Technology is awsome

I love this time of year when summer is just around the corner. This past month was flooded with rain and sickness. June is a week away, and the weather forecast proves it. This week im going to write my first gadget segment.

Sony takes the lead!

To start things off, Sony has just released a 2.5” paper-thin screen that bends. It’s 0.01 inches thick! It combines 2 technologies: organic thin film transistor and organic electroluminescent display. I could be wrong, but doesn’t organic material deteriorate? Sony has no commercial use for their new technology just yet, but I’m sure they’re giving it a solid effort. It’s kind of like the iPhone: Cool and exciting but completely impractical!

It’s pronounced Sie-men not sea-men

To finish, Siemens has created a wireless tracking system directed towards Hospital Patients and Students. It combines (RFID) and Wi-fi technology to track objects or people in real time. Battery powered (RFID) tags are located with three or more access points on a wireless network. Boundaries can be set to sound an alarm if crossed. The technology is still in development and privacy issues are top priority. What is stopping the government from sticking chips in our brains to keep track of what we do and when we do it? Does privacy even have a definition anymore?

Adobe Microsoft and Sun compete

I would like to address a couple really interesting comments from last weeks blog.

Dear Marcelo Paiva,

I highly doubt Microsoft will ever make a version of Expression for the Mac because they did in fact never release Visual Studio for the Mac. Then again, I never thought Microsoft would release Office 2007 for the Mac and they did.

Adobe leading the revolution

For those of you unfamiliar with Apollo, “it’s a cross-OS runtime that allows developers to leverage their existing web development skills (Flash, Flex, HTML, Ajax) to build and deploy desktop RIA’s”. Ebay has already utilized this Adobe tool, and it looks truly fascinating. I recommend watching this Apollo Demo.

I believe Apollo and Silverlight will become heated rivals. I’m interested to see who comes out on top. Along with the similarities come differences too; Apollo is application based, and Silverlight is web based.

Sun maintains its ancestral roots

JavaFX simplifies the development of rich Internet applications that run on a variety of platforms. Java is branded as the multi-platform programming language commonly used for handheld devices because of its famous performance and miniature file size. JavaFX comes in 2 flavors: Script and Mobile.

JavaFX Script uses Java technology to create content rich applications and services for desktops, set-top boxes and Blu-ray DVDs, mobile devices, and more.

JavaFX Mobile is a pre-integrated software system for advanced mobile devices. It’s designed for network-based services and it’s cutting edge stuff for the latest Mobiles.

Sun has a very impressive program but it doesn’t compete with Flash, Apollo, or Silverlight. Not because it’s inferior, but because its in different category altogether.

Silverlight lights up the web

“Microsoft’s Silverlight is a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering the next generation of .NET based media experiences and rich interactive applications for the Web“. It supports AJAX, VB, C#, Python, and Ruby. Microsoft has already implemented Silverlight into their toolbar to simulate a vista style layout. Silverlight is in many ways similar to Adobe’s Flash Player, but more refined. They both play media, but Silverlight isn’t restricted to one dialect, it understands a large variety of programming languages and that’s what sets apart the men from the boys.

Dear John,

I decided to download the trial version of Microsoft Expression. To set your mind at ease, I personally disliked it. CS3 and Expression are completely different suites. Granted they both have web development tools, Adobe has simply reached a state of perfection. It is my unprofessional opinion that Expression is noticeably inferior in many ways. Don’t quote me on that just yet. I’m going to continue evaluating and report back later.

I realize Adobe’s creative suite is gouging consumer wallets but you really do get what you pay for. I’ve also downloaded CS3 trials and I am thrilled with the experience. I run dual core, and previous versions were emulated and painfully slow. The rewrite to support multiple cores in every Adobe product increased my speed and efficiency significantly. Hundreds of new functions have been added to satisfy the empty pocketed customer.

If you are a freelancer on a budget, Adobe does offer upgrade costs. A new version does seem to emerge ever year, but often it’s worth the upgrade. I recommend downloading the trial before any purchase. It’s just common sense.

Microsoft’s Expression Studio vs Adobe’s CS

Normally I would discuss personal matters first but I’m just too damn excited. As a part of the Vista Campaign, Microsoft Expression Studio code named “Sparkle” was released. With four unique products (Web, Blend, Design, and Media), it’s really giving Abode a run for their money. I have done a lot of research on this topic and I have one thing to say:

“Dear Microsoft,

Please Make a Mac version.

Thank you.”

With that out of the way, It’s nice to see Microsoft getting more involved with the design scene. It’s even better to see the price. With a retail value of $599 USD, it blows Adobe CS3’s thousand dollar price tags out of the water.

A little about Vista and it’s Expression

Microsoft Vista’s graphics sub system (Avalon) has replaced Window XP’s API system. Developers can now use Microsoft’s Extensible Application Markup Language (XAML) to communicate with Avalon. Expression is a tool used to create XAML and .Net applications. In other words, with Vista and Expression Studio you can add cool features and functions to existing applications.

Product Talk

Expression Design is a lot like Adobe Flash. The object is to create vector based content for the web, applications, or media. Microsoft’s new jewel features flexible vector drawing, dynamic live effects, and expanded workflows.

Expression Blend is a tool to create next generation programs. The idea is to import images created with Expression Design and seamlessly create amazing applications. Blend features efficient collaboration, tools for creativity and codeless interactivity.

Expression Web is a refined version of Adobe Dreamweaver. It creates “Standards-based” web sites using a sophisticated CSS-based layout and formatting Technique. It also has a rich data presentation and powerful server technology.

Finally, Expression Media = Adobe Bridge, enough said.

Is this the end for Adobe?

The term “Flash Killer” has been tossed around and at this point I’m not really sure what to expect. While Flash has been the foundation of the web community these past few years, it might be time for a revamp. Flash is a great cross platform tool that allows simple and easy workflow on the web, but Microsoft new Silverlight looks exceptionally capable.

I’m interested to see what happens next. I feel truly blessed to be involved in what could be the next Internet Revolution. I predict that 10 years down the road, Microsoft will consume the web. What about other big business like Google you say? You obviously haven’t tried “Live Search” my friend