What Are The Real Differences?

At the end of 2014, there were some major changes made to the Android system – the Android 5.0 Lollipop was launched, close to the same time iOS 8 was released. iOS 8 allows for plenty of multitasking and offers the convenience of the whole screen sliding down with a double tap of the home button – this is helpful considering the larger screen size that the iPhone 6 and 6 Plus have. There are some similarities and differences between the Android 5.0 L and iOS 8 operating systems, which are discussed here.

Popular Apps and Notifications

Say you use the Facebook app. Now, with the iOS 8 updates, you will not have to actually open up the app in order to do things such as “like” statuses. So, you can be using a different app and basically respond to the notification that pops up on your phone. Android notifications will appear prioritized and you can double tap them to open them or just dismiss them by swiping them away. This is a similar feature between the two systems.

Battery Life

In terms of battery, the life of smartphones/tablets using the Android 5.0 Lollipop system should be slightly longer because of the battery saving mode. A big complaint about Apple iPhones is that they don’t always have the best battery life. Maybe this is something that will change in the near future.

Security Features

The Apple iOS 8 system allows users to have access to their device with their fingertips. You can add another person’s finger print to your device should you wish to have someone else be able to access it. The new Android system will allow users to unlock their device without entering a passcode but only if they are close enough to another device – Android could play a bit of catch up in this area.

Both systems offer top-notch features that are quite exciting! Browse the Internet or talk to your provider for more information.

Newer Devices Do Not Necessarily Mean More Resilience

Newer devices when it comes to smartphones offer a world of difference from some of their older versions. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus, for instance, offer features that older models like the iPhone 4 just don’t have. A person who has limited vision, for instance, could use these models thanks to technological advancements such as Siri. The screen is larger, which is great because it’s easier to see and use, but it is also more prone to breaking. There are videos on YouTube that show people attempting to break the screen of the iPhone 6 – which isn’t something anyone should deliberately try to do – but it reveals that it is in fact possible to damage, just like any other phone.

Research Shows…

SquareTrade (a protection plan provider) did a study that revealed the iPhone 5S screen is more likely to break than the iPhone 5 screen. They tested the device based on various factors that included weight, size and of course, materials. Based on their tests, they did find that some newer models were more likely to suffer from broken screens than older ones. SquareTrade also found that iPhone 4 screens broke 80 plus percent more than the iPhone 3GS screen.

The Reason?

It looks like the more glass, the more room there is for damage to occur. When the surface area of glass is doubled, it makes sense that there is a higher chance of the screen breaking.

Regardless of the fact that some of the newer screens are bigger and have more room for damage, they are still designed in an incredible way with top-notch technology and expertise. But just remember, even if you are buying a newer smartphone that is said to be “indestructible” or “ultra-resilient” it can still break just like anything else. Having a local repair shop in mind is always a good idea for fast screen repairs.

When it comes to the Samsung Galaxy Note 4 and the Samsung Galaxy S5, there is more of a difference than meets the eye. Certainly, straight away one it’s obvious that the Note 4 is much larger. The S5 certainly isn’t small but the Note is a fully 9 percent longer and 8 percent wider. It’s a pretty big difference. While this makes for a nice larger viewing screen it can cut down on portability. If you want a phone that is easy to put in your pocket and go, the Note can make that a little difficult. In addition to its larger size it is also 18 percent heavier at 176 grams.

If you’re looking for a good looking phone, neither of these offers anything to write home about. Both look perfectly fine and get the job done but there are sleeker sexier phones available. The Note 4 comes equipped with a faux leather plastic backing that looks fairly identical to its predecessor the Note 3 while the GS5 comes with a metallic appearance dimpled plastic. Either of these feels pretty nice when in hand but neither jumps ahead as the better option.

Display size varies quite a bit since the Note is so much larger than the S5. On the larger phone you’ll have a 5.7” screen and on the GS5 5.1 inches. This means that the Note is a full 25 percent larger. Additionally, the resolution on the Note 4 is a huge upgrade. It now features 2560 x 1440 and 515 ppi. The GS5 still only has 1920 x 1080 with 432 ppi which is still perfectly crisp and clear but isn’t quite as nice as the Note 4.

In addition to their size, one of the big differences between these two phablets is that the Note 4 has a stylus which can be stored within the phone when not in use. For those that love being able to use a pen this can make a big difference.

One of the big step ups that the GS5 has over the Note is its water resistance. The Note 4 will not hold up to water – period. However, the GS5 can sit in up to 3.3 feet of water for a full half an hour and survive.

For the internals, the Note 4 carries the most updated Snapdragon processor while the GS5 has the previous version. There aren’t huge differences between the two and both work very well.

Everyone that owns a cellphone understands how prone to problems they can be. We take them everywhere with us so damage and malfunction is to be expected from a device that has to be nearly indestructible. Repair shops see phones day in and day out, many with the same problems.

The single most common repair that shops will see is a broken glass. Cracked cell phone screens come from a variety of causes including being dropped or smashed. Dropping being the number one suspect. This clearly the easiest repair to diagnose and the only way to fix it is to fully replace it. You can continue to use the phone through the cracked glass but it is not advised as it could contain sharp edges and over time it can cause other malfunctions with your phone. The best plan is to simply get it fixed as soon as you can.

One of the other common repairs is the home button. Let’s face it, many of us are a bit heavy handed with our button pushing and over time this wears out the buttons on the phone. Having a faulty home button can make using your phone frustrating and often – impossible. There are a few ways in which you can diagnose if you need an actual specialist to repair the button. First is to check and see if something has been spilt on the phone. Sticky sodas and other food items can cause issues. If there is something on the phone you can remove it with a cotton swab and alcohol. If that doesn’t solve the problem you can attempt to recalibrate your phone, sometimes a reset will fix the problem. If none of that works it’s time to consider repair.

We all know someone that has somehow managed to drop their phone in the toilet. Water damage is an extremely common repair. Unfortunately, water damage can cause critical problems with the internal workings of your phone. To try and save your phone, make sure to remove the battery as quickly as possible so that it may be saved from the damage. Place the phone into a bowl of rice overnight so that the rice can draw the moisture out. In the morning check your phone for dryness and then cross your fingers and hope it turns on. If none of that helped seemed to help, take it to be repaired and hope it hasn’t suffered irreparable damage.

For many, getting a new and updated phone is a highlight, and for companies it can be a necessity to continue functioning at optimum capacity. This leaves many wondering if the new Samsung Note Edge with the curved screen is worth the extra money. The hype has certainly made it seemed like its curved screen is the way that all cell phones will go but is it true?

First to note is that the Note Edge has a lot of the same characteristics as its predecessor the Galaxy Note 4. The only real difference is the new curved display and a smaller battery pack. It does however have a different UI called a Revolving Interface that will cycle through as needed and will hide when users select a full screen app. The curved display also allows you to store your favorites along the side of the phone making them easier to access.

Despite the increased ease of app use, the phone itself is a problem. The display is made of the same AMOLED as the previous version but the screen design makes it more difficult to hold during phone calls. The curved design makes it easy to accidentally push and launch an app. For businesses that rely on phone calls this can be detrimental. It also means that the phone is more likely to slip out of the hand and be damaged. Repair and replacement can add up quickly.

The curved design also means that left handers are out of luck. The new model seems to have been created specifically for the right handed. While there is a setting that allows the phone to be flipped 180 degrees, this means when you receive a phone call you’ll always have to remember to flip the phone right side up or you’ll be talking into the earpiece instead of the mouthpiece.

The new Note Edge display also causes problems with the camera app. The cameras themselves are fine but the shutter button is embedded in the curve of the display making it awkward to press. Many have noted that they feared dropping the phone while trying to use it and instead opted to use the volume button on the side for photo taking.

While the new design is unique and interesting it doesn’t seem to add up to the hype. The new screen feature appears to make the phone difficult to use and only increases the chance of dropping.

Many people are going crazy about the new iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. It is as if the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5 have lost all of their craze overnight. Well, people have a reason to be excited about it. With all the big carriers such as Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint, and AT&T offering such great deals, its hard not to get happy about it.

Apple really changed it up for their company with this one. They expanded the sizes to the perfect fit for those who just wanted a bigger device and those who really wanted a phablet in their pocket, or wherever the iPhone 6 Plus fits. Surprisingly, the iPhone 6 Plus is even more popular than the iPhone 6 with the 4.7 inch display.

Within the first weekend Apple sold millions of units throughout the world. Even though they had a lot of bad publicity about the bending of the new iPhone 6 and 6 Plus frames, people seemed to look past that and run to get the new phones. As Apple’s hottest selling phone yet, the iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus seem to be climbing up the ladder for the markets hottest phone above the Samsung Galaxy S5 and Note 4 which should be released in the coming days.

No matter which version of the iPad you opt to buy, it is going to run you a couple hundred dollars. That’s seemingly a lot of money, but realistically, it’s a small price to pay for some of the amazing features that the iPad offers. Take the iPad mini 2, for instance. It offers users the portability of being able to carry it around comfortably in their hand, yet it also allows them to snap pictures, use FaceTime, enjoy wireless and an extended battery life. As a matter of fact, the battery is able to last up to 10 hours. This is really convenient for someone who is going to be using the device for an extended period of time, without having the time or ability to charge it. These are just a few of the most basic benefits of this device.

What is recommended?

Easy! Celebrate going into 2015 by buying yourself a brand new iPad mini or another smart tablet or smartphone. Think about it – you could decide to spend the money going to some extravagant New Year’s celebration. You could reserve dinner at a nice restaurant, buy a brand new dress or other outfit, and pay for drinks. Really, this can add up to a pretty hefty chunk of cash. Why not use the money to buy a piece of technology that can keep you connected to your loved ones, allow you to take and upload photos to social media, and so much more? Why pay for drinks and a new outfit that you don’t really need when you can buy the iPad mini 2 and enjoy it for so much longer?

The Retina Display has over 3 million pixels. The 7.9 inch Retina Display is nothing to sneeze at, either. So start the New Year off right and get reconnected with your friends and family. Enjoy the ability to take awesome pictures and FaceTime with your loved ones. Pick up your own iPad and enjoy it for years to come. With all that it has to offer, you won’t be disappointed.

Have you ever broken your iPhone? It is one of the worst feelings in the world when you are minding your own business and bam it hits the floor and you can hear it from two blocks away that the screen is completely shattered. Here are some tips to prevent further damage to your new iPhone 6 if you have a broken screen.

1-    Try to cover the glass with some plastic or tape, to prevent shards of glass from getting in your finger (and you possibly throwing the phone at the wall from all the pain it is causing)

2-    Try and find a local iPhone or iPad repair shop (usually either of the two can do the job).

Make sure they have good reviews and have had practice doing the new iPhone 6 screens. This way you know your phone is not their practice unit!

3-    Get the screen repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage puncturing your iPhone LCD or digitizer, which will cost you more money to fix as well as cause the screen to no longer function properly until the phone is repaired.

Usually once the phone is fixed, you can use it normally from the second you pick up the device from your local iPhone repair shop. Unless they warn you of certain precautions to take of course!

If you’ve started shopping around, then you know there are many different iPhone models available – the iPhone 4, 4s, 5c, 5, 5s, 3GS and more. The newest iPhone 6 has fast become incredibly popular. So if you don’t yet own an iPhone and are considering switching over from, say, Samsung Galaxy, how are you ever supposed to decide which model is the best for you? Sure, you can ask your friends and family members, but they will all have their own particular set of preferences, and maybe you have different interests. Maybe a bigger screen is more important to you than a long battery life. There are many things to consider, but here are reasons as to why people choose certain models.

The iPhone 6 seems to so far be the best selling of all of the iPhone models. It is said to be the fastest and best available. Clear imaging, good size, good battery life. Other people think that the iPhone 5 is beautifully designed, and at the time of its release, it was certainly called the best model available. The newer models come with Siri which is great for people who want quick answers to questions. They literally never even have to type into the phone. The 5 has better camera quality than, say the iPhone 4. As the newer models become available, it can be difficult to go back to an older one, but if you just want something that works and is guaranteed to be easy and fun to use, and of course less expensive, it could be beneficial for you to try an older model. If you go into your local carrier’s store, you might even find that they have refurbished older models for sale, and you can really get a great deal. It would be helpful to do a little bit of online research to help determine exactly which model would work best for you, but some of the basics have been covered here.

You can always ask your carrier for ideas, but consider the financial benefits of purchasing an older model, and certainly keep in mind the advantages that will always come with the most recently released model.

The usage of iPads is up tremendously with children. If you go on a cruise, you are sure to see kids carrying iPads around. If you go out to dinner, you might notice a little one playing what looks to be some sort of video game on their iPad. If you have your own kids at home, you might notice that they would prefer to be playing games on their iPad over playing outside. Usage is rampant, and parents everywhere are wondering – what is healthy? How much is too much? How can I turn the iPad into something fun but also educational? You’re in luck, because we have answers!

The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn’t recommend any child under 2 years old uses an iPad. On a similar note, it is also recommended that screen use in general (such as televisions) is limited for kids in this age group. A study recently noted that children in the 8 to 10 age range spend up to the equivalent of an entire work day using electronic devices (this includes televisions, iPads, smartphones, etc.) This might seem almost impossible, but studies by places such as the Kaiser Family Foundation are revealing that this is the case. It’s easy to hand over your iPad to your child if you are trying to enjoy some peace and quiet, because it is sure to keep them busy. But guidelines must be set and caution must be exhibited to ensure that they are not using it too much, and that they are using it in a healthy way.

The point is – it is critical that parents take the time to set forth rules and restrictions when it comes to using electronic devices, such as the very popular iPads. Once rules have been set, have a look at apps that are available for scholastic purposes. A major benefit is that many of these educational apps are able to be downloaded completely free of charge. Video Science is one that offers hands-on science lessons. Even Google Maps can be used to entertain and educate children in terms of geography. Do you have a kid who loves outer space? Take a look at SkyORB! There are so many options for enlightenment if you have an iPad. Limit screen use and make sure that screen time is beneficial!