You might have noticed that I was spending some time over at WinBeta.org as a Senior Editor–you can check out all of my writing there via this link. I was having a blast, and as a long-time WinBeta reader, I couldn’t think of a better site for my Microsoft-focused ramblings. I’m also working as […]
There’s Nothing Paradoxical About Microsoft’s Strategy
July 13, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I’ve been meaning to comment on an article I read a few weeks ago that made a fascinating statement about Microsoft’s new cross-platform strategy. It’s written by Andrew Cunningham at the always-excellent arstechnica.com, and it’s titled “You win, Microsoft: How I accidentally went back to Microsoft Word.” The piece is generally good, and makes mostly […]
Microsoft Band: A Very Initial Review (Update: Returning it)
April 1, 2015 by 2 Comments
Update: Since writing this post, three things have happened. First, I’ve been unable to resolve a connectivity issue with the Lumia 830. Periodically, the Band disconnects from the Lumia and I need to fiddle with the phone to get things connected again. Second, I’ve found sunlight legibility to indeed be an issue. And third, iPhone functionality is […]
What Is Productivity?
March 24, 2015 by 1 Comment
What is “productivity”? This is an important question for me, given that I’m working to turn this blog from one that’s a bit scattershot to one that’s laser-focused on how technology can make us more productive. It’s also important for Microsoft, given that they’re making a transition of their own from a company offering proprietary solutions […]
A Case Study in Technology Compromise: Parental Control Software
March 22, 2015 by Leave a Comment
Compromises Abound Parental control software may not seem like much of a productivity topic at first glance, but given the importance of technology in raising kids today, the ability to control access to computing resources is vital. While some people assert that kids shouldn’t be “controlled” this way, I’d bet that most of them aren’t parents and haven’t been […]
Google is Abandoning Me, and So I’m Abandoning Google
March 17, 2015 by 4 Comments
Given Google’s willingness to abandoning major projects, with Google+ as potentially the latest victim, I’ve decided to abandon Google. I’m not doing this in a vacuum: since making a concerted effort to go entirely cross-platform, I’ve found that relying on Google properties makes things unecessarily difficulat, particularly on Windows Phone. And so, watching Google doing away […]
Microsoft’s Superbowl Ads Were Genius
February 2, 2015 by Leave a Comment
I have a number of other posts I’m working on aimed at exploring where Microsoft and the larger technology industry are headed. It’s a complex set of topics, really, because in my opinion tech is going through some of the most significant changes in the last decade (or more)–the next 12-24 months will likely determine […]
The 8 Best Things About Windows Phone 8.1
August 24, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I’m working on a one-month (or so) review of Windows Phone 8.1. In the meantime, I thought I’d list the top 8 things I like best about the latest version of Microsoft’s plucky mobile operating system. Here’s a hint: I like it, and more than I like Android. 1. User Interface The UI is a broad […]