Interoperability, Intercompatability, Interchangeability, IPHONE?

I've noticed something about tech over the last couple of years that has really blown my mind. Is it really possible that many ofl the devices which comprise the bulk of consumer electronics have reached a state where they really can talk to one another without complex procedures. Just this morning, I plugged my Ricoh Digital camera into my computer via mini usb cable. After downloading all the pictures, i then plugged in my Cingular 8525 windows smart phone to sync up. Sometimes when I am on the go and need to charge my Ipod, I plug it into the same usb charger that I plug all my other devices into. So far I've done all this with one cable and one charger! Simply mind blowing! This past weekend, my brother's digital camera card was full, so I offered him the card from my cell phone; he just plugged it right in. And more convenient than ever is being able to post to this blog from my cell phone using my email address which is linked to my pop3 account all while adding text and picture attachments. Oh, did I mention that My ipod plays in my car, at work, and at home without one single adapter? It's all a standard 3.5mm jack. Now with Google documents, I can acces and edit all my stuff on a Mac and a PC. In case this hasn't hit you yet, never before has such interoperability been possible across such a vast array of devices.

So why do I throw IPhone in there? Because It's screwed up this whole formula. It doesn't take mini USB. It doesn't take Mini or micro SD. It's headphone jack is non standard. It's PC interface is governed by ITunes- so now software needs to be repacked from their regular CAB format. Dragging and dropping files can only occur through ITunes (unless hacked)

Not only is this a reason to not buy the IPhone, It's a great reason to have it banned from the consumer market!

Gadget Designs Are sometimes Intelligent. Usually not!

Names Like Panasonic Toughbook, Casio G Shock, and the Classic Yellow Sony Sports, are the only recognizable names in electronics that have been built to withstand every bumps and jolts. Which surprises me because I don't understand how more people don't demand more durable and weatherproofed devices. Quite honestly, the things that are most dangerous to devices are liquid spills and drops onto hard surfaces. If those two things are taken care of, then concerns over pocket lint and makeup spillage become non-issues. Having taken apart many electronics in my day, I can assert that waterproofing a device and adding some shock resistance is not a daunting task and doesn't add much cost (as a percentage of total price) to the device and might even save on the back end in warrantee coverage! Unless of course these companies want you to fall prey to these evil forces of nature and come back to buy another! This actually makes sense since warranty programs actually suck and don't do much for you outside the 90 (1 year if you're lucky) window. If nothing else, the only benefit would be to save many heads in a warrantee department. With that in mind, I always appreciate something like this Olympus Stylus 770SW where the manufacturer acknowledges that we don't all live in padded bubbles like Michael Jackson.

Wishing for a sign!

Ever since I moved to Jersey City I've always yearned for the day when I would walk to the water front and see a the new freedom tower emerging from the view of lower Manhattan. Unfortunately it has taken quite some time but progress is being made I know this. Until then I keep this view in front of me hoping to one day replace it with something even more spectacular!

Out of Control

Tell me this shit is not amazing!

Soundwave- I'm Too Sexy

What's up the the sudden antogonism of Soundwave! Ha ha. I do agree that he was obsoleted by the MP3 Player, which reminds me, if i ever see a smart phone transformer, I think I might barf. For some reason, I feel as though a cassette player is so much cooler probably because it has some relation to the 8 Track which has its own chapter in history.

Soundwave: The Touch

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a big transformers fan. Not, sleep in Optimus Prime pyjamas, big, but big enough to want to see the movie another 5 times. However, I've been very lucky to come across some outright hilarious videos that some people have put together. And so, I share, because I love you...the absent readers of my blog.

Maybe I Missed Something Significant but...

"NEW YORK (Reuters) - U.S. strategists are exploring how to implement a peace accord to officially end the 1950-53 Korean War and hope to start discussions with North Korea as soon as year end, The Wall Street Journal reported on Monday"

 

When a war hasn't been fought in 54 years, doesn't that technically mean it's over?  Or is it that there needs to be papers filed.  To this day, it amazes me that a phenomon which destroys villages, kills women, men, children, and wipes out food supplies actually has a formal process to start and end it. 

 

 

The Appeal of Linux

For as long as I've been alive...30 years to be exact...I recall hearing and seeing linux in just about every nook and cranny of the technology galaxy. However, as the years have gone by and it still has yet to hit mainstream (Talk of Dell offering Linux is a hope) it's really managed to meander into some strange places; possibly to provide as much face time as possible.

Take the Linux Dog for example. Its a very cool robot based on the sony AIBO but does it need Linux? I mean c'mon....all it needs to do is pant and bark (maybe sit up right)! I can do that with Radio Shack Components. It can't run very far because it's tethered at the back.

Maybe i'm beeing to myopic in my thinking.

Maybe they really are on to something....Maybe it's time to incorporate Linux into my Air conditioner. Think about it...It not only turns on and off with preset tempratures, but it could play MP3's and stream video. Maybe it could respond to voice commands. Linux powered coffee pot anyone? My electric shaver could benefit from Linux now that I think about it- Always wished i could hack at that thing to create some pulsating vibration.

Linux cheese grater...that's hot!