Technology catch-all thread

[BigHurt3515]

So I can get the LG3 for $200, really thinking about doing it.. Not sure if there are any better options out there andriod wise for that price

Edited September 23, 2014 by BigHurt3515

[Jake]

More on iOS 8 issues: http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobi.../d/d-id/1315984

 

Cliffs:

-slowed WiFi speeds

-faster battery drain, ranging from ridiculous to marginal

-Crittercism analytics shows a huge increase in app crashes (I wonder if this has been observed with past updates)

 

Also, something I've feared happening on several different phones since it broke my Motorola SLVR: iPhone 6 plus units getting bent in users' pockets

 

 

[chw42]

More on iOS 8 issues: http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobi.../d/d-id/1315984

 

Cliffs:

-slowed WiFi speeds

-faster battery drain, ranging from ridiculous to marginal

-Crittercism analytics shows a huge increase in app crashes (I wonder if this has been observed with past updates)

 

Also, something I've feared happening on several different phones since it broke my Motorola SLVR: iPhone 6 plus units getting bent in users' pockets

 

I guess they made it a bit too thin.

[Y2HH]

More on iOS 8 issues: http://www.informationweek.com/mobile/mobi.../d/d-id/1315984

 

Cliffs:

-slowed WiFi speeds

-faster battery drain, ranging from ridiculous to marginal

-Crittercism analytics shows a huge increase in app crashes (I wonder if this has been observed with past updates)

 

Also, something I've feared happening on several different phones since it broke my Motorola SLVR: iPhone 6 plus units getting bent in users' pockets

 

Haven't experienced the WiFi speed issue, however, my friends phone has issues scanning for WiFi networks from time to time (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and we can't reproduce it at will), but also doesn't experience slow WiFi issues.

 

Haven't experienced the battery drain issue, but I've seen this happen in previous releases of iOS, seems restore specific...I always do a fresh install on a new series phone, so that may attribute as to why I've always avoided the issue.

 

HAVE experienced the increased app crash issue a number of times.

 

HAVE experienced 3rd party keyboard issues.

 

HAVE experienced input issues on certain websites through Safari.

 

This just in, large aluminum phones bend, but so do small ones...I remember this same issue cropping up with the iPhone 5 bending when people sat on it or did something else I consider ridiculous. Anecdotal, but I've been carrying my 6+ in my pocket since Friday and it's not bent...I attribute this to people being careless, as I've seen far too many iOS and Android devices smashed, shattered or otherwise bent/broken over the years and I just don't understand what the f*** people are doing with these devices...

 

EDIT: Oh, and if Steve Jobs was still alive, iOS8 would be completely bug free, and the aluminum shell/glass panels on the iPhone 6/6+ would be indestructible.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Y2HH

[chw42]

Haven't experienced the WiFi speed issue, however, my friends phone has issues scanning for WiFi networks from time to time (sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, and we can't reproduce it at will), but also doesn't experience slow WiFi issues.

 

Haven't experienced the battery drain issue, but I've seen this happen in previous releases of iOS, seems restore specific...I always do a fresh install on a new series phone, so that may attribute as to why I've always avoided the issue.

 

HAVE experienced the increased app crash issue a number of times.

 

HAVE experienced 3rd party keyboard issues.

 

HAVE experienced input issues on certain websites through Safari.

 

This just in, large aluminum phones bend, but so do small ones...I remember this same issue cropping up with the iPhone 5 bending when people sat on it or did something else I consider ridiculous. Anecdotal, but I've been carrying my 6+ in my pocket since Friday and it's not bent...I attribute this to people being careless, as I've seen far too many iOS and Android devices smashed, shattered or otherwise bent/broken over the years and I just don't understand what the f*** people are doing with these devices...

 

EDIT: Oh, and if Steve Jobs was still alive, iOS8 would be completely bug free, and the aluminum shell/glass panels on the iPhone 6/6+ would be indestructible.

 

So you got a 6+? Do you consider it big at all?

[Y2HH]

So you got a 6+? Do you consider it big at all?

 

It's big, and anyone that tries to say it's not is lying through their teeth but the thinness of the device helps a LOT in this regard. It feels smaller than it is, and it's pocketable so long as you don't put it in a case and make it 2x as thick as it is, but that being said a bigger person with bigger pockets probably could use a case and not care.

 

The pros/cons I weighed when making the decision were based on the fact that during the day I was an avid iPhone user, but the second I got home or someplace outside of work, I'd put my phone down and use my iPad mini the rest of the time (other than making calls, which I almost never do outside of work these days). The industry moved forward from smaller devices, so it's time to adapt and go big or bigger...the jump from the 4" 5 to the 5.5" 6+ is daunting, but the jump from the 4.7" 6 to the 5.5" 6+ isn't quite as bad. I figured if I was going to get used to a larger size, I may as well just get used to the largest size and replace 2 devices with 1. Of course, this could just be me justifying my purchase...but so far I've not been affected by the size and I've really enjoyed not needing two devices anymore.

 

I'd tell a person that often used a phone/tablet combo that it might be a device they'd like, but if you aren't a tablet user, then I'd avoid the +.

[ChiliIrishHammock24]

Went to the AT&T store and told them about my LG G2 having a dead band across the screen. The lady told me to call the warranty department and they may just send me an LG LG3 since they have pulled the G2 from the shelves. I got really excited.

 

But no such luck. They'll be sending me a new phone at no cost, but it will still be a G2. Oh well, I love this phone anyway.

[chw42]

It's big, and anyone that tries to say it's not is lying through their teeth but the thinness of the device helps a LOT in this regard. It feels smaller than it is, and it's pocketable so long as you don't put it in a case and make it 2x as thick as it is, but that being said a bigger person with bigger pockets probably could use a case and not care.

 

The pros/cons I weighed when making the decision were based on the fact that during the day I was an avid iPhone user, but the second I got home or someplace outside of work, I'd put my phone down and use my iPad mini the rest of the time (other than making calls, which I almost never do outside of work these days). The industry moved forward from smaller devices, so it's time to adapt and go big or bigger...the jump from the 4" 5 to the 5.5" 6+ is daunting, but the jump from the 4.7" 6 to the 5.5" 6+ isn't quite as bad. I figured if I was going to get used to a larger size, I may as well just get used to the largest size and replace 2 devices with 1. Of course, this could just be me justifying my purchase...but so far I've not been affected by the size and I've really enjoyed not needing two devices anymore.

 

I'd tell a person that often used a phone/tablet combo that it might be a device they'd like, but if you aren't a tablet user, then I'd avoid the +.

 

I honestly don't think a phablet can effectively replace a tablet. If you want a bigger phone, it's because you want the bigger phone. In the end, a tablet will always be bigger than a phablet and it'll feel different.

[Y2HH]

I honestly don't think a phablet can effectively replace a tablet. If you want a bigger phone, it's because you want the bigger phone. In the end, a tablet will always be bigger than a phablet and it'll feel different.

 

I don't see a use for it anymore, I erased it and gave it to my wife, the bigger screen on my phone is more than adequate for everything I used the mini for.

[chw42]

I don't see a use for it anymore, I erased it and gave it to my wife, the bigger screen on my phone is more than adequate for everything I used the mini for.

 

I have a 5 inch phone and a 7 inch tablet and when I put them next to each other, I don't see how I can prefer the phone for media consumption or even web browsing.

[Y2HH]

I have a 5 inch phone and a 7 inch tablet and when I put them next to each other, I don't see how I can prefer the phone for media consumption or even web browsing.

 

Personal preference I guess...I don't really watch movies or anything on my iPad mini (or phone), I use it to read/browse, and 5.5" is more than big enough for that.

 

You know, stopping to think about this for a minute, it's truly amazing how much has changed since 2007 when it comes to phones/tablets/computers, especially phones and tablets...it's truly spectacular where we've come from in such a short amount of time.

 

First 3.5" was considered huge, complete with low-res screens, then 4" with higher resolutions came around, then 5", then 6"...and it's crazy how much it's changed our habits. Browsing from the couch used to be a chore (in comparison to today), but with bigger phones and tablets, it's now quite amazing.

Edited September 23, 2014 by Y2HH

[Jake]

Personal preference I guess...I don't really watch movies or anything on my iPad mini (or phone), I use it to read/browse, and 5.5" is more than big enough for that.

 

You know, stopping to think about this for a minute, it's truly amazing how much has changed since 2007 when it comes to phones/tablets/computers, especially phones and tablets...it's truly spectacular where we've come from in such a short amount of time.

 

First 3.5" was considered huge, complete with low-res screens, then 4" with higher resolutions came around, then 5", then 6"...and it's crazy how much it's changed our habits. Browsing from the couch used to be a chore (in comparison to today), but with bigger phones and tablets, it's now quite amazing.

 

And how about toilet browsing? I can waste a day on the pot with today's phones

[Y2HH]

And how about toilet browsing? I can waste a day on the pot with today's phones

 

While I've never been one to do this, I guess it applies for those that do.

 

The conversion from huge phones in the early 90's to small phones by 2000' back to huge phones in 2012 is somewhat ironic. While they've become infinitely more usable, they have become less portable and prone to breakage. There was a time where cracked screens or bent phones just wasn't a thing. I think people need to adapt to that or adapt to using those huge, invincible otter boxes.

[Jake]

While I've never been one to do this, I guess it applies for those that do.

 

The conversion from huge phones in the early 90's to small phones by 2000' back to huge phones in 2012 is somewhat ironic. While they've become infinitely more usable, they have become less portable and prone to breakage. There was a time where cracked screens or bent phones just wasn't a thing. I think people need to adapt to that or adapt to using those huge, invincible otter boxes.

 

This is a time where Samsung is vindicated for using plastic. I've been watching YouTube videos of people trying to bend the Note 3 and while there is a little give mid-rip, it is back to normal when you let you go. Where Apple f***ed up here, though, is the thinness. The other iPhones could bend, but only if you did something crazy to them. Making these so much bigger and thinner made them relatively flimsy. I'm a sort of phone free agent, and as someone has had a phone break in their pocket, there's no way I feel comfortable getting an i6+ at this point.

[Y2HH]

This is a time where Samsung is vindicated for using plastic. I've been watching YouTube videos of people trying to bend the Note 3 and while there is a little give mid-rip, it is back to normal when you let you go. Where Apple f***ed up here, though, is the thinness. The other iPhones could bend, but only if you did something crazy to them. Making these so much bigger and thinner made them relatively flimsy. I'm a sort of phone free agent, and as someone has had a phone break in their pocket, there's no way I feel comfortable getting an i6+ at this point.

 

This will probably affect any phone rimmed with aluminum, or made of aluminum. I'm betting the Note 4 bends much the same since it's surrounded by an aluminum band now, same goes for the HTC phones that are aluminum. I agree, plastic is a better material for bending/retaining it's shape, however, it's a terrible material for feel/look, so what's acceptable to the user is ultimately the question.

 

I've been using my 6+ since release day on Friday, I carry it in my front pocket, I've worked out with it in my front pocket in the gym twice, and my phone is fine. Time will tell, however, if this is just people being careless or if it happens, because I don't use a case, so I'll know in the next few weeks which it is.

[chw42]

So, uh, this is bad. I'm not sure how much force he used exactly, but It looks like it didn't take that much. Not sure if this is a manufacturing defect or a design defect. Either way, Apple's got some work to do.

 

 

Note 3 bend test:

 

In this case, plastic is actually more durable than metal.

Edited September 24, 2014 by chw42

[Y2HH]

So, uh, this is bad. I'm not sure how much force he used exactly, but It looks like it didn't take that much. Not sure if this is a manufacturing defect or a design defect. Either way, Apple's got some work to do.

 

 

Note 3 bend test:

 

In this case, plastic is actually more durable than metal.

 

As with most Apple based news, it's probably being blown out of porportion. The Note 3 aside, as it's made of plastic, I'd be more interested in seeing similar tests performed on other metal phones, such as the Note 4, HTC One/M8...I'm betting they bend and stay bent just the same since it's not going to "rubber band" back into it's original shape like a plastic phone will.

 

That said, I'll know if it's being blown out of proportion in the weeks to come, as I carry my 6+ in my front pocket as these others have claimed. So far, no bend, but it's only been a 6 days.

 

 

[Jake]

I would guess that the rounded back of the HTC One would make it substantially harder to bend

[cabiness42]

Really dumb tech question:

 

I used to have DirecTV with DSL internet, but the internet really sucked. I switched to the local cable company (which is now TWC which is being bought by Comcast) mainly because of the much better internet.

 

Now DirecTV is making me ridiculous offers to switch back, and the TV portion of my bill would be much lower, but I'm not willing to give up TWC's internet.

 

So, my question is, can DirecTV television and TWC cable simultaneously run through the same cable wiring in my house?

[Y2HH]

I would guess that the rounded back of the HTC One would make it substantially harder to bend

 

Quick Google search shows they bend.

 

http://forums.androidcentral.com/htc-one-m...73-bent-m8.html

 

This is exactly what I mean by it's news if Apple is involved, but nobody cares otherwise.

[Balta1701]

Really dumb tech question:

 

I used to have DirecTV with DSL internet, but the internet really sucked. I switched to the local cable company (which is now TWC which is being bought by Comcast) mainly because of the much better internet.

 

Now DirecTV is making me ridiculous offers to switch back, and the TV portion of my bill would be much lower, but I'm not willing to give up TWC's internet.

 

So, my question is, can DirecTV television and TWC cable simultaneously run through the same cable wiring in my house?

I believe DirecTV would have to run their own cables through the walls...which they can do.

[cabiness42]

I believe DirecTV would have to run their own cables through the walls...which they can do.

 

OK, what was constructed with the house was a box on the outside of the house. The box has one coax input that can come from cable/satellite, and then that box splits the signal to the four rooms in the house that have built in cable outlets. It was what the DirecTV was originally connected to and now it is what TWC is connected to.

 

So are you saying that the TWC will have to continue to run like it is now and that DirecTV will have to run a new line from the dish?

[Balta1701]

OK, what was constructed with the house was a box on the outside of the house. The box has one coax input that can come from cable/satellite, and then that box splits the signal to the four rooms in the house that have built in cable outlets. It was what the DirecTV was originally connected to and now it is what TWC is connected to.

 

So are you saying that the TWC will have to continue to run like it is now and that DirecTV will have to run a new line from the dish?

That would be my guess, someone would have to install something separate.

[Chisoxfn]

OK, what was constructed with the house was a box on the outside of the house. The box has one coax input that can come from cable/satellite, and then that box splits the signal to the four rooms in the house that have built in cable outlets. It was what the DirecTV was originally connected to and now it is what TWC is connected to.

 

So are you saying that the TWC will have to continue to run like it is now and that DirecTV will have to run a new line from the dish?

Direct TV would run a direct line into that box and then if the cables you have are the appopriate cables, can then split the line to the appropriate boxes and then keep the TWC line going to whichever place your modem is. Worst case scenario is you have the modem at the same spot as the tv, in which case there would be one new drop that has to be ran to connect. Or you could have the flexibility of moving the modem to another spot that you have a cable line and no tv (if you are all wifi vs. hard connect). You just have to stay on your installer and make sure he does it. Its pretty simple, even if you don't have the gadget, usually they have flagged what rooms each line is for but worse case you do a little trial and error.

[chw42]

Quick Google search shows they bend.

 

http://forums.androidcentral.com/htc-one-m...73-bent-m8.html

 

This is exactly what I mean by it's news if Apple is involved, but nobody cares otherwise.

 

It probably is overblown, but your example is of a phone bending that's been out for half a year. And I also searched on Google and found maybe 2-3 forum posts about it.

 

I don't think this is a metal problem, it's a design or manufacturing problem.