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News, Reviews, & Opinion
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News, Reviews, & Opinion
Samsung Galaxy S3 Loads Pages 9% Faster than
iPhone 5 on LTE, 20% Slower on 3G
PR: The Samsung Galaxy S3 loads pages 9% faster than the new
iPhone 5, the median web page takes more than 11 seconds to load for
both Android and iPhone, and LTE (Long Term Evolution) is faster than
3G - but not by as much as industry experts have claimed. These were
among the findings in a new report by Strangeloop Networks, 2012 State
of Mobile Ecommerce Performance, the first study to measure the mobile
user experience over 3G and LTE networks.
These results reveal that, although LTE networks have improved
mobile performance, pages are still far too slow.
The report was based on tests conducted in July and September 2012
on six devices: the iPhone 4, iPhone 5, Samsung Galaxy S smartphone,
Samsung Galaxy S3 smartphone, iPad 2, and Samsung Galaxy tablet. The
tests measured the page load times of 200 leading ecommerce sites, as
ranked by Alexa.com.
Highlights of the key findings include:
- iPad beat the Galaxy tablet on 3G performance, while the Galaxy S3
phone surpassed the iPhone 5 on LTE. Over 3G, pages loaded 22% faster
on the iPad than on the Galaxy tablet. Over LTE, pages loaded 9% faster
on the Galaxy S3 than on the iPhone 5.
- The median home page took 11+ seconds to load on both iPhone and
Android over 3G. At 11.8 seconds for the Galaxy S and 11.5 for iPhone,
the median 3G load times for the two most popular mobile operating
systems were 40% slower than the median desktop load time (7.1
seconds).
- LTE was 27% faster than 3G, but fell short of industry claims. Some
industry experts have stated that LTE networks are, on average, 10
times faster than 3G. The average load time for pages on 3G was 11.7
seconds, compared to 8.5 seconds for LTE - a significant difference but
not of the magnitude predicted by LTE proponents.
"These results tell us that, although LTE networks have improved
mobile performance, pages are still far too slow," says Strangeloop CEO
Jonathan Bixby. "The latest mobile user surveys tell us that two out of
three mobile shoppers expect sites to load in 4 seconds or less. A page
that takes 8.5 seconds to load over LTE is still falling short of user
expectations."
Strangeloops study also found some serious usability issues with how
site owners are serving pages to their mobile customers. For example,
one-third of companies served a stripped-down m.site to the Galaxy
tablet, despite the fact that tablet owners expect the same online
experience on their tablets as they do on their desktops. And 32% of
site owners do not give mobile shoppers the option to view the full
site.
Mobile users who shop the full site spend up to 7.5 times more per
visit than m.site visitors, says Bixby. Preventing mobile shoppers from
browsing your entire site is like putting a giant roadblock in your
checkout line.
In the United States, there are an estimated 115 million mobile
users online in 2012, and that number is expected to grow to 176.3
million by 2015. By 2014, mobile Internet usage is expected to overtake
desktop. By 2015, Cisco estimates that there will be 788 million people
worldwide who go online exclusively through their mobile devices.
Link:
Strangeloop: Mobile Speed Tests Find Samsung Galaxy S3 Offers 9% Faster
Performance than iPhone 5
iPhone 5 'a Miracle'
Slate's Farhad Manjoo says if you hold an iPhone 5 for
just a few minutes, you'll marvel at the existence of such a remarkable
object.
That's significant, because Manjoo concedes that he was one of the
chorus of commentators who called the iPhone 5 "boring" when Apple
announced it last month - and he now says that was a huge mistake.
After using the iPhone 5 for over a week, he says he's still
annoyed about the dock connector thing, but that in retrospect he was
wrong to become overwhelmed by dock-based frustration, because in all
other ways he now rates the iPhone 5 as the best phone ever to
grace the earth, in his estimation beating every rival on just about
every metric you can think of, including speed, battery life, and
especially beauty and workmanship.
He enthuses that when he picks up the iPhone 5 and examines it
closely, he finds it it difficult to believe this device actually
exists.
"The iPhone 5 does not feel like a product that was mass produced,"
Manjoo, says. "In a strange way, it doesn't feel like it was built at
all. This is a gadget that seems as if it fell into the box fully
formed . . . it just feels like a single, solid, exquisitely
crafted piece of machinery, and once you pick it up you never want to
put it down."
Link: The iPhone 5 Is
a Miracle
Convince Me Not to Buy an iPad
Writing for Tech.pinions', Creative Strategies' Ben Bajarin notes
that in studying consumer markets, they've observed that while early
adopters are predictable, the early and late majority are not, with
needs, wants, and desires often more realistic, practical, and
nuanced.
He relates that during a recent interview when he asked a woman
about her tablet-buying intentions, she said she was willing to
consider other tablets but would need to be convinced not to buy an
iPad.
The takeaway, he says, is that since the iPad is the current market
leader, consumers are walking into retail thinking "I'm very interested
in an iPad" - their minds mostly made up. For a competitor to have any
shot at swaying these consumers, they need to persuade them not to buy
an iPad, and he's convinced it's still an uphill battle for iPad
competitors. While that doesn't mean this will always be the case, it
is right now - no other tablet competitor is even close. And he says
that if Apple releases a smaller, less expensive version of the iPad,
it will become even more difficult for competitors.
All true, but it will be interesting to see if Microsoft's new
Surface tablet computer affects the equation. The iPad suffers from
several limitations that prevent it from being what otherwise could be
a device alternative for content creators and business users - lack of
a physical keyboard, minimal and compromised connectivity with
peripherals, inability to multitask of to display multiple application
or document windows side-by-side, inability to run a full-features
desktop OS to support standard productivity applications, and lack of
mouse driver support. Microsoft's Surface will be afflicted by none of
those shortcomings.
How big is the market that could be swayed by those advantages.
That's difficult to predict. In the meantime, Tim Bajarin notes, the
key to other-brand tablet success is to convince consumers not to buy
iPads.
Link: Convince
Me Not to Buy an iPad
Hidden Features in iOS 6 Revealed
Sci-Tech Today's Roger Yu notes that there are some obscure changes
in Apple's iOS 6 that could be overlooked by users who don't take the
time to explore the new software, including:
- Larger Safari screen
- Browsing history
- Offline reading
- Copying URL
- Easy updates
- Answer calls with text
- Tweet from main screen
- Important email
- Easier photo insertion
- Private photo sharing
- iTunes samples
Link: Shh! Did You Know
You Could Do This with Apple iOS 6?
How to Use Offline Reading List for Safari
AppAdvice's Dom Esposito notes that Offline Reading List for Safari
is a great new feature in iOS 6 that will allow you to save full
Web pages to your iOS device and read them later without an Internet
connection, with the caveat that it's only available on iPhone 4
or later, iPad 2 or later, and the fifth generation iPod
touch.
Link: New Feature in iOS
6: How to Use Offline Reading List for Safari Tutorial
Rumor Roundup
New iPad 'Mark II' with Lightning Connector Planned
for Fall Release?
iMore's Rene Ritchie suggests that an "iPad 3 mark II" won't merely
be about updating the iPad 3 with Apple's new Lightning dock
connector, because if they're going to update the New iPad at all, they
might as well take make it as good an update as they can, which could
include the new Apple A6 processor and the updated Qualcomm LTE 4G
chipset - one goal being be to make the revised iPad 3 run better and
cooler.
However, Ritchie suspects that Apple won't release such an upgrade,
which he understands is ready to go, with much hoopla, so as not to
provoke negative push-back from original iPad 3 customers, and that a
fall release would most likely be alongside the new iPad mini.
Link: Regarding the iPad 3 Mark
II
iPad3,6 Running A6 Chip Shows Up in Analytics
Mac Rumors' Eric Slivka says they've received word from a developer
who's seen evidence of a previously unknown "iPad3,6" device showing up
in his app analytics targeting the new ARMv7s architecture that
supports Apple's custom A6 system-on-a-chip found in the iPhone 5.
This new iPad appears to be running either an A6 chip or a variation on
the A6 design.
Slivka notes rumors that Apple is planning to release a tweaked
version of the third-generation iPad in coming weeks in order to
incorporate a Lightning connector and possibly other internal changes,
although he finds it difficult to believe that such a release would
also include an upgrade to the new A6 chip, suggesting rather that this
new iPad3,6 could represent Apple's 2013 iPad model, which is expected
to run some flavor of the A6 chip.
Link: New iPad Shows Up
in App Analytics Running A6-Based Chip
Apps & Services
New Music Discovery App Gives Global Audiences Free
Access to Curated Music
PR: BAMM.tv, a global content
creation and distribution network that connects talented, emerging
bands with audiences around the world through live HD video music
performances, has announced the availability of its free music
discovery iPad app. BAMM.tv's app is accessible anywhere in the world
where the Apple App Store is available.
"The app is a real innovation
in user experience and is unrivaled in its ability to communicate
knowledge about the bands without breaking the users experience
Independent music is no longer a niche," says Chris Hansen, CEO and
cofounder of BAMM.tv. "We began the business because of our experiences
as musicians who had to deal with an incredibly challenging environment
in the music industry. We set out to prove that there's a better way to
do things, that there is a huge opportunity in creating straightforward
and transparent agreements with independent artists that bypass the
major label system. Our iPad app is BAMM.tv's introduction to music
fans, as well as an expression of our fundamentally different approach
to the business of music."
This app is an intuitive, engaging, rich media environment that
combines the raw energy of your favorite live music venue with the
sophistication of professional quality HD music video content. Top
features of the BAMM.tv iPad app include:
- Photorealistic Virtual Venue: Navigate intuitively through the
BAMM.tv user interface by progressing from the outside alleyway, to the
lobby and into the auditorium.
- Uninterrupted Experience: As you are listening to the music, you
can also watch live HD videos, learn about the bands, engage with the
musicians using social media, view tour schedules and purchase tickets
to upcoming shows. The app is powered by Apple's video player, enabling
AirPlay for seamless integration with AirPort Express-connected
speakers and Apple TV to stream entire playlists directly to your
TV.
- Globally Accessible: Unlike other music streaming apps, the BAMM.tv
library is available without restriction, anywhere in the world.
- Authentic & Absorbing Discovery: Explore the app on your terms
lean back and watch curated playlists of HD videos, or embark upon a
musical journey through the venue to unlock premium content and
features, as members of the BAMM.tv staff help you discover great new
music.
- Storytelling: With an emphasis on the stories behind the music, the
app features artist bios, liner notes, blogs, interviews and other
context to the music, as well as tour schedules and social media
portals connecting BAMM.tv bands with new fans.
- Community Engagement through Integrated Gamification: Active users
unlock exclusive content and are rewarded for creating custom
playlists, sharing on Facebook and showing some love to the bands.
BAMM.tv says it's 100 percent free, exclusive music content is not
only a great way to discover new music, but also extremely beneficial
to artists due to BAMM.tv's fresh approach to music licensing in a
digital era. BAMM.tv's contractual terms are straightforward and
transparent for artists, and provide a clear path to monetization. For
example, the Artist of the Month program awards musicians a recurring
$1,000 cash prize. BAMM.tv splits the company's net profits with its
artists on a 50/50 basis. Bands currently found on the app include
Wallpaper, Geographer, The Stone Foxes, Mirah, Ana Tijoux, and many
more in genres such as rock, indie, party, Latin and folk.
"The app is a real innovation in user experience and is unrivaled in
its ability to communicate knowledge about the bands without breaking
the users experience," says Nick Hansen, president and cofounder of
BAMM.tv. "The intrinsic interactivity of the app encourages engagement
and, in return, it will reward you for the effort. BAMM.tv was built to
introduce music fans to a vast library of professional-quality content
that is not encumbered by the major label licensing system."
The inclusion of BAMM.tv's gamification framework is the latest
example of the increased importance mobile technology plays in music
discovery and sharing. The apps gamification framework, produced by
Badgeville's leading gamification platform, allows users to become
community experts on their favorite music. The community grows through
social engagement as users are incentivized to share their favorite
content with friends via social media.
"BAMM.tv is part of a new generation of innovative companies that
understand the importance of rewarding their audience for engaging
directly with their product," says Kris Duggan, CEO of Badgeville. "We
are thrilled to be the gamification platform selected to power
BAMM.tv's modern gamification program enabling users to unlock
exclusive content and earn status in the community natively within the
iPad application experience."
Availability and Requirements
The BAMM.tv iPad app is available to download for free via the App
Store anywhere on the world. It is written in native iOS and is
compatible with all versions of iPad.
Link:
BAMM.tv for iPad
FileMaker iOS Custom App Starter Bundle
PR: The FileMaker iOS Custom App Starter Bundle provides you
with the tools you need to develop and deploy your own custom iPad and
iPhone business apps. Now you can easily create apps to tackle any of
your business tasks.
Quickly create the custom iOS apps your organization needs.
Project Management
- Organize project details and assign owners to related tasks, manage
progress, dates, and more.
Contact Management
- Manage contact information, including addresses, phone numbers, and
email addresses.
Inventory Management
- Manage inventory levels or products and supplies.
- Track category, value, last order date, and more.
Link: FileMaker iOS
Custom App Starter Bundle
CherryFusion Slashes iPhone Repair Prices by
30%
PR: El Paso, Texas based CherryFusion, a specialist in
consumer electronics repair, has announced a 30% reduction on all
iPhone repair prices.
CherryFusion has been repairing iPhone, iPods, iPads and game
consoles locally for several years. However, with the goal of becoming
a nationally recognized brand in the gaming and gadget repair market,
the company launched a new eCommerce website in May 2012. Since the
launch, the company has experienced rapid growth, due to a combination
of competitive pricing and a user-friendly website, which has enabled
the company to capture market share throughout Texas and beyond.
As the repair volumes have increased, economies of scale have led to
significant reductions in both labor and parts costs. As a result,
CherryFusion has announced that they are passing their savings onto
their customers. Effective immediately, the list price of all iPhone
repairs have been reduced by 30%.
In addition to these lower prices, CherryFusion offers AnyFix Repair
pricing, which it claims is the simplest pricing structure in the
industry. With AnyFix Repair, there is no need for the customer to
diagnose their gadget and make a selection from a myriad of confusing
repair options. They simply select the AnyFix Repair option, and
CherryFusion takes care of the rest for a single, low price.
"It is clear that CherryFusion has set a new standard in the
industry. The combination of exceptionally low prices, the AnyFix
Repair option and our user-friendly website makes CherryFusion the
compelling choice for consumers," says Dave Wares, President of
CherryFusion.
"In addition, we are currently offering an additional 15% off
existing prices! Simply use the promo code, listed on the website, to
receive an instant discount."
CherryFusion repairs video game consoles, iPods, iPhones, iPads, and
Apple notebooks.
Link: CherryFusion
Accessories
First Third Party USB to Lightning Data Sync/Charging
Cable for iPhone 5
PR: A Chinese online vendor is offering third party cables
for the new 8-pin Lightning dock connector introduced with the iPhone
5, with free shipping to North America.
Product Details
- Color: White
- Material: ABS + PC
- USB male to Apple 8 pin lightning male connector
- Features both data transmission and charging function
- Cable length: 100cm
- Perfect for your iPhone 5
- Dimensions: 39.37" x 0.51" x 0.20"(100.0 cm x 1.3 cm x 0.5 cm)
Weight: 0.67 oz. (19 g)
Price: $15.30
Free Shipping
Publisher's note: These are not certified "Made of iPhone" and to
the best of our knowledge Apple has not licensed Lightning connectors
to any third party. dk
Link: USB Male to 8 Pin
Lightning Male Data Sync/Charging Cable for iPhone 5 - White
(100cm)
OtterBox Announces Fall Flock of Realtree Camo
Cases
PR: With fall is in full swing as nature transitions to cold
weather across the country, OtterBox announces a flock of Defender
Series and Commuter Series cases with Realtree camouflage for
smartphones from Apple, Samsung, and Motorola.
"While active outdoorsmen are looking for the latest gear before
their next adventure, this is the ideal time to bring Realtree's
popular camouflage patterns to the number one-selling smartphone case,"
says OtterBox President and CEO Brian Thomas.
Realtree is a leading camouflage designer, marketer and licensor
with over 1,500 licensees utilizing the camouflage brand. Thousands of
outdoor and lifestyle products are available in Realtree camouflage
patterns.
In addition, Realtree is committed to supporting individuals and
groups that work to ensure our outdoor heritage, the conservation of
natural places and the wildlife that resides there.
OtterBox Defender Series cases offer three layers of rugged
protection from harsh conditions. The multilayered design utilizes a
built-in screen shield to keep smartphone displays scratch-free, a
strong polycarbonate mid-layer and a shock-absorbing silicone jacket to
keep the device safe. Silicone plugs keep access points free of dirt
and dust, while an included holster-style swivel belt clip allows for
easy device access.1
The Defender Series is now available for the iPhone 5, Samsung
Galaxy S III, ATRIX HD by Motorola and coming soon for the RAZR M by
Motorola in the following Realtree patterns:
Apple iPhone 5
- blaze orange polycarbonate with Realtree Max-4 HD silicone
- blaze orange polycarbonate with Realtree AP silicone
- white polycarbonate with Realtree AP pink silicone
Samsung Galaxy S III
- blaze orange polycarbonate with Realtree AP silicone
ATRIX HD by Motorola
- blaze orange polycarbonate with Realtree Max-4 HD silicone
RAZR M by Motorola
- blaze orange polycarbonate with Realtree Max-4 HD silicone (coming
soon)
The Commuter Series offers a sleek, streamlined protective option
for the ATRIX HD by Motorola. A self-adhering screen film keeps the
display free of scratches, while a gray silicone skin surrounds the
device to protect from bumps and shock. A slim, strong polycarbonate
shell in Realtree AP pink rounds out the case and provides a smooth
finish that slides easily in and out of a pocket or
bag.2
The Commuter Series is now available for the ATRIX HD by Motorola in
the following Realtree patterns:
- gray silicone with Realtree AP pink polycarbonate
- Defender Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide
added protection against drop, bump and shock.
- Commuter Series cases NOT protected against water. Will provide
added protection against bump and shock.
Link: OtterBox
OtterBox Returns to Roots with Redesigned Drybox
Line
PR:
Starting with something as simple as a box, OtterBox was created in
1998 with a line of rugged dryboxes. Today, the Colorado-based company
is known for the custom cases it designs and manufactures for the
worlds top-selling handheld technology. OtterBox has quickly become the
number one-selling smartphone case but has not forgotten its roots.
Available now from OtterBox.com and select outdoor retailers, OtterBox
announces the Pursuit Series, a refreshing redesign of the original
waterproof box that accommodates any pursuit.
Built to last a lifetime, the Pursuit Series now shows off
sleek styling and refined materials that confidently protect against
water, crush, drop and dust. A seamless compound latch keeps vital
technology, tools and valuables safe, dry and secure while allowing for
easy opening and a reliable seal. Lockable carabineer loops make the
box easy to tether and internal cushioning acts as a barrier to
impact.
The OtterBox Pursuit Series offers two different sizes designed to
protect from the harshest elements:
- Pursuits/20 provides 10 cubic inches for storage of keys, cash or a
slim mobile device, such as the Apple iPhone 4/4S. Valuables are safe
and secure in this classic case. Available in black, blue and
clear.
- Pursuits/40 has 20 cubic inches of internal capacity - enough room
for sunglasses, a wallet and a smartphone such as a larger Android to
stay connected and prepared. Available in black, blue and clear.
Link: OtterBox
Snugg PU Leather Case Cover with Elastic Hand
Strap and Flip Stand for iPad 2/iPad 3
PR:
The Snugg iPad Case is a PU leather premium case which folds in all the
right places. Stands up perfectly for FaceTime or watching movies and
there is a cutout for the rear camera so that you can use the camera
without removing the iPad from the case.
Other
features of the case include the ability to fold into the perfect
typing position. Elastic hand strap for a comfortable, improved hold
while walking, exercising, lounging, or using FaceTime. High quality
soft Nubuck fibre interior and Velcro flap to secure iPad tightly in
place when in landscape position.
Features
With a
kickstand for watching movies.- Elastic hand strap makes it easier to hold and use the iPad - Great
for FaceTime
- Camera hole cutout on the back and full access to all iPad ports /
connections
- Case is able to wake up or sleep your iPad automatically similar to
the Apple Smart Cover Functionalitys
- Multiple Viewing Angle at 35 and 65 Degree.
- As a smart cover, It automatically wakes and sleeps your iPad
This accessory is suitable for:
Colors Available:
Black- Pink
- White
- Red
- Brown
- Blue
- Orange
- Purple
Note: This case is not made of genuine leather, but of special
polyurethane "PU leather."
$27.99
Link: Smart Leather Case
Cover with Elastic Hand Strap and Flip Stand for iPad 2/iPad 3
Trendy Digital Launches KasePal for iPad with
Apple Wireless Keyboard
PR: A brand new product from Boston-based gadgets and
accessories maker Trendy Digital launches this week, making dual
storage, carriage and use of an iPad and Apple wireless keyboard easy.
The KasePal is a zipped folio case that acts as a cover, carry case and
stand. Wrapped up in a stylish exterior and choice of three finishes,
the KasePal combines form and function.
Mark Zheng, vice president of sales and marketing, says, "I love my
iPad. I love it even more when I can use my Apple Wireless Keyboard to
do heavy typing to get things done. Two years ago, our company
recognized there weren't any accessories on the market to pack the iPad
and Apple Wireless Keyboard together nicely. So we set out to design a
case to address this. Anyone who uses their iPad for work or school and
regularly has to use an Apple wireless keyboard will wonder how they
ever managed without the KasePal."
The KasePal companion case for the iPad and Apple Wireless Keyboard
removes the need to tote two separate covers everywhere. This dual
storage capability saves both time and space, housing the iPad and
keyboard in dedicated compartments with simple, no-fuss access to both.
For those who love their iPad for its convenience, the KasePal makes
using the tablet and keyboard together easier than ever thanks to a
hassle-free design which consolidates storage and access. Just unzip,
slide out and start typing. When you're finished, slide back in.
The zipped folio case offers around the clock protection, built
around a tough polycarbonate hard shell which fits both the iPad 2 and
the new iPad 3 like a glove, so you don't need to buy another case when
you upgrade your tablet. The sturdy shell both provides comprehensive
protection against knocks and bumps, and also doubles up as a
multi-angle stand so you can find your perfect typing position, in
portrait or landscape orientation, and adjust your viewing angle to
suit.
The Apple Wireless Keyboard is kept firmly in place within KasePal
by a proprietary design that encloses and protects the keyboard. When
needed, the keyboard can be flipped 180° from its resting position
within the KasePal and used immediately. When typing is complete,
simply flip 180° back into the case for easy storage. With access
and storage both achieved by a simple flipping mechanism, using the
Apple wireless keyboard becomes almost an afterthought - quick,
straightforward, and stress free.
Mark Zheng adds, "There are an estimated 53.2 million iPad users in
the United States alone. Like me, many rely on their Apple Wireless
Keyboard to get things done but before the KasePal, there was no single
storage or transportation unit with combined space for the two devices.
Our goal has been to build a case that was easy and intuitive to use,
all focused around an ingenious design that would work well whether on
the move, at home or in the office."
Trendy Digital has showcased its KasePal project through Indiegogo,
the crowd based funding platform that pairs investors with initiatives
around the globe. Indiegogo investors backing KasePal at conception are
offered the product at more than 20% discount.
KasePal is available in a choice of three designs; premium grade
black or brown PU leather or luxurious genuine cowhide leather. Each
finish includes a handy carry strap and ultra thin profile not much
thicker than the combined depth of the iPad and keyboard. For complete
convenience, a series of card pockets and a stylus holder are featured
in the interior. The PU leather version is priced at $49.99. The
genuine leather version is priced at $94.99.
Link: Trendy
Digital (preorder from Amazon.com in black
or brown,
real
leather version)
