Overall, I'd say you're correct, but there is something else to consider: Microsoft's image. Windows and Office are what your parents (most likely) used. That makes them lame, broadly speaking. So if Microsoft has only those, it's lame. And nobody outside of industry has head of Lync or Exchange. Try getting a teenager excited about them. So to reach these people, MSFT needs something hip or cool. What is that? It could be Skype sure. That's pretty sweet and has a big following around the world. Or maybe if Windows Phone takes off, it could be that. You laugh now but that phone is... unique, to say the least. But what it really is right now is Xbox. Xbox is cool. It's the center of so many American homes. Your kid wants an Xbox. Microsoft can't afford to give that up. Maybe, if my wishes come true, Steam consoles and OUYA will rise up, but they haven't yet. Xbox is all that separates MS from a wrinkly old prune. Hell, even their CEO is old. And if Sinofsky comes back and succeeds Ballmer? He's also old. Xbox is the only thing there that's even slightly young. I doubt they'll be selling it.
Well, what you described was Steve Jobs making an idiotic decision, not Apple. Even then, it was a decision on health, not technology - I'm not sure how many people would trust him as a doctor. But yes, my example was idiotic, I was just trying to secure first post (worked!).
I cannot believe this is getting posted here. I know Slashdot hates Microsoft but this is the equivalent of me saying that Apple will sell off the iPad because the iPhone didn't sell as well as they wanted it to. Or something like that.
I'm American (so... stupid) and while I can see where you're going with that, given what the government here does with my tax money (go to war, not fix roads, bicker, etc), I would be happy for any organization, especially one as useful as Google, that manages to hide its money. Now, I'm told in countries like Canada, taxes are actually redistributed to the people. That would be a different story. As it stands, I just can't feel sorry for the US not getting its "share" of Google's money.
I don't use a facebook and have seen no practical consequence. I do miss people's birthdays but frankly, with 500+ friends, odds are I would have forgotten to wish them a happy birthday anyway. Doesn't mean much to just post it on their wall. Below there are some comments saying that employers will look at the lack of a facebook as a warning sign. I can't say I'm an expert on the topic, but I've personally never encountered anything of the sort. No employer has ever asked me for my facebook and I doubt they have the time to look everyone up with hundreds of job applications anyway. In fact, I've seen the opposite. Not having a facebook is seen as some of my friends as being hip and cool. I'm not saying I'm fond of this behavior, but I have heard some people say things like, "Oh, yeah, I don't use Facebook. I feel like it devalues human interaction, you know?" And then they start talking about the latest bands no one has heard of:) Basically, what I'm trying to say is that my life without Facebook is nothing but sunshine and kittens. Come on over! Grass is greener and you get more done!
Oh, carrying around a USB stick. That's a very good idea. I'll have to keep it in mind. I won't be buying anything for at least two more years either but that's a nice way to do research when the time comes.
Really? What would you say is a good laptop for Linux? I had a Dell E6550 (or something to that tune), tried to put Linux on it, and it worked just fine. I then tried to do the same to my current Samsung Notebook Series 9 and the experience has been horrible. The right click on the touchpad won't work. The brightness couldn't be turned down until a recent update fixed it. And I don't know what it's called but that button on the lower-right of the keyboard that would act as a right-click also didn't work. Even past the Linux issues, the buttons get stuck and and the keyboard imprints on the screen. After this, I would get on my knees and beg Dell for a laptop. The old one is currently at home and chugging along perfectly after four years, despite showing some signs of heating issues.
Maybe this is a sign that I'm becoming spoiled (or anti-social) but I would get both. Steam seems to be the next big thing on near-Google levels and I'd like to see where this goes. Ouya is just a very cool system that for some reason seems to have a lot of rpgs, which I'm a fan of. Though I agree, most people would stick to only one or the other, and even then, most would stick to the xbox. Shame. Both the Steambox and the Ouya could become big among the sub-gamer culture that's also interested in more hack-ish linuxy things though. Too early to call in my opinion.
Stories like this and yesterday's story about the girl drugging her own parents make me wonder how we're raising our kids. Did the father try something else before resorting to this? It doesn't seem like good parenting (and neither does testing something your daughter brought you before first asking her about it). As a gamer, I completely agree that video games are addicting. But I've had a positive experience with my parents and am now finishing college with a job ahead of me. I think if they hired assassins to kill me in my games, I would just turn against them more so. This whole situation seems to be an 18-year-late consequence to poor parenting.
I worked at Microsoft briefly, and was called up to a committee because my previous organization (college) had switched to Google Apps. Microsoft was horrified and openly stated (paraphrased) "A big goal for this year is beating Google". I am sorry to say that most of their "solutions" included free xboxes. I'm not sure what college student would play an xbox and then get the urge to use Outlook, but that hardly seems to be my business.
They only find it trivial when talking to a reporter.
they watched some science fiction? I cannot believe any of this. I find it very likely that part of the reason the US attacked the Middle East was to get armies right up near China. As dumb as the political side of the US is I doube the military side will roll over and die.
Troll in the dungeon? I have never owned an iPad, I have a Nexus 7 now, and the experience is wonderful. It's fast, there's a lot of cool apps, the $25 gift card has paid for everything so far, Chrome on a tablet is even better than on a laptop/desktop, the battery life is great (I can use it for two days without recharging), there have been no crashes, the mail app is fantastic (honestly, it could replace my Thunderbird). Care to elaborate on what you hated?
Not only is it not politically correct, it's actually wrong. Evolution is about selecting the traits that are best IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT. As species come closer to water, they learn to swim and develop flippers. That's not to say flippers are better than feet - they would do us no good today (unless global warming accelerates hollywood style). We currently live in a world where we can treat diseases with pills. So maybe we SHOULDN'T be selecting for people with a strong immune system. Maybe we will actually wipe out most diseases in the next 100-200 years. We almost have smallpox down and the bubonic plague is hardly decimating Europe now. I'm not saying I wish our descendants have no immune system - I hope they do. But if that's not their environment, they shouldn't be expected to evolve to it. That would actually be akin to selecting humans with flippers (great if you need to swim). Or wings (great if you need to fly). Or tails (great for balance). A bigger brain isn't even that positive of a thing in all senses - it consumes more energy, weighs more, and depending on how you increase connections, could actually be slower than our current setup. Offtopic, I will also say that I don't have that much faith in the IQ test. Supposedly the average has risen 20 points in the past generation? I'm not buying that. Maybe a number 1-100 isn't the best way to gauge how good you are at procreating.
So, the movie's interpretation is that we should be fighting hackers with our fists and they're calling that MORE realistic than previous Bond films? Yes, I'm sure the next time someone from China hacks the US, we can just send someone over to punch them. And that will not only stop them, but undo the virus, somehow. Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter was more realistic than this.
Microsoft's CEO thinks that a Microsoft tablet is the way to go. Put it on page 1. In other shocking news, Larry Page recommends Google over Bing and Tim Cook uses a mac!
Oh, if only I had mod points for you. Exactly. Governments tend to talk but it's mainly because they've run out of shit to pass through their ass and are compensating with the next best thing. I'm not saying ignore then, but I am saying that this is more than likely just someone running their mouths. How exactly will they ban VLC or anything for that matter? Install software on every computer that blocks it? Or track who downloads it? That totally killed torrenting. Maybe they will send in the troops? I'd like to see that. "Sir, we need to investigate your computer." "Go right ahead." "Hold on, where is the start button on this thing?"*
*HA! This is now true of all three major operating sytems!
Simple logic, and possibly what they are going for, but in no way 100% accurate. The PC gaming industry is still doing just great. I even think there is some statistic about Steam's profits doubling for 7 years running ( http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/115085-Steam-Sales-Double-Again-in-2011 ). If Microsoft is fine giving that up, they're crazy. Which, I think, is what's happening. There is money to be made from people who just don't WANT an Xbox and so far Microsoft has been in a position to make that money. There is probably some exec at Microsoft who THINKS PC gaming is dead, and logically follows through with the thought that it's ok to give it up. I predict that in a few more years, Microsoft will see their mistake and try to run back way too late, as Steam dominates with Google-like intensity.
It's cute, it encourages thinking, the graphics are truly beautiful, it is an example of a wonderful open source community, and because the campaigns are easy to edit and code, it can be used as a gateway drug to programming. Hey, even I managed to make a campaign!
Familiarity and that it comes pre-installed as a lot of people have already said. Also: video games. I'm really hoping (but skeptical) that Steam For Linux is successful.
Slashdot Mirror
Overall, I'd say you're correct, but there is something else to consider: Microsoft's image. Windows and Office are what your parents (most likely) used. That makes them lame, broadly speaking. So if Microsoft has only those, it's lame. And nobody outside of industry has head of Lync or Exchange. Try getting a teenager excited about them. So to reach these people, MSFT needs something hip or cool. What is that? It could be Skype sure. That's pretty sweet and has a big following around the world. Or maybe if Windows Phone takes off, it could be that. You laugh now but that phone is... unique, to say the least. But what it really is right now is Xbox. Xbox is cool. It's the center of so many American homes. Your kid wants an Xbox. Microsoft can't afford to give that up. Maybe, if my wishes come true, Steam consoles and OUYA will rise up, but they haven't yet. Xbox is all that separates MS from a wrinkly old prune. Hell, even their CEO is old. And if Sinofsky comes back and succeeds Ballmer? He's also old. Xbox is the only thing there that's even slightly young. I doubt they'll be selling it.
Well, what you described was Steve Jobs making an idiotic decision, not Apple. Even then, it was a decision on health, not technology - I'm not sure how many people would trust him as a doctor. But yes, my example was idiotic, I was just trying to secure first post (worked!).
I cannot believe this is getting posted here. I know Slashdot hates Microsoft but this is the equivalent of me saying that Apple will sell off the iPad because the iPhone didn't sell as well as they wanted it to. Or something like that.
I'm American (so... stupid) and while I can see where you're going with that, given what the government here does with my tax money (go to war, not fix roads, bicker, etc), I would be happy for any organization, especially one as useful as Google, that manages to hide its money. Now, I'm told in countries like Canada, taxes are actually redistributed to the people. That would be a different story. As it stands, I just can't feel sorry for the US not getting its "share" of Google's money.
That's not bad grammar, you silly slashdotter! That's the name of a bulding at Princeton University: Frist Campus Center. Look it up. :)
Was the purpose of your post to say, "Oooh, look at me, I have a spouse!"
I don't use a facebook and have seen no practical consequence. I do miss people's birthdays but frankly, with 500+ friends, odds are I would have forgotten to wish them a happy birthday anyway. Doesn't mean much to just post it on their wall. Below there are some comments saying that employers will look at the lack of a facebook as a warning sign. I can't say I'm an expert on the topic, but I've personally never encountered anything of the sort. No employer has ever asked me for my facebook and I doubt they have the time to look everyone up with hundreds of job applications anyway. In fact, I've seen the opposite. Not having a facebook is seen as some of my friends as being hip and cool. I'm not saying I'm fond of this behavior, but I have heard some people say things like, "Oh, yeah, I don't use Facebook. I feel like it devalues human interaction, you know?" And then they start talking about the latest bands no one has heard of :) Basically, what I'm trying to say is that my life without Facebook is nothing but sunshine and kittens. Come on over! Grass is greener and you get more done!
Oh, carrying around a USB stick. That's a very good idea. I'll have to keep it in mind. I won't be buying anything for at least two more years either but that's a nice way to do research when the time comes.
Really? What would you say is a good laptop for Linux? I had a Dell E6550 (or something to that tune), tried to put Linux on it, and it worked just fine. I then tried to do the same to my current Samsung Notebook Series 9 and the experience has been horrible. The right click on the touchpad won't work. The brightness couldn't be turned down until a recent update fixed it. And I don't know what it's called but that button on the lower-right of the keyboard that would act as a right-click also didn't work. Even past the Linux issues, the buttons get stuck and and the keyboard imprints on the screen. After this, I would get on my knees and beg Dell for a laptop. The old one is currently at home and chugging along perfectly after four years, despite showing some signs of heating issues.
When you do drink them.
It pretty much lists everything America and China need to do in the next 100 years.
Maybe this is a sign that I'm becoming spoiled (or anti-social) but I would get both. Steam seems to be the next big thing on near-Google levels and I'd like to see where this goes. Ouya is just a very cool system that for some reason seems to have a lot of rpgs, which I'm a fan of. Though I agree, most people would stick to only one or the other, and even then, most would stick to the xbox. Shame. Both the Steambox and the Ouya could become big among the sub-gamer culture that's also interested in more hack-ish linuxy things though. Too early to call in my opinion.
Stories like this and yesterday's story about the girl drugging her own parents make me wonder how we're raising our kids. Did the father try something else before resorting to this? It doesn't seem like good parenting (and neither does testing something your daughter brought you before first asking her about it). As a gamer, I completely agree that video games are addicting. But I've had a positive experience with my parents and am now finishing college with a job ahead of me. I think if they hired assassins to kill me in my games, I would just turn against them more so. This whole situation seems to be an 18-year-late consequence to poor parenting.
I worked at Microsoft briefly, and was called up to a committee because my previous organization (college) had switched to Google Apps. Microsoft was horrified and openly stated (paraphrased) "A big goal for this year is beating Google". I am sorry to say that most of their "solutions" included free xboxes. I'm not sure what college student would play an xbox and then get the urge to use Outlook, but that hardly seems to be my business. They only find it trivial when talking to a reporter.
they watched some science fiction? I cannot believe any of this. I find it very likely that part of the reason the US attacked the Middle East was to get armies right up near China. As dumb as the political side of the US is I doube the military side will roll over and die.
Troll in the dungeon? I have never owned an iPad, I have a Nexus 7 now, and the experience is wonderful. It's fast, there's a lot of cool apps, the $25 gift card has paid for everything so far, Chrome on a tablet is even better than on a laptop/desktop, the battery life is great (I can use it for two days without recharging), there have been no crashes, the mail app is fantastic (honestly, it could replace my Thunderbird). Care to elaborate on what you hated?
An emotional bond is just what Skynet wants! That's why it has been making terminator robots in the form of cute 22 year old girls!
Not only is it not politically correct, it's actually wrong. Evolution is about selecting the traits that are best IN THE CURRENT ENVIRONMENT. As species come closer to water, they learn to swim and develop flippers. That's not to say flippers are better than feet - they would do us no good today (unless global warming accelerates hollywood style). We currently live in a world where we can treat diseases with pills. So maybe we SHOULDN'T be selecting for people with a strong immune system. Maybe we will actually wipe out most diseases in the next 100-200 years. We almost have smallpox down and the bubonic plague is hardly decimating Europe now. I'm not saying I wish our descendants have no immune system - I hope they do. But if that's not their environment, they shouldn't be expected to evolve to it. That would actually be akin to selecting humans with flippers (great if you need to swim). Or wings (great if you need to fly). Or tails (great for balance). A bigger brain isn't even that positive of a thing in all senses - it consumes more energy, weighs more, and depending on how you increase connections, could actually be slower than our current setup. Offtopic, I will also say that I don't have that much faith in the IQ test. Supposedly the average has risen 20 points in the past generation? I'm not buying that. Maybe a number 1-100 isn't the best way to gauge how good you are at procreating.
Fair. Valid comeback, that I will accept. If I wasn't commenting on this, I'd mod you funny.
So, the movie's interpretation is that we should be fighting hackers with our fists and they're calling that MORE realistic than previous Bond films? Yes, I'm sure the next time someone from China hacks the US, we can just send someone over to punch them. And that will not only stop them, but undo the virus, somehow. Abe Lincoln Vampire Hunter was more realistic than this.
Microsoft's CEO thinks that a Microsoft tablet is the way to go. Put it on page 1. In other shocking news, Larry Page recommends Google over Bing and Tim Cook uses a mac!
Oh, if only I had mod points for you. Exactly. Governments tend to talk but it's mainly because they've run out of shit to pass through their ass and are compensating with the next best thing. I'm not saying ignore then, but I am saying that this is more than likely just someone running their mouths. How exactly will they ban VLC or anything for that matter? Install software on every computer that blocks it? Or track who downloads it? That totally killed torrenting. Maybe they will send in the troops? I'd like to see that. "Sir, we need to investigate your computer." "Go right ahead." "Hold on, where is the start button on this thing?"* *HA! This is now true of all three major operating sytems!
Simple logic, and possibly what they are going for, but in no way 100% accurate. The PC gaming industry is still doing just great. I even think there is some statistic about Steam's profits doubling for 7 years running ( http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/115085-Steam-Sales-Double-Again-in-2011 ). If Microsoft is fine giving that up, they're crazy. Which, I think, is what's happening. There is money to be made from people who just don't WANT an Xbox and so far Microsoft has been in a position to make that money. There is probably some exec at Microsoft who THINKS PC gaming is dead, and logically follows through with the thought that it's ok to give it up. I predict that in a few more years, Microsoft will see their mistake and try to run back way too late, as Steam dominates with Google-like intensity.
It's cute, it encourages thinking, the graphics are truly beautiful, it is an example of a wonderful open source community, and because the campaigns are easy to edit and code, it can be used as a gateway drug to programming. Hey, even I managed to make a campaign!
Familiarity and that it comes pre-installed as a lot of people have already said. Also: video games. I'm really hoping (but skeptical) that Steam For Linux is successful.