Category Archives: Reviews

Nexus 9 with Android M Video Review

For the second time, I am reviewing the Nexus 9. I reviewed the LTE model when it first came out. It was pretty bad. I had heard that the Wi-Fi only model was better. Now, I’ve finally got my hands on a Wi-Fi only Nexus 9.

Of course, I installed Android M Developer Preview on it. That was pretty bad. The actual review of the Nexus 9 running Android M will be at the bottom. First, I’ll add three walk through videos of Android M, which all used a Nexus 9. The first was about new features. The second was about performance improvements where I actually had two Nexus 9s, one with Lollipop and one with Android M. The third video is with Android M Developer Preview 2.

And finally, the fourth video will be the Nexus 9 with Android M review. The first three videos are there for a bit of backstory, but this is really about the actual Nexus 9 with Android M review. The final video is a little long, but I think it’s totally worth your time.

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Apple Watch Sport Review: It Won’t Get You Laid

By Rich W Woods

I bought my Apple Watch Sport the day that preorders started, as soon as they started at 3:00 AM. Even though I placed the order as soon as I could, I was told 4-6 weeks, just like anyone else that didn’t get their order in by 3:05; however, I ordered the 42 mm space gray model, so unlike everyone else, I actually had to wait 4-6 weeks for mine. Five, specifically.

Now before we get started, let’s answer the obvious question. It won’t get you laid. Remember the old days of smart phones? It was 2007-2008 if you had an iPhone and that time came again in 2009-2010 if you had an Android. Your phone was actually a conversation piece.

I was on the subway today and for the second time, I noticed someone else wearing an Apple Watch. He had the stainless steel model with the black sport band. He was holding the pole in the subway car with his left hand, which is also the arm he was wearing his Apple Watch on.

Just think about that. He was wearing it on his left arm, which means he’s right-handed, yet he was keeping his balance with his left hand anyway. While the train was in motion, I saw him pull up his watch and do something on it. Keep in mind that there is very little that the Apple Watch can do without any kind of Internet connection and there is no connection on the subway.

By this time, I thought he had noticed my Apple Watch Sport. After all, when you wear a smart watch, you want to be noticed. That’s why he was holding his balance with his left hand. It’s not because we’re showing off or because we feel we’re elite. It’s because we’re early adopters and we like talking about tech.

The point of that story is that if the reason you’re buying an Apple Watch is because you think it will be a conversation starter, it won’t be.

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Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Review: The Best Lumia on the Market

By Rich W Woods

My two weeks with the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL are coming to a close, but I have enjoyed every minute of it. After all, the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is a fantastic phone, and I’m going to go so far as to say it’s the best Lumia on the market.

The battery life is the best I’ve ever seen from a Windows Phone. The camera rivals all Pureview cameras (except for the Lumia 1020, of course). The 5 MP front camera is stunning. All the things. But first, specs.

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Apple Watch Sport Video Review: A First Generation Product

By Rich W Woods

The video review of the Apple Watch Sport is now ready. For all of its flaws, and it is a flawed product, I have thoroughly enjoyed it. After all, I had plenty of time to walk into an Apple Store and return it and I chose not to. Check out the video review.

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Microsoft Lumia 640 XL Video Review: The Best Lumia on the Market

By Rich W Woods

My two weeks with the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is almost over, but I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. In this review, I explain why I think the Microsoft Lumia 640 XL could possibly be the best Lumia on the market.

The Microsoft Lumia 640 XL is better in every way than the affordable flagship Lumia 830 (and half the price), the camera is better than the Lumia Icon, and it’s a better phone than the Lumia 1020. As far as an all around phone goes, the only one that might match the Lumia 640 XL is the Lumia 735. Find out more in the video below.

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LG G Watch R Review: Apple Watch vs Android Wear

By Rich W Woods

I finally finished reviewing the LG G Watch R. I’ve found the LG G Watch R to be an extremely pleasant and beautiful Android Wear watch; however, it’s not for me. I can certainly see the appeal and it certainly has some sport uses as the large bezel keeps it from getting scratched.

Check out the video where I review the LG G Watch R and compare it to the Apple Watch and the Microsoft Band.

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LG G Flex 2 Review: One of the Best Phones I’ve Ever Used

By Rich W Woods

When the LG G Flex shipped last year, I said the same thing as I said when Samsung released the Galaxy Round. It’s a gimmick. Why the hell do I need a curved screen? The LG G Flex 2 had better specs, but I still saw no reason to think this would be any better.

I have a problem with companies that make products for the sake of making them. This is why I typically don’t care for Samsung phones. Look at the Galaxy Note Edge or even the Galaxy S6 Edge. They like to do things so they can always say “We did this first”, no matter how useless it is at the time.

Then, I actually got my hands on the LG G Flex 2. I understood that the curved screen would be good for watching movies, but I don’t really watch a lot of videos on my phone. I just don’t see the point of using up cellular data for YouTube videos.

But that’s not why the design of the LG G Flex 2 is just so intuitive.

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LG G Watch R Unboxing and First Impressions

By Rich W Woods

It’s smart watch week for me. Last week, I finally received my Apple Watch Sport. I wanted to be able to compare it to Android Wear, which I believe is more intuitive than Apple Watch. I reached out to LG, asking for an Urbane. They were all out of Urbanes, so they were able to send me an LG G Watch R.

I had heard good things about the LG G Watch R, being the second round Android Wear watch behind the Moto 360. I don’t think that it’s quite for me, but I certainly see the appeal. Check out the unboxing and first impressions.

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HTC One M9 Video Review: A Lovable Phone

By Rich W Woods

I’m doing a thing. It’s new. After writing a full review of a device, I’m doing a video review as well. It’s a way of wrapping up my thoughts on a device. There are certain things that work better when you say them out loud, certain emotions that you can convey.

I thought the HTC One M9 is a great phone. I think that anyone that buys it will be happy with it. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look good when you compare it to its competitors.

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