Nexus One - WIN! Nexus One with jangly bling bits - AWESOME!
..or so my better half would say!
Google/HTC Nexus One is an amazing phone. I love it. Along with whatever Apple are announcing next week I really think it will be a big factor behind augmented reality and always-on mobile internet going mainstream in 2010.
But I do agree with Dvorak who made the point that the Nexus One is slippery and easy to drop, so the fact that Google/HTC packed in every feature but the kitchen sink but did not include a lanyard point is a major FAIL.
But not just for practical reasons... for some, the wrist strap is just a great way to bling your phone.
My partner has a handful of bells, pets and chains hanging out of her blackberry. I'm sure if she got a Nexus it would end up looking like this..
But all her excitement for the phone disappeared when she discovered there's no lanyard point to make this possible. Not interested!!
Did Apple start this trend of "smartphones don't need a lanyard point"? I'm sure Steve would hate to see all those jangly bits falling out of one of his devices.
Come to think of it, maybe there's some cunning google geek logic at work..
No lanyard point = less chance of the phone being purloined by the gf/wife!
Soundtrack for this post? All Within My Hands
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Released: Authlogic_RPX 1.1.1 gem now with identity mapping for Rails
Authlogic_RPX is the gem I released some time back that lets you easily support multiple authentication schemes in Rails without really having to think about it (Facebook, twitter, OpenID, Google, Yahoo! etc etc etc).
With thanks for contributions from John and Damir, Authlogic_RPX 1.1.1 is now available and includes an internal identity mapping that lets you tie multiple authentication methods to a single user. There are also some other bug fixes and improvements, so it is recommended you update Authlogic_RPX even if you don't want to enable the identity mapping.
See the Authlogic_RPX repo on github for information about installation, usage, and don't forget the sample site (and sample code).
Under the covers, it uses the RPX service from JanRain, a bit like this:
To get a better idea of why you might want to use Authlogic_RPX, and some pointers on how to do it, here's a reprise of my presentation on the subject to the singapore Ruby Brigade last year:
Soundtrack for this post? (I want) Security Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons. 1977, tight pants, mo and all;-)
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Cloud Computing - Why IT Matters
I caught Simon Wardley's presentation from OSCON on the IT Conversations Network; you can see in video below. He's an engaging speaker, and I think his characterisation of Cloud Computing as nothing less than a cultural transformation akin to the Industrial Revolution is spot on.
Soundtrack for this post? Mr Blue Sky
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Joshua Bell and Kristin Chenoweth performing "My Funny Valentine"
Happenchanced upon this fantastic performance on Channel V the other day. Joshua Bell and Kristin Chenoweth. I'm way impressed by Kristin's vocals, especially the way she manages the transitions. So deliciously smooth when most other singers would break. Perfectly matched by Joshua's playing.
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