"It's yet another in a long series of diversions in an attempt to avoid responsibility." - Chris Knight
Archive for the ‘Technology’ Category
Microsoft Sync Framework: One Part Google Gears
November 5th, 2007 by iDunzo
Microsoft has released an early preview of a new programming tool known as the Microsoft Sync Framework, which looks to be one part Google Gears, with on/offline sync capabilities, and one part Time Machine-like, OS-level syncing system.
According to the documentation, the Sync Framework will allow developers to take online services and databases offline.
Microsoft says the framework can synchronize “any type of file including contacts, music, videos, images and settings.”
The Sync Framework also includes “built-in support for synchronizing relational databases, NTFS / FAT file systems, Simple Sharing Extensions for RSS/ATOM, devices and web services.”
Microsoft rather boldly claims that Sync will support “any application, any type of data, using any protocol over any network.”
But reading through the description on the Microsoft download site, it would appear that the new framework goes somewhat beyond the scope of Google Gears and enables, in addition to the offline support, various collaboration and file syncing capabilities.
Among the scenarios Microsoft notes in the documentation are multi-master file sync between multiple PCs, synchronization between PCs using a USB Drive, taking a network share offline and maintaining a backup copy of files.
At the moment the Sync Framework only supports Windows Vista, XP, Windows Server 2003 and Windows 2000 Service pack 3. It’s unclear whether Microsoft will expand that support in the future.
Microsoft has yet to release any details regarding a timeframe for the final release of Microsoft Sync Framework, though the developer preview is available for those interested in testing it.
Posted in Google + Microsoft + Software + Technology | 
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Apple iPhone Firmware Update 1.1.2 On The Way
November 5th, 2007 by iDunzo
In what is sure to ignite another outcry against Apple, the latest firmware update for the iPhone will – you guessed it – wipe out access to third-party applications and wireless networks other than AT&T’s. Again.
The firmware update, to 1.1.2, is said to be coming this week in conjunction with the iPhone’s launch in the U.K.
iPhones will be available in Great Britain starting on Friday, and will come preloaded with 1.1.2.
Since iTunes 7.5 is also rumored to be released this week, it isn’t a big stretch to surmise that Apple will make the 1.1.2 firmware update available to the general public as well.
There are some positives in the update. The iPhone will support more languages, notably Cantonese.
There is also full support for French and German, with different keyboard configurations to provide access to special characters used in those languages.
No real surprises there, as the iPhone is going to be hitting European shores later this month.
The bad news is, according to those who’ve seen the 1.1.2 firmware, it will again lock out access to third-party applications by fixing the loophole that currently lets users unlock their iPhones.
According to MacRumors, one third-party application in particular is being targeted by Apple this time around: iToner.
iToner allows users to create their own custom ringtones from their iTunes library and install them on the iPhone.
Since this prevents Apple from earning some extra cash, it’s no real surprise that it would take action to stop this application.
The update will also break access to unlocking the SIM card so iPhones can be used on other networks.
Not much else has been leaked about the firmware update, and it is unknown if it will provide any new features or functionality to the iPhone.
Undoubtedly, the ever-diligent hacking community will likely come up with yet more ways to circumvent the iPhone’s locking software and open it back up.
All we can do is sit back and wait for it all to happen. Again.
Posted in Apple + Software + Technology + Wireless | Comments Off on Apple iPhone Firmware Update 1.1.2 On The Way
gPhone Software: “Everything You Need To Run A Phone”
November 3rd, 2007 by iDunzo
Google’s Monday Revolution will be a suite of software based on Linux and codenamed “Android,” according to a story published at News.com.
This suite is implied to be an operating system (“it’s said to include everything you need to run a phone”) to be followed immediately thereafter by an SDK.
The rest of the story is standard gPhone preview: weasel-worded blather like “backed by some of the largest wireless industry companies in the world” and “carrier X is said to be heavily involved.”
Buried deep, however, are nuggets like JumpTap executive Dan Olschwang wondering if the whole thing is just a giant trap to get people to write expansions to Google’s software.
Tim Hanlon of Denuo points out that if the gPhone’s framework is anything like what’s described here, the carriers would be loathe to let it in their playground at all.
With all the buzz the past year or so with talks of a Google phone, would you be interested in Google gPhone software?
I’m all for this sort of “geek to the core” phone technology, especially if Google has a say in it.
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Google’s Mobile Plans To Be Revealed Monday
November 2nd, 2007 by iDunzo
I guess Google couldn’t wait two weeks to spill the beans.
It appears that Google is prepared to make an announcement on Monday regarding its plans in the mobile space, and sources say Sprint, T-Mobile and a bunch of handset makers will be involved.
According to The Wall Street Journal, Monday will likely be the day we learn the fate of the wireless industry.
Whether Google will move along an evolutionary or revolutionary path is completely unknown, but the result will probably shake up the industry either way.
At least two carriers, Sprint and T-Mobile, are on board with whatever Google is up to. Along with the carriers, handset vendors are working behind the scenes, too.
The Journal’s Amol Sharma writes:
While Sprint appears to be agreeing to work with Google to put the Web giant’s new Linux-based open operating system into phones, T-Mobile will probably go even further: the company has worked with Google for months on plans to build Google-powered phones with a variety of Google software and applications. As far as handset partners for Google, Taiwan’s HTC is a likely bet, our sources say. Samsung, LG, and SonyEricsson are also possible, but we’ll wait and see the full roster. Equally interesting will be who isn’t on the list.
Even though T-Mobile is lagging behind the other major U.S. network operators from a technical standpoint (no 3G yet), it is more forward thinking when it comes to its products and services.
In this respect, it makes sense for T-Mobile to be pushing Google the hardest for a more fully evolved product.
On the OEM side, HTC is an obvious choice but by deploying a platform, and not just one piece of hardware, it will allow more parts of the mobile ecosystem to share in the development and growth of the industry.
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Online Color Thesaurus
November 2nd, 2007 by iDunzo
Now here’s a great resource for anyone doing a project with color — from graphic designers to homeowners looking to paint their living room.
HP (yeah, the computer company) has launched an online color thesaurus.
It’s pretty easy to use too. All you do is simply type the color name in the text field, hit submit and magically they’ll provide you a list of similar color swatches along with their opposite.
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Steve Wozniak: Apple Should Unlock The iPhone
November 1st, 2007 by iDunzo
Steve Jobs got a suggestion the other day from an old friend and business partner — a guy named Steve Wozniak.
Unlock the Apple iPhone, Woz said:
I am really for the unlockers, the rebels trying to make it free. I’d really like it to be open to new applications.
Wozniak said in an interview with Laptop magazine:
From a business point of view, Apple owns what they have done. They have a right to lock it. But I’d really like it to be open to new applications. I’d like to install some nice games. Why in the world can I not install a ringtone that I’ve made? How would that hurt AT&T’s network?
He added:
Here is Steve Jobs sending letters to the record companies saying they should provide music that’s unprotected, but here he is taking the opposite approach with the iPhone.
The magazine covered a lot of ground in its interview. Highlights:
- He’s switching to Leopard “the first day it comes out.”
- He’s skeptical of Linux’s potential. “I don’t think it’s going to make a big mark.”
- “No, I haven’t tried Vista. I bought Parallels, but I didn’t install it. I don’t have any desire to try out Vista and haven’t seen the need to yet.”
To find out more, be sure to check out the complete interview with Steve Wozniak.
Posted in Apple + Technology + Toys & Gadgets + Wireless | Comments Off on Steve Wozniak: Apple Should Unlock The iPhone
