Apple has sex appeal, don’t get me wrong, but I have long been questioning the usefulness of some recent products – AppleTV, iPod Touch, Air…The iPad only continues me to wonder “Really, what is the point?”

Really, just take a look:

Come on, it’s a giant iPhone!

This isn’t a device that is “bridging the gap” between the iPhone and the Laptops… this is Apple’s moment of corporate masturbation where they try to push a device to the public, based on pure sex appeal, in the belief you will buy it simply because this is their latest “it” thing.

It is not worth it. For the wonderful price point of $499 you get:

Call me crazy but why would I want to spend $500 for a device that is, admittedly, sexy but can be easily matched or outperformed by other devices?  Case in point, the Freescale Tablet. The semiconductor company recently introduced their own line of tablet devices for $300 less than Apple AND it includes the additional features of:

• Built-in webcam
• Adobe Flash Support
• USB Ports
• Bluetooth
• A full OS, not iPhone “lite” OS Apple will be slapping on this

If I want a tablet, I want one that will allow me the free will to do what I please – be it program and develop to my standards or simply surf websites that utilize flash. While one can debate the need for a tablet device that only holds minimal processing power, the need for an iPad seems flat out pointless when there are clearly more cost effective options on the market.

So, Apple, what is the point?

You have to love when a company tries to rewrite history.  In response to an FCC inquiry Apple is claiming they did not reject the Google Voice application but that they are still studying it:

Contrary to published reports, Apple has not rejected the Google Voice application, and continues to study it. The application has not been approved because, as submitted for review, it appears to alter the iPhone’s distinctive user experience by replacing the iPhone’s core mobile telephone functionality and Apple user interface with its own user interface for telephone calls, text messaging and voicemail. Apple spent a lot of time and effort developing this distinct and innovative way to seamlessly deliver core functionality of the iPhone.

So Apple has not rejected the official Google Voice application, they simply didn’t get around to approving it.  However, if Apple never approves the application isn’t that de facto rejection?

No, this isn’t a I hate all things Apple blog, nor is it going to turn into one. It just happens that my switch from the iPhone has brought the focus onto Apple for a short period of time. All said and done, I’m very happy with my choice to move away from their products.

With my defection from the iPhone to the MyTouch now complete, I have the ability to give my initial comparative thoughts between the two devices.  As much as one who reads the blog may expect me to be biased in my initial thoughts – and trust me, I would love to me – that will not be the case.

Visual

The iPhone was just flat out sexy when the device came to market.  No other device really captured that “oh, wow” sex appeal in a long, long time. With the iPhone owning roughly 11% of the smartphone market it’s hard to get away from the device – or copycat wannabe designed device.  The MyTouch does not attempt to copy Apple’s design; however, there is no groundbreaking sex appeal either.

HTC manages to make a phone that is smaller in width and length but slightly thicker.  Due to a number of variables, including the lack of a glass screen, the MyTouch weighs a bit less than the iPhone as well.

My problem with the visual aspect of the MyTouch is the comparison one can make to the Blackberry Storm. Not being a huge fan of Blackberry products, one could see how this would be a slight turn off for me. So, the winner of the Visual aspect – Apple

Interface

The iPhone has the “First Mover” advantage when it comes to user interface.  Apple set the standard as to what one would expect when dealing with touch screen devices. As a results it takes a bit of “thinking differently” when using the MyTouch.

The major difference in the interface between the iPhone and the MyTouch is the use of buttons to perform certain navigation functions.  With the iPhone one simply uses the giant button at the bottom of the device if they use to exit/navigate away from an application.  The MyTouch requires a person to use one of three small buttons.

Again, the iPhone/First Mover mentality was in full force.  I had to keep reminding myself that I was not using the iPhone.  Once I overcame that hurdle the device became second nature.

Winner of the interface – Tie.  One really does not outperform the other, it’s just a matter of perspective.

Applications

MyTouch – COPY AND PASTE, BABY!

Sorry.  I had to get that out.

The advantage the iPhone has going for it is the developer community.  It’s large.  The disadvantage is that Apple tells the developers what it can and cannot do.  While the Android market is small (Android being the OS the MyTouch runs on) it is open source, allowing developers more flexibility in what can be accomplished.

I’ve installed a Twitter application called Twidroid on the MyTouch.  The user experience is seamless with Android where as Twinkle or Twitterific feel as if they are applications simply utilizing the iPhone OS for functionality.

Likewise, the Google Voice application can be fully integrated into the MyTouch – and done so in a really slick fashion – the iPhone won’t allow Google Voice related applications because they compete with iPhone functionality.

Winner of the Application showdown – MyTouch.  Applications are part of the phone, not an extension of the phone and developers are not limited to what they can do.

Overall first impressions

As I noted before I would love to be biased and say the MyTouch kills the iPhone.  I cannot.

Apple has set the standard for design and all other devices must overcome this hurdle. Just from a sex appeal stand point the MyTouch falls short. On the other hand, the MyTouch has a superior user experience once one utilizes applications.

I’m sure as I use the phone over time I will continue to pick out features that I like and dislike but, as of right now, there is no clear winner between the two.

A number of experiences in life as of late have caused me to say “that’s it, I’m done” with certain things.  Be it cutting out poor performance from a service provider to removing people from my stable of friends due to idiotic behavior, I’m don’t dealing with a certain level of stupidity in my life. If something or someone cannot meet my expectations I don’t need it/them in my life.  I don’t need it in my life.

Let’s take the concept of planned obsolescence. This would be a product that is designed and produced with a very limited lifespan.  Too much wear and the product would break. Too much uses and parts may wear out, creating the need from the consumer to replace the entire unit. Whether true or not,  General Motors is commonly accused of working planned obsolescence into their goods. I now think Apple utilizing the concept to move more iPhones.

Today I dropped my iPhone and the screen shattered.  I dropped the phone on a concrete floor from all of 8” inches away. I dropped the phone on a concrete floor form all of 8” inches away AND it was in a protective case. Yes, it was 8″ as I went back to measure.  I wasn’t moving, nor was I involved in strenuous activity. I was simply picking up an item from my car and the phone slipped out of my hand.

Shattered.

What about this is planned obsolescence?

I would make the argument that any phone that breaks from an 8” fall is poorly designed, but that aside, the last information I was able to find regarding Apple repair for a 1st generation iPhone is roughly $250.  Seeing a NEW iPhone is only $199, that sure sounds like planned obsolescence to me.

Now I know, you may be saying… just buy the new phone.  Here is the kicker – I don’t WANT the new phone.  I want my phone. I want what I want, not what Apple tells me I want.

This is truly the final straw for me and my dealings with Apple. I’m no longer going to be pressured into what technology and/or service provider I should be using.  I’m no longer going to be told I can only use specific applications.  I am not longer living within Apples “don’t mess with our OS” world.

So, to use the phrase I’ve utilized a lot as of late “that’s it, I’m done.”

It seems that Apple and Google have been at odds with each other for some time now.  When Eric Schmidt, Google’s chief executive, joined the Apple board of directors it seemed as if there was plenty of opportunity for both companies to grow and leverage their technologies. That never seemed to happen.

The most recent public spat between the two companies was Apple’s controversial decision to deny Google’s App Store request  for Google voice claiming the submission mirrored functionality already included on the iPhone.  Most critics disagreed and pointed to Apple’s borderline illegal service provider agreement with ATT as the reason Apple denied the request.

Today Google decided it will have no more of the one sided behavior.

The close personal link that sealed an unusual alliance between Silicon Valley’s two most prominent companies was broken on Monday as competitive conflicts forced Eric Schmidt, Google chief executive , to step down from his controversial position as a director of Apple.

Mr Jobs said Mr Schmidt’s departure had been“mutually decided”, adding: “Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest.”

Translation: Google is gunning for Apple. The decision may not have been planned but Google’s entry into Mobile OS and voice services meant it was just a matter of time the two companies were going to be at odds.

So, here is the question – who will win out?  Is the technology arena big enough for Apple and Google to coexist in the long term or will Google overtake Apple?

Currently Apple has roughly double the revenue of Google.  While Apple has turned into a monster company, due in part to Microsoft providing funding almost a decade ago, can the company continue to pump out revolutionary products that all consumers want?  Look at the continuing control the company is trying to place on products, will consumers continue to support such behavior or will they turn to free (as well as open) alternatives such as Google?

Frankly, I would be on Google in the long term.  Why?  They have an Open MobileOS, they will have an open PC OS, they have groundbreaking applications that are free for the consumer but provide large revenue streams. All things Apple seems to lack.  Even thought Apple is selling iPhone like the world is going to end tomorrow, there is a time when people will move on to something bigger and better.

Anyone really use a Sony Walkman anymore?  Didn’t think so.

TechCrunch has an interesting article stating Apple will not release the official Google Voice  application, developed by Google, in the App store and it is removing applications that utilize Google Voice.  Why?  Because the applications “duplicate features that come with the iPhone”.

First off, what is Google Voice?  It happens to be on of the largest advances in VOIP technology in years in the sense that it has the abilityt to integrate all of your voice communications into one single hub.  Really, check out this list of services it can provide.  Free SMS.  Free voicemail. Free call Screening.  Free directory assistance.  Boy, you don’t think that Apple is trying to put a ding in the Google Voice service because of their partnership with ATT, do you?

I think TC has it right with this passage:

The thing that really bothers me about the move is that Apple is now actively stifling innovation. Google Voice is the kind of service that can actually have a positive impact on your life, and not in a frivolous, entertainment-related sense. It makes it easier to connect with people, and to manage those connections.

Over and over I’ve openly aired my fears on the control Apple is trying to assert with the platforms they own. I cannot wait for the new G2 phone to hit the market as I will no longer be using the iPhone – or any Apple product – for my communication needs.  I want to be able to use the product in the means that fit my needs and not how the company tells me I must use it.

With the soon-to-be passing of The Pirate Bay, I thought it may make sense to look at the alternatives available for torrent tracking.  While no one will be able to capture the hearts and minds of the Torrent community like TPB did, there are a number of sites that are worth looking at.

Isohunt

isohunt calls itself the most comprehensive BitTorrent search engine available and points users to stats page (which I don’t know to make of) to make its case. Isohunt has long provided torrents unavailable elsewhere and is a top notch search engine. My experience with the service always found what I was searching for on a consistant basis – from the latest Desktop Ubuntu ISOs to Server and transformation packs.  Never let me down.

btjunkie

Again, another site claiming to be largest and most advanced BitTorrent search engine that utilizes private and public trackers.  I once ran a search on their service but, for whatever reason, the results always seem to point back to The Pirate Bay trackers.  While others will call this their new home, I simply can’t.  Good luck to you and your searching!

Demonoid

My favorite tracker site is, by far, is Demonoid.  They are a closed community that fosters the growth of the community over trying to obtain countless, and often times useless trackers.  If you can get it, you’ll be a happy little guy or gal.  Really, I think you can find just about anything there. Not only that, they seed items that are only and specific to the Demonoid community.

1337x.org

1337x is service that does not take adds and marketing into play.  They opt for user donations in order to pay for their business model. The concept is you help us, we help you. Haven’t put much research into the search solution thet offfer but it look promising. And they seem to be willing to communicate with others

Honorable mention #1

bt.etree.org

One of the largest live show trackers known to the the community  The music is purely live and its a gift to the community. More like this should exist.

Honorable mention #2

BakaBT Seemingly the  best place to go for Anime and Manga.  Good group of people and you should have no problem finding your needs.

Finally, something to mention

mininova (aka – Suprnova) was run by The Pirate Bay for the about the last two years.  I’ve been unable to find news as to what will happen to mininova after the acquisition.

So, are there aother trackers out that the world should now be cocusing on? Some that I misssed – be if giant trackers or genre specific (music or anime) please let me know.

Thomas Claburn, over at InformationWeek, pointed out that Google just endorsed Heath Data Rights, a collection of principles focused on data portability, privacy and consumer protection. As the Google Health tool has been available for some time, it is good to see Google make such an endorsement, but Claburn hits squarely on the problem of Electronic Medical Records:

Having just completed my annual physical on Monday, I took the opportunity to inquire about whether my medical records were available in electronic form. My physician’s assistant smiled and shook her head. The doctor, she said, doesn’t believe in electronic records. And it would be expensive to convert from paper, she added.

Small providers have a hard time seeing the value in switching to EMRs. There is no government mandate (law) that I am aware of that dictates providers must have EMRs available to patients, and there is no perceived cost savings in having this option, meaning the small provider has no impetus to make the switch. While it appears large hospitals are making the move, the independent service provider isn’t jumping on the wagon.

Claburn goes on to say:

Frankly, given frequency of data breaches over the past few years, paper seems like the safest place for medical information at the moment.

And that is, I feel, exactly why the consumer isn’t moving in the direction either.

Data security is a huge issue. The thought of medical records being vulnerable to attack from a hacker or having a medical issue follow you for the rest of your life, permanently attached to your file, are large concerns for a number of people. Fact of the matter, people want to control their information and EMRs do not offer that flexibility.

So, a lack of consumer demand drives the lack of support on the independent service provider. While Google appears to be advocating for anyone with EMRs, it will be a long and lonely road until Electronic Medical Records are adopted nationally with any amount of consistency.

I know it is hard to admit but just about any government in the world is spying on its citizens. Sure, we have a false sense of security that we are “protected” and such a thing would never happen but it has become very clear that it seems to be a common thing these days.

Technology is helping drive the events in Iran right now. People are using Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites in order to send messages, inform others about events, and help organize protests, all the while mobile phones show the rest of the world video of what is happening on the streets of Tehran as people send video in near real time to YouTube.

Just as the protesters are using technology, so is the Iranian government.

But Nokia Siemens says the product is only being used, in Iran, for the monitoring of local telephone calls on fixed and mobile lines.

Rather than just block traffic, it is understood that the monitoring system can also interrogate data to see what information is being passed back and forth.

A spokesman described the system as “a standard architecture that the world’s governments use for lawful intercept”.

Oh, yea, to pop your security bubble:

“Western governments, including the UK, don’t allow you to build networks without having this functionality.”

So much for freedom of speech.

In the middle of January Steve Jobs, the almighty CEO of Apple, stepped down from his post in order to address a medical issue that was “more complex than originally thought”. The press started to jump on the “Steve’s got cancer” bandwagon right away, and I think it was safe to say that anyone who could look at pictures of Jobs in January vs. Jobs in June of 08 could see that something serious was going on with his health.

And with the blink of an eye, he was gone… until this past weekend.

On June 20th, the Wall Street Journal went to press with the following headline: Jobs Had Liver Transplant

Be it the original cancer bout, the leave of absence taken in January, or a potential liver transplant, this all isn’t so much about Steve (tho he does have a cult of personality following) as it is about the company – Apple. While Steve is not the entire company, and I suspect it will live on without him, but the company has the responsibility to inform shareholders of what is going on within the organization.

But take a look at this quote from the article:

Material information like that must be disclosed only “if you are asking shareholders to make a decision based on [that] information,” said John Olson, a senior partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher in Washington. “You can’t expect the company to give a blow-by-blow account of Steve Jobs’s health.”

Agreed, a blow-by-blow account is not what is being asked, however; when a key decision maker – one who has the final say on what products move forward – has serious health issues or concerns, the company needs to be upfront with the situation. Finding out from news from the Wall Street Journal is not exactly “forthright”, is it now?

While I do not fall into the category of Mac fanatics, I do make use of their goods. They are top notch in just about every way. That said, the control over their products and the lack of information they provide regarding key members of leadership have really pressed me to look at future Apple purchases. I just fear the company may be too tight on information and, in the end, that may come back to hurt the consumer or shareholder.