Sometime around 2006, when I was in high school, I remember sitting at a Burger King with a friend of mine. We were enabling Bluetooth access on our phones so that we could share files when we noticed there were about five people near us who also had Bluetooth enabled on their devices. We tried to figure out which Bluetooth device names corresponded to which of the people that were sitting at Burger King with us. Then I said something along the lines of "Wouldn't it be funny if we send our files to those people instead? What would they say?" Followed by "It would be cool if we could, like, chat with the people around us via Bluetooth. It'd decrease Missed Connections on Craigslist by, like, half."
We don't hear much about sharing files with other phones/devices via Bluetooth these days because most of it's been replaced by Wi-Fi and apps. And the whole idea of knowing who is in the same room as you by looking at your phone has been replaced by check-in services, like Foursquare and Gowalla.
The third, -- chatting with people who are near you -- I just found out about today. There's an iPhone app called Yobongo, which allows you to do just that. I thought it was brilliant when I heard of it. It allows you to communicate with people around you, people you've talked to before, and people you already know. It's still in Beta and will be available for free in March. While I don't own an iPhone, I'm glad this idea has come into fruition. I'm a sucker for innovations in communication. And more of a sucker for services that allow us to talk to people when we find interesting if we don't want to embarrass ourselves in person first.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Slow Internet Speed + YouTube
In the spirit of LifeHacker, I thought I'd stop by and give you folk with slower internet speeds a tip for viewing videos on YouTube. Oh, wait. You mean, I'm the only person out there with internet too slow to load HD videos on the spot? Heh.As you've probably noticed if you've read my blogs the past year or so, I have strong opinions about my internet experience. Ever since my internet was downgraded I've had trouble watching YouTube videos in a large size, both pixel-wise and file size ...wise. I've reached the point where I value speed over quality. If there is a way for me to watch a video in lower quality without having to wait a bit for it to buffer, I will take it.
I prefer watching videos in full screen, or have them take up more space than the standard 640x390 YouTube video. I noticed that every time I tried to make a video full screen, it would automatically switch my video from 360p to either 480p or 720p, which take a considerably longer amount of time to load.
Then I found a work-around that both kept my video at 360p and made my video size larger. It was so simple and so genius.
The trick: Zoom in on the page. (keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+). This increases the size of the video and keeps it at 360p so that you don't have to sit through the load.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work this way for all flash video players. I tested this method on others, and it only made text and images around the video larger while the video remained the same size.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Embracing Change
I always find it funny when people whine and moan every time a major website gets a redesign. I saw it a lot in 2009 when Facebook was constantly changing its design. Then later on when #newtwitter came along. And most recently, YouTube's redesign.
When #newtwitter rolled out, everyone complained about how confusing and ugly it was. Contrastingly, I was happy that Twitter finally decided to step it up and implement a couple features that independently owned Twitter clients were all ready providing (embedded photo and video, lists, suggestions, etc.). I guess they just thought it was too much. Which I now totally understand. What always differentiated Twitter from other social networking sites was that it kept everything short and simple. But as the site grew more and more, it was clear that they needed to innovate. And that they did... despite everyone's protests.
With YouTube's recent homepage design, I heard complaints about how the subscription boxes turned into a feed, and how one no longer had the option to go back to the old design. To be frank, I was pretty surprised there was so much hate. I'd changed my YouTube settings to the redesign as soon as it was in beta. Months later I see tweets "OMG YOUTUBE IS SO STUPID NOW!!!!1!1!" Apparently YouTube made the switch to the new design permanent. It was bound to happen sooner or later. People are kidding themselves if they think they have the option to keep an old design 'til whenever they choose.
What I think others fail to see is that there is always reason for what web developers and designers do. They don't arbitrarily make changes to websites because they think it would be cool. They make plans, they examine what people do online and try their best to make tweaks that will make features easier for the user to access in the long run. Everyone is so used to their damned used to their sub boxes and 140 character text-only feeds that they freak out when something changes. Believe me when I say, the designers did not intend to piss you off. They want to make user experience simpler and more functional. Whenever a website or program is in beta I always opt for the newest version (unless I later find that it's too buggy to use). If a site offers me the option to go back to the old settings after a new version is released, I never go back to the old one. I know that in the long run, I'd only be screwing myself. I like to embrace change and feel that everyone else should, too.
Whenever a website or program you frequently use changes, there is reason for it. Stop and think about why someone may have made the changes before you go ramble on about how terrible you think it is because you don't know how to use it yet.
When #newtwitter rolled out, everyone complained about how confusing and ugly it was. Contrastingly, I was happy that Twitter finally decided to step it up and implement a couple features that independently owned Twitter clients were all ready providing (embedded photo and video, lists, suggestions, etc.). I guess they just thought it was too much. Which I now totally understand. What always differentiated Twitter from other social networking sites was that it kept everything short and simple. But as the site grew more and more, it was clear that they needed to innovate. And that they did... despite everyone's protests.
With YouTube's recent homepage design, I heard complaints about how the subscription boxes turned into a feed, and how one no longer had the option to go back to the old design. To be frank, I was pretty surprised there was so much hate. I'd changed my YouTube settings to the redesign as soon as it was in beta. Months later I see tweets "OMG YOUTUBE IS SO STUPID NOW!!!!1!1!" Apparently YouTube made the switch to the new design permanent. It was bound to happen sooner or later. People are kidding themselves if they think they have the option to keep an old design 'til whenever they choose.
What I think others fail to see is that there is always reason for what web developers and designers do. They don't arbitrarily make changes to websites because they think it would be cool. They make plans, they examine what people do online and try their best to make tweaks that will make features easier for the user to access in the long run. Everyone is so used to their damned used to their sub boxes and 140 character text-only feeds that they freak out when something changes. Believe me when I say, the designers did not intend to piss you off. They want to make user experience simpler and more functional. Whenever a website or program is in beta I always opt for the newest version (unless I later find that it's too buggy to use). If a site offers me the option to go back to the old settings after a new version is released, I never go back to the old one. I know that in the long run, I'd only be screwing myself. I like to embrace change and feel that everyone else should, too.
Whenever a website or program you frequently use changes, there is reason for it. Stop and think about why someone may have made the changes before you go ramble on about how terrible you think it is because you don't know how to use it yet.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Of Netbooks and Tablets
Sometimes when I'm sitting at the computer at home, my bother wants to go online and do his usual Facebook browsing, crop harvesting, and funny video watching. Unfortunately for him, I'm sometimes busy editing a video, or working on something for school, or in the middle of a Skype call and can't really get off the computer until I finish whatever I'm doing. He gets annoyed, and grabs my netbook to browse instead. My netbook's starting to become old and slow, and I think it'll be time for an upgrade in the next few months.
Lucky for me, the tablet device market is gonna be booming this year. None of this "iPad is an original device" crap. Hush it, Jobs. It isn't revolutionary, and it sure as hell ain't magical. Also, I'm kind of tired of the Apple-centricity of today. I've heard so many people either talk about how cool the iPad is or how it's just a big iPod Touch. Not once have I heard anyone say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab looks like a big Droid, or the BlackBerry PlayBook is simply a blown up BlackBerry Storm.
ANYWAY. I've been thinking that once my netbook is obsolete, I might want to replace it with a tablet of sorts. One that supports Adobe Flash, has both back and front facing cameras, and whatever novelites are out there that I've yet to think about as necessities in gadgets these days. Because GOD FORBID I can't collect my rent or harvest my crops from CityVille on a tablet device.
What I'm trying to say is: I want a Motorola Xoom. It was probably the sexiest gadget to come out of CES this year.
Quick overview of the specs: Dual-core processor, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), front and rear-facing cameras, camcorder, Adobe Flash Player, 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, supports Wi-Fi, 1280x800 screen res.
Let me just say that THE SCREEN SIZE AND RESOLUTION ARE BIGGER THAN MY NETBOOK. I want. I just hope it doesn't cost millions of dollars.
Slightly-related fun fact: A few nights ago, I had a dream in which I owned an iPad that could project video onto my wall. It was really cool. Developers and hardware manufacturers: GET ON THAT.
Lucky for me, the tablet device market is gonna be booming this year. None of this "iPad is an original device" crap. Hush it, Jobs. It isn't revolutionary, and it sure as hell ain't magical. Also, I'm kind of tired of the Apple-centricity of today. I've heard so many people either talk about how cool the iPad is or how it's just a big iPod Touch. Not once have I heard anyone say that the Samsung Galaxy Tab looks like a big Droid, or the BlackBerry PlayBook is simply a blown up BlackBerry Storm.
ANYWAY. I've been thinking that once my netbook is obsolete, I might want to replace it with a tablet of sorts. One that supports Adobe Flash, has both back and front facing cameras, and whatever novelites are out there that I've yet to think about as necessities in gadgets these days. Because GOD FORBID I can't collect my rent or harvest my crops from CityVille on a tablet device.
Quick overview of the specs: Dual-core processor, Android 3.0 (Honeycomb), front and rear-facing cameras, camcorder, Adobe Flash Player, 10.1-inch widescreen HD display, supports Wi-Fi, 1280x800 screen res.
Let me just say that THE SCREEN SIZE AND RESOLUTION ARE BIGGER THAN MY NETBOOK. I want. I just hope it doesn't cost millions of dollars.
Slightly-related fun fact: A few nights ago, I had a dream in which I owned an iPad that could project video onto my wall. It was really cool. Developers and hardware manufacturers: GET ON THAT.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
COMPUTER ELECTRONICALLY MONITORED AT ALL TIMES
That’s what it says on a laminated card that’s taped to the right side of my monitor right now. I’m at school, see. Just finished my project a few minutes ago, but I still have some time to kill before I head off to class.
I feel like I’m being watched by the Department of Homeland Security, like on Little Brother.
I wonder if they’ll kick me off.
As the sign says, these computers are FOR ACADEMIC USE ONLY!! If I do, fuck it. I’ll just head to class early, I suppose.
Since I’m being monitored and all, does this mean someone right now is reading every single word I type? In real time? That’s so cool.
It’s a shame no one’s kicking me off for not doing academic work on here.
This turned out to be a lot less exciting than I thought it was.
Maybe if I write something provocative in huge bold text.
GAY HORSE SEX
Anyway. I should head to class now. The clock on this computer seems to be a few minutes ahead, and I now have less time to kill than I thought I did.
Happy new year, eveyone. /6dayslate
I feel like I’m being watched by the Department of Homeland Security, like on Little Brother.
I wonder if they’ll kick me off.
As the sign says, these computers are FOR ACADEMIC USE ONLY!! If I do, fuck it. I’ll just head to class early, I suppose.
Since I’m being monitored and all, does this mean someone right now is reading every single word I type? In real time? That’s so cool.
It’s a shame no one’s kicking me off for not doing academic work on here.
This turned out to be a lot less exciting than I thought it was.
Maybe if I write something provocative in huge bold text.
GAY HORSE SEX
Anyway. I should head to class now. The clock on this computer seems to be a few minutes ahead, and I now have less time to kill than I thought I did.
Happy new year, eveyone. /6dayslate
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Let's talk about net neutrality, guise.
I don't know a much about government, law-making, or politics, so take everything I say with a grain of salt. (I should let you know now that I hate that expression.)
Earlier today, the FCC approved new net neutrality regulations "designed to prevent large telecommunications companies from squashing competitors." My initial reaction to the headlines were "YAY NET NEUTRALITY," because the media makes it sound like a total party, man. All talking about how it's a measure for the rights of the little people posting content on the internet.
Corporations and groups of people have banded together to support net neutrality and what it represents. Everyone loves the idea of a free and open web. A medium in which one can express one's speech, creativity, talents, and nonsense. Net neutrality would mean that no ISPs are allowed to charge users to access certain websites and services, while making other lesser known websites slower or inaccessible. A lack of net neutrality would allow for a tiered internet in which one would have to pay extra to access other content (or websites), kind of like today's cable television models.
When the FCC voted for net neutrality today, it led us a step closer to the ideal model for a free and open web. But let's keep in mind this is just as much a victory as it is a loss. While I'm glad the government is making rules in regards to the equality of access to information online, the internet should stay free and open as it (sorta) is now. This law can mean more government control of online content in the future. If enough people that actually know how the internet works are making these laws and regulations, it can turn out to be a positive shift. For now, I really don't want large corporations to fuck with my internet experience. Let the trolls troll and the amateur content creators spread their work.
At this point, I don't know much about the FCC's regulations. It may have been no big deal at all. Or could have been something huge. Once I get around to it, I'll write a follow-up. Just wanted to get the topic going. What do you guys think about net neutrality?
Earlier today, the FCC approved new net neutrality regulations "designed to prevent large telecommunications companies from squashing competitors." My initial reaction to the headlines were "YAY NET NEUTRALITY," because the media makes it sound like a total party, man. All talking about how it's a measure for the rights of the little people posting content on the internet.
Corporations and groups of people have banded together to support net neutrality and what it represents. Everyone loves the idea of a free and open web. A medium in which one can express one's speech, creativity, talents, and nonsense. Net neutrality would mean that no ISPs are allowed to charge users to access certain websites and services, while making other lesser known websites slower or inaccessible. A lack of net neutrality would allow for a tiered internet in which one would have to pay extra to access other content (or websites), kind of like today's cable television models.
When the FCC voted for net neutrality today, it led us a step closer to the ideal model for a free and open web. But let's keep in mind this is just as much a victory as it is a loss. While I'm glad the government is making rules in regards to the equality of access to information online, the internet should stay free and open as it (sorta) is now. This law can mean more government control of online content in the future. If enough people that actually know how the internet works are making these laws and regulations, it can turn out to be a positive shift. For now, I really don't want large corporations to fuck with my internet experience. Let the trolls troll and the amateur content creators spread their work.
At this point, I don't know much about the FCC's regulations. It may have been no big deal at all. Or could have been something huge. Once I get around to it, I'll write a follow-up. Just wanted to get the topic going. What do you guys think about net neutrality?
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Earlier today, my mom told me to clean my room AND CLEAN IT WELL.
Me: lolwut. Why can't I just halfassedly clean it, like I usually do?
Mom: Your aunts and cousins from Mexico are coming over. They're sleeping in your room.
Me: But... what if they find stuff I have in my room that I don't want them to see?
Mom: Pft. Like what?
Me: My vibrator
Mom: O_O
This should have probably been posted on Tumblr. Oh well.
(Note: This all happened in Spanish. Even the "O_O" part.)
---
While we're at it, I'll post a bonus one that was all ready on Tumblr. My mom and I have wonderful talks:
Brother: 10 DAYS TO HARRY POTTER, MOM.
Me: WOOOOOOO!!
Mom: Ugh. What horror.
Me: Psh. I'm gonna start saying that every Sunday before church.
Mom: You're dumb. You need to start thinking about real things, like God. Harry Potter hasn't taught you a thing. You can't obsess over something that isn't real.
Me: But you can?
Mom: What?
Me: ...nothing.
Mom: Your aunts and cousins from Mexico are coming over. They're sleeping in your room.
Me: But... what if they find stuff I have in my room that I don't want them to see?
Mom: Pft. Like what?
Me: My vibrator
Mom: O_O
This should have probably been posted on Tumblr. Oh well.
(Note: This all happened in Spanish. Even the "O_O" part.)
---
While we're at it, I'll post a bonus one that was all ready on Tumblr. My mom and I have wonderful talks:
Brother: 10 DAYS TO HARRY POTTER, MOM.
Me: WOOOOOOO!!
Mom: Ugh. What horror.
Me: Psh. I'm gonna start saying that every Sunday before church.
Mom: You're dumb. You need to start thinking about real things, like God. Harry Potter hasn't taught you a thing. You can't obsess over something that isn't real.
Me: But you can?
Mom: What?
Me: ...nothing.
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