My Move To Apple from Android

I recently took the plunge and decided to jump into the world of Apple!

This is my story...

I have been quite strong in my feelings towards Apple products and services in the past.  I always felt that it was a total lock into their ecosystem, and once in there would be no going back.

I prefer the openness of Google, which is why I've been an Android user for the last couple of years.  Before that, I was quite immersed in the world of BlackBerry.

However, one day, a few of weeks ago I made a decision.  I decided to buy myself a MacBook Pro.

Yes, I know it was a dramatic decision; but I needed to get a personal laptop for work, and as much as I wanted to use my Chromebook (which I still love, by the way), it just wasn't up to the task at hand.

I knew I didn't want to buy a Windows laptop; I've been burned many times before with the endless updates and sluggish performance; not to mention virus checking!

That left me with one viable option. Apple.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I have never been anything less than complimentary about their design.  Beautiful machines.

I was only concerned with their walled garden approach to the environment.

However, it was pointed out to me that most of what I do is “in the cloud”, so really, what's the issue?  I could continue to work the way I want, without being restrained by a closed ecosystem.

So it was, one Saturday afternoon when I went to our local Apple store and bought a MacBook Pro. Why the Pro?  Why not the Air; or even the MacBook?

Simple - I needed an HDMI port.  That was it.  The new MacBook as no external ports; and the Air doesn’t have the HDMI.

MacBook Pro - First Impressions

I found the learning curve from Windows OS to be quite steep.  To begin with, the keyboard layout is different, and there are many other nuances.  You could argue that the Chromebook keyboard is also different; but the controls are the same as a Windows version.

My muscle memory is learning to adapt to the changes and I no longer use CTRL+C etc to copy and paste. I also like the on screen view of the various keyboard views, which has helped to find certain characters.

Regardless of the layout; the keyboard is one of the best I've used - just the right amount of travel, and with the back-lit keys in a dim room, there are no arguments from me.

Overall, the build quality is phenomenal.  The aluminium casing just reeks of quality and the retina screen is clear and bright.

Trackpad gestures are also very useful, and the multiple desktops allows for a more organised working environment.

Swipe in from the right and notifications are presented.

All in all, a very pleasing and polished experience.

Transition from Windows complete, I then thought about moving from Android!

Going All In

I knew I was setting myself up for ridicule. As I mentioned earlier, I have been quite vociferous in my feelings about the Apple “world” and changing now would only serve others the chance to make fun of me.  I have even said, in the past, that I’d never have an iPhone!!

Well.  Never say “never”!

Here's the thing. I'm big enough, and ugly enough, to admit I may be wrong.

Two weeks after buying the MacBook, I went back to the store and bought an iPhone 6s!!

I should add that I was quite very nervous about it. I like the way that Android gives freedom and flexibility to set the phone up how I like.  Using widgets on the home screen and quick actions to get things done, not to mention a first class notification centre.  How would I cope with being told how to use my phone?

To prepare myself, I replicated an iOS screen on my HTC one m8.  I removed all widgets, moved apps out of folders (well, most of them) and cancelled all shortcuts. I then continued to use my phone.

Surprisingly, I didn't miss the widgets and found I could navigate quite easily.

Still, nerves nipping away at me, I headed for the store. I questioned the sales guy, told him my concerns and he blew them away.

Totally. I mean, I know he's in sales, but that was incredible.

10 minutes later, phone in my hand, I was heading home to get it set up.

iPhone - First Impressions

Two weeks on and what's the verdict?

Well - set up was a breeze; at least the phone part.  The installed apps automatically updated, Siri switched on and I was busy downloading the apps I need to use my phone efficiently.

The major sticking point was in setting up email.  This was not as intuitive as I had hoped.

Sure, setting up my Gmail account was simple, as was my work Exchange account. The issue came when setting up a POP3 account for the Cub group I run. That was, and still is, troublesome.  I never get notifications about my emails, they just appear as read… So if I don't check regularly then I miss them.  Not really acceptable.  However, until a change happens; and I’m not hopeful of one in the near future, this seems to be an age-old problem, I'm learning to live with it.

From an app perspective, it's no surprise that 99% the apps I've used before are available and in that respect there's no change.

Battery life.  Much has been written about the iPhone being wall huggers. That it's not possible to go very long without charging.  I have to say I don't find that to be the case.  I'm not a light user, I also don't play games, but I have found to be able to go a day without plugging into the mains.

Conclusion

Am I pleased to have jumped onto the iOS bandwagon?

I was more than interested to hear the announcements at WWDC16. It seems there's some good stuff coming.

As for now. It's still early days and it may be a little while longer before I'm totally comfortable, but each day that passes brings me closer to a resounding “Yes”.

Review - BBM: Social Just Got Integrated

Here's a quote from BlackBerry:

"Did you know that seventy percent of BlackBerry® Messenger (BBM™) users use BBM every day to communicate with friends, family and colleagues?"

Well, now, social just got more integrated, as the next version of BlackBerry Messenger has been released.

For those who don't know, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) is the instant messenger application for communicating between BlackBerry handsets.  I say 'communicating' because it is more than chat.  It's possible to send files, photos, voice recordings and video and it doesn't cost anymore than the data plan you already have.

I've written about it before, and even with the introduction of other cross-platform services, such as WhatsApp, it is a major selling point for BlackBerry.  Even Apple have tried to emulate it, with iMessenger.

So, what's new? What have RIM (the makers of BlackBerry) come up with now?

BBM6... A bright, shiny new, version that integrates with other applications.

For example, you could be playing a game online, and use BBM to invite others and chat about the game.

Or, using Foursquare (the location-based, notification, service) I can let my BBM contacts know where I am, even if they don't use it.  What's more, if they then click on the link within my status update, they can download the app for themselves.

Sports fan?  Using ScoreMobile (a great free app that tracks major sporting events; including the English Premier League) you can chat with friends about the game, in the application.  Clever eh?

It's a whole new way to interact, and share information, the apps you love to use and get more involved.

If you have a BlackBerry, then head over to App World and download the latest version of BBM.

Hello Google+ - - - Goodbye Facebook!!

Recently heralded with great excitement and enthusiasm, this new social networking site from the famous search giant is in it's infancy; with an incredible 10,000,000 (yes, that's 10 million) users.

Amazing, since it hasn't even been officially released to the masses!!

I was itching for an invite to 'have a look' and a Twitter friend kindly obliged.


It's taken some getting used to.
What am I saying - it's taking some getting used to; but it dawned on me the other morning that I didn't go straight to facebook, to see what's happening.  My first port of call was Google+.

Circles
One of the big benefits are in what Google has called "Circles".  The ability to create what are, essentially, lists of different people, so it's possible to target updates, comments and discussions, to relevant parties.
It's clear, crisp and fresh.

For example, I have Circles for my Family, Real Life Friends, my Twitter Friends and Work colleagues.  You could have Circles of many different categories, and you can have people across multiple Circles.  It's so easy to drag and drop names around.  I'm still 'playing' with getting the right people in the right place...

Conversations are at the heart of Google+, but one huge benefit is the control you have over who sees what.  Now that you have Circles, you can have a one-to-one chat with someone, include more people in a discussion; or throw it open to the world.

Oh - and if you have an Android handset, by all accounts, the Google+ app is excellent.  I can't vouch for it.  However the mobile version of the site, on iPhone and iPad, will leave users wanting; as with BlackBerry (although my PlayBook does manage very well with the full, desktop version).

Hangouts
Instant messaging is available with integration to Google Chat; and with Google Hangouts, you can also video chat with up to 10 other people at at time - great for families, friends, and even businesses for video conferencing.

Photos
Finally - the ability to add photos to your online album, and share them with certain people.
Like I mentioned earlier, on Google+ you can share what you want, with who you want; so if you only want certain people to see your photos of a night out - you have the control.

Whether publicly, a group of people, or just one person.  The choice is yours.

After the video, you can read about my new 'experiment'.



The Experiment


So; from today, and for a trial period (although, who knows, it could become permanent) I will be leaving the facebook world behind me!

I say this with a few caveats:

• My Blog and I will still be published on Facebook- so you can still get your dose of my thoughts etc; but if you haven't 'Liked' my page, this could be the last post you read.
• My Foursquare updates will continue - mainly because they are automated. And I know you like to know if I get my morning coffee!
• I will react and respond to messages - I won't ignore you.
• I won't be updating my status, and I won't be commenting (or liking) any statuses.
• I won't be chatting either - If you want to chat; come on over to Google+ (or BBM or text me!)

No-one in the house thinks I can do this!

I can and I will...

At the moment, you can join Google+ by invitation.  Over the next few days you  may start to receive messages that I've added you to a Circle.  Don't be shy.  It costs nothing to look, and you may be pleasantly surprised.

I'm also still on Twitter, so you can follow me there @doonytime

So - Goodbye facebook; or should that be à bientôt.

Review - TuneIn Radio

 I discovered this app the other day, available on iPad, iPhone, BlackBerry and Android.

Listen to and record over 40,000 radio stations, including thousands of AM/FM local stations.
Radio streaming has never been so easy.  This isn't a free app - it costs a whopping £1.19; but the quality of the broadcasts is superb.
Start the programme, and it will identify where you are; however, you can select your listening pleasure either by choosing a category of programme, or genre of music.

Review - BlackBerry Torch 9800

Yes! It had to happen eventually.  I've been using BlackBerry's latest phone for the last few weeks, and thought it was time to put pen to paper (so to speak) and reveal all.

The Torch is the first phone, in the BlackBerry range, that runs their new operating system (BlackBerry 6).  This is a major update on the rest of the range, and boasts some rather wonderful changes.

Now, I'm quite fussy about my phones.  I used to be a heavy Nokia user; having got used to their user interface. However, when I made the change to BlackBerry, I wasn't disappointed.  The way in which they integrate the email services is, without a doubt, the best of breed.  Even the fanboys at Apple would agree with that one!!

So, what else is new.

This is the second BlackBerry to host a touch-screen, and whilst the Storm was ridiculed, this is a major step forward.  The resolution is still not as great as the iPhone, but to be honest, this isn't a toy, and I don't play many games on it, so it's absolutely perfect for a phone.
One of the selling points of BlackBerry is the inclusion of a full QWERTY keyboard, and the Torch has the best of both worlds; an on-screen keyboard and, courtesy of a slider mechanism, a full hard keyboard.  Some reviews have complained that it's not as good as others in the range (the Curve and Bold as an example) but I can confirm, having been a Curve user, the keyboard is just as good and user-friendly.  Not so sure about the touch-screen keys though - a little too small!!

I'm also wary of the slider - it feels very solid, but I just wonder how long it will last.  That's an observation, not a complaint.

The touch-screen itself is beautiful.  It's so intuitive to find your way around, and it's very responsive to key presses.  It will also orientate itself as landscape, when turned, so that videos and pictures, along with web pages, can be viewed more easily.

On the subject of web pages; this is one area where there is a big change.  BlackBerry have overhauled their browser, which makes surfing much more pleasurable.  Using the pinch technique favoured on other devices, it's easy to zoom in on pictures and pages.  Web pages will also reformat when 'double-tapped' making the text easier to read.

There are a number of tabs to scroll through; "Frequent", "Favourites", "Media", "Downloads" and "All".  By moving regularly used apps into the Frequent folder, they can be quickly accessed, without hunting through the menus.

And there are plenty of menus.  This phone can be customised in just about any which way you want; from ring tones, to wallpaper, to different types of alert; it's not difficult to do, just incredible how much you can make the phone your own.

BlackBerry have included the 'social' networks, Facebook and Twitter as part of the software release.  There's a dedicated icon called "Social Feeds", where all updates can be read in one place.  Personally, I'm not that keen, but I can see how it may be to some people's liking!  If you like your news on the move, there is also an RSS reader built-in, so you can catch up on what's important to you, wherever you are.

The camera has been given an upgrade too, with 5MP now available, autofocus and a range of different modes - much better than the 3.2Mp offered on other phones. There's also a video camera on board too.

The other consideration is battery life.  With all the included goodies, surely the battery won't last long.  Now, to be honest, I've been 'playing' quite a bit, so I've had to charge up each night, however, by customising some of the settings (like reducing the timeout till the screen fades) and switching off bluetooth and wi-fi when not needed, the battery lasts just as long as the Curve.

With BlackBerry Messenger, email integration, access via 3G, 2G, Wi-Fi, a full media section (which displays album art if you have it) and all the regular features you'd expect, this is a powerful phone, which does exactly what it says on the tin.

Below is the preview video that BlackBerry released, to whet our appetites; there's no need to wait any longer!!



So, in summary; is it worth it?  Was the hype justified?  Are other reviews fair?

This phone has been compared to the iPhone in so many ways, and that, in my view, is not right.  They are two different devices, aimed at different people.  So, yes, it's worth it (even a better contract deal, so the monthly payments are less!), they hype is totally justified - it's a cracking phone.

Do you have the new Torch, or other BlackBerry - what's your favourite app?

Applications for my iPad

My recent post about the iPad was, seemingly, quite well received, in terms of the number of readers, and I did say I would write about some of the apps available.

To be absolutely clear, the applications mentioned here are pure iPad apps. That is, they are not iPhone/iPod apps that need to be scaled up.
These have been engineered from the ground up, to take advantage of the larger screen size.

Feeddler
Firstly, and the one I use the most, is Feeddler (yes, that is spelt right!)
It's a newsreader, that is sync'd with my Google Reader account. This makes it easier to get the news and articles I am interested in, delivered to the iPad, so I can read whenever.
The benefit of this means that I don't need to be connected to the Internet, so as long as I synchronize before leaving my wi-fi connection, then I can read anywhere.

For something different, try MultiPong


It's a lot of fun.

Last time I mentioned Amazon Kindle - this is a free app, that allows you to buy books to download.  The benefit is that the books are priced in US dollars, so they work out cheaper than Apples own iBooks (which has quite a poor catalogue to choose from).

Finally, I'll mention DocsToGo.
Those of you with a BlackBerry will recognise this, as it comes pre-installed on their phone.  The application for the iPad allows you to synchronise documents with Google Docs, so it's possible (although not always easy) to keep a single document updated.
I use Google Docs quite a lot - it means I can access them anywhere, but by downloading them to my iPad, I can work on them remotely, and upload again when back in range of wi-fi.

All in all, these are my apps of choice, but I must admit to having a whole range of other apps; like Google Earth, the Formula1.com live timings app, plus games too.

It remains a terrific device, which is useful as well as being an expensive 'toy'!

iPhone Antenna Song

Following the saga with the antenna on the new iPhone 4, this video was released by a guy called Jonathan Mann, and, to Apples credit, it was played at the press conference yesterday.

It's really quite funny and just about sums up the whole issue.

Have you been affected by the antenna issue?



Personally, my BlackBerry hasn't had this problem!!