The Hardware Section of the show

[G+_Marlon Thompson]

The Hardware Section of the show

 

Jason Howell  Now I know that Gina Trapani is a software not a hardware person and that many times the stuff that you are seeing looks the same but sometimes the hardware section of the show comes off as "here is a bunch of stuff that we know nothing about so we are going to make fun of it of just stare into the camera". And while this doesn't occur all the time, I feel that you can find one or 2 positive or unique thing about many of the devices. I remember when you made fun of LG and said things like who uses an LG phone (all of you that have used one) and even if none of you have used the Sony phones or see them day to day, many  in your audience do. For example you laughed and joked about the Gear S but you could have pointed out that it has a built in GPS and a turn by turn pedestrian mode with Nokia Here maps. 

 

I guess what I am saying is that maybe you need to rethink how the hardware section is presented, maybe a mini before you buy (you do that already sometimes)., maybe less specs and what is unique if any (like was mentioned with the Ascend mate 7) you can even throw out on G+ the hardware you are going to discuss on the next show and get an audience reaction so that people who live in places where those phones are popular could weigh in. I mean you glossed over the Moto G and it was launched in India http://gadgets.ndtv.com/mobiles/news/moto-g-gen-2-with-5-inch-hd-display-launched-in-india-at-rs-12999-587154 and you have a lot of indian viewers. And honestly the Moto G impressed me a lot. 

 

Just a thought.

[G+_Jason Howell (raygun01)]

While I agree that the hardware section can be spec-mongering, what can I say. We had, what, 20 devices to cover in a normal length show and there is no way for me to compile all of that information that each listener expects to hear. We talk about what we talk about, and we will always miss details. 

 

And you aren't the only person to make the claim that "we said nothing positive about (insert OEM here)" but that is categorical incorrect. Go back and re-listen and you will hear positives, and negatives from (most of) us. I can't speak for anybody else, but I specifically remember saying (as only one example) that the Note Edge is something new and I like that they are trying those new things and that you have to give Samsung props for that. Heck, when the announcement was over, Mike Elgan asked me which one excited me the most and I said the Edge.... But if I don't bend over backwards and say "I LOOOOVE it" (which I don't... It's still very neat though), then people say I actually hate it and that's simply not the case.

 

Look, people hear what they want to hear. This is something that I've realized over the years. I've made a concerted effort to recognize positive qualities in new technology cause yes, its very easy to take the "I don't get it, therefor it sucks" approach. Case in point: Samsung VR. Just cause we aren't gamers doesn't meant that it doesn't have a charged up audience. So yes the tech is cool but its a limited approach locking it down to only Note 4. That's not negative for the sake of being negative. That's reality. I like the tech, I don't think it will take off IN ITS CURRENT LOCKED DOWN STATE. Doesn't mean I hate it.

 

Anytime I recognize those positive qualities and call it out on the show, I'm still harped on for being negative. The fact is I can appreciate new technology and give props for that new technology but STILL think that even though its neat, it's probably not going to move the needle that much. Both can exist, and neither mean that I am a hater. It just means I'm speaking MY truth. It's just critical thinking.

 

Sorry, don't mean to rail but I swear, doing a show where we have to cover this much hardware absolutely means that details will get lost in the shuffle. Sorry that we can't remember every single thing and not to mention, it's much easier for the thousands of listeners to find the few things we missed cause everyone latches onto different points of this stuff and there are way more of you to find out what we missed than there are of us to create the show before you ever see it. There is only so much time.

 

/end rant. And honestly, Marlon Thompson , I don't really hold you as the shining example of most of what I'm ranting about here. You have always been a very level-headed fan and critic of the show and I really respect your insight in this regard. So I respect what you have to say (as I do most anybody that writes in with criticism, if it's done thoughtfully and constructively like yours always is.)

 

deep breath. Ok back to work.

[G+_Marlon Thompson]

Thanks for the response Jason Howell as and as you noticed I said sometimes and I kinda expected yesterday to be filled with hardware. Basically what I was saying and hinting for a while is that we are here to help. I know you are super busy and I see the effort you put into the show but I  remember when you used  the community a lot more  as a sounding board for topics or questions and if you need us we are here for you . 

[G+_Jason Howell (raygun01)]

Marlon Thompson It's a great point. I will try to remember to post some stuff on G+ a bit more in those situations and let folks add their own insight cause yes, it really does help!!! :)

[G+_Zulhaimi Abdul Hamid]

Jason has always been one of the fairer hosts. But I've come to accept that it's harder for Samsung and LG to impress the others.

 

On device reviews on TWIT, I've commented elsewhere so I will not repeat here.

[G+_Marlon Thompson]

Totally agree Zulhaimi Abdul Hamid I have tons of respect for Jason and what he does on the network and the level of  thinking he puts into  the products he uses and reviews. I really enjoy his thoughts on Android and technology as a whole.