The Most Over-Hyped Features
Jan 14, 2011, 5:17 PM by Philip Berne
Do you really need a 4G, Full HD recording, NFC-capable super-phone? Some of the best features you're hearing about are over-hyped. Find out what's worth skipping.
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Reading through criticism about Apple's new iPhone 4 for Verizon Wireless, I was struck by some common, recurring themes. The biggest criticism leveled against the new iPhone seemed to be the lack of 4G LTE networking support. Apple and Verizon addressed this issue in their joint press conference, saying that they wanted to deliver a product sooner, based on customer demand, and the 4G technology available today is not sized to fit the thin, stylish frame of the iPhone 4.
Still, on our Phone Scoop forums and elsewhere, users bemoan the lack of 4G in the upcoming iPhone. This got me thinking about all of the technology that potential buyers crave, even when they probably shouldn't. There are tons of new features appearing on flagship devices that seem to be key selling points, but in practical use these new features usually don't come close to living up to the hype.
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Comments
Is this guy kidding?
Sounds like you want us to go out and buy a stupid iphone 4? Well guess what? A lot of us have moved on from that stupid phone, obviously you havn't. You sound like another Android hater, how else can you explain calling dual-core processors over-hyped? Take a long hike and don't post such non-sense on this site again. We get it, you love the Apple way, keep it to yourself. Sounds like you've been drinking a lot of hateraid and you sound discussed at how Android is coming along. We are looking for a desktop experience on these phones, killer ass processor along with 1 GB of ram and a big battery, all inside that thin body(atrix) i would be jealous too if i owned an iphone. The only thing that will hold this phone back is moto blur and AT&T.
Hey, calm down! Sounds like you hate Apple much more than he hates Android!! He has some good points, and if there is room for correction, you can explain it in a nice way!
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If an Operating System and its Software are not written to take advantage of multiple cores what real world benefit do you have using a multiple cored processor?
sounds like you are a TROLL
sounds like you are a TROLL
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something tells me phillip is a virgin apple fan boi. I bet he has justin Beaver or whatever his name is cd's.
You've gotta be kidding...
Apple would much rather withold technology so they can release an incrementally better device (the iPhone 4G) a year down the line, forcing everyone to upgrade; it's their modus operandi.
And the line about current 4G technology not being able to fit in the iPhone housing has to be total bullshit. It's hard to believe a company so "innovative and cutting edge" couldn't manage to fit an antenna into their phone.
And the line about current 4G technology not being able to fit in the iPhone housing has to be total bullshit. It's hard to believe a company so "innovative and cutting edge" couldn't manage to fit an antenna into their phone.
I think its a half truth, I'm sure there is going to be a 4g as in LTE iPhone, the point is to get you to buy twice. I even doubt this upcoming this June will have LTE support, I don't doubt it will have hspa+ if you're on a gsm carrier. I don't thi...
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illogical said:...
And the line about current 4G technology not being able to fit in the iPhone housing has to be total bull****. It's hard to believe a company so "innovative and cutting edge" couldn't manage to fit an antenna into t
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Dual Core.
According to the data I received, dual core procesors will be an energy SAVER compared to Snapdragon single core processors by a decent value.
However, just because you have two cores, doesn't mean it's twice as fast as a single core of the same clock speed.
However, just because you have two cores, doesn't mean it's twice as fast as a single core of the same clock speed.
I completely agree with this statement!
"In other words, instead of focusing on the coolest new features at the bleeding edge of technology, find some features that will really make a difference for you, based on how you use your phone"
SOOOOOO many people worry about having the "latest and greatest" that they end up with phones that they hate, or that they feel are overrated. It's because they worried about what was flashy and sounded good coming from a sales rep or advertisements instead of thinking about what they REALLY need and do on their phones.
Thanks for giving people another view on the "hype"
SOOOOOO many people worry about having the "latest and greatest" that they end up with phones that they hate, or that they feel are overrated. It's because they worried about what was flashy and sounded good coming from a sales rep or advertisements instead of thinking about what they REALLY need and do on their phones.
Thanks for giving people another view on the "hype"
Good job, excellent work!
Tool, Toy, or Ego Boost?
Great article. Packing all that technology into such a small device inevitably results in trade-offs, but the marketing hype makes people think they can have it all. Almost every smartphone on the market today would have been considered a miracle a few years ago. Find what works for you and quit bashing all the rest just to prove you were "right".
Yeah the bashing does get old. People try to get all "football" about it or even religious. It's just technology folks. I confess I've been fanboy about stuff before but I actually try to be fair about it now.
As for Tool, Toy, or Ego Boost - on...
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As for Tool, Toy, or Ego Boost - on...
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Customizability!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im not sure this is a iphone vs android article. Although i do get the feeling he had a pretty glass iphone in his pocket when he wrote it. lol one feature that i know is under-hyped is the ability to customize your phone. Both through software and hardware. This is something that android FAR and away beats all its competitors at. Especially the iphone which hasnt had a major software change since the original. And no folders and semi-multi tasking dont count. I mean the ability for widgets and apps together on the screen i mean the ability to have interactive weather widgets and sports widgets right on the screen with no need to go into an app to find out the score of a game or the weather outside. Im talking about being able to root your ...
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I completely agree with you. That is the one thing I tell all my customers. If you want a phone that you can completely customize to suit yourself than go with an android. If you just want your phone to work and not have to worry about it than get an ...
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So in other words....
if the iphone doesn't have it, nobody needs it and its no big deal and all over hyped. 🙄 But every iphone function is truly "necessary" and vital to life itself. Like an app store full of farting sounds and Family Guy sound boards. Who needs 4G or video chat if you have a cigarette app that burns itself down and makes little puffs of smoke. Apparently, a network capable of making and receiving calls and using 3G data is a frivolity as well. Who needs it? It's all hype!
Actually, there are millions of cell phone users who don't need advanced features.... And they're on Jitterbug, Consumer Cellular and Tracfone 🤣
Actually, there are millions of cell phone users who don't need advanced features.... And they're on Jitterbug, Consumer Cellular and Tracfone 🤣
4G isn't true 4G but also is not overhyped
first of all, could you make it any harder to comment on this site? By the time I figured out where to comment, registered and confirmed my email I had no trail back to the original thread I even wanted to comment on. also, apparently not a single person has mentioned 4G in the forums
https://skitch.com/doctorparadox/rjxn2/forum-search- ... »
Anywho -- there are certainly many things being hyped and over-hyped by carriers and phone manufacturers alike but the idea that 4G might not be objectively better than 3G I find to be untrue in real-world experience. I may not have 4G coverage absolutely everywhere on my Sprint Overdrive, but to my sheer delight I find I do in most of the use cases I apply it to and when I do, it is fa...
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https://skitch.com/doctorparadox/rjxn2/forum-search- ... »
Anywho -- there are certainly many things being hyped and over-hyped by carriers and phone manufacturers alike but the idea that 4G might not be objectively better than 3G I find to be untrue in real-world experience. I may not have 4G coverage absolutely everywhere on my Sprint Overdrive, but to my sheer delight I find I do in most of the use cases I apply it to and when I do, it is fa...
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It's just because they had to put something together quickly. Heh, Verizon iphone.
How stupid. Not you, the phone. I hate the iphone. I'm not a droid snob, in fact I gave the iphone a really big chance. It let me down on so many levels. It wo...
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How stupid. Not you, the phone. I hate the iphone. I'm not a droid snob, in fact I gave the iphone a really big chance. It let me down on so many levels. It wo...
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I have to agree with you. First, according to almost every WiMax review on phonescoop, I must be the luckiest guy(along with several of my friends and colleagues with WiMax devices) in my 4G area because I very rarely get slow speeds on my devices(I h...
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Hey, I don't really need my device to play HD content. But on my current VZW phone, a standard web page (like Amazon, or phonescoop) thakes to open about 25-40 seconds, at best! This is painfully s-l-o-w!!! I would take 4G mainly for that matter, so t...
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hype 4g for nothing.
4g coverage will be great like any new tech, but the fact that it is in a very limited area with sprint and verizon just gave a glimmer of hope to wide span 4g by end 2011, there is no reaosn to be to excited. and the people who are mad at apple should realize its an apple iphone even with a 4g antenna its not going to be able to get any better signal strength considering it never shows good service even in a good service area on 3g.
My #1 "feature"
The top "feature" I'll look for on a new Android device is ease of rooting. I've tasted freedom and it's Gingerbread-flavored.
i want ginger-sense. ive tried 2.3 ginger bread raw and it was quick but lacked alot of features that come standard with 2.1-2.2 sense. like good camera features.
How much did Apple pay you to write that?
The release of the Iphone is what prompted this 4g bashing. Apple better get them phones out fast.Its their fault Verizon is doin away with Annual upgrades anyways. 4G (needed or not) is the way of the growing trend. Android has already began the takeover and will dominate 2011.
JoshuaATverizon said:...
The release of the Iphone is what prompted this 4g bashing. Apple better get them phones out fast.Its their fault Verizon is doin away with Annual upgrades anyways. 4G (needed or not) is the way of the growin
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JoshuaATverizon said:...
The release of the Iphone is what prompted this 4g bashing. Apple better get them phones out fast.Its their fault Verizon is doin away with Annual upgrades anyways. 4G (needed or not) is the way of the growin
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he didn't bash or promote an iphone in anyway. is the truth that painfull that the iphone doesn't have 4g? carriers barely have 3g under control.
Hyundai's first hybrid, 2011
Let me start by saying I am NOT a fan of Apple. I think they make decent products, and then cripple them by being control freaks.
That being said, this whole discussion about no 4G in the VZW iPhone reminds me of an add I saw in Motor Trend the other day. It read something like this:
Why is it 2011 and we're just now releasing our first hybrid?
Answer: they weren't ready to sacrifice power for fuel economy. They waited until they could make a hybrid they were willing to put their logo on.
Enough said.
~ miss chris
That being said, this whole discussion about no 4G in the VZW iPhone reminds me of an add I saw in Motor Trend the other day. It read something like this:
Why is it 2011 and we're just now releasing our first hybrid?
Answer: they weren't ready to sacrifice power for fuel economy. They waited until they could make a hybrid they were willing to put their logo on.
Enough said.
~ miss chris
Swype Keyboard
Personally, my new must-have feature is the Swype keyboard. I tried a Samsung Focus for a week, and while the touch response and the keyboard was fantastic, it didn't have the Swype entry system, so I went back to my Galaxy S. I don't want to use a keyboard if it isn't Swype. I can even enter text into my Tab one-handed (hold the Tab by the edge, and Swype with my thumb). Other hands is holding my coffee, or the subway pole. Can't do that with my iPad. Love the Swype!
You want Swype (for most phones)?
Google, my friend, Google...
Google, my friend, Google...
Haha. True. Minus when Mom calls. Pretty much use your minutes up in one phone call.
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Then why does anyone care about a Verizon iPhone? Why are people complaining about AT&T? 😛
Skype Video Over 3G
I used Skype on my iPhone 4 over 3G and found the quality to be terrific, even with only 3 bars of AT&T service.
Qik and Fring are significantly worse (not even worth mentioning as a legitimate competitor) , but Skype Video was legitimately good and useful.
Qik and Fring are significantly worse (not even worth mentioning as a legitimate competitor) , but Skype Video was legitimately good and useful.
bluecoyote said:...
I used Skype on my iPhone 4 over 3G and found the quality to be terrific, even with only 3 bars of AT&T service.
Qik and Fring are significantly worse (not even worth mentioning as a legitimate competitor) , bu
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I agree with you on this. I've tried Skype video calling on my iPhone over 3G as well and it really does work good. There's a slight difference in quality when on WiFi vs 3G (WiFi being better) but it's the best I've seen on any other video calling ...
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Camera Pixels / HD Recording & 4G
I too agree that the pixel count doesn't make a good quality image. For example I used a 1.3 Mp Sony Floppy disk camera a few years back that took GREAT images.
I have the Droid X now. I use it at 5MP not the highest of 8MP (hoping that if capable of more that using less well help). I also use an app called Vignette to give more options that matter. Like white balance, ISO metering, etc. I'd rather have a low MP camera that takes good pictures than 12MP camera that took poor quality pictures.
Same with HD Recording. I keep my X set to D1 or 640X480 or 480p vs the HD 720p which doesn't look that good anyway.
As for the rest like 4G. My Droid X does what I want fine. I don't need the speeds that 4G offers nor the added costs. I use m...
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I have the Droid X now. I use it at 5MP not the highest of 8MP (hoping that if capable of more that using less well help). I also use an app called Vignette to give more options that matter. Like white balance, ISO metering, etc. I'd rather have a low MP camera that takes good pictures than 12MP camera that took poor quality pictures.
Same with HD Recording. I keep my X set to D1 or 640X480 or 480p vs the HD 720p which doesn't look that good anyway.
As for the rest like 4G. My Droid X does what I want fine. I don't need the speeds that 4G offers nor the added costs. I use m...
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in other topics I have said in the past, for the vast majority a good 3g signal 1 or 1.2 Mp's on a phone is going to give a good experience. Streaming video needs a little more for good results. Where 4g and hspa+ really help is if one tethers.
HD Video
I do not think this feature is overhyped. the iphone takes very good video at hd 720. Video has come a long way on phones especially hd. 4g, video chat is overhyped.
I think what he was saying is that it's not something you should base your entire smartphone decision on. Speaking from personal experience, owning a kazillion phones (unlocked, upgraded, etc.) ... some of my lower quality phones had pretty awesome v...
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Indeed. But I think the point was that on most phones, HD video capture stinks. There are a few good ones, but people should beware of merely buying a phone because it has that "checkbox".
Has come a long way? Sure! But is it comparable to any dedicated camcorder? Heck no! (and the same is true with cameras! Who needs an 8 megapixel camera on a phone? or even 16 megapixels in the new cameras seen at CES? Give me a 3-4 megapixel with goo...
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Tango isn't bad
I've used it with my myTouch 4G getting 5mbps down in NYC and talking with a friend who has an iPod Touch. It wasn't bad at all considering it wasn't wifi on my end. Yahoo sucks. Haven't tried Fring or Qik yet.
Yeah, but compared to a friggin' desktop or a laptop its' total S***. 😁
I have an evo and so does my friend and we live in portland oregon and video chatting sucks. we have tried all over in different places, driving, 4g, 3g, everything, it plain ol sucks. video chat plain sucks here and i highly doubt that the guy talkin...
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I disagree
I disagree that 4G won't get you through streaming video. With my clear iSpot running at 6mbps, it was more than enough to stream netflix movies with absolutely no problems.
It's not that you can't stream netflix or that it's not good. The point is that you may not have consistent quality while viewing streaming videos. I've been in places where I can barely get the video to pull up, let alone play, and then I've been in ...
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