Why the Surface Pro 4 is better than the Surface Book

On Oct 6, Microsoft unveiled a number of devices namely the Lumia 550, Lumia 950, Lumia 950 XL, Band 2, Surface Pro 4 and Surface Book. The Lumias are phones and the Band 2 is a smart band. The Surface Pro is a tablet while the Surface Book is a laptop of sorts. However, the way Microsoft has pitched these two devices presents an antithesis. When the third generation of the Surface Pro was released, Microsoft pitched it as the tablet that could replace your laptop but with the Surface Book, Microsoft is telling us it is the laptop that could become a tablet when you need it to be. Despite these confusing statements, there are some similarities and important differences between the two.

Apple iPad Pro: First Impression

I am not going to get into why I dislike iOS devices. This is simply an unbiased and objective look at Apple’s largest tablet, the recently unveiled iPad Pro.

The Good

Display/Screen

It has a larger screen: 12.9 inches. Also there are more pixels. Not that I am impressed by that sort of thing. Personally, 720p is more than adequate for mobile hand held devices; 1080p at the most. Anything higher is superfluous. But that’s another matter.

What Under the Dome Can Learn From Prison Break

Prison Break was originally conceived as a two- season TV series about a group of incarcerated guys that broke out of a high security prison. Unfortunately, the series eventually ran for 4 seasons with each of the last two seasons being really terrible. Why did it happen? One word: greed. The network (Fox) got greedy and chose to extend the show. without a concrete or properly fleshed-out plan for a good story.. Never mind that the series is making a comeback in what seems to be another poorly-conceived attempt at story telling.  What does all this have to do with Under the Dome? Quite a lot.

WhatsApp With Rich Text Support

This is a concept illustrating the integration of Rich Text Support into WhatsApp. Rich Text Formatting (RTF) in instant messaging (IM) existed in the early 2000s but the feature was eventually dropped. However, with the present popularity of emoji and stickers, I think RTF should enjoy a renaissance. To me, RTF is of greater utility than stickers because it allows for better expressivity.

I am currently working on a complete redesign of the entire WhatsApp user interface. Stay tuned.

1. Chat Window: The "A" to the left of the emoji icon is the RTF icon

Windows Phone 9 Concept

This is a concept user interface for Microsoft Windows Phone.  I have retained the “Phone” in the title because Microsoft’s plan to brand the software of their phones, tablets and PCs as Windows might end up causing the same confusion that they are trying to correct. 

This concept is an evolution of a previous concept started in 2010. Screenshots of Version 1 can be found on Twitter and on Nokia Ideas Project. Version 2 can be found here. This version, 4.6, represents what I believe to be the way forward for Microsoft’s One Windows strategy. From all indications, the One Windows plan is meant to harmonise the code base between the various types of Windows OS. However, I reckon that harmonisation of the code base represents only one side of the coin. The user interface (UI) must also be harmonized. While there is some similarity on the Metro Modern side of things, the traditional desktop side creates a chasm. This concept is an attempt to create a consistent and uniform user interface across all form factors whilst avoiding the dichotomy between Modern UI and the desktop.

Apple Watch: iamConfused

Apple Watch: iamConfused

So Apple’s foray into wearable computers has begun. Yesterday saw the unveiling of the Apple Watch. Surprisingly, it wasn’t christened the iWatch like most of us expected. Though it's a bit inconsistent with their nomenclature, it's okay. Using the ‘i’ prefix has almost run its course anyway. Until now, I have not given smartwatches much thought or attention. This is because they don’t do anything that a smartphone cannot already do (and do better). It was its circular icon grid and digital crown that caught my attention. But before I get to that, let’s extol its virtues.

Fixing Microsoft's Windows Strategy

Bill Gates had a vision/goal: a Windows PC in every home. That vision was largely accomplished. Today's computing landscape is different and Microsoft is finding it hard/difficult to maintain that dream/goal. This is because it failed to acknowledge the changing phase and face of computing. The world went mobile while Microsoft still wanted us chained to desktops and laptops. In a desperate third attempt to make amends, it hastily put together Windows 8 which turned out to be a poorly- conceived smorgasbord. It further compounded the situation by releasing Windows RT. And then there was also Windows Phone. Three products that bore the Windows name but couldn’t work together. Of course, from a capabilities and features standpoint, Windows Phone and Windows RT are the same. They run on the same hardware; the latter only has a different interface. So, is it still possible to have Windows in every home on different form factors without having disparate product lines? The answer is yes. This is what needs to be done.

1.         Admit that Windows 8/Windows RT are failures

No one is perfect. People hardly get it right all the time. Windows 8.1 didn’t solve much. Microsoft should quit trying to patch the mess and just move on to Windows 9 or whatever they want to call the next major version.

2.         Harmonise Windows across all platforms

There is some work on this already. MS is working on fusing Windows Phone and Windows RT. However, there are some finer details to this. True harmonisation means the EXACT SAME EXPERIENCE & FEATURES across all platforms; form-factor permitting. For example, the full Bluetooth stack is open on Windows PC. Why not let it be open on Windows Phone/RT? 

Another example is the incompatibility between Windows Phone 7 and Outlook on PC. Outlook couldn’t transfer or sync contacts with a Windows Phone 7 device that I had.  A Microsoft product that couldn’t sync with Outlook. Go figure. I confess I haven’t bothered to try out Windows Phone 8 so I don’t know if this is still the case.

Also, if Windows on PC has a file manager (Windows Explorer), then why not Windows Phone?

3.         Strip windows down to the absolute essentials needed for mainstream casual computing.

Most people don't need IIS, Active Directory, Domain Services, Kerberos, etc. These advanced components could be downloaded at will when needed; perhaps a nominal one-time fee could be charged for each of component/module.

4.         Simplify and streamline the UI

Microsoft should give up the Windows 8 and 8.1 experiment. The user interface just doesn’t cut. Every newer release of a UI should enable the faster accomplishment of tasks and functions. As we know, this is not the case with Windows 8; it seems the developers took the approach of designing an adventure game where for the sake of replay value, things are designed to take longer.

5.         Abandon WMA and WMV

WMA and WMV are failed projects; nobody uses them. Their performance is neither comparable nor superior. MS should throw in the towel and embrace MKV (Matroska video). In my opinion, this is the best video container under the sun. I am not an audiophile but I think mp3 is good enough. That being said, Windows should also have native support for the lossless format of choice: FLAC and also support surround sound tech like DTS. Support for all the above should be built-in and should work right out of the box. 

6.         Simplify the Windows lineup

Cancel Windows Starter edition. It is a non-starter. And while at it, simplify the entire Windows lineup. I haven’t known them by heart since Vista’s release.

7.         Reduce the Price of Windows or Make It Free of Charge

This is a controversial one. Reducing the price of Windows would definitely have a heavy impact on Microsoft's revenue but then they would still be getting something for it. And then they would have increased market share/mindshare. They could also make it free. There are rumours that Microsoft is considering a free version of Windows that would be tied to Microsoft services – Bing Search, Nokia Here Maps, etc. This free approach contributed in no small way to Android’s success and dominance. They could make the basic but full-featured consumer version for PC free. This would be unlike Blackberry and its BBM on iPhone and Android efforts. I'm not sure how this would help the company stay afloat but that's another matter.

8.         Confine Zune to the shameful annals of history

Don’t require/mandate any special software to use/activate or transfer media to the device. 

These are my two cents. 

Appstores + Discrimination = Piracy

The internet is a wonderful thing. It has facilitated unimaginable forms of interpersonal communication. It allows people separated by great distances to talk to and see each other in real time. It also enables people that are not in the same physical location to collaborate in real time. In the same vein, it has enabled lightning-quick access to information; libraries, encyclopedias, journals, magazines, films and music are available on the internet. It has also presented myriad economic opportunities by spawning a hitherto unimaginable industries such as online casinos and has opened up  participation in foreign stock markets. All in all, it has fostered a global economy and has brought lent new credence to the phrase: global village.

Quick Thoughts on Android 4.4 KitKat

Android 4.4 had been unveiled and released. Let's get right to first impressions. All in all, I would call it an iterative update. Though there's a lot of new stuff going on under the hood, visually, it mostly a collection of tweaks; many of which have been available for years from third party developers and custom ROMs.

The iPad is a Tablet

Before any premature conclusions are formed, understand that this is not an appraisal of the iPad. The title above is as literal as it gets; the iPad is a tablet. So why am I stating the obvious? Well, in some circles, it would seem the obvious is not so obvious. This is about many online retailers that choose to categorise the iPad differently from all other tablets. I have observed this trend for quite some time now and it is upsetting to see more stores emulate this folly. 

 

A Shortage of Perfect Trilogies

Hollywood has become infatuated with trilogies. Once a movie or a movie character shows a cult following, the studios almost always turn it into a franchise. The reason behind this is not far-fetched. They get to give fans more of the first movie and their characters and of course, they get to make more money from the budding franchise. There are those times when the decision to make a trilogy is not motivated by the above reasons but by the source material. That is, if a novel is adapted for the big screen, it follows that subsequent sequel novels will also be adapted except if the first movie failed to perform at the box office. That being said, it seems delivering the perfect trilogy has for the most part, eluded Hollywood.

BBM on iPhone & Android: Could this be BlackBerry’s Waterloo?

I should start by saying pun intended. BlackBerry has announced that their instant messaging service, BlackBerry Messenger (BBM) will be available on Apple’s iPhone and Google Android in a few months. On the face of it, making a service available on multiple platforms is a good move as it ensures cross-compatibility and helps to grow its user base. There is however an exception to every rule and in this case, I think Blackberry is that exception.

A Word On iOS 7

This seems to be a popular opinion that the primary objective of the on-going redesign of iOS that will culminate in iOS 7 is to get rid of the skeuomorphic illustrations. Many even go on to imply that skeuomorphism is the major problem with iOS today. Though we are yet to see any glimpse of iOS 7, I think the suggestion that skeuomorphism is its bane is nothing but a fallacy. Yes, iOS in its present form is outdated and is a bit of a mishmash but suggesting that skeuomorphism is the reason behind its almost archaic nature will onlyserve to portray a lack of understanding of user interfaces and user experience. Unfortunately, many others have also adopted this reasoning.

Just How bad is Plastic?

Consumer electronics come in all shapes and sizes but the material used for their enclosures (housing or shell if you prefer) are not so varied. Generally, these enclosures are either made of plastic, glass, metal or wood. Sometimes, a combination of some or all of these materials is used. In recent times, plastic enclosures have been derided and labelled as inferior but is there any merit to this argument?

System Modules Should be Differentiated From Apps

The difference between system modules and apps is inherent in their respective definitions. In a strict sense, system modules and apps are both application software. There is however a subtle difference. System modules are a core, native and integral part of a system while apps in the loose sense are third party apps. Another less subtle way of distinguishing between the two is thus: system modules cannot be uninstalled by the user while apps can be uninstalled. I say less subtle because some OEMs and carriers install bloatware that cannot ordinarily be removed.

Can Finch Still Control the Machine?

I should start by saying this: if you do not watch Person of Interest, the TV series starring Jim Caviezel and Michael Emerson, then this article is not for you. It will make little or no sense to you. If however, you are one of the fortunate people watching this show, then by all means keep reading.

The Machine. The omniscient and omnipresent Machine. I have used a capital M for the Machine for two reasons. First, I consider it a major character in the show much like Finch, Reese et al. The second reason it deserves such respect is because of its abilities. Not so much its computational abilities but its conscious abilities. When the Machine becomes common place, then it will be called the machine. Remember back in the day when the internet was called the Internet.

The Adverse Economics of 3D Printing

Most articles on 3D printing have focused on the creative opportunities afforded by the revolutionary technology. Others have pointed out its darker prospects such as being able to print firearms in one’s home. One thing’s for certain; 3D printing is here to stay and the technology will get better and better over time though there are some who are convinced it is nothing but a passing fancy that is doomed to failure or obscurity like 3D TV and 3D movies.

The purpose of this article is to briefly discuss the disruptive economic effects of the technology. History lends credence to the fact that every revolutionary technology usually renders other established industries obsolete. The digital music player and mp3s continues to reduce sales of the music CD market. The advent of ebooks had pretty much done the same thing to physical books. Email has caused a reduction in the use of postal services. The photo film manufacturing and development industries were done in by the advent of the digital photography. Remember Kodak, Agfa and Jessops. So which industries are threatened by 3D printing?

Letter to the Writers & Producers of Touch

Season 1 of Touch was top notch and devoid of sappy writing. The second season started on a high but I have begun to notice changes right from the fifth episode. The writers are beginning to resort to cheap tricks to prolong move the plot forward. Last week’s episode was going rather well right until the point at which Amelia was on the pier waiting for her mother only for Mrs. Norborg to arrive just in time to abduct her again. This was all too convenient for the Norborgs. It’s the kind of cheap writing that was prevalent in Passions; remember when Chad was trying to find his mother.

If I Were In Charge of the Oscars

Now that the dust from the recently held 85^th Oscar Awards has settled, I would like to point out what I believe to be flaws in the selection and eligibility process. 

HP Gets It Wrong Again

Our favourite PC manufacturer, HP, has once again dipped its toes into the tablet market. Their latest offering, named Slate 7 is as its name suggests, a 7 incher. Now for a bit of history if you please.