Blog Archives
Did Apple Cook Up a Winner?
“It’s the best iPhone we’ve ever made.”
The concluding line in the iPhone 7 introductory video revealed that Apple’s latest smartphone is not a new, groundbreaking invention. Instead, the iPhone 7 (and iPhone 7 Plus) are innovations from the past with impressive, eye-catching updates. Specifically, the focus of the engineers and design teams at Apple was on the improved camera of the 7 and the dual cameras on the 7 Plus. Moreover, the new iPhone 7s will be water resistant (huge plus) with an improved Retina HD screen resolution, stereo-quality speakers and the removal of the headphone jack with wireless earbuds/AirPods.
The forced Bluetooth feature may cause a toothache for Apple’s consumer base, but that’s still in the speculative “TBD” phase.
Without holding, listening, perusing or taking pictures with an iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus in my hands, it’s difficult to rate the flashy new tech. My first reaction is that this series of iPhones look intriguing enough to consider for an upgrade after a couple of years with the iPhone 5. Avid fans aside, the question for many consumers will likely center on upgrading to a phone that will hold the creative and futuristic appeal for a couple years or so. Plus, the dramatic change in purchasing and carrier plan options could certainly impact consumer decision-making. Having said that, the updates in the iPhone 7 models will be easy to test through snapping/tapping test pictures, listening to songs in stereo mode and (potentially) pouring water on a test phone in the store.
Salespeople: Get ready for especially playful, interactive demonstrations with curious customers.
Tim Cook has been waiting for that “wow!” moment as the face of Apple. Today did not bring about that signature revelation, but perhaps slow and steady will, in fact, win that show-stopping race for Mr. Cook at some point down the road…
And the verdict on the iPhone 7s will all but rely on the invisible space between headphones/AirPods and the iPhone, as well as the location of said AirPods when not in use.
One thing’s for certain: Apple will definitely hear about its daring wireless experiment either way with unrivaled clarity.
Whatever Happened to Predictability? The Iron Man, The Captain America, Wanda Maximoff?
Thor went to work at a 9-5 job earlier this year. Now, Marvel’s Avengers have perfected the functionality of a time machine.
A nostalgic time machine, to be precise.
(Yes, actress Elizabeth Olsen’s sisters are Ashley and Mary-Kate Olsen from the sitcom Full House)
If this doesn’t put a smile on your face to start the week, I’m not sure what will.
The ’80s and ’90s hold a special place in people’s hearts for a variety of reasons. One of these reasons centers on the wholesome, family-friendly sitcoms. Full House certainly falls in the category of a TV show beloved by many, many fans. The deft editing by YouTube user “Zach Ace” (as seen above) played on the family-like dynamic of the Marvel cinematic universe. Interweaving people or superhero characters into opening credits like Full House isn’t a new phenomenon, but the take by “Zach Ace” is pretty spot-on.
On the one hand, could you imagine if Marvel’s marketing department used this video, in some way, to promote a new film or an announcement related to its films? On the other hand, who would’ve thought that Full House and Iron Man would be go together like a Hawaiian vacation and a clipboard of fun?
Danny Tanner, sure, but he’s the one with the clipboard of fun things to do.
Dreaming in a “Sky Full of Stars”
Coldplay is really good at playing warm tributes.
In similar fashion to their 2012 tribute to the late Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys during a show at the Hollywood Bowl, Coldplay showed their respect and admiration to the life of the inspirational Gene Wilder at a recent show.
The visual of confetti stars falling to the tune of “Pure Imagination” is a genuinely nice tribute by the band from across the pond. Sometimes, simplicity can speak volumes and this is one of those moments. What’s incredible is that those two words will forever be linked to the late Gene Wilder, bringing a smile to the face of anybody that hears the magical phrase.
As it turns out, any ticket bought to see a Gene Wilder movie was a golden ticket.
Jimmy's Daily Planet 