Journalist predicted the future of electronics in a week after the release of iPod

In our days, when technical devices that can change our lives, leave annually, if not more often, journalists and analysts tend to see new products not only as something to bury alive the company’s products. Each output of such a successful product like iPhone , accompanied by an enormous amount of criticism and complaints about how little changes in the product and how they are insignificant. Is it worth it to say something about the less successful device.

In the article foreign resource TUAW author argues that a decade ago, new products met as cool. When in October 2001, Steve Jobs showed the world the iPod , the reaction of journalists was very short-sighted. Here are a few examples taken from the pages MacRumors 2001:

Hey, Apple, I have an idea – instead of having to delve into the world of toys and entertainment, why do not you spend a little more time with their expensive and impossible curves servers? Or do you really aspire to become a renowned company tricks for the consumer?

I still can not believe it! All this is some very funny trick! Who cares about the MP3-player? I want something new! I want them to think differently! And why do they do it? This is a big mistake! It’s incredibly stupid!

As we can see with hindsight, iPod has become very successful and has had a huge impact on music and technology. Yes there, iPod actually arranged a musical revolution, simultaneously enriching the Apple company to a greater extent than anything before it. Nothing says the shortsightedness of many critics as well as the time that is known to all on the places. However, there were exceptions, quite phenomenal. We are talking about the former CNET editor Eliot Van Burskirk. While his colleagues discussed the price of the device or mourned the company that issued the MP3-player, Mr. Van Burskirk described the prospects that he sees for the iPod, and wonder – how right he was. Here are some excerpts from his article:

Some revolutionary quality iPod obvious: lightning data transfer, compact size, brilliant design, not to mention the built-in 5 GB of memory. But some of its qualities make me very surprised if the iPod is not the harbinger of a new type will be devices that are not associated with the ability to play MP3. Seemingly random product features and some industry facts lead me to believe that this player is not nothing but a herald of the future. iPod can store any type of file, and appears on the desktop as a removable disk, which forces to use it for this purpose.

The following words of the journalist literally be called a prophecy, and in fact they were written just a week after the release of iPod.

If you add it all together and look at the whole picture, you understand – what I am. iPod – is more than a MP3-player, is the prototype of a purse of data that each of us will carry into the next decade. These devices will synchronize data from multiple machines and allow everywhere to carry their music and video library. They will have a simple interface and the ability to connect a keyboard, webcam, monitor, network, mobile phone, PDA, music center, headphones, goggles, GPS-module and any other peripherals.

In his article, the former editor of CNET spoke about the ports for connecting peripherals. Nowadays, we have the same thing, but stepped a little further, and connect the device using a wireless connection. And all we really connect – thermostats, cars, security cameras and more. In a way, Eliot Van Buskirk even predicted the future Touch ID:

If you will be introduced safer identification technology, the device can even perform the role of a personal security code during operations such as check-in and boarding the flight.

Unfortunately, nowadays spoiled constant innovations critics reject blindly technical products, focusing on what these new features are not. Very few people are trying to open up perspectives, like Eliot, who literally predicted the future of not only the devices from Apple, but all portable electronics, just by looking at a new MP3-player.

Journalist predicted the future of electronics in a week after the release of iPod

Headphones Noontec: when the clone better than the original

Headphones Noontec interested me for a long time. At a reputable resource Innerfidelity came review which praised their sound and called one of the best headphones in the price range up to $ 100, which is surprising for a model in appearance is the almost complete clone Beats. Recently, familiar from the shop Era-in-ear gave me an opportunity to satisfy the curiosity, sending on headphones review all of this manufacturer: 5 different models. Let me tell you about this experience dating.

Wide and diverse market of counterfeit products “bitzov”: worth a visit any online flea market and once convinced of this. Thousands of merchants praising their goods, promising for a small (and sometimes large) amount of “totally a copy thereof.” Some, however, do not bother trying to sell counterfeit and under the guise of the original with a corresponding price. Among the various replicas across and frankly bad decisions, breaking into parts after 3 days of use, and amazing instances that surpass the original in all respects, for some reason, hard copying appearance (it applies to them and products Noontec).

Noontec the company itself can not be considered absolutely newcomer to the market. They are long enough to produce a wide variety of covers, speakers and battery for smartphones and tablets of all brands. To orient “which way the wind blows”, they decided to expand its product range and headphones.

I do not know what prompted the company in choosing the design, quite noticeable copying Beets, but I suspect that is not exactly alone greed, because they have not copied the main thing – the subprime-boomy sound of the original. I think that the important role played by the high cost of molds and design work needed to create “a fundamentally new product” and Noontec as a trial balloon decided to make good headphones in the exhaust housing.

Basic, inexpensive (about $ 70) model of the company, which actually brought her popularity. Overall the design may be even not specifically described, as it is familiar to all. Metal base plate, fully enclosed glossy plastic, surprisingly bad collecting scratches. The design of both practical and good looking. Manufacturers report that used high-quality plastic that is resistant to abrasions and scratches. For the week of testing, I, of course, this check is not fully able, but the reviews on the internet confirm this statement. Of course, with careless operation can spoil everything, but in the course of normal daily use “Zoro” is not threatened.

Box all Noontec made as an antipode series Beats – white cardboard, black lettering, no unnecessary portraits, everything looks easy and almost air.

The weakest spot in many headphones – this cable. Therefore, in this model, it is removable, is connected to the left earpiece usual 3.5mm plug, so to find a replacement, if necessary, is not difficult (or turn headphones into a headset).

The package also includes a nice carrying cheholchik. Generally, due to folding inward bow, these headphones take up little space, being a good accessory for travelers.

This model is manufactured in three traditional colors: black, white and red.

By design overhead headphones, they do not cover the whole ear and lay down on top of him. Therefore, the material requirements increased embouchure. And here Noontec show their best side, the filler used is soft, synthetic leather is very high quality, so very comfortable landing. To a large extent this contributes to the pivoting mounting cups. Pressing force at Zoro less than their famous competitors, and it also is good for comfort.

Soundproofing headphones – the average for the metro, they are unlikely to fit, unless you remove the volume much, risking hearing.

Of course, the most important thing in headphones – the sound. And this is the aspect by which Zoro leave from the original stone unturned. Moreover, Zoro is one of the best models in the segment up to $ 100 of what I heard, competition can only make them Creative Aurvana Live! , others failed. The “Zoro” in the sound emphasizes the bass, but it is mild. There is no buzz, no smearing, bass clears detail quite a shock and in most cases remains in its place, not nalez at mid-range. Due to this, midrange and treble also encouraging good study of the listener. If you throw the price, it does not give the bass amplified headphones called truly universal. But smart guys in Noontec it took into account and released the following model …

Overpaid about $ 10, you get the same externally headphones, in the same three colors of the differences in this model can be called a microphone on cable, to use them as a headset and, of course, sound.

Removing the emphasis on bass, Noontec successfully unleashed the true potential emitters. Listening to them periodically doubt that it closed overhead headphones with a price less than $ 100: they sound smooth, detailed, with a decent volume effect and without much noticeable problems. In fairness, I note that minor problem is still there, but considering the price to find fault with it – stupid. 

To maximize collect all the cream, the company released a wireless version of this model. Appearance is almost identical to the previous model by adding only those controls and connectors: two-wheel-off button, which can adjust the volume and control tracks, on-off button and indicator svetoidod. Also there is a USB-connector for charging.

Charged wireless headphones for 2 hours, if you use the charger from the iPad. Work somewhere around 18 hours, the connection does not present any difficulties. The box stated availability NFC, but in the absence of devices I did not check his work. If necessary, the wire is connected to a headset, allowing you to use them as simple Zoro.

Management – very convenient, you get used to it quickly and you use intuitively.

The overall sound is similar to a conventional Zoro with a small correction to the deterioration of wireless transmission, communications headphones keeps well, problems also arise conversation, the microphone is not bad.

The price for this model is around $ 130.

 

Elder brother “Zoro”. In general, the construction and appearance – a very similar model, with the only difference that the cups have “hammam” and more completely cover the ear. Also included is a two wire: plain and microphone. The price is also higher, about $ 140.

Due to the increased size of the ear cushions, headphones worn even more comfortable, you can listen to for a long time without discomfort.

Sound closer to normal, not the HD modification Zoro, also there is an emphasis on the bass, but the rest of the range clears worthy.

I’m looking forward to the release of the model Hammo HD, which would unite the best of both models is a logical step to strengthen the company’s product range.

Plug in a headset model with pleasing inexpensive price ($ 50) and a stylish appearance. I’m no connoisseur line Beats, so I do not know – whether it own development Noontec or too similar copy, but the headphones look great. Truncated quadrangular pyramid metal housing, flat wire, additional insertion of metal – it looks interesting. Also there are three color options: white, black and red.

The sound from the headphones is very bass. The main emphasis is on the bass, which there are many and they are deep enough for the IEM. Also clears the rest of the range is good, but some of the tracks on the amount of bass is clearly unnecessary. Overall, an interesting model for the fans pumping bass and energetic music.

 

Findings

Despite the similarity to the well-known brand, Noontec managed to achieve the main goal – good sound. Therefore, if you want headphones simultaneously stylish and well-sounding, then look at the company’s products. In terms of price and buy Noontec sound somewhat logical and smarter than the original purchase.

Headphones Noontec: when the clone better than the original

TV Samsung 40" Series 6 Smart TV 3D Full HD LED UE40F6500AB

Personally, I have it in the winter season wakes up craving for the world of cinema: you want a day or after a hard umostitsya comfortably on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate and see some zefirkami filmets, preferably in the Christmas spirit, well, or just good. And if we light the candles – it will generally be 100,500 to the warm and welcoming atmosphere. So, just what we needed, I turned up the temporary use of the TV series 6 Samsung – F6500. 40 inches on my just over 20 squares of comfort – it! Ok, write your opinion about it, home testik without going into abstruse and complex tests of color, taste and other things.

Model F6500 – one of the leading models of the line Samsung TV Series 6 (on sale in the spring of 2013th). Generally sixth series – is a confident middle class of “smart” TV. They are about a head shorter than the top models, but made in the style of more expensive and retained most of the characteristics of the flagships. In short, the golden mean. All they have to a great level, but without unnecessary bells and whistles (such as gesture control, power of thought or volition, etc.). Therefore, this series most popular among buyers because of its optimality. These Smart TV-models only the most essential functions, but a trendy 3D (except model 6200) and pleases the ratio price / performance. TV will cost a $ 900.

Appearance

F6500 came this year to replace the model ES6500. Thinned frame – now 6 mm instead of 10. Design concept as before – One Design. By definition, these TVs with a thin shell and a small narrow frame around the display, whereby the impression cinema screen or the floating image. The depth of the cabinet main body is about 2 cm less than the ground thickening 4.7 cm

Weight

• Without stand: 8.7 kg.


• With Stand: 9.8 kg.


• In package: 12.1 kg.

Measurements

• Without Stand (W x H x D): 910,0 x 534,1 x 47,0 mm.


• With Stand (W x H x D): 910,0 x 597,3 x 265,0 mm.


• In packaging (W x H x D): 616 x 1190 x 147 mm.

In general, a new generation of well worked fine details – TV began to look fresher, more solid, more gravitating to a class higher than the average TV. Of course 7 and 8 series steeper and advanced in this respect, but 6 – do not miss. It can be described as a strict, clear, minimalistic, suitable for any interior rooms. It comes in two colors: black, like us, and white (F6510). In the first it is more versatile, so to speak, “under everything.” On the characteristics and models 6500 6510 same.

Stand, as before, x-shaped chrome (Quad Stand) or, as it styled in common, “spider leg” / “chicken foot”. Naturally, with the possibility of rotation. Now it is made by silver, not black as before. I do not know how anyone, but I like it, this “foot” is not very … More like a model with stand type Arc Stand, even though they are less stable.

All connectors are traditionally behind, they are arranged so as to be able to hang the TV close to the wall as possible (this is done using a special bracket or Ultra Slim VESA-mount).

Familiar set of connectors for modern TV and includes four HDMI, three USB, Ethernet, and a set of analog ports. There is also Wi-Fi-module in addition to the port Ethernet.

Input and output connectors:

• Component In (Y / Pb / Pr).


• Composite video (AV) x 1 (Audio Common for component Y).


• Digital audio output (optical).


• Ethernet (LAN).


• 4 x HDMI.


• Antenna input (air / cable TV).


• Antenna input (satellite TV).


• 3 x USB.


• Headphones. 

Comes with a remote control with a touch screen Smart Touch. Convenience sake, to surf the Internet and perform other functions, I used a wireless mouse and keyboard. You can control the TV and the smartphone, install the application.

As the TV has a network connection, and besides, and WI-FI c function Direct, have access to various network services such as Smart TV, Smart Hub. There are web browsers. TV supports the inclusion in a home network and share content from your PC. It integrates a media player, which means you can watch movies with flash media via USB.

In fact

F6500 series of TVs are based on 200 Hz LCD panels with side illumination system, using technology Clear Motion Rate (CMR) 400 Hz to eliminate blur images in fast action. Resolution in an updated version of the old – 1920 x 1080.

If we compare with the models above class, which is available 4-core processor, when two nuclei F6500 sometimes noted some inhibition / delay effect when moving through menus.

GUI clear and understandable. For lovers of home cinema who want to achieve on the screen F6500 best quality pictures, enjoy a range of additional picture settings, including 2 – and 10-point white balance controls, color management system (CMS) at the level of the primary colors (RGB), regulators eliminate blur and jitter, system frame interpolation (MCFI) to compensate for the loss of resolution in dynamic scenes. 

The screen itself is glossy, little glare, but the high brightness of the display does not help noticing it. TV backlighting – LED contour. Its unevenness can be seen on the screen is black, but this parameter is different for each individual instance th 6500. In my case, there was virtually no noticeable only if the peer.

If you do not speak technical and confusing, the picture quality of the TV is good, very pleased. Factory picture settings are not bad, but I advise you to change the mode to “Dynamic” to any other. Picture clear, bright and juicy. Horizontal viewing angles are traditionally based panels for S-PVA matrices are large. For vertical need to watch, especially when attaching the tele on the wall. Will have to “work hard” to choose the optimal height and angle for the picture quality.

3D support is implemented using active technology and optional glasses with LCD shutter. 3D-picture is quite good, with plenty of brightness and minimal presence of crosstalk. Television provides a complete resolution of 1080 lines (Full HD) while watching 3D-images, and the result is almost equal to this parameter flagships. 

Video

• Technology 400 Clear Motion Rate.


• Image Processor 3D HyperReal Engine.


• Dynamic Contrast Ratio Mega Contrast.


• Color enhancement technology Wide Color Enhancer Plus.


• Auto Motion Plus 120/240 Hz to 120 Hz.


• Mode “Cinema”.

Supports Natural Mode.

As in previous models, set 2 speakers with 10 watts each. There is support for 5.1 surround sound to output optical audio output on the speakers. Digital sound processing technology provided by DTS Studio Sound. For decoding and output digital audio formats on your speakers, headphones or other equipment connected to the unit responsible decoders Dolby Digital (AC-3), DTS, Dolby Digital Plus / Pulse.

Sound

• Supports surround sound 3D Sound.


• Output sound. Power: 2 x 10 watts.


• Dolby Digital Plus / Dolby Pulse.


• Support DTS Studio Sound.


• Support DTS Premium Audio 5.1.


• Downward dynamics + Full Range.

Menu

The basis of the new TVs Samsung – Smart Hub, with him, we learned earlier in the previous reviews.
In the 6500-m this service now has 3 sections:

“Photos, videos and music” – a collection of personal data, which are available with different devices – be it a laptop, tablet, smartphone.

“Social Services” – a compilation of content from friends and family members, popular videos to Facebook and YouTube, as well as Skype.

“Applications” – downloaded from Samsung Apps applications, including children’s, sports, cooking, dedicated to fashion and style, and many others.

Easy and safe to use. Smart Hub allows you to simultaneously use several functions, for example, watch a movie, transfer and chat with friends via social networks. That is, on the screen in one window broadcast television images and the right of it displays the selected tape social network (Facebook, Twitter, GoogleTalk). 

Output

TV 40 “Series 6 Smart TV 3D Full HD LED UE40F6500AB – try to rebuke – good on its value. If you need a TV with high quality picture, good sound and an interactive component at a reasonable cost, which is not cluttered heaped sorts of things, it will surely suit you.

TV Samsung 40" Series 6 Smart TV 3D Full HD LED UE40F6500AB

Two interesting concept upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC M8

Release of a new flagship smartphone, and not just a smartphone, always causes a lot of noise and discussions on the Internet, especially when approaching the flagships of the leading companies. Now the whole world interested people lurking in anticipation of the two most important Android smartphones of the year – Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC M8. All sorts of leaks, rumors and unconfirmed data a lot, the ground for discussion – what is necessary, therefore, not surprising emergence of multiple concepts of future innovations. Today we look at two very interesting concept which hardly leave you indifferent, well, or at least like.

HTC M8

The first concept phone HTC M8 – student work Pattnera Nicholas (Nikolai Prettner). Nick – a student of interactive media University Raffles Design Institute. In his work he showed his vision of what should be the future smartphone HTC, as well as the vision of the prospective development of future design of smartphones in general.

The concept Nick HTC M8 turned hyperfine and elegant. Too small frame around the display may cause inconvenience to use, but it looks just great! Instead of touch buttons that could be observed in HTC One, here we see on screen controls made according to the latest guideline Google. Controversy over the pros and cons of giving up buttons do not cease until now, but hardly anyone would argue with the fact that it looks much more attractive.

Behind you can see the already familiar concept HTC last year, with a large camera module and dual LED flash. Slipped rumors, and very reliable that H8 on the back cover will be used in biometric fingerprint reader, but Nick did not include it in his concept for the sake of beauty. Maybe it just will not be in the original phone, maybe he will, blending harmoniously into the overall design, look.

Overall, the design invented by Nick looks very fresh and neat, it is difficult to say whether the manufacturers also give priority to the design or be able to find some sort of compromise, in any case, the concept is very interesting, and its creator deserves respect.

Galaxy S5

Concept chief competitor HTC M8 – Samsung Galaxy S5 was created by a group of people SamsungGalaxyS5.nl, who tried to accommodate all of the most interesting rumors and leaks into one job.

As in the previous concept, the framework between the display and the body are virtually absent. There is also looks very attractive, but the question of usability, and most importantly the capabilities of modern technology is still open.

Recent rumors say that Samsung has finally abandon cheap and not very pleasant in favor of plastic metal. What will happen in the end, no one knows, but in this concept, the creators are not only used the metal, but even went further! The back cover is completely covered in leather, neatly stitched at the edges. Looks such a solution is very specific, so use the phone would have been nice, the big question remains about the practicality of such a decision. Probably, Samsung will not make such a bold step, but the presence of a new flagship Matelli hinted more than once, so wait and hope.

Creating concepts for future smartphones – it’s not so simple, but extremely interesting. It’s nice that there are people who can express their fantasies in public. We can only discuss them, think about some details and, in fact, wait for the smartphone itself. According to the latest Galaxy S5 presentation is scheduled for February 23. In the case of HTC M8, the announcement is scheduled for March.

What can you say about these concepts, what you are expecting from new products? What ideas seem absurd to you, perhaps you would like to add something?

Two interesting concept upcoming Samsung Galaxy S5 and HTC M8

TouchWiz 6: more options

Clean, stock Android – it’s not for Samsung, but the motley old TouchWiz has long outlived his own, especially in the era of the global response to skevomorfizmom, … Apple started with its ambiguous iOS 7? Microsoft flat tiles Metro UI? Whoever trendsetters, it’s not about that. Wind of change came to designers and Samsung, so with spring sunshine and a brand new Galaxy S5 in this world comes and improved, and redrawn version perekroennaya proprietary shell from the Korean manufacturer. 

A couple of screenshots, leafless entire Internet with easy flow @ evleaks, confirm the statement of Executive Vice President Samsung Young Hee Lee at the CES-2014 that the fifth “galactic smartphone” will be significantly different from the two predecessors, repeating the form of sea pebbles. “Back to basics” – said Lee. What could it mean? Updated angular will in no way forms combined with smooth glossy flagship Samsung. Well, then there is every reason to believe that the term “sources” should be understood angles – in the best traditions of S2.

Brand new TouchWiz: Every little helps

• Desk. In addition to a slightly modified icons that no longer surround heavy shadows, you can watch an elegant font and cash in the dark gradient favorite shortcuts.

• Lock screen has all the chances to get more opportunities: TouchWiz allow you to make the most important information on the lock screen, whether it is a card with the shortest route to your destination, or information about the upcoming meeting. Well, where do without the banal (but certainly should) display the time, date and weather.

• The menu updates. Will Samsung introduce service competitor Google Now? It is very likely! Although a useful application in devices for a long time stuck South Korean electronics giant, new flagships will have its own data collection and analysis system user created to make life easier for all of us to show the expense of the last match of their favorite team, order food or find information on the next flight … All this already? But as you know, the thing is supplied correctly and marketing, so wait and see. 

Despite the fact that the release date or S5, or a new version of TouchWiz is not yet glimmers on the horizon, the company Samsung and its still not left the shell already charged in the secondary, comparing not only with said Google Now, but the interface Metro.

So will redesign its own menu and notifications best step for vendor or future owners of devices from Samsung will also lean towards a third-party launcher?

TouchWiz 6: more options

Agonizing suspense new Nexus

Your move, Google! All cards are already on the table and “cosmic gray” iPad Mini second generation, and the first attempt to wipe the LG new niche for themselves – G Pad, and Samsung previously made sure that fans of all diagonals tablets were able to get the new Galaxy Tab 2014 year. Only remains to wait for an updated line of Nexus.

Perfect Nexus – 7 or 8?

Another fruit of the collaboration of Google and Asus Androidomanov excites minds ever since, when accidentally (or on the contrary, deliberately) on the official website of the software giant’s fall appeared photo 8-inch tablet, which quickly replaced the familiar all Nexus 7. However, this accident was enough to hear about the imminent release of the device shattered worldwide. And it looks like the rumors are true.

Information resource DigiTimes, citing component suppliers for future trends, reports that Google intend to concentrate on the production and advertising devices with 8-inch, as sales of its predecessor with a smaller screen were much worse, despite the great value “price-quality.”

Specifications miniature tablet currently unknown, and more information, according to the insider, the company will receive in early spring. The most likely platform on which will work Nexus 8, called Bay Trail-T (Atom Z3740) from Intel, but the company Qualcomm also expressed their interest.

Nexus October 2014

As for the full-size tablet Nexus, then his appearance be without surprises for users familiar diagonal of 10 inches, resolution 2560 by 1600 pixels, the processor Exynos 5 Octa, 3 Gb RAM and improved compared to the previous generation front-facing camera (3MP). According to other sources under the body of the gadget will operate NVIDIA Tegra 4. Production will take over Samsung – just this fact is quite expected. Exterior view of the new device in the microblogging published Evleaks, but later tweet was removed because the original image in question as the news release OS Android 4.5, which supposedly will work Nexus October 2014. But there was an image of the updated 7-inch devaysa that is at odds with the aforementioned leaks about the future of the family tablets Google.

More rumors

No official release date, no official statements from the representatives of the American fans have not waited until. But when you consider Nexus presentation in previous years, expect to see new tablets in retail costs no earlier than June 2014. About “exit in the middle of the year” and sources say DigiTimes.

So, are you waiting for?

Agonizing suspense new Nexus

Forrester Research: users are less satisfied with Apple

Within a couple of years, Apple was the second in the list of companies, the most satisfying user. Leadership seems to come to an end. Forrester Research publishes recent research, according to which our favorite vendor – at the end of the first five.

Exactly: Amazon has come “to finish” first with 91 points each, followed by Internet giant Sony (83 points). Microsoft and Samsung divided between third place (82 points). Apple is full circle leaders – she got 81 points. 

We explain that the number of points – is an index based on an assessment of the views of over 7,500 consumers who gave answers to three key questions:

1.How pleasant to deal with …?
2.How easy to deal with …?
3.Naskolko brand suits your needs?

- And described their experience with a particular brand.

The quality of satisfaction with products manufacturers not taken into account: it is primarily about his impressions of the company and work on customer service, direct sales in particular.

Recall that Forrester Research conducts a detailed survey for the third time, and this is the first time that Apple is behind and Samsung, and Microsoft, and Sony. Previously, she was second only to Amazon.

Forrester Research: users are less satisfied with Apple