I read in this Gizmodo post (as reported in SFGate) that Apple is now trying to block all HTC "personal electronic devices" from being sold in the USA. This move comes on the heals of Apple trying to do the same to Samsung. I'm not a lawyer so I obviously don't know if Apple's case is valid but I clearly remember a time when Apple products were so good and so innovative that they didn't need these pathetic lawsuits to stifle the competition. Sadly, now, Apple's mobile products are so behind (and upcoming updates are so derivative) that the company must resort to these desperate measures.
If you ask me this is another sign of the technology world entering is post-Apple phase. I can easily picture a time (not too far from now) when Apple regains the same level of irrelevance that it had during the late 80s and 90s. The competition is getting much stronger and Apple seems completely unwilling to adopt to the wishes of its customers. The competition is too good and Apple know that the only way to stop them is to involve the courts. Hmmmm, where have I seen this before (and how'd that turn out)?
The HTC and Samsung lawsuits just make Apple look scared, desperate, and pathetic. Makes me wonder: How long before the fall?
How to Automatically Upload Pictures to Google+ A Guide for iPhone Users
One of the great features of the Google+ Android app is that it automatically uploads pictures. This saves a lot of time and hassles for people and makes it really easy to share photos and videos. Unfortunately, Apple is delaying the release of the Google+ App in their app store. I've been asked by several iPhone users if there are alternative ways to have their pictures automatically uploaded while they wait for Apple to bless the official Google+ app.
The good news is that there are several ways to do this. The best one is really easy, requires a hammer, a garbage bin, 0-600 dollars, and (optionally) a video camera.
- pull out your iPhone.
- smash repeatedly with hammer while thinking about how much time and money you've wasted on such a pathetic device.
- place iPhone remnants in garbage bin
- go to nearest electronics/carrier store and buy an Android phone
- bask in your new-found Android glory
- open android market and agree to ToS
- download Google+ app
- take pictures
Done :)
the video camera is optional for capturing the iPhone smashing and posting to YouTube. (YouTube loves a good phone smashing video)
Handy Chart Helps You Decide If You Should Get An iPhone On Verizon
The big news today was that the iPhone is finally available in the US on the Verizon network. To help people decide if they should purchase one, I created this helpful chart:
Obviously, the chart is meant in jest. Partially.
Though I do question the merit of buying an iPhone on Verizon (or on any carrier).
CES just finished with Verizon announcing several new phones for their new, very fast LTE 4G network. The iPhone will only run on Verizon's older, slower CDMA network. These newly announced phones have the latest features and are brand new. The iPhone is the same old version that has been available for half a year (and even when it was new, it sucked compared to Android). Choosing to buy on old iPhone that only runs on the older slower 3G network makes as much sense as running out to buy yesterday's newspaper.
In my opinion, the only reason why anybody would choose one of these Verizon iPhones is if you were a die-hard iPhone fan and hated the quality of AT&T. Otherwise, the better decision is to get a new LTE-capable Android phone.
Though I do question the merit of buying an iPhone on Verizon (or on any carrier).
CES just finished with Verizon announcing several new phones for their new, very fast LTE 4G network. The iPhone will only run on Verizon's older, slower CDMA network. These newly announced phones have the latest features and are brand new. The iPhone is the same old version that has been available for half a year (and even when it was new, it sucked compared to Android). Choosing to buy on old iPhone that only runs on the older slower 3G network makes as much sense as running out to buy yesterday's newspaper.
In my opinion, the only reason why anybody would choose one of these Verizon iPhones is if you were a die-hard iPhone fan and hated the quality of AT&T. Otherwise, the better decision is to get a new LTE-capable Android phone.
Android Goggles Or Why Steve Jobs Might Be In For Some Tsuris
*Please note: There is no way this post will come across as anything other than Android fanboyism. So I won't even attempt to hide it.
Take a look at these Android Powered Ski Goggles by Recon Instruments. Just. So. Awesome. Makes me want to plotz. If I had a bissel more gelt... But, I digress.
Here's the thing. I think we're in for a few more meshugena Steve Jobs rants. He sure has enough reasons to get defensive. Sure, it's noteworthy that Android is now more popular than iPhone in the US and Android has been trouncing iPhone in growth rate for quarters. That Android phones can be used without a giant rubber band around them and that your Android phone's alarm can be counted on to wake you up in the morning. But none of these points are really the point.
The point is that Android's openness (or Fragmentation as Steve likes to call it) is essentially unlimited. To begin with, Android is appearing on smart phones in all shapes, sizes, form factors and price ranges. There is basically an Android phone out there for any customer. Compare that to the one-size-fits-all we-know-best approach that you find with iOS. Same thing with tablets. You want 10.1 inches of awesomeness? Sure. Too big? How about a fits-in-your-pocket 7 inch wonder? Too expensive? how about this? More of an e-reader kind of person? Here. TV too. Apple TV vs. Android in your TV, in your blu-ray player, or as a set-top-box.
BUT that's only a fraction of my point. My major point is that Android is going to be E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E. These insanely cool but expensive goggles are just the beginning. It's not hard to imagine manufacturers using Android in everything and we consumers will love it. Imagine that HUD from the ski goggles in your car or while jogging or biking. Imagine your appliances sending push notifications to your TV, tab, or phone to tell you that your laundry is done, your toast is ready, the ambient temperature in your house is 72 degrees, and that you should leave the house early pick up eggs.
Yes, I know that us geeks have been giving the smart home spiel forever. The difference is that, this time, Android makes is so much easier. Now, these manufacturers have a free, open-source, well developed platform that they can augment to suit their needs. They don't have to start from scratch. Instead they can stand upon the shoulders of giants.
iOS can't do this. Steve Jobs would never give away that much control. iOS will be relegated to Apple devices and that's it. Android will be everywhere. I think we are going to see a very desperate Steve Jobs. We're already seeing it with the Verizon iPhone, the way that Apple is slashing the prices of older iOS models, and the raving madness of earnings calls.
Of course, currently, the iPhone is still selling very strongly and the iPad is doing amazing well. The next iPad will likely be a huge hit too. The Verizon iPhone will likely cannibalize a lot of Droid sales and Apple isn't going away any time soon. Apple fanboys have many reasons to continue wearing their rose-colored glasses. I, on the other hand, prefer to wear Android powered goggles instead.
Take a look at these Android Powered Ski Goggles by Recon Instruments. Just. So. Awesome. Makes me want to plotz. If I had a bissel more gelt... But, I digress.
Here's the thing. I think we're in for a few more meshugena Steve Jobs rants. He sure has enough reasons to get defensive. Sure, it's noteworthy that Android is now more popular than iPhone in the US and Android has been trouncing iPhone in growth rate for quarters. That Android phones can be used without a giant rubber band around them and that your Android phone's alarm can be counted on to wake you up in the morning. But none of these points are really the point.
The point is that Android's openness (or Fragmentation as Steve likes to call it) is essentially unlimited. To begin with, Android is appearing on smart phones in all shapes, sizes, form factors and price ranges. There is basically an Android phone out there for any customer. Compare that to the one-size-fits-all we-know-best approach that you find with iOS. Same thing with tablets. You want 10.1 inches of awesomeness? Sure. Too big? How about a fits-in-your-pocket 7 inch wonder? Too expensive? how about this? More of an e-reader kind of person? Here. TV too. Apple TV vs. Android in your TV, in your blu-ray player, or as a set-top-box.
BUT that's only a fraction of my point. My major point is that Android is going to be E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E. These insanely cool but expensive goggles are just the beginning. It's not hard to imagine manufacturers using Android in everything and we consumers will love it. Imagine that HUD from the ski goggles in your car or while jogging or biking. Imagine your appliances sending push notifications to your TV, tab, or phone to tell you that your laundry is done, your toast is ready, the ambient temperature in your house is 72 degrees, and that you should leave the house early pick up eggs.
Yes, I know that us geeks have been giving the smart home spiel forever. The difference is that, this time, Android makes is so much easier. Now, these manufacturers have a free, open-source, well developed platform that they can augment to suit their needs. They don't have to start from scratch. Instead they can stand upon the shoulders of giants.
iOS can't do this. Steve Jobs would never give away that much control. iOS will be relegated to Apple devices and that's it. Android will be everywhere. I think we are going to see a very desperate Steve Jobs. We're already seeing it with the Verizon iPhone, the way that Apple is slashing the prices of older iOS models, and the raving madness of earnings calls.
Of course, currently, the iPhone is still selling very strongly and the iPad is doing amazing well. The next iPad will likely be a huge hit too. The Verizon iPhone will likely cannibalize a lot of Droid sales and Apple isn't going away any time soon. Apple fanboys have many reasons to continue wearing their rose-colored glasses. I, on the other hand, prefer to wear Android powered goggles instead.
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