All posts by Dexter Johnson

Technology, style, fitness and health. http://dexjohnspc.com , http://topnotchmalestyletips.com and listen to the Whaddup Tech Podcast http://bit.ly/WhaddupTech
Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

iPad 3? Should you buy it?

With the release of the iPad 3 right around the corner, many technologists are speculating if the purchase of the new device is even worth it.  Honestly, the iPad has everything that the consumers wanted from Apple, except full size ports and deleting the need for unnecessary dongles.  The iPad 2 was a decent upgrade from it’s first generation counterpart with the addition of front and rear cameras and slimming down of the hardware.  On the otherhand, with these upgrades in place, one can wonder what else can they(Apple) do to this device in order to charge another $500.  They might add Siri.  Wow.

Bottom line:  To buy or NOT to buy; that is the question.  Apple is doing their normal scheme of releasing virtually the same product with minimal changes, what will make up the iPad 3?  If the addition is menial, which would follow suit, then I suggest you be happy with your second generation iPad.

Technology

Google’s Motorola acquisition approved by U.S. DoJ

The United States Department of Justice has approved the deal between Google and Motorola.  The only countries left to approve the deal are China, Taiwan, and Israel.  Once this deal is approved by all parties Google will access to a plethora or mobile patents making it a viable player in this patent war that Apple started.  Apple has been trying to sue Google’s Android out of the marketplace since that seems to be they only option they have at this point.  However, having all of these patents, Google will be able to fight back.

Bottom line:  When it is all said and done, the mobile marketplace is about innovation; just because you try to sue one company away will NOT force anyone to use your products.  This acquisition will firmly put Google at the top of it’s game.

Social Networking, Technology

No HTTPS in Iran?

The internet used to be a fun place; you would go online share information, buy gadgets, and go on with life.  Now, it seems that almost every government wants to shutdown anything that is free and widely available.  There are  talks that this country would even want to create their own intranet for the public to use.  Reasons behind this could be because information transmitted with https is secure and it seems that governments do want want anything to be sent or received that they cannot view.

There are several sites and applications that this can cause disruptions with:

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Google Services
  • SSH
  • SSL
  • TLS

Bottom line:  The same thing that Iran is trying to create is similar to what China has in place; regardless of what tries to be done to stifle sharing and virtually eliminate free speech there will always be ways to work the system.  For example, you can always email tweets!

Multimedia, Technology, Video

Torrents do NOT hurt box office

According to a study by the University of Minnesota, piracy in the form of BitTorrent does NOT hurt the box office here in the US.  However, the same cannot be said for overseas releases; partially because of the dates and cycles in which they are released.

So, with all of the SOPA and PIPA bills floating around, for there to be no significant drop in revenue for U.S. box offices destroys the MPAA argument.  On the other hand, releases abroad saw a decline of 7% in revenue due to piracy because titles were not available as fast.

Bottom line:  The industry is all about money; it seems that they will do whatever it takes to rake in as much money as possible.  However, with so many wealthy “big-wigs” in Hollywood is destroying the internet really worth it?

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Want Android on your PC? — AirDroid app connects you

Have you ever been in the middle of an enthralling text message conversation when you got the dreaded battery low indication?  Ever needed to transfer files but did not feel like dealing with messy cables?  Sometimes you need to use your phone; but it may be an inopportune time or place.  AirDroid is the answer that you have been looking for!

This app found HERE provides you with a direct connection to your android device via you browser.  From this convenient window you can send and receive text messages, manage photos and contacts, and even transfer files with no wires.  The app works like a charm, the user only needs to follow these simple steps:

  1. Run the application, from there your device will display a web address that will give you access to your device
  2. Enter either the default password or one that you can set
  3. Go to the address on your computer to achieve full access to your device over your network

Bottom line:  This is an excellent app that any committed Android user would love — especially useful for those in office settings that do not need to have their devices glued to their hands at all times.  However, it would be even better if you could send and receive email via the app is well; maybe in a later version.