Just when you thought Google couldn’t teach us anything else (okay, no one ever actually thought that) – the search engine and general badass dudes over at Google Australia revealed some pretty classic info about our favourite daily searches.
In an exclusive interview with B&T, it was revealed that the most popular searches on a daily basis quite literally summarise our standard week to a tee.
On Monday, ‘the gym’, is the most search phrase – as we look to burn away the weekend calories. Tuesday’s most search is ‘jobs and recruitment’ – of course we get our act together after the laziness of Monday to something with our lives.
Wednesday we’re in holiday hump day mood, with “cheap flights” all the rage to cure the travel bug. Thursday is legit gambling night, with ‘Powerball’ on the tip of all part time pundits across the country.
Friday ‘traffic’ is first on the radar as we escape the realms of the office/campus, or drive off for a little weekend getaway. But alas the weekend is here and ‘cocktails’ are on everyone’s radar – with the Sunday ‘hangover’ the final nail in the coffin.
The top searches for each day of the week…
Monday – the gym
Tuesday – jobs and recruitment
Wednesday – cheap flights
Thursday – Powerball
Friday – traffic
Saturday – cocktails
Sunday – hangover
Yet another moment where Google has again confirmed our simple lives via some even simpler popular search functions. FFS guys.
The study also told us that Netflix is the fastest growing search term in Australia, McDonald’s is the most searched for business (‘business’ FFFFFS!), while the most common place we are searching that is close to us is restaurants.
We live in a crazy world of dynamic innovation, and there’s no doubt Sony have played a big part in their long history. But this shit is just freaking sick.
The electronics giant has released a new light bulb that doubles up as a Bluetooth speaker. It can screw in to any normal light bulb socket and you can crank some killer tunes through it, simply by using an app on your smartphone.
Not only that, but the app also allows you to control the brightness of the bulb – which sports a 360-lumen unit. And of course, in case you’re not smartphone friendly (really?) you can pair the purchase up with a wireless remote.
We absolutely love this little piece of tech, so check out some of the killer pics below!
The speaker/bulb is set to be released late next week in Japan for a price around the AUD$200 mark. A bit expensive, but I will happily starve myself for this little beaut.
If you are new to the Reddit-starting world of 3D Split Depth gifs, well to put it simply – get your shit together.
These amazingly cool gifs split up images into three panels and create a false sense of depth, and effectively bring gifs to life. We’ve trolled through the Reddit world to bring you our favourite 17 3D split depth gifs, everything from space, to the ocean, cars and pop culture.
Humans are social beings – we live in different communities of varying size,s and communication is our most basic form of interaction. For as long as the social technology has existed, instant messaging has been the foundation. If we go back 10 years, our generation largely utilised MSN Messenger (later Windows Live Messenger) or ICQ alongside SMS as the main ways to talk to each other. By 2008, the earlier social networks such as MySpace and Bebo were quickly being made irrelevant by the rapid rise of Facebook. Then in 2007, the iPhone ushered in the smartphone era that we live in today.
Now we have a problem – too many messaging apps. Messaging is broken because none of these apps talk to each other; they are all completely separate services that exist within ‘walled gardens’. Once upon a time all the major messaging platforms such as Google Talk, AOL Instant Messenger, ICQ, and Yahoo! used XMPP/Jabber which was a protocol that allowed you to use any of these services to message people regardless of which service they used. It was messaging utopia.
But as Jabber declined, all these closed messaging platforms began popping up and now there is no longer a standard and common protocol that everyone is using. As a result, most smartphone users will have at least two or three instant messaging apps installed. Most will have your default SMS app, iMessage or Google Hangouts, a social network-based messaging app such as Facebook Messenger, and an independent phone number-based messaging app such as WhatsApp or Viber. We need to connect with everyone but not everyone is on one single service. It’s not a matter of which platform has the most or best features; what matters is where your friends are.
So let’s look at the current state of messaging and the increasingly vast array of options available to us in this space.
1. The Old Timers (SMS and MMS)
Ah, the common denominator between anyone that has a phone and a SIM card. Invented in 1982, this messaging system is standing the rest of time. Unlike all the other messaging apps mentioned in this article, SMS relies on telephone networks to send messages, rather than over the Internet. Phone carriers around the world are reducing the price of SMS and, for many, unlimited plans are available. As a result, SMS is arguably making a comeback as we become either disillusioned with the saturated messaging market or just want a true, tried and tested way to send a message. It’s never going to go away but it’s not necessarily going to win the war either.
2. The Apple v Google Ecosystems (iMessage v Hangouts)
These exist within the larger iOS v Android discussion that has been going on for years – not going into that today. Both of these platforms require an Apple ID or a Google account and both come preinstalled on iOS and Android devices respectively. The difference? You can download Hangouts on iOS (as well as Windows, OS X, Linux, and Chrome OS) but you can only use iMessage on iOS and OS X. In 2014, legal action was taken against Apple for iMessage lock-in: if you switched from an iPhone to an Android phone without switching iMessage off, your friends’ iPhones would still be sending you iMessages instead of SMS, which has lost people millions of messages. Other than that, both of these have largely similar feature sets (I say that loosely) and both allow you to merge your SMS messages and iMessage/Hangout messages in the same thread for each contact.
3. The Social Networks (Facebook Messenger)
To be honest, Facebook Messenger is really the only contender in this category. Facebook understands the importance of messaging and they’re banking on the fact that it has over 1.3 billion users on its platform. In 2014, Facebook made the controversial decision to force users to download the Facebook Messenger app to access your Facebook messages on your smartphone – they were exporting it out of the main Facebook app. Many were unhappy, including this writer – another messaging app I have to have! (Fortunately I’ve found a workaround to re-enable Facebook messages within the main app). Facebooks justifies this decision as necessary to focus firmly on the messaging experience, and in November 2014 it announced its app now has over 500 million monthly users. The upshot of Facebook Messenger is that its works – you can group message, add photos, send voice messages, send locations, voice call, video call – none of which are particularly unique to Facebook, but combine it with the accessibility of nearly all your friends on the same platform and this places Facebook in a strong position.
4. The Self-destructors (Snapchat and Telegram)
We all know what Snapchat is – you take a photo, choose a time limit, select your recipients, and send. Those recipients can see that photo for your specified time limit and then it disappears. In May 2014, Snapchat added the ‘chat’ aspect into their app which allowed you to send messages to contacts which disappeared after they were viewed. They also added live video chatting at the hold of a button. Snapchat has been sought after by many of the larger technology companies in Silicon Valley and spawned a Facebook-owned clone which was later killed.
Telegram meanwhile is an app you might not have heard of yet but I believe deserves a brief mention. With a strong focus on encrypting/securing your messages, it also features self-destructing messages, photos, videos and documents of all file types and up to 1GB in size. It runs on Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Windows, OS X, and Linux. The main reason it hasn’t reached the mass market is that it was only launched in 2013 – a relative latecomer to the game. But that won’t stop it – when Whatsapp went down for four hours in February 2014, 5 million people signed up to Telegram. Keep an eye out for this one.
5. The Market Leader (Whatsapp)
Source: amazonaws.com
WhatsApp launched in 2009 and was the first messaging app that actually threatened the status quo of chat. All you needed to register was a phone number and you were off – free messages to your contacts. Many of its features have been made ubiquitous by other messaging apps and as a result its main advantage is that it is the most globally popular messaging app with over 600 million active users. The downside? No access from the web. WhatsApp only supports mobile operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows Phone). In February 2014, Facebook acquired WhatsApp for US$19 billion and in November 2014, WhatsApp introduced end-to-end encryption which brings it on par with Telegram in terms of security.
Wrap-up
The competition for your messages is one that has no end in sight. We’ve explored some of the major messaging platforms and it’s a ridiculous amount. What’s even more troubling is that none of them hit all the right spots – some are less secure, some are tied to what phone you use, some have no desktop app, and some are too niche. At the start of this article I mentioned that the apps you have installed/use are tied to the ones your friends use. That’s not going to change. I’ll still send SMS messages to most people, I’ll still use Facebook out of necessity but Hangouts lets me message anywhere without the distraction of Facebook, and I’ve abandoned Snapchats’ text messaging but self-destructing photos are more popular than ever. I’ve tried WhatsApp, Telegram, Viber and decided they were unneeded – anyone on these I’d SMS instead. Overall these four messaging apps are my mainstays.
Well, 2014 has been a craaaazzzzy year. Full of selfies, smartwatches, tragic passings, sporting triumphs, Miley Cyruses and a ridiculous amount more. So to celebrate the year that has been, we’re counting down a range of Top 5 moments from the past year throughout a bunch of categories. And today, we kick it off with our Top 5 tech moments of 2014.
5. Self-driving cars
Who would have thought in 2014 we would finally be able to leave our cars on auto pilot? Self-driving cars (or driverless cars, for the pedants) are happening!
The first major announcement regarding this future tech was made by Google in May. The company unveiled 100 self-driving cars which contain no steering wheel.
Their two seater electric car is engineered to imitate a real human driving it (without of course, human errors) while the occupants sit back and relax. By using computers to drive instead of humans, Google hopes to save lives on the road by cutting car accidents by nearly 90%.
They are still a while away from being road worthy, but a Minority Report style highway is getting closer by the day.
4. Smartwatches
In 2014 we saw the emergence of smartwatches for the commercial environment. Watches that can do more than just show the time have been around for years – a smartwatch is the next step in that evolution.
Making this technology simple to use for the general public is an area which has been in development since smartphones took over the marketplace. At the start of this year, companies such as Samsung, LG and Motorola had already announced their plans to release this new wave of tech gear. Google also announced Android Gear, the software designed specifically to power their watches, similar to the android operating system on mobile platforms. Apple’s anticipated smartwatch was announced later, and it is set to be released early 2015.
The technology used in smartwatches is not of any significance in and of itself, but how they might change the way we interact with each other is significant. Much like the release of the first iPhone in 2007 and its impact on many different industries, the smartwatch is set to completely change the way businesses operate, and the way we access technology.
3. Sky full of drones!
The idea of drones flying around our skies and completing tasks is not completely new to us. Military forces across the world have been using drones for years to spy on each other. Since the 1990’s farmers have been using drones to spray crops with fertilizers and pesticides on their farms. These are all very specific usages for drones which don’t affect the general public directly.
But drones are about to go mainstream.
Amazon was the first to take drones seriously, announcing plans in late 2013 to use drones to make one day deliveries to select locations. 2014 has seen Researchers at the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology announce plans for using drones to deliver medical supplies to remote areas in developing countries. Facebook got involved as well, purchasing Ascenta, a solar powered drone company aiming to increase internet connectivity for people who live in remote areas – a literal sky-net.
A start-up company from Silicon Valley is even making plans to start delivering Tacos to people who live in the Bay Area (USA! USA! USA!).
Maybe in a couple of years we’ll have drones causing traffic in our skies. Hopefully they won’t block the view (or spy on us) too much!
2. Facebook buys Oculus VR
For many gamers the Oculus Rift is no news whatsoever. The virtual reality (VR) machine was developed to advance gaming into a new phase where gamers were able to be fully immersed in the gaming world – a full 360 degree view.
But when Facebook announced its plans to purchase Oculus VR (the company that created Oculus Rift), everyone’s attention was suddenly focused on what could be done with this new technology.
While the focus of the Oculus Rift for now is only on gaming, Facebook appear to have big plans for the technology. In his blog announcement, Mark Zuckerberg said that, “We’re going to make Oculus a platform for many other experiences. Imagine enjoying a courtside seat at a game, studying in a classroom of students and teachers all over the world or consulting with a doctor face-to-face — just by putting on goggles in your home.”
It will be interesting to see how Facebook use their vast resources to push the machine in other ways, and if they will be able to follow through with their ideas.
Futurama anyone?
1. We landed on a comet!
For the first time in history scientists were able to successfully land a small spacecraft on a comet. Everyone will know it as Rosetta, but on November 12th it was actually the probe’s lander module – named Philae – that touched down on the comet known as 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko – 67P for short.
This was an astonishing achievement not only for the scientific community, but also for humanity.
According to the European Space Agency (ESA), upon first contact with 67P, Philae bounced off its surface several times before coming to a stop. The scientists in charge of landing the probe say that the first bounce caused it to spring back up to 1km away from the surface at a speed of 38cm per second (it doesn’t sound like a lot, but comets have very weak gravity). Had the speed exceeded 44cm per second, the probe would have achieved escape velocity and would not have been able to complete its mission.
Sadly the probe has landed near a cliff which is casting a shadow over the solar powered batteries of Philae. Without the ability to capture sunlight the module was only able to remain operational until November 15th. However scientists are confident the probe will be able to recharge its batteries once the comet gets closer to the sun.
Rosetta has the capability of answering – or at least helping to answer – several very important questions; like did water on earth come from comets? What exactly are comets made of? How long can they remain in space? And perhaps most importantly of all, did comets bring life to Earth?
The summer of 2014 will most probably be remembered as the summer our watches became aware of their surroundings.
Samsung and LG decided to get their foot in the door first by announcing their first generation of smartwatches, and that they will run on Google’s operating system – Android Wear. Motorola (which had already announced its smartwatch in March) finally unveiled the final product in September. Apple decided to join the race a week later by announcing its Apple Watch.
Although, after the release of Android Wear operating system devices, technology blogs and websites agreed that there was something missing from each product. The LG G is not usable under sunlight, which makes the product impractical. Why would I spend $250 on a watch that I can’t even use during the day!? The Samsung Gear Live doesn’t seem to have a good battery life, which again, is terribly impractical.
Both of those devices also look horrible in terms of design. There was such a big outcry about the design of these watches that LG announced a second smartwatch with rounded corners just so it could compete with Motorola.
The Moto 360 had everyone convinced that Motorola had done the impossible: designing a smartwatch with a rounded interface! Both LG and Samsung have made their watch square shaped which didn’t seem to appeal to many people. But the Moto 360 and its circular shape reminded us of a normal looking watch, only smarter!
The industry was waiting for the Moto 360 to come and steal the show, but after the first round of reviews most people were utterly disappointed with its battery life. A watch that will only work for half a day is not worth being called a watch – you might as well just stick with your phone.
After all, I believe, the main point of having a smart watch is to prevent an everyday person from pulling their phone out of their pocket solely to check the time and messages/emails etc. Personally, I do it at least 20 times an hour, especially if I’m sitting in a boring lecture. So if these companies think that I’m going to spend at least $200 on a piece of technology that won’t last me at least a full day, they should know that they will not be getting my money.
The language they used to describe their products has grabbed the attention of many people who wouldn’t normally even think about having a smartwatch.
Everyone’s’ attention now shifted towards Apple. Due to all the rumours leaking out of Apple HQ for the last couple of years, people had been waiting for Apple to announce its own smartwatch. But Apple being Apple, they never told us what they were going to announce this year. After revealing the iPhone 6 – and a new payment system called Apple Pay – Tim Cook, the CEO of Apple, decided to pull an old trick on the millions of people watching the event. He used Steve Jobs’ famous line which always preceded an important and unpredictable announcement at the end his keynotes: “One more thing!”
After that, Cook officially announced the Apple Watch, and went on to explain how it was designed and how it is going to become the most personal piece of technology Apple has ever made.
And now we come to realise which company is more likely to win the race as things stand right now.
The answer is clearly Apple, and, for me, it all comes down to one thing: Marketing.
Apple knows exactly how to create hype and knows exactly when to take advantage of it. They almost never invent an entirely new product. They look at what’s already out there, make it simple and then using the most modern strategies, market it to the everyday person.
In an interview with Charlie Rose, Tim Cook explains this quite nicely. He says that Apple has reinvented industries many times before. They did it with the iPod. He says the iPod was not the first MP3 player; rather it was the first modern MP3 player which an everyday person found easy to understand and use. The same principle applies to the iMac, the iPhone and the iPad. There had been many products that were released prior to any of the “iProducts”, and yet each of those redefined the industry in their own way and set new standards.
We could use the same argument for the Apple Watch. Apple has generated huge hype around this new technology by unveiling and announcing it the way they did. The language they used to describe their products has grabbed the attention of many people who wouldn’t normally even think about having a smartwatch.
During Apples’ events and keynotes it becomes very clear (almost annoying at times) that they clearly pick and emphasise certain words and phrases such as “the best”, “cool”, “ the most advanced”, “it just works” and so on. They repeat these words over and over again like a mantra until it becomes gospel for their customers. This was also evident during the Cook interview. Almost immediately after opening the segment, Cook started throwing around the same words and phrases over and over again; almost as if to convince himself that they were true. These are all marketing and advertising tricks that have proven to work over the years, and I’m certain it will work again for the Apple Watch. Unless Apple does something completely wrong with the hardware or software design of their smartwatch, they are going to win this arms (wrist) race.
Smartwatches are certainly very new to everyone, especially in our everyday life; but if there’s one company that has proven itself over time that they can change the way people live and conduct their business, it is Apple.
Nine months after the release of the last Surface devices, Microsoft have released the latest instalment in their Surface line, the Surface Pro 3. Marketing the device as a “tablet that can replace your laptop”, they aim their gun directly at Apple’s MacBook Air. After two underappreciated and slightly awkward releases, has the latest iteration to the Surface family changed enough to be a strong enough contender against more traditional offerings?
Functionality
Those familiar with the previous Surface devices know that the kickstand, while a neat idea, was horribly implemented. The best thing about this new iteration of the device is that the kickstand can now be adjusted up to 150 degrees, allowing a precise angle to rest the device to your own comfort. The touch screen is incredibly responsive, and the digitiser pen glides across the screen quite well in both writing and drawing scenarios. Students looking to annotate PDF files or write out their own notes will especially benefit from the included pen. The Type Cover has been improved, providing a much more stable typing experience, especially when using it on your lap but unfortunately, if you’d like to use it as a laptop in bed then you’re out of luck as it proves to be a very uncomfortable experience.
Microsoft have put in a lot of effort to develop the perfect tablet-laptop hybrid device and the Surface Pro 3 is a huge improvement over its predecessors.
Usability
Those unfamiliar with Windows 8/8.1 interface my find the idea of swiping around screens to be cumbersome, but with a little bit of experience with the device they’ll find that it really is a much more intuitive interface, especially for touch screen use. The start screen takes some getting used to but it definitely has its advantages and it’s easy to go to the more familiar desktop setting and stay there. One of the big applications advertised with the device is OneNote which can be opened up with a click of the digitiser pen for quick and easy note taking. The battery life lasts up to 9 hours of light browsing and word processing, which can get you through a solid day of uni but expect the numbers to fall when doing intensive tasks. Speaking of which, don’t expect to play modern games or use heavy applications; the device throttles at a lower temperature than its predecessors due to the removal of a fan which reduces task performance.
Build quality and design
The build quality for Microsoft’s hardware has always exceeded expectations and this is no exception. The tablet weighs in at 800g and is only 9.1mm thick, but despite this the device feels solid and expensive. The new aspect ratio and the increased screen size (to 12”) makes the device look much more like a laptop than its predecessors and the glossy black bezel contrasted with the silver back housing makes for an elegant looking device that will be a topic of conversation with friends and strangers for some time. Unfortunately the thin frame led to the removal of one off the internal fans which causes the device to heat up quite a bit during intensive tasks, as discussed in the usability section.
Value for money
Let’s face it, the Surface Pro is elegant, thin, portable, and versatile and you want to buy it because it’s cool. It most certainly is a luxury item but the fact that the tablet doesn’t come with the keyboard really hurts the wallet. If you’re looking for a laptop to do word processing, web browsing and movie watching, you can no doubt find a much cheaper alternative. You’ll also be looking at a less portable, clunky and ugly device that lacks a touch screen and is filled with crapware.
Overall
Microsoft have put in a lot of effort to develop the perfect tablet-laptop hybrid device and the Surface Pro 3 is a huge improvement over its predecessors and a major step forward for the Surface line. The device looks and feels nice enough to turn heads. If you have the finances (take note; students get a 10% discount when purchasing directly from Microsoft’s web store) you want an elegant, unique, versatile device and are inclined to use the Surface pen for art or studying then this device will provide a ton of use.
It’s a fact. Technology is now making hiring decisions. This means when you apply for a job, software is screening your job application, deciding if you’re a potential candidate and grading your suitability for that role. Companies use resumé scanning technologies to save them time. They don’t have the hours in the day to review hundreds and hundreds of resumés so they use scanning software to do all the hard work. If companies are leveraging this technology, then you need to be too if you want to stand out and beat tech at its own game.
What is resumé scanning software?
It’s a software program designed to weed out weak resumés. In other words, it separates the wheat from the chaff. With 200+ hopefuls applying for any given graduate program, internship or generalist role, employers just don’t have time to deal with the volume. It filters out anyone who doesn’t have the right keywords for the position. It doesn’t matter if you have all the right experience for the job because the scanning software is only looking for those keywords. Worried? Well you should be if you don’t understand how keywords work. If you want a job then you need to be tech savvy and one step ahead of that screening technology.
What are keywords and where do I find them?
Your ‘keywords’ are the specific words that relate to the job and also the words employers and recruiters use to find you online. It’s just like a Google search – someone types in specific words and up comes a list of suitable matches. With scanning software, employers can generate a list of candidates who have the right keywords. If you use one of the many online job boards like Seek, Spot Jobs, MyCareer or Freelancer.com, employers looking to hire will use keywords to find the right person for the job. This also applies for LinkedIn. It’s paramount that your headline, summary and experience list the right keywords or you won’t come up in a recruiter or employer’s search. You may as well be sitting in the dark with a paper bag over your head because no-one will ever find you.
The secret to finding the right keywords is in the job advertisement or position description. Firstly, have a look at the ‘must have’ attributes as this is where most of your keywords will be. Take note of any specific software or experience and then list these words several times throughout your documents or online profile. Keywords can also be job titles or soft skills, so if they’ve mentioned things like ‘problem solver’ or ‘team player’, mention these skills too. Each job will be different so keep this in mind each time you apply for a role.
Getting noticed online
In 2014, tech savvy job seekers have some great technologies to showcase their skills and set themselves apart from the dull and boring. On LinkedIn you can network and connect with potential employers and recruiters and write a career profile to promote your experience. If you’re looking to create something more colourful and interactive to give you that edge, Trumpet Page offers a digital CV builder which is just like a mini website for your career.
Job interviews are changing with Skype and FaceTime eliminating the need for in-person interviews. Video interviews are also gaining traction with many companies using RecruitLoop, TalentVX and Vieple to handle their remote and first-round interviews. With these platforms, applicants log-in and respond to a series of structured questions. Usually, you only get a few seconds to prepare before you record your response so this method can be challenging for many of us. Thinking on the fly isn’t for everyone. But if you really want to get a hiring manager’s attention, be a little ballsy and make your own YouTube video to market yourself and post links to your social media.
Use technology to gain the upper hand
Job seekers who use their initiative along with technology in their job search will have the better chance of getting noticed in a very crowded online space. LinkedIn has made it easier than ever to connect with professionals globally, Trumpet Page helps you show off your career in the best possible light to employers and recruiters, Skype and FaceTime can effectively screen and engage people remotely and YouTube is a great marketing tool for your personal brand.
Whatever platform or technology you decide to use in your job search, the chances are recruiters and employers will also view your resumé, online profile, digital CV or video on a mobile device, so make sure it’s reader friendly in all modes of communication.
Bronwen Kaspers is the CEO and Founder ofTrumpet Page, a company that provides you with the tools needed to create a digitally optimised resumé with the goal of getting you noticed by employers in the hyper-competitive environment of job seeking.
Let’s be honest, we’re all basic. We know it and Apple especially knows it.
The new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus were released today, and this means long lines, high demand and spending a lot of money you can’t afford to spend. The iPhone 6 is loaded with features that are sure to change the game when it comes to all things basic: selfies, Instagram, sexting, shopping. Now, iPhones come in brushed silver, gold and space gray shades that are practically their own accessories.
Here’s how the iPhone 6 will enhance the lives of basic bitches everywhere.
Longer battery life for all-nighters.
The new iPhone 6 Plus battery lasts up to 24 hours on standby. That means you have time to get ready with friends, go out to a bar and wander home the next morning with your phone still on.
Fitness apps to match your yoga pants even though you don’t go to the gym.
The new M8 motion processor can track if you’re cycling or running. That lets you use your phone for something other than Instagram and Twitter while on the treadmill.
Prettier Selfies, #NoFilter
iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have an updated front-facing camera that takes “burst” selfies, meaning you can pick the picture where you don’t have a double chin. Thank you, technology, for making us more photogenic.
Photos will make your life look way, way better than it really is.
Source: Apple
There’s an updated panorama setting. Read: better sunset, Grand Canyon and football tailgating group pictures. Picturesque moments look like more fun on social media, anyway.
WiFi that will allow you to make calls from your friend’s basement apartment.
New enabled WiFi calling lets you phone a friend in those awful dead spots, whether it’s the subway station downtown or your sister’s crappy deadzone of an apartment.
No autocorrecting to “ducking.”
The iPhone’s predictive keyboard basically means that you can stop accidentally typing “duck” and all those other typos you hate.
TV and video anywhere to help you cope with being single.
iPhone 6 Plus has up to 14 hours of video time running on battery alone. So that’s 14 episodes of “Breaking Bad,” enough TV time to secretly get you through two slow days at work.
Procrastinate with better looking games.
The new phones also have an A8 processor, a 64-bit chip designed to make phone gaming more beautiful. Thought your avatar on “Kim Kardashian: Hollywood” looked hot before? Look at her now.
Throw shade more stealthily.
The redesigned power button is now on the side and easier to reach. No more awkwardly scrambling to turn your screen off when sending catty texts about someone at the same party.
Live tweet like a professional.
The iPhone 6 is 50 percent faster than the original model. To be honest, that’s the difference between live tweeting comments from your drunk coworker at happy hour and losing those gems forever.
No more squinting at the screen.
Apple’s new rotating screen display enables you to see things on your phone clearly. Gone are the days of squinting at Reddit. Now, you’ll be able to actually read the words.
One-handed phone features for more multitasking.
New features enable you to use your iPhone one-handed. One eye on the cute guy across the bar, one hand texting a friend. Neither activity requires your full attention, and you know it.
Pay for your pumpkin spice latte faster.
Apple Pay means cashless, cardless buying. Now you can pay for your morning Starbucks coffee without having to dig through your bag to find your wallet.
Because no cash or credit cards are needed, you can wear more leggings.
Apple’s new payment system, which comes on every phone, eliminates the inevitable mental debate of whether or not to stick your credit cards in your bra. Just pick up your iPhone, chug that last glass of red wine and go.
Silver and gold since you probably think you’re royalty.
Let’s talk aesthetics. No one wants to see your fugly, peeling Etsy phone case from five years ago.
+ 1. Oh and say goodbye to silicone cases because the new iPhone’s waterproof and shatterproof.
YES. It will never happen again.
Written by Emily Arata.
This article was originally published on Elite Daily.
What’s a mobile phone without a case? Well in the modern day, you could argue they are becoming slightly less relevant. But with the introduction of their (amazing) S5 Galaxy, tech lords Samsung have introduced the S5 S-View phone case which is quite the innovative piece of technology. But does the creative vision match the output?
Will turn heads, but ultimately there are probably quite a few better valued options in the market.
Functionality
Perhaps the most notable function of this particular phone case is that you actually have to pop the back of the normal phone and connect it to the case. This engages the dynamic front-of-case dynamic S-View screen, which allows you to operate the phone (answering calls, reading texts, using the back camera)without flipping open the front cover. It’s the most ambitious feature of the case, but calls can often be a bit fuzzy and the inability for any type of reply to text’s via the front screen is disappointing.
Usability
Unfortunately the negatives stack up just as high as the positives when it comes to usability. For example, if you are constantly checking your phone throughout the day, the phone unlocks simply by flipping open the front cover – handy and not as annoying as you may think. The frustrating aspect is that if you constantly have the front cover open, it naturally bends and sometimes you’re left with a phone case that wont stop unlocking itself. The front screen is also going to build up noticeable dust and fingerprint marks very quickly when using the case, worth noting.
Build Quality and Design
Arguably the best aspect of this case is the sharp and sleek nature of the build and design. Made from a synthetic leather, the S-View case has a luxurious feel and is quite stealthy despite the professional look. The phone fits nicely into the back panel and never feels loose. It does add quite a bit of size to the S5, which is a notably slim phone – and probably the only slight negative in terms of build. But generally, it’s an appealing product aesthetically – and the times I used it when out, often drew intriguing glares from mates. It’ll certainly draw attention!
Value for Money
Unfortunately, this is where the penny drops – literally. We all know in our current society that you pay for the branding, and you certainly do here. At a RRP of AU$60, there are plenty of better options on the market. The case certainly looks nice for the money you will pay, but I can get a week’s worth of pub lunches for the same price – and I know what I’m choosing. Either that or I’m a bit of an alcoholic. (Probably the latter.)
Overall…
A nice little phone case, that unfortunately, seems a bit to technical for it’s own good. The price here is the determining factor, and for AU$60 the value for money isn’t great. It’s definitely a sleek looking product that will turn some heads with the interactive S-View front screen – but ultimately there are probably quite a few better valued options in the market.
The Samsung S5 S-View Case used in this review was supplied by and is available with a bunch of other great S5 cases at MobileZap.
