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This week, Apple has released an 8GB iPhone 5c, which is designed to target the lower
end of the market. The device is identical to all other models within the iPhone 5c lineup
expect it has half the storage of the previous entry-level model. Consequently, the price
is $40 cheaper than the 16GB model. However, you really have to question Apple's thinking
here, the decision to release this low cost iPhone 5c is likely in response to underwhelming
sales of the device when compared to the iPhone 5s. How the introduction of this new 8GB edition
will increase sales is beyond me, especially when you consider that this 8GB iPhone 5c
is still an overpriced $499.
It provides insufficient storage to really make it as a viable high-end smartphone. 8GB
is an offensively small amount of storage when you consider how much storage the operating
system takes up, at almost 4GB. In addition, once you install a few apps and snap a few
HD movies and photos, you'll have almost no room left at all. 8GB tablets and smartphones
are not uncommon in the low-end mobile devices market, however these (Android) devices tend
to offer MicroSD expansion to increase internal storage anywhere from 32GB up to 64GB. Apple
does not offer such an option with the 8GB iPhone 5c.
This decision smacks of desperation and in my opinion, is a perfect example of something
that would simply not happen under the watch of the late Steve Jobs. Apple has attempted
to address the problem of an underselling product by turning it into an almost useless
one that is still overpriced. What were they thinking? Even by today's standards,
16GB is becoming too small a capacity, 8GB is a joke. They should have lowered the price
of the 16GB model. My advice is to either choose a completely different smartphone manufacturer
or if you have your heart set on an Apple device, spend the extra $40 on the 16GB version.
Moving on Motorola has produced the new Moto 360 smart watch that looks pretty swanky.
This one is far more stylish than the usual devices we've seen so far. It features Google's
new Android Wear mobile operating system and makes primary use of Google Now Voice recognition,
which seems really cool except when you're stuck on the bus with someone who is using
one. You'll have to contend with them screaming commands in their wristwatch in a manner similar
to how people will talk to their Google Glass. It's got built-in maps, messaging, fitness
tracking and notifications for upcoming meetings, emails and social posts.
It's due to launch this summer but no pricing information has been made available. Check
out the link to the promo video below. Next up, Google is going to introduce a version
of YouTube suitable for children under the age of 10. This is a really important move
because as we all well know, YouTube is a cesspit of inappropriate and offensive content
and there's simply too much that children can get access to. Although there is currently
a YouTube safe mode, children can still be exposed to advertisements that are not suitable
to them, so the ads may be altered to more child friendly ones. It will certainly provide
some peace of mind for parents who are concerned about what their children see online.
And finally Apple this week also dropped the iPad 2 finally, which was already a bit long
in the tooth serving as the secondary iPad behind the iPad Air. They have now replaced
it with the 4th generation iPad, which is a substantial step up in overall performance
and includes a Retina display of course. It is now available for the same price of €389.
And finally guys I'll leave you with today's tech question: What do you think of apple's
8GB iPhone 5c?