My Tech Predictions for 2012

Almost a month into 2012 and I think it is going to be a great year for technology. There will be many new products and services this year and I'd like to highlight a few things that I think are going to take off.

1.  The Synchronized Cloud

The cloud is a service that allows users to store their files and data offsite so that they can quickly access them from their Internet-connected device. The cloud has been around for several years now with services like dropbox and google docs. Last year we saw the emergence of Apple's iCloud and the beginning of synchronized cloud computing. One of the things I really like about having a synchronized cloud is you no longer have to upload your files manually. Now you can take pictures with your phone and they will automatically be saved to your dropbox folder or to your photostream on the iCloud. I think synchronized cloud computing will really start to take off this year and we will start to see more and more files and data synchronized or automatically saved to the cloud.

2. HTML5 becomes the standard

Any tech savvy user will remember the bout between Steve Jobs and Adobe's Flash Player. Steve Jobs said the performance and reliability of Flash player was poor and said his devices would not adopt Flash. If you want to read his thoughts on flash you can see it here. With HTML 5 starting to become the standard I can see a whole new window of possibilities on the web.   HTML is the source code of webpages - the basic building blocks of any webpage. For several years websites have had to rely on other browser plugins like Flash, Java, and silverlight to make their website look more "flashy" or to embed sound and video. Flash has revolutionized the Internet but it has also been one of the biggest causes for browser crashes. HTML 5 enables you to embed these types of elements without the need of third party browser plugins. If you keep your web browser up to date then you are probably already ready for HTML 5. I would like to point out that HTML 5 is also another reason that the Cloud will become more successful. HTML 5 will end the need for Nativ applications on a device. You will no longer have a device that has to have the app in order to use the service. Check out some HTML 5 coded websites for yourself:

Tron: Legacy

Cut the Rope

The Wilderness Downtown - If you visit any you need to see this one. I think you'll be amazed at what it does.

Universeries

3. Apple TV (A TV Set)

An excerpt from Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson:

"I'd like to create an integrated television set that is completely easy to use. It would be seamlessly synched with all of your devices and with iCloud. It will have the simplest user interface you could imagine. I finally cracked it."

I predict that we will see an Apple Keynote this year for the new Apple TV set.

4.  Cheap Tablet Explosion

We will start to see an explosion of tablets available in the $100 range. Personally I think you get what you pay for but there will be a market out there for this. This will be a hug leap for education systems and communication in developing countries.

5. Pinterest

A really neat new social network designed by a very simple concept. Basically when you come across something on the Internet that you would like to remember and share you can pin it to one of your virtual pin boards. Your homepage is filled with pins from all other users that you follow and you can find plenty of cool ideas they have also pinned.  You can also navigate different categories and view other pins by users you don't follow.  I think Pinterest has got off to a great start and that we have yet to see all of Pinterest's capabilities. Here is a short video about Pinterest:

A Soft Spot for Linux

The Cube Desktop Switcher

It has been several years since I used Linux as the Operating System for my PC. There was a time when that was all I used at home. I had a maxed out Sony Vaio and Windows kept giving me fits so I finally opted for Linux. I knew it wouldn't be an easy transition since 95% of the market share was Windows. It was, however, a challenge. Something new for me to learn.  Something to keep me occupied in my spare time. Getting Windows-specific applications to run on it using "Wine" and other techniques.  I was able to get the first Call of Duty videogame to run on it after several weeks of tinkering with it. I believe it was about 3 years all together that my household solely used Linux.



I know there are many people that would be scared to even give it a try but its really not all that difficult. These days a user can run Linux flavors that look and feel almost identical to Windows. I'll admit its a nightmare to install incompatible software or hardware but if you are just looking for a basic computer with word processor and maybe some games and music don't overlook this OS. They always say it's the Hacker's choice of OS and yeah that is true but I'm going to say it should be taken into consideration for anyone looking for a safe, secure, and more reliable OS.  If you can stay within the boundaries of Linux ( Use software designed for Linux) then there is no way Linux is any harder to use for the end-user than Windows.

Free TV Channels

It was after many years playing with Linux that I started to get a little burned out on messing with it. I was always trying to figure out some new way to tweak it or how to make something designed for Windows work on it. I installed Linux on my first iPod and installed Duke Nukem on it (fun accomplishment but not fun to play). I installed it on my PS3 and used it to watch Hulu (before the Hulu+ app came out for the PS3). It got to be where I was out of ideas and electronics to install it on. I was ready for something new.  That's when I made the move to Apple.

I am now a big fan of Apple and I probably will be for a long time. I dont have the time that I used to to play with and tinker with my computer like I used to when I had Linux. Fortunately I rarely have to do that with my Apple hardware because everything works perfect 99% of the time. I can plug my devices in and never have to click a button to get exactly what I want transferred between the two. Synchronization at its finest. Everything is user-friendly on a Mac and all the programs work together flawlessly.

I didn't choose to get rid of Linux for a Mac. My idea was that I was tired of using Linux and I wanted to try something new for a change. I never had played with a Mac before and so I decided that my next computer would be an Apple. It turned out great because here I am using it almost 5 years later it it is still running just as smoothly as when I bought it.

Fire minimize and maximize effects

Today I got to play with Linux for the first time in a long time. It hasn't changed too much but it did bring back some old memories. I think I'm going to make a virtual linux machine on my Mac just to play around with it again. Who knows? Maybe someday I will make the switch back again. Maybe someday my iMac will be too outdated for the latest OSX software and I will have no option but to install Linux instead. Sounds like a fun project for the future.

BTW - the Sony Vaio I mentioned earlier is still running well with Win7 and its about 10 years old now.

Camping/Offroading ideas?

Here lately I have been thinking about going camping somewhere. It has almost been two years since the last time. My kids were both too young to remember the last time they went camping and I have heard both of them talk about it lately. I would like to go somewhere I haven't been before. Probably out of state and with plenty of offroading because I haven't had that thrill in years either.  Something like this:

I've wanted to go there and try that trail since I first discovered it.


Will be going to the Grand Canyon this summer so maybe we can find a place to camp out up that way. I have heard great things about Moab. I know its just a little bit further out of the way but it looks like a lot of fun.

Looks pretty fun to me! If anyone knows of a good place let me know because it's not as easy to find in West Texas as one might think. I've done Big Bend and Fort Davis and Some other places in Hill Country but I have yet to find anything as challenging as some of the places out of state.


Can't wait

I quit smoking for New Year

Going to start a blog for the new year. We'll see how well I keep it up but I just thought I would try it out since I haven't blogged in years..

To kick things off my new years resolution was to quit smoking and today is my 7th day. Been trying to keep myself busy and my mind occupied on other things. The cravings are strong but they don't seem to last that long. I know that a lot of articles I have read say it is best to tell friends and family for support but that just makes me feel like there will be more disappointment if I fail. I'm going to try my best...