Apple Planning Smaller iPhone Priced - Redux

There were stories a couple of weeks ago about a possible low-cost version of the iPhone which I wasn't very impressed by (see http://myryama.posterous.com/apple-planning-smaller-iphone-priced-at-200-w) because it all seemed just a little unlikely given the colossal amounts of money Apple make from the full-cost version.

Now, I'm not so sure. I can't help thinking that a modestly priced feature-phone with deep and extensive voice integration, high-quality aesthetics, possibly streaming music from the cloud and offering a slick email and contacts experience via a free version of MobileMe might make a compelling package. Something for the "One last thing..." section tomorrow, maybe?

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It reminds me of Queen...

... and Another One Bites the Dust. First Tunisia, then Egypt, now Libya. Where next?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-12591935

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Another Objection to Android

Lots of people I know, primarily developers and technical people, dislike the iPhone because Apple have locked-down the operating system, limited the configurations changes a user can make and allowed installation of only those apps that have been acquired through their curated store. I sympathise, I really do, but for me the important thing about a phone is that, whatever software I install, it should remain a functioning, secure phone.

So is Apple's system perfect? No, there are security flaws (as there are with all operating systems), missing features (again, not unusual) and sub-optimal compromises that I would prefer not to have but, overall, it's hard to argue with the "it just works" philosophy; I've never been able to do anything to my iPhones that causes them to stop working.

Keep that in mind as you read the question below, which I stumbled across on Stack Exchange:

I have a 32g micro sd card, and some of the apps I use state that they have permsisions to modify sd card memory. I have a lot of personal files on my card, and the other day, some app, I don't know which one, had practically wiped out over 15gs of files from my card! How can I block apps from wiping out my sd card? I don't see what possible good can come out of an app that can wipe out all my personal files. I backed up my pics when a guy at work told me an app had re-formatted his SD card. Sure enough, the same thing happened to me. I was able to back up my files BEFORE it happened, but how can I prevent this from happening again?

Stack Exchange is a site predominantly populated by developers and technical hangers-on asking (mostly) questions about programming, computers and related subjects. My problem is not with the advice posted in response to this question, which is pretty reasonable given the circumstances; backup your data before installing new apps, test apps to make sure they do what they say they'll do etc. My problem is that I don't understand why any user would buy a phone where there was a serious risk that his personal data might be deleted by a rogue app - isn't that a pretty fundamental flaw? Does anyone, even a die-hard Android fan, really want to have to test each app they download? What if the bug is in a reputable mainstream app - should they be testing those, as well as apps from random unknown developers?

The whole thing puts me off and there's no way I'd even consider Android, for any purpose, while it has these sorts of problems. In fact, now that I've thought about it some more, I wonder if Android's security problems are so severe that allowing Android phones access to corporate networks might not, in itself, present an unjustifiable risk? Something to ponder.

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Peckham Rye

This is Peckham Rye from the WE bus stop. Who said London doesn't have green spaces?

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Dublin Airport, again

It's quite a nice airport, as airports go. It's open, bright, spacious and almost empty of passengers. I've just had a dinner of sausages and mash in the Slaney, a wine bar in the departure lounge, and, although nothing to write home about, it was better than the usual airport fare. Time now for a brief wander round the shops before heading for the gate and home.

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iPad 2 Announcement on Tuesday

I know most of you won't be even slightly interested but I'm really keen to know what Apple are going to do with the iPad on Tuesday, especially as it will give us a pretty good idea about what we might see in the new iPhone in June. Here are the features I think we can expect:
- Dual-core processor
- 512Mb - 1Gb RAM, up from the current 256Mb
- Front-facing camera and FaceTime compatibility
- Improved battery life and reduced overall weight
- Stereo speakers and a built-in microphone

And in iOS 5 I reckon we might see:
- Improved and extended support for voice commands
- Improved notification system (it's basically unchanged since the original iPhone)
- More streaming audio options and cloud-syncing, possibly with the improved MobileMe throw in for good measure
- Updates to some of the built-in Apps, like Calendar, Weather and Stocks

Nothing hugely revolutionary there (and together this would just add up to a modest incremental improvement) but the one thing you can be sure of with predictions like this is that Apple will have thought of something else to offer. I don't think iPad 2 will feature either a Retina display (monstrously expensive, both financially and computationally) or a rear-facing camera (very awkward to use - I can't see the rumoured NFC feature for the iPhone 5 making it into iPad 2 for the same reason). Don't expect HDMI or USB ports either; iPad 2 might offer extra wireless options, but wires aren't in the picture. More info here: http://m.cultofmac.com/its-official-apple-issues-ipad-2-press-invites-for-mar...

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Photos of Dublin Airport

Ok, I know, not the most interesting of subjects, but I'm bored so I'm taking photos as I wander around this deserted cathedral to travel.

See and download the full gallery on posterous

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Weird foreign posters, Part I

This one was outside a restaurant in Vienna Airport. It appears to say that smoking is prohibited everywhere, except where it isn't. Neat.

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Would you believe...

Spotted this on a recent trip to the continent. Who would have thought anyone would build an electric hob into a sink unit?

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Why?

Why did Henry Irving place a stone in the square outside the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton in 1894, and how did he know the cinema would be built there?

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Manufacturing the Drug Threat

Excellent article explaining the fruitlessness of the War on Drugs.

http://transform-drugs.blogspot.com/2011/02/manufacturing-drug-threat.html

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The Death Of The Music Industry

Great chart. I can still remember the first CDs showing up on Tomorrow's World; weren't they supposed to be indestructible?

Full article: http://www.businessinsider.com/chart-of-the-day-music-industry-sales-2011-2

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President Hosni Mubarak resigns as leader

Another dictator bites the dust, although replacing him with an army council doesn't sound like a long-term solution:

Mr Suleiman said on state TV that the high command of the armed forces had taken over.

"In the name of God the merciful, the compassionate, citizens, during these very difficult circumstances Egypt is going through, President Hosni Mubarak has decided to step down from the office of president of the republic and has charged the high council of the armed forces to administer the affairs of the country," he said.

"May God help everybody."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12433045

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Apple Planning Smaller iPhone Priced at $200 Without Contract?

A cheap Apple phone without a contract just to "compete" with Android? I don't see it, to be honest. It would have to have cheaper, less powerful, less attractive hardware, which fragments the operating system (or requires another, simpler OS) and makes life more difficult for developers, thus removing one of the key advantages of iOS over Android. And why introduce a cut-price phone when vendors in that part of the Market are already struggling to make money? 

The only way Apple will go for a $200 phone is if they can produce something truly new and exciting; whatever they do, if they do anything at all, it won't be a cut-down iPhone. Competing against Android isn't the game they're playing; they're into making the best possible phone, irrespective of the competition.

Apple Planning Smaller iPhone Priced at $200 Without Contract

Mac Rumors: Apple Mac Rumors and News You Care About

Bloomberg reports that Apple is planning to develop new models of the iPhone, including one that would be both smaller and cheaper than that current model, to aid the company in its battle against Android...

Sent with Reeder

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Quantum Healing and Health Invitation

I have no idea how these people got my email address or why they think I might be interested in their ridiculous "therapies" but Suzy Dior keeps emailing me so I thought I'd post the details.

 

The term "Quantum Scientific Health", by the way, has no meaning unless you fundamentally change the definitions of at least two of the words, at which point it can mean anything you like. It still won't cure you of an illness, though.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Suzy Dior <suzy@worldclasslifecoach.com>
Date: 9 February 2011 21:12
Subject: Quantum Healing and Health Invitation for you
To: james@myryama.co.uk

Dear Investor

 

The next Quantum Scientific Health and Healing event being held on 16th February in Central London has amazing new information and extra updates from the last events and if you weren't there then don't miss out on your next chance to hear this life changing and saving information.    In addition to Balancing your Body Systems and Looking at your Blood Cells you will also find out how we can use strong magnets in pairs to rebalance and renew over 150 body disfunctions.  

 

This life changing and saving information is here for a limited time only in London.  Don't miss out.  Make sure you book today while places are still available.  You can find full information at www.lpnglobal.com/events3 

 

Location is Radisson Edwardian Vanderbilt Hotel, Kensington.  

Date is Wednesday 16th February and there are two showings at 10am or 2pm to suit you.

 

Once you've booked your place I'll be sending you a couple of bonuses to start you on your health road to success before the event. 

 

This is a private event and places are limited so book today at www.lpnglobal.com/events3

 

I look forward to seeing you there in person.   

 

Blessings

 

Suzy Dior

 

I only wish to include people on invitations at their request.    If at any time you wish to unsubscribe click the link below.  It works!

Not interested in receiving more? Click here:
Unsubscribe

 

Suite 395, 2 Lansdowne Row, Mayfair, London W1J 6HL

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Glass melts near absolute zero

This is very cool. Snigger.

Glass melts near absolute zero
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/02/glass-melts-near-absolute-zero.html

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DECC makes huge cut in emissions

Who would have thought that a government department could make such large cuts in their emissions? I wonder if we could do this in our office?

Decc surpasses 10:10 pledge to cut emissions by 10% in 2010 
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/feb/07/decc-10-10-pledge

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Sinned? There's an app for that...

I can't imagine many people would want to log their "sins" on their phones but now there's an app to help them. Maybe Catholic priests should use the app to help them remember which children they've abused. http://i.tuaw.com/2011/02/08/confession-a-roman-catholic-app-receives-an-impr...

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Article: Investing in clean energy technologies by the numbers

Who would have thought that the US would be subsidising major oil companies to the tune of $4bn? Is our government doing something similar? Can there be any industry less deserving of subsidy?

Investing in clean energy technologies by the numbers
http://climateprogress.org/2011/02/06/investing-in-clean-energy-technologies-by-the-numbers/

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Pelicans

The pelicans of St. James park. They took three ducks and an
incautious Japanese tourist while we watched, then slunk back to their
den on the other side of the lake, beaks full of booty. You have been
warned.

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London Hire Bikes animation on Vimeo

Really nice video from Sociable Physics showing the movements of Boris' hire bikes around London on the day of the tube strike in October. http://vimeo.com/19486470

That reminds me - must sign up for the bike scheme.

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How Many People Are in Tahrir Square?

Interesting article on how to estimate the size of a crowd. If I can be bothered, I'll work out how many people would fit in Trafalgar Square.

How Many People Are in Tahrir Square? Here's How to Tell
http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/02/how-many-people-are-in-tahrir-square-heres-how-to-tell/

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Indian court considers astrology a science

Worrying.

Short Sharp Science: Indian court considers astrology a science
http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/shortsharpscience/2011/02/astrology-is-science---in-indi.html

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The date approaches...

...and on Tuesday we should have a telephone line. Shortly after that we should have a broadband connection and all will be well in the world. Can't wait.

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Carl Sagan and the Homeopathic Ray of Death

Fantastic cartoon with the legendary Carl Sagan as hero: http://ninjerktsu.blogspot.com/2011/01/carl-sagan-and-his-fully-armed.html

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Good News; Deforestation Slows

Good news on forests (deforestation slows) but why must there always be a "but"? In this case it seems to be "but some people dispute the evidence and want to continue cutting down trees". Two steps forward, one back. There's hope, but not much.

International Year of Forests Begins - Deforestation Slows But Extent of What's Lost Becomes Clear
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2011/02/international-year-of-forests-deforestation-slows.php

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Hosni Mubarak vows to quit after polls

And it's all over for President Mubarak (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12340923). Whether it's today or September, Egypt's dictator is going. So, now we're playing Spot the Next Ex-Dictator. Anyone want to place a bet?

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Exercise reverses brain volume loss in the elderly

Interesting stuff.

Exercise reverses brain volume loss in the elderly
http://arstechnica.com/science/news/2011/02/exercise-reverses-brain-volume-loss-in-the-elderly.ars

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Government to rethink Digital Economy Act's web blocks

This is a bad idea; can we trust politicians to determine which sites we should be allowed to access? Nope.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12334075

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