Entries for Ray7

Another 'game-changing' phone announced [Another 'game-changing' phone announced]

Ray7 — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 21:54:09 GMT

This one is based on the Access Linux Platform which Palm abandoned to go their own way with WebOS.

in reply to Another 'game-changing' phone announced

Ray Ozzie: Apps don't make your smartphone special [Ray Ozzie: Apps don't make your smartphone special]

Ray7 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:09:01 GMT

According to a quote dropped at the PDC and reported by VentureBeat, Ray Ozzie dismisses the notion that apps make a difference to Smartphone popularity.

VentureBeat said:
“All the apps that count will be ported to every one of them,” he said. “I don’t think there’s going to be differentiation at the app level.

If this is what Mr Ozzie truly believes then Microsoft has really lost the plot on the mobile market.

But things may not be quite as clear as they seem. When Robert Scoble ran the story on his blog, he got some interesting viewpoints from people who were actually there at the PDC when Ozzie said it. The comments make for interesting reading.

in reply to Ray Ozzie: Apps don't make your smartphone special

How Microsoft blew it with Windows Mobile [How Microsoft blew it with Windows Mobile]

Ray7 — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:59:54 GMT

With the iPhone pretty much unstoppable, CNN chats to developers in both camps to find out how MS let it all slip through their fingers.

CNN said:
Microsoft is getting beat up worse than a mustachioed villain in a Jackie Chan movie.

in reply to How Microsoft blew it with Windows Mobile

Facebook App developer calls it a day. [Facebook App developer calls it a day.]

Ray7 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 08:07:20 GMT

The man who as single-handedly dominated the iPhone app charts since...well....forever has decided to move on.

His reasons should make sobering reading for Apple's management (and other companies chasing them down the same route).

Joe Hewitt said:

My decision to stop iPhone development has had everything to do with Apple’s policies. I respect their right to manage their platform however they want, however I am philosophically opposed to the existence of their review process. I am very concerned that they are setting a horrible precedent for other software platforms, and soon gatekeepers will start infesting the lives of every software developer. The web is still unrestricted and free, and so I am returning to my roots as a web developer. In the long term, I would like to be able to say that I helped to make the web the best mobile platform available, rather than being part of the transition to a world where every developer must go through a middleman to get their software in the hands of users.

Well said, but is the problem actually having an approval process or the way in which Apple implements it? A locked-down phone may not be ideal, but it is one way to keep malware off the iPhone.

in reply to Facebook App developer calls it a day.

I'm a future PC [I'm a future PC]

Ray7 — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:58:01 GMT

Mike Doyle risks the venom of the Mac community by daring to switch to Google and Windows…and then telling folk about it.

He also had some pretty even comebacks for those who can't quite bring themselves to believe it.

Mike Doyle said:
The inertia of the Mac community, as perfectly exemplified by several of the comments here, tends to try to keep you in line. It’s like living with Mayor Daley here in Chicago–you’re not allowed to ask questions, express dissent, or choose a different leader to follow. Not unless you want people to have a visceral, emotional reaction to what is, in fact, a personal decision.

Tying all his data to Google though; is he not swapping one monster for another?

in reply to I'm a future PC

Stallman said what? [Stallman said what?]

Ray7 — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 15:23:51 GMT

Interesting piece on ZDNet concerning Richard Stallman's attempt to block the Oracle acquisition of MySQL.

In a letter sent to the EU, Stallman and his allies wrote:

Richard Stallman said:
MySQL uses the parallel licensing approach to generate revenue to continue the FLOSS development of the software. If Oracle acquired MySQL, it would then be the only entity able to release the code other than under the GPL…. As only the original rights holder can sell commercial licenses, no new forked version of the code will have the ability to practice the parallel licensing approach, and will not easily generate the resources to support continued development of the MySQL platform.

So Richard, are you really saying that when it suits you, selling software for money is okay?

in reply to Stallman said what?

Amazon UK: Windows 7 beats pre-order record [Amazon UK: Windows 7 beats pre-order record]

Ray7 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 12:36:38 GMT

Seems MS has a winner on its hands. Windows 7 has beaten the pre--order record set by Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, and demand is still running strong.

in reply to Amazon UK: Windows 7 beats pre-order record

Inside the Microsoft Apps Lab [Inside the Microsoft Apps Lab]

Ray7 — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 10:09:36 GMT

I do admire a company that can poke fun at itself.

in reply to Inside the Microsoft Apps Lab

Apple introduces the Magic Mouse [Apple introduces the Magic Mouse]

Ray7 — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:18:56 GMT

They introduced a lot of other mildly interesting stuff too, but this kind of highlights the difference between the two companies.

While MS was showing bizarre multi-touch mouse prototypes a few weeks back, Apple just went out and released the thing.

Has Apple finally released a mouse actually meant for people to use? We shall see.

in reply to Apple introduces the Magic Mouse

Mossberg on Windows 7: It's all good [Mossberg on Windows 7: It's all good]

Ray7 — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:46:40 GMT

The steadfast pillar of the Mac community had been running Windows7 for a while now, and now comes the verdict:

Mossberg said:
In recent years, I, like many other reviewers, have argued that Apple's Mac OS X operating system is much better than Windows. That's no longer true. I still give the Mac OS a slight edge because it has a much easier and cheaper upgrade path; more built-in software programs; and far less vulnerability to viruses and other malicious software, which are overwhelmingly built to run on Windows.

Mossberg said:
Now, however, it's much more of a toss-up between the two rivals. Windows 7 beats the Mac OS in some areas, such as better previews and navigation right from the taskbar, easier organization of open windows on the desktop and touch-screen capabilities. So Apple will have to scramble now that the gift of a flawed Vista has been replaced with a reliable, elegant version of Windows.

wow :|

in reply to Mossberg on Windows 7: It's all good

MS Research shows off multitouch mouse designs [MS Research shows off multitouch mouse designs]

Ray7 — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:15:59 GMT

…and some of them are just weird.

As with the Courier, these are just interesting prototypes and are unlikely to make it into production. It's interesting that MS chose to release the video a few days after Apple's new keyboard and mouse popped up in the FCC database.

By all accounts, the new Apple keyboard is even smaller than the previous one, so it's already a no go for anyone with hands bigger than a hobbit's.

in reply to MS Research shows off multitouch mouse designs

Twenty things you didn't know about CoBOL [Twenty things you didn't know about CoBOL]

Ray7 — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 13:28:59 GMT

Dead? I don't think so.

in reply to Twenty things you didn't know about CoBOL

10 ways to turn around Windows Mobile [10 ways to turn around Windows Mobile]

Ray7 — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 18:12:35 GMT

According to eWeek.

The only one I disagree with, is open sourcing it. How would that help? The iPhone OS isn't open source and that doesn't seem to be having the same kind of problems.

in reply to 10 ways to turn around Windows Mobile

How good is the Wii? [How good is the Wii?]

Ray7 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:48:19 GMT

Well, a handful of Florida drug enforcement officers reckon it's the dogs!

in reply to How good is the Wii?

Microsoft Courier [Microsoft Courier]

Ray7 — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 05:50:02 GMT

Well, I'm speechless. so if I were you, I'd just head over to Gizmodo and take a look for yourselves.

And be sure to watch the video.

in reply to Microsoft Courier

Mary-Jo Foley digs in the bins [Mary-Jo Foley digs in the bins]

Ray7 — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 09:52:00 GMT

… hikes out a few discarded presentations and a couple of job ads, then puts together this fascinating piece on Microsoft's future directions in the mobile space.

Pink and Microsoft Tablet (Take 2)

So, does the Zune have a future?

MJF said:
A couple of points to remember in all of this: Microsoft is a software and services company. Execs have made it clear they plan to get out of the MP3 player business after “at least one more” Zune HD device. Microsoft is more interested in making money off subscriptions. That’s why Zune is morphing into a set services are going to move to mobile phones, including Pink.

I think not. Sorry, Dovella ... ;)

So if MS is planning a phone, what of the vendors?

MJF said:
Point two: Microsoft’s plan in the mobile device space is to partner more closely with fewer vendors. That’s what the “chassis” model is all about. Microsoft creates a very detailed chassis spec and then allows partners to bid on making devices that comply with the spec.

Might be a good thing from a compatibility point of view.

Anyway, worth a read.

in reply to Mary-Jo Foley digs in the bins

Switching back to Windows 7 [Switching back to Windows 7]

Ray7 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 06:24:09 GMT

Two writers have dared to upset the universal order and explain why they've decided to switch back to Windows with the upcoming release of 7.

It does seem that MS has fixed a lot of the problems with Vista, but I was a little taken aback by the insistence that the OS X interface was tired ... seriously? I think what the writer doesn't realise is that the interface is designed to match the machine it's running on. When Apple machines looked like big lumps of candy, so did the UI; when they moved to metal enclosures, the UI changed to match. I wouldn't say that's tired, I'd say its harmonious, but that's just me.

Still, it did prompt someone to bring up the age-old argument concerning menu positioning, and still, after all these years, I find myself on the fence. I prefer the Windows way for larger screens; you don't have to travel so far to hit the menu. On a small screened laptop, I prefer the single menu bar along the top which saves on space.

Why I chose Windows 7 over Snow Leopard (and why you should too)

Lured back from the Mac by Windows 7

in reply to Switching back to Windows 7

Apple vs Google - well, someone's lying... [Apple vs Google - well, someone's lying...]

Ray7 — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 19:30:37 GMT

The ongoing spat over the Google voice app has taken an unexpected turn.

Google has sent a letter a letter to the FCC which refutes Apple's version of the events:

TechCrunch said:
Apple: “Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it.”

TechCrunch said:
Google: “Apple representatives informed Google that the Google Voice application was rejected because Apple believed the application duplicated the core dialer functionality of the iPhone”

If Google's version of events turns out to be true, then that would mean Apple lied to the government.

More at TechCrunch

in reply to Apple vs Google - well, someone's lying...

Game over: Zune HD is for the US only [Game over: Zune HD is for the US only]

Ray7 — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:54:00 GMT

Very sad news from Ars Technica.

Not much else to say really ... :(

Ars Technica said:
"For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only," a Microsoft spokesperson told Ars. "Right now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now."

Judging by the past experience, I think 'right now' can be safely translated to 'not ever.' The first comment on the Ars board says it all:

dlux said:
If I had to draft up a plan to absolutely ensure a consumer device's failure in the marketplace, I would be hard pressed to do a more thorough job than Microsoft has done with the Zune brand. The Dell DJ may have been shorter-lived, but at least they made a token effort to compete. This poor thing though...So a year from now, how many Developers, Developers, Developers, Developers will have tied their efforts to this platform? I'm guessing fewer than a couple hundred.

I think 'a couple of hundred' is being a little optimistic. Even the original Zune was available to the Canadians, but looks like MS is pulling back even further.

in reply to Game over: Zune HD is for the US only

Apple's music event [Apple's music event]

Ray7 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 06:14:19 GMT

Nothing to really get excited about, though it's good to see Jobs back on his feet and thanking the person whose death in a car accident provided him with a new liver. A generous gift indeed.

Of course, the iPod continues to rip everyone else to shreds in terms of market share, and with such a lead, Apple obviously didn't feel the need to provide too much by way of upgrades.

iTunes was taken up to version 9, with support for interactive album art and a cleaner iTunes layout. You can also rearrange your iPhone/Touch screens from iTunes, which is a nice touch. Disappointingly, it remains a 32-bit Carbon application. Odd that Apple demands others to move all their stuff to Cocoa, but can't be bothered to do the same with what is their most popular (I say 'popular', but really folk have no choice but to use it) application. The ability to share your music library across five machines is a big plus though.

I was surprised that the Shuffle line had new additions to the colour range: I thought it would be dropped entirely, so I guess someone must be buying them. The steel one does look really cool though!

The iPod Touch got more memory and a component boost at the high end, but no camera; that went to the iPod Nano which also saw the addition of a pedometer and finally ... an FM radio.

When Jobs was asked why the iPod Touch didn't get a camera, his response was that the device is a games machine, so it didn't need a camera.

Translation: If we add a camera, then folk will have one less reason to buy an iPhone.

All in all, a steady step forward, but nothing to write home about. Arguably, they should save the big stuff for when/if they face real competition.

More at Engadget.

in reply to Apple's music event

Software engineer makes cancer breakthrough [Software engineer makes cancer breakthrough]

Ray7 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 06:16:08 GMT

Although he failed to save the life of his sister, retired software engineer Robert Goldman has made a breakthrough in cancer treatment that may ultimately save countless others.

in reply to Software engineer makes cancer breakthrough

FSF: say NO to Windows 7 [FSF: say NO to Windows 7]

Ray7 — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:02:45 GMT

Well, it wouldn't be a Windows release without the Free Software Foundation doing our thinking for us.

The new campaign is imaginatively called, 'Windows 7 Sins', and will be letter-bombing the Fortune 500 companies telling them why they should not move to Windows 7 and go with free software instead.

Pretty much the usual: invading privacy, poisoning education, locking in users, monopolistic behaviour, abusing standards, yadda yadda yadda ...

More here.

in reply to FSF: say NO to Windows 7

Palm snubbed Jobs' recruitment agreement [Palm snubbed Jobs' recruitment agreement]

Ray7 — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 06:35:07 GMT

When the Justice Department starts one of its 'far-reaching' investigations, you never know what kind of fruit it'll shake from the tree.

Bloomberg reports that Steve Jobs attempted to forge a gentleman's agreement with Palm to prevent the struggling phone maker from recruiting its employees.

Jobs was concerned that Jon Rubinstein, the man credited with the iPod concept who went to work for Palm, was hiring away key staff from Apple. 'We must do whatever we can to stop this,' said Jobs.

Apparently, Palm's head at the time, Ed Colligan, was less than keen on this sort of collusion.

Ed Colligan said:
Your proposal that we agree that neither company will hire the other’s employees, regardless of the individual’s desires, is not only wrong, it is likely illegal

Kinda ...

in reply to Palm snubbed Jobs' recruitment agreement

MS owes Vista Ultimate buyers [MS owes Vista Ultimate buyers]

Ray7 — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 12:25:53 GMT

Given that Ultimate Extras turned out to be foul-smelling, useless pile of festering dingoes' kidneys (and I think I'm being kind), Ed Bott wonders if Microsoft owes its customers some payback.

More here.

in reply to MS owes Vista Ultimate buyers

MS sells Razorfish [MS sells Razorfish]

Ray7 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:40:41 GMT

Bought for $6billion and sold for $530million.

As the article says, perhaps this is a sign that Redmond is refocussing on its software roots, instead of being slapped around in markets it knows nothing about.

in reply to MS sells Razorfish