Some Novels in Consumer Electronics and Software - Article Example

HTC One (M8) vs Samsung Galaxy S5 The simultaneous launch of the two android phones HTC One (M8) and Samsung Galaxy S5 has created quite a buzz as these are touted to be the most powerful at present. Each has its own special features with both phones supporting quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 processors which provides faster 4G LTE access, Wi-fi access and image processing. It also provides better battery life due to its superior power management. In addition to this common feature both the phones have similar display sizes and resolutions and come with the same retail price for $650. A major difference between the two being the camera with the HTC using a 4 megapixel camera equipped with Ultrapixel Technology which uses large pixels to capture light and produce photos. The Galaxy S5 on the other hand comes with a 16 megapixel camera based on the Samsung Isocell Technology which uses images from smaller pixels to create an image with better quality. The HTC is able to deliver better pictures when used in bright light while the Galaxy S5 produces some bright and vibrant pictures. Another remarkable feature present in both the phones is the headline camera which can be used to refocus images. For this function the HTC has a Duo Camera or a second camera lens fitted at the back of the phone which captures the dimensional features of the image. These features can be viewed later through the UFocus option in the Edit mode. A similar option in the Galaxy S5 is the Selective Focus which is more prominently seen at the top of the camera screen and can be used with every single picture. However, this feature requires the images to be closer in order to facilitate better editing and in some cases the focus ceases to apply after taking the picture. The HTC scores in the 5 megapixel front-facing camera compared to Galaxy’s 2.1, while the Galaxy boasts of a 4K video recording feature compared to a lesser 1080p video in HTC. While the HTC has a more aesthetic appeal, the Galaxy S5 is lighter and user-friendly. As additional features the Galaxy S5 comes with an installed Samsung S Healthapp and also a superior quality keyboard. The dust and water resistant design of Galaxy S5 could make it more appealing to the buyers. The new Amazon Fire TV The newly introduced Amazon Fire TV is an internet connected set-top box which allows the viewer to watch videos from portals such as Amazon, Netflix and You tube and also play games. The Fire TV is a small, flat matte devise which looks elegant in its design, which is similar in many ways to the Apple TV. In addition the Fire TV also comes with an affordable price tag of $99. The TV come with a Bluetooth remote and the set up is relatively simple. The viewer can use voice commands during content search as the TV is equipped with a microphone. The voice search can be used to view movies, TV and games from the Amazon catalog and also from another popular music video site Vevo. However, the Fire TV does not search across other sources such as Netflix for viewing options or show summaries. This reduces the search options available as any content which is available free of cost or at a lesser price in other platforms such as Netflix can never be known. Other streaming media boxes such as Roku and TiVo enables the viewer to search across multiple platforms. The parental settings come with a passcode for downloading movies or games but devoid of any content rating which is a less child-friendly approach. The content provided by Fire TV is also less compared to Roko or Apple and it only has about 180 apps while Roko has about 1200. Some other drawbacks of Fire TV include large title images and several listings in one page. One distinctive feature of Fire TV is the games offered which could be seen as a less expensive option to Playstations or Xboxes. However, the collection of games is very narrow and the controller provided is not very user-friendly. Thus Amazon could improve the content, games and user interface in order to have a desirable reach among its customer base. Microsoft Office for iPad Microsoft has finally decided to introduce its software in all major computing devices including in those of its competitors like the Apple iPad. It has also announced the creation of Office apps that would work in tablet computers running on Google’s operating system. After taking up the post of CEO, Satya Nadella acknowledged in a public event that Microsoft was committed to make its services and applications available to its customers wherever it was required also including non-Microsoft devices. He further stressed that their customer requirements was the major motivating factor behind such as move. The Apple chief executive Timothy Cook also extended a warm welcome to Microsoft office to the iPad. However, many experts consider this decision by Microsoft to be delayed as more than 200 million iPads have been sold equipped with software from other companies such as Evernote, Quip and iWorks suite from Apple. Many iPad users have now got used to working with word processor Quip which works on all devices apart from iPad including smartphones and in computers. The Microsoft office apps will be available as a free app in the read-only mode and a subscription fee of $100 per year will be charged for customers who want to create their files on the iPad. Office has generated huge revenues for Microsoft over the past many years and were the most sought after software in PCs. However with the PC sales dwindling as tablets and iPads have become a more attractive option for buyers, Microsoft believes that it could generate additional revenue by providing office for iPads. While Microsoft had previously created apps for other devices it did not venture into deals with other devices as it wanted to solely use its products for Windows and its own Surface tablets. However, as the Surface tablets lagged behind in sales, Microsoft has now decided to venture into deals with Apple’s iPad which has seen far better success over the past years. This move by Microsoft is viewed by many experts as a big boost to the Office franchise. Microsoft Office for iPad: Familiar territory Updating an iPad with Office software is a relatively simple process which requires a keyboard and installing the software in the iPad. As for the keyboard a wireless keyboard would be an easier option and the Office software which includes Word, Excel, Powerpoint and One Note can be downloaded for free from any Apple App store. In case the user wants to create his or her own files the Microsoft office 365 can be subscribed on a monthly basis. Once installed the application is extremely user friendly and similar to PCs that use the Office software. While there has been many praises heaped and criticisms hailed about the Microsoft Office it still by and large remains the word processor of choice for many even at a time when several users have quit it for more recent alternatives. Using Office in an iPad has its own set of challenges as it will have to be used in the touch version instead of a mouse pointer. In addition the user interface on the iPad is different from that present in the PC as it has less advanced features with only the main options available for use. However, despite these short comings experts claim that the software works exactly in the same manner as it does on a PC. People who are familiar with the Office will not have any difficulty in adapting to the software on the iPad. However the familiarity with the Office software should not take away anything from the newly designed word processors such as Quip for iOS and Android devices and another web-based software called Draft. These alternatives work well for people who have got used to them. In the case of Microsoft, this venture promises increased revenue and a way to keep their customers in touch with the endeared Office software. Apple also has its share of success in this venture as this is this is the first time that Office will be available for the touch interface and it cannot be accessed from any other devices such as Samsung or even the Surface tablets of Microsoft. Thus this can be seen as the best conglomeration of Apple’s hardware and Microsoft’s software. Web Start-ups Under Attack Several web start-up companies have recently been subjected to ransom demanding cyber-attacks which have been termed as denial-of service or DDoS attacks. In these the hackers use a flood of traffic to disrupt the functioning of these websites and demand a ransom in Bitcoins in order to stop the traffic inflow. Though the ransom demanded in most cases is meager several of those who have been targeted believe that such threats are only just the beginning and if the company yields to pay the ransom they are more likely to be targeted in future for higher ransoms. Among the companies that have come under threat are Meetup, a NewYork based internet company; Vimeo, a video sharing company; Basecamp, a project management firm and Shutterstock, which is a stock photography firm. With the FBI investigating the attacks, not much is being known about the case except that it is being assumed that all the attacks were carried out by one person or by a group. According to data such attacks have been on the rise over the past years and experts believe that such attacks are likely to occur during periods of flat growth followed by exponential increase in growth. However, while such attacks continue to torment companies, it has caused a rise in companies that help protect against such attacks. One such company is Cloudflare, based in San Fransisco, which can quickly detect and filter out such cyber-attacks before it disrupts the company’s network. While the basic services are offered free of cost the firm charges for additional services such as minimizing the severity of such attacks. Another similar service provider is Akamai which operates from Cambridge. These companies are now seeing a good rise in their revenues as a result of the increasing cyber-attacks. With the victims of such attacks left with the choice of either paying the ransom or using a mitigation service to check the DDoS, experts reveal that in most cases the companies prefer to pay the ransom. However, companies like Meetup refused to yield to the ransom demands and instead signed up with Cloudflare to up the necessary precautions to filter such attacks in future. Virtual Reality is here to stay Virtual reality is definitely a part of the future and the deal between Facebook and a virtual reality start-up, Oculus VR, only strengthens this fact. Experts in the field vehemently believe that this technology will be accepted by people from various streams. Virtual reality is regarded by many as an extension of other technologies such as television, movies and videoconferencing except that it is an ultra-immersive medium. Researchers believe that virtual reality will also be helpful in dealing with environmental and gender based issues. Dr. Bailenson, the director of Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab, offers immersive virtual reality experiences in his lab for people who volunteer as participants and also to business leaders who want to experience this futuristic technology. The simulations offered in his lab are more realistic and the experience that it provides to the body and mind is proof enough of the enormous promises this technology holds for the future. In a book which he co-wrote about the future of virtual reality Dr. Bailenson notes that just like how other technologies have provided a means of escape from all the worldly worries and stress virtual reality too is poised to give similar experience. However, one major problem about the technology is the simulators dependency on the physical movements of individual. Even a slight dislocation can take the immersive experience from the viewer. Despite various failed attempts at creating the perfect virtual reality experience experts in the field believe that the time is right for venturing into virtual reality. The rise of the smartphone industry has helped in effectively pricing the electronic gadgets used in virtual reality. Experts believe that this technology has the ability to offer an almost real experience especially in gaming and in the many experiences that could be felt through the technology. While human to human contact is quite inevitable virtual encounters between people could be programmed to perfection and manipulated at will so as to create a more conducive environment which might not be achieved in personal meetings. In addition, the technology offers immense possibilities for escapism and plunging into an impossible and exciting world. The new curve in consumer electronics With innovations occurring on an almost daily basis in the field of consumer electronics, the latest to hit the market is curved screen on televisions and mobile phones. Both LG and Samsung have come out with their curved products. Their claim is that the curved screes have the ability to offer a more virtual experience compared to the flat panels. The manufacturers claim that the screens are easy on the eyes and make the television look bigger than normal. In addition, to looking good these televisions have set the stage for the emergence of ultra-high definition TVs in future. In case of the curved phones companies are reasoning that the curve helps in better viewing, hearing and holding. The curved phones are also reminiscent of old phones which molded to the face. The latest to hit the market is the curved LG G Flex phone. This phone incorporates two new trends namely the curved screen and a phablet model. The curved design offers an easy hold and offers a good visual display of images and videos. People at LG believe that the phone has opened wider possibilities for manufacturing similar high-end devices with curved screens. The curved screen is also part of the new range of OLED TVs by LG which makes pictures look the same irrespective of whether an individual is standing or sitting also come with an elegant look and design. However, many purists argue that such curved screens do not provide any immersive experience to people sitting about 35 degrees side of the screen which decreases the number of clear viewing angles. Such views have not deterred companies like Samsung which is also coming out with a curved screen LED TV which is being offered at an affordable price as compared to the OLED from LG. The new alternatives to the humble SMS With rapid advances in mobile applications, several alternatives messaging apps have been developed to the routine SMS. A popular recent mobile app is WhatsApp, which was also recently acquired by Facebook. This App is offered free of cost for the first year and the charges for subsequent years is $1 annually. It has several advanced features compared to the routine SMS as it allows users from all over the world to share chat messages with more than 160 characters, which is the maximum limit in SMS; it also allows users to share photos, videos and links. In order to use the App, users will have to become a member and sign up using their mobile number. When a user logs into the App, it scans for the availability of any other member in the contact list depending on which the user can begin a conversation. All the messages are displayed with time and in varying colors in order to indicate from which recipient they were received. The App also allows user to display a status message, set wallpapers behind the chat messages and broadcast messages to many people and it is available for free in iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry mobiles. Another recent messaging system which works in a similar way as WhatsApp is Kik. The only difference being that this does not require a mobile number and instead works with a user name. In addition, Kik also comes with a built in browser which allows users to surf the net as they chat with their friends. This is also available for free in iOS, Android, Windows and Blackberry phones. Another alternative messaging app which is available on these phones is Viber which comes with added features such as using free digital voice calls and colorful digital stickers. The interface is also user-friendly. Skype which has a messaging system along with the more popular digital phone call system is already being used by millions of people. In addition to the above Facebook also offers a messaging system which is also available for free. And the latest iOS app to join this list is Klutch which is useful in organizing meetings and get-togethers through its group chat and schedules. It also allows users to vote for their favorite meals and it is a free app. Microsoft’s new Xbox One vs Sony’s PlayStation 4 Despite the Sony PlayStation 4 usurping the sales of Microsoft’s Xbox One in January, NPD figures released in February revealed a higher sales in Xbox compared to PlayStation. With the Xbox costing $100 more than Sony’s product it boosted the revenue in sales for the software giant. There have been several theories for the sudden surge in sales of the Xbox and one of them being the huge buzz created for the Titanfall game which is played with Microsoft devices. Another factor is the scarce availability of PlayStation 4 in the markets as retailers are selling off the stocks as soon as they get them. A senior vice President of Sony has quoted “severe inventory constraints” which has led to the scarcity of the product in the market. On the other hand the easy availability of Xbox is being capitalized by those who are not keen to wait for PlayStation stocks to arrive. However, despite a narrow increase in sales of the Xbox machines, Sony still continues to lead in the global sales of the PlayStation product as their report shows that the company has sold over 6 million units worldwide as of March. These figures are much higher than the Microsoft’s sale of 3.9 Xbox units through the 2013 year end. Hence it is just a matter of increased production which will give Sony a upper hand in the monthly sales of its product. Microsoft Xbox One sales- hope pinned on Titanfall Microsoft has pinned its hopes for the sales of its flagship gaming console, the Xbox One on the new science-fiction shooting game, Titanfall, which is exclusively released in three Microsoft gaming systems: Xbox One, Xbox 360 console and Windows PC. Titanfall, which has been critically acclaimed has already generated enough buzz among Microsoft executives who hope to cash in on its popularity to pump up the sales of its Xbox One unit. With the game available only on Microsoft platforms, the company is looking to create a successful hardware venture which could be the next biggest in the entertainment industry. The company hopes that this game will boost the sales of Xbox One giving it a higher edge over the recently released PlayStation 4 by Sony which is also cheaper than the Xbox by a $100. In a recent move the company has announced that the game will be available with the Xbox One console and the unit price will remain the same. With the company’s hopes soaring it is willing to do away with the $60 price cut which is the individual price for the game. The higher cost for the console compared to the Sony product is due to the Kinect camera and microphone sensor which are part of the Xbox One. These alleviate the need for a controller and also allow the use to operate non-game functions on the console. The reviews for Titanfall have been very positive. Having being created by Respawn Entertainment, which is well known for its previous Call of Duty games, the game is likely to repeat the success of another science fiction shooting game, Halo by Microsoft. Though Titanfall resembles Halo in many ways, Respawn had added a new dimension to the game with stunning effects and offers an opportunity to be played as a big-budget console game. According to Electronic Arts, which is publishing the game for Respawn, Titanfall marks the beginning of high-definition gaming. As it can only be played online Microsoft hopes that many people will subscribe to the online Xbox live version, a paid service provided by Microsoft for $60 annually. The game offers exciting visuals and the player can use an array of weapons, run on walls and hop into giant robotic suits which are referred to as titan in the game. The people who worked with Infinity Ward and created the Call of Duty series, are now part of the Respawn team which is part of the reason for the good hype created for the game. Having decided not to sell the game for PlayStation, Microsoft carries huge responsibility to persuade the buyers to choose Xbox despite the lack of clarity about Kinect among the users. With Sony’s PlayStation leading in global sales, people at Microsoft are pinning their hopes on the soon to be released Titanfall. Read More