iPhone 4S, So Far

Portability + solid build + Siri + iOS 7 = 4S nerdgasm honeymoon. What I appreciate so far is that this phone feels like a premium, intuitive accessory to enhance daily life. Even S3 feels huge now! 

True, there's no large screen or additional UI customization methods, but it remains sufficient. The scary part is that iOS Google apps are acceptable enough to where I am not terribly missing Android as bad as I expected...and I could be open to selling my S3.

With 64GB, I'm more excited to have my entire iTunes audio library with me instead of a few HD videos. For that, I'm fine with Netflix or even hauling my 15inch MacBook Pro for tethering. 

Even though I'm open to trying the Moto X for it's accommodating form factor, I worry about Google Now functions in comparison to Siri. From past experience with that in addition to S Voice, Siri simply feels more "human" and overwhelmingly intuitive...especially when combined with the smooth look and performance of iOS. 

End of an Era: Microsoft Buys Nokia

Here I go on my Freedom Pro BT keyboard I was suddenly compelled to pair to my LG Optimus G Pro device. After just now hearing the breaking news of Microsoft buying Nokia, I must write my thoughts while they are fresh and palpable.

Well, it is all out there now in the Internet amidst the tech blogs...Microsoft pretty much buys out ALL of Nokia in regards to its phone dealings. It was just moments ago when I was first alerted about this via an email from Nokia Connects, and yet I am still somewhat numb. Not angry. Not happy. Just numb.

Now that I think of it, if there is one emotion that grabs me right now...it's sadness. Yes, sadness. This stems from the nostalgia of what Nokia used to be in its Symbian-driven past with iconic devices emerging from the memorable N-Series and E-Series product lines. While the acquisition of Windows Phone over Symbian felt like the beginning of a "phasing out" of the past generation, this recent news simply feels like the nail in the coffin. The old Nokia+Symbian that I had grown to love seems officially gone and buried as Microsoft starts to build anew over its remains...I can't help but feel that from the core of what I've become as a mobile tech fan. Getting my hands on that Nokia E62 in that Cingular store was the one milestone that would lead me to begin the Trent Sense tech blog which ran for a few great years. I was just a simple guy inspired to go on camera and talk at length about my thoughts on my Nokia gadgetry. I was just a simple guy eventually contacted by Nokia Connects (formerly WomWorld) to review even more Nokia handsets. I was a simple guy who had the pleasure of meeting fellow smartphone fans on trips around the world sponsored by Nokia Connects. I was a simple guy who felt like an integral part of something genuine as the mobile industry continued to evolve and move forward.

Overall, I am certainly aware that this recent news could work out to be in the best interest of Nokia. Honestly, Symbian and MeeGo could only do but so much in an ever-changing industry to keep the company relevant, so Windows Phone (as much as I may not prefer the OS) has been a huge godsend in a number of ways. Even though I made the first move in leaving Symbian for Android on the Nexus One, that doesn't mean I don't ever miss it at least a little bit from time to time in reminiscing. While current and new fans of Nokia and it's Lumia line may be parading in the streets, I am taking a moment of silence to mourn the loss of what I used to know. Nokia's "reinvention" is indeed a wonderful thing, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it bittersweet.

The past generation may be gone away, but I still have my memories to hold on to from unboxing such memorable Nokia gadgets...and MOST importantly meeting such memorable people through Nokia Connects. With that said, I wish nothing but the best for Nokia as it strives to succeed in the mobile industry via the Windows Phone OS.

Star Trek Into Darkness: SPOILER ALERT!

Reflecting on Star Trek Into Darkness: I REALLY liked it! I was completely awestruck by Leonard Nimoy's appearance and the music on the ending credits was a thrilling close!

I loved Kahn's role and the background story of a genetically superior race gone rouge! I actually found myself being enticed as well as repulsed by the FIERCE conviction of his performance. The casting was perfect in the sense that even I wanted to join forces with him when faced with his piercing gaze and astute nature. Strangely, I found the skull crushing scene to be absolutely impressive and BADASS as well as terrifying. Well done!

Funny, I never saw the previous film, but I did find Karl Urban's lines to be lacking. Seeing Zoe Saldana is ALWAYS a joy, and the touching bond between Pine and Quinto's roles was a tear-jerker toward the end. I was especially drawn to how Quinto masterfully conveyed the complex struggle of processing his own emotions against his Vulcan nature. Simon Pegg's quirky portrayal of Scott provided a refreshing balance of comic relief that only further endeared me to him during serious scenes.

I nearly jumped out of my seat when the Enterprise dipped below the clouds only to suddenly rise again into view. WOOOOT!!!!

In so many words...I love Kahn. LOL Seriously, this film was definitely a treat that I wouldn't mind seeing again. However, I do find it frustrating to realize that the end credits music isn't available on the soundtrack! TRAVESTY!

Random Thought: After the Keynote

Now that the ultimate nerdgasm has worn off and my underwear has been changed, the rationale of my mind dictates that I stay with pure Android on my Nexus 4. iOS 7 is indeed tempting, for it blends elements from competing interfaces onto a buttery smooth platform operated on damn good hardware. However, I have neither the means or the desire to convert to iOS after being so reliant on Android's benefits to my own usage. Maintaining contact via multiple Gmail accounts, dictating commands via Google Now, listening to my entire iTunes library via Google Music, managing files/docs via Google Drive, and using Google Navigation on the road are best done on the Nexus for me. I think it wise that I not try to "fix" something that really isn't that broken (although fragmented) to begin with. Taking time to learn and become acclimated to iCloud, iMessage, iWork and i-whatever else simply isn't in the cards for me at the moment. If anything, I'd be more likely to go for the new Mac Pro...if I had some uncanny ability to convince an ATM to give me all its cash. :-) With that said, I am moving on to my Google Play app to catch up on an episode of Falling Skies. No worries, Google, this Android user ain't going anywhere.

Random Thought: Stock Android Freedom

As I find myself up at this early hour with the Nexus 4, there's indeed a feeling that I've just about been detoxed from years of TouchWiz usage on Samsung products. True, there are a number of additional tweaks and features to bolster those units over the Nexus line, but acknowledging (and accepting) that those aren't essential to my Android experience is quite freeing. Daily living with stock Android without the urge to root has certainly fostered a calming sense of pride as a Google fan, especially as I plan to venture or to the Mountain View HQ in the future. Have I turned into a Google kiss-ass stocked with my own name brand merchandise, or have I finally found an OS niche that suits my own digital lifestyle? Maybe both. :-)

There's certainly no denying that using stock Android on either a Samsung S4 or HTC One unit does awaken curiosity, but I'm satisfied with this LG Nexus 4 until I can read reviews on their performance. This brings me to another sense of pride with Android, pure openness. Being able to have an unrooted, out-of-box user experience with the purest iteration of the Android OS on MULTIPLE devices spanning various manufacturers surely seems to break the mold. The prospect of not only uplifting the smooth simplicity of this stock OS (that remains free to be further customized via user rooting), but also sharing it with capable hardware platforms willing to take it on...there can't be any better example of openness. The more I think on this, there is indeed an excitement that is conjured for what is to come in the mobile industry. With stock Android, there is no walled garden with locked down limitations, and that's what inspires me to no longer miss such an OS being f***ed over by TouchWiz, Sense, BLUR, or whatever other UI skins are out there.

Random Thought: Gadget Fulfillment

Random thought: As much as I may appear to take the Nexus 4 and its stock Android for granted, it does indeed please the Google fanboy in me. Such unassuming simplicity in glass and soft-touch plastic is somewhat calming as my brain is torn between the HTC One and Samsung S4. It's as if the Nexus 4 simply sits in silent repose as the One and S4 scream and shout to vie for my attention. Is my boredom of the Nexus simply a byproduct of my own spoiled, unsatisfied nature as a tech gadget fanatic? Maybe so. Honestly, this Google phone isn't that bad at all. Being able to start my day with a Spotify playlist and simply tap the N4 to my Nokia Play 360 speaker alone is better than any TouchWiz OS tweak. Limited storage could be a benefit in not only avoiding a multimedia/app hoard, further supporting the prospect of overall simplicity.

Hardware and software pros on potential devices may titillate my urge to constantly jump for the next best thing, but I wonder if I should just stay put with the Nexus 4 for now. At the end of the day, having the most updated version of a platform that has been so valuable to my digital Google life may be the ultimate pro to hold on to. Booming speakers, vivid HD displays, advanced cameras, and tons of swipe-induced commands indeed seem enticing, but when is that line crossed between between satisfied or overwhelmed? From my own track record, I'd probably find another reason to dislike either the One or S4. :-) Another prospect is the possible end to the Nexus product line altogether with the announcement of Samsung and HTC models being equipped with stock Android. Could that be what is to come? Could I be holding on to the LAST Nexus phone?

After all, smartphones are tech marvels that have enhanced the daily lives of those fortunate enough to obtain one. As long as one can keep that perspective in the forefront of their consciousness, would that alone conjure fulfillment?

Nexus 4 Honeymoon: is it over?

In lieu of my HTC One curiosity being piqued, I'm now trying to appreciate the overall simplicity from the Nexus 4 design. In comparison to the One, it doesn't seem to show off many bells and whistles, but there's something to be said about the allure of holding a Google phone... not to mention a version that's been a HUGE improvement to previous generations. Its soft touch plastic and glass may not appear to trump the look and feel of aluminum carved and etched in all the right places, but there are moments when its smoothness and keyless front face exude a certain sexy appeal. Yes, this rambling may indeed be the product of nostalgia from a former Nexus One user. :-)

It almost feels like I'm the owner of a reliable, adequately stocked Volkswagen Jetta Wolfsburg trying to not get too tempted by a more upscale Audi A4. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't torn between having the Nexus 4, wanting the One, and even missing the S3 (to a certain extent). Maybe if I just take a breath, slow down, and wrap my head around the fact that it's just a smartphone that surely proves to be sufficient thus far in spite of my nitpicking, I can learn to appreciate Google's offering. Hmmmm.

There's also the constant draw of exclusivity as a Nexus user, for to me, the Nexus line does stand apart from other Androids due to its blessing from Google. When I hold the Nexus 4, I can almost get that same feeling I used to have with the likes of the Nokia E90, E7, N9 or N900. Honestly, this is a silly notion considering ANYBODY can get their hands on one, but oh well. I have wondered if I'm better off going back to Symbian, but then I'd be relinquishing the benefits of Google's services. End of tech crazed rant. Back to sleep I go.

Google Nexus 4: First Impressions

On this night, here are my impressions of the Google Nexus 4 thus far: LG's hardware refinement ABSOLUTELY slaughters the plastic Galaxy lineup from appearance and feel alone. I spent a few moments simply marveling at the glass and shimmering build components. Being back with stock Android initially feels like a cleansing from years of TouchWiz, but I admit that it will take time to go without certain software tweaks.

Surprisingly, the lack of expandable memory beyond available 12.92GB isn't an issue since my music content is primarily from Spotify or Google Music via home wifi. While away from home, I tend to rely on MP3 discs in my Saturn Aura or MOTOACTV for music anyway. Time will tell how long this internal storage will last me, but at this time I'm not worried one bit. Speaking of music, the Nexus 4 was recognized by the Nokia Play360 via NFC and proceeded to transmit audio wireless with NO trouble (unlike that damned S3)!!! The camera is sufficient for my needs with smooth pinch-to-zoom, and I am quite impressed with the filter and framing effects readily available in the Gallery app.

For less than impressive, the tinny loud speaker volume has less substance in comparison to the Galaxy S3. Wireless charging with the Nokia charger seems finicky at best with random disconnect errors, but I plan to sell it for the more compatible Qi charger anyway. Being without a tactile home key and its flanking capacitive commands stings a bit in navigating the UI at certain times, but it's not a huge deal as deprogram my brain of TouchWiz over time.

As for adopting the LG-blessed Nexus 4 as my main device, I feel quite fulfilled at the moment as a Google fan, for the previous two generations (Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus) constructed in Samsung plastics were underwhelming and left a lot to be desired. The glassy build of this LG handset actually conjures a sense of measuring up to the level of the Apple iPhone 4S and 5 models. There is a sense of finally maturing as I outgrow the chintzy toy-like plastic and cartoonish interface of the Galaxy lineup. Hopefully, things can only go up from here with the Nexus 4.

Trent Smith

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