Category Archives: Commentary

Android and the Fragmentation FUD

Posted on June 16, 2010 by Michael Koby

With the recent announcement of the new iPhone 4, there’s been a lot of talk about how it compares to the latest run of Android devices (HTC EVO, HTC Droid Incredible, and Nexus One). However anytime someone brings up the Android elephant in the iPhone room, there’s talk similar to “oh well Android is fragmented” or “all those apps won’t work on your phone” and other similar phrases. I want to spend some time today discussing this issue as I see it. Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Technology | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on Android and the Fragmentation FUD

Google vs Apple: Innovation

Posted on May 21, 2010 by Michael Koby

I think that long term (in other words, not in the immediate future but probably 7-10 years from now), Google will have replaced Apple as the most innovative tech company. I realize that I’m saying this as Apple’s own developer conference (WWDC) is weeks away, but Google really brought their A game over the last few days. Even with the demo failures they showed that they are interested in moving things forward and changing the way we think about technology. Their dedication to being open, using open standards, and creating new open products is proof in the pudding. Apple may have it’s fanboys, but I’ll stick with Google. Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Technology | Tagged , , | 27 Comments

WebM Video & Free Video Codecs

Posted on May 20, 2010 by Michael Koby

An open web where developers don’t have to potentially pay royalties is a good thing. Keeping things open and free when it comes to ensuring that everyone has the same thing on the web is important when you’re developing web applications. Knowing that everyone is going to have the same components, the same codecs, and the same fonts make the web a constant experience regardless of browser choice. Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Internet | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on WebM Video & Free Video Codecs

Google Collects Data On PUBLIC Wifi Networks

Posted on May 17, 2010 by Michael Koby

In a blog post late last week, Google admitted to collecting data sent across unprotected public wireless networks while collecting photos for their Street View feature on Google Maps. Naturally, this has caused a nice uproar from privacy advocates. Many have been asking for Google’s proverbial head on a platter for this outrageous injustice. Only problem is, their fingers are pointed at the wrong party. Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Internet, Technology | Tagged , , | Comments Off on Google Collects Data On PUBLIC Wifi Networks

H.264 vs. Theora (Software Patents)

Posted on May 6, 2010 by Michael Koby

The H.264 video codec requires a license to use, the same way the Mp3 codec requires a license to use.  While the Theora and Vorbis codecs do not require such licenses, companies like Apple don’t like to use them because they have their hands in other codecs (H.264 or AAC in Apple’s case).   Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, programming, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

My Thoughts on All Things Apple/Flash/HTML5

Posted on May 3, 2010 by Michael Koby

Over the weekend I was involved in several discussions regarding Apple, Flash, and HTML5. I was quite opinionated on the subjects to the point of getting marginally upset at times because I feel that some people don’t understand the influence that Mr. Steve Jobs has on Apple fan boys who then spew his half truths around the internet without really understanding what they’re saying and how much they don’t really know. Continue reading →

Posted in Commentary, Technology | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments