Podcast Summary
HTC M9's underwhelming camera disappoints reviewers: Despite design tweaks and a new CEO's mandate, the HTC M9's 20-megapixel camera failed to impress reviewers, with poor LTE connectivity and lack of innovation in design adding to its disappointments.
The HTC M9, despite some design tweaks and an updated processor, failed to impress the tech reviewers due to its underwhelming 20-megapixel rear-facing camera. The discussion also touched upon Helen's guest appearance on the podcast, the poor LTE connectivity experienced during South by Southwest, and the contrasting opinions on the design of the phone. The reviewers found the two-tone version of the HTC M9 to be unattractive and reminiscent of grandparent's jewelry. The lack of innovation in the phone's design was a common complaint, with some critics arguing that Samsung's unnecessary hardware features were more interesting than HTC's attempt at simplification. The only notable improvement was HTC's new CEO's mandate to create a standout camera, but even that failed to meet expectations. Overall, the HTC M9 was seen as a missed opportunity for a significant upgrade.
Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge: Good Improvements, Not Game-Changers: The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge offer improved user interface and solid performance, but lack a standout feature like a high-quality camera. While the curved screen and simplified UI are appreciated, they might not be enough to excite consumers.
The Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge are fast devices with improved user interface, but they lack a standout feature like a high-quality camera. The S6 Edge's curved screen, while visually appealing, is considered pointless by some. Samsung has simplified the UI and avoided major issues with Lollipop, making the phones solid choices in the market. However, they might not be as exciting as devices with superior camera capabilities. The phones are quick in performance, but not all functions are as fast as expected. The edge screen and drop shadow on the clock are seen as cosmetic additions. Overall, the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge offer good improvements, but they may not be game-changers in the smartphone market.
Edge features don't justify additional cost: The stunning screen is the only compelling reason to buy the new phone, despite its impressive hardware and financing options that keep customers tied to contracts.
While the new phone's hardware is impressive, the software advantages of its edge features don't justify the additional cost. The only compelling reason to get the phone is for its stunning screen. The pricing and financing options were discussed, with the phone not actually being free up front as it requires a contract. In the UK, the process is similar, but contracts are longer and the phone is not truly owned until the end of the contract. AT&T's installment plans were criticized for making it difficult to buy the phone outright, with the company aiming to keep customers tied to their contracts for as long as possible.
Weighing the Pros and Cons of Upgrading to the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge: The speaker is impressed by the S6 edge's screen and camera but finds it awkward to hold and is concerned about potential issues. He praises Samsung for making their camera more user-friendly but is frustrated by the slow app drawer and unnecessary features.
The speaker is expressing his ambivalence towards upgrading his phone, weighing the pros and cons of sticking with his current device versus trying out a new one, specifically the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge. He is impressed by the edge's impressive screen and camera, but finds the phone awkward to hold and is concerned about potential issues down the line. He also praises Samsung for making their camera more user-friendly, allowing even those with less photography skills to take decent shots. However, he expresses frustration with some of the phone's quirks, such as the slow app drawer and the presence of unnecessary features that are hard to find. Overall, the speaker is intrigued by the S6 edge but is hesitant to make the switch due to the potential drawbacks.
Bloatware negatively impacts user experience: Manufacturers and carriers adding unnecessary features and software can lead to frustration and a subpar user experience. Prioritizing a clean, uncluttered user experience is essential for providing a positive and seamless experience.
The constant addition of unnecessary features and software by manufacturers and carriers can negatively impact user experience and lead to frustration. The speaker's experience with the Samsung phone and its bloatware illustrates this point. Despite initial disappointment, the phone was found to be a good one once the unwanted software was removed. However, this issue is not unique to Samsung and is a common complaint with many flagship phones. The speaker's suggestion of a Google Play edition, which would remove the bloatware, highlights the desire for a clean, uncluttered user experience. The struggle to provide a consistent and hassle-free experience across different carriers and devices was also highlighted in the conversation. The speaker's experience with his friend's HTC One and the issues they faced with sim cards and APNs was another example of this frustration. Overall, the conversation underscores the importance of prioritizing user experience and minimizing unnecessary software to create a positive and seamless user experience.
Tom's broken camera and Google Play Edition phones: Tom shared a funny story about his broken camera and the excitement over Google Play Edition phones, while Microsoft's Spartan browser in Windows 10 sparked humor and controversy
During a discussion about outdated technology and unpopular software, Tom Merritt shared an amusing anecdote about his broken camera and the excitement surrounding Google Play Edition phones. He also spoke about Microsoft's attempt to revamp Internet Explorer with Spartan in Windows 10, which sparked humor and controversy. The conversation showcased the unique dynamic between Tom and his co-hosts, as well as their ability to poke fun at themselves and the tech industry. However, it's important to clarify that Microsoft did not actually kill off Internet Explorer but rather renamed and rebranded it as Edge. The discussion serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of technology and the importance of staying adaptable.
Microsoft phasing out Internet Explorer brand, keeping as legacy engine: Microsoft is renaming its successor to Edge as primary browser, keeping Internet Explorer for specific use cases as a legacy engine.
Microsoft is phasing out the Internet Explorer brand and renaming its successor, currently known as Project SPAN or Edge, while keeping Internet Explorer as a legacy engine for specific use cases. Microsoft has not announced a new name for Internet Explorer and it will no longer be prominently featured in Windows 10. This decision comes as Microsoft faces disagreements within the company regarding the future of Internet Explorer and the Windows brand as a whole. Despite some apps relying on Internet Explorer, Microsoft is pushing forward with Edge as its primary browser. The delay in announcing a new name for Internet Explorer may have contributed to the confusion and backlash from the community. Microsoft's transparency throughout the Windows 10 process may have also played a role in the public reaction to the decision.
Microsoft's app and branding strategy: A confusing mix: Microsoft's app ecosystem has been a source of confusion due to inconsistent branding and naming conventions, with the addition of Windows Store apps, Metro/Windows apps, and potential integration of Android apps, further complicating the landscape.
Microsoft's approach to apps and branding has been confusing for both developers and consumers. The company's efforts to unify its apps under the "Metro" design language, later renamed "Windows apps," were hindered by the introduction of Windows 8 and the use of different names for similar apps. The addition of Windows Store apps and the eventual merger with Windows apps on Windows 10 brought some clarity, but the continued existence of Windows desktop apps adds complexity. Microsoft's recent focus on HoloLens and the potential integration of Android apps may further complicate the app ecosystem. The inconsistent branding and naming conventions have caused confusion and may have contributed to the perception of Microsoft's struggle in the tech market.
Satisfied with cable TV experience using TiVo: Speaker prefers recording and watching shows on demand with TiVo over streaming services, Microsoft aims to make it easier for Android developers to create Windows apps, potentially leading to more apps and better development experience.
The speaker is expressing his satisfaction with his cable television experience using a TiVo, despite the advancements in streaming services. He finds the experience of recording and watching shows on demand superior to other platforms. Furthermore, Microsoft is working on making it easier for Android developers to create Windows apps, rather than just porting their existing apps. This could potentially lead to a better development experience for these developers and more apps available on the Windows platform. The speaker expresses optimism towards Microsoft's ideas and progress, but acknowledges that they still have challenges to overcome from their past mistakes.
Shift towards high-quality laptops: OEMs are focusing on improving laptops and recognizing the unique strengths of each device type, instead of trying to merge laptops and tablets.
There's a shift happening in the tech industry towards creating high-quality laptops instead of trying to merge laptops and tablets into one device. The promises of touchscreens and native apps during the Windows 8 era didn't fully materialize, leaving many screen size segments under-invested or confusing. OEMs are starting to focus on improving laptops, such as the XPS 13 and HP Spectre, instead of chasing after the two-in-one concept. Native apps on Windows still lack the appeal of web apps or those on other platforms, making it a confusing area for OEMs to invest in. The focus should be on perfecting laptops and recognizing the unique strengths of each device type.
Focus on phone cameras as a key factor in purchasing decisions: In today's market, Android phone buyers prioritize camera quality over other features, making it a crucial aspect for manufacturers to excel in.
The quality of a smartphone's camera has become a make-or-break factor in consumers' purchasing decisions for Android phones. The speaker shares his personal experience of focusing on phone cameras, especially in comparison to the infamous Motorola Droid RAZR's screen, and emphasizes the significance of this aspect in the current market. He believes that Android manufacturers are now primarily competing to produce the best camera hardware, with other features taking a back seat. The speaker's perspective highlights the shift in consumer priorities and the growing importance of camera technology in the smartphone industry.
Desire for ad-free and seamless communication and entertainment experience: Users prefer ad-free platforms like YouTube Music but face inconvenience with ads on other apps. The transformation of messaging apps into platforms for other apps and the lack of a true cross-platform messaging app are issues.
While there are various platforms for communication and entertainment like YouTube, Vivo, Facebook Messenger, and Google Chat, the absence of ads on YouTube music is a major draw for users, especially teens. However, the inconvenience of dealing with ads on Vivo videos despite subscribing to Google's YouTube music is frustrating. Regarding Facebook, the messaging app's transformation into a platform for other apps and its progress in adding features is noted, but the lack of a true cross-platform messaging app that isn't owned by a single company remains an issue. The nostalgia for the simplicity and effectiveness of earlier messaging apps like AOL Instant Messenger and MSN was also expressed. The loss of status indicators and the confusion of managing multiple Google accounts were also mentioned as issues. Overall, the conversation highlighted the desire for a more seamless and ad-free communication and entertainment experience.
Facebook's growth through acquisitions and expansions: Facebook's acquisitions of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus have helped them diversify and maintain market position, as well as invest in immersive technologies like virtual reality.
Technology companies like Facebook are continuously evolving and expanding their reach by acquiring and integrating various apps and services. This strategy allows them to dominate different sectors and keep users engaged within their ecosystem. For instance, Facebook's acquisition of Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus has helped them diversify and maintain their market position. Additionally, the trend towards virtual reality, as exemplified by Oculus, suggests that companies are investing in immersive technologies to shape the future of communication and entertainment. Ultimately, users may find themselves spending more time within these integrated platforms, making it increasingly challenging for competitors to gain a foothold.
Facebook's Role in Media: A Complex Relationship: Facebook's dominance in user data and media consumption creates a challenge for media companies to create high-quality content that stands out, while Facebook's efforts to crack down on low-quality content signals a growing recognition of its role as a news platform.
Facebook's dominance in the digital landscape, with its vast amount of user data, is unparalleled. It serves as a directory for people and their online presence, making it an essential platform for media consumption and interaction. However, the fear of being overshadowed by Facebook in the media industry is not entirely warranted, as there is still value in creating high-quality content that stands out from the noise. Facebook's role in the media landscape is evolving, and it's becoming increasingly clear that it will play a significant role in news consumption in the future. The challenge for media companies is to create content that rises above the Facebook algorithm's filters and provides value to users. Additionally, Facebook's efforts to crack down on low-quality content and meme sites suggest a growing recognition of its role as a news platform. Overall, the relationship between Facebook and media is complex, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve.
A comparison of Periscope and Meerkat: Two live streaming apps: Periscope, developed by Twitter, offers longer streams and a more polished UI than Meerkat, while both apps need to improve their web clients.
There's been a recent surge in live streaming apps, with Periscope being the latest contender in the market, following closely behind Meerkat. Periscope, developed by Twitter, is seen as a more polished and user-friendly alternative to Meerkat, which was built in just eight weeks. Periscope allows users to broadcast for 24 hours, unlike Meerkat where streams often die after use. The UI of Periscope is also cleaner and more intuitive than Meerkat. Another advantage of Periscope is that users don't need a Twitter account to use it. However, both apps need to improve their web clients, as users have reported issues with portrait mode and resizing browser windows. It's unclear if Periscope was inspired by or a response to Meerkat, but it's clear that both apps are trying to capitalize on the trend of live streaming. Overall, the live streaming market is heating up, and it will be interesting to see how these apps evolve and differentiate themselves from each other.
Meerkat vs Periscope: A Comparison of Live Streaming Apps: Twitter's Periscope overshadowed Meerkat due to a more intuitive user experience, polished product, and effective gamification through hearts system.
The discussion revolves around the comparison between Meerkat and Periscope, two live streaming apps. Meerkat had a massive hype at South by Southwest (SXSW) but faced a setback when Twitter launched its own version, Periscope. The speaker expresses concerns about Meerkat's future as Twitter has its backbone and a more polished product. The user experience of Periscope was found to be more intuitive and user-friendly compared to Meerkat. The speaker also shares his thoughts on the gamification aspect, with Periscope's hearts system being more effective in engaging users. The speaker's personal experience using both apps and the comparison of their features were the main topics of the discussion.
Engaging with audience through social media: Follow speakers on Instagram, Snapchat, and Periscope for exclusive content and interactions. Leave positive reviews on iTunes and share ideas for Periscope content.
The speakers on this podcast discussed various ways to engage with their audience, including through social media platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and Periscope. They encouraged listeners to follow them on these platforms for exclusive content and interactions. They also mentioned the importance of leaving positive reviews on iTunes and sharing their ideas for potential Periscope content. The conversation also touched on the idea of using Periscope to potentially find a romantic partner. Despite some playful banter and jokes, the overall message was about building a stronger connection with their audience through multiple channels.
