i-Know: Battery drainage?

Gadget Girl
marielwong, Australia

Jul 07, 2011
(First posted on cnetasia.com). Update: oct 2016

A recent incident sparked a point of interest. Why did Samsung’s latest Note flagship phone catch-on-fire. Even to the point that planes would have banned them. And this begets the question. If not Samsung, who will you choose?

 

Naturally; the next best contender will be the iPhone ‘doppleganger’ series, where every version is almost identical.

You can’t possibly go wrong with that choice, especially with the latest wireless headphones that are so ‘hard’ to lose…

Yet the base question is, why does the iPhone not have removable battery? With it constantly being on 24/7 (drained and recharged), a changeable battery would help loads. In fact, when my phone blanks out into an unconscious stupor of black or freezes, would removing-and-replacing the battery have had been the easier solution?

Here’s an interesting clip I saw on removing an iPhone battery; although a little rudimentary but it does look pretty effective. Perhaps a backup replacement would do the job. Or, a handy battery charger that can be powered up way beforehand.

This little incident I speak of is perhaps as common amongst all users who simply open far too many programs; which in most other mobiles can be easily exited via its task manager. Yet, how often are we consciously double-clicking our home button to physically remove each and every application we opened eons ago? Now, all we need is an application with a one-step ‘kill’ all task manager. Or is there one, that I am currently unaware of?

Personally, I rarely off my mobile; not because I am waiting for that important job offer but rather because waiting for it to boot up again is very much a hassle. As with all things curious, just the other night while toggling a newly downloaded application, my smartie 4 was thoroughly drained of any inkling of life.

A video-editing app that had a 999sec conversion rate, and without so much as batting my eyes; I stumbled off to bed whilst leaving the application on to ‘do its job’. This also meant that the alarm I had set was unable to activate with its usual wailing and hence, I awoken refreshed but in a hurry to rush to work. Arriving late, without the usual weightiness of my all-too-familar phone resting in my pocket; I definitely was not the happiest of campers.

Of course, besides application that drains battery life, on another level, the increment of data delivery offered over here from the varied networks has only served to exhaust my mobile’s lifespan.

For the Virgin mobile plan I had taken up that includes payment for the phone and connection; it does include $450 talktime and 2GB of data. This was a bump up from the plan I took up 2 years prior, that gave me $150 talktime and 200MB of data. With international calls starting at approximately $1 per minute, the newfound talktime certainly gave greater flexibility for me to connect with my friends and family back in Singapore. This is of course, in view that Skype which eats up quite a bit of data ( I am on a 6GB/ month plan) when I do video conferencing, and it sputters along with my rather slow-mo mobile internet. To keep track of my usage, the Application, Consume does it beautifully. Although its accuracy might have a 24-hour lag (sometimes pretty accurate), but it beats having to log on to each individual network site to track both my phone and mobile internet usage.

In Singapore, as seen from the SingTel plan that my friends have back in 2011, a whooping 12GB of data is provided via 3G to the measly 2G on 4G today…certainly is a shock to the system. That amount of data could easily allow for a 24-hour youtube streaming marathon and non-stop Facebook photo uploading. With greater amount of data connectivity available, greater time would be spent on dallying with one’s mobile or iPad 3G/ WiFi for the matter. In this case, squinty eyes and drained batteries would not simply be the issue. Yet, imagine if 12GB of data, topped with $450 talktime credit was available at my disposal; oh and that all calls made Virgin-to-Virgin and text messages are FOC. Definitely, the icing on the cake.

Although, all this does not answer the question on how long my iPhone battery lifespan can last? With gaming, especially with the new Zenonia 3 and Puzzle Quest 2, it seem charging my iPhone up to twice a day has become part of the day-in-day out process. Oh, and I have tried the following:

1. Dimming the screen’s brightness- Point of advise, never play in the dark or be prepared to up those spectacles’ degree.
2. Double tapping to off Apps when memory serves right (approximately 1-2 a day).
3. Switching off 3G when one does not use it.
4. Fully drain one’s battery before recharging- Although it gets painful when you are in the middle of a battle/farming expedition/building a new civilisation. Remember to always save.
5. When receiving mails, off the automatic function or anything ‘Push’ – Yes, that includes bluetooth and notifications such as Whatsapp and Facebook.

Anyone else has experience with dwindling battery life so far? Perhaps, getting an extended warranty on my mobile would be a good idea for now.

Citizen journalism- have you gotten protection yet?

Ever wondered what the consequences would be if for instance, citizen journalism leads to unsolicited suing? It happens especially with the rise of ‘unveiling’ contentious behaviours amongst politicians in the recent Trump and Hillary private server email reveal or even in the spate of ‘fake news’ masquerading the truth with a thought.

Of course, not that one would blabber one’s mouth without prior thought (although opinion pieces are opinions after all, where everyone should have a right to expression); in the cases on confidential sources and the pressure to expose them under law  there was a revision of one of the most important laws for journalism in Australia a few years ago.

The Shield law, and its update has seen a wider coverage that includes both bloggers and tweeters. Yes, what with the case of breaking news via Twitter these days; e.g. OBL unfolding events, and even cross-country updates where I had been following the General Elections back in Singapore then quite staunchly through Tweetdeck… it is heartening to see that at least some form of protection is catching up with what the internet highway has conjured. Unlimited access 24/7 to information and of course, the rise of citizen journalism. Any one who can string together a sound argument can post, tweet, write, link information that would aid individuals, all in the name of public interest.

This would tie in with the need to protect individuals who might be voicing out their opinions, and yet inevitably fanning the flames of a potential lawsuit.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/media/journo-shield-laws-now-cover-bloggers-and-tweeters/story-e6frg996-1226025441600

Now perhaps, we need one in Singapore to protect our influencers from themselves – especially where going public does not always mean people want to read about one’s ‘dirty laundry’. 

Varying Mediums and its News Representation

Whilst researching for my research briefs, I got into thinking that perhaps the method in which news is served up actually determines how one might view the news. As Bill mentioned in class during our seminar on ‘Research and Reporting’ in the first few weeks, stories are only uncovered when indepth discovery is delved into.

Alright, so maybe it was not entirely in those exact words, but rather, if we look for news whether in the council minutes or even in police reports; there would be a story waiting to be written.

What this means is simply that the medium is actually the message. This was also part of what I took away from the series ‘Mad Men’ but… the point here is that the shift away from traditional media into ‘new media’ has seemingly changed how the message is portrayed to the public. Finding the source was not the end (e.g. politicians and MPs might have an agenda and simply engage in feeding information, as mentioned in Week 5), but rather what the eventually message was – what was taken and conveyed to the public.

For instance, visual mediums – broadcast and video interactive dialogues via television and online digital media – would result in different impressions as opposed to listening to the radio whilst heading to work, or reading a more professional stylized medium, e.g. broadsheet print.

And this got me thinking further, as to where traditional newspapers shift would be in the near future, what with their shifting part of their core businesses onto the internet (Flew, 2002). Where, does this place print media in the ‘obsolete’ department, and would this mean that it would inevitably lead to its demise?

This can be seen in Rupert Murdoch’s much desired implementation on a ‘charge-per-click’ system for his online newspapers; where exactly is the media heading, and what message is it trying to deliver to its public?

Interesting questions we could ask ourselves revolve around how some have argued that the shift from traditional media stems from a deeper problem. One created from the distrust in the voice of the ‘medium’ – the journalist/ news media. Hence, the rise of Alternative Journalism, which became rapidly widespread with the opportunity that digital media provided.

Also, whilst working in a real media, pressure cooker situation; namely, deadlines and interview constraints, it is often hard not to subscribe to what the mainstream media would desire as apt (Bacon, 2006: 147-57). A fast turnover time-lapse have removed the luxury of in-depth analysis and often times, news is dependent on hearsay information. Perhaps after considering the following, then the best form of media could be selected to effectively communicate with its public audience. For instance, setting up a blog site and gathering a following would be a great way of starting off a hyper-local communication platform.

Hence, I would perhaps say that, to me, the prolific nature of ‘new media’ is best thought of as currently residing in its formative stage. Growth would have been impossible without the strong foundation that traditional media has built for it, and perhaps print media would not simply die out but evolve into yet another form, for instance, e-magazines.

Reference:
Bacon, W. (2006). ‘Journalism as Research?’, Australian Journalism Review, (pp.147-57). vol.28, no.2.

Flew, T. (2002). New Media: An Introduction. Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Painting One’s Opinion- Caricatured Real-life?

Food for thought.

Those colourful images that we see in political discourses (namely newspapers ‘Look at me’ headline photographs or caricatures; do they actually serve to bring across a point, or merely to fuel what the journalist’s is essentially trying to paint?

Perhaps, for me, I do think it is best used to exemplify a certain aspect that the individual journalist is trying to portray. Although, sometimes images are taken out of context and used to ‘frame’ issues, or rather that’s the jist I am taking away from this.

For instance, is it necessary to use and highlight certain features to perhaps bring across a message that the candidate is ‘sneaky’ or ‘untrustworthy’?

An article in the Age seem to think that an opinion can ‘colour’ one’s image quite readily. ->
http://www.theage.com.au/opinion/society-and-culture/walk-tall-ginger-ninjas–your-neanderthal-blood-is-worth-bottling-20110510-1eh3f.html

Although, mindfully there’s no image, but the title and the issue Ross Cameron writes about in short says the following; that Julia Gillard is vain and desires attention. Red head ninja?

I mean opinions are like noses, and notably Ross Cameron was the federal Liberal MP for Parramatta back in 1996, but it is on ‘The Age’, and the commentary about attention-seeking Ms Gillard really didn’t leave much to be imagined about Mr Cameron and his thoughts on all people who dye their hair. Oh wait, make that women who dye their hair.

Here’s several funny images and well, unflattering ones of Ms Gillard. Interesting to see, but what message is it trying to convey and how severely ‘out of context’ are these images?

http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2010/03/18/1236690/davidson_1903_main-420×0.jpg (brisbane times)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jZxpDOhengc/TEWlt7Tw0dI/AAAAAAAACqc/lQAUumpdIsI/300_gillard-300x340_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg (looking a little upper-ty and perhaps, arrogant?)

First posted 2011.

Greener Parks: Glen Huntly’s Recreational Dilemma

Glen Huntly residents urges push for park space allocation as developmental properties flood in.

And it is World Press DAY! Freedom?

“21st Century Media: New Frontiers, New Barriers” is the theme of the next edition of World Press Freedom Day, which will be celebrated on 3 May 2011. Events are planned in more than 100 countries to celebrate the Day, which also marks the 20th anniversary of the Windhoek Declaration for the promotion of free and pluralistic media.

Selected websites related to World Press Freedom Day.

[Information via UNESCO World Press Freedom Day 2011 release: 16 December 2010 (Paris)]

On the Death of OBL- Overhyped news, or ridding an over-dued issue?

Overhyped news, or simply a means of getting a long-over dued issue out of the way?

When I read on the death report, what struck me was more of a is this a ‘hoax’ scam or simply another means of attempting to engage with their readers. Pardon the skepticism, but when I saw the article on how the story unfolded via Twitter, it struck me as, ‘ah, here it goes again’. And, not that I am unfeeling when it comes to the death of a traitorous individual who orchestrated the most massive 9-11 attack.

But rather, having seen images after images that are sensationalized beyond recognition, which I concur with what a fellow classmate of mine, Kay said when she describes her squeamishness over the celebrations that some Americans had outside the White House. The images used in print and splashed all over broadcast media outlets have one objective. To stir an emotion. Whether it be relief, fury, disgust or even a general desire to just hole oneself up away from media news for a long period of time… the result is the same. It is sensationalism and many people thrive on it. We want to know more and want to see more, even if it irks us to see the blood and gore. At least that’s how I view this.

Check out the images captured and the words used throughout this twitter story. (http://www.theage.com.au/technology/technology-news/how-osama-bin-laden-death-story-unfolded-on-twitter-20110502-1e4jn.html).

Just like those chain emails we so abhor, the death of Osama which was splashed in vivid blood-red colours, of a messed up room within the supposed mansion he lived in, was evident. We were told by the mass media and given evidence of his very death. But, there was no image quite like that of Saddam Hussein. An in-your-face image. (http://www.dougsrepublic.com/blog/2009/10/08/saddamhussein/). Have a read of what Doug goes on to say about the death of Saddam. Interesting feed. Even until now, I find it very disconcerting, even after playing much gore-induced games and watching strange Japanese movies that run like an epic version of ‘Kill Bill’.

So, like all the other hoaxes of supposed deaths, this death, could have been a staged one?

Oh and check out this version of his ‘peaceful death’ (http://whatreallyhappened.com/WRHARTICLES/osama_dead.php). Do we believe every word the printed or typed-out-word dictates?

Perhaps, not without a little digging around or at least until we hear President Obama announce it in his all-important, authoritative tone.

Conspiracy theory, anyone?

Money Speak – Of Tabs and Capabilities (cnetasia post)

And as Easter comes trudging along with its chocoholic bunny goodness, my current predicament that sees me struggling with my school homework warrants a break.

Earlier, whilst scouring the internet for pricings on the iPad 2 (yes, it was launched earlier this month, and yes, I want one); I came across the following advertisement. The 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab that launched at a whooping almost $1k price tag has ‘fallen’ to a mere AUD$299. Not that that is an actual reflection of Samsung’s capability, as having been won over myself, overtime, I have to restate that ‘seeing is believing’.

I remember a time when whilst reviewing gadgets and nick-nacks (we actually had items from Action City which included the squeaky chicken that squeaks, and a fluffy diced speaker), people would literally grab me off-the-streets and hold a one-sided conversation. Input was limited on my part as most individuals would gush about what they were asking about, self-acknowledge the pros-and-cons, talk about reading reviews online and making up their minds in the process. When my opinion was finally able to be aired, I simply say the following: “Head down to your local dealer and test the gadget”. Yes. Seeing is believing.

On the other hand, I have already gotten my grubby little hands on the Samsung Galaxy Tab, the Ipad 1 & 2, the Dell Streak, the Optus Tab and even many a ebook reader that, for the life of me, doesn’t leave much of an impression, hence I can barely remember its brand’s name. To this, I can attest the following:

Size isn’t everything (Amen to that), specifications can be just ‘fluff’, and the real user interaction is what counts. Alright, this might sound like big words, but in laymen terms; as long as you are comfortable with it, and know what you want out of your gadget. Bingo! Oh, and do check out what other people have to say, because often times, Press releases and media jargon don’t entirely cover the lot.

Bearing that in mind, I hopped onto Facebook to seek for end-user experiences in the form of a Question-and-Answer verdict. The following information was received.

1. Christopher Bousigues- I am and in my mind it’s better than the ipad (has flash support, is easier to carry around, battery life is excellent and I’m able to stream content from my home server). Very happy with it. Having said that, if you haven’t purchased a tab…let yet, hold on another 2 to 3 months as the new version of the Galaxy Tabs are being released in June in both 10.1 inch (slightly bigger than the ipads) or 8.9inch. Check a review of the 10.1 here http://bit.ly/eueAt4
53 minutes ago

2. Derek Wong- Sorry to disappoint u, but it’s not as awesome as IPad, but it’s a million times better 🙂
38 minutes ago

3. Wei Heng- Mariel, the galaxy tab is way more better than iPad…supports more application and functions more than the apple apps 🙂
Besides, its faster too~~~
26 minutes ago

Three user reviews in a short span of 30 minutes. No Apple die-hard fans slamming the Samsung Galaxy Tab, at least not yet. But, it does not mean that the iPad shouldn’t be coveted after, what with its slim form factor. Delicious design. Clean interface. And… Anyway. My reply was such as what other people who are currently trying to make up their mind about the gadget would be.

Pros:
Flash support? Check.
3G-connectivity? Check.
HD-quality? Check.
Harder-than-bolts screen? Check. If gorillas are way to determine how sturdy your screen is. Pun intended.

Cons:
Applications that I have purchased on iPhone, wasted? Oh.
The Samsung Galaxy Tab 10-inch is about to arrive? Hm.
iPad 1 still costs around $588 (or there about, as the price varies since the arrival of its baby brother, the TWO). $$-check? Considerable.

Perhaps, the price might drop further, what with JB Hi-Fi already lowering their prices to $299 (at least that was what ozbargain.com.au said, and boy, do I trust these internet sites). Or not. Either hop on the bandwagon and get with the android community, or stay on the Apple express.

Would love to hear feedback from anyone who is currently stuck in the same perplexing dilemma. Yes, no? Maybe?

First posted on cnetasia.com. April 2011.