Biggs' Zone

A Geek's Cogitations, Conjectures and other Cortical Experiences

Tag: Technology Page 6 of 8

Open Season on nook

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On June 26, 2014

In General Cogitation, Technology

easton1I’ve had a Barnes & Noble nook e-reader since the first year they came out and today I probably have more books on it than I own in printed format. I always knew, however, that Barnes & Noble was struggling with the sales of their nook devices. Amazon’s Kindle and Apple’s iBook app are just too strong for Barnes & Noble to fight. It sucks because I really like my nook.

Now I read today on CNET that Barnes & Noble will be splitting into two companies, one will be it’s regular retail business and the other their Nook Media business. I think what is most suspicious about this move is that just a few weeks ago it was announced that Samsung will be teaming with Barnes & Noble to provide a new nook using the Samsung Galaxy hardware (named the Samsung Galaxy Tab 4 Nook). I suspect that what is really happening here is that Barnes  Noble Nook Media isn’t just splitting off, I think it will become a divestiture in which Samsung will purchase the new company. This just seems to coincidental so mark my words, Samsung will soon be the new parent company of Nook Media.

I just hope that my boring nook e-reader will not become completely obsolete and the sole focus will be just on the nook tablet. Unfortunately, I think I know the answer to that.

Why I’m Getting The New iPhone

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On September 18, 2013

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

applesamsungIt’s not a secret that I predominately prefer Apple mobile devices. I’ve been using an iPhone since the 4 and prior to that I’ve been using an iPod since the first version. I’m not an Apple fanboy, though many have teased me that I am. I do not think the iPhone is a superior product over any comparable Android device. If I had to absolutely stop using the iPhone I would have no qualms about picking up an Android.

Windows Phone … well, that’s a different story. I would probably prefer two cans on a string next to a Windows Phone.

My contract is up; actually its been up since May. I knew a new Apple phone would be released this year so I’ve been holding off on renewing my contract until Apple decided to launch it. Obviously that wait is over. This Friday I will make a brazen attempt to get the iPhone 5S as part of my contract renewal. I’m getting the new iPhone because the iPhone is what I’m most comfortable with; that and I don’t want to spend the time reformatting all my music. I don’t bash any Android device because I’ve played around with one and they are really slick devices (unlike a Windows Phone where I was done using it within 30 seconds).

Generally I’ve been trying to only update my phone every-other-version of the iPhone. It saves on money and it feels like a more noticeable upgrade. My advice, if you are deciding which phone to get, don’t ask anyone that strongly prefers one or the other, just go to your carrier’s store and try out each phone. Choose the one that feels most comfortable and less likely to cause you any confusion when trying to complete all of your normal tasks.There are plenty of guru’s out there for Android and Apple phones to help you with any support issues you might encounter. Granted Apple has a bigger advantage with brick-and-mortar locations for quick, hands-on service and support but my understanding is most service techs at carrier stores are fairly knowledgeable of Android devices.

/cheers

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.

Biggs On: Is the Desktop PC Really Dying?

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On July 15, 2013

In Biggs On, Technology

geek-300x300Almost daily I read CNET, ZDnet and several other news feeds regarding technology trends. I do this so I can keep up with how the technology and the industry is changing. I’ve noticed that there have been several articles claiming that the PC is dying. These claims are based on the declining number of desktop sales. I do wonder though if these statistics are only taking into account mass-manufactured computers (i.e. HP, Dell, etc). Personally, I have never bought a premade computer, I’ve always built all my computers.

I don’t know if I could not have a desktop computer. I really like my peripherals and while the touch/gesture technology is incredible, I don’t think its something I could get used to doing all the time. I spend 90% of my day behind a computer whether its at work or extra curricular programming or gaming at home. The mouse and keyboard are too big of a staple to my computing experience for me to be able to switch to something less … tethered? Plus, I really like that I can build my own computer. Honestly its way I don’t really use laptops very often and why a laptop has never been my main computer at home. In my opinion, tablets (and perhaps even laptops, to some degree) are really only an extension of the desktop computer but definitely not a replacement.

I’m not saying that I’m hemmed into the desktop PC, forever. You never know; with the way technology is changing these days something may come along that will change my mind. I am curious, however, what others think about all this talk of the desktop computer becoming obsolete?

/cheers

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

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