blaHCL Presents

This Made My Day… Or Year!!

blaHCL — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 02:31:20 +0000

I’m thrilled!!! Didn’t know I’d actually got chosen. Can’t wait to go to Disney next year!! Anyone wanna join me? (announcement video after the jump. Warning: auto-play)

Playing In a Sandbox

blaHCL — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 22:42:53 +0000

I’ve always enjoyed the “sandbox” OS environment Apple created within their products. However, when iPhone launched in 2007, I felt that sandbox restriction became the biggest flaw on this device/platform. I understand, and appreciate, the claims that sandbox environment provides a more controlled and stable user experience. But as a smartphone, the ability to install apps on the device is almost a standard feature. In that department, iPhone pales in comparison to Windows Mobile’s versitility.
One of Windows Mobile’s biggest strength, as is with most Microsoft platforms, is third party app support. There is a variety of productivity suites available on WinMobile, and there are websites like Handango where you can obtain these software, which helps make finding apps you need a rather painless process. From day one, I had hoped Apple will soon open up iPhone to third party developers so that we can finally see iPhone more than an iPod with tagged on phone functionality.

Due to “popular demand,” Apple finally caved and launched their long waited iTunes AppStore on July 10th, 2008. While this is a step in the right direction, Apple still is hesitant on truely breaking down the wall. AppStore launched with over 500 apps on day one. Among the 500, plenty were “crap-ware” (did anyone actually pay $5 for a flashlight app that turns your screen white? I can do that in Safari with one line of HTML thank-you-very-much) or derivative versions on games like Sudoku and poker.

TUAW recently posted am interesting article suggesting possible reasons behind this “phenomenon.” Turns out Apple has greatly limited what developers can and cannot put on their shiny device. Among the cannot’s: any brands/trademarks you don’t own (i.e. no Netflix queue app unless Netflux makes one), and no “plug-in” apps, meaning that no app can run in the background or in ways that alter behaviors of other apps, native or not (i.e. no camera zoom/video recording, or iPod enhancements of any sort).

Some think these restrictions are aimed at curbing potential lawsuits and to maintain a friendly and stable operating environment. But truth be told, firmware 2.0 is by far the worst upgrade I’ve seen in Apple’s recent history. It made iPhone even less stable than any WinMobile device I’ve ever used.

Almost every single app had either crashed or rebooted my phone at least once. The installation process takes much longer than it should over WiFi, and syncing apps with iTunes is painfuly slow. If the SDK limitations were set forth to pretain a seamless user experience, Apple has apparently dropped the ball.

In any case, 2.0.1 firmware was released today. We’ll see how things go with the new update, and if any of these issues are addressed.

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-22

blaHCL — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

WordPress for iPhone is coming soon! Good news for WP bloggers out there! http://iPhone.wordpress.net/ #
@noi think the phone needs some discipline!! Drop it in a bucket of iced water to cool it off! #
@noi once Golden Shellback launches commercially, you might just change you view on that :p #
@noi it’s basically a protective coating to make things water-proof. google it up. #
Didn’t want to bombard fellow twinklers…. Switching to twitteriffic. #
@noi what about coffee? I don’t drink them~ #
@noi I’ll see ya after sunrise! #
8gb isn’t quite doing it for me anymore. Too many vids, podcasts, and apps to load up… But i’m still not ready for iPhone 3G yet! #
@icounsel4food how poor is the 3G battery? Have to check the price for a 16gb EDGE. #
@nickmonti I was one of those suckers who got the phone in week 1. It was this or the 4gb… #
@nickmonti yeah better wait for the 32gb and fw 2.0.1. The whole app crashing is a bit annoying. #
@icounsel4food that kinda defeats the whole purpose of upgrading doesn’t it? #
Bedtime it is. Long day tomorrow, I can tell… #
Good morning twinkle! Time for work! #
I was right. Day was hectic!!!! #

WordPress iPhone App

blaHCL — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:45:30 +0000

WordPress 1.0 is finally out on iPhone. I’m going to take this app out for a test drive over the next few days/weeks. Right now the feature feels fairly basic, with functionality mainly focused on blog posts.

Some of the basic blog settings are there: category, tags, and edit previous entries. I also like how it allows you to save drafts locally and upload it once you have better data/wifi connection. Makes us EDGE user’s life a lot easier.

As far as blog posts are concerned, iPhone currently does not support copy and paste, so embedding video and links is going to be a pain. I also don’t know if HTML will work (and the ”more” cut off function). Will test that out later if I can remember how to type those tags… It does feature an integrated browser (safari) to preview your blog posts, which should prove a handy tool down the road.

Some improvement I’d hope to see in the future: command shortcuts, tag selection, and photo embedding (now it only allows adding a gallery). My biggest concern though? Battery life. My iPhone barely lasts me through the day as it is now, I don’t see how this app is going to make things any better… Surprisingly, typing on the virtual keyboard never seems to be a big issue for me. Guess I have small hands and tiny fingers?

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-21

blaHCL — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Apartment still needs cleaning, but it’s bed time. Cleaning will have to wait… (I miss my Roomba) #
Was really hot this morning. But now it feels just right! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-19

blaHCL — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@ofirkaner I don’t think apple would allow you to downgrade via iTunes… #
Anyone know how to get to “friends only” view in twinkle? #
@mikesgroove thanks!! Somehow my account doesn’t register. So I’m still seeing the public stream… #
@mikesgroove guess I’ve got to be a bit more patient… I kinda miss the iHack version twinkle better ATM #
Using iPhone 2.0 reminds me a lot of my old WinMobile Dopod… FreezeALot… #
Think I found my Twinkle problem. It forces me to follow random tweeters, and I cannot “unfollow” anyone… #
@Glycerine auto sends random tweets? Haven’t seen that one happened yet… I can unfollow, but twinkle refollows them upon refresh… #
Monk and Psych season premiere are just meh. Avatar series finale on the other hand looks awesome! Can’t wait!! #
So hard to get things done on a weekend. Nothing opens!!! #
The Polyphonic Spree = great weekend music!! Avatar starting in 30 min, and PS3 download is crazy slow. #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-17

blaHCL — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@fotograaf oh right!! I remember that ad now! They even played that ad in the cabs back in shanghai. #
@ceirelav whoa deep breath there!! See, the thing is, Japanese can be typed entirely in English alphabets too… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-16

blaHCL — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@kunre that game room looks awesome!! Is that civilization revolution? #
@fotograaf I think that translate into you really like something about Chinese? What’s zhongguo ying? #
@ceirelav Chinese displays properly in Twitteriffic. So I’m covered. I’m also using pinyin to type Chinese on iPhone now~ #
@ceirelav oh wake up!! How many people in the world actually uses 注音? Plus I also think it’s easier to have a standardized alphabet system #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-15

blaHCL — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

My god what’s wrong with iPhone 2.0 firmware?? It’s crashing like WinME!! Plus every app is frigging lagging! Get it together Apple!!! #
Also, 2.0 seems to drain battery much faster than 1.1.4. Even on iPhone EDGE. Weird. #
iPhone… Xbox 360… MacBook… Bluray movies… games… or a house… I want it all!! Saving isn’t easy. Not one bit!!! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-14

blaHCL — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@noi why the switch again?? #
Okay just finished Stardust the second time. Still love it. Robert DeNiro is HILARIOUS. He and Robin Williams should do Bird Cage 2. #
Bedtime. Good night world! #
Oh and I bit the bullet and subscribed to MobileMe. So far so good. The push to iPhone is indeed instantaneous!! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-13

blaHCL — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@leolaporte I’d recommend twittelator over twitterofic. there’s no ad, it’s free, and I think it’s got better layout and functionality too. #
@lomarbin I think I’d get the white phone this time around. if I get around to buy one, that is. #
Slept from 7pm to 7am. Now I’m ready for Sunday!! #
This stuff is the yums!! http://twitpic.com/3vy3 #
@lomarbin why are you working on Sunday?? #
Going to the mall for some clothes (need to do laundry too). Maybe also pick up a 3G on the way. We’ll see… Black or white??? #
@lomarbin yes you should. And the at&t I’m the mall ran out. So it’s not meant to be for me. #
Wow Stardust is a BRILLIANT movie!! Adventure, comedy, fantasy, action… It’s got it all!!! Now I have to find Bluray for it… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-12

blaHCL — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

should I buy the iPhone 3G today? Or should I hold out longer? #
@lomarbin depends on him. twitterlator is a good app. so is yelp! remote is also a neat free app. why are you ok front page? #
@ceirelav activation problem is resolved. if I get it, black or white? #
@lomarbin oh, and bloomberg and ap news are great apps too, if you want news on your phone. #
it’s quite a shame twitelator doesn’t support international languages. some of the characters aren’t showing up properly. #
@lomarbin but black is so prone to fingerprints… on the other hand, white is a tad feminime… decisions decisions!!! #
Aurora Feint is a GREAT iPhone game. making the deal sweater (300% more sugar), it’s FREE!!! I love the app store. #
@Veronica i’d go grab some food, come back, and reclaim the comfy chair with power… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-11

blaHCL — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Farewell my beloved twinkle. I’m leaving you for firmware 2.0 and twitteriffic. We’ve had fun together. Until you’re on AppSrore… Goodbye! #
Twitteriffic app on iPhone is pretty decent freeware! Think I’m over twinkle now… #
Good morning Friday! You’re a very special day! #
@ceirelav when are you leaving for SH? #
@ceirelav not yet. wanna wait it out a bit. but I’m on firmware 2.0 now #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-10

blaHCL — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@ceirelav I don’t remember who, but someone told me it was awful… #
Is there some sort of concert in NY today that I didn’t know about??? #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-09

blaHCL — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

PS3 updated. But none of the games have trophies… Back to WiiWare. #
My room is in utter chaotic mess!! Must clean up. But me bed is calling… I need a maid to clean… Maybe cook too… #
@kunre was thinking about getting that game, but wasn’t sure if it holds up. Its that good? I’m also looking forward to de blob. #
I have to stop falling asleep after midnight!! Especially when I could’ve slept at 10… #
Path train is down again… Look atthe crowd!! http://snipurl.com/2vrp8 #
A walk by the river front? Quite relaxing!! http://snipurl.com/2vrvu #
@ceirelav I swam home #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-08

blaHCL — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Holy sukiyaki!! It was a crazy hot day!! And a long work day too!!! #
Oh no… I think I’m sleep deprived today… And there’s gonna be a meeting in the afternoon. Not good!! #
@kunre yeah but I’m especially deprived of sleep today… Almost didn’t make it out of bed… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-07

blaHCL — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

It’s Monday! Four more days till iPhone Easter! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-06

blaHCL — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Looking at: Japanese iPhone video tour. The legion of International Steveness Drome is freaking me out… ( http://tinyurl.com/5ooosp ) #
Gotta say goodbye to Twinkle Sticker theme in a week and upgrade to 2.0! Im getting all teared up… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-05

blaHCL — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@lomarbin it was that big of a shock huh? #
I used my HP printer like twice since I bought it. Now the paper doesnt feed properly and scanner doesnt work over Airport… #
@ceirelav A should apologize out of CHC. But B should also apologize for not locking the door… #
Weather like this really downs me… Spent all day at home. Bummer!! Off to watch more Fukuhara and Doraemon… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-04

blaHCL — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@kurayaminomu got it. Thanks!! I’ll check it out one if these days! #
@ofirkaner “bcc” is a 2.0 only feature. Wait till July 11th and download the update. #
Looks like its gonna rain soon… #
Cue Charlotte Martin to start the day off!! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-03

blaHCL — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@kurayaminomu hilarious! where’s that manga store? #
Weirdest dream ever. I dreamt I was a ghost buster hunting ghosts in my supposedly home… #
Have a sudden yet strong crave for some iced cold Coors… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-02

blaHCL — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@ceirelav what? Bo? Tila tequila?? #
Second day of work. Still won’t get computer access till next week #
@lomarbin yeah. Yesterday was the first. #
I’m grateful to work with such a smart and dedicated team. It’s been a pleasant week so far! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-07-01

blaHCL — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

@ceirelav I’d love to go to Hamptons!!! #
Work tomorrow… Still jetlagging slightly… Not a good sign! #
Whoa! Leopard froze on me! Had to force shut down my mac. That’s a first!! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-30

blaHCL — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 03:59:59 +0000

So much to do today… Maybe I should watch wall-e and wanted today… #
Done with paperwork and banking errands. Now in doc office. Then lunch, house cleaning, and off to wall-e and maybe wanted. #
What kind of doctors office doesnt accept credit cards?? #
@jonserr seriously. Need to find a better one next time… #
→_→ This mini game is strangely addicting, and incredibly endearing! ( http://tinyurl.com/4vvyho ) #
Not in the mood for movies now… Will wait till the long weekend instead. #
Wish vacation was longer… Good thing long weekend is coming up. What’s everyone doing for July 4th? #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-29

blaHCL — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Holy crap! Its been 3 days and I’m still crazy jetlagging! Have to work on Tuesday… >.< #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-28

blaHCL — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Curious about: “ZOMG! Absinthe Gummi Bears | Serious Eats : New York” ( http://tinyurl.com/6oeavf ) #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-22

blaHCL — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Don’t just keep it clean. Keep cleaning, people!! http://twitpic.com/2mi6 #
@ceirelav did you even listen to yourself when you asked that? We’re talking about AT&T here. Of course I’m on WiFi. #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-19

blaHCL — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Any recommendation on what to do in Sganghai? I’m bored… #
Crops circle with hidden Pi in it. Real or fake? I call PS! http://snipurl.com/2kwon #
That glorified screensaver at Phily Comcast Centre looks pretty badass (via Engadget). We need one in Time Square! #
That glorified screensaver at Phily Comcast Centre looks pretty badass (via Engadget). We need one in Time Square! #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-18

blaHCL — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Rain rain go away!! Let me have a sunny day!! #
No Japan for me this time around… #

Twitter Digest for 2008-06-17

blaHCL — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 03:59:59 +0000

Probably won’t make it to Japan. I’m switching travel agency… #
Can’t wait to try out Spore creator #
Will give JP itinerary one more push tomorrow. Bedtime for now. #