I actually think supporting the addition of Flash in apps but, now this is key: continuing to not support Flash in Safari -- is actually rather ingenious of Apple.
First off, Apple was smart to ban Flash from App Store apps, initially. This has allowed Apple to build the thriving eco-system of apps, using their native graphics APIs, that exists today. Now, they have lifted said ban, one might be concerned that this means that suddenly a bunch of slow flash-based apps are going to dominate. But, here is the kicker: in order for a flash-based app to be successful it will have to compete favorably against the hordes of non-flash apps, already out there. Personally, all the apps that I use on a daily basis, aside from having all the features I need, are fast, pleasant to use, and just look nice. All the rest simply sit on my last page of the home screen as they approach their fate of being deleted.
By lifting the ban, they have effectively said to Adobe: "Fine, you can submit Flash-based apps. But, just watch what happens." My guess is that there maybe only a handful of flash-based apps will make the cut, if that. And by continuing to not support Flash in Safari, Apple continues applying their pressure on web developers to migrate from Flash to HTML5. Of course, this move could potentially back-fire on Apple, should Adobe figure out a way to optimize flash such that it's performance hit would be insignificant. My former prediction is the more likely scenario. And I'd bet real money that this is exactly what the folks in Cupertino are counting on.
The reality is, the "room" has gotten a bit too hot (with everyone complaining about App Store restrictions, the iPhone 4 Antenna issue, etc.) so Apple made, what I believe to be a very wise decision, to help relieve some of this pressure. It's a calculated risk for sure. But, one that will pay off for them in the end.
Given that computer labs were one of the few worthwhile hangouts of mine back in high-school (the Physics classroom was the other): I would be saddened to hear them be completely done away with.
It was one of the few opportunities for folks like us to socialize with people like ourselves.
In order for one to appreciate the full beauty and realize the power of the Scientific Method, and its applications: one has to have *faith* in his/her own observations. I know people who will adamantly argue that everything we see isn't *actually* real, and is merely illusion and thus the tools of Science breaks down completely for these folks. Rationality is predicated on one's ability to make assumptions (which, when you think about it, are actually "leaps of faith" in disguise).
Some people choose to make these assumptions based on Religions others go by "gut feel", and others use some combination of the two. Either way, as far as *Science* is concerned: there is no difference.
Perhaps this explains the "UFO" sightings by aviation crew and some astronauts? I would suspect that as one increases their altitude, they increase their odds of experiencing such an occurrence: with a statistical spike as one approaches/escapes the earth's atmosphere. As such this could even cause a "mass hallucination".
That being said, I find it rather troubling that now "mass hallucinations" could be highly probable in environments with high magnetic activity. Perhaps astronauts should start carrying magnetic field detection gear (assuming they aren't already).
for these kids to realize that the "glamorous" lifestyle of the video game designer is a lie. More like death marches galore, low pay, and shady companies.
Research this stuff first kids!
Very true, but let's not forget another detail: many folks seem to think building video games == playing video games. I'd be willing to bet that while initial interest may be high, the drop-out rate will be through the roof. With a flurry of video game buffs enrolling in these classes (many of which are likely to be non-programmers), there is bound to be a lot of students caught like a deer in headlights when they learn that game development is one of the most difficult forms of programming in existence.
Of course, those who are artistically inclined might actually have an easier shot at making it through: as they could get into the art-design aspects of game development. I'd further suspect that most of the graduates will fall in this category -- and hence, will get the chance to experience the game development industry in it's full glory.
Does it make sense to charge for a test-drive? How about eating samples at a grocery store? Or collect a fee for reading an advertisement?
Intuitively, this is patently absurd. But, even at a conceptual level the notion of "monetizing an advertisement" is utterly brain-dead. Now I am going to give these goons at EA the benefit of the doubt and say that they have at least a few pairs of properly functioning neurons firing (every so often). That must mean that they don't actually consider their demos to be advertisements. They are products in and of themselves! Much as it makes sense for someone to live off grocery store samples, commute to work via daily test-drives and avoid sensory deprivation by staring at bill-boards every so often.... hmm, nevermind.
Their government does not want the kind of "openness" and free exchange of information that is Google's trade. That is their prerogative.
Even if you subscribe to the moral relativistic notions that preclude fundamental human-rights, there is no denying that this is this very "prerogative" is going to continue to spur social upheaval and (what I hope) will be a full-scale revolution against what amounts to a modern-day Stasi government.
I suppose one could deem their position to "reasonable" if he/she supports such a regime. I, for one, think the people of China deserve far better.
Even Microsoft doesn't have the money for both a sufficient QA department *and* Seinfeld. I guess they figured that at least Seinfeld would make everyone laugh, as the ship sinks.
On my spare time, I regularly drink beer and have been known to post photos of cats "flipping the bird". If you don't like this, great. That should at-least filter out the bottom 10% of my head-hunter traffic.
Well, I can see it now. The market takes a *real* plunge and these guys at Lenovo end up putting on their polyester shirts and hitting the retail circuit (ala Radio Shack).
You've got questions... we've got blank stares.
You've got a product to return?... we've got an NDA for you to fill out.
I would argue that this is largely the result of Apple filling a vacuum created by Microsoft's recent botchfest on the Windows franchise. No doubt *nix is and will continue to reign supreme on the server-side, but *nix's usability issues coupled with the declining popularity of Windows is resulting in more and more people taking a serious look at Apple's MacOS platform.
It is actually quite amazing how tables really have turned for Apple. The initial release of Mac OS X (which was light-years beyond OS 9.x) alone certainty *started* the trend, but Microsoft's latest blunders is clearly resulting an increase of Apple's dominance. What Apple needs now is to find a way to ride the new trend towards applications-as-services (Sorry Microsoft, but Windows Live just doesn't cut it).
1. Slashdot will think that you should be able to use anything you damn well please as long as it's Open Source.
I own a personal license for IntelliJ IDEA, and have been more productive with it than I ever would have hoped with to be with Eclipse or Net Beans (which I have also had a lot of experience with). Thus, IMHO, the "as long as its Open Source" requirement is far too restrictive (especially if the employee, such as I, has fronted the cost for it).
2. Yes, especially if the people who sign you paycheck tell you that's what you have to do.
I would expect that whatever software shop I am working for to be interested in my ability to write effective software. This require my willingness to learn new languages and adapt to new frameworks. But, since most software teams tend to share only source code and build files - the particular IDE that a given developer will usually have no impact on the team. Of course this means that if I, for example, run into a problem with IntelliJ: it is my responsibility to resolve it, despite the fact that most of my coworkers aren't using it.
There are, of course, software teams that are necessarily tied to a specific IDE. Teams that invest in building IDE specific plug-ins, and language-tool companies such as Source Gear or Genuitec would be examples.
Slashdot Mirror
And shall the recursive jokes ensue ...
I actually think supporting the addition of Flash in apps but, now this is key: continuing to not support Flash in Safari -- is actually rather ingenious of Apple.
First off, Apple was smart to ban Flash from App Store apps, initially. This has allowed Apple to build the thriving eco-system of apps, using their native graphics APIs, that exists today. Now, they have lifted said ban, one might be concerned that this means that suddenly a bunch of slow flash-based apps are going to dominate. But, here is the kicker: in order for a flash-based app to be successful it will have to compete favorably against the hordes of non-flash apps, already out there. Personally, all the apps that I use on a daily basis, aside from having all the features I need, are fast, pleasant to use, and just look nice. All the rest simply sit on my last page of the home screen as they approach their fate of being deleted.
By lifting the ban, they have effectively said to Adobe: "Fine, you can submit Flash-based apps. But, just watch what happens." My guess is that there maybe only a handful of flash-based apps will make the cut, if that. And by continuing to not support Flash in Safari, Apple continues applying their pressure on web developers to migrate from Flash to HTML5. Of course, this move could potentially back-fire on Apple, should Adobe figure out a way to optimize flash such that it's performance hit would be insignificant. My former prediction is the more likely scenario. And I'd bet real money that this is exactly what the folks in Cupertino are counting on.
The reality is, the "room" has gotten a bit too hot (with everyone complaining about App Store restrictions, the iPhone 4 Antenna issue, etc.) so Apple made, what I believe to be a very wise decision, to help relieve some of this pressure. It's a calculated risk for sure. But, one that will pay off for them in the end.
No more computer labs?
Given that computer labs were one of the few worthwhile hangouts of mine back in high-school (the Physics classroom was the other): I would be saddened to hear them be completely done away with.
It was one of the few opportunities for folks like us to socialize with people like ourselves.
... every one turns off their WiFi
Awesome, now Gurus will be mediated to troubleshoot Firefox (I mean Timberwolf) issues.
No offense: but this is complete bullshit.
In order for one to appreciate the full beauty and realize the power of the Scientific Method, and its applications: one has to have *faith* in his/her own observations. I know people who will adamantly argue that everything we see isn't *actually* real, and is merely illusion and thus the tools of Science breaks down completely for these folks. Rationality is predicated on one's ability to make assumptions (which, when you think about it, are actually "leaps of faith" in disguise).
Some people choose to make these assumptions based on Religions others go by "gut feel", and others use some combination of the two. Either way, as far as *Science* is concerned: there is no difference.
After hearing about the rumor of free Kindles for all Amazon Prime members ... I'm still waiting, dammit!
Perhaps this explains the "UFO" sightings by aviation crew and some astronauts? I would suspect that as one increases their altitude, they increase their odds of experiencing such an occurrence: with a statistical spike as one approaches/escapes the earth's atmosphere. As such this could even cause a "mass hallucination".
That being said, I find it rather troubling that now "mass hallucinations" could be highly probable in environments with high magnetic activity. Perhaps astronauts should start carrying magnetic field detection gear (assuming they aren't already).
.... or something. Shit, I always do that.
I always mess up some mundane detail."
for these kids to realize that the "glamorous" lifestyle of the video game designer is a lie. More like death marches galore, low pay, and shady companies.
Research this stuff first kids!
Very true, but let's not forget another detail: many folks seem to think building video games == playing video games. I'd be willing to bet that while initial interest may be high, the drop-out rate will be through the roof. With a flurry of video game buffs enrolling in these classes (many of which are likely to be non-programmers), there is bound to be a lot of students caught like a deer in headlights when they learn that game development is one of the most difficult forms of programming in existence.
Of course, those who are artistically inclined might actually have an easier shot at making it through: as they could get into the art-design aspects of game development. I'd further suspect that most of the graduates will fall in this category -- and hence, will get the chance to experience the game development industry in it's full glory.
Good one :-)
Guess I'll let the 'tards who down-modded my original comment go this time.
I was the *first* one to post with a reference to Uranus. Check the timestamps!
... That would just be too reminiscent of a south park episode.
Does it make sense to charge for a test-drive?
How about eating samples at a grocery store?
Or collect a fee for reading an advertisement?
Intuitively, this is patently absurd. But, even at a conceptual level the notion of "monetizing an advertisement" is utterly brain-dead. Now I am going to give these goons at EA the benefit of the doubt and say that they have at least a few pairs of properly functioning neurons firing (every so often). That must mean that they don't actually consider their demos to be advertisements. They are products in and of themselves! Much as it makes sense for someone to live off grocery store samples, commute to work via daily test-drives and avoid sensory deprivation by staring at bill-boards every so often. ... hmm, nevermind.
An interesting graph showing the type of audiences each news source attracts:
http://gawker.com/5005006/the-most-liberal-sites-in-america
The charge on my contact lenses is running low.
Perhaps Toyota should review which Engineers have been fired lately.
Their government does not want the kind of "openness" and free exchange of information that is Google's trade. That is their prerogative.
Even if you subscribe to the moral relativistic notions that preclude fundamental human-rights, there is no denying that this is this very "prerogative" is going to continue to spur social upheaval and (what I hope) will be a full-scale revolution against what amounts to a modern-day Stasi government.
I suppose one could deem their position to "reasonable" if he/she supports such a regime. I, for one, think the people of China deserve far better.
Even Microsoft doesn't have the money for both a sufficient QA department *and* Seinfeld. I guess they figured that at least Seinfeld would make everyone laugh, as the ship sinks.
On my spare time, I regularly drink beer and have been known to post photos of cats "flipping the bird". If you don't like this, great. That should at-least filter out the bottom 10% of my head-hunter traffic.
Well, I can see it now. The market takes a *real* plunge and these guys at Lenovo end up putting on their polyester shirts and hitting the retail circuit (ala Radio Shack).
You've got questions ... we've got blank stares.
You've got a product to return? ... we've got an NDA for you to fill out.
What if instead of ...
>He likes Chicken Parmesan, Bill O'Reilly, and
>shopping at Walmart.
We could say ...
He likes Tofu Feta, Al Franken, and shopping at Whole Foods.
What then?
I would argue that this is largely the result of Apple filling a vacuum created by Microsoft's recent botchfest on the Windows franchise. No doubt *nix is and will continue to reign supreme on the server-side, but *nix's usability issues coupled with the declining popularity of Windows is resulting in more and more people taking a serious look at Apple's MacOS platform.
It is actually quite amazing how tables really have turned for Apple. The initial release of Mac OS X (which was light-years beyond OS 9.x) alone certainty *started* the trend, but Microsoft's latest blunders is clearly resulting an increase of Apple's dominance. What Apple needs now is to find a way to ride the new trend towards applications-as-services (Sorry Microsoft, but Windows Live just doesn't cut it).
1. Slashdot will think that you should be able to use anything you damn well please as long as it's Open Source.
I own a personal license for IntelliJ IDEA, and have been more productive with it than I ever would have hoped with to be with Eclipse or Net Beans (which I have also had a lot of experience with). Thus, IMHO, the "as long as its Open Source" requirement is far too restrictive (especially if the employee, such as I, has fronted the cost for it).
2. Yes, especially if the people who sign you paycheck tell you that's what you have to do.
I would expect that whatever software shop I am working for to be interested in my ability to write effective software. This require my willingness to learn new languages and adapt to new frameworks. But, since most software teams tend to share only source code and build files - the particular IDE that a given developer will usually have no impact on the team. Of course this means that if I, for example, run into a problem with IntelliJ: it is my responsibility to resolve it, despite the fact that most of my coworkers aren't using it. There are, of course, software teams that are necessarily tied to a specific IDE. Teams that invest in building IDE specific plug-ins, and language-tool companies such as Source Gear or Genuitec would be examples.