I've been waiting for a brilliant mind to create a VNC app for the Palm Pre for some time. It needs a connection manager, and controls for taking snap shots.
Of course the ideal solution would be for logmein to build the application (I know, it wouldn't be VNC based, but I could really use an encrypted remote solution of some kind).
I was certain somebody would write this within the first month after the product release; but alas, no carrot.
I'm not sure if there are limitations built into the device preventing it, but I've used VNC apps for iPhone OS which work really well.
Somebody please build it - I would pay good money (relatively) for that app.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Monday, March 15, 2010
IP-based hardware communication
I recently finished writing a specification for an installation that we've been getting ready for a customer. They've decided that they want to install IP cameras in their facility.
It is quickly becoming the latest shiny silver object for hardware developers. In my profession, the push for IP implementation is really taking hold; in some cases, it's somewhat disconcerting. I understand that there is a huge convenience factor for devices that are geared to use existing infrastructure in order to communicate with servers. But to place mission critical devices (such as alarm communicators, cameras in day-care facilities, etc.) on networks that are subject to SO MANY variables isn't wise.
One fact will always remain - IP data transmission will only ever be as reliable as the infrastructure on which data transmission occurs.
It is quickly becoming the latest shiny silver object for hardware developers. In my profession, the push for IP implementation is really taking hold; in some cases, it's somewhat disconcerting. I understand that there is a huge convenience factor for devices that are geared to use existing infrastructure in order to communicate with servers. But to place mission critical devices (such as alarm communicators, cameras in day-care facilities, etc.) on networks that are subject to SO MANY variables isn't wise.
One fact will always remain - IP data transmission will only ever be as reliable as the infrastructure on which data transmission occurs.
Saturday, March 13, 2010
MacBook questions answered...
Is it even worth the extra money for the MacBook Pro?
These notebooks have been on the market for a while now, but it's only recently that I noticed the latest specifications for the new MacBook. They are almost identical to the specifications of the bottom-most MacBook Pro (the MacBook has a larger hard drive off the shelf - huh).
I've always been a huge fan of the white plastic composite traditionally used for the MacBook (before that, the iBook). It does scratch up a bit after usage, but with the lovely products from Zagg you can keep that MB looking fine for much longer (I purchase invisibleSHIELDs for all of my notebooks - PC's included).
I have a MB Pro 17, and it's a great machine. If I were in the market for a smaller notebook - for portability, I think that the normal MacBook takes it. The base configuration of the MacBook Pro 13 costs $200 dollars more. It certainly can be built up more, but if you're going for the base configuration don't waste the $200.
I'm glad they've kept that line of notebooks available; I've only ever purchased the regular MacBook for my wife.
Well done Apple.
These notebooks have been on the market for a while now, but it's only recently that I noticed the latest specifications for the new MacBook. They are almost identical to the specifications of the bottom-most MacBook Pro (the MacBook has a larger hard drive off the shelf - huh).
I've always been a huge fan of the white plastic composite traditionally used for the MacBook (before that, the iBook). It does scratch up a bit after usage, but with the lovely products from Zagg you can keep that MB looking fine for much longer (I purchase invisibleSHIELDs for all of my notebooks - PC's included).
I have a MB Pro 17, and it's a great machine. If I were in the market for a smaller notebook - for portability, I think that the normal MacBook takes it. The base configuration of the MacBook Pro 13 costs $200 dollars more. It certainly can be built up more, but if you're going for the base configuration don't waste the $200.
I'm glad they've kept that line of notebooks available; I've only ever purchased the regular MacBook for my wife.
Well done Apple.
Monday, March 8, 2010
The iTunes app store - as we know it
I think the song that Steve Jobs quoted at the introduction for the Macintosh was "The Times They Are A-Changin" by Bob Dylan.
I think that change is coming, again; most likely not good news for the under-par iPhone app developer.
With the touted "over 140,000" apps available on the iTunes app store, it's nearly impossible to choose the specific app for your needs (without actually knowing the name). Seriously, do a search for doodle apps and try to sift through the results.
In order for Apple to keep the hold they have on the app store market, they'll need to do a better job regulating the apps that are posted to the store. I know there's already a regulatory process for putting apps on the store, but the library has become so large and full of choices, the content isn't easily browsed.
Sure they have recommended apps, and other categories to browse, but really.... How many farting apps are there up there? Choose your flavor (pun intended).
I foresee Apple being far more discriminant with the applications that are posted to the store in the not-to-distant future.
Of course, this is all speculation; but when iPhone development becomes common curriculum in 1st grade, how many apps will appear then?
I think that change is coming, again; most likely not good news for the under-par iPhone app developer.
With the touted "over 140,000" apps available on the iTunes app store, it's nearly impossible to choose the specific app for your needs (without actually knowing the name). Seriously, do a search for doodle apps and try to sift through the results.
In order for Apple to keep the hold they have on the app store market, they'll need to do a better job regulating the apps that are posted to the store. I know there's already a regulatory process for putting apps on the store, but the library has become so large and full of choices, the content isn't easily browsed.
Sure they have recommended apps, and other categories to browse, but really.... How many farting apps are there up there? Choose your flavor (pun intended).
I foresee Apple being far more discriminant with the applications that are posted to the store in the not-to-distant future.
Of course, this is all speculation; but when iPhone development becomes common curriculum in 1st grade, how many apps will appear then?
Palm Web OS 1.4
Last week I updated my Palm Pre to the latest version of Palm's Web OS - Version 1.4.
This is an impressive update for an already impressive Operating System. I really think that other phone manufacturers need to pay attention to this device - especially since Palm released the phone to Verizon.
One of the key enhancements of the update is the addition of Video Capture. Video capture really does add a new dimension to this device; and the quality of the capture - for a phone - is pretty good.
I hope those guys at Palm continue to feed this product. I understand they "bet the farm" on this operating system; and people have been hard on it's level of success, but it's a very good device. Normally devices that are great make their way to the front if companies can establish consistency with their products. When I switch back to Apple's interface (iphone OS), there are several UI features that I miss; most notably, multi-tasking.
I've really enjoyed my Pre, and it would be a sad thing to me if Palm decided to stop development on this product.
This is an impressive update for an already impressive Operating System. I really think that other phone manufacturers need to pay attention to this device - especially since Palm released the phone to Verizon.
One of the key enhancements of the update is the addition of Video Capture. Video capture really does add a new dimension to this device; and the quality of the capture - for a phone - is pretty good.
I hope those guys at Palm continue to feed this product. I understand they "bet the farm" on this operating system; and people have been hard on it's level of success, but it's a very good device. Normally devices that are great make their way to the front if companies can establish consistency with their products. When I switch back to Apple's interface (iphone OS), there are several UI features that I miss; most notably, multi-tasking.
I've really enjoyed my Pre, and it would be a sad thing to me if Palm decided to stop development on this product.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Patent Craze
I'm not sure where this whole Apple Patent thing is going, but I don't like it. After reading the actual patents held, it does appear as though they have something here (as much as I hate to say it).
My whole problem with this is that the country has become "Patent Hungry." Things are out of control here.
Is this going to turn into an all out brawl for who invented what? As far as I can remember, Palm released the first touch capable device - what about their claim to touch based devices. I know Palm didn't invent multi-touch and implement it the way Apple did (which is also debatable), but the concept of a touch based device... maybe they weren't patent hungry enough.
I CAN say that action like this DOES sour my opinion toward Apple. I understand the importance of defending your authenticity, but... really? Until this past year, nobody's even come CLOSE to Apple in this space - and then they keep innovating; why look back?
Is this a wound that's too close for comfort for Mr. Steve Jobs? Didn't he know people would mimic him?
Apple, why not take the "Pro-Active" approach here?
My whole problem with this is that the country has become "Patent Hungry." Things are out of control here.
Is this going to turn into an all out brawl for who invented what? As far as I can remember, Palm released the first touch capable device - what about their claim to touch based devices. I know Palm didn't invent multi-touch and implement it the way Apple did (which is also debatable), but the concept of a touch based device... maybe they weren't patent hungry enough.
I CAN say that action like this DOES sour my opinion toward Apple. I understand the importance of defending your authenticity, but... really? Until this past year, nobody's even come CLOSE to Apple in this space - and then they keep innovating; why look back?
Is this a wound that's too close for comfort for Mr. Steve Jobs? Didn't he know people would mimic him?
Apple, why not take the "Pro-Active" approach here?
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