Posts by Fab De Marco

Not Just butt dials.....

I did an accidental Call to emergency services while I was on the phone. I was working my way through a series of options whilst on the phone to an insurance company. It just so happens that the my first option was 1, next option was 1 and the option after that was 2. Without me knowing this activated the European 112 emergency call. I don't know if my face hit dial or if it auto called once it detected the phone was upright and against my face again all I know is that I had a very confused, then very angry 999 operator who wasn't at all helpful with my insurance question.

So if this function must remain then 112 should be replaced with something with a 9 in it to reduce the likelihood of automated phone systems kicking it. If a phone system had 9 options then I think they should be at the sharp end of some legal recourse anyway.

Diet Coke Break?

Conversely what does a shirtless gardener have to do with a sugarless beverage?? Surely it should show a sweaty fat guy mowing the lawn shirtless drinking coke so that he can lose weight..... Hold on, that won't help sell soft drinks.

It's the oldest rule in advertising; sex sells. Deal with it and move on.

Hangouts is Googles iMessage

And I quite like the way they separate it. Before you type your message the input box has a greyed out message on it; either Send SMS to [phone number] or Send Hangouts message. you can change this by pressing on the icon in front of the message. Better yet. If the user on the other end of the conversation doesn't use hangouts. you can only send a text. It works. Plus it becomes your hub for video chat and VOIP too, though I haven't played with voice calls yet when my phone does a perfectly good job of that already.

What I do't understand, and this is cross platform, why is there so much buzz about the ability to save your text messages when you switch devices? Or even make text messages an important part of a backup. This goes for iPhone and android users.

If there is any important information sent to me via text then I wouldn't really like to keep it in such a fragile ecosystem. If you need the info then simply copy paste it, put it in notes, email it, dropbox, google drive. lots of other places but not you SMS inbox?!

I suppose there is always the sentimental factor. Maybe it's because my wife and I no longer send soppy text messages to each other that I have become jaded to the whole thing.

This is not just an Apple thing

It's a smart phone thing. Smart Phones have become an addiction for many and when someone with an addictive personality has their link to TwitBookPinBlog cut off they will get cranky. No where near the same level as drug or alcohol dependence, we are not at that stage (yet?).

Image is everything in the business world, and with so many ways of trashing a company the businesses get scared and bend to demands while saying fuck you through a grin. I'm sure they don't spend their evening hugging their knees crying in the shower over it though.

Well Done Mr. Cook

That sound you hear is many members of the Westboro Baptist Church throwing their iPhones out the window.... Unless...... Do they hate technology too... they hate so many things, I can't keep track.

Meanwhile the rest of us in the civilised world don't really care. I wasn't a fan of Apple when its leader was giving it to a woman, now that I know its leader is giving it to a man..... still not a fan.

Is there a ransom

They will happily freeze the eggs for them, but surely there is an ongoing cost to the company that stores the eggs to. So if they leave their job does the plug get pulled on their eggs?

You can leave but if you do we will kill your unborn hyperthetical children

Crazy idea alert!!!!

Is it possible to split security and feature releases... this goes for both iOS and Android.

This way a device can be kept up to date from a security point of view, but new features are reserved for compatible hardware.

Windows manages this in a desktop environment by having "important" and "optional" updates. You would just need to lock certain optional updates out by Hardware ID.

Sure you may find your two year old device still gets slower, same as windows does with successive updates. but the main element of slowness will be your old device trying to run up to date features.

This will certainly reduce fragmentation on Android devices and you can even still keep the e-penis element of it alive by saying my device is on 4.4.4+/iOS8+ or 4.4.4/iOS8 Full Fat or whatever you want to call it. you can then have the same I want new shiny shiny factor the day your device loses its + or FF status.

So If I want to be cool.....

I have to roll up at Glastonbury in my Aston Martin wearing my Nike sweatpants, check the time on my Rolex then tweet about it on an iPhone..... That's the dream anyway.

Is London the way to trial?

Outside London £20 will do you aright. But you'd surely be topping up another £20 after buying 2 coffees and a couple of croissants

I like it

Helps me to judge if a video is worth watching and it makes me feel like I'm reading The Daily Prophet

Good move for football - not terrorism related at all

Why would you want your face in your tablet while watching football? This internet addiction has really gone too far if people cant stand to be without their tablet for a few hours on a Saturday.

I'm sure everyone who owns a tablet also has a smartphone why don't you slum it on a small screen for a bit. I hope a stray ball smacks you on the head while you're looking down.

Voice search...

Is there a way to turn off the "OK Google" function on it.... I can just imagine my friends shouting "OK Google, Show my pictures of blue waffle" into my wrist just for fun....

Maybe I just need new friends....

UK Based testing?!

Didnt they have a "manned" test in the states for a year or two. Where it was an ordinary car with ordinary controls, just driven by a computer. There was a driver that could step in at any time.

Would it not be prudent to conduct the same tests in what is a very different driving environment in the UK before sending in the drones?

Patents, Patents, Patents

I have an idea, It's not just Apple that apply for patent after patent just as lawsuit ammo (although they are the most publicised).

So my idea, it means more work for all involved but here goes. In order to keep a patent, you must show the patent office the research and development you have done in order to get this project off the ground.

For example, I could patent the Flying Car. I could own the patent and do nothing with it, because, quite frankly, I don't know how to build a flying car. If during the year of me owning a patent Ford come along with a prototype, they can wait until my patent expires then swoop in.

This method actually fuels progress, if an idea has merit then it should not be in the hands of an idiot. It should be in the hands of someone that can make it happen.

This ensures that its not just patent to stop anyone else making the product but patent because you have an idea that you genuinely want to get off the ground.

form over function Mantra catching up with Apple

Apple are well known for making pretty things. This extends to their stores. Wall to wall glass in many cases.

Perhaps they should focus more on function and less on form.

They're going to need a hand model with bigger hands to pull thing one off...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O99m7lebirE

It's all to do with the potential to watch TV

TV Licencing is so that you can enjoy the "Wonderful" programming provided by the BBC. If you have no interest in BBC TV you cannot still own a TV and promise not to watch any BBC Channels. Because you have a device that has the capability to receive BBC signals. Apply the same logic to computers. There is no measure in place that stops you firing up iplayer and Getting free entertainment without the licence fee.

Until some form of IP blocking is put into place that restricts use, you will be stuck having to pay the licence fee even if you don't own a TV.

Though it will be easier to abolish the fee and just have adverts instead. But that would mean many big wigs getting a pay cut.

Users, Users Users!

Not really apple maps fault. Sure they could direct users to the car park or drop off point (google maps does) but why should they. If you asked for directions to a shopping mall, it would probably direct you to the middle of the complex. Does that mean you drive your car into the building like some kind of hollywood shoot 'em up? No. You use the sat nav to get you to the general location then follow the signs for car parking. If the signage is poor then that's the fault of the airport or local authority.

If you are expecting these things to take you to the door every time may I suggest taking the bus. Or wait a few years and take a Johnny Cab as suggested elsewhere in this thread

What I'd Love to see is....

Android devices that must use a similar feature MS had to put into their OS,... Browser choice..... or in this case.... Launcher Choice.

So When you buy a Samsung device, for example, the first thing you are prompted for is Would you like the Touchwiz overlay or Vanilla Android..... If they choose vanilla android they will get updates in the same way as any nexus device.

Lets face it, not everyone who owns a smartphone is smart.... the world isn't populated solely by geeks who want the latest features, latest updates, etc. Some people just want to facebook, twitter, WhatsApp and..... help me out here guys what else does a phone do... oh yeah and phone calls. If their phone does all that they won't care how up to date it is as long as it does it all and maybe looks flashy while doing so.

So your non geeky types will probably adopt the manufacturers overlay whereas the geeks of the world will probably go for the nexus experience. Of course the manufacturers will never allow this.

Words like this will get forgotten

I was told about this by a young girl in the office.... being a man of the world I already knew what they meant.... I in turn picked a random word from the early 90s. I asked her what the word todger meant.... She did not know. I advised that she look it up and I now have an email from HR requesting a meeting this afternoon. Maybe they don't know what it means either.

A quick office poll of the sub 25 year olds proved that no one knows what todger means, In 20 years time the same can be said for twerk.

Terms of the trademark

Yes, Apple and Windows are trademarks. But they are company names and not trademarked based on Fruit or those sheets of glass that allow light to enter your room.

Startup, however is being trademarked under many sweeping computer based terms, and the problem with this is that startup is already a term in the computer world. You'll notice a startup folder in your windows start menu. If you open a run prompt in windows and type MSconfig you can control what starts up when you boot windows using the startup tab.

It is a good idea

I hate apple as much as the next guy. But I think, if well implemented, this is a very good idea, albeit not an original one.

Best usage scenario, you are involved in a car accident and are Knocked out, the paramedics/Good Samaritan recover your phone. Should it have a PIN/Pattern lock on it it would be no use to them, even face unlock requires you to blink. But with a fingerprint sensor they can use your finger (assuming it is still attached) to unlock it (if medically safe to do so) and contact your loved ones to let them know sooner than having the hospital staff do it when you're admitted. They can also use your phone to identify you in lieu of any photo ID.

Obviously one would hope that such an accident is a rare occurrence in your life and you would primarily be unlocking the phone yourself. As such it is important that the fingerprint unlock works as fast or faster than using PIN/Pattern. This is where Face unlock failed. The gimmick was great but it took longer than conventional methods.

Pass those savings one British Gas

Wow, with all that money they are saving, how about the reduce the unit cost of electricity and pass the savings on to the consumer. Radical I know.

Whilst on the subject of unit costs, why have so fraking many?! The amount of energy suppliers is mental and each of those suppliers have an elaborate array of tariffs. Since the quality of the Gas and electric is constant regardless of tariff why even bother with different fees?

One could argue heavier users qualify for cheaper unit costs in the same way as buying goods in bulk gets you a cheaper per unit prices, but I seriously doubt it works that way. The Gov. have been on about regulating this for a while, but I see nothing happening.

Probably just going to gush for 30 minutes

I doubt she will complain about the paying £65 for a charger. Anyone who has $610k to spend in half an hour probably wouldn't notice the cost of a charger.

It's all for charity so we shouldn't really grumble. But I can't help but think Tim could have raise more if the prize was to push the button that would dunk him as a witch.

Upper left side?

I'm sure one of you clever people can correct me, but where is the upper left side of the Sun???

My last Science lesson was some time ago, back then the Sun was a spherical mass not a 2 dimensional circle in the sky.

Draw a circle on the ground and I will show you its upper left side. Hand me a football and its upper left side will depend on which way round it was facing.

There's another issue

If it is a hack/data breach then there is something else to consider. These thieves will also have your data. A database of Tesco shoppers names and addresses can be sold for a fair wedge too.

I know its basis is an Internet meme but....

I really don't want to live on this planet any more.

Pipping android to the post

I believe multiple user log ons and been put on the wish list for key lime pie update. Not sure if switching users will be as easy as swipe on swipe off but the concept is there.

It is a good feature, but the hardware needs to also support multiple sim cards so that this can truly run effectively.

Take responsibility for your own security

There are free apps available for both OS that will locate a stolen phone. Install one and if it gets stolen the Boys in Blue will have a nice easy collar (We hope)

Apples and Oranges

I hate Apple as much as the next guy, but this truly is headline grabbing stuff. If you were comparing samsungs mobile arm against apple then fair enough, but if you are looking at Samsung electronics, then compare with LG, Sony, etc. Someone that has their fingers in as many pies as samsung (mobile, TV, Home appliances, etc)

I think we are far from Internet as being a human right

With most of us working in IT it is easy to find yourself in an IT bubble where everyone has a working understanding of computers and their application.

In reality, however there are certain people that exist who are in the 80s and 90s and simply don't know how to or don't want to use a computer. Hell, the same can be said for some people in their 40s and 50s. If they didn't grow up with it, they might not use it.

as such most companies will always offer a face to face, telephone or postal alternative. Sure its less convenient for all parties involved but it is the norm for some people. If a service is only available online then these types of people will just do without.

I would say that we are a long way away from the internet being essential to your existence.

very clever but

wouldn't a bluetooth keyboard take up the same table real estate, be far more accurate and not sensitive to unwanted vibrations..... this seems a lot like using a sledgehammer to crack a walnut

In addition to this, in a normal typing position your screen will have to be flat and you would look at it from a 45 degree angle, so not overly optimal, in the bluetooth keyboard scenario you can pop your phone on a stand.

Don't get me wrong its very clever but not overly useful.

I also call bullshit

If you lined up 10 Samsung Galaxy (x) users and 10 iPhone users and asked them

"What do you think about the result of the recent Samsung Vs. Apple patent lawsuit?"

You would probably get 80% blank expressions followed by getting their phones out and Googling "Recent Samsung Vs. Apple Lawsuit"

You must remember that most IT professionals have smart phones but most smart phone users are not IT professionals. As such, don't know and don't care about these things; they just want to instagram their roast dinner and tweet about the latest pregnant celebrity.

Madness!

When will this end.

Yes there are similarities, but the same is the case in the reverse. Originally Apple had a very poor notifications interface, untill they copied that found in the Android OS; using the pull down notifications drawer.

I run both iPhone and Android for work/personal respectively and with with one click of the home button I could see any and all notifications on my android Device, whereas with Apple I would be forced to unlock the phone and check for red notification numbers. Now, since whatever update ages ago Apple have the app drawer.

I am waiting for Apple to adopt the widget interface too, as it simply makes for a better user experience.

As for Apple playing dumb with regards to attention to detail, is this really the same company that once asked Google to fix the shade of yellow in the second o in google as it was simply the wrong shade.

source: http://www.macstories.net/links/steve-jobs-googles-vic-gundotra-and-icon-ambulance-on-a-sunday/

This they notice, but one phone icon looking like another makes them cry heretic!

Geograhpy....

On the map of europe in the background..... Since when has Slough been near Carlise?

It's been said already but its down to interest

Women are generally not interested in Tech and IT. Always been the case, maybe it will change but thats for future generations to decide.

It's got nothing to do with "Certain types of Men" in the profession. I remember my college days the beaty therapy block was filled with beautiful young women, and while I would love to have been locked in an elevator with a few of them. There is no way I would endure waxing and facials (not that kind) because I would like to work with them because I have no interest in beauty. I would shave, sometimes, but thats about as far as I'd take it

If there is a drive to strong arm women into IT then it is wrong. If they want to do it then they can. If they are made to do it then they will end up hating their job and retraining for something else, thereby simply wasting their time.

Much in the same way as if there was a drive to get men doing beauty, if they want to do it fine, free choice, have fun.

End of the day, give kids all the options as to what they can do, what they enjoy and then give careers advice based on that. Don't pigeon hole people based on their gender, its just as sexist as discriminating imo.

No usually a defender of the fruit but

The Data Plan issue is the end users own fault. You surely know that you have a data cap and the faster your connection, the more you use the more expensive it becomes. Maybe there should be a minimum data cap if you even want to entertain the idea LTE say minimum 20GB Data cap.

Its the same as buying a Ferrari, driving at 100mph everywhere you go then complaining about your fuel bills, you should know what you're getting in to.

The Wireless issue I also belive to be a bit hit and miss. I mean you laptop could show 100% signal @54Mpbs, whereas the iPad could show 50% signal and also be connected at 54Mpbs, because that may be the limit that your router has, So the iPad is showing less signal because it has the potential to go faster but is limited by the router.

The Guy that was compaining about choppy Wifi in his Cafe. No Shit, you're sharing a connection with 20-30 other people, and the connection could be a low (4-6MB) to begin with.

If this is really an issue proper testing needs to be done.

Geeky is the new Sexy

Actually I find that the more common one appears to be "I got Pumped in 6 weeks by following this simple rule" Ads more apparent.

It appears as though us Geeks can now get the girl owing to the fact we can install printers/sounds systsems/teach them how to use their smart phones.

The problem is now, how to stop getting beaten up. Hence the evolution of the scam.

Once us Geeks have beefed up we just need to do something about those personalities.

I wonder if it takes any feed.

I kind of want to plug in a windows 3.1 machine into it and play solitare. even if I run it in a VM. Would be awesome.