http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/features/particle_debris/ en The Mac Observer Copyright 2009 Fri, 17 Jul 2009 09:06:49 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_tv_industrys_dreadful_little_secret%2F&seed_title=The+TV+Industry%26%238217%3Bs+Dreadful+Little+Secret http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_tv_industrys_dreadful_little_secret/ We all knew the business model, commercial breaks, for the TV industry is a mess. But now the foolishness has been taken to new heights. Fox has filed a lawsuit against Dish Network for taking care of its customers. The whole industry is ripe for disruption and may not even see it coming. Perhaps Apple does. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 25 May 2012 14:40:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fyes_but_will_anyone_actually_buy_an_apple_hdtv%2F&seed_title=Yes%2C+But+Will+Anyone+Actually+BUY+an+Apple+HDTV%3F http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/yes_but_will_anyone_actually_buy_an_apple_hdtv/ When Apple decides to build and market a new product, it has to be a quality product that stands on its own and has value.  However, Apple may have moved to a new place in the minds of customers, and that would weigh considerably on the success of the rumored Apple HDTV. Also, of course, there’s this week’s Tech News Debris. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 18 May 2012 16:25:33 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fan_inconvenient_truth_about_e-books%2F&seed_title=An+Inconvenient+Truth+About+E-books http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/an_inconvenient_truth_about_e-books/ E-books seemed awfully cool at first, especially as Apple and Amazon popularized terrific tablets and e-readers on which to read them. Plus sales of e-books are greater than paper versions now. But there are lots of gotchas, and the whole industry is basically a mess. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 11 May 2012 17:20:05 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cooks_style_is_working_bloggers_are_not%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook%26%238217%3Bs+Style+is+Working%2C+Bloggers+Are+Not http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cooks_style_is_working_bloggers_are_not/ John Martellaro is getting tired of writers who are making a fuss about how Tim Cook can’t cut it and how Apple will slide into mediocrity under his leadership. Let’s look at the facts instead. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 04 May 2012 16:43:23 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fare_apple_fans_in_denial_no_theyre_not%2F&seed_title=Are+Apple+Fans+in+Denial%3F+No+They%26%238217%3Bre+Not http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/are_apple_fans_in_denial_no_theyre_not/ Now that Apple has succeeded beyond our wildest dreams, some bloggers find it hard to resist exploring the idea that all companies have a natural business cycle: birth, maybe a mini-death, revival, and final demise.  It’s an intriguing proposition, especially for Apple fans who are especially touchy about the prospect. What’s a good approach to all this fuss? John Martellaro has some perspective. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:14:02 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_the_black_hole_of_the_big_business_trajectory%2F&seed_title=Apple+%26amp%3B+the+Black+Hole+of+the+Big+Business+Trajectory http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_the_black_hole_of_the_big_business_trajectory/ Apple certainly appears to be on a typical business arc. A struggling computer company hits the big time, suddenly has lots of money, new products are added, its list of competitors grows, and that takes the company into endless court proceedings against those competitors. Then serious security issues crop up. Suddenly the U.S. DOJ is interested in some business practices. What’s next? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:51:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_falls_behind_in_home_networking%2F&seed_title=Apple+Falls+Behind+in+Home+Networking http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_falls_behind_in_home_networking/ Apple, after many years of leading the way in home networking, Wi-Fi and IPv6, has suddenly become rather quiet about IPv6 and the AirPort Extreme. It’s a mystery, and one that’s fascinating to follow. In other tech news debris, Rich Mogull has published two thought-provoking articles on Mac security and CNET has published two fabulous articles on the technical details related to the Flashback Trojan. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:59:35 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ftim_cook_challenge_fix_apples_security_mentality%2F&seed_title=Tim+Cook+Challenge%3A+Fix+Apple%26%238217%3Bs+Security+Mentality http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/tim_cook_challenge_fix_apples_security_mentality/ Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, has been about the business of fine tuning Apple, making some needed improvements and taking decisive action. It would be nice to see heightened attention to Apple’s OS security methodology added to the list. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 06 Apr 2012 15:05:02 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcaptain_cook_sails_to_china%2F&seed_title=Captain+Cook+Sails+to+China http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/captain_cook_sails_to_china/ Tim Cook has been in China this week to deal with a variety of issues. That’s very good news: the captain of the Apple ship is getting out and about, some wind in his hair. In other news debris, one deeper analysis article looks at why companies can’t compete with the iPad and are dropping into fear. Another takes a deep foray into the fiery plains of thermonuclear patent war. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 30 Mar 2012 16:50:14 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_ipad_3_the_heat_and_the_fury%2F&seed_title=The+iPad+3%3A+The+Heat+and+the+Fury http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_ipad_3_the_heat_and_the_fury/ Apple’s iPad 3 has been the subject of “heatgate” this week. John takes a look at all that fuss and his experiences with his own iPad 3. Plus, he has the standard edition of tech news debris: Why can’t you use FaceTime over LTE? Has Apple exhausted the ways it can make life miserable for Google? And contrary to the conventional wisdom, customers continue to embrace Blu-ray. What a concept. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 23 Mar 2012 15:00:45 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_road_ahead_the_death_of_the_pc%2F&seed_title=The+Road+Ahead%3A+The+Death+of+the+PC http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_road_ahead_the_death_of_the_pc/ John Martellaro launches this week’s Particle Debris with a discussion about not just the Post-PC era, but the death of the PC and survival of the Macintosh. In the rest of the debris, some overlooked features of iOS are referenced. Has Google replaced Microsoft as the jealous rich kid, not invited to the party? Finally, is the Apple HDTV nearing production? Also: TWoW returns. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:30:02 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fnew_ipad_apple_tv_precognition_palooza%2F&seed_title=New+iPad+%26amp%3B+Apple+TV%3A+Precognition+Palooza http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/new_ipad_apple_tv_precognition_palooza/ In this week’s Particle Debris, John takes a look at his recent iPad, Apple TV and patent predictions and keeps score. Plus, is the display in the new iPad really a Retina display? How did Apple do it? Plus, why doesn’t the iPad have Siri? And will Apple have one e-wallet to rule them all? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 09 Mar 2012 16:50:09 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_3rd_generation_ipad_will_be_oh_so_right%2F&seed_title=The+3rd+Generation+iPad+Will+be+oh%2C+so+Right http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_3rd_generation_ipad_will_be_oh_so_right/ Apple has some interesting decisions to make about the iPad 3. It’s a balance between extreme tech bleeding edge and high costs vs. what’s needed to compete for the next 12 months. Or eight months, if you believe John Martellaro’s thesis. Plus interesting snippets on Mountain Lion, Windows 8, a Linux family scuffle, and the relaunch of Ze Frank’s amazing show. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:45:14 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_could_accidentally_disrupt_the_entire_tv_industry%2F&seed_title=Apple+Could+Accidentally+Disrupt+the+Entire+TV+Industry+%5BUPDATED%5D http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_could_accidentally_disrupt_the_entire_tv_industry/ Sometimes, companies lay plans to succeed, and they don’t work out. And then something totally unexpected comes along that succeeds without any apparent effort. Could Apple be on the cusp of turning serendipity into total disruption? A hobby into an extravaganza? Plus, we dig deeply into Apple’s sandbox and also take a look at how a mathematical law could be poised to impact Apple’s growth. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 24 Feb 2012 16:45:30 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fcustomers_no._fans_you_betcha%2F&seed_title=Customers%3F+No.+Fans%3F+You+Betcha http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/customers_no._fans_you_betcha/ It’s all about the customer relationship. Actually, it’s been said, a company doesn’t want customers; it wants fans. And so be it. Amazon is opening a brick and mortar store front. Roku is partnering with the cable people in an odd partnership, going after more fans. Comcast has upped its own game, stemming the tide of departed non-fans. And just when the Ultrabook makers thought they could ride the wave of the MacBook Air, Apple has turned it sights on them as well. How can you be a fan of copycats? Seriously. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 17 Feb 2012 17:09:25 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_hidden_gotchas_of_browser_security%2F&seed_title=The+Hidden+Gotchas+of+Browser+Security http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_hidden_gotchas_of_browser_security/ Particle Debris takes a minor detour into the world of browser security, and the discussion will open your eyes, especially if you do online banking. But there are also some goodies: the Apple rumor that just won’t go away, a Wi-Fi Flash drive, an amazing graphic of what mobile phones looked like before Apple took a bite out of the market and possible confirmation that every MacBook Pro…. well, just read on. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 10 Feb 2012 16:50:08 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fif_only_selling_high_tech_were_easy%2F&seed_title=If+Only+Selling+High+Tech+Were+Easy http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/if_only_selling_high_tech_were_easy/ Customers are annoying. You have to figure out what they want and then figure out how to avoid angering every one else in the process.  Mozilla gets its funding from a competitor so they can give away something for free — that competes with, wait for it… the competitor. Publishers try to make money, please the customers and avoid upsetting the authors. Amazon found a tiny opening with the Kindle Fire — and, maybe, waits for the Apple shoe to drop. Apple may have to navigate some tricky HDTV seas. Microsoft buys a product that’s generally distributed for free, then tries to avoid upsetting its partners as it deploys it. And poor Siri has a hard time just delivering a Scotish sandwich. Times are tough. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:39:55 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_takes_heat_goes_buy_the_book%2F&seed_title=Apple+Takes+Heat+%26amp%3B+Goes+Buy+the+Book http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_takes_heat_goes_buy_the_book/ This week, the heat was turned up on Apple. Not many people cared for the iBooks Author app’s EULA, and not many people were happy to hear about the conditions of Chinese workers who make Apple products. However, as usual, there is a lot to know behind the scenes, and this week’s P.D. digs into the nuancesas as we go behind the headlines. And just for some fun and relief, we get into some marvelous toys. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:01:36 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_23rd_century_has_arrived_early%2F&seed_title=The+23rd+Century+Has+Arrived+Early http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_23rd_century_has_arrived_early/ This week’s collection is short but bold. A computer desk that will make you go crazy with techno-lust.  Hitler’s take on SOPA. Will smart, cute robots ever be safe enough to work with kids?  Is Apple’s excursion in textbooks just the beginning?  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:28:19 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fapple_to_amazon_this_means_war%2F&seed_title=Apple+to+Amazon%3A+This+Means+War http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/apple_to_amazon_this_means_war/ This week’s Particle Debris starts out with academics: are computer languages too cryptic?  But we quickly move into the war of business and articles that provide considerable insights: content publishers who can’t and won’t change, how Android fragmentation can occasionally help, Apple’s secret success in the enterprise,  Google’s war with Facebook and Twitter, and Apple’s war with Amazon. Don’t miss the Hitler spoof. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Mon, 16 Jan 2012 15:10:33 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fjet-propelled_tidbits_and_the_white_stallion%2F&seed_title=Jet-Propelled+Tidbits+%26amp%3B+the+White+Stallion http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/jet-propelled_tidbits_and_the_white_stallion/ Now that you’re all rested from the holiday break, this week’s Particle Debris will get you back into the groove. How badly did Netflix really screw up? What did we learn about Apple in 2011? What really (really!) caused the demise of the HP TouchPad? Smartphone cameras killed the point-and-shoot camera. Is the DSLR next? What’s a “cord-never”? Are the Apple HDTV rumors out of control? It’s not hard to understand why. Got caffeine? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:05:00 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_things_of_christmas_past_and_future%2F&seed_title=Apple+Things+of+Christmas+Past+and+Future http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_things_of_christmas_past_and_future/ The past and the future collide in the ghost of Christmas present. Apple’s products and services are exploding while old technologies quickly die, like TV remotes, killed by tablets and voice input. In the passing of Steve Jobs, the BBC wonders if his greatest character traits also led to his death. And The Verge takes us down memory lane with a visual history if iOS. Also, TWoW returns. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 16 Dec 2011 16:23:05 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Ffinding_the_good_stuff_behind_the_scenes_analysis%2F&seed_title=Finding+the+Good+Stuff%3A+Behind+the+Scenes+Analysis http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/finding_the_good_stuff_behind_the_scenes_analysis/ The interesting stories are the ones where an industry expert has done some digging and analysis to explain what’s really going on behind the scenes. This week, we look at why magazines on the iPad are so bad, why Windows 8 might get a big yawn, why the XYBOARD tablet will fail, how Hollywood may be prepping for a big score, what’s brewing with next generation television, why Microsoft is on a precipice, and a great analysis of how eBooks are priced and sold. Insights galore. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:55:06 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_debt_we_owe_to_apple_smartphone_bliss%2F&seed_title=The+Debt+We+Owe+to+Apple+%26amp%3B+Smartphone+Bliss http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_debt_we_owe_to_apple_smartphone_bliss/ Are we in a state of mobility bliss? Are smartphones too small and innocent looking to really think of as supercomputers with an advanced UNIX OS? And what’s the real psychology of the company that copies Apple? Also, we owe a debt to Apple, but not in the way that you think. All that and more are in this week’s curated technical news debris. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:40:05 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fsubversion_tanstaafl_oodles_of_creepy_stuff%2F&seed_title=Subversion%2C+TANSTAAFL+%26amp%3B+Oodles+of+Creepy+Stuff http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/subversion_tanstaafl_oodles_of_creepy_stuff/ This week’s Particle Debris comes on a short week, but there’s plenty of action: The woman who helped us escape from the DOS command line. Apple almost built its own network for the iPhone. AnandTech has written the world’s most comprehensive review of the iPhone 4S. And there’s plenty of creepy stuff: Malls that track your migration pattern, facial recognition goes mainstream, and cyborg contact lenses may eliminate displays altogether in the Borg future. It’s a geekfest. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:14:23 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fthe_last_particle_debris%2F&seed_title=The+Last+Particle+Debris http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/the_last_particle_debris/ This week’s compendium of curated technical news debris is uber-geek. Are specs really dead?  They may be in advertising, but they’re turning out to be critical with consumer tablets. Then… how would you like a supercomputer on your desktop?  Like, say, a teraflop? Or a design, development and content creation system that’s an iPad, but with a 50-inch screen?  Is that how we’ll be creating (and reading) TMO in 2018? And Boxee is going to put live network feeds on your Boxee box, the holy grail for cord-cutters. It’s time for geek-mania. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 18 Nov 2011 17:31:02 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_11_11_technical_shock_and_awe%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+11%2F11%29+Technical+Shock+and+Awe http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_11_11_technical_shock_and_awe/ Logitech got a shock when no one lined up to buy a $300 Google TV. Apple has awed us with the laser in the FaceTime camera. Is it time for Apple to shock Amazon and Barnes & Noble with a 6-inch iPad? Shock and amaze your business friends with an optical projector for your iPhone and Keynote. And then there’s the shock and dread when you dish out some Gingerbread and your competition eats your lunch with an Ice Cream Sandwich.  It’s all right here: technical shock and awe. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 11 Nov 2011 17:33:58 -0500 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_11_3_its_all_about_astonishment%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+11%2F3%29+It%26%238217%3Bs+All+About+Astonishment http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_11_3_its_all_about_astonishment/ This week’s collection of curated technical news is all about astonishment, the brilliant and unexpected. For example, an unexpected event is Sony’s losses in the HDTV market. Could this be Apple’s unforeseen opening? Next, Apple astonished the world with the iPad while Microsoft killed the Courier tablet. Let’s look at Apple’s iPad revenue now. And could Barnes & Noble and Amazon bludgeon each other into failure while the iPad thrives? Finally, we have the astonishing new paradigm. Learning is over. It’s time to teach Siri. How good a teacher are you? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 04 Nov 2011 17:55:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_10_28_video_skewers_and_great_defense%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+10%2F28%29+Video+Skewers+and+Great+Defense http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_10_28_video_skewers_and_great_defense/ This week’s collection of curated, off the beaten path, technical Apple news is full of videos. An SNL skit starts ostensibly to honor Steve Jobs, but beautifully skewers Mark Zuckerberg and Reed Hastings. There’s an Apple ad from 2002 that will bring back memories and make you smile. How about a Hal 9000-like interface for Siri? And DIRECTV, of all companies isn’t just sitting around, waiting for Apple to move in on them.  The newest version of their iPad app rocks. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 28 Oct 2011 15:39:19 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_10_21_some_serious_omgs%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+10%2F21%29+Some+Serious+OMGs http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_10_21_some_serious_omgs/ This week’s collection of curated technical goodies will have your head spinning. For starters, there is a quantum mechanical palooza that will knock your socks off. Then it’s on to Siri treats plus how she could change our culture, a viewpoint on Microsoft innovation, how big the tablet market could get, an explanation of why the iPhone 4S doesn’t have 4G/LTE, whether Google’s Ice Cream Sandwich can eat Apple’s lunch, and a new tool for learning that learns from the learner. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:20:58 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_10_14_good_vibrations%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+10%2F14%29+Good+Vibrations http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_10_14_good_vibrations/ This week’s compendium of news debris takes a decidedly positive swing. Microsoft is daring to be original with Windows 8. Hitler was disappointed in the iPhone 4S, but you’ll be ROTFL. Apple’s logic for the iPhone 4S was brilliant, and now we know why. Hulu greed gets its comeuppance. Plus some neat hidden features of iOS 5 including, ahem, custom vibrations. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 14 Oct 2011 17:19:37 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_9_30_take_it_on_the_chin%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+9%2F30%29+Take+it+on+the+Chin http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_9_30_take_it_on_the_chin/ This week’s compendium of technical news debris looks at taking it in the chin. There’s a great discussion about how we need to pay attention to our Keychain and certificate management. Another series of articles examines how Facebook can still watch your every move, even after you log out. And the Kindle Fire is set to light a fire under Apple, but perhaps more importantly, deliver a knockout punch to the Xoom and the PlayBook. Various columnists weigh in. Finally, how is OS X Lion faring with customers? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 30 Sep 2011 16:56:26 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_9_23_growing_pains_and_purell%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+9%2F23%29+Growing+Pains+and+Purell http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_9_23_growing_pains_and_purell/ This week, John looks at technology growing pains. New mobile OSes are emerging and others are dying. What are the telltale signs of demise? Microsoft is working hard to catch up with tablet technology, but an older business model could undo the company’s technical efforts. Touchscreen tablets are so cool, but one unintended side affect of public use is the spread of disease. Got Purell? Finally, Samsung seems to be throwing a legal Hail Mary at Apple. Will it work against Apple’s very capable lawyers? Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 23 Sep 2011 15:52:54 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_9_16_high_tech_wishful_thinking%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+9%2F16%29+High+Tech+Wishful+Thinking http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_9_16_high_tech_wishful_thinking/ How much longer can companies, and their fans, continue to exist on wishful thinking? Windows 8 advocates believe it will solve all their problems and they’re in a raptured state. Netflix thought it could run roughshod over its customers and not pay a price.The RIM PlayBook shipped half-baked, but execs crossed their fingers. All that and more in this week’s tech news debris. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 16 Sep 2011 15:10:27 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_9_9_youve_lost_that_lovin_image%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+9%2F9%29+You%26%238217%3Bve+Lost+that+Lovin%26%238217%3B+Image http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_9_9_youve_lost_that_lovin_image/ It’s all about image. Some companies seem to keep it intact, effortlessly. Some companies don’t seem to realize how easy it is to lose their favorable image. This week’s collection of tech news debris includes a look at the images of Google and Netflix plus some interesting talk about mobile OSes. Also: how eight fictional Star Trek gadgets are now standard equipment in 2011. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 09 Sep 2011 17:00:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_9_2_is_that_google_in_your_pocket_or%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+9%2F2%29+Is+That+Google+in+Your+Pocket%2C+or%26%238230%3B http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_9_2_is_that_google_in_your_pocket_or/ In this week’s collection of news debris, John looks at the possible warning signs with Tim Cook in charge, whether Google was really after Moto’s patent portfolio, an interesting Apple org chart, Google’s plans to get into your wallet, the fuss about some pilots using iPads for navigation and not just maps, an alarming look at the Windows 8 UI, and photos of Tim Cook when he was at Auburn. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:05:40 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_8_26_that_was_the_week_that_was%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+8%2F26%29+That+Was+The+Week+That+Was http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_8_26_that_was_the_week_that_was/ Just when you thought the pace of events in the tech world couldn’t get any faster, it speeds up. The post-PC era is driving companies to make dramatic moves, but not every move, made in panic mode, may pan out. This week, John looks at how high tech companies are trying to deal with the post-PC era. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 26 Aug 2011 14:48:01 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_8_19_high_tech_chess_and_carnage%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+8%2F19%29+High+Tech+Chess+and+Carnage http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_8_19_high_tech_chess_and_carnage/ As the Clone Wars continue over patents, Hewlett Packard makes an abrupt move that staggered the industry and investors. Moves like that plus Google’s acquisition of Motorola Mobility have our heads spinning. It’s a global chess game with the rules changing weekly. Only the Grandmasters will survive. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:30:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_8_12_analyzing_the_shifting_sands%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+8%2F12%29+Analyzing+the+Shifting+Sands http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_8_12_analyzing_the_shifting_sands/ It’s one thing to admit that technology is changing quickly, but it’s quite another to pin down and analyze some of those changes. That’s especially true this week where John talks about Lion recovery techniques, how enterprise development is shifting from Linux to Mac, how citizens are invoking facial recognition, how to place a value on a company like Twitter, how Apple is planning for the end of the PC as we know it, and how even IBM is now endorsing Apple’s paradigm shift.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 12 Aug 2011 15:30:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_8_5_perils_lurking_everywhere%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+8%2F5%29+Perils+Lurking+Everywhere http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_8_5_perils_lurking_everywhere/ Google could be facing the biggest threat it’s ever faced. Apple is gobbling up all the profits, not just in smartphones, but all phones, all over the planet. HP and Logitech have made the first big mistakes in their wars against Apple. A smart, capable Apple employee stood up to Steve Jobs and got bounced for his efforts. And the next big hurdle for CPU technology is looming.  It’s all right here; get it while it’s hot.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 05 Aug 2011 17:41:44 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_7_29_the_future_arrived_yesterday%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+7%2F29%29+The+Future+Arrived+Yesterday http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_7_29_the_future_arrived_yesterday/ Things are moving tachyon fast in the technology world.  You have to get your product right on day one and customers have to fall in tweet with it. But some companies just aren’t paying attention.  They think they can make money by duplicating Apple products — without duplicating the technologies that Apple has built. The landscape is becoming littered with tech-carnage. It’s all here and more — plus a new TWoW. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 29 Jul 2011 16:59:21 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_7_22_big_dreams_and_dashed_dreams%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+7%2F22%29+Big+Dreams+and+Dashed+Dreams http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_7_22_big_dreams_and_dashed_dreams/ This has been a week of big dreams. Apple might, sooner than we think, take the lead in the consumer computer industry. The early developers of UNIX could never have dreamed what their brainchild would evolve into. But Mr. Jobs did. Androids dream of electric sheep — and great riches, but others dream big when it comes to dismantling Android. Are you dreaming of a MacBook Air? Apple may be dreaming of a Hulu scoop. Or it could be an illusion. And Adobe doesn’t dream — they’re just fast asleep. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 22 Jul 2011 15:40:08 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_7_15_some_skeptical_inquiry%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+7%2F15%29+Some+Skeptical+Inquiry http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_7_15_some_skeptical_inquiry/ This week, John’s collection of technical news debris focuses on skepticism. A new iPad app looks really cool, but what is its real purpose? Is the talent migration in Silicon Valley really a factor in the success of big companies? We’re becoming more and more skeptical about whose side the ISPs are on. Is an inline install of Lion the best way to do it, even if Apple says so? What were the real motives of Netflix in its recent change of customer plans? Finally, how we diagnose the iPhone rumors? It’s all here.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 15 Jul 2011 15:05:51 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_7_8_fairly_legal%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+7%2F8%29+Fairly+Legal http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_7_8_fairly_legal/ Things are getting nasty in the mobile OS market. The fates of companies like Microsoft, Nokia and RIM hang in the balance. Google and Apple are seizing market share. Patents are being filed … or purchased. And attorneys are getting more and more involved.  It’s getting very, very rough out there, and this week’s collection of news tidbits explains, in juicy detail, what’s happening behind the scenes. Also, TWoW returns.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Mon, 11 Jul 2011 15:20:12 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_7_1_the_dog_ate_my_homework%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+7%2F1%29+The+Dog+Ate+My+Homework http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_7_1_the_dog_ate_my_homework/ This week, it’s all about excuses.  RIM tries to excuse its way out of a revealing letter written by one of its executives. Other World Computing reveals some OS X 10.6.8 gotchas, and CNET wonders whether Apple’s Time Capsule really does have server-class drives. Hewlett Packard released the TouchPad to generally negative but hopeful reviews and claims that all will be better with an over the air fix. Apple hosed up its Final Cut Pro X launch and is giving refunds to annoyed purchasers. Adobe swoops in. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 01 Jul 2011 14:55:46 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_6_24_heroic_thinking%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28Wk.+ending+6%2F24%29+Heroic+Thinking http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_6_24_heroic_thinking/ In this week’s compendium of cool, technical news debris, John covers some nagging questions about Macs, questions that have been brushed under the rug, a DIY 8-bit computer reminiscent of Spock’s makeshift tricorder, an update on Plasma vs. LED HDTVs, how Apple wins by holding back, the physics of Apple’s Cupertino mothership, a complete photometric analysis of the iPad’s display, an iPhone program that teaches chess, and a tour of HP’s new TouchPad, perhaps the only hero left to challenge the iPad.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 24 Jun 2011 16:00:28 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_6_17_eat_your_own_cloud_food%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+6%2F17%29+Eat+Your+Own+Cloud+Food http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_6_17_eat_your_own_cloud_food/ The week after WWDC, we’re in a daze, trying to figure out what Apple just did, absorbing Apple’s new directions, and basking in a general buzz of excitement for the future. This week’s collection of technical tidbits includes advice on what to do when a tech giant tries to eat your lunch, the states eating their children and libraries, Apple eating its own cloud food, why you need to drink the math Kool-aid, the iPad in action in fascinating work environments, and refreshing initiatives on Internet privacy and gigabit Ethernet to the home.  Plus a variation on TWoW.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 17 Jun 2011 14:45:09 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_6_10_change_artistry%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+6%2F10%29+Change+Artistry http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_6_10_change_artistry/ This was WWDC week, and that means a boatload of change. And change brings questions, questions about the iCloud, how it’ll work in the enterprise and how it affects competitors. Why has Apple had so much trouble with cloud services? What’s different about Apple’s cloud strategy this time? Is Apple’s new spaceship HQ design modeled after the UK’s Communications Headquarters? Will iOS 5 impact iPhone 3GS users? Also, a vignette — life without Adobe Flash. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:56:42 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_6_3_smokin_hot_stuff%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+6%2F3%29+Smokin%26%238217%3B+Hot+Stuff http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_6_3_smokin_hot_stuff/ This week, John looks at some smoking hot projects. The race to multi-core “super tablets,” a household that duked it out between an iPad and a Galaxy Tab, Microsoft’s big Windows 8 and tablet gamble, how USMC aviators are using the iPad in warfare to help smoke the bad guys, Kiefer Sutherland and Hulu, Google’s fiery Wallet dream, HP’s TouchPad perfectionism, and Nokia simply going down in flames.  Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 03 Jun 2011 16:19:58 -0400 http://mint.macobserver.com/feeder/?FeederAction=clicked&feed=features%2Frss%2Fparticle_debris&seed=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.macobserver.com%2Ftmo%2Farticle%2Fparticle_debris_wk._ending_5_27_vectors_and_follies%2F&seed_title=Particle+Debris+%28wk.+ending+5%2F27%29+Vectors+and+Follies http://www.macobserver.com/tmo/article/particle_debris_wk._ending_5_27_vectors_and_follies/ This week’s rag-tag collection of technical news debris covers vector math in the analysis of phone makers, Facebook follies, an alternative to Facebook, a bizarre offer by Intel, Macintosh security resources, why the explosion of Android apps is deceptive, and why the telecom and cable companies are facing an uncomfortable economic fact that will limit growth. Columns and Opinions, Particle Debris Fri, 27 May 2011 16:58:19 -0400