Category Archives: Technology

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.

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.