[Podcast] Episode 15 - All the Pixel XL talk!

Great news everyone!  The latest episode of the Silicon Theory podcast is uploading, and in it we talk about the latest smartphone offering from Google, the Pixel XL.  We cover out first impressions and hands on time with the device, and discuss whether we feel like Google got it right or not on their first attempt. By way of disclaimer, there is some mature language used in the pod, so listener discretion is advised. 

But if you are interested in what this device might have to offer, you can now read our review or listen to the podcast - whatever your media consumption preference might be.  Check it out, and make sure to subscribe to the podcast to get all of the latest episodes as they drop.  Links will be added as soon as the pod is available...cheers!

[Review] Google Pixel XL - Extraordinarily ordinary

I've spent the last 7 days with the Pixel XL from Google, and used it as my daily driver for the last 3 of those.  And I can honestly say its the best Android phone I've ever used (and I've used a LOT) - but the strange thing is - the Pixel does it by not standing out.  The phone gets out of the way of the end user to such a degree that it feels like there is nothing standing between you and what you are trying to accomplish with the device.  Where other devices try to impress with quality screens, amazing cameras, or cutting edge specs (and the Pixel has all of these) the Pixel goes beyond gimmicks and hardware features to a place where Android is showcased in the best possible way - a polished and smooth user experience that's simply a joy to use.  Fellow tech seekers, let's talk about the Pixel XL.

[Podcast] The Rise & Fall of the Note 7, Part 2

Greetings all - the 2nd part of our discussion surrounding the rise and fall of the Samsung sees me getting Sean P's take a a former owner of this device, and what lies ahead for Samsung.  Will the Galaxy S8 and S8 Edge be able to be released on time?  Will Samsung ever recover from the blow to their reputation and brand?  Tune in as we discuss this and even more!  If you like the show, make sure to subscribe (and leave a review if you're feeling so inclined) - cheers and enjoy!

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[News] Tech events next week

Lots going on next week in the world of tech, and here's a quick rundown on what you need to know...

Microsoft hosts an event on Wednesday, 10/26/16

What to expect...

Microsoft is expected to take the wraps off some new hardware, and coming just after Google's hardware event (and just before Apple's hardware event) their timing couldn't be better - if you're a Windows or Surface fan.  Some of the rumored devices include:

[Review] 48 Hours with the Pixel XL

So, as mentioned, we have a Pixel XL (in Very Silver) and are taking it for a test drive.  We'll have a full review up in the next few days, but for those of you who are interested in both the XL and its smaller Pixel sibling, we wanted to give a few thoughts after using it for the first 2 days.  So, read on for my impression of the Pixel XL after 48 hours...

[News] Early reviews of the Google Pixel are in...

And so far, I think its safe to say that things are looking up for Google.  Like they needed any help?  But still, the high price point and "internet hates" that the Pixel and Pixel XL seemed to be getting hasn't stopped it from selling out on the Google Play Store.

If you are into Android, and thinking about getting a new device, check out the below to read up on what the first week or so has been like for those lucky sites getting review units (most reviews are of the Pixel XL that I've seen, so take the battery comments with a grain of salt)

[Podcast] Episode 13 - the Rise & Fall of the Note 7

The newest episode of the Silicon Theory podcast is now available!  In the first part of this 2 part pod, I do a solo podcast to discuss the timeline behind what happened with the Note 7 fiasco, and what the impact to Samsung might be from both a reputation and a financial standpoint.

In part 2, Sean P and I will discuss what his impressions were owning the Note 7 (for a very short period of time) and how he feels Samsung handled the whole situation from an owners perspective.  

As always, you can find us on iTunes, Google Play Music, and SoundCloud.  Subscribe and you'll get all the new episodes.  Thanks for listening!

[Guide] So you can't get the Note 7 - now what?

So we've received a few questions about the Note 7 and for those who were looking to upgrade, its now off the table (sorry Samsung) - but the question becomes, okay - now what do you buy?  We're glad you asked!  Without further ado, here are some thoughts on what you might want to consider if you are wanting or needing to pick up a new smartphone this year.

[News] Samsung has discontinued offering the Note 7 - permanently

Sorry for the cheesy graphics above but...yeah, the Note 7 will no longer be sold by any carriers worldwide, and Samsung has ceased manufacturing them - permanently.  This is a significant financial blow to Samsung as a company for sure.  There will be no more Note 7s ever made...which is sad, because by all reports this is a great, great smartphone.  Except for the bursting into flames thing.

I'll make sure that Sean P. writes a eulogy proper, but for the time being; if you are in the market for a new smartphone, it won't be this one. 

[Podcast] Episode 12 uploading...Part 2 of the Google Event

Part 2 of the Silicon Theory podcast covering the Google Event is uploading and will be available on iTunes, Google Play Music, and SoundCloud shortly.  In it, we discuss the rest of the hardware announced at the event, including Google Home (and touch on the software platform that is Google Assistant), Google WiFi, Daydream View and the Chromecast Ultra.  If you are curious as to how "smart home" products might be in your future, you should definitely check it out!  As always, you can subscribe to our podcast on your favorite platform to get all the latest.  We'll have even more exciting reviews of the hardware from this event as its made available in the next month or so.  Stay tuned for all the tech news you can handle - and if you enjoy the pod, be sure to leave us a review.  Thanks for listening!  (links to both iTunes and GPM are below)

[Podcast] Episode 11 is here! All the Google things!

Part 1 of the latest Silicon Theory podcast is here and uploading now.  We talk about the Pixel and Pixel XL, what we like, don't like, and discuss why there is so much internet hating going on about Google right now.  Part 2 will cover the rest of the hardware that Google will be launching between now and the rest of the year.

Check us out in iTunes, Google Play Music, or SoundCloud - and thanks for listening!  If you like the show, or the other shows we've published, make sure you leave us a review (we hope its a 5 star one) as this helps us reach a wider audience with all of our techiness.  And yeah...I think techiness is a real word.  Thanks again!

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[News] Google's Big Event - Recap

So - its been a big day for Google and all their fans.  And if you are invested in the Android ecosystem, its kind of a big deal.  Here's a quick rundown of all the things that were announced today, and what we know about specs/features/pricing...

• Google Pixel Phones - the wait is over!  We will have more information coming, but the new phones that are being advertised as "made by Google" are here.  The devices come in 2 sizes: the Pixel (which sports a 5" display size) and the larger Pixel XL (sporting a 5.5" display)  The phones are identical with the exception of the display size (and resolution; the Pixel has a 1080p FHD display, whereas the XL has a 1440 QHD display) and battery size (2770mah versus the XL's 3450mah) and that might be a good thing.  This is very similar to what Apple has done recently with the regular iPhone and Plus models.  And these phones are going to be priced similar to iPhones as well, with the 32GB base model of the Pixel starting at $649