Bird Watching Isn’t So Bad Afterall?
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Uncategorized
Konichiwa my friends (or konbanwa?)
I apologize for the lack of updates. I have been so busy with work lately, I haven’t been able to take a breather and think of a subject/topic to write.
But something rather miraculous happened today. Something inspired me to write a blog post; or a (pending) review I should say.
Ever since iPhone OS 3.0 & iPhone 3GS came out, I’ve been checking the AppStore more frequently than I normally would. I would check if there’s an update to my purchased apps more than 4 times a day. But hey, that’s understandable; both are shiny new toys to me. With Push Notifications, new & faster hardware, the iPhone 3GS is really something that keeps me feeling excited.
One particular “thing” I’d like to mention today is a new Twitter client for the iPhone called “BIRD FEED”. I know I know, there’s already a gazillion twitter clients out there. Bear with me, this one is a VERY NICE one (as promised on the app’s site, by the developer).
A quick glance on the app gives me the impression that this app is a very well polished application. From the intuitive UI that feels very native to iPhone OS’ interface (think of Mail.app), to the features that are present in the app. makes it well worth the $4.99 price tag.
$5 isn’t cheap for a twitter client, when you compare it to the big-named/old-timer clients like Tweetie and Twitterific (Pro), I personally feel it’s nicer than those two combined. But that might change in the next few days, as I will be spending more time with the app, and eventually write a full review on it.
Stay tuned.
A little quiet
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Uncategorized
Sorry, I’ve been a little quiet.
You see, while I went all silent, I’ve just been working a lot on a new project my friend and I started. I am back doing what I used to do, UI Prototyping. It feels great to be able to go back and do what I love doing the most.
To tell you a bit of the project I’ve been working on, without giving away too much:
We’re aiming to create an Application (Web, Native and iPhoneOS) that will aid students in taking notes during lectures. But that’s not really our goal. Our goal is to create something that can help students become a PRO in note-taking, and we’re breaking that down in three different stages. Take notes, edit, then review (for studying). We feel that word processors (pages, word, lotus notes and the alike) aren’t keeping up with the current ways of how data can be sorted/mined. We would like for our application to utilize your data, and present them in such a way that will make your notes 100x much more useful than they normally would if you were taking notes with a regular word processor.
This will make word processors seem like an oldskool typewriter.
At the moment, we’re still keeping things hush-hush. We’re researching and learning a lot about our target users, while we started on development too (prototyping UI, a bit of back-end/database work).
Work aside, I’m doing “okay”. “Okay” because I was so very ill two weeks ago! I caught some very nasty cold (viral?). I was crippled for a week. Couldn’t leave the condo. I encountered pretty much everything, from fever, cough, runny nose, muscle aches and a bit of the runs. It was a bad week for my health. I’m back on my feet again though!
I also have a new toy. An iPhone 3GS! It’s a neat phone, an improvement (though not a “major” one, depending who you’re asking) over my previous phone, the iPhone 3G. Rogers has been uncharacteristically kind with their customers lately, and they put up a deal that is very enticing to the 3G owners. All iPhone 3G owners can upgrade to the 3GS at a discount as much as a $500, if they qualify (if you spend $100/month on your phone bill). Rogers has this policy where Smartphone owners can only upgrade their phones once every two years. I got my iPhone 3G not even one year ago. Cool on Rogers’ part.
Anyway, I will try to report to you more on that application I am working on.
ps. TopGear is back on air for their 13th season!
I’m a PRO!
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Uncategorized
After looking at the new “PRO” MacBook line up, I’m HUGELY turned off. My 15″ Unibody MacBook Pro is one of the last (5,1) few models to retain ExpressCard slot. I really don’t dig the move to ditch ExpressCard slot in “favour” for a SD card slot.
Any PRO would agree that CF Card slot would’ve been more useful, and a dedicated card-reader woulda been the RIGHT choice.
Why do I prefer an ExpressCard slot over USB reader?
• ExpressCard slot is just much more useful. You can stick a HSDPA Modem, a E-SATA port, a Display Driver (drives two extra large monitors), and a few other things.
• Pros DO NOT use SD Cards. I mean, we do use them, but we don’t use them with our PRO SLRs. In the past, the reason why I end up with a “PRO” laptop is so I can use it to do my PROFESSIONAL work. I’m a PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER. I consider SD Cards to be dead useless. I think I speak for many photographers that the move to ditch ExpressCard “in favour” for a SD card slot is a bad move. The MacBook “Pro” just becomes a lot less “PRO”. I understand ExpressCard is still available in the 17″ Model, but 15″ is really the sweet spot.
Bad move, Apple. Bad move.
New Reading Materials!
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Books, Design
I just rewarded myself with three new books:
- Designing the Moment: Web Interface Design Concepts in Action
The trick to great design is knowing how to think through each decision so that users don’t have to. In Designing the Moment: Web Interface Design Concepts in Action, Robert Hoekman, Jr., author of Designing the Obvious, presents over 30 stories that illustrate how to put good design principles to work on real-world web application interfaces to make them obvious and compelling. From the first impression to the last, Hoekman takes a think out loud approach to interface design to show us how to look critically at design decisions to ensure that human beings, the kind that make mistakes and do things we don’t expect, can walk away from our software feeling productive, respected, and smart. - Designing the Obvious: A Common Sense Approach to Web Application Design
Designing the Obvious belongs in the toolbox of every person charged with the design and development of Web-based software, from the CEO to the programming team. Designing the Obvious explores the character traits of great Web applications and uses them as guiding principles of application design so the end result of every project instills customer satisfaction and loyalty. These principles include building only whats necessary, getting users up to speed quickly, preventing and handling errors, and designing for the activity. Designing the Obvious does not offer a one-size-fits-all development process–in fact, it lets you use whatever process you like. Instead, it offers practical advice about how to achieve the qualities of great Web-based applications and consistently and successfully reproduce them. - Designing Web Interfaces
Want to learn how to create great user experiences on today’s Web? In this book, UI experts Bill Scott and Theresa Neil present more than 75 design patterns for building web interfaces that provide rich interaction. Distilled from the authors’ years of experience at Sabre, Yahoo!, and Netflix, these best practices are grouped into six key principles to help you take advantage of the web technologies available today. With an entire section devoted to each design principle, Designing Web Interfaces helps you: Make It Direct-Edit content in context with design patterns for In Page Editing, Drag & Drop, and Direct Selection Keep It Lightweight-Reduce the effort required to interact with a site by using In Context Tools to leave a “light footprint” Stay on the Page-Keep visitors on a page with overlays, inlays, dynamic content, and in-page flow patterns Provide an Invitation-Help visitors discover site features with invitations that cue them to the next level of interaction Use Transitions-Learn when, why, and how to use animations, cinematic effects, and other transitions React Immediately-Provide a rich experience by using lively responses such as Live Search, Live Suggest, Live Previews, and more Designing Web Interfaces illustrates many patterns with examples from working websites. If you need to build or renovate a website to be truly interactive, this book gives you the principles for success.
It’s been a good while since the last time I bought any UI Designer related books, so I thought I should update (and reward myself) with three new books!
And with that, I will also leave you with a song:
Tags: Books, Recommendation, UI, User Interface
It’s that time of the year again — Get your WWDC bingo card(s) out!
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Uncategorized
With WWDC drawing near, just a mere 4 days, all of the rumor blogs are starting to post more iPhone related rumors.
Here are some of the highlights from this week’s iPhone rumors:
WSJ’s Walt Mossberg slipped out on the next-gen iPhone’s existence while reviewing the Palm-Pre (so far, reviews are good. to summarize, the only valid rival to the iPhone. Until we see what Apple has in store for us). Mossberg is a credible source, as he has special ties to Apple. To support that evidence, roll back a year, days before the iPhone 3G announcement; uncle Walt accidentally let out the existence of the iPhone 3G. Old habits die hard. After all, Uncle Walt is always seated early -and sits amongst Apple VIPs- during Apple’s press events (townhall meetings, WWDC, MacWorld, etc…)
iPhone 3G’s stock is depleting, and not being re-stocked. This is a general world-wide report. Carriers around the world are not re-stocking on their iPhone 3G inventory. Apple must’ve given ‘em a heads up. I have not been able to confirm this on my carrier, Rogers Wireless, and I have a few pretty good, reliable, sources. This is a recurring pattern, as the same happened to the first iPhone’s stock level at AT&T.
iTunes 8.2 released & Push Notification on OS 3.0 testing ended. As usual, I wouldn’t take things like these more than a grain of salt. But bloggers would like to believe that OS 3.0 (or even the iPhone 3.0) is ready for prime time. I wouldn’t say it is. Judging by Beta 5, there are some areas that still need to be worked on; namely: performance and stability.
Placeholder SKUs are appearing on various carrier’s inventory system. Several posts on prominent blogs led readers to believe that carriers are ready to receive the next iPhone’s shipment from Apple. This is something that happens all the time. Pretty good addition to the argument that we would be seeing the next-gen iPhone fairly soon.
Recent screenshots and promotional packages further support the theories of what the next-gen iPhone will be like, to back-up the specs leaked a few weeks back. From the screensnaps of Compass.app screenshot, auto-focus camera, video camera, and a few others are acting as “hard evidence” to the spec sheet.
It’s given that the next-gen iPhone is lurking around the corner; and there are strong evidences that we could see the next-gen iPhone’s announcement as early as WWDC (June 8, 2009).
The remaining questions are:
What will the next-gen iPhone be called? iPhone 3G Pro? iPhone Video?
When will be available for the mass market?
p.s. Apple is a strong believer in tradition, thus, I would like to believe that the next-gen iPhone should be made available for the mass-market as early as mid-July.
The Remains of E3 Press Conferences (Sony & Nintendo), Motion Sensing is Serious Business!
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Entertainment, Gaming, Thoughts
Today, Nintendo & Sony delivered the last keynotes of E3 2009.
I don’t have much to say, aside from how crappy they were. It seems that Microsoft stole this year’s E3 show, and I’ll do my best to describe why I have come to that conclusion.
Let’s start chronologically, Nintendo.
Nintendo continues to boast about the WiiMote’s Motion Plus. Now, that’s what companies do (or suppose to do, anyway), and I have no problem with that. However, the problem is, didn’t they announced the Motion Plus during last year’s E3? Why is this thing not out for public consumption yet? How much longer do consumers have to wait for the Motion Plus to be made available for the mass market?
The demos looked alright. There were some very well polished new games. Notably, Nintendo’s WiiFit Resort actually looked great! Adding new mini-games, allowing WiiFit’s balance board to become more useful.
Nintendo’s new Super Mario Bros game also looked kinda decent. The one with 4 players co-op. I wouldn’t mind checking that out.
The rest of Nintendo’s keynote was dull. Boring.
Oh, and that “Jamie” lady, whoever she was… she did a terrible job delivering the keynote. Reggie also did a terrible job. Overall, the presenters were terrible. Dull, boring, putting the wrong emphasis on the wrong spots, unenergetic, and way too dependent on the TelePrompTers.
Moving onto Sony,
Slightly better than Nintendo’s, as they had more “contents” to “show”. Why are those two words on quotations? Allow me to explain:
Sony is losing franchise and exclusivity left and right. With franchises that were exclusive to the PS, like Final Fantasy XIII, future Metal Gear Solid games heading to other platforms (Xbox, PC), Sony had better be scrambling around, looking for exclusive titles. They only managed to snag a few titles, and they’re not looking hot either.
The only titles that managed to grabbed my attention were:
- Uncharted 2
- ModNation
- Ico’s next project
- Gran Turismo 5 (but this was announced years back)
A pale comparison to the number of games that managed to grabbed my attention from Microsoft’s keynote.
I strongly believe this is Sony’s reaction on Apple’s recent entry to the portable gaming platform (AppStore). Slowly but surely, Apple is becoming a threat to Sony (and Nintendo).
But I’m still uncertain if I will be picking those titles up once they’re released. Yes, you’re gonna call me names, and think I’m crazy for not mentioning Assassin’s Creed (because this one is being released on multiple platforms), God of War 3 (don’t like it…).
There were a few other “key” announcements, but they’re pale in comparison to what Microsoft did the day before.
- PSP “E3 worst kept secret” Go.
- Motion Sensor Controller
Let’s start with the PSPGo. PSPGo is a PSP without the UMD slot, you get your games by downloading them directly into your PSPGo. Everything else is identical to the current PSPs. I strongly believe this is Sony’s reaction on Apple’s recent entry to the portable gaming platform (AppStore). Slowly but surely, Apple is becoming a threat to Sony (and Nintendo). This was a move done by Sony to put roadblocks on Apple’s way on gaining more market share from the portable gaming platform. I’m not sure if I’m digging this move. Seems pointless.
The PSPGo would’ve been more appealing if Sony adds features to the PSPGo like… a camera (the DSi has two), even perhaps accelerometers.
However, Sony managed to add some exclusive titles into the PSPGo. With titles like Gran Turismo and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker being exclusive to the PSPGo, it adds a slight appeal to the system. I’m still unsure if it’s worth spending the money on two titles alone.
Sony also jumped into the whole “Motion Sensor” bandwagon. Sadly, it’s nothing ground-breaking. It’s a combination of the EyeToy + motion sensing wand(s). However, Sony’s wands seem to be more precise/accurate than Nintendo’s WiiMote Motion Plus (ruh-roh). No mention of release date. And the demo was HORRIBLE. Not something should be shown on a consumer event. Would’ve been okay on an event like the GDC.
Another “issue” I have with Sony’s press conference was… uh… the actual conference. The entire keynote was HORRIBLE. Sony kept putting up montages of clips of video games. Flashes of clips don’t excite me. They should’ve given the audience more information on what was being displayed on the screen. Another thing I’ve noticed, is the way Sony presented the montages. They were constricted into a much smaller display area, TINY when compared to the actual screen (or projector’s?) size & resolution. And why is that? Is this something done to cover up a hardware limitation or just plain bad way of presenting materials? Even Apple could pull something neat when they delivered the iPhone keynotes.
There were basically too much talking. The presenters spent too much talking about the games instead of actually demo’ing the games! This is an E3 show, not GDC. A trailer doesn’t reflect much of a game’s actual gameplay, *cough* GT, MGS:PW.
And on top of that (boy, I can’t give them a break), there were hardly any live demos on the more important/exclusive titles! What’s up with that?
Now, I mentioned that Microsoft stole the show, and I’m going to justify that statement of mine.
I have two of the major consoles, the 360 and PS3. I don’t consider myself as a fanboy. As a matter of fact, I have some money invested in MSFT and Nintendo (not Sony though). But this Microsoft’s E3 keynote was great! As I have described in yesterday’s blog post, I’m thrilled for Microsoft. And with Microsoft recent gain to (what used to be)Sony’s exclusive titles, I believe Microsoft’s gaming platform is in a great shape!
Project Natal demo was best when compared to Nintendo’s Motion Plus demo & Sony’s Motion Sensing wand “demo”.
I find it hard to believe I’m about to say this, but: Microsoft is doing something right, and have been for several years. They really nailed it on the gaming platform. However, I still hope Sony & Nintendo to be putting up fights, because a competition is a healthy thing to have!
Tags: E3 2009, Gaming, Nintendo, Playstation, PS, Sony, Wii
The Missing CEO.
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Mac OS X & Apple Inc, Thoughts
As I was watching Live E3 Keynotes this past two days, I came to a realization.
CEOs are boring people. They’re the dullest personalities, out of touch with the “humanity” and oblivious to the audience. To their defence, I’m certain they’re good at what they do behind closed doors.
But why have suits bore people with their dull, monotonous, slow-speaking (they speak slower than my grandmother), unenergetic, non-engaging talks?
This is a common issue with most keynotes. Companies sending the *wrong* people on stage. It results in a sub-par reaction from the press and the public (perhaps investors). Why can’t people be more like Steve Jobs (you know where I’m going with this!).
I’ve been to several keynotes, press conferences, etc., and they all share the same atmosphere. A bunch of people with their laptops, with press badges around their neck and cellular phones that just won’t stop ringing/vibrating (despite the request to “shut them off”). And yes, I have been to WWDC. WWDC is no different than any other press conference I’ve been. A slight exception to WWDC, perhaps there are more software-engineers than your usual conference; however when it comes to the keynote, it’s the same crowd; often times, same faces.
This year’s WWDC will be different. As Steve Jobs will not be the one that’s going to be delivering the keynote. We all know the unfortunate cause for his absence from the company we all love.
To take Jobs’ position, Phil Schiller (the director of Apple Marketing) will be the one delivering this year WWDC’s keynote. Unfortunately, Schiller isn’t any different that any other suits. His Macworld keynote was dull and weak. He does not share the same charisma, enthusiasm, energy, and level of engagement as Steve Jobs. Jobs has the gift to turn “mediocre” content, into an Oscar winning performance (if there’s was Oscar for delivering keynotes, Jobs woulda swept all of them, year after year).
To be frank, I’m not as excited about this year’s WWDC as I have during the previous years.
That thought of mind leads a question, “Do we need Steve Jobs back to run Apple again?”. It’s too early to tell. But from my observation, Apple has not made a single error since Jobs’ absence.
The current acting CEO, Tim Cook, has done a great job of keeping the company afloat. During a tough economy crisis like this, keeping sales numbers up is no easy task. Instead, Apple doesn’t seem to be affected by the global crisis at all! With more retail stores are opening (NYC will be having its 4th Apple Store soon), and the Mac marketshare continues to grow, Apple is defying everything we believe what should happen to a company during an economic crisis.
I truly believe Apple is run by lot of very talented, brilliant, smart and very capable people. VPs like, Scott Forstall, Johnny Ive, Phill Schiller, Tim Cook, and others who we have yet to hear from. Jobs fathered Apple for long, he has planted his soul, philosophy, ideology, vision, expectations and ultimately his presence into the company. I strongly believe Apple will continue to perform phenomenally, exceeding its very own (high) expectations.
To answer my own question: Do we need Steve Jobs to run Apple? No. Do I wish to see more of Steve delivering keynotes? Heck yes!
Tags: Apple, Steve Jobs
The Highlights of Microsoft’s 2009 E3 Annoucement (according to me).
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Entertainment, Gaming, Uncategorized
I’m still gathering my thoughts after seeing what Microsoft is delivering over the course (or what’s left of) of the year. New titles, exclusive titles, services to Live, a new hardware.
So, let’s start with the ” Exclusive Titles”
- Forza 3 (Oct’ 2009) — I’m thrilled about this one. Forza & Forza 2 are my absolute *definitive* favorite racing games on the Xbox platform. Microsoft & Turn10 did an amazing job creating an exclusive title to put up a rivalry with Sony and its Gran Turismo franchise. Forza 3 promises 400 cars from 50 auto manufactures, 100 tracks (both real life and “made up”), a new graphic engine that will deliver constant 60-fps, a new “creativity” mode that will allow players to edit their replay videos (think of it as the photo mode from Forza 2 on steroid), a bunch of new game modes, and much more! Head over to http://www.forzamotorsport.net/ if you’d like to learn more about Forza 3.
- Splinter Cell Conviction — The demo looks pretty damn cool. I’ve only played the first Splinter Cell on Playstation (that’s right, the grey box PS), and I’m not familiar with Sam Fisher’s story. Apparently, Fisher went rogue, his daughter was killed. Looking at the demo, it seems like the type of game I would enjoy playing. It’s a 3rd-person action game, with a lot of espionage elements + cool moves (thanks to superb motion capture), and environment interaction. Each level is a huge sandbox for players to play in; there are different ways/approach you can finish a level, and you can do it by brute force, or be sneaky.
- Left4Dead 2 (November 17 2009) — The moment I saw zombies running around in the cinematic, I knew it was a game I’m familiar with. And I was right! This is a sequel to the hugely popular zombie banishing co-op FPS game, Left4Dead. Very little facts known about this game, other than the original characters from Left4Dead were nowhere to be seen. I would assume this game focuses on an entirely different group of survivors. One thing I have noticed, L4D2 seem to focus on mêlée abilities on the characters, pretty evident judging from what the narrator have said.
- Final Fantasy XIII/13 (Spring 2010) — You’re reading this right. Final Fantasy XIII being demoed on the 360, and in English. I’m sure you’ve all heard the stories about Microsoft gaining access to Final Fantasy’s franchise, stealing the “exclusivity” away from Sony. What’s SURPRISING to me, is that they’re already putting up a demo for the 360, and it looks damn solid. Why was I surprised? Because ORIGINALLY, Square Enix said the English version would only come out AFTER the Japanese version has been released (and PS3). From the voice acting that’s… pretty excellent, to the well polished graphics, that could only mean that they’re doing the 360 development in full parallel speed with the PS3 development. The Spring 2010 ETA release date is a warranty to that theory. They’re highly interested, and serious, about embracing the Western market. It’s all simultaneous now. I feel sorry for Sony.
- Metal Gear: Rising — Hidea Kojima decided to pop-by Microsoft’s keynote, to give a teaser of his new project. However, Solid Snake isn’t gonna be in the game, instead a familiar character will be brought back to this new addition to the franchise for the 360. I don’t know much about this game, other than I’m looking forward to playing it, as Metal Gear Solid 4 was one of my favorite games for the PS3. Exclusivity is uncertain.
- Halo 3: ODST (September) & Halo Reach — I’m sure you all know that Microsoft & Bungie are going milking the cash cow named “Halo”. This isn’t a new story. They’ve decided to squeeze those cow-tits even more, and pumping out two new titles based on the Halo universe. ODST & Reach. ODST is an “add-on” based on Halo 3, heck, it’s set just before Halo 3. You will be playing a rookie from the ODST team. A few new cool things that the Master Chief don’t have, is this rook’s visor/HUD, which functions as an aid to the game play (acting as night vision, and… whatever). I don’t know what Reach is… because the all we’ve seen is a teaser. I played Halo-Halo 3, so might as well check out ODST when it’s out in September.
- Shadow Complex – EPIC’s next game. It’s gonna be a Live Arcade game. It does look good, I must say. It has the reminiscence of Metal Gear Solid. Maybe a little too much. Supposedly, it’s a “Contra blended with Super Metroid” type of game. It’s a 2D platformer with 3D elements. This one looks promising, especially with that huge map & what seems to me a high replay value.
- Modern Warfare 2 — Sure, I’ll pick it up. I enjoyed Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. And by the way, a DLC pack containing the maps from MW2 will be coming to CoD4 players.
Changes/Addition to Live Services:
I’m gonna sum this one up really quickly, from a Canadian point of view.
- Twitter/Facebook service for Live: whocares… if you’re tweeting from your console, you should blowtorch your nipples off. And Felicia Day should go hell. She’s horrible/terrible as a presenter and as an actress.
- Netflix: For my UK friends, enjoy. Sky TV will also add its service to Live. You can stream live TV from your Xbox (if you have a Gold Live account, of course). To my fellow Canadian friends, tough luck.
- Online (Full) Game Store: You can purchase full games online. This is a new distribution method. Not new, but a very welcomed addition to Live’s line of services. No need for you to walk to the gamestore any longer. I hope you die from miserable heart attack if you continue using this service.
- A bunch of Live related games — Things I couldn’t care anymore less about… xbox live avatar related, some arcade games from Capcom, and the alike.
Now, the party piece of the whole keynote, is the announcement of “Project Natal”.
What is Project Natal? It’s everything what the Wii should’ve been. It’s Microsoft’s take on motion-sensing application.
Microsoft is really serious on making the Xbox 360 *the best* of gaming console. They’ve decided to grab attention of “active people” away from the Nintendo Wii.
Project Natal is, well… a project. It’s a project Microsoft is building, using the help of their latest “controller” (or if you wanna be geeky, call it input device).
What can this new “controller” of theirs do? Here’s the rundown:
- Voice Recognition — nothing new, it recognizes you by your voice. Logs you in into the appropriate account.
- Facial Recognition — nothing new either, it recognizes your face & facial expressions. Games can understand your facial expressions and react accordingly. API will be provided to the developers
- Full Body Motion Sensing — this is the Wii killer. This… will make Nintendo sweat blood. The motion sensor in Project Natal is DAMN advance. I’ve seen something similar a few years back, but was it’s nowhere as advanced as the demo I saw during the keynote. The motion sensor is able to detect PRECISE body movement. From head to toe. Multiple objects as well. No more nunchucks, no more remotes. Just hump that light stand like a maniac, and pretend you’re fucking Jenna Jameson (or whomever), and you’ll see it on the screen. Your body movements are interpreted as “inputs” by the device, and will be translated into commands/actions. As if you’re pressing buttons (on conventional controllers).
Project Natal is top Microsoft Research & Development project. They must’ve spent millions on this. This puts the WiiMote/Nunchuck to a whole new level of shame. A technology so advanced, the movie Minority Report seems like a reality (oh, and by the way, Steven Spielberg popped by to show his support for this project).
Tags: Conference, E3 2009, Gaming, Microsoft
A new *open source* Twitter client to watch: Canary
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Software, Thoughts
Canary
In the past, I’ve used quite a lot of Twitter apps on both the iPhone and the Mac; to name a few: Twitterific (desktop & iPhone), Nambu (very sweet and pretty like Seinna Miller; but it’s buggy/unstable. Just like Ms. Miller), TwitterFon, Twittelator Pro, EventBox, BlueBird, Beak, TweetDeck, Thwirl, and probably a few others….
I’ve been using Tweetie for Mac for quite sometime. Arguably It’s the best and most popular Twitter client to date. Its simple, unique and intuitive UI is no match for other Twitter clients. Tweetie started out an iPhone application; due to popular demand, a desktop application for the Mac was created. I have been using Tweetie since its very early iPhone application days, and have been a loyal follower.
But, there’s a new kid(or bird…) on the block. The name is Canary.
Canary is an open source Twitter client, written in Obj-C (Cocoa).
Why I like Canary:
- It’s open souce (that means, like Adium/Firefox: bugs will likely get fixed very fast, assuming you’re following SVNs/Nightlies)
- It’s got the “right” UI. It’s clean, uncluttered, and has the *right* amount of features (not too packed, it becomes a bloatware; not too little either, then that would be a retarded child).
- Two particular features that stands out to me are Canary’s filter bar and InstaFilter. They are what they sound like. They filters out your Twitter stream. You just have to see/try it for yourself.
- It’s free and ad-free
- Supports Growl (somewhat buggy, but I’m sure it’ll get better/fixed)
- Supports for TwitPic, URL shorterners (tri.im, bit.ly, …)
- Supports multiple accounts (I think of it as “groups”, since Twitter doesn’t officially support “gropings” yet)
- You can do pretty much do everything the web client (Twitter.com) can do from Canary (They call it Action. Some of the things you can do via the client: follow/unfollow, favorites, and a few more)
- I like how my tweets are organized. Tweets are separated into views: Friends, Replies, Public, Favorites, Archived (sent, your tweets), Received & Sent Messages (Direct Messages).
What I DO NOT like about Canary:
- It’s as of today, June 1 2009, Canary is still in its early development status. I’m running ß2. And “ß” stands for ßuggy. I’ve had it frozen on me several times.
- The UI isn’t what I would call pretty. If anything, it’s a bit of a minger. It got the right structure, but not sure if I like the “looks” of it. Think of it as having to give props for your kids’ ugly drawings (it’s ugly, but that drawing was done by your kid… and you just have to live with it, because you kid is a smart/sweet kid).
- I cannot view someone’s “profile” without having to go to the web client
- The lack of autocomplete is a bummer. This one is trivial. I was introduced to the “concept” of autocomplete on @username function by Nambu. And since then, I’ve been wishing this would become a standard feature for all Twitter clients (Tweetie Mac has partial support for autocomplete on user lookup/DM creation)
For now, Canary will be on my watch-list. It won’t replace Tweetie, quite far from it.
Overall, I think Canary has the potential to be a great Twitter client. But before that, it needs to learn how crawl properly, then walk, before it can run (or flat wings… whatever).
Just to reiterate, Canary is free, open-souce, and ad free.
Get it from www.CanaryAPP.com
Tags: Canary, Mac, Open Source, OS X, Twitter
Catastrophic Failure
Posted by Evan Hindra | Filed under Uncategorized
Due to a recent catastrophic failure my servers had, I have decided to take all of my sites and projects offline (broken DB, broken -everything-). Until I decide on where I would move my content, they would not be online for quite a while. Rest assure, I’m not dropping any projects, they’ll be developed in a close environment.
Sorry for the inconvenience and I hope you will come back soon!
