Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

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Turnabout’s Fair Play, Apple

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On September 1, 2013

In Apple, General Cogitation, Google/Android, Microsoft, Technology

apple_logo-263x300I read an article on CNET recently where the author claims that Apple is in bigger trouble than Microsoft. Granted he was speaking from a mobile perspective and perhaps from that point of view there might be some credence, but overall, I think Microsoft is in a deeper hole. Be that as it may, I do think he has a point (among many other people who have said similar things) that the iPhone is declining in popularity.

The iPhone used to be the hip gadget that everyone wanted, but now that everyone does have one, its not the cool thing to have anymore. This is the reason the author of the article thinks that Apple is in bigger trouble. I’m still really excited to pick up the new iPhone 5S this month and its primarily because I have the 4S and I’m due for a new phone on my contract. Honestly, though, I’m really only getting an iPhone because of the cost savings and comfort level. I’m just more comfortable with the iOS interface and I really don’t want to convert all my music.

Beyond that I don’t really have any brand loyalty. I think the Android phones are great phones as well (I’m not even going to comment on Windows Phone – not worth the text). In fact when people ask me “iPhone or Android”, I tell them that either one are great and they should go to a store that sells both and try it out. You need to pick the phone that you’re more comfortable using (and if that, unfortunately, happens to be a Windows Phone, then so be it).

If the giants are toppling (i.e. Apple and Microsoft) I’m more concerned about how that affects the industry then I am about how it will affect what cell phone I own. It will be a harsh reality for IT folks if Apple and Microsoft fall. Whether you love them or hate them, Apple and Microsoft are industry staples and are necessary to keep our world moving forward, Google can’t do it alone.

Soapbox: No One Deserves A Pedestal

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On June 20, 2013

In Apple, Microsoft, Soapbox, Technology

mighty_have_fallenI’ll be honest, I was going to make this another post about Microsoft (because they are still pissing me off) but I decided that I would try to be more of an equal-opportunity troll today. Unfortunately, I am going to start with Microsoft since they are the ones who have most recently been in the (tech) news.

Microsoft has backpedaled for a second time this year, on a second product (that’s not a good track record). Obviously the first time are the changes they are making in 8.1, though I still argue that what they chose to change is half-assed. We wanted a Start Menu with the Start Button, not your vomit inducing Start Screen. But I digress. When Microsoft unveiled the XBox One they were expecting fanfare, instead they got fan-flamed. Their architectural decisions for the XBox One were not popular and they paid the price with constant mockery and ridicule. Yesterday Microsoft changed their policy on used games and the always-on DRM. I’m still not thrilled about the idea that I wouldn’t be able to play my XBox 360 games on the new console so I still don’t feel the need to buy the XBox One.

I’m kind of tired of folks putting Microsoft up on this mighty pedestal when they are actually teetering on the edge of the toilet stool. Honestly, I don’t think anyone really deserves to be up on any pedestal right now. Apple isn’t really coming up with anything truly innovative anymore. In fact I’d say they are starting to play the catch-up game right now with Google’s Android. Speaking of Android, they’re not exactly inventing much lately either.

The fact of the matter is, it seems like they (Microsoft and Apple specifically) don’t seem to be listening to their users. We’re no longer living in a vendor-driven market, this is a user-driven market. Microsoft and Apple no longer have the power to dictate to us what we will use, we are telling them what we want. It’s up to them if they choose to listen and when they don’t listen the viral backlash is awkward and unpleasant. If anyone deserves a pedestal it would probably be Google as they are the ones that seem to be taking all the Apple and Microsoft complaints and providing solutions with their phones and tablets.

So the first half of 2013 has been embarrassing and tumultuous for Microsoft and uneventful and dull for Apple. Both have a lot promised for the second half of the year, hopefully their plans will bolster their already bruised and waning reputations.

/endsoapbox

Not A FanBoy, Just Pragmatic

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On May 7, 2013

In Apple, General Cogitation, Linux, Microsoft, Technology

quillI’ve been trashing Microsoft quite a bit lately (some of it might be behavioral regression from my anti-Microsoft days). I think a lot of it has to do with how much I dislike Windows 8 and how easily people are blindly being lead to its use like sheep to the slaughter. I think Windows 8 is Microsoft’s worst design idea since adding that damn ribbon to the top of all their Office products.

There I go digressing again.

The truth is, I don’t hate everything Microsoft. In fact I love Windows 7. In my opinion its the best version of Windows. I often joke that it took Microsoft 7 versions to finally get it right. I also spend most of my career working in Microsoft technologies and I enjoy it. I’m pretty good with .NET, so clearly I’m not a hater, I just think that not everything Microsoft makes is gold. I like to remain pragmatic.

At home I not only run a machine with Windows 7 but I also have a Mac Mini and I’m currently building a Slackware (Linux) file server. So when it comes to operating systems, I’m not loyal to anyone. (Ask me about peripherals, however and Logitech will be the only one I recommend.) When I’m asked about phones or tablets, it isn’t a matter of which company is better because they all have their skeletons; I often tell people to try out the devices at the store and pick for yourself. If its an iPad, a Galaxy tablet or a Kindle Fire, it doesn’t matter to me, as long as it meets your needs.

The application of technology to your life shouldn’t be about what the latest gizmo or widget that Company X has created (and marketed with unnecessary gusto and fanfare). The decision to apply technology should be based on if it properly meets your need and if it has the potential for some longevity. The last thing you want to do is buy a device (like a Windows phone that will be obsolete in April 2014, per Microsoft), or implement a technological solution that you will have to replace in a year.

When I’m making a recommendation, to me, its more important to find the right solution that best meets the needs of the consumer or client. I won’t recommend something just because its the latest buzz by Microsoft or Google. It has to be the best option, above all other potential solutions because that’s what the customer ultimately wants.

/cheers

Biggs On: Plethora of Social Media

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On January 15, 2013

In Biggs On

thinkingmanSo apparently Myspace has re-imaged itself and relaunched now with celebrity endorsements (i.e. Justin Timberlake) and a focus on music and media. I once had a MySpace page many years ago. I never kept up with it. In fact, I hated it. It felt like another iteration of GeoCities. When I read about this the first thought that came to mind is “Do we really need another social media outlet?”

Let’s name off a few of the social media platforms out there: Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Tumblr, Instragram, Pinterest, Myspace – these are just the ones that come to mind immediately. Last year Apple and Google were under heavy scrutiny because many felt like their privacy was violated by some functionality built in to the  mobile devices of these companies. This is a classic case of cognitive dissonance if I’ve ever seen one. How can we chastise one company for allegedly infringing on our privacy and turnaround and celebrate another means of putting your life on the Internet?

I use Facebook, Google+ and Twitter and I feel like that’s too many. I’ve often considered reducing how much I use Facebook. Granted I know that I have more control over what can be seen publicly but most of it isn’t default functionality. In fact I wonder how many people actually know how to lock down their social media accounts and/or restrict what posts people can and cannot see on news feeds and timelines. So it really comes down to who wants to accept the responsibility and it’s always easier to blame someone else especially when you can point fingers at “evil corporations” like Apple and Google.

Cheers.

Social Celebrities

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On June 29, 2012

In General Cogitation

I use most of the popular social media websites (Facebook, Google+ and Twitter) and I primarily use them to stay connected with old friends and co-workers. I also use them to shamefully promote my blog posts. Lately I’ve enjoyed another aspect of social media, something that I wasn’t expecting. There are a number of celebrities that are pretty active on the same social media networks and I think its extraordinary.

I already knew they were amazing people just from all the movies and television shows that I have watched over the years, but to see them posting on Twitter, Facebook and Google+ makes them all even more amazing. We were all always separated by the movie screens which created a popularity gap. Celebrities were put up on this high pedestal that we all wished we could be apart of but social media has changed all that. It has broken down the barriers that kept us all from connecting. It has created a way for all of us to vicariously experience their fascinating lives, and perhaps it has provided a similar experience for them though I know our lives are not quite as interesting.

It has been enlightening to realize how much I have in common with the people I have admired from the other side of the silver screen, its a fascinating cardinality. Though they will never know my name and though we may never meet in person, I hope its a comfort to them to know that we enjoy them just as much when they are simply being themselves.

So thank you Mila Kunis, Nathan Fillion, George Takei, Wil Wheaton, Dulé Hill, Simon Pegg, Kaley Cuoco, Eliza Dushku and all the other celebrities active on social media for all the extraordinary entertainment you have provided; and thank you for letting us in on just a tiny part of your lives.

/cheers!

Friendship Exists Without Borders

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On June 13, 2012

In General Cogitation

An interesting concept occurred to me the other day. In our world today, with various social mechanisms and online activities and games, the process of making friends and maintaining relationships has changed. The way our parents are use to it is old fashioned and out dated. Friendships can be forged without the need to meet face-to-face. We live in a world without borders and, as a result, its a little naive to think that a friendship can only exist if you have met physically. After all you are friends with someone for their personality, not their body.

In fact I would even go so far as to say that making friends outside your town, state, time zone or even country is a great way to experience different cultures. There is a significant percentage of people that never go to college which is a great place to meet people from different parts of the country and/or world. Therefore instruments like Facebook, Google+ and MMOs allows everyone the opportunity to meet other people. You never know what you might have in common with someone from California or New York. You don’t need to be able to invite them out for coffee or lunch just to be friends.

I’m also not suggesting you throw yourself out there haphazardly. There are a lot of creepy people out there that give social media a bad connotation. Please be careful when you are handing out even your full name and email. The threat of identity theft is scary but use a little common sense and discretion and just be yourself. I have more friends then I can count on two hands that I have never met physically that I know I can trust and thinking that those people are not actually “friends” is just obtuse.

Cheers!

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