Thursday, 12 November 2015

The demise of Blackberry, device security and data mining

I used to look down on Blackberry devices; they appeared dated and more business-related devices.

This is pretty unfair as I had not had bothered to actually try one. Now I have, I actually like the simplicity of the OS. Which is quite surprising especially as I am running BB7 and not the newer versions of the OS.

But Blackberry is in trouble. They have most recently launched the 'Priv'. This runs Android so is totally at odds with what they have done in the past. However it does have that physical keyboard, which I actually really, really like.

The Physical Keyboard

The physical keyboard is one of those stand-out features that really identifies a Blackberry (at least it did). It did seem antiquated to me but since using it I have noticed that I really enjoy the tactile feel of a real keyboard. The press of the buttons, the satisfying click as you type. It feels robust and solid and despite being compact is a rather good experience. So I imagine the physical keyboard on the 'Priv' also ought to be pretty good too. So perhaps this is a device that has got a chance maybe?

Security

There has been a lot in the press about security on devices, aimed at Google (Android) devices in particular. If there is a vulnerability in the software it should be fixed, but by who? Google will always fix any issues reasonably quickly now, and send out these patches to its supported Nexus devices. That is ok if you happen to own one of those devices, but what about everyone else with an Android phone? Well, the patch will be picked up by the phone manufacturer, and they consider if a device is worthy of their time to create a patch. Assuming that they do this, the patched software is then passed onto the network providers for them to test/evaluate before pushing the update out to the users.

Sadly this doesn't seem to happen to the majority of devices, especially older devices. If you have an unlocked device then you will get the update sooner assuming your manufacturer decided to apply the fix.

Data Mining

And apparently there are a lot of apps that actively mine for data, on both Apple and Android devices (not sure about Microsoft; I haven't read too much about them). Android seems statistically worse.

I have gone off topic a bit, but I am pretty sure my old Blackberry isn't as affected by all of this simply because of its age. And the selling point of the new 'Priv' is  that it provides better security. But in the current climate of 'cool' devices fewer people seem concerned with privacy as you might expect, or are ill-informed of the risk on their device.

So... What to get?

Now, if you have read my previous posts you will see I was somewhat in a bit of a dilemma as to what path to take with my next device purchase.

I stand by my decison - as outlined in the post - but the question now is which device to get first, to get into the ecosystem.

I can honestly say I am pretty happy with my current phone. It is a Blackberry Curve (hears the gasps of shock) but it does (almost) everything I need it to. It is compact, battery life is decent, handles email and texts brilliantly. It is also very cheap to run (£5 per month!). However the main downside is the camera which is pretty poor.

Camera is really the only sticking point.

So if I kept the Blackberry I would still need access to a better camera. I have a SatNav which I would also need to carry around for the odd occasion I might need it.

So in terms of simplicity, a new phone might be best; three devices reduced to one. However I do love the simplicity of the Blackberry! If only it had a great camera it would be perfect. I could live with using a sSatNav occasionally.

My other thoughts were to get something like an iPad and Apple TV, and keep the Blackberry for a phone. But realistically what would I actually do with an iPad? Sure it would be a nice way to look at emails and control the Apple TV, but as I don't really play games and use that many apps it seems a waste. I don't tend to watch media on a tablet device either, I prefer a TV.

So it looks like I have answered my own question! Despite my love for my Blackberry, I think a phone with Apple TV is the solution.

Wednesday, 14 October 2015

Used or New?

Like many people interested in technology, there is nothing quite like the pleasure of opening a new device and setting it up. Obviously this is a superficial pleasure and fleeting, but it is something I enjoy nonetheless when I have purchased something new.

Now, when purchasing used technology this pleasure is absent. Not that should detract from the enjoyment (hopefully) of using the device. There is also the fact that someone else has been using whatever it happens to be, so it will never be the same as an out-of-the-box item.

Should this matter? Perhaps not, though this is a factor at the back of my mind when considering buying something.

Then there is the issue about warranty. It is unlikely that a used item (certainly over 2 years old) will have any kind of warranty, so if I buy a dud I am stuck.

The primary reason for buying a used item is simple; to save money. With many items this is a sensible and cost-effective way of buying something that is wanted. But is it a good idea with used technology? I am not so sure.

I guess I am a sucker for the 'new thing out of the box' scenario, but on a more sensible level I also think that perhaps buying tech new is a good idea for peace of mind (ie warranty) but also ensuring what is purchased is relevant and should stay relevant longer than an older item of technology. This last point is perhaps very relevant to technology where the evolution of devices is extremely fast.

Tuesday, 13 October 2015

The decision is made

So I have decided on the solution to my quandary as to what system to get next.

And the winner is - Apple!

That is quite surprising, and my decision has somewhat surprised myself as I had already pretty much decided what I was going to get.

This was based on a simple pro and con discussion with my wife but also the desire to try something new, and something I can embrace. I have used Windows and Linux for many years and I feel it is time for a change.

I have admired my mother's iMac from afar for some time too. She doesn't appreciate what she has or even use a fraction of its capabilities but from the brief times I have used it I have enjoyed the OS as a whole.

Now don't get me wrong, I am no stranger to Apple in that I have owned iPods, and have had an iPhone in the past, which was a fantastic phone until it became outdated. But like any technology, it cannot be expected to last forever with no degradation in performance particularly as the software evolves.

So there you have it. Main problem now is saving up for it! So this leads me on to my next decision. Should I get an iPhone first or look to get a Macbook? Hmmm...

Wednesday, 7 October 2015

Windows laptop or Chromebook?

Later this year I hope to replace my aging PC with something new.

I want something portable, and able to meet all my needs. However this lands me in something of a dilemma. Do I look to get a low-cost Windows laptop, or do I look to get a decent Chromebook?

I had concluded that a Chromebook would be the best option for the money. I am already entrenched in Google products (despite not being overly comfortable with that!) so that seemed like the logical choice. I am not a power user of Windows and the majority of my activities are online.

For work processing and spreadsheets I have been using Google Docs for many years.

So I thought the choice is pretty clear.

Then I started thinking about flexibility, and the fact that I have not actually used a Chromebook before (except for a few minutes in-store). Do I really want to be locked into this? I do like to use Firefox as my browser, but that will not be possible. Neither would be an alternative browser of any kind. And I am not sure either if my VPN tunnel would work. Hmmm.

But then this would make a great family machine. They also use Google predominantly. The machineesd are small, simple and fire up in a matter of a few seconds.

So then I thought then maybe a Windows laptop might not be a bad choice. As well as that I could dual boot to Ubuntu, which would be pretty useful. But then there is the issue of cost. I could get a reallt decent Chromebook for less than £300. I think I'll struggle to get a decent Windows laptop for that kind of spend.

So I'll keep debatinjg this in my head for now.

A Little Update

Well it's been a while. I thought I would put some words to paper (so to speak) and catch up on the current tech world.

As usual technology marches on; it seems a unstoppable machine of updates, advancements in speed of devices and how thin they can be made. But what about battery life? There are plenty of stories going around about new kinds of battery that offer extended life, or are quick to charge. The quick charging appears to be out there now in some devices, but the basic question about battery life on a grand scale remains unanswered.

Google have recently held their annual conference, revealing a new set of 'Nexus' devices as well as a tablet and Chromecast devices. But what happened to the great value when buying a Nexus device? The prices have been creeping up unfortunately. I guess that business plan ultimately proved unsustainable.

Microsoft have also announced some changes, a new surface pro plus some new phones. All this is making Microsoft more attractive especially as Google seem somewhat embroiled in some anti-trust issues that suggest that perhaps we don't want to be 'sharing' as much data as we do.

And Apple; not so much the pioneers they once seemed to be but continue to turn out well-though and well-made devices. They have also made a point of their transparency with our data, which is reassuring for customers. Shame they are so damn expensive!

So it is all to play for. Canonical has been pretty quiet but still moving forward. I still would like to see the 'proper' Ubuntu phone touted as an all-in-one device that can dock with a screen and keyboard to become a full-blown PC. I would like to support them more but their phone OS is not quite there and missing what I regard as essential apps such as maps with navigation. Though it seems Microsoft are pursuing the same idea, the do-it-all phone. I suppose they have more chance of pulling it off; they certainly have to resources to do so. So watch this space I guess!