Monthly Archives: November 2014

MobileViews Podcast 103: 2014 Operating Systems upgrades rants

Jon Westfall and I (Todd Ogasawara) have some choice comments about the major operating system upgrades in 2014. Android Lollipop, Apple iOS 8, and Apple OS/X Yosemite all get stinging commentary. How bad is it? I refuse to upgrade my iPad 2 to iOS 8. I am waiting for Apple to fix 8.1.1 before I upgrade my iPhone 6+. I’ve got a Mac that won’t go to Yosemite until it looks a bit more stable. And, Android 5.0 Lollipop turned my 1st generation Nexus 7 tablet into a slug. So,the Nexus 4 is staying at 4.4.

I have some comments about Microsoft’s Windows 10 Technical Preview too. But, it gets a pass because it is a beta release. You know the saying: If you play with beta, expect to get burned.

On a positive note: Jon has some kind words about Adonit’s customer service related to a problem he had with a Jotscript Bluetooth stylus purchased last year (2013). He also notes it is on sale right now over at ThinkGeek.

I have a few comments about the Alcatel pre-paid Android C1 phone running Android 4.2 and mention the Amazon Fire TV Stick that started shipping to the first wave of buyers in November.

And, finally, Jon has a bit of a “I told you so” moment in talking about the failed Amazon Fire Phone.

Mobileviews Podcast 102: Microsoft Office for iPad & iPhone

News

  1. Microsoft Office for iOS free. No need for Office 365 subscription.
  2. Microsoft Office Sway? Ref: Microsoft Office Blog announcement.
  3. “Materials” Android apps appearing: Google Play, Gmail, Camera
  4. Swype for iOS free app of the week

MobileViews Mailbag

  1. Todd: Google Inbox as an Android battery killer
  2. Jon: Get true push Gmail on an iPhone

MobileViews Podcast 101

Jon Westfall and I (Todd Ogasawara) discuss the following topics in this podcast.

News

  1. Microsoft Band
  2. Google Inbox (Chrome only on desktops). The Android app is a battery killer!
  3. Surprise! Google Play available on Roku However, it is not available for my 1st gen Roku box. It requires a post-2011 Roku device.
  4. Amazon Fire Stick was $19 during a two-day sale period. Regular price $39. Amazon underestimated demand (CNET). Shipping even on early orders slipping into Dec. New orders slipping to early 2015.
  5. Google Fit for Android is useless. I tried it 2 days, then, uninstalled it to get a little more battery life.

Konspiracy Korner

  1. Google X nano-particles injected into body to detect disorders.
  2. Verizon Wireless perma-cookie
  3. FBI holds secret meeting to push a backdoor to phone encryption
  4. Circuit Court in Virginia Rules Police Can Force Users to Unlock iPhones With Fingerprints, But Not Passcodes. Fingerprints are NOT protected by the Fifth Amendment.