TechLore - Mind Over Matt'er

Microsoft's 'I'm a PC' Ads Fuel the PC vs. Mac Debate

Matt Whitlock — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 16:26:08 GMT

In the blogosphere, on YouTube, and anywhere else PC and Mac users share the same space you'll see and endless barrage of "mine is better than yours" posts from those who claim to be Mac or PC. In recent weeks, Microsoft has kicked off an aggressive marketing campaign intended to change user perception about Windows, and Microsoft in general. Apple has been dominating the advertising wars over the last few years, and their long running PC Guy and Mac Guy skits have been seen by almost everyone at this point. Microsoft is now firing back, and we've seen three distinct flavors of perception changing, debate raging campaigns come out of Microsoft. The Mojave Experiments Starting with the 'Mojave Experiement,' Microsoft seemingly sat users down in front of a Vista computer, but told them it was their next in-development OS. After many users exclaimed how great it looked, they were told that what they were using was Windows Vista... commence candid camera-like shock and awe. It's been clearly stated by users that these "experiments" don't really highlight day-to-day use of Vista, only showing them a snippet of what the OS likely does well. I agree that it's not exactly a fair...

Apple Shows Off New iPods, iTunes 8 - Underwhelms?

Matt Whitlock — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:58:41 GMT

Today at Apple's "Rock Live" Event in San Fransico, Jobs and Co. took the opportunity to debut the iPod lineup for the holiday selling season, as well as highlight some additional updates and goodies for the juggernaut's existing products like iPhone 3G and iTunes. Before you take to heart the numerous reports of how "underwhelming" Apple's announcements were, it's important to keep in mind that Apple is held to a much higher standard of expectation. Granted, what Apple had to talk about today hardly justified an entire event. Thank goodness Jack Johnson showed up to play a tune at the end to fill some space. It wasn't underwhelming; it wasn't overwhelming... more just 'whelming.' At the end of the day, you have a slight refresh of it's two larger iPod products, a redesigned Nano, and a feature of considerable 'genius' value if it works. Pepper in an update or two, make a ridiculous challenge to Nintendo and Sony, and end the event with a music act. Event done. So what do we have from Apple for the holidays: iPod Classic - Apple's last remaining mega-capacity player is stripped down to only the skinny version and thrown a storage upgrade to...

Comcast Offers Free Wii to New Triple Play Subscribers - Fine Print Costs You $400

Matt Whitlock — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 19:49:02 GMT

In a press release today, Comcast announced they have partnered with Nintendo to offer a free Nintendo Wii to new Comcast Triple Play subscribers who sign up for service between today and August 17th. However, don't let them fool you. It may be a "Free Wii," but it will really cost you a little less than $400 in the end. Funny story, it just so happens I signed up for a new Triple Play package last week (I'm moving to a new area, and they're pretty much the only game in town for now). In fact, it hasn't even been installed yet. After reading the press release, the first thing I did was call Comcast. Between "no free Wii" and "Free Wii" I'll take the freebie every time. After being connected to a customer service rep, I explained I just signed up for a Comcast Triple Play package, and that I read today they're offering a free Wii as an incentive. What I was told was that the Triple Play package I signed up for doesn't qualify. To get a Wii, I have to sign up for the $129 dollar package (so to note, the cheaper packages won't net you...

Opera Mobile 9.5 Beta Released - Hold Out for Beta 2

Matt Whitlock — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 19:23:54 GMT

There's been a lot of activity in the mobile web browser game since Apple's iPhone completely redefined the web experience on a handheld. For the Windows Mobile user (like me), there isn't much out there that works like the desktop browsers. Opera Mobile has been one of the few decent ones (far better than Mobile IE), but still nowhere near the iPhone. I normally wouldn't complain, but Opera Mobile isn't free like Mobile Safari; I expect more from a paid product. Opera has been stroking the buzz machine since they previewed their newest version of Opera Mobile some months back. It first appeared pre-loaded on the HTC Touch Diamond, but WinMo users with different hardware have had to wait to get their mittens on it. Today they've finally unveiled Opera Mobile 9.5 Beta, their newest mobile web browser for Windows Mobile 5/6 touch screen devices. I just installed it and ran it through its paces. Not to spoil it for everyone, but my best advice is to wait a few more builds. This thing is too buggy for primetime. However, there are a few good things to say. The good: Web page rendering is the best I've seen on a...

XBOX 360 Dashboard Redesign - Before and After

Matt Whitlock — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:06:10 GMT

Microsoft will be significantly changing the way the XBOX 360 looks. No, not the outer physical form factor. We're talking about the dashboard here, the software you interact with when you power on the console. A lot has changed since our pals at Redmond shipped the first 360 thanks to numerous updates that has brought a full marketplace, TV, movies, casual games, better streaming media support, and lots more. So much, in fact, that the current dashboard, your gateway to browse all this stuff, has added enough dizzying blades, drop downs, and other menus that it was getting painful to use. Shown for the first time yesterday during the E3 video game expo in LA, Microsoft's new design will make your dashboard go from hardcore business to teddy bears, fluffy bunnies, and Nintendo-esque Mii-like avatars. Before: After : And you know what... I like it . Don't get me wrong, I too think Microsoft is in the copy room with a half working Xerox machine and bag of quarters. The 'Me'crosoft avatars definitely took a page from Nintendo's book; except I think they're more realistic than the cartoony Mii figures. What this does do is put some character (no pun...

Apple Unleashes iPhone 3G on America - 2 Minute Overview and Review Roundup

Matt Whitlock — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 22:16:25 GMT

With the enormous amount of media coverage regarding Jobs' latest wonder toy, you probably already know the newest version of Apple's iPhone hit stores today. If you're not the type to read the 15,000 different reviews on it for every teeny, tiny detail, here's everything you need to know in this 2 Minute Overview and Review Roundup. iPhone 3G Goes 3G (though you probably guessed that one) The major difference between the original and Apple's latest iPhone is the inclusion of a 3G radio (hence the name), moving from AT&T's aged (and slower) EDGE network to their faster 3G service. This allows the iPhone to download data at speeds 2 to 3 times the original based on current reviews, but with the drawback of increased power usage and shorter battery life . Form Factor On the form factor side, iPhone 3G is largely similar to the first, but with a slightly fatter profile. Initial reviewers have complained about the switch from a purdy silver metallic back on the original to solid glossy-black or white plastic, though the build quality still feels superb. It's all a matter of personal taste, even according to Ryan Block over at Engadget , but I'd...