Archive for October 16th, 2011

Android 1, 2, 3, 4. Now, It’s The Big Time

Published by Robert Pogson October 16th, 2011 in technology. 6 Comments

Android 4, Ice Cream Sandwich, is expected to be released and demonstrated on new products this week. It’s about time but the wait shall have been worth it:

Android 4 will be back to fully Open Source.
It will run on (almost) anything.
Some recent phones may get an update and the whole system of updates should be smoother.
With two months left before Christmas, a bunch of us should have an excuse to buy one. This will put iPhone well back in the pack and take a bite out of iPad’s lead.

The point about being again open source has huge repercussions. It will put all OEMs on the same footing, restoring any faltering confidence in the platform and all the tweakers on the planet can actually explore the code and submit improvements. Being closed source put a damper on too much.

So far, in 2011, the field of tablets has been abandoned to Apple somewhat. This will put an end to that as any OEM can now put out a first-class tablet just like the big guys. This will provoke an explosion of innovation and competition which should be good for us consumers.

The point about running on anything is also huge. This will inspire the Android-x86ers to put this thing on desktops and notebooks for content generators as well as consumers. Combine that with LibreOffice being ported to Android/Linux and to a web application and my prophecy that ARM will take on desktop roles should be achievable and soon. There is still likely a year before M$ releases “8″ so, between hardware and software developments and growth of markets, M$ will be far back in the field.

All in all, this development answers the majority of criticisms of Android. From my point of view the only thing better would be a change of licence but I doubt that will happen. Still, 2011 is going to end on a strong note for Linux, Android and Free Software. The only cloud on the horizon is Apple’s machinations which are being entertained by courts. The sooner the courts wake up the better. Having every high tech business able to block every other high tech product is not sustainable. Either the courts or legislators need to fix software and business methods patents sooner rather than later.

- Robert Pogson

Advice to the Green Party of Canada

Published by Robert Pogson October 16th, 2011 in technology. 52 Comments

Suggestions For A Computing Plank In The Green Party’s Platform

Robert Pogson

2011-10-15

Abstract:

The Green Party already mentions computers in its platform, Ensure that all schools with even a small inner city population staff an after-hours and weekend computer lab year-round to allow those students without internet access to complete their school assignments and develop their interests on their free time. That represents something of the value of computers in our society but it is only a small part and much more could be added about improving the quality of life with computers, responsibly, taking account and minimizing environmental/sustainable costs. It is recommended that because of the cost of energy and material consumption in production, distribution, use and disposal of computers, the Green Party should recommend

use of small inexpensive computers,
thin clients,
ARM technology, and
Free Software.

Continue reading ‘Advice to the Green Party of Canada’

- Robert Pogson

My Mission

My observations and opinions about IT are based on 40 years of use in science and technology and lately, in education. I like IT that is fast, cost-effective and reliable. I do not care whether my solution is the same as yours. I like to think for myself.

My first use of GNU/Linux in 2001 was so remarkably better than what I had been using, I feel it is important work to share GNU/Linux with the world. I have been blessed by working in schools where students and school systems have benefited by good, modular software easily installed in most systems.

I have shown GNU/Linux to thousands of students and hundreds of teachers over the years and will continue in some way doing that until I die in spite of the opposition.