The woeful performance and usability of Android is precisely the reason that Apple can treat developers (and consumers) however they like; it’s not even playing the same game, much less on the field with the iPhone. That Android is a mobile Linux platform is sadly apparent. Android suffers from the same issues that have plagued Linux on the desktop for years: the lack of integration between software and hardware, buggy and under-featured applications, a lack of attention paid to user experience issues. The encouraging openness and bits of innovation in Android are overshadowed by mediocrity.
iPhone Reviews
Nice post (and comments) on kids and the iPhone / iPod Touch.
The kids definitely seem to prefer Apple's devices over the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP.
I'm also making note of graham's recommendation for an educational app for the kids:
An iPhone kids application you should check out is iStoryTime. It’s a library of narrated and illustrated kids books for the iPhone. There are 6 books available in the Apple AppStore today: http://www.istorytimeapp.com/appstore With new ones coming out every week.
Great for driving in the car, on the airplane, or at a restaurant waiting for the bill when the kids are going crazy.
Books are $1.99/ea from iTunes and can also be purchased on your phone from anywhere. Great for entertaining the kids in a guilt free way. All the wholesomeness of a book with the convenience of your phone.
Enjoy!
Website: http://www.istorytimeapp.com
On the AppStore: http://www.istorytimeapp.com/appstore
(click to view full-size)
(image is copyright Lukas Mathis)
You cannot access data over the cellular connection while on a voice call with the Palm Pre, says Daniel Eran Dilger.
Canon Photographers Discuss the iPhone and iPhone Apps – Lots of useful information in there.
Interesting observation on the popularity of the iPhone vs Nokia N97 in London – melgross:
I can tell you that everywhere we went in London there were N97 ADs. Esp. in the Underground. You were pelted with them on almost every escalator. Nevertheless the iPhone seemed everywhere.
Typing Croation on the iPhone – Neven Mrgan:
Now that 3.0 has a Croatian dictionary for auto-correction, I actually find it easier to type Croatian on the iPhone than on my Mac.
iPhone for those deaf in one ear – Tom Cole:
The “assistive” technologies for iPhone 3GS don’t stop there. As someone deaf in one ear, iPhone 3GS is the first iPod where I can tell it to mix all sound into both channels (essentially, stereo->mono in both ears). This lets me use the headphones of my choice (current Apple’s “in-ear” model) and get all the sound in my sole functiioning ear.
iPhone Accessibility For The Blind Person – David Pogue:
You’d never suspect that the iPhone 3GS, which has no physical keys at all, is one of the easiest smartphones in the world for a blind person to use. But now it’s true, thanks to VoiceOver.
When you turn on VoiceOver (in Settings -> General -> Accessibility), you can operate everything — read your e-mail, type replies, surf the Web, adjust settings, run apps — by tapping and letting the phone speak what you’re touching. It uses whatever language you like, at a speaking rate you prefer. It’s pretty amazing.