#apple – Zack Chia

Backdoor security

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Zack Chia

This is certainly depressing. At one point I do agree with Tim Cook’s decision to NOT develop a backdoor access for Apple devices, I cannot denied the urging need to assist FBI in cracking down the dreadful murder case of Farrok and Malik. Evidently, it is a case where there isn’t a definite answer. I lean towards Tim’s decision in favour of maintaining security for all Apple products simply because of the greater risk at hand. This is very much akin to the case of terrorism where reporters or journalist are held hostage for ransom. Should countries compromise on their own security policies to not bow down to terrorism? Or do they pay and obliged to the demands of terrorism? Again, this becomes a case where governments are looking into making decisions on a larger scale or an individual basis. What are your thoughts?

Hire and fire

Posted on January 31, 2016January 31, 2016 by Zack Chia

Two things: Never diss the employees who you fired because you never know if they would ever make a lethal comeback at you. And the next thing you probably want to consider as a CEO is to make sure you fired ONLY the right people. When asked if the employees he fired had indeed been hired by Apple, Tesla CEO, Elon Musk’s sarcastic(well, at least in my own opinion) remarks made quite a clear statement. “They hired people we’ve fired. We always jokingly call Apple the ‘Tesla Graveyard.’ If you don’t make it at Tesla, you go work at Apple. I’m not kidding.”

Ironically, it seems that this man is now hiring an ex Apple employee. Microprocessor engineer, Jim Keller has been officially hired to work on the Autopilot Hardware Engineering for Tesla. Apparently, this was a strategic decision where Tesla sees the value that Keller could bring on board for their project. Tesla officially declares Keller as a potential employee who would “bring together the best internal and external hardware technologies to develop the safest, most advanced autopilot systems in the world.” Keller was given the position as Vice President of Autopilot Hardware Engineering. Now, expect more awesome stuffs from Tesla.

A case that bends

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Zack Chia

This article from digitaltrends leaves me wondering if Kickstarter is starting to get diluted with weird projects, almost like a dumping ground of ideas. But this idea, a flexible casing for the notorious case for bending iPhones is one that intrigued me. At least we now have a solution for it? This new parody attempts to rectify the problem by being a flexible yet protective case to your phone. Bendifone, an accessory that seeks to protect your iPhone is started by Amberlee Donahue of Marietta. I love how she describes the Bendifone will bend together with your iPhone almost seamlessly. Check out more of this article at digitatrends here.

Phone payments

Posted on September 1, 2014September 1, 2014 by Zack Chia

An article on Mashable reports the recent partnership between Apple, Visa, Mastercard and American Express to formulate a digital mobile platform for all phone users to make purchase through their iPhones while they shop in stores. I guess its about time that this would happen considering there have been numerous digital wallet applications that have hit the market but yet to gain enough traction from their applications. Quite expectedly, the new iPhone come with NFC chips, creating the possibility for digital payments. While a lot have little success in this area, Apple has a considerably high change of gaining success. I do see a lot of innovative opportunities to tap on. Will you be comfortable to try out mobile payment through your phone?

Wall hugging?

Posted on July 5, 2014 by Zack Chia

Im sure this isn’t something new to all of us. Especially iPhone users out there, you KNOW it. The fact that we need to constantly plug in for battery power is beyond frustration. Somehow this video seemed to depict Samsung mitigating this issue. The new Samsung S5 with lesser power issues? Really? While I highly doubt so, I do think the commercial resonates with a lot of people out there. Most of us suffering from the mediocre battery performance from smartphones are compelled to make a switch to another brand often promising us longer, more robust battery performance. Well, i do think this is a rather amusing commercial of how Samsung would sell through benefit but at the expense of Apple.

Apple tracks your health with Earpods?

Posted on May 2, 2014May 2, 2014 by Zack Chia

An article on Mashable reports that Apple’s EarPods might feature heart rate and blood pressure measuring functions in the near future. More rumors surround this discovery with claims that Apple might have this new innovation as part of their future Apple wearable line. Most notably the iWatch. These were rumors from Secret, an anonymous app which sometimes feature juicy news that might not pass off true. Interestingly, if these rumors were true, it does make sense that Apple tied up their products with something that benefits their users.

Companies are tapping vigorously on functions within their organizations to create core competencies and developing them into an competitive advantage. Such is a great example of effective use of competencies where technology, design and strategy propel innovation. These features add value and improve the daily lives of people like you and me. And I think its a pretty smart and valid integration of functions. However, such innovations remain a novelty in today’s context still.

The power of people.

Posted on April 27, 2014April 27, 2014 by Zack Chia

“You are more powerful than you think.”

For any brand, those were the exact words they would say to any of their customers perplexed by the huge array of brands out there in the digital jungle. The fact that people must understand that they possess the power to determine their own brand experience is one less practiced these days. With so many options and misleading advantages, one would might easily fell for the snake oil advice. However, strong branding resonating with consumers can easily deterred itself away from less mainstream ploys. Apple in this case, has done a fantastic job. This new ad for the iPhone 5S features people. Yes, people. Again, the brand is so human centric that whatever it features, almost relates itself back to how it adds value to people, enriching their lives. Such is the get-go of the brand, earning it’s well deserved popularity and followers. Another magnificent commercial from Apple. Check it out.

Posted on February 17, 2014 by Zack Chia

The unanimity that Apple produces craze and desires, has always left me with doubts on the popularity of its existence or its technology. Take their iWatch for instance, the idea of having a smartwatch to pair with you smartphone does seem a bit far fetched initially. Despite the watch having a series of phone functions, it now integrates with fitness-related features, giving the user a holistic experience. While some might view this product line being detrimental to Apple’s robust line of tech gadgets, the revolutionary invention for a smartwatch has its fair share of returns for the tech giant. A watch that benefits users by providing them easy access to their health details can be extremely helpful. The watch is capable of detecting the heart beats of its user and is likely to even notify its owner of an impending heart attack. Pretty neat eh?

Personally, the idea of having a watch that not only looks good, but actually works so hard to give you that extra help in managing your health is something noteworthy. In fact, Apple is working on Healthbook, offering an integrated suite of functions, including the number of steps you have walked, the amount of miles you travel or even the calories you have burned. All these are essential to keep you in great health. There are even more exciting functions like keeping your hydration levels, blood pressure and glucose levels in check. Awesome.

Misunderstood

Posted on December 18, 2013December 18, 2013 by Zack Chia

“Merry Christmas.”, says Apple. Now, don’t expect that to be communicated across so easily if its gonna be good work. Because, to do good work, you need a little twist to that one simple message. Apple’s new christmas commercial seem to have moved the hearts of most people. Their inaugural campaigns has seen the tech giant making a comeback as compared to it’s sluggish performance earlier on. The theme of their latest commercial, “Misunderstood”, tells the story of a lonely boy who goes through christmas in a big family. Like most of us, christmas is a big thing and being dejected certainly isn’t fun at all. We see the boy pretty much focused on his mobile phone 24/7 with little participation or none at all while the family is in the midst of preparing and celebrating the winter. Just before you could judge the outcome, the boy switches on the tv and a video was played. Turns out he was filming the entire family event all along! The scenes were very heart warming. Check out both videos. Apple’s previous commercial on the ipad Air revealed it’s intentions at the end of the commercial and as always, this does seem to be one of it’s trademark in their recent commercials. This commercial is no doubt one of the most heartfelt commercials this winter.

Motorola Moto G

Posted on November 22, 2013November 22, 2013 by Zack Chia

Smartphones have prove themselves almost as important as water is to our survival on a day to day basis. I cannot for once imagine if I leave home without a tech gadget. Worse, if it was my phone, I would drive back miles to retrieve it. Trust me, how can one possibly leave their door without their phone. Its insane. Ok, I’m sure you get the picture. As much I emphasis the significance of the phone, the huge attention and monetary values we invested in it comes naturally. A lot of us might not consider other brands apart from the current likes of the Apple iPhones or Samsung Notes. The reality is that we actually have a lot more on the table that is available for our selection. And they are no less inferior than your iconic iPhones or Samsung Note 3s. Introducing the Motorola Moto G. Look, I need to be honest, I was looking for a rather cheap phone but yet just as good as the iPhone. As much as I preach my devotion to Apple, I was hunting for a cheaper alternative to substitute as a work phone and I chanced upon the Moto G.

Some might even helm the Motorola Moto G as the new evolution of market-altering smartphone. Why is that so? It comes at a rather affordable price but packed with dynamite specs that makes it so competitive in the current smartphone landscape in Asia.

“Don’t let the price fool you, this is a well-built phone”

When you price an item at a low cost, humans don’t desire it like they actually want it. We have weird tastes. True enough a good phone that comes with a cheaper tag sounds extremely fishy. Here’s some stuffs to consider if your planning to purchase the Moto G:

• Motorola is currently owned by Google. Which means it gives great user interaction and technology.
• Moto G currently uses Android 4.3 Jelly Bean but will soon be using the new 4.4 KitKat pre-installed. Talking about being stable? Nice.
• Motorola Protect gives you similar if not better features like your Find My iPhone service. When linked to your Google account, allows you own the thief by remotely locating the device, locking the screen and changing passwords.
• Motorola Assist silences your phone, goes into meeting mode or sleeping mode for your own pre-set desires.
• Motorola Migrate allows for a much easier transfer of data from your old phone to the Moto G.
• It also puts iPhone’s well acclaimed Retina Display to shame with it’s screen pixel density of 329ppi, 4.5-inch touchscreen packed with a 1280 x 720 pixel display screen. Waaadaa!
• Of course, the Moto G comes equipped in Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 400, running at 1.2GHz with a 1GB RAM.
• I think the coolest feature is getting our freedom from the charger BACK. The Moto G is able to multi task a number of apps and features simultaneously without much battery drainage. Absolutely necessary!

Taken from DigitalTrends:

Highs

An absolute bargain at $180 unconnected
Stock Android 4.3 Jelly Bean/Android 4.4 KitKat
Fast, capable processor
4.5-inch, 720p screen is just about perfect
Excellent battery life

Lows

The camera is basic
A choice of 8GB or 16GB of memory
No removable battery
External speaker has to be cranked up to hear

Please go check this phone out.