Slightly Disappointed

I don’t often have major gripes about software updates but this one has really gotten under my skin. The iPhone OS 3.1 update was officially released on Sept.9, 2009. While it brings a handful of good features it also broke a rather important pre-existing function. Anyone who uses smart playlists in iTunes knows how great that function can be to customize playlists to your liking. Now, after installing the iPhone OS 3.1 update, this is no longer the case on the iPhone side of things.

iPhone 3G S: Is it a worthwhile upgrade?

With WWDC behind us, there’s been lots of debate over whether or not this new iPhone 3G S is a worthwhile upgrade. So let’s take a step back from all the hype, relax a minute and take a quick look at what some of the new hardware/software combination has to offer and try to put it all into perspective.

Starting with the hardware the iPhone 3G S will come in two flavors. A 16GB and a 32GB model, both running the new iPhone OS 3.0 software. Along with that each one will also have the following hardware:

• 600MHz ARMv7 processor
• 256MB DDR RAM
• PowerVR SGX graphics chip
• 7.2Mbps HSPA compliant cell chip
• 3.0MP auto-focus camera
• Magnatometer (compass)
• Oil-resistant screen coating (oleophobic)
• Improved battery life (approx 1.5)

1 Week Later: Motorola Motorokr S9-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headset (Updated)

It’s now officially one week later and I have spent quite a few hours with the new Motorola Motorokr S9-HD Bluetooth Stereo Headset. During this time I used them no different than any other headset I own and use on a regulat basis. So starting with the fit of the headset after prolonged use I feel comfortable to say that they are fantastic. At no time did I feel any fatigue from wearing them for 2 hours or more as I usually do. The S9-HD grips to the side of your head to stay in position similar to a pair of Oakley sunglasses as they don’t need to rest on the ear. The rubberized inner portion of the headset did a good job of preventing the headset from slipping and bouncing around. It was pretty much stable during walks and brief runs down the street and even running up and down stairways. There was also no ear fatigue from the earbuds which are also comfortable and hold up well during long periods of use. They are not going to fit every ear but when they do it makes listen to music quite enjoyable.

Today June 12 @12:30pm EST: The End of Analog

Today, June 12, 2009 @12:30pm EST broadcast television goes digital. So, if you haven’t been paying attention you need to read this now.

If you subscribe to a cable service such as CableVision, Time Warner or a satellite service like the Dish Network, DirecTV or to whatever the available paid TV subscription service is in your area then you are covered and don’t have to read any further.

For the rest of you reading this there are two choices available to you. One is to finally get a cable or satellite TV subscription pronto. Check your local listings, phone directory or even your ISP for what’s available in your area and the best prices. The other choice is to get out to your local electronics store like a Best Buy, Radio Shack, etc and get a digital converter box.

My $0.02 for 2009 (Revisited) (Updated)

Back in January 2009 I wrote My $0.02 for 2009. My quick and dirty thoughts on what was coming for the next iPhone. It was nothing very specific at all because I really didn’t feel it necessary. Anything new Apple puts into the iPhone to replace current hardware is going to be an upgrade anyway with the exception of previously non-existent hardware. So I’m not going to add anything but merely see if the current hardware changes that much or will it be more software upgraded with the new iPhone OS 3.0 firmware update. In either case Monday’s WWDC should be fun to watch. WWDC (World Wide Developer Conference) starts at 10:00am PST in San Francisco which makes it: