Enter Google Currents, Google’s attempt at a Flipboard killer.  However, Flipboard updates Google Reader, marking my posts read when I flip through them.  Google Currents, brought to you by Google, makers of Google Reader, does not.

Advantage: Flipboard.

Yes, I drank the Kool-Aid and purchased an iPhone 4S yesterday, and I am very happy with the new video, photo and Siri features.  However, I have other interests this weekend where an iPhone 4 would be perfect for using Square to take credit cards, photos and videos with people that are fans of the Big Eagle Band.  I will not be at the event tonight, so giving my phone away is not an option.  So, I thought I’d try to convert my old phone into a general purpose iPod that can connect to Wifi and do

Step One: Connect Your iPhone to a Computer

Get out your trusty iPhone charging cable and connect it to your computer of choice.  Make sure the latest version of iTunes is installed.

Step Two: Backup (Optional)

For this I normally first choose to Transfer Purchases and then choose to Backup as a second step.  To do this you can just right click (or option-click)on your device listed in the left column and select the appropriate action.

Step Three: Restore

Now that you have a backup (if desired), you may now restore your phone to factory defaults.  Click on your device in the left column and you will see a screen with options to Check for Update or Restore.  Click on Restore.  You will be warned that you are about to restore your phone.  Click OK.  Then you may be warned of purchases being on your phone.  You backed up and transferred purchases, so click on Continue.

The next screen will be a note about the latest software update and all the new changes.  Click on Next.  Now the fascinating read that is the iPhone Software Update terms will be displayed.  Click Agree.

Now we wait.  How long?  Well, depending on your Internet Connection this could be a while.

iTunes will automate the entire restore process until you are greeted with a welcome screen to either setup your new iPhone or restore from a backup. Choose Setup a New iPhone and name it whatever you want.  Uncheck the options to automatically sync contacts, calendars… andapplications and click Done.

Finished!  Oh wait, we need to sync it!  Personally, I’m scared if I walk through the new iPhone setup on the phone it will reactivate my old phone, so I am just going to use iTunes.

Step Four: Sync!

On the screen that displays your iPhone information, Click on Info (located at the top).  This is where you choose what you want to do with this phone.  Since I don’t want to sync any mail, contacts or calendars, we will just move along to Apps.  Click on Apps at the top and check Sync Apps.  Choose the apps you want to sync and move along to Music.  If this is your iPod start selecting music to sync to the device.  When you have selected everything you want to sync to your new iPod click on Sync at the bottom of the iTunes window.

Step Five: Survive!

Now that everything is synced, wait, what’s this?  The iPhone still wants me to walk through the iOS5 setup.  I stepped through the process quite easily and added my Apple ID to the phone.  I opted to use iCloud and backup to iCloud, but we’ll get to that in a minute.  Keep working through the setup like its a new phone and click on Start Using iPhone.  Now that you are at the home screen, CONFIGURE!

Step Six: Cripple iCloud for Fun and Profit

You may have a different opinion, but I do not want all of my calendars, contacts and more added to this device.  To modify iCloud, tap Settings, selectiCloud and turn off Contacts, Calendars, Reminders and Bookmarks by default.  Keep Find My iPhone on if you have any hopes to finding this thing when it inevitably gets lost.

Step Seven: The FaceTime Conundrum

We learned this the hard way.  My dad tried to FaceTime me and my desk lit up like a Christmas tree.  The iPad, both laptops and my iPhone went off.  I don’t want FaceTime on my iPod, so, click back on Settings, go to FaceTime and turn it off.

Step Eight: No More Messaging

The same theory as FaceTime applies here.  Click back on Settings, go to Messages and turn off iMessage.

Step Nine: Let’s Get This Over With

Time to customize your new iPod.  I personally moved the Mail and Phone icons to a folder called “Apple” then put any unnecessary built-in app into that folder or the “Utilities” folder.

That’s all there is to it!  Enjoy!

Strike One:

The first observation was a pretty basic one:  This is not an iPad.  I’m trying to keep an open mind about things and at least TRY the brussel sprouts of tablet devices, but when the first thing you have to do out of the box is update the system so it doesn’t lag to the point of rage that’s a BAD USER EXPERIENCE.  After the system update most of my complaints were resolved but still there was a noticeable lag.  I tried to brush it off with “Well, it’s $99″, but they were selling this for FIVE HUNDRED DOLLARS.  You would think it would handle itself with the speed of an iPad for that price point.  Strike one, HP.

After a week of using the TouchPad I became so annoyed by the lag that I looked to the Internet for help.  Oh yeah, HP turns on detailed logging by default!  Cleaned that up and STILL lag.  Ultimately I had to go through a process of jail breaking the tablet and over clocking the processor to not have to wait 30-60 seconds for my email app to load.

Strike Two:

I installed a few apps and starting playing around with their App Catalog.  While the curated monthly Pivot magazine at the opening of the app store is a pleasant and unique idea, the lack of decent apps was irritating.  Add to that the “pre-installed” Kindle and Facebook apps.  When you launch them it just takes you to the App Catalog to download the actual apps.  What’s the point?  That aside, I downloaded and started using several applications, but found lag, freeze ups and bugs in ALL OF THEM.  The Time Magazine app, one which not only requires a paid subscription but comes from what you would think is a reputable source, freezes about 1/3rd of the way through this week’s issue.  So….can I have $1.99 back?

We’re still waiting on Strike Three at the moment, but it’s terribly frustrating that Apple is the only company that knows how to create a computing device that answers the “now what?” question that an end user will have after they go through the setup process.  It’s not rocket science, people.  I bought an extra TouchPad solely for my mother-in-law to use for Skype so she can have a little portability with her webcam.  I don’t know how I’m going to get this to work nicely for her without having to HACK the sum’ bitch.

Bottom line, even at $99 you get what you pay for.

http://artsbeat.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/23/rowling-releases-harry-potter-into-the-ether-on-pottermore/

This woman is going to make tea on burning stacks of money from now on.  While not rabid, I have been a fan of the Harry Potter series for years and was pretty amazed that Rowling finished up the 7th book and implied that was it.  Given the monster business the Harry Potter franchise has become over the years between the books, movies and lordy all the merchandising, it was a matter of time before the next opportunity was there.

Pottermore sounds like a pretty cool idea, actually.  I’m sure at some point, be it from the hand of JK Rowling or someone long after their death, there will be Harry Potter prequels and sequels that will probably pale a bit in comparison to the originals.  When that happens I’ll begrudgingly read them and “harumpf” to myself before being disappointed in the book and yet still paying $47 to see the movie in 3D (adjusted for future inflation).  However, I’m liking the idea of revisiting the original stories and fill in spaces instead of looking for a new adventure.  What I’m really interested in is what she’ll do with the digital rights.  eBooks are eBooks.  Some iPad apps and the NookColor folks have pushed hard to great a new world of interactive books that kids can read with animation, touch response and vocal queues.  It sounds like they’ll be building interactive quests into the actual books here, which is perfect for the world that Rowling has created.  More likely than not they’ll have my money and Isaac and I will fight over who gets to hold on to the Nook whilst we “read”.

jvillaruzBLD: Thanks for contacting Comcast! I look forward to helping you today.

jvillaruzBLD: Hello Matthew, how are you doing today?

Matthew: Hi

Matthew: I’ve been having some weird Internet issues. Started I think last Friday or over the weekend, but I kept seeing intermittent connectivity with my cable modem. We lost power a few times in the storm two days ago and since then I can’t re-establish a connection at all.

Matthew: I tried calling in prior to the storm to do a modem reset over the phone but it never came back online. I’m wondering if the modem is just fried.

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew I am very sorry to hear that Matthew.

jvillaruzBLD:  Matthew, I understand that you are having some issues with internet connection, is that correct?

Matthew: …yes

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew, I understand that you are having an issue with your comcast comcast internet connection. I apologize for the frustration.

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew, I am here to provide you with excellent customer service today. Please be assured I will do my best to help you with your concern.

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew, when did this problem started?

Matthew: …Last Friday or over the weekend.

jvillaruzBLD: I understand Matthew.

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew, For security purposes, would you please provide the following information: 1. Full Name of Account Holder 2. Complete Service Address 3. Complete account number

Matthew: Matthew Stone – XXXXXX, XXXXXX

jvillaruzBLD: Thank you for that information, Matthew.

jvillaruzBLD: Would you mind waiting for 2 minutes while I research some information in my system in order to better serve you?

Matthew: ok

jvillaruzBLD: Thank you Matthew,

jvillaruzBLD: By the way, later, to end this chat please do take the short question survey. This would mean so much to me! I hope you would consider me helpful today in the way we resolved the issue.

jvillaruzBLD: As of this time, since you cannot access your account the best thing to do is that I will be reseting the password for you, and later after this chat you can change it to your own preference, will that be ok with you?

Matthew: What? I can access my account.

jvillaruzBLD: I am sorry about that Matthew, that was a wrong typo.

jvillaruzBLD: First, Please allow me to do the troubleshooting on my End, I will do my best to get your modem and account reinitialize data exchange with the Comcast Server to make sure that everything works at optimal range.

jvillaruzBLD: While I am checking on your full account Details,Please make sure that all the cables are also secured.

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew are you still there?

Matthew: yes

jvillaruzBLD: Matthew, as of this time, there seems to be curcuit isseu on you modem, the best way to solve this problem, is buy bringing your modem to the local office and swpapping to a new modem, and that is for free.

Matthew: Will do. Thanks.

jvillaruzBLD: Before we finish up , I want to remind you that we have check the status of your modem.

jvillaruzBLD: Do you have any other questions or concerns I can

jvillaruzBLD: Do you have any other questions or concerns I can help you with today?

Matthew: No.

jvillaruzBLD: hank you for choosing Comcast for your entertainment needs! Our goal is to provide you with a consistently superior customer experience – that’s our guarantee. Learn more about the Comcast Customer Guarantee at http://www.comcast.com/corporate/Customers/CustomerGuarantee.html?fs

jvillaruzBLD: hank you for choosing Comcast for your entertainment needs! Our goal is to provide you with a consistently superior customer experience – that’s our guarantee. Learn more about the Comcast Customer Guarantee at http://www.comcast.com/corporate/Customers/CustomerGuarantee.html?fs

jvillaruzBLD:  Click the `EXIT CHAT` to end this chat session. I hope you take a moment to answer a quick survey.

I love world building films.  I thought Marvel’s production of Thor did a wonderful job of creating a universe in which you could make a dozen films that never had to focus on Earth.  If DC decides to mimic Marvel in combining all of their properties into a Justice League movie, this is where to start.  Green Lantern quickly shows that there’s not only a world outside of our own, but a huge galaxy of which we are a tiny spec in the far reaches.  Similar to Marvel’s Thor in scope, both films have shown an expanded universe where you can explore new planets, lifeforms and stories without having to resort to the damned “Joseph Campbell Hero’s Journey” that has to louse up every origin story in comic properties.

Where Thor opted to skip the origin and get right into the action (an incredibly wise decision), Green Lantern suffers from trying to shoehorn traditional plot details into an otherwise strong film.  Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) would play well as a cocky fighter pilot who is chosen to become a powerful space cop yet has to overcome his fears to become a true hero.  That journey gets derailed several times with a romantic subplot involving Carol Ferris (an utterly wooden Blake Lively) and an even weaker subplot involving a quasi-love triangle including Hector Hammond (Peter Skaarsgard) that has nothing to do with love or triangles.  While Hammond is a great, almost sympathetic villain, anything involved Carol brings the middle of the movie to a halt.

The action scenes are big, the 3D is well done and the post-credits blip gets you excited for the next round.  Hopefully the film will clear enough at the box office to get the second film started right away, as the Green Lantern does successful job of setting up a never-ending universe of stories to tell and I can’t wait to see what they come up with when Earth doesn’t have to be in peril.

Born, raised and living in the outlying western suburbs of Chicago, IL, I’ve been heavily involved in two passions since I can remember: Information Technology and Music.  I’ve been working in the IT industry since 1995 moving from technical support to system administration and now a bit of management.  I’ve been writing and performing music since long before then.  I was a choir boy coming up through junior high and high school, later learning guitar and enough to get around on a few other instruments.  I currently play guitar in a cover band called The Big Eagle Band and am performing several times a month.  In addition, my old original band, now more of a creative “nom de plume” for stunted adults like myself than a performing outfit, has reformed with anyone who expressed interest and plays occasionally while I look for time to finish several recording projects.

Within this site you will find parts of all of my interests.  I’m not sure where I find them between having a wife and son at home, working over 40 hours a week, playing in one band regularly and the other occasionally, but on top of music and computers I do like to try random things for the hell of it (homebrewing, cat juggling) as well as find fun and interesting things to do with the family.  I’m making a vow to myself that THINGS WILL BE DIFFERENT THIS TIME.  By that I mean no emo crap.  None.  I’m going to try my hardest not to whine about the down parts of my life and instead use this blog to focus on writing content that is worth reading.  Here’s hoping…

Love,

Matt

Why iTunes Match Has Indie Soul Label Singing The Blues

For those that don’t have their eyes glued to Apple fanboy RSS feeds and watch liveblogs of the developer’s conference keynotes, let me explain.  Apple is taking an evolutionary step into the cloud, a magical place with some magical abilities.  With the new iCloud platform, all of your iOS, Mac and Windows 7 desktops will play nicely, synchronizing all of your documents and music on servers away from your homes and offices.  What does this mean for you?  It means that every time you work on a document, play a song or download an app on your iPhone, iPad or laptop, that file will be available on the rest of your devices almost instantly and without any interaction on your part.

As an infamous “one more thing” during the Apple keynote, Jobs introduced a new service called iTunes Match.  iTunes Match helps with this synchronization effort and reduces storage space in the cloud by scanning your iTunes library.  Any songs you have listed in the library that are available via the iTunes Store will be linked in the cloud to the version at the store.  By doing this Apple doesn’t have to store all of your music on their servers.  They can just point to their copy and give you permission to listen to it.  As part of this, they have included what feels to many like an amnesty program for music pirates.  For a low annual fee of $25 a year you will be able to have your non-iTunes purchased music available in the cloud as well.  Dropping all pretense, if you’ve pirated everything you’ve ever listened to and never bought a single piece of music, your collection (or the songs in the iTunes Store from your library) is free and clear in the iTunes cloud, all for a low, low fee.  If they don’t have a copy in the iTunes Store you can upload it into your personal cloud and have it available to all devices just like the iTunes Match items.

For someone like myself, this is great news.  While my music piracy days are long, long past, I still have several gigabytes of music on my hard drive that came from an intensive home project.  I ripped over 200 CDs I owned into iTunes, then stored them in a DJ box now stashed in my garage.  Having those available to all of my devices is essential to the success of Apple’s cloud initiative, at least to me.

As much as I can sympathize with the owner of this label, people need to move past the notion of physical media and copyrights.  It seems he would prefer making nothing vs. making a pittance on the principal that people shouldn’t pirate music.  People pirated music long before iTunes and long since and will continue to do so until the model eventually becomes ad-based free music everywhere (shudder).  While it is unfortunate that piracy lives, Apple may be the first giant company to offer at the very least a bridge to legitimatize some users in to cleaning up their act.

Playing with the Big Eagle Band, we find ourselves seeking adventure outside the Chicago-land area.  As a result, we tend to find ourselves in Dubuque, Iowa 3-4 times a year playing at a handful of clubs that we love.  Even more fun, we typically don’t bring the wives or children, allowing the four of us to trash a hotel room and generally act like a bunch of 12 year old idiots.  Episode 002 shed a little light onto what’s leftover of the Big Eagle Band after one of those nights.

We begin our grand adventure by interviewing Phil and learning a bit more about how he got involved with performing in bands.

Download Episode 001 (right-click to save)