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Tech News & Commentary
Jeremy in Tyler, Texas, listening on News-Weather-Talk KTBB AM600 asked: “I have an iPad 2 and I’m looking to upgrade to an Android tablet and I’m interest in a Samsung tablet. There are so many different versions but which is the most comparable to the iPad as far as functionality.”
Jeremy, Short answer? They are all comparable. The Apple product line is quite limited, consisting of two models. The iPad Air 2 is a 9.7” tablet with
their latest A8X processor in it and the iPad Mini 3 is a 7.9” tablet with a slower processor, the A7. The big problem with iPads, in some people’s minds, is the fixed amount of memory. The amount of storage it has when you take it out of the box is the same amount it will have forever. Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs all feature expandable storage using microSD cards. Both tablets, Apple and Samsung, eventually top out at the 128GB storage mark.
Samsung splits their Galaxy Tab series up into a variety of models. The Galaxy Tab A is a midrange model available three ways: 8” screen, 9.7” screen, and a 9.7” screen with Samsung’s S Pen stylus. The Tab A series comes with Microsoft Office preinstalled, not many Android tablets do, and also has the latest 5.0 version of Android.
The Galaxy Tab Pro is their workhorse range, with 8.4”, 10.1” and supersized 12.2” models. They come with the S Pen and it’s clear they’re meant for work as well as play.
The Galaxy Tab S is the premium series. Super light, with the fastest processors and thinnest form factors, these are probably the most direct comparisons to the iPad. They don’t include the S Pen but they do include fingerprint scanners like the iPads and they are priced about the same at $400 for the 8.4” model and $500 for the 10.5”. Each with slightly larger screens and expandable memory.
Samsung’s Galaxy Tabs, as a whole, really represent the state of the art in Android tablets. But if you’re asking us which ones are the most direct competition for iPads, that would be the Tab S models. They might not be the best value however, and not the best choice for you. So check out all the models we mentioned and let us know what you decide.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline
Sharon in Nashville, Tennessee listening on SuperTalk WTN 99.7 FM asked: “I have an iPhone and I have some recording of a friend of mine that has passed away. I’m trying to get these recording that are stored on my voicemail. I was wondering if there is any way I can get it off my voicemail.”
Sharon, There are several ways this could be done. One route you can take is, iMazing. iMazing is a file manager that can be used with iPads, iPhones, and iPods to transfer any file or media to a computer or to a new device. It does not require iTunes, iCloud, or even a jailbroken device. The program can be found on iMazing.com.
Another program you can use is “iExplorer”, which is also a file manager intended for the same purpose as iMazing.
If you still are having some trouble exporting your voicemails to your PC, you can try connecting a 3.5 millimeter cable to the head-phone jack on your iPhone and to your computer’s mic jack. Download a software such as “Audacity”, which is a free audio editor and recorder, and simply click record and play your voicemail from your iPhone.
Your iPhone’s voicemails are backed up to iTunes whenever you make a backup of your phone, and while nothing we’ve recommended to you SHOULD cause your voicemails to be deleted, it is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when dealing with such important voicemails. So please, make a good backup of your phone before you begin this process.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Guest Segment:
Jacquie McNish, Co-author of Losing the Signal – Flatiron Books & Senior Writer – The Globe and Mail
CEA Update:
We’re seeing some major shifts in the technology we own. A new study from the Consumer Electronics Association outlines the tech devices most-often owned by U.S. households. Danielle Cassagnol explains in this week’s “CEA Update.”
Product Spotlight: Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Headphones
Chris highlights the $250 Audio-Technica ATH-MSR7 Headphones, and tells you whether or not they are worth considering.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
TYLT: Car Charger RIBBN Cables – These cables rapidly charge 2 Smartphones or 2 Tablets simultaneously.
Jabra: SoleMate Portable Bluetooth speaker for your laptop, tablet, smartphone or music player
PhoneSoap: Several Antibacterial – All Natural Touch Screen Polish
Livio Radio: Bluetooth Internet Radio Car Kit – FM transmitter that allows you to bring Internet Radio and hands-free calling to your car.
iLuv: A pair of ReFashionOlogy Canvas Exterior, Collapsible Headphones with a Titanium Diaphragm
Westinghouse: Unplug Wireless Bluetooth Sound System