Composition and beautiful bokeh—and story behind the pic—make today’s pick. I also like the contrasty colors set against the device’s drab and recognizable Apple logo. Cacho Menguito shot self-titled “Lost and Found But Useless” on Sept. […]
Author: Joe Wilcox
Chromecast (2015) Review
This is one of the easiest reviews to write—and the shortest, too. If you own an Android or iOS device, buy the new Chromecast. Nothing more needs to be said, but I am obliged because you do want to know why. Right?
Google opened up the streaming stick category with launch of the original Chromecast, in July 2013. Release of its successor, on Sept. 29, 2015, makes an already compelling platform better. I see two benefits that matter: WiFi AC support and the hanging dongle design. Wireless update primps the device for faster routers, like Google’s own OnHub. The other is more crucial. Some people needing or wanting to plug into one of a TV’s rear HDMI ports may find the original Chromecast won’t fit. The new design, puck hanging from HDMI cable, solves that problem.
Flickr a Day 296: ‘Jack Frost’
What an interesting autumn shot, and I’m still not 100 percent sure what we see. Is that a coin, or a token? I immediately thought train tracks, but we look down the boards of deck, […]
Bump Art
Sometimes I am shocked to find myself out of touch with popular culture—and that’s a terrible admission living in Southern California, where pronounced body art can be seen everywhere. Yet, not until yesterday’s Flickr Blog post “Belly Paining” and link to small gallery of photos had I ever seen such a thing.
Yeah, my wife and I are middle-aged parents with a daughter in college—removed from immediate contact with expectant-mother lifestyle. Nevertheless, how in the land of tattoos could I miss something so interesting, creative, and personally expressive? What a wonderful way to celebrate the joys (and hardships) of pregnancy.
Flickr a Day 295: Is It the Eyes?
I selected this untitled capture by Dan Foy after seeing it has more than 46,000 views—considerably greater number than the nude of the same woman. I must admit that it’s a simple, straightforward photo that […]
Flickr a Day 294: ‘Observed Reader’
Like yesterday’s selection, I picked the pic for mood, and ambiance—and remembrance. I lived long in the Washington, D.C. area before relocating to San Diego eight years ago. Julian Ortiz captures many images like self-titled “Observed […]
This is New
Hours after posting about Cali’s first year with us, she curled up with Neko on the NIPPRIG sofa where he typically sleeps. This has never happened before. The cats are territorial enough that there are some spots […]
Cali Decorates Every Room
A year ago today, my daughter’s stray cat Cali moved into the Wilcox household. I want to know where 12 months went. Whoosh! As I shared last Day of the Dead, the tortoiseshell kitty adopted my daughter soon after she moved into a group house near San Diego State University, where she goes to school. We inherited the furball, after a roommate demanded she go (the girl supposedly had animal allergies).
Cali is a stoutly independent cat. She’s a hunter and would do well on a farm. Our hefty ginger, Neko, and her are a bonded pair now. We hoped they would tolerate one another, because you never know with felines, and they’re friendly enough companions. Any time two territorial cats share space, that’s bonded enough.
Nexus 5X Early Review
The question everyone should ask about Google-branded, LG-manufactured Nexus 5X: Who is it for? My first-impressions review primarily focuses on the answer. My wife is one person, and I am surprised. Because conceptually she steps down from the Motorola Droid Turbo, which by raw specs is the superior mobile. Budget buyers also should consider the 5X or anyone living the Google lifestyle or wanting stock Android.
The new handset course corrects last year’s release blunder, when Google sized up to 6-inch screen with the Nexus 6, leaving many satisfied N5 owners in stunned silence followed by loud complaint. While a N6 fan, I agree: It is a huge phone that is overly large for the majority of prospective buyers. This year’s solution is smart. Google released two smartphones: Nexus 6P, which while phablet-class is markedly more manageable in the hands than its predecessor; Nexus 5X, for people wanting something smaller and for N5 owners looking to upgrade.
Flickr a Day 293: ‘Centre Island Passengers’
I picked today’s pic for mood. Ashton Pal writes about capturing the moment: “People waiting for the ferry on Centre Island to go back to the mainland (Toronto) after a summer’s night on Centre Island. […]
Why I Returned iPhone 6s Plus for Nexus 6P
If you asked me two months ago about using a Huawei smartwatch or smartphone, I would have scoffed. Yet, here I am doing just that. Timing on the latter is ironic. On Oct. 15, 2015, I bought a 128GB silver (and white) iPhone 6s Plus using Apple’s 24-month finance plan, rather than paying in full up front. Huawei-made, Google-branded 64GB Nexus 6P arrived the next day for review. The following morning (the 17th), I hauled down to Apple Store and returned the iPhone for full refund. That act sums up my reaction to the new Android flagship running “Marshmallow”.
I didn’t expect to be so wooed by Nexus 6P, but Google got me by delivering superior contextual experience. This device, and Android 6, is all about context, starting with what for me is the killer function I couldn’t part with: the fingerprint reader on the back of the phone. Picking up the device and placing my forefinger on the circular indentation wakes and unlocks the 6P. Wow-way is right! The mechanism beats the Hell out of Apple’s two-handed jimmy from the Home button.
Flickr a Day 292: ‘Orange/Blue White/Blue’
We carry forward yesterday’s color theme, with self-titled “Orange/Blue White/Blue”, which Daniel Chong Kah Fui captured on Sept. 6, 2008, using Canon EOS 1000D and EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens. Vitals: f/10, ISO 200, 1/500 sec, […]