Category: podcast

Jon Westfall and I (Todd Ogasawara) have some choice comments about the major operating system upgrades in 2014. Android Lollipop, Apple iOS 8, and Apple OS/X Yosemite all get stinging commentary. How bad is it? I refuse to upgrade my iPad 2 to iOS 8. I am waiting for Apple to fix 8.1.1 before I upgrade my iPhone 6+. I’ve got a Mac that won’t go to Yosemite until it looks a bit more stable. And, Android 5.0 Lollipop turned my 1st generation Nexus 7 tablet into a slug. So,the Nexus 4 is staying at 4.4.

I have some comments about Microsoft’s Windows 10 Technical Preview too. But, it gets a pass because it is a beta release. You know the saying: If you play with beta, expect to get burned.

On a positive note: Jon has some kind words about Adonit’s customer service related to a problem he had with a Jotscript Bluetooth stylus purchased last year (2013). He also notes it is on sale right now over at ThinkGeek.

I have a few comments about the Alcatel pre-paid Android C1 phone running Android 4.2 and mention the Amazon Fire TV Stick that started shipping to the first wave of buyers in November.

And, finally, Jon has a bit of a “I told you so” moment in talking about the failed Amazon Fire Phone.

Jon Westfall and I (Todd Ogasawara) discuss the following topics in this podcast.

News

1. Microsoft Band
2. Google Inbox (Chrome only on desktops). The Android app is a battery killer!
3. Surprise! Google Play available on Roku However, it is not available for my 1st gen Roku box. It requires a post-2011 Roku device.
4. Amazon Fire Stick was $19 during a two-day sale period. Regular price $39. Amazon underestimated demand (CNET). Shipping even on early orders slipping into Dec. New orders slipping to early 2015.
5. Google Fit for Android is useless. I tried it 2 days, then, uninstalled it to get a little more battery life.

Konspiracy Korner

1. Google X nano-particles injected into body to detect disorders.
2. Verizon Wireless perma-cookie
3. FBI holds secret meeting to push a backdoor to phone encryption
4. Circuit Court in Virginia Rules Police Can Force Users to Unlock iPhones With Fingerprints, But Not Passcodes. Fingerprints are NOT protected by the Fifth Amendment.

The MobileViews podcast launched way back on November 26, 2008 (under a different name). For episode 100, Frank McPherson, who was on podcast number 2, joins me (Todd Ogasawara) and Jon Westfall for a look backwards and forwards. Here’s the show run-down for episode 100.

Looking backwards and forwards with Frank McPherson

1. From the T-Mobile G1 (first Android phone) to the Moto X, Nexus 6, and more
2. Chromebooks, Chromebox, & Chromecast

News

1. Jon bought both the iPad Air 2 and iPad mini 3. How does it compare to the old iPad 2 & iPad mini 2?
2. He also bought Apple’s leather case for the iPhone 6 Plus. Worth the money?
3. Thoughts about the iOS 8.1 and OS/X Yosemite updates.
4. Jon and I were both traveling last weekend. And, we both took an iPhone 6 Plus on our respective trips. How well does it the new giant iPhone travel?
5. The initial Windows 10 Technical Preview worked great on my Dell Venue 8 Pro tablet. The recent major update (build 9860)? Not so much.
6. What is Microsoft Garage? And, why is Microsoft Research dabbling in Android apps?
7. Jon’s rant: What is CurrentC? And, what does it have to do with CVS and Rite-Aid shutting down support for Apple Pay?
8. Pebble smartwach, Samsung gear and other wearable tech spotted at… Sam’s Club? Yep.

Product tips

1. Todd: PressureNet for Android. Note the discussion about the possibilities of using the iPhone 6’s barometer on the Cliff Mass Weather Blog. For weather wonks.
2. Jon: Replay Video Editor for iOS: Video creation made super simple, super fast, looks cool.