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Month October 2011

Entries 20 Total

Endgame: What is it all about?

Oct 23, ’11 1:17 AM

Your Purpose & Mission

What is the purpose of all this technology and innovation? Are we strengthening society? Why do we pour our valuable time down this hole? What do we work towards and what exactly is the objective of all this constant motion?

Is there a destination? Is there a purpose? What is our mission here? Is yours a purpose driven life or are you just drifting hoping to find something that matters along the way?

Do you have a passion for something? That is another question you must ask yourself to determine if you are on course.

There are some deeper learnings we can gleen fron the life of Steve Jobs. We can learn to do what matters because time is short and fame and fortune are fleeting.

What really matters to you? That is a good place to start analyzing your actions and impacts.

Have you made good decisions along the way? Can you live with them? Better yet, can you die with them?

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Target Marketing: YOU are THE target!

Oct 22, ’11 11:30 AM

 

Target Marketing

Target Marketing

 

I don’t know what you think about target marketing and any or all of the related risks it spawns, but if you learned that you are the target then it might just be time to consider what if anything it means to you.

Especially when you are exposing vital info about yourself on social sites. The privacy movement is still alive but has gotten swamped trying to plug all the tricks, ploys and many gaping holes that allow tracking and information revelations.

Investigators and collection agencies are busy using this information as are others including stalkers and your enemies and adversaries are using it to do various and sundry things.

Whether it is your phone revealing your present location and daily travels or persistent web cookies exposing all of your online activities, it is all grist for those that would nefariously use this info for unintended purposes.

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COOL CAMERA: Leica Titanium Special Edition D-Lux 5

Oct 18, ’11 12:50 PM
Leica Titanium Special Edition D-Lux 5

Leica Titanium Special Edition D-Lux 5

 

If you are an old school photographer ever nostalgic for that good old brand and classic look that was the mark of the elite in your field you would be happy to find a new Leica Titanium Special Edition D-Lux 5 camera in your Xmas stocking.

Leica once the sentimental standard of the photography industry is just launching the new Titanium Special Edition version of their compact D-Lux 5 camera, available for purchase at the end of October for around $1350.

This cute little baby comes with a smart looking anodized silver-grey finish presented in a special premium grade leather case and presentation set. Nice!

Other than the finish and special edition presentation accessories which are really nice, the specificationd for the new Titanium Special Edition D-Lux 5 camera are about the same as the standard but less fancy and more affordable Leica D-Lux 5.

Addendum: One friend who is a professional photographer and a long-time classic Leica owner suggests that for value and resale purposes going for the Special Edition version especially if you have both the opportunity and means.

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Stepping in it

Oct 17, ’11 2:27 PM

Why is surfing the web like stepping in a huge smoldering pile of shit? You can attempt to step over it or negotiate around it but something plop, there you are deep in it and wondering what to do.

Behind many of those alluring links are hooks and traps that open you up to much more than you either anticipated or bargined for.

How is the average Internet user supposed to know or especially be able to anticipate all or any of the many snares looming out there?

Scammers and aggressive marketers are guilty of jamming the pipes with junk that has cluttered the web with millions of useless pages and websites that have almost essentially ruined or spoiled the potential of this medium.

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Apple’s Infrastructure Strategy

Oct 16, ’11 11:56 AM

Apple has in essense quietly built a system of infrastructures and support systems around all of the devices and products it produces.

This to me is exactly what I think Apple’s competitors have failed to either notice or respond to. These are also important and essential elements that engender the tremendous customer loyalty and confidence Apple now enjoys, and why other companies have such a hard time going up against Apple.

It is like a football team with the best training facilities, coaches, stadium and fans. They win games they should on paper lose and pack their stadium year after year with adoring fans that spring for season tickets. The city wins wins, as do the players and their agents, area vendors and businesses all profit as a result.

Examples:

  1. ITunes is the Infrastructure for iPods, iPhones, iPads and media on Macs.
  2. iCloud is set to become the infrastructure for itunes and those same devices.
  3. Apple stores are the retail infrastucture and consumer interface supporting everything Apple.
  4. Apple’s Developer network is the infrastructure supporting the many developers building great apps and software solutions.
  5. MacWorld though not an Apple production also supported the juncture of customers, developers and media.

Its all interconnected and self-supporting. Competitors can’t easily rally to pick off and compete against one disconnected part. It is almost as if Apple has circled their wagons and geared up for what is to come.

 

 

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AT&T/Sprint: iPhone 4S = Record Demand

Oct 15, ’11 9:47 AM

So as it turns out that a brand spanking new iPhone 5 wasn’t really what was needed for Apple to maintain its lead in the industry after all. All it took was a souped up iPhone 4S and maybe a new iOS to lure drooling buyers into long lines or to camp out at AT&T, Sprint, Verizon and Apple stores.

This startling news must be discouraging to the growing list of Apple smartphone competitors who must at this moment be comtemplating slashing their wrists out of sheer frustration trying to figure out exactly what its gonna take to grab a piece of Apple’s ever-expanding market share.

AT&T and Sprint reported significant demand for new activations and increasing sales all due to the release of the iPhone 4S.

Sprint who just started carrying iPhones in October has reported their best day of retail sales for a device family.

The only looming major challenge on the horizon is expected to come October 19th with the launch of Samsung/Google’s Nexus Prime/Galaxy

Sprint’s appeal as an iPhone supplier may have come from customers’ desiring true unlimited data pricing plans or harboring a deep seated need to move away from AT&T. Verizon Wireless also seems quite happy with significant iPhone sales and activation figures.

10/15/11 Addendum: It seems all three major retailer/carriers have sold out, so it might be wise to check with them first before making a long trip for one.

Again this must really irk Apple’s competitors because Apple does by accident what they can’t seem to accomplish on purpose. Let’s see what the customer reaction to the Oct. 19th Google/Samsung Android event will be.

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Google Nexus Prime/Samsung Galaxy Nexus Event OCT. 19th

Oct 14, ’11 3:42 PM

Google and Samsung’s good gesture of a competitive period of  mourning out of respect for the passing of Apple’s Steve Jobs seems to be about over.

Both Android device partners have hinted and confirmed that they will go ahead with the Google Nexus Prime event they previously planned and subsequently postponed is now scheduled for 10A.M., Oct. 19 in Hong Kong.

This must anticipated and highly praised device is thought to be the about closest we might get to an actual “iPhone killer”. We have previously posted anticipated specs and will be on the lookout for updated information as it becomes available.

The world will get its first official look at the new Google Nexus Prime or Samsung Galaxy Nexus next week.

Comments (1)

Apple Quality Out of Control?

Oct 13, ’11 4:07 PM

In the past two days we have seen two major updates (OS X 10.7.2 Lion and iOS 5. There have been reports of problems with both, and more so with the transition of users from Mobile Me to iCloud.

In post-Jobs Apple the question is can the company maintain the high level of perforance that Steve sternly demanded? Or is this the other shoe falling?

To be sure Steve Jobs was a tough task master. But that might have been exactly what was needed. We might be seeing exactly why that management strategy that may have worked well. I sincerely hope Apple will not allow itself to be reduced to mediocrity and let complacency seep in.

Under Steve Jobs if this type of lunacy cropped up he would not condone it and heads would roll.

So, who is at the helm holding this staff to demanding quality standards or are we seeing a whole new trend within Apple?

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First Day iOS 5 Update Issues

Oct 13, ’11 9:44 AM

Some users seem to be seeing problems in upgrading to the latest version of  Apple’s iOS.

Some users are reporting issues with downloading the new version of the iOS software. Some are getting a “3200 error”, including a message stating that an “internal error” has occurred, and the upgrade process was canceled.

Other users see related problems after successfully downloading the update, iTunes brings an error message as the file was extracted and is downloading slowly.

Again, this is another warning sign to would-be first-day upgraders to be patient and tread carefully before diving in. This was the lesson I learned by moving to OS X Lion on the first day and experiencing over 250 crashes and freezes that I had to do a hard restart from. This is getting to be a statement for better testing prior to release.

On the issue of iOS 5 below are some direct links you can use to make it happen hopefully successfully.

Hold Alt (Windows) /Option (Mac) and click the “restore” button in the iTunes iOS device summary screen, then point to the file matching your device. This will wipe your iOS device back to factory settings, so be sure to back up your device in iTunes first.

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ALERT: OS X LION 10.7.2 UPDATE

Oct 12, ’11 6:59 PM

 

Update

Apple Mac OS X Lion 10.7.2 Update

Finally after waiting patiently for Apple to update Lion 10.7.1 and hopefully being able to see a possible end or resolution to issues that have caused me well over 250 system crashes and freezes my problem I can only hope and pray that my problem goes away.

The update installation process took soom time and I eventually had to dump stuff to make room for the update.

Because of the resolution I made after moving up to Lion, not dive right in ever again, I am a seriously hesitent to immediately move all of my Moble.Me stuff up to iCloud, at least not before putting my head to the ground in order to monitor and feel out how it goes for the majority of Mac Lion Users, and I also need to do diligent research and read up on all the tips and advisories regarding making the move to update everything.

I hope that it is stable and brings improvements from what for me was a disaster with 10.7.1.

Check back here periodically to see how it goes with me, especialy if you have experienced similar unaddressed OS X Lion issues. Please also leave comments to let me know how you are faring with it also.

10/12 Addendum: I was just about to write a post of how I have gone over an hour without a crash, then guess what happened? Boom! it happened again, but this time it was different. I was able to “Force Quit” the running applications and processes and get right back to work.

10/13 Addendum: I’m 20 hours in and after doing the OS X update there have been a few hiccups  and so far I have suffered (2) hard freezes/crashes. ”Oh well, what the hell?”

10/14 Addendum: Well, after almost four days I have concluded that for me Lion is a bit more stable but not quite right yet. I have experienced freezes while using the Dock, Surfing the web, and simply copying or entering text or switching applications so I still don’t see a logical pattern or a possible trigger. So I am left to a dread and fear that as before it could happen at anytime but more likely in the middle of mission critical work.

What Now?

Well, so damn much for hoping for the best.

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Embrace New Rules!

Oct 12, ’11 1:13 PM

Upon reflection I have gleaned one lesson from the brilliant life of Steve Jobs.

Every now and then the rules of the game change and what was right for a certain time is no longer right nor appropriate. That is the perfect time to embrace change and position yourself in the drivers seat to pioneer change rather that get spanked by it.

All this means is that to stay relevant one must remain infinitely adaptable and imminately aware because one never really knows what will happen and must be on the ready to shift course and direction on a dime, midstream or prepare to do something new, unfamiliar and different.

Often the downside means you must do without or totally forget things that came to you with tremendous toil, effort, or after considerable expense.

The upside here is if you get involved early you can easily establish your expertise and authority or charge forward and step up to take advantage of any new opportunities as they open up.

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The Coming Gaggle of Cheaper Tablets

Oct 12, ’11 9:38 AM

As we move nearer the official 2011 Holiday season and the big CES and Macworld conferences it is clear to most who the target is and what the objective is. However, exactly what we will see and when is just not as evident.

For certain, if you don’t absolutely have to have an Apple iPad, some of coming alternatives are going to, at the very least, be cheaper. and probably somewhat less functional or compatible.

- 7″ and 8″ tablets running Android’s Honeycomb OS
- Kindle Fire; Acer Iconia Tab A100
- Archos 80 G9 (8″ tablet on Android 3.2 ($300 for base model)

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iOS 5 is Alive and Ready to Download

Oct 12, ’11 9:09 AM

iOS 5

Even though you won’t have a brand spanking new iPhone 5 to show off as soon as you might have expected, Apple’s next level mobile OS, iOS 5 is now live and the download is available for eligible iPhones, iPads and iPad Touches.

This might be a very good time to do some prep:

Apple has just released their latest version of their mobile OS, iOS 5 and it is now available via download for the iPhone, iPod Touch and the iPad, and it is said to bring over 200 new features to those Apple iOS devices.

iOS 5 is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4 and the new iPhone 4S which will go on sale this Friday, plus the 3rd and 4th generation iPod Touch and the original iPad plus the new iPad 2.

iOS5 will dramatically impact the world of things Apple. Namely: iPhones, iPods and iPads by the addition of as many as 200 new and reworked features.

The iOS 5 update should allow us to update no matter which iOS version we are on or which apps or music we have on our devices- that is if our hardware device is among those certified to be eligible.

iOS5 Update Eligible devices:

  • Third generation iPod Touch
  • fourth generation iPod Touch
  • iPhone 3GS
  • iPhone 4S
  • iPad
  • iPad 2

Prep steps to consider:

  • Get rid of years of accumulated crap and clutter
  • Sync or otherwise back up your data
  • Organize and make space
  • Dump apps you don’t use or need anymore
  • Trash or transfer music you don’t like or listen to
  • Trash or transfer photos no longer needed
  • Sort out Audiobooks, ebooks, video, audio and unused media

Our thanks to cnet’s Jason Parker and Kent German for the reminder and tips to prepare.

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Hoping for a Slow News Week

Oct 10, ’11 4:50 PM

I know it goes strickly against the needs and mission of news reporting, however after the events of last week I’m hoping for a real slow news week with no big news of any legendary icons passing, nor major disaster alerts.

We could easily handle an occasional new product launch or a mega-merger announcement could work but any more than that I think we could not handle right about now.

“We need a pause in the action.” – The publisher

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A Stay at Apple’s Genius Bar

Oct 9, ’11 4:54 PM
Apple Genius Bar

Apple's Genius Bar

 

You won’t be able to buy a “Cosmo” or dry martini there, nor will you be able to pick up a non-geek hot date, however, Apple’s Genius Bars are there for you!

The Genius Bar is one of the very few original Apple ideas that competitors are not eager to nor able to easily replicate.

Genius Bars are in most of 300+ beautiful Apple retail stores in some of the best locations around the globe. These quite unique and visually appealing stores are the other big idea that differentiates Apple that competitors find it virtually impossible to easily copy or would have a serious problem attempting to duplicate.

When as an Apple anything owner and user you have a nagging problem with your under warranty, or in-effect Apple Care covered gear and you are anywhere near an Apple Store you should feel comforted that knowledgeable and professional help may be near.

Of course, if you are a do-it-yourself type you can always just roll up your sleeves and dive right in, or turn to web peer advice from millions of online Apple users or you can quickly search through the online world of Apple Support related Forums, or troll through extremely long Google web search lists on your topic. Be Careful with that option! Sometimes those “informed” wild-ass guesses and suggestions only compound the original problem.

Occasionally offered solutions are dead on it, saving you time, expense, and travel. However, if it is really vital for you to get back on track the Genius Bar option might be hands down the very best and quickest way to go.

Apple has wisely employed and trained a very helpful corp of smart young Mac staffers that are tasked to be there for you. If you manage to get their attention or wisely take the time to make and keep a Genius Bar appointment. Hopefully, your Apple gear-related worries might just be about over.

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Samsung/Google won’t launch Galaxy Nexus Prime Oct. 11th @ CTIA FALL

Oct 8, ’11 6:08 PM

Everyone may be a bit disappointed now that we have learned for certain that Samsung and Google have jointly decided not to go ahead and launch the new Galaxy Nexus Prime, and Ice Cream Sandwich as they had planned on Oct 11th at the CTIA Fall event.

They have decided to postpone the new product announcement saying “It is out of respect, and as tribute to Steve Jobs’s passing… it’s just not the right time to announce a new product”.  Agreed.

Well, it is at the very least a good jesture from otherwise cut-throat competitors. Much respect!

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Nexus Prime, Droid Bionic: iPhone killers?

Oct 8, ’11 1:19 PM

The buzz is on!

Two smartphones that are quickly rising to the top of the “iPhone killer” queue are the Samsung Google Nexus Prime and the Motorola Droid Bionic.

The combination of runaway word-of-mouth, heavy rotation TV commercials and rampant rumor has generated serious buzz that Apple will have to (1) recognize (2) be sensitive to and aware of,  and (3) soon challenge if they desire to and intend to maintain their significant and until now unchallenged leadership position in the emerging smartphone market. That here-to-fore unchallenged label is quickly falling away as leading Android competitors sense a gaping opening made possible due to the lack of an iPhone 5 announcement and Apple’s recent loss of Steve Jobs’ leadership.

Follow the links below to learn more about these “cool” devices.

Samsung Google Nexus Prime:

 

 

The momentous hype that was the heaped upon the false start of the iPhone 4 is carefully being crafted and co-opted by the soon to be unveiled but now delayed Samsung Google Nexus Prime.

 

What we have heard so far:

 

  1. 4.65-inch curved glass screen
  2. 720p resolution
  3. curved glass screen
  4. 1GB of RAM
  5. TI OMAP 4460 dual-core Cortex A9 processor (1.2GHz.)
  6. 32GB built-in storage
  7. 5-megapixel rear-facing camera
  8. 1.3-megaixel front-facing camera
  9. Records 1080p HD video
  10. LTE/HSPA 4G enabled
  11. Near Field Communication (NFC)
  12. Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich mobile OS.

 

The wait won’t be long, they say the phone will be released in November 2011.

Motorola Droid Bionic:

Soon I will endeavor to take some time to do in-depth analysis of the potential of each and others if and when I have the opportunity, or I will dutifully point you to other superior sources and resources that do that work.

What is certain is that things are soon about to change. Until now, Apple has had the game all to themselves. That situation is soon to be dramitically altered.

With your help and comments, we will do our best attempt to stay on top of the important blow-by-blow changes to come, as they occur.

Tighten your seatbelts we’re in for a rocky ride ahead as we head towards the holidays and new year.

But the ride won’t begin on schedule.

 

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Al Davis Did it, his way!

Oct 8, ’11 11:09 AM

Mr. Al Davis

Raider #1 – Mr. Al Davis

 

If you ever had the ocassion to root for the Oakland Raiders or hoot against the L.A. “Traiders” then the news that Raider’s owner Al Davis has passed away is unnerving.

Blow -by-blow, It seems like the world is rapidly losing many of those strong willed personalities that  fought and thought different and did things their own way.

Certainly Al Davis was unique and according to that that knew him often difficult, but he maintained as best he could a firm vision and dedication to excellence and always seemed to know instinctively what it meant to strive for greatness. His famous Motto was “Just Win, baby” and “Commitment to Excellence.”  

It will be quite a challenge for anyone that will have the task of stepping up and taking on the difficult task of filling Al’s shoes.

His son did a good job Sunday! With the fate of the 3-time Superbowl Champion Raiders up for grabs, we hope for the best.

Mr. Davis meant a whole lot to the pride, growth and development of the city and communities of Oakland, California. Over the years it was an up and down, love/hate relationship between team owner and city. Especially when Al packed the team off to Los Angeles, and thought about doing it again just a few years ago, and then contemplating rushing the team off to San Jose, which went nowhere.

Al was definitely not shy and did not mind a bit going after players that other teams had written or cast off. He would pay for talent if he felt he needed to. He would also blow his top and brow beat anyone guilty of mediocre sub-par performance. That didn’t always work the way he expected it to having teams recently that seemed soft and away from the always tough Raider image and tradition.

He also lead the NFL way into the modern era of diversity by employing African-American and Latino coaches, and as managers in the organization’s offices. He did everything except put on a helmet and wear pads and rushing out onto the playing field and hitting somebody.

The Black Hole will be a lot blacker and more sobber today and tomorrow. May he Rest in Peace.

Addendum: The Raiders pulled out just the kind of come from behind victory Sunday that would have made Al smile. They really did win one for the “Gipper”

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Steve Jobs: Mastermind

Oct 8, ’11 9:22 AM
Mastermind

Mastermind

For over three days I have been given to meditating on the life and example of Steve Jobs. There is one word that sums him up for me. MASTERMIND.

He was beyond a doubt a prototype of what a corporate leader could and should be. When Scully snatched the reigns of Apple from him we saw what mediocrity let loose could lead to. On Steve’s return we saw that we could believe in recovery and second acts as he landed on his feet and then some.

Yes, Steve did have his faults. We all do. He also had his rough edges and tough streaks, however under his diligent guidance his product teams at Apple were driven to create greatness.

Steve Jobs was the one that shepherded Apple to some of the world’s leading devices for decades.

No other technology leader that I know of has been nearly as effective. With Steve’s passing many of us are quietly fearful for our technology future and possibility horizons without him.

Will or can anyone fill his shoes or fit his mold? If not, what will we be left with?

As we set up altars to him and laud heaps of praise upon the many products and companies he brought to us, we should begin to carefully examine, study and practice exactly what he taught us and what we learned from him.

To be sure, not every Apple product produced under his reign were winners, but the ones that succeeded set the bar high. Starting with the Apple II in 1976, then the Apple Macintosh in 1984 and finally the iPad tablet in 2010.

It would benefit us to personally adopt his “Think Differently” mantra as we begin each and every task and project we take up.

That for me would be the very best way to honor his memory.

He did not contenance mediocrity nor tollerate the type of stupidity and incompetence that is all too prominent these days.

Think Different

Thank you Steve!

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Innovation: Siri Vocal Personal Assistant

Oct 6, ’11 11:21 AM
Siri

Siri

Many don’t seem to understand the sheer power of Siri one of Apple’s few recent iPhone feature announcements. If you don’t know or understand it. This voice driven personal assistant has the potential to  redefine the very way we use our smartphones, tablets and eventually our computers. In one fell swoop it zooms past and ahead of all the attached and detached Qwerty keyboards and touchscreen virtual keypads. Something like this has been a long sought personal desire of mine ever since I suffered a debilitating stroke that impaired the use of my left side. For me this was truly catastrophic because I am a proud lefty and my overall productivity was affected to the point of keeping me from being able to continue working. In my recovery I have come to rely on Dragon Dictate to navigate my laptop and to input data into my MacBook,  but in general my mobile capability has not caught up to my needs until now. For the fully-abled Siri may not be such a big deal, although it should be. For us differently-abled folk it most certainly is a big step towards wellness and into the future.

So while many complain about the iPhone 5 that didn’t come this week and the tragic loss of Steve Jobs, please let us stop and take a moment to congratulate the team at Apple on launching the innovation of Siri.

I do not really know who invented it or whose intellectual property or patent it is, but I feel that it absolutely can and will drastically change the mobile device landscape now and forever.

The gotcha may be that it will only be available initially on the iPhone 4S. That will seriously limit market adoption to only those that can affort an iPhone 4S and are in a position to go all-in.

It will be interesting to see exactly what plans Apple has for Siri’s future and how all the smartphone and tablet competitors will respond to this challenge. This might also be a good time to consider Nuance’s (Dragon) place in this emerging market.

Siri supports:

  • Device Navigation via Voice commands
  • Message entry and retrieval
  • Dictation and general data entry
  • Make calls
  • Set reminders
  • Perform complex context sensitive searches

More Apple Information about Siri

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