Lougheed

iPhone has landed

Today is a great day to love technology.  The iPhone has enjoyed a warm Canadian embrace since launching here this month.  Just about all of my friends either already have or are seriously considering getting one (if they can get out of their current mobile contracts).  Not since the iPod tidal wave has a new product had so many people buzzing.  Why is that?

In short, Apple got it right.  The instantly iconic physical design, the fidelity and subtlety of the touchscreen, the feeling that you could keep yourself entertained and connected for days and still love using the device - is unparalleled.

To me, Apple has somehow managed to create an interface that is both beautiful and functional and somehow even fun to use.  The fluidity and feel of the flicking, the fluid motion of rotating the device to switch from portrait to landscape mode, and, yes, even the typing isn't so bad if you're willing to stare intensely at the screen and tap using your very own style of hyper hunt-and-peck.

I'm also excited as a user interface developer to solve the challenge of optimizing online experiences for iPhone.  After 10 years of hype, mobile is here.      

Curve vs. iPhone

I've used both the Blackberry Curve and the iPhone for several months now, and here's my take:

The Curve is a more durable, more reliable, and ultimately a better device for professionals.  It is very light, has outstanding battery life, good UI design, and I never have to wonder if it will work.  The hardware, software, and blackberry network have evolved considerably over nearly 10 years and it shows.

The iPhone is more beautiful, utilizes more advanced technology, and simply does more than the Curve.  However, typing on the blackberry's tactile keyboard is simply easier and more precise.  I had an especially broken iPhone but even my new one hiccups fairly frequently when connecting to my home network.  I feel like I should use a case for my iPhone so I don't scratch it but who wants to hide that beautiful design in a case? 

Surfing on the iPhone is awesome.  Surfing on the Curve is just functional.  I own both devices at the moment but if I had to carry one device with me for business it would be the Curve.  On the weekend, I want the iPhone.

Niche social networks?

What for?  Create a Facebook/MySpace/Orkut profile and find a group who's interests match yours.  Every widget and tool and content source under the sun is available at your group's disposal on Facebook, so it can't be because the niche social network has better features or more content.   The only reason I can think of to join a smaller social network other than the one you're already part of is if you want to post anonymously, and we all know not much good seems to come from that.

FB is still life changing

Almost one year after my first post on Facebook, I'm still amazed at how FB has changed my life.  When I run into friends and former co-workers now, everyone already knows (sometimes in great detail) what I'm up to.  What job I'm at (my profile), what I've been doing on weekends (photos), who I socialize with (wall postings) and the weird fascination I have with mannaquins.  I'm still amazed that our previous constructs of privacy are falling away before our eyes - but again what I find more interesting is that it's not "big brother" doing it to us, the way the many futurists saw the 21st century.  We're doing it to ourselves.  Or at least I sure am. 

NBC HDTV Olympic Coverage Bites

Like you, I'm watching the Olympics. NBC's Olympic HD coverage looks nice, but it's up to a DAY BEHIND regular SD coverage.

Anyone want to guess why this would be?

now I have last year's iPod

The buttons are now on the wheel. I love my iPod - I've taken it to parties, camping, and in the car using a cheap FM tuner or a mini to RCA cable. It's one of those rare devices that you use every day.

God's Machine

Rogers introduced their HD personal video recorder (PVR) almost two months ago. Like many of us, I waited impatiently for Canada to catch up while TiVo devotees south of the border sang its praises. After using it for 3 weeks, I don't see how we lived without it. Like the FCC Chairman said, it truly is "God's machine".

Being able to record and play back HD 5.1 surround television is great. The ability to record every episode of a series without having to fumble with tapes or remembering to do it every week is awesome. Being able to pause live television is surprisingly useful. But being able to fast forward through commercials - like hello? Wicked.

My only complaint is that it doesn't come with a gym membership - now that I'm able to push a button to record shows that are only on at 3AM on TLC, it means I need to find time to watch a shitload of television.