GuruTyler
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Posts by GuruTyler
Apple Holding “Special Event” September 1
Aug 25th
In vintage Apple fashion, they have announced a “special event” in San Fransisco slated for September 1st. This does not come as too much of a shock as Apple usually holds some sort of event in the Fall to announce new and updated product lines. Internet rumblings are suggesting a new version of Apple TV, or possible a new iPod line. Any guesses?
[via Engadget]
NHL 2K11 A Must Have For iPhone Users
Aug 25th
Hockey lovers who have been waiting for a solid, affordable NHL game for the iPhone can finally rejoice. NHL 2K11 is an incredibly entertaining game of hockey with enough bells and whistles to keep you playing all throughout the season. Perhaps the best part about it is the price - only $1.99 right now in the App Store. There is also a free “Lite” version, however it only allows you to play for 1 period, as either the Chicago Blackhawks or the Philadelphia Flyers.
The full version provides you with a surprisingly vast experience. You are able to play a Quick Game - jumping straight into an exhibition match as any of the 30 NHL teams with fairly updated rosters. You can also choose Shootout Mode, which is fairly straight forward. Free Skate mode, which is essentially a practice allowing your 5 players to skate around and try to score without any defensive opposition aside from the goalie. Lastly, there is Season mode, which is almost shockingly extensive. As you guide a team through the journey towards the Stanley Cup, you can adjust lines, change strategies and even trade players. There is a trade deadline and salary cap as well to give this the feel of a full console title.
Of course you can toggle almost any setting as you would in a normal game from penalties and offsides, to period length and difficulty. The menus flow naturally and the loading time is surprisingly quick. It definitely has the feel of a console hockey game from roughly 2-3 years ago which is certainly impressive for a mobile device.
To go along with the positives, there are some negatives. The graphics aren’t the smoothest to be seen on the iPhone, and the game has not yet been optimized for the retina display of the iPhone 4. The ice surface looks fantastic, but the players feel a little blocky and the crowd is very flat.
The controls are simple to pick up, with players being controlled by an on-screen joystick on the left side, with passing, shooting and speed boost in the right. After a couple of games it starts to feel “normal” like a console controller, however passing can be a bit tricky at times.
NHL 2K11 does work with multitasking, however there is no auto-pause when switching out of the app, so make sure to pause the game manually otherwise you may return to see the game completed. The game description boldly states that this is not compatible with 1st Gen iPhones, iPhone 3G’s, or original iPod Touch. So unfortunately if you don’t have an iPhone 3GS, 4, or a newer model iPod Touch you will not be able to play this game.
For the $1.99 price tag, NHL2K11 is literally worth every penny. All the teams, all the players, and a bevy of options will surely keep players on the ice as the NHL season rolls around.
Apple.ca Begins Shipping iPhone 4
Aug 18th
Good news has finally arrived for those patient Canadian iPhone 4 purchasers who didn’t want to wait in line on launch day. Apple’s Canadian website Apple.ca appears to have finally begun shipping the unlocked iPhones to those who bought on, and around, the release date.
Initially Apple.ca had stated there would be at least a 3 week delay in shipment due to overwhelming interest, and lack of supply. The wait seems to be up as several customers have reported receiving their shipment notices in their email. If you ordered from Apple.ca, have you received shipment confirmation yet? Or are you still waiting?
[via iPhoneInCanada]
Do You Tumbl?
Aug 17th
In the year 2010, if you don’t have a blog and a Twitter account, you are rapidly falling behind the times. One of the more recent, popular, blogging websites has been “Tumblr” which is what some have dubbed “The ADD of blog sites.”
In all honesty this is a fair description. Users tend to post much shorter blogs with a variety of different media. I have recently made the switch from standard blogging to “Tumbling” and I have enjoyed it quite a bit. One of the bigger positives for me was the ease in which you can post from your iPhone. The official Tumblr app is available in the App Store free of charge, and has all the options you would typically find on the website.
The Dashboard is also viewable, which means all of the other Tumblr blogs you follow are available in mobile view without having to launch Safari. The posts all load quickly and easily, and have the option to send a message to your Twitter account as well.
Most blogging apps on the iPhone are very minimalistic in design and leave much to be desired. Perhaps it is the initial simplicity of Tumblr that allows the app to be so well-rounded, but either way it is a great way to blog while you’re on the go.
Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 mini Awarded European Mobile Phone 2010-2011
Aug 16th
Today, Sony Ericsson announced that the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini has been awarded “European Mobile Phone 2010-2011” by the European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA). The accolade highlights Sony Ericsson’s commitment to deliver smartphones optimised for communication and entertainment through its Sony Ericsson Xperia™ smartphones.
Editors from 50 special interest magazines across Europe singled out the popular device as their number one mobile phone, highlighting the mobile phone’s style and design features.
The official award citation from the EISA jury reads: “Xperia X10 mini from Sony Ericsson is a very small and stylish mobile phone. Nonetheless, it delivers excellent performance with a comprehensive range of features such as GPS, Wi-Fi, 3G and a 5 megapixel camera with flash. The phone runs on the Android platform and offers users the full benefits of a much larger device although its touch screen size is just 2.55-inch (6.48 cm).”
“We’re delighted Sony Ericsson has been recognised for refining the smartphone user experience,” said Timo Maassmann, Global Product Marketing Manager Sony Ericsson.
The stylish human curvature design of the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X10 mini, combined with touch navigation optimised for compact screens, offers users the easiest way to connect and communicate with one hand. The credit card sized handset enables consumers to create an experience that is as individual as they are. The clever graphical user interface, with four customisable touch corners and intuitive navigation, opens up limitless possibilities and access to favourite applications and web links with just one touch. Consumers can build a unique mobile phone experience and download games, movies, music and more than 90.000 of free and best-selling applications at Android Market.
Verizon Wireless Retailer Bought By GLENTEL
Aug 16th
GLENTEL, a leading provider in telecommunications services and solutions based out of Burnaby BC, has agreed to acquire 81.5% of Diamond Wireless LLC, from Salt Lake City Utah.
GLENTEL currently operates more than 280 locations across Canada located in retail malls and some store front locations. As the largest multi-carrier mobile phone retailer in Canada, GLENTEL offers a choice of network carrier and wireless device or phone. Perhaps more familiar to customers are their trading names GLENTEL Wireless, WirelessWave, The Telephone Booth and WIRELESS Etc.
The purchase of Diamond Wireless helps to further establish GLENTEL’s expansion in to the United States according to President and CEO Thomas Skidmore. “We endorse Diamond’s business plan to grow with profitability representing Verizon Wireless, under the continued leadership and commitment of Diamond’s President and Chief Operating Officer, Troy Crosland, and his existing management team.”
With 128 currently operating stores throughout the United States and as a “premium retailer” of Verizon Wireless products, it’s is easy to see why Diamond Wireless was such an attractive purchase.
The transaction is expected to close on October 1, 2010, and is obviously subject to many terms and conditions. The total purchase price is USD $50,450,000.
[via CNW]
India Planning To Ban Email and BBM By September
Aug 13th
The dispute between Research In Motion (RIM) and India might finally be reaching a breaking point as the Indian government has set a final compliance date of August 31.
The disagreement stems from the Indian government wanting access to secure BlackBerry communications such as email and BlackBerry Messenger. If RIM fails to comply and open up their services, all BlackBerry users in the country will be restricted to simply Internet and voice access.
Up to this point, RIM has stated they have no plans to open up their access, however it should be noted they recently had the same issue with Saudi Arabia in which they eventually complied.
For the sake of BlackBerry users in India hopefully an agreement can finally be met, otherwise it will be yet another hit to a company that is already 3rd in the race behind Apple and Android.
BumperGate
Aug 12th
The word “Antennagate” might as well be added to the Webster’s dictionary it has been written so many times. We all know the of the reception issue of the iPhone 4. Most of us know of the solution Apple offered, which is a free bumper - or if they are out of stock, the ability to purchase a 3rd party case.
This solution seemed all well and good when it was announced on July 16. Now almost a full month later, just how efficient has the “iPhone Case Program” performed in Canada?
From the people I spoke to, no one has received his or her bumper yet. iPhone owner Derek Masters states, “I got the iPhone on launch day and sent away for the bumper. I Haven’t heard anything back from them yet.”
Granted Apple specified it could take up to 5 weeks for the bumper to be delivered, but an updated confirmation is preferred by most customers.
There has also been some confusion about the selection of bumpers available. Some have pointed out that certain Rogers locations are only allowing iPhone owners to purchase black bumpers, which should not be the case at all. Users are open to the full range of colours, as the bumper is coming directly from Apple and has nothing to do with Rogers or any other provider.
Masters has been among those who have experienced some reception issues, although still feels the issue is blown out of proportion. “Sometimes the call will break up a bit, but none of them have been dropped entirely. I’d rather have the bumper just for protection.”
One would have to think that manufacturing large quantities of what is essentially an elastic band would be swift, but according to the Apple website they are completely sold out. For Masters and other owners, hopefully they ship soon.
“I’m not one to complain about free merchandise, but it is odd it is taking this long to solve an issue I shouldn’t even have to deal with anyways.”
Should You Upgrade to the iPhone 4 in Canada?
Jul 28th
Today we introduce another contributing editor to the site, GuruTyler. Tyler is an iPhone fan-boy and cellphone guru-in-training. Please welcome him!
To upgrade, or not to upgrade
As we approach the Canadian release date of the iPhone 4, the anticipation of hopeful buyers is beginning to reach critical mass. Without the ability to pre-order with the providers, long lineups are surely expected on July 30th when it finally drops. Unfortunately, along with the newest technology, also comes a hefty price tag and a new 3 year contract. Of course, for the first time, the iPhone will be available for purchase without a contract, however expect the cost to be similar to an iPad. All this begs the question - is it really worth the upgrade?
Firstly, this article is geared towards current iPhone owners, whether it be the 3G or 3GS. With the recent iOS4 software update, is the iPhone 4 merely a sleeker version of the previous models, or is it worth the money?
Beginning with what most casual owners care about, space. Perhaps the most disappointing thing about the iPhone 4 is that Apple is not offering larger capacity flash drives, remaining with 16GB and 32GB models. Although most may find 32GB to be plenty, the massive number of available Apps is quickly making the 16GB feel outdated.
Everybody loves taking pictures, making the next most important feature the camera. This is the biggest hardware related improvement in the iPhone 4 compared to all previous models. There is now a camera on both the back and front, as well as an LCD flash. Current owners are well aware that not having a flash is very frustrating and provides for very low quality pictures in dim light. Also, trying to take a self-portrait with a touch screen is unnecessarily difficult. As if those improvements weren’t enough, the camera records in 720p High Definition, which could hypothetically put HD flip cameras completely out of business. Lastly, Apple has introduced a new featured entitled “Facetime” which allows for video calling between iPhone 4 owners over a WiFi connection. Needless to say, the beefed up cameras alone might be enough to entice customers to upgrade.
As far as hardware, those are really the most important aspects. Of course the iPhone 4 has improved their display, battery life, and esthetics, but none fully justify an upgrade on their own. That leads to the meat and potatoes of the device: software stability. iOS4 performs much better on the newest model than the 3GS across the board. With an updated “A4″ chip similar to that used in the iPad, it runs noticeably faster and smoother. The 3G really suffers in this department with iOS4. Hardly any of the new features are available, and not having multitasking is an utter disappointment. The 3GS has all the key features of iOS4 but there is noticeable lagging when switching between apps in multitasking. It is certainly not a severe enough issue to say the 3GS is outdated, but to say that it runs as smooth as 4 would be false.
The final verdict: The iPhone 4 is without a doubt one of the best cell phones ever released. There is no question that it is the biggest advancement since the original iPhone was introduced. For those still using said original or a 3G, an upgrade will be a great improvement. However those with 3GS can easily get another year out of it if the fancy bells and whistles aren’t as appealing. All this keeping in mind that Apple will undoubtedly be releasing a 5th incarnation of the iPhone in the summer of 2011.
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