VFH: The Latest Views

I try to like Microsoft. Really, I do. But this is a perfect example of why that's so hard.

Once again they have gone out of their way to not only refuse to "play nice in the sandbox" but to once again do it in a destructive manner that forces everyone else to have to waste time/money/energy to deal with issue.

And even after the industry explains why there's a problem, and there seems to be a positive adjustment by Microsoft, they inexplicably, and on the sly, slide back to their original position.

There's no good reason for this deviation from the standards.

Seriously, it's to the point where I think we should all start sending them invoices for our time. Maybe then they'll get point. Talking reason clearly has no effect.

(And yes, I know that there are many good people at Microsoft who understand, feel our pain, and are even trying to help. My frustration is in no way directed at them.)

Labels: browse, browser, microsoft, news, standards

Amazon Kindle 2 - Thoughts and Questions

So Amazon finally posted some details about the new Kindle, with the creative name: Kindle 2. They say it will be available on February 24, 2009.

I'm intrigued by the idea of being able to "carry" lots of books in such a device, but in addition to the high price of the unit, I find myself wondering...

• am I the only one surprised that they haven't added color yet? It feels oddly retro to see them advertising "now boasts 16 level of gray" as a cutting-edge feature.


• why do they call this an "electronic paper display?" There are other options that seem far more 'paper-like.'


• why isn't there some kind of basic note taking application included. It would seem to be a logical option to include.


• when the techie books I rely on will be available for the Kindle? After running a few quick test searches, the books I like to have "at my fingertips" are not yet available.


• is there a viewer tool available so I can read my Kindle books on a computer when I don't have the Kindle handy?


• they say you can use the Kindle to search on Wikipedia and Google - is it truly limited to searching or can you use Google apps too?


• No native PDF support? WTF?!?!

I am impressed by the accessibility that seems to be built-in to the device: zoom, adjustable font sizes, the "Read-to-Me" feature, and audiobook compatibility but I wonder if that is limited to the content or if the menus/navigation is just as friendly?

I'll be watching to see what the early reviews have to say! Here's what PC Mag has to say.

Labels: accessibility, browser, gadgets, good ideas, news, technology, techtoys, visual

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 Coming in Q3
And as usual, Microsoft has all kinds of info available about how to twist the new browser into making believe that it's an old one. Instead of, you know, coding clean and avoiding browser-dependent tweaks.

::sigh::

Labels: browser, microsoft, technology, visual, web