TechTalk - 2 reasons why I HATE Windows Phone

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the Operating system, the live updating tiles, the integration between the various social networks.  Actually, I've had two Windows Phones the past year - a Dell Venue Pro and a HTC HD7.  I would completely recommend Windows Phone to anyone as long as they understand the Two  Reasons I Hate Windows Phone.  Yes, its a love/hate relationship.  We're currently in the broken up stages.  I currently have an Android phone.

Reason #1 - Hard Reset

A "hard reset" is basically erasing everything off your phone as if it were brand new.  While this may not appear to be a big deal, there isn't a way to re-download all of your apps automatically.  Apple iPhone have the iTunes ecosystem where all apps are stored locally, so theoretically, you can just "sync" your phone.  While Windows Phone uses Zune (and its great at wireless syncing) if you have need to perform a hard reset, you will be forced to manually download all of your apps via your phone or (online Windows Marketplace).

Why do I need to perform a hard reset?

Your Windows phone is tied to a Windows LIVE email (you don't have to use a .LIVE or .HOTMAIL), but once you set up your email as a Windows Live email, that is set on your mobile device.  Recently, my Xbox live account was hacked and after contacting Xbox support, they changed the Windows LIVE associated with my account for "safety reasons" with a new random email.  This basically renders your Marketplace useless, if you try to assess application or update your phone - your phone will AUTOMATICALLY provide your current Windows LIVE email, with another Gamertag.

If you aren't a gamer, this probably isn't a big deal, but many Windows Phone users love to play games and probably currently have an Xbox as well and achievement points are just topping on the cake, needless to say changing emails and gamertags is a frustrating experience.  There is a workaround, but it will involve you (not xbox) creating another email, associating your current (unused) gamertag to that email and finally associating your email with your original gamertag.  Needless to say, I no longer a windows phone after this experience.

Reason #2 - Applications

While the number of applications is just a number to me in regards to marketplaces, there are applications that doesn't exist in the Windows ecosystem that I like to use on nearly a daily basis.

Applications such as Yelp (the Windows version doesn't have a check in method), RunKeeper (an application which tracks your workouts - cycling, running, etc.), Instagram (my current favorite picture sharing application).  Check out http://www.windowsphone.com/en-US/marketplace before you decide on a Windows phone - chances are you've invested in an Apple or Android ecosystem and your favorite applications may not be available on this ecosystem.

Microsoft, I love your operating system and I wish you the best with the release of Windows 8, but being an early Windows phone adopter and not having access to the latest and greatest after 2 iterations of the operating system is quite a bit much to bear.

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

TechTalk - Phone and Texting Etiquette

Considering that I occasionally blog about technology, not to mention I am switching phones again (I think this makes 6-7 phones the past year), that technology rules every aspect of my life - the truth is it sort of does, except in one aspect - in person communication.

I realized this particular notion when spending time with an individual who was consistently on the phone - texting, surfing, etc.

I am not saying abandon your phone completely, but there are probably times you should use your phone in front of others and when you shouldn't.

When to use your phone:
-Waiting for another individual to arrive (so you know where to meet, etc.)
-When the other person is going to the bathroom
-Talking about technology and showing an application or phone feature
-Talking about an individual and they asked to see a recent photo
-When you're searching for directions

When not to use your phone:
-All other times.
-When having dinner or lunch

Maybe, I'm a bit old-fashioned when it comes to communication.  I have a few handful of friends around the world and when we finally have time to spend together - emails can wait (when does an email really need a response?), texts can wait (its probably not that serious), phone calls (sure if you have kids, etc., but 99% they're probably fine - you were raised without your parents having a cell phone - chances are they're ok).

What do you think? Am I getting old?! 

When do you think its acceptable to use your phone to text, email, talk on the phone?

Mahalo for reading.

Until next time.

TravelTalk - Ferrol, Spain (with layover in Paris)

Well, its pretty much official.

I have purchased my ticket for Spain.  Leaving on the 21st of September, with a layover in Paris for a week.

There is one last hurdle left...  I have to go to the Spanish Consulate in Miami to get my visa and have I have an appointment on Monday 8/27.  I put together all of the forms, but it will take 5 weeks (according to the form) and yup, I barely have 4 weeks.

In the process, I will be selling my stuff, I need to raise money for this trip, including buying an unlocked cell phone.

If anyone wants a Nintendo Wii, Apple Airport, Louis Vuitton wallet, triathlon clothes, and much more!

Also, I don't have school this upcoming week - so let me know when you are free to chat!  

I want to talk to all of you before I leave! 

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

TravelTalk - Canada

 Well, this blog should more British Columbia as the many times I've been to Canada, I've only been to B.C.

Sorry so short, will update with more text.  Wanted to go ahead to post this.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.

TravelTalk - South Korea

Hey guys,

Sorry I haven't been online in ages!  Well, I've been online, but not posting on my blog - what's going on!?

Well, a lot of things actually.  Its finals week and I have one last essay to work on and considering its raining outside and I just had a Starbucks Venti Vanilla Soy Latte - extra hot with an extra shot, perhaps I can finish this paper tonight as well.

Alright, I'll be writing a lot more in the upcoming weeks, but I thought I would write about a particular country that I've visited and share some pictures.  I've shared a lot of pictures in my recent travels, but countries I've been to early 2000s haven't received much coverage.  

So yes, reminiscing when I was in my 20s.  OMG.  I'm old. o_O

Ok, South Korea.

Speaking of old - you have to remember that digital cameras just began and I spent $200 for a 2MP camera! Not to mention, I really had no clue what to take pictures of.

If you <3 -="-" do="do" food="food" get="get" i="i" is="is" it="it" korea="korea" korean="korean" like="like" lol="lol" nbsp="nbsp" no="no" o_o="o_o" other="other" p="p" place="place" than="than" there="there" to="to">

My time in South Korea was pretty short.  I was only there for 2 weeks.  I still remember when I checked my bank account.  Back in the day $20 equaled roughly 21,000 won (the local currency), I had a million won in my account!  WOW!

I remember many stories.  I was trying to take the train and NO ONE spoke English - trying to buy a train ticket was so hard... Funny part is when I was on the train and there was a stop, I got off and decided to get some local grub (you know I'm all about street food!)  I remember eating squid on a stick.  Also, they were hamburgers.  Hours later, I realized I hadn't seen any cows - to this date, I still have no idea what I ate.

One thing that was really surprising is the one time I finally splurged on a hotel (as opposed to a hostel) was the floor.  I was traveling in the winter - and the floor was heated!  Yes, the floor was heated!  Supposedly it lowers your heating bill by having heat radiate from the bottom, my toes were happy.

Here are some pictures from Korea.  Enjoy.

Tomorrow - Canada.

Mahalo for reading. 

Until next time.