Sunday, September 18, 2016

A Release

I have a love/hate relationship with Apple.  I really do like all the Apple products I own.  My phone, iPad, and Macbook all work very well for my needs, and because they are all Apple they also work very well together.  I can access pictures I took on my phone from the iPad or Macbook and text and make phone calls on my iPad and Macbook via the phone, to name a few of those working together ways.
Every-so-often though, they do something that irks me a bit.  When they switched from the 30 pin connector to the lightning connector, pretty much every accessory I owned had to be repurchased to accommodate this change.  They said it was to allow for more room for a larger battery, but part of me speculates changes like that happen to make customers buy new stuff.  They've made the phone just slightly different in size or shape in each release too, which means a new case every time as well.  I was also ready to disown my beloved iPhone a few years ago when there was news about the poor working conditions at their factories overseas.  After numerous suicides (jumping off buildings) over these conditions, the company installed nets rather than fix the problems.  I found the fact that companies, like Apple (as well as other tech giants), that make more money than they can even count were making this money on the back of these overworked/underpaid workers just deplorable.  And while I was ready to jump the Apple ship, all the tech companies are doing it so there doesn't seem to be an alternative to that with the exception of going tech-less, which I'm not so sure I can do.
Anyhow, earlier this month Apple announced the upcoming iPhone 7.  The next number release is always anticipated because that's when all the new features are shown.  Some of the changes are a better camera in lowlight (which has been one of my complaints on the iPhone for years), a (slightly) longer battery life, and water resistant.  However it seems as if the phone being damaged by water isn't covered under the warranty, soooo.  But the biggest change, in my opinion, is the removal of the headphone jack.
THE REMOVAL OF THE HEADPHONE JACK!?!?!  Apple has decided that the headphone jack is outdated technology.  Could be, but I see it as another chance for Apple to make us all purchase new stuff.  Funnily enough, they've come out with some new blue tooth headphones.  The thing about blue tooth is if you don't have a connection, you can't connect to bluetooth.  Guess what you don't need a bluetooth connection for...THE HEADPHONE JACK!  To make the transition a bit easier the new phone will come out with a special dongle that will allow us old-folks to still connect our outdated technology.  It's better than nothing, but I'm not a fan of the dongle.  Plus, it's one more thing you've got to remember to take with you.  And I wonder what people will do who have those very expensive noise canceling headphones.  I have never splurged on a pair for myself, but I bought my mom a pair of Bose a couple of years ago for all her travels.  She loves them.  I can't afford to buy her another pair of bluetooth ones!
Ugh!  I'm really an Apple girl, but this change might just put me over the edge.

13 comments:

  1. I hate change.. especially when it comes to the fast changing technology. There is already enough to remember and keep track of..ugh

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    1. I don't mind change if it makes sense. I'm all for innovation, but this makes me mad.

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  2. You have taken the words right out of my mouth. I hated the change in the charging port (and when my old iPod finally kicks the dust, no more using my Bose docking station) AND this business with the headphone jack is a total no-go for me. For one thing, I'm still driving a car without bluetooth, so I have to use a cable if I want to hook up my phone or iPod to the car speakers (which I rarely do since I listen to satellite radio and the occasional CD). Also, I have headphones and exercise equipment that both require a jack. So no... I'm glad I upgraded (not by choice, since the battery crapped out) to the 6s a few months ago.

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    1. Yah, I have upgrades available for the new number, not the one in between, so I haven't moved from the 6 to the 6s. My battery life is quickly dying and by about midday it's down to low battery and I have to plug in. So I was looking forward to the new on coming out. Now I'm disappointed. A lot of the reviews are saying the 6s might be a better option than the 7...although the new camera quality is intriguing!

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    2. Ha! I have thick skin. My son (an android person) has harassed me for years about my Apple products. Bean on both of you! ;)

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  3. I'm somewhat plugged into the rumour mill about the tech stuff out of the US Japan and China these days. Way more than I ever wanted. And the general thought is that next year is going to see very big things out of Apple for the 10 anniversary of the Iphone.
    In general though and since I'm the owner of a Samsung that's 2013... .

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    1. Yes, I've been hearing that about the 10 anniversary too. It might be wise to hold out or just upgrade to the 6s which will be a lot cheaper and still have the jack until the anniversary one comes out. The only thing is if they've removed the jack, chances are it won't be back. I'm hoping it doesn't go over well so they have to put it back. :)
      I saw a few people mention that they had to remove the jack due to the water resistance change. But then others said the newer Androids are water resistant AND still have the jack.
      As I type this I have a dog nose in my armpit yelling at me to let her out! She's so pushy!!

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    2. It's a size Q. The jack, inside is a big limp of a thing. And I do think they are correct on the whole. Nor do I truly think anyone will be that bothered when the gordian knot of an set of earphones disappears forever. I think seeing Obama being driven nutty untangling them resonated with people, but mostly it included people into a worldwide occurrence that we all thought was Us alone.
      Pushy, F%^&ing PUSHY !. They have us fooled into thinking WE are training them. Last evening I was typing and she decided we were past the usual time for the evening walk and she came under me and Pucked me with her head. And your one talks to you too. :-)
      Bloody scamps.

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    3. While I do agree that the tangly mess of the cord is a nuisance. Just today I got it caught on the door knob when I got home from my walk and tore the buds right out of my ears. But, having to rely upon a bluetooth connection to listen to the music/books I own on my device really does worry me.

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  4. Of course they change these things so (a) the techies that have to have the latest and greatest will, in fact, buy the latest and greatest, and (b) they can sell us new products. I've had the 6 for a little more than a year now and it is suiting me just fine. "No headphone jack" is definitely the most talked-about feature. (See previous reference to new products -- what do you know, you can buy the wireless headphones for only $159).

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    1. Yah, that's what I mean. $159 for something that used to come free in the box! This is an upgraded technology I'm not thrilled with at all...and that's unlike me. :)

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