The New iPhones
Which One is Right for You?
The new iPhones have been announced with the evolutionary iPhone 8 & 8 Plus available on the 22nd and the revolutionary iPhone X (10) set for release on November 3rd. Finally, it's time for me to upgrade my four-year-old iPhone 5s. I made my choice, now lets see what would be right for you.
It's What's Inside that Counts
My mom always told me this, but I don't know if it's necessarily true, but in the case of the new iPhones it is! Both the 8 and the X have the same processor, offer wireless charging, and share all those important bits that make a phone a phone. So, on the inside they "have the same engine." It's what is on the outside that is different. The iPhone 8 & 8 Plus share the same form factor as the iPhone 7 & 7 Plus, which goes all the way back to the iPhone 6 of 2014. The iPhone X (and it's 10...) has a huge edge-to-edge screen, which makes the viewable screen area larger than that of the iPhone 8 Plus in a size (of the entire phone) just a wee bit larger than the standard 4.7-inch iPhone 8. It also shares the dual cameras of the iPhone 8 Plus and has revolutionary facial recognition tech that unlocks your phone -- no more fingerprint sensor.
So, the iPhone X offers a bigger screen, cutting edge security, and the best cameras available in an iPhone. That is why there is a difference in cost.
Pinnacle vs. Emerging
The iPhone 8 & 8 Plus represent the pinnacle of iPhone evolution over the past ten years. The phone can trace it's roots and function back to the first iPhone. The iPhone X, on the other hand, is an emerging technology and the future of iPhone design. The iPhone 8 & 8 Plus are the choice if you want predictability and the iPhone X is for those who want the latest and greatest, and are willing to deal with any hiccups with new tech.
The Upgrade Paths
If you have a 7 or 7 Plus and you want a new phone, go to the iPhone X. There is not that big of a difference if you jump to an 8 or 8 Plus. If you are on a 5s or earlier, one of the eights or a X would be a huge upgrade -- the same can be said if you own one of the sixes.
Which ones did we get? I opted for the iPhone 8 as for me and my activities it makes the most sense. Wendy, on the other hand, is getting an iPhone X, because she loves all the cool new tech and doesn't mind a few quirks here and there.
To learn more about the iPhones click here: https://www.apple.com/iphone/
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The Apple Watch Series 3
You Can Do the Full Dick Tracy!
When the Apple Watch debuted just over two years ago many lamented the fact that you could not make calls from your watch unless you had your iPhone nearby. Well, with the Apple Watch Series 3 you now have the option of LTE -- yes, a cellular connection to the watch! Not only that, Siri now talks, and you can stream Apple Music right from the watch.
Talk time for such a small device is only about an hour, but for going to the gym, running, hiking, or another activity where you don't want to bring your huge iPhone 8 Plus, it offers a level of freedom that we have been waiting for.
To learn more about the Apple Watch 3 click here: https://www.apple.com/apple-watch-series-3/
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The Wireless Network Conundrum
No New Airports Since 2012?
There is a rumor that now seems to be more fact, that Apple is getting out of the wireless network business. Since they did not mention anything at the iPhone announcement this seems to be coming true, although I hope they come out with an Apple branded solution. The current generation of Apple Airports & Time Capsules is from 2012. Five years is a million in tech. So, what do you do?
The good news is several solid options are coming on the market with mesh technology that lets you extend your wifi across your home right out of the box. Here are two that we have seen in the wild:
This mesh system has gotten great reviews, it's easy to setup, and offers some neat features. The drawback is that you need to set it up with an iPhone, cannot change the IP address scheme, and you must login with your Google ID. But for a home system it can be a good choice
This system works much like the Google Wifi, but Netgear has been making routers for what seems like millions of years. Setup is simple, but you have much more control over this system than with the Google Wifi, although most home users won't take advantage of all the features. It is offered in several different configurations depending on the size of your home.
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