Olografix Tech Blog

For those who don't know, Google has used desert-based code names for the different Android versions. The names went from Cupcake to Donut to Eclair to Froyo and the next iteration is to be called Honeycomb. So here I am, running 2.1 (Eclair) and waiting on Froyo to be released in the next few days (I hope!). The problem with Android is that it is taking the same path as Window Mobile. This is both good and bad. The fact that is open is good. The fact that carriers and phone makers can modify it is kind of bad. The customization becomes a problem when it causes delays in releases. If I could run a "vanilla-Froyo" (without rooting the phone), I'd probably have the new version running on my phone. The Nexus One has this pleasure because it was sold directly from Google and so OTA (over the air) updates were sent out very quickly. The rest of us have to live with customizations being tested out by all these people who are trying to create "the next best thing...

One of my birthday gifts that I gave myself was a Slingbox . This little box allows for a single user to access what is currently playing on a TV receiver at home (in my case, my satellite receiver) and watch it to any (or almost any) web-connected devices such as a laptop or cellphone. Of course, what's great about this is that you can be anywhere in the world and have access to your programming. Now, don't get me wrong. I don't need to have my TV all the time, but one thing from being an avid sports fan is that it is nice that you can have a peek at the game going on anytime you want. It also adds the possibility that I can share a couch with my girlfriend and she can watch her show while I watch mine on the laptop. You can watch on the train or while cooking, it's a great product for a one-time purchase fee. Cell providers are trying to push TV to their devices using paid services. My current provider charges 8$/month for this service. My Slingbox cost about 180$ ...