* Posts by Tom 35

3040 publicly visible posts • joined 10 Jun 2009

Google's SECRET contracts: Android lock-in REVEALED!

Tom 35

Re: I just wish I could remove the ****ing Facebook app

That's the phone maker, or your carrier as my Nexus 4 is free of any Facebook app.

Being stuck with something you don't want from Google (say youtube) is not much different then the crap the carrier sticks on the phone. At least youtube works and will be updated unlike most of the crap the carrier sticks on your phone.

Broker accuses FAST of scaring users off secondhand software

Tom 35

Re: It can be a grey area ...

"Agreed, support in my mind (if it comes with a product purchase) expires with resale, like a car warranty."

In Canada a car warranty is tranfered to the new owner. Why should support end with a resale? You already got your money.

Judge: Odds of bankrupt Lightsquared sorting itself out are 'zero'

Tom 35

Re: "provide something nice"

Sure, just a nice guy trying to provide something for the people.

Maybe next time he will buy up a load of dog food and apply to have it decared fit for human consuption.

Flappy Bird's ANIMATED CORPSE may spread malware PLAGUE

Tom 35

So does a Walled Garden approach look any better now?

Only if you are an idiot who makes the choice to install software from some shady app shop in Russia or where ever.

Android phones have a wall too, it's just that the owner of the phone has the key to the gate.

Netflix speed index shows further decline in Verizon quality

Tom 35

"treats all traffic equally"

But some traffic is more equal that others?

Gamers in a flap as Vietnamese dev pulls Flappy Bird

Tom 35

I have seen a few people playing it on the Subway

And I remember thinking it looked like something you would type in from a magazine for an Apple II+ or a Commodore 64,

Tim Cook dangles 'new product categories' carrot over $14bn Apple share buyback

Tom 35

Re: I don't understand any of this

"What is Icahn's rationale in 'demanding' a $50bn buy back, by Apple?"

He wants more money.

I think the next new product should be an app controlled, wearable, enhanced cattle prod.

Give the first one to iCahn and make the app free in the app store.

Apple cash stash dash results in Icahn v CalPERS bitchfight

Tom 35

It's a shame that Carl Icahn is more interested in making a quick buck than improving corporate governance in this country.

The pejoratives are a good fit for Carl... I could think of a few more without too much work.

IBM nearly HALVES its effective tax rate in 2013 - report

Tom 35

Re: If the big companies need to do it ...

"Only people who lack any business knowledge/sense would dis-agree IMO."

And the ones not paying any tax under the current system. After all they paid good money for those loopholes.

Google Glassholes, GET OFF our ROADS, thunder lawmakers in seven US states

Tom 35

Re: So does this ban smart-watches?

"In short, if there's no evidence of unsafe behaviour, there's no need to take action for safety reasons."

But what is "unsafe behaviour" You can text while driving most of the time, it's not until a driver ahead slows down, or a light turns red that you get in trouble. But just because you can get away with it most of the time is no excuse. You ban texting while driving to improve safety, 'driving without due care and attention' is a punishment after something bad has already happened.

It's big, it's expensive and it's an audiophile's dream: The Sonos Sub

Tom 35

Audiophile and Sonos mentioned in the same article?

Making a fashion statement is the most important part of being an audiophile. It's like having a letter on the side of your headphones.

Sure you could buy something that sounds better for half the price, but it would not look like a big black doughnut and be sort of wireless.

Feds indict four over alleged Android app copyright infringement

Tom 35

Play store cards

Along with the stupid regions for the stores, it would also help if Google made the Play Store cards good world wide. I live in Canada and you can find iTunes gift cards everywhere, but I have yet to see a Playstore card. I hear they exist but have yet to see one.

If people could buy a playstore card the same place they buy a top up for their phone, that would make things a lot easier for people to buy apps.

Tom 35

The US Department of Justice has taken a break from handing Amazon an ebook monopoly

Oh do piss off already...

As for the app,

For China I expect most of the downloads are from people with no-name android devices without access to the app store who download from other stores. Checking the app store it lists it as 500-1000 installs. Even with good reviews it's a multi player gave without a single player option, and it costs money. It has to compete with thousands of free to play (pay to win) games.

Android VPN redirect vuln now spotted lurking in Kitkat 4.4

Tom 35

Re: Surprise!

Yes, WinPhone can't have a problem like this...

No VPN!

What can Microsoft learn from 'discontinued operations' at Nokia?

Tom 35

Re: Dead Platform

"99% of all Mobile malware is on Android - none on Windows Phone!"

Just like saying that Mac/Linux has no malware. It's not because it's super secure, it's just that not enough people use it for the bad guys to bother.

Microsoft loses grip on Christmas shoppers... despite XBox boost

Tom 35

as consumers have generally stopped buying PCs

Or maybe that should be...as consumers have generally never started buying Windows 8.

US govt watchdog slams NSA snooping as illegal, useless against terrorism

Tom 35

fears public will hate spies if another 9/11 happens

So they will keep on spying.

Another 9/11 will happen (just like they could not even stop Boston when it was handed to them on a plate).

- Oh dear, we didn't spy enough... we are going to need a bigger budget, and some new secret laws...

So Dr Dre, Jimmy Iovine and Trent Reznor walk into a bar

Tom 35

THE WORLD REALLY NEEDS...

ANOTHER US ONLY DIGITAL MUSIC STREAMING SERVICE!

Good news: 'password' is no longer the #1 sesame opener, now it's '123456'

Tom 35

Re: It's not just about websites though is it?

Our phone system decided to make everyone change their voicemail passcode the day before Christmas break. Guess what happened when they came back? Except for the ones that put a sticky note on the bottom of their phones...

I discovered that one sneaky staff member had discovered that if they "forgot" their password and had me reset it with "must change password" set, they could put their old password back in without getting the can't reuse password error. Didn't what everyone doing it so I waited a day, then turned "must change password" on again.

But I agree with others (and have talked to the boss, but that's what the best practices doc said to do...) that forcing password changes is a waste of time as they will just add a number to the end.

Microsoft says that Pa$$w0rd is Very Strong...

Tom 35
Trollface

Re: Balls to that!

So what, I saw some guy use ****** for his password!

Tom 35

Re: When you do not want to create an account

When they want me to create an account just to download a patch or something and have "send me crap" checked by default I'm Elvis, and my email is marketing@their-domain.com and the crappiest password that will work.

Elvis is often already taken... so I use a "funny name" like I P Standing, Mickey Mouse is almost always taken.

Apple badmouthing of court's monitor proves it NEEDS him - judge

Tom 35

Re: They have a point

They still don't admit they did anything wrong. And now this monitor is getting in the way of them not doing anything wrong again.

Cybercrooks slide fingers into TELLIES+FRIDGES, spam splurge ensues

Tom 35

Just try

Getting a patch for last years model TV/Fridge/whatever when everything is "smart".

Audiophiles: These Wi-Fi speakers have a stereo drift of less than 25μs – good enough for you?

Tom 35

The "The Best of David Hasselhoff" was not me!...

Actually all of them are items that have loads of "funny reviews" on Amazon.com.

Tom 35

Don't forget the Denon interconnect cable for your router.

http://www.amazon.com/Denon-AKDL1-Dedicated-Cable-Version/dp/B000I1X6PM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389734781&sr=8-1&keywords=denon+cable+cat

Even 'Your computer has a virus' cold-call gits are migrating off XP

Tom 35

Re: @scub

Not a chance. They are scam artists and clearly know what they are doing. No different then pick pockets that also take pride in their skill.

Tom 35

"You know, your mother must be so disappointed in you"

That's all it takes most of the time. It is almost sure to cause the Indian call center jerk to explode with 4 letter words.

If one of them calls to tell me my tablet has a problem I think I'll tell him it's a suppository...

Nokia Lumia update spreads Black death

Tom 35

Motion Focus

Wow, not only is the bike going so fast that the background is smeared but the people walking are too, one seems to be running backwards.

I hope they include something that's actually useful with the camera update.

Google stabs Wikipedia in the front

Tom 35

Re: if Google can show me what I need without me having to ...

There is a difference between a simple fact like the half-life of nickel-56 in the example above, or 22 centigrade to fahrenheit and something that might be complex, or contentious like naked short selling.

Google is great for the simple fact. Wikipedia is better for the more complex things, both are of limited use for contentious items. DuckDuckGo is a bit better at finding both sides as it will not try to guess what you want to see.

Microsoft to RIP THE SHEETS off Windows 9 aka 'Threshold' in April

Tom 35

Horse Apples

"So many people are missing the point. Metro is there to provide a consistent interface across different devices, so you don't need to learn three different ways of doing things across three different platforms"

My phone has a 4" screen.

My tablet has a 7" screen.

They run the same version of Android and the software can adapt to make use of the larger screen on the tablet. MS could do this too, and they should do it.

My desktop has a full keyboard, a mouse, 2 screens, loads of storage and far more power. Why would I want to use the same UI as my phone? It's not useful in any way. Should they put peddles and hand brakes in cars so bike riders will not have to learn to drive?

Amazon, Hollywood, Samsung: PLEASE get excited about 4K telly

Tom 35

DVI input

Just need a DVI to HDMI cable. It's the same signal except no sound over DVI, Should be cheap (if you avoid Monster and friends).

Something like this...

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=102&cp_id=10231&cs_id=1023104&p_id=2405&seq=1&format=2

Tom 35

Coming soon...

4K, 3D, Smart TV.

Come on, everyone buy a new TV... please.

The stock market expects us to keep growing like we did when everyone was switching from CRT to HD.

Tom 35

Re: 4K Streaming?

I can get about 7.5 and I can't tell the difference between 720 or 1080 at that (some high action stuff looks better in 720). 4K I hope you have 30-40 mb/s, unlimited bandwidth, and a BIG TV.

FCC honcho: Shifting our crusty phone network to IP packets starts now

Tom 35

Power supply

We just had a big ice storm here in Toronto, my power was off for 4 days.

My POT analog phone kept working.

My Cell lost signal after a day as the batteries in the local tower died.

People who had IP phones had no power for the modem/router/TA... Even some who had power lost service when a box up the street lost power.

I could get an IP phone over my existing internet service for half the price, but I'm not sure I want such a fragile service.

No more syncing feeling with file portability service Younity

Tom 35

On the subway?

“younity is about being able to spontaneously access any file you have at any time, without planning ahead.”

Is it going to copy everything to some server in the cloud* or do you have to have your computer turned on to access stuff?

*So EVERYTHING on your computer is now available to NSA types, not just the stuff you put in your dropbox.

Linksys's über-hackable WRT wireless router REBORN with 802.11ac

Tom 35

Re: Bollox, I hate Belkin

I'm still using a WRT54GS. If this thing listed for $100 (and sold for $70-80 on line) I might consider it. At $300 Belkin can use it as a suppository.

Dusty old supernova could reveal answer to life, the universe and EVERYTHING

Tom 35

No, just need a real big carpet.

How to kill trolls and influence Apple people: A patent solution

Tom 35

Wrong

"Of course there's nothing wrong with the idea of Patent Assertion Entities at all."

There is a big difference between a University or other inventor setting up or hiring someone to manage their patents, and selling the patent to a troll. If you could not sell a patent only license it that will kill the worst of the trolls dead.

But that has as much chance of happening as shorter copyright lengths in the US.

NSA refuses to deny spying on members of Congress

Tom 35

Easy answer

"Members of Congress have the same privacy protections as all U.S. persons,"

So that would be zip.

I expect they have a list, starting with anyone who might vote to cut the NSA budget.

Google gearing up for 4K video frenzy at CES

Tom 35

4k

For a TV of normal size 4k is over kill. It's just the next attempt to get everyone to buy a new TV again.

1080p/i cable TV and streaming video tends to be compressed to hell now, so I can't see getting much better with 4k (and I expect the cable companies would use the extra compression to add more channels not go 4k).

Add that there is no BluRay disc format with enough bandwidth to give you proper quality and 4k TV can join 3D TV and "Smart" TV.

But a 27-30" 4k monitor for my desktop would be nice.

HP: We're axing 29,000 workers? Add another 5,000 to that

Tom 35

Re: While

I think she will buy another company to run into the ground before she leaves.

LG to bring Palm's webOS BACK FROM THE DEAD in TVs next week – report

Tom 35

They want to own it all

"Why buy something when they could have just joined in on something else?"

They would not have full control of everything. The problem is they are likely going to end up like Windows RT with 100% of nothing, or WinPhone with 100% of bugger all.

The other thing it's not going to do is get people to buy a new TV every 3 years like they do with cell phones.

El Reg's contraptions confessional no.5: The Sinclair Sovereign

Tom 35

TI SR-51-II

I bought one when they first came out, lasted me through high school and university.

I did something I have not seen since. It calculated to 13 digits and displayed 10. So if you try...

10 / 3 = * 3 = you got 10 not 9.9999999999

HTC: Shipping Android updates is harder than you think – here's why

Tom 35

This is the difference between Apple and Android

"Then it's time for the handset makers to start working with the mobile operators, folding in any modifications that they may require and tacking on their custom apps and services."

Other then a few top sellers the carriers just don't care. Is upgrading the phones people already have on contract going to make them more money today?

Since we are not HTC's customer, they are more interested in what the mobile operators want.

I currently use a Nexus 4 and will never buy another phone from a mobile operator. They can stuff their custom apps and services!

World+dog: Network level filters block LEGIT sex ed sites. Ofcom: Meh

Tom 35

'something must be done' brigade

Don't forget that if the politicians can get a universal filter, and blame the public for it.

No we didn't want to censor the internet, but the public demanded it.

Now where is that list of stuff I don't like that Google refused to remove...

Tom 35

Re: Anonymisers defeat the filter so this is legit

There are lots of things that can be used the same way. Translation sites, wayback machine...

Are you going to block a site about brest feeding babies? or cancer info site? If they want moms to tell them what to block, what mom gets to pick? Is it going to be a vote?

The filters are very blunt tools.

Windows Phone app developers: These games are made for you

Tom 35

known as XP?

XP? How did that get past marketing?

I think they should change the name... I think H8 would be a good choice.

Tube be or not tube be: Apple’s CYLINDRICAL Mac Pro is out tomorrow

Tom 35

Re: How long before...

Apple make a round iPad. Maybe bring back the round mouse too.

Australia rebukes Apple for 'false or misleading representations'

Tom 35

Re: They didn't go far enough

The cover looks like a not bad match for iOS7... rest is kind of bland though.