Why the iPhone 4S (iOS 5) is a Step Backwards

Since its inception, the iPhone has sold millions of units worldwide. It provides a simple, streamlined and stable mobile environment to its users, allowing them to interact with groups and individuals around the world through Apps, web services and even games from wherever they happen to be standing.

When Apple first launched the iPhone, CEO Steve Jobs said it was the world’s first true “mobile internet device” and he was right. Sure, there had been other devices that let users connect to the web and perform many of the same features, but the iPhone was the first that gave true access to web services like Google maps, Skype, Twitter, along with a browser that displayed web pages as their designers intended.

Still, even with all of these advancements, Apple continues to fall short in regards to its competitors. Copy/Paste, which has been a default standard in personal computing since the 1970’s, didn’t show up on the iPhones until the 3GS. When presenting the iPhone to the world, Jobs toted it as a mobile email device as well. Email attachments, a huge part of the email exchange between people, often contain pictures, documents, compressed files and more, yet here we are in iOS 5 and we still can’t save many of them natively. Microsoft, a company who has repeatedly made decisions that have placed them far behind the pack, included both the previously mentioned features on their often buggy and crash-a-lot Windows Mobile OS.

My first iPhone was a 3GS and I jailbroke it an hour after un-boxing the damn thing. I couldn’t stand the pre-fab sand box Apple left me in and SB Settings, along with Winterboard and other Cydia Apps, opened up a whole new world to me. Let’s be honest folks, despite all the advancements Apple has made in regards to mobile computing, they just can’t seem to remember to load the basics. Many want the ability to turn on Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth with a single swipe of a finger. Apple forces you to choose either battery life, or journeying through the deep and dark depths of the Settings App. Hope you left the Settings App on the first screen page, if not; good luck finding it without search. The way iOS’s folders and pages work is still reminiscent of PalmOS.

Here we are now with their newest iOS version, iOS5, the stunning spectacular we’ve all been waiting for. “It’ll revolutionize computing”; “It integrates seamlessly with MacOS”, “its got iCloud”. Come-the-frack-on! I still can’t turn my wifi on from the home screen, the notification center is ungodly, (there already several replacement Apps available via Cydia), SIRI, if her server is actually up, takes longer processing what I’ve said than just opening up a browser and typing my question into Google. I swear it’s like someone spending days preparing a lavish, five course, Thanksgiving Dinner with all the trimmings, and forgetting to provide plates and silverware for their guests.

Those are a few reasons as to why my iPhone 4S is sitting in its box waiting on the DevTeam while I stroll around using my 3GS. Yes, I was sold by the dual core processor, updated camera and yes, even SIRI. But after using it for two days, I decided that I won’t take a step backwards just to have the latest and greatest. Apple, your top salesman has left the building, get on it or get used to catering only to those who don’t know any better.

GameStop to Begin Trading iOS Devices

9to5Macis reporting that GameStop

GameStop will begin carrying the full line of Apple’s iOS devices in stores. They will also begin to accept iOS devices as trade-ins for in-store credit. I hear that they are already accepting trade-ins before they have actually obtained stock of new iOS devices to sell, (iPhone 5, iPad 3, whatever else comes up).

It makes sense for GS to begin carrying these devices as a large percentage of iOS users picked the platform because of gaming apps. Also, with everyone from children to grandmothers having a mobile device, the market is technically the biggest market of gamers in the US.

The rumor around the interwebs is that the iPhone 5 will drop next month, and will launch on AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and T-Mobile. No one is quite positive how GS will be activating these devices for service, but buyer beware, GS hates assisting competing services, (see here). Will they be removing access to the AppStore and GameCenter?

Like Free Stuff… Free Broken Stuff?

Picture not related, but isn't Tux cute?

That’s right folks, free stuff! Maybe. ThinkGeek is considering giving away all their junk returns to those that are interested in doing something with them. I’m not sure what we’ll use this stuff for, but we’ll figure something out when/if this gets instituted.

From ThinkGeek…

We have a problem. And it’s growing at a rate proportional to our return pile.

We can’t, in good conscience, resell damaged electronics. And we can’t donate them to charity–the saddest kid in the world is one with a handheld video game that won’t turn on. Garbage, then? Not good for the environment.

Luckily for us, there’s an entire class of scavengers out there ready to pick the bones of our helicopters, keyboards, and interactive t-shirts: hackers, makers, and crafty techy types.

Whether it’s in a school’s technology lab, or a FIRST Robotics team, or your neighborhood hackerspace, we’re betting somebody out there would enjoy getting a box of broken stuff from us every couple of months–and then use the parts and piecesfor good, not evil.

Hit the link here to find out more and sign up for consideration.

The Ultimate Water Training – Pool Sprint Concept

We’ve all unfortunately seen that big group of old people, “working out” in the pool, and tried with all desperation not to vomit all over the place. Seriously, who has ever heard the term Water Training and not had to immediately picture Jessica Rabbit bending down to pick up a penny in order to get the image of old saggy skin and turkey necks out of their heads?

Well now, Finnish designer Pyry Tamminen is working on changing the image of water training all together. He’s created a concept called Pool Sprint that is basically submersible rubber track which allows a runner some traction when wearing special water shoes. It looks like fun

I really hope this concept takes off. Working out in water could be pretty fun once you get rid of those neon colored foam tubes. Why should Astronauts and Science Fair winners be the only ones to work out under water? Imagine, one day we may get to go the gym and work out like this

Pyry Tamminen has made a few working concept models but is looking for investors. You can contact him here.

(via DesignBoom)

Apple suspends Pre-Orders for iPhone 4

Earlier this month, Steve Jobs announced the release date of the iPhone 4 as June 24th of this year and the internet went into a frenzy. Two days ago, AT&T began the rollout of pre-orders for the devise and ended up with packed stores, long lines, exposure of credit card information and a lot of unsatisfied customers. Well after that fiasco, AT&T has pulled the plug on pre-orders for the iPhone 4 and the 8 GB iPhone3GS according to a memo obtained by Boy Genius Report:

Pre-orders for iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS 8GB are Temporarily Suspended

Effective close of business on June 15, 2010, the ability to place pre-orders (new activations, upgrades and exchanges) has been temporarily suspended.  There is a special team that will be manually working all pre-orders from June 15th that were held in a pending status.  Under no circumstances should new pre-orders be attempted in the system.

This suspension impacts Phoenix, Premier, OPUS (COR), and System X (DMDR).

Please stay tuned to future bulletin communications for any updates.

So for all you fan-boys and girls who want to be the first to have the newest iPhone in your circle of friends but didn’t make it to the store on the 15th, it will not be happening. It’s smarter to wait for the first gen bugs to pop up and be fixed before purchasing a $300+ device anyway.

And Another Tablet Enters The US Market

Today at D8, Dell announced that they will be offering their new portable tablet computer/gadgety-thingy, the Dell Streak – unlocked, via their website in July. If you haven’t heard of this devise at all, Engadget did a review a few months back, here. It’s running Android and seems a bit easier to manage than the iPad or iPed, but still priced at around $500.

(via Reddit)

Who want’s a Lego Printer? I Do I Do

I played with Legos every day when i was a kid. I never got one of those pre-designed kits though. No sir, no directions for me, I used pure creativity, well, that and pictured of what i was attempting to make. Well it seems as though this guy over at B3ta never quite grew out of Legos, (Do any of us? My parent’s just threw them out when they thought I was too old for them), and built himself a printer. Its quite impressive. It’s bricks, a motor or two and a felt tip fraking pen. Ingenious! Not only is it an awesome display piece, it uses the cheapest ink you can get. He’s got it hooked up to a mac, but I won’t take points off for that …this time.

I’m making one for the Linux box.

(via PC Pro)

Knock-Off iPad – I’ll buy that for $150

At Steve Jobs’ last keynote speech, he introduced us to the Apple iPad. It was sleek, mobile, and considerably more than I wanted to pay for a giant iPhone. No longer do I have to worry about buying a big screen iPhone as China Grabber is now selling the iPed here. The iPed is a knock-off product made in Shenzhen, China at the Foxconn plant, which just so happens to be the same place that manufactures the iPhone.

Personally, I’d prefer this to the iPhone as it comes with Android OS installed which keeps Jobs and his cronies from locking out features I’m sure to like. Also, I’m cheap, and being a cheapskate, $150.00 is perfect for this hardware. Check out the video below so see how it works, it’s in Japanese, so good luck understanding the dialogue.

AT&T Restructures Wireless Data Plans

That’s right folks, the honchos at AT&T have decided that offering Unlimited Data packages are not profitable enough, and have decided to implement pay-per-byte data plans. Gizmodo reported back in March that this sin against geeks was coming, we just hoped it wouldn’t be so soon.  Below is a chart showing the classic plans vs. the new, and from the looks of it, anyone who wants to tether their phone or iPad to another device is going to get ripped off, big time.

After speaking with an AT&T representative, we’ve found that the pay-per-byte data plans will  apply only to new contracts. Meaning, if you currently have an unlimited data plan, you’re fine as long as  you keep renewing the contract indefinitely. I guess all the people who thought they would wait to buy an iPad won’t be getting the $30 a month unlimited data plan that was pushed so hard at launch.

The Rep. also stated that they will begin offering the new packages on June 7th. Do you think it coincidence that they change the data plans the same day of Steve Jobs’ WWDC keynote? Will we be hearing of a launch date for the iPhone 4G? Perhaps this whole data restructure is AT&T is preparing to cash-in with another influx of iPhone customers playing with every web service they can find an app for.

Although AT&T is the first Wireless provider to switch to this new formula, you can be sure that the others will be following suit shortly.

(edit) We just got a hold of this graphic, thought we’d share:

Anyone in the Mood for a Broken Limb?

Alright I’ll admit it, I used to Rollerblade… a lot. Luckily for me, I eventually got a car and the skates have been sitting stored in a box somewhere for over a decade. I came across these the other day and could only think to myself, why? Who would be willing to wear these… (nevermind, I just had a vision of the Santa Monica/Venice boardwalk). These, “skates”, which will make you look like a person who just stole a disabled persons primary means of transportation, are called Chariot Skates. Each half will attach to your legs from the knee down and are supposed to make you feel as though you are skiing down the street or mountain or whatever other eXtreme setting you can imagine as they are supposed to accommodate rough terrains. They are listed at weighing in at 5.5 pounds each, so invest in the optional handbrake accessory if you feel that you’re man enough to handle the public humility which will follow your riding these. Check out their site for availability info and etc.