Smartphone discussion

[Tesla]

Telstra is useless with updates, Sony have released another XZ update and Telstra still haven't released the last one. Glad I flashed a stock rom, and Sony have to be given praise for making it so easy to do so, they provide a program to make flashing and even creating your own stock roms super easy, they really lead the way in this regard and other Android phone producers should follow suit.

Edited May 21, 2013 by Tesla

[Deviant]

samsung is very similar mr maco dude.

 

I flashed a stock rom on my S3 4G (originally from telstra), i put the widgets i wanted on there and it's flying.

As soon as 4.2.2 is released by samsung, my phone will update

 

The Samsung S4 Active (water and dust resistant version) is coming out in the next couple of months also. I have informed a lot of tradies about it. very keen. 

 

 

Also, the next big thing from Google won't be android 5, instead it'll be 4.3. It'll be a new update to Jelly Bean, with almost 50% different architecture to the current 4.x.x versions.

4.3 is scheduled to be released to selected high-end devices in a few months.

[Tesla]

The XZ successor:

more interesting is ‘Honami’, which is believed to be the company’s ‘One Sony’ model – offering the best Sony tech in one chassis. Honami is believed to sport a 5-inch 1080p display, dedicated Walkman audio chip (S-Master MX Digital Amplifier?) and a 20MP Cyber-shot CMOS sensor with Carl Zeiss lens.

The tester goes on to say that Honami will be one of the most attractive phones Sony has ever made, even more so than the Xperia Z and iPhone 5. Honami could also see a July release, in Asia at least. Both Honami and Togari are said to be water and dust resistant.

http://www.xperiablog.net/2013/04/28/sony-h2-flagship-rumour-mill-details-on-togari-and-honami/

Well I guess the next battleground will be cameras, bad news for HTC since they don't produce cameras like Sony and Samsung do, but they do have the advantage of getting in first with the ultrapixel camera so maybe they can expand on that for their next offering.

[Deviant]

if you have a look at what samsung has done... their hardware can stay the same... but the software they are producing is what is selling their products. 

 

The battleground is software at the moment in my opinion. it's more of a 'The (brand) can do this, whereas the (other brand) cant' rather than, this has a 342432 core cpu powering it. 

 

Sony do have some great apps and the programming is stable. But Samsung take the cake, By far, in this sense. 

[Hendo]

Fucks sake.

 

Got like another 8-9 months on my contract, but as I've been milking cash to these optus bastards for 3 years they've finally offered me a free early upgrade. Really want the S4. Do it before the end of the month and I've got an extra 1GB. 

 

Yay?

[Deviant]

what price?

If you aren't going to pay for the handset, then do. 

The S4 is definitely worth it.

Edited June 21, 2013 by Deviate

[Tesla]

http://www.xperiablog.net/2013/06/20/xperia-v-gets-lost-at-sea-reunited-four-days-later-in-perfect-nick/

[Deviant]

Lmao! That's pretty fucking good.

[Deviant]

Looking for an Xperia SP for around 250.

[Deviant]

 

f a new report is true then Samsung Galaxy S3 owners worldwide might have to wait much longer than previously thought for an Android 4.2.2 update.

According to some reports floating around the web, such as this one, Samsung might wait until November to release Android 4.2.2 for the Samsung Galaxy S3. The upgrade, which was expected in June, has reportedly been delayed due to issues in porting over the Galaxy S4's TouchWiz interface. But that's not the reason why it could take so long. Even with TouchWiz-induced delays, Samsung was still presumed to roll out Android 4.2.2 for the Galaxy S3 sometime in July or August. A recently-leaked Galaxy S3 Android 4.2.2 build shows that Samsung is close to completion on the project, so why wait until November?

It all has to do with Samsung Galaxy S4 sales.

 

Have to wait for november

 

not planning on getting the S4.

[Deviant]

 

 

Nexus and Samsung Smartwatch concepts.

[LR9]

I can't believe how expensive this fucking iPhone 5C is... 'budget' at $739, wtf?

Surely if you were willing to spend that much on an apple phone you'd put a little more on top and get it's premium version.

 

There is an Aussie poll doing the rounds and with over 26,000 votes, which is a huge sample size, only 2% of people are keen on it, 26% are keen on the 5s, 30% are happy with their older iPhones and 42% prefer Android/Windows, etc.

 

This thing will flop so hard here...

[Deviant]

apple shares dropped 2% on launch, tipping to drop further.

 

For what it's worth: Nexus 4 is cheaper than 5C and Sony xperia Z/Z1 are cheaper than 5S.

 

Apple, American product, for Americans. 

[Baresi]

A few of you guys are with Live Connected, yes?
How is it?

My plan runs out soon, looking for someone new; currently with Optus.
Optus data network is terrible in my area though (despite several upgrades in the past few years).

Are there any companies that use the Telstra 4G network, with better pricing?
Thinking I might have to go with Telstra because of how irritating this Optus network is.

[Deviant]

A few of you guys are with Live Connected, yes?

How is it?

My plan runs out soon, looking for someone new; currently with Optus.

Optus data network is terrible in my area though (despite several upgrades in the past few years).

Are there any companies that use the Telstra 4G network, with better pricing?

Thinking I might have to go with Telstra because of how irritating this Optus network is.

Check out BOOST MOBILE.

 

40 bucks a month, unlimited calls, sms and mms. 

 

although it's prepaid, its a viable solution to your problem.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Deviate

[Baresi]

iPhone 5S looks good.
Can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm considering getting it.

Apple are great with detail and their build quality on their products is always brilliant.

They do a lot of the small things right, and I don't have time to keep updating and playing around with my phone anymore, so it seems logical that I'd go with something a bit more simple.

Biggest issue for me is price.

 

 

My Android-only stance is fading.

Interested to see what the rest of you think about it.

[Baresi]

 

A few of you guys are with Live Connected, yes?

How is it?

My plan runs out soon, looking for someone new; currently with Optus.

Optus data network is terrible in my area though (despite several upgrades in the past few years).

Are there any companies that use the Telstra 4G network, with better pricing?

Thinking I might have to go with Telstra because of how irritating this Optus network is.

Check out BOOST MOBILE.

 

 

Hmm, lack of 4G network is disappointing.

[Deviant]

it USED TO runs on the next g network man.

 

http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2013/03/boost-mobile-everything-you-need-to-know/

 

Read it wrong from other pages stating that it used to be 4g

 

I'm with telstra, and 4G is the fucking bomb.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Deviate

[Tesla]

I can't believe how expensive this fucking iPhone 5C is... 'budget' at $739, wtf?

Surely if you were willing to spend that much on an apple phone you'd put a little more on top and get it's premium version.

 

There is an Aussie poll doing the rounds and with over 26,000 votes, which is a huge sample size, only 2% of people are keen on it, 26% are keen on the 5s, 30% are happy with their older iPhones and 42% prefer Android/Windows, etc.

 

This thing will flop so hard here...

I think the 5C could definitely flop, not cheap enough for what it is. But the 5S will continue to sell well.

 

apple shares dropped 2% on launch, tipping to drop further.

 

For what it's worth: Nexus 4 is cheaper than 5C and Sony xperia Z/Z1 are cheaper than 5S.

 

Apple, American product, for Americans.

Buying an iphone is a much more 'premium' experience than any other phone on the market, hence why it costs more for what you get. After sales support is unmatched (though Samsung have been working at it), hence why iphone's dominate in the business world.

 

A few of you guys are with Live Connected, yes?

How is it?

It was alright for the price when I was on it. They ended up increasing their prices though to be a lot more expensive didn't they? Reason I left is because I wanted to move to Telstra.

 

Are there any companies that use the Telstra 4G network, with better pricing?

Thinking I might have to go with Telstra because of how irritating this Optus network is.

Nope, telstra's whole business is being the premium provider and go to carrier for business etc. They're not about to start reselling their premium service.

I highly recommend Telstra, TBH I classify them as the only mobile carrier due to the other options being so inferior. Optus and Vodafone wouldn't last a day in any other developed country, people wouldn't accept their crap as an acceptable service, but in Australia we are used to crappy telecommunications.

 

iPhone 5S looks good.

Can't believe I'm actually saying this, but I'm considering getting it.

Apple are great with detail and their build quality on their products is always brilliant.

They do a lot of the small things right, and I don't have time to keep updating and playing around with my phone anymore, so it seems logical that I'd go with something a bit more simple.

Biggest issue for me is price.

 

 

My Android-only stance is fading.

Interested to see what the rest of you think about it.

Every time I've used an iphone i've been surprised at how crap it is in a lot of ways. But you are right on build quality etc. They have their market, and I fully understand why people buy it, but it's just not for me TBH.

I love my XZ, great phone, and Sony have been good with updates etc. It's actually currently been sent off for a repair/replacement, I'll see what happens, could end up hating Sony if they don;t want to fix/replace under warranty. But I've realised in situations like this I very much need faster turnaround, which I'm led to beleive is the case with Apple, and nowadays Samsung too, so I'll probably buy Samsung next time, just because they've become the 'premium' player in the Android market.

TBH I want to buy a windows phone, and there are some great phones running windows, but it just feels like too much of a risk. I don't know if they have enough apps, what the system is like, etc. Keeps me sticking with Android as I'll know it will do the job.

EDIT: Just seen the 5S resolution isn't even FHD. HAHAHAHA ROFL FUCKING KILL YOURSELF IF YOU ARE DUMB ENOUGH TO BUY AN IPHONE.

Edited September 11, 2013 by Tesla

[Baresi]

Good post, Tesla.
Thanks for the opinions.

Pretty sure I'm going with Telstra unless Optus roll out the TD LTE in the first quarter of next year, and they offer a good price.

As for phones, I really can't be bothered doing research like I did when I last got a phone, so can someone please outline the new phones expected to be out in Dec/Jan and basic comparison?

[Deviant]

Nexus 5. Full unadulterated android experience. Built for Google. Sold cheaper than any other top performance phone.

Probably not for you though add your looking at going on a plan.

So... Xperia Z1. LG next flagship. I'm pretty sure that they will be the next top of the line smart phones.

Impressive features, cheaper and more powerful than the ifart.

http://ausdroid.net/2013/09/05/sony-xperia-z1-officially-announced-20-7mp-camera-with-g-lens/

Edited September 11, 2013 by Deviate

[Baresi]

Intriguing.

[Tesla]

Intriguing.

Great idea

[Baresi]

 

Intriguing.

Great idea

 

 

Will be difficult to implement, but has the potential of being a fantastic initiative.

[bazzatron]

Want.

[Deviant]

plug your apple products to your pc/mac, open itunes and click on check for update to download the new version of itunes and ios7. 10 mins later (pending internet connection) and you have yourself something that isnt as good as android.... still. 

 

enjoy

[Baresi]

iOS 7 has some horrendous graphics in it.
Jony Ive is normally on point, but this to me seems like good concepts with terrible execution.

[Heart4Life]

iOS 7 has to be the worst thing I have seen

[Deviant]

 

@Tesla you mad?

 

Thats good value for $1.5k. Do want the Xperia Z tablet.

 

 

 

 

 

The much anticipated Sony SmartWatch 2 is now available from Kogan for a very tempting price of $149.

The watch connects wirelessly with one touch to any NFC enabled Android smartphone or tablet running 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) and later. It’s functions are managed with the Sony Smart Connect(LiveWare Manager) app available from Google Play. Smart Connect downloads any applications that you need straight to your phone or tablet. There are a huge amount of apps and LiveWare extensions available.

Some of the functions that the SmartWatch 2 can perform are:

• Call handling (answer, reject, mute, volume handling)
• Missed call notification
• SMS/MMS
• Email
• Gmail
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Music remote extension/music handling
• Calendar
• Slideshow

Some of the more interesting apps and extensions available are weather widgets, alarms, phone finder, Google Maps, calendar events and a Smart Camera extension that allows you to use the watch as a remote control for your phones camera.

Sony claims that the watch has a battery life of 3-4 days of normal use, with the watch always on. It charges via a standard micro USB cable, and has a transflective 1.6″ LCD with 220 x 176 pixels for improved outdoor readability. The watch has an alumium body with a silicon wristband – which can be swapped for any standard 24mm band. It measures a chunky 42mm x 9mm x 41mm and weighs 122.5 grams.

Naturally the SmartWatch 2 also functions as a traditional watch, with several different clock faces and themes. It is certified to IP57 standards with dust and shallow water protection. In practice this means outdoor activities in light rain – not swimming, showering or diving – as Sony doesn’t provide a full immersion warranty.

Edited September 30, 2013 by Deviate

[Tesla]

Finally got my phone back and working. Big -1 to Sony while a big +1 to Telstra regarding this experience.

[Deviant]

Finally got my phone back and working. Big -1 to Sony while a big +1 to Telstra regarding this experience.

 

 

what happened to it?

[Luke]

Look at this mindless consumerism. makes me sick  

[n i k o]

Look at this mindless consumerism. makes me sick

Thanks Tyler

[Tesla]

Finally got my phone back and working. Big -1 to Sony while a big +1 to Telstra regarding this experience.

 

 

what happened to it?

Basically Sony's repairers were trying to give me a BS story to get out of fixing it under warranty, but I got Telstra to go in and bat for me and they sorted them out quick smart.

[Deviant]

Hahaha Telstra <3

Really looking forward to the Z1F

[Deviant]

 

 

Finally got my phone back and working. Big -1 to Sony while a big +1 to Telstra regarding this experience.

 

 

what happened to it?

 

Basically Sony's repairers were trying to give me a BS story to get out of fixing it under warranty, but I got Telstra to go in and bat for me and they sorted them out quick smart.

 

 

First Impression: Sony SmartWatch 2

 

 

I have been trialing a Sony SmartWatch 2 (SW2) for the last few days, and the first impressions are good, though a more in-depth review shall be coming soon.

The SmartWatch 2 is a handsome device. The case is predominately matte black aluminium, which is polished around the bezel. The only physical button is on the side in the traditional watch winder position. The button itself continues Sony’s recent design theme, and is the same as the power button on the Xperia Z1 and Xperia Z Ultra.

The watch comes with a silicon wrist band in Australia, though other markets have a wider assortment of coloured bands and metal straps. It also accepts a standard 24mm band, so personalising it isn’t an issue.

Out of the box the SW2 needs to be paired with your smart phone and apps downloaded. Pairing is via NFC, then the watch will use Bluetooth to communicate with your phone. With a Nexus 4 – or any phone that incorporates NFC – pairing is effortless, you just touch the back of the watch to the back of the phone, and it’s done.

Your phone will then prompt you to install Sony Smart Connect/Liveware manager from Google Play. Once this is done you then install the recommended apps that you need via Smart Connect. There are Sony apps, Call Handling, Phonebook, Messaging, Gmail, Email, Facebook, Twitter, Weather, Missed Call. There are also third party apps with Augmented Smartwatch and Call Handling Pro being the standouts thus far.

The SmartWatch 2 is more of a second screen for your phone to display notifications, the watch face is always on, and when a notification comes in the watch vibrates and shows a short version of the message. Using the Sony and third party apps the watch can show a variety of messages, such as:

• Gmail
• Twitter
• Facebook
• SMS
• Google Hangouts
• all Google Now notifications
• Google Keep reminders
• Calendar appointments
• printed navigation directions via Google Maps

The battery life of the SW2 has been good, one charge has lasted two days of using every feature and reminder that I could find. In more moderate use the battery should last at least for three days.

Thus far, the Sony SmartWatch has many very good points mixed with some flaws. It feels as though the watch is almost finished, but not quite yet. It’s missing some imagination in the official Sony apps, with the third party apps needing to be a bit more stable.

 

[AyeCee]

Any kent here know how to unlock an old iPhone 3GS without connecting to iTunes or anything?

[Deviant]

unlock? like jailbreak?

or unlock, like bypass the security code?

[theresonlyonebzamora]

I assume he means to use on an international network? Or any network for that matter? And I'm fairly sure jailbreak is the answer.

[AyeCee]

unlock? like jailbreak?

or unlock, like bypass the security code?

Yeah, as in jailbreak. Asked a few 'phone specialists' here if they could do it, but most said no or tried to charge me 60 quid.

I've looked at a couple of tutorials etc, but every one has involved itunes, which I don't have access to.

Figured I'd try the nerds on here