CircleCount helps you better understand Google+

2013-05-25 04:47:38 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

I stopped liking Mashable in 2009. But they made a post today about App.Net reaching 100K users recently and they were given a whopping 5000 free account invites for it. They still have a few hundreds left. So, if you wanted to check App.Net, this is the easiest way.

If you also need a friend over there, am also there http://app.net/AvatarX

2013-05-24 02:32:40 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Googorola Loses Against Microsoft On ITC Patent Case

If you are counting that means both cases Google had against Microsofr with Motorola Mobility have now been shot down. As they should have, mind you.

2013-05-24 01:38:27 (0 comments, 2 reshares, 7 +1s)

Nokia Lumia 928: Still The Best Low Light Camera

No surprises.

#windowsphone  

2013-05-22 23:58:36 (12 comments, 1 reshares, 4 +1s)

Thoughts On The Xbox One Reveal

It is understandable that the core Gaming Blogs are skeptical and a bit in angst about it.

Yet the first thing to understand is that the Xbox One Reveal Event was all about the hardware and platform side of things. It was an industry message to competitors and markets first.  A hell of a tease and of a talk starter for end users.

Something that there is no doubt the right people it was directed at Google, Apple, Amazon, Sony and Nintendo must have got loud an clear. Likewise when it comes to possible partners for it like telecoms, tv channels and media companies.

The gaming aspect is inherent and will be reinforced in E3. No doubt about that. But even in the reveal it was already said that there would be 15 exclusives to the Xbox in the first year. 8 of them being new franchise potential IP and that there are more gamesb... more »

2013-05-21 06:06:53 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

The biggest mistake with Zombieland as TV sitcom series was to try to make it with the same characters as in the movie. Worst possible call ever. Of course that the core audience for it was going to boycott and bash it to make it bomb out. Yet the creators seem shocked that happened! Talk about being clueless about the internet.

I watched the pilot. It had moments of brilliance wrapped in a too low of a budget strings. But you just could not get past the casting issue reminding you of the movie. Not the director or the actors fault.

2013-05-20 23:18:43 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Finally watched the Kitchen Nightmares Amy's Bakery Company season ending episode. And then read what happened later on their Facebook page.

WOAH-WOAH-WOAH

What a double set of train wrecks those were.  Incredible.  I was truly in awe with that one. Now, what it is clear on why they just called the show off and made history only getting an appearance pay out instead of the remodel, is that while they are delusional and crazy. They are still not bankrupt and desperate. That makes all the difference. The craziest and worst owner cases in Kitchen Nightmare are always where the owners are not bankrupt and desperate. Where they have not hit rock bottom to accept that they suck. And that if they don't try to change they will end up in courts, homeless or in jail.

A must watch.

2013-05-19 07:30:16 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

EA finally admitting they want Nintendo out of the Living Room Console Making Biz

Something that could do come true in less than 9 months (3 next quarters) if the Wii U continues to do as bad as it has been doing.

One factual error from EA's Spots guy is saying the Wii U hardware is weaker than a Xbox 360. It is like 50% more powerful. Just that it indeed is still ridden with a weaker Online Play than the Xbox 360.

Things do look bleak for Nintendo right now.

2013-05-17 22:45:25 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Replying to 153 submission/proposal e-mails to Appatic now that I am reactivating it. Hard work, probably will take me all day today to do that. But grateful that I have 153 emails to respond to for that.

2013-05-17 21:49:23 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

Itsdagram: A Fully Featured Instagram Windows Phone App

It is finally here and it is already a big hit in the Windows Phone Store. Itsdagram, developed by Daniel Gary, who previously also developed Pinsation which is the only fully featured Pinterest Windows Phone App took it to himself to develop a full app. Ok, not quite. He was more like compelled by his wife to do both Pinsation and Itsdagram.  And so he did so in the best way yet.

Personally, I am not a fan of instagram or pinterest. On the contraire, I am kind of against them. But I am even more against about the whining of bloggers and users clamoring for Instagram in Windows Phone. So, I don't have a problem with recommending what is clearly the very best 3rd party app to solve that. Itsdagram is it. In fact, while the official Instagram app may be in development. I am having a hard time believing that the firstve... more »

2013-05-16 22:19:35 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Google+ Birthday Reminders

Where they went?

Exactly.

UGH what a drag considering it took a very long time for them to appear as a sidebar. Now I don't see them anywhere. Only as warnings on Google.com if you are logged in, once again.

The more time passes with design, the more I think it was rushed out of the gate as there is too much that don't makes sense about it.

2013-05-16 01:33:49 (6 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

After a longer inspection of the new google plus. I have determined it sucks equally on smartphones and slates. The reason to that is because it is not resolution responsive at all. Something i find a perplexingly idiotic design choice to make.

On the other hand the good news are that the Smartphone Mobile website has been fixed and now works on WP7/WP8 too.

Regular website also seems to still work in IE for Xbox 360.

2013-05-15 22:14:28 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

New Google Plus Look

UX-wise it makes sense. UI-wise it only makes sense for smartphones and slates. But for desktop browsers I think it is HORRENDOUS.  I expect all kind of browser extensions to modify it within days.

I also find details of its aesthetic to be off by miles.

2013-05-14 21:41:03 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Coming Back From Casual Activity Status To G+

For the past 5 weeks I have been in the pursuit of a theory and a little G+ experiment. Now I consider that to be done. My theory was proven and my experiment proved to be successful. So you will be seeing me posting on a daily basis again into your general streams. Apart from that I just was busy with work stuff.

I was not completely away since I still replied messages and moderated the G+ bitcoin community.

Finally, I say hi again to the 3500+ new contacts that were so kind to add me into their circles in the past few weeks. Hope to be kept in them. Say hi if you can. To everyone else that has me in their circles and has kept me I only say Hello again. 

2013-05-05 03:06:21 (0 comments, 5 reshares, 5 +1s)

So amusing. One of the very few things posted in Medium worth a read.

2013-04-30 20:50:08 (9 comments, 5 reshares, 5 +1s)

The Making Of Don't Fight, Switch Wedding Ad For The Nokia Lumia 920

Ah, very good video too.

2013-04-29 21:34:30 (16 comments, 1 reshares, 5 +1s)

Don't Fight, Switch Nokia Lumia 920 Ad

Already one of the very best Ads of the year. Loved it.

Fun Fact/Easter Egg from the Ad: At 20 seconds, The "Auto Correct This!" punching woman is the same blonde iphone girl in line from the Samsung Galaxy S3 "The Next Big Thing" NYC Ad. The one that says:
"When we will be able to do that touching thing". This means she switched to Android and now it is fighting with her previous Apple side. ;)

2013-04-27 05:56:26 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

HEY, EVERYONE

Just wanted to post a quick message to say that if you happen to be one of the 1500+ users that have added me to their circles in the last two weeks, I thank you for the add. if can, say hello and let me know from where you added me.

For everyone else that has kept me in their circles and those new that will, I thank you even more. :)

Have a good weekend.
.

2013-04-24 23:07:00 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Just got a nice internet speed upgrade.

From 30mb down - 3mb up to 50mb down and 5mb up.

Now i really finally feel i got enough overall speed and bandwidth for everything. Download-wise at least. Upload speed sucks. It should be at least 1/5 and not 1/10.

2013-04-15 22:46:10 (7 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Microsoft Watch Device

Well, I always wanted to have Microsoft SPOT because it was the ultimate novelty. The reason they failed is because they were VERY expensive. The reason for that is that Microsoft didn't made the watches themselves and the info system it ran to was also very expensive at the time.  They started at $200 for the most basic model  + $50 bucks a year for the info system. There was even some limited edition Spot watches that were $1000 USD.  And you still needed to pay the $50 a year. Funny enough if you were an early adopter of the SPOT watches, it meant you had an Smart Watch for a whopping 8 years of service since they are from 2004 and the MSN Direct info service was only killed last year.

Now, I would not be surprised if the basic version were to be as low as $99 USD and of course the info system were driven by an Smartphone App for free. Makes awor... more »

2013-04-14 05:05:49 (1 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

#Catuday

Kato scream-yawning his favorite day of the week.

2013-04-09 22:48:38 (4 comments, 2 reshares, 3 +1s)

Instagraph

The Windows Phone app that can upload to the Instagram thanks to a clever work around that should not be talked about. App is $2.49 and during the first days it will have a limit of 3 uploads per day. That should be enough for most Instagram users. 

I think the price of the app is fair. not expensive, not cheap. just fair.  While the app don't breaks any user terms thanks to failing on a gray area where the current terms do not cover what this work around does. Instagram could go douche and change them at any time. So I will suggest you buy the app as soon as possible. Even if the official instagram were to be released in a month from now. $2.49 is barely what you pay for a Subway sandwich or a plate of 2-3 tacos. I mean c'mon.

2013-04-08 21:28:55 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

This Monday has been a bit tough. With the Daylight Savings Time change and after a Rainy Sunday that drove me to decide it was a good idea to go on a 8 hours marathon to free up my Hulu queue. It was a good idea. Just that it made me wake up in a bit of a daze. It is also like 90 degrees outside. Not a good combination.

2013-04-07 00:55:50 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 6 +1s)

#Caturday

Kato enjoying some hand fed Fish Treats.  

2013-04-06 04:00:29 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 5 +1s)

Proof Of Windows Phone Adoption Progress

Detractors have gone from "it is not gaining traction" to "it is not gaining traction in the U.S.A"

Hah.

2013-04-06 03:53:25 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Tech space people playing dumb saying they cannot understand why would Jeff Bezos invest in Business Insider. Really now? Amusing as hell.

2013-04-05 20:19:38 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Yeah. I bet Joe Belfiore, The Windows Phone team and many Microsoft executives must be quite annoyed right about now.

The only positive is that Facebook Home is yet another validation to the way Windows Phone does things.

2013-04-06 01:16:48 (2 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Incredible how I am now getting like 1-3 unsolicited and unwelcome SEO offers a day. 

⊙﹏⊙

Update 

One "SEO Agency" even thought it would be a good idea to email me, message me here and use the contact form in Appatic. Like if harassing me would make me change my mind.... 

2013-04-04 17:34:17 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Video OIS: Lumia 920 vs Galaxy S4

And the clear winner is of course the Lumia 920.

2013-04-02 20:37:40 (0 comments, 1 reshares, 3 +1s)

Instagraph: Windows Phone App That Can Upload To Instagram Via A Windows Azure Component

There are two ways the devs could be doing this. One it is obvious, straightforward and still pretty much within user terms of Instagram but not resource efficient.  The other is a work around and breaks user terms but it is a lot more resource efficient. In either case there is no way Instagram can actually stop them. They can only decide to ban users using the solution and only if they proactively try to identify them. But I see that as highly unlikely as it would piss off a lot of people. I would also be surprised if Microsoft would not approve it. The release of the app puts added pressure to Instagram to hurry with the official one.

We'll see what happens.

2013-04-02 17:34:52 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

On Ericsson Buying Microsoft IPTV Unit

One of the reasons why Microsoft may be looking to sell is that they have stopped producing any kind of in-tv or topbox strategy for third parties. Mediaroom 2.0 was never fully pushed worldwide like at one time Microsoft TV 2.0 was. Microsoft TV 3.0 was cancelled a long while ago to give in to Mediaroom 1.0. And the Media Center Extender Boxes or TV integrations never got pass the limited release phase. Not, that I know of.

Microsoft also has already ported a lot of the Mediaroom 2.0 IPTV tech to the Xbox. Also grabbing part from Media Center and hooking up the Windows Azure backed streaming components to it. We just never have yet to see it beyond the custom media apps and channels that have launched.

It is probable we will not see the final plans for Microsoft backed IP TV until the next Xbox and the next and probably last... more »

2013-03-31 00:22:32 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

One In Five Blackberry 10 Apps Are Really Android Apps Without Changes

That is the how headline in the linked article should be. As the only thing Blackberry said is that 20% of their apps are Android app that can run in the Blackberry Android App Player.  That does not means only 20% of the apps that works in BB10 are Android related. As in rushed Android App Ports. Making the clarification could be seen as unnecessary. But given some of the blog posts that have been spin off from the same linked article. I wish there was a paragraph to clarify that.

So, congrats Blackberry now you have an app store with less reliability than Google Play or your own old BB app world. Situation that is probable to backfire in the long run.

2013-03-30 23:56:33 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Yep. The Nokia Lumia 920 camera not only has already beat HTC "the" One. It has also already beat the still unreleased Samsung Galaxy S IV.

Nokia OIS and Low-Light Photography is still the best.

#GS4   #WP8

2013-03-30 04:14:22 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Windows Phone Now Firmly The 3rd Mobile Ecosystem

That is what Frank X. Shaw pretty much said with this statement between the lines:

While we’re still in early days, the numbers are encouraging. There are new PCs and tablets in market and great apps in the Windows Store, with new ones coming every day. Windows Phone has reached 10 percent market share in a number of countries, and according to IDC’s latest report, has shipped more than Blackberry in 26 markets and more than iPhone in seven

Just without you know, actually saying it. But selling more in over 20 markets versus Blackberry is what Windows Phone needed to be the 3rd mobile platform. They are now outselling them in 26 markets. Even out-selling the currently in support iPhones in 7 markets.  I don't think it can get any clearer than that, that Windows Phone is now not just making inroads butsettle... more »

2013-03-30 03:51:13 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

If this controller is going to work via Bluetooth with Windows Phone 8. I think the bigger news is that Bluetooth HID support is coming soon to WP8 too.

2013-03-27 22:43:44 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

A good explanation on why the purchase price of Summly to Yahoo! was too high.

2013-03-27 22:37:17 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

#Ragecomics #BTC #Bitcoin  

2013-03-25 21:57:49 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Hilariously SAD.  Can only imagine the dismay this caused at Nintendo HQ the next day.

2013-03-22 23:46:29 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

Stephen Elops Switching Someone From iPhone To Lumia

That is the spirit. Always a hustling day for Stephen Elop. 

2013-03-22 00:28:49 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Remarkable achievement. Yet i don't buy in to it. Would need to see an audit report of their App Store:

How are apps counted? Do trails count separatedly? Do pieces of content count to this tally? How many are rushed and poorly ported Android apps?

I would not be surprised if  they only  had less than half being actual apps made for BB10. To put this in perspective. If the Windows Phone Store  and the Windows Metro Store worked like that. The counts would had already reached 200K apps and 75k apps respectively.

2013-03-21 20:57:23 (5 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Let this be a lesson of what happens when you take Political Correctness Policing to the extreme. It ends with one or more hackers under The Anonymous Collective Banner adopting another kind of policing position and two persons without a job. Oh, and also two companies looking like idots in the process. All for nothing.

2013-03-21 04:41:26 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 1 +1s)

Fitting for Mark Hurd to end on as CEO as the PC Corp he beat while at HP. If he pulls off a good job. It would be such an extra sting to the HP board.  

2013-03-20 06:11:27 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Nokia Snowboard Rookie Awards Video Filmed Entirely With A Lumia 920

There were already two Music Videos made with one and people using the Lumia 920 as a Sport Cam. Now this one showing a professionally produced promotional report video. The quality is just great. Can only imagine how good the camera in the upcoming Lumia 950 or 1000 will be for this fall.  I have seen video taken with the HTC One and they don't look as good. Still left to be seen if the GS4 can do better. But i doubt the OIS will be as good.

2013-03-20 03:37:35 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Upcoming Birthdays Sidebar

I forgot to mention. But It has been a week since that new birthdays sidebar appeared for me here in G+.

Amazed at how that took this long to implement. The way it was set up before was idiotic. They only appeared in the search page. And not always..

2013-03-19 23:20:01 (12 comments, 0 reshares, 7 +1s)

This really ask the question. Does the gaming industry dislike female heroes? 

It doesn't matter to me if the hero is male of female, as long the story makes sense then I'm good mate. For example Lara Cross in the new Tomb Raider is amazing hero. Jason Brody is Far Cry 3 is awful hero.

+Stephanie V. +Kaprina Steward +Enrique Rea +Aidy P. +Avatar Equis +Darrell Lee +Joe Dean +Susan Miles +Charm Asenime +Pocket Raphael +Mealika Brown +Denisha Vail +Laura Topliffe +Toya Black 

2013-05-23 21:44:59 (8 comments, 0 reshares, 13 +1s)

Clever Costume Level:MASTER

Truly LOLed when i saw it. Genius, Just Genius.

2013-03-19 06:56:41 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

Samsung is so shameless. But as much the design is a clear copy of the Xbox 360 Controller. It does seem to work well. I wish i could use it with Windows Phone. But no Bluetooth HID until 8.5. :(

2013-03-15 02:33:57 (4 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Just watched Samsung Unpacked 2013. Who knew it would be done as a Broadway Ad-Play? Corny as hell, but watchable enough.

The hardware is as good as the one from others. But the new sensors and the amount of Samsung Made software and services now on the device are quite impressive.

Presentation starts at 35 minutes in.

   #GS4   #SamsungGalaxy  

2013-03-14 03:51:06 (15 comments, 0 reshares, 4 +1s)

About Google Reader Getting Shutdown

Meh

I have been used the built-in Feed Reader in IE since it was introduced in IE7. The difference is that i have it with 3 modifications. Google was just not sufficient to me because previous to 2011 i had like 3000 rss feeds. Having them all online didn't fit my usage. And with the mods i have, the IE FeedReader also saves all the feed items with photos up to the last 2000 items per feed.

Previosu to that i used a very groundbreaking Feed Reader Extension for Firefox i cannot remember for the life of me how it was called. Also used a modded version of the Feedreader Windows Desktop App. Apart from that? i also used something called Webaroo until it got killed.

I always liked local feed reading better. Other good experiences were the FireAnt Reader & Downloader and the Feedreader in the 1.0 versionof Flock Bro... more »

2013-03-14 01:33:12 (0 comments, 0 reshares, 2 +1s)

Blackberry: We Are Going To Be Fine, Someone Just Bought 1 Million BB10 Handsets In Advance

It is probably a carrier. Probably a transnational one like Telefonica, America Movil, etc.  1 Million devices bought in advance for BB10 is the best news so far in 2013 for Blackberry. Even if it accounts for not just the Z10 and Q10. We are talking about a  300-350 million dollars order.

2013-03-13 05:37:52 (3 comments, 0 reshares, 3 +1s)

No longer surprised now about Google proactively going the extra mile to screw with Windows Phone users.