Fall Back 2015: The tech that fell back this year

[pc747]

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As we are marching fast toward the holidays I am reminded of the devices that fell back, the devices that got our attention during their unveiling and that was it.

• Lg Flex 2: The first LG Flex had a following. A back cover that healed from scratches, a somewhat flexible display, and a large battery, the Flex was a fan favorite. Unfortunately the Flex 2 was not able to continue building on the momentum. LG G Flex 2 Promo Video Shows Off Unique Features | Android Forum at DroidForums.net
• Sony Walkman NWZ-ZX2: Just was priced too high. People barley cared about it at CES so no surprise that here we are in November and people forgot the device existed. http://www.cnet.com/products/sony-walkman-nw-zx2/
• Ubuntu Phone: Could this be? Well we did not care in 2015. This was shown at MWC 2015 but was in the shadows of Samsung and HTC. Ubuntu on phones | Ubuntu
• Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet: Out of all the devices on my list this one may be a steal for the holiday seasons (depending on how it is priced). Waterproof, nice specs, but the $600 price point (and the fact people have moved from tablets to phablets) made this the device that people glanced over.
• VR Headsets: This can be debated as I expect to see its popularity resurface in time for the holiday season. Samsung was able to make the most of it but the HTC Vive went with HTC M9, to the toilet. HTC Shocks with Their Own VR Headset: the HTC Vive | Android Forum at DroidForums.net
• HTC: HTC M9, HTC Aero, HTC Vive (as stated above), and even the HTC Nexus 9 (though a 2014 device). HTC just seem to not be able to put out a device to save their lives. HTC needs a hug because even Iron Man couldn't help them. HTC's new Robert Downey Jr. ads are just as bonkers as the last ones - CNET
• Asus Zenfone 2: Looked good, sounded good, priced good, but could not find a niche audience. Didn't help that they did not work on the VZW network. Asus Zenfone 2 Now Available from Multiple Online Retailers | Android Forum at DroidForums.net

Do you agree with the devices we have on this list?

What devices did we leave off?

 

[pc747]

honorable mentions: One Plus 2 and Nvidia Shied Pro (NVIDIA Officially Launches Shield TV at Google I/O | Android Forum at DroidForums.net).

 

[supermandroid]

As someone who's really been embracing Linux lately (Debian file server, SteamOS on a second SSD, Antergos on a laptop USB drive), I'm really curious to see how the Ubuntu phone fares.

 

[MissionImprobable]

The main issue for them is that their impression is that they're for tech heads. They don't offer the out-of-the-box everyday functionality that Android, iOS, or even Windows mobile does, I don't think they've marketed themselves well to business, where some of the flexibility might be of use in creating an interface that improves efficiency and productivity, and the design isn't even talked about cosmetically. They have nothing to make them a talking point outside of the 'gadgetsphere'. Guess we'll see.

 

[supermandroid]

The main issue for them is that their impression is that they're for tech heads. They don't offer the out-of-the-box everyday functionality that Android, iOS, or even Windows mobile does, I don't think they've marketed themselves well to business, where some of the flexibility might be of use in creating an interface that improves efficiency and productivity, and the design isn't even talked about cosmetically. They have nothing to make them a talking point outside of the 'gadgetsphere'. Guess we'll see.

I absolutely agree with your assessment; maybe it's the novelty of it that intrigues me. Either way, I'm curious to see how this works out. Alternatives and options are always a good thing!

 

[johnomaz]

As someone who's really been embracing Linux lately (Debian file server, SteamOS on a second SSD, Antergos on a laptop USB drive), I'm really curious to see how the Ubuntu phone fares.

I really need to make a switch to Linux. I've found myself having to use it more at work even though we are mostly a Windows based school district. I hate having to look up some of the most basic functions.

 

[pc747]

The main issue for them is that their impression is that they're for tech heads. They don't offer the out-of-the-box everyday functionality that Android, iOS, or even Windows mobile does, I don't think they've marketed themselves well to business, where some of the flexibility might be of use in creating an interface that improves efficiency and productivity, and the design isn't even talked about cosmetically. They have nothing to make them a talking point outside of the 'gadgetsphere'. Guess we'll see.

Good point, but we could argue the same about Android. Remember it took awhile for development to catch on. Ubuntu have to find away to appeal to the market and not feel like another android-like device.
Because people outside the fold will not know the difference.

 

[supermandroid]

I really need to make a switch to Linux. I've found myself having to use it more at work even though we are mostly a Windows based school district. I hate having to look up some of the most basic functions.

If you're not familiar with Code Academy, they're a fantastic way to learn some program languages. Here's a link on navigating the Linux terminal.
Learn the Command Line

 

[pc747]

I know many of the CM partnerships have been on rocky waters thus far, but I think a CM/Ubuntu partnership could work. CM could build a software from scratch off of Ubuntu vs Android (considering his disagreements with the direction of Google as of late).

Sent from my Nexus 6 using Tapatalk

 

[johnomaz]

If you're not familiar with Code Academy, they're a fantastic way to learn some program languages. Here's a link on navigating the Linux terminal.
Learn the Command Line

I'm definitely going to go through this. I know enough to get along with but I want to know more about them instead of just fumbling around sometimes.