Last week was too hectic to get our Answers up from last week’s DL Q&A Session, but don’t worry, we did not forget about it. We received a ton of great questions, as always, so the DL crew has gone over them and answered a few to the best of our abilities.
It seems there is still a lot of focus on validity of wearable technology, especially how it will integrate with current fashion standards. We were also asked our opinion on whether the Note Edge from Samsung will see much success. Our short answer? Nope.
Take a look below at the full responses below.
Reminder: K is Kellen, T is Tim, and R is Ron.
What are your go-to brands for technology? (TVs, monitors, cameras, speakers, fitness trackers, etc.)
K: When it comes to TVs, I have been an LG guy for years. I also just picked up this bad boy to replace my dual monitor setup – greatest decision ever. Outside of that, I tend to buy what is rated or reviewed well. I have Sonos speakers throughout my house, Jawbone UP24 for a fitness tracker, and Apple computers.
T: For TVs, I have been rocking the high-end Vizio sets for a bit, and I love them. The design of the set interests me the most. Computers are usually Mac, but I have a Windows PC for gaming. For computer monitors, I find myself sticking to either Samsung or ASUS. Camera is a Nikon, speakers are Marshall, and I don’t track my activity. I’m lazy, so no tracking needed.
R: TV is a Vizio (yes, I finally have a TV from this century), monitor is a Dell, and camera is a Fujifilm X Series (although I love my Yashica MG-1 for film).
If you could pick one company to introduce a MotoMaker-like service for its devices, which would it be?
K: Can I just keep it as Motorola? They are the only company that designed a phone that could really benefit from the natural and leather materials. Well, Samsung could do it pretty easily with their replaceable backs; HTC can’t because of that unibody metal construction. So, maybe Samsung, but their phone designs just aren’t great and I wouldn’t buy one heh.
T: If I had to choose one, I would go with LG, only because I would love a custom leather LG G3. That would be hot.
R: I think I would pick Sony. They’re already good at having color options, but their colors just aren’t that great.
Does Android Wear have a real future, or is it just a gimmick?
K: As of right now, it’s in beta and definitely has a future. In fact, Android Wear has uses, people just need to understand that Android Wear isn’t supposed to replace your smartphone, it’s supposed to be an extension of it that is only there to provide you with information or quick replies/actions to items. It already does that now.
T: I think a few people are too focused on what Android Wear can’t do. Would it really be practical for your smartwatch to do everything your smartphone can do, such as browse Twitter and play games? Instead, I see it as a simple extension of your phone on your wrist. It’s perfect for notifications and Google Now cards, so I actually don’t mind the way it is right now. I’m sure Google has plans for it down the road, but I’m in no hurry.
R: Like I’ve said a million times, I think Android Wear, like most other smart watches, is good at notifications and controlling media, but not much else. Until someone finds a way to use that space in a unique way then I think it will remain limited to those types of functions.
Do you think the Samsung Note Edge will ever gain more than a niche following?
K: Go away, Note Edge. Go away now.
T: Absolutely not.
R: No.
What strategy do you think Motorola needs in order to be able to compete with the likes of Samsung and LG, as far as sales go?
K: Marketing. Spend billions in marketing and you will be fine. Everyone makes good phones these days, but Samsung has spent so many billions of dollars over the years, that people only know about them and Apple. Motorola doesn’t have billions to spend, so, good luck, Motorola.
T: Unless Motorola has an app that lets me track the movements of my favorite professional sports player, and sponsors the entire sport that said professional plays, then they might always be a step behind Samsung. However, you don’t need to sell as many phones as Samsung does in order to be successful. The Moto G is their most successful phone, according to them, and it’s not competing with anything from Sammy or LG. It’s all about knowing your audience, and it looks like Moto found theirs overseas.
R: Consistently release software and hardware innovations that set them apart from Samsung and LG. They did that last year and everyone copied them; this year they updated the specs.
So far, what is your 2014 phone of the year?
K: Probably the new Moto X. After going between it and the LG G3 and the Xperia Z3 Compact, it’s just unmatched in terms of in-hand feel and performance. Plus, dat leather.
T: I have to go with the LG G3. It’s been my tried-and-true since it launched earlier this year. 2nd place goes to the Moto X.
R: There isn’t an Android phone that I love this year. I don’t like the Moto X’s hardware design, HTC remade the One and didn’t add much to it, Samsung is still pumping out the same plastic garbage and garbage skin, LG has a nice phone with bad looking software and bland hardware, and Sony has a bad looking skin that affects performance and terrible color options on their phones. TL;DR – I’m looking forward to seeing if things change next year.
What does the ultimate future of wearable tech look like? Is it Glass? Android Wear?
K: I hope it doesn’t involve head gear, ever. Make watches better or improve upon the idea behind Motorola’s Moto Hint. Discreet wearables that help you are the only areas I want to see grow. I don’t want people to see my technology.
T: Unless they can put an HUD-like display into the frames of glasses, without making me the center of attention in a public place, then I will stick with the advancement of smartwatches. So far, I really enjoy the Moto 360, and I would enjoy to see more classy designs from Moto and other design companies.
R: We don’t know yet. I don’t think we’ve seen a compelling universal application for wearables yet outside of health and notifications.
Can you tell us something about yourselves that we don’t know?
K: Grew up in Whitefish, MT, one of the great mountain resort towns in the country and have never skied or snowboarded in my life. Weird, right? I also have two Persian cats named Batum and Rodgers. They are bosses.
T: I have an undying love for Godzilla and xenomorphs, so much so that I have to own anything having to do with either of the two. I also play guitar as a hobby, so anything having to do with music and collecting instruments is a fondness of mine. Oh, and according to a rumor circulating, I have six webbed toes on each foot and my great-great-great uncle invented the post stamp.
R: I lead worship for the contemporary service at an Anglican church.
Kellen, I think you should change Rodgers’ name to Wilson. Keep it regional.
it was one of the best article on tech
My Uncle JOHNSON just got an awesome gold Audi S4 by Ｗ0ＲＫing part-time off of a macbook air… try this website
>>>-> Freedom/Technology<-
Hey Tim! What guitar rig do you got going on?
I’m currently rocking a Gibson LP going through a 100w Marshall combo amp. I was huge into metal tonality, but I’m getting back into classic/vintage tones. 🙂
Not gonna lie–pretty jelly right now.
Your great-great-great uncle invented the post stamp? Congrats, Tim.
funny and awesome to see kellen is a sneakerhead..good stuff..ive got a couple lol @randysoto5
Heh yeah, I have a sneaker problem.
Ron, we all know that your 2014 phone of the year is the iPhone 6/6+. 🙂
Just set up my wife’s 6 last night. It’s a little too tall. Still happy with my ancient 5c 🙂
Does anyone know where I can buy some #WolfTickets ? Turns out my supplier was a fraud.
What!?!? He was? Damn. I really wanted to buy some but just couldn’t pull the trigger.
Kellen, just wondering what made you decide the um95 over the aoc (as they are they same display but $250 difference)…I have the aoc one, so just curious.
Honestly, had not heard of the AOC version until right now. Would have considered it for sure. How is it?
Its been awesome…had a triple 24″ monitor setup before, now just the one.
Did a lot of research first, apparently all the 21:9’s are the same exact screen, just different electronics (hence why I got this, $300 vs $550+).
There were some review issues of the casing being poor quality but I think that was just early units as mine is just as well built as previous Asus screens I’ve used.
Anywho, thought maybe you had heard of it and decided against it so was just wondering.
Nothing wrong with having webbed toes, Tim. ; )
“There isn’t an Android phone that I love this year. I don’t like the Moto X’s hardware design, HTC remade the One and didn’t add much to it, Samsung is still pumping out the same plastic garbage and garbage skin, LG has a nice phone with bad looking software and bland hardware, and Sony has a bad looking skin that affects performance and terrible color options on their phones. TL;DR – I’m looking forward to seeing if things change next year.” – Exactly how I have felt about all Android deices this year. Not sure if Shamu will help either.
My feelings on android devices this year also.
I really like these posts. They make DL feel more like a community, rather than just another tech site
We are a community! 😀
Who would you rather bone? Meg Ryan? Or Jack Nicholson?
Threesome with both!
Only if Jack role plays as Jack Torrance.
The Shining Jack.
I’m really confused as to what people think that Android Wear is supposed to be. They’re turning it, in their heads, into something that Google never intended. Personally the 360 has totally changed the way I use my smartphone. I hardly take it out of my pocket while I’m at my desk at work, and its not that its easier, but it just feel a lot more… “natural” to quickly respond to text messages using the watch than getting my phone out.
For example, the wife just texted me to ask if we had any tortillas for dinner. It was super easy to shuffle through the fridge contents then quickly reply “No we don’t” on the watch rather than have to hold my phone in one hand and use the other to rummage through all of the crappy food we have in there.
I don’t expect its for everyone, but I’ve been personally surprised how much I use the smartwatch over the phone.
I have my moto 360 for a week today and it has already changed the amount of times that I reach for my phone to and even how I use my phone. In fact I love it.
This is exactly how I’ve been using it. Not as a smartphone replacement, but for simple, quick tasks like responding to messages without ever having to pull my phone out. It has been incredibly useful, especially now that I almost always have only 1 hand free thanks to the little one at home.
I’m still considering the new Moto X and this post is definitely making me lean towards it more. Even if Moto customer service is rather terrible. I’m happy with the G3, but I’m a phone addict. Gonna wait till the Turbo comes out to make my final choice though. Even with that crazy rumor that a Nexus 6 may be coming to Verizon…unlikely but one can always hope.
So far (just over a week into owning mine), it’s been a great device. I don’t use Moto Voice that much, but when I call for it, it hears me. The new IR sensors for Moto Display have come in really useful as well. The one change I absolutely despise, however, is the massive dimple on the back. It’s like a thumb-rest where your thumb shouldn’t be when you’re using your device. That said, leather is still the way to go – no discoloring as of yet (but yes, nicks are very easy and it gives it character).
it is not terrible. you just have to go into it understanding that it will take multiple phone calls and they will tell you things that aren’t true. but they always replace what they need to replace. which is almost always a brand new phone.
Unless AOSP and super fast/smooth UI are the most (only?) important thing to you, there’s really nothing else about the X that’s better than the G3 – and I’m no G3 apologist either.
What is your favorite Godzille movie Tim?
Other than the original of course, that one is undoubtedly the best. Second to that, I like Godzilla against Mechagodzilla best or maybe Godzilla vs Destroyah.
That’s really tough! I love Godzilla 1985. That’s the one that scared me when I was a kid. Then I’d go Gigan, Mecha, and Ghidorah. I love the new one, too!
That monitor is beautiful! Very cool to see your tech!
It is probably my favorite tech purchase in the last year or so. No more dual monitor clutter…just pure beauty.
That is sweet. I am drooling over the LG 34UC97, the first curved Ultrawide LED monitor, but dat price tag …
“people just need to understand that Android Wear isn’t supposed to replace your smartphone…” I think people do understand that (at least Droid-Life readers). I just don’t think it’s enough, at least at the current prices.
I agree with Tim that a smartwatch shouldn’t just be a really-mini-smartphone. But to have to carry your phone everywhere for Android Wear to anything meaningful – which is pretty much the situation now – is just dumb. Why can’t i save a bit of music for playback? Collect run data for later syncing? Cache map or nav data? Plus, the ads aren’t exactly straightforward in demonstrating the need for constant tethering.
“But to have to carry your phone everywhere for Android Wear to anything meaningful – which is pretty much the situation now – is just dumb. Why can’t i save a bit of music for playback? Collect run data for later syncing? Cache map or nav data?”
Motorola was really ahead of the times with the Moto ACTV. It did all of those things you mentioned (and more) when not connected to a smartphone. And when it was connected to a smartphone, you had a wide range of additional things you could do with it. And Moto churned out some great updates for it that expanded functionality and increased battery life for quite a while after it was released. It wasn’t a perfect device or experience, but it did so many things right. I still use mine quite often.
Exactly. The technology already makes these things possible – except, perhaps, for decent battery life. I think that’s why I’ve been disappointed in Android Wear so far. I really thought Google was going to show us something ground breaking. It almost feels like they rushed out a limited product just to take the winds out of the Apple Watch sails.
That being said, I’m still excited about the future, especially for health and fitness monitoring. The form factors have been decent already too, especially the 360.
I see where your usage scenarios are coming from, I too would love to be able to go workout with only my Android watch + bluetooth headset (watch could send cached music via bluetooth). However, I still find comfort in having a phone on my person while jogging around the lake / neighborhood, just in case something happens (or I keel over from exhaustion and need a ride home lol). Also, I’m loving the fact that Android wear is currently just being used for notifications / music control because its possible to have my phone in my backpack and use my watch to control the music coming through bluetooth headsets or make quick responses to incoming texts, answer calls, etc.
Again, it is beyond me how speaking into a watch saves that much time or is simpler, as compared to just pulling your phone out of your pocket. Either way, you are distracted and using your hands.
The emergency scenario is a good point. However, it seems to me it would be fairly straightforward to include an emergency button on the phone that would notify help when selected. Even if this was the only self-sustained communications function the watch possessed, it would seem a worthwhile, and not all that complicated, addition. “Help, I’ve fallen and I can’t get up” 🙂
Either way you are distracted and using your hands, but for me its made it possible to keep my phone more secure (read, not in hand 24/7). Now its possible to leave the phone completely secured in a backpack / pocket and not have to continually pull it out just to check if that vibrate you felt was from some dumb app, or a text from you boss.
$250 is a decent price for a nice watch. As an extension of a smartphone and as a chameleon of sorts (I change the face daily) it’s an excellent value.
“An excellent value”? I can’t agree with that. First, you can get a pretty darn good full fledged smartphone for around that price these days. Second, the only people I know who are regularly spending a couple hundred dollars on a new watch are the same people who care way too much about their looks. It’s one thing to spend a couple hundred dollars on a watch that will last for decades. It’s quite another to drop it on a limited device that will be obsolete in two years.
To each his own.