My Time with The Samsung Galaxy S4 & Android 4.2.2 (Jellybean OS)

                           'An Interesting Device'

In today's mobile market, it goes without saying these are great times for the consumer.  You can buy just about anything smartphone or standard digital mobile phone with very good options overall.

On Tuesday, September 10, 2013, I took delivery and unboxed my first one on one experience with the Samsung Galaxy S4.  This very device and Android OS has allegedly turned the mobile community in a heated battle comparing Android OS to iOS and the claims of who is the KING of the mobile streets.  If you go by market share numbers alone, the simple fact is globally, the Android OS can be crowned the 'KING'!

Something to know upfront.  I have a long history with mobile technology and the mobile community having worked with AT&T Wireless in the early to mid 90's.  In addition, there are some prerequisites to know.  

1. Apple Inc. - A hardware and software company

                iOS is Apple's 'i = Innovative' mobile operating system

2. Samsung  - A hardware and software company

 Android is Google's mobile operating system

Love it or hate it, the Samsung Galaxy S4 is a device worth consideration.   I unwrapped the phone out of its wooden designed box and carefully inspected it.  The device has a very nice form and feels natural in the hands. 

We know all to well Samsung's tear on the mobile industry with its   5in. Mobile, 5.5in. Phablet, and soon to come 6.0in Phablet - all of which are smartphones.  Right or wrong, there seems to be a market for these devices.

Android OS (4.2.2) Jellybean, the current mobile OS is highly tuned poised to compete very well with [iOS, Windows Mobile OS, and Blackberry OS].  

Screen colors are vibrant and smooth.  I must admit, even in its default configuration, the colors are very attractive. Placing your finger on the display screen and swiping is met with a pleasing responsive experience. 

Phone quality (The talking part) is good.  I am not a talker, so my limited time using the Galaxy 4S (30 days) is spent on more important tasks; DATA!

It's all about the data.  [Facebook, texting, IG, KiK, Twitter, Google Maps, Internet browsing, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and all things Samsung has to offer with its many features...] Let me preface by saying you must choose the right network if you depend on the data. In this right up, I am not going to discuss which carrier is the best but I recommend you choose wisely or your overall experience will one of disappointment. 

--> Wi-Fi is solid, although I found its configuration quite cumbersome.

--> Texting is riddled with typo errors for the user - at least for me and although there is three types of texting techniques you can choose from, this is not a winner in my book.  Now I know why when I text people with these phones, they take an eternity to respond.

--> All social applications work as you would expect.

--> All the Samsung unique applications are gimmicks but gimmicks that work if you like them. I believe they're rarely used and become bloatware in my estimation. Take note of this one item. If you want to use the hand gesture swipe or the eye, head movement features from Samsung, you have to use their browser. These items do not work for Chrome or Firefox. 

--> Picture and video are both in HD and with a 13MPX camera the quality is decent. I have to admit I was looking for a little more than what was produced.  The photos were cloudy and yes I cleaned and already spotless lens. Not up to my expectations. 

--> Audio with the speaker on the back of the phone was a shocker!  I think that's a bad design. I have to say The HTC One got it right!  Front facing microphone, bravo. The sound quality is good but the alerts, tones, and other sounds when the phone is in use sound much better than the playing songs or videos. 

--> Battery life for my time with it was acceptable and was pleased to go almost a full day with need to recharge the device. I mention some days because there were days of using maps, texting, apps, and a few other items drained the battery real fast.  

--> I did not spend too much time with facial recognition or the other 5 ways to unlock your phone, so I kept it simple; swipe anywhere on the display and open the phone goes.  

--> What is tough to get used to is the powering up and down of the phone. It seems like an eternity you have to depress and hold the button to get the device to respond; power on or powering off. - Go figure it would differ from the phones Samsung competes with.  

I have to admit having fun with the phone. It was a pleasure to have a larger screen, vibrant colors and most of all, a new look and feel. You know, satisfying might be a better word to describe my experience because it just seemed natural.   No matter what Jon Ivy says!  'The New Cool' is a phone that measures in display anywhere from 4.7in - 5.0in. 

Did I just write 'The New Cool' is...  Yeah, I did. LOL

PS.  I trust The Galaxy S4 works and integrates much more seamless in other cars because in a BMW this is definitely not the case. 

...And "If you don't know, Now You Know!"

What Does The Android Do The iPhone Can’t?

What Does The Android Do The iPhone Can’t ?

I saw this question this morning on a popular social forum and thought, I could add something to this question...

Full Disclosure - I own an iPhone (Since 2007) and I have purchased Android based phones for my children.

So here is my response:

It's really a matter of taste. Preference in style, shape, manufacture and of course the big old
company name; ergo - branding.

I like to take a simpler approach to this Apple and Google debate. Take away the software and focus on the device itself. We have the pure play manufacturers, such as: Samsung, LG, Nokia, Motorola, Sony, etc... Of course Apple has it's hardware device (iPhone) and now Google has theres' (Nexus) but these devices are a amalgamation of parts from the very same manufacturers I mentioned above. "Go figure"

Another point I'd like to mention is, we are simply influenced by many factors when we choose and share our reasons for one product 'Bests' over another. We speak in terms of, which software / device company is the best. In truth, the best for us (is truly our individual taste).

Just in case you were not aware - Google owns and supports Androids OS and Apple has the realitively well know iOS. What boggles my mind sometimes, is this the prevailing statement from fans of Google or haters of Apple (in general) - Android is free - freedom to do whatever you want (even there are limits with Android), no? These same supporters or haters of Apple also pronounce that Apple's iOS is limited or in other words, governed too much and it's users are without freedom, really?

Okay, no more drama. The simple answer to the original question is No.
Android's - 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is on an equal playing field with Apple's iOS 5.01 - proprietaries aside.

I think it's fun to play with these new toys of techies pleasure. just saying.

...And "If you don't know, Now You Know!"

Top 10 People You Must Have in Your Network

I read this on LinkedIn today.  I think it fits my blog perfectly and would be informational for my readers...  Enjoy!


So you know it is important to have the two Q’s as you build out your network: Quality and Quantity. But have you considered the importance of having a well-rounded network?

In this labor market, having a strong network is critical to your professional survival. There are plenty of tips and articles on where to find people, how and when to connect to them and even what you need to say to attract and maintain your network. This article focuses on WHO should be in your network.Here are the top 10 people that should be in your network:

1. The Mentor: This is the person who has reached the level of success you aspire to have. You can learn from their success as well as their mistakes. Heed their wisdom and experience. This relationship offers a unique perspective because they have known you through several peaks and valleys in your life and watched you evolve.

2. The Coach: The coach is someone who comes in at different times in your life. They help with critical decisions and transitions and offer an objective perspective with no strings attached.

3. The Industry Insider: This is someone in your chosen field who has expert level information or access to it. This person will keep you informed of what’s happening now and what the next big thing is. Invite them to be a sounding board for your next innovative idea.

4. The Trendsetter: This is someone outside of your chosen industry that always has the latest buzz. It can be on any topic you find interesting. The goal in having this person in your network is to look for those connections that spark innovation via the unconventional. It will also help you keep your conversations interesting.

5. The Connector: This is a person who has access to people, resources and information. As soon as they come across something related to you, they are sending you an email or picking up the phone. Connectors are great at uncovering unique ways to make connections, finding resources and opportunities most people would over look.

6. The Idealist: This is the person in your network you can dream with. No matter how “out there” your latest idea is, this is the person that will help you brainstorm ways to make it happen. Without judgment, they are focused on helping you flush out your dreams in high definition, even if you don’t have a solid plan yet on how to make it happen.

7. The Realist: On the flip side you still need the person who will help you keep it real. This is he person who will give you the raised eyebrow when your expectations exceed your effort. These are not people who knock down your dreams rather they challenge you to actively make your dream happen.

8. The Visionary: Visionary people inspire you by their journey. They are similar to the Idealist, but the visionary can help you envision an actual plan to reach your goal. One personal encounter with this type of person can powerfully change the direction of your thinking and life.

9. The Partner: You need to have someone who is in a similar place and on a similar path to share with. In fact, partners do a lot of sharing. This is a person you can share the wins and woes with. Partners will also share resources, opportunities and information.

10. The Wanna-be: This is someone you can serve as mentor to. Someone you can help shape and guide based on your experiences. One of the best ways to tell you understand something is to be able to explain it to someone else. And sometimes, one of the best motivators for pushing through obstacles and hardship is knowing someone is watching.

Obviously you will want to have more than 10 people in your network. The trick is to make sure you are building a diverse network by adding people from different industries, backgrounds, age groups, ethnic groups, etc…that fit into the roles listed above. Building a deep network by only including people from your current profession or business focus leaves too many stones unturned, limiting potential opportunities.

Serious about building a strong professional network that can actually provide the leverage you need to make progress at work? Evaluate your current network and get started filling in the gaps.

...And "If you don't know, Now You Know!"

Buffet Suggests to Cure the Economy is...

I was sent this in an email and i thought for my blog, it would be informational for my readers...

Here's What Buffet Suggests to Cure the Economy!!

Let us all speak up!

Warren Buffett, in a recent interview with CNBC, offers one of the best
quotes about the debt ceiling:

"I could end the deficit in 5 minutes," he told CNBC. "You just pass a
law that says that anytime there is a deficit of more than 3% of GDP,
all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election

The 26th amendment (granting the right to vote for 18 year-olds) took only 3 months & 8 days to be ratified! Why? Simple! The people demanded it. That was in 1971...before computers, e-mail, cell phones, etc.

Of the 27 amendments to the Constitution, seven (7) took 1 year or less
to become the law of the land...all because of public pressure.

Warren Buffet is asking each addressee to forward this email to a
minimum of twenty people on their address list; in turn ask each of
those to do likewise.

In three days, most people in The United States of America will have
the message. This is one idea that really should be passed around.

Congressional Reform Act of 2011

1. No Tenure / No Pension.
A Congressman collects a salary while in office and receives no pay when they are out of office.

2. Congress (past, present &future) participates in Social Security. All funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.

4. Congress will no longer vote themselves a pay raise. Congressional pay will rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.

5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same health care system as the American people.

6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.

7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.

The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen.
Congressmen made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in 
Congress is an honor, not a career. The Founding Fathers envisioned 
citizen legislators, so ours should serve their term(s), then go home 
and back to work.

If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only 
take three days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message.
Maybe it is time.

THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!!

If you agree with the above, pass it on.

...And "If you don't know, Now You Know!"

It's Official! The BMW ///M5 Has Been Announced...

"The 2012 BMW M5"

aka (F10) in Bimmer World Speak!

So what does this all mean? Simply put, 560 horsepower and 501 pound-foot of torque from a 4.4l M TwinPower Turbo engine, with a 10:1 compression and a 0-60mph in 4.4sec.  The Germans call this incarnation, "THE UNTOUCHABLE".  

Now that we have the technical subject matter covered (somewhat), let's talk a little bit about the official ///M5  that will hit US shores sometime in the mid-summer to early-fall of 2012.


Let's start with the looks... On a scale from 1 to 10 - I rate it a 5.  In my opinion, "The M5" should take on the look of an exotic -- somewhat extreme as the 'Super Sedan' it has been in days past.  It needs to 'STRIKE!' Make me say, "WOW!"  In truth, I've said to this point, "NICE!" Really looks "SLEEK!" Okay, okay, I'll move on now. (Chuckling) Just WOW me already!

So, where do we go from here?  Hmm, it's hard to say...  Current ///M5 Owners I speak to like the base specs BUT are already talking modification to boost this, "THE UNTOUCHABLE" to a street respectable 600+ horsepower Dragon!  Viva La Vida Baby!! 

...And yes, I support these modification too. This is a first and anyone who knows me will attest to my staunch feelings and opinions about and nonsupport for modifying any BMW! Besides, I already sport a 555 horsepower 500 pound-foot of torque, M style and I see no reason 'yet' to pick up the new (F10) - 2012 BMW M5.  

With a proposed price tag that will surely reach $120K no problem (Not my issue by the way).  Worry not BMW -- Those who are looking to get into their first M car will be pleased no doubt, with all its technology trimmings and the very conservative looks.  May I add a step up in Luxury (softness) -- getting even closer to the Mercedes CL65.  Now how's that for a comparison.  To be honest, it's the luxurious softness I refer too but them again I digress.

I promised myself I would not go into all the technical jargon since there is plenty of sites, BMW.COM included that provide all the most accurate specifications you'll ever need and want.  So I won't.  I will give you my thoughts, impressions and bit of advice for those would be conversations "For" and "Against" all things BMW and stuff!

So, what's my verdict..?

Answer --> I will see you on the streets with my X6 M!  (ROTBMWFLOL)

                 --> Seriously, go get and enjoy it for what's its worth -- especially if it's your first

                        500+ horsepower gas gobbler.  

...And "If you don't know, Now You Know!"

BMW Seeks To Return It's M5 To #1 Status

///M is for Motorsport.  

BMW has returned with its latest creation in 'Super Saloons'.  Feast your eyes on what maybe the next Ultimate in Driving Machines'.   

This 5th Generation ///M5 is expected to hit US shores next year in the Fall - 2012.  Of course BMW reserves the right to change dates as it deems necessary.  Just for full disclosure. I do not work for nor own any stock in BMW.  My interests are purely as a car enthusiast.

My thoughts.?

As a 4th Generation ///M5 owner (E60), I like the design direction BMW has presented at this moment in its 'Concept'.  In days of past, BMW has introduced its concept vehicles which resemble their production counterparts a near 97%, so I expect when the new ///M5 reaches US shores, we can rest assured there will not be anything major or noticeable from the pictures above that will change.

With the new direction of Twin-Turbo technology being deployed in almost every line of BMW to date, starting in 2007, I am expecting nothing less than 600HP and some 590 pound-foot of torque.  Why?  Because its predecessor came with 500HP (US) and 397 pound-foot of torque in a normally aspirated engine.  Will I be disappointed if the stock configuration comes with less horse power and torque? The simple answer is yes!  My reasons are simple.  Competing products that I would consider are currently more powerful and having driven a 4400lbs. car and I expect this new one to be close to this same weight configuration.

In summary, I am pleased with all the media pictures, mechanical functionality, and its technical attributes revealed by BMW.  Let's take a wait and see approach, while I hope for the following numbers from BMW.
19/23mpg | 0-60 in 3.9sec | 4257lbs. | 625HP (US) 515lb-ft. tq.  Buckle up!

...And "If you don't know, Now You Know!"