Simplicity a bigger Key then acknowledged in AI design and development

image found on technewsworld.com

As AI devices become more integrated into our digital lifestyles today user frustration seems to build. When you look at reports about many new types of gadgets coming to market it seems that the manufacturers aren’t taking the time to give the devices to a regular person and watch what they do with the device. See how they interact with it. Because if they did they would soon realize it doesn’t matter if they unit has all the bells and whistles it doesn’t mean anything if the unit can do some simple requested tasks.

In a recent Wall Street Journal Article (“The Smartest Ways to Use Your Smartphone in the Car”, https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-smartest-ways-to-use-your-smartphone-in-the-car-1486496177). The writer looks at various options for AI devices in your car and one of the things she brings up is how frustrating it is to have just some simple requests done. The article is well written but the video speaks so many more volumes. When you look at a regular person using an app in their vehicle while they are driving and how frustrated they are at just requesting simple commands it shows that the creators missed the train big time.

I can see why people will stop using apps or AI devices when even simple commands for music, directions or even to make a note seem like a huge earth shattering task for the device.

As software developers we are problem solvers. Life is filled to tons of little things that speak huge volumes to us as designers and developers. But, we seem to miss the big picture. That is the human factor. I really wonder how many companies before releasing a device grab a regular person and sit them down and just watch. See how they interact and what they do or don’t. But most importantly what they say and how upset they get when even a simple request requires multiple yelling and screaming sometimes and it still doesn’t work.

As Mies said “God is in the details…” and this really shows how some great apps and devices missed the mark when it might be easier to still pull over if driving and manually put it in yourself instead of look like a crazy person yelling into your phone because of the frustration you’ve encountered from a naughty design.

Mirko Cukich 3.25.2017

An amazing book for all to enjoy and read "Never Quit"

An amazing book for all to enjoy and read Never Quit: From Alaskan Wilderness Rescues t... by Jimmy Settle http://amzn.to/2l1gfAt

Never Quit: From Alaskan Wilderness Rescues to Afghanistan Firefights as an Elite Special Ops PJ Hardcover – March 7, 2017

by Jimmy Settle (Author), Don Rearden (Author)

“That Others May Live” is a mantra that defines the fearless men of Alaska’s 212th Pararescue Unit, the PJs, one of the most elite military forces on the planet. Whether they are rescuing citizens injured and freezing in the Alaskan wilderness or saving wounded Rangers and SEALS in blazing firefights at war, the PJs are the least known and most highly trained of America’s warriors. 

Never Quit is the true story of how Jimmy Settle, an Alaskan shoe store clerk, became a Special Forces Operator and war hero. After being shot in the head during a dangerous high mountain operation in the rugged Watapur Valley in Afghanistan, Jimmy returns to battle with his teammates for a heroic rescue, the bullet fragments stitched over and still in his skull. In a cross between a suicide rescue mission and an against-all-odds mountain battle, his team of PJs risk their lives again in an epic firefight. When his helicopter is hit and begins leaking fuel, Jimmy finds himself in the worst possible position as a rescue specialist―forced to leave members from his own team behind. Jimmy will have to risk everything to get back into the battle and bring back his brothers.

From death-defying Alaskan wilderness training, wild rescues, and vicious battles against the Taliban and Al Qaeda, this is an explosive special operations memoir unlike any that has come before, and the true story of a man from humble beginnings who became an American hero.

Happy Birthday Steve Jobs, February 24, 1955

Steve Jobs was born in San Fransisco on February 24, 1955. After starting Apple Computer with Steve Wozniak in 1976, in the later years, he became a revolutionary tech leader. Under his leadership, Apple created revolutionary products like iPhone, iPad, MacBook Air, and iPad. After a long battle with pancreatic cancer, he passed away in 2011. Even today, this man, who was full of incredible passion continues to inspire people. Here are some of the most inspiring quotes from Steve Jobs to motivate you. Take a look:

15 Inspirational quotes From Steve Jobs

 1. “Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow know what you truly want to become.”

 2. “Stay hungry. Stay foolish”

 3. “We’re here to put a dent in the universe. Otherwise why else even be here?”

 4. “My job is not to be easy on people. My job is to take these great people we have and to push them and make them even better.”

 5. “Those who are crazy enough to think they can change the world usually do.”

 6. “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?”

 7. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

 8. “Quality is more important than quantity. One home run is much better than two doubles.”

 9. “I think if you do something and it turns out pretty good, then you should go do something else wonderful, not dwell on it for too long. Just figure out what’s next.”

 10. “Deciding what not to do is as important as deciding what to do.”

 11. “Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”

 12. “Sometimes life is going to hit you in the head with a brick. Don’t lose faith.”

 13. “If you live each day as it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.”

 14. “Getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me. The heaviness of being successful was replaced by the lightness of being a beginner again. It freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.”

 15. Last but not the least: "Think Different"



Text and photo originally published on fossbytes:

15 Inspirational Quotes From Steve Jobs On His Birthday That Could Change your Life

Today's Mathematician: Ryan Hynd

Ryan Hynd
Assistant Professor
Department of Mathematics
University of Pennsylvania

MLK Visiting Professor
Department of Mathematics
Massachusetts Institute of Technology


I was born in Kingston, Jamaica to a single mother. My mom and I moved to the United States when I was five years old in search of better opportunities. After moving around several times, we settled in a south Florida suburb. In those days, my mother worked as a private nurse for a nursing agency, and I was obsessed with playing sports. I became a decent basketball player in high school and ended up on the team for my local junior college, which was known as Palm Beach Community College (PBCC).

It was there at PBCC that I discovered an interest in science. I decided to follow a course of study based on engineering in hopes of getting employed as a computer technician. However, I struggled mightily with my introductory calculus and physics courses. Nevertheless, I stuck with it and received a lot of encouragement from my physics professors at PBCC.

My grades at PBCC were good, but I was not admitted as a transfer student to various state schools; perhaps this was because of a poor SAT score. Fortunately, Georgia Tech admitted me as a transfer student. My intended major was computer engineering. However, I found that I really liked learning about math and physics, and I decided to change my major to mathematics even before arriving at Georgia Tech.

This change was somewhat of a gamble since I could not identify a clear career path, and I was taking out student loans to fund my education. However, I consider it one of the best decisions I ever made. I thoroughly enjoyed studying mathematics at Georgia Tech, and I encountered professors who recognized my abilities and who mentored me. With the help of Georgia Tech faculty, I did undergraduate research, I was encouraged to take graduate courses, and I learned a lot about the questions mathematicians were pursuing at the time. Moreover, these professors helped me prepare for graduate school in mathematics.

Now that I am a professor at Penn, I am constantly keeping an eye out for students who need encouragement and a chance to show what they can do. I have been especially on the lookout for those students who are traditionally underrepresented in mathematics. Recently, I have helped create a Bridge-to-PhD program at Penn with precisely with these students in mind. So along with teaching and doing research, one of my professional goals is to contribute to the development and cultivation of mathematical talent from all aspects of our society.

"Mathematically Gifted and Black"

Theoretical Physicist: Dr. Shirley Jackson

Dr. Shirley Jackson is a theoretical physicist & the 1st African American woman to earn a Ph.D. from MIT

Bigger Screen to see all your goodies

Nothing like a bigger screen to see all your goodies when online 
 Just saw this on Amazon: LG 32MA68HY-P 32-Inch IPS Monitor with Display by LG Electronics for $199.99 http://amzn.to/2lWDCLn

Great review of Seneca's book On the Shortness of Life

8 Ways To Not Waste Time And Procrastinate,
A great review of Seneca's book On the Shortness of Life: Life is....

Life is Long if You Know How To Use It, Seneca

Life is Long if You Know How To Use It

An amazing short book everyone should take the time to read.
Life is an amazing gift we all enjoy but many times we do things that cause our own defeat and failures. This book gives us some deep thoughts and ideas to ponder on so that we use our abundant life to its fullest and not squander in waste. Great short read and definitly a book you will come back to time and again for reference.

One the Shortness of Life: Life is Long if You Know How to Use It
By Seneca

Google cleaning house at the Play Store on March 15th

The crackdown begins.
Google has been hearing a lot of complaints from people when it comes to how apps are accessing data and privacy on peoples Android devices. There are many apps on the Google Play Store that access peoples private data without asking permission or even letting people know its happening.

This issue has been going on for a while now and Google has responded. They have sent out emails to developers letting them know that their app has been flagged for privacy policy violation and it "requires developers to provide a valid privacy policy when the app requests or handles sensitive information."

The permissions include areas like: phone access, account contacts, camera and microphone devices.

Google has told developers "If your app collects and transmits personal or sensitive user data unrelated to functionality described prominently in the app's listing on Google Play or in the app interface, then prior to the collection and transmission, it must prominently  highlight how the user data will be used and have the user provide affirmative consent for such use."

The deadline is March 15, 2017 for developers to update their store listings with a valid privacy policy or remove those features creating the issue from their app. If developers don't comply Google will take action from visibility restrictions to removal from the store.

Image found on greenbot.com

Congratulations to Google's first African Coding Competition winner: 17 year old Nji Collins Gbah

Photo from bbc.com


Congratulations to Nji Collins Gbah (17) of Bamenda, Cameroon Africa for being chosen as one of Google's 34 Grand Prize winners in the Google Code-in. The competition was open to students world wide from between the ages of 13 and 17. In this years competition there were more than 1,300 people from 62 countries that were part of the event.

Nji completed all five categories which has 20 tasks that were set by Google for students to finish. One task alone took a week to finish. The impressive thing about Nji was he is self taught from online resources and books. He was able to pick up things he didn't know quickly and on the fly.

When interviewed for the BBC he mentions he worked on the Google competition between November and Mid-January. Plus he was lucky enough to finish the deadline for final submissions the day before the internet went dead in his hometown.

Photo from bbc.com

One part of his prize is to spend four days at Google's Silicon Valley Headquarters and meet with their top engineers to learn some new things and gain more of an insight into Google.

Currently Nji is working on learning as much as he can about Artificial Intelligence, Neural Networks and Deep learning as he makes his way toward studying Computer science at a good university soon. He is shooting to develop his own model for data compression with a major goal of "huge step"s in the area of data transfer and storage.

I have a feeling we have just begun to see Nji's talents and the world will be a better place because of it.

Happy Birthday Nikola Tesla (Никола Тесла; 10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943)

Happy Birthday to my idol, Nikola Tesla (Никола Тесла; 10 July 1856 – 7 January 1943), he was an "inventor, physicist, mechanical engineer, electrical engineer, and futurist". A man ahead of his time.

"He was an important contributor to the use of commercial electricity, and is best known for developing the modern alternating current (AC) electrical supply system. His many revolutionary developments in the field of electromagnetism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries were based on the theories of electromagnetic technology discovered by Michael Faraday. Tesla's patents and theoretical work also formed the basis of wireless communication and the radio. "


quoted from wikipedia article on Tesla

Steve Jobs has passed away...

Steve Jobs
1955-2011

Apple has lost a visionary and creative genius, and the world has lost an amazing human being. Those of us who have been fortunate enough to know and work with Steve have lost a dear friend and an inspiring mentor. Steve leaves behind a company that only he could have built, and his spirit will forever be the foundation of Apple.

(taken from Apple's website in remembrance of Steve Jobs)

It was the best of times and the worst..

In remembrance of one of the greatest men of our time..

From Mirko to Steve.....

Thank you Steve for giving us so many amazing things in our lives.

I can say that our lives will never be the same and we have definitely become better because of it. You have given us the opportunity to grow world wide as an Apple family.

Our bond transcends all race, sex and boundaries world wide.

Namaste,

Apple unveils iPhone 4S

(image found on AppleInsider.com life feed)

In a latest round of new goodies Apple has unveiled the iPhone 4S. Same look on the outside but a revamped engine deep inside. Now the iPhone 4 comes with the same chip that is found in the iPad 2 (A5) offering twice the performance offered in the current iPhone 4 models.

With faster graphics performance game developers are able to give more dynamic and powerful rendering offering dynamic light rays in real time, taking gamers to a new depth of experience.

The new iPhone 4S also offers a new updated wireless system to offer better reception. The new stainless steel antennas are also designed to offer better call and data transmission with data speeds reading 4G boundaries of 14.4 Mbps downloads on your phone.

This unit will be also offered in both GSM and CDMA, giving it a world wide network compatibility for consumers.

The camera has also been upgraded to a 8MP unit offering resolutions of 3264 x 2448. This offers current iPhone 4 users a 60% better pixel photo then what is currently being offered on existing models. There is also a new backside illuminated sensor that will allow up to 73% more light per pixel.

The capture rate has been sped up to 33% faster performance with a Hybrid IR filter installed for better color accuracy and nicer quality images.

Video recording will now be offered in 1080p, giving the user HD recording capability.

Chinese Farmer Creates Working Flying Saucer

Photo found on the Nation

A self educated 46 year old Chinese farmer has created a home-made working flying saucer. Shu Mansheng of the Hubei Province created a working craft (shown above) that he was able to get up to two metres off the ground while sitting in the center cabin. The craft is powered by eight propeller engines (modified motorcycle engines) with an invested cost of 60,000 yuan ($9,400 Dollars US).

With this device he is planning on visiting schools and showing children the amazing things someone can create when they set their mind to it. Hoping to inspire young minds with his flying craft. He has also mentioned an interested in opening a school for children who have an interest in his various projects. He has said "My dream is to establish a special school where kids would be able to learn all sorts of things they don’t teach in ordinary schools.”

Photos found on odditycentral.com

Shu a man with basic school education taught himself electronics and mechanics. In the past Shu tried building another flying saucer but unfortunately it didn't take off. He had also created two jet engines to thrust two planes up into the air but because of technical difficulties they crashed and burned. One had a tire fault while the other plane crashed on take off.

I think its pretty amazing to see what people can do that take the time to self educate themselves and be productive in society. I look forward to seeing what other interesting devices Shu and his students will create in the future.

Yuri Gagarin becomes the first man in space on April 12, 1961

Google main page art today celebrates Yuri Gagarin as he becomes the first man in space on April 12, 1961 .

(image found on cnet)

"Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin, a 27-year-old lieutenant in the Soviet air force, blasted off aboard the Vostok 1 spacecraft at 6:07 a.m. GMT on April 12. He completed one orbit around the world before re-entry, ejecting from his descent capsule and making a successful landing by parachute.

The one-hour, 48-minute flight was an international sensation, giving the Soviet Union a widely perceived lead in the infant manned space race. Alan Shepard would complete a brief sub-orbital flight aboard a NASA Mercury-Redstone rocket on May 5, 1961, but Gagarin's orbital flight was viewed by many as a daunting achievement of Soviet technology, spurring the development of increasingly sophisticated spacecraft."

Dr. NakaMats, an amazing man and inventor

Today while at home i was watching Andrew Zimmerman on the Travel channel. He was in Tokyo, Japan on this eating adventure. The interesting thing about this show was he spent sometime with a man named Dr. NakaMats. As Andrew was on the street waiting to meet the good doctor, along comes this interesting unique vehicle. It was part pedal power and part water power.

Dr. NakaMats said it was a one off invention of his. He allowed Andrew to take it for a spin, which he really enjoyed . Then they went to visit the Docs house. It was an interesting experience just finding out how to get into the house. Then as they walked threw it was one amazing sight after another of all sorts of amazing ideas, devices and contraptions. I think Dr. NakaMats is one of the most interesting inventors of our time.

His claims to fame are pretty mind blowing: (see the listing below from his website)

★ International scholar of philosophy of Creativity & Inventiveness. Doctor of engineering, law, medicine, science, and humanities.

★ Graduated at the University of Tokyo. (Enrollment limited to supremely skilled students only.)

★ Selected by U.S. Science Academic Society as one of five world No.1 great scientists in the history who are Archimedes, Michael Faraday, Marie Curie, Nikola Tesla and Yoshiro NakaMats.

★ Received Congress Award from US Congress

★ Lectured as professor or senior scholar at the following universities and academies: Univ. of Pennsylvania. Columbia University, Syracuse Univ., Royal Academy of Sweden, University of Tokyo, St. Louis University, Washington University, Chicago Medical University, Southern California University, University of Arizona, Drexel University, Stanford University,San Diego State University, University of Philadelphia, CETYS University in Mexico, University of New Orleans, Carnegie Melon University, CEOU, TESLA Society,

★ First invention was age of five (Automatic Center of Gravity Stabilizer).

★ The only person who licensed 16 patents to IBM (Floppy disc, Hard Disc, Tape Transport, etc).

★ Invented 3,200 plus (Thomas Edison 1093) including Floppy Disc. Fuel Cell, Cinemascope, Digital Display, Kerosene Pump, CEREBREX, etc.

★ Received More than 41 world No.1 Grand Prix Awards at Intn’l Invention Contest.

★ Appointed International Jury in America and Russia.

★ Representative of Japan for the United Nations Earth Day

★ Appointed to be an international member of Japan Pen Club

★ Received "Innovative Pioneer Prize "which is the highest innovative award at a dinner party given by U.S. President.

★ Enshrined to "International Hall of Fame "in Atlanta for the first time in the world.

★ President of Dr.NakaMats World University

★ President of Dr. NakaMats Innovation Institute

★ Chairman of Newport Asia Pacific University (Hawaii)

★ Founder of Business School of NAPU

★ Vice president of Newport Asia pacific University (California)

★ Became an honorable citizen of America: Philadelphia, San Diego, Pittsburgh, Pima, Tucson, New Orleans, St. Louis, La Mirada, Monroeville, Maryland, Tijuana, Empanada, etc.

★ The following states and cities in U.S.A. proclaimed "Dr. NakaMats Day" City and County of Denver (March 25) Seattle (April 21), Sun Jose (May 8), Tucson (April 13), Pittsburgh (April26), New Orleans (May 3), Missouri State (May 5), St. Louis (May 5), Los Angels (June 26), San Diego (Sept. 8), Maryland State (Nov.13), New York State (Nov.26)

★ Awarded: Personal letter from former U.S. President, George Bush, U.S. Presidential prize, American Innovation Grand Prix, Gandhi World Peace Award, Schweitzer Award, Japan minister of science & Technology Award .　Korea culture Grand Prix.

★ Appointed US Sheriff

★ Schweitzer Award

★ Vice president of World Association of Inventors (New York), Vice president of American Invention Society, member of American Scientific Research Society, Chairman of the World Genius Convention, President of International Invention Society. Director of World Film Institute (Hollywood)

★ Appeared at American nationwide TV program, "Life Style of Rich and Famous", and at NBC, CBS, ABC, BBC, RAI in Italy, in addition to Japanese TV stations such as NHK, NTV, TBS, and commercial films.

★ Selected by NEWSWEEK as one of 12 men of great eminence and highest lecture fee in the world, appraising his lecture fee as $10,000 per hour, who is the only person from Japan.

★ Threw the first pitch at the baseball game of Pirates under the American Major in place of American President.

★ Over 40 written Books: Three Time Life - CP publishing
　How to become a superman lying down - Management-sha
　Hurrah for breaking the common sense - Best Sellers
　Creation from Xero - Kosai-shuppan-sha
　Invention of Politics - Yamate Book
　Think by SUJI, PIKA and IKI - Johosenta-Shuppan
　101 ways to improve brain activity - Best Sellers
　Super way for Child education - Jiyu-kokumin-sya
　Environment, excise and food to bring up a smart child - CP
　Background of mysterious phenomena - DHC
　Mechanism between space and earthquake - Tairyu-sya
　Life habit to make child's head better - Bokuyo-sya
　Handbook for super personal computer concept - Seishun Publishing
　The Brain Revolution - Wave Publising
　Duper Creativity - Kosai Publising
　Lecture of Philosophy of Creativity and Innovativeness - CP
　Creative Thinking - Nippon Noritsu Management Center
　Rebody - CP
　The Legend of Dr. NakaMats Inventions - CP

I was pretty blown away as i looked down the listings of his life's achievements and wanted to share it with you. enjoy

81-Year-Old Dr. NakaMats May Have Invented Nearly Everything You Hold Dear - Gizmodo

Happy 137th Birthday, Harry Houdini!

Happy 137th Birthday Harry Houdini

Today (March 24, 2011) is the great magician Harry Houdini's 137th birthday. Even though Harry has passed away some years ago, we still remember all the amazing entertainment he brought into our lives over the years from movies, clips and books about his amazing tricks he performed. He was one of the worlds most amazing escape artists. It would be interesting to see if he had been born now what kind of amazing tricks he would be coming up with today.

Happy 10th Birthday Mac OS X

image found on MacRumors.com

Today (March 24, 2011) marks the tenth birthday of Mac OS X. It made its first debut on March 24, 2001 as the memorable Mac OS X 10.0. Mac OS X was a major change for the famous Mac OS. It integrated NeXT company technology (OPENSTEP OS) and FreeBSD UNIX. In the beginning it did have some issues as quoted below, but what company's great products doesn't have some little bumps along the road to greatness.

"Mac OS X shows tremendous promise, which is a nice way of saying that the 10.0 release is not quite ready for prime time. This is most certainly an early adopter's OS release. Interface responsiveness and effective stability are the two biggest fundamental problems, but missing features and compatibility issues rank just as high if you actually intend to use OS X as a full Mac OS 9 replacement: the 10.0 release cannot view DVD movies; printer drivers are still scarce; CD burning is not yet supported, even by Apple's own iTunes CD authoring application; and a lot of hardware (like my G3/400's serial port adapter to which my printer is attached) seem destined to be orphaned forever."

Mac OS X Public Versions:
10.0 - Codename: Cheetah, released March 24, 2001
10.1 - Codename: Puma, released September 25, 2001
10.2 - Codename: Jaguar, released August 24, 2002
10.3 - Codename: Panther, released October 24, 2003
10.4 - Codename: Tiger, released April 29, 2005
10.5 - Codename: Leopard, released October 26, 2007
10.6 - Codename: Snow Leopard, released August 28, 2009
10.7 - Codename: Lion, expected released Summer 2011

The next install of Mac OS X is known as Lion (10.7) and is expected to come roaring through sometime this summer with the theme of "Back to the Mac", an effort to come full circle with some of the great features we know and love in the iOS platforms.

So Happy 10th Birthday Mac OS X, you've come a long way and it shows. We all love you and wish you a bright and happy future..

Mozilla Unveils FireFox 4

Well ladies and gentlemen today Mozilla unveiled Firefox 4 for people to download and enjoy. The updated design definitely makes it feel like it is in the drivers seat again. As you launch your browser for the first time after the upgrade you will first see a totally revamped layout in front of you. The browser gives you more room to view for starters.

The pull down tabs are all the way at the top. If you are on a mac you will notice it just to the right of your apple logo. On a PC it will vary since on my Windows XP machine its become very, very small at the top. Where as the Vista and Windows 7 pull downs are hidden in an orange button in the upper left hand corner that when clicked reveals all its new goodies to choose from.

The tabs are then right under neath with an option to "pin" webpages. A feature we noticed before in Google's Chrome browser. It gives the user a chance to pin the tab into a small marker to the left so you aren't plagued by tons of large apps. To activate this feature simply right click on the tab you wish to pin. Then choose "Pin as App Tab". Then wala..

Another cool feature is the Syncing option. If you're like me you have several different devices you use. Well Firefox now gives you the option to sync your bookmarks, browsing history, passwords and other data on all your computers running Firefox.

To use this feature, you need to go to tools > options > Sync (tab). Click on the "Set up Firefox Sync" button. This will open up the Firefox Sync box. Firefox will give you a "Sync Key". Write it down and save this key. You will use it to access your Sync account on another PC or Smartphone device. Warning, if you loose it, you are screwed. It can not be recovered.

Outside of this the speed is definitely noticeable in the new version. If you have loved using Firefox like me over the years its a great idea to download and install it. Plus, just to give you an idea of how popular it is. In the first three hours of its availability, over 1 million plus downloads. That's got to tell you somethin, enjoy.

Cocos2d beta templates available for Xcode 4

If you are like me and the many out there that jumped into the new release of Apple's Xcode 4, you got an interesting surprise when you made the upgrade from 3.x.x to 4.x.x. It was a totally new IDE and everything was integrated into one multi-functional interphase. The layout did make it easier to go from code into your xib files and back.

Now, it did take a little getting used to. But, the biggest surprise came when you started looking for the Cocos2d Template. They were not there. The forums online were filled with the eternal question, what is going on????

Many people tried re-installing it only to be told it was still there. You could open, build and run files and it worked. But, there weren't any new project templates available when you first started the program unless you opened an old one or an old template version and did a bit of cleaning up in the code. The word came out that Xcode 4 handled things a bit different. So cocos 2d was installed but the templates were not showing up.

The folks at Cocos2d have heard the masses and put out a beta version for us to install and use as a temporary fix: cocos2d-1.0.0-beta_templates.tar.gz

If you go to the Cocos2d website: http://www.cocos2d-iphone.org/

You will notice an option for downloading and instructions on how to install it too. I went, downloaded and installed it as the instructions mentioned. Everything went very smooth. So now when i start my Xcode 4. I have Cocos2d options under my iOS devices. But, as they said on the site the Mac and file options are not available yet.

I'm sure in the new few weeks we will have another build to download and use. So if you are an Xcode developer who has moved over to Xcode 4, make sure you get your Cocos2d template now so you can start your projects a bit easier now. enjoy...

Verizon announces iPad 2

image taken from Verizon wireless website

Verizon wireless has now announced on its website that it will be carrying the iPad 2 on Friday March 11, 2011. They join the ranks of other companies carrying it for sale on the launch day. Retail stores such as Best Buy, Sam's Club and Wal-Mart are also scheduled to be carrying the device on its launch date of the 11th. Apple should be very happy with all the companies it will have making its new awesome iPad 2 available to the public on its March 11th release date.

The only ones we haven't heard from yet is AT&T. It is speculated they will have it on the 11th but there is no word yet on their website.

Steve Jobs and Apple unveil the iPad 2

Apple iPad 2

On March 2, 2011 Steve Jobs and Apple unveiled the iPad 2. It was a real surprise to see Steve back on stage presenting again. After his recently leave from Apple many people weren't sure if we'd see him again. But, as usual Steve knows how to blow our minds.

Today he walked out on stage and introduced the new iPad 2 along with a few other goodies.

The iPad 2 is the next step in iPad evolution. It sports a thinner more sleeker design with options in both white and black color on the front of the unit. The iPad 2 also has the new A5 processor. Making it the first dual core tablet to be shipped in mass quantity. It will also have a multi-purpose cover available in multi-colors too.

The following options will be available for it:
(information from apple.com)

Models: Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi+3G (Verizon and AT&T)

Size:
Height: 9.50 inches x Width 7.31 inches, Depth 0.34 inches

Weight:
Wi-Fi model: 1.33 pounds (601 g)
Wi-Fi + 3G model: 1.35 pounds (613 g) AT&T,
1.34 pounds (607 g) Verizon

Storage: 16GB, 32GB, 64 GB

Wi-Fi will be 802.11 a/b/g/n

Bluetooth 2.1 + EDR Technology

Display: 1024 x 768 resolution with Fingerprint-resistant oleophobic coating offering display support available in multiple languages and characters simultaneously.

Processor: Apple A5 chip, 1 Ghz Dual-core custom designed chip with high performance, low power consumption system on a chip.

Cameras:
Back mounted camera: HD 720p up to 30fps with audio, still camera with 5x digital zoom

Front mounted camera: VGA Video recording up to 30 fps with audio, still camera VGA quality

Battery: offering up to 10 hours of use.

Input/Output : 30-pin doc connector port, 3.5 mm stereo headphone mini jack, Built-in Speaker and Microphone. note: 3G models will have a Micro-Sim card tray.

It will also feature a Three-axis gyro, Accelerometer and Ambient light sensor.

The iPad 2 will arrive on March 11th.

Apple unveils new line of Macbook Pros Today

image found on Apple.com Macbook pro info website

Apple in its traditional sense of blowing our minds with new items really set a new bar today. As we all celebrate Steve Jobs birthday today. Apple came out with a whole new line of Macbook Pro laptops for us to choose from. The whole line of MacBook Pros (13, 15 and 17 inch) has been revamped with more power and speed for us to really blow our minds when we use them.

The 13 inch Macbook Pro now comes with a core i5 or i7 processor, which is great news for many people who were disappointed with the previous 2010 release with just options up to a 2.6 dual core processor. This in itself is great news but what is really blowing peoples minds today is the new Thunderbolt connection. When you look on the side profile of the laptop. You will noticed the typical connection ports.

But, not the Mini Diplay port option. That port now has a little Thunder bolt icon next to it. The Thunderbolt high speed connector is the Intel previously named light peak technology. This port can be used for video but also data too. Its designed to be daisy chained together. Plus, its going to offer up to 10 Gbps data transfer rate. This speed alone will drastically reduce backup times.

On top of this the company Lacie today has unveiled its first thunderbolt drive. They are the first company offering this on the market. Its rumored that the drive will offer two 250 GB SSD drives inside to help give the performance speed desired. No date has been given for when these will be available for the public.

Happy 56th Birthday Steve Jobs

On Thursday February 24th, Steve Jobs the co-founder and Chief Executive of Apple will turn 56. I think the whole Apple world will be celebrating with him and his family. I am happy to see Steve turn 56 and I am proud to say "God Bless you and your family Steve". You have given us so many amazing new wonderful things throughout the years and I wish you the best and most amazing year of your life. I believe you are a strong and amazing man that will over come any obstacles in your way.

I can say that my life has never been the same since I tried my first mac many many years ago and I feel blessed that I have been able to use Apple products in my life. Thank you Steve for all you have done and given us.

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear Steve, Happy Birthday to you

Apple sends out media invites for iPad 2 event

image found on AppleInsider.com

Well folks the wait is over for the new iPad 2. Apple has sent out media invites for a special invitation only show unveiling the new iPad 2 on March 2.

It will be interesting to see what never features will be available on one of the most popular tablets of our time. I have been hearing all sorts of things from a better display to more storage capacity to now 3 different versions coming in the flavors of Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi + CDMA and Wi-Fi+GSM.

Christmas comes early from Apple to stores

image found on Appleinsider website

According to a report from Apple Insider today it looks like some stores will be getting a sealed package from Apple this week. They also have strict warnings that they are not to breach the sealed pallets.

Could this be the new shipments of MacBook Pro's.....

Verizon iPhone 4 upgrade update

Well folks i got my Verizon iPhone 4 this week and this weekend i got it setup and running. After playing with it now for a while doing all sorts of things on it including using several different kind of apps all i can say is "i love my Verizon iPhone."

Even though it was a bit of a pain with my upgrade. I can honestly say i am a happy Verizon customer now. I am now joining the ranks of the other people who have been rejoicing and happy with the new Verizon iPhone.

I am looking forward to seeing what the new iPhone 5 will be coming out with and when a Verizon CDMA version will be available. I wouldn't be to surprised if it comes out with the AT&T GSM since a recent tear down online unveiled that the new Verizon iPhone had both circuit systems built on board, both GSM and CDMA. Also, i wouldn't be surprised if a world model is available soon with a software switch over for network version too.

Something to make you laugh a bit

I got this via email the other day and i thought i'd pass along the laughs, enjoy.

WRONG EMAIL ADDRESS

This one is priceless.....A lesson to be learned from typing the wrong email address!!!!

A Minneapolis couple decided to go to Florida to thaw out during a particularly icy winter. They planned to stay at the same hotel where they spent their honeymoon 20 years earlier.

Because of hectic schedules, it was difficult to coordinate their travel schedules. So, the husband left Minnesota and flew to Florida on Thursday, with his wife flying down the following day.

The husband checked into the hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an email to his wife. However, he accidentally left out one letter in her email address, and without realizing his error, sent the email.

Meanwhile, somewhere in Houston , a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. He was a minister who was called home to glory following a heart attack.

The widow decided to check her email expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she screamed and fainted.

The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:

To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Arrived
Date: April 27, 2009

I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now and you are allowed to send emails to your loved ones. I've just arrived and have been checked in.

I've seen that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then!!!! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was.

P. S. Sure is freaking hot down here!!!!

Think Different - Japanese version

Even though its in Japanese, it still has a way of touching me when i watch and listen to it.

IBM Watson Wins on Jeopardy

The folks at IBM can be very proud of their new supercomputer child dubbed Watson. After a three day bout of playing humans on the hit TV series Jeopardy, Watson wins.

Many people might say well its a computer, it knows all the answers. Yes and no. As brilliant as Watson may be there are still many things that we as humans take for granted in our normal speaking meanings. The other day Nova had an incredible special that took viewers for a walk into the world of IBM's Supercomputer Watson project. They gave us a great look at the good bad and ugly sometimes of what the Watson crew sees and deals with on a daily basis. Its isn't all ice creams and lolly pops, there is a lot of hard work that goes into this project and it shows.

When getting Watson ready for this challenge they created a mock up Jeopardy set with a smart allec host who at every chance made cracks against Watson when he made a mistake. Watson is still a child for all intensive purposes. But, he is learning and everyday getting better. We saw on the show how Watson had all this amazing information in his memory banks. Then by using logic went through the options to figure out what the correct answer would be to the question.

But sometimes he did have problems such as with roman numerals and even simple things like the word dead. Where a person says he is dead and Watson replys how does it feel being dead today? Not understanding when a person is dead they are dead. But thats ok, he is a growing supercomputer and getting better everyday.

So even though he may have made some mistakes, i think its an awesome achievement to have him win at the game of Jeopardy. Its definitely a step in the right direction. My hat goes off to all the people at IBM who helped make this great computer possible. Also, Watson you did fantastic and i'm very proud of you. Keep up the great work.