Which Smartphone is Right for You? Maybe This Will Help…

There is a wide variety of smartphones on the market, but can you find one that will fulfill all your needs? Whether for business or personal, the capabilities of a smartphone can serve multiple purposes that can make your life and profession more tolerable.

An all-in-one device, whether you use it as an organizer, email, internet browsing, and cell phone of course, the technology advancement in this tool comes a long way to helping with everyday tasks. Growth in demand for mobile devices have increased over the years with millions of smartphone owners to come.

This blog post will analyze the top 5 (originally 10, but got lazy) best performing smartphones that are being used today to help anyone that is confused as to which phone they should purchase…

5. Sony Ericsson Xperia X10

Developer : Sony Ericsson
Operating System : Android 1.6 (2.1 upgrade in Q4 2010)
Storage Capacity : 1 GB NAND Flash in phone, up to 16 GB on microSDHC memory card
Networks : Rogers
Release Date : April 15 2010
Price : $99 on a new 3-year plan

Features: 8.1 MP Camera with Auto focus, 1 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon CPU, 4.0 inch  screen, Touchscreen QWERTY keyboard, 480 x 854 color display

Yet another smartphone using the Android OS, the Xperia X10 has some impressive features from a fast processor to delicate screen display, I guess ‘quirky’ Europeans can in fact make good hardware…

If you rely on your phone as an alarm, you should think about keeping your old fashion desk clock as this phone does not come with a loud ringtone. Other limitations include no multi-touch support, older Android version, no video calling and low battery life. Therefore the price is acceptable which is one of the cheaper smartphones on the market.

4. Samsung Epic 4G

Developer : Samsung Electronics
Operating System : Android 2.1 (Upgradable to 2.2)
Storage Capacity : 8/16 GB microSD memory card
Networks : Rogers, Bell
Release Date : June/July 2010
Price : $199 on a new 2-year plan

Features: 5 MP camera, 720p HD Video recording, 4.0” WVGA 480×800 color display, Multi-touch capacitive touchscreen, 512MB RAM, 2GB ROM

I have yet to test out this phone myself, but given its description I can see why this phone is alluded as the ‘new leader of the Android pack’. What really amazed me is the list of video and audio formats this phone supports, virtually any media file is compatible.

Though if your a person that is likely to be confused without a GPS, this Samsung Epic is not for you. There has been many GPS/compass issues reported due to satellite connectivity and dropped signals. Unless your a frequent traveler abroad, this might work to your benefit to avoid roaming charges 😉

3. RIM Blackberry Torch 9800

Developer : RIM
Operating System : Blackberry OS 6.0
Storage Capacity : 8 GB microSD memory card
Networks : Rogers (September 21)
Release Date : August 12, 2010
Price : $199 on a new 2-year plan

Features: 5 MP camera, Video recording, 480×360 pixel color display, Touch screen with on-screen keyboard, Trackpad, 624 MHz CPU processor

Although RIM hasn’t been keeping up with its competitors as of late, its still a worthy smartphone particularly through a business perspective. Coming from Waterloo (headquarters of RIM), I hear constant news on its upcoming releases so the buzz that goes around definitely solidifies the reputation of blackberries.

The Torch 9800, RIM’s newest edition to the Blackberry line of smartphones is a great phone for users with keyboard preferences as it offers both a physical QWERTY kerboard with a sliding multi-touch screen display. Marketed as ‘the best Blackberry ever’, this has yet to be proven as critics complained about the absence of features that can be found on iPhone4 and Droid X devices.

2. HTC Droid Incredible

Developer : HTC
Operating System : Android 2.2
Storage Capacity : 8 GB microSD memory card
Networks : Verizon (not available in Canada)
Release Date : April 29, 2010
Price : $199 on a new 2-year plan

Features: 8.0 MP camera, LED flash, 720p HD Video Recorder, 748 MB of ROM, 480 x 800 AMOLED capacitive touchscreen

Unfortunately, this phone is not offered by any networks in Canada 😦 but its still worth a look at. With a styling of a race car, this phone gives you something to hold on to while gripping the devices slate touchscreen contemporaries. It also has impressive feedback on its 8.0 MP camera and the GPS receiver as it quickly locks to satellites.

If you have a strong desire to purchase this phone, I would suggest buying it in the U.S. and unlocking, which would then be compatible with any carrier. Disadvantages? If your into music players, don’t go for this one, I heard it has a boring interface..

1. Apple iPhone 4

Developer : Apple
Operating System : iOS 4.0.2
Storage Capacity : 16 GB or 32 GB flash memory
Networks : Rogers, Telus, Fido, Bell
Release Date : June 24, 2010
Price : 16GB/32GB for $159/$269 on a new 3-year voice and data plan

Features: LED backlit IPS LCD Retina display, 5 MP Rear camera, 0.3 MP  Front Camera, LED flash, recording HD video in 720p, FaceTime video calling

I’m a iPhone 3G user, so how can I possibly deny Apple from being number 1? Not surprisingly, the iPhone 4 is Apple’s most successful launch yet, despite the antenna and camera issues it still packs a lot of key features.

Unlike most smartphones, the iPhone uses flash memory for storage which is not expandable. If you ask me, I don’t carry too much audio/video files so I’d say 16 GB is good enough. Still need more storage? get an iPod Touch (64 GB), good for a secondary media player and you can FaceTime with yourself 😉 (not in public of course).

The design of the iPhone 4 is the most notable change from the previous generation, as the external industrial design completely changes the look and feel of the phone. Overall, the iPhone 4 can overshadow virtually any smartphone on the market from its improved retina display to FaceTime video calling, all essentials and more can be found on this phone.

That concludes my mobile technology review. I hope you can choose the smartphone that suits your needs. But realistically, all smartphones can offer the benefits of mobile devices, you can’t go wrong 🙂

M.N.

iPhone Dev Tutorial: How to use the Interface Builder

Introduction

The Interface Builder is a visual design tool used to create interface layouts for Mac OS X and iOS applications. Utilizing a graphical environment, the Interface Builder uses configurable objects from a library to help assemble windows, views, controls, menus, and other elements.

All items and their attributes are stored in a special type of resource file called a nib file. This file stores your objects and interface layout used to build the actual objects at runtime.

This post will cover the features of Interface Builder 3.2 as well as the various properties of a nib file. Interface designers will find this document useful to create the required interface for their application.

Interface Builder Quick Start

This section will provide a quick tutorial on using the Interface Builder application.

Opening Interface Builder
To open the Interface Builder, the following options can be used:

• Double click the Interface Builder application icon in the Finder. Its location should be under Developer/Applications.
• Double click the Interface Builder document with file extension .nib or .xib.
• In the Xcode project window, select the Interface Builder document.

Creating an Interface Builder Document
While developing a new application, typically you would start by creating an Xcode project using a specified project template. As you progress in your project it is likely that you will have the need to create new Interface Builder documents. This can be done by opening the Xcode New File dialog by choosing File > New. The window below should appear:

Interface Builder Basic Concepts

This section will provide an overview of the concepts used in the Interface Builder application including an introduction to nib files. While reading this document you may find it useful to have the Interface Builder open to understand the fundamentals of the application.

Interface Builder Documents
The Interface Builder documents can store one or multiple objects and its information for your application to build at runtime. Common objects include windows, views, controls, and menus.

The figure below shows the Interface Builder document window and a sample of some objects it may contain:

The key controls of the Interface Builder document window include:

• View mode selector: switch between modes of viewing to Icon, Outline or Browser.
• Information button: information about the document’s configuration.
• Library button: Interface Builder library window
• Inspector button: Interface Builder inspector window
• Search field: a search for objects in the document

Workflow Tools

The Interface builder provides the user with the necessary tools to help create your nib file. The following is an overview of the tools and how they are used.

The Library Window

The library window consists of objects and resources that can be added to nib files. The window contains three different modes between the types of items to be selected:

• The object mode: objects to build the interface including windows, views, controls, and other types.
• The classes mode: classes to build the interface in your project.
• The media mode: images and sound resources to add to your interface.

The Inspector Window

The inspector window displays the attributes for the object that is currently selected in the Interface Builder document.

The window includes the following panes in the order as they appear in the inspector:

• Attributes: object-specific configuration attributes.
• Effects: Core animation and graphics based attributes.
• Size: size and position of the object.
• Bindings: bindings of the object to one or more controllers.
• Connections: outlets and actions of the object.
• Identity: information about the object.

Recommended Readings

The following readings from the iPhone Dev Center are recommended to have a more in depth understanding of using the Interface Builder. If any of the links are broken, please proceed to the dev center to obtain the latest version.

• Interface Builder User Guide
• Interface Builder Quick Start – quick tour of the Interface Builder.
• Interface Builder Basic Concepts – overview of Interface Builder and nib files.
• Nib File Management – how to create and save files.
• Interface Layout – techniques for organizing windows and views.
• Object Attributes – techniques to configure objects in nib files.
  

Hope this help with designing your interface!

M.N.

Toronto’s Biggest Con: Geeks Unite at The 2010 Fan Expo!

The Metro Toronto Convention Center was the site of the 2010 Fan Expo this past weekend (August 28th). With thousands of comic book, horror, anime, gaming, and sci-fi fans attending the exhibition, it was the perfect opportunity to meet stars of the industry and purchase rare collectibles while dressed in your favorite superhero/villain. Given that you survived the two-hour long wait to purchase tickets, it was definitely a geek’s dream come true weekend to express their interests, without having to wait for Geek Pride Day.

As for me, I had a great time attending the Friday evening’s portion of the convention. Although I was able to purchase my favorable comics and enjoy demos of upcoming games, it was disappointing to miss out on the weekends featured appearances, yes, that includes you Stan Lee and William Shatner. But overall I was very pleased with what I saw and there was more than enough to keep my evening busy.

Before I move on, I want to apologize for the low resolution photos as I only had my iPhone 3G (3.2 MP) handy at the time. I know, it needs an upgrade.

Like many attendees would agree, the overwhelming line-up was very difficult to stand through especially with the heat as it stretched along Front St. and down Lower Simcoe:

Without having dinner I was very hungry while standing in line, but thanks to the hot dog cart I didn’t have to wait until I got in. Fortunately for me it wasn’t the cart in the WIND mobile commercial, surcharges did not apply :). Two-hours later I was finally in.

What surprised me the most when I first got in was the rate of attendance that approached the convention’s capacity:

I had no idea Canada was populated with this many comic, anime, and sci-fi fans, perhaps there’s more to this culture than meets the eye. But luckily there was still enough room to maneuver around the exhibition, as long as you weren’t behind the 6’8 man disguised as Thor.

Indeed, I made a visit to the celerity/artists panels that bordered the convention. As I mentioned above I failed to attend the weekends endeavors, therefore missing out on many notable guests. Nevertheless I was still able to meet Friday’s lineup of actors/actresses and professional artists:

The only celebrities I can recall catching a glimpse of were Felicia Day (above) and Peter Mayhew (Chubaka). Other names you see up there were only name plates for them to appear later, very misleading.

With hundreds of artists from different studios including DC and Marvel in attendance, they were very considerate to discuss their work, sign autographs, and even draw sketches (not for free) of your favorite characters! Only problem for me was a $11.00 budget thanks to the hot dog purchase I immediately regretted.

Representatives from the upcoming film Tron: Legacy also came out to show clips of the movie in 3D and to demo their game releasing in November as well, though I didn’t get a chance to do either :(. I for one did not know it was a squeal to the 1980’s Tron, kind of embarrassing to admit actually.

On to gaming. Xbox 360 had a solid display of games set to release later this year including Halo: Reach, Assassins Creed: Brotherhood, and the “controller-free gaming” Kinect. And much to everyone’s disappointment, Nintendo on the other hand decided not to give a demonstration of the 3DS, but at least their making graphics a priority this time, unlike the Wii (take that!).

And who can forget, the comic panel. Personally I think they could of done a bit more, maybe some trailers of upcoming films or character artifact exhibits but it was enough to draw attention. Special thanks to DC for giving away free comics and pins with some fantastic artwork. Marvel wasn’t exactly featured on Friday, but Captain America’s shield was!

In brightest day, in darkest night, no evil shall escape my sight! Get used to that phrase Ryan Reynolds, you’ll be saying it a lot.

The current artist for Red Robin, Marcus To, was there to represent DC’s signature panel. Very nice guy, in the picture below he drew a sketch of Red Robin as an autograph for someone, for free!

There’s still some Sci-Fi and Anime photos that I left out, but I think this should do it.

So that wraps up my coverage of the 2010 fan expo. After attending only a single evening at the weekend long event, I knew that wasn’t enough. 2011, I’ll think about a weekend pass…

M.N.

5 Reasons to Watch The Big Bang Theory

It wasn’t until earlier this year when on my friends introduced me to a show that would later turn out to be one of my all time favorites: The Big Bang Theory.

A brief introduction on the American sitcom: created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, The Big Bang Theory is a show about two physicist, Leonard Hofstadter and Sheldon Cooper that share an apartment together in Pasadena, California. Penny, a waitress/actress and the main love interest of Leonard lives across the hall from their apartment. Colleagues and friends Howard Wolowitz, an aerospace engineer and Rajesh Koothrappali, a particle astrophysicist are also main characters, both equally geeky and socially awkward.

Though all four display themselves as brilliant scientist, non of that intelligence contributes to their interaction with other people, especially women. But this seems to take a turn when Penny moves in next door from Sheldon and Leonard. While Sheldon is more interested in spending his nights collaborating with his socially dysfunctional friends Howard and Rajesh, Leonard’s attention is more towards Penny and his possibilities of finding love.

Now, getting into the main topic of discussion, I have produced a list of reasons why the Big Bang Theory is currently on of the best shows being aired and why it should be watched. To keep the list short, I will minimize it to 5 reasons to watch the show, though keep in mind a lot more can be said.

Without further due, below are the 5 reasons to watch the Big Bang Theory:

1. It’s Possible, Science can be Humorous

Many people that watch this show including scientist can agree that it is well written and can deliver dozens of one-liners and jokes through science and nerd culture. Every episode promises several moments of laughter that uses a background reference to scientific principles. With the common stereotype that scientist are incapable of social behavior and have difficulty with emotional relationships, the show presents how brilliant minds can also have a measurable sense of humor.

2. Get your Geek on!
Despite your efforts to incorporate a social aspect in your life, sooner or later the Big Bang Theory will awaken the geek in you, the same way it did to Penny:

Penny: “So, what are we got going on tonight, huh? Playing Halo, watching Battlestar, dropping mentos in diet coke?”
Leonard: “You want to watch Battlestar?”
Penny: “What can I say? I got my geek on, boys.”
– The Dead Hooker Juxtaposition

You know deep down inside you lies the urge to stay home to play video games and watch science fiction TV series. Need some encouragement? Watch the Big Bang Theory!

3. Are you a Nerd and Looking for Dating Advice?

It’s demanding, but it can be done. Being a nerd has its disadvantages but in terms of having the ability to mate, it is probable. Bill Prady’s way of presenting the audience with the standards of dating for a scientist is through Howard Wolowitz, believing himself to be a ladies man but others see him as rather creepy. What exactly is Howard’s type? The following is how his friends helped him get over a depressing breakup:

Raj: “It’s too bad he wasn’t here for that hooker. She’s exactly his type. A hooker. You know, I bet if we hired her, that would cheer him up.”
– The Vegas Renormalization

That easy. So what should we take from this? Set your standards low, don’t grieve a relationship, and take what you can get. I know, its not good advice, but hey, what do you expect for being a nerd?

4. The Cast: Chemistry, Skilled, Hilarious!

Jim Parsons, Hilarious. On and off the set, this man can entertain any crowd with his comedic personality. Best known for playing Sheldon Cooper, he is a significant reason for the programs success.

Overall the cast is a group of very talented actors/actresses that can record each scene to perfection. Other shows can have a well written scripts but will not be successful unless the cast has strong chemistry and imagination, exactly what is found on the Big Bang Theory.

5. Celebrity/Cameo Appearances
Every TV sitcom will have the occasional quest star appearance, the Big Bang Theory is no exception. One of my favorites, Stan Lee. Starring in the Excelsior Acquisition, Lee sarcastically invites Sheldon in his house to watch the Lakers game, and to Sheldon’s delight, results to a restraining order and a second court date.

Other notable celebrity appearances include Will Wheaton, Summer Glau, and Charlie Sheen, all playing themselves respectively. With more to come next season, this show will only grow in popularity.

After another successful season in Television ratings (a whopping 150% form the previous season), the Big Bang Theory will returning for a 4th season this September with new episodes premiering every Thursday. Set your calenders, next season starts September 16th!

M.N.