Linked List: August 3, 2009

Monday, 3 August 2009

Uncannily accurate.

Google launches ad campaign aimed at promoting IT departments to “Go Google”. Pretty much a direct assault against Microsoft’s core business.

The Edge of Reason ★

Simon Parkin has written a comprehensive story for Eurogamer on the legal battle between Mobigame, makers of the wonderful iPhone game Edge, and Timothy Langdell, a despicable trademark troll:

He offered Papazian two ways out: “One: change the name of your game to something that does not contain the word EDGE in it within the next 7 calendar days. Two: License the right to use the trademark ‘EDGE’ from us.”

But what appeared to be a straightforward offer turned out to be a more complex settlement as Langdell continued: “If you decide to take option 1, then we would need payment for your use of the trademark to the day you change the name. We propose 25 per cent of the revenues you have received from the game to the day you stop using our mark. If you decide to take option 2, then [you would need to add] a subtitle such as “EDGE: An Homage to Bobby Bearing” and to add our company name (EDGE Games Inc) immediately below yours in the opening screen.”

(What’s particularly rich is that Bobby Bearing, the game Langdell claims Mobigame’s Edge is based on, was obviously inspired by Marble Madness.)

BusyCal Public Beta ★

BusyCal, the new Mac calendar app from BusyMac, is now in public beta. I’ve been using it for a week, and I can’t imagine going back to iCal. It’s just great. It’s like iCal with a much improved interface, and with BusySync’s functionality built-in. Check out BusyMac’s weblog for a series of screencasts showing the various features.

AT&T and SlingPlayer ★

With regard to AT&T’s non-denial denial about whether they played any role in Apple’s removal of Google Voice apps from the App Store, recall what AT&T stated regarding the iPhone SlingPlayer app in May:

AT&T told Wired.com that a 3G-capable SlingPlayer for iPhone would violate AT&T’s terms of service. An AT&T spokesman explained that a 3G-capable SlingPlayer could potentially strain AT&T’s 3g network.

“Slingbox, which would use large amounts of wireless network capacity, could create congestion and potentially prevent other customers from using the network,” an AT&T spokesman said. “The application does not run on our 3G wireless network. Applications like this, which redirects a TV signal to a personal computer, are specifically prohibited under our terms of service. We consider smartphones like the iPhone to be personal computers in that they have the same hardware and software attributes as PCs.”

So, sure, it’s true that “AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store”. But AT&T does require that the apps Apple approves for use in the U.S. adhere to AT&T’s interpretation of their own terms of service.

Brian Tiemann on Switching ★

Brian Tiemann on the friction of switching:

Canon lenses are not interchangeable with Nikon lenses, which are not interchangeable with Sony/Minolta or Panasonic or Pentax lenses. Which is why the guy who puts down $2500 on a new Canon SLR is making a pretty big brand loyalty decision, a bigger one than it seems at first when he just recommends a $250 point-and-shoot to his family. If he’s going to switch brands, he’s throwing away (or, well, Ebaying) not just $2500 worth of investment; it’s more like $10,000. And committing to making that same investment all over again with a new brand. That’s a big decision.

Operating systems are a lot more like cameras than cars in this way. You can switch from GM to Ford, or GM to BMW, without a lot of fanfare; you just buy the car and drive it home on the same roads and stick it in the same garage where you had your old car.

These are good analogies, and I think it helps explain the relative stability of PC operating system market share. What lenses are to the SLR photographer, software is to the computer user. But I think one of the many reasons why Apple has started making significant gains recently is that today there are many computer users who don’t have much attachment to Windows-specific software (or Mac-specific for that matter). They’re the equivalent of SLR owners who never buy any additional lenses other than the one that came with the camera.

So I disagree with Tiemann’s conclusion that the market is running low on potential switchers. I think “the cloud” is making more of them every day. The hitch, for Apple, is that they won’t be all that attached to the Mac (or whatever they switch to) either.

Anil Dash on Apple’s Culture of Secrecy ★

Anil Dash:

Apple must transform itself and leave its history of secrecy behind, not just to continue being innovative and to protect the fundamentals of its business, but because the cost of keeping these secrets has become morally and ethically untenable.

Thoughtful criticism. I agree with Anil that Apple has an institutional problem, but I disagree over what it is. I believe that it truly is beneficial for Apple to maintain secrecy regarding future products. The problem is that Apple is secretive about everything — not only does Apple not talk about what they’re going to do, they don’t talk about what they’ve already done. The relationship between the App Store and iPhone developers is emblematic of the problem.

Secrecy is fine. Paranoia is a problem.

Happy Cog Merges With Airbag Industries ★

What a team. See also: commentary from Greg Storey and Jeffrey Zeldman.

More of a Non-Denial Denial if You Ask Me ★

John Paczkowski, on AT&T’s statement regarding the FCC inquiry into Apple’s rejection of Google Voice apps from the App Store:

The gist of the reply: Don’t look at us.

“AT&T does not manage or approve applications for the App Store,” the company said in a statement. “We have received the letter and will, of course, respond to it.”

A flat denial, and one that would seem to throw Apple (AAPL) under the bus for denying iPhone owners access to Google Voice.

There’s no question that this statement is intended to put the blame on Apple. But it’s not a flat denial. A flat denial would be something along the lines of “AT&T has no objection to the Google Voice apps that have been removed from the App Store, and we welcome Apple to reconsider its decision.”

Google’s Schmidt Resigns From Apple’s Board ★

Apple PR:

“Eric has been an excellent Board member for Apple, investing his valuable time, talent, passion and wisdom to help make Apple successful,” said Steve Jobs, Apple’s CEO. “Unfortunately, as Google enters more of Apple’s core businesses, with Android and now Chrome OS, Eric’s effectiveness as an Apple Board member will be significantly diminished, since he will have to recuse himself from even larger portions of our meetings due to potential conflicts of interest. Therefore, we have mutually decided that now is the right time for Eric to resign his position on Apple’s Board.”

RadioShack Re-Brands as ‘The Shack’ ★

As ever, The Onion was prescient.