus 5 is wallet-friendly and sweet with the very latest KitKat
Price Rs 28,999; Android 4.4.2 (KitKat); Qualcomm Snapdragon 800 2.26 GHz quad-core processor, 2GB RAM; 4.95 Full HD 1080x1920 pixels screen with 445poi density;2,300mAh non-removable battery; 8MP primary camera, 1.2MP front camera
 I was checking out the famous Nexus 5, a big update started rolling in, making improvements to Android KitKat, with 4.4.2, and enhancing the camera’s performance. And that’s one of the things people love about the Nexus 5 — you get the very latest version of Android before anyone else. 
You also get a “pure Google” experience because on other phones, especially Samsung’s and HTC’s, there’s a customised interface put in for differentiation and to give the user more value through software features, apps and stylisation.
 
Of course, you may not be among those who care one way or the other what version of Android is running as long as the gadget basically does what it’s supposed to, and if that’s the case, half the fun of the Nexus 5 is lost on you and you could as well be looking at some other phone. Other manufactures put in features that make the device easier to figure out for the majority who would like a guided experience with many essentials already downloaded. With the Nexus 5 you get to experience Android the way Google intends you to and that experience is becoming increasingly novice-friendly, as well.
 
But wait, there’s more that people really like about the Nexus 5. They like the idea that it’s a Google branded phone. It’s made by LG, of course. They like that it’s a nice size and easy to hold as it’s in that not-too-large and not-too-small category. They also like that the Nexus 5 is fast and smooth. In the time that I used it, I found no lag or stutter. But most of all, people like that it feels premium and yet it’s at a price that makes all other smartphones seem overpriced — which of course they are.
 
I too like the feel of the Nexus 5. It’s mostly comfortable and light and yet solid. I thoroughly dislike the back though: it’s a soft material that really looks grimy because it collects and preserves fingerprints, but all you need to do is rub it on someone’s shirt when he isn’t looking and it’s back to new.
 
Compared with the Nexus 4, the 5 is more understated and design-wise doesn’t have anything that is eye catching as such. It isn’t brimming with charisma. Incidentally, it’s available in black and in white and the two give very different impressions, so check it out someplace before ordering.
When you turn on the Nexus 5, there’s a nice sharp screen to greet you. It’s got natural colours and text is crisp on it, but tilt it fully and you’ll find the screen washing out somewhat. But boy, is it responsive.
 
The camera on the Nexus 5 has received a lot of flak for not living up to expectations and particularly being slow. An update has improved it. It lights up pictures in dark places and it has optical image stabilisation.
 
One of the most interesting things about this phone is that it’s “always listening” which means you just have to say “OK Google” from the home screens to activate a voice search. And this feature works very promptly and you can use it to set reminders, get directions, etc. From the home screen, you swipe right to get Google Now. You'll find the dialer a different experience and SMS is now within Hangouts (ex GTalk), something that disconcerts some people.
 
CHECKOUT
Blackberry Z 30
Rs 39,990 
Full marks to BlackBerry for persistence. Despite being a whisker away from being chopped up and sold off, dwindling market presence, and a change of CEO, they're still bringing out new smartphones. 
The newest of these is a Porsche designed keyboard-based phone for upward of 
Rs 130,000. But the one I have in my hands is the Z30, really the 'phabket' edition of the Z10 for those who have decided they want to do plenty on their smartphone, BlackBerry style, and need the screen real estate to do it.
The Z30 is 5 inches and quite a nice looking phone — but it looks oh so familiar as you spot glimpses of other phones in it, including the Z10, which in my opinion looked more classy. 
The Z30 is the largest BlackBerry has ever gone with a phone but it isn't outlandishly big and is comfortable to hold, though you can say goodbye to one-handed use. BlackBerry lovers, there's no physical keyboard but there's the virtual one which some people love and some hate. 
While the Z30 is a lot like the Z10 , it isn't just stretched. The hardware specs are boosted . The chipset that helps it purr along is a Snapdragon S4 Pro, 1.7GHz dual core with 2GB RANI. The screen is now Super AMOLED though the LCD on the Z10 is actually brighter. The sound on the speakers of this phone is fabulous though the same can't be said for call quality. The camera is an 8MP and 2MP and the non-removable battery is 2,880mAh. 
The real star here is the upgraded OS, now BB10.2. It's smoother and quicker. You can previews messages on the lock screen and there's a new Priority hub on the same principles as with Gmail. There are other improvements but really, the state of the app ecosystem is still nowhere near the competition. 

Mala Bhargava
(This story was published in BW | Businessworld Issue Dated 27-01-2014)
- See more at: http://businessworld.in/news/science-and-technology/gadgets/the-next-generation/1207123/page-1.html#sthash.6UMbiOhX.dpuf

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