RIP King of Pop

Yesterday was a very sad day as Michael Jackson passed away at the very young (and near) age of 50. He was one of the most innovative artists at a very unique time in history. His strange behavior will fade into the distance. What will remain is a body of work so outstanding, he can truly be called a Legend.

This design concept for Pepsi appeared on 'Dieline,' the packaging blog I frequent.

I hope Pepsi signs on. I want to buy one.

Barking Dog

Barking Dog
Originally uploaded by emilyanglerfish

I used to live on the 5th floor of a 6 floor walkup. One reason I was glad to see the back of my apartment was there was little 'passage' between my living room door and the hallway, meaning my dog was in the LR constantly growling and ruffing at strangers.

I thought moving to the new place would solve the problem, as there is far less 'traffic' in my new place than my old one.

Ah well. There may be less traffic but there's traffic nonetheless. He barks just as much. I guess a guard dog never rests.

Is the social networking bar really that low?

Dunkin Donuts released an iPhone app today. It makes it easier for 'runners' – otherwise known as interns – to capture orders for Dunkin Donuts.

Their press release calls it a 'social networking application.' Really? So does that mean every order taker is social networking?

Is the bar for social networking so low that any application that impacts more than one person is considered a social networking application?? Where is the exchange of information and ideas? "OMG you like jelly donuts too??" doesn't feel like its playing in the same park as Facebook. I could be wrong.

I'm all for being topical and relevant but this is a stretch to me. But I'm sure those iPhone wielding interns – I mean Runners – will appreciate fewer tantrums over an incorrect ratio of coffee and milk.

Hat tip [PC World]

Just desserts

I'm not a fan of Perez Hilton. In fact, while I used to think his site was cute, his tone became more and more aggressive and obnoxious in the last few months as his 'fame' increased. He is so rude and degrading that it's become difficult to read his blog.

After his little Will.I.am drama, I'm done. In fact, I've taken his blog off my blogroll, which is a big deal for me. It was a long time coming. People like him can dish it out but can't take it.

On TMZ, someone wrote what I think is the perfect description of him and others like him. Thanks Dani:

"Mario will never own up to it. He behaves like a narcissist and a sociopath, which means he doesn't admit wrongdoing, ever, does not apologize, doesn't take personal responsibility for his action or words, talks out of two sides of his mouth, feels that it's okay for him to do certain things but not others, (different standards of behavior) and in general doesn't feel remorse for anything that he does. There's something very empty and lacking within him. If you've ever seen him in interviews it's interesting to watch his face and hear his tone of voice when asked if he ever feels bad about what he does to people (and sometimes the children of celebs) on his blog - the look of surprised confusion on his face just about says it all. He can't compute what they're referring to because he can't feel what a normal personal feels. So when they ask that it's like he runs into a wall.

All his grandstanding (marches, protests, etc.) in the streets on behalf of gay rights is just a show, it's something for him to do so he can look good, like he was "on the front line battlefield" or something. Then he'll take credit for it later when gay rights finally happen, like, "I was there, I made it happen, it was me!" Narcissists take credit for things they really didn't have much (or any) involvement in, while refusing to take responsibility for the negative things they do actually do."

Look-alike products now in trouble?

asakusa photocopy
Originally uploaded by ۞ ehin

The European Court of Justice has rendered a pretty important decision. L'Oreal claimed that generics and private label 'rode on the coattails' of established manufacturers. The Court agreed.

I'm not sure if European consumers faced products that were duplicates in all but name as we do here in this country but it will be interesting to see its impact over here in North America. It's almost a given that the multinationals – L'Oreal included – will use this verdict to argue the same thing in US courts.

I think there is some merit to the argument. As someone who is brand-conscious, I find it repellant that someone rides on the coattails of what is a lot of hard work and effort of many many people, practitioners such as myself included. To see someone 'photocopy' it, undermines it.

Brand mimics are always going to happen but at least those who do it will need to make more conscious decisions before they do so.

Hat tip [WARC News]

Handmade

Above is an iPhone game called Parachute Panic [iTunes link]. It's hard to tell it's a game because the hand drawn graphics – from the grid paper background to the characters. Doodle Jump is another game that uses hand drawn characters for the game.

I love it this trend in gaming. And in living.

There's been much of the trend of handmade but I think it's a huge one, especially now. This economy is forcing everyone to go back to basics and use whatever skill one has to make a living or bolster reduced earnings. Games like these are the work of a few people who have the patience and autonomy to do what they want.

Similarly, I've been exploring Etsy, the online shop supporting individual crafters throughout the world. One can even search for local shops. There's little 'risk' because the prices are comparable to mass brands and in some cases much cheaper. I've already purchased a few things that I will spotlight if they perform well.

It's not lost on me the importance of the internet, computers, and phones. They have changed the course of human history in so many ways, I've lost count. I love how it empowers the small and keeps the big honest. Such a wonderful thing.

hat tip [whatsoniphone.com]

Shorter and squatter

Kelloggs is testing a new package – a shorter and squatter cereal box. It will take a while to educate the public about what has been a stable form factor for years. But it makes sense. That tall box wastes room in pantries. Very few boxes come filled with as much product as the box claims through its height. It may be a challenge to train consumers that smaller is better but as other manufacturers talk about saving money. Preferably with that savings passed on to consumers. Savings always makes for an easier conversation.

Hat tip – Courtesy of an excellent article on the shrinking of packaging by Ted Mininni at Dieline.

Excellent movement in a bottle

Now speaking of packaging, I LOVE this bottle by Russian designer Arthur Schreiber. The 'slash' in the bottle mimics a sword's blow, a master stroke of genius in my opinion.

Hat tip [Dieline]

Grumpy Grandpa moment – must everything be 'cute'

I love packaging. I think it's an underrated artform. Whenever anyone is doing something new and different, I enjoy seeing it. But I'm starting to tire of packaging like this. I won't share the name because it's unimportant to my point.

This graphical style has been around for almost 10 years now. When it's being applied to dog poop bags, it's time to move on.

I'm not asking for a return to clean sleek modernism. It's just that there are so many interesting materials and shapes out right now, which I think is leading to a new graphic sensibility. This package just looks tired and out-of-date.

I've become Edna Mode from the Incredibles: I never look back, dahling. It detracts from the now.

Great room

I haven't done an interiors post in a while. I'm working on decorating my new place right now so interiors are on my mind.

Check out the living room / photo studio in this Toronto ON home. I love the subtle baroque touch with the textured wall in what is a pretty minimalist room. There's not much in there other than the seating and the coffee table. I'm sure – or I hope – a lot is hidden inside closets in the wall but it's not visible. The floors are great planks of wood with a rich stain. Even the photographer lamp rocks.

Hat Tip [Arch Daily]

Gadgets soliloquy

I used to be a bit of a gadget freak. I'd always have something going, usually a few. I realize that behavior has changed because of the iPhone. I've spend thousands on a phone and equipment. I don't do that now. I probably buy a little more than $200 in apps and have spent that much on a new phone.

Those apps are increasingly encroaching upon devices I've purchased in the past. I have a digital voice recorder to capture face to face interviews for work. With the new Voice App, I don't need that anymore. The video camera will replace the need for a proper video camera for most of my needs – which have more to do with discreetness in an environment than anything else.

Now I know that many of these functions have been in phones in the past. Especially the more recent past. Sidekicks are everywhere. Those phones and many other phones out there can do as much if not more than the iPhone from a feature perspective. Yes this and that phone can capture higher res pictures or capture video at a higher frame rate and resolution. But the filters that the iPhone can apply pre and post image match most of what is done on a desktop and offer a level of on-the-spot creativity and flexibility previously impossible to date. I'm looking forward to the video filters that will no doubt be released in the coming months for the new 3GS video capture capability.

I've had many sophisticated phones – from Sony Ericsson and Nokia – in the past and found them annoying. Each one forced me to compromised in a way I didn't really want. I had a Nokia Series 60 3rd Edition phone last – Nokia E61. That phone drove me nuts. Sound quality excellent. Everything else was horrible, including that thumb busting joystick. The latest E71 generation is much better than the V1/E61 version I used but the iPhone still beats it in design and functionality. It was like using Windows. At least Sony Ericsson can produce things that don't feel like Windows.

The other point I wanted to make is that one of the biggest strengths of the iPhone is its' ability to shape shift. You can never do that with a physical keyboard. With a keyboard, a device will always looks like a phone or a labelmaker. When you put the iTwins into a dock, the screen can transform to become part of its' surroundings.

I'm so excited to see what will be released on the hardware front because I can't even imagine. My wildest dreams were exceeded with the 3G. The new 3.0 software and its' SDK will offer so much more.

I weakened

I'm sure no one is surprised to know that I weakened and picked up a 3GS this afternoon. *head bows in shame*

Now that the faux shame is done, I have to say it's awesome.

The speed increase is noticeable and much appreciated. The lag in the software – especially while typing – started to get to me. I think it was worse because I had a significant number of apps installed. I decided to take the plunge for three reasons, two of which as highlighted in this image – imaging, specifically video, and the compass. In my travels, there are many occasions where I have to find someone's home in a strange city. The iPhone's GPS saved my butt many times but sometimes it's difficult to figure out what direction to go until one has driven a few hundred yards. The compass takes the guesswork out of one's position.

Imaging is the other issue I've had. iPhone pictures are quite decent for a camera, more so thanks to apps, but the addition of autofocus and auto white balance can't be anything but good. And who can say no to video. As soon as MMS goes live, I'm sure I'll take full advantage.

So stay tuned. More observations to come. But it's a pretty awesome upgrade, in my opinion.

Private label capturing consumers' hearts

Cereal aisle
Originally uploaded by mitchsfo

There's a new study highlighted in WARC, an advertising research website based out of the UK. I love their reports and case studies but boy is it expensive.

90% of shoppers said that private label products were as good or better than their branded equivalent. Ninety percent! Over a third of shoppers in this study swapped named brand for private label merchandise in their carts.

These numbers are pretty significant and I bet worrying for manufacturers everywhere. Given my post on the increasing sophistication of private label packaging, I'm not surprised.

Hat tip [WARC]

It's official

iPhone 3.0 is out and crashing the iTunes Store everywhere. Including here. Fortunately I avoided the rush to download the software a few days ago by mysterious means.

Originally my plan was to avoid upgrading to the new 3GS for a few months. AT&T's pricing for existing iPhone 3G was just too high to justify it. Now it seems as though they will be offering those who bought the 3G in the first few months of its launch, which was pretty much every Apple geek out there, including your truly.

It's a significant enough discount to make it worth the additional features which I know I will use – specifically better picture quality through auto focus, the compass for GPS and video recording. I could also complain about the speed but honestly it's not that big of a deal breaker for me.

Kindle everywhere

There are reports today that Amazon's Bezos sees the Kindle devices as more of a means to an end – with that end being more electronic sales of books. That means that applications like the current iPhone Kindle app could very well compete with the company's dedicated Kindle devices.

I'm all for it. I use my Kindle app more than I use the 1st Gen Kindle, which suffers from enough industrial-design issues that I don't use it as often as I did in the past. Who am I kidding.... I just want the newer flatter one. I've even considered the larger DX version so that I can get native PDF support – something very important to me and my workflow.

The one major thing missing from the Kindle app is the ability to annote and add notes to certain passages in the book. I love this feature and really feel its absence in the app. Bookmarks just don't cut it. I hope the next version of the Kindle app adds it.

Hat tip [MacNN via Electronista]

Obama and DOMA

I'm going to be labeled an apologist here. And I generally avoid politics in this blog.

But I can see one reason for the over the top DOJ defense. None of the arguments are new; the LGBT has heard language contained in the DOJ brief many many times over the years. What if that's the point? What if the defense brought out the worst of the worst and these were invalidated by a judge. What if in light of these classic arguments, the ruling judges agree that these arguments should not be baked into the law of the land for whatever reason?

Time and time again, people have overreacted to something Obama has done, only to be quieted by what proved to be shrewd thinking on his part. For some reason I don't think this situation is any different.

iPhone 3.0

Somehow my iPhone has been mysteriously upgraded to the new 3.0 software. I have to say it has been a joy to use so far. Highlights include the horizontal keyboard, although writing this in Notes is proving a little annoying with the headphones on. Everything is more crisp, particularly the movement between programs.

I like the new search capability but it is one of those functions that will grow on me, just like Spotlight on the Mac. It took me a while to get into the habit of using it. Now I use it almost exclusively to find stuff. Part of the problem is I have so many apps that sometimes I flick through to know what options I have. As it is now, just grazing the screen triggers some sort of selection, which is distracting. Particularly when entering a lot of text.

So these are my initial impressions. Honestly I am more excited about the hardware connections, most of whicb I imagine will be released when the new software is officially released in a day or two.

Sent from my iPhone so please excuse the typos, odd words and brevity.

computer free

I am spending the day off the laptop. I am trying to see how much I can rely upon my iPhone for entertainment.

Well lately it has been for education. I have been taking advantage of the net to brush up on different educational pursuits. I'm nearing the end of my first pass on UC Berkeley's Social Psych class. I'm nearing the end of the semester but I have the textbook on order so that I have all the reading done when I go through it again.

I have been brushing up on my math skills using an app called Mathemagics or something like that.

I'm also testing out a bunch of flash card solutions. It's something that I have been keeping my eye on for a while and I need to knuckle down while I study for the GRE/GMATs. I will report back with my progress.

[Posted with iBlogger from my iPhone]

Embedded strategy

I finally watched the Keynote and what struck me was how different Microsoft and Apple are treating the embedded market.

Microsoft's embedded strategy is basically Windows everywhere. Except that developing for the different varieties of Windows is not always a straight forward task. And Windows isn't the most nimble of OS'. Add that to the reluctance many hardware manufacturers have had for Microsoft to own their space as they do the desktop world and you see why there have been problems with the Windows everywhere strategy.

With the latest software update, Apple is taking a completely different route. Instead of having hardware manufacturers tailor an OS for their hardware, the iPhone/iTouch duo acts as the brains for essentially dummy hardware. It's a lot easier to program and update an iPhone app vs. something that is more hardwired and can't be updated as easily if a product doesn't have a network connection handy.

I am so excited to see what is being developed. Just chomping at the bit.

Mac news cont'd

I was a bit unfair in my criticisms of Mac news in my previous post. I complained that I hadn't heard very much in light of what thought would have been a very busy news period in the Mac universe. I get the sense that there is a lot of news but it is under wraps until the official launch, based on some comment made on one of the geek blogs – Engagimodo. It's all very hush hush. Calm before the storm again.

Okay Engagimodo is not a real blog but rather the names of the two tech heavyweights combined. They would probably die to see the names combined as such. But I feel they are very similar and report on many of the same things. Their individual original reporting is fantastic but the spin isn't so different to prevent them from blurring together. I'll have to pay more attention to the writing to make sure.

What is happening now I do like and that's the deep dives into the material covered in the Keynote, particularly the new MacBook Pros recently introduced – and one that will be in this household sooner than later. I'm trying to decide between the always-with-me MacBook Air vs. the equivalent power of my iMac in the 13" MBP. What will it be – features or featherweight. It will be a difficult choice, especially since the purchase of a computer will negate the ability to upgrade to the next iPhone.

Speaking of the Keynote, I finally watched it all. Some exciting things coming this way.

Mac News is MIA

It's Wednesday and I've heard almost comparatively little out of the WWDC aside from Apple's own announcements.

Usually this week would be a steady stream of app – and what should also include device – announcements for the iPhone 3.0 software. Hardly anything.

Perhaps this is the calm before the storm.

It's T-minus 10 days.

I keep repeating to myself that I won't get the iPhone 3GS immediately.

Deep down I know it's a farce.

Maybe I'll wait a week.

Exciting iPhone news

Well the Pre's time in the spotlight was limited. The device is purely out classed by the iPhone, especially the new ones. I am beyond thrilled with the new iPhone 3GS. Even the software update excites me. I'm most looking forward to the cut/paste and the universal Spotlight search. I use Spotlight constantly on my Mac and know how easy it puts even the most obscure things. I haven't finished watching the keynote from yesterday so expect more thoughts in the next few days.

Not to be outdone is the announcement of updated laptops. I've been on the fence about the latest ones, especially since the executive decision to remove Firewire from the MacBook some time ago.

I have an old MacBook – first generation – and like having Firewire. It desperately needs updating as it's over three years old but I haven't been impressed with the current roster. Weight is important to me as it's my primary travel notebook and I've felt boxed in of late. I wanted the backlit keyboard, LED screen and power of the latest laptops but didn't want the 15" and thought the removal of Firewire from the 13" painted me into a corner. I'm glad that not only did they lower the price, but they also included a Firewire 800 port and an SD port. One less thing to carry with me in my travel wires kit.

I'm a happy camper!

Death of the Gap

This post qualifies as a rant. A rant against The Gap.

Back in the day, The Gap stood for quality that stood the test of time. It was safe to purchase pretty much anything from the store because you knew it would last.

No longer. Perfect case in point. I was on the road and ran out of clean undershirts, due to an accident with a glass of wine. I ran to The Gap to purchase a pair of grey crew neck undershirts.

The neck of the T-shirt started to fray after the first wear. After the first wash, BOTH shirts developed holes in the front where the collar band met the material. Both of them. I'm sorry but an undershirt should last at least one wash before falling apart.

If The Gap can't make basics such as underwear that last, there's no hope.

The big jump

The big jump
Originally uploaded by anthonyskelton

The early days of my blog were focused on small space living as I was living in a small space.

My how things have changed. It's almost like this picture – I jumped from a small pond to a big pond. And it's a different world.

The great thing about moving is the fun of making a space your own. The worst thing is realizing that you may need new stuff to fit your space. To be fair, I had an unusually small apartment and there is little that would have fit elsewhere. That doesn't make this transition any easier.

Not a bad problem to have in the grand scheme of things.

iPhone 3.0

Everyone's bonkers over what will be released next week, likely a new iPhone. Honestly I can't wait and I'm sure the new one will be in my hands within the next three months, as senseless as it sounds.

The more I use the device, the more it feels as though I'm carrying a computer everywhere. I'm astounded at the sophistication of the apps that are being released now. At first it seemed as thought it would be just 'small potatoes,' the kind of apps that were on the Palm. I found many Palm apps to be nice and useful but nothing that exciting.

To me, the proof of the iPhone's capabilities are in the pudding – how has my life changed since I purchased it. I can say without hyperbole that the iPhone was influential in my losing roughly 15 pounds in the last six months, thanks to programs such as Lose It, monitoring my caloric intake, and iFitness, which helps me track my workout routine. These tools have always been available via pen and paper or using a spreadsheet. But I've always run into problems with the manual methods. I always have my phone on me so I rarely forget to use either of those programs, which is a fantastic thing.

To me, the thing that will make it perfect is the upcoming hardware pairing – specifically a keyboard. I may never need to take my laptop anywhere again if I'm able to pair a keyboard with my phone and I'm able to use a good 'Office' document creator and viewer.

Interesting times ahead.

Contemplation

Contemplation
Originally uploaded by Abo - Julien Robitaille

As you know, I've moved into a new apartment and I'm noticing a change in my attitude and my thinking. The blog thing has been sporadic as I haven't quite figured out a rhythm. I'm not reading as many RSS's as I have in the past, which is usually my source material. I do have a few things on my mind which I will share this morning.

FiOS thoughts

With the new apartment came a new service – Verizon's FiOS. Overall I find the experience pretty awesome.

My previous cable provider was Time Warner Cable. I had several issues with the service. The picture quality ranged from fair to awful. Pixilation was a huge issue with animation suffering the most, often rendered jagged. Even HD football didn't quite look like HD sometimes. The other issue I had was the set-top box DVR – a user interface nightmare. I admit that I have been spoiled in the past. I owned a TiVO for many years and I consider that to be the ultimate in television UI. It is intuitive and attractive with many 'delightful' touches that make using it a joy. Time Warner's UI is poorly thought through. I often found myself still stumbling over basic functionality, even though I had owned it for over a year. Considering what I paid, I was unimpressed, which is why I jumped ship to FiOS when I had the chance.

FiOS has many things that I love. The picture quality is fantastic. I never feel as though there's a gap between the data and the display, which would appear as large disconnected pixels in Time Warner's service. The set-top experience is fantastically designed with many options available in an easy to understand fashion. It's the closest thing I've seen to TiVO without being TiVO. The data speed is fantastic; my systems are significantly faster.

The remote is the biggest issue I have with the service right now. I can't seem to pair it with my television, forcing me to use two remotes when I really should only have to use one. The remote also 'loses' it's connection with the set-top box, forcing me to reset it all the time. With channel numbers reaching into the 1800 and 1900, there should be easier ways for me to comb through all of the channels. Perhaps dividing them into subgroups – for example, music or kids, or sports – so I can surf certain channels more easily.

Overall though I'm happy with the service. It costs about the same as Time Warners but I feel as though I'm getting so much more. That's a great place to be.