Author: admin

iOS 7 Concept v Reality

In the automotive industry there are regular annual events where manufacturers display their latest cars. At these events there are often so called ‘concept cars’ which show what a future car might look like. The designer’s imagination is allowed to come to the fore and potential innovations are displayed. Some concept cars are never meant for production; others are. These concept cars make us drool; these are the cars we want. This is great publicity for the manufacturer.

Many months’ later production vehicles are released to the market and only a fraction of the concept car is evident. We, the public, are a little disappointed.

The development of iOS 7 appears to be following a similar path. Effectively the ‘concept’ was released in the summer and this was a radical departure from the current iOS 6.

Then over various beta releases the elements are changed and the design moves back towards a less radical one.
Lots of publicity and excitement followed by a release that falls below expectation.

I have not experienced iOS 7 yet and hope that the final release matches (and exceeds) the original concept.

Eager for iOS 7

A long time has passed since my last post. I have moved through the iPhone generations to my latest; an iPhone 5 in white.

I am now looking forward to iOS 7 which, to me, looks superb. Love that Neon. So modern.

According to the American calendar ‘The Fall’ does not start until September. Screen shots will have to suffice until then.

White iPhone

Since its launch I have owned a white iPhone 4. So far I have not been tempted by the 4s model.

I am using a leather Sena case as the bumper from Apple does not allow me to use the official dock.

The iPhone matches the iPad and MacBook which are also in white.

White iPhone Nearly Here

Since my last post (ages ago) I shelled out for a black iPhone 4. This was on an 18 month contract with Orange. At times their network coverage and speed has been frustrating so I arranged for the phone to be unlocked to all networks.

Six months later and Apple have finally released the iPhone 4 in White. I wanted a white one all along so have ordered one. The old iPhone was sold on eBay.

Having been without my iPhone for over a week now has demonstrated how attached to the thing I am.

iPhone 4 in White

By my crude reckoning the antenna issue of the new iPhone 4 represents about 10% of the network traffic overall. I am convinced that it only affects a few of the 1.7 million owners some of the time. I reckon that a software update will improve the situation.

I, myself, wait patiently for the white version to hit the shelves. I will fit a white bumper to mine because I love that colour.

Perhaps any software update will be in place by then.

Can’t ( but must ) wait.

O2 Out, T-Mobile In

Last weekend my O2 account expired. Thanks to Apple O2 were forced to unlock my phone which meant I was able to switch to another provider.

After looking around I found a good PAYG deal from T-Mobile. I applied for a free SIM which arrived in two days. Then I topped-up £10 to get free texts and internet in the following month. Out of that top-up I purchased a £5 internet booster that gives me free internet this month. A booster is available for £20 which gives internet for 6 months.

So, depending on my usage this month, I could have free internet for two months for a £5.

Compare that to £35 per month.

If you mainly use data and can switch I can recommend T-Mobile in the UK.

Out of Contract

At last, 18 months are over and I can escape my O2 monthly contract. What I really need is a data plan more than anything. I have found a ‘pay as you go’ SIM from O2 with a £7.50 bolt-on for unlimited data. The only issue is the poor 3G coverage with O2. I will keep looking for something else in the meantime.

I did, briefly, think about getting a HTC Hero but having looked at reviews and read about the performance I decided that the iPhone is still the best SmartPhone available.

Improve Your 3GS Battery Life

Recently I was dissapointed with the battery life of my iPhone 3GS. When I first got it I was getting over twice the running time of my original 3G. What could be causing this?
Eventualy I remembered that I had turned on the “find my phone” feature under MobileMe. This seems to be the culprit.
Battery life is much better now the setting is off.