This week: CHAOS!
James got hit by a cab, which meant he missed the [already rearranged] recording slot, which meant Stefan’s schedule was out of whack, which meant James had to record without him! Shocking.
But never fear, Associate Editor at Engadget and all round mobile journalist extraordinaire, Matt Brian, stepped into the breach and did a fantastic job covering Mr Constantinescu – as you will no doubt soon find out.
This week: Nokia, Android, Jolla, and Selfies.
Yes. Selfies.
In closing, if you use iTunes to listen to The Voicemail, please do rate the show – it helps people like you, find people like us.
The Voicemail 
Dear James,
Sorry for crossposting, but I am not sure if my previous attempt to post a comment from Opera Mobile on my Nokia E71 went trough.
1. I totally agree with the idea that Android is parasitic in the sense that it marginalizes the manufacturer’s brand. That was one reason why Nokia was reluctant to use it as a platform for their phones.
2. Fingerprint scanning is a dangerous idea. This is the main reason why I will never buy iPhone 5s. Would you give your social security number to Apple? How do you feel about FBI having your fingerprints in their database? See Minority Report movie (Tom Cruise starring). Secondly, what if you happen to lose your palm in a car accident? How do you call for help then? Not to even mention the incapability of taking a selfie in such unusual circumstances.
Keen on rolling guys. This podcast rulez!
Heathcliff
Hey Heathcliff, thanks for the listenership –
1. You’re spot on with that one. I’m fairly sure Nokia did some work on this a few years ago too and actually worked out the percentage of brand equity gets taken away when you put the Android OS on a piece of hardware. I could probably dig it up if I looked hard enough.
2. The fingerprint technique isn’t the only way you can unlock the 5s. I was playing with one this past Friday and, if your thumb/finger is the wrong one (or is unrecognised), then the phone reverts back to the usual code unlock screen. Valid points re security and trust though, especially in this day and age.
Appreciate the feedback, and the comments
James
You think your SSN is secure? Bad example, maybe. I’m with you otherwise. If it’s something the “authorities” don’t already have (my location each minute of every day, my interests, my political leanings, etc), I’m going to try to keep them from getting it. They just don’t deserve to have it. I’m not a number. I’m a person.
Android apps on Jolla? Surely they’re using myriad’s alien dalvik?
http://www.myriadgroup.com/device-solutions/device-software/myriad%20alien%20dalvik.aspx
Jolla continue the meego work, which is an extension of Maemo.
Myriad showed off android apps on the n900 (not booting android, I mean apps under Maemo) years ago.
Ahh fond memories of the n900 and a small helicopter…the idea that got me properly into mobile.
Downloading this now. Spying on my replacement.
Wait, I shouldn’t be posting this comment. Doh!
Interesting convo RE: CyanogenMod. I’ve been using it for several years now, it was actually instrumental in my decision to dump the HTC One and go back to the Nexus 4 (Nexus 4 being one of only 3 phones in my life that I’ve purchased 2x).
I found Matt’s idea that CyanogenMod’s main benefit is updates for old phones to be interesting. I use it personally because of the extra features. It allows me more control over various parts of the system, but also has new features, such as user-configurable lockscreen targets, being able to easily tweak the status bar, and a number of other extras that I honestly find hard to believe aren’t just baked right into Android to begin with.
It’s also worth noting that they’re VERY security-conscious, and have recently launched a new device management ‘service’ similar to the Android Device Manager that doesn’t store any data on their services – their server merely handles the handshake, and then the rest is stored locally on your phone. Believe they’re also working on a new messaging app that doesn’t pass through to the NSA, as well.
Will be working on brainwashing the boss into going Apple (this is the direction her daughter wants her to move….could be a tough one though as she’s ex-Microsoft)