Taco Bell Mobile App

Taco Bell Mobile App

    Last night, consumed by hunger, I saw a commercial for this application I could download from Taco Bell. This blog will be a review of said app. The picture on the left showed the main screen, and a pro here is definitely aesthetics. Ample use of screen space, stylized pictures with bold text overlays...the designers clearly understand common modern design staples, but it lacked a lot of upfront information that could have helped me. Their menu browsing is actually really enjoyable! They have two independent scrolling menus, one the categories on the menu and another to show the actual items in the selected category.

    But whoa.... hold the phone... this app lets anyone mobile order Taco Bell?!?! Damn right it does, but that's one of my cons for this app. While it was apparent from the start that this feature was available, I was given no indication as to which stores actually participated in taking mobile orders. When I was all done coding what I wanted, then, and only then, did I find out that no stores near me took these orders. I should be able to check store availability before I go through the whole process.

Braun Electric Razor Series 7

Braun Electric Razor Series 7

   I've had this razor for over 5 years, and I would say it's...suitable. Of it's positive features, there are a few that stand out but maybe not for this model specifically but most electric razors. It has a meter at the bottom to signify the remaining battery level with a good amount of detail. The shave itself is quite nice...on most parts of the face (more on that in a bit) and the flip-up trimmer works very well without pulling hairs. Another major aspect is its extremely waterproof body. In the shower or just running it under the sink, the series 7 is still good to go and watertight through and through. To clean the blade itself, one just needs to pushing in the locking button on the side (seen in picture) and the razors come right off, which helps with cleaning.

   There are a good number of poor design features that often make me consider a new razor all together. The razors themselves are situated in a linear pattern. While the sides independently give to applying pressure, which allows for more contact, it shaves awfully around the more sharp contours of the face and neck (the jaw line is a great example). Also, if it were dropped, even from a very short distance, the razor's locking mechanism throws a fit and misfires the button, sending the razors flying in whatever direction. Lastly, the price of a razor replacement is $80, which is crazy expensive over time given it claims you should replace them every "4-6" months.

HTC One M8

HTC One M8

     

      I did a review on the case for this phone, so I'd might as well do a design review of the phone proper. The HTC One M8 has been called "The iPhone for android users" and I would say that is pretty accurate. This phone is built very solidly, with a full metal body and many material transition techniques akin to Apple's manufacturing process. It comes with a number of features in both hardware and software that are brilliant inclusions while others are a bit underbaked. In the good features corner, the front facing stereo speakers provide amazing sound quality for a phone, and MAN are they loud. With the massive sound system playing in our apartment, these speakers just overpowered them for everyone on the couch. Another feature I've appreciated is the IR Blaster. IT acts as a universal remote, and I mean UNIVERSAL. You can download IR information for any device under the sun, and you can import custom IR information by pressing the button in question on another remote into the IR blaster of the phone, essentially creating a clone of that button. The software of this phone has been streamlined to be snappy and include only what is necessary. HTC Blinkfeed puts all of your social networks, news sites, and calendar info in one spot, acting as a central hub to your life. 

      I have some issues though. The "Duo Camera" on the back....I'm undecided about it. The second camera records depth information of each picture taken by the other camera below it, allowing for some cool effects to happen after. You can refocus after the picture is taken, but this only works about one third of the time. Speaking of hardware, with a phone this tall (5" screen and speakers at both ends results in a lengthy device), putting the lock button at the top wasn't the smartest idea.

Bose SoundLink II Speakers

Bose SoundLink II Speakers

     I have had these speakers for about 2 years now, and I couldn't be happier with the design. It is built in such a way that it feels solid through and through yet not encumbering in the slightest bit. The best way to describe it would be dense and compact. The speaker connects via Bluetooth, and it is hands down some of the best sound quality I have ever heard from a standalone Bluetooth speaker. The battery life is surprisingly long, giving about 5-6 hours on above medium volume. Speaking of volume, this speaker is LOUD. I mean loud enough that, on full volume, it actually warranted a noise complaint from neighbors a few apartments away! My favorite design feature is the double duty protective covering.

     It is designed in such a way that when closed, it acts as a rugged protection for the speaker screen. It does a great job in both protecting an adding extra aesthetic quality to the speakers. When unfolded (as seen in the first picture) it acts as the stand for the speaker itself. This duality of essential purpose is something I have always admired in designs; having more than one function that is a core part of the product just shows ingenuity and a real understanding of the product being delivered. This speaker set isn't perfect though. The bass is passive, which means while it is remarkably strong, it needs some object behind it to reflect the bass to the listener to really get the full effect. Otherwise, it is diminished quite a bit, though it is aided slightly by the angle of which the stand rests the speaker. It bounces the bass of the...well...base it is resting on (be it a table, the ground, etc.). The stand itself is rather short in the back, so knocking the speakers over is rather easy. Other than these small things, the Bose SoundLink 2 is a Bluetooth speaker system I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a durable, portable, and powerful speaker (I found mine refurbished for just shy of $200)