I parted ways with Nokia after about ten loyal years. It was somewhat an emotional divorce. We had good times and Nokia was a good companion for a long time. Then there came a time when we found ourselves growing apart, with Nokia falling back behind times and me needing more than what Nokia can provide. So not long ago, I said hello to the Samsung Galaxy S4. The S4 turns out to be a brilliant piece of technology running on an Android 4.2.2 (Jelly bean) OS, making my life more enjoyable and its little tasks a lot simplified.
It took awhile to transition from Nokia to Samsung. After a few weeks of initial frustrations and several online guides on "How to personalise the S4" later, it is now my faithful aide.
Some might prefer smaller phones, enough to fit comfortably in a pocket and not be so delicate that to drop one is disastrous. Others might feel insecure walking around with an expensive device trusted with sensitive information such as social profiles, bank details and email accounts. While a large screen is a great-to-have for using the internet on the go, thoughts of safe-guarding the device against physical theft and identity theft gives me some distress.
The Samsung Galaxy S4 (aptly named "Life Companion") is not the best looking phone out there. I prefer sharp edges over curves, but picking a companion is not just about the looks, it is mostly to do with the capabilities.
Notable features
The phone comes with a variety of interesting features that will forever change the way users do things. The way I see it, some features are still in their premature stages, such as face recognition or S-voice, where functions are not too reliable or practical, but it is evident that there are big ideas behind the innovations and we are part of an ongoing process where our expanding technological needs are driving the direction of technological advances.
Screenshots
This is something I find highly useful to capture and convey useful bits of info and other evidence observed on the phone screen. It reduces the need to type out explanations because pictures speak for themselves. What's even cooler is that the Samsung's "Motions and Gestures" (more on that later) setting allows to capture a screenshot by simply sweeping the screen once with the the palm.
Voice Control
This feature adds a new realm of convenience and fun to the phone by reducing the amount of physical clicks required to activate a function. The phone is able to respond to incoming calls by simply hearing "Answer" or "Reject" commands, control alarms with "Stop" or "Snooze" commands, take photos by simply saying "Cheese", "Capture", "Shoot" or "Smile", and control the Music Player with "Play", "Next", "Previous", "Pause", "Volume Up" or "Volume Down".
Face Recognition
I thought this was the ideal solution to unlocking the phone without worrying about typing out keys while nosy people watched over the shoulder. While my phone recognised me most of the time, at times it said "Sorry, don't recognise you" or "Couldn't find a face". They suggested that calibrating in a variety of lighting conditions can improve face recognition. Also, they warn that it is less secure than using a PIN since someone who looks like me can easily unlock it.
Camera modes
My digital standalone camera has been forced to an early retirement. As both the the front (2MP) and rear cameras (13MP) are fully functional, photos can be taken by either camera or have simultaneous images of both cameras merged into one photo. These and the various camera modes available introduce a world of possibilities for shutterbugs:
Sports - takes pictures of fast moving objects
Sound and shot - adds a 9 second sound clip of the background to a picture
Drama - takes multiple exposure pictures of a moving object and merges it into one dramatic picture
Eraser - allows erasing moving objects (such as passers-by) from pictures
Animated photo - captures a still image with some moving elements
Panorama - gives the ability to take a 360 degree shot, ideal for capturing beautiful landscapes (if only I had this when looking up at the snowy Annapurna mountain range in Nepal!)
A panoramic shot captured at Haputale, Sri Lanka
Photos sync
Updating photo albums from multiple sources like the camera, phone or a computer is no longer a chore. Photos in my computer (from an external camera) and phone (from the phone camera, my Facebook account, screen shots and received files) get automatically sync'd on a cloud and it can be viewed any time through either device. Thankfully, the S4 came with 50GB of free personal space on Dropbox for 2 years, but for others, there are options such as Microsoft's Skydrive and Google Drive offering free online storage space.
Air View
With Air View, it is possible to hover the finger over emails to read the text without actually opening it, and see the pictures in a folder without actually tapping it. It is even possible to use the finger as a magnifying glass on the browser to preview information or enlarge pictures.
Motions and Gestures
Air Gestures allow navigating by waving the hand in front of the sensor. Instead of swiping the finger from picture to picture in the gallery or track to track on a music playlist, a wave of the hand will do the trick instead. Motions also allow calling a contact directly or answering the phone by simply bringing the phone near the face. Zooming in and out of a picture can be done by tilting the phone back and forth. Palm motions can be used to capture screen shots and mute/pause sounds by covering the screen.
Air Gestures allow navigating by waving the hand in front of the sensor. Instead of swiping the finger from picture to picture in the gallery or track to track on a music playlist, a wave of the hand will do the trick instead. Motions also allow calling a contact directly or answering the phone by simply bringing the phone near the face. Zooming in and out of a picture can be done by tilting the phone back and forth. Palm motions can be used to capture screen shots and mute/pause sounds by covering the screen.
Smart screen
This is another useful feature that enhances the phone experience. As long as you look at the screen, it stays on while the screen rotates according to the orientation of the face. The device is also able to pause a video when looking away from the screen and it allows scrolling up and down the screen by tilting the head.
Safety Assistance
Helps in an emergency by taking pictures using both the front and rear camera and then alerting the emergency contact persons by sending them a message with these pictures and location details - all with a few simple clicks. This should be good when taking a stroll down a deserted alley so that the cops can have some useful information while trying to track down your killer(s).
Blocking mode
This mode allows for notifications of selected features and calls of selected recipients to be disabled at preferred times as well as disable LED indications and alarms (as I found out the hard way when my alarm didn't go off on the 1st day of work for 2014 and I got late). It is another promising solution for me as I used to put my phone on silent to avoid being woken up calls and messages that elicit a COULDN'T-IT-WAIT-TILL-MORNING??-response. Now I can use this mode to be disturbed at night only by family and close friends for an emergency.
S-Voice
This is Apple's Siri counterpart of Samsung. Voice Commands are pretty neat and are a good way to keep oneself amused. Its practical applications are still limited to mild entertainment, simple instructions and a good hands-free option for drivers and lazy folk. The response time is rather slow, user accents sometimes get in the way of recognition and its abilities are far from KITT's in Knight Rider. Also, when I talk to my phone, it doesn't look cool like Robert Downey Jr. talking to J.A.R.V.I.S . The first time I tried it out, it even intelligently ignored the numerous "Holy *&$#!!!" exclamations I was making when it carried out simple commands like:
Some of my preferred Apps on the Google Play Store discovered to-date
The upside to most apps is that they are free of charge. The ease with which developers can submit phone applications to Google also means that there is a mind-boggling amount of creative android apps (well over 1 milllion todate) and healthy competition amongst developers to keep innovating. The downside to free apps is that most of them come with tiny (and sometimes annoying) advertisements that run on the side. It is also a security risk to download free applications that may not have passed a thorough a screening by platform providers as they request to have access to personal information to carry out functions.
The Google Play Store not only has Apps, but also a huge collection of eBooks, some of which are free. I'm still a bit old-fashioned when it comes to reading so I prefer reading physically bound books where I can feel the papery pages as they are turned.
Wheres my Droid
"The first find your phone app on the Android Market continues to get better and better. Now with more features it is easier then ever to track down your missing phone. Where's My Droid can turn the ringer volume up and make your phone ring. The app can also get the GPS coordinates with a link to Google maps if you're not near enough to your phone to hear the ringer. You have the freedom to track your phone from anywhere with a text messaged attention word."
Walking Mate on S-Health
"Samsung S Health turns your device into a personal health management powerhouse. You can track health statistics like blood pressure, blood glucose levels, and weight. You can view and track environmental conditions, and even track your exercise regimen."
Walking mate is S Health's built-in step counter. After feeding it information like my age, current weight and weight loss goal, it recommended that I walk 10,000 steps daily. As carry my phone and walk around, it counts down the number of steps I take, giving me a realistic goal to work towards each day.
Google Sky Map
"Google Sky Map enables users to identify stars and planets by pointing their devices towards these objects in the sky. Sky Map automatically adjusts to identify on the device's screen the objects it is facing. Users can zoom in and out, and switch various layers such as constellations, planets, grids, and deep sky objects, on and off, choosing to make these elements visible or not. Users can also determine the locations of planets and stars relative to their own current locations with the search function. Inputting the name of a planet or star will direct users towards this object. A user may also explore the cosmos manually and move through the sky by touching the screen instead of having it adjust automatically.
Blogger
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"With Blogger for Android you can:
Safety Assistance
Helps in an emergency by taking pictures using both the front and rear camera and then alerting the emergency contact persons by sending them a message with these pictures and location details - all with a few simple clicks. This should be good when taking a stroll down a deserted alley so that the cops can have some useful information while trying to track down your killer(s).
Blocking mode
This mode allows for notifications of selected features and calls of selected recipients to be disabled at preferred times as well as disable LED indications and alarms (as I found out the hard way when my alarm didn't go off on the 1st day of work for 2014 and I got late). It is another promising solution for me as I used to put my phone on silent to avoid being woken up calls and messages that elicit a COULDN'T-IT-WAIT-TILL-MORNING??-response. Now I can use this mode to be disturbed at night only by family and close friends for an emergency.
S-Voice
This is Apple's Siri counterpart of Samsung. Voice Commands are pretty neat and are a good way to keep oneself amused. Its practical applications are still limited to mild entertainment, simple instructions and a good hands-free option for drivers and lazy folk. The response time is rather slow, user accents sometimes get in the way of recognition and its abilities are far from KITT's in Knight Rider. Also, when I talk to my phone, it doesn't look cool like Robert Downey Jr. talking to J.A.R.V.I.S . The first time I tried it out, it even intelligently ignored the numerous "Holy *&$#!!!" exclamations I was making when it carried out simple commands like:
- Dial Mama
- Open Facebook (mind, after it opens Facebook, saying "Close Facebook" doesn't work in the same way)
- What is the weather for today?
- Memo "Buy bread"
- Search "King Cobras"
- Set alarm for 6:00am
- Turn on Bluetooth
- Navigate to Macdonalds (it pointed me to a Macdonalds 8.3km away by car O_O )
- Text Papa --> Hi Papa, how are you?
- What is the tallest waterfall?
Fooling around with S-voice
Some of my preferred Apps on the Google Play Store discovered to-date
The upside to most apps is that they are free of charge. The ease with which developers can submit phone applications to Google also means that there is a mind-boggling amount of creative android apps (well over 1 milllion todate) and healthy competition amongst developers to keep innovating. The downside to free apps is that most of them come with tiny (and sometimes annoying) advertisements that run on the side. It is also a security risk to download free applications that may not have passed a thorough a screening by platform providers as they request to have access to personal information to carry out functions.
The Google Play Store not only has Apps, but also a huge collection of eBooks, some of which are free. I'm still a bit old-fashioned when it comes to reading so I prefer reading physically bound books where I can feel the papery pages as they are turned.
Wheres my Droid
"The first find your phone app on the Android Market continues to get better and better. Now with more features it is easier then ever to track down your missing phone. Where's My Droid can turn the ringer volume up and make your phone ring. The app can also get the GPS coordinates with a link to Google maps if you're not near enough to your phone to hear the ringer. You have the freedom to track your phone from anywhere with a text messaged attention word."
Walking Mate on S-Health
Walking mate is S Health's built-in step counter. After feeding it information like my age, current weight and weight loss goal, it recommended that I walk 10,000 steps daily. As carry my phone and walk around, it counts down the number of steps I take, giving me a realistic goal to work towards each day.
Google Sky Map
Blogger
"With Blogger for Android you can:
- Compose a post that you can save to draft or immediately publish
- Edit existing posts
- View list of your saved and published posts
- Switch account/blog if you have more than one
- Embed an image from the gallery, or, by taking a picture directly from the app
- Add labels to your posts
- Add location information"
My Transport Singapore
"MyTransport.SG Mobile, an award winning app, is a content-rich service offering a wide range of information for all modes of land transportation – empowering commuters, motorists and cyclists in Singapore to make informed decisions and better plan their journey, with these features:
• Personalise your favourite services with MyConcierge
• Search and locate nearby bus stops and service number with bus route details
• Get real-time island-wide bus arrival information
• Search and locate nearby taxi stands and quick dial for taxi booking services
• Report road defects via Snap & Send
• Get real-time parking lots availability for popular locations
• Plan route with Traffic News and ERP Gantries on Traffic Smart
• View live traffic images along all expressways round the island
• Receive notification on expressways traffic news during peak hours and train service delay information
• Explore cycling towns, routes, and parking facilities
• Find out lifestyle events and promotions nearby"
Taxi Booking
"ComfortDelGro Android Taxi Booking is the ideal taxi booking application for individuals on the go. This user-friendly application offers convenience to both registered and non-registered users by allowing them to book a taxi with their current location, determined by their phone GPS. Bookmark your favourite addresses to launch at startup and experience an accelerated access for your future taxi bookings."
Movies
First Aid
"Accidents happen. The official American Red Cross First Aid app puts expert advice for everyday emergencies in your hand. Get the app and be prepared for what life brings. With videos, interactive quizzes and simple step-by-step advice it’s never been easier to know first aid."
Play Books
"Choose from millions of titles on Google Play including new releases, New York Times best sellers, up-and-coming authors, and free books. Easily personalize your reading experience, pick up where you left off on your phone, tablet, or computer, and get reading today!"
TED Talks
"TED's official Android app presents talks from some of the world's most fascinating people: education radicals, tech geniuses, medical mavericks, business gurus, and music legends. Find more than 1500 TEDTalk videos and audios (with more added each week) on the official TED app -- now for tablets and smartphones. This app is made possible with the generous support of Sony."
Name That Reptile
"An educational trivia app featuring almost 2000 reptile images, a global scoreboard, difficulty levels, and informational links for each species. Categories include Snakes, Lizards, Turtles & Tortoises, Alligators & Crocs"
"MyTransport.SG Mobile, an award winning app, is a content-rich service offering a wide range of information for all modes of land transportation – empowering commuters, motorists and cyclists in Singapore to make informed decisions and better plan their journey, with these features:
• Personalise your favourite services with MyConcierge
• Search and locate nearby bus stops and service number with bus route details
• Get real-time island-wide bus arrival information
• Search and locate nearby taxi stands and quick dial for taxi booking services
• Report road defects via Snap & Send
• Get real-time parking lots availability for popular locations
• Plan route with Traffic News and ERP Gantries on Traffic Smart
• View live traffic images along all expressways round the island
• Receive notification on expressways traffic news during peak hours and train service delay information
• Explore cycling towns, routes, and parking facilities
• Find out lifestyle events and promotions nearby"
Taxi Booking
"ComfortDelGro Android Taxi Booking is the ideal taxi booking application for individuals on the go. This user-friendly application offers convenience to both registered and non-registered users by allowing them to book a taxi with their current location, determined by their phone GPS. Bookmark your favourite addresses to launch at startup and experience an accelerated access for your future taxi bookings."
Movies
"The iCathay application allows you to check on the list of current and upcoming movies, movie synopses, cast, release dates and movie ratings.You will also enjoy easy access on the latest promotions, movie show times,cinema locations, email contact, as well as Cathay Cineplexes' facebook fan page. This integrated application is also equipped with ticket booking and payment security capabilities, allowing you to secure your seats on the go."
First Aid
Play Books
"Choose from millions of titles on Google Play including new releases, New York Times best sellers, up-and-coming authors, and free books. Easily personalize your reading experience, pick up where you left off on your phone, tablet, or computer, and get reading today!"
TED Talks
"TED's official Android app presents talks from some of the world's most fascinating people: education radicals, tech geniuses, medical mavericks, business gurus, and music legends. Find more than 1500 TEDTalk videos and audios (with more added each week) on the official TED app -- now for tablets and smartphones. This app is made possible with the generous support of Sony."
Name That Reptile
"An educational trivia app featuring almost 2000 reptile images, a global scoreboard, difficulty levels, and informational links for each species. Categories include Snakes, Lizards, Turtles & Tortoises, Alligators & Crocs"
- Squamata (Scaled)
-- Snakes
--- Viper
--- Colubridae
--- Boa
- Testudines (Turtle and Tortise)
- Crocodylia (Alligator & Crocodile)
At the rate in which mobile device technologies are developing alongside with Apps, my phone might be outdated in no time, but it is an exciting prospect to sit back and wait to see what comes next.
Disclaimer: views expressed here are based on my own personal experiences and it is neither an exhaustive analysis of the device's features nor a comparative analysis concerning other noteworthy devices in the market.
-- Snakes
--- Viper
--- Colubridae
--- Boa
- Testudines (Turtle and Tortise)
- Crocodylia (Alligator & Crocodile)
At the rate in which mobile device technologies are developing alongside with Apps, my phone might be outdated in no time, but it is an exciting prospect to sit back and wait to see what comes next.
Disclaimer: views expressed here are based on my own personal experiences and it is neither an exhaustive analysis of the device's features nor a comparative analysis concerning other noteworthy devices in the market.
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