Things of note for the week ending Sunday October 9th, 2016.
Yeah, we may as well commit to the whole ‘it’s gonna be on Sundays from now on’ thing. Maybe a re-brand around issue #200? What do you think?
While you mull over clearly the biggest decision in the world, I’ll crack on.
Shall we?
1. GOOGLE PHONES / PIXELS
I’m sure you’ve seen these already.
Nexus phones are famous for their accessibility. Pixel phones however, not so much. The larger one of the two, the Pixel XL, (5.5-inch + 128GB) will set you back a cool £819 SIM-free (this is a LOT of money). Matching, pound for pound, the largest options available for iPhone.
I was not convinced.
On Friday I was invited to a private Google event to not only try out the new phones for myself but also try out Google Daydream VR (think Google Cardboard but with phone-sync and made from much nicer material with a remote control to help navigate).
Sidenote: the Google Daydream VR experience had a teaser of the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them VR experience and, in the secluded demo area, Google laid on individual free-spinning stools for the guests to sit on. A small touch but it made a huge difference and has made me reconsider how I might use VR in future. Food for thought.
Over the past month or so I’ve been using the Huawei P9 and, if you’re looking for a phone that takes incredible photos (and doesn’t cost a fortune), I’d recommend – and have been recommending – that to everyone.
However, if you’re a software-led kinda person. Wanting to experience the next baby steps in mobile VR as well as, of course, the new and improved Google Assistant (with a not a too bad camera at all) and you don’t mind paying for a flagship, then Pixel is an obvious choice.
Expect more on this on next week’s podcast (episode 181).
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The next three items are ALL TRAILERS.
Sue me.
2. POWER RANGERS
That’s right, if you didn’t already know, there’s a new POWER RANGERS movie coming and, from here at least, it’s basically BREAKFAST CLUB but with SUPER POWERS (and then a dash of PACIFIC RIM) maybe.
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3. IRON FIST
This is the last piece of the DEFENDERS puzzle, after DAREDEVIL, JESSICA JONES, and LUKE CAGE (and maybe PUNISHER too, soon) for Netflix is IRON FIST.
Yeah, looks good right?
I have to confess: I’ve not actually found the time to watch LUKE CAGE yet but I’ve heard good things.
While we’re on Netflix…
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4. BLACK MIRROR
Oh yes. Brooker is back. And this time it’s gone to Netflix (think: bigger budgets/stars) and it looks like, as ever, incredible viewing. I don’t have much else to say…
Just watch the trailer.
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5. MEN ARE LAZY AND WOMEN DO ALL THE WORK
At least, in the land of the squirrel…
‘It is not clear what the males are doing above ground’
Also: quite a good opportunity to share arguably the best photo of a squirrel eating a pizza I’ve ever taken.
Brilliant.
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6. STIK IN SHOREDITCH
The artist’s hidden tribute to a sold-off London.
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7. YELLING AT ALEXA
I’m not sold on the new (for the UK at least) Amazon Echo. My life/house isn’t quite as automated as its imminent-future-proofed voice commands desire and, as such, I’m not wholly convinced I need* one [yet].
This write up both amused and spoke to me.
It may do the same for you.
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*I mean, who needs anything like this. Really. But still. You get the point.
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Bonuses this week are random selections from the past week’s Twitter favourites:
Thanks for reading – I hope you have an awesome and productive week.
Much love,
James.
