Now playingSpaceCollective Where forward thinking terrestrials share ideas and information about the state of the species, their planet and the universe, living the lives of science fiction.Introduction Featuring Powers of Ten by Charles and Ray Eames, based on an idea by Kees Boeke.
Last week on MWC at Barcelona, Microsoft launch the new Windows Phone 7 Series, the last version of his mobile version of windows, specially focused on expand the Zune interface. It seems that they was hearing the good feedback (I wrote a post) about ZuneHD interface.
You can read a great preview on Gizmodo. I encuorage to do it if you enjoy the user interface concepts.
I had read that it looks like cooler than the iPhone ;)
Okay, this is an amazing world. Last week, Apple presents his new gadget, a mobile device all in one that is supposed to be the revolution of personal computer. And this supposed it’s true, but, like always, not like the company explains it.
Recently, I bring my last two desktop computers to my parents and my parents in law, and I could see from the first line which are the handicaps of the traditional personal computing. It was and interesting exercise of empathy, and make aware me about some important issues that will need to be merged with the iPad discussion.
After a few minutes of the keynote, an outstanding debate starts on internet, and it follows today, and it will follow, be sure, during all the year. It was motivated by people forgetting that a company is always a company, and a company does the best for it, not for the costumers. This is a simply argument, but I will expose a heard topics of this week and simplified my conclusion with a sum of positive and negative points. Come on, would you like to do with me this funny sum up exercise?
MARKETING
First of all, all of you heard about the Apple’s aggressive marketing. They know how to make a good product and better how to sale it. But in the way, they found solid values that are universal to any costumer (like user experience, cross platform services…).
In this case, the claim “The best way to experience the web…” starts the war. And this is a lie, because, the 70% of the internet video and the 75% of internet games couldn’t be seen with the iPad. You couldn’t say this claims and rest like was a simply marketing claim. This is thanks to the omission of include Flash technology on the device.
Apple’s marketing lies. Negative point.
Check this graphical representation of how will be the surfing experience without Flash plugin (Thanks to Lee Brimelow)
*The screen deleted was a porn site.
TECHNOLOGY
Continuing with lies, Apple says that was because Flash turns the platforms more unstable, and the recently standard HTML5 can show video on internet too. If you think Flash ONLY brings video to internet, you are a dummy of this world. What about brand experiences, online applications, interactive diagrams, games (talk to the creator of Flow, a Flash game ported lately to PS3), and a lot of new interactive experiences that pushes up internet every day.
CLOSED SYSTEM
Following with the next point, the operating system of iPad is based on IphoneOS, a light version of and operating system that can do less things. If it does less things, it consumes less energy, and this facts, for a mobile device is a good feature. But the controversy starts with the limitations of the gadget. Every application will be downloaded from Apple’s Application Store cutting the open source way and the free developing for the platform (is knew the particular review process of this Store, with Applies from Google censored). The same case with video contents, and now with the eBooks contents, with a new Store for these (with property DRM system). This is a commercial decision, from a company that is becoming a content delivery one (iTunes is the first store in USA with 5 years old). They make good devices, but the sales on their stores are increasing day after day…
Apple’s make an Apple’s stores consumption device (more near from a Nintendo DSi than a netbook). Neutral point.
*Remember that Xbox360, the gaming system from Microsoft, don't have an internet browser.
This post will help you to understand the philosophy behind the gadget.
CLOSED DESIGN
It’s knew that Apple makes their gadgets with a poor offer of expanding ports, and iPad don’t be and exception. It’s strange this expanding capacities on a “computer” (ironic phrase), nowadays with the standard SD cards, the USB pens generally used by the entire consume electronics. And the poor (and expensive) disks capacities weren’t a solution. But, think for a moment that all of this was with a purpose; force the use of a new internet file repository system, or switch the habit of download contents by have access to contents (every new Apple’s device has 3G model), and in fact, it can be sold as a cross-platform service.
Apple forces customers to buy more ‘add-ons’. Negative point.
USABILITY ISUES
The iPad is from now, the best and universal democratized device for all the audiences. The interaction of the touch interface is the easier way to introduce computing to anyone. The cognitive experience has no rival. And iPad brings a honey moon to students, medics, commercials, projects leaders, and teachers… any one who need handle information in different contexts.
The work showed about the iWork suite was impressive, and, demonstrates that we can really work with new kind of applications that improve the creation of content workflows.
Also, Apple is demonstrating how a huge company can migrate his default suite of applications to a real cross-platform experience (Mac – iPhone - iPad), with very good results.
Apple brings an unknown experience until now. Positive point.
SYSTEM AND MULTITASK
The simplified version of a operating system (install process, uninstall, elimination of folders, refer files to his application…) followed of some studies and habit analysis, probe we aren’t so multitasking like we thought to be becomes on a simplified operation system with less options but more logical and targeted actions.
The first need of this new system of multitouch interfaces was to eliminate the cross window behaviors. These are concepts very difficult to understand for a foreigner person. One application, one screen is ideal.
Another reason is that our brains couldn’t do two things at the same time. We are animals that focus our minds on labors, and one after another, we can make complex works.
Apple doesn’t do a real multitasking behavior, but the system allows playing music and surf the web, work, etc. It’s a kind of controlled or limited multitask. Remember, they don’t try to sell a netbook.
Apple applies new workflows for computing, ready for all kind of audience. Positive point.
TARGET AUDIENCE
This is the key of these product. Really, enjoy the history; imagine the situation, my father 50 years old want to consume internet at home. He needs a computer, a windows or macOS lessons (those never brings he the ability to install software or some kind of control of his machine, really), an internet plan (install and configure modem) and a desktop! (He needs a big screen). All of these needs, without any installation process solve the launch of iPad. It’s incredible, and a plug & play solution.
Actually, the 90% of home internet connections are to consume internet, with computers that can do thousand of things more than it were used, with poor mobility, and by the way like 20 years ago. There is and huge blue ocean here.
Apple makes the question and answers it with a good point of view. Positive point.
CONCLUSION
To sum up, 3 negative points in front 3 positive points. 1 neutral point.
You can buy the next iPad or not (it’s little expensive), it’s your decision, but one thing is true, new kinds of devices are born, and it will revolution the world of personal computing.
With the Apple’s bet, the market is pushed again, and the personal computing HAS to be redesigned. And it is easier than you can imagine.
I recommend to companies follow the success of Apple, taking note of their positive points and ignore the negative ones: Make similar devices with more features and cheaper prices.
And a call for Adobe, audience claims for a simplified interface fully of usability and cross-platform experiences; you are good in standards, find a layer with the operation system and how expand the knowledge of audiences over a range of devices (Steve Jobs proudly says that 75 million people know how iPads works). Do you have something called Air and something like it mobile? Do you support multitouch events? Talk to manufacturers, and bring a unified experience where the user controls his device plenty of happiness (obviously, don’t kill the advanced mode like Apple does.)
Last week I was enjoying the more interesting speech in months, for me, a person who is continuously interested on how technology and the evolution of the media can influence our diary lives or costumes, and, surely for you too.
What for you? Certainly, if you are visiting this network, you are interested on futuristic concepts, and how technology can evolve or how can help to us to do it. With this on one hand, everyone loves to look back; do an exercise to understand how the progress connects step by step over history. This is an outstanding exercise of perspective, and helps us to know from where the concepts come.
The speaker, Tomi Ahonen explains this exercise with and incredible lucid and direct narration, plenty of data and concept relations. Also, Tomi brings a commercial layer for all of this, probably you don't love this commercial smell, but it show how easy is to discover blue oceans (new business models on a new media).
If you see the video (very recommended), you can clearly explain or have a global view about the 7 new Medias of our history. Personally, I think this where the speech shows the more amazing ideas and connections. Tomi explains it with an agile and motivated way. And, like he, I'm in love of the opportunities of this globally established new media (as you can see, I participate on and Adobe User Group for mobile devices).
On the other hand, we have a fluently and direct exposition of what are the reasons which turn mobile the best and better mass new media until now. An irrefutable and surprising list of acts that you can only affirm.
Well, it will be better that you enjoy the speech, and mature all this concepts for yourself :)
To allow acces to chapters (apreciated feature) visit the FloraTV site with this direct link.
Tomi T Ahonen is an author of six bestselling hardcover books as well as three new eBooks on mobile telecoms and digital convergence is the former Nokia executive who lectures at short courses at Oxford University, is a most widely respected expert in high tech, already referenced in over 50 books by other authors.
Javier "Barrapunto" Candeira writes, "Last Monday the Spanish Government sent the parliament the latest draft for the Ley de Economia Sostenible (Sustainable Economy Act), which contained riders modifying the current laws on copyright and interactive services. These amendments give the Spanish Ministy of Culture the administrative power to take down websites (or order ISPs to block those hosted overseas), all without a court order and in the name of 'safeguarding Intellectual Property Laws against Internet Piracy'. For this reason some of us have written a manifesto that is being published today all over Spanish weblogs and media."
A group of journalists, bloggers, professionals and creators want to express their firm opposition to the inclusion in a Draft Law of some changes to Spanish laws restricting the freedoms of expression, information and access to culture on the Internet. They also declare that:
1 .- Copyright should not be placed above citizens' fundamental rights to privacy, security, presumption of innocence, effective judicial protection and freedom of expression.
2 .- Suspension of fundamental rights is and must remain an exclusive competence of judges. This blueprint, contrary to the provisions of Article 20.5 of the Spanish Constitution, places in the hands of the executive the power to keep Spanish citizens from accessing certain websites.
3 .- The proposed laws would create legal uncertainty across Spanish IT companies, damaging one of the few areas of development and future of our economy, hindering the creation of startups, introducing barriers to competition and slowing down its international projection.
4 .- The proposed laws threaten creativity and hinder cultural development. The Internet and new technologies have democratized the creation and publication of all types of content, which no longer depends on an old small industry but on multiple and different sources.
5 .- Authors, like all workers, are entitled to live out of their creative ideas, business models and activities linked to their creations. Trying to hold an obsolete industry with legislative changes is neither fair nor realistic. If their business model was based on controlling copies of any creation and this is not possible any more on the Internet, they should look for a new business model.
6 .- We believe that cultural industries need modern, effective, credible and affordable alternatives to survive. They also need to adapt to new social practices.
7 .- The Internet should be free and not have any interference from groups that seek to perpetuate obsolete business models and stop the free flow of human knowledge.
8 .- We ask the Government to guarantee net neutrality in Spain, as it will act as a framework in which a sustainable economy may develop.
9 .- We propose a real reform of intellectual property rights in order to ensure a society of knowledge, promote the public domain and limit abuses from copyright organizations.
10 .- In a democracy, laws and their amendments should only be adopted after a timely public debate and consultation with all involved parties. Legislative changes affecting fundamental rights can only be made in a Constitutional law.
Last week apears an incredible video related with the concepts i had explain on an old post "Nature v2".
The experiment is based on a high-speed camera (2000fps) that shows that water droplets really do bounce, thanks to a thin layer of air separating the drops from the water surface, some drops create a wave causing them to leap up.
The dorps are bouncing to the infinity until it contains water (/2 on every bounce). It's strange to understand, but it's incredible clear when you see the video.
Can the principles of the nature go to a new, and democraticed frontier? I'm sure that this kind of videos will inspire new and original sustainable developments in near future.
Since we saw the Microsoft research series, we can feel that the old gigant of software was able to reborn from his ashes. It seems difficult considering the rocking Apple's products like iPod and iPhone, with their carismatic way of excellence on the small details and the user experience.
The Surface project was a real product delivered to the real world, with a unique value from other companies (yes, microsoft can innovate, and remember how to do it). It was a little revolution because it wasn't focused on the general users, in fact Microsoft gaves free unites to famous people like Madonna, but his price and the dimensions coverts it into a amazing and user friendly brand product. A lot of brand like BWV, Telefonica, Samsung... buys it for displaying his products with a future feeling on it, brought by the way how can the users check his catalogues on this future interactive screens.
With one product MS creates a new demand, new experience for selling and shows a real product with the toghether computer concept.
Few months after, and with the poor Zune, the supposed MS iPod killer, the Redmond people unveils another good gadget, the ZuneHD. It was a revised and polished version 2. This is a sexy gadget but not better than the iPhone or iPod Touch. But the best feature, for me, is the user interface, and the continuous evolving touch experience, that brings knowledge to MS and how to become more cognitive and human way with his software. More than you try, more better you will do that.
Don't forget that iPhone revolutions the old user interfaces than smartphones, but it was simply if you arrive from the computer sector. Otherwise, Apple have a incredible good concepts put on his products, and it had a lot of work, but, i repeat, simply than a smarphone company.
Last night, Gizmono unveils the Courier Tablet, a new MS product with the touch philosophy pulled to the top.
Also, the structure of documents and shortcuts (incredible the one thematics sides), the natural and familiar elements of the interface, how they resolve the edit options (feels familiar with the Aurora concept), the touch gestures combined with the natural use of a pencil, the properties screen... all the product is designed to agile the interactions, pushing up the productivity and conectivity, all features assembled on a portable and good designed product. See the video to meet the future.
As MS Surface, this product is focused on create a new market and, I think, there will be a incredible revolution on the classrooms, with the nowadays implementation of the computer on schools.
MS know very well the market, and slowly it's designing a good text based interfaces with all liked pastel colours integrated on software. This is a better way than the polished MacOS, wich is very polished but always with the same feeling behind.
I really think that MS can bring us an amazing user experience and the Courier concept can be the one.
P.D.: for more possibilities of interaction, you can check this early concept.
On the Margins of Art is a new exhibition bringing together documents, editions and other materials from its collection. Curated by Guy Schraenen, this exhibition presents a broad overview of the various ways in which artists from the second half of the 20th century have placed their creative capacity at the service of political demands.
The material chosen takes in magazines, books, posters, pamphlets, postcards and other printed forms, located somewhere halfway in the wide-ranging spectrum addressed by the purest form of art to the most direct political declaration. All the material stems from the combination of various degrees of artistic skill, visual impact and political intention, ingredients to which an enormously creative use of language is often added, which draws its inspiration, consciously or unconsciously, from the achievements of visual poetry.
Some of these elements emerge from the reaction to a specific circumstance, as in the case of the posters produced by the anti-establishment movements related to May 1968; others, on the other hand, were spawned by more lasting organisations or movements and respond to various motives including gender demands – Guerrilla Girls, Barbara Kruger – or racial demands – Black Panther Party –, environmental concerns, class conflicts or countercultural movements such as the case of the Dutch Provo movement and the magazine of the same name published in the 1970s. Chronologically speaking, the selection of materials spans an exhibition of the surrealist tracts and documentation related to Situationist International to recent works produced around the turn of the 21st century.
The exhibition features the artists Joseph Beuys, Mirtha Dermisache, Antonio Dias, Alfredo Jaar, Barbara Kruger, Jenny Holzer, Víctor Mira, Miralda, Muntadas, Maurizio Nannuci, Joan Rabascall, Ben Vautier and Edgardo Antonio Vigo, and the movements Art in Ruins, Guerrilla Girls and Provo, among others.
Curator: Guy Schraenen
Production: Museu d’Art Contemporani de Barcelona (MACBA)
Web page of the exhibition with more information (audios, pdfs...)
On Monday 21 September at 17:00 hrs the linguist and activist Noam Chomsky will give a master class at the Nezahualcoyotl Hall University Cultural Center, UNAM (Mexico). To attend this event is necessary to register your attendance here(the room is already full).
If for some reason you fail to enter the enclosure or reach record Branch Educational Technology UNAM event will be broadcasted live via its webcast service.
With this event, I expose an old personal belief based on extend the fame and knowledge of people like Noam; great thinkers who can activate minds or curiosity in anyone. A real example about my proposed way is the action of Roger Leisner, who created a coloring book for children featuring political philosopher Noam Chomsky. We should spend efforts in bringing the modern philosophic view of our time around the world and across all the ages.
Spread the word and share the knowledge :)
The Noam Simpson like image was done by me in 2007 to illustrate with a simply image this concept of proximity, and how we can easily feel the result of the application of the premise.
The people behind the "Shift happens" series has revealed a new video about how media is rapidly converging. Working with XPlane, the video is actually a promotion of a new conference run by The Economist, the Media Convergence Forum.
Another great example of data visualization, with a fascinating, and stunningly vast story.
Before this, I posted the third version of his presentation (my favourite until now), and you've probably saw another versions on internet. This is the work of Karl Fisch and Scott McLeod, who in the last two years, have produced three videos:
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Last week on MWC at Barcelona, Microsoft launch the new Windows Phone 7 Series, the last version of his mobile version of windows, specially focused on expand the Zune interface. It seems that they was hearing the good feedback (I wrote a post) about ZuneHD interface.
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CONCLUSION
Last week I was enjoying the more interesting speech in months, for me, a person who is continuously interested on how technology and the evolution of the media can influence our diary lives or costumes, and, surely for you too.
Since we saw the Microsoft research series, we can feel that the old gigant of software was able to reborn from his ashes. It seems difficult considering the rocking Apple's products like iPod and iPhone, with their carismatic way of excellence on the small details and the user experience.
10/07/2009 - 08/11/2009 
With this event, I expose an old personal belief based on extend the fame and knowledge of people like Noam; great thinkers who can activate minds or curiosity in anyone. A real example about my proposed way is the action of 
