Looked back, 2014 has been one heck of a year, especially in the tech world. So, to celebrate the end of the year, let’s look at some bloom and doom of the year, as well as some honorable mention.
Bloom: “Kimmy you’re a firework”
Yeah, you saw that coming (BTW, just a short review, the movie is okay). But here are some companies/product that impressed me in this year
LG
While I did not write a formal review, some of the products made by the company this year are quite exemplary. The LG G3 is one of the best devices that LG has done for awhile, follows the direction that the G2 has set out. While there is still some work to do, the company has really earned the 5th spot for this year bloomer. The amount of devices and their quality have made the company become one of the most smartphone brand in the US, as well as globally. Its products are what let it stands along with the big boy like Samsung and Apple.
Sony
Despite the questionable move of releasing a new device every six months, everything that came out of Sony this year have been aiming to be made to perfection. Of course, while did not succeed, the company did deliver one of the most substantial and consistent experience in the Android platform. From the Z2 to the Z3, everything that made the device popular were preserved and improve upon. Likewise, what comes out at the other end are simply stunning. The only reason Sony is not higher on the list is that the company has not made its presence known in the US of A, one of the most important market for most smartphone manufactures. Also, while the movie is not worth the attention, The Interview is still a pretty good movie.
Motorola
Claims the third spot is the former Google Company, Motorola. Consistently provides us with solid, close-to-stock Android experience with the new Moto X and Moto G, the company has really proven itself to be a real contender in the market. Also, with the acquiring by Lenovo, it can only mean good things to come,for Motorola. The Moto X, Nexus 6, Moto Turbo (Moto Maxx) and the Moto G are all made to almost perfection. If I have the money, the Moto X is what I will buy right away, no matter what comes out of CES 2015.
HTC
With the flagship mentality, HTC has created some of the best devices this year. From the One M8 to the Desire Eye, everything was made to deliver the best Android experience through Sense and some superlative hardware. There is not much to say, the company has done everything right, and I’m super excited to next flagship to come out of the Taiwanese manufacture.
Apple
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “FAN BOY!!!” No, I’m going to be honest, the last time I have an iPhone as a daily drive is the iPhone 4. And while there is a lot of work to do, the company has done something great this year: joined the market. A 4.7-inch and a 5.5-inch devices are what Apple’s customers have been asking for since the introduction of the Galaxy S3. And again, I’m going to be honest, what Apple has done this year are quite revolutionary. 6.9mm thickness is crazy (even if that record was beaten shortly after). And how about standardizes the electronic wallet. While Google may have been the one to think of it first, Apple is the one that executed the best way possible.
-Some honorable mention:
- Xiaomi, for making some of the best mid-tear as well as high-end device with a less-than-affordable price.
- Oppo, for telling the world how the camera should really work
- T-mobile, for the commitment to the Uncarrier movement that can potentially revolutionize the wireless industry.
Doom: “Like a plastic bag, drifting through the wind”
Yes, by now you would have guessed that this is a Katy Perry-themed editorial.
Samsung
While it has some shinning moment at IFA with the Galaxy Note line, there are reasons why the overall sale of the company decreased this year. The minor improvement of its most popular flagship, the Galaxy S5, is proven to be not enough, even with heavy marketing. At this rate, Samsung really needs to change its attitude toward the Galaxy S line if they want any kind of attention to this line ever again.
One Plus
While I do praise the company for trying something different, they did screw up, a whole lot at that. From the controversial invitation system, to the manufacture control issues, combines with the scandal that their PR team created, it’s a forgettable first year for the company. Let’s hope that was learned and not to be repeated next year by the executives ever again.
Wearable
From the beginning of the year, we heard from every site (including this one) about how this year will be the year for wearable technology. We will finally be able to buy wearable tech that is reliable and affordable at the same time. However, it has been a disappointment. Even know some big players like Google and Apple got involved, the acceptance and standardize on wearable technology will still be a long way to go, even if something like the Apple Watch is available from the beginning of 2015.
Nexus series
One sentence: if you break the price range that YOU set up, I’m done!
Microsoft/Nokia
Even know Windows Phone 8.1 brings a lot to the table, overall, the company is the biggest disappointment of the year. Don’t get me wrong, I’m, in every sense, a fan boy of the platform and the company, but the lack of flagship by Microsoft even after purchases of Nokia is simply unacceptable. And the rumor that there is nothing on the table until the autumn of next year is just adding up to what Microsoft is doing wrong.
So that is my list, what is yours? Tell me bellow
Fonetime.net 