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Nokia Lumia 1020 vs. iPhone 5s

Takeaway:  Before rushing out to buy the new iPhone 5s, take a look at the Nokia Lumia Specifications compared to the iPhone 5s.
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Nokia Lumia 1020 is equipt with dynamic live tiles, Office Mobile, a 4.5 Puremotion HD+ AMOLED display and is the winner of the Best Smartphone Camera Award by Gizmodo for the 41-megapixel camera.

Apple’s iPhone 5s will be released on Today, September 20, 2013. The iPhone 5s is available in three colors and will run the recently released, iOS 7.

Compare the iPhone 5s to Nokia Lumia 1020:

iPhone 5s

Nokia Lumia 1020
Price (2-YR Contract) $199.99 – $399 $199.99
Carrier Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile AT&T
Operating System iOS 7 Windows Phone 8
Dimensions 4.87 x 2.31 x .30 5.13 x 2.81 x .41
Weight 3.95 ounces 5.57 ounces
Display 4 inch, 326 ppi, 1136×640 4.5 inch, 334 ppi, 1280×768
Battery Life 10 hours Browsing, 10 hours Talking and 10.4 days Standby 6.7 hours Browsing, 12.5 hours Talking and 16 days Standby
Camera (Back) 8 MP, f/2.2 aperture, LED Flash, 5-Element Lens, 3X Zoom, Digital Image Stabilization, Backside Illumination Sensor 41 MP, f/2.2 aperture, Xenon Flash, 6-Element Lens, 3X Zoom, Optical Image Stabilization, Backside Illumination Sensor
Camera (Front) 1.2 MP, 1280×960, Backside Illumination Sensor 1.2 MP, f/2.4 aperture, 1280×960, Backside Illumination Sensor
Colors  Gold, Gray, Silver Yellow, White, Black
Audio iTune Store for music, Support AAC, Protected AAC, HE-AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, AIFF, WAV, Apple Losssless and Audible (2, 3, 4, Enhanched Audio, AAX and AAX+) Xbox music or Nokia music; Supports MP3, AMR-NB, ASF, MP4, AAC, AMR, MP3, M4A, WMA, 3GP, 3G2, WMA 10 Pro, GSM FR, WMA 9, AAC LC, AAC+/HEAAC and eAAC+/HEAACv2 codecs
Video 1080p, Full HD, 1920×1080 at 60 frames per second, 3X Zoom, Slow-Motion video, Video Stabilization, Face Detection, Geotagging, Still Photos while Recording 1080p, Full HD, 1920×1080 at 30 frames per second, 6X Zoom, Video Streaming, Five White Balance Modes, Video Stabilization, Autofocus
Memory  N/A  2 GB
Storage 16, 32 or 64 GB local (5 GB Free – Cloud) 32 GB local (7 GB Free – Cloud)
Processor Apple A7, dual-core, 1.7 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon S4, dual-core, 1.5 GHz
Connectivity Lightning (Charge), Nano SIM (Storage), 3.5 mm audio, USB, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi Micro USB (Charge), Micro SIM (Storage), 3.5 mm audio, USB 2.0, Bluetooth 3.0, 802.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi

Tips for Supporting iOS 7

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September 18, 2013 was the official release of iOS 7.  Complementary to iOS 7 are several support questions for corporate-owned iOS devices, including Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) and Corporate Owned Personally Enabled (COPE) devices.

COPE devices are corporately compliant prior to distribution to employees; this allows consistency and higher security for all enterprise devices.

There may be a few problems when upgrading to iOS 7 such as older iPhone/iPad devices may not support iOS 7 and not all features are available on all devices or in all countries. 

Here are some tips for supporting iOS 7 in the enterprise. 

Implement VPP

Apple now offers a Volume Purchase Program (VPP) for business.  VPP can retain volume licenses for Apps and Books.  Download Apple’s VPP Guide.

Third-Party iOS Apps

Configuring third-party apps can be completed in iOS 7,  Mobile Device Management (MDM) distributes the third-party configuration and the developer needs to enables it.

Test and Troubleshoot

The most important step before deploying in-house developed enterprise app(s) is to test and troubleshoot.  Testing and troubleshooting will save time and resources after deployment.

Per App VPN

Per app VPN ensures that only managed app data travels through VPN.  iOS 7 apps can automatically be connected to VPN when launched.  Also, for security purposes this tool will separate corporate data and personal data.

 

Microsoft Office Coming to Android and Apple

Microsoft Office coming to Android and Apple devices in early 2013

Summary: A Microsoft executive let slip in the Czech Republic that the long-rumored Microsoft Office for Android smartphones and tablets and Apple iPad and iPhones will be arriving in early 2013. Microsoft now denies that their executive was speaking accurately.

We’ve known for months that Microsoft was bringing a version of Microsoft Office 2013 to Android tablets and Apple’s iPad family. Now, according to the Czech tech news site, IHNED, Microsoft product manager Petr Bobek has said that Microsoft is planning to release native iOS and Android versions of Microsoft Office 2013 in the first quarter of 2013

Bobek, a Microsoft Office portfolio manager in the Czech Republic, said that these new versions of Office will be available to larger companies and Microsoft partners In December 2012. small-office/home-office (SOHO) and household users will have to wait until at least February. The online version of Office 365 edition for mobile devices and tablets will appear in early 2013.

In an e-mail, the author of the INHED story clarified that the release would be after March 2013. “We had a slight miscommunication with the MS guys and the timeline for Office for iOS and Android is not a March release, but release sometime after March.”

Officially, the only thing Microsoft had to say at first was that “As we shared previously, Office Mobile will work across Windows Phones, Android phones and iOS, and we have nothing additional to announce today about retail availability of the new Office.”

Later the same day, Microsoft’s head of corporate communications, Frank X. Shaw, denied the whole story. Shaw tweeted, “The information shared by our Czech Republic subsidiary is not accurate. We have nothing further to share.”

No matter when Microsoft delivers the Android and iOS goods, Microsoft’s support of any version of Office on a non-Windows smartphone or tablet strikes me as an odd move. In a shareholder letter, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said that Microsoft is shifting its model to focus on devices and services. This is a radical and dangerous shift for a company that’s always made it money from software licensing. And, now, instead of using Office as a crowbar to pry users from iPads and Android tablets to its Surface tablets, Microsoft is going to offer Microsoft Office 2013 on its device rivals? Odd. Very odd.

Historically, Microsoft has locked its customers into its software ecosystem. Since Microsoft is a non-starter in the mobile space, I find it surprising that they’re not trying to exploit its Office suite in a similar manner in this new market.

That said, given the early reports of Office 2013, which didn’t even have touch enabled for its tablet versions by default, I don’t see Google, with Google Docs and QuickOffice, being worried about Microsoft being a rival on either devices or services anytime soon.

Windows Phone 8

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Takeaway:  Information for and against Windows Phone 8.

The second generation Windows Phone was release in October 2012.  Windows Phone 8 bundles essential functionality including navigation, storage, sharing and apps.

Windows Phone 8 runs Modern UI (Metro) which is typography-style layout also known as Swiss Style.  Microsoft added several new colors as additional options for users such as Cobalt, Olive, Amber, Steel and many others.

The apps collection does not include popular apps such as YouTube, Flash, HBOGO and several others.  Lastly, Windows Phone 8 does not have vocal turn-by-turn navigation.

Unlike iOS and Android, the core of social media, such as Facebook and Twitter, are built-in to the operating system.  Windows Phone 8 does not have a notification bar (Android) or disrupting notifications (iOS).  Checking social media updates, e-mail and weather will be a simple task after setting up your home screen by arranging live tiles.

 

Apple iOS 7

ios7_2On Monday, June 10, 2013 Apple exposed iOS 7 at the Worldwide Developers Conference.  The new OS will be available for multiple devices including  iPhone 4 and up, iPad 2 and up and the iPad Mini.

New features for iOS 7 include:

Control Center:  By swiping from the bottom to the top will now allow you to adjust your settings

AirDrop:  For Apps that allow sharing, AirDrop will encrypt data that a user shares to friends within a close distance.

Activation Lock:  To prevent smartphone crimes, when disabling “Find My iPhone” the phone will be locked and only the correct Apple credentials will unlock the phone.

Multitasking:  Apps can develop patterns based on usage.  These patterns will allow the iOS 7 to update apps in the background based on network connections.

Car integrated iOS:  For 2014, many car manufacturers are integrating iOS with the car display.

Safari:  Safari has been updated with navigation, smart search and iCloud Keychain.

Siri:  Siri can now operate more of the iPhone including voicemail, Wikipedia, Twitter, Bing and many others.

Camera:  Photos are well-organized as Moments.  Also, the camera has new photo filter options.

App Store:  The App Store can organize Apps based on age and geographical location.  Also, background updating will eliminate manual updating. 

Music:  Music, Movies and TV Shows are now stored together in your Library.  

iTunes Radio:  A streaming music service that will be available with iOS 7.

 

Apple: Larger Screens for iPhones & iPads

Apple-LogoApple, Inc. offers innovative products that continue to grow its customer base.  Testing new designs for current products is a consistent task for Apple, Inc.

“Apple has been slow to react to consumer desire for larger smartphone screens, [and] entry level price points on new phones,” said BGC Financial’s Colin Gillis. “Waiting and waiting, for the new products to launch, has become painful,” he wrote.

Currently, Apple is testing various sizes for iPhone and iPad screens.  Samsung has become the world’s largest smartphone maker because Samsung offers a variety of smartphones with display sizes that range up to 5.5-inches.   Continuing to compete with Samsung, Apple is testing for a 5-inch iPhone screen expected to be released in 2014.

A new tablet design is also being tested by Apple with a display that is a little less than 13-inches.  This would be a great addition to the iPad that has a 9.7-inch display and the iPad Mini that has a 7.8-inch display.

Lastly, Apple has been developing an iPhone that would be cheaper than the current iPhone.  According to many articles, the cheaper iPhone will be made from plastic instead of the traditional metal casing that will be available in different colors.

Apple, Inc. could climb back to the top of both smartphone and tablet sales by releasing a larger display for the iPhone/iPad and releasing an iPhone that is reasonably priced.

 

Features the iPhone Could Use

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iPhone 5 is the fastest, thinnest and lightest iPhone;  nevertheless many features remain absent that are provided by Apple’s competitors. 

NFS Built-In

Apple prefers to use Passbook system instead of Near Field Communication (NFC).  Passbook is not capable of performing all tasks that NFC can handle such as the ability to beam content by touching devices or send money via PayPal wirelessly.

Swypeswype-symbian

“Swype is a faster and easier way to input text on any screen.”

Swype gives your phone the capability to input text by sliding your finger from letter to letter accross the screen.  Only Android smartphones offer this input ability.

SD Cards

iPhone’s are not built to extend device storage using external SD Cards, Micro SD Cards or Mini SD Cards.

Storage

Many iPhone user’s have replaced their iPod’s with their smartphone.  The storage capacity for an iPhone (64GB) versus an iPod Classic (160GB) is not comparable. 

USB

iPhones have never used a standard USB cable to sync.  Currently, iPhone 5 uses a new MicroDock connection that will not allow older sync cables to connect without a specific adapter.

Micro HDMIUntitled3

Android devices have a Micro-HDMI port for retrieving video from your phone. iPhone 5 requires a special adapter or an Apple TV to retrieve video.

Changing the Battery

Although, iPhone 5 provides a stronger battery, some users require more power but replacing an iPhone battery is challenging.  To replace the battery it requires a special screw driver and special tools to lift the screen 90°.

Battery Life

While the iPhone 5’s battery is larger that the iPhone 4S, it produces the same battery life because of the bigger screen and power to run 4G LTE.

iOS 7 + Business

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Apple has officially released iOS 7 Today, September 18, 2013.  The new OS includes many new features and Apps that are beneficial to enterprise users.  iPhone(s) and iPad(s) with these new features will be easier for IT departments to deploy and manage in enterprise environments.

overview_features_title

Touch ID Fingerprint Reader

fingerprint-o2Touch ID Fingerprint Reader is a 500ppi fingerprint sensor embedded in the “Home” button.  The touch sensor has a 360 degree ability to read a fingerprint.  Your fingerprint can also approve purchases from iTunes Store, the App Store, and the iBooks Store.

Single Sign On (SSO)

sso

Enterprise single sign on (SSO) logs users in without requiring them to enter credentials multiple times.  SSO with can be configured across apps to verifies user permissions for enterprise resources and can be used for the App Store.

Per App VPN

vpnPer app VPN ensures that only managed app data travels through VPN.  iOS 7 apps can automatically be connected to VPN when launched.  Per app VPN will provide IT  administrators control over corporate network access.

Open-In Management

openin

iOS 7 allows business to protect corporate data by controlling which apps (and accounts) are used to open documents and attachments. Managed “open in…” gives IT the ability to configure the list of apps available in the sharing panel.

Mobile Device Management (MDM)

mdm

The MDM protocol in iOS 7 includes a number of new commands, queries, and configuration options that make third-party MDM solutions even more powerful.  Also, Stremlined MDM enrollment allows IT to skip basic setup steps and fully configure devices with corporate settings and policies

To read previous articles regarding iOS 7, new iOS features and additional iOS features.

 

Important Privacy Settings in iOS 7

The new iOS 7 upgrade resets original settings and adds new settings that users should be aware of.

System Services

The System Services is difficult to find at the bottom of the Privacy > Location Services panel.

Status Bar Icon

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services

The Status Bar Icon setting will appear in three ways:  Purple for Recently Used, Gray for Used within 24 Hours and Outlined for Geofence.  Turn ON this setting.

SBI

Diagnositcs & Usage

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Diagnostics & Usage

DU

The Diagnostics & Usage setting detects/records iPhone usage and anonymously sends a report to Apple to improve the device.  Turn OFF this setting.

Frequent Locations

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Frequent Locations

FLThe Frequent Locations setting detects/records data about your locations, using GPS coordinates of frequently visited locations.  Turn OFF this setting.

Location-Based iAds

Settings > Privacy > Location Services > System Services > Location-Based iAds

LBIA

The Location-Based iAds collect and share location data based on real-time geographic location of your Apple device.  Turn OFF this setting.

Advertising

Settings > Privacy > Advertising

The Limit Ad Tracking setting prevents adverizers  from targeting your device. Turn Limit Ad Tracking ON.

The Advertising Identifier gives users control over advertisers’ capability to use tracking systems by resetting the Advertising ID.  Reset Advertising Identifier.

RAI

Do Not Track

Settings > Safari > Do Not Track

The Do Not Track setting allows users to have privacy while using Safari.  Turn ON this setting.

DNT


Top Smartphones for 2013 Holiday Season

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iPhone 5s

The iPhone 5S was launched with iOS7.  The updated camera with iPhone 5S has become popular against competitors. Also, the iOS 7 includes many new features including fingerprint identification on the home button, control center, multitasking, enhanced Siri and many more.

The iPhone 5S is available with all major carriers.  Contract prices are $199-399 or without Contract prices are $649-$849.

HTC One

The HTC One runs Android 4.3, a quad-core processor, 2 GB of RAM, 1080p LCD displays and an ultra mega pixel camera.  The most popular feature with HTC One is the front facing speakers and dual microphones.

The HTC One is available with all major carriers.  Contract prices are as low as $50 or without Contract price is $550.

Samsung Galaxy Note 3

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is the most prevailing Android device on the market.  The Galaxy Note 3 includes many features, such as, the S Pen, 13 mega pixel camera (rear), microSD storage, a removable battery, LTE and many more.

The Samsung Galaxy Note 3 is available with all major carriers.  Contract price is$299.99 or without Contract price is $699.99.

Nokia Lumia 1520

The Nokia Lumia 1520 runs Windows Phone 8 OS.  The 1520 offers a larger display, faster processor, and lower resolution camera than the Lumia 1020.  Features of the Lumia 1520 include integrated Microsoft Office, 20 mega pixel camera, HD 1080p display and many more.

The Nokia Lumia is only available through AT&T.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price  is$584.99.

Google Nexus 5

The Nexus 5 runs Android 4.4.  The Nexus 5 includes a Snapdragon 800 processor, 8 mega pixel camera, HDR+, wireless charging and many more.

The Nexus 5 prices are $349 (16GB) and $399 (32GB).

Moto X

The Moto X runs Android 4.4.  The Moto X includes many features, such as, 10 mega pixel camera with quick capture, touch-less control, face unlock and many more.

The Moto X is available with all major carriers. Contract price is $99 or without Contract price is $499.

LG G2

The LG G2 runs Android 4.2.2.  The LG G2 has 1080p IPS display, 13 mega pixel camera, power and volume rear keys , clip tray, knock on and many more features.

The LG G2 is available with all the major carriers.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price is $603.99.

Samsung Galaxy S4

The Samsung Galaxy S4 runs Android 4.2.  The Galaxy S4 has a 13 mega pixel camera with Dual shot and Drama Shot, Air View that allows you to control your phone with hovering instead of touch, WatchON, S Health and many more.

The Samsung Galaxy S4 is available with all the major carriers.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price is $627.99.

Motorola Droid Maxx

The Motorola Droid Maxx has outlasting power with a 3,500 mAh capacity battery.  The Droid Maxx features include active notifications, always-on listening, Command Center, wireless charging, 10 mega pixel camera and many more.

The Droid Maxx is only available at Verizon Wireless.  Contract price is $199.99 or without Contract price is $499.99.

Sony Xperia Z1

The Sony  Xperia Z1 is waterproof and dust resistant.  The Xperia Z1 has man features that include 20.7 mega pixel camera, full HD TRILUMINOUS display, quad-core processor, 2GB RAM, microSD card slot, and many more.

The Sony Xperia Z1 is available without a contract for $649.99.

 

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