Victor
Professionally: UI developer, usability practitioner and web designer. Personally: Father, photographer, cyclist, hiker.
Author Archives: Victor
Impressions: Windows Phone 7
December 29, 2010 – 10:35
I was up for an upgrade with AT&T so I thought about getting an iPhone 4 to replace my iPhone 3G. After I saw the new Windows Phone 7 operating system on a Samsung Focus, started seriously thinking about switching. I looked at both Android and Windows Phone 7. In the end, Microsoft’s cool interface had me sold.
I’ve had the phone for about a week now and am really happy with it. It’s got the apps I care about so far:
- Facebook: With the most recent update, it’s got everything that the iPhone versions has with a cooler, more interactive interface
- Twitter: Does everything the iPhone equivalent does.
- Yelp: I can get reviews but can’t rate or draft reviews like the iPhone. Hopefully an update comes soon.
Unfortunately there are some apps that are missing for WP7 that I previously used regularly on my iPhone. I’m hoping that either these companies develop for this really cool new platform or an equivalent is created:
- Instagr.am – There’s a version called Apict witch isn’t bad but doesn’t even come close, and it doesn’t post photos to the Instagr.am website
- Hipstamatic – Nothing comes close on WP7
- An official Tumblr app that supports multiple blogs.
The existing photo apps on WP7 are pretty weak. Hopefully in time developers will port or create new apps that will strengthen this area.
One thing that surprised me in a bad way is how poor the battery life on the Samsung Focus is. I’m in the process of playing around with different settings to improve on this. I remember having similar problems with my iPhone but I’ve kept the same settings since my original iPhone. I do remember having to play around for a while to get the settings right.
So far it’s a pretty powerful phone. As far as being a phone, it’s way better than my old iPhone. Quality of the calls is extremely good and haven’t had random dropped connections with full bars.
How to synchronize directories in Windows 7
August 4, 2010 – 01:14
I’ve been trying to find a utility similar to SilverKeeper for the Mac for Windows. After a quick search on Windows.com, I found my answer!
There’s tool called SyncToy 2.1. The brief description reads:
SyncToy 2.1 is a free application that synchronizes files and folders between locations. Typical uses include sharing files, such as photos, with other computers and creating backup copies of files and folders.
The tool was originally written for Windows Vista, but works like a charm in 7.
Creative Engineers – Words to live by.
July 5, 2010 – 23:45
I finally got a chance to watch “Meet the Robinsons” over the 4th of July weekend. I was pleasantly surprised considering I wasn’t expecting much.
While I wouldn’t consider myself a kookie Disney fan, I’m a big fan of Walt Disney, the man. There’s a great quote at the end of the movie that I think should be the credo of engineers everywhere.
There’s a tendency to play it safe, hoping to repeat the successes of previous projects. Unfortunately, I don’t think it’s a way of progressing forward to create bigger and better things. It’s single handedly the reason why certain companies fail to follow-up their previous success, while other companies build successes on top of other successes.
It’s the difference between 1980’s Apple and IBM, and is the difference between Apple and HP, or Apple and Microsoft.
There’s really no secret about our approach. We keep moving forward—opening up new doors and doing new things—because we’re curious. And curiosity keeps leading us down new paths. We’re always exploring and experimenting. At WED, we call it Imagineering—the blending of creative imagination with technical know-how.
…from a 1965 presentation by Walt Disney called “Total Image”
Yosemite National Park
July 5, 2010 – 23:26
A few weeks ago I decided to take a random family trip to Yosemite. It’s about 3.5 hours away from where we live. Surprisingly, most people thought Yosemite was a lot farther. While not an insignificant amount of time, it’s well worth the time.
A little fun on AIDS/Lifecycle 9
June 20, 2010 – 02:34
Here’s a sample of the fun and humor that’s encountered during the ride. As you can see, it’s a party everyday!
AIDS/Lifecycle 9 Slideshow
June 20, 2010 – 02:27
Thanks to my donors and to those who supported me during the AIDS/Lifecycle 9.
It’s been a week since ALC9 ended and I’m recovering well. I do have to admit that I miss riding my bike through the beautiful landscape between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Here’s a little slideshow of my journey.
Photos from AIDS/Lifecycle 7 – 2008
June 20, 2010 – 02:15
I don’t think I ever posted photos from the first AIDS/Lifecycle that I participated in. Just in case you were interested in seeing them, here they are.
Tumblr Blog