android vs apple

Apple will soon be rolling out its newest update iOS 5.  With this update comes many new features to the OS that while new to Apple and iOS may be familiar to other OS's. The updates will be available to the general public this fall for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad (with some features being limited on the older iPhone 3GS).

First off is the Notification Center. This "new" feature will look really familiar to Android users, it finally gets rid of the intrusive pop-up notifications that iPhone users frequently complain about and provides an Android-style pull down menu that flashes notifications at the top of the screen and allows users to pull down a detailed notification list from the top of the screen.

Apple has once again refreshed its iPod line with some significant new features (well except the shuffle).

The iTouch has got the cameras that have been rumored for sometime now; which now enables it to utilize FaceTime.  It is described as basically being a slim iPhone 4 with out the cellphone radio. Adding the two cameras really opens up what the iTouch can be used for and makes it one of the only (or at least best) video phone devices that do not require a contractual agreement with a cell carrier.  With new cases coming out that aim to convert the iTouch into a sim card supporting phone it will be interesting to see how the iTouch shapes up as an alternative phone option... I honestly could seee coupling it with my Evo and using my it's wifi hotspot functionality to FaceTime chat with all my Team Apple friends.



The new Nano has had the biggest changes; it now sports a tiny little touch screen and a miniaturized version of iOS.  At first I was skeptical but after watching the video below I could see this being a really nice little gadget.  I'd love to see Apple release a watch style case/band for it.  I would definitely rock this at the gym or honestly maybe even as a daily watch with the right apps loaded on it.




Finally we have the new iPod Shuffle; nothing ground breaking here it has just added the classic iPod scroll wheel and as usual is available in a multitude of fruity flavors.

All of these new iPods are looking really great and I'm sure will sell like hotcakes lol.  The bigger question is where do they fit in your gadget repertoire as our phones continue to have more and more features built right in and negate the need for stand alone media devices.  The new iTouch definitely continues to blur the line between phone and iPod.

Source: Engadget

  

iPhone and of course the iPod Touch both just got their own versions of the Netflix App that has been available for the iPad that allows the streaming of video content to your handheld iDevice of choice. This is great! If you have an iPhone you need to cop this app IMMEDIATELY! If you dont have Netflix you need to get that too; if you watch movies trust me you wont regret it.

Netflix's cheapest setup (with instant viewing privileges) is only $8/month, which gets you as many DVD's as you want and keep them as long as you want, but only one DVD at a time (higher packages allow more DVDs at once). The best part is you get to watch their online movies instantly as often as you like. The instant selection though limited, is constantly growing and has a great selection of movies and TV series that will keep you occupied and easily make the $8/month membership worth it (Especially considering that the theaters like $15/ticket now). Instant movies can be watched via your computer (perfect for long boring desk jobs lol), Xbox 360, Wii, PS3, special boxes(they run about $100 and hook to your tv), and even by default on some newer web connected tvs. Now iPhone and iTouch can be added to this list.

An Android app is expected soon; and hopefully this is a sign that soon will actually be soon! I'm so jealous (you wont hear me say that often about an iAnything lol) because I would use this app all the time and it makes the $8/month fee that much more worth it. Movies on the go! Lets just hope that with the Evo, Droid X and other androids with HDMI (or HD video) out options can use this to play the movies on the TV.

Ohhh and new iPhone users, hows this gonna work on that limited data plan?.... Ouch! #AT&TFail

Source: Engadget

Sprint just passed a new device through FCC that will attach to an un-named suspiciously iPod touch shaped device and provide 3G data services as well as some extra battery juice! Keep an eye out for this soon it is sure to be interesting! Hopefully a 4G model will follow if this thing is successful.
Source: Engadget

  

As I prepare to begin my first year of grad school and get myself together for the re-adjustment of returning to school I have stumbled across a very welcome change in OSU's webmail system. The university recently has switched from the very limited "webmail" system to its new "Buckeye Mail" via MS Outlook. So what's new, besides having to add the annoyingly long "@buckeyemail.osu.edu" to your address (which technically is not necessary for most pratical uses)?

The new system provides a number of upgrades. Students get more storage space plus all of the advantages of Outlook, plus a 25GB skydrive account. My, favorite new feature however, is the abiltiy to sync your mobile device using the exchange server. This is something I'm sure most students will not even realize they have access to, but given that the majority of students have some form of smart phone or pda it could be a great asset.

This feature which is really easy to set up can be located from the options menu in your Buckeyemail account. It will walk you through the step by step procedure for your device. It will allow you to sync your account; coordinating emails, contacts, calendars, and tasks across multiple devices! This is very usuful, and if your like me it will help you really keep up with all the hundreds of things you have to do everyday.

I currently have my phone and iTouch syncd up wit it and I love it. It provides a way to seemlessly connect your account with your devices so that any changes made on one automatically update on the other. I can keep up with my email, update my caledar online and then have my entire class schedule on my phone so I know where I am supposed to be. If you own an iTouch this another great way you can use it. OSU is probably one of the best places to own an iTouch since there is wifi everywhere allowing your iTouch to do damn near everything the iPhone does except make calls (and actually you can indirectly do that). So now in addition to providing almost endless entertainment in almost every form my iTouch also has all my contacts, school, email and calendar.

Keep in mind that if you use this dependig on your setting and your device you WILL consume more battery power. So its up to you to set your device to sync at a rate that fits your needs. You can have it update instantly but that will typically use more power. I suggest testing it and then adjusting the sync frequency as needed. You can choose on most devices between, instant updates (more power consumption) or set it to sync at different time intervals (less checks = less power consumption)

Considering the ease of use all students should be using this its a good look on OSU's part especially consiodereing all the money we have to kick out to them.