The Nexus Lineage

The devices since my early days of foray into technology.

Decided to go with Android ever since the Nexus One on Android Cupcake instead of iOS.

Never regretted since...

Some of my other devices didn't make it into the photo. I had a hard time deciding. Ended up with only devices with the Nexus logo. The rest can be seen in the link below...

The Nexii Bloodline album

#google #nexus #chromecast #chromebook #huawei #LG #android #androidtv #androidwear #Asus #Htc #Samsung #Motorola #chrome #alphabet

Quick review of the Sony Bravia KDL65W850C after 7 days of use

- The set is competitively priced for a YR2015 65 incher.
- Form factor is ultra slim with edge to edge screen. Almost looks like a picture frame with ultra thin bezels.
- I/O. No COAX but only an optical TOSHLINK for audio, HDMI ports are aplenty. USB ports and Ethernet port comes as standard. A little hard to reach all the ports behind for a panel this big.
- The remotes are responsive enough. Additional One Flick remote is a joy to use. Both remotes lacking Context Menu key which is sometimes required in an Android based OS. For keyboard wise, you can just connect your phone to the TV or get a Bluetooth Keyboard. I recommend the MadCatz Strike M keyboard.
- OS. A joy to use the OS as it runs on Android TV. Using the Android TV app on the phone allows you to use your phone as another remote or keyboard. Google Cast is inbuilt. Would be a lot better if your Google Account is a US account. But even that, being in SG, there are still some limitations without VPN. Other than that, the Android TV OS is smart and fast enough. The features built in are actually very useful for a TV.
- Panel. Yes its only a Full HD panel but its plenty good enough. I did a thorough check on the panel and spotted 2 very small dead blue subpixels as well as one ultra small stuck pixel. All three are small enough for normal people to miss entirely. The corners of the screen do suffer from a slight vignette effect. Some say its to prevent flashlighting of the panel.
- Colour is as nice as a Bravia engine can provide. Love it.
- Sound is surprisingly good! TV is plenty loud at level 14. Would be even better if you get the Sony wireless subwoofer to go with it.
- Warranty 3yrs & 3mths if registered online, panel included.
- Level of service. I bought it from Sony Flagship Store at 313. The sales rep, Kim is very helpful and after sales service was fantastic. Even the response through Sony @ Facebook was prompt. They sent a technician down to my place as soon as they can when I voiced concerns over the vignetting of the screen.
- Didnt bother to try out the 3D capability and the 2 free 3D glasses.

The End.

‪#‎sony‬
Sony Singapore

My Sketch Design Concept of a 1 DIN Car Stereo Head Unit by Razer.

After seeing Razer announced its Forge TV running Android TV, and many other manufacturers' Android AUTO head unit on CES 2015, I wonder wouldn't it be cool that Razer make a car head unit that runs on Android as well?

Why Razer? Well, I really hope to see a commodity product from Singapore getting recognition globally. While there is still Creative, Razer is more suited for this case with its fore-running image in embracing technology. My design also has many Razer design elements incorporated and some parts can even be reused from Razer's existing arsenal of products.
Besides, Razer has a current ecosystem which is more compatible with the software of this design and therefore has more potential in the future during the product's lifetime. Razer also has  experience in numerous audio products already. 
(Lets not debate on whether Razer can be considered a Singaporean brand here)

Hardware
As can be seen from the sketch below, there are no breakthrough or impossible technology here. Just a design that provides the best consumer package to satisfy the most demanding user.

Specifications
The top of the line specifications are chosen to ensure the unit is at least future proof for the next 5 to 10 years. Using close to stock Android as the native OS also means updates can be timely and relatively easy. Collaborations with other app developers such as Sygic can also ensure these useful navigation or car apps get bundled together with the product for sale.

Design

I chose a 1 DIN layout instead of the more common 2 DIN for touch screen head units because of a few reasons. With a 1 DIN layout, users can use the free space for their car meters such as Boost, Temperature or Pressure gauges. They could also just use the free space as a storage area for their phones when connecting to the head unit for Android AUTO or Apple CarPlay.

The materials used have to be high quality as this is supposed to be a premium product. Elements should also make existing Razer customers feel right at home.

I guess the rest can be seen from the sketch itself.

NAME

The name of the product is the Razer KOMODO Chroma. I was so engrossed in thinking how the embossed name should look like that I royally mispelled KOMODO as KODOMO. Epic FAIL there.

Komodo is chosen as that is the predatory 4 legged reptile, the Komodo dragon. Kodomo, actually means Children in Japanese > <

For Razer users, you probably already know what the 'Chroma' means. Its just a term to signify that the color of lighting on the product can be changed.
Anyway, I once thought of calling this unit the Razer Sleipnir, which is an eight legged horse in Norse mythology. But I end up choosing the more reptilian name.

For the in-car camera, I chose the name Razer Boa as boas generally have good eyesight.