Blair (pronounced Blaarrrrrrgghhh).
Chilcott inquiry.
Like the natural born liar that he is, Blair breezed through today's questions without breaking sweat. There was one moment when asked over a recent interview with Fern Britton when he started stuttering, but with a few hand gestures quickly got back into his stride.
He's a liar. Nobody in their right minds, who isn't his pal or on a nice little earner, could possible draw any other conclusion. Not one word of apology passed his lips. Not an ounce of sincerity showed on his face whilst families, who's sons and daughters died in his illegal war, watched from the gallery or on TV. He even referred to Saddam as a monster. Well it takes one to know one.
There's a Queen classic on A Night Of The Opera which could have been penned for this poor excuse for a man. See if you can spot it, then give it a listen.
Friday, 29 January 2010
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Apple Launch The iPad
Well all the hype is over, thank god, and we now have Apples new creation...the iPad.
This was probably the most super hyped event on the internet and amazingly Apple never uttered a word. Now that's real market power!!
As usual most so called 'experts' got it wrong and because they got it wrong the whinging has started.
"Bezel too big" "Should have had multitasking" "Doesn't support flash" blah blah blah. Yep heard it all before.
What did people think it was going to be?
It was blazingly obvious that we were going to get a big iPod Touch. In fact i reckon this device would have come before both the iPod Touch and iPhone but for one reason or another Apple delayed its launch.
So what did i get wrong?
Well i predicted we'd see music subscriptions and preview 4th gen iPhone but alas not enough time, although i think we've seen the next version of iPhone software on the iPad of which most will find its way soon.
Regarding the Tablet i said: the iPad would have a webcam and iChat but not this time. Price £599 - £799. Well happily it was less than i thought. Apple generally go in at a high price and then reduce over time but definitely surprised me there. Anyway i like getting those kind of predictions wrong. 64GB low end up to 128GB SSD, well its 16GB to 64GB but that'll come in future versions.
So what did i get right?
Well i said the following:
Apple aren't there to invent our dreams, they simply make devices and software that is intuitive to use. That's Apple's whole ethos. They are also notorious for bringing out new devices lacking a few obvious software features which slowly get introduced over time and generally for free. It's always been the Apple way and it adds perceived value.
A game changer?
Well we'll now see a flurry of copy cat devices. There are tablet devices already out there but not like this. Apple have the advantage of software and hardware design working in harmony. 75 million customers already use iPhone or iPod Touches so will instantly know how to use the iPad. Apple also have the largest ecosystem on the planet to support the iPad through iTunes. Content is king and they have it in abundance.
Music, Games, Photo's, Movies, Email, Internet, Maps, YouTube and now eBooks, Apple have it covered.
With the announcement of 5 big book publishers already onboard, the rest will soon follow and we'll see a whole new way of reading books.
The other big advantage for Apple is new customers. Whilst Apple cult members will somehow find the money despite already owning a Macbook or iPhone, the biggest draw will be those who've always drooled over Apple products but couldn't or wouldn't take the plunge due to price.
At £399 there's no more excuses.
As usual most so called 'experts' got it wrong and because they got it wrong the whinging has started.
"Bezel too big" "Should have had multitasking" "Doesn't support flash" blah blah blah. Yep heard it all before.
What did people think it was going to be?
It was blazingly obvious that we were going to get a big iPod Touch. In fact i reckon this device would have come before both the iPod Touch and iPhone but for one reason or another Apple delayed its launch.
So what did i get wrong?
Well i predicted we'd see music subscriptions and preview 4th gen iPhone but alas not enough time, although i think we've seen the next version of iPhone software on the iPad of which most will find its way soon.
Regarding the Tablet i said: the iPad would have a webcam and iChat but not this time. Price £599 - £799. Well happily it was less than i thought. Apple generally go in at a high price and then reduce over time but definitely surprised me there. Anyway i like getting those kind of predictions wrong. 64GB low end up to 128GB SSD, well its 16GB to 64GB but that'll come in future versions.
So what did i get right?
Well i said the following:
- No camera - we got no camera
- Connectivity will come via Wi-fi - we got wi-fi, although i also said no 3G but we got that as an option
- Google maps - we got Google maps
- Native iPhone apps - we got native iPhone apps
- 1024 x 768 screen resolution - we got that
- 720p no 1040p video support - yes and no
- Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, support for Apple Stereo Headset with microphone and 30-pin dock connector - yes, yes, yes and yes
- It'll sport a 10.1 inch glossy multi-touch screen - 9.7 but hey i'm not on the payroll
- Version of OS X as seen on the iPhone and iPod Touch - correct
- iTunes LP support - yes
- New app to read books - yep its called iBook
Apple aren't there to invent our dreams, they simply make devices and software that is intuitive to use. That's Apple's whole ethos. They are also notorious for bringing out new devices lacking a few obvious software features which slowly get introduced over time and generally for free. It's always been the Apple way and it adds perceived value.
A game changer?
Well we'll now see a flurry of copy cat devices. There are tablet devices already out there but not like this. Apple have the advantage of software and hardware design working in harmony. 75 million customers already use iPhone or iPod Touches so will instantly know how to use the iPad. Apple also have the largest ecosystem on the planet to support the iPad through iTunes. Content is king and they have it in abundance.
Music, Games, Photo's, Movies, Email, Internet, Maps, YouTube and now eBooks, Apple have it covered.
With the announcement of 5 big book publishers already onboard, the rest will soon follow and we'll see a whole new way of reading books.
The other big advantage for Apple is new customers. Whilst Apple cult members will somehow find the money despite already owning a Macbook or iPhone, the biggest draw will be those who've always drooled over Apple products but couldn't or wouldn't take the plunge due to price.
At £399 there's no more excuses.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Jobs promises strong product lineup for 2010
Shortly after announcing record quarter earnings of $3.38 billion, Apple CEO Steve Jobs told reporters: "The new products we are planning to release this year are very strong, starting this week with a major new product that we're really excited about."
Of course we expect that major new product to be the tablet.
iPhone growth was 100% over the same period a year ago shipping out 8.7 million units. And a record 3.36 million computers found their way into new homes. iPod however was down 8% but was still an impressive 21 million units.
The quarter ending December 26th is traditionally Apples strongest period taking in Thanks Giving and the Xmas period. The results now make Apple a $50 + billion company.
Of course we expect that major new product to be the tablet.
iPhone growth was 100% over the same period a year ago shipping out 8.7 million units. And a record 3.36 million computers found their way into new homes. iPod however was down 8% but was still an impressive 21 million units.
The quarter ending December 26th is traditionally Apples strongest period taking in Thanks Giving and the Xmas period. The results now make Apple a $50 + billion company.
Is it a UFO or an Apple Tablet?
We're almost there. 2 more days and we'll finally find out what Apple have in store for us.
The latest rumour, which reads more like a UFO news alert, has web analytics firm Flurry claiming to have seen 50 devices showing all the attributes of Apple's rumoured Tablet.
Unfortunately they couldn't reveal more details about what apps were being used due to their terms of service. However Peter Farago, VP of of Marketing with the firm, said: "If you were able to see the data we see, at the level of granularity," Farago said, "it would be clear to you as well."
So just like the rest of us they haven't the foggiest idea of what's going on.
The latest rumour, which reads more like a UFO news alert, has web analytics firm Flurry claiming to have seen 50 devices showing all the attributes of Apple's rumoured Tablet.
Unfortunately they couldn't reveal more details about what apps were being used due to their terms of service. However Peter Farago, VP of of Marketing with the firm, said: "If you were able to see the data we see, at the level of granularity," Farago said, "it would be clear to you as well."
So just like the rest of us they haven't the foggiest idea of what's going on.
No Truer Words
Loved the Sun's headline: "Terrorist alert up as Hilary Clinton visits UK"
Yep sounds about right.
Yep sounds about right.
Friday, 22 January 2010
How Fast Can you Text
Before i got my iPhone i found it a pain trying to reply to my daughters texts. It would take so long for me to reply that she just used to give up.
Even though i still only use my index finger on the software keyboard, i can hold my own against her two thumbs.
Blogger Phil Gyford has gone one further testing his collection of PDA/smartphone gadgets to see which of their methods of input was quickest.
Also spot the quote by British Labour Politician Aneurin Bevan. I guess things were as bad then as they are today.
Even though i still only use my index finger on the software keyboard, i can hold my own against her two thumbs.
Blogger Phil Gyford has gone one further testing his collection of PDA/smartphone gadgets to see which of their methods of input was quickest.
Also spot the quote by British Labour Politician Aneurin Bevan. I guess things were as bad then as they are today.
Ballmer Signs Students Macbook
Great bit of PR for Microsoft.
I wonder what Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) would do if it was an HP or Dell running windows?
I wonder what Steve Jobs (Apple CEO) would do if it was an HP or Dell running windows?
Thursday, 21 January 2010
Brown Is In The Brown Stuff
Breaking news that Brown will join his crony mate Tony at the Iraq Enquiry before the general election.
Apple IPad
On the subject of names for Apple's upcoming tablet device, this Tuber can't have realised the significance of this hilarious sketch uploaded in 2006.
What's In A Name
As Apple's January event draws ever closer many Apple fans are debating what the new tablet device will be called.
This site is worth a link as it brings a whole new meaning to the Apple Evangelist.
This site is worth a link as it brings a whole new meaning to the Apple Evangelist.
Monday, 18 January 2010
Official: Apple Confirms Jan 27th Event
Well it looks like we're in for some new product announcements as Apple sent out official invitations to its Jan 27th event in San Francisco.
The invitation shows a large Apple logo with multi-coloured paint splashes and the words "Come see our latest creation." Rumours have been abound about a new Tablet, but the colours seem to represent the current colour lineup of the iPod Nano range.
Still Apple is renowned for its secrecy and throwing people off the bait so i wouldn't read to much into the invitation.
One way or another were going to see something new. Can't wait!!
Still Apple is renowned for its secrecy and throwing people off the bait so i wouldn't read to much into the invitation.
One way or another were going to see something new. Can't wait!!
Saturday, 16 January 2010
My Apple Tablet
Ok time for a bit of guesswork on what this new tablet device will look like if, as is predicted, Apple turn up in San Francisco on the 26th January for their first new product announcements of 2010.
I really don't think this device is as difficult to visualise as some are making out. I hear a lot of people saying that if it's a larger iPhone then they'll be disappointed. Well prepare to be disappointed because that's what it will be, only it won't have the phone.
Think about it for a moment. If you own an iPhone or iPod Touch you'll know what a bugger it is to read websites or watch movies on. This will be fixed in the Tablet. Not everybody has a laptop and even if you did you don't want to get it out, boot it up just to watch a movie. Something more portable than a laptop but bigger than an iPhone is what consumers need.
I always remember having an 8-track recorder for writing music on. Simple, small and compact i just used to plug in and play as and when an idea came along. I then upgraded to a full blown 24 track digital studio and hardly wrote a track. The reason is simple, too much hassle to plug it all in and by the time i fiddled with the buttons i lost inspiration. Sometimes smaller is better. It's the same when you want to watch YouTube or watch a movie.
Ok back to tablet predictions.
It'll sport a 10.1 inch glossy multi-touch screen and a resolution of 1024 x 768, so 1080p is out of the window but 720p is in. Don't worry, it won't cannibalise sales of the MacBook because it won't run the same apps. Rather it'll take on a version of OS X as seen on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The apps will come from iTunes and be of a higher resolution, people who play games on the iPod Touch are going to love this.
It'll be as thin as Apple can make it and light enough to hold steady in your lap. Webcams a given at the top of the screen. Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, support for Apple Stereo Headset with microphone and 30-pin dock connector.
Connectivity will come via Wi-fi with no 3G contracts to worry about as no carrier in their right minds will want a device like this hogging their bandwidth. Standard software will be iTunes, iPod app to play music, watch video, podcasts etc... App store, Safari, Photo, Mail, Calendar and then stocks, Google maps, clock, calculator etc...
No camera, what's the point but we will see a few new apps like iChat to replace messages app. I also think Apple will offer magazines and books through iTunes so we'll see an app for that. There will also be support for iTunes movie extra's and music LP's, something you can't get on an iPhone. The books and magazines will look stunning. If you've never downloaded an LP from iTunes then do so now. You'll then get an idea of how Apple see books and magazines working on this device.
64GB low end up to 128GB SSD high end. Keyboard will be software as per iPhone and Touch and that will pretty much be it. Price??? Apple will gauge reaction at preview when they go in at the high end first as to protect Macbook sales. £599 for 64GB sounds about right up to £799 for top end.
There'll be lots of other little surprises as only Apple can do.
Other announcements will be Music subscription services which will evolve into movies, tv shows etc...They'll also gives us a preview of 4th gen iPhone.
Bring it on.
I really don't think this device is as difficult to visualise as some are making out. I hear a lot of people saying that if it's a larger iPhone then they'll be disappointed. Well prepare to be disappointed because that's what it will be, only it won't have the phone.
Think about it for a moment. If you own an iPhone or iPod Touch you'll know what a bugger it is to read websites or watch movies on. This will be fixed in the Tablet. Not everybody has a laptop and even if you did you don't want to get it out, boot it up just to watch a movie. Something more portable than a laptop but bigger than an iPhone is what consumers need.
I always remember having an 8-track recorder for writing music on. Simple, small and compact i just used to plug in and play as and when an idea came along. I then upgraded to a full blown 24 track digital studio and hardly wrote a track. The reason is simple, too much hassle to plug it all in and by the time i fiddled with the buttons i lost inspiration. Sometimes smaller is better. It's the same when you want to watch YouTube or watch a movie.
Ok back to tablet predictions.
It'll sport a 10.1 inch glossy multi-touch screen and a resolution of 1024 x 768, so 1080p is out of the window but 720p is in. Don't worry, it won't cannibalise sales of the MacBook because it won't run the same apps. Rather it'll take on a version of OS X as seen on the iPhone and iPod Touch. The apps will come from iTunes and be of a higher resolution, people who play games on the iPod Touch are going to love this.
It'll be as thin as Apple can make it and light enough to hold steady in your lap. Webcams a given at the top of the screen. Built-in stereo speakers, built-in omnidirectional microphone, support for Apple Stereo Headset with microphone and 30-pin dock connector.
Connectivity will come via Wi-fi with no 3G contracts to worry about as no carrier in their right minds will want a device like this hogging their bandwidth. Standard software will be iTunes, iPod app to play music, watch video, podcasts etc... App store, Safari, Photo, Mail, Calendar and then stocks, Google maps, clock, calculator etc...
No camera, what's the point but we will see a few new apps like iChat to replace messages app. I also think Apple will offer magazines and books through iTunes so we'll see an app for that. There will also be support for iTunes movie extra's and music LP's, something you can't get on an iPhone. The books and magazines will look stunning. If you've never downloaded an LP from iTunes then do so now. You'll then get an idea of how Apple see books and magazines working on this device.
64GB low end up to 128GB SSD high end. Keyboard will be software as per iPhone and Touch and that will pretty much be it. Price??? Apple will gauge reaction at preview when they go in at the high end first as to protect Macbook sales. £599 for 64GB sounds about right up to £799 for top end.
There'll be lots of other little surprises as only Apple can do.
Other announcements will be Music subscription services which will evolve into movies, tv shows etc...They'll also gives us a preview of 4th gen iPhone.
Bring it on.
Apple's New Tablet: What's It All About
Rumours are at fever pitch that Apple are about to unleash the next 'super gadget' taking on the form of a 'tablet like' device.
Speculation on what it will look like, what it'll be called and where it fits into the market place are keeping forums and technical analysts pretty busy right now.
But why a tablet device?
Well a brief look at Apples history gives us some clue's as to why people think there may be a Tablet device on its way. To do this we need go back a couple of decades to the heady days of the Newton, a software platform started in 1989 and designed by Apple Computer Inc to run on PDA's or Personal Digital Assistants like the MessagePad 2000.
Set to 'revolutionise personal computing' the Newton project had to be shelved some 9 years later when Apple, led by CEO John Sculley, launched a plethora of boring gadgets which failed to capture the essence of what Apple was about. Its reputation in question, a fall in market share and a drop in the stock price ultimately took its toll and the rest as they say is history. Of course Microsoft didn't help but that's another story.
Return of the king
After Steve Jobs, one of Apples founding fathers, rejoined the company in 1997, ironically after being ousted by Sculley in 1985, the company started restructuring its product line up. Computers started to arrive that people actually wanted to buy, confidence returned and things started looking up. Fast forward ten years or so and Apple are now in a very different place.
Massive sales of the iPod and iPhone aligned to its traditional core business of desktop and laptop computers, have turned Apple into one of the most powerful tech companies in Silicon Valley, if not the world. Awash with billions in cash and totally debt free, market analysts now predict they'll soon overtake Microsoft, its Nemesis of the 80's.
But what of the Newton project? Whispers are that Steve Jobs has pulled it out of the garbage and is personally overseeing and reshaping the 'project' into a modern day miracle. Burning the midnight oil, constantly changing his mind, sending his boffins back the lab, removing those that displease him, waiting until the time is right to unleash his obsession on the world. Don't you just love the internet.
Personally i think we've already seen one version of the Newton project and the hardware which ran it. We refer to this as an iPhone and to a lesser degree the iPod Touch. Think about it for a moment. The hardware running the Newton platform were PDA's or personal digital assistants. That's just what the iPhone is. It assists us, through its multi-touch screen, by making phone calls, entertaining us with music and movies, accessing the internet and organising our busy lives by handling our email. And if we get lost it even helps us find our way thanks to GPS and applications from Tom Tom. If that's not a modern day PDA then my names Michael Caine.
The main differences in the hardware that ran the Newton platform and the iPhone is the physical size. With a 3.5 inch widescreen the iPhone does strain the eyes a little. The MessagePad 2100, for example, had a larger screen although with a lower resolution.
Which raises the key question. Are Apple about to release a new device with a larger screen?
Well the financial times reports that Apple have already booked the venue for the 26th of January and are going to launch something big.
Other rumours circulating the internet are that they've invested in 10.1 inch screens. At a similar time they've also acquired a number of companies. The first was a music streaming business called Lala and then a global mobile advertising company called Quattro Wireless.
Significant to a new Tablet? Not really.
Other than the screens, which is pure rumour, the other purchases simply tell me Apple plans to finally get into the music subscription business to compete with the likes of Napster and Spotify. The other purchase tells me Apple fancy taking a bite from mobile advertising. These of course could easily integrate into any device Apple currently offers including the fabled Tablet.
So there you have it. The reason for all the wild speculation. Incidentally, it's important to add that Apple haven't confirmed the venue booking as of yet, although one Apple writer Andy Ihnatko, who refers to the device as 'the RAT', has already booked his flights to San Francisco.
Maybe he knows something we don't and the Tablet is coming after all.
Speculation on what it will look like, what it'll be called and where it fits into the market place are keeping forums and technical analysts pretty busy right now.
But why a tablet device?
Well a brief look at Apples history gives us some clue's as to why people think there may be a Tablet device on its way. To do this we need go back a couple of decades to the heady days of the Newton, a software platform started in 1989 and designed by Apple Computer Inc to run on PDA's or Personal Digital Assistants like the MessagePad 2000.
Set to 'revolutionise personal computing' the Newton project had to be shelved some 9 years later when Apple, led by CEO John Sculley, launched a plethora of boring gadgets which failed to capture the essence of what Apple was about. Its reputation in question, a fall in market share and a drop in the stock price ultimately took its toll and the rest as they say is history. Of course Microsoft didn't help but that's another story.
Return of the king
After Steve Jobs, one of Apples founding fathers, rejoined the company in 1997, ironically after being ousted by Sculley in 1985, the company started restructuring its product line up. Computers started to arrive that people actually wanted to buy, confidence returned and things started looking up. Fast forward ten years or so and Apple are now in a very different place.
Massive sales of the iPod and iPhone aligned to its traditional core business of desktop and laptop computers, have turned Apple into one of the most powerful tech companies in Silicon Valley, if not the world. Awash with billions in cash and totally debt free, market analysts now predict they'll soon overtake Microsoft, its Nemesis of the 80's.
But what of the Newton project? Whispers are that Steve Jobs has pulled it out of the garbage and is personally overseeing and reshaping the 'project' into a modern day miracle. Burning the midnight oil, constantly changing his mind, sending his boffins back the lab, removing those that displease him, waiting until the time is right to unleash his obsession on the world. Don't you just love the internet.
Personally i think we've already seen one version of the Newton project and the hardware which ran it. We refer to this as an iPhone and to a lesser degree the iPod Touch. Think about it for a moment. The hardware running the Newton platform were PDA's or personal digital assistants. That's just what the iPhone is. It assists us, through its multi-touch screen, by making phone calls, entertaining us with music and movies, accessing the internet and organising our busy lives by handling our email. And if we get lost it even helps us find our way thanks to GPS and applications from Tom Tom. If that's not a modern day PDA then my names Michael Caine.
The main differences in the hardware that ran the Newton platform and the iPhone is the physical size. With a 3.5 inch widescreen the iPhone does strain the eyes a little. The MessagePad 2100, for example, had a larger screen although with a lower resolution.
Which raises the key question. Are Apple about to release a new device with a larger screen?
Well the financial times reports that Apple have already booked the venue for the 26th of January and are going to launch something big.
Other rumours circulating the internet are that they've invested in 10.1 inch screens. At a similar time they've also acquired a number of companies. The first was a music streaming business called Lala and then a global mobile advertising company called Quattro Wireless.
Significant to a new Tablet? Not really.
Other than the screens, which is pure rumour, the other purchases simply tell me Apple plans to finally get into the music subscription business to compete with the likes of Napster and Spotify. The other purchase tells me Apple fancy taking a bite from mobile advertising. These of course could easily integrate into any device Apple currently offers including the fabled Tablet.
So there you have it. The reason for all the wild speculation. Incidentally, it's important to add that Apple haven't confirmed the venue booking as of yet, although one Apple writer Andy Ihnatko, who refers to the device as 'the RAT', has already booked his flights to San Francisco.
Maybe he knows something we don't and the Tablet is coming after all.
Friday, 8 January 2010
Snoooooow!!
I keep saying to the kids that they haven't seen proper snow yet but today i think they are finally getting a glimpse of what we took for granted as kids.
The snows been hanging around since late December. Not really deep stuff but a fair covering. However yesterday and today the weathers took on a whole new dimension.
If i said we have around 4 inches of the stuff on the drive then i'm probably being conservative, probably more like 6. Driving home along the A66 tonight was ridiculous and i wouldn't be surprised if they close it.
The councils running out of grit, the Boro match has been called off and the police have closed the stray at Redcar which has never happened before, well as long as i can remember.
Still it's the weekend and i don't have to drive anywhere so i'm just going to put a nice pan of soup on, bake some bread and watch it all go on through my window.
The snows been hanging around since late December. Not really deep stuff but a fair covering. However yesterday and today the weathers took on a whole new dimension.
If i said we have around 4 inches of the stuff on the drive then i'm probably being conservative, probably more like 6. Driving home along the A66 tonight was ridiculous and i wouldn't be surprised if they close it.
The councils running out of grit, the Boro match has been called off and the police have closed the stray at Redcar which has never happened before, well as long as i can remember.
Still it's the weekend and i don't have to drive anywhere so i'm just going to put a nice pan of soup on, bake some bread and watch it all go on through my window.
Apple Tablet Predictions
With speculation building up to fever pitch around Apples new Tablet thingy, lots of people are making predictions. Here's one that i think will be close.
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
Google Releases Nexus One Phone
After handing out prototypes to its employees just before Christmas, Google decided now was the time to unleash it's next Android phone offering to the rest of us.
Built by HTC and running the latest version (V 2.1) of Google's mobile operating system Android, the Nexus One looks like a real contender and should go some way into challenging Apple's iPhone as well as RIM's Blackberry for smartphone sales.
Whilst we'll have to wait until the spring to see it over here in the UK (Vodafone), US citizens have a choice of purchasing the phone contract free for $529 or enter a two year contact with T-Mobile for $179.
Verizon, one of the largest communications companies in the US, will take on the Nexus One in the spring.
Whilst i'm all for Google entering the smartphone market i'm not sure i'd put my money into one of their offerings, or at least not just yet. The Nexus One is just one of many phones Google and the Open Hand Set Alliance have released in under two years. Whilst i'm psyched at the way the phones and platform are developing, their still only clones of the iPhone.
Google Maps apart (come on Apple) there's nothing new to the Nexus One and one can't help feeling that we'll see a few more of these Phones from other alliance members over the course of 2010, all launching as the next best thing.
By the time everybody else catches up, Apple will have released their 4th gen iPhone. Playing catch up is how it's going to be for the alliance in the short term but Google has this nasty habit of taking an idea and making it better. Remember Alta Vista?
Whilst we'll have to wait until the spring to see it over here in the UK (Vodafone), US citizens have a choice of purchasing the phone contract free for $529 or enter a two year contact with T-Mobile for $179.
Verizon, one of the largest communications companies in the US, will take on the Nexus One in the spring.
Whilst i'm all for Google entering the smartphone market i'm not sure i'd put my money into one of their offerings, or at least not just yet. The Nexus One is just one of many phones Google and the Open Hand Set Alliance have released in under two years. Whilst i'm psyched at the way the phones and platform are developing, their still only clones of the iPhone.
Google Maps apart (come on Apple) there's nothing new to the Nexus One and one can't help feeling that we'll see a few more of these Phones from other alliance members over the course of 2010, all launching as the next best thing.
By the time everybody else catches up, Apple will have released their 4th gen iPhone. Playing catch up is how it's going to be for the alliance in the short term but Google has this nasty habit of taking an idea and making it better. Remember Alta Vista?
Monday, 4 January 2010
Best App To Date
Without doubt my favourite App to date has to be the iTunes 12 Days Of Christmas.
Offered as a free download the app allows you to download a free daily gift in the form of a music track, music video, movie, tv show or game everyday from 26th December until 6th January.
So far so good although the only caveat is that my service provider O2 keeps texting me continuously reminding me to download the next offering. I wouldn't mind but it's not as if they are actually giving me anything.
That said i've had some decent gifts. First off was a music track from Snow Patrol (An Olive Grove Facing the Sea (2009 Version). Not my cup of tea but my daughter likes them.
Add to that the Trivial Pursuit game, a Robbie Williams music video (Morning Sun live in Berlin 2009), Lesbian Vampire Killers...ahem...(film), Alan Partidge (TV Show), JLS and Leona Lewis music video's and a cracking short film about Peter & The Wolf, it's been a great little gift from Apple and a nice jesture of season's goodwill.
Of course they know they'll get the money back off me during the course of what should be another great year for Apple.
So far so good although the only caveat is that my service provider O2 keeps texting me continuously reminding me to download the next offering. I wouldn't mind but it's not as if they are actually giving me anything.
That said i've had some decent gifts. First off was a music track from Snow Patrol (An Olive Grove Facing the Sea (2009 Version). Not my cup of tea but my daughter likes them.
Add to that the Trivial Pursuit game, a Robbie Williams music video (Morning Sun live in Berlin 2009), Lesbian Vampire Killers...ahem...(film), Alan Partidge (TV Show), JLS and Leona Lewis music video's and a cracking short film about Peter & The Wolf, it's been a great little gift from Apple and a nice jesture of season's goodwill.
Of course they know they'll get the money back off me during the course of what should be another great year for Apple.
Snow Joke
Thanks to Copenhagen we've had snow since Xmas.
Got some horrible slushy stuff all day Saturday but overnight it fell nice and fluffy. Of course couldn't resist a couple of pics and a good woodland walk with the family.
I can always remember it snowing a lot when i was a kid, or is that just selective memory? Still, it looks like we've more to come and with daytime temperatures below freezing it's not going anywhere soon.
Now i'm just waiting for some Met office stats predicting the worst snow fall since year dot and the climate change brigade claiming responsibility.
I can always remember it snowing a lot when i was a kid, or is that just selective memory? Still, it looks like we've more to come and with daytime temperatures below freezing it's not going anywhere soon.
Now i'm just waiting for some Met office stats predicting the worst snow fall since year dot and the climate change brigade claiming responsibility.
Friday, 1 January 2010
iPhone Now Unlocked
After emailing O2 about unlocking my iPhone i've finally got the nod to replace the O2 sim card with one of my choice.
The instruction comes via a simple text, along with a flurry of other calls from providers all wanting to sell me a new phone (so be warned).
Although it's unlocked i haven't took the card out yet as i have paid up until 15th January, but beyond that i'm contract free.
Not really sure what to do now. I'm not going to buy another iPhone because Apple will update the 3GS with a 4th generation model in the summer.
So i'm 6 months in the phone wilderness. I can of course use the sim from my company brick but the iPhone's no fun without Wi-fi and i think the 3G services are sketchy.
I understand you can get a rolling contract with O2 on a month to month basis which mean's i'm not locked into to any long term contracts. Decisions decisions.
Although it's unlocked i haven't took the card out yet as i have paid up until 15th January, but beyond that i'm contract free.
Not really sure what to do now. I'm not going to buy another iPhone because Apple will update the 3GS with a 4th generation model in the summer.
So i'm 6 months in the phone wilderness. I can of course use the sim from my company brick but the iPhone's no fun without Wi-fi and i think the 3G services are sketchy.
I understand you can get a rolling contract with O2 on a month to month basis which mean's i'm not locked into to any long term contracts. Decisions decisions.
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