Category Archives: Technology

Technology

Do you YAHOO?

We all remember the Yahoo! of yesteryear; the convenient search tool that integrated email, news, and more into the service.  In fact, Yahoo! was my primary choice for years; until I met Google.  So, what exactly has caused that downward spiral that Yahoo has been engulfed in throughout the past few years?  For starters Yahoo’s search engine market share has been falling for six straight months and as of February 2012 they are at 13.8 percent while Google is at 66.4 percent and Bing at 26.2 percent.

If we rewind time to the early 2000s you will remember that Yahoo! was at the forefront of search engines.  Fast forward to today where they are looking to layoff 2000 employees.  So, what could cause this spiral:

  • Failed advertising campaigns
  • Poor acquisitions
  • CEO troubles

Bottom line:  Yahoo! could really turn things around because the search is still powerful and they have many other services that make the ecosystem great.  However, trying to sue Facebook will not cut it.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Sony against Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich

The marvel of the Android world as of right now is Android 4.0; users and critics alike love it because of it’s elegant design, fluidity, and speed.  On the other hand, there is one company that does not seem to be convinced.

Sony.

On the Sony developer blog [HERE] there is a list of reasons outlined explaining why users would not want to upgrade to the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system.  Sony even tried to point the finger and the browser stating that it is “quite intensive”.  Read entire story [HERE].  Is it the fault of Google that Ice Cream Sandwich is not performing well or is it the fault of manufacturers such as Sony that consistently adds widgets, themes, apps, and more to the experience that eventually cause more harm than good?

Bottom line:  It is remarkable how manufacturers try to “fix” and “mold” Android for their newly released devices but never put forth that same effort when an update is released to make sure that it works just the same.  This really makes one wonder….is it really Google’s fault that Android fragmentation exists?

Technology

Foxconn turnaround?

When you think of factories what comes to mind?  Surely not over worked and under-compensated workers, right?  Most of us know that employees of factories work hard; however, in most circumstances the hours are fair, at the least.  On the other hand, this is untrue of Foxconn, an electronics manufacturing company that has its headquarters in Taiwan.  They have been involved in several controversies regarding treatment of their employees and now Apple is stepping in.

Tim Cook has paid a visit to the Apple supply chain and brought along the Fair Labor Association to audit work conditions.  However, Apple Inc. is not the only company that has electronics manufactured here, they are joined by Acer, Amazon, Cisco, Dell, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Motorola Mobility, Nintendo, Nokia, Samsung, Sony, Toshiba, and Vizio.

Employees deal with a lot of mistreatment such as:

  • Living in crowded dorms
  • 50+ hour work weeks
  • Unfair compensation for overtime; Read more [HERE]

Bottom line:  For a true difference to be made all of the above companies need to band together and show Foxconn that the people producing their products deserve to be treated with respect.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

Smoked by Windows Phone; Smoked by Galaxy Nexus

Microsoft has been hosting the Smoked by Windows Phone Challenge where the company is challenging that WP7 is faster than competing smartphones at everyday tasks.  The challenge is hosted at participating Microsoft stores and winners can get a variety of prizes.  In many cases that are posted by Microsoft the WP7 platform comes out victorious; of course.  However, one brave opponent garnering a Samsung Galaxy Nexus running Android 4.0 won.  How so?  The task was to show weather from two different cities at the same time at the fastest rate.  See example video below:

However, in this case for the weather showcase the Windows Phone was already setup to have two live tiles pulling weather information so by default it would’ve won; however, our friend with the Galaxy Nexus was prepared.  The Android competitor had the screen lock disabled and two weather widgets by default which caused him to win and create a small uproar.  The winner was even offered a phone and a laptop.  Read more [HERE].

Bottom line:  I am a fan of WP7, but this just shows that setting things up in your favor do not always constitute a win.

Mobile Operating Systems, Technology

WiFi Tethering and Carriers

WiFi Tethering, carriers offer it but they charge those that use it.  True, tethering is a service; however, when the data you are using has ALREADY been paid for, it makes less and less sense.  Our smartphones can do great things — one of those is to become a mobile hotspot in a time of need.

Many early free tethering apps required you to root your Android or iOS device; however, FoxFi has caused a recent storm for Android users by bringing this convenient app to a variety of devices and let’s not mention the apps for iOS that allow the same option once jailbroken such as MyWi.

As long as there are users that believe that tethering should be part of their monthly data allowance there will be apps that allow it.  I have never understood why you have to add the mobile hotspot to your data plan in order to use the ability that your device has without it.

Bottom line:  Carriers, please wake up.  We will tether…for FREE.