I am not fearful of major UI changes in software. I understand well enough that change is necessary. Naturally, software UIs evolve over time — hopefully for the betterment of the users experience with it. Apple overall has typically set a high bar for user interface design and interaction, however their record is not withoutContinue reading “Apple: What Did You Do to AirPort Utility?”
Monthly Archives: January 2012
Difficult Times for Siri? Perhaps Not
There are more than a few people who have been giving Siri a hard time. It seems like the general consensus among people I know is this: what is Apple doing with their new data center if they can’t keep Siri running reliably? But first, a little background Just three days after the iPhone 4SContinue reading “Difficult Times for Siri? Perhaps Not”
Thinking Bigger about the Future of iOS Computing
There is a growing trend emerging that is worth keeping an eye on. A very small group of the tech elite have been experimenting with using their iPad as their sole computing device. This seems like an impossible feat, or perhaps something most power users such as myself would find unappealing. Why give up aContinue reading “Thinking Bigger about the Future of iOS Computing”
iOS 5: Downloading Music from iCloud Is Frustrating
One of the most frustrating apps in iOS that I’ve encountered is the Music app. There are many shortcomings that I’ve discussed before, but the most glaring issue since the introduction of iOS 5 and iTunes Match is not knowing just when the hell your albums have finished downloading. As it stands right now, IContinue reading “iOS 5: Downloading Music from iCloud Is Frustrating”
How We Perceive Performance Degradation Over Time
After I acquire a new computer — typically a MacBook Pro — over the course of its lifetime — typically three years — it starts to feel sluggish. Somewhere between the first time I use my MacBook and the day I decommission it, I would have upgraded the operating system and installed a boatload ofContinue reading “How We Perceive Performance Degradation Over Time”
Raven Browser: A Review
When it comes to choosing a web browser on OS X, there are no shortage of options. Many of these options have different rendering engines — some work better than others. The three most popular browsers in terms of marketshare are as follows: Safari Firefox Chrome Of course there are other options as well, howeverContinue reading “Raven Browser: A Review”
iOS: Not Running State
In my piece that I wrote yesterday, I discussed how my father’s peculiar tendency to go into the multitasking tray to kill all apps might be a bad habit from the days before protected memory operating systems, such as OS X. Alas, one of the design decisions made by Apple to make all apps —Continue reading “iOS: Not Running State”
iOS Multitasking: Is There More to This Than Misinformation?
Last year my father ditched his ancient Palm Treo for an iPhone 4. He is without a doubt pleased with it, however I noticed an odd behaviour he’s been making a habit of. Frequently he will double-tap on the home button to bring up the multitasking tray — which begins a process of holding andContinue reading “iOS Multitasking: Is There More to This Than Misinformation?”
A Glut of Web Services: Google
The last several years I’ve spent many hours signing up and trying new web services from Google. Some good — others complete shit. Google mail is one of those not shitty ones. I have gone back and forth between email hosting services before. Back in the 90s it was Hotmail (before Microsoft bought them) andContinue reading “A Glut of Web Services: Google”
Fast on The Way to Nowhere: RIM
This year should be a big year for RIM. By big, I don’t mean in a good way. In order to elucidate, I’m basing my thoughts on some announcements made in Q4 2011, but also the general trend the company is headed on while we’re just a couple weeks into 2012. RIM unveiled some ofContinue reading “Fast on The Way to Nowhere: RIM”