Apple vs Samsung = $1 Billion Bruise for Samsung

Before jumping into this, let me first and foremost say that I love my Samsung Galaxy S2.  It is an amazing device, and probably the best phone I have ever owned (and yes, I have used Apple products before).  If you have read any of my posts, you'll know that I am a proponent for Android (mostly because it will built ontop of Linux).  And yes, I will admit that there are striking resemblances between my Galaxy S2 and my wife's Apple iPhone 4S (mostly in terms of interface design).

If you have kept up with any of the news surrounding the Apple/Samsung patent lawsuits you'll know that Apple was recently awarded $1 billion big one's for basically admitting that they copied the iPhone design.  So, I'll have to say I kind of saw this one coming.  And knowing that Samsung is getting hit in the pocketbook for their admitted plagiarism of Apple's hardware, it was no surprise that the patents will be upheld and we will probably be seeing some big changes to some of the basics of even how Android works across the board.

So what is affected by the results of this lawsuit?  For starters, this lawsuit will not just affect Samsung products, but in the end will affect Android at the OS level as well.  As obviously, Google will try to steer clear of Apple patented design traits.  No more dedicated home buttons on Samsung hardware (they were notorious on some of their phones to have a rectangular home button).  Things like app icon design will more than likely change as well just for beginners.  But things like the "swipe to unlock" bars, various multitouch gestures, etc.  This is a big deal people.

So it sounds pretty bad doesn't it?  Let's look at it from a different angle.  Maybe this is a good thing.  Maybe this lawsuit is what it took to get some innovation back into our mobile devices.  Let's admit it, for the last several years the world has laid in wait to see what latest gimmicks Apple's latest phone gives us.  And then you start to see similar things show up in other places.  So we have let Apple be the innovation leader in the mobile device market.  Maybe now is when our mobile devices meet a "theoretical" fork-in-the-road where new interface designs, new product features, and new phone designs in general could pop-up and even succeed.  Let's face it.  A lot of Android user's like and use Android because it is different than Apple.  And because it isn't an Apple product, point blank.  Yet, our devices are starting to look more and more like Apple devices anyways.  Maybe it is a well warranted time for a change.

Personally, I feel the growing pains and changes may suck initially.  Hopefully, Samsung won't outright nerf many features; simply reworking them with Google's assistance in a Jelly Bean update would be nice. Being realistic and knowing how the whole Android development/release cycle works, I think I may be living in a dream.  But eventually, we may be seeing the start of an Android rebirth that can once again make us stand back and say "That phone can do that! Amazing!" instead of the now common "Cool Phone!" posts we see on forums today.

Either way, it looks to be an exciting time for Android users.  Whether that exciting is positive or negative remains to be seen.

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Guildies, Daleks, Labor Day Weekend, Oh My!

I know, I know...It's been quite a while. I hope everyone has been doing fine. It is by no chance that I am making my first post after somewhat of a hiatus on this very evening. After all with this past week being a huge week in tech, gaming, and nerdism alike; how could I possibly stay away?  Since my last post we have seen all sorts of craziness pop up on the interwebs. Aside from all the political jargon us Americans are having to put up with on Facebook and the general media, we have the "he said, she said" lawsuits between Apple and Samsung (for which it looks link Samsung is in deep bantha fodder over), new iPhone buzz and talk of an iPad Mini?! When does it stop? I always considered my iPod Touch to be a mini iPod... I guess Apple has proved me wrong once again.  Well played Apple... Well played.

In other quick news, my Samsung Galaxy Epic Touch 4G (from here on called the "S2") received it's Ice Cream Sandwhich OTA update a few weeks ago...Yay! Nope, no joy could be expressed.  As it appears my perfectly good S2 with great battery life (would go almost a full day of moderate use on a single charge cycle) is now a fancy phone which lags, screen animations hang up, buttons quit responding, and am lucky to pull a 4 hour life from a full charge... Thanks for breaking my phone!! If anybody knows of a good custom ROM, please leave comment with suggestions.

In better news, this week marked the release of "Guild Wars 2". If you don't know what Guild Wars 2 is.... Then you should be fed to the Char. Just kidding. Guild Wars 2 is a sequel to the much celebrated MMO title "Guild Wars". The original GW managed to survive the development cycle of it's sequel during a time when other MMO titles were being closed down or forced to switch to a "freemium" free-to-play business model.  The appeal to the Guild Wars games for me has to be the fact that there is no monthly charge to play the game; unlike other MMO titles. You purchase the game once and access to play is free from that point forward.  See Blizzard, it can be done!

I certainly hope GW2 is able to garner the same success that it's predecessor has let us long time fans enjoy for years now. The original Guild Wars brought us a total of 3 stand alone campaigns (Prophecies, Factions, and Nightfall) and one expansion that was not a standalone expansion but helped shape the mold for GW2 (Eye of the North).  The original game still has some players left running through it (I have spent some time in-game over the last several days) so don't hesitate to pay us a visit sometime. I do plan on picking up Guild Wars 2. But it may be a few weeks before I get around to it.

Lastly and most importantly, tonight was the premiere of Season 7 of Doctor Who! It aired 9:00pm EST here in America on BBC-America and will be reairing at midnight tonight. It was a fantastic episode with more clever lines from the Doctor, a special cameo that leaves more questions than it answers, and a wild start to the new season.  Even though we now only have four more episodes till we have to wait for the Christmas Special (and a new companion); this season will definitely be a big one with the season premiere focusing on the Doctor's oldest and most feared enemy: The Daleks!

Wow, all of that was a keyboard full. But there you have it. And on that note, I will bid you all a good night. And for those of us in the USA, I hope you all have a great Labor Day weekend!  Allons-y, Geronimo, or maybe even a good old fashioned "Goodnight!" will do.

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Effects of Tech: Assimilated As An Introvert

Today while I was eating lunch, I took a moment to glance around the restaurant and I noticed something that felt kind of concerning.  Out of the few people that were sitting scattered across the room, all of us were eating and staring at our cell phones.  A guy in the far corner must have been watching a video clip of something hilarious that caused the rest of us to wonder what he was cackling about.  Another guy sat with his head pointed strait down at the table probably reading the news headlines or an email.  Another person sat near the drink machine messing with his phone and was completely oblivious to the girl at the counter letting him know his order was ready.

Seeing this sight caused me to glance back at my table where I sat with my sandwich in my right hand and my phone in my left hand where I had a work email up on the screen.  And then I realize that I had been subconsciously assimilated into the group of introverted bubble people.  And for the first time, I simply turned off my phone's screen and laid it down on the table.  And I actually enjoyed a lunch without the need or the urge to Facebook or Tweet about my day or my meal.  For once, I did what people used to do at lunchtime.  I just sat there and ate my meal.  No cares with what digital happenings were going on with the silicone confines of my Samsung Galaxy S2 taking it's slumber on the table.

And it felt great.

So this started the thought train while I enjoyed my Cheeseburger and fries.  We have all seen those talk shows where they bring in an expert who in turn picks out a handful of strangers and takes them to lunch.  During the course of lunch they hire several people to walk through the room where specific clothes or colors.  After the meal they sit the people down and ask them specific questions about the people who were in the room while they ate.  And they basically take a poll as to what people actually paid attention to when out and about in the everyday world.  In a very real world possibility, what if someone was attacked or robbed during my lunch hour in the place I ate.  Would I be able to help the authorities with a description of either the victim or the bad guy?

And I realized that I wouldn't have a clue.  And that the half a dozen other people in the room would be just as clueless as I was.  Not to say that we have to walk around suspicious of everybody.  But my point is that we should be aware of our surroundings.  And yet, with my nose stuck in the screen of my phone, I am not very aware.

The second thought than ran through my head was that I was loosing time.  Precious time that I could never regain.  Seconds which turn into minutes of phone usage at a time.  Sure, I may be learning something from a news article to finishing up that last work email as my sandwich is being made.  But those seconds fall into the bottom bucket of lost time that we will never regain.  And I know I would be amazed at just how much time I use everyday working/playing on my phone.

And the last thought that ran through my head was about how much my technology has turned me into an introvert.  By nature, I am an outgoing person who likes to interact with people.  But I am increasingly finding myself drawn into Twitter and Facebook.  And before you jump to conclusions and say how these are "social" networks, let me explain myself.  When I use both Twitter and Facebook, I find myself browsing other people's posts more than what I spend in time making my own posts.  Therefore, I'm just being nosey and not really interacting with anybody.  As interacting is defined as "Act in such a way as to have an effect on another; act reciprocally" (from the Meriam-Webster Dictionary).  And just by looking around, I am not directly effecting anybody of anything to encourage someone to reciprocate and cause an "interaction".

So before I wrap up this post on my rambling musings, let me ask: "Is our technology turning us into introverts? I completely understand that there are introverted people by nature.  And have absolutely nothing against these folks.  But in general, how is the technology we deal with on a daily basis affecting our socialization with others in our society?

In other words, put the phone down at lunch.  You'll be amazed at how liberated you feel.  And on that note, it is almost time for me to unplug for a week and go on vacation in the Western Carribean!  See you when I get back!

¡Via Con Dios!

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No More Gmail Love for Blackberry

It was announced recently that Blackberry users will soon be unable to get their hands on a dedicated Gmail app for their devices.  However, as one might expect from a company like RIM who was basically one of the front runners in the smartphone market, this is kind of a surprise. Instead, the decision came from Google themselves.  RIM built their business in the phone market by granting a web experience on their devices and were one of the first to really get it right.  Only since the iPhone's debut has RIM been struggling to stay ahead of the tech curve. 

No doubt RIM is feeling the pressure being put on from both Apple and Google in the smartphone industry.  We have already seen this with the release of RIM's Blackberry Playbook which has all but been a 'hot item' since it's release.  So what is the plan with Google then?  Looks like the effective date is November 22, 2011.  If you are a Blackberry user who already has the Gmail app installed, you're in the clear.  Unless of course you require some sort of support for it.  Otherwise, you can continue to use it to your hearts content.  The other good news is that if you are indeed a Blackberry user, your device already includes native Gmail support via Blackberry Internet Services.  So you're still in the clear regardless what Google decides to do now or in the future.

If you are a Blackberry user who doesn't have the app but would like to get it.  You have until the 22nd of this month.  Instead of supporting a dedicated app, Google seems to be redirecting their efforts in this area to "building a great Gmail experience in the mobile web browser" per their website.  What do you think?  Does this sound like Google is trying to sway Blackberry/Gmail user's to move towards Android (or at least away from RIM)?  Either way, with about every other mobile device supporting a Gmail app sounds kind of funny with this move doesn't it?

It definitely sounds like it's been a big week as far as "tech shake up's" go.  With Adobe's announcement earlier this week of discontinuing mobile Flash to Google not supporting Gmail app's on the Blackberry platform...Man, what's next?  Is Netflix going to reopen Qwikster? (just a joke, sorry Netflix).

:)

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Android Coming To A Gamestop Near You

Seriously?  Yep, sounds that way.  Looks like taking a bite out of a rather popular fruit/device maker wasn't all that Gamestop had planned.  Just the other month Gamestop announced they would be taking trades and selling Apple's iDevices.  And now it looks as if they are actually branding their own Android based tablet as well.

I for one, fear that they may be too late to this show for anybody to care.  Especially with the controversy surrounding them the last several months.  If they are willing to snatch coupons from game boxes, why would they be willing to do anything better with an actual tablet device.  Even when they are already carrying another brand of a similar type of device.  I'm actually surprised that Apple didn't include in their agreement with Gamestop that they be the only device provider for the game chain.

Anyways, if you'd like to read the entire story, swing by:
TechCrunch

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Apple to World: No iPhone 5 for you!

So this morning was the big Apple announcement...What was it?  Was it worth all of the hype?  The big guess from just about everybody in the world was that Apple would be announcing the iPhone 5 (or at least iOS 5).  As the world eagerly awaited the freshly appointed CEO Tim Cook to take the stage and show the world the next version of the iDevices...

But that's not what happened.  Instead, it was announced that Sprint will start carrying iPhones and they will be the iPhone 4S.  And you can preorder your's on Friday.  Meanwhile, they will go on sale on October 14th.  So what makes the iPhone 4S newsworthy?  I mean, since it's obviously not an iPhone 5 or anything, right?

Well, the device will sport faster processing and downloads, and the camera gets a big bump.  It will jump from a 4 megapixel camera to an 8 megapixel camera.  And they now include an app called Siri for voice assisted features which also seems to tie into some web services like Yelp!.

On the iOS topic, they did announce that iOS 5 will become available on October 12th.

Personally, I don't see it's that big of a deal.  It seems like the whole event was over hyped.  I mean, are we really that surprised when another carrier picks up iPhone support?  Personally, my wife's HTC Evo 4G has a plenty fast enough processor and already sports an 8 megapixel camera.  So no real reason to jump ship to the iPhone camp here.

What do you think?  Is it worth your time to jump over to Sprint or even bother with an iPhone 4S?  Leave a comment about it below!

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Affordable Remote PC Support using Teamviewer

I ran into an issue quite a while back in which I needed to login to someone's computer remotely.  It was a friend and they were having some issues with their computer that they just couldn't convey to me over the phone.  And honestly, I didn't feel like driving half an hour away to their house at 8:30 in the evening.  So, I decided to give Teamviewer a try.

It was by far one of the easiest remote clients I have ever used.  In my case, I simply emailed my friend the client listed on their site as 'For the Instant Customer'.  Which weighs in at 2.5MB's, so it is very small and a quick download for them.  Meanwhile, I had already downloaded the full client on my PC.  It was literally as simple as asking them to run their client and give me the 'User ID' and 'Password' numbers.

I then had to launch my Teamviewer client and choose to 'Create Session'.  In the Partner ID field you simply enter you're friend's 'ID'.  It is a numeric string that consists of three sets of three digit numbers.  Then select what type of connection you want to use.

-Remote Control

-File Transfer

-VPN

For most of my uses so far, Remote Control is the only feature I needed, so that is what I chose.  On the next screen you will be prompted to enter your friend's password which will consist of four digits.  And the password is randomized every time you launch the Teamviewer client.  This is to ensure user's have explicitly granted access themselves for the remote session.  Basically so you can't come in later and try to spy on them or do other malicious acts.

Once you have access to their system you will be able to navigate their machine as if you were in front of their physical computer.  In the past I have used a couple other services.  But this seems to work the most fluent in my situation.  In one case I was even able to troubleshoot my computer at home from a friends house via my Android Tablet running the Teamviewer client (I had set up the User ID and Password prior to leaving the house).  And it worked fine.

So if you are looking for a free way to handle remote access, this is my way of choice.  It's also cross platform.  There are clients for Windows, Mac, Linux, and even iPhone/iPad and Android!

Pros: Several different types of clients available.  I usually send my friends the 'No Install' client.  They simply download and run it.  And I use the full client to gain access to their systems.  And it's free for home user's (businesses must pay).  Cross platform support!

Cons: None that I have personally encountered.  Unless count the ad that pops up when closing the client.  But it isn't that intrusive.

To try it out for yourself visit: http://www.teamviewer.com

I give Teamviewer (as a service) 5 out of 5 stars!

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Shadowgun released yesterday on iOS...But Not on Android yet?

Yesterday marked the release for Madfinger's Shadowgun.  Why is this game significant?  I can easily answer that question with the obvious.  It's absolutely gorgeous.  The graphics looks outstanding.  The game was built on the Unity 3D engine and is a cover based third person shooter for mobile devices.  Yep, that means it will run on smartphones and tablets equipped with the NVIDIA Tegra chipset (and currently on iDevices).

And as of yesterday, it is running on iPhones and iPad's.  According to TegraZone, we should expect to see the Android port sometime in October 2011.  For those who haven't heard of Madfinger yet, you should check them out if you have a device capable of running Samurai II: Vengeance.  Which is a gorgeous looking hack and slash, samurai game.

Here is the backstory for Shadowgun.  You play as John Slade (a strangle blend of Gears of War style with Bruce Willis); who is the universe's toughest bounty hunter.  And you are hired to hunt a Dr. Edgar Simon who controls a crazy, mutant army.

Nothing sounds to unique about the story.  But seriously, a mobile game that looks like this, screw the story.  I'll play it strictly for the visuals alone.  If you're still not sold, be sure to checkout the game's trailer:





Look for a full review once this game hits the Google Android Market!

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Mobile App Review: TuneIn Radio

Every once in awhile, I seem to stumble upon really cool stuff.  And this is no exception.  Over the weekend I was at Best Buy playing with their Android tablets.  My wife took the Motorola Zoom for a spin and loved it.  While playing with it, she found "TuneIn Radio".  She installed it on her HTC Evo 4G (and absolutely loves it).  So I figured why not see if it is available on my iPod Touch.  And it is.

So, what does it do?  Easy, it streams radio stations from the internet (both AM and FM stations; for those who need AM access).  But that's not all.  It can use your location to compile a list of radio stations local to where you are located.  If you want to branch out a little, you can search for radio stations or specific songs/artists.  Are you a podcast fan?  I am.  And guess what?  You can also stream podcasts (without having to sync them via iTunes).  Playback is nice and smooth and sounds great.  The app also identifies the name of the song and the artist while it plays.  If you're using it on a iDevice with the iOS 4 update, you can multi task with it.  You can also record a desired station for playback later.

The app is free for Android users (requires Android 1.5 and up).  Drop by the Market to get it for Android: https://market.android.com/details?id=tunein.player&feature=search_result

For your iDevice, requires iOS 3 and up.  And it is currently $0.99 cents from the App Store.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tunein-radio/id319295332?mt=8&ign-mpt=uo%3D2

The app is extremely easy to use, and allows you to have a list of your favorite streaming stations in one place on your mobile device.  It's also available for other devices as well.  It's supported hardware list is:


Mobile

• Android
• Palm
• BlackBerry
• Samsung Bada
• Windows Phone 7

Other Devices

• Google TV
• Yahoo TV
• Roku

Check it out.
I'd give this about 4.75 stars out of 5.

*All images are copyright of Synsion Radio Technologies

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Weekly Tech News: Microsoft wants to sell us Games, AT&T is learning, and more!

To be honest, I have been pretty slack this week in keeping up with the news.  So, in advance I apologize.

-Microsoft wants to sell us Games...Online
Well, looks like Microsoft still has plans to grow their online commerce presence by opening selling games via the Games for Windows Marketplace.  This site has in fact been around for a while, but in a state of choas.  Personally, I have yet to buy any software from Microsoft online.  I have purchased titles via Xbox Live for my Xbox 360, which all in all works pretty well.

This following line is for Microsoft: why are you reinventing the wheel?  We already have digital distribution sites that specialize in selling PC games.  For example: Direct2Drive, sites like GoG.com (Good Old Games), and Steam (except Steam requires a standalone client be installed).  These sites are successful, in part because they specialize only in gaming.  They aren't also selling Office, Windows, or various other Windows products.  Personally, I wish them the best of luck.  But unless they are willing to deliver an experience similar to Steam or the ease of use when purchasing via Direct2Drive, I'll probably stick with the services I use and trust.  Once again, Microsoft seems to be on a path of conquest.
Source: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/g/a/2010/10/22/businessinsider-microsoft-to-sell-windows-games-online-2010-10.DTL




-AT&T is learning...How to cope beyond the iPhone.
What does this mean?  Simple, since the launch of the iPhone, AT&T has pretty much had it made.  Due to the exclusivity of the iPhone from AT&T, if you wanted one (unless it was jailbroken and unlocked) you had to use AT&T service.  With all of the buzz over the last couple of weeks, and the future of iPhone a jump to Verizon in 2011; what will become of AT&T?  What is their new 'trump card'?  What phone will they be able to offer that can compete with the iPhone? 

Apparently, they are bringing in Windows Phone 7 compatible handsets and Android based phones to try to offset the 'hardware shock' they will probably experience.  In my area, I have heard more than one iPhone user complain about their AT&T service.  How will AT&T fair if these user's jump ship to Verizon, and decide not to part with their beloved iPhone?  Let's face it, people use the devices they care about.  And they aren't always willing to make a move to another device; especially once they learn to use what they currently have.

I was able to break my wife of her Blackberry about a month and a half ago.  She adored her Blackberry, and she was looking for a new phone (since we could upgrade hardware).  She played with Sprints HTC Evo and absolutely fell in love.  This isn't always the case with people.  She was open for a change, AT&T better pull off some magic, because at least around my town the only reason to have AT&T cell coverage is for iPhone use.


In other quick news for the the December issue of PC Gamer hit, and it covers a huge section on Guild Wars 2.  So, until next week.  Happy surfing!

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Mobile Game Review: Zombies Ate My Baby for iPod Touch/iPhone

Since Halloween is just a couple of weeks away, I thought it was only suiting that I review a few Halloween themed games.  This weeks review is for 'Zombies Ate My Baby' for the iPhone/iPod Touch.  I know, the title sounds kind of bad, but it isn't quite what you're thinking.  The premise is, a girl and her boyfriend were on a date, and her boyfriend gets killed by a zombie while trying to protect her.  So, she kills the zombie and to her surprise, she finds that killing zombies is kind of fun.  So she sets out for revenge against the undead.

Controls:
The controls are pretty simple, basically the player character stands in the middle of the screen and pivots to aim in any direction around the screen.  You can control the character via taps on the screen or via tilt.  I was using the touch method to play.  And it plays pretty good.  Zombies approach from all sides/corners of the screen and simply tap on them to shoot them.  You'll end up fighting through about 20 waves of zombie attacks.  Meanwhile; guns, grenades, and health packs will spawn on the screen to help you out as you play.  The levels go by pretty fast, and at times the action on the screen can be flat out hectic.  But it never ceases to be fun.

Graphics:
The graphics are presented in a cartoon style.  The story progresses between levels by way of a comic strip; which is short, but conveys the story in a fun way.

Other Features:
The game features everything you'd expect from fun, yet simple gameplay to even offering achievements via OpenFeint.  As you play, you will of course unlock achievements.  Even if you aren't trying for achievements.  You're eventually going to see the achievement pop-up on-screen.  And you can post your achievement to Facebook at that time is you so choose.

The achievements are pretty neat as well.  I was able to unlock the 'Berserker' achievement by killing 499 Zombies, 'Straight to Hell' by taking 299 points of damage, 'Rambo' by firing 999 bullets, and 'Nurse' by healing 299 wounds.  All of these wear achieved within just a couple of levels.  Once you unlock the achievement, you can later access the Trophy screen from the main menu to see them listed.

Boss fights are pretty simple, but often challenging.  The first boss fight is against a zombie-soldier.  He will pace up and down the left end of the screen and toss grenades at you.  Meanwhile, you are on the right edge of the screen using a baseball bat to smack them back at him.  Once he is defeated you get to save a cool picture that can be used as a unlock screen wallpaper later.

Final thoughts:
This game is a fun way to kill a few minutes.  With the twitch based gaming it offers, I can't see myself spending extended periods of time playing this title.  But for a satisfying burst of quick game time, it will more than suffice.  At 99 cents from the App Store, this title is a definitely download for some instant fun.

Zombies Ate My Baby from the Apple App Store
Requires iOS 3.0 or later and it compatible with iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad.

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Unreal 3 Engine Makes Debut on Apple's iDevices!

Been pretty busy as of late, so I have some catching up to do.  Last week an app by the name of 'Epic Citadel' arrived on Apple's App Store.  No big surprise, new apps show up all the time.  But two things picked my interest: 1- the name of 'Epic' being included in the title and 2- it runs off of the Unreal 3 Engine.

I downloaded it on the iPad right away.  And I must say, that I was immediately blown away.  For some time there has been rumor and speculation that the Unreal 3 engine would eventually bring forth a 'mobile' version.  But honestly, I wasn't sure how well it would hold up in the transition from being a major pc/console graphics engine to making the jump to small, handheld, mobile device.  But to be honest, it is pure awesomeness.

The app is pretty much a tech demo.  There are no goals or achievements to accomplish.  The app simply lets the player explore this lush environment.  And it is great.  From the fine details to the shaders.  It's all sweet.  There are no other players/people/npc's wandering the worls, so it feels a little lonely.  But keep in mind, it's only real purpose is for Epic to be able to show off what can be done with it's diverse graphics engine.  

From what I have been reading 'Epic Citadel' is actually a game that is in development, that should be arriving on the iDevices by year's end.  This app was Epic's way of showing us their hand of cards.  And I must say, it's pretty freakin' awesome.  Personally, at this point; I don't care what the final game will be about.  Story set aside, replayability set aside; I will purchase that app once it hits the App Store.  By the way, the 'Epic Citadel' demo is free.

Check out the section on Epic's site about this awesome app: http://www.epicgames.com/technology/epic-citadel

and the link to the Itunes App Store:

http://itunes.apple.com/app/epic-citadel/id388888815

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This Week In The News: 'My Bad McAfee', iAndroid, and more

This week has a few noteworthy news topics. McAfee Attacks! iPhone meet Android, you're new OS. We get a new Doctor...Who that is!

First up this week, McAfee attacks! During an update that McAfee rolled out, widespread complaints started rolling in. Apparently, the update quarantined the 'svchost.exe' file therefore causing affected computers to continuously reboot themselves. The 'svchost.exe' file is a critical system file that Windows uses during boot and runtime to operate. McAfee is noting that only a small percentage of user's were affected. But according to several articles (including this one from PC World http://www.pcworld.com/article/194776/mcafee_error_little_relief_in_sight.html ) mention complaints from hospitals and in some cases, law enforcement.  So tell me, how can a 'security' company rollout such a problematic update?  Surely McAfee has some sort of quality assurance control, that allows them to ensure the integrity of each update and even each software release they produce.  Sure, we are used to companies like Microsoft releasing regular service packs and updates which have been known to fix a few bugs, but create a few more.  But when this happens to your antivirus/web security tools, you're now open to other attacks too. 

Personally, I used to be a McAfee customer (when I bought my first Dell about 6 years ago).  Then I moved to Norton, didn't stay there long.  Now I am happy with AVG.  The reason I moved from the previous two companies: they're software got too big.  They both decide to implement scanners for everything from email to file scanning.  Those systems became bloated and caused things to run slow for me.  So far, I haven't encountered any issues with AVG.  But they day that AVG grows too big for itself, I'll move on to another solution then as well.  I say do security, do it right, and with as little intrusion on the system and it's resources as possible.  As with anything, if you are looking for an antivirus solution, do your homework for what is best for you.  Big names aren't always the best solution.


Next up in the news: the iPhone is hacked again, this time to run Android.  Mr. David Wong; who is well known with certain iPhone hacking/jailbreaking communities, has managed to get a first generation iPhone to run the Android operating system.  Does Android take over the phone?  Nope, it's dual boot.  Using OpeniBoot the device will boot up the Android OS.  According to Wong, the system is still a little buggy, it is possible.  This isn't possible on a stock iPhone or iPod Touch.  The device has to be 'jailbroken' first (which voids the Apple Waranty).  Apple Insider


Also in the news, this last Saturday we were treated to the regeneration of a new Doctor on Doctor Who (in America anyways, the UK are a couple episodes ahead of us).  I'm a relatively new Doctor Who fan, but if you are a sci-fi fan and have never checked out Doctor Who...Do yourself a favor and give ti a chance. 

Finally this week, the Ubuntu 10.04 Release Candidate was released.  This means we are getting pretty close to the official 10.04 release.  The beta releases and release candidates can be downloaded now for those of you who want to check it out.  http://distrowatch.com/?newsid=06022

Happy Surfing!

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You Guessed It...More iPad News...

Apple started taking preorders today for it's new iPad.  According to the preorder site, customers who are in the market for the 'Wifi' only models will see that line of the iPad shipping on April 3rd.  The iPad is available in three different storage capacity sizes: 16GB ($499), 32GB ($599), and 64GB ($699).  Also, Apple is limiting the number of preorders to 2 units per customer.  Apple has also announced that they will be shipping the preordered units for free.

For those interested in the Wifi + 3G line of the iPad (same capacity sizes only 3G is added), you'll have to wait until they ship in late April.  The Wifi+3G line is somewhat more expensive: 16GB ($629), 32GB ($729), and 64GB ($829).  And the 3G data plan is not factored into the purchase price, this is sold seperately.

Apple will also throw in 90 days of complimentary telephone tech support, the hardware and it's accessories (yes, there are iPad accessories available too) all carry one year of waranty coverage.  The AppleCare Protection coverage is available as well for those who wish to buy it.

I love peripherals and accessories.  They help me geek out my stuff to my liking (as much as Apple let's a customer customize anything).  And the iPad is no exception, much like ebook readers there is a iPad cover/case and an iPad dock (both will ship for April 3rd), and an Apple keyboard dock will be available later in April; as well as other charging cables and a VGA adapter cable as well.

As far as other features, looks like the 3G features are a 'no-contract' offering.  Which means you can subscribe monthly to the 3G service without being tied to a contract with AT&T even though the service is provided via AT&T.  There looks to be two 3G plans available: 250MB/month ($14.99) or Unlimited ($29.99); as well as, access to the majority of the App Store apps, introduction of iBooks (surprised?), and the overall benefits of the larger size of the device when compared to the iPhone or iPod touch.

So hurry!  And go preorder one: http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipad/family/ipad?mco=OTY2ODA0NQ.  And let me know how it works when you get it ;)!

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