Due to a poor experience with customer support, Clinton has decided to shut down AlliOSNews, the techie site – extolling all the goodies and gunpowder on the Apple OS. I’m well aware it’s Thursday. TechMom Tuesday is typically published the first Tuesday of every month. As this may be the last official TechMom Tuesday, I will continue chatting about my use of technology on actual Thursday’s here in my little corner of the inter webs.
The iPhone 6 has hit the streets. So let’s chat form factor.
It’s bigger.
The iPhone 5 boasted a 4-inch screen – stretching from the original specs 3.5-inch diagonal display. The new model 6 is 4.7-inches. (The 6+ is a phablety behemoth of 5.5-inches.)
When Apple first announced the new lineup. I was unsure about which phone I wanted. A friend of mine engaged in spur-of-the-moment arts-and-crafts project and cut out paper facsimiles. There was no question. The iPhone 6 it would be; the 6+ was too big.
See, I wear women’s clothing. Fashion designers do not consider pockets a must have these days. My phone has not fit in my pants since I upgraded to the iPhone 5. And when clothed in a skirt or dress, the phone is to be held at all times – so I need be able to carry it single-handed.
First impressions: the iPhone 6 definitely looks larger. Compared to the 5, the 4.7-inch display makes the device look more proportionate. The 5 seemed awkwardly long and narrow at times. That bigger screen makes a huge difference and my iPhone 5 now feels cramped when I pick it up.
However, as visually appealing as the larger screen is to aging eyes, I do find it difficult to manipulate the keys with only one hand. Double-tapping the home button (not pressing, just tapping) activates the “reachability” feature. This shrinks the apps to the lower portion of the phone. However, that doesn’t help the horizontal reach if you have hands smaller than required to reach a full octave on a piano.
The slender casing adds to the elegance. I’d love to be one of those people who proudly struts around with a naked phone, but as someone who’s sensitive ears make me want to throw chirpy beepy devices across the room, I do have cause for concern that perpetual vibration will ultimately result in phone suicide – buzzing right off the table.
Unfortunately, my initial case to protect against such free falls wasn’t ideal. The buttons annoyed the ever-living snot out of me.
The iPhone 6 sleep button is now located on the upper right-hand side of the device, as opposed to the top-right.
Combined with the wider handset, turning off your screen inevitably leads to simultaneously turning up the volume. This is pertinent information; keep it in mind before you set your alarm and proceed to fly out of bed after being awoken by an Apple composed jet-engine air horn.
Since I upgraded from a 5, the iPhone 6 is my first experience with Touch ID. I’ll admit I’m impressed – at least when I remember. I’m still getting used to having such capability, usually only remembering I can unlock my phone via fingerprint halfway through my passcode.
That said, remember to set your touch print for more than one finger to avoid an awkward phone juggling performance should you find yourself determined to use the fancy new technology Because. You. Can. Also, during the setup of your Touch ID, press the home button from all angles. There is nothing more frustrating than having your phone inform you your fingerprint is wrong. (Talk about an identity crisis.)
Allegedly this new Apple model has a longer battery life. Oh really?
| iPhone 6 | iPhone 5s | iPhone 5 | |
| Talk time | Up to 14 hours on 4G | Up to 10 hours on 3G | Up to 8 hours on 3G |
| Standby | Up to 250 hours | Up to 250 hours | Up to 225 hours |
| Internet Use | Up to 10 hours on 3G | Up to 8 hours on 3G | Up to 8 hours on 3G |
| Video Playback | Up to 11 hours | Up to 10 hours | Up to 10 hours |
| Audio Playback | Up to 50 hours | Up to 40 hours | Up to 40 hours |
CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!
I am quite skilled at perusing the inter tubes until that little battery icon turns beet red and screams Uncle. So despite seemingly marginal improvements, I’m off to see just how much time I have to find bits and bobs of information to share with you.
I’ll keep you posted.
It’s not like the phone fits in my pants – so I might as well use it. I’m eagerly awaiting the release of the Lifeproof case. Even the back pockets of my jeans are suspect defenders of the device. And that’s not to say anything of the poor hipster’s struggling with potentially bendable iPhone 6 Plus’ in their skinny jeans…
The iPhone 6: an amazing device. Friend of people, foe of pants.