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.

From Dust, A Game We’ve Played Before

Until today I was unaware of Ubisoft’s upcoming game ‘From Dust’, which releases on XBox Life tomorrow. It’s a game that looks both fun and amazing in screenshots and videos, but apparently, when you sit down and the play the thing you realize that it’s ridiculously reminiscent of a game released back in 2005.

Upon seeing some screen shots I was actually excited, that was, until I watched the video below. It would appear that Game Developers have decided to follow the Movie Industry model: Change the name and the faces, but re-release the same script and story over and over again.

However, don’t take my word for it, check out the vid link below.

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.