Archive for October 20, 2012

Java On Macs Starts To Transition From Apple To Oracle

Posted in Commentary with tags , , on October 20, 2012 by itnerd

This week there were two seperate updates to the Apple supplied Java that’s on most Macs. But what was interesting was the fact that the updates actually removed something. If you’re running Lion or Mountain Lion, any versions of Java before version 7 gets removed automatically. If you’re running Snow Leopard, the update will configure Web browsers to not automatically run Java applets.

Now why would Apple do that? Oracle now supplies Mac users with Java. Thus it makes sense for Apple to exit from the responsibility of having to update something it doesn’t make. Therefore if there’s another Flashback Trojan, Apple can always point the finger at Oracle. Interesting strategy. But it doesn’t make OS X any safer. That’s really what matters. It would be really nice if security was the focus rather than optics.

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Rogers Announces Windows 8 Smartphones On Their LTE Network

Posted in Commentary with tags , on October 20, 2012 by itnerd

I had a poll up a while ago where 34% of people chose “other” rather than RIM (0%), Android (31%) or Apple (34%). Perhaps some of the “other” category are waiting for Windows 8 phones? If so, Rogers announced yesterday that they are adding Windows 8 phones to their lineup:

Rogers Communications Inc., Canada’s leading diversified communications and media company, announced today it shares an alliance with Microsoft and is the preferred Canadian wireless partner for the launch of Windows 8. Rogers will be the only mobile carrier in Canada to offer the Nokia Lumia 920, Windows Phone 8X by HTC (8GB) and the Samsung ATIV Smart PC tablet. Rogers will also retail the Windows Phone 8X by HTC (16GB) and the Samsung ATIV S Smartphone in Canada on its LTE network, the world’s fastest wireless network technology.

Beyond the press release was a post on RedBoard with some details on the devices:

  • Nokia Lumia 920: Offered exclusively from Rogers in black, the Nokia Lumia 920 Windows Phone 8 captures the best pictures and video ever seen on a smartphone. The Nokia Lumia 920 makes it possible to take clear, bright, professional-looking pictures and video indoors and at night.
  • Samsung ATIV Smart PC and ATIV S Smartphone: Samsung is releasing a line of Windows 8 OS devices including a tablet – the ATIV Smart PC (available exclusively to Rogers customers) and the ATIV S smartphone.  The ATIV Smart PC was designed with a classy, sleek finish, and you’ll get the same Windows 8 experience you’re used to on your PC with the portability of a tablet. The S™ smartphone is a high performance device with a range of content sharing and productivity options.
  • Windows Phone 8X by HTC: Available from Rogers in a Blue 16G and exclusively in a Black 8G, the Windows Phone 8X by HTC offers Beats Audio™ technology provides authentic, studio-quality sound whether you’re listening to music, playing a game or watching a video.

So, given the iPhone 5 and the plethora of Android phones out there, will you take a look at Windows 8 phones? Post a comment and share your thoughts.

 

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