The month of June is here - we’re two days in, in fact - and I’m excited. It’s grown to become one of my favourite months.
As much as I usually won’t say “x is my favourite y” or “I like orange more than black,” I’ve grown a certain fondness for the month of June. Here in Australia the weather begins to cool right down and as someone who enjoys the cold, I’m happy with that. Typically June is a period where I have very little work to do for school, this year notwithstanding as it’s HSC year.
There are always a few parties towards the end of the month, as birthdays start to roll around – including plenty of big eighteenths this year.
It’s the time of the year where teams begin to cement their place for the year on the NRL ladder. My team, the mighty Dragons, have begun this month in top spot - a position I hope they can keep right through to the end of the season with the potential reward of a premiership win. But more on that later. There’s also at least one and sometimes two State of Origin matches throughout June – Up the NSW Blues! Furthermore, there tends to be a few decent movies which are released in June as a result of the Northern Hemisphere, in particular the United States, beginning their Summer holiday period.
Lastly, and possibly the most exciting event of June, is one which I’ve only cared about for the last four years and that is Apple’s World Wide Developers Conference (WWDC). One year I hope to be able to attend, but that’s not the focus of today’s post. WWDC is exciting to me for many reasons, but mainly because I simply loving seeing the cool stuff announced by Apple at the event. I’ve come to expect the announcement of new features for major operating systems - mainly iOS and OS X - and I find the temptation of new betas exciting, even though I won’t always install them. The announcement of new API’s for me as a developer is always fascinating, and last year in particular was exciting as I got to work immediately on a “Today View” widget for my app Daily Steps. Following the progression of Apple’s software development from June through September/October is always an interesting journey. Not to mention the excitement around reading Tweets, blog posts and listening to Podcasts recorded live from WWDC, which are the result of the collaboration of many of the people I respect most in the technology reporting and journalism industry.
As the excitement builds for WWDC, you can sure bet I’ll be awakening shortly before 3 am next Tuesday morning to watch the WWDC Keynote live from my chilly bedroom and I’ll be filled to the brim with kiddish excitement. Sorry, I just can’t help it!
So begins June of 2015. It’s going to be a great month.
Oh Samsung. Unsurprisingly, you’ve managed to stuff up again. This time it’s with regards to your latest flagship device - Galaxy S6.
Reading this report, I began to realise something. Samsung are becoming more conservative and more “Apple-like” with their flagship handsets. Take the Galaxy S6, for example. With this phone, Samsung have backtracked on a lot of features which defined them in previous versions, and have opted instead to make a phone which is much more similar to the iPhone 6, particular in its physical design. With its aluminium and glass body, visual antenna breaks/gaps and a bottom which is almost indistinguishable from that of iPhone 6, Samsung have lost their flair.
What happened to the Samsung who threw everything at the wall in the hope it would stick? What happened to the makers of the Galaxy S4, with its crazy eye-tracking software which scrolled the page for you as you read, and which allowed you to answer a call without actually touching the device. Where are the minds behind the Galaxy S5 hiding? Those folks made a flagship device waterproof, while hiding a phone inside weird band-aid like casing. You can criticise those things as much as you want for being gimmicks, but they were original and cool. Instead the Galaxy S6 is just as boring as the iPhone 6. Don’t get me wrong - I love my iPhone. But I love it for the unique offerings it has, and not for the features that are already offered by others.
The Samsung of 2013 would’ve released one flagship model to their Galaxy lineup this year - the Galaxy S6 Edge. Instead they didn’t back themselves enough on their innovative new design, and clearly didn’t feel as though they could sell it well enough to have just one model of phone. They played it safe, and didn’t take much of a risk. I think the curved Edge is cool although I cannot see much use for it. However, I know people with the phone and they seem to like it. I’m very open minded about a new feature such as that and would’ve loved to see Samsung back themselves more, and really try to give this product the hard sell. The Samsung I know releases a single flagship device: The Galaxy S6 Edge. The Galaxy S6 stays in the lab. I like Samsung for their crazy ideas. They were amongst the first with larger-screen phones, phones with LTE radios, phones with curved screens/edges. I want to see them continue this trend and not have a “fallback” phone in case things go wrong. Where’s the fun in that?
So please, Samsung, stick to being that crazy uncle we all know and love. People who continue to want premium-feeling phones with an OS that is simple, stable and “just works” will buy an iPhone, and people who want the latest and greatest, the coolest new innovation right from the get-go will buy a Samsung mobile phone. Wacky, yet cool, features in phones are what I want to remember Samsung for - and not as a copycat of Apple.
And oh, if you’re going to copy the iPhone, at least do it right. Be shameless and relentless with your copy-cat attitude. Otherwise, this is the result.
Today is the day that my flagship app, Daily Steps, surpassed 50,000 downloads.
I don’t usually share my app download numbers, but I’m especially proud of this one. Not only is it my most downloaded app, but the surge in downloads over the last 6 months is due to something so simple. I don’t market my app(s) other than the occasional Tweet and a lot of discovery comes from Google searches as well as organic searches on the App Store. But my decision to make a simple “Today” view Widget for Daily Steps was probably the best decision I’ve made for that app. It has since more than doubled the average daily downloads of the app.
While 50,000 overall downloads would be seen as small for some developers, it’s a proud achievement for me. I don’t develop full time. It’s a hobby and an interest which gets short spans of attention whenever I can find the time.
I’m very happy to have passed this milestone- it’s been a while in the making. Onwards to 100k!
I love the world of technology. I love the world of technology so much so that I got into programming a few years ago and as a result now have a few apps on the App Store. Those who know me know I’m really proud of one app in particular.
So, WWDC…
As I’ve been a high school student for the last few years, I’ve never been able to take time out of school in June to attend WWDC. Well, I suppose that’s only part of the reason. The other part is that I’ve never had the finances to do so.
After some thought, I’ve decided I will apply for a student scholarship for WWDC in 2016. Yes, that’s a year away. WWDC 2015 hasn’t yet happened so I am getting a bit ahead of myself. And no, this probably isn’t a good reason to be writing a blog post. But I am, simply because the thought excites me.
For years I’ve wanted to attend WWDC, and knowing there’s a possibility that I might next year makes me very excited. I’m aware the chances of winning a student scholarship are slim, but it’s the only way I’d be able to afford to go.
Even if I don’t win a scholarship to WWDC, there’s a chance I’d go just to witness the keynote and to hang out with all the cool people in the industry who attend. It would be an absolute pleasure and thrill to meet people whose work I read and listen to on a daily basis, and whom I admire so much.
So because I felt like writing about something tonight, I’m posting this. It’s nothing definite, but still remains an open possibility at this point and that’s good enough for me.
When Steve Jobs took the stage over 8 years ago to announce the original iPhone, he pitched it to his audience as 3 devices…
First, it was a widescreen iPod with touch controls.
The second was a revolutionary mobile phone.
And the third, a breakthrough Internet communications device.
From his keynote:
Well, today, we’re introducing three revolutionary products of this class. The first one is a widescreen iPod with touch controls. The second is a revolutionary mobile phone. And the third is a breakthrough Internet communications device. So, three things: a widescreen iPod with touch controls; a revolutionary mobile phone; and a breakthrough Internet communications device. An iPod, a phone, and an Internet communicator. An iPod, a phone … are you getting it?
Looking back many years later, I’ve now carried a magical device of these sorts for around two and a half years. Not long compared to some, I’m aware. But thinking about this made me review my own usage of my iPhone today. It’s fair to assume that when Steve said what he did on stage, all 3 uses of iPhone were of equal importance to him.
Years on, I would say I use my iPhone approximately 50% of the time as an Internet communications device. Mainly for instant messaging (iMessage & WhatsApp are the two main services I use for that), social media (Twitter is my main addiction here), keeping up to date with news and sport scores as well as general web browsing.
Strangely enough, I probably use it 49% of the time as a “widescreen iPod with touch controls.” This almost matches my use for it as an Internet communicator, and mainly consists of listening to music while running as well as a tonne of Podcasts while I travel. Podcasts are my favourite medium of entertainment, and make up a significant portion of my phone use.
Lastly, I use my iPhone as a revolutionary mobile phone probably <1% of the time. I only make two or three phone calls in a typical month, and rarely send “Text Messages.” (I try to avoid having friends acquaintances who invest in the peasantry of the Android or Windows Phone mobile operating systems.) That being said, I do use my phone fairly often for FaceTime Audio, but I consider that an Internet usage feature and not a “mobile phone” feature. It’s gotten to the point now where I could almost comfortably drop paying for voice & SMS each month, and instead go on a data-only plan. With each passing day, traditional phone features become less and less a part of my life.
So there you have it. In summary, I use my iPhone 50% of the time as an Internet communicator, 49% as an iPod and <1% as a traditional phone. An interesting mix, but I thought it was worthwhile sharing.
I’m curious as to how everyone else uses their iPhone, and I’d love to hear from you. Feel free to reply to this post, or to reply to me on Twitter (@ZachSimone) with your estimated iPhone usage breakdown.
I did not buy Apple Watch. I did not buy Apple Watch. Say it with me.
I decided against the purchase of Apple’s newest innovative product: Apple Watch. It took a lot of willpower to restrain myself from pressing the “Pre-Order” button but I think I’ve finally overcome my desire for this object. Now that it’s out in the wild, it’s been brought to my attention that it’s “cool” but certainly not necessary.
Simply put, I couldn’t justify the price. $579 here in Australia for a 42mm Sport model… that’s ludicrous for something which is meant to be an accessory to my iPhone. With that money I can sell my current iPhone, buy this year’s model and still have money to spare! (I will not be doing this, by the way.)
Yes it’s a well-designed, desirable product. But the second generation will be even more so and I think I’ll wait until then. Apple Watch does not have enough unique functionality. My Original Pebble can do the large majority of the things Apple Watch can, and it can do them a lot better at that.
As the date of shipment of my Pebble Time nears closer and closer, I become more convinced I made the right decision to buy the Time and wait until the next generation of Apple Watch.
Apple Watch Sport on the left, Pebble Time on the right.
Those three words are never too fun to hear.
However this time around it feels a little bit different. It’s almost as though I want to go to school… for I know that every day I spend there now is one day closer to finishing. I’ve enjoyed high school immensely over the last five and a half years, and have certainly not wished it away. But now with only six months remaining I’m ready to finish. Ready to move on.
It almost feels like the calm before the storm at the moment. They next half year will be extremely hectic, with very little time for rest between immense loads of study, work and socialising.
But I’m prepared. I’ve never been disorganised, and that’s going to be a quality which will help me more than ever in the coming months. I don’t get brilliant results, but they’re good. Enough. At the end of the day, my aim is to get into the course I want and I’m on track to do that.
So as I say “back to school” for what will possibly be the last time, I know I’m approaching the beginning of the end. It’s an end that will be rewarding if I make it so – and I certainly have the ability to do that.
And just yet another reason as to why I love my Pebble Smartwatch so much. I was kept informed of the score throughout tonight’s NRL match between my mighty Dragons and the Broncos. A thrilling and fantastic win for the mighty Dragons tonight.
How long until I can purchase Grand Final tickets? 😛
I’ve been meaning to write this up for a while now. Apologies that it’s taken so long.
This will just be a short post outlining my first thoughts and impressions of the Apple Watch. A bit of background: last Friday Apple opened up Apple Watch pre-orders. They also opened up their stores to try-on appointments. While I’m not pre-ordering or buying this first-generation Watch (happily sticking with my original Pebble until my Pebble Time order ships), I did book myself in for a try-on appointment.
I tried on a multitude of watches, including: - 42mm Space Grey Sport. This one was my favourite, as it was extremely comfortable & lightweight. The sports band feels amazing, and happened to fit my wrist perfectly - which is more than I can say for some of the other bands. I also feel as though 42mm is definitely the right size for me, as 38mm is just too small.
- 38mm Stainless Steel with Milanese Loop. I was most disappointed by this one. To begin with, it was the only 38mm watch I tried on and I didn’t like the size at all. It felt microscopic. Secondly, the Milanese Loop wasn’t as comfortable as some people have made out and I also didn’t think it looked very nice.
- I also tried on a few others, including Stainless Steel with both the classic buckle and Leather Loop. I don’t have too many interesting thoughts on those bands.
After the try-on, if I was to purchase one I’d certainly be going with the 42mm Space Grey Sport model for the reasons listed above.
A few observations about the watch:
- Apple Watch looks INFINITELY better in person than it does on Apple’s website or in any other photos of it. I went in with the intention of not wanting one, but if there’s one reason as to why I slightly want one now it’s because of just how good it looks on the wrist. Seriously, I encourage you to go and check it out in a store - Apple Watch looks incredible.
- However, it is small. I mean really small. I did not expect it’s size. Even the 42mm is feels tiny on my wrist. Apple’s marketing material don’t show the size of the watch in comparison to any other objects, hence I was fooled into thinking it was the size of an average male wristwatch. This is not the case, and took me by surprise.
- The Sport band is insanely comfortable, and *feels* more premium than other bands even though it’s the most simple looking one.
- The leather loop felt more solid and more magnetic than I thought. The layer of leather was really thin which made the band feel cheap, in my humble opinion.
- The stainless steel Apple Watch collection is noticeably heavier than the Apple Watch Sport. Not in a way which is uncomfortable however, it’s just worth noting for the sake of this post.
- The Apple Watch Edition loops surprisingly good. I thought the Gold might look too fancy for my tastes, but that was not the case. If I had the money I’d go for the 42mm Gold Apple Watch Edition with the black sport band. Unfortunately that costs A$17,000 here.
With regards to the try-on appointment itself, I made a few observations. I didn’t feel rushed at all. I felt as though I was allowed and able to try on every watch I wanted without being rushed away. I did, however, feel restricted in what I could do when I had the watch on. I know this hasn’t been the case for everyone, but the particularly Apple Store employee who was focusing on me made sure that I didn’t loosen/tighten any of the bands myself, and whenever I would try to take a watch off or put a new one on she was sure to assist me. It was as if I was a toddler who wasn’t trusted to play with a fancy collection of toys. She was nice about it, however I did want the experience of fiddling with the straps on my own. The only exception to this rule was when I was trying on the Leather Loop and the Milanese Loop - she put the band on most of the way and told me to “lock” it in place at a tightness which felt comfortable. I also didn’t get to swap any of the bands, or try out different band combinations other than the defaults which I was presented with. Who knows - maybe if I’d been able to put the Milanese Loop on a 42mm Steel Watch my opinions of it would be completely different.
Overall, my experience last Friday afternoon inside of the Sydney Apple Store on George Street was a pleasant and enjoyable one.
It’s worth mentioning that at the time I went into the store, there was no new MacBook to look at. At that time, Australian stores had no idea when it was getting released in Australia - they couldn’t tell me that or when they would be getting stock. As I left the store and Apple Watch pre-orders began around 5pm local time, the MacBook magically became available on the Apple Online Store in Australia, so I presume it’s now available to look at in stores. From the online photos, it truly looks like an amazing machine and I imagine I’ll be writing up another post about it when I take another trip to the Apple Store to check it out (hopefully soon!).
I’ll leave you with some photos from my journey to the Apple Store:
The above image contains A$48,000 worth of Gold Watches.
Was surprisingly unimpressed with the above combination - 38mm Stainless Steel Apple Watch with the Milanese Loop. Behind my wrist you can see the store employee taking out another watch for me to try on. The display case is standard for every try-on - all of the watches are lined up inside of it. Here, they are attached to chargers until they are taken out of the case. All of the watches inside the case are available to try-on during the appointment, however the employee will ask you a few questions to get to know you and your interests before suggesting only a few to try on. The idea is to pick something based on the style you like and then they begin the try-on based on that.
Last - but certainly not least - the above image shows my favourite watch combination: 42mm Stainless Steel Apple Watch Sport. It was the appropriate look of style meets stealth. In conjunction with the sport band, it was also very lightweight which made it the most comfortable of the watches I tried on.
At the beginning of this post, I said it was going to be a short one. I’ve gotten a bit carried away here - oops! I do hope, however, that you’ve found this post enjoyable and informative in some way or another. That’s it for today folks.
