The Endless Rumors and Hype

Summary:
Numerous rumors are surfacing on Apple’s new cellular device. There have been many reports that make it clear that the new iPhone will have a larger display. There are also many rumors that the device will have a more round design and might even have a curved screen.

Reaction:
Personally, I hope that all these rumors are true. My biggest issue with the iPhone has been it’s outdated screen size. The average screen size for a smartphone is about 4.5 inches while the iPhones remains at 4 inches. This is the biggest reason why I refuse to own an iPhone. With this large issue resolved, I will honestly consider the next iPhone as my next phone.



Connection:
Apple products in general seem to have no significant connection with our school. Other than most students owning some sort of Apple product, I see no connection that is noteworthy. Our school heavily revolves around the Google ecosystem, so Android devices seem to be more efficient for managing our school life.

Short Answer:
How does the structure of the text refine and support the author’s claim?

The article is brilliantly structured in quite a number of ways. The author starts the article by giving a short overview on what the post is about, “The rumor mill is already churning out reports about Apple's next smartphone” (Blanco). The article then has a couple of videos that all pertain to rumors to the next iPhone. This is great because it gives the reader a break from all of the text. After the short videos the reader gives a solid conclusion to the article by explaining when she thought the phone will be revealed, “It's much more likely that we won't get a new phone until the fall” (Blanco).

Worked Cited:

Blanco, Xiomara. “iPhone 6: Every Rumor,” Cnet. Cnet, 16 Apr. 2014. Web. 11 May. 2014.
      <http://www.cnet.com/products/apple-iphone-6/>.

Dambrans, Karlis. “iPhone 5S.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 30 Oct. 2013. Web. 11 May. 2014.
      <https://www.flickr.com/photos/65265630@N03/10575769756>.

Microsoft Mobile

Summary
Microsoft has recently purchased the cellphone division of Nokia. The Nokia name will be renamed to Microsoft Mobile. Nokia has been closely working with Microsoft as of recent with Microsoft's Windows Phones.

Reaction
Personally I have never owned a Nokia phone, but I am well aware of the impressive legacy its name has. It was one of the biggest innovators in the cellphone market. Even recently, they have been creating phones with high praise. Now that they are owned by Microsoft I doubt much will change. For the past years they have only been creating Windows Phones. It is not like they are being pushed to unfamiliar grounds. I am sure Microsoft will use Nokia to their full advantage.

Connection
I have no connection in mind that directly connects this topic with school. I suppose that this topic would nicely relate with my last years business class. It is quite common to see bigger companies buy and rename smaller companies.

Short Answer
What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection?
The central idea of the passage is simply to report that Microsoft will be renaming Nokia to Microsoft Mobile. The author starts of the article without wasting any time, "the software giant plans to rename Nokia Oyj to Microsoft Mobile Oy"(Musil). Most people don't have time to read an entire article, so the author states what's important up front. Soon afterwards, the author explains in detail what this all mean,"The new wholly-owned subsidiary will serve as Microsoft's mobile devices division"(Musil). This sort of transition is nice and it easy to read.

Worked Cited
Musil, Steven. "Microsoft reportedly plans to rename Nokia Oyj." Cnet. Cnet, 20 Apr. 2014. Web. 27        Apr. 2014. <http://www.cnet.com/news/microsoft-reportedly-plans-to-rename-nokia-oyj/>.


Abegglen, Martin. "nokia lumia 800." Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 18 Mar. 2012. Web. 27 Apr. 2014.
         <https://www.flickr.com/photos/30713600@N00/6997580445?rb=1>.

Everyone Loves the new member of the Galaxy S series

Summary:
The Samsung Galaxy S5 is Samsung’s new flagship phone. Following up from its predecessor, the S4, Samsung brought a few new features to the table. However, many state that it is a bit too similar to the S4. It has been well received and has obtain steller reviews.

Reaction:
It feels like it was last year since the acclaimed S4 was released, in fact, it was last year. It is hard to believe that “the next big thing” is already here, but apparently it is. My thoughts on this phone seem a bit negative, but that is not exactly the case. Without a doubt, the S5 seems like a spectacular phone. It is better than its predecessor in every way, but just by a little bit. The S5 is a small leap to the future for Samsung’s incredibly popular Galaxy series. The reviewers seem to love it and, so do all the hardcore Android fans.





Connection
This particular phone doesn't deviate much from other smartphones, so it doesn't stand out as being necessarily helpful for school. However, smartphones in general are quite useful for an educational setting as stated before in my previous current events. Smartphones can allow students to turn in homework and set up reminders for their homework. The S5 is no different and is a great choice for any student in need for a smartphone.

Short answer

What is the purpose for using statistics?

The use of statistics is quite necessary for reviewing any type of product, especially in the technology area. Knowing what exactly the product has in store is vital for any review. It makes the reader feel assured that the author knows what they are talking about and have some sort of technical familiarity with the product. The author excellently executed this in his review by incorporating the specs of the S5, “The 5.1-inch, quad-core Android 4.4 KitKat machine with a terrific 16-megapixel camera is well worth snapping up”(Dolcourt). The author also states the US and UK price of the device which is simply wonderful, “On-contract for about $200, or off-contract for about $650 (and about £570 in the UK and €700)” (Dolcourt). In the end, statistics really do make a review better.


Worked Cited
Biehler, John. “Samsung Galaxy S5.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 1 Apr. 2014. Web. 13 Apr. 2014.  

       <https://www.flickr.com/photos/69295994@N00/13571721183>.

Dolcourt, Jessica. “High five: Samsung's best phone gets better.” Cnet. Cnet, 7 Apr. 2014. Web. 13 Apr. 

        2014. <http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-galaxy-s5/>.

The all new Chromecast

Summary
Chromecast is Google’s new attempt on multimedia streaming on TVs. It is a small USB stick that plugs in the TV. It has large variety of apps and has access to the Google Play Store.

Reaction
This product seems more like a novelty than anything else. Personally, I have no use for this product. My PS3 and Wii U can handle my video streaming needs without any problems. However, this product does look quite appealing for people who don’t yet own such devices. The price tag is incredibly appealing and its design is sleek and portable. Overall, I believe that this new product is well worth its praise.



Connection
The Chromecast can come in handy in quite a number of situations, especially in school. Currently I am taking a film class that requires me to review some movies on my own accord. The Chromecast can facilitate this procedure by allowing me to stream Netflix on my TV. Of course, that is if I already didn't own products that can stream Netflix on my TV.

Short Answer
What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection?

The central idea is on how the Chromecast can finally be the device that makes Google a popular alternative for other video streaming devices. This supported by a statement from the author, “This new gadget may be the one that makes a seismic impact in the consumer technology world.” This statement definitely makes the reader know that the product is quite important. The author also seems to believe that this product is one of Google’s most brilliant ideas yet.

Worked Cited


Barrer, Edgar. “Chromecast Unboxing.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 23 Feb. 2014. Web. 30 Mar.
          2014. <https://www.flickr.com/photos/51854924@N00/12729451194>.


Gross, Doug. “Why Chromecast may be Google's TV game-changer.” CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, 25 Jul. 2013. Web. 30 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2013/07/25/tech/gaming-gadgets/google-chromecast-tv/index.html?iref=allsearch>.

Wireless World

Summary
Wireless electricity is not a thing of the past, but a thing of the present. The ability to use electricity wirelessly is currently being created and tested. The near future will most likely use this system for home electricity.

Reaction
Wireless electricity was something that was always associated with the future. That is no longer the case. I find it quite fascinating how scientists managed to create such results. The use of magnetic fields to conduct energy simply sounds marvelous. A world without chargers and wires is a much happier one.



Connection
The whole world revolves around using wires to power their devices. This technology, that is currently under development, has the ability to change life as we all know it. This topic can easily be connected with all areas of life because the use of electricity is a necessity.

Short Answer
What is the central idea of the passage and how is it developed and refined throughout the selection?

The central idea of this passage is on the existence of wireless electricity and its impact on the world. The author also explains how common this technology will be, “wire-free energy transfer could be as easy as wireless internet” (Pondsford). This statement was done to further support that wireless technology will be the way of the future. He also goes into detail about how this technology is safe and harmless, “Don't worry about getting zapped...they are the same kind of fields used in Wi-Fi routers” (Ponsford). This will make all the people that were uneasy about the magnetic fields more content and satisfied.

Worked Cited

Figueroa, Sam. “My new desk.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 10 Jun. 2007. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.
       <http://www.flickr.com/photos/82767239@N00/538772025>.

Ponsford, Mathew. “Wireless electricity? It’s here.” CNN. Turner Broadcasting System, 14 Mar. 2014.           Web. 16 Mar. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2014/03/14/tech/innovation/wireless-electricity/    
       index.html>.

Samsung's New Money Maker

Summary
Samsung has recently revealed their new flagship phone, the Samsung Galaxy S5. It comes with numerous new features like a fingerprint reader and a heartbeat sensor. The new phone will be released sometime in April 2014.

Reaction
It is hard to believe that we are already on the fifth installment of the ever so popular Galaxy S series. The new phone comes to me as a disappointment at first glance. I expected much more from Samsung this time around. However, the S5 has quite a bit of new features that are not only charming, but actually useful. The fingerprint reader, heartbeat sensor, and super power saver mode are all nice additions. However, I personally have no need for a heartbeat sensor, so I suppose I don't care much for this new phone. I like the phone, but I am not dying to have it.


Connection
Technology is used in our school quite a bit. Smart devices are also constantly used among our students and staff. The S5, while not exactly made for school, will most likely be a reliable device for school work.

Short Answer
What is the impact of using personal experience?
Puting your own input and experience into things makes everything unique. The author of this article spices things up by writing things like this, “I mean, I guess it's cool Samsung put this on the phone?”(Covert) This really makes normal generic reports on news more lively and interesting.

                                                                     Worked Cited 
Covert, Adrian. “First Impressions of the Samsung Galaxy 5.” CNN. Turner
       Broadcasting System, 24 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2014. <http://money.cnn.com/2014/
       02/24/technology/mobile/samsung-galaxy-5-hands-on/index.html>.


SamsungTommorow. “Galaxy S5.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 3 Feb. 2014. Web. 2 Mar. 2014.
      <http://www.flickr.com/photos/47036738@N06/12757378735>.

USHM Article Summary

When World War II ended, there were approximately 1.5 million jewish children dead from Hitler’s devastating actions. Only about 9,000 children survived, which is nothing compared to the total number of survivors. Even the more fortunate children that survived had to live lives without any family members or guardians. Children usually did not survive long in the concentration camps. Most of them were sent instantly to gas chambers since they lacked the strength to avidly work in physical labor. This shows that Hitler did not have any pity, not even for the young innocent children.

Worked Cited

“Plight of Jewish Children” United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. United States

Holocaust Memorial Museum, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2014. <http://www.ushmm.org/wlc/

en/ article.php?ModuleId=10006124>.

Vita 2000...

Summary
Sony is planning on releasing their newest portable gaming console, the PlayStation Vita 2000, here in the US and in Europe. It has some changes to its exterior design, but overall retains the same look and aesthetics of the original. It will launch here in the spring with a $200 price tag.

Reaction
Personally, I could care less about this redesign. I currently own the original Vita and I don't see much of a change to make me jealous or anything. This console never has any games coming out, so hopefully this redesign will make consumers and developers more enticed to use it. I do have to say that the device looks pretty nice and the colors it comes in are more vivid.

Connection
This topic is pretty bare to begin with, so its no surprise that it has no connection to school whatsoever. I guess the device shares some similarities to our school computers, they both have screens. They both also cost a lot of money, so save up if you want any of these mediocre devices.

Short Answer
How does the author support his claim? Use evidence from the selection to support your answer.
The author supports his claim because he reviewed the device himself. This is clear with statements like, “Compare the Vita Slim to the original model”(Westaway). This clearly shows that the author reviewed the device himself, so that's how he supports his claim.

Worked Cited

Fagiolino, Matteo. “PlayStation Vita.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 2 Mar. 2012. Web. 19 Feb.
       2014.<http://www.flickr.com/photos/ 62203394@N03/ 6977714743>.

Westaway, Luke. “PlayStation Vita Slim: Sony's handheld gets a welcome redesign.” Cnet. Cnet, 11 Feb.
       2014. Web. 19 Feb. 2014. <http://reviews.cnet.com/consoles/ sony-playstation-vita-2000/ 4505-
       10109_7-35827488.html>

Nintendo's Future

Summary:
President of Nintendo, Satoru Iwata, recently held a strategy briefing discussion the future of Nintendo as a whole. A lot was discussed revolving the Wii U and its current problems. Iwata also revealed that he plans to expand Nintendo to the health market.

Reaction:
It is no surprise to me that Iwata is changing his strategy on marketing the Wii U. The gaming system is obviously not selling as much as its highly acclaimed predecessor. As an owner of a Wii U myself, I feel that Nintendo has failed to market the system to average consumers and the “hardcore gamer”. Some people claim that Nintendo is going to die or that the Wii U is going to flop, I find these claims to be quite absurd. Considering that Nintendo is a humongous company that is in fact doing quite well because of the 3DS, I find it hard that they will vanish anytime soon.

                                            

Connection:

There is no real connection between school and the economic well being of Nintendo, but I suppose that it could relate to the business class I had last year. In that class we discussed the different strategies on how to market certain products. This is the area in which I feel Nintendo has failed with the Wii U.

Short Answer:

How does the author use language to advance her point of view?

This article in particular was very informative and really didn't have a strong sense of opinion. Even so, there were some instances in which the author expressed her concern towards the company. “Perhaps the worst bit of news...the company expects to sell just 400,000 Wii U units” (Everts). This quote clearly demonstrates that the author actually cares about the well being of Nintendo. This author also seems to be happy with positive news, “On the plus side, Nintendo plans to release Mario Kart 8 in May, which should be welcome news to avid fans of the popular franchise” (Everts). These two quotes lead me to believe that the author actually cares about Nintendo and their problems.

Worked Cited

Everts, Desiree. “Nintendo: Smartphones? Blech! It's all about the consoles.” CNN. Turner 

         Broadcasting System, 29 Jan. 2014. Web. 2 Jan. 2014. <http://news.cnet.com/
         8301-10797_3-57618052-235/nintendo-smartphones-blech-its-all-about-the-consoles/>

Yohei, Yamashita. “Nintendo - WII U.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 8 Dec. 2012. Web. 2 Feb.
          2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/66035780@N00/8254457198>

Blockbuster Closes Down

Summary:

The article I chose for this week focuses on the official announcement of all Blockbuster stores closing. While not a shock for many, the article reports why Blockbuster is closing. The author of the article also shares his memories and the memories of others on what made Blockbuster so notorious in its time.

Reaction:

With the rise of video streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu Plus, the odds of video rental stores surviving is at best minimal. It came to me as no surprise that Blockbuster was closing all their stores. It was only a matter of time that the video rental giant would come crumbling down to the mercy of video streaming services and Redbox. As a child I would think the prices for rentals were absurd. Now that I am older, I still believe that the prices were incredibly outrageous. The article explains that Blockbuster is not entirely disappearing from the face of the Earth. They will remain as a video streaming service which will most likely not come close to the power of Netflix.

Connection:

There is no direct connection I can create that involves Blockbuster and school. Perhaps the only thing that comes to mind is the film college class I am currently taking. The instructor told us we needed to watch certain movies. Blockbuster could have been a way to obtain these movies, but alas it is no longer possible.

Short Answer:
What is the author’s point of view, and how does it impact the overall effect of the text?

The author of the article does not particularly show any sort of remorse or grief towards the the predictable ending of Blockbuster. In fact, the author throws sarcastic jokes like, “if only Blockbuster could rewind back to the 1990s” (Leopold). This leads me to believe that the author genuinely does not care about the end of the video store. The author also seems to be expecting Blockbusters end when he stated, “The action was long expected” (Leopold).

Worked Cited

Leopold, Todd. “Your late fees are waived: Blockbuster closes.” CNN. Turner Broadcasting System

6 Nov. 2013. Web. 18 Jan. 2014. <http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/06/tech/ gaming-gadgets/  

            blockbuster-video-stores-impact/index.html>

trebomb. “Distressed Blockbuster Video Sign.” Photograph. Flickr. Yahoo, 5 Nov. 2010. Web. 18

Jan. 2014. <http://www.flickr.com/photos/13988857@N00/5167599294>