New blog site

I'm moving.

To tumblr. going to give it a shot.

Come check me out.

What NASA should be doing.

Quick, go stand in line...

Well I was wrong, the iPhone is not available. It will be out July 11. I say go wait in line because you will HAVE to buy it in a store and get it activated there. No more iTunes activation. That was one thing that made the purchase of a cell phone enjoyable. Now we are back to the days of waiting while someone screws up a few times and we sit and get mad.
it is available in 8 and 16 gig versions. The 16 comes in black and white. The 8 only comes in black. It has 3G and GPS. What else? ummmm, hmmmm let's see....the app store, wait that will be on the old one too. Cut and paste, nope. A better camera, nope. More space, nope. Higher rate plane, yep. Lower hardware cost, yep. Plastic back, yep. I think they should have just called this an update not "the next iPhone." Am I still going to buy one, yep. I'm i going to gripe about it, yep. Should i have gotten one last year, you bet your sweet butt.
The app potential is really cool. The apps are making the iPhone a true computer in your pocket! Some really useful stuff will probably be developed in the future!

i-Day

i-Day is looking to be June 9.  The previous memo leak dates have been moved.  Vacations are not allowed to be taken by ATT employees starting June 1.  The big question know is will the iPhone be released for sale on the 9th or just announced?  I would guess Apple stores will start selling them on the 9th while ATT stores will release them on the 10th.  ATT can't keep there mouth shut so I imagine they won't get the first units the night before.  I will be listening to the news coming out of the WWDC on the 9th and if it is released for sale I will start the drive to the nearest store.  See you in the checkout line.

drying up

iPhones are really drying up.  The online Apple store both models ship in: currently unavailable.  Same for the UK Apple store.  Most brick and mortar Apple stores are also sold out.  Many ATT&T stores are in the same situation.  Seems to me production on the 1st gen iPhone has stopped.  The WWDC is 27 days away.  My guess would be Apple doesn't want to sell any iPhones less than 14 days to the release of the 2nd gen version.  Their return policy states that they will accept returns unopened 14 days or less from date of purchase.  Not many companies want an old product being returned when a new product comes out.  I wouldn't be surprised if the new iPhone came out before WWDC but i think it will be at WWDC.  

The 2.0 firmware is being coded to run the 2nd gen and I doubt Apple wants to fool with a 1.1.5 software that has to run the next gen and the 1st gen.  2.0 is set to be released at WWDC.

It also looks like the color may change.  ATT&T yesterday had an iPhone black available on their website yesterday.  They said this was a mistake and it was a place holder for the 4, 8, and 16 GB versions.  That seems logical to me, use color to differentiate between capacities.....riiiiiight.  If there is a color option I don't want it to be plastic, stick with aluminum please.

Besides the obvious I would like to see the ability to stream from my iPhone to an airport express, a Finder program, syncing with the googleverse, copy/paste, document editing, .......

iPhone June 15-July 12

If you work for ATT don't plan on taking that trip to Zimbabwe between June 15 and July 12.  That is when the iPhone will launch.  ATT is restricting vacation to employees because they want to ensure they have enough staffing for an exciting promotion during that time.

Stuff From All Over

ATK has recently tested a Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM), also known as a Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster, with an extended nozzle.  This was to try and squeeze more performance out of the booster for Ares I.  This is yet another departure from Shuttle derived of this Shuttle Derived Architecture.  They still haven't fixed the thrust oscillation problem.  Imagine riding to space in a paint shaker.  That is what the thrust oscillation problem will be like.

The iPhone news is all a buzz.  If it isn't announced by WWDC I'll be surprised.

The first triathlon of my season is this Sunday.  I'm ready to beat-up on everyone.  Let's go racin'!

Earth Day

Today is Earth Day.  This is when you are supposed to do super hippie things to help save the environment.  I felt good about what I did.

I drove to STL today to the airport over the speed limit.  This burned extra gas.

I flew to DC on a plane that had about 25 people on it.  It was an MD-Super80.  I think they can fly well over 100 people a trip.  Again, this burned all kinds of fuel per person.

On top of it, I flew first class with 1 other person, BAM.

Say hello to massive amounts of CO2.  Take that Earth Day.  Pow right in the kisser!

I am a space geek.

I have no problem admitting that.  I enjoy all things space related.  Pictures, video, hardware, manned, unmanned, orbital mechanics, and on and on.  Not many people know what goes on in space as it doesn't alter their daily lives.  I want everyone to keep in mind that space is our next frontier.

That said NASA is the leader in space in the US and arguably the world.  They currently receive about .5% of the federal budget each year.  Don't get me wrong that IS a lot of money.  Do I think they need more, yes.  Would they be able to do more cool research, yes.  Would some be wasted, yes it is government after all.

At this moment NASA is in the last phases of the STS program.  That is the Space Transportation System.  Most people call it the "shuttle."  They are also nearing completion of the International Space Station.  STS will have its last flight around 2010.  ISS is set to be crashed into the ocean in 2016.  This will be the end of the US manned space program unless NASA gets the replacement off the ground and spinning laps around the globe.

What is being proposed is called Ares.  Ares will be a collection of two rockets.  One little one for people.  And one big one for cargo.  These are supposed to be designed to send us back to the Moon and on to Mars.  I don't have a problem with the two rocket idea.  I think we could save some money by just using one rocket to do both jobs but as long as we get the job done, fine.

Here's my rub.  When NASA said we were going to the Moon and Mars they said we would need 10 pounds of shit to do the job.  If you can't tell I'm generalizing a bit stop reading and go dig a hole and fill it back up.  NASA said we'll send this 10 pounds of shit on this great rocket our administrator designed on a napkin.  Ok, fine.  Now as the engineers actually started designing and testing and modeling and figuring on this napkin rocket a problem arose.  It can't lift 10 pounds of shit.  It can lift 7 pounds of shit.  The solution: is it to make the rocket more powerful or build a different rocket? No, NASA now thinks that it will be OK to do the 10 pound of shit job on 7 pounds of shit.

So what is it NASA?  10 pounds 7 pounds?  If you keep this up even a space geek will get tired of paying for bad decisions.

Banish the 8GB says Steve

The 3G iPhone is going to be released at WWDC.  How do I know this, because it is just a SWAG.  There will be a class at WWDC on how to use audio in new apps.  I bet this will include video but that would be too big a give away.  Also of note O2 just lowered the price on the 8GB iPhone.  This offer runs through June 1.  Seems to me they sure are trying hard to get those 8GB out of inventory.

3G in months

According to the CEO of AT&T Mobility, Ralph de la Vega, "I think that you're going to see our integrated devices be 3G devices in the not-too-distant future, and I mean months."  This was said at CTIA 2008 to a Gizmodoreports reporter.  Also, T-Mobile is offering subsidies on the 8GB iPhone in Germany.  German sales have been disappointing.  My opinion is that this is an effort to move inventory so they will not be sitting on old stock for the release of the 3G in the coming months.  

in case you can't get enough

Macrumors.com had such a great piece i had to repost it here.

The Evidence for a 3G iPhone... June 2008

Sunday March 30, 2008 08:39 PM EST; Category: iPhone
Written by arn

There's been so much talk about the possibility of the "3G" iPhone, it can be hard to keep up with all the rumors. First of all, "3G" technology promises broadband-like speeds over wireless cellular networks. At present, the iPhone only offers 2.5G (EDGE) speeds, which means your web pages and email download at relatively slower speeds.

It's been no secret that the iPhone will eventually adopt 3G technology. When Steve Jobs first introduced the iPhone in January 2007, he specifically said (video clip) that Apple plans on making "3G phones and all sorts of amazing things in the future". The major issue that prevented Apple from incorporating 3G into the first iPhone was excessive power consumption from 3G chipsets:

We cared a lot about battery life and we cared a lot about physical size. Down the road, I'm sure some of those tradeoffs will become more favorable towards 3G but as of now we think we made a pretty good doggone decision.

Some newly announced 3G chipsets promise to address these power issues and AT&T's CEOhas even said outright that the 3G iPhone is coming in 2008.

When is it coming?

The earliest evidence of the 3G iPhone came from Goldman Sachs Analysts who predicted that the iPhone would see two updates in 2008. The first minor update was predicted to be a Flash memory upgrade in the 1st half of the year. This came true in February with the release of the 16GB iPhone. 

The second revision was described as "major" and was predicted to include 3G, possibly a different look, and arrive in the 2nd half of 2008. A number of reports this week appears to confirm this prediction. Hon Hai has reportedly won the contract to build Apple's next iPhone and Bank of America sources suggest that the 3G iPhone will begin limited production in May with a ramp up in June. Spanish paper Cinco Dias suggests that the 3G iPhone could debut in the Spanish market as early as May.

Finally, there was news this week that Apple has acquired trademark rights to use the name "iPhone" in Japan -- a country that interestingly has a 3G network but no EDGE network.

What do I do now?

A June release for the next iPhone falls conveniently close to Apple's Worldwide Developer's Conference which takes place from June 9-13th this year. It's possible that Apple will replace the existing iPhone with the 3G version, but it's also conceivable that the 3G version will be a high-end model, leaving the existing 2.5G iPhone in place at a cheaper price point.

Due to the mounting evidence for the 3G iPhone, we've updated our Buyers Guide to recommend against buying an iPhone at this time unless you absolutely need it. Obviously, individual circumstances may vary, but if you are an average consumer looking for the best value for the money, we recommend waiting, but understand the new version could still be (at least) 3 months off. 

Inventory reduction

Yesterday the 8 GB iPhone went to a 5-7 day shipping status on the Apple Store at www.apple.com.  I really think this is another sign of a big announcement coming.  Prove me wrong Apple and release the 3G iPhone before June!

more 3G in June

I've said in the past that I think the 3G iPhone will be out between June and September. I am going to officially revise that to between June and July. There has been some snazzy talk around the world that points to the 3G out soon. Here's the rundown.
16Gb phones are in limited supply. A company won't let this happen. Unless of course they are trying to reduce inventory or there is a production problem. We would hear about a production problem. Apple will want to reduce inventory in preperation for the 3G release. This supply issue is worldwide.
SingTel looks like they will be releasing the iPhone to Singapore in September. Why the long delay? Most of Asia is 3G and it is deemed as standard. You don't release a 2.5G phone in an area that is starting to look past 3G. With a September release that gives Apple plenty of time to release the 3G in the US first. It is also rumored that Belgium is in the same boat.
Component manufacturers are also eyeing the 3G release for June.
I'm looking forward to playing with my iPhone on the patio at Bengals come July!

Highlights

As the title suggests here are the highlights since the last post:
Apple patented a cool new touch pad.
Airport Express is now available n smokin' fast 802.11n.
If you really want to access your iPhone field test menu dial * 3 0 0 1 # 1 2 3 4 5 # * and press call.
Did you know it is cold in Canada? The iPhone is finding out the hard way.
Here's a big one. Java wants to put VM on the iPhone but that may be impossible. Here is the detailed info, but basically no program is allowed to execute another according to the SDK.
A bunch of developers got nastygrams from Apple. It was a thanks but no thanks, I'll call you don't call me type of deal.
16Gb iPhones are gettin hard to find!!! I smell inventory reduction and 3G!!!!!!!!!
NYC subway maps are available on the iPhone. This will be a big help for people like me that need a personal guide when it comes to the NYC subway. Anyone up for a whirlwind tour of NYC?
WWDC '08 will be June 9-13, expect a major iPhone hardware announcement.
For those of you that like the back to my mac idea check this free version out.

Don't forget you will be getting your economic stimulus package check in May. This is also known as your iPhone 3G for free check.

2Day was a Big Day

The SDK is out for the iPhone! It will do some great stuff. From iphone world:
"- Push E-mail- Global address list- Cisco IPsec VPN support- Authentication and certs- Enterprise class WiFi (WPA2 / 802.1x)- Security policies- Enterprise configuration tools- Remote wipe.- In-built MS Exchange support via ActiveSync"
Jobs said that iPhone software v2.0 will come out to all the iPhones in late June. That's roughly when the World Wide Developers Conference will be. Wouldn't that be a great time to release the 3G iPhone.
Also, Apple will control all the new apps through the app store that can be accessed on EDGE or Wi-Fi. All that data being downloaded would benefit from 3G. Developers will set the price of apps and Apple will get a 30% cut. Free apps will be allowed.

2MORO is a Big Day

The SKD kit may be coming! I say may because when it comes to Apple the consumer doesn't REALLY know anything until Steve Jobs tells us. My gut tells me that we actually will see the SKD and we will see a few native applications from some major vendors.
The interesting part is going to see who has control over the applications. Will they go through Apple and be purchased on iTunes or will distribution be left up to the developer? People are thinking and hearing different things on this. I personally think we will see "Apple Approved" software going through iTunes and having a cost as well as unapproved freeware/shareware that is available somewhere in the ether.
There are lots and lots of programs being pined for by iPhone users. As you all know I am not a current iPhone user and I don't have a list of programs. I would like to see a checkbook register program. I don't want it linked to my account but just something that I can tap on and enter "-7.34" and it would update the total correctly. Above all else it has to look cool.
If you have read my other posts you'll see I believe the 3G iPhone will hit between June and September with higher likelihood towards June. It seems I'm not the only one. MacRumors had this to say. Basically a rumor that we'll see 3G mid-year. This one a few days later is a bit more interesting. "After meeting with Taiwanese electronics companies Citigroup’s Richard Gardner claims that his sources have confirmed that the 3G iPhone will be released in 2nd Quarter calendar year. If correct, this would pinpoint the release between April-June 2008. " See told you it was more interesting.
What this all means to us you ask? 2moro is going to be fun, Apple events always are. We will know what is going on with the SKD. The day where a very large number of people want to jailbreak their phones will be replaced by the day where a smaller number of people want to jailbreak their phones. We will see some amazing programs for the iPhone that allow users to do almost anything. Soon developers will be clamoring for a faster processor to do all these neat tricks. I'm guessing Apple knows this so we'll see the 3G version soon.

Unexciting Update

My last post was on the 20th, do you see a pattern yet? I was also asked to learn how to do those cool linked words. How am I doing?
I still want an iPhone but that isn't the big news this week. Yesterday we were delivered with an update to the MacBook and MacBook Pros. This update was a change from the Merom to the Penryn processors. The bump in speed isn't much but they are more efficient which will help battery life. Plus the Pros are now graced with a multitouch trackpad. We are still missing a 12 inch Pro, and in RobBook that is sorely needed. The MacBook Air just doesn't have enough ports for me to be a stand alone computer and I'm getting tired of caring around my 17 inch G4.
Other stuff going on; the iPhone 1.1.4 update came out yesterday too. Apple says it is to fixs bugs and whatnot. Plus the SDK will probably be delayed.
Good job following along, now go get a drink.

3G iPhone June-September

Here’s the first post. I’ll try and make it worth your while.
I want an iPhone. Yes, I could just go buy one but it is lacking some features that I deem necessary: 3G, copy/paste, text multiple people. Yes the last problem has been fixed. Apple is working on copy/paste according to this guy (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/01/27/copy-and-paste-implementation-exchange-support-for-iphone/). Copy/paste is a software fix that doesn’t take any new hardware but you can squeeze 3G out of an EDGE radio no matter how much software you throw at it.
This leaves me only one option, wait. I am waiting for the next generation of iPhone. Now for those of you that moan about people wait and say things like well why don’t you wait for the one after that and the one after that shut your mouth. I’m waiting for 3G.
I predict that I won’t be waiting much past September of this summer. What follows is some of my reasoning. Once June rolls around the iPhone will be one year old. In the iPod world that means it is time for an upgrade (http://www.macworld.com/article/53499/2006/10/ipodtimeline.html). We also heard from AT&T that the 3G iPhone will come in 2008 (http://www.engadget.com/2007/11/29/atandt-ceo-outs-3g-iphone-youll-have-it-next-year/). AT&T also announced a MAJOR expansion of the 3G network (http://ilounge.com/index.php/news/comments/att-to-expand-3g-wireless-coverage-in-2008/). What do you need for a 3G iPhone to be useful in the US? I’m glad you asked, you need a 3G network in most of the major markets. AT&T’s expansion this year will do that. When the iPhone was first debuted Jobs said that power consumption/battery life was the reason for not having 3G. Apparently companies have been working on that. Sorry I can’t find that link but a company did debut a low power consuming 3G chip at CES back in January. Apple is also trying to get into more foreign markets with the iPhone. Now the really big markets, Asia, are mostly 3G areas. People are used to the fast data rates that 3G provides and the iPhone will be a step backwards if left on the EDGE network.
So, we have all the components to make a 3G iPhone possible why June to September? For one it is one year after launch, time to upgrade. The SDK comes out at the end of the month so who knows what all kinds of great new things the iPhone will be able to do and 3G will only enhance this. June-September is close enough to the Christmas buying season to get people geared up and wishing and help Apple meet their 10 million units sold by 2009. Combine this with the rumors of production of the current iPhone being reduced and a rumor of a new company supplying a new component to Apple that would go in a cell phone you get a new phone showing up soon. If you want a 3G iPhone get in line, as long as it is behind me.