TECH TALK
Call Me Maybe: The New Class of 2019 Phones
By Will Read
Just like the lyrics in the Carly Rae Jepsen song sometimes we feel the waiting for new cellphones can be a preoccupation for some. Just think of everything they do that does not involve speaking to another human being. The cellphone has become the object of obsession as a camera, television, movie maker, jukebox, wallet and everything else in between—not to mention the Internet!
In the USA Counterpoint’s 2016 market share survey indicated that three players—Apple, Samsung, and LG—account for some 70 percent of the market, with Apple having some 40 percent of the market with its iPhone product.
In the technology calendar, September was punctuated by the annual iPhone product announcements from Apple which kick-start the industry push into the holiday season. If your cellphone is not working properly, out of date, or a contract renewal is imminent here are some of the new crop to consider.
iPhone 11, Pro & Pro Max
Launched on September 10th in the annual presentation, Apple has built on the revolutionary features of the iPhone Xr and Xs into the newest additions to their range. The new iPhone 11 offers across the board improvements on its predecessors. The iPhone 11 Pro is the new flagship cellphone which builds on the features of the 2018 iPhones with more and better cameras and a faster processor. The Pro Max has the larger 6.5” screen and commensurate battery life.
Announced simultaneously, The new Apple Watch Series 5 also has an array of health and exercise functionality plus (depending on the model) the ability to receive and make calls. Info: apple.com.
SAMSUNG
Galaxy S10 5G & Galaxy Note 10+ 5G
The challenger to Apple’s iPhone, iPad and Watch dominance, the Galaxy S10 and Note 10+ 5G phones, Tab Tablet and Galaxy Watch are all designed to keep Samsung as the primary alternative to the Apple ecosystem utilizing the Android operating system from Google. The latest release to hold consumer interest is the larger Galaxy Note 10+ which comes in two screen sizes and has interesting features such as the ability to charge a device from another device by placing them in contact. Samsung is also playing heavily on 5G high-speed capabilities, though in truth the networks capable of delivering the speed to everyone, everywhere are still being rolled out. Featuring an integral stylus as a tool reminds us of the Apple Newton, Palm Pilots and Psion handheld computers of what seems like the medieval period. Info: samsung.com.
LG
V50 ThinQ 5G
The key selling point for the LG is that it is reliable, middle-of-the-road and for the budget conscious consumer a solid purchase. The designers are also on point with integrating such features as three camera lenses (telephoto, super wide, and standard) to improve the quality of picture-taking and is 5G ready. Info: lg.com.
MP02 Minimalist Phone Swiss-based company Punkt launched the second version of their anti-smart phone the MP02 Minimalist Phone. Featuring a post-industrial design centered on making telephone calls and basic functionality such as 4G TLE connectivity, an address book and text messaging, the MP02 adds hotspot connectivity so that you can use the phone to access the web through another device—making it a choice rather than a reflex through an app. Battery life is excellent due to its simplicity and quality is what you would expect from a Swiss-engineered device. Info: punkt.ch.
Yes, technologically it is only an iPhone 5. However, Designer Stuart Hughes has coated the iPhone in black diamonds resulting in a retail price of $15.3 million making it currently the most expensive mobile phone in the World. With a 24k gold case and over 600 diamonds you will clearly attract attention when using it and although you may be nervous about losing it, if you can afford it, you can probably also afford someone to keep an eye on it. Info: stuarthughes.com.