My Point of view : Samsung Galaxy S2-Iphone 4s-The reason why Apple delayed the Iphone 5.

Every other week, I'll be providing my point of view (P.O.V.) for what it worth on any specific topic related to technology.  

I want to pay tribute to Steve Jobs again before I start. As many smarter people have done this already, I just want to say "Thank you Steve for everything (products and leadership)!". 


This week I've chosen to give my view on the new Samsung Galaxy S II, Iphone 4(s and without) and why Apple decided to delay the Iphone 5. I do not have a 4s yet but based on the info shared by Apple, it's easy to venture ourself through some comparisons. I'll spare you any standard face to face or feature by feature analysis. What compelled me in doing this analysis is that as part of my job, I need to know my competitor. As I was looking for a new phone, I decided to give a try to the new Samsung (not new for our folks in Europe though) and see what is out there when shopping for a new smartphone. Which one should you get? Let's find out.

My P.O.V. of the week:
Let me say it straight! The Samsung Galaxy S2 has exactly all the features (besides the operating system) the Iphone 5 was supposed to unveil last week. I'm utterly convince that this phone was ready but Apple has decided to postpone the launch to early 2012 (expect April-May). I had the chance to extensively test drive the S2 over the WE and I can say that this is the best smartphone currently available on the market...but not for the first time smartphone buyers (all those who are still using a feature phone) or if you prefer not for 60% of the US market according to Nielsen latest estimate.


If you are looking to buy your first smartphone, I highly recommend to try any new Windows smartphone (specifically those pre-loaded with Windows Phone 7.5 aka Mango). Obviously, the Iphone 4s is still a safe bet. 

Windows Phone - HTC Titan coming soon

Iphone 4/4s

For those who are already familiar with a smartphone, the Samsung Galaxy S II is the best smartphone currently on the market for the following reasons :

1. It's smart - this phone is powered by the latest version of Google OS, Gingerbread or Android 2.3.4. I'll let you do your homework on this operating system and its benefits.
2. It'slight but sturdy - with time you'll appreciate it's light weight therefore convenience.
3. It has a larger screen than Iphone 4s, with 4.3" display - probably the #1 feature everyone was expecting for any new Iphone.
4. Screen quality is amazing - you have to see it to believe it!
5. It is fast! Really fast! This is not a marketing argument. Everything you are planning to do with this phone will be accomplished in a blink of an eye. Click on an icon and the next thing you know is your apps is already opened. Web pages are loading really fast. Wether you are connected through wifi or the AT&T HSDPA network (much faster than 3G), you'll be surprised. Actually this is by far the fastest device I own. Using testing tool such as Speedtest, this phone connected through my wifi is faster than my wired Imac on the same network. Unbelievable!
6. It's a good looking and versatile device. It sports a 8 MP HD camera (yep much like Iphone 4s) which will easily replace any Point & shoot or HD camcorder you have. You can record video up to a resolution of 1080 p (much like Iphone 4s). An impressive battery (expect a whopping 13h of battery life in extensive usage)

All these features are likely present on the Iphone 5. Apple in my opinion has decided to postpone their silver bullet. It is likely that when #5 arrive, these features will be obsolete. Here in my opinion and knowing how the wireless industry operates why Apple did not launch the Iphone 5 :

1. AT&T 4G network is not ready until at least mid-2012.
2. With a larger screen size, Iphone 5 would have been much more expensive than Iphone 4 and mainly any similar handset with at least a 4.3" screen. Remember also that Apple is still buying most of the Iphone component such as the Amoled screen to...Samsung!!!
3. Iphone is now a mainstream product selling to millions of moms, dads and grandpas around the world (but India). These new Iphoners are not attracted to product features (4 inch display, 4G,NFC,...) but rather things such as Ease of use and few primary use cases such as email, web, photo, games and social networking.
4. Iphone 4 is still selling extremely well and its design is still relevant (thinner than the Samsung Galaxy S 2 btw). Iphone 4s pre-orders beyond 1M units in 24h is a good testament that the guys at Cupertino made a sound business decision. In comparison, it took Sammy months to achieve similar results. 
5. Why making a costly investment (building Iphone 5) now when world economies are in the red, people are losing their jobs and consumption in the US is and will remain low for the foreseeable future.
6. Asia and especially India represents huge opportunities for Apple to grow...assuming they can offer Iphone at a decent price point there.

Now for Samsung, Google, Microsoft it's time to hit hard! It's time to show the world that they have compelling, exciting and startling products to put against the Iphone. And even if  Android continues to stretch their leads (Android represents 43.7% of the US market vs. 27.7% for Apple as of August 2011 -Comscore), remember that in the US 60% of the market has yet to convert from feature/dumb phones to smart ones. Note that I did not mentioned RIM as I think that their faith is sealed. This is more than ever a 3 horses race between Microsoft, Google and Apple. 


With the holiday season in sight, Google and Microsoft need to launch their best weapons now or it will be too late. The Iphone 4s will be a major hit comes 12/31. No question about it but could Android stretches even more their lead? Will Windows Phone break through with their latest software release? 


For both question Samsung, LG or Motorola (newly acquired by Google) can provide answers or at least the beginning of responses. For Android, the Samsung Galaxy S 2 represents part of this solution and an excellent one. If you cannot wait for the Iphone 5 and you already have any previous one, go for it. The future Samsung + Google unannounced Smartphone (new Nexus) is another piece of the puzzle. But is it going to be good enough?


What about Windows Phone ? Will they have have a solution before the holiday season starts? In the meantime, Iphone remains a juggernaut that Apple will make sure to refine and improve overtime. It wasn't the time for an Iphone 5 to launch. As for me I'm pretty well covered with a Windows Phone Mango ready and the Galaxy S 2. I don't need an Iphone (at least not the 4s)...for now.

Ry apps for your WE - Moviefone on Ipad

One of the things I like to do during the WE is to go and watch a nice movie (and stuff myself with popcorns:)). Depending on the time of the year you have more of less good movies or blockbusters launching. Sometimes,  you might just be looking for independent - non advertised - not Hollywood-type of movies. Then it's hard to find a theater showing this kind of production.

As always, there is an apps for that. Actually there are many apps out there for moviegoers and Hollywood fans. Even online search engines (Google, Bing, Yahoo,...) are doing a not too shabby job helping you find what you need. On the go or while traveling, it's a different ball-game!  On the Ipad, there are at least 4 goods apps : Moviefone from Yahoo, ImDb from Amazon, Movies by Flixter and Fandango. They all share similar features such as showtime, coming soon, box office, theater nearby, DVD release.

Fandango

Flixster

IMDb

Moviefone is unique in the sense that it has all the features listed above but adds on top of that all what's best in any other apps. It's a sort of hub dedicated to movie almost an encyclopedia.

What to expect?

Moviefone homepage

From the homepage, you'll jump right on to the meat of the apps key features. News, In theaters, Top box office, coming soon and DVD are available right when you launch Moviefone. It's visually appealing, sleek and easy to use. Trailer for instance are available in customizable definition (standard to HD) but always with a nicer quality (all things being equal) than on competitive apps. You'll get access to a wide variety of trailers and especially those exclusive to Moviefone (clips, interviews and Q&A with movie cast) News are coming from various movies sources and are always informative. Everything is perfect from the content, to the picture quality of the images displayed. Movie posters or DVD packagings are also benefiting from this treatment.

Nearby recommendations

Amazing video quality

You'll love this apps because___:
The reasons you'll use Moviefone over any other movie apps are simple :

1. You'll love the "encyclopedia" feel of Moviefone. All you need to know about movies and stars is there and easily accessible.
2. it's easy to use and beautifully put together.
3. you'll get more than you expect. Looking for a movie in Bellevue WA? You'll also get information about places to eat or park near you. Very practical when you don't know the area
4. it has everything all the other movie apps have. 

Ok! With Moviefone, you have 99.99% of your questions answered. Now it's up to you to decide which movie you want to see next Saturday. It can get better than this!