Another Window to be opened?

Microsoft just announced last Monday that they will be launching their new Windows Mobile operating system somewhere in 2010 and they are calling it Windows Phone 7.  Reviews from PC World and other tech websites are saying that the OS is quite similar to Microsoft Zune's interface.  I haven't used a Zune before but by the looks of it it's quite attractive.  Many liked the Zune aside from the iPod but majority of users still prefer the iPod or iPhone.  I just hope that this new Microsoft OS is not only for the tech savvy but also for the ordinary mediocre users who hates being technical.  If they are able to do this than they may have an edge in the Mobile business like their PC Windows platform.  Apple's iPhone OS is still the best thing when it comes to usability, while Google's Android OS is best when it comes to the technicalities.  I hope that Microsoft can bridge that gap and give the masses a unique user experience.  To me it still depends on the user's preferences and not the makers.

As they pronounced it -- "iPad"

I was never a fan of Apple products but I do appreciate their innovative ways both in technical and marketing.  Recently Steve introduced to us the new iPad as they call it (In Filipino it still sounds like an iPod).  I have reviewed their specifications and what amazed me is the battery life that they claim can last up to 10 hours of continuous use.  For me that is a breakthrough in mobile computing.  Although other companies claimed to have a battery life this long, like Dell, but despite the fact that it's a hybrid between a computer and a multimedia device you wouldn't expect something like this coming.  Most companies are souping up their devices with almost all the features that their devices can provide but the common problem is the same and that is the battery life.  I do not see much of a development in this area of Engineering but what I think that Steve did was that he removed some features that are major battery drainers like the Flash capability which he claims that is a very efficient battery drainer.  Although flash is widely used in the internet most especially video sites like Youtube and also game sites like Y8.com, I'm not sure what can we expect from this device. 

But I think that simplicity is King and I guess this is another general niche that Apple has entered and I have the feeling that they will dominate.  The way they design their devices is that they thought of it thoroughly that everybody, and I mean anybody who would get hold of it don't need to be a rocket scientist to operate it and perform what it's intended to do.

iPod Nano a no No-No.

I got my iPod Nano last year from my Dad when he went to the States for a business trip. At first I was thinking to buy a Creative Media player but when I found out that the price difference was not that much then I decided to have an iPod instead. Guess what, I did a right decision. I was amazed how clear and sharp the LCD screen was despite of it's size. I have made use of it to the maximum potential. I love to watch movies when I'm caught up waiting for something. And one of the most innovative thing that Apple has created were podcasts. I love to watch G4 shows, CNET Live, MTV News, and PC World videos. Aside from my music I also listen most of the time to Audiobooks. I listen to them when I am driving so that no time is wasted while commuting. This device is also helpful at work, it serves as a noise cancellation device. Some of my officemates are quite audible when talking about work and you can't avoid to get annoyed. The solution, filter noise with music(but my playlists are almost noise to some). No wonder that this baby is the best selling iPod aside from the iPhone.
But this has also it's major weakness. One is that since it is an iPod, you cannot just copy and paste your music and videos in it. You have to do this using iTunes. And one thing I do not like about iTunes is that you have to import all your media files if you can't afford to buy your music online. This is quite a nuisance to me because it takes a lot of time. It's second weakness that I find is the scroll wheel is quite small for my large fingers. I often get a false selection which i find quite annoying. It's back cover is also a fingerprint magnet. But I don't mind since I put it inside a leather case.
Despite all the annoying aforementioned drawbacks, it served it's purpose of being an entertaining portable media device. And it looks good also. Apple did their assignment again when it comes to aesthetics. For this device, I can't do anything without it and I recommend it as a must have.