OmniMagOnline

Steve Jobs has passed away...

2011-10-05T19:28:00.005-05:00

Steve Jobs
1955-2011

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

(taken from Apple's website in remembrance of Steve Jobs)

It was the best of times and the worst..

In remembrance of one of the greatest men of our time..

From Mirko to Steve.....

Thank you Steve for giving us so many amazing things in our lives.

I can say that our lives will never be the same and we have definitely become better because of it. You have given us the opportunity to grow world wide as an Apple family.

Our bond transcends all race, sex and boundaries world wide.

Namaste,

Apple unveils iPhone 4S

2011-10-04T13:00:00.005-05:00

(image found on AppleInsider.com life feed)

In a latest round of new goodies Apple has unveiled the iPhone 4S. Same look on the outside but a revamped engine deep inside. Now the iPhone 4 comes with the same chip that is found in the iPad 2 (A5) offering twice the performance offered in the current iPhone 4 models.

With faster graphics performance game developers are able to give more dynamic and powerful rendering offering dynamic light rays in real time, taking gamers to a new depth of experience.

The new iPhone 4S also offers a new updated wireless system to offer better reception. The new stainless steel antennas are also designed to offer better call and data transmission with data speeds reading 4G boundaries of 14.4 Mbps downloads on your phone.

This unit will be also offered in both GSM and CDMA, giving it a world wide network compatibility for consumers.

The camera has also been upgraded to a 8MP unit offering resolutions of 3264 x 2448. This offers current iPhone 4 users a 60% better pixel photo then what is currently being offered on existing models. There is also a new backside illuminated sensor that will allow up to 73% more light per pixel.

The capture rate has been sped up to 33% faster performance with a Hybrid IR filter installed for better color accuracy and nicer quality images.

Video recording will now be offered in 1080p, giving the user HD recording capability.

Chinese Farmer Creates Working Flying Saucer

2011-08-23T13:04:00.020-05:00

Photo found on the Nation

A self educated 46 year old Chinese farmer has created a home-made working flying saucer. Shu Mansheng of the Hubei Province created a working craft (shown above) that he was able to get up to two metres off the ground while sitting in the center cabin. The craft is powered by eight propeller engines (modified motorcycle engines) with an invested cost of 60,000 yuan ($9,400 Dollars US).

With this device he is planning on visiting schools and showing children the amazing things someone can create when they set their mind to it. Hoping to inspire young minds with his flying craft. He has also mentioned an interested in opening a school for children who have an interest in his various projects. He has said "My dream is to establish a special school where kids would be able to learn all sorts of things they don’t teach in ordinary schools.”

Photos found on odditycentral.com

Shu a man with basic school education taught himself electronics and mechanics. In the past Shu tried building another flying saucer but unfortunately it didn't take off. He had also created two jet engines to thrust two planes up into the air but because of technical difficulties they crashed and burned. One had a tire fault while the other plane crashed on take off.

I think its pretty amazing to see what people can do that take the time to self educate themselves and be productive in society. I look forward to seeing what other interesting devices Shu and his students will create in the future.

Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space on April 12, 1961

2011-04-12T14:34:00.004-05:00

Google main page art today celebrates Yuri Gagarin as he becomes the first man in space on April 12, 1961 .

(image found on cnet)

"Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin, a 27-year-old lieutenant in the Soviet air force, blasted off aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft at 6:07 a.m. GMT on April 12. He completed one orbit around the world before re-entry, ejecting from his descent capsule and making a successful landing by parachute.

The one-hour, 48-minute flight was an international sensation, giving the Soviet Union a widely perceived lead in the infant manned space race. Alan Shepard would complete a brief sub-orbital flight aboard a NASA Mercury-Redstone rocket on May 5, 1961, but Gagarin's orbital flight was viewed by many as a daunting achievement of Soviet technology, spurring the development of increasingly sophisticated spacecraft."

Dr. NakaMats, an amazing man and inventor

2011-04-12T13:46:00.004-05:00

Today while at home i was watching Andrew Zimmerman on the Travel channel. He was in Tokyo, Japan on this eating adventure. The interesting thing about this show was he spent sometime with a man named Dr. NakaMats. As Andrew was on the street waiting to meet the good doctor, along comes this interesting unique vehicle. It was part pedal power and part water power.

Dr. NakaMats said it was a one off invention of his. He allowed Andrew to take it for a spin, which he really enjoyed . Then they went to visit the Docs house. It was an interesting experience just finding out how to get into the house. Then as they walked threw it was one amazing sight after another of all sorts of amazing ideas, devices and contraptions. I think Dr. NakaMats is one of the most interesting inventors of our time.

His claims to fame are pretty mind blowing: (see the listing below from his website)

★ International scholar of philosophy of Creativity & Inventiveness. Doctor of engineering, law, medicine, science, and humanities.

★ Graduated at the University of Tokyo. (Enrollment limited to supremely skilled students only.)

★ Selected by U.S. Science Academic Society as one of five world No.1 great scientists in the history who are Archimedes, Michael Faraday, Marie Curie, Nikola Tesla and Yoshiro NakaMats.

★ Received Congress Award from US Congress

★ Lectured as professor or senior scholar at the following universities and academies: Univ. of Pennsylvania. Columbia University, Syracuse Univ., Royal Academy of Sweden, University of Tokyo, St. Louis University, Washington University, Chicago Medical University, Southern California University, University of Arizona, Drexel University, Stanford University,San Diego State University, University of Philadelphia, CETYS University in Mexico, University of New Orleans, Carnegie Melon University, CEOU, TESLA Society,

★ First invention was age of five (Automatic Center of Gravity Stabilizer).

★ The only person who licensed 16 patents to IBM (Floppy disc, Hard Disc, Tape Transport, etc).

★ Invented 3,200 plus (Thomas Edison 1093) including Floppy Disc. Fuel Cell, Cinemascope, Digital Display, Kerosene Pump, CEREBREX, etc.

★ Received More than 41 world No.1 Grand Prix Awards at Intn’l Invention Contest.

★ Appointed International Jury in America and Russia.

★ Representative of Japan for the United Nations Earth Day

★ Appointed to be an international member of Japan Pen Club

★ Received "Innovative Pioneer Prize "which is the highest innovative award at a dinner party given by U.S. President.

★ Enshrined to "International Hall of Fame "in Atlanta for the first time in the world.

★ President of Dr.NakaMats World University

★ President of Dr. NakaMats Innovation Institute

★ Chairman of Newport Asia Pacific University (Hawaii)

★ Founder of Business School of NAPU

★ Vice president of Newport Asia pacific University (California)

★ Became an honorable citizen of America: Philadelphia, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Pima, Tucson, New Orleans, St. Louis, La Mirada, Monroeville, Maryland, Tijuana, Empanada, etc.

★ The following states and cities in U.S.A. proclaimed "Dr. NakaMats Day" City and County of Denver (March 25) Seattle (April 21), Sun Jose (May 8), Tucson (April 13), Pittsburgh (April26), New Orleans (May 3), Missouri State (May 5), St. Louis (May 5), Los Angels (June 26), San Diego (Sept. 8), Maryland State (Nov.13), New York State (Nov.26)

★ Awarded: Personal letter from former U.S. President, George Bush, U.S. Presidential prize, American Innovation Grand Prix, Gandhi World Peace Award, Schweitzer Award, Japan minister of science & Technology Award .　Korea culture Grand Prix.

★ Appointed US Sheriff

★ Schweitzer Award

★ Vice president of World Association of Inventors (New York), Vice president of American Invention Society, member of American Scientific Research Society, Chairman of the World Genius Convention, President of International Invention Society. Director of World Film Institute (Hollywood)

★ Appeared at American nationwide TV program, "Life Style of Rich and Famous", and at NBC, CBS, ABC, BBC, RAI in Italy, in addition to Japanese TV stations such as NHK, NTV, TBS, and commercial films.

★ Selected by NEWSWEEK as one of 12 men of great eminence and highest lecture fee in the world, appraising his lecture fee as $10,000 per hour, who is the only person from Japan.

★ Threw the first pitch at the baseball game of Pirates under the American Major in place of American President.

★ Over 40 written Books: Three Time Life - CP publishing
　How to become a superman lying down - Management-sha
　Hurrah for breaking the common sense - Best Sellers
　Creation from Xero - Kosai-shuppan-sha
　Invention of Politics - Yamate Book
　Think by SUJI, PIKA and IKI - Johosenta-Shuppan
　101 ways to improve brain activity - Best Sellers
　Super way for Child education - Jiyu-kokumin-sya
　Environment, excise and food to bring up a smart child - CP
　Background of mysterious phenomena - DHC
　Mechanism between space and earthquake - Tairyu-sya
　Life habit to make child's head better - Bokuyo-sya
　Handbook for super personal computer concept - Seishun Publishing
　The Brain Revolution - Wave Publising
　Duper Creativity - Kosai Publising
　Lecture of Philosophy of Creativity and Innovativeness - CP
　Creative Thinking - Nippon Noritsu Management Center
　Rebody - CP
　The Legend of Dr. NakaMats Inventions - CP

I was pretty blown away as i looked down the listings of his life's achievements and wanted to share it with you. enjoy

81-Year-Old Dr. NakaMats May Have Invented Nearly Everything You Hold Dear - Gizmodo

Happy 137th Birthday, Harry Houdini!

2011-03-24T23:25:00.009-05:00

Happy 137th Birthday Harry Houdini

Today (March 24, 2011) is the great magician Harry Houdini's 137th birthday. Even though Harry has passed away some years ago, we still remember all the amazing entertainment he brought into our lives over the years from movies, clips and books about his amazing tricks he performed. He was one of the worlds most amazing escape artists. It would be interesting to see if he had been born now what kind of amazing tricks he would be coming up with today.

Happy 10th Birthday Mac OS X

2011-03-24T22:49:00.003-05:00

image found on MacRumors.com

Today (March 24, 2011) marks the tenth birthday of Mac OS X. It made its first debut on March 24, 2001 as the memorable Mac OS X 10.0. Mac OS X was a major change for the famous Mac OS. It integrated NeXT company technology (OPENSTEP OS) and FreeBSD UNIX. In the beginning it did have some issues as quoted below, but what company's great products doesn't have some little bumps along the road to greatness.

"Mac OS X shows tremendous promise, which is a nice way of saying that the 10.0 release is not quite ready for prime time. This is most certainly an early adopter's OS release. Interface responsiveness and effective stability are the two biggest fundamental problems, but missing features and compatibility issues rank just as high if you actually intend to use OS X as a full Mac OS 9 replacement: the 10.0 release cannot view DVD movies; printer drivers are still scarce; CD burning is not yet supported, even by Apple's own iTunes CD authoring application; and a lot of hardware (like my G3/400's serial port adapter to which my printer is attached) seem destined to be orphaned forever."

Mac OS X Public Versions:
10.0 - Codename: Cheetah, released March 24, 2001
10.1 - Codename: Puma, released September 25, 2001
10.2 - Codename: Jaguar, released August 24, 2002
10.3 - Codename: Panther, released October 24, 2003
10.4 - Codename: Tiger, released April 29, 2005
10.5 - Codename: Leopard, released October 26, 2007
10.6 - Codename: Snow Leopard, released August 28, 2009
10.7 - Codename: Lion, expected released Summer 2011

The next install of Mac OS X is known as Lion (10.7) and is expected to come roaring through sometime this summer with the theme of "Back to the Mac", an effort to come full circle with some of the great features we know and love in the iOS platforms.

So Happy 10th Birthday Mac OS X, you've come a long way and it shows. We all love you and wish you a bright and happy future..

Mozilla Unveils FireFox 4

2011-03-23T13:05:00.003-05:00

Well ladies and gentlemen today Mozilla unveiled Firefox 4 for people to download and enjoy. The updated design definitely makes it feel like it is in the drivers seat again. As you launch your browser for the first time after the upgrade you will first see a totally revamped layout in front of you. The browser gives you more room to view for starters.

The pull down tabs are all the way at the top. If you are on a mac you will notice it just to the right of your apple logo. On a PC it will vary since on my Windows XP machine its become very, very small at the top. Where as the Vista and Windows 7 pull downs are hidden in an orange button in the upper left hand corner that when clicked reveals all its new goodies to choose from.

The tabs are then right under neath with an option to "pin" webpages. A feature we noticed before in Google's Chrome browser. It gives the user a chance to pin the tab into a small marker to the left so you aren't plagued by tons of large apps. To activate this feature simply right click on the tab you wish to pin. Then choose "Pin as App Tab". Then wala..

Another cool feature is the Syncing option. If you're like me you have several different devices you use. Well Firefox now gives you the option to sync your bookmarks, browsing history, passwords and other data on all your computers running Firefox.

To use this feature, you need to go to tools > options > Sync (tab). Click on the "Set up Firefox Sync" button. This will open up the Firefox Sync box. Firefox will give you a "Sync Key". Write it down and save this key. You will use it to access your Sync account on another PC or Smartphone device. Warning, if you loose it, you are screwed. It can not be recovered.

Outside of this the speed is definitely noticeable in the new version. If you have loved using Firefox like me over the years its a great idea to download and install it. Plus, just to give you an idea of how popular it is. In the first three hours of its availability, over 1 million plus downloads. That's got to tell you somethin, enjoy.

Cocos2d beta templates available for Xcode 4

2011-03-22T23:44:00.003-05:00

If you are like me and the many out there that jumped into the new release of Apple's Xcode 4, you got an interesting surprise when you made the upgrade from 3.x.x to 4.x.x. It was a totally new IDE and everything was integrated into one multi-functional interphase. The layout did make it easier to go from code into your xib files and back.

Now, it did take a little getting used to. But, the biggest surprise came when you started looking for the Cocos2d Template. They were not there. The forums online were filled with the eternal question, what is going on????

Many people tried re-installing it only to be told it was still there. You could open, build and run files and it worked. But, there weren't any new project templates available when you first started the program unless you opened an old one or an old template version and did a bit of cleaning up in the code. The word came out that Xcode 4 handled things a bit different. So cocos 2d was installed but the templates were not showing up.

The folks at Cocos2d have heard the masses and put out a beta version for us to install and use as a temporary fix: cocos2d-1.0.0-beta_templates.tar.gz

If you go to the Cocos2d website: http://www.cocos2d-iphone.org/

You will notice an option for downloading and instructions on how to install it too. I went, downloaded and installed it as the instructions mentioned. Everything went very smooth. So now when i start my Xcode 4. I have Cocos2d options under my iOS devices. But, as they said on the site the Mac and file options are not available yet.

I'm sure in the new few weeks we will have another build to download and use. So if you are an Xcode developer who has moved over to Xcode 4, make sure you get your Cocos2d template now so you can start your projects a bit easier now. enjoy...

Verizon announces iPad 2

2011-03-05T09:30:00.004-06:00

image taken from Verizon wireless website

Verizon wireless has now announced on its website that it will be carrying the iPad 2 on Friday March 11, 2011. They join the ranks of other companies carrying it for sale on the launch day. Retail stores such as Best Buy, Sam's Club and Wal-Mart are also scheduled to be carrying the device on its launch date of the 11th. Apple should be very happy with all the companies it will have making its new awesome iPad 2 available to the public on its March 11th release date.

The only ones we haven't heard from yet is AT&T. It is speculated they will have it on the 11th but there is no word yet on their website.

Steve Jobs and Apple unveil the iPad 2

2011-03-02T13:01:00.009-06:00

Apple iPad 2

On March 2, 2011 Steve Jobs and Apple unveiled the iPad 2. It was a real surprise to see Steve back on stage presenting again. After his recently leave from Apple many people weren't sure if we'd see him again. But, as usual Steve knows how to blow our minds.

Today he walked out on stage and introduced the new iPad 2 along with a few other goodies.

The iPad 2 is the next step in iPad evolution. It sports a thinner more sleeker design with options in both white and black color on the front of the unit. The iPad 2 also has the new A5 processor. Making it the first dual core tablet to be shipped in mass quantity. It will also have a multi-purpose cover available in multi-colors too.

The following options will be available for it:
(information from apple.com)

Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+3G (Verizon and AT&T)

Size:
Height: 9.50 inches x Width 7.31 inches, Depth 0.34 inches

Weight:
Wi-Fi model: 1.33 pounds (601 g)
Wi-Fi + 3G model: 1.35 pounds (613 g) AT&T,
1.34 pounds (607 g) Verizon

Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64 GB

Wi-Fi will be 802.11 a/b/g/n

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Technology

Display: 1024 x 768 resolution with Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating offering display support available in multiple languages and characters simultaneously.

Processor: Apple A5 chip, 1 Ghz Dual-core custom designed chip with high performance, low power consumption system on a chip.

Cameras:
Back mounted camera: HD 720p up to 30fps with audio, still camera with 5x digital zoom

Front mounted camera: VGA Video recording up to 30 fps with audio, still camera VGA quality

Battery: offering up to 10 hours of use.

Input/Output : 30-pin doc connector port, 3.5 mm stereo headphone mini jack, Built-in Speaker and Microphone. note: 3G models will have a Micro-Sim card tray.

It will also feature a Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer and Ambient light sensor.

The iPad 2 will arrive on March 11th.

Apple unveils new line of Macbook Pros Today

2011-02-24T22:22:00.003-06:00

image found on Apple.com Macbook pro info website

Apple in its traditional sense of blowing our minds with new items really set a new bar today. As we all celebrate Steve Jobs birthday today. Apple came out with a whole new line of Macbook Pro laptops for us to choose from. The whole line of MacBook Pros (13, 15 and 17 inch) has been revamped with more power and speed for us to really blow our minds when we use them.

The 13 inch Macbook Pro now comes with a core i5 or i7 processor, which is great news for many people who were disappointed with the previous 2010 release with just options up to a 2.6 dual core processor. This in itself is great news but what is really blowing peoples minds today is the new Thunderbolt connection. When you look on the side profile of the laptop. You will noticed the typical connection ports.

But, not the Mini Diplay port option. That port now has a little Thunder bolt icon next to it. The Thunderbolt high speed connector is the Intel previously named light peak technology. This port can be used for video but also data too. Its designed to be daisy chained together. Plus, its going to offer up to 10 Gbps data transfer rate. This speed alone will drastically reduce backup times.

On top of this the company Lacie today has unveiled its first thunderbolt drive. They are the first company offering this on the market. Its rumored that the drive will offer two 250 GB SSD drives inside to help give the performance speed desired. No date has been given for when these will be available for the public.

Happy 56th Birthday Steve Jobs

2011-02-23T21:47:00.004-06:00

On Thursday February 24th, Steve Jobs the co-founder and Chief Executive of Apple will turn 56. I think the whole Apple world will be celebrating with him and his family. I am happy to see Steve turn 56 and I am proud to say "God Bless you and your family Steve". You have given us so many amazing new wonderful things throughout the years and I wish you the best and most amazing year of your life. I believe you are a strong and amazing man that will over come any obstacles in your way.

I can say that my life has never been the same since I tried my first mac many many years ago and I feel blessed that I have been able to use Apple products in my life. Thank you Steve for all you have done and given us.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Steve, Happy Birthday to you

Apple sends out media invites for iPad 2 event

2011-02-23T10:27:00.003-06:00

image found on AppleInsider.com

Well folks the wait is over for the new iPad 2. Apple has sent out media invites for a special invitation only show unveiling the new iPad 2 on March 2.

It will be interesting to see what never features will be available on one of the most popular tablets of our time. I have been hearing all sorts of things from a better display to more storage capacity to now 3 different versions coming in the flavors of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + CDMA and Wi-Fi+GSM.

Christmas comes early from Apple to stores

2011-02-20T19:55:00.003-06:00

image found on Appleinsider website

According to a report from Apple Insider today it looks like some stores will be getting a sealed package from Apple this week. They also have strict warnings that they are not to breach the sealed pallets.

Could this be the new shipments of MacBook Pro's.....

Verizon iPhone 4 upgrade update

2011-02-20T19:43:00.003-06:00

Well folks i got my Verizon iPhone 4 this week and this weekend i got it setup and running. After playing with it now for a while doing all sorts of things on it including using several different kind of apps all i can say is "i love my Verizon iPhone."

Even though it was a bit of a pain with my upgrade. I can honestly say i am a happy Verizon customer now. I am now joining the ranks of the other people who have been rejoicing and happy with the new Verizon iPhone.

I am looking forward to seeing what the new iPhone 5 will be coming out with and when a Verizon CDMA version will be available. I wouldn't be to surprised if it comes out with the AT&T GSM since a recent tear down online unveiled that the new Verizon iPhone had both circuit systems built on board, both GSM and CDMA. Also, i wouldn't be surprised if a world model is available soon with a software switch over for network version too.

Something to make you laugh a bit

2011-02-18T13:25:00.003-06:00

I got this via email the other day and i thought i'd pass along the laughs, enjoy.

WRONG EMAIL ADDRESS

This one is priceless.....A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!!

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.

Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston , a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack.

The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: April 27, 2009

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in.

I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P. S. Sure is freaking hot down here!!!!

Think Different - Japanese version

2011-02-18T12:25:00.001-06:00

Even though its in Japanese, it still has a way of touching me when i watch and listen to it.

IBM Watson Wins on Jeopardy

2011-02-18T12:00:00.003-06:00

The folks at IBM can be very proud of their new supercomputer child dubbed Watson. After a three day bout of playing humans on the hit TV series Jeopardy, Watson wins.

Many people might say well its a computer, it knows all the answers. Yes and no. As brilliant as Watson may be there are still many things that we as humans take for granted in our normal speaking meanings. The other day Nova had an incredible special that took viewers for a walk into the world of IBM's Supercomputer Watson project. They gave us a great look at the good bad and ugly sometimes of what the Watson crew sees and deals with on a daily basis. Its isn't all ice creams and lolly pops, there is a lot of hard work that goes into this project and it shows.

When getting Watson ready for this challenge they created a mock up Jeopardy set with a smart allec host who at every chance made cracks against Watson when he made a mistake. Watson is still a child for all intensive purposes. But, he is learning and everyday getting better. We saw on the show how Watson had all this amazing information in his memory banks. Then by using logic went through the options to figure out what the correct answer would be to the question.

But sometimes he did have problems such as with roman numerals and even simple things like the word dead. Where a person says he is dead and Watson replys how does it feel being dead today? Not understanding when a person is dead they are dead. But thats ok, he is a growing supercomputer and getting better everyday.

So even though he may have made some mistakes, i think its an awesome achievement to have him win at the game of Jeopardy. Its definitely a step in the right direction. My hat goes off to all the people at IBM who helped make this great computer possible. Also, Watson you did fantastic and i'm very proud of you. Keep up the great work.

Pres. Obama has dinner with the tech giants

2011-02-18T11:06:00.006-06:00

Photo found on CNN.com website

This morning the White House released a photo of President Obama having dinner last night with Steve Jobs (Apple), Eric Schmidt (Google), Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) plus the heads of such tech companies as Twitter, Oracle, Stanford University, Yahoo and Netflix. The dinner was at the home of John and Ann Doerr in San Francisco Bay. It was held to discuss future issues in the tech world including the options for job creations too.

It was nice to see Steve Jobs sitting next to President Obama wearing his black mock turtleneck shirt.

smaller iPhone rumors squashed by NYTimes

2011-02-18T10:43:00.005-06:00

For the past few days we have been hearing rumors of Apple working on a new smaller iPhone. Well this morning the NYTimes reported that a smaller iPhone is not in the works. But that Apple is working on a cheaper iPhone with voice command integration.

According to reports if Apple was to create a smaller screened iPhone it would require many of the developers to re-write their apps to fit the new smaller screen size. Now that might and might not be the case. If Apple did make a smaller sized screen but, they were able to keep the proportion and screen size resolution to where it is now, developers might not need to have to re-size their apps. Then again it might be to difficult to maneuver around the device too.

The NYTimes did confirm some of the details that the Wall Street Journal was reporting earlier on Apple working on integrating voice commands for navigating the iPhone device.

There is still no word from anyone confirming the previously reported option of storing the majority of the iPhones contents in a cloud and then accessing it when required. The only big issue that will definitely come up with this option will be allocation of desired bandwidth.when people are calling up data. There has always been an issue with bandwidth but if users don't have many things like music and video on their iPhone as they do now, the bandwidth consumption will be even greater and tax the telecommunications industry even more.

So it might be cool to have everything in the cloud. But if it takes to long or isn't accessible because of bandwidth being a problem what good is having and using the device if it can't perform because the industry isn't up to par with what is required for it to function properly.

Who knows maybe Apple is also working on some new kind of packet compression utility to help compress packets of data when it sends it from the cloud to the device. Time will tell as we all eagerly await new from the mother ship.

my Verizon iPhone update

2011-02-14T10:27:00.003-06:00

Well folks here is the update on my Verizon phone update.

I logged on the other day and tried to upgrade again!!!!!!
Guess what, still no go. So i went and called Verizon, spoke to a rep and he also said you should be able to upgrade. Well after waiting on hold for a bit, he was able to help me with my request.
I placed my order for my Verizon iPhone and got a shipping date of the 18th of this month.

From reading the early reviews it seems everyone is very happy switching from AT&T's iPhone to the Verizon phone... I am looking forward to getting it and letting you know how it works for me.

I am wondering now with people fleeing AT&T for Verizon will the network and dropped calls be different on AT&T or just business as usually. Only time will tell..

Apple Working on a New Smaller iPhone option

2011-02-14T10:14:00.002-06:00

This weekend rumors started coming out from various sites on the net about a new, smaller, iPhone option. Its reported that this would be a cheaper solution without a contract for users. It would offer people an option to buy the iPhone for less than $200.

As more information comes out, it might not be what people think when they say iPhone. Granted it might look like a smaller version of its big brother iPhone. But, the reason why its smaller and cheaper is because it is being reported to have no memory built on board for storage of media. Everything will be on the cloud.

The device will have some memory installed but this is just for OS itself, critical system data reference, buffering media from the cloud and possibly for storage of photos or video on the device if a camera option is offered. If you want an example of this, Apple has already given us it with the Apple TV.

If these rumors are true it would explain Apples huge investments in creating data centers last year. There were some rumors of this leaking out then but they seemed to be nipped in the bud. All in all this isn't such a bad idea, especially with people loosing their phones. If a person does they don't have to worry about their data being comprimised as much. Since with the simple option of logging on to a website the end user can disable the link from the device to the cloud, making the new iPhone a nice paper weight.

This option does sound great but some questions do come to mind.

1. If we put everything in the cloud and it is streaming, have they come up with an idea of how much bandwidth will the average user require? This is an important question especially when one of the biggest problems with AT&T was users using to much bandwidth and having performance issues in the past.

2. Will it be 3G or 4G? With more and more talk of 4G will we finally see a 4G iPhone. Plus what will happen when you go from 4G to 3G? Will there be that 20 to 30 second lag in time many people have reported when it comes to switching networks?

3. What will the cost be for service on this phone? With the way some people use data on their phones it could cost them an arm and a leg getting data to and from the cloud and else where on the web.

4. Will this be available in both CDMA and GSM? The new Verizon iPhone tear down shows chips for both networks. This could be an interesting merger of the networks on one new hand held device.

5. How will privacy advocates feel about this? There is always a question of people being tracked as well as data. With implementing this the providers and Apple will know where and what is being done on the phone more and more.

All in all i think its a step in the right direction, esp with people loosing phones and being able to offer more for the consumer. Imagine putting your collection on the cloud, then when you need more space, you just pay for the allocation instead of having to buy a new device.

Something to think about..

Think Different 2008 Edition

2011-02-12T12:59:00.000-06:00

Motivational Quote of The Day from NIGHTINGALE.COM

2011-02-08T11:40:00.000-06:00

"The trick is in what one emphasizes. We either make
ourselves miserable, or we make ourselves happy.
The amount of work is the same."
— Carlos Castaneda: Was an anthropologist and author

Ken Olsen, Computer Pioneer passes away

2011-02-08T11:18:00.005-06:00

Kenneth Harry Olsen, Engineer
( February 20, 1926 to February 6, 2011 (age 84))

Many people might not recognize the name but Ken Olsen was the founder and former CEO of a company called Digital Equipment Corporation or DEC. This company created one of the first digital computers that was used for commercial use.

Ken served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1946. He received his Bachelors (B.S.) and Masters degrees(M.S.) in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He was known for have worked on a team that developed air defense technology and core memory while at MIT. He also directed the building of the first transistorized research computer.

In 1957 he founded Digital Equipment Corporation with an MIT colleague. In its glory days it had over 125,000 employees in over 86 countries. DEC was eventually urchased by Compaq in 1988 for $9.6 billion dollars.

During his life Ken was named the "most successful entrepreneur in the history of American business." by Fortune magazine. He also was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 1990 and received the National Medal of Technology in 1993. Plus he was brought into the Computer History Museum in 1996.

For laughs.....

2011-02-08T11:01:00.003-06:00

Someone sent me this in an email and i thought i would share it.

Enjoy the laughs... Mirko

WRONG EMAIL ADDRESS

This one is priceless.....A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!!

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.

Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston , a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack.

The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: April 27, 2009

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in.

I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P. S. Sure is freaking hot down here!!!!

Happy 183rd Birthday Jules Verne

2011-02-08T10:16:00.006-06:00

If you have a chance folks you should stop by google.com and check out today fun interactive graphic. When you arrive on the site you will notice some portal openings showing a lively sea ahead with all sorts of goodies for us to see. Ahh but there is more. If you look to the right you will notice a lever. Give it a try and see where your travels take you.

Today graphic celebrates the great Jules Vernes 183rd Birthday. Now some people might be like ok so who is Jules Verne and is running to be as old as Methuselah? Well to answer the first question Jules Verne was a great french science fiction author. He was born on February 8, 1828 and died on March 24, 1905 at the age of 77 in Amiens, France.

Some of his best know works were "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1864), "Twenty Thousand Leagues under the Sea" (1870) and lets not forget "Around the World in Eighty Days" (1873). What is so great about Jules was his amazing vision he had about traveling to places where man had not even begun to really explore. His imagination helped us to envision some of the most incredible sights on our journey through his story.

Jules was refereed to by H.G Wells and Hugo Gernsback as the "Father of Science Fiction".

If you haven't had a chance to read or even see some of his books made into movies, please do so. You will not be disappointed. I recommend first reading the books then going to see the movies because many times the authors words help to paint a more detailed and incredible journey then film can ever create in our minds eye..

Happy Birthday Big Guy....

Google offers $20,000 if you can hack their Chrome browser at the Pwn2Own hacking competition

2011-02-04T12:41:00.007-06:00

For all those who will be a contestant at the Pwn2Own hacking competition scheduled on March 9-11 in Vancouver the pot got just a little bit sweeter. The contest cash award fund was at $105,000. But, thanks to Google anyone who can hack the Chrome browser will get $20,000 on top of the $15,000 they will already win.

Along with Chrome there will be other web browsers open to being hacked at the event like Microsoft's Internet Explorer, Mozilla's Firefox, and Apple's Safari browser too. They will be available on two operating systems only, Microsoft Windows 7 or Mac OS X (Snow Leopard). Both OS's running in 64-bit mode.

All contestants that win will also win the laptop they are given to use at the event too. The current roundup includes the following laptops: Apple MacBook Air 13", Alienware m11x, and a Sony Vaio.

Now for someone to hack Chrome it will require "escaping the Chrome sandbox using vulnerabilities only in Google-written code -- the competitor will win $20,000 and a Google CR-49 Chrome OS netbook."

Mobile device hacking will be also available. Offering devices like iPhone 4, Blackberry Torch 9800, Dell Windows 7 Phone and Nexus S running Android.

This competition should be an interesting sight to see, especially since so many of us use mobile devices and one of the above mentioned web browsers in day to day activities in our lives.

Information Week - Google Bets $20,000 You Can't Hack Chrome

The Register - Google offers $20,000 prize in annual hack-off

Verizon iPhone upgrade or NOT

2011-02-03T08:57:00.010-06:00

This morning like other Verizon customers i was excited to pre-order my Verizon iPhone 4. But, i noticed i still had a few months on my plan and i was told a few weeks ago from a Verizon rep (called into Verizon) that i could still qualify since i had a mi-fi plan too which was eligible now, all i needed to do was switch it to place my order.

Well guess what i tried that this morning and it didn't allow me to order my iPhone 4 upgrade. Even though i could upgrade to all their other phones. So who knows when i will be able to order my iPhone 4 since its obvious Verizon's not on the ball for its existing customers.

I did try to call in this morning to see what was going on. The first call i made ended up switching me over to a busy signal, NICE real NICE. Then i called back a few times but they seemed to be busy. Hmm i wonder why. I wonder how many other Verizon customers are also being jerked around like this.

Its nice to know that loyal customers for years with Verizon are now getting jerked around. This definitely makes me think about going over to AT&T. Even though the calls aren't perfect at least i won't be getting jerked around with a BS upgrade option that isn't available.

Oh but when i log into my account they do offer me an option to upgrade now at FULL PRICE. But, won't let me order any other way now. Nice to see they will give it to me at $700 plus price. I guess Verizon really does care about their customers, actions speak louder then words. Thank You Verizon for showing me what being with you for years gives me in being a customer.

I hope someone in the press picks this up. It would be interesting to see or hear their take on it. If this isn't an interesting story of Verizon jerking around their existing customers i don't know what is.

Verizon can ya hear me now, NOT very happy and definitely considering going to AT&T NOW.

**********************************update***************************************

Well after finally getting a Verizon rep on the phone it turns out the upgrade i was trying to do by using another units upgrade date is called a Buddy update. I will be able to make it on the 10th when the Verizon store is available in stores. So we shall see then in a week will i be able to get an upgrade or not.

Indiana Teen Creates Death Ray

2011-01-31T11:00:00.005-06:00

I have always loved seeing what the inquisitive minds of today's kids can come up with. Today while looking through the online pages of Gizmodo, I came across this story "Teen Glued 5,800 Mirrors Onto Satellite Dish For SOLAR DEATH-RAY".

It turns out that an Indiana teen (Eric Jacqmain, 19 years old) created this portable death ray unit (for $90) on wheels using an old satellite dish and a make shift cart. He even went and made a You Tube video out of it to show off its use.

Pretty interesting idea....Check out the video below, enjoy the nice music with it too.

Gizmodo article link

Verizon gets the iPhone 4

2011-01-11T10:32:00.011-06:00

Well folks its official, Can ya hear me Now.....

Verizon has the iPhone 4 on its network as a 3G phone.

This morning, Verizon had a press conference with Tim Cook, Apple's COO and Verizons Chief Executive Lowell Macadam on stage to give the presentation. Macadam spoke about how Verizon has upgraded its network and how their performance has been growing. Also, for over two years now they have been working with Apple.

But, today they are announcing that Verizon will be partnering with an industry giant "Apple". Then the official announcement "iPhone 4 Coming to Verizon Early Next Month!"The iPhone 4 has now been designed to work on the Verizon CDMA network. It will have all the features the GSM iPhone owners have come to enjoy, like a Retina display and FaceTime for video chatting. The unit will also have the same A4 chip, 5 MP camera, and integrated ecosystem that made the iPhone 4 so popular.

Beginning February 3rd, existing customers can pre-order the iPhone 4. Then on February 10th, new customers can pre-order the iPhone 4. The pricing will be the same: $199 for 16 GB, $299 for 32GB, with tethering included for up to 5 devices.

For the past year Verizon has been testing 1,000 CDMA iPhones on its network and the results have been very good. They couldn't be happier with the results. The leaked images of the re-design of the antenna were correct. This was done so it can work on the CDMA network.

Questions were asked about why they didn't come out with a LTE phone. Cook answered that the reasons were 1) The first LTE baseband controllers required changes to design Apple was unwilling to make. 2) Customers wanted the iPhone on Verizon ASAP.

There is one thing though, the Verizon iPhone users will not be able to be on the phone and use data at the same time. Cook doesn't believe Verizon customers will have an issue with this and will be willing to make the trade off.

That's all folks. The whole event was over in 30 mins flat...

Can Ya Hear Me Now.....iPhone

2011-01-08T19:33:00.003-06:00

Well it looks like the rumors are now finally becoming more of a fact when it comes to the Apple iPhone coming to the Verizon network. On Friday it came out as a short trickle. Then the Wall Street Journal made it more official. By going into detail that Verizon was having a press conference with Steve Jobs on stage to so they can announce the new Verizon CDMA iPhone.

Today the WSJ (Wall Street Journal) was reporting that the Verizon iPhone will be available in stores by the end of the month.

The transition from the AT&T monopoly should be an interesting venture. One of the biggest problems before has been that time and time again customers would be complaining about network performance and pointing the finger with AT&T. As people do leave AT&T, it will be interesting to see if the network performance improves or degrades..

Part of me does wonder what Verizon will do with people who are already on their network when it comes to upgrading early. Will they make a rule to the exception and allow people to get their iPhone sooner or make them wait till their contract is up ?

I do think that Verizon will being Millions of users to the iPhone. But, the true test will be once the people have it and start taxing the network. Will it be the same problem AT&T encountered ? or will it be when someone says "Can ya hear me now" you will hear back Yep cause im on the Verizon network lol...

The other thing i wonder is what will happen with the typical iPhone upgrade coming to Apple will Verizon be part of this upgrade or will it have to wait since the CDMA phones are the new kids on the block. For months now rumors have been popping up of a CDMA/GSM phone.

If Apple came out with this option it could be an amazing phone to have, esp. for the world traveler where many of the places outside of the US use the GSM network.

Daft Punk- Electroma

2010-12-24T23:13:00.002-06:00

The pair from the group Daft Punk created a movie called Electroma in 2007. The plot revolves around how two robots want to become human in a society of robots. Its an interesting artistic type of movie where in the beginning the duo are driving around down in a 1987 Ferrari with California plates marked HUMAN.

I came across this posting off the Google Video website. Enjoy

Also, from what i have read the music featured in this movie was not by the band Daft Punk. But this movie was directed and stared the members of Daft Punk: Peter Hurteau and Michael Reich.

Happy Holidays...

2010-12-24T23:03:00.008-06:00

image found on nasa.gov website

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to take the time to wish you all a very Happy Holiday time of year.

May your Holiday Time be filled with Joy, Love & Happiness.

May you be surrounded by the people you Love.....Mirko

Amazing Talent...

2010-12-24T22:38:00.005-06:00

Its Christmas eve and i'm sitting at home jumping around YouTube while watching out for Santa on Norda's Santa watch. I suddenly come across this amazing video someone created i wanted to blog about. A poster named Volpin put up a video titled "How to make a Daft Punk helmet in 17 months". He has had 1,613,351 viewers for this video alone.

In the video he goes from start to finish in various clips of one of the most amazing special effects helmets i have ever seen done at home. He creates an amazing copy of the Daft Punk music group Gold Helmet with some fantastic various lights integrated into the design. If you watch one incredible video, check this one out and see for yourself a very incredibly talented person.

He also created another video showing a "replica of a Portal gun from Valve's 2007 release of the same name" that he created for the "2010 Child's Play Charity" in Seattle on December 7th, 2010. Check this video out too..

I hope you enjoy both of these videos. This artist has an amazing talent and i'm glad he decided to share some of his work with us. Thank you for posting on YouTube.

Motorola presents Tablet Evolution

2010-12-20T15:12:00.006-06:00

As we come closer to the new year many of us are getting ready for Christmas time and welcoming in the New Years when the clock strikes twelve midnight on December 31, 2010. But another thing is also starting to show its face too, CES (Consumer Electronic Show) 2011, were all the amazing company's show us all the new cool devices that might be ours one day soon.

Motorola has come out with an amazing animation video looking at the various tablets we have all seen throughout the ages. Showing us the:

Egyptian Hieroglyphics Tablet : 3200 BC
Good graphics, but weight makes for difficult portability

Tablets of Stone: The Ten Commandments: 1440 - 1500 B.C.
Excellent durability, but zero flexibility (can't edit)

Rosetta Stone: 196 B.C.
Multi-lingual support, but low-resolution screen

Mayan Engraved Tablet: 500 A.D.
Successful Latin American distribution, but rumored 2012 self-destruct feature

GRiDPad: 1989 A.D.
Launched as inventory tool, but 20 MB hard drive limits inventory to just 12 items.

iPad: 2010 A.D.
It's like a giant iPhone, but..It's like a giant iPhone.

Galaxy Tab: 2010 A.D.
Android OS, but Android OS..for a phone

Then it pans and zooms to a covered Tablet on a pedistal with a bumble bee zooming by. Over to a close up of a Red Motorola Logo as the bee zooms by and it says "CES 2011".

The video is actually an awesome piece of animation. It is interesting and humorous. Although i don't agree with their iPad Jab. They are entitled to their opinions..

If you haven't seen the video check the embedded video up above and enjoy...

So i can't help but wonder? hmm poking fun at Android, will it be a Chrome OS or possible Windows 7 on a tablet. Since Microsoft is rumored to be taking on the iPad at CES with re-introducing windows 7 tablets....enjoy

TRON: Legacy

2010-12-17T13:50:00.005-06:00

Hello Everyone, I had a chance to see an awesome movie this morning, TRON: Legacy in IMAX 3D . If you are like me and you can appreciate a classic movie you will love this continuation of the Tron saga. I thought it was Amazing. On a scale of 1 to 10, i would give it a 15.

I loved watching the original Tron and this movie took you perfectly to the next part of the digital world to show you what came next. For months now with the rest of you i have been teased by clips and photos. But, once you finally sit down and watch it, you are captivated and blown away. You forget about time and just sit back to enjoy the movie. It is 2hours and 7 mins long and honestly i didn't even notice it.

One of the great things about the movie is that it integrates parts of the old original Tron into the story line. So if you haven't seen the original, please go see it first then this movie, you will appreciate the story more. I think this movie definitely deserves some major awards all the way around. I take my hat off to everyone who was involved in this movie, you guys Rock, Thank You.

Mind Mapping comes to iPad with iMindMap Mobile HD

2010-10-27T12:59:00.003-05:00

When it comes to taking notes or putting together thoughts and ideas no technique comes close to MindMapping. This amazing way of starting with a central idea then branching out from there is one of the best ways of taking notes. The key to using this type of technique is to use only 3 - 4 words per branch. Giving yourself key words and ideas to branch out your thoughts.

This form of note taking has been found to stick in peoples minds for longer periods of times and also when students have come back to notes years later, the ideas and thoughts seem to come back even faster then the conventional way of taking notes.

The Mind Mapping software has been available for years for your computer. But, now it is out for the Apple iPad. This gives you the power to take your thoughts and ideas with you where ever you go. Plus, you can sync back to your desktop to edit your thoughts there too.
Check out the link on ThinkBuzan to see how awesome this app really is to use. At the bottom of the page they have a video showing how easy and fun it is to use too. Watch the whole video because at the end they show one even more incredible feature available.

This feature is to connect it to your external projector and give presentations right from your iPad on to the screen. As you give it. You start with the central idea and you can build your branches out during the presentation. Giving you a great way to walk your audience through the material.

New Chicago Apple Store - Lincoln Park

2010-10-25T11:28:00.003-05:00

This weekend i had a chance to visit the new Apple store in Chicago. It is located in beautiful Lincoln Park on the corner of North Ave and Halsted. The store opened its doors at 10:30am. From what i heard people had been camped out all night to be the first to walk into the store.

I got there at about 12:30pm. There were still some small lines to get into the store even then. As you walked in, store Associates were passing out these white small boxes with T-shirts inside commemorating today's event. The T-shirts were black with some multi sized/colored apple leaves on the front with green text on the back calling out the store and a white apple logo in the middle of the wording. They were a nice simple design and fit in perfect for a Fall Chicago Day opening.

The T-shirt boxes were a one piece giant folded cardboard item. It was actually pretty cool. The outside was white and the inside was green with a white Apple logo inside the box. The one thing i love about Apple is they really do look into everything down to the box itself.

As we walked in to the store, the place was filled with people. They also had a lot of cops in uniform and plain clothes walking around too. I don't blame them esp. with how some people might be tempted to try to grab and run. Although i think that would be the worst mistake they could make. But you know what they say "Stupid is as Stupid does". lol

The Apple associates wore these nice blue long sleeve shirts with a white embroidered Apple Logo's in the center. It reminded me a bit of Apple meets Iron Man. I loved the shirts and i got to talking to one of the associates about getting one. But he said it was just for Apple employees. The material was like that of a polo shirt. Really sweet. Apple if you are reading this please make some of these shirts for sale. They look really really nice and yes i know a ton of us would buy them.

The store had all the goodies Apple is know for, from the beautiful new MacBook Air to the amazing iMacs. The store was just gorgeous. I loved walking around looking and being able to play with everything i could. It had a nice clean, comfortable look & feel to it.

The Apple associates were very friendly and always there to help or assist you with any questions. The one thing that stuck out that i loved was how everyone working there was being themselves. You had people with long hair, short hair, big giant afros, multi colored hair, tats, body art (aka piercings),etc. I love walking in a place where people are people no covered up so they don't scare the clients. This is one of the reasons why i love Apple, they don't styfile the creativity people have deep within.

The store is huge, it has a stainless steel panel finish on the outside with three entrances made out of primarily Glass with a bit of steel in some places. Really nice, clean and sleek design.It also has a nice modern sit down park on the side between the store and the newly renovated North and Clybourn Train station. Apple plunked down $4 million to bring it back to life.

If you have had a chance to visit. I would def. encourage you to do so. They did a fantastic job on the store, train station and the people are very warm and friendly who work there. Plus, you can always find something to bring home with you, what ever your price range, Apple has it all.

Chicago - New Apple Store Opens up in Lincoln Park Tomorrow at 10:30am

2010-10-22T14:46:00.003-05:00

This weekend Apple will be opening up a new store in Chicago's Lincoln Park Neighborhood at 10:30am. The store is located at the corner of North Ave & Halsted in Chicago.

Come one, come all to the grand new Apple store. Below is a video showing the outside buildings features and location.. enjoy and see you there.

Benoit Mandelbrot Dies...

2010-10-16T18:09:00.003-05:00

20 November 1924 – 14 October 2010

The father of Fractal Geometry, Benoit Mandelbrot dies of Cancer at age 85 in Cambridge, Massachusetts according to family members.

"The cause of death was cancer, his family said in a statement.

His seminal book, "The Fractal Geometry of Nature," published in 1982, argued that irregular mathematical objects once dismissed as "pathological" were a reflection of nature.

The fractal geometry he developed would be used to measure natural phenomena like clouds or coastlines that once were believed to be unmeasurable.

He applied the theory to physics, biology, finance and many other fields of study.

"Fractals are easy to explain, it's like a romanesco cauliflower, which is to say that each small part of it is exactly the same as the entire cauliflower itself," Catherine Hill, a statistician at the Gustave Roussy Institute, told AFP.

"It's a curve that reproduces itself to infinity. Every time you zoom in further, you find the same curve," she said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy paid tribute to Mandelbrot, saying he had "a powerful, original mind that never shied away from innovation and battering preconceived ideas," according to a statement published by his office.

"His work, which was entirely developed outside the main research channels, led to a modern information theory," Sarkozy added.

Mandelbrot had been "very critical of the prevailing banking models," adding that his "warnings were not heeded," Sarkozy said.

"France is proud to have received Benoit Mandelbrot and to have allowed him to benefit from the best education."

A professor emeritus at Yale University, Mandelbrot was born in Poland but as a child moved with his family to France where he was educated.

In the United States and around the world, his work attracted the attention of academics, but also pop culture because the fractals he uncovered could be illustrated in stunningly beautiful, multi-colored representations.

"Mandelbrot spent most of his professional life working at IBM?s main research laboratory at Yorktown Heights, New York," the family statement said.

"He also taught mathematics for many years at Yale University; he was Sterling Professor Emeritus of Mathematical Sciences."

He was awarded the Wolf Prize for Physics in 1993, and the 2003 Japan Prize for Science and Technology.

David Mumford, a professor of mathematics at Brown University, told the New York Times that Mandelbrot revolutionized his field.

"Applied mathematics had been concentrating for a century on phenomena which were smooth, but many things were not like that: the more you blew them up with a microscope the more complexity you found," the Times quoted him as saying.

"He was one of the primary people who realized these were legitimate objects," Mumford added.

Mathematicians and economists were among those who reacted swiftly to Mandelbrot's death on the Internet.

Nassim Nicholas Taleb, the statistician and philosopher best known for the book "The Black Swan," turned over his website to mourn Mandelbrot's passing.

The page featured only the words: "Benoit Mandelbrot, 1924-2010, A Greek among Romans."

Chris Anderson, the organizer of the TED conferences that feature addresses from prominent thinkers drawn from a variety of fields, also offered his condolences.

He described Mandelbrot, who addressed the Technology, Entertainment, Design conference earlier this year, as "an icon who changed how we see the world" on the TED blog.

Mandelbrot leaves behind his wife, Aliette, two sons and three grandchildren."

Ubuntu 10.10 is here

2010-10-11T09:57:00.004-05:00

Yesterday the new version of Ubuntu Linux, version 10.10 came out.

I quickly downloaded it and gave it a spin. The first thing i noticed was that the downloads actually came down quicker then before. After that i burned a copy to CD and installed it on my MacBook Pro 13 inch laptop. The installation screen was totally revamped. At first i was a bit worried as it installed but then a more colorful and detailed screen popped up.
It was a small screen right in the middle with information about the new release. It allowed you to flip through screens as it installed itself on your machine. After that i logged in and did my updates check. Just two updates to download and installed.
After working with it for a while yesterday, it does seem smoother and faster then previous builds.

I will post more after using it for a while. If you haven't have a chance to try Linux. I would definitely recommend downloading a copy of Ubuntu and giving it a try. If you are coming from a Windows background you shouldn't be worried because the adjustment will be painless and pleasant. Enjoy,.

AT&T now offering iPhone 4 color choice

2010-10-11T09:51:00.006-05:00

Well boys and girls its been a while since the iPhone 4 first came out.
So this morning as i was surfing around a bit, I stopped by the AT&T site to see what was going on and to my surprise it looks like now we have an option for a black or white model iPhone 4.

Its nice to see we now have an option to try the white model too. I remember reading before that it actually was a longer process to make the white model iPhone 4. It would be nice to see one of these white versions in person when they hit the stores.

Spread the word... Ubuntu is coming soon..

2010-09-18T01:47:00.002-05:00

One way of recycling old books

2010-09-16T10:13:00.005-05:00

In a time where more people are turning to eBook. One man found a way to recycle the old regular books most of us great up reading and learning from..

images found on Gizmodo...

Steve Jobs Stopped by Japanese Security at Kansai International Airport in July

2010-09-14T09:39:00.006-05:00

Updated: 9/14/2010
Kowa Bunga Dude, Turns out the Ninja throwing star story is all fiction. It seems the Japanese tabloids got us with their fabled story about Steve Jobs....

“Steve did visit Japan this summer for a vacation in Kyoto, but the incidents described at the airport are pure fiction," the statement reads. "Steve had a great time and hopes to visit Japan again soon.”

Apple debunks bogus story of Steve Jobs throwing star trouble, AppleInsider

***************************************************
Reports are coming out now that the great Ninja Man Steve Jobs got stopped at Kansai International airport in Japan in July while returning home from a family vacation. The reason why, he had a ninja throwing star in his carry on bag. But, the funny thing was that he was boarding his own private jet.

"Jobs said it wouldn't make sense for a person to try to hijack his own plane, according to the report," the translation reads. "He then told officials he would never visit Japan again, the magazine reported. Apple declined to comment."

A spokesman for the airport did confirm some of the information but not the name of the person it happened too.

Japanese security forbids Steve Jobs from boarding own jet with throwing stars, AppleInsider

Scientists develop new form of Artificial Skin

2010-09-13T09:56:00.004-05:00

photo found on telegraph.co.uk

One of the biggest problems with robots and prosthetics has been developing a feel for the outer skin layer. People normally know how something feels and how much pressure they should exert when gripping something. A team at University of California, Berkeley has come up with a new “thin flexible material that is embedded with microscopic wire semiconductors giving it the ability to ‘feel’”.

This sounds like an amazing break through when it comes to teaching robots or prosthetic limbs the way we feel things when a person picks up a softball or something as fragile as a wine glass. It gives them the ability to feel how much pressure is required. One of the examples they give it the ability for a robot to do dishes without destroying everything fragile.

I like to think more about the ability to give people with prosthetic limbs another way to connect back to the feeling sensations they used to have in the past. Imagine being able to feel again. I think for many people that ability alone is priceless, especially when you think of the feeling we all do when we touch someone we love, from holding their hands to touching their face. There is no other feeling like it.

Artificial skin developed by scientists, telegraph.co.uk

Researchers Develop Touch-Sensitive 'e-Skin', Bloomberg Businessweek

Sensitive touch for 'robot skin', BBC News, Technology

Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D

2010-09-12T22:21:00.005-05:00

Today, I decided to go out to the movies and see the new 3D movie, Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D. I wasn't sure what to expect because technology is always evolving and yesterdays 3D is different than today's version of it. As we arrived at the theater mid-day there was a line at the ticket counter. I honestly didn't expect that many people mid-day on a Sunday afternoon.

Then as we got to the counter and purchased our tickets, they gave us our ticket and a pair of 3D glasses for the movie. I wasn't sure if they would be the old cheap cardboard red and blue lens glasses. But, they weren't those at all. The glasses were black plastic framed with slightly tinted clear lenses. So after I loaded up with my bottled water, large butter popcorn and twislers I headed into the theater.

It was a small crowd for Resident Evil so I found the perfect seat to view it without worrying about loud, noisy, people around me. Then just as I sat down, a message came across the screen for everyone to please put on your 3D glasses. So I put mine on and got ready for the show.

We were pleasantly entertained by a Scion car commercial in 3D. It was actually pretty cool to see. Then there were a few other goodies they showed us in 3D. Afterwards, they ran some regular movie previews for upcoming shows.

I got the feeling we saw 20 mins of previews before the movie began. Then another message came across the screen to please put on your 3D glasses. This time more 3D previews came on for some new movies coming out soon in 3D. They looked pretty awesome. Then it was time for the show to start.

I have to admit, when first putting on the glasses it did feel a bit strange. Then they cut the 3D stuff out, showed some regular previews. Then back to the 3D stuff. As the movie started I noticed in the first few mins I felt a bit queasy. I was worried I might actually lose my lunch. It took a few minutes to get used to it, then it was ok. I don't know if others felt it, but I definitely did.

Then as I sat back and watched the rest of the movie, I was totally blown away. It was AWESOME, I loved it. There were several parts where things came right out at you, as they were thrown or exploded out. This was definitely a new form of 3D.

A few times I peered over the glasses to see if I could notice anything. There is one scene where the people are standing talking together and they appear to be right out in front of you. So as I peered out over the glasses, I noticed that the background was a bit blurry. But, outside of that no other difference.

All in all the movie was Fantastic. It did leave room for another version for the Resident Evil series. You know how it is folks, the umbrella corp. never dies they just terrorize in another way. If you want to see a great action, zombie flick with yes a bit of the matrix theme in it, Resident Evil: Afterlife 3D is your movie.

I give it 4 thumbs up out of 4 thumbs....

Remembering....

2010-09-11T21:00:00.001-05:00

Motivational Quote of the Day

2010-09-07T11:11:00.008-05:00

I receive various motivational quotes all the time and i wanted to share this one with you...

"A non-doer is very often a critic—that is, someone who sits back and watches doers, and then waxes philosophically about how the doers are doing. It's easy to be a critic, but being a doer requires effort, risk, and change.

Wayne Dyer: Self-help lecturer and author

Inspiration comes to us in many ways....

2010-09-06T19:03:00.006-05:00

When you think you have it bad in life.
Some people have it a lot worse but still can say "I Love Living Life, I Am Happy". Truly an amazing video to watch and learn from. Enjoy.

"Nick Vujicic and his attitude serve as a great examples of the celebration of life over limitations.

The human spirit can handle much more than we realize.

"I LOVE LIVING LIFE. I AM HAPPY."

Think you've got it bad?
Need some encouragement?
Fallen down?
Can't find the STRENGTH to get back up?

Watch this video. It will help. Then share it with others.

----------------------------------------------------------------

"If I fail, I try again, and again, and again..."
If YOU fail, are YOU going to try again?

It matters how you're going to FINISH...
Are you going to finish STRONG?

We are put in situations to build our character... not destroy us.

The tensions in our life are there to strengthen our convictions... not to run over us.

----------------------------------------------------------------

Nick is thankful for what he HAS.
He's not bitter for what he does NOT have.

I have never met a bitter person who was thankful.
I have never met a thankful person who was bitter.

In life you have a choice: Bitter or BETTER?"

http://LifeWithoutLimbs.org

Amazon Lets the hat out of the bag for iLife 11

2010-09-06T17:20:00.006-05:00

Earlier today i was reading an article on AppleInsider about the new iLife '11 Family pack being seen on Amazon.com. So i went and checked it out, sure enough there was a box and it was for iLife 11 just as they reported. But, later on today as i sat down to write this entry i went to check back at the listing and it was removed from Amazon. If you check out the link you will notice that there was a listing for iLife 11 even though it is no longer there.

(http://www.amazon.com/Apple-iLife11-FP-iLife-Family/dp/B003XKXN0S?tag=reality&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B001AMPP0W&adid=0Z67NHH7X5WWSM57MSQM&)

The weird thing was, it was shown originally posted in July with shipment dates happening 2 weeks to 4 weeks with an option to buy on the page. I think someone realized they made a mistake and shouldn't have posted the listing...I wouldn't be surprised if someone from Apple was reading the various Apple related pages and came across this article / listing then made a call.

Now when you go and search on Amazon for iLife the only thing that is popping up are the current versions iLife '09 regular and family edition.. So when will iLife 11 be coming out?

Morris Goodman - "The Miracle Man"

2010-09-05T19:11:00.004-05:00

Yesterday i posted a story and got some questions about names, dates, etc. of the people involved. I was told this a few years ago and i don't remember the names off the top of my head. All I remembered was what i shared in yesterdays story.

So, here is a story where there is a name and a video explaining the events. Hopefully, this will help to show some people how powerful the mind really is with proof behind the story.

On March 10, 1981 a man Named Morris Goodman crashed his airplane. video of the story.

"So what is this man’s incredible story? It all started back in March of 1981. Morris had it all. He was one of the most successful insurance agents in the country. It had started with MET Life where Morris had become their No. 1 agent. He had success, fame, fortune, and a brand new airplane.

His injuries were horrific. Morris’ neck was broken in two places, his diaphragm was destroyed, and he couldn’t breathe. His swallowing reflex was destroyed, and he couldn’t eat or drink.

He couldn’t talk; as his voice box was crushed and his kidney, bladder, bowel and liver didn’t function. He had destroyed pretty much everything in my body, all he could do was blink his eyes, once for yes and twice for no.

But Morris Goodman had his brain and Morris knew that Man becomes what he thinks about

So Morris Goodman’s fight began, he had to regain control of his body one small step at a time. His first goal was to get off the ventilator. He recalls,

I tried to suck a little air with the respirator. Every time I did my lungs hurt something terrible. I took 100 breaths. I’d rest five minutes. I’d take a 100 more every time. Then I started taking 200 breaths. Then I started taking 300. One night I did that and my lungs expanded three times on their own.

Finally the medical personnel cut down his dependency on the ventilator and eventually weaned him from the machine. They were at a loss for an explanation

Morris has now managed to use his stomach muscles to replace his diaphragm, the only known case in the world that’s ever consciously done that and to this day his diaphragm hasn’t worked

Morris made it is goal to work out of the hospital that Christmas, and even though his doctors said that he would never walk or ever operate any bodily function successfully again, Morris continued to visualize

Unbelievably that Christmas, just eight months later, Morris Goodman walked out of the hospital.

But the fight wasn’t over for Morris, it took him two years to learn to say a sentence, and five years to get back on my feet again.

His recovery is so remarkable. It’s understandable why they call him “The Miracle Man.”

Today Morris is a highly sought after speaker who travels the world sharing his story with millions of people and teaching his philosophy on goal setting and personal growth and development.

I have a story: a one in a billion story.

It’s a story that can help so many people.

Not everybody will be in an airplane crash and destroy their whole body like I did.

But everybody has adversity and challenges to deal with in their life.

I’m very thankful for my family, my wife.

I’m thankful that I can go around the world now and share my story with people and help inspire, motivate other people to realize what potential they have and that they can go out and do things also."

This is a direct link to Morris Goodman's website.

I hope you have enjoyed this story.

How powerful the mind can really be...

2010-09-04T22:51:00.003-05:00

Today i was telling someone a story i remember hearing before and i wanted to share it with you. A few years back i was at a meditation retreat with people from all over the world. It was really a pleasure and a blessing to have people from all walks of life come together from literally all parts of the world.

Well during the break, one of the instructors told us an interesting story. There was a man who was diagnosed with some major severe tumors in his body. The doctors recommended operating on him to fix the problem but said that first they weren't sure if it would fix it and also they wouldn't really know the extent of the damage until they got him opened up and were inside of him.

He was originally given a few weeks to live. So he figured what have i got to lose. He went ahead with the operation. They put him under and when they opened him up, it was far worse then anyone could imagine. The tumors had spread all over, there was nothing they could really do for him. So they closed him back up and told him the operation was a success and we fixed the problem. You should be fine.

He went home and an interesting thing happened. In a few weeks he went for some tests and it showed all the tumors were gone. So weeks turned into months then years. On his 5 year anniversary he had a party for his new life. He was 5 years old now and in the best health.
So he invited all his friends and of course the doctor that saved his life too.

Everyone came to the party and loved it. The doctor just sat in a corner and stared at him the whole time. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Then after the host came over and said "Hey whats wrong, all evening you just sat there and stared at me". The doctor went "i can't believe you are still alive'. He host went "well you did save my life, the operation was a success".

The doctor then told him, "no it wasn't. We opened you up and realized there was nothing we could do, so we decided to give you some peace and let you enjoy what you had left of your life.
You shouldn't be alive, i don't understand it, you should be Dead." The guy was in shock, after hearing this. Well two weeks later the tumors showed up and two weeks after he died from those tumors.

So it just goes to show you we do have more power in our amazing powerful mind then we might think we do......I guess what i am trying to say is that just because you get an opinion from someone doesn't have to mean its a fact. With all the amazing things i've seen and heard about in our lives, medical professionals are very quick to label things a miracle when i seem to think of it more as the human will to life and still stay with us in this abundant life.

Mirko, Sept 4th 2010

Apple Special Event Sept 1, 2010

2010-09-03T19:54:00.007-05:00

Photo was found on http://www.macrumors.com/

Tonight i had a bit of free time so i sat down to watch the stream from the Apple Special Event that was held on Sept 1, 2010 with Steve Jobs. It was fantastic. Steve you always know how to blow our minds and this event was Awesome... Thank You.

Photo was found on http://www.macrumors.com/

Steve unveiled a few new amazing things including the new iTunes 10 with a host of great new music social features to make sure you are always connected with your friends and music. Which was available later on that day (Sept 1st) for download for both Mac and PC.

Photo was found on http://www.appleinsider.com/

Another thing that was unveiled was a new line up of iPods, including an updated slimmer iPod touch with front and rear mounted camera's.

Photo was found on http://www.appleinsider.com/

This gave users now the option to do face time just like the iPhone along with the same amazing display (Retina Display) offered on the Apple iPhone 4. The rear mounted camera can record in 720 HD and you can also edit video content right on the device.

We also saw a new smaller version of Apple TV, where content is no longer stored on a hard drive but streamed directly to your unit, either by Wi-Fi or Ethernet wire.

Along with a taste of iOS 4.2 and its new features which look fantastic. Plus, an option to print from the iPad too wirelessly, and the ability to stream audio, video and photos using a new feature called Air Play.

It was a great show with some nice music to close out the presentation.

If you haven't had a chance to view it yet, I recommend you take the time and watch the show to see all the new goodies Apple has to offer, you won't be disappointed. I have always believed and felt that Steve Jobs is an amazing presenter and Apple has always given us the best that technology has to offer... enjoy and don't forget to put your order in for your new Apple item.

Amazing Photo from Iceland

2010-04-26T00:25:00.007-05:00

Today a friend of mine sent me a link to an article and i wanted to share the amazing photo that was posted in it. The photo shows the amazing Volcanic explosion in Iceland. It was posted on www.utne.com under the title 'Awe-Inspiring Volcano Photos from Iceland'. Thank you Michelle for the link.

There are more amazing photos setup from the Yahoo Editorial on Flickr:

Strange things at Apple.....

2010-04-25T23:55:00.006-05:00

This weekend as i was reading through the various spots on the net, I came across something interesting i wanted to bring to your attention. It seems that Steve Wozniak recently reached out to Gizmodo (the people that brought you the lost 4G iPhone, broken down in pieces) to speak out about a few things at Apple.

Photo found on MacRumors.com

It turns out that the early morning of the iPad launch, an apple engineer shows Woz an Apple iPad unit for two minutes. Because he did this, he was fired.

Now a few months later, we have an Apple engineer who goes out celebrating his birthday with a prototype next gen 4G iPhone, which he looses in a bar. Then someone picks it up, plays with it. Even comments on how the camera was crashing and mentions two sets of bar codes on the back of the unit. Then the iPhone ends up at Gizmodo, where it is broken down and demonstrated in detail. But, the unit seems to have its OS and content remotely erased (some think via mobile me) and they can't get the phone to come up working when at Gizmodo.

When the news comes out no one knows what to believe, is it real or a fake. But, its then definitely confirmed with a letting from a V.P. Gen. Council at Apple on its immediate return. The item gets returned to Apple. Everything is now fine and dandy.

The engineer doesn't loose his job and it seems that he is still with the company. A police task force is now set upon investigating Gizmodo for various possible crimes on having the unit in its possession.

Does this just sound a bit too strange or what. I mean if you remember back when the Apple iPad was a mysterious new device. The word after it was debuted to the public was that people who had the unit, pre-launch had to demonstrate to Apple these overly protective security measures were in place from blackening the windows of the room to keeping the unit in a specially sealed box, locked away, so no one would see the unit.

Then you hear about an engineer showing Woz (father of Apple Computer) the unit on the day but before the debut. Which if you are like most, you too consider Woz an Apple employee for life. Then that guy gets fired.

Now an engineer looses something major and its all ok. I have to say it almost seems like a planned loss to generate either hype or interest to see what people will say or not about the device. This is just my opinion. But, it just doesn't make sense when you look at what a few months ago was something not nearly as Major as what just happened and that engineer got fired.

I will leave my thoughts for you to decide. I love my Apple Computer and whole host of other devices i own and use. But, it sure sounds a bit strange for Apple to be so calm about an employee loosing such a device which is a major prototype release. I am not just buying it.

Some random late night thoughts

2010-04-15T23:42:00.003-05:00

As I sit here tonight listening to the news and watching some TV on the history channel, I begin to ponder something i wanted to ou to think about. Have you noticed some of the strange weather and solar related events that we have had lately. In the past week, we've had some terrible weather popping up in different parts of the globe, with earth quakes to strange meteors to a volcanic explosion in Iceland.

Wednesday Night. we had a supposed Green Meteor Lights that lit up the Midwest Sky

Which doesn't behave like any meteor i've ever seen. Check out the video and you tell me what does it look like. Incidentally, this view was from the Associated Press which came from a Police car (Howard county Sheriff) Dash Cam. Plus where did it land. I mean it clearly fell to Earth. But, we don't see any reports of debris or an impact zone. Its almost as if it flared up then before the impact vanished.

Then you have this eruption happening in Iceland which has basically grounded traffic to Europe and Russia because of the Ash in the air that could cause problems for planes.

I can't help but wonder if this could be the sign of some kind of dimensional rift occurring. I've always believe that we are not alone. But, what if these visitors are not from outer space but from another dimension. Could the earths gravity or some other force is causing a rift to happen? Then as both dimension collide these strange occurrences happen.

Einstein theory's do touch into some interesting areas and i can help but wonder if it could possibly offer some kind of explanation for some of these strange occurrences happening.

This is clearly speculation:
Could it be possible that we have parallel universes or multi-dimensional rifts occurring because on something on our planet now or then. I remember reading before about how Einstein spoke about everything happening at once past, present and future. One possible way to travel from one point to another is to fold space and time. Think of it as a piece of paper. We have one spot that is our origin then the other that is our destination.

If we take the long way it will take so many years. But, if we fold the paper and put one over the other. Hence creating a hole in time and space by punching through we create a gate or a black hole which we use to step into and step out at our destination. But, what are the consequences of using this door way. Could it be a disruption in the space, time fabric of our dimension causing these strange events to happen.

Just some late night thoughts i wanted to share...

A Modern Twist on the ole Ring Box

2010-04-14T17:06:00.005-05:00

When i saw this i knew that i had to give a post.

A new reusable USB LCD Ring Box for $125.00. The box features a 2" video screen and speaker. I think any woman would be totally blown away by the man who gives her a ring in this box.
Think about it you could put a few special photos in there with your song playing in the background when she opens it.

The box has 3 buttons on the bottom of the box with a lifetime from 1 to 2 hours. It accepts the following digital formats: Movie-3p(convert program included), Jpeg. Also, it comes with 128MB of memory. The battery is re-charged via USB.

Link to the company's website: IVY Carat Diamond Jewelry Case

Apple ads new line of MacBook Pro's

2010-04-13T15:16:00.005-05:00

The day has finally come Tuesday April 13, 2010, Apple has debuted the long awaited upgrade of its MacBook Pro Line. All three sizes of Laptops have been upgraded.

The 13 inch models stayed with the Core 2 Duo processors offering options from 2.26Ghz to 2.66Ghz. This model also has a new NVidia GeForce 320M integrated Graphics Processor designed just for Apple with claims of up to 80% new graphics power with a savings of up to 40% in power usage. Also, in this small size comes a battery with a life up too 10 hours of power use.

The 15 inch and 17 inch models are equipped with the new Core i series processors, offering a core i5 or i7 model options. These units also offer the NVIDIA GeForce 330M graphics power with a 256 or 512 MB of memory option, automatic graphic switching option installed to switch between to offer better power and efficiency when being used.

All the new MacBook Pro's offer:
A hard disc option up to a 500 GB, 7200 rpm Sata drive or a 512 GB Solid State drive with a heafty price to boot.

There is also an enhanced multi-touch trackpad that supports inertial scrolling. Imagine being able to flick as you scroll or even use different kinds of gestures to move.

Battery Replacement info:
With these models having the sealed battery design the cost to replace the battery is running:
13 inch and 15 battery replacement - $129
17 inch battery replacement - $179

This has certainly been a nice new surprise from Apple today. But, I have to admit I was hoping to see some integration of USB 3.0 into these models because Apple has always been the one to push the limits on new innovative designs and port options. The good thing is the 17" model does have a Express Card/34 slot. So if you wanted to try USB 3.0 now you could get a card to fit in that slot and give it a try.

I would love to see some performance marks on the 17" loaded up with a Core i7 2.66 Ghz Processor and the Solid State drive installed compared to various models running a 5,200 & 7,200 SATA drive.

Microcenter - New Apple Entries Appear

2010-04-10T21:03:00.006-05:00

image courtesy of MacRumors website:

With rumors last week of the new line of Apple laptops appearing this upcoming week, a new suprise welcomes even more rumors. Today, Microcenter adds 4 new Apple Mac related sku's to their inventory system with an assorted range of prices:

Sku: 653402, Apple, Apple System Good - USA, Mfg. Part# MC371LL/A, Price $1,799.99

Sku: 653444, Apple, Mac system #1 Best - USA, Mfg. Part# MC373LL/A, Price $2,199.99

Sku: 653451, Apple, Mac system # 2 Best - USA, Mfg. Part# MC024LL/A, Price $2,299.99

Sku: 653485, Apple, Mac system Better - USA, Mfg. Part# MC372LL/A, Price $1,999.99

It looks like 4 different systems are in the mix. These could be assorted 15" and 17" ($2,299.99). But, lets not forget the 13" too. There is currently a 13" model and nothing has been mentioned about it being discontinued. I wonder which flavor of core i processors will be available: i3, i5 or i7. Currently, the rumor of Tuesday April 13th still stands for the announcement of the new laptop series upgrade.

Also, don't forget there is also supposted to be an upgrade for the MacBooks too.

Apple's iPhone Software 4.0 preview

2010-04-08T20:42:00.004-05:00

Earlier today if you were like a lot of us, you were glued to the tweets from those who were lucky enough to attend Apple's preview of the New iPhone Software 4.0. It was nothing short of spectacular. The long anticipated rumors were true, Multi-tasking on the iPhone for 3rd party apps is finally here.

There has been a long time misconception that the iPhone did not multi-task. Well actually it does but only with Apple software. For the longest time before it did not allow multi-taking with third party apps. But, in the new preview of Apple iPhone OS 4.0 we got a great show of multi-taking iPhone style. It was a great sight too see. So it means that "users will finally be able to switch back and forth between applications like Pandora and Skype without having to shut down the app entirely to enter a new one. "

There were so many great new things shown to us today, I don't know where to begin.

Folders:
You know one of the great things about the iPhone is the appz and you know one of the bad things about the iPhone is too many appz. Well Apple has a solution for that. Now you can choose your icon as if you were going to move it then drop it onto another icon. It will automatically create a folder with both items inside. This is awesome, especially for people with a ton of appz. It lets you create a few folders to hold all those goodies. Plus, you can add as many folders as you like.

Email & Exchange Accounts:
No more in and one of one email into another. Now you can have multiple email accounts in one box. Plus, now there is great news for people in the business world who use Exchange Server. The new 4.0 offers support for multiple Exchange accounts, with a quick ability to switch between them.

iBooks:
Currently only available on the new Apple iPad. But that is about to change because now it will be available on the iPhone & iPod Touch. It looks like the same kind of layout with a nice wood bookcase just in a smaller format.

Enterprise:
There will be some new options for network admins, with abilities to push new iPhone apps wireless without having users have to hook up to a computer. Plus, enhanced data protection with an ability to access multiple Microsoft Exchange Accounts on one iPhone device. Also, it comes with new support Microsoft Exchange 2010 and SSL VPM's from Juniper and Cisco.

iAds:
Apple heads into the mobile advertising market by creating ad's that make a person want to click on them. Apple is looking at huge money opportunities for this new market. Steve Jobs even commented that Apple wants to help Developers cash in on some of the mobile advertising revenue.

GameCenter:
Later on this year Apple is looking at creating a one stop shop for Social Networking, Dating and Games. There wasn't much of a demo of this new spot. But, it was mentioned that people don't want to go all over the place but have one place to have it all. So Apple I'm game to see this GameCenter live and see how people take too it. With all the people who own iPhones/iPod Touches and no iPads, there could be an interesting new following coming up.

There were a whole other host of great new features offered. Head over to Apple and catch the quicktimes of today's event and be amazed all over again.

There were alot of expectations about a new iPhone and even some talk about possibly a Verzion iPhone too. But, today there was nothing mentioned about that. It was stickly iPhone OS 4.0.

New cost estimates on iPad components

2010-04-07T11:20:00.004-05:00

iSuppli initially (before its release) estimated that the Apple iPad components cost for a 16GB Wi-Fi unit would be at around $219. Now it has bumped it up to an estimation cost of $260.00. Currently, Apple sells the iPad 16 GB Wi-Fi unit for $499.

It seems that the biggest factor in the slight price bump up is the cost for the iPad's touchscreen, which is estimated now to go for $95.00.

I don't personally see a problem with Apples component cost vs the retail price. There is a lot of research and development, plus marketing and other costs that go into product development. Apple is trying to make some money and also recoup their expenses. There is nothing wrong with that. In fact, I remember that even before the January 27, 2010 debut of the iPad, many people were actually estimating that the low end of the cost for this device was going to be $1,000.00 and were pleased when they heard $499.00.

I think Apple could have changed $1,000 and people still would have bought it. The price that Apple currently sells the iPad for is very reasonable, especially when you look into what you are getting for the price. The Apple iPad is the beginning of a new world of portable computing. There are more and more competitors coming on to the market. But, they pale in comparison to what they have to offer and cost.

All one has to do is look at the apps and other things that are now coming out for the iPad they are pretty impressive and very reasonable cost wise too. If you were to talk a walk into any Best Buy store or go to many vendors websites, you would be hard pressed to find some of the awesome apps for 9.99 or even lower price range. The developers that are now coming on board for the iPad are creating some new, amazing and very creative apps that will give us some new amazing tools to mold with our creative minds and ideas.

Don't Fire the Maid just Yet

2010-04-07T10:46:00.004-05:00

Researchers at UC Berkeley have taught a robot to roam around the office and fold towels too. Check out the video and see the Robot at work. Now if they could teach him how to do beds and clothing I think they would have an awesome product for the consumer market.

This might be a great item to have in retail stores. I can remember many times walking into a men's department seeing sweaters and shirts all over the place. Imagine having a robot like this that drives around the store, then when it sees no one there, rolls over and folds things back up and puts them in their proper place.

The store could set up the shelf's with RFID tags and make the clothing have matching tags on the price tag so it knows where to place things. Plus, you can have an inventory counter there too, so as he rolls around he can take a live merchandise count of what is in stock and what needs to be re-ordered.

Then, in the store you could have various Wi-Fi points where these machines can also send and receive updates and information. This could really make stores a lot more efficient and also have sales people working the floor, instead of spending time folding clothing over and over again. It frees them up to look for new customers and better serve the consumer.

Converting PDF's into iPad iBooks format

2010-04-06T11:10:00.007-05:00

I found this great article on Lifehacker and i wanted to share it with everyone. The article is about how to convert PDFs and other formats into the ePub format (Apple iBook).

I know a lot of people are like me and own copies of various books in pdf format. They wonder what to do now since I just bought an Apple iPad and it doesn't accept pdf format books. Well folks there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Its a FREE app called Calibre. This program is available for the Mac, PC and Linux. It allows you to convert your pdf to ePub format.

See the link below to walk you through the process and show you how easy it works.

LifeHacker - How Can I Convert PDF's and other eBooks to the ePub Format?

Link to Calibre website

Apple releasing new line of laptops in April

2010-04-06T10:38:00.010-05:00

The word is coming out from a Taiwanese newspaper called "Apple Daily" that Apple is planning on releasing new updates for its three laptop lines: MacBook, MacBookPro and the MacBook Air this month (April 2010). The report explains that the reason for the delays has been a big shortage in chips thanks to the demand placed on intel from computer maker Acer.

Also, there are reports that the MacBook Pro models will offer drives up to 640GB and even an option of 248GB Solid State hard drives too. Additional information mentions that the laptops will have an 8 hours of battery life now.

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The Below Translation into English was done via Google translate

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Apple Computer (Apple) will be released in April next generation MacBook family of notebooks, Intel's new Core i into the family, components manufacturers, said the new laptop while time to market than originally expected delay of about one months, but in April from the supply heavy volume, order visibility to June, the assembly plant Quanta (2382), Hon Hai (2317) to benefit more, the cabinet can become (2474), Hong-jun (2354) and the new bearing factory Nikko (3376), Chao Li (3548), thermal module, the keyboard works shipped heating season.

Significant increase in delivery volume of this month

Intel in January released a new framework Core i3, i5, i7 notebook processor platform, originally expected to be upgraded in March launched a new version of MacBook, MacBook Pro, and ultra-low voltage Intel processor (UM) push revision MacBook Air, but the initial core i5 by Intel and other processor in short supply impact, delayed to 4 months before the official launch of the new reform models laptop.

Components plant, said Apple's new laptop parts in low quantities in March, significant increase in delivery volume in April, 4,5,6-solid growth on shipping, we understand that Apple plans to push for the MacBook Pro 13,15 , 173 sizes, built-in 640G or 248G SSD hard drive (SSD), battery life increased to 8 hours.

Bearing Keyboard Factory shipments rise

Apple MacBook and MacBook Pro imminent listing of the new machine, on behalf of the factory ship has to move, foreign investment expected to benefit Quanta Q2 Apple with HP to inject new single, 3 monthly shipments of the first jump to 390 to 400 million Meanwhile in May challenge of 4.2 million units shipped to a record high of shipping the first quarter, jumping by 10 2 to 15%, better than the laptop OEM in the industry, while beyond the single-season shipments Compal retaking the top spot.

Can become qualified with the case of Apple Hong prospective suppliers to benefit from the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro aluminum case, 2 quarter shipments will be significantly heated.

May become reluctant to talk about trends for individual customers, but the chairman of the tree before the flood, said aluminum laptop this year will be the main metal shell, and because changes in chassis construction methods, new applications appear, aluminum unit turned up to 3 to 4 months part of the process has delivered a tight enclosure, the first forecast quarter revenue growth in Q2 15 to 20%.

Also includes super-cooling module plant masses (6230), bearing factory new Nikko, and the keyboard works fine trillion yuan Lee (2385), up side (8163) Q2 shipments will slowly heated to outperform in the first quarter.

Apple's supply chain components

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Website link below: Translated into english via google translate

Apple Daily - Taiwan companies listed on the new MacBook this month, a good high

Dr. H. Edward Roberts, PC Pioneer, Dies at 68

2010-04-04T21:52:00.008-05:00

Its with a heavy heart i write this blog post. One of the great pioneers who helped to create the PC has passed away on Friday April 2, 2010. Many people might not remember Dr. Ed Roberts. But, a lot of people do and also remember what he did to make what we have today a reality.

Bill Gates had flown down to be at his bedside as he laid in bed suffering from pneumonia in a hospital in Macon, Ga. The reason why Bill was there was because Ed was one of the reasons Microsoft is where it is today. See years back he gave him and Paul Allen a chance to write code for a machine he had created called the MITS Altair.

The MITS Altair was an inexpensive general purpose microcomputer that could be programmed to do all sorts of great tasks. This early computer is why so many people feel that Ed should be recognized as the inventor of the personal computer. I agree with him too. Ed was the man who did it.

The Altair first appeared on the January 1975 cover of Popular Electronics.
"'Fond memories'

Dr Roberts was the founder of Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems (MITS), originally set up to sell electronics kits to model rocket hobbyists.

The company went on to sell electronic calculator kits, but was soon overshadowed by bigger firms.

In the mid-1970's, with the firm struggling with debt, Dr Roberts began to develop a computer kit for hobbyists.

The result was the Altair 8800, a machine operated by switches and with no display.

It took its name from the then-cutting edge Intel 8080 microprocessor.

The $395 kit (around £1,000 today) was featured on the cover of Popular Electronics in 1975, prompting a flurry of orders. It was also sold assembled for an additional $100 charge.

Amongst those interested in the machine were Paul Allen and Bill Gates.

The pair contacted Dr Roberts, offering to write software code that would help people program the machine.

The pair eventually moved to Albuquerque - the home of MITS - where they founded Micro-Soft, as it was then known, to develop their software: a variant of the Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (Basic).

"We will always have many fond memories of working with Ed in Albuquerque, in the MITS office right on Route 66 - where so many exciting things happened that none of us could have imagined back then," the pair said.

Dr Roberts sold his company in 1977. "

BBC News - Microsoft founders lead tributes to 'father of the PC'
New York Times - H. Edward Roberts, PC Pioneer, Dies at 68
ABH News - Father of PC Dr. Edward Roberts passes away

Apple iPad Jailbroken already

2010-04-04T20:56:00.016-05:00

I had a feeling it would happen. But, wow this is sooner then expected.The first video has surfaced showing the iPad Jailbroken.

It was done by iPhone Dev Team member 'MuscleNerd' with a demo of it on YouTube showing the device jailbroken with root access and then him controlling the device from a command line. The details are unclear as to how the hack works but it all seems to point to an iPhone jailbreak called "Spirit". Spirit was written by a developer who goes by the name Comex.

Pretty interesting to see it working from a command line on another machine. I wonder now if someone will try to do something a bit more out there like installing Chrome OS, Android or any other flavor of Linux on the unit to see how it works. Then post a demo of it on YouTube to show it was done and it works.

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UPDATE: The word is coming out that the hack was done on the iPad with a 3.2 firmware that had some security holes which allowed the Team to break it using the iPhone 3.1.3 hack.

To jailbreak a phone using Spirit, one only has to surf on over to a particular Web site using the device's internal Safari browser. Grant the site permission to jailbreak the phone, and it'll take advantage of a bug found in the browser to gain root access to the device.

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PC Mag - First iPad Jailbreak Demoed...with Video!
Engadget - iPad 'Sprint' jailbreak demonstrated by MuscleNerd, now it really is magical (video)
CrunchGear - iPad jailbroken

My Apple iPad first impressions....

2010-04-03T19:01:00.017-05:00

Well i got my Apple iPad today at about 12pm just when i got back from running some errands. It was interesting because on my UPS tracking it still showed it at the UPS facility. I got to talking to the UPS driver and she was telling me it was a nightmare with all the units shipping. I mentioned, how it said that my unit had shipped on the 30th but didn't come to the U.S. until the 2nd. It seemed to have been delayed and caught up in shipping in China.

She said yes, it seems they had some big delays with the Chinese government when it came to exporting these things. Also, because of these shipping times, iPads going out to many of the stores were being received later then expected. The driver had mentioned how Best Buy was supposed to get it yesterday and didn't get it till this morning at 9am. So even though my little iPad took a while to get here, I was very happy to receive her in my hands today.

One thing i did notice was that they did a good job packing the Apple box within the brown plain shipping box. It was a small box in which the unit was suspended in the air by using some cardboard bracers on the side. As i took the box out and began to open the plastic seal I noticed the beautiful detail Apple takes in its product box design. The box looked beautiful with the wording and images around the different sides. I have always love the boxes that apple puts their products in. Its actually a shame to dis guard them.

As I opened up the unit I saw the little iPad in its protective plastic cover. I lifted it out and noticed that below it was a nice little package unit with a card instruction sheet, some legal paper work and of course 2 Apple white stickers (more flare for the car).

Under the card was an Apple sync cord and a square electric plug for recharging the device. This has got to be the smallest power unit I have ever seen from Apple. It has a very cute and compact design. The two electric prongs collapse in when not in use. On the other side is a USB plug opening for plugging your sync cord in to recharge your iPad.

My unit came fully powered(100%) and ready to go. I went and hooked it up to my Mac. The iTunes opened up and I went through the short registration process for the unit. Then i spent sometime syncing over a few things and shopping in the iTunes store.

I went and picked up a few of the new iPad related appz: iBooks, iWork for iPad collection(Keynote, Pages, Numbers), and a few other goodies. I then tried them out after everything was done downloading and syncing up. I had also made sure my iPad connected up to my Airport Extreme Wi-Fi connection.

As i sat back on the couch and began to use the unit, I did notice the weight a little bit. I know its only 1.5 pounds but you do notice the feeling. After a while i didn't mind it but i did notice myself shifting the unit around in different positions as i used it. I went and started trying out the various apps.

The iPhone apps seemed to work fine, i was using then in the iPhone size then also 2x sized up too filling up the screen with the app. There is a 2x button in the lower right hand corner for enlarging the app on your unit to fill the screen. I did noticed some pixelizing in the graphics and even text when using 2x. It wasn't too bad, but i did notice it.

The iPhone apps all worked fine without any issues. I also tried some of the various news apps like BBC and AP and they worked fine too. The pages loaded up quick and the video worked without a hitch. I will have to say that the more i used it the more i enjoyed it too.

The ibooks app that was free came with a free children's book to try. I enjoyed using it and flipping through the pages. I also noticed something interesting too. If you choose to look at the books available through the ibooks store, you can actually download a sample of the book to look through it before deciding to purchase it. It was fast, easy and simple to use. One of the reasons I love Apple products is for the most part its something you can pick up and use without spending time going through manuals on figuring it out.

I had to try out one of my favorite iPhone games, "Plants vs. Zombie". I played it double sized and it looked great. I loved the big screen for playing and it was a bit more addictive playing now then on my iPod Touch unit. I know this larger sized screen is going to be a great platform for games. On the iPhone the screen is ok but on the iPad its just plain AWESOME.

I also had a chance to watch some movies that i had picked up from the iTunes store. I was blown away by how good the movies looked. I watched some of "Bicentennial Man" and the classic "Blade Runner" movie. I will tell you I've watched Blade Runner on a few different media platforms and on my iPad i was totally blown away by the richness and color on the unit. I watched it in the wide screen format and also the full screen format where it scales up the movie to fill the whole screen. Both looked awesome.

Then i tried out the three iWork apps that i had purchased. They worked great. It really put me in use with the virtual keyboard and I enjoyed using it to enter my input. Truthfully, i had seen the videos and photos of it but until i actually had a chance to use it first had i didn't realize how nice it was.

I am not a small man and i do have big hands. But, I will tell you for a big man this small little device was perfect. The more i used it the more i was glad and happy that i chose to order it now. So if you want my honest opinion on my first impressions about the iPad, it is AWESOME. Yep, so good that I had to yell it out loud.

I know there will be future released with more things added to the unit. But, I will definitely enjoy this one until then. So if you are considering getting an iPad all i can say is go down to the Apple store and see for yourself how great this unit is and be the judge of it yourself. I don't think you will be disappointed, this unit is a wise investment.

I want to say Thank You for all the people who helped to bring this unit to market and to all the employees at Apple. But, especially Thank You to Mr. Steve Jobs. Steve has always given us something to blow our minds and this is definitely another one of them.

The iPad is here - Saturday April 3, 2010

2010-04-03T10:17:00.003-05:00

The day has arrived for the official delivery of the new Apple iPad. There has been a lot of talk in various directions about the iPad. I've read a number of articles where people are for it and think its the greatest thing since sliced bread. But, then there are the 'HATERS' who can't seem to find anything good to say about it.
The most interesting thing i've noticed is that there is no middle ground. Its either you love it or hate it.

Well i think its 'AWESOME' and I LOVE ITlove it. I know it might be easy to say things like it doesn't have a camera or this or that. But, how bout we focus on the positive things and go from there. Its easy to be negative and I'm sorry but i like to be positive about things in life first, then go from there.

So some of the reasons why I Love the new Apple iPad:
1. It's another amazing product by Apple. Face it folks, Apple is on the cutting edge of technology and design. They have produced a number of things that have definitely changed the way we live today for the better. In the most recent years we have been blessed with the iPhone and iPod Touch devices.

2. Change is a good thing. The new iPad is not like anything we have seen before. Yes, I've heard people comment on it being an iPhone on Steroids. But, I have to humbly disagree. I think it's a step into a new direction at small, light and amazing portable technology. This new step is the perfect developing ground for so many new innovate ways of doing things.

Imagine the uses in a hospital for taking notes and dictations. A doctor can speak his diagnosis into the unit and with some software it translates the doctors words into text and also attaches it to one file in a medical data base. Then in the future if there is any question of what was written it can easily be seen without any mis interpretation. This is one example of many different areas where the iPad can take us to the next level and beyond.

3. The Apple iPad is the beginning of a new way of how we see light, portable and useful technology. It is more then just a colorful Kindle. Its the start of introducing to us a more simpler way of working with technology. One of the reasons for the popularity of the iPhone/iPod Touch units is because anyone can pick it up and use it without too much thought or manual reading required.

4. Tons of Apps already available rite now. The Apple iPad has over 1,300 approved appz on the day of its release. Also, don't forget the 150,000 appz it can use that are available for the iPhone/iPod Touch too. There are more appz for this unit then any other portable device. With one big thing, there are a ton of them that are FREE that work great. No one else can even come close to saying this.

5. This unit could be a great learning tool for kids. Today kids are always complaining about how heavy their book bags are with all those big, clunky, heavy books they need to haul around for class everyday. Now, they don't need to worry about hurting their backs because on this platform we can put all those books in one small, compact easy to carry place.

6. Appeal for groups of all ages. When you see this device there is something so pleasant and appealing about it. Its not to big and clunky like so many other portable units on the market today. Also, you don't need a mouse to use it.

On this past Wednesday, there was a show on ABC called "Modern Family" where they had the unit as part of the story. One of the most amazing things that i saw was a Birthday Cake app. The woman held up the iPad as the virtual candles flickered then as the guy blew on the touch surface the candles moved like someone was blowing them out and wala they were blown out. The next thing you see is the smoldering candles just like they normally would. I love this app.

7. Apple has always been the leader in bringing new ideas and ways of using technology to the public. The one thing Apple is known for is walking to the beat of its own drum. I can remember many times where when they took the leap forward, it wasn't a step, but a great big Jump into the new way of doing things and it was AWESOME.

8. If you loved the iPhone/iPod Touch you will love the iPad because its the next stage of evolution in the world of technology. Yes, I know it doesn't have a camera but so what. There are hundreds of other great features that are currently available now. So you can wait and be a closet iPad fan or step up to the plate and enjoy what we have today.

So these were just a few of my feelings on this amazing new technology from Apple.

Our lives have forever been changed by Apple and Steve Jobs, and i for one want to say Thank You to all the people at Apple and to Steve Jobs for giving us some great goodies. I am proud to be a loyal supporter of amazing advanced technology from Apple.

Apple iPad on David Letterman

2010-04-02T10:00:00.003-05:00

You know you've made it big when the Big Man of late night TV "David Letterman" starts cracking jokes about you.

Last night Dave took it upon himself to show off the iPad and then poke a few puns at it too. But the nice thing was he gave people a bit of a taste of things to come from the iPad with a comical twist.

Letterman's nightly "Top Ten" installment was the top 10 questions to ask yourself before waiting in line for the iPad. The Late Show host then pulled out an actual iPad, and attempted to demonstrate its ability to automatically rotate before he accidentally hit the lock button on the device and turned off its screen.

Letterman then slapped the iPad, banged it against the table, and shook the device in a humorous attempt to turn it back on. Unable to turn it back on, he even jokingly tried licking it, earning laughter and applause from the audience at the Ed Sullivan Theater.

"The radiation this thing gives off is incredible," he joked. "You're supposed to wear a lead apron when you operate it."

Later in the episode, the first guest, Sam Worthington, noted he doesn't know how to use an iPad, and then placed it under his coffee mug as a very expensive coaster.

Apple iPad App Store is now Live on iTunes

2010-04-01T15:04:00.005-05:00

Just in time for this weekends debut of the Apple iPad.
Apple released (March 30) a new version of iTunes (version 9.1) that supports the iPad. Also the iTunes store is now giving the public, access to iPad Apps. There are rumored to be over 1,000 iPad apps ready to go with the launch. Plus, over 30,000 free books that are available too. But, lets not forget that there are over 150,000 iPhone/iPod Touch apps that work with the iPad too. So this is one great Easter Egg given to us from Apple....

iTunes iPad Edition Section

Keynote, Pages & Numbers - iPad Edition Apps

Brushes - iPad Edition App

Let the Apple iPad Videos Begin

2010-04-01T14:04:00.008-05:00

I figured i would do my part to burn up the web waves with some of the assorted iPad videos now flooding the web. Enjoy..

Steve Jobs hits front page of Time Magazine - April 12, 2010 issue

2010-04-01T13:53:00.003-05:00

Just in time for the Apple iPad release, Time magazine has the man himself Steve Jobs featured on the front cover of its upcoming issue (April 12, 2010).

Steve is interview by British Actor Stephen Fry. He gives us a look into the new Apple iPad, his career and his amazing life.

Some great wording about the article was found on AppleInsider, Thursday April 1, 2010 segment on this issue.

"I think the experience of using an iPad is going to be profound for many people," Jobs reportedly said. "I really do. Genuinely profound."

Fry asked Jobs if he believes the iPad is the high point of his career, and if the CEO intends to go out on top, given his recent health issues. In January 2009, Jobs took a leave of absence from Apple due to health-related issues, leaving Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook at the helm. Jobs eventually returned to work in June after receiving a liver transplant.

"I don't think of my life as a career," Jobs told Fry. "I do stuff. I respond to stuff. That's not a career -- it's a life!"

In addition to Jobs, Fry also spoke with Jonathan Ive, senior vice president of industrial design; Phil Schilller, senior VP of worldwide product marketing; and Eddy Cue, VP of Internet services. Schiller said while many have criticized the iPad as being "just a big iPhone," he actually views that comment as a compliment.

"Luckily, millions of people have those, so there is an instant ease and familiarity when they first encounter the iPad," he said. "As for everything else, it's not about the features -- it's about the experience. You just have to try it to see what I mean."

Fry also asked Ive about features missing from the iPad, such as a forward-facing camera for video conferencing.

"In many ways, it's the things that are not there that we are most proud of," Ive said in the latest issue of Time. "For us, it is all about refining and refining until it seems like there's nothing between the user and the content they are interacting with."

This awesome issue will also feature a history of the tablet computer by author Lev Grossman with some interesting perspectives on how things have influenced the Apple iPad. I would definitely recommend you pick this issue up and keep it aside. Because one day years from now it will most likely be a collectors item.

Google changes its name....

2010-04-01T13:44:00.005-05:00

Talk about a great April Fools Day welcome from Google.

If you are like most people you touch Google at least once a day. I love using their site features throughout my day as often as i can. But, much to my surprise when i fired up my browser this morning and went to Google.com i was greeted not by Google but by the following. I guess we aren't in Silicon Valley any more....

Now don't forget to also click below the Google Search button on the "Not in Kansas: learn about our new name"

I guess Google is off to see the Wizard.....

iPad hands on Videos begin on the web today

2010-04-01T13:30:00.005-05:00

With the much anticipated launch of the new Apple iPad the media has been given the go ahead to start showing the iPad and speaking more about it. Just last night on the ABC show "Modern Family,", the new device was featured and shown to have a cool app available for it that gives you a virtual cake with lit candles that you can blow out.

Also here is an Apple iPad unboxing clip by Chicago SunTimes columnist Andy Inhatko. Andy takes you through opening the box and displaying what you get with your unit.

I will be posting my thoughts and feelings on the iPad when i get it this weekend.
Personally, I think the iPad will open up a new day for many people and its a great new platform to do some developing on. Its a great device because it appeals to users of all ages and backgrounds.

Where else can you find a simple device that you can take out and do many of the things that take more then one click to do. It boots up quick, has an incredible 10 hour plus battery life, and just works. Apple has done an amazing job here because they've given us a device that you don't need to worry about or deal with file structure. Its so simple a child can use it.

Nikola Tesla - The Forgotten Wizard Video Clip

2009-07-10T13:24:00.002-05:00

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla

2009-07-10T13:05:00.004-05:00

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla July 10, 1856

Nikola Tesla July 10, 1856 to January 7, 1943
Today is Nikola Tesla's Birthday. He was a great Serbian-American Inventor that gave us as a society so much. But he is the least known inventor. His accomplishments include but are not limited to inventing the radio (not Marconi), to Robotics to Alternating Current to Wireless to Advanced Pulse Weaponry and a slew of other amazing inventions we have all around us but have no idea who really invented it.

Nikola was a man ahead of his time and a fellow countryman of mine. To do him justice i would recommend googling his name and also check out the various You Tube videos on him to see all the amazing things this man gave us.

Dell Unveils New Rugged Laptop - Latitude E6400 XFR

2009-03-10T13:03:00.005-05:00

(image found on cnet news)
Today, Dell has unveiled a new rugged laptop that is built to 13 different military specs. This machine is designed to withstand drops of 4 feet, Sea Fog, Temperature Extremes, Thermal Shock & Explosive Environments. The outside is designed with a Rugged Balistic Armor Material made from PR481 material. It also comes with a Primoseal that enhances protection from dust and liquids via a compression Gasket.

This new laptop is a Latitude E6400 XFR. That comes with an Intel Core 2 Duo Processor, 120GB Solid State Drive, NVidia Quadro NVS 160M GPU video card with 256MB DDR2 Ram with a starting price of $4,299.00, available March 10, 2009.

From the spec's it sounds like a great Machine for those who need a latop in extreme conditions.

Dell Unveils Latitude E6400 XFR Rugged Notebook (DailyTech)
Dell Launches Its First Rugged Touch-screen Laptop (PCworld)
Dell hopes tough guys still buy laptops (cnet news)

John Dvorak Likes Linux

2009-03-09T16:28:00.005-05:00

(image found on roughlydrafted.com)
PC magazine critic and writer John Dvorak checks out Ubuntu Linux OS 8.10 and loves what he sees. Take a look at what he has to say and see some of the great advantages that running Ubuntu gives an end user without all the costs associate with the Windows OS and its appz.

Also, after you get done reading the article below, don't forget to check out Ubuntu for yourself.

http://www.ubuntu.com/

I have been using Ubuntu for a few releases now and i love the OS. Definitely, one of my favorite flavors of Linux Distributions.

Every so often I take a stab at Linux, to see exactly what I like and do not like about the OS. Many of its problems, for me, stem from its inability to run on my overloaded hardware, or the occasional driver that makes the OS impossible to use without hand-tweaking something or other. That said, I seriously like the Ubuntu 8.10 implementation and will now install it permanently on my latest machines. It's a winner.

This OS has a lot of nice features, and it's quick. It's freely downloadable all over the net as a ISO disk image, too. Go to the official Web site for a download link . Ubuntu is particularly cool because the install version is also a "live" version, meaning that you can boot it and run it from a CD without installing the OS at all. More important, it's a fully functional live CD, meaning that it can save and load files from drive C: or a NAS.

When I encountered a glitch, I changed to a safe graphics mode that limited my screen to 1,280-by-1,024 rather than 1,600-by-1,200—but this was no big deal.

While your PC is running Ubuntu as a live install, the CD is doing all the work for the OS, and even so, it's at least as snappy as Windows. Install it onto the hard disk as the OS for the system and the thing really flies. I'm not sure how many legacy old clunkers can run this operating system . but it's the perfect reinstall for older machines that bog down under Windows. The live feature is what it makes it so cool; no need to install the OS before thoroughly testing it.

For lightweight work, the install disk comes with Firefox for Linux and AbiWord , a credible open-source substitute for MS Word. In fact, there is probably a Linux program that will substitute for just about any Windows programs with as much or more functionality—with the exception of Adobe Photoshop. That said, there are plenty of photo editors for Linux. The popular GIMP app comes to mind.

While the various Linux desktops generally aren't as polished as Vista, they are functional and easily as slick as Windows 2000, the OS most observers think was the best Microsoft ever did. In many instances the complexity of Linux turns out to be smoothed over by the Ubuntu architecture. It's so good that I'm a little annoyed with myself for not getting to it sooner. And I sure don't want to hear "I told you so!" from all the Linux mavens.

I'm in the process of putting together a new Atom-based mini-ITX machine (with an Intel D945GCLF2 motherboard ) for use as a Web browser in the kitchen. This OS would be ideal if for no other reason than the fact that I won't have to worry about anyone in the family fooling around online and getting the little machine clogged with viruses and Trojan horses.

I seriously appreciate the fact that Linux is mostly immune from malware, in much the same way as the Macintosh. I had a small machine in the kitchen running Windows, and every time I ran a scan on the thing I kept discovering too many problems. I know that if Linux becomes too popular, the malware will come. But for now it's rare—a good thing as far as I am concerned.

I'm tired of dealing with Windows malware, patch Tuesday, and the never-ending deterioration of the OS as it clogs up like a drain in a greasy-spoon restaurant. I can't take it anymore.

And there's something else that always bugs me about Windows. I have an iMac that I use at the office, and a few times every month Apple has some patch that it sends out. With few exceptions, each time a patch is installed with the Mac OS, the performance of the machine improves. With Windows, the performance always declines.

I don't think Microsoft has ever sent out a patch that improved the performance of the machine. Ever.

And of course, the biggest differences between Ubuntu and Windows are the cost and the subsequent headaches, because Microsoft is constantly fretting over bootleg copies. The company monitors machines to make sure they are running legal copies of software. There have already been instances of computers shut down by Microsoft HQ because of some glitch in the cloud. This is simply unacceptable. I don't want to rely on a system like that.

I cannot wean myself off Windows altogether because, well, I write about Windows. But for ancillary machines that I put together where I need reliability and low price, I'm always going to see whether Ubuntu works. And if it does, that's what gets installed.

If I had a small or mid-size company, I'd probably use only Linux and open-source software, just to stay out of the way of the software police and their onerous "audits"—another abhorrent situation that, to me, is intolerable.

You should also note that almost all of the newest hardware coming out has Linux support. The critical mass has been reached. Go download Ubuntu 8.10 and see for yourself what the fuss is about. You won't regret it.

Its nice to see such a great review from John on this awesome OS.

Dvorak Likes Linux (PC mag)

Rumors of Apple creating a Netbook are surfacing

2009-03-09T15:04:00.003-05:00

(image found on slashgear)
The rumors are now starting about apple coming up with a netbook soon. A Taiwanese financial paper called the commercial times reported today (March 9, 2009) that two Taiwanese based computer companies are in talks now with Apple for some new hardware (possibly netbooks).

Quanta Computer (Taiwan based company) that currently is a contributor to the iPhone is reported to be the maker for the Apple Netbook. Followed by another Taiwanese base company, Wintek that would be making the touch panels.

Wintek is also reporting that currently there is no shipment date set but that it would be likely to begin shipping Netbooks in Mid-Year 2009. This information is also being reported in Digitimes too.

When Apple executives were recently questioned about this issue they said they don't believe people would be please with a netbook type device from apple, sighting performance would be a big issue. Various analysts already are starting to comment on this issue and just calling it all hype.

I don't know if its all talk since its being reported in a financial paper and it sounds more like something in the mix then not. What ever it is im sure we will be pleasantly surprised by the unveiling when Apple is ready.

Apple Netbook Rumors Stirred by Taiwan Newspaper (eweek)
Apple ordering netbook-sized multitouch panels for 2H09? (Slashgear)

"Wolfram Alpha" Search Engine unveild

2009-03-09T10:30:00.009-05:00

(image found on cnet news)
They say if you can build a better mouse trap you can have the world at your doorstep. The same is true with a better search engine. In today's time where time is so precious and correct information is key in so many decisions, the world is always on the look out for a new and more productive search engine. Well there is something on the horizon now, Stephen Wolfram, the genius mathematician, physicist and software entrepreneur is at it again.

He has created a new kind of search engine, something we are all accustomed to seeing in the science fictions shows like star trek. A search engine which searches for information based on factual data. This new kind of search dubbed, "Wolfram Alpha" uses a "Computational Knowledge Engine", will do just that. The way it works is it breaks down a question into english then parses them into a query which its answers by searching a series of libraries it has within. This is a great idea that has long been held in sci-fi movies but lacking the correct algorithm to properly do it.

In a recent blog entry this is what Wolfram had to say:
"All one needs to be able to do is to take questions people ask in natural language, and represent them in a precise form that fits into the computations one can do," Wolfram said in a recent blog post . "I'm happy to say that with a mixture of many clever algorithms and heuristics, lots of linguistic discovery and linguistic curation, and what probably amount to some serious theoretical breakthroughs, we're actually managing to make it work...It's going to be a website: www.wolframalpha.com. With one simple input field that gives access to a huge system, with trillions of pieces of curated data and millions of lines of algorithms," he added.

Well the creator of Mathematica has done just that by using Mathematica and NKS (a new kind of science) he has created a search engine that will answer your factual query by searching libraries in such a manor. The only bad thing is that it can only answer factual queries. If a person asked it how good of a job someone was doing it could not answer that since that is based off opinion.

The search engine is scheduled to be released to the public in May 2009. Some people do wonder if Google will try to incorporate some of this technologies idea into its search for query too. I guess it could be an interesting option if they can get the algorithm right for the search.

Wolfram Alpha Search Engine: www.wolframalpha.com

A bit of interested info on Mr Wolfram:
Stephen Wolfram has a track record of scientific breakthroughs and some controversy. He received his Ph.D. in theoretical physics from Caltech in 1979 when he was 20 and has focused most of his career on probing complex systems. In 1988 he launched Mathematica , powerful computational software that has become the gold standard in its field. In 2002, Wolfram produced a 1,280-page tome, A New Kind of Science, based on a decade of exploration in cellular automata and complex systems. The book stirred up a lot of debate in scientific circles. Legendary physicist Freeman Dyson described the tome as "a case of style over substance."

Wolfram Alpha Search Engine Will Directly Answer Your Questions (Daily Tech)
Stephen Wolfram and the techno-dianetics of Google-ology (arstechnica)
Wolfram Alpha: Next major search breakthrough? (cnet news)

Unauthorized Apple iPhone App stores hit the marketplace

2009-03-06T13:18:00.004-06:00

(image found on cnet news)
For the longest time if you wanted to get an app for your iPhone or iPod touch device you had to go through the apple iTunes store. But, now things have changed and there are three new options on the horizon.

The first one is called Cydia. Created by Computer Science genius Jay "Saurik" Freeman, age 27. Cydia was created as an open source distribution center offering independent developers and option to create software and offer it to end users without the approval of apple. There are hundreds of appz currently available with over 350,000 users and growing for this site.

But, be forewarned if you desire to use appz from this site you will need to "Jailbreak" your phone to make it able to install this appz. Here is an article here from Lifehacker on how to do it(click me). You should be forewarned that if something does goes wrong your iPhone will become a brick. The good thing is, it does seems possible to fix this problem, but it will cost you a few bucks too.

The second site is called "Rock your Phone". This site does not require you to "Jailbreak" your phone to install the appz they will be offering.

Then there is a third one but i didn't get wind of the name yet. But, I did find out it is scheduled to offer a series of adult oriented games on it for your iPhone or iPod touch device.

I am sure Apple is a bit pissed but they should have seen this coming because there are so many thousands of appz that Apple turns away and they were bound to come to the public market eventually.

Unauthorized iPhone app stores emerging (cnet news)
New online 'app' stores offer new shopping experience (CTV.ca)
Other App Stores Look for Slice of Apple (street.com)

A Pair of Black Holes discovered Orbiting Each Other

2009-03-05T10:50:00.004-06:00

(image found on the register uk)
Yesterday, Astronomers at the NOAO (National Optical Astronomy Observatory) discovered two enormous Black Holes orbiting each other. This is a very rare occurrence. The discovery was made by Todd Boroson and Todd Lauer while examining data from 17,000 Quasars using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, a major mapping project which has already imaged a quarter of the cosmos.

Quasars are thought to represent a super masive black hole in the center of a distant galaxy. Scientist want to figure out whiy they have never seen this kind of anomoly before.

There is a theory that predicts compact, massive bodies black holes orbiting should produce possible ripples in space-time moving at the speed of light.

Newfound Black Hole Duo Could Make Space-Time "Ripples" (National Geographic)
Shall we dance? Two big black holes found together (Reuters UK)
Stargazers spy elusive binary black hole system (The Register)

Zillion TV offers cable alternative

2009-03-04T16:39:00.006-06:00

(image found on dvice.com)
Updated:
Turns out users will need a bit more bandwidth then i previously wrote:
Consumers need at least a 3 megabits per second Internet connection to view standard definition content and at least a 7 megabits per second Internet connection for high-definition programming. Wow that is a big difference from 1.5 Mb, esp. when looking at HD content.
===============================================================
Zillion TV is currently in beta with the Z-bar service which offers you an alternative to paying cable prices for TV video. By paying an initial $50 installation fee you can cut your ties to the cable company forever. You will then have an option to see great titles and shows for free with advertisements inserted (hmm sounds like cable now) or buy the show and see it without advertisements (also sounds like cable too, without the monthly basic cost).

The set-top box gets the video via your broadband internet connection(1.5 Mb or higher (esp. for HD)). Zillion TV is currently working with broadband providers to provide people with the best service possible. "The company says it won’t be sluggish, either, but instant streaming. Think Amazon’s Video On Demand service in terms of how your purchases and rentals will live, too, as in on the company’s own servers (we’ll soon be accessing all our entertainment in the data cloud, no?) and not taking up space on your hard drives."

Another partner is Visa, which will enhance your commercial-watching experience by giving you instant access to buy stuff right from your TV. There will even be a “loyalty program” that rewards viewers “for simply watching programming they love and interacting with advertising from categories they’ve personally selected.”

There are several big-named companies who have signed up to work with them like: NBC universal, Disney, 20th Century Fox Television, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. Digital Distribution. With the current host of content providers they have over 15,000 titles to offer with a lot more expected by launch time.

This is not to bad of a cost since especially the base rate is like the regular cable but FREE.
It looks like something definitely looking into when it gets released out of beta. But, until then we still have online options like Hulu to use too without all the costs or legalities of the cable companies.

ZillionTV lets you dump cable for good (dvice.com)
ZillionTV Streams On-Demand Content to Your TV (Electric House)
paidContent.org - ZillionTV Launches; Can It Avoid Boxee's Problems? (Washington Post)
ZillionTV Streams TV Content, Lets Viewers Choose Ads (ecommerce times)

Resident Evil 5 Blood Drive

2009-03-04T16:07:00.006-06:00

(images found on PCworld.com)
Capcom together with the Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on Friday the 13th coming up at the World of Wonder Gallery, 6650 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, California from 11am to 5pm.

(images found on PCworld.com)
Come see the new Resident Evil 5 game at the assorted Kiosks on display and donate some blood for a very good cause. Each blood donor will get a limited edition hand numbered stylized poster, bumpers stickers, buttons and a chance to win a copy of the game plus a chance to win some of the Limited Edition Red Consoles too.

What a great way to welcome in such an awesome new game. If i am in LA on that day i will definitely stop by to donate some blood and pick up some blood drive collectibles.

Again the event is :
World of Wonder Gallery, 6650 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
on Friday, March 13, 2009, 11:00 AM-5:00 PM

Resident Evil: Blood Drive (blast magazine)
Spill Real Blood for Resident Evil 5 (PCworld)
Spill Some Blood for Resident Evil 5 (dread central)

Microsoft Rolls up the Sleeves with Windows 7

2009-03-04T15:23:00.003-06:00

(image found on cnet news)
With the public beta release of Windows 7 Microsoft is showing consumers that they are now rolling up their sleeves like never before to make sure this Vista replacement works like it should. They are on a mission to make sure they don't make the same mistakes they did in the past.

Enthusiasts are worried Microsoft isn't listening to their comments but actions do seem to speak louder then words. Due to feedback to Microsoft they went back and made several revisions to dvd handling. When customers wanted to have that option they added it but then when corporate customers were worried about people watching DVDs on company time they fixed that issue too.

The same goes with BitLocker-To-Go. This encryption feature was initially available for use under Vista and Microsoft went and later added an option for Widows XP users to use it too. The encryption feature helps secure USB devices.

With the design of Windows 7, Microsoft is looking at how customers work when using a product and also where they get tripped up too. So they can step in an fix issues before they get worse. One of the interesting things they learned was that some programs wouldn't install themselves under Vista because the application designers that created them had hard coded the programs to work with a certain OS only. This offers a rational explanation of why many of the older programs seemed to have issues installing or even working under Vista.

Microsoft is looking at calling Windows 7 officially version 6.1 in the series of Windows OS's.

Microsoft in the Enterprise Edition:
With the progression of Vista into Windows 7 Microsoft is showing corporate customers that making the upgrade from Vista or Windows XP is actually a great idea. They are touting the advantages that empower users seamless access from anywhere, esp. the mobile users community.

Windows 7 makes streamlining management a piece of cake by offering an easier way to manage and deploy laptops, desktops and virtual environments. IT Pro's can also use the same tools as they do now in Vista. In Windows 7 there is a feature called Powershell 2.0 which helps to reduce costs while managing and troubleshooting PC's by using a new scripting options for automation capabilities.

When it comes to accessing data applications anywhere at anytime there are features such as Branch Cache, Direct Access, Federated Search and Enterprise Search Scopes to make it easier for the end user.

Microsoft has also spent time with improving security and control by focusing on protecting data, enabling compliance and giving IT better control. One of the ways is by using the BitLocker-to-go program to protect data and give access to authorized users on a read level only if necessary on a usb device. Then we have App Locker which is a mechanism that gives administrators the ability to grant group policy to run on a system where needed.

From recent survey's 61% of customers were worried about having unauthorized applications installed on their systems (that is why AppLocker had priority development) and 49% wanted to have direct access capabilities.

So Microsoft is listening and responding to peoples questions and requests. So far so good guys.

Windows 7 gets down to business (cnet news)
Microsoft Touts Windows 7 for the Enterprise (eweek)

Amazon Launches Kindle app for iPhone and iPod Touch devices

2009-03-04T12:09:00.007-06:00

(image found on boston.com)
Great news for iPhone and iPod touch device owners, now you can download and view Amazon Kindle books on your handheld device just like on the Kindle, but without the added cost of buying one.

Amazon has just released a new app that can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for free. This e-book reader will allow you to view and purchase Amazon Kindle books. There are currently over 240,000 Kindle books available in the company library. The other plus side to this is if the books have color in them you will be able to see it on your i-device as oppossed to seeing it in select shades of grey on the Kindle unit. Also, the app comes with a sync application that will keep track of where you were reading and book mark it so you can come back to the same place at a future time.

It even gets better, say you have a Kindle and an i-device, well this app also features something called whispersync, which goes and syncs with the amazon server and then lets you book mark the place on the i-device then use your Kindle to finish off from where you stopped previously or vica versa, giving you a digital bookmark for your reading pleasure. There is one thing you should be aware of this free app does not include the Text-to-Speech option that is available on the Kindle.

Stock shares at Amazon were up 2% early this morning giving Amazon stock a price of $62.91.

Not to bad of a free app. With all the assorted different kinds of books available, even 104 out of the 112 New York Times Bestsellers, everyone can find something to read on their i-device. I currently don't have a Kindle myself, but i am still considering getting one because i think its the right time now with the Kindle 2 unit.

What Does Kindle Really Do for iPhone? (PCworld)
UPDATE: Amazon Launches Kindle App For iPhone (money CNN)
Free iPhone Kindle App Lets You Read All About It (Channel Web)

Microsoft Kumo Search Program Revealed

2009-03-04T11:37:00.003-06:00

Microsoft is starting to leak out information on a new search engine they are working on to combat the web supremacy that Google and Yahoo have over it currently. The search project dubbed Kumo, which in Japanese means either spider or cloud is set to create something new in the world of how search is done in the first place.

The idea is to incorporate this new search feature into Microsoft's Live Search. This new search engine will be creating a new era of searching by using a visual approach and returning searches based on what it sees in just a wink of the image or a simple glance. Microsoft's Steve Ballmer is set to make an announcement today at the Microsoft MVP 09 Summit on this new project.

Currently, the beta testing for this project is being done internally only and not being released to the public. I caught wind of a possible url for the search engine: www.kumo.com.

But, when i went to the link, I got an Access Denied, You don't have permission to access "http://www.kumo.com/" on this server.Reference #18.675b1208.1236189015.8974c0d page popping up. The new search engine is set to be released in the new few years.

This project sounds like a great idea, but it is going to be an uphill battle for Microsoft to wage against search Kings Google and Yahoo that currently control the lead in search. Microsoft will need to create something new and different that works to sway the popular masses from the current Kings of search. If they can get this search engine to work the way its supposted to, that might be the key to becoming more popular then they were before.

This venture will require more then just simple relaunching or rebranding of Live Search.
Good Luck Microsoft you will need it.

Microsoft Quietly Working on Live Search Service (Daily Tech)
Does Microsoft's Kumo Herald an Era of Visual Search? (PCworld)
Has Microsoft found the answer to Google? Search Me (InfoWorld)

Huge drop in PC sales forecasted

2009-03-03T15:10:00.005-06:00

(image found on silicon republic)
The Worldwide PC sales market is expected to take a huge dip this year to sales of just 257 million units which is a huge drop of 11.9 percent. This is the biggest that has ever happened in the industry and on top of that mobile phone sales are also declining too.

"This is going to be a tough time for the industry," said George Shiffler, a research director at Gartner in San Jose, which released the report Monday. "It's grit your teeth and gut your way out."

Both emerging and mature markets are affected, which is especially bad news for Silicon Valley because emerging markets have been a growth engine for technology companies, even as their sales slowed in the United States and the rest of the developed world.

Shipments of mobile PCs are expected to grow 9 percent this year to 155.6 million units, Gartner said, but that's not enough to offset an expected decline in shipments of desktop PCs of 31.9 percent, caused because more people are hanging on to the computers they already have.

Gartner expects developed markets to decline by 13 percent this year, compared with a 7.9 percent decline in 2001 after the dot-com bubble burst. Emerging markets are expected to decline by 10.4 percent, compared with an 11.1 percent growth in 2002.

Mobile phone sales also declined in the fourth quarter, although they rose in 2008 overall, according to a report Gartner was to release today. PCs and mobile phones in turn have the biggest impact on global sales of semiconductors, which declined in January by 28.6 percent year over year and 11.9 percent since December, the Semiconductor Industry Association said.

This year's expected drop in PC sales is a combination of the recession and a quick reaction by companies in various parts of the PC supply chain, which have improved their technology for forecasting demand, Shiffler said. Whether they have cut inventory too much remains to be seen.

Still, the effects of Gartner's report are rippling throughout the technology industry.

Shares of Applied Materials, Intel, AMD, Hewlett-Packard, Microsoft and Dell all dropped on Monday, and a spokesman for Intel said the company expects more months of decline.

Intel has announced it will lay off 5,000 to 6,000 employees as part of the closure of several older factories in the United States and abroad, and the upgrading of four U.S. factories, on which the company proposes to spend $7 billion.

Also on Monday, Intel announced specialized processors for car entertainment systems, media phones, and industrial automation and control systems.

"We know it's challenging times, and we are continuing to try to control the business and also try the best we can to invest so we can come out stronger than when we went in," said Chuck Mulloy, an Intel spokesman.

Intel is better positioned than most companies to invest in the future because of its size, Shiffler said. "My question is, what happens to the others? Do they have resources, or access to credit?"

He expects the economy to improve in 2010 and 2011, he said, but it has to stop falling first.

Fading sales

PC shipments: 257 million units expected in 2009, down 11.9 percent

Previous biggest drop: 3.2 percent in 2001, after dot-com crash

Semiconductor sales: Dropped in January to $15.3 billion, down 28.6 percent year over year and 11.9 percent from December

Mobile phone sales: Dropped in fourth quarter, but rose overall in 2008

Source: Gartner and Semiconductor Industry Association

Wow this is pretty but, but i can't help but wonder if this could also be a time to develop something new that might bounce things back up. I wonder if anyone has considered creating something of a combination pc/cloud unit to sell. Where the initial cost is cheap for the item if not free followed by a commitment to a monthly access service to use what you need when you need it via cloud computing. With all the hotspots and wireless connections popping up all over the place this could be the time for something new and a bit radical to hit the system and go beyond where we are now...

2009 PC sales: record low predicted (neoseeker)
PC market heading for worst year in history (The Tech Herald)
Biggest drop ever expected for PC shipments (SFgate)

Intel introduces new Atom processors for assorted gadgets.

2009-03-03T14:31:00.003-06:00

(image found on digitimes)
Intel will we offering some new Atom processors for other items besides mobile internet devices and netbooks. The company is looking at offering new companies a chance to bring their digital gadget to market using their chips.

The company introduced four Atom chips that will go into devices such as entertainment systems for cars, videoconferencing devices, robots and interactive kiosks, said Doug Davis, vice president of Intel's digital enterprise group.

These ultra-low-power chips can offer the rich multimedia performance and high-bandwidth Internet connectivity demanded by those devices, Davis said.

The Z500-series Atom processors are integrated chips the size of a penny that draw little power and do not require fans to operate. The chips draw 2.5 watts of power or less and run at speeds of between 1.10GHz and 1.6GHz. The chips offer integrated 2D and 3D graphics and will be manufactured using Intel's existing 45-nanometer process.

Some new markets being targeted by Intel with the new chips include entertainment systems in cars and desktop videophones. For example, the new Atom Z520PT powers an in-car infotainment system that can run video without compromising on performance, Davis said.

Intel and OpenPeak also provided a reference design for a touch-screen videoconferencing phone embedded with a low-power Atom chip. Resembling a blown-up mobile Internet device, the OpenFrame home IP (Internet Protocol) phone design from OpenPeak also runs Internet-based video and social-networking applications, Davis said.

As part of the announcement, Intel also said Microsoft automotive applications would work with Intel's embedded Atom chips. Microsoft's auto division provides a software toolkit for developers to write in-car applications that include navigation and hands-free calling.

The new chips will be available in commercial quantities in the second quarter of this year. Pricing information was not immediately available.

Intel has taken a number of steps to develop integrated chips that could fit into devices such as set-top boxes and TVs. The chip maker in February said it was hurrying up the move to the new 32-nanometer process technology to produce faster and more integrated chips.

To that effect, the company said it would spend US$7 billion over two years to revamp manufacturing plants. The 32-nanometer process will also help Intel make more chips at lower costs and add efficiencies to the production process. Intel will begin producing chips with 32-nm circuitry starting in late 2009.

Intel may also be looking for outside help to develop custom Atom chips for embedded devices. Earlier on Monday, Intel entered a partnership to share the Atom chip designs with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. TSMC customers will have access to the Atom intellectual property to develop customized chips.

The partnership with TSMC could result in the development of customized chips for Intel to access new markets it can't reach alone, Brookwood said.

If you needed customized GPS (Global Positioning System) or graphics technology on the chip, for example, you couldn't do it, as Intel doesn't provide the building blocks to do so, Brookwood said. The deal with TSMC makes that level of Atom chip customization possible, he said.

Why Intel is sharing its secret sauce (Fortune)
Intel Introduces Atom Chips for New Devices (PCworld)
Intel and TSMC to make 'strategic announcement'(Digitaltimes)
Intel expands Atom's reach into cars, cellphones (TG Daily)

3/3/09 Happy Square root day today

2009-03-03T11:53:00.003-06:00

(image found on Scientific American magazine)
Well folks it is Square Root day today, March 3rd two thousand nine. The day where the month squared by the day equals the year number 3^3 = 9.

Scientifc American Magazine has this to say about it:

"Math lovers and numerologists take note: Today, March 3, 2009, is square root day.

The unofficial holiday comes around but nine times a century, when the numbers of the calendar align so that the month and day are each equal to the square root of the year as expressed in two-digit form. (In today's case, 3/3/09, 3 is the square root of 9—in other words, 3² = 3 x 3 = 9.) Square root days arise in every year whose last two digits are a perfect square , or a number whose square root is a whole number: The last square root day was on February 2, 2004 (2/2/04), and the next occurrence will be on April 4, 2016 (4/4/16).

A square root day group on Facebook, boasting more than 2,400 members, suggests celebrating the minor mathematical oddity by eating radishes or other roots—cut into spot-on squares, of course.

Because of the nature of perfect squares, the wait time between square root days increases by two years each time as the century unfolds—five years separated the previous square root day from today's, seven years will pass before the next square root day in 2016, and nine years will elapse before the following one in 2025. But after the final square root of this century, September 9, 2081 (9/9/81), there will be a slightly prolonged layover before the 22nd century starts its own run of square root days on January 1, 2101 (1/1/01)."

New Net Tablets show their face....

2009-03-02T14:57:00.009-06:00

As the year goes forward the new netbook craze is grabbing everyone. Cheap, clean and fast enough to do what many people can without blowing your budget at the same time. Well just as we got wowed by the netbooks here comes a new kind of netbook. At Demo 09 in Palm Desert, CA, a new netbook was shown with a touch screen.

(image found on Tom's Hardware)
The Touch Book by Always Innovating was displayed today with a sweet detachable keyboard (optional) and a cool magnetic mounting for putting it on a fridge. The touch screen was designed with people that have larger fingers to be able to use the interface.

(image found on cnet)
The product will run a Linux OS, Gentil (company's CEO, Gregoire Gentil) said, and it's the first Netbook based on an ARM CPU, not the typical Atom found in most Netbooks. He says users can expect 10 to 15 hours. Gentil says this machine is capable of running mobile operating systems such as Android or Windows CE.

(image found on Gizmodo)
The cost is very reasonably slated at $299 (without a keyboard) or $399 with a keyboard, with release dates being this spring. I definitely, look forward to picking up one of these units soon.

(image found on cnet)

Always Innovating launching touch-screen Netbook (cnet)
Touch-screen laptop, iPhone service highlight DEMO 09 (Network World)
Net Tablet: Always Innovating Touch Book (Tom's Hardware)
First Hands On: Touch Book Is a Part-Netbook, Part-Tablet(Gizmodo)

Resident Evil 5 available March 13th

2009-03-02T12:26:00.004-06:00

(image found on precedentcinema)
Resident Evil 5 is coming to a store near you.

The official product page describes an "exclusive red finish" with a matching red wireless controller, plus all the other Elite goodies, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, and of course, a copy of Resident Evil 5 itself. All that available on March 13th for $400, which is what the existing matte black model goes for with copies of LEGO Indiana Jones and Kung Fu Panda. Not half-bad, though a copy of Capcom's Street Fighter IV in lieu of II would've made it untouchable.

So the big question probing everyones minds is: what does the red color stand for ? I think it stands for Blood. I guess because everything goes back to whats in the blood.

What do you think ?

Resident Evil Red: Xbox 360 Limited Edition Hitting Stores (PCworld)
Resident Evil 5 Xbox 360 Jasper and Pad (news.spong)
LIMITED EDITION XBOX 360 RED CONTROLLER BUNDLE AVAILABLE ACROSS EUROPE ON 13th MARCH (MCVuk)

Asteroid 2009 DD45 passes close by the earth today

2009-03-02T12:00:00.007-06:00

(image found on inquisitr)
Now, don't panic everyone with this news blurb. An Asteroid (designated 2009 DD45) will be passing by the earth as close as 40,000 miles on March 2nd at 13:44 Universal Time. This object will be visible from areas of Japan, Hawaii, and the East Coast of Australia by telescope. So the rest of us will need to look for footage of it on YouTube to catch a glimpse.

The size of the Asteroid is estimated at about 100 feet across. Scientists believe that even if it was closer and ended up penetrating our atmosphere it would simply just burn up. So no need to worry about it.

But, the bad news for comet watchers is that the point of closest approach occurs over the Pacific somewhere west of Tahiti, although the comet should be visible from Hawaii, Japan and the East Coast of Australia with a telescope.

Don’t panic: Asteroid to pass within 40,000 miles of Earth (inquisitr)
Nearby Asteroid To Zoom By Earth (kfoxtv)
Look up in the sky! 2009 DD45 is flying by! (itwire)

Windows 7 will have Six Versions

2009-03-02T11:18:00.004-06:00

(image found on maximum pc)
Microsoft is giving details on the new versions of Windows 7 that will be available. The company believes that 80% of its users will be using either Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional, so they will be putting most of their marketing in these areas.

We have over 1 billion customers. It's hard to satisfy all of them [with a single version]," Windows General Manager Mike Ybarra has said. "There are vocal customers who want every feature, and more regular consumers who say 'I want a version that can grow with me.'"

Here are the flavors of 7:

Windows 7 Starter:
This version comes in a 32-bit bare bones design. It is intended for distribution in developing countries giving users the most basic computer needs. It is designed for light weight netbooks. Also, the Aero Glass GUI will not be included in this version. Plus, a user can only run 3 applications at once. Some other features included will be the jump lists, revamped taskbar, Windows Media Player, Home Group file sharing feature, Action Center, Backup and Restore options too.

The Starter version will only be offered on pre-installed new PC's sold by Microsoft OEM's, no retail versions will be available.

Windows 7 Home Basic:
This version will be a bit of a middle step child that sits between the Starters and Home Premium editions. It will not include the Aero Glass GUI but it will give users the option to run more then 3 programs at once and also be available in a 64-bit version too. There will be a Mobility Center to manage various network connections and a thumbnail preview option on the taskbar.

This version will not be available for sale in the United States.

Windows 7 Home Premium:
The Home Premium version will have all the features of Starter and Home with a few additional goodies thrown in too. Microsoft is banking that pretty much all customers will be using this version. It will include such features as an Aero Glass GUI, Aero Background, Windows Touch, Home Group creation, DVD creation and playback, Media Center, Premium Games and the Mobility Center.

This version will be available world wide, sold in retail stores and available from Microsoft OEM's for distribution too.

Windows 7 Professional:
The Professional version will offer all the features of the Home Premium edition with some additional Networking options and some data protection features too. But, it will not be including some of the options available in the Enterprise edition such as DirectAccess or BranchCache.

This version will be available world wide, sold in retail stores and available from Microsoft OEM's for distribution too.

Windows 7 Enterprise:
The Enterprise editions offers all the features of Professional with more options for security and networking. Plus, users will have the BitLocker encryption option, DirectAccess for connecting to corporate networks securely without a VPN, AppLocker with will prevent unauthorized software from running on a machine, BanchCache with will help to speed up access of large files remotely from branch offices.

This version is designed for the corporate world and large business. It will only be available to businesses with a volume licensing account. No versions will be distruted for retail sale or OEM's for installing on a new machine.

Windows 7 Ultimate:
The Ultimate edition will give everyone the whole enchalada. It features all the options of the other versions giving the super user everything they need. Think of it as the Enterprise edition for the consumer without the voluming licenses attached to it.

This version will be available limited in retail but typically sold on via OEM machines pre-installed.

Well folks looks like microsoft has offered people a version for everyone's tastes. So far the beta version works great. I have it installed on my Samsung netbook and i love it.

Windows 7: The Six Versions Explained (itworld)

Google launches ads into news queries searches....

2009-02-26T16:41:00.008-06:00

(image found on cnet)
Don't be suprised when the next time you do a Google search for new content you might find a new addition to the mix. With times being hard for all Google is looking at new areas of generating income. So now, Google will be introduced ads now when someone does a search query for Google News. This new venture is a bit risky because of the legalities it might bring up from assorted media outlets and newspapers from around the world wanting a taste of the new income that is greatly appreciated by anyone in these economic hard times.

Josh Cohen, a business project manager at Google, announced the change in a post on the official Google News blog on Wednesday.

"What this means is that when you enter a query like iPhone or Kindle into the Google News search box, you'll see text ads alongside your News search results -- similar to what you see on regular Google searches," Cohen wrote.

A search for Kindle, Amazon's electronic book reader, for example, returns links to news articles and a list of "sponsored links" such as Amazon's Kindle page and ads for other readers such as Sony's eBook device.

"In recent months we've been experimenting with a variety of different formats," Cohen said. "We've always said that we'd unveil these changes when we could offer a good experience for our users, publishers and advertisers alike."

"We'll continue to look at ways to deliver ads that are relevant for users and good for publishers, too," Cohen said, adding that the ads would only appear on Google News search-results pages in the United States.

Google News aggregates headlines from more than 4,500 English-language news sources around the world and provides links to articles on their websites.

The articles are selected, according to Google, "by computers that evaluate, among other things, how often and on what sites a story appears online."

The introduction of ads to Google News search is the latest attempt by the Mountain View, California-based company to monetize its various Web ventures.

With recent ad content additions to Google Finance & Google Earth something like this was bound to happen. But, this could be an interesting new way of generating possible income, i guess time will tell how litigious this idea might get. Someone is bound to get their feathers ruffled and make a law suit against the Search Engine giant in trying to get big piece of the pie too.

Personally, I think Google does a fantastic job of putting together the news in a great concise package for all to see when they want for free. I wish them luck in this new revenue venture.

something extra i found:

Google did not immediately respond to questions on the possible legal ramifications of its News search ads. Sandra Baron, executive director at the Media Law Resource Center, suggested an "economic tension" exists between publishers and Google that could bubble up into legal action.

"A significant issue for content providers is whether or not what Google provides becomes a substitute for going to the actual content providers site," she said. "When that tension becomes too great, people seek legal solutions to it."

That said, she said U.S. legal precedent appeared to offer no obstruction to content aggregators and search providers compiling headlines or short summaries along with links, regardless of whether those pages contain ads.

It's a different story beyond our borders, where Google News has faced some challenges. In one high profile court case in Belgium, a group of content owners succeeded in forcing Google to remove their content from both Google.be and Google News.

Legal issues aside, Google may face a big hurdle in achieving ad relevance in Google News search, where user intent can be very different from general search. In several tests of the new ad experience, Google's paid results seem a poor match for the apparent intent of a news query. For instance, a search for "Polo" turns up pages of news stories on the water sport, whereas the sponsored links are exclusively geared toward men's clothing.

Google introduces ads to Google News (AFP)
Google shakes AdWords snowglobe again (the Register)
Google adds ads to Google News searches (cnet)
Ads in Google News Search May Tempt Media Lawsuits (clickz)

Microsoft Cutting pay for contractors from 10 to 15 percent in the mix

2009-02-26T16:29:00.003-06:00

(image from maximumpc.com)
In an effort to save money Microsoft is cutting pay for current contractors by 10 percent and for future contractors by as much as 15 percent.

"Microsoft Corp. is slashing overtime, hours and pay for U.S. temporary workers as part of an overall push to curb expenses during the recession.

Microsoft will cut what it pays the staffing agencies by 10 percent for current projects and won't raise the rate it pays for temporary workers who return after a mandatory annual 100-day break. The company also plans to reduce overtime and the total number of hours clocked by temporary workers.

In a statement Thursday, the company said it talked with some employment agencies before making the decision.

The move, first reported Wednesday by the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, comes a month after the software maker resorted to its first mass layoffs and said it would trim travel costs, freeze wages and scale back expansion plans for its Redmond, Wash., headquarters.

As the recession has deepened, consumers and businesses have reined in spending on new computers and software. Because Microsoft sells the operating system that runs on the vast majority of computers around the world, it is feeling the pinch, particularly in its lucrative Windows and Office desktop software businesses.

Online advertising spending is also on the wane. Microsoft's online search and ad business was already losing money despite heavy spending to beef up the underlying technology. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said this week that the company would continue to pour money into competing with Google Inc. on this front.

Microsoft does not disclose how many contract workers it uses, and analyst estimates vary. Sid Parakh, an analyst for McAdams Wright Ragen, said he believes the number is somewhere between 40,000 and 60,000 worldwide. The company employs an additional 95,000 permanent workers globally.

The company relies on skilled contract workers for all sorts of jobs, from developing and testing software to designing Web sites to writing technical documentation. And it's not alone. Tech companies including IBM Corp. and Advanced Micro Devices Inc. routinely hire temporary workers; Google had 10,000 contractors as recently as October."

Wow, it looks like times are harder then previously revealed. I wonder how many of the people being affected by these changes that currently work for Microsoft are tempted to just make a company of their own and 86 their current ties.

There are a lot of people in some crucial development areas that could break out on their own, which could cost Microsoft more in the long run then what they hope to save by this 10 and 15 percent cut.

Microsoft cuts contractor pay (ITworld)
Microsoft slashes contract worker rates by 10 pct (AP)
Microsoft Temps Get a Haircut (WSJ)

Microsoft files Lawsuit on Netherlands-based firm TomTom

2009-02-26T13:04:00.004-06:00

(image found on Straits Times)
Yesterday, Microsoft launched a lawsuit against the Netherlands based firm, Tom Tom for infringing on the software giant's patented technology.

Microsoft filed complaints against TomTom in US district court and with the International Trade Commission, according to Horacio Gutierrez, deputy general counsel of intellectual property and licensing at Microsoft.

'We have taken this action after attempting for more than a year to engage in licensing discussions with TomTom,' Mr Gutierrez said.

'In situations such as this, when a reasonable business agreement cannot be reached, we have no choice but to pursue legal action to protect our innovations and our partners who license them.' A spokesman in TomTom's US office declined to comment, telling AFP that it is company policy not to discuss legal matters.

Patents involved in the case relate to vehicle navigation technology and computer software that Microsoft has licensed to other firms, according to Gutierrez.

TomTom bills itself as the world's leading 'navigation solutions provider.' TomTom devices such as its popular GO guide drivers by using satellite tracking of vehicles along with a vast database built with the help of digital map firm TeleAtlas, which it bought in 2008.

Last month, TomTom launched GO 740 Live services that stream real-time traffic updates, weather, and local fuel prices to navigation devices that typically mount on dashboards.

Live also enables people to search the Internet using Google.

'TomTom is a highly respected and important company,' Mr Gutierrez said. 'We remain open to quickly resolving this situation with them through an IP licensing agreement.'

Wow, I hope they can figure out something in arbitration before it goes to court or this could be a costly case for Tom Tom.

Microsoft sues PND vendor over FAT filesystem (linuxdevices.com)
Microsoft sues TomTom: All your GPS logics belong to us (TG Dailey)
Microsoft sues TomTom (Straits Times)