Should You Be Interested in the New iPhone SE?
Apple has introduced its latest iPhone and, as expected, my phone rang off the hook as soon as the news was released. Apple has called it “A big step for small.”
So, what’s new? The iPhone SE is a new 4-inch smartphone that offers a smaller and cheaper option to the iPhone 6S and 6S Plus. Apple’s new iPhone SE looks almost identical to the iPhones 5s, but comes with the hardware and capabilities of the 6s. Apple has targeted the phone to consumers who were put off by the size of the 4.7-inch iPhone 6s and 5.5-inch iPhone 6s Plus.
To read PC Magazine’s full review and comparison of the iPhone SE and iPhone 6S CLICK HERE.
IBM and Apple Make a Deal
Did you ever believe that IBM would be selling iPhones and iPads?
Ginni Rometty, IBM Chairman, President, and CEO, in a press release stated that “Our alliance will bring the same kind of transformation to the way people work, industries operate and companies perform.”
Apple CEO Tim Cook said in a statement. “This is a radical step for enterprise and something that only Apple and IBM can deliver.”
As part of the exclusive IBM MobileFirst for iOS deal, IBM will sell iPhones and iPads loaded with software for its business clients.
Click Here to read the full article
Google’s Android Market Share Surge
According to an article in today’s Wall Street Journal, a recent report from IDC reports that Google’s Android global market share is now at 79%, up from 69% at the end of the last year. Apple’ s market share slipped to 13% while Blackberry, once the market leader, now stands at under 3%.
Steve Mollenkopf, president and operating chief of mobile chip giant Qualcomm Inc. is quoted in the article that “You are seeing tremendous growth in the developing world. Companies selling there are picking up Android and driving that.”
What does this mean for Apple and Blackberry? Read the complete article below.
Googles Android Seizes Smartphone Market – WSJ.com.
In a related article, AllThingsD’S, Ina Fried reports that Blackberry continues to lose more top level executives.
What You Need to Know About Microsoft’s Window 8
Are you in the market for a new computer? Should you be upgrading to Microsoft’s new Windows 8 operating system?
Microsoft has made a major commitment with its new operating system. The major shift in technology to mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets has resulted in a slowdown in the purchasing of traditional desktop computers.
Microsoft has finally decided to grab market share from leaders such as Apple, Google, and Amazon with the introduction of an operating system for both desktop and tablets.
Should Microsoft be part of your future? Click below and listen to Jim Blue and Carl Mazzanti, a Microsoft Partner of the Year, talk about what you need to know before making a decision.
If you want to discuss whether or not Windows 8 is right for you, do not hesitate to contact me directly at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com
Is It Time For You to Get a Tablet?
Apple introduced the mini iPad yesterday as the tablet wars heat up. Sales of tablets worldwide, with displays in the 7-inch range, are expected to double this year to 34 million units, and to double again in 2013, to 67 million units, according to IHS as reported in the Wall Street Journal.
So much to choose from: Amazon’s Kindles, Barnes and Noble Nooks, Google’s Nexus 7, etc. and more to come in the weeks and months ahead.
Which one is right for you and what are the differences? As I have indicated many times in the past, it depends on your needs, preferences, comfort level with the device, and budget.
The Wall Street Journal offers a price and feature comparison of the most popular tablets.
According to a recent report in CNNMoney, PC sales will decline in 2012 for the first time since 2011. This is in part to the explosive growth of the tablet market as detailed above.
Many of my clients who have never used a computer have embraced tablets for simple web browsing, e-mail, reading, shopping and viewing videos and pictures, to name a view.
IBM reports that by 2013, there will be more mobile devices than people in the world. Isn’t it time you entered the Mobile World?
If you have any questions about tablets, or any other technology issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 of by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. You can also access my BlogTalkRadioShow by clicking on the link below.
IS “SIRI” ON MY IPAD?
Can’t find Siri on your new iPad? Well, it’s not there! While Apple included this speech-recognition personal assistant on its new iPhone 4S, it is not one of the many new features on the latest iPad.
I like speech recognition, as do many of my clients who are not thrilled with the touch screen on either their iPhones or iPads. Siri is limited only to the iPhone 4S and not on the iPhone 4, iPod touch, or other smartphones. In search for a speech recognition app for my new iPad, I discovered and downloaded Dragon Go, a mobile application that hears what you say, and delivers the results you want within seconds!
There are several distinct differences between the two services. Siri speaks back to you while Dragon Go reports its findings on the screen. Dragon Go interacts with other apps and websites, such as Open Table for restaurant reservations, Fandango, YouTube, and Twitter.
While there are many competitive apps out there, such as Vlingo, Dragon Go is a worthy alternative to Siri for those of you who don’t want to upgrade to the iPhone 4S and would like speech recognition for their iPad.
If you’d like to discuss any features of your iPad or have questions about any other technology issues, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my NEW white paper, “TIPS ON BECOMING A TRUE MOBILE WARRIOR”
IS THE “NEW” iPAD FOR YOU?
The big news in the tech world this past week has been the launch of the “New” iPad. This third generation iPad has received a great deal of press both before and after the launch.
The first question you must ask yourself is whether or not a tablet is for you. The iPad is still the number one ranked and best selling tablet. If you already own one, then you must evaluate the merits of upgrading to the “latest and greatest.” For those of you who have never owned one, the major issue is to determine whether a tablet will address your technology needs, whether for personal or professional purposes.
As indicated in previous posts, the tablet has proven to be an ideal substitute to the much heavier laptop computer for the road warrior. Tablets are excellent for communication (email, messaging, skype, etc) and getting information (news, weather, restaurants, movies, games, etc). For those of you that do a lot of writing, there are many keyboards on the market that make typing much easier than the touch pad. However, despite publicity to the contrary, it does not replace a computer since there are many functions that require a computer.
During the past few months, I have introduced the iPad to several clients who have never used a computer. Tablets have proven to be the ideal solution to techno-phobics who had previously been reluctant to embrace technology. The larger screen and easy access to “apps” has changed their world.
If you have been considering your first tablet purchase, take some time to sit down and write down your technology needs. There are many options to choose from, the iPad, Nook, Kindle, etc.
As for those of you considering an upgrade, the new iPad offers a faster processor, high resolution screen, 4G wireless service, and a far better camera than the earlier models.
However, like many new products, there are several issues that have surfaced that must be considered before you decide to upgrade.
The iPad offers two ways of accessing the Internet. The popular choice is the faster wireless 4G network, at this time provided by both Verizon and AT&T. The monthly charge for this service is based on the amount of data used. The other, and free method, is any wi-fi network, such as set up in your home, hotels, some airports and coffee shops (Starbucks). Try steaming movies through the 4G wireless network and you will find that your data costs will skyrocket. An article in today’s Wall Street Journal, http://on.wsj.com/GBIDcO, offers a full explanation of what to expect if you use the 4G wireless network and the costs associated with it.
Other reports indicate the new iPad might have a overheating issue, which Apple is looking into.
If you need help determining whether the new iPad is for you as a new purchase or whether you should consider the upgrade, do not hesitate to contact me at 917 921-4518 or by e-mail at jblue@bluetutor.com. Feel free to click here to receive my free white paper on Technology Tips on setting up a home office and becoming a true road warrior.
THANK YOU, STEVE JOBS
So much has been written about Steve Jobs since his passing. While I never met the man, he was truly one of the most remarkable figures of the past century, if not history, and had a profound impact on my life. If not for Steve Jobs, I would not have discovered technology which has become my passion since I left a career in the corporate world that was unfulfilling.
I can only reflect on the impact he has made on me personally. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t rely on a product or service that Steve Jobs did not have a hand in creating. Whether it be a computer, iPod, iPhone, iPad, iTunes, etc, try to think of a day that doesn’t go by without relying on the creative genius of Steve Jobs. His vision has created many products and services that have been copied but never successfully duplicated. For example, look at iTunes and the iPad.
While he inspired so many young people to follow his example, here is my special thanks and tribute from a member of another generation who was able to survive a difficult career transition by finding his true passion in a world that did not exist before the Steve Jobs.
You will be missed.