Samsung Galaxy Nexus - New contender?

The hype over iPhone 4S should die down and then comes another one. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus will be launching during Q4 of this year. And what do you know, we are now in the Q4! Since October passes without the any sign of the phone's officially release, lets hope that November or December will be a better prospect. Right now, here's what you need to know:



Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

Yes, Android decides to sweeten things up with this. The Galaxy Nexus will be the first phone with the latest Android on it. Two most distinctive feature from Android 4.0 is Face Unlock and Android Beam.



Firstly is the Face Unlock feature, which is already self-explanatory. Just peer into the front-facing camera, and it will read your face to unlock the phone. This is just one of Google's way to beef up your phone's security. But here's the thing, will this truly work for you or against you? You can't really get it to recognise your face at one try. Remember the Face Unlock failure here? Looks like we have to wait to find out more.

Next is the Android Beam. This feature allows you to share information by just tapping the Galaxy Nexus with another NFC-enabled device. You can expect websites, videos, directions, and apps zapped from one phone to the other. And by reading this, you'll know that the Galaxy Nexus is also an NFC-enabled device. Let's hope that we can make use of Google Wallet in the near future with this.



Other than that, say hello to voice typing. Well, nothing new here because voice to text have been around for quite awhile. This could be the improved version of it. As a Google phone, there will be Google Plus built into the smartphone. And for those widget lovers, you can finally resize your widget to your liking.

Display

This is normally the first thing you noticed in a phone. Coming in at 4.65 inches (1280 x 720 pixels), the Galaxy Nexus is still within the 4-inch range. That's good as it can sit comfortably in your hand without needing to stretch your fingers a little. On a personal note, the most I can take from any phone is a display that is less than 5 inches. Anything more than that will be a drag (hint: Samsung Galaxy Note at 5.3).



Also, it has a HD display meaning you will get a lot of crisp images on your phone. Unlike the Galaxy SII, it uses Super AMOLED display and it still looks great. Sure, it would be nicer with Super AMOLED Plus as there will be great depth in pictures but from the looks of it, the display still presents itself well. Do take note that the larger display could result in lower pixel density meaning that it may not be the sharpest one in the market.

Here's another surprise, you won't get Gorilla Glass with this latest Android phone. You heard it right. But don't worry. Samsung said that it uses a 'fortified glass' and nothing more. Looks like we need to wait again to know for sure the kind of glass they used. The device also boast Contour Display where it curves to the shape of your face. Well, that's what Google said but it is hard to tell without having the phone here with us.

Lights, camera, action!

Here's a bit of a disappointment. The camera on Galaxy Nexus is only 5 megapixels. But let's not forget that MP isn't everything. That's just how big it can be use to print a picture. Despite that, it can take HD pictures so don't worry too much on that department. You can view sample shots from the smartphone through engadget.



With the 1.2 GHz dual-core processor backing it up, taking picture is in a faction of a second. After snapping a picture, the camera will be ready for another action almost immediately. Not to mention, you can quickly access the camera through the lock screen, which is convenient, when you want to take picture immediately.

You can also record Full HD (1020p) thanks to the power of dual-core. As an added bonus, the phone gives you the ability to zoom while video recording. Well, that's about it in the video department.

Other specs



You'll get 1,750mAh battery with Samsung Galaxy Nexus. The reason is because the device could use up a lot more power with its big display.

There will be a 16GB and 32GB version of the phone for you consider. It seems that there is no slot for microSD card, which is too bad. The LTE version will be available depending on region. So that could possibly translate to us getting the 3G version of Galaxy Nexus.

Impression

It looks like the Samsung Galaxy Nexus has the kicks to be a great phone. But let's not forget that it has quite a few worthy rivals like the iPhone 4S and Motorola Droid Razr. Take away Android Ice Cream Sandwich from it and the smartphone is just another higher end ordinary device. Let's hope that the launch of Samsung Galaxy Nexus will propel more phones that will fully utilise the Android 4.0. I'll leave you with the video introducing the Samsung Galaxy Nexus.

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Music through time in awesome pictures!

If music can be interpreted in picture, isn't it awesome? Of course it is very hard to do so but I would like to try it out wtf.

Over the time from cave people until now, music evolves. So let's start with the wonderful years of being caveman and cavewoman (I don't discriminate), where everything is back to basic.

Famous music lyrics from back then: "Aaaaaahhh!!"



So this should be the painting for it:



Next is around the year 1000. Yes, I am leaping few thousand years later because I need to get some sleep wtf.

This is when there is actually harmony.

Famous lyrics from back then: "Ah aaah aaaaaahhh beh!"


Without this, you won't get Linkin Park. Think about it wtf.

Oh, and the picture interpretation for it:


Yes, I cheated. I can't draw this for nuts wtf.

And then came the era of silent film. Yes, that's the time when you can only see the the dialogue after the actor's mouth moves! Everything is illustrated by music. Err, yea, this is in the 1900s or before that. Don't ask what happen to opera. It is in the 1597 from Italy. That's all you'll get from me wtf.

Famous lyrics from back then: "..................................."



Here's the picture again:



It is not Hitler or cowboy or Hitler pretending to be a cowboy wtf. CHARLIE CHAPLIN!

Introducing, the era of boy bands! This is where hormone raging girls scream and faint for them while their boyfriends sulk and plot to kill them off with pencils. Yup, the boybands will dance and sing just for your entertainment. 1950s is the acapella types and in the 1960s, you heard of the Jackson 5? Does Michael Jackson ring a bell? Yes, he is from that group. And black plus handsome wtf. Back when MTV was cool!

Famous lyrics from then: "Easy as A,B,C 1,2,3"



Picture bla bla bla:


(Insert witty comment, too lazy to think)


And finally, music at this time. Lovers of this song will be my hater:

Famous lyrics: "FGeoaot aopmvp[a aopwjbma[pp tnka" (Writer's note: sarcasm intended)


Oh God. This is the first time I watch the video. Erase my memory NOW.

Yes, some starts to make no sense at all. So here's the last pic:


Seriously. We are back in ancient times.

Calv out.

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Short update

No offense.... hahahaha

Nothing major here. Just a short update.

Recently, I have to say good bye to my column called "Should I really get it?" that talked about smartphone and tablet accessories from Bluetooth devices to backseat iPad holder. It was fun while it lasted but I decided to end it as thinking from a readers point of view, it is not that interesting FML.

Anyway, there will be a new corner called "What's in your bag?" and again it is lead by yours truly. This time, instead of devices I will be focusing on people. And if by now you still don't know what this corner is about, go to the toilet and dunk your head in the toilet bowl wtf.

Anyway, if you are out of the toilet already, the column will be about the things in people's bag. Yes, I will be your personal space invader.


Get it? Get it? Personal "space invader" wtf

Of course I will be looking for your gadgets first instead of the condom or make up kit in your bag wtf.

So look out people, if this stranger suddenly approach you, please don't run away. YOU are source of my story, YOU will appear in the magazine not me (I-wish-I-have-my-5-minutes-of-fame wtf).

Nah, here's a draft of your page wtf:


Aren't you glad I am not the one designing the mag wtf.

See, such a big spread for you!!! Woah!!!

Please support my column (blinding you with white sparkly shiny teeth wtf)

Calv out.

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Apple is now Job-less

Rest in peace Steve Jobs. Thanks to you, smartphone industry got a major boost. Also, because of you, tablets are now part of our lives.



Who would have thought he will hold it together until the launch of iPhone 4S? The latest iPhone will now be known forever as the Steve Jobs memorabilia.

Here's a little more info about his life:

Click for larger image.
Largest image here: http://gigaom.com/apple/infographic-an-ode-to-steve-jobs/

Another one:

Click for larger image
Largest image here: http://www.dreamsrain.com/2011/09/13/15-fascinating-facts-about-steve-jobs-infographic/

Again, thanks for all your innovations. I love your product. It is the product users who I hate. Let's hope more people will come to understand what is it to own your product.

Calv out.

“The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Apple Inc.

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Goodbye CBOX

This has been a thing that plagues me when I started to blog again. Zombies wtf no! Here's the damn thing, bloggers do have a thing called Chatbox. It is a wonderful creation as it reduce steps to comment on people's blog. I love it. I use. I want keep it here forever like the hairs on my head (Yes, I do fear that I will go botak wtf). Here's the sad thing, in a week time, I may remove it. Sorry all my loyal readers (if I have any wtf).

The reason (no, don't go Hoobastank on me) is very simple. Too many "noise." Noise as in "idiots." Idiots as in "losers." OK, OK, I know. This can go on forever. What I really meant was PEOPLE WHO WANTS TO DIE! As in SPAMMERS wtf.

Seeing so many people posting on my cbox made me feel great. Hey, I AM FAMOUS. Until I saw the links. Screw them for destroying my 15 seconds of *cough not really cough* fame. There goes all my self-confidence wtf. My lawyers are working to get RM1mil for me wtf.



The culprits are from two particular websites. First is BLOGOBO and the other is LEPAK.MY. No way am I linking them. Go Google them yourself. Yes, that is how much I dislike those sites (I don't link them back wtf). If I can benefit superior traffics from their visits, then it is fine. I will simply accept their spams.

Best part is the fact that they tried to hide it. Pretending that they are conversing with me like nothing happen. One of these days, I'll come to haunt you at night (look for the guy with a laser pointer wtf) - refer to P.P.S. Anyway just let me blow off some steam:



Firstly DO I LOOK LIKE I KNOW YOU? Yea, of course I do! Your name is "abg hero." A real life hero!!! OMG. And yes "Que," long time no see. When was it the last time we chat? I knew you 2,302,312,234,642 years ago, right? After being resurrected 54,125,235 times, we finally met again. Ah, "Elly," she is a beauty queen you know? All the way from INeverExistLand. She withdrew from Miss Universe because she is out of this universe! Geddit? Geddit? fml.

Secondly, my friends, when they visit my blog, will comment in the comment section. If not, those who posted on cbox, will at least mention what I wrote in my blog post. These spammers who comes from INeverExistLand will post stuffs like "Just make another visit" or "Like your blog, hope you like mine." Let me quote from my friend, Clement: "DO I LOOK LIKE I FUCKING CARE?"

Finally, the link. Usually, friends that comment on my cbox will not leave links or if they do, they will TYPE (OK, maybe copy paste wtf) their link! Don't you even bother giving me a shortened URL from bit.ly or adf.ly, or gofuckyourselfloving.ly. I will NEVER reply you. Seriously.

Well, that's all from me. Actually, I have no idea what to write about. So I ended up complaining again wtf. No, I am not an angry man in real life. I seem to take on a different personality online wtf. But this is a serious matter. It is even worst than your friend posting 1,000 pictures of themselves on Facebook!

Credit: to whoever drew this. Please, if you know the contributor, do inform me.

Calv out.

P.S. If you do know any benefits from receiving spams, you can tell me about it. Or at the very least, stop it from entering my cbox wtf.

P.P.S. I really do own a laser pointer thanks to Wei Lian. <3

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Facebook Timeline: You tell your story

*UPDATE - What if you want to get Timeline now? Check out the steps posted by Mashable.



For sometime, people should noticed the few minor changes to their Facebook page. Some lucky (or unlucky) ones got it earlier. Thankfully, this writer got it when they did the very early stage of changes. Today, many people should be getting their updates. Not sure about that but it seems that way. Be prepared as it is just a half-update. The man in blue, Zukerberg, has a plan.



More to come and you know it. Let's start with what we know. No more separating the "Most Recent" and "Top Post" anymore. What you get is a clean timeline. And yes, soon, you will know it as Facebook Timeline. If you didn't notice another changes, here you go: there is also the Ticker.

Two of a kind

So what does all this mean? Think of the Ticker like Twitter. They sound almost the same, so you can remember their functions as well. This, according to Zukerberg, is the lightweight social activity. You will see every status updates, every comments, every share and every everything your friends do in a fast pace direction.

The Ticker on your right above the chat feature

Let's not forget that back when Facebook first started, it was all EVERYONE will know this and that. It took them long enough to realise selective sharing. Not everyone needs to know everything. You don't want your parents to find out what happened last night after clubbing do you?

Choose the story line

Not only you get to select who you want to share it with but you can tell your own story. Don't like what's going on with this post? Hide it. Think that this event highlights your best effort, star it! Technically, the new Timeline will filter out the junk on your page. Think of the new Facebook Timeline as a blog. You blog what you want and they can't find any *ahem* crap *ahem* in it.

Let the apps help guide the story

Aha, could it be a threat from apps available for Google Chrome? Did Zukerberg feel the heat? Well, that we don't know but the new Facebook comes with a more sync apps. It will sound a little confusing because Facebook apps will now broadcast to Timelines and Tickers separately.... And automatically.

Your info when you allow it

What? This is outrages!! I want my rights!!! Yes yes, calm down. Of course you can disallow these services. If you do allow it, here's how. What you like or comment will instantly appear on your Ticker. However, your Timeline, in theory, would feature a summary. Let's use an example. Let's say you like this music so much. It will appear ASAP on your Ticker. After awhile, while collecting all the music you like, the Timeline will produce a summary of that month telling people that you like Rock music.

Remember, once you approve an app, it will work from the dark. Fading itself to the background. It will collect your information like how many miles you ran with RunKeeper app or your last watched movie. You can tell that Facebook want their apps to be accepted even more now. If not, what's the use of their new Timeline? There will be no stories to tell if you don't approve any apps.

In the end..

Well, you know that people always complain that they hate the Facebook update. Right now, how will the public react to this MAJOR update. It is a big thing. Let's hope they don't disappoint 800 million Facebook users. All of these tweaks are available now to most users. You should notice a pop-up prompt that will give you a brief guide through the changes. Take note that the Ticker is the box on your right.

For those of you who want to take part in this big change, you got to get in line first. Head here to check out how will your profile look like at the end of this month. You can sign on if you want to. The first batch of Timeline will be out on 29th September in America.

Source: Tecca

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I got no sole

I would like to begin by bursting your bubble wtf. No, it is not the hey-I-sold-my-soul-to-the-Devil soul. It's more of a shoe's sole. Just in case you don't get my title wtf (cue sad music).



Seriously, it happened twice. Last year and this year. I bet it will soon be an annual thing since it's two years in a row. Oh what did I do to deserve this wtf. I bet you during my past life I was, a thief. Who steals shoes fml.

Alright, back to those incidents. First one was last year during marathon. Standard Charted KL Marathon 2010. Ahh... That fateful day. With sun shining, less than three hours of sleep and overtook by a girl (Wei Lian wtf). Good times. Good times. Oops, did I type that twice? Well, that's on purpose. Again, I got sidetracked wtf.

Imagine me running for the past hour and I saw the sign, 9km. Wow, one more kilometer and I will get my SOLID metal medal (no gold, sorry wtf). Of course that motivated me to continue running *cough-walking-cough* and run I did *cough-crawling-cough* wtf. In that instance, I can hear the crowd but no finish line in sight yet. So I ran/walk/crawl harder. Really, I did.


Something like that but more severe wtf

Out of nowhere, the sole of my shoe decided to fly open. It has a mouth people!!! The angle of the mouth open would put a crocodile/snake to shame. It can fit two and half Big Mac in it. Still I will keep on running. Duh, damn beh shiok right if I stop and quit when the end is near wtf. Beh shiok means "doesn't feel good" in Hokkien btw.

Proud to say, I reach the finishing line with one side of the shoe's sole flying off. So boys and girls, lesson here is: don't wear an old Bata shoe for marathon wtf.

Alright, the second incident would be more interesting if it happened on stage wtf. Seriously I kid you not. Don't worry, it did not happen during this year's Standard Charted KL Marathon. I used Bata shoes again wtf. Less than a year old wtf. (edited: to clarify, the Bata shoe again is for the marathon. I am not so loyal to Bata until I buy their leather shoes wtf)

What was suppose to happen that didn't happen!!!!!!

Anyway, this happened on 10th April 2011. Not quite recent but it is this year wtf. For HELP University College students, I bet you know what this date means. Convocation yo! Yay, the transition from a student to a jobless person wtf. During the event, of course we have to go up on stage, bow, shake hands, grab cert, pose, and go down. Wow, so many steps. You can thank me later future HELP UC graduates wtf.

During that time, nothing went wrong, phew. It was after the convocation when we are ready for food. As I was walking towards the restaurant, my LEATHER SHOE's sole came off!!!!! And you can imagine my family's reaction. PLUS my wonderful girlfriend, Wei Lian wtf. Of course the burst of laughters were there. And thanks to the swift action from my grandma, she managed to safe my sole wtf. I am sure she framed my sole up hanging it somewhere that I can't find it. I still can't wtf.

Err, yea, grandma before ordering the frame for it. Kidding!! Or am I? wtf

I know that all of you were hoping for it to happen on stage BUT thankfully it didn't. If it did, there goes all my future prospect jobs wtf. Imagine during interview:

Interviewer: Hey, aren't you the dude who left your sole on stage? HAHAHAHA.. That was hilarious!

Me: Err.. Yea..

Interviewer: I mean, c'mon, for it to happen DURING your convo!! Can you imagine the embarrassment?

Me: Hahaha........ Yea, so unexpected....

Interviewer: I know, how can you live with yourself!! OMG, I get to tell this to my colleagues too!

Me: *gives interviewer lots of paper cuts while stabbing his eye with his pen on his desk*

Warning, graphic picture, oops too late

See, that's why I can never get a job if that happens. Thank God, only my family will remember it as "the day Calvin's sole came off" instead of "the day Calvin graduated" fml.

OK, that's all. Kthxbye.

Calv out.

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