After coming head-on with Android, Steve Jobs have decided to face-off with Adobe.

His article on Apple.com tried to give reasons why Apple doesn't want to incorporate Flash into the iPod, iPhone and iPad. However, there were several loopholes just waiting to be exposed, like playing spot-the-difference games. And while you're at it, you might spot some grammar errors too.

Jobs claims that Adobe is 100% proprietary and Apple is more pro-open. This cannot be further from the truth. Click here for Adobe open source flash builders.

And is Flash the main culprit for crashing Macs? Adobe quickly retaliates, just 2 hours later, with a live interview with Wall Street Journal.

Quoting Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen, "If Adobe does crash a Mac, it's probably got something "to do with the Apple operating system." (Take that, Apple!)

Moreover, it might be enlightening to know that Flash's capability to play videos is only a tiny fraction of what Flash really does. Flash is used, mainly, to create interactive websites, animation and interactive games.

I'm not a programmer and may not fully understand the complications within this entire issue. But I'm glad Android has chosen to give users the freedom of choice.



Meanwhile, on a lighter note, Jon Stewart delivered a humorous yet direct criticism of Apple and Steve Jobs over the handling of the Gizmodo incident. Notably, he referenced Apple's 1984 ad, and how Apple is becoming more and more like the then-despicable Microsoft.

"Apple - you guys were the rebels, man, the underdogs. People believed in you. But now, are you becoming the man? Remember back in 1984, you had those awesome ads about overthrowing Big Brother? Look in the mirror, man! …It wasn't supposed to be this way - Microsoft was supposed to be the evil one! But you guys are busting down doors in Palo Alto while Commandant Gates is ridding the world of mosquitoes! What the fuck is going on?!"

Well, perhaps Jobs forgot all about that ad, because shortly after, in 1985, he got kicked out of Apple. Who knows, maybe the board of directors then hated his guts too.

Labels: adobe, apple, tech

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The following are purely personal opinions. Read at your discretion.



I am watching the Shanghai Expo telecast. The choreography and costumes presented in the Chinese share of performances made me wonder if I am in the 80's.

What baffles me most is the level of communism embedded within the performances and how leaders all over the world are still applauding. There is little to say about why China is chosen for this year's expo, as the event has always been politically impartial. And I have to admit that the Chinese have a great way to make fireworks effects look more extravagant than what it really is, and to ensure that the performers look exactly the same, raising the hands and feet to the exact same degrees.

However, the entire flocking towards China takes on another dimension in the economic and political aspect. If China was a country as small as Singapore, the US would probably establish economic sanctions against them.

However, because China is huge, with cheaper labor and a huge economic potential, all the countries are flocking towards it, disregarding major issues such as human rights violations, unscrupulous product manufacturers and blatant, outright piracy.

For Europe and America, China is perhaps their last strand of hope for their bottomless debts and endless deficits. From what I see here, the entire world's economy is collapsing, and China is no safety boat.

p.s: the fireworks lasted for so long I almost fell asleep.



Related reads:
Censorship in China
Consumer safety and China

Labels: China, current affairs, opinion

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Frustrated by the unresponsiveness of my current Omnia ii, primarily because of the Windows OS, I've begun my search for a new smartphone.

There are not many OS options in the market currently. Besides the usual web/plain OS, there are:
a. Windows Mobile (super duper slow, just like all its fellow siblings)
b. Blackberry RIM
c. iPhone
d. Android

As I've given up on Windows and I don't fancy small screens and pressing tiny buttons, I'm now stuck, contemplating between iPhone and Android.

Many, including me, have a certain attachment to Apple, especially after seeing how the underdog battled the then-giant, Microsoft, and wins hands-down with sheer speed and performance. However, it has been repeatedly shown that, Apple is slowly building its own tiny world, where there is no Flash, no third party developers, and no porn.

It's true. The availability of porn has, somehow, become an issue of contest.

"Folks who want porn can buy an Android," says Steve.
Andy Rubin, from Google, rebutted saying companies should "not be militant about the things consumers are actually enjoying."

But is it really all about porn? Thankfully, no. It, ultimately, boils down to the key distinguishing factor between Apple and Android - Open or Not.


Like two extreme ends of a see-saw, Android boasts of being open, allowing third-party developers, supporting software interoperability and compatibility.

On the other hand, Apple holds a tight rein on which software and apps are compatible with their gadgets. Taking a step further, Apple even tries to patrol moral laws by prohibiting porn, and disabling the Tiger Wood and (for a period of time) Mark Fiore apps.

So, with Apple sounding like a totalitarian, why am I still torn? While my moral conscience directs me towards the open and free Android, I am still tempted by the amazing, fun photo and games apps. Very carnal, indeed.



Related reads:
Android 2.2 will support Flash
Andy Rubin's interview with the New York Times
Jobs: If you want porn, get an Android

Labels: android, apple, iphone, tech

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