Archive for the 'Gear' Category

« Previous Entries Next Entries »

False advertising? Apple’s iPhone commercial versus the real world.

As much as I’m enjoying my new iPhone 3G, I’ve been more than a little frustrated with it’s failings, like poor battery performance, software bugs, slow UI response, and the disappointing lack of speed from the 3G network.

While I’m not planning to go back to a Treo any time soon, in my opinion the iPhone has failed to live up its promise (or its hype). I just hope they keep the software updates coming.

Apple’s latest commercials taut the iPhone’s blazing speed. If you own one it’s hard not to get a little sick your stomach after watching it. Some guys made a real world versus ad comparison and posted it to YouTube…I’m sure you can imaging the results…

Related posts:

Design Patterns in Semantic Search

The recent launch of Cuil.com and Microsoft’s acquisition of Powerset.com has piqued some new interest semantic search engines. To deliver on their promise, these new search tools must provide a new experience for search, integrating a number of new paradigms and experiences.

In preparation for a new project, I put together a quick presentation that compares design approaches for a number of prominent semantic search engines, including Powerset.com, Sindice.com, Cuil.com, Twine.com, and hakia.com. Specific attention was paid to general presentation, input methods, display or results, and categorical results approach.

Worth a look if you’re interested in semantic search.

Related posts:

Blogging from the iPhone

Wow. Blogging from the iPhone is ridiculously easy…no excuse not to write more!

Related posts:

Ready for the new iPhone

The word is out that the new 3G iPhone will undoubtedly be release sometime around June. I considered buying the first-gen iPhone when it hit the streets but was just not ready to abandon my trusty Treo. At the time, I thought the iPhone was all style, with little substance for a hard-core business user. ..kind of like going jogging wearing a pair of expensive Italian shoes—while you may fancy, a pair of old running shoes will get you where you need to go much faster and with a lot more comfort. Old jogging shoes are actually a great analogy for the Treo!

My tune has changed now that I’ve seen the iPhone in action and starting reading the rumors. In addition to 3G support, unconfirmed sources have noted a number of new features that could likely be added to the new iPhone.

What I’m most excited about:

  • New Form Factor (From Wired): In addition to a thinner body, there are rumored to be a couple of new device options, including a clamshell that would allow for a larger screen. There may also be a new model with a hardware QWERTY keyboard.
  • Faster Chipset: A new processor that will support faster multimedia playback, faster responses, and full support for all the new applications built with the SDK.
  • True GPS: The new iPhone may support actual GPS. The current model uses triangulation to approximate your location. Real GPS would be a great new feature.
  • Improved Camera: A lot of iPhone users complain about how much the camera sucks. Supposedly, the new model may support up to 5 megapixels (current iPhone supports two).
  • Stereo Bluetooth (from Yahoo): Look ma, no chords! The new iPhone is said to support Bluetooth headsets.

Finally, estimated pricing puts the new iPhone at $399 for the 8GB version, $499 for 16GBs, and $599 for the 32GB model. Where can I pre-order?

Related posts:

Is 2008 Year One for Flexible Displays?

According to Digitimes, this year marks the sounding gun for global flexible active matrix displays, meaning that this year we may see bendable, thin high-definition LCD screens. New technologies and materials are the base of the technology, and recent advances may result in real products in not-too-distant future.

Related posts:

« Previous Entries Next Entries »