My brother happens to be a beta tester so he is under a non-disclosure agreement with Microsoft, alas, I am not. Here is an image of the dashboard running on the system.
First Impressions —
Speedier, much more organized, a lot more fun to interact with. Everyone is going to love the App Marketplace once it really opens up. Microsoft needs to throw everything they have at the Xbox 360 because let’s be honest… outside of Windows… it’s the only product that really matters.
Case-Mate, the popular Apple accessory company accidentally leaked case designs on their official website earlier today. The case was for the unannounced and upcoming iPhone 5. Case-Mate quickly pulled the images but the damage had already been done — I saved a copy of the image, haha! Me and the rest of the Internet of course.
From the look of things the phone is obviously much, much thinner. To me it resembles a small iPad 2 which is nice. I like the lines and I love the fact that the promo images show the phone with a metallic/aluminum back plate. That means no more glass, no more scratches!
One can only hope the fact these images are rendered means the phone launch is coming soon. With iOS 5 right around the corner I wouldn’t be surprised to hear the official announcement any day now. The Apple event is looming.
Dark Knight Rises poster has hit the Internet! 9/10, bracing for epic! Bane!
Probably not but MacRumors had some interesting insight. My question is if this is really a leaked render how much longer can Apple keep baiting their fan base with recycled versions of the same product? Re: iPad and iPad2. One would argue that the iPad2 should have been the iPad. It’s all good for Apple though, then really know how to play the fans…
Sorry but two cameras and a faster processor is not revolutionary, nor is it a reason to hold a press conference. Guess where I won’t be today – that’s right, in line for an iPad2.
Same goes here, bigger screen and a faster processor for the iPhone 5? I hope not.
Earlier tonight the internet was privileged to a special treat, a new track from Wes Eisold’s project, Cold Cave.
In short – It’s amazing. If you know then you need no explanation, you probably have the track! If you don’t then please do yourself a favor and go download the new track.
Those unfamiliar might recognize their work which was featured in a Radio Shack commercial over the holidays. The new track features guest guitar riffage by the legendary F. Sean Martin. ”The Great Pan is Dead.”
A brief excerpt from the blog post accompanying the release in regard to the direction of the song and subsequent album release.
This song and record is about magic, preservation, youth and movement.
Download and read more at the following. Cold Cave on Tumblr.
My initial thoughts on the new Sidekick which was leaked today. I figured since I was such a fanboy for the original Sidekick line I would put up a few talking points.
First thing’s first is the look. Obviously it retains the classic Sidekick design but from reports the “kick” or swivel joint for the screen is no more. Not really a big deal but it does dilute the experience. The keyboard seems like it will be nice and comfortable as other kicks in the past have been. The screen itself looks large and is probably touch screen but I wouldn’t be shocked if it wasn’t.
The real underlying issue is the operating system. Rumored to be a stripped down version of Android OS. This could be excellent or a disaster. I will state that if it is a full version of Android the phone is an instant pass for me and I’m sure many others. The Android market is swamped with phones that already have built-in keyboards, installed in a variety of creative ways. Another phone with the same form factor is useless and will be just another face in the crowd. A very vast crowd.
It seems like a new Android phone drops weekly at this point. All of them sport the same features. Nothing sets them apart. This could be where a stripped down, minimal version of Android could make an impact. Cutting out all of the fluff to make a phone with the basics in-tact but keeping them strong and maybe even improving them through a minimal but “fun” UX. All of this with the ability to add apps from the Android App Store and we might have something.
The downside to the entire experience is the missing @tmail.com address that made Sidekicks so awesome back in their day. It was a staple and while it will be easy enough to replace with a Gmail address it just lacks the right vibe. Of course the real problem will be how the “cloud” plays into the entire equation. The original Sidekicks were some of the first devices to utilize cloud computing. I would say ahead of their time. With things like AIM now off the cloud it might be just another crappy Android experience.
Will this get me to jump off my iPhone – probably not. Will I want to play with it? Of course. Only time will tell as more leaks come in what we will be able to expect from the next generation Sidekick.
