Thursday, June 13, 2013

Help me tell Skype & Microsoft you want options!


I was an avid user of the IMO instant messaging application for Android.  I loved this program and I even blogged about it.  About a month ago they stopped supporting Skype.  They claimed they could not connect to the Skype servers anymore.

Skype is a closed protocol which means nobody else can communicate on the Skype network unless you're a partner or you've hacked your way onto it.  Everyone else has a somewhat open chat network, Google, Yahoo, AIM/ICQ, IRC, etc.   Skype for all that is provides doesn't give developers a way to openly communicate with the Skype servers.  So if you want to send a Skype message, you have to use Skype.   This sucks because the Skype app for Android blows, and the desktop apps are not far behind.

When IMO couldn't get Skype fixed I was really bummed.  I love IMO because it's free with a small footprint and it works.  More than Skype can say.

So, I started a petition that I hope everyone will share with their friends and hopefully we can make a change.  Please sign this petition to Skype and Microsoft then share it with everyone you know!  The only way we are going to get Skype and Microsoft to listen is to show them that the community wants the freedom to use something other than the Skype bloatware!


Saturday, June 8, 2013

Glass gets closer but it's not for kids!


From the moment I heard about Google Glass I thought back to Daemon by Suarez, Daniel

If you have not read that book and the follow-up FreedomTM you really should read it.  Besides one of my favorite books the book illustrates basically Google Glass used to augment reality.  The latest videos of glass in action are just that as well.  Augmented reality that soon will become reality for many people.  I look forward to the time when I can have Glass use facial recognition and tell me who I am looking at.  Perhaps even a call out above their head that tells me their reputation in the world.  Daniel Suarez truly has a vision and Glass could be the Science Fact from the Science Fiction.   

Glass however doesn't seem as if it will be for everyone.  This is from the google website. 
Glass isn’t for everyone. 
Like when wearing glasses, some people may feel eye strain or get a headache. If you’ve had Lasik surgery, ask your doctor about risks of eye impact damage before using Glass. Don’t let children under 13 use Glass as it could harm developing vision. Also, kids might break Glass or hurt themselves, and Google’s terms of service don’t permit those under 13 to register a Google account. If Glass is not for you and you wish to return it, do so before the end of the applicable refund period.
The fact that children won't be able to use glass is very disappointing to me.  I think that they could benefit from being able to use glass in lets say an educational way.  As image recognition points out "Trees" or "Zebras" using image recognition software words and sounds could be associated with it.  Almost subliminally teaching children how to read at a young age.  I really hope the technology advances so children are able to use it. 

It looks like glass will be available for about $1500 and it should be out late 2013 or early 2014.  I think it will take off like a rocket ship.   Why?  GoPro HD Hero3 is just an example of why.  People want to video their life and what they do for fun.  There are just tons of videos using this on you tube.  I think Google will have a hard time keeping these in stock. 

The other really cool thing I like about glass is that it takes social video recording to a new level.  I think there is real value in videos captured by people with cell phones.  I think glass will make that even easier.  I think it will help reduce crime as well since "anyone" could be watching, not just big brother.  From across the street you could record a crime and the villan may never see you.  

The applications for Glass are really endless and I'm very excited to see this come to fruition.