The Woz: We've Fallen Behind in Smartphones


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http://www.apple.com...s-new/#facetime

Call me back when you know what you're talking about.

Call me back when you actually finds out that it's limited to some few carriers that allows you to use Facetime over the carriers 3G network: http://www.tuaw.com/...-over-cellular/

Did 4G works in most places outside of USA just because Apple said iPhone 5 had 4G capabilities?

In reality, 4G is only working with some few carriers in USA.

Apple did even announce on their norwegian webpage that they had 4G on the iPhone 5 here in Norway to when that was not true at any points.

False advertising is not cool.

http://www.apple.com...s-new/#facetime

Call me back when you know what you're talking about.

now works

And that's only on the iPhone 4S and above, and the third generation iPads.

Call me back when you actually finds out that it's limited to some few carriers in USA: http://www.tuaw.com/...-over-cellular/

This is an AT&T limitation not one imposed by Apple. Furthermore AT&T recently began permitting FaceTime on all plans without grandfathered unlimited data plans.

In any case though, I certainly wouldn't want to call you. I also can't be bothered arguing with you because I've read what you've had to say in this thread and you're far too close-minded and ignorant to bother with. Enjoy your device, I'll enjoy mine.

I'm not a fan of Holo at all, I think it's too bland in many areas and the Tron colours aren't very professional. This is why I personally strongly prefer Sony's skin on Android over everything else. They manage to theme Android in a way that makes it look like an incredibly mature and good looking operating system.

Doesn't really matter, because what's matter is that the application looks slick and clean (like the Holo design is all about) while having lots of functionality at the same time. Sliding Messaging Pro does this pretty damn good. Sony or Samsung's default SMS app doesn't works as good or looks as good as Sliding Messaging Pro does. That's the whole point.

Sorry, I think I missed something... you can set reminders in samsung voice, and run media in background.......

(Just for the record, I have stated that I have no problem with IOS devices.., just not my cup of tea)

S Voice does not support location-based reminders.

Android can run media in the background; I didn't say it couldn't. In iOS apps that can play music in the background can be controlled from the multitasking bar.

Seems to me that you haven't tried Android before. Even Android 1.6 can do exactly the same things. If you want to set location reminders, then you have Tasker. Pretty much every music apps that are out to Android today can be controlled from the notification bar. I currently use PowerAMP that have a nice controller in the notification bar.

Here is a screenshot from that.

2013-02-09-17-10-29.png

So what you are saying is something we have been able to do on Android since Android 1.6.

Tasker is not built in. If we're comparing Android to iOS we should be comparing built-in features, not what can be accomplished via apps. Also, there is no way of setting location-based reminders using your voice with Tasker, so it's not quite the same as iOS' implementation.

It is up to the individual app to put a widget in the notification bar. iOS automatically allows you to control apps from the multitasking bar; the app doesn't have to implement anything. Background music is an OS-wide feature on iOS.

Thats the first use of siri I found that IS actually useful! Tasker can do loops around siri possiblities. Its rediculously complicated but almost too powerful. It can completely reconfigure your phone based on GPS, cell data, wifi networks, time of day, brightness in room at anytime automatically. Like having BT on when you enter your car after work? it can do that. want bluetooth to shut off, silent profile to change and wifi to turn on and connect and complete any updates? No problem. I even seen people disable wifi, turn on bt connect to their headset, start playing an MP3 playlist, turn on GPS and launch MyRun. Once they hit a speed over 5MPH an alarm is set for 40 min to time their run. I have never used a program that is so configurable in my life. Took me like a week to read through how it actually works though. I can't speak to it however.

I also don't know what you mean about backround music. Android plays nearly every music program fine in the background. TuneIn, kConRadio, DoubleTwist, Winamp.. I can be listening to TuneIn while playing Simpsons Tapped Out and hear them both, or just whichever one I want to hear at whatever level is best. This wasn't even possible in windows until Windows 7 released.

Something an iphone can't do is watch a YouTube Video while reading a webpage. Android does that no problem with SuperVideo app. can resize the video while playing and move it around the screen with ease. Actually youtube is a bad example, supervideo no longer support it as the youtube app has to play all youtube content... But how about streaming an MKV file from your local network share/PC? Oh right.. it needs to be iFormat first, then iTuned over, unless you jailbroke and use XBMC, which can't run windowed.. Its stupid stuff like this which makes me not enjoy the iLife. The hardware is more than powerful enough to do it, and developers have more than likley submitted code to do so which got rejected.

I used Tasker a lot on Android, but on iOS I just leave everything on (push mail, push notifications, bluetooth, wifi, etc) and battery life is still amazing, so no need to turn them all on/off all the time.

lol, the "troll" word again.

I have BOTH devices in front of me. On each of them tried video test (on separate occasions too) with Skype, Google hangouts, Yahoo, and of course Facetime on the iPhone with another person using Ipod touch.. With each single test of each phone with EACH program, (obviously not facetime with the Galaxy) facetime is VERY much better, not just a bit better but DRASTICALLY better with VIDEO and SOUND.

This would not be the end all be all deciding factor. Just one of the many for me.

the stock messaging app on IOS works perfect for me. I don't recall in your previous posts, have you owned a iPhone?

I do, and the stock messaging app on iOS is ****. Why can I only see timestamps of messages once every 15 minutes? Is there a single good reason for this?

And I swear to the Great Space Butterfly, if you say "why do you need to see timestamps"...

I do, and the stock messaging app on iOS is ****. Why can I only see timestamps of messages once every 15 minutes? Is there a single good reason for this?

And I swear to the Great Space Butterfly, if you say "why do you need to see timestamps"...

odd, never noticed that before... never noticed before since the the time does show up in my notification menu but not in the app screen. I guess its considered "conversation" time stamp?

It is up to the individual app to put a widget in the notification bar. iOS automatically allows you to control apps from the multitasking bar; the app doesn't have to implement anything. Background music is an OS-wide feature on iOS.

I used Tasker a lot on Android, but on iOS I just leave everything on (push mail, push notifications, bluetooth, wifi, etc) and battery life is still amazing, so no need to turn them all on/off all the time.

Isn't the music app the only app in iOS that lets you control an app from the multitasking bar?

The stock music app in Galaxy S III / Note / Note II also have the same type of controls in the notification bar as PowerAMP (that is in my picture over) have. I can also adjust the brightness, see my available RAM / internal memory, external memory and so on. Plus i can turn off my Wi-Fi when i don't use it (because of security reasons), turn off my 3G when i don't use it so it wont use data hidden in the background, turn off Bluetooth, turn off GPS, turn off auto-rotate of the screen, turn it silent and turn off the multiview functionality. All of those things is something i can do by one click in the notification bar.

You can also add tons more functions that you can control from the notification bar witch you will never be able to control from the notification bar / multitasking bar in iOS.

So just because you can control the music app that is one of very few app that you can control from the multitasking bar in iOS and make location based reminders, it doesn't means iOS can do alot of things.

Infact, iOS can do extremely few things.

Isn't the music app the only app in iOS that lets you control an app from the multitasking bar?

The stock music app in Galaxy S III / Note / Note II also have the same type of controls in the notification bar as PowerAMP (that is in my picture over) have. I can also adjust the brightness, see my available RAM / internal memory, external memory and so on. Plus i can turn off my Wi-Fi when i don't use it (because of security reasons), turn off my 3G when i don't use it so it wont use data hidden in the background, turn off Bluetooth, turn off GPS, turn off auto-rotate of the screen, turn it silent and turn off the multiview functionality. All of those things is something i can do by one click in the notification bar.

You can also add tons more functions that you can control from the notification bar witch you will never be able to control from the notification bar / multitasking bar in iOS.

So just because you can control the music app that is one of very few app that you can control from the multitasking bar in iOS and make location based reminders, it doesn't means iOS can do alot of things.

Infact, iOS can do extremely few things.

Nope you can control any music app from the multitasking bar. Music, spotify, iplayer radio, pandora, etc.

I'm not getting into an argument over which has more features. I readily admit that Android does. I'm just trying to point out that each OS has their exclusive features and therefore the individual must decide which one has the features/experience they need.

There is not one OS that will suit everybody.

It doesn't matter that iOS can do few things as long as it does what the user wants it to do. This is what you don't understand and keep trying to force your views onto everyone like a spoilt child.

"simply because the back button are placed all over the places with makes it irritating for alot of users. On stock Android on a Nexus 4 for example, then the back button are placed at one permanent place. Yeah you know what i'm talking about here."

Huh ? Back button? what back button, only button I see is the return to home screen button (home button) bottom middle of phone case. If you mean browser back buttons, they never move either ? so I don't know what you are talking about, and maybe no one else as well ?

Cheers

It doesn't matter that iOS can do few things as long as it does what the user wants it to do. This is what you don't understand and keep trying to force your views onto everyone like a spoilt child.

Do you know what kind of features you will be using in 6-12 months?

What happens if you want to use live wallpapers or change themes 10 months after you bought the iPhone and you can't, because it's to limited?

It's better to buy a phone that have as many features as possible enabled incase you want to use more things later one time.

A Nexus 4 is a very good phone that does everything damn good. You wont miss anything with a Nexus 4 over an iPhone 5.

And to be like Apple. Then there is always an app for that. So the thing about location based reminders, there is always an app for that in Android.

If Apple use that term, then we can use the same thing against them for sure.

As long as there is an app for that, it shouldn't make the OS any worser right?

"simply because the back button are placed all over the places with makes it irritating for alot of users. On stock Android on a Nexus 4 for example, then the back button are placed at one permanent place. Yeah you know what i'm talking about here."

Huh ? Back button? what back button, only button I see is the return to home screen button (home button) bottom middle of phone case. If you mean browser back buttons, they never move either ? so I don't know what you are talking about, and maybe no one else as well ?

Cheers

Not sure if you are blind or what, but take a look at this.

357303d1354648639-post-you-nexus-4-home-screen-here-screenshot_2012-12-04-19-14-53.jpg

Look at the button at the bottom left side. That's the back button my friend. It's permanently there in every apps.

That makes it easier for the user to know that the back button is only at one place.

Do you know what kind of features you will be using in 6-12 months?

What happens if you want to use live wallpapers or change themes 10 months after you bought the iPhone and you can't, because it's to limited?

It's better to buy a phone that have as many features as possible enabled incase you want to use more things later one time.

A Nexus 4 is a very good phone that does everything damn good. You wont miss anything with a Nexus 4 over an iPhone 5.

And to be like Apple. Then there is always an app for that. So the thing about location based reminders, there is always an app for that in Android.

If Apple use that term, then we can use the same thing against them for sure.

As long as there is an app for that, it shouldn't make the OS any worser right?

Not sure if you are blind or what, but take a look at this.

357303d1354648639-post-you-nexus-4-home-screen-here-screenshot_2012-12-04-19-14-53.jpg

Look at the button at the bottom left side. That's the back button my friend. It's permanently there in every apps.

That makes it easier for the user to know that the back button is only at one place.

Well have to agree to disagree. I think it's better to buy something I need now and then get something else in the future if my needs change.

Well have to agree to disagree. I think it's better to buy something I need now and then get something else in the future if my needs change.

Isn't it better to just buy a phone that you can have for many years instead of having to change to a new phone at random times just because you just want to use a simple feature that an OS doesn't have because it way to limited?

Isn't it better to just buy a phone that you can have for many years instead of having to change to a new phone at random times just because you just want to use a simple feature that an OS doesn't have because it way to limited?

+100000

So it's just crazy on how much more stuffs we can do on a Samsung Galaxy Note compared to what we can do on an iPhone. Samsung Galaxy Note makes the iPhone to looks like a bath toy in that comparsion.

Care to list some, I recently sold my Galaxy Note and I've owned and used 4 and 4S.

Isn't it better to just buy a phone that you can have for many years instead of having to change to a new phone at random times just because you just want to use a simple feature that an OS doesn't have because it way to limited?

Sure but I prefer iOS NOW. It's hard to foresee that I might prefer Android again in the future, so obviously I'm going to choose iOS for the time being.

Care to list some, I recently sold my Galaxy Note and I've owned and used 4 and 4S.

I can mention the S-Pen, S Note, Multiview window, Air View, Pop Up Play, Sketching programs like Autodesk SketchBook Pro, Adobe Photoshop, Jotter, IntelliCover, Smart Stay, Smart Dial and S Beam. That's some few of the features the Galaxy Note / Note II have.

Samsung have even given the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note most of the features the Galaxy Note II have witch means Samsung isn't like Apple where Apple is not giving small features that require nothing to run like Siri on older iPhone models. Even Galaxy S II is getting many of those features to, except for those features who require an S-Pen.

So it has slightly better media support, takes 2 seconds to convert your files to other formats. I am asking for things that his Galaxy Note does that iPhone 5 doesn't other than the S-Pen stylus.

Slightly?

Take a look at the format support on iOS and then you look at the format support on the Galaxy S III and Galaxy Note II. It's like day and night.

The difference is HUUUUUUGE.

EDIT: Really, so you mean that the average users are smart enough to have the idea on how to convert every single videos he want to have over to the iPhone, and at the same time, most iOS users says no one needs the features Android have because they don't understand what those features is lol.

Sure but I prefer iOS NOW. It's hard to foresee that I might prefer Android again in the future, so obviously I'm going to choose iOS for the time being.

At this moment, the only way I would switch to Android user if they integrated Jarvis. Its comical the Cult of Android users always claim IOS has kinda of come to stand still. Well, what else can a phone do? At least Siri is an attempt to push a phone AI in the direction to get to Jarvis-like capabilities. Also, Android had "developmental momentum" but now that Android is caught up, you will see the same stagnation they claim is only IOS. Android (just like IOS) will only see minor improvements They also don't see that Android has improved so much BECAUSE there was so much room for improvement. Now Androids all about "the cores" and speed and power... which is good but at the level of phone developmental right now, is 8 cores and 4 gigs of ram EXTREME overkill?

At this moment, the only way I would switch to Android user if they integrated Jarvis. Its comical the Cult of Android users always claim IOS has kinda of come to stand still. Well, what else can a phone do? At least Siri is an attempt to push a phone AI in the direction to get to Jarvis-like capabilities. Also, Android had "developmental momentum" but now that Android is caught up, you will see the same stagnation they claim is only IOS. Android (just like IOS) will only see minor improvements They also don't see that Android has improved so much BECAUSE there was so much room for improvement. Now Androids all about "the cores" and speed and power... which is good but at the level of phone developmental right now, is 8 cores and 4 gigs of ram EXTREME overkill?

Clearly you don't know what a "Smart" phone is supposed to be able to do today.

If you see this, you will clearly see why CPU-cores, GPU power, RAM and so on matters alot.

Considering that the smartphones and tablets are taking over for computers, then yeah, you get the point.

Clearly you don't know what a "Smart" phone is supposed to be able to do today.

If you see this, you will clearly see why CPU-cores, GPU power, RAM and so on matters alot.

Considering that the smartphones and tablets are taking over for computers, then yeah, you get the point.

Even Android is pretty rubbish at getting any serious work done though. Still need a desktop or laptop (or maybe a surface) to do that!

Clearly you don't know what a "Smart" phone is supposed to be able to do today.

If you see this, you will clearly see why CPU-cores, GPU power, RAM and so on matters alot.

I am typically one to go on forever discussing pros/cons. But honestly you are just one of those guys who treat products like a religion. I hope you are of young age, so that you have an excuse to be the way you are. Good luck to all in this thread.
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Steam Summer Sale 2026 kicked off with discounts for everything from the newest games and retro gems to all sorts of DLC packs, until July 9. Meanwhile, NVIDIA GeForce NOW added support for several new titles, including Dark Scrolls, SAND: Raiders of Sophie, and EMPULSE. That said, here are some more stories from the gaming world: Age of Empires Mobile comes to PC, here's how to carry over progress from your phone Xbox Insiders get Xbox 360 achievements and Gamertag character upgrades Grand Theft Auto VI pricing revealed alongside Ultimate Edition and pre-loading details Sony announces Bungie layoffs that will affect "significant number of employees" From the review corner This week, Steven published a review of the TerraMaster F4-425 Pro AI-powered NAS, featuring an all-metal exterior on the lines of the four-bay F4-425 series. Powered by the octa-core Intel Core N350, the TerraMaster F4-425 Pro is highly energy-efficient, operates quietly, and offers three M.2 slots. On the flip side, OpenClaw support requires removing security hardening (SPC), AI requires a paid subscription, the software feels like a beta, and the rubber feet constantly come unstuck. ZimaBoard 2 1664 Starter Kit Another NAS setup reviewed this week is the ZimaBoard 2 by IceWhale Technology. It comes in a small footprint with great modern hardware through a combo of Intel N150 and DDR5 memory support. On the downside, the memory is not upgradeable, ZimaOS is a bit barebones, factory reset requires USB flashing, and there is no automatic backup via the mobile app. Synology's BeeCamera software Christopher wrote his review of the software that powers BeeCamera Plus and said "the BeeCamera app is a great way to add private home monitoring to your network but there are some limitations." It's free with an easy setup process, fast response time, and good AI and detection features. However, there is no desktop version; it only works with Synology cameras, some configurations are difficult to set up on a phone, and it lacks the features of the surveillance station. More price drops! We got you covered with some hot tech deals all week. For some reason, if you missed out on a great discount, here is a summary of some recent deals that are still alive: Onkyo Dolby Atmos AV receivers are really solid deals 4TB TEAMGROUP MP44Q, 2TB T-Force G50, and 2TB WD My Passport SSDs drop to great prices Edifier S3000MKII hi-fi audiophile grade bookshelf speaker is at its lowest price now The best controller for XBOX and PC is down to the lowest price Limited time Prime Day deal cuts price of this Hisense 65" 4K smart TV in half To view all of our recent deals, click here. So, these were some of the biggest tech news and other updates from this week. There will be more issues of our 7 Days series in the coming weeks and months, so stay tuned. You can also support Neowin by registering for a free member account or subscribing to extra member benefits, along with an ad-free tier option. Have a great weekend!
    • Zen Browser 1.21.4b by Razvan Serea Zen Browser is a privacy-focused, open-source web browser built on Mozilla Firefox, offering users a secure and customizable browsing experience. It emphasizes privacy by blocking trackers, ads, and ensuring your data isn't collected. With Zen Mods, users can enhance their browser experience with various customization options, including features like split views and vertical tabs. The browser is designed for efficiency, providing fast browsing speeds and a lightweight interface. Zen Browser prioritizes user control over the browsing experience, offering a minimal yet powerful alternative to traditional web browsers while keeping your online activity private. Zen Browser’s DRM limitation Zen Browser currently lacks support for DRM-protected content, meaning streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max are inaccessible. This is due to the absence of a Widevine license, which requires significant costs and is financially unfeasible for the developer. Additionally, applying for this license would require Zen to be part of a larger company, similar to Mozilla or Brave. Therefore, DRM-protected media won't be supported in Zen Browser for the foreseeable future. Zen Browser offers features that improve user experience, privacy, and customization: Privacy-Focused: Blocks trackers and minimizes data collection. Automatic Updates: Keeps the browser updated with security patches. Zen Mods: Customizable themes and layouts. Workspaces: Organize tabs into different workspaces. Compact Mode: Maximizes screen space by minimizing UI elements. Zen Glance: Quick website previews. Split Views: View multiple tabs in the same window. Sidebar: Access bookmarks and tools quickly. Vertical Tabs: Manage tabs vertically. Container Tabs: Separate browsing sessions. Fast Profile Switcher: Switch between profiles easily. Tab Folders: Organize tabs into folders. Customizable UI: Personalize browser interface. Security Features: Inherits Firefox’s robust security. Fast Performance: Lightweight and optimized for speed. Zen Mods Customization: Deep customization with mods. Quick Access: Easy access to favorite websites. Open Source: Built on Mozilla Firefox with community collaboration. Community-Driven: Active development and feedback from users. GitHub Repository: Contribute and review the source code. Zen Browser 1.21.4b changelog: New Features Updated to Firefox 152.0.2 and 152.0.3 Added 'Edit pinned tab' context menu item to manually set a pinned tab's URL Added 'Add Route for Domain' context menu item to quickly add a tab's domain to the Space Routing settings Fixes Prevent sidebar from flickering when moving a tab (#14131) Full-screening while on a glance tab will now expand the glance tab to a normal tab (#11766) Fixed space routing tabs opening in background when it should be in foreground (#14183) Other minor bug fixes and improvements. Download: Zen Browser | 90.2 MB (Open Source) Download: Zen Browser ARM64 | Other Operating Systems View: Zen Browser Home Page | Screenshots 1 | 2 | Reddit Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • I was using searxng for about a year , self hosted, but results were starting to timeout and eventually it became unusable so I switched to degoog. Much better for my needs, more polished and add-ons like maps and calculations etc
    • Fake Superman doing the Anti-Trump PR for us, good man !
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