April 22, 2010
April 3, 2010
Microsoft,Apple,Google - Whose MAGic Awaits Us?
With just a day to go for the Apple iPad launch in stores across the U.S., it is also a good time for introspection. Introspection about how the mobile, computing and the internet world at large is shaping up. What is clear is that, as much as technology enthusiasts complain about Microsoft's lack of open source technology support, Apple is quietly doing the same, through a different route. Microsoft has achieved success imposing their own technology on millions of computers and laptops around the world, while Apple seems to be doing the same on its mobile devices. How? Simple, by tying its customers to iTunes.
Apple is what it is, due to its flawless products and amazing user friendly gadgets. I must say, as much as I am anti-Apple in terms of products, my experience of the iPod Touch for gaming purposes was stunning. Its response amazing. But what cuts the deal short of a real game winner is undoubtedly for being chained to iTunes. iTunes maybe revolutionary. But it only works for those who are willing to be loyal to Apple and its products. Else Apple's products are just bricks. Atleast as far as the iPods and iPhones are concerned. The iPad will be no different, and Apple will continue to weave its net of circumvention yet again. That the device maybe stunning or incomparable is a different matter altogether. If as a buyer I don't have the liberty to load any apps, or any games to my wish, or load songs as drag and drop is curtailed, it becomes cumbersome and downright irritating.
What Apple is doing is no different than what Microsoft has been doing with its PC marker for years now. The iPhone is proprietary to Apple and there is a strict screening process for accepting apps into the iPhone. Moreover, the iPhone platform is unique and can only make an Apple iPhone and never a Motorola or HTC phone. The extent of restriction that Apple is imposing reminds one of how it has been with Microsoft in the PC market. Apple is imposing itself in the mobile segment of music players, phones and now tablet pcs. Apple does not even support the ubiquitous Adobe Flash into its devices. Its more a statement at the masses saying, either you are with us or against us.
Apple is what it is, due to its flawless products and amazing user friendly gadgets. I must say, as much as I am anti-Apple in terms of products, my experience of the iPod Touch for gaming purposes was stunning. Its response amazing. But what cuts the deal short of a real game winner is undoubtedly for being chained to iTunes. iTunes maybe revolutionary. But it only works for those who are willing to be loyal to Apple and its products. Else Apple's products are just bricks. Atleast as far as the iPods and iPhones are concerned. The iPad will be no different, and Apple will continue to weave its net of circumvention yet again. That the device maybe stunning or incomparable is a different matter altogether. If as a buyer I don't have the liberty to load any apps, or any games to my wish, or load songs as drag and drop is curtailed, it becomes cumbersome and downright irritating.
What Apple is doing is no different than what Microsoft has been doing with its PC marker for years now. The iPhone is proprietary to Apple and there is a strict screening process for accepting apps into the iPhone. Moreover, the iPhone platform is unique and can only make an Apple iPhone and never a Motorola or HTC phone. The extent of restriction that Apple is imposing reminds one of how it has been with Microsoft in the PC market. Apple is imposing itself in the mobile segment of music players, phones and now tablet pcs. Apple does not even support the ubiquitous Adobe Flash into its devices. Its more a statement at the masses saying, either you are with us or against us.
March 24, 2010
Lucky Is Me ...
Over three months back, something happened around me, the disillusionment of which will be over only post April 11. But what has been obvious since those turn of events, is the rising expenses. That, it had to happen unabated, was something I had never imagined. Except me, all things around me are moving to a status - New. Be it my mobile, be it earphones for my Cowon D2, or the strap for my watch, or just the bare minimum batteries to run the dials at home. But what is certainly reassuring is that these expenses are the harbinger of a new life, a new dawn in an otherwise boring life I have had for a few months prior to that. The reassurance will be at the cost of my bachelorhood, but I have happily accepted my fate!
But amidst these expenses, I have had the opportunity to explore a new mobile phone, the Sony Ericsson S312, and bought the Creative EP 630 earphones for my D2. I had to let go of my Sony K510i after 3.5 long years of amazingly good response, owing to its inevitable joystick issues and the fear of the depreciation it might go through beyond a certain point. The S312 boasts style, though its keypad looks crammed up. But it fit into my scheme of things, weight wise, affordability wise, and brand wise. I had initial problems with the S312 due to battery draining,had to fight with the dealer and had it sent to the Sony Service Center. I was told to format the memory card which came along with the pack and now things seem to be better with my S312. It sure is tempting to grab one of those smartphones though!
And then, my beloved D2 earphones started acting weird. The earphones which came along with the player would crackle up, and refused to work normally. I loved the earphones which came with the player, but did not want to spoil the rich audio experience of Cowon by purchasing just another earphone. I finally zeroed in on the Creative EP 630, for their affordabilty, noise isolation and quality. After I read some reviews, most of which were positive, I was happy to shell out 999 on Gadgets.in. I must say their service is more than impressive and extremely prompt too. I placed an order on Friday night and got it delivered by Monday morning. Thus far, I am very pleased with my purchase and impressed with the earphones.
But amidst these expenses, I have had the opportunity to explore a new mobile phone, the Sony Ericsson S312, and bought the Creative EP 630 earphones for my D2. I had to let go of my Sony K510i after 3.5 long years of amazingly good response, owing to its inevitable joystick issues and the fear of the depreciation it might go through beyond a certain point. The S312 boasts style, though its keypad looks crammed up. But it fit into my scheme of things, weight wise, affordability wise, and brand wise. I had initial problems with the S312 due to battery draining,had to fight with the dealer and had it sent to the Sony Service Center. I was told to format the memory card which came along with the pack and now things seem to be better with my S312. It sure is tempting to grab one of those smartphones though!
And then, my beloved D2 earphones started acting weird. The earphones which came along with the player would crackle up, and refused to work normally. I loved the earphones which came with the player, but did not want to spoil the rich audio experience of Cowon by purchasing just another earphone. I finally zeroed in on the Creative EP 630, for their affordabilty, noise isolation and quality. After I read some reviews, most of which were positive, I was happy to shell out 999 on Gadgets.in. I must say their service is more than impressive and extremely prompt too. I placed an order on Friday night and got it delivered by Monday morning. Thus far, I am very pleased with my purchase and impressed with the earphones.