Waiting for Updates

Looks like I have multiple updates to look forward to. There's iOS 8 and OS X Yosemite coming for my Apple devices, Android L for my Nexus 5, and looks like there's also a new update for Windows Phone available soon: http://www.wpcentral.com/official-update-1-windows-phone-81-next-week-preview.

It'll be interesting to see whether the Windows Phone update solves any of the Bluetooth shortcomings I've experienced, but the most important thing is that Microsoft seems to have accelerated their WP update pace. Maybe there's some hope left for Windows Phone after all?

Google Play Issues

Just my luck. Of course it's only shortly after I publish a post praising Android when I run into issues with mine. I'm trying to migrate my todo manager to Toodledo, but it seems like Play Store is refusing to install the Android app on my Nexus 5. It's stuck at installing and I've got error 495 once. I've rebooted my phone and cleared Play Store's caches and app data, but so far nothing has helped.

I can install other apps (although they do take their time), but Toodledo appears to be stuck. I've tried to install the app on both WiFi and mobile data with similarly bad results. Sigh. Time for some additional troubleshooting, I guess.

UPDATE: It was up to WiFi. On a mobile network with a better reception and on a different WiFi network I could download the app just fine.

Liking the Green Bot

First of all, sorry about the delay with confirming that changing the audio settings as described in the previous post did indeed solve my Bluetooth issues and I've been a happy Nexus 5 camper ever since. I also got my case issues sorted out with a Spigen Neo Hybrid case, which I bought after a short tryout with the LG Snap Case for Nexus 5. The Snap Case added minimal bulk to the device, but I wasn't quite happy with the protection it provided. The sides were completely flush with the screen, so if my Nexus falls display first, the screen is most likely cracked. The old bumper case had its sides extending a couple of millimeters above the screen and I rather prefer that setup especially with a toddler around in the house.

So I went forward and bought a Spigen Neo Hybrid case in Champagne Gold after a recommendation in Google+, and my search for a case is over for now. I get decent protection, the case looks surprisingly good, and Qi charging still works. If only there were more room for a larger headphone jack, it would be close to perfection. I must also thank Google Play's customer support for its handling of my complaint about the discoloring bumper. When the support rep learned what had happened in such a short timeframe, they offered to refund the purchase straight away without any additional hassles. I've read some horror stories about Google's lack of customer support, but my personal experience so far has been quite the opposite. It was also a Saturday when I called them and got the issue sorted out. I was almost sure that it would be Monday to Friday only, but it seems like the Google Play support has rather decent opening hours. Good stuff, Google.

So with the Bluetooth and case issues both sorted out, the Nexus 5 is now my definite daily driver. Due to having two active cellular subscriptions (work and personal SIMs), I'm still carrying also my work-issued Lumia 925 around with me, but its use is relegated to acting as a backup just in case I run out of battery with my Nexus 5 and for playing Hill Climb Racing (and if someone knows how to sync my WP progress with the Android version of the game, please drop me a line :)). I also take a Lumia 620 with me e.g. to fishing trips and elsewhere where there's a serious risk of (water) damage to my phone. If there were a water-proof high-end Android device with stock Android available for purchase in Finland, I think I'd need to get one of those. Sony Xperia Z2 looks promising, but it's still a customized version and I'm rather impatient about getting the latest OS goodies, I'd really like a vanilla Android with those hardware features. If such a phone exists and I've just missed it, please do point out my ignorance and make my credit card sweat a little ;)

What comes to eagerly waiting for OS updates, Android L has some goodies I can barely wait for! I'm really looking forward to the battery life improvements, new design, personal unlocking, and the low latency audio recording and USB audio support. Maybe we'll get some of the iOS music apps I like ported to Android now? With Android L getting released in the fall, I'm rather happy that my Android device is a Nexus 5 so I'll be in the first wave of constantly checking for updates. If I had a spare Nexus, I'd try out the developer preview as well, but for now I don't think I want to take the risk with my daily driver. Maybe I'll do it somewhat closer to the release if impatience takes over. Oh, I almost forgot about the Chromecast improvements. I've bought one recently, and with the latest changes I think I'll be getting a couple more.

As I'm happy with the current usefulness of my Nexus 5 and the Android L update looks really promising, the iPhone 6 needs to be something truly exciting for me to justify its cost. Yes, I still think iOS 8 is a huge upgrade to iOS, but now when also Android L features have been revealed, I'm not sure if it provides enough advantage over Android for my use. Now the decision depends rather heavily on the iPhone 6 hardware. It might be that for example lack of wireless charging could turn out to be a deal-breaker for me now. Well, we'll see what Apple's up to in the coming months. Meanwhile I'm happy with my Nexus 5 and waiting for Android L to make it even better.

Technically Windows Phone is still in the race, too, but Microsoft really needs to pick up the pace and make something truly extraordinary to make me consider using WP before Android and/or iOS. I'm not holding my breath, though.