My Thoughts On: Natural Disasters, Taxes, and a New User Interfaces!

You know, my heart goes out to the victims of the recent natural disaster in Oklahoma, America. It really does. I’ve never been in a disaster myself (and hope not to be), but it must be hard, not only losing part of your lives in material substance, but also losing family members and loved ones in the same circumstance, with nothing and no-one to blame but the weather.

This section of the post, however, is more to do with how we see natural disaster and their effects these days. In my mind, we’ve become ‘desensitized’ by the frequent disasters, natural and man-made, that we’re bombarded with every day. I mean, with all the disasters and death that we see on TV, in Newspapers, and all around us, it’s not hard to see why we are less inclined to feel emotion at the sight of another disaster when we’re constantly surrounded by them all the time. I just hope that we can find it in ourselves to be heartfelt in our condolences and feel genuine sympathy when something goes wrong with someone, as we would like people feel if it was us in that situation.

For the second part of my post, in all seriousness, why can’t these companies be truthful and pay taxes where taxes are due? We complain that the economy is collapsing, and that our countries are in debt, but when you think about it, would all this have happened if these companies had been truthful with their earnings and paid that they owe the state, and stopped avoiding the inevitable? Now, I’m no expert in finance and stock, and I’ll happily admit that. I just think that, even though we may not be totally out of debt if they had have been truthful, perhaps we wouldn’t be in so much. Opinions on this recent Google UK crisis, and the fact that the NHS and all Schools could be funded by what it owes us anyone?

Thirdly, and probably the most insignificant of all three (though I find it exciting nonetheless), has anyone discovered Flickr’s new layout? I personally love it, though it seems that these days the ‘header’ or ‘banner’ that I first saw on Facebook has become all its age as of late. Nearly all social networking sites I use have one now. I know it’s used to ‘express yourself’ and all that, but don’t you think it’s become a bit global? Isn’t there another alternative?

Well, that’s all I can churn out of my head for today.

I have a date with destiny (which, in my speech, is translated as finishing off collecting all the useless and unimportant bits of junk in Tomb Raider)!

Until next time!

iTunes 11 – Hands On

It’s been an exciting week for all the iTunes users out there, with Apple announcing the release ‘in days’ and then the final release yesterday…

But was it really worth all the fuss?

Sure, there’s the new layout, and everyone appreciates a new face every once in a while, but have Apple really managed to pull it off with version 11 of their ‘jukebox’ software?

Well, I decided to do a review on the matter, and here it is:

Setup

The installation files of the new iTunes 11 doesn’t really weigh much. At just under 90mb (upgrade) it downloads in seconds (100mpbs connection), ad the installation itself was surprisingly short that, for a minute, I wondered if it had failed somehow. Alas, my fears were dispelled when I restarted and found a brand-spanking new icon sitting on my start screen!

Problem is…

It wasn’t a modern UI application.

A modern UI app is not with us yet, but I can’t honestly say I expected it…

This didn’t phase the slightest though, as I honestly didn’t expect Apple to be metro-focused, not will I ever expect that from them. Besides, you have to admit, a Modern UI iTunes with it’s right angles, flat colors, and large button wouldn’t have suited it anyway. I probably would’ve still reverted to the desktop application, myself.

But I digress.

The Launch

I quickly launched myself into launched myself into the desktop, started up the new program, and of course accepted the licensing agreement (you honestly think I read?). At once, I was greeted with Apple’s new welcome screen, which I think is a nice addition, helping users who may not be as tech-savvy get around the brand new layout without tearing out any strands of finely combed hair.

The new welcome screen in iTunes 11 provides a helpful insight into the new layout…

Of course, I totally dismissed the idea after it had updated my library, and hit the agree button with a renewed sense of vigor. Let it be noted though, that updating your library may take some time, as it did mine, seeing as I have so many things stashed away in it. The speed of your computer may also factor in on this, though it shouldn’t make too much of a difference.

The first time you start up the new iTunes 11, it may take some time (depending on library size) to create a cache of all the artwork from the files, before it settles down. My hard drive had an abundance of activity for around six minutes before it finally quit stalling on me and I was free to use my newfound power.

Wanting to test start-up time, I quickly closed it, waited thirty seconds, and re-launched the application. I was pleasantly surprised with the 10-second start-up time, and even more impressed with it’s immediate responsiveness!

I found out that iTunes itself is no longer the 150-600mb memory-hogging program it once was, but now runs as smooth as butter on 40-50mb of RAM, which actually knocked me for six, the first time I saw the screen.

iTunes 11 has been slimmed… Weight Watchers style!

No 64-Bit power-boost on Windows!

As you can see though, it lacks the 64-Bit punch on Windows, which isn’t all of a big deal, apart from the knowledge that if it was, it would probably operate twice as fast as it does now. Still, Apple can’t allow us Windows users to have all the fun. They wouldn’t be Apple if they did!

Interface – Re-imagined

Now, we all know iTunes has long been due a good facelift these past…what…three or so years? Yeah, it’s been a while since we’ve had the real joy of celebrating a decent step forward in the graphical user interface of the worlds most loved music organizer.

Until now.

The new iTunes. A refreshing look.

The new iTunes interface was well overdue, but I’m quite happy to say that they’ve got it right this time. I honestly don’t expect another major refresh till version 25, but by then interfaces will have stopped mattering to me, and I’ll probably still be in Windows 8…9 if I’m lucky.

The color-shifting album display really is a gift from the gods.

The new iOS-like interface for albums and items honestly does the trick, and is quick to respond like it’s cousin, the music app. The sidebar-less display may stump some, but click the ‘music’ tab in the top left corner, and all becomes as clear as water. The surprising thing is that when you open albums, the background color actually changes to suit the main colors of the artwork. Yet another stroke of genius from our favorite company. The new iCloud integration works like a charm, too, allowing me to play my TV shows I haven’t downloaded, and pick up my movie right from where I left off on my iPod. I shift from desktop to iPod just for the fun of it, these days. The floating menu design I especially like. Click the arrow next to a song, and you’ll immediately notice the smooth rounded edges on the menu, and iOS-like speech bubble appearance, and the smooth-expanding animation when you go to add said song to a playlist. It’s simple wonderful.

The synchronization tab was also re-designed, but left me a little clueless as to where it was, at first. I did finally find it in the top right corner of the library though, and proceeded to sync my iPod, just to be safe.

Sync your Apple device in style!

As always, though, there is always one annoyance in a new design, and for me, that was the ‘iPod’ button. You see, for me, I like to click the icon to go to the screen, not the name, so when I found out on hovering my mouse over the icon it became an ‘eject’ button, I was surprised. The label ‘iPod’ is far too small to accurately click every time, and to this moment I’ve accidentally ejected my pride and joy at least seven times. I feel like I’ve been abusing it.

But the iTunes GUI wasn’t the only thing that got Apple fans excited this year, oh no…

This did:

Small on size…

Big on control…

Now, even if I was a die-hard Apple fan till death, even I would have to admit that the mini-player had probably been the same since Moses was banging out those beats on the way from Egypt.

It had to go.

The new mini-player actually empowers the user, as you can see.

A search function has been added, the design has been revamped, the airplay button is actually there now…

And most of all…

Up Next has been added to the mix.

Which brings us to our next point.

What’s Up Next, DJ?

Haven’t you ever had those moments when you have a playlist, or you’re listening to a song in an album, and think ‘Man, I wish I could just add insert song name to my list straight after this!’ but realize that your favorite jukebox, with all it’s Genius and smart playlist features, can’t do a thing about it?

Well, obviously someone in Cupertino had this issue, and demanded a private audience with the head of iTunes…

And thus we were blessed with the Up Next feature (which I sincerely hope makes it’s way to iOS. Soon).

What’s up next?

It’s fairly simple to use. Just drag and drop any track onto the top bar, and hey presto, it’s up next! Of course, you can click the little arrow next to a track in an album, and click the ‘add to up next’ button…

But where’s the fun in that?

In addition to adding tracks, you can click the icon, and re-organize what comes up by drag and drop, really adding a mix to a party when you need it.

Now, if we had a blend feature to make songs flow seamlessly, real DJs would be out of business…

Think on that, Apple.

You could revolutionize music mixing, if you so desired…

Store

The store also got a wealth of attention, too, though I won’t go into it too much, as it seems like it’s not fully functional as of yet. It’s fair to say though, that when it’s finished it’ll easily be the most beautiful-looking store I’ll have ever seen by far.

Not finished…but still looking gorgeous!

Remote – TV

In addition to iTunes, I noticed my Apple TV got it’s latest update (6.0.1), which added support for ‘up next’ which I thoroughly enjoyed messing around with for at least 10 minutes mixing songs to get the best flow.

The remote app was also updates for use with ‘up next’ and with a brand new icon to match it’s sleek counterpart.

Remote…with a new icon!

Not much changed on the inside…

Exclusive!

Now, an exclusive shock to those who own a Windows PC, laptop, or tablet…

iCloud 2.1 is out!

Call off the alarm, folks, it’s only a compatibility update.

No changes. At all.

In Other News…

In other newspapers…

In other countries…

In other continents…

In other planets…

I hit 10,000 tweets the other day!

It’s alright, no need to applaud, I’m not finished yet!

In fact, I am, just look at the photos, will you?

I’ve finally reached, Houston!

My 10,000th Tweet. Ingenious.

And that’s a wrap, folks!

My iTunes 11 review…

My Remote 3.0 update…

My iCloud 2.1 letdown…

And my personal Tweet milestone all wrapped up in one!

This is Alex, signing off!

亞歷克斯的！

Photo Of The Day – Eternal Hope

Eternal Hope a photo by memories of time on Flickr.

Morning guys! Yeah, so apparently today it’s back to the daily grind for me. I’m not sure wether to laugh or cry, to be honest. The positives are that I can get back into routine, and get up a lot earlier, and the negatives are a drastic cut back on laziness and gaming. Well, all good things must come to an end, as they say.

Today’s photo comes from another one of my Flickr contacts known as Kiyoshi Noguchi or, as many may know, Memories Of Time. The name that he gave to this fantastic photo perfectly fits it to a t. The warm sunrise look perfectly displays the message of ‘Eternal Hope’, and I hope that all our hopes can be eternal too.

亞歷克斯的！

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

Hey, can’t say I’ve exactly been away from my computer this time, and I can’t say I’ve been busy, either. Well, I have, but not in the way you’d expect. I mean this isn’t your usual ‘I have commissions and jobs to finish’ busy, no. This is your ‘I have Skyrim to play, Dragons to slay, and bounties to pay’ busy. What can I say though? It’s an epic game…even if no one I know apart from George will believe me

Anyway, enough of my hermit life in front of the very screen I am typing on, it’s time to update you on some things in my (very small, hermity, and boring) life. First things first! I’m redecorating! Lame, I know, but I honestly can’t remember what’s happened since holiday…it all seems to be filled in with playing Skyrim all day, every day…and maybe it has, I don’t know. Carrying on though, this redecoration really does suck. I mean, who knew wielding a paint pad could be so hard! I managed to paint one wall yesterday, ONE, and my arms were burning like fire. Turns out that these cursed things require a second coat though! I honestly believe that somewhere out there, someone has figured one coat paint…but I’ve just probably never seen it, or they’re just unwilling to share it with me. Either way, I still wish I had it right now, especially when I’m meant to be repainting the whole house, which is more than just a few walls, I assure you.

Secondly, ah, the memories are coming back now, I did get to meet up with Juj himself the other week (or was it month?) and finally got to see him other than through FaceTime, which made him look distorted to say the least. It was a good time, playing Skyrim, Minecraft, and other things pretty much the whole time, as you do. In fact, our motto for the day was ‘Skyrim ’till death!’ which we both seemed to whole heartedly believe at the time. But alas, the night proved too much for us to handle, and even two super-powered Dovahkiins have to sleep sometimes (gotta get that ‘Well Rested’ bonus). So, we slept for a few hours, and carried on. All in all, the trip was, undeniably, a huge success, barring the fact that I left my coat there, of course.

I’m pretty sure that was last month, but since then of course it’s just been me, Skyrim, and a whole load of biscuits. Fortunately I did remember that there was a real world out there, and so I’ve decided to come off for a while, seeing as amassing over 200 hours of gameplay in the first few weeks really isn’t good for my health. Then I remembered I had a blog! Yeah, I admit I did kinda forget, but hey, excessive gaming does that to you. However, I do have a boatload of pictures to share that I’ll be doing every day again, to keep me on my toes and help me to get up early. I would do a Newsspot so frequently too, but nothing on seems to grab me these days, but maybe that’ll change in the coming days.

Anyway, I’m done for now, so I’ll stop myself from rambling on and on…

亞歷克斯的！

Parks, Knights, and Slackers! Argh!

So yeah, it’s been a while. Not as long as my other breaks, but hey, it was a break nonetheless. And just when I’d promised to pick back up as well. Shameful. I guess it takes a lot of will and hard effort to keep these sort of things going, eh?

Anyway, today I thought I might as well update you guys on what’s been going on.

My head’s been a absolute trash can, it really has. My thoughts have been scattered all over the place, my concentration hasn’t lasted for one minute, and I have no idea why. It’s getting better now though, I’m happy to say, so maybe I’ll be back into my normal routine by tomorrow.

I can only hope.

This week however, has (event-wise) been very…well…uneventful. My trip to West Park, however, was the best part of the week. I donned my blue and white check shirt, blue jeans, black trainers, and managed to get up there in the scorching weather. Not my best plan, but once I start…I don’t want to look like a fool and turn back. Unless in private. So, I got down there and went snap happy! It was a refreshing experience, seeing as I hadn’t had the opportunity to do such a thing for quite a while, so I was happy. Eventually it got too much though. I mean, I’m used to 10 degrees or less…not 30 and rising. SO of course I bailed out and went home.

When I got there, I decided to finish off editing my friend Laura’s photos from her ‘Fruit Salad’ photoshoot which she did with Sadia promoting her fasion design. It was a challenge, going for the same overall look, but making sure the tone and white balance presented the greatest clarity, I’ll tell you that now. But, of course, I did it. I am Alex, the Lightroom veteran, after all.

And that brings me to today. This morning I trolled through Sadia’s photos from her trip to France and made my changes on Lightroom, before sending them back, and got on with the day. Skip ahead a few hours, and you’d find me upgrading from Lightroom 3 to…you guessed it! 4! Not only that, but I made the leap from Photoshop and Illustrator CS5.5 to…6! It was worth it, I’ll have you know, so all you graphic designers and photographers out there better scrape your pennies together! It was the most excited I’d felt all day.

Until George came online, that is. Of course, we played Spiral Knights. Of course, I died like 10 times. Of course, George rubbed my face in it. And of course, I had to leave early, by demand of my mother. It’s pretty much the routine we have, so I won’t go into much detail, suffice to say that George is was more powered up than me…which leads me to believe he’s been playing some extortionate hours…

Anyway, I’m off for now, seeing as it’s like 10:59pm here. I would upload some photos from West Park, too, but my internet has ben slow as of late (don’t worry, BT Infinity comes 12th June). To look at them, just look in the sidebar and check my Flickr!

Chao!