Category Archives: Operating Systems

Operating Systems, Technology

Windows 8; Must have or Must pass?

Redmond is hard at work to make the latest iteration of it’s world changing operating system, Windows 8, spectacular.  However, IS it great and will it be well received by this ever-changing market?

Many techies (myself included) are thinking that Windows 8 will be what Windows Vista was to the world, sub-par.  The changes that Microsoft are releasing are so drastic and so new that it seems very unlikely that this operating system will garner a lot of support up front.  Now, Windows 8 software along with new hardware released that has the new operating system installed from the manufacturer could potentially be a big hit; yet, the signs say otherwise. Why?

  • This iteration may not have a Start button (removed in the latest build)
  • Will Windows 8 be good for business?  Although businesses aren’t the only ones who use the operating system; they are the only buyers who want it in bulk and provide for major profits if provided with a stable release because they will continue to buy from Microsoft.
  • Metro on the desktop?  It is not meant for desktop users; stay on mobile devices.

Although the interface of Windows will be changed to Metro UI on top of the traditional desktop that we are used to; there will always be a need for a desktop machine.  There are simply too many instances where a smartphone or a tablet just aren’t enough.

Bottom line:  I am not counting Windows 8 completely out.  In fact, I want to see this version of the OS succeed more than ever.  However, until I am swayed to make the switch, I will continue to run Windows 7.  Microsoft cannot forget what made it popular; the desktop.  Windows does not need to become limited; especially in regards to how the latest Macs are.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Android 4.0 – Ice Cream Sandwich — Galaxy Nexus; Is it that great?

Android 4.0 is arguably the most mature and polished iteration of the Android operating system that Google has ever released.  Honestly, the usability, stability, and sheer prowess increase with every release.  In addition, the first device to come with Android 4.0 (ICS) is a super-phone packing tons of power.  The Samsung Galaxy Nexus makes the Android experience snappy as you switch through home screens and applications in a breeze.  I was very optimistic about the performance of this new device; however, since it was a dual-core phone with a higher amount of RAM if you are coming from a Moto Droid X or similar you will see a huge difference.

True selling points of ICS:

  • True task switching
  • Snappy and lightweight
  • Stock launcher is beautiful
  • NO NEED TO ROOT

Normally, with Android phones you are given a lot you can play with such as the launcher, browsers, SMS applications and more.  ICS on the Samsung Galaxy Nexus is perfectly capable of handling anything that you throw at it.  As previously mentioned, the maturity of this operating system shines through greatly with updated SMS, browser, and contacts applications.

Bottom line:  Although Android is all about customizations and tweaking the phone to your desires; the Galaxy Nexus with ICS just works.  Now that Google has shown what it can do, we can only expect Android to get better and consume even more of the market.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Apple and textbooks; Why?

Apple wants to get into yet another market.  Is anyone surprised?  By now any technologist should come to grips with the reality that Apple wants to take over your digital lives.  Will this dream become a reality?  Doubt it; especially as long as you have Android defeating them in the mobile sector and Amazon defeating them with the Kindle.

However, Apple has a tendency of making whatever they do look really good.  Until now.  Apple has released iBooks2, which will allow users to download and interact with books on iPad devices.

There are several reasons to why this may not be a good move for Apple, Inc.:

  • The user has to have an iPad, which might not bode well for a 7 year old elementary school child with no income
  • The iPad devices, while excellent for retrieving cloud-based data, do not fare too well in direct sunlight; limiting the overall time and place settings where the reading of these digital books can take place
  • iBooks Author app is a complete scam that locks publishers into an agreement with Apple that cannot be reversed (once an iBook is submitted it becomes property of Apple Inc. regardless of whether or not it is approved)

Though, there are reasons why it is not a good move for this company; a common fact about technological entities is that they usually force users into accepting certain traits about products without too much backlash; however, when it does occur, it is severe.

Bottom line:  Stick with Amazon, these early signs do not bode well for the iBooks2 platform.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

CyanogenMod creator should work for Google

Steve Kondik, creator of CyanogenMod custom Android ROM, recently revealed that his third party tweak of Google’s Android has reached over 1 million users.  This is certainly remarkable for the Android community, primarily because CyanogenMod certainly releases Android to users without bloatware and typically tries to keep popular devices up to date with the latest version of the OS.

The way that Kondik manipulates the OS to run smooth and clean the way a true Android purist loves is unbelievable; if only all Android phones could be as streamlined.  For example, the manufacturers could load few applications that were specific; yet let Kondik refine the experience to cater to the user and not cater to the carrier getting money from them.

Bottom line:  Google, hire this man.