Why Steve Woznik is My Tech Hero & Why He Should Be Your Too

Steve Wozniak is like Santa Clause, except Santa wishes he was that cool. No seriously, Wozniak, or The Woz, is such an awesome guy I would invite him to my birthday party even though I've never met him. Here's why. Despite the fact that he hitched his proverbial horse to the Apple cart (pun intended), the Woz is so very chill about different techs and OS's co-existing. Over the years since I've gotten into tech I have heard one major voice that has talked about how great each tech is and how they build off of each other. That was the Woz. While other major "inventors/innovators" such as Steve Jobs mutter threats about going nuclear on the competition, the Woz has consistently said what he likes and dislike about each OS and the celebrates the fact that both exist.

The Woz is essentially like George Takei when George step in between two major stars of the Star Trek and Star Wars genres when they were having you pissing match over which was better. George essentially said its all good. They both have their advantages and disadvantages. He then pointed out the true enemy which is Twilight and its fans. The Woz is essentially try to do the same thing. While Wozniak prefers iOS devices over Android, he still enjoys both because each offers a different take on what personal electronics make.
What I think the Woz has failed to do is point out the true enemy to Android and iOS fans. The true enemy is Patent Trolls. Sadly this enemy has taken root in companies such as Apple and Samsung. The real losers when Patent Trolling happens is us, the end users. If this behavior is allowed to continue the end result will be stagnation in electronics and technology. Apple paved the way with user interface. Google paved the way with availability of smartphones and improved notifications and user control. Both companies have borrowed ideas from each other. The most notable borrowing which has happened is with Apple's release of iOS 6, which borrowed ideas from Android's notification and integration features. Is this bad? NO! Its good! The over all user experience for Apple users has improved. Does this mean I'd go iPhone over Android? No. I've bought into the ecosystem of Android AND I feel like I have more freedom. But that doesn't mean I can't be friends with Apple users. That doesn't mean I have to be a hater. When I trash on any company it is because of patent trolls. If you were to ask me which is better, Android or iOS, I would say Android. I freely admit I am biased. But that does not mean I cannot point how what iOS does better than Android. Heck, there were things WebOS did better than either and that OS is essentially dead because HP screwed up royally. The message of this entire rant is this, the reason I think Steve Wozniak is cooler than Steve Jobs and Bill Gates or any other heavy hitter in tech is because he has talked the talk and walked the walk of a true blue techy. He loves innovation. He loves creativity. He isn't a snob who doesn't want the "little people" to have what he has. He promotes ideas, knowingly or not, that will make the world better. That is why when it comes to tech, despite the fact that I don't agree with him in all things or even because of it, Steve Wozniak is my Tech hero.

For more information on Steve Wozniak's stand on the OS battles, check out this article by the Android Authority.

George Takei (Sulu) in his now famous request for peace between Star Wars and Star Trek fans:

Down with Twilight!!!

Reflections on Apple v. Samsung Trial

What with the verdict of the trial being very much in the favor of Apple, it seems that Samsung (and by connection Android) has lost a major battle last week. But the issue isn't so easily defined. As a Android fanboy, I am rather surprised with myself on how I can step back and have a looksy at what is happening and what this means.

First, it is clear to me that BOTH Apple and Samsung have actively and repeatedly infringed on patents that each holds. The validity of those patents are, in some cases, questionable. But that is really a question of whether the system is broken or not. It is VERY clear to me that the system is broken. Having participated in the application process for several patents I can tell you that it is long, drawn out, and is more about bring money into a governmental agency than protecting the rights of the inventor. In the case of Apple and Samsung I have seen ample evidence that both are more interested in "knocking out the competition" rather than protecting intellectual property rights. If anyone thinks that this conclusion in court is the end you have another thing coming. This is likely to drag out for a very long time. The fact that the jury was very much slanted towards Apple rather than doing as the South Korean Judge did and smack both upside the head just means that life for Android and iOS users is going to become rougher for US residents at least.

And that leads to my second point, this ruling can be taken one of two ways. Either this will make life worse for consumers or better. It could really go either way and since I don't have a crystal ball I really can't tell you which. Either this case will set a precedent of enforcing a monopoly through the courts, or it could result in an expansion of innovation that is greater than we have already seen. My big issue with Apple fanboys is that they claim that Samsung did no innovation and "stole" everything from Apple. That is crap. Just like its crap to say Apple hasn't "stolen" anything from Samsung or Android. The competition that Android, and by connection Samsung, brought to the table has made both operating systems better in both the long and short run. To claim that Apple (or Google) has an exclusive on the ideas and innovations that have come about is as ridiculous as claiming that Ford should have had exclusivity on making cars back in the day. Competition improves the market place. The fact of the matter is that Steve Jobs, and by connection Apple, has it in for Android simply because the creators dared to challenge the Apple ecosystem. And ecosystem that was intentionally limiting until recent years. The main reason Android has so much power is because Apple refused to deal with anyone other than one wireless carrier per country. While I am not sure of the other carriers in other nations, I can tell you that having worked for AT&T in the past, it did more harm than good for AT&T and its users to have the iPhone as an exclusive. Let's be clear here, I am not an AT&T spokes person, I just was the poor smuck who handled the customer service calls on poor coverage and crappy service etc. By Apple refusing to deal, the other carriers realized that Android was the next big thing. And Apple is still doing the same when it comes to T-mobile. If Apple really wanted to be supreme in Smart Devices, they should have been available on all carriers and services as soon as they could. In either case, my point still stands. Apple may have started down a road of innovation, but Google made it better and by doing so made Apple's product better as well.

Finally, the ruling was in many ways very fishy. The fact that evidence such as previously existing ideas and images that far proceeded the iPhone and iPad were disallowed as evidence. The fact that Steve Job's statements of wanting to go nuclear on Android. The fact that there is very much a bias in the public's eyes all make me question the validity of the ruling and the use of a jury. As an example, the other day I was having a conversation with a friend. He told me to get out my iPhone and search something. He knows I don't have an iPhone so I corrected him. His response, "Same difference..." The problem we see here is that there isn't. iPhone is a brand. If he had said, "Get out your smartphone," or to use an older term since he was older, "Get out your PDA," then there would be no need for correction. Smart devices have been around much longer that the iPhone. Apple just made them hip and trendy. Personally, I think that the case should be retried. I think if there is a jury, it should be a jury of unbiased experts. I think that in reality that both parties have intentionally wronged the other. I think this entire thing was really one big farce. In the end all I see coming out of these trials is increased cost for the consumers. I see a failure in our patent system. I see that in the end no one wins and everyone, include innovation, loses.

Samsung, Barnes & Noble Drop Tablet Price. Worth It?

Last week Samsung announced the Galexy Tab 2 student edition for $250. While it is the same price as the regular Galexy Tab 2, the dual core tablet also comes with a bluetooth keyboard and adaptor to allow use of usb drives with the tablet.
Further more, Barnes & Noble announced a price drop in their Nook color and Nook Tablets. Nook Color is $149, Nook Tablet (8GB) $179, and Nook Tablet (16GB) $199. Essentially a $50 drop in price. This was done to compete with the Nexus 7 by ASUS.
This begs the question of whether it is worth it to get either one of the tablet options over the Nexus 7? With respects to the deal I can honestly recommend the Nexus 7. While the peripherals for the Galexy Tab 2 is great and while the Nook devices have expandable memory, both are running processors that are dual core (or in the case of Nook Color a 800mhz single core processor. Also both are running old software and lower screen resolution. Over all the fact that the pricing is fairly comperable to the Nexus 7 pricing there is just nomajor reason except the expandable memory not to go with the Nexus 7. Even with that the use of services such as Google Drive, Box and Dropbox (among others) solves any major storage concerns. I have a 16gb Nexus 7 and memory isn't such a big deal. If your iching to get a 7 inch tablet, the Nexus 7 is a far better deal with more flexability as well.

The Problem with Mobile (commentary)

       I love the mobile revolution! The software and devices coming out of Apple, Microsoft and Google & friends just makes my inner geek freak out with nerdy, geeky, techy joy! But there is a problem... Mobile is it is MOBILE! Prior to my jump into a tablet, my primary device of choice was a laptop. While not as mobile as a tablet, the laptop worked very nicely for my purposes. I had something like 6 hours of battery life and complementing programs that did what I needed. But the move to a tablet added a lot of things and I am mostly happy with it. But this article is not about what I am happy with. It's about what the mobile experience currently lacks.

True Multi-Tasking

I have played with all of the mobile operating systems that are currently available. From Blackberry to Symbian, from iOS to Android. What I haven't played with I have researched, and the one thing that is lacking in all of these devices is true multi-tasking. Sure some of them run programs in the back ground, but that isn't what I mean. What I refer to is the ability to work two tasks simultaneously without the need to switch between them. I am referring to windows people. OSX, Linux and Windows (which is named for the capability) all have it. I've worked on all three. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but they all have the mutli-tasking ability I refer to. Now, I understand the limitations of multi-tasking at this level for mobile devices. First, the average phone's screen is way too small. But why should we preclude tablets from the game because phones have small screen space? Second, multi-tasking on such a level can cause a little larger strain on the mobile cpu and os. Still, I feel the primary reason that you can't find an iPad or Android tablet that has "windows" functions on it is laziness. 

The "Window" is Open

Of all the reasons listed above, laziness is the answer in my mind. I have seen that the window function is capable on mobile devices. A perfect example of this is MBFG's products. Things like OverSkreen (a floating web browser), StickIt! (a floating video player), AirCalc (a floating calculator) and AirTerm (a floating terminal). These apps all feature the window floating capability and play nice with other apps as well. What is more, Tablified Apps has released LilyPad Floating IM which does the same thing but for IM clients. Samsung also introduced something like stick it on the Galaxy S III phone. All of these apps can be resized, moved and minimized with little to not fuss. I have even used them on my small Android phone screen. While I am convinced that such a function is somewhat useless on such a small screen, I do feel the function should be available for those who would like to use it. And that is what MBFG does for Android. But that isn't enough! Just because there is some functionality in this area doesn't mean that it is the answer. Why isn't this basic function that has been available in computers since I can remember lacking in the computing devices of the future? Why can't I have a movie playing in one corner while I web browse on the other without having to modify my tablet? Why can't iPad users do this? Why is it that this basic functionality that we all use and take for granted on standard computers lacking in mobile? I would suggest it is because we are not asking for it. Right now, the only mobile tablet that may have this functionality built in is the Microsoft Surface. A device that isn't even released yet! From what I can tell, the Windows 8 & Windows RT maintain the floating windows function without much fuss. This means that Apple and Google could be playing catch-up to Microsoft if people realize that for the same or similar price to Microsoft's competition they can get a mobile device that is more functional. Now, I understand I could be way of base here. Maybe I'm making a big deal out of something everyone else could care less about. So what do you think. Is the floating window function a big deal?

Run Android Apps on PC & Mac!

Blue Stacks is an app developed that allows users to run Android applications on a PC. That is old news. What is big news is that now Mac users can get in on the fun and games. This is a beauty of Android. Since it is open source by design Google has no problems with such things happening. In fact, by its very nature, Android is creating an ecosystem that is almost viral. If more and more users and utilize Android apps on more and more devices this makes the Android operating system more essential to more people. My hope is that Microsoft and Apple take a hint from this success by opening up such functionality in their mobile device applications. Sadly, while I can hope, I don't see such rational thinking happening on either software companies part. Still, the ability for an Android user to have their software they have spent good money on be transferable to the computer of their choice just adds further value. I can see someone using the Mircosoft Surface Tablet and running Blue Stacks and Android apps on it. Wonderful! To enjoy Blue Stacks for Mac, go here. To enjoy Blue Stacks for PC, go here.

The Google Nexus 7!

Yesterday the Google Nexus 7 tablet was announced. This 7 inch tablet packs a massive one two punch. It starts at $200 for the base model ($250 for the next up) and packs the Nvidia Tegra 3 Quad Core +1 processor. The +1 is a fifth core that fans lovingly call Ninja core because it kicks in for low processing needs like web surfing or watching HD video to conserve on battery power. The tablet also boasts 1GB of ram, a super IPS display, a N wireless module and the latest iteration of Android called Jelly Bean. The manufacturer is ASUS and they have released 3 tablets prior to this. All three were great successes and were very well made. Additional all three are well supported as well. In fact, I'm writing this review on the ASUS Transformer Prime. But that's besides the point. This Nexus tablet is the first of its kind and will hopefully receive some tender love and care not only from ASUS but also from Google.


Why This is a Big Deal


This is the first time a high end tablet could be purchased at such a low price. Now some would suggest that the Kindle Fire or the Nook Tablet would both qualify for this prize, but this is not the case. Sure both had dual core processors on board which was top of the line at the time of release, but both run limited versions of a mobile operating system (Android) that are heavily customized so the user does not get a fully functional tablet without rooting the devices in questions. Not only is there some amount of specialized knowledge needed to do this, but by rooting the device you void the warranty. The Nexus 7 on the other hand not only delivers the high end quad core tablet with supporting hardware, but is also offers a fully functional mobile operating system.


My One Reservation


The one thing I do not see in the tablet that makes me frustrated is the lack of an expandable memory slot. There is no SD or microSD slot for which the user can add additional memory as needed. This is a must considering the base model comes with just 8GB of on board memory. The next model up offers 16GB of memory. The problem is that both versions the operating system takes up some of that memory. About 2.5GB is taken up by the OS. That is why I would recommend the 16GB model. Since the OS takes up the same amount of space on both the 16GB model actually delivers much more total memory available to you the user than the 8GB model does. Still, despite the lack of expandable memory slots, this tablet is still very much worth the money asked for it. Considering cloud storage will take up a lot of the slack, the memory issue isn't a huge deal.


Educational Potential


This little gem is perfect for schools. It has the right combination of price, size, and functionality. Admin, teachers, students and parents can all take advantage of a device that is portable, light and has a battery life that surpasses any laptop computer. The larger screen is bigger than a smart phone screen and offers the better functionality. For the same price of a high end smart phone under contract you get a tablet that does as much or more without the cost associated with a phone plan. Pare a bluetooth keyboard to Nexus 7 (or go without) and you have an extremely effective word processor. The research potential for students makes this an ideal device to have in or out of class. Then there is the things schools can eliminated with the introduction of the tablets. For example, rather than having very expensive and heavy textbooks the schools could use ebooks. Furthermore, the open source textbook option is an amazing and VERY low cost alternative to the traditional approach. What is more, this tablet is more than capable of providing such things as tutorial apps, interactive lessons, scientific and graphing calculators, charts and more for little to no cost. Every student could have a full set of references such as dictionaries and encyclopedias at hand too. Teachers could provide schedules and even update them so that all students and parents are aware of what is happening. Emergency notifications could be delivered to the tablets so students and teachers remain safe. Students can be called to the office or pulled out of calls without the need for the entire school to be disrupted by a general announcement that could also embrace the student in question. Essentially our schools could move out of the late 80's and into the 21st century. The best part is that the tablet or those that follow are the devices that can do this because of the low cost and high end combination.



                                                                                    Entertainment

The Nexus 7 has great potential as an entertainment devices in additional to its educational functions. The +1 on the Tegra 3 means you can browse the web and watch hours of HD footage while sipping away at battery life. Then is you want to kill some time while waiting with a game you can do that with access to hundreds of thousands of free and paid games. What is more, you aren't just limited to the Google Play store. There are other Android appstores such as Amazon and GetJar. You aren't limited in you music or video content either. If you are stuck in the Apple ecosystem you can simply port all your music and videos over at no cost since Android is compatible with many different media formats. If it isn't out of the box compatible for some of your content, there are apps that give the needed drivers to make them compatible at little to no cost. Then of course there are other options for music, audiobooks, ebooks and more. Why limit yourself to one ecosystem? I am the Kindle and Nook apps installed on my tablet and smartphone. I purchase the books I want at the best price. Same goes for music. It all centers in on my Android devices that are not limited in the least. Furthermore, if video content is your drive then you can access YouTube, Netflix, Amazon, HBO, Hulu and more. You can also bring your own digital files to the table without the need to convert them like other products such as Apple's. Back to the games thing, there are a large variety of casual and advanced games available through all appstores. Whether you want to kill a few minutes with Angry Birds or Cut the Rope, or if you want to spend more time with games such as Dead Space, Max Payne, Shadow Gun or Dark Meadows, you have plenty of options  on hand with a tablet that is built to handle the demands of them all!


Review to Come


So I'm taking one for the team here guys. I've pre-ordered the Nexus 7 16GB model and will be posting a full review as soon as I get my hot little hands on it. It is important to note that the current pre-order offer includes a bonus $25 credit for the Google Play store, so if you are interested in taking the dive without reviews that may be a nice little bonus for you. In either case, the wonders of the latest iteration of Android  combined with high end hardware is a nice temptation. I can't wait to see what other manufacturers will be offering to counter the Nexus 7. Either way, in the end guys we are the winners! I love living science fiction!

To purchase the Google Nexus 7 go to this link.

Update:

I missed this the first time, but the Nexus 7 also has a 12 core GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) that makes game play and over all beauty and usability of this tablet a pleasure. Essentially, this means that the tablet is running 16 cores when your playing games or other graphic intensive functions and still gives you 8 to 9 hours of battery life! If you are considering getting a Kindle Fire, think again. This tablet is the best bang for your buck. Especially the 16GB model.

The Truth about the Tablet's Origins

First, please enjoy this video. You will love this epic rap off between Bill Gates and Steve Jobs is epic. The meme follow the video will probably be easier to under if you enjoy the short video. It is most epic!

Oh, and Apple's do catch viruses!
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Now that you have enjoyed that, please enjoy this little gem!
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On App Development & Stupid Reviewers: A Rant

The Back Story:

I recently reviewed an app called To-Fu: The Trial of Chi over at TriForce Radio. As games go, this one was really fun, cute and enjoyable to play. I will likely play it again as well as have my nieces play it next time I see them. It was the free app of the day for 5/18/12 on Amazon's Appstore so I got a paid app for free. That was nice. When I enjoy a good game I like to post a review to help the developers in selling the app. Since I couldn't sleep I jump on the Appstore to post a review to do the developers proud. I think the game is on par with Where's My Water, Angry Birds and Cut the Rope. Well, when I got there I read some of the other reviews. There was a very large number of low ratings including a massive amount of 1 star ratings. It turns out the reason for these poor ratings for the most part where due to two different reason. The first is simple enough. The game did not work on certain phones. I can sympathizes with those people, but poor ratings usually does nothing for correcting that problem. Emailing the developer does more. But despite that stupidity there was a greater level of stupidity shining forth in words that shall be forever immortally live on thanks to my screen shots (for some of them at least).

An Explanation:

You see, in the To-Fu game there are two OPTIONAL in app purchases. Both are $0.99. One unlocks all levels at once so you don't have to play through them to get to the next level. The other is called Golden To-Fu. It is much like the Mighty Eagle in Angry Birds. If the play gets stuck on a level and wants some help, by invoking the Golden To-Fu the level is completed perfectly. Again, to be perfectly clear, BOTH ARE OPTIONAL. The game itself is normally $0.99. So if you where to buy all in app purchase in addition to the game your total cost would be $2.97. I've spent more for a burger and gained less satisfaction from that then I did from this game.

The Stupidity: 

So the primary complaint about the app can basically be summed up like this. HOW DARE THE GREEDY DEVELOPERS CHARGE ME FOR SOMETHING I DON'T REALLY NEED TO PLAY THE GAME ESPECIALLY SINCE THE GAME WAS FREE TO BEGIN WITH!!! As you can see form the screen shots, that was a summary, but a somewhat fair one.

The Problem:

The problem is that these idiots have no clue. They think all developers are greedy so and so's who are out to rob them blind. Ranting about dishonest business models and how awful these people are. The fact of the matter is those people are worse then the supposed demonic developers they are cursing. I have seen people waste money on things of less value then this game and do it happily. The majority of these bad reviews are from people who got the damn app for free anyways. These people are so greedy, self centered and ignorant that they whine that the developer is offering an OPTIONAL in app purchase if someone just so happens to be lazy or just wants to play more casually. While they are doing this they think nothing of the TIME and the MONEY the developers themselves have sacrificed to make this game. The best part is that the developers didn't make these sacrifices for these whiners. They made them because they were investing. They were taking skills they had learned and translating them into a good that others would pay MONEY for. This is called economy. By working they hope to make money. Much like I write because I hope to gain money from my efforts. So to me, the problem is not the developers. They simply are trying to achieve the dream of financial independence. It is fun to note that the makers of this particular game are a small company, not the huge corporation that some would have you believe. 

Your Thoughts:

Now you have heard my opinion and rant. What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you agree with me? Disagree? Think I'm nuts? Do you think there is a solution to this problem? Is there a problem at all? 

I'll be honest, all comments are welcome so long as they are not abusive or foul. I will not delete an comments because you disagree with me so long as you follow the above guide lines. Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

Other Screen Shots:

Please note, all of these comments were posted on a public forum. I have not edited these comments in any way. 

Chameleon for Android Tablets

A couple years back the best option for an Android tablet was some crappy thing thrown together in China that was basically a large poorly designed phone. A year ago the Android tablet started to take form. The evolution was much like that of the initial Android phones. It was a rough start, but now the tablets offered are amazing. Android 3.0 to 4.0 are all well designed tablets. But here's the thing, Android is all about customization! My phone is customized to fit me personally and it is amazing! The same goes Android tablets, but because they are a bit newer the possibilities are still developing. Here is where Chameleon comes in. This project is a custom launcher (or skin) for Android tablets running 3.2 and up and is based off of your preferences.

The pitch is really simple. You use different apps at different times of the day and/or depending on where you are at. Why should you have to swipe between home screens to get where you want to be? Well, Chameleon answer that. The launcher uses GPS for geofencing and/or by wifi networks to determine with home screen is front and center when you turn on your tablet. Examples. You wake up in the morning to a screen with email, news and traffic front and center. You arrive at work with a email, calender and office software. You go to lunch at your favorite cafe and your social network & personal stuff screen pops up when because it recognizes the wifi network. Just before quitting time the home screen with traffic and new pops back up. When you arrive home your entertainment home screen is front and center. The best part is that every home screen is customizable. Also you can switch between the different screens with a swipe of a finger just like normal Android. Also, it is much prettier than the basic Android home screen options. Don't get me wrong, the default options for Android are awesome, but Chameleon takes it to the next level. It doesn't hurt that Chameleon adds eye candy to the mix. 

So for the next 15 days Kickstarter will be hosting the fund raising that gets this software off the ground. Expect release of the product is September 2012 in the Google Play store (and hopefully others). But if you want to jump into customized home screens before everyone else AND without having to pay extra. A $5 donation gets you into the game early.

Here is the Kickstarter project. If you missed the donation window, here is the website.

OfficeSuite Pro 6 for Android on sale in Amazon Appstore

Update: This Sale is over, but the app is good quality in any case.

The Amazon Appstore has place Office Suite Pro 6 on sale for just $0.99! I thought I got a deal when I bought it for $5. Normal price is $14.99. It is a great productivity app and it works well on tablets and phones alike. The best part, if you buy it within the next couple days you also get $1.00 toward any mp3 purchase through Amazon. You can buy a single song for $0.99 or it can be applied towards a album purchase. Either way, the cost of the app by itself is worth it. After all, that double cheese burger from McSquikers isn't going to be all that useful to you later. This app will keep on working for you.

Click the link to jump in on the goodness.