Inexcusable Interface Problems Occurring with Apple's OSX

Apple has had its greatest success with its Apple iPhone and iPad. Certainly, Apple Computer built an awesome interface with Macintosh and later changed the name to Mac and changed their company name from Apple Computer to Apple, Inc. In a little over 10 years their stock skyrocketed from the 20's to over 500 with a couple of stock splits on the way.

Unfortunately some idiots in control at Apple have decided to merge the interface of the successful iPhone and iPad user interface with the desktop interface -- presumably because of the success of the mobile devices. The problem is a computer is still a computer, or a desktop is still a desktop, or a laptop is still a laptop. Desktops and laptops don't need super skinny scroll bars like the iPhone does. They might not even need all of the touch gestures that the iPhone or iPad need. Sure Apple's mobile devices have excellent user interface design, but their success doesn't mean that mobile features should be incorporated backward into the desktop design, at least not at the expense of the desktop operating system.


Apple Fined for Misleading iPad Ads in Australia

Federal Court Justice Mordecai Bromberg on Thursday said that Apple has been charged with a a fine over $2 million. Under new consumer laws, the fine is only the fifth fine exceeding $1 million, which emphasizes the “seriousness of a company the size of Apple refusing to change its advertising”.

Apple promoted in an ad that the new iPad can run on 4G mobile networks using a sim card, but the connection was not possible. High quality global journalism requires investment.  Apple’s third-generation iPad -- launched in March 2012 -- uses the 700 megahertz and 2,100MHz frequencies to connect with 4G LTE services. Telstra, the telecommunication company that operates Australia’s first 4G LTE network, involves dual mode LTE / HSPA+ mobile broadband devices that operate seamlessly across 1800MHz and 850MHz spectrum bands. Telstra Next G network customers access 4G where it is available and then get a seamless switchover to the 3GHSPA technology in other areas where 4G is not available.

The Apple ads ran from March8 to May 12, even after Apple was notified about the misleading advertising.


Obsolete! New Connection Port and Power Adapter Plug Rumor for Apple iPhone


Apple has a double attack when it comes to making money and becoming the wealthiest company in the world with cash reserves that dwarf some countries' treasuries.

First, they make killer products with coveted features -- products that leave other tech companies only dreaming about innovation, and only copying Apple Inc. products.

Second, they make their products obsolete -- making it difficult for people to extend the life of their products.

The latest rumor out of Cupertino is that the next-generation iPhone will have a new connection port about one-third the size of the current model. It will use a 19-pin connector instead of the current 30-pin design. It will also incorporate electronic chips in the power supply that will block unlicensed accessories.

That means you extra chargers, clock radios, boom boxes, car chargers with your old phone won't work with your new phone.

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson: Data Only Plans Coming

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson recently discussed that he expects 'data only' plans for wireless customers in the future. Stephenson said the plans were inevitable as more customers move to smartphones and use text or applications to communicate with friends and family. Stephenson anticipates that these plans will likely be available within the next 24 months.

Wireless companies still make most of their money from calling plans and texting, which use very little data. Expectations are that phone companies would want to balance the revenue fall-off by raising data prices.

Dark iClouds Over Apple As iCloud Service Fails: No Email, No Calendar, No iMessage

iCloud services were disrupted for some users Wednesday, June 20, 2012. Apple's official status page? "Users may be unable to access iCloud services." Apple's email, Calendar, and iMessage and more were down during the outage.

Apple's iCloud glitches rarely affect all services at once, but the incident affected all service, including Photo Stream and later Mail and Notes.


Microsoft Surface Coming Soon to a Tablet Computer


Microsoft unveiled the Surface on Monday, a new tablet computer that's expected to compete with Apple's iPad. The Surface is 9.3 millimeters thick and works on the Windows RT operating system.


What's the big deal about getting rid of the computer? So far manufacturers attempts to converge mobile operating systems with computer operating systems have been awkward.  That said ...

Microsoft introduced on June 18, 2012 a line of tablet ultra-portable PCs -- Surface -- designed to work with Windows RT and Windows 8 operating systems. Versions will be available featuring ARM and Intel CPUs. Displays feature a 10.6", 16:9 widescreen HD Display  for the RT version, or a full HD Display for the Pro version.  Surface models feature a USB port, a micro-SD slot, and a magnetic strip to attach accessories such as the 'Touch Cover' and 'Type Cover'.  Two cameras, front-facing and rear-facing are also included. No pricing information or release dates were declared on June 18, 2012.


Windows RT, announced on April 16, 2012 and known during development as Windows on ARM, is a version of the Microsoft Windows operating system for ARM devices --  namely tablets. Windows RT will officially only run software available through the Windows Store or included in Windows RT including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote as standard. Microsoft will only be selling the operating system to device manufacturers directly, and not as a stand-alone product to consumers.

Windows Store is an upcoming digital distribution platform, similar to Apple's App Store, developed by Microsoft Corporation as part of Windows 8 for Metro style applications. The Windows Store will also allow developers to advertise their desktop applications. Windows Store will support both free and paid applications. Developers will also be able to offer free trials. The Windows Store was made available concurrently with the release of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview which was released on February 29, 2012.

Metro is an internal code name for a typography-based design language created by Microsoft, originally for use in Windows Phone 7, but now includes

A key design principle of Metro is better focus on the content of applications, relying more on typography (using design principles of classic Swiss graphic design) and less on graphics. As the saying goes "content before chrome".

Facebook Messenger Gets Good Reviews

Facebook Messenger is reported to be better than the full Facebook app because it focuses on messaging. The app gives feedback regarding whether messages have been seen.

The app has the ability to send SMS texts in addition to instant messages, and includes multiple settings for push notifications.

The app retrieves phone numbers from Facebook connections, rather than the iPhone contacts list -- reducing the chance that user will use an outdated or incorrect phone number.

Some duplication of messages has been reported.