A Lifestyle, Grooming And Technology Blog

Wednesday 28 October 2015

The Review |  iPhone 6s Plus


I've had the new iPhone 6s Plus for just over a month now right from launch day so I thought it was time to give my impressions after a my first few weeks using the device as my daily driver. My previous iPhone was last year's iPhone 6 in space grey. This is the first time I've opted for the "Plus' version of an iPhone and I'm so glad I did! Within 10-15 mins of switching from my 4.7" display on the 6 to the massive 5.5" 6s Plus I was already completely sold. 

The iPhone 6s Plus mirrors the pricing model of it's 2014 predecessor, which means you could spend between £619 - £789 on the phone depending on your choice of storage options. Here's where my first issue with the device appears - why on Earth are Apple still making 16GB iPhones?! With apps regularly topping 1GB and the newly arrived 4K video files taking up twice as much storage space as regular HD video, it feels like Apple are still trying to keep their base price model without offering power users or storage hungry consumers a 256GB capacity option. 

I went for the 64GB storage option this time around and haven't run into to many issues yet it terms of the device filling up but then I don't tend to store a huge amount of data on the device itself, opting for Apple's own iCloud monthly storage plan instead.


There's no doubt that 3D Touch is the stand out feature from this year's iPhone. The clever screen technology has previously been found in the Apple Watch and the track pad of the new MacBook Pro. It enables the new iPhones to recognize the level of pressure you're applying to the display, and react differently depending on how much force you're using.

At launch, 3D Touch felt like a gimmicky addition to this year's iPhone with very few developers having had time to build the tech into their apps prior to the devices hitting shelves. It was only a handful of Apple's stock apps that utilised the ability to launch specific elements of apps from the home screen so the experience felt very disjointed.

However, just over a month later I'm pleased to say that thousands more apps have now have 3D Touch capability including Facebook, Twitter, and Bloglovin to name but a few. It now feels as if 3D Touch could well become the next pinch to zoom or swipe feature that iOS users around the world now use on a daily basis. It feels so fluid jumping right into the selfie mode within the camera or launch right into a new tweet straight from the home screen!

Apple claims the new 64-bit A9 offering is 70% faster than its predecessor at CPU tasks, while it bests graphically intensive GPU tasks by a whopping 90%. Those claims aren't exactly noticeable right off the bat when doing every day tasks like browsing the web or messaging but as developers learn to take advantage of the new power under the hood I imagine we've not yet even scratched the surface of what the device is capable of.


The Verdict 

Apple has reinvigorated its phablet without rewriting the playbook thanks to its smart 3D Touch technology and a more power under the hood. It's not the upgrade some will have been hoping for, but it's unexpected hit features and continued best in class camera optics make this the best smartphone of 2015.


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Sunday 18 October 2015

INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS I'M OBSESSED WITH


Instagram is simply addictive. There's something about scrolling endlessly through amazing images that just helps relax and inspire you, whilst simultaneously making you envy every post and wonder why you're not spending your life on a beach somewhere posting pics of Margaritas. Here's a few accounts I've been enjoying...(and stalking!) recently.


Jim Chapman

I've followed Jim across his various social media platforms for around a year now. His YouTube channel is where i first discovered his useful how-to type videos for guys but Instagram is where his content really shines. He's often posting pics of fashion events, holidays around the world of just snaps of his puppy. Go check him out, you won't regret it.


@jimalfredchapman

ASOS Grooming

ASOS only created their grooming account a few months ago and it's already become one of my favourites for finding shopping and blog inspiration. They feature loads of their new product ranges and brands, plus always give you the product codes in the description so it's super easy to find the featured items on their website. Great for finding new mens skincare and grooming products.

@asos_grooming

Good Life Eatery

For the foodies amongst you this one's a must. The Good Life Eatery is a juice bar in Sloane Avenue, London and they post daily pics of their products and they look incredible! I'm still yet to take a trip over to their juice bar but they also have a regular spot at Borough Market so I might see if i can catch them there one weekend. Drool-worthy updates everyday.

@goodlifeeatery

Chris Pirillo

I've been following Chris's YouTube channel for a good few years now. He has quite a large following in the UK both for his personal vlogging account and his technology review based collection of videos. He's seriously into everything Apple but also a complete Star Wars nerd - what's not to like right? He posts regular pics of his tech hauls and also the latest addition to his family - baby Jedi (no seriously that's her name!)

@chrispirillo

Jack Wills

One of Britain's best loved heritage fashion brands and certainly one of my favourites across all of social media. Jack Wills post regular updates on new product launches across menswear and womenswear, and sometimes even launch sale events first on social so this is obviously one to keep an eye on. 

@jackwills

Urban Outfitters

Another one of my favourite brands, UO are constantly posting new products and outfit ideas both for girls and guys. They also have a great range of homeware items, which gives the account another dimension entirely. Certainly one to watch if you're looking for home inspiration as well as fashion. They also post some incredible shots of photoshoots from all corners of the globe!

@urbanoutfitters

What are your favourite Instagram account to follow at the moment?






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Sunday 11 October 2015

The October Wishlist | Topman




Topman is one of my favourite high street stores. Great value and for the most part great quality to match. Here's my top pieces from their autumn collection, which dropped couple of weeks back. My two favourites have to be the green brushed twill shirt and the classic skinny chino. Green is certainly a theme this season and I'm happy with that!


  • Black Suede Zip Boots - £50
  • Check Wool Blend Coach Jacket - £65
  • Green Brushed Twill Long Sleeve Casual Shirt - £30
  • Khaki Borg Lined Hooded Jacket - £65
  • Stone Stretch Skinny Chinos - £25
  • Black Ripped Denim Long Sleeve Casual Shirt - £35
  • Mid Wash Stretch Skinny Jeans - £38


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Sunday 4 October 2015

October sounds




It feels like October has already been a great month for new music, and we're only 4 days in! Here's some of my favourite tracks that I've been listening to this week. 

There's something for everyone here from the incredible soul vibes of Leon Bridges to a more acoustic pop sound from Jamie Lawson's latest offering (pictured above). I also added a track from Ryan Keen as I went to see him live a couple of weeks back in Hoxton, London and he was incredible. 

'Trouble' is one of the best tracks on the album, check out this clip from the live performance...


A video posted by Matt Maidment (@mattmaidment) on




Here's my top tracks for the week:

What have you been listening to this weekend? 
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