Archive | June, 2009

Why Marco Arment Doesn’t Leave iPhone Development

I’m a huge fan of Apple and almost everything they make because they have an incredibly effective design process and release strategy that facilitates the creation of consistently great products. Even when they screw up, the magnitude is usually far lower than with other software companies: I’d rather use Apple’s worst than Microsoft’s best.

[…]

App review isn’t inherently a flawed concept — the current system just has some problems. Apple has fixed many of the problems we’ve had so far, but this is the one glaring exception that, despite what may be happening behind the scenes, appears to the public as if it needs the most help and is receiving the least attention from Apple.

via Marco.org – Why don’t I leave iPhone development?.

I’ve heard this before – it’s not that the App Store review process is inherently flawed, it’s just that some parts are quirkier than others.

By and large, the App Store works – there’s no way you’d reach the audience you do with the App Store than if you just tried to do your own little marketing. The 30% cut that Apple take is a small price to pay for what is essentially, worldwide marketing…

Ironic Sans: Idea: The Outlet Wall

The Outlet Wall

Instead of hiding your outlets behind furniture and worrying about the mess of wires tangled behind your entertainment center, consider making an entire wall that’s nothing but outlets. Then you can artfully plug in your appliances wherever the cords look pleasing to you.

via Ironic Sans: Idea: The Outlet Wall.

That’s impressive. Impressive indeed.

Hard to go past a blog with the name of Ironic Sans. That’s just rediculously awesome.

Left 4 Dead 2 Box Art

Left 4 Dead 2 Box Art

We’re sure you’ll agree: Pretty convincing. Granted, it took lopping the fingers off two staff members’ hands to get the lighting reference perfect, but since those didn’t appear on the box, we think we’re legally in the clear.

via Left 4 Dead Blog.

I *love* how Valve have an excellent sense of humour.

Quality You Can Taste

You can have your fancy iPhones. I’ll stick with my Motorola POS800. Sure, you have fancy “apps” and a “legible screen” and a “functioning phone” but can you match this feature set?

  • Retractable antenna. By that, I mean the antenna broke off, resulting in a slimmer, more aerodynamic design.
  • Free dance party light show. Lately, when I plug the phone into its charger, instead of charging the battery it goes into an endless loop of shutting off, turning on, playing random noises and then shutting off and on again. Who needs a disco ball when you have a possessed phone?!
  • Personal protection. Remember how I mentioned that the antenna broke? Well, it’s been replaced by a piece of jagged plastic that can be used as a makeshift shiv in emergency situations. How many smartphone owners can stab a man with their phone? I’ll tell you. None.
  • Queued text messaging. Want to send a text message that won’t transmit for several hours, even days? This phone’s got you covered. You’ll be getting replies like this in no time: Dude. My birthday was two weeks ago. Thanks, though.
  • Talking pants. When it’s in your pocket, the phone will occasionally activate its hands-free mode for no reason. Not only do you get a free pair of talking pants, but you also get an unlimited amout of frightened looks from strangers when a robotic woman’s voice, originating roughly from your crotch starts declaring, “SAY A COMMAND. SAY A COMMAND.”
  • Transformer mode. Not only did the antenna pop off, but the entire phone seems to be coming apart in every way possible. Some would assume the phone is flimsy pile of crap and about to break in half. But, I’m holding out hope that it’s simply in the process of “transformering” into something more useful, like a sports car or a helicopter. Or another phone that works.

So, yeah. Eat it iPhone owners. I bet you’re jealous. I know I would be.

via Quality You Can Taste.

I don’t usually quote entire blog posts (it’s bad practice), but this is the one time I’ll make an exception. Sincere apologies to the original blogger, and nice work 🙂