Monday, July 29, 2013

Semantic Versioning 2.0.0

Semantic Versioning 2.0.0:

"Given a version number MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH, increment the:
MAJOR version when you make incompatible API changes,
MINOR version when you add functionality in a backwards-compatible manner, and
PATCH version when you make backwards-compatible bug fixes.Additional labels for pre-release and build metadata are available as extensions to the MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH format."


Sunday, July 28, 2013

PhoneGap 3.0

Chariot Solutions: PhoneGap 3.0


Historically PhoneGap and Cordova, the open source project behind PhoneGap, were almost identical. This has changed with the release of 3.0.
Prior to 3.0, PhoneGap was distributed as an archive which was downloaded and unzipped to install. Now, both PhoneGap and Cordova are distributed as command line tools, which are installed via the node.js package manager, npm. Both Cordova and PhoneGap can be installed on your machine at the same time...

With 3.0, the Cordova distribution provides the core functionality to embed a webview (browser) into a native application. Cordova is distributed without any of the plugins installed. This allows you to only install the functionality you need, simplifies your code base, and reduces the amount of code in your app.


Interesting platfrom/plugins architecture

Nintendo Controller Drives Prius

Hackers Can Take Over Cars and Drive Them With a Nintendo Controller

"The hack... requires plugging into a vehicle's electronic control unit through a diagnostics port, as researchers Charlie Miller and Chris Valasek did on a 2010 Ford Escape and Toyota Prius. From there, software written by the pair overrode commands the driver gave the car—including accleration, braking and steering. Gauges also were manipulated to show ludicrous speeds or zero fuel. "

Is it time to regulate interfaces to devices,(at least cars)
to require user controllable security, with default "high".

Saturday, July 27, 2013

Amazon.com Sales Tax

Amazon.com Help: About Sales Tax on Items Sold by Amazon.com:
"Items sold by Amazon.com LLC, or its subsidiaries, and shipped to destinations in the following states are subject to tax:

Arizona
California
Kansas
Kentucky
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Pennsylvania
Texas
Washington"

Amazon.com Slips Back Into The Red With $7M Q2 Loss @ Forbes

Changing The Tax System To Tax Amazon When Amazon Doesn't Make Any Profits

The company reported a net loss of $7m in the quarter to June 30, compared with a profit of $7m a year earlier, as revenues grew to $15.7bn. The world’s largest online retailer has been spending heavily on order fulfilment and digital content rights, which continue to weigh on margins.

NJ: As a portion of that deal, Amazon promised to invest $130 million in two state-of-the-art distribution centers, and the state said the e-commerce retailer will be eligible to apply for economic incentives to build those facilities...

The Christie administration estimates that Amazon will collect between $30 million and $40 million in sales taxes within the first 12 months.

yUML: Create UML diagrams online

Create UML diagrams online in seconds, no special tools needed.



// Cool Class Diagram
[Customer]<>-orders*>[Order]
[Order]++-0..*>[LineItem]
[Order]-[note:Aggregate root.]

Neo4j Try Cypher online

Neo4j, the Graph Database - Try querying different graphs with Cypher online

(Asus) Google Nexus 7 (2013)

Google Nexus 7 (2013) - CNET Reviews

Full HD screen, faster, thinner and lighter than previous generation device (left:old, right:new)

" at $230 (for 16GB), it's still an affordable tablet with one of the highest values in the market, despite a $30 price hike over the previous generation. The $270 32GB Wi-Fi model and $350 4G LTE version are even better values, especially compared with similar configurations of the iPad Mini. ...The 2012 version of the Nexus 7 is still a great tablet supported by the latest version of Android and starts now at $150 (at Walmart) "

iPad mini is currently best sold tablet, and with Nexus 7 it is getting some real competition.

Google: 25% of North American Internet Traffic

Google Serves 25 Percent of North American Internet Traffic | Wired Enterprise | Wired.com

"Everyone knows Google is big. But the truth is that it’s huge. On an average day, Google accounts for about 25 percent of all consumer internet traffic running through North American ISPs...Three years ago, the company’s services accounted for about 6 percent of the internet’s traffic."

RAD Apps

SalesForce used to advertise "no software" software.
Now some call is "no code" cloud apps...
Rapid App Delivery, or even older name "CASE tools" :)

In the cloud, code doesn't need developers | Development environments - InfoWorld

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Surface RT, 32 GB: $349

Surface RT - Microsoft Store


Microsoft is getting more realistic about price of Surface...
It may work this time...

iPad 16 GB WiFi is $399, and it is using memory more efficiently, has bigger screen, higher screen resolution, longer battery life, more apps...

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Intel $200 notebooks

Intel suggests $200 android notebooks

ChromeOS based notebooks are already available for $250 with ARM CPU,
so Intel's Atom price is getting competitive...

Nokia Lumia 1020 - 41Mpx

Nokia Lumia 1020 - Smartphones - CNET Reviews

$299 + 2year contract on at&t.
For this much money could buy a "real" good camera...
Smartphones are new PC, and they may have "too many features" already.
Is the market ready for a new disruption, by even smaller devices?

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Nikola Tesla birthday - Google, Bing, Semantic Web

nikola tesla birthday - Google Search




The new Google's "Knowlege Graph" is essentially
the start of realization of promise of the Semantic Web.
Besides links, now there is a mini-summary of related information on the side.

How about Bing? The same thing :)
@ Bing

Happy Birthday, Nikola Tesla: Model S is Making the Name Proud
Tesla Motors: $125, Nasdaq-100

Tuesday, July 09, 2013

HUD navigation for $130

Garmin launches HUD-based in-car navigation for just $130 | ExtremeTech

"Garmin just sliced the cost of head-up displays from more than $1,000 to just $130 with the introduction of a stick-on-the-dash HUD that projects navigation information on your windshield (pictured above)"

Quotes: Finding Your Passion In Work

Finding Your Passion In Work: 20 Awesome Quotes | LinkedIn



150 Leaders on LinkedIn

LinkedIn has a twist on social networking, by limiting number of people who can be followed to 150. There may be some graph theory behind, or just preventing misuse

Introducing the Ability to Follow Thought Leaders on LinkedIn | Official LinkedIn Blog:
"150 of the most influential thought leaders on LinkedIn who will be sharing unique knowledge and professional insights."

Monday, July 08, 2013

8" tablets

Acer W3 8-inch Windows 8 tablet: First impressions

Windows 8 tablets are simply overpriced.
iPad mini is $329, Acer W3 is $429.99 (or $379)
iPad is smaller, nicer. No surprise iPad (in the middle of picture) is selling very well...

iPad mini reportedly accounted for over 60% of Apple’s tablet sales last quarter: "The iPad mini has been extremely successful for Apple since it launched late last year. How successful? Well according to a new report, it accounted for more than 60% of the 19.5 million tablets the company sold last quarter."

Asus $129 7-inch HD tablet


Computex 2013: Asus shows Trio 3-in-1, $149 7-inch HD tablet | ZDNet

"While the Trio was unusual, the most impressive new product from Acer is the MeMO Pad HD 7, a nice-looking 7-inch tablet that will cost only $129 with 8GB of storage and $149 with 16GB. The Memo Pad HD 7 has a 1280x800 IPS display with wide viewing angles, a MediaTek MT6589 1.5GHz quad-core processor, 1GB of memory, a 1.2MP front camera and optional 5MP rear camera, and Android 4.2 Jelly Bean. "

HERE Transit | Windows Phone App

HERE Transit | Windows Phone Apps+Games Store (United States)


apparently a very good app, from Nokia, for WinPhone

that is from this Hanselminutes podcast with Richard Campbell

This is a benefit of Nokia $6B purchase of NavTeq...
Would it make more money as an iOS app or as a promo for Windows Phone?

Microsoft Live Connect Developer Center

Live Connect Developer Center:

Connect your websites, apps and devices to SkyDrive, Outlook.com, and Skype.

The LiveSDKHelper Portable Library helps you "Live'n" up your apps...

Sunday, July 07, 2013

The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg

a very interesting book: The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg



summary

@ amazon.com

review

THE FRAMEWORK

  • Identify the routine
  • Experiment with rewards
  • Isolate the cue
  • Have a plan

    MIT researchers discovered a simple neurological loop at the core of every habit,
    a loop that consists of three parts: a cue, a routine, and a reward.


    A (detailed!) Summary of ‘The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business’ by Charles Duhigg

  • Augmented Reality Sky Guide / Sky Map

    iOS: $1.99
    Sky Guide: View Stars Night or Day for


    "A window to the stars has never been more beautiful and easy to use. Just aim your iPhone or iPad at the sky to identify stars, planets and more in any direction you point. Experience the wonders of the night in ways you’ve only dreamed of."

    Android Google Play: free, open source
    Sky Map

    Augment - 3D Augmented Reality

    Augment - 3D Augmented Reality - Android Apps on Google Play




    @ iOS App Store

    Saturday, July 06, 2013

    Android mp3 player app with variable speed

    iOS comes with audio player that can play on double speed
    without making it sound as chipmunk. But no options. 2x or 1x.
    On Android, there is at least one free app that can provide
    speed up, speed down, and pitch control. Nice.

    Maple Lite for Audiobooks - Android Apps on Google Play

    "MP3 player for audiobooks, podcasts, and lectures with variable playback speed.
    Supported formats : mp3, ogg, wav(pcm)
    Features:
    * Browse and play your audio by folders, albums, and artists
    * Variable speed (slow/fast playback)
    Change playback speed (0.25x - 4.00x) with the same pitch
    * Pitch Control
    Change pitch from -0.5 to +0.5 octave (-6.00 to +6.00 semitones)"

    Friday, July 05, 2013

    Project Euler

    Project Euler


    "Project Euler is a series of challenging mathematical/computer programming problems that will require more than just mathematical insights to solve. Although mathematics will help you arrive at elegant and efficient methods, the use of a computer and programming skills will be required to solve most problems.

    The motivation for starting Project Euler, and its continuation, is to provide a platform for the inquiring mind to delve into unfamiliar areas and learn new concepts in a fun and recreational context."


    F# for Project Euler Problems

    Project Euler F# Solutions

    C# solutions for Project Euler

    JavaScript solutions to the Project Euler problems

    Google's Project Loon

    Google's Project Loon proposes internet distributed by high flying balloons (video)@ engadget

    How Google Will Use High-Flying Balloons to Deliver Internet to the Hinterlands @ Wired



    Google X Announces Project Loon: Balloon-Powered Internet For Rural, Remote And Underserved Areas @ TechCrunch


    Thursday, July 04, 2013

    Protocol Buffers @ .NET / c#

    c# - How fast or lightweight Is Protocol Buffer? - Stack Overflow:

    There are multiple .NET tools that implement Google's Protocols Buffers


    Jon Skeets:
    https://code.google.com/p/protobuf-csharp-port/

    "Protocol Buffers" is a binary serialization format and technology, released to the open source community by Google in 2008.

    There are various implementations of Protocol Buffers in .NET. This project is a fairly close port of the Google Java implementation.



    Marc Gravel's:
    https://code.google.com/p/protobuf-net/

    protocol buffers is the name of the binary serialization format used by Google for much of their data communications. It is designed to be:
    • small in size - efficient data storage (far smaller than xml) 
    • cheap to process - both at the client and server 
    • platform independent - portable between different programming architectures 
    • extensible - to add new data to old messages 
    protobuf-net is a .NET implementation of this, allowing you to serialize your .NET objects efficiently and easily. It is compatible with most of the .NET family, including .NET 2.0/3.0/3.5, .NET CF 2.0/3.5, Mono 2.x, Silverlight 2, etc.


    https://code.google.com/p/protobuf-net/wiki/Performance

    Protocol Buffers is by far fastest serialization on .NET
    Service Stack .NET Benchmarks
    (Northwind DB Tables .NET Serialization benchmarks)

    using as plugin for ServiceStack


    Protocols Buffers Developer Guide
    Protocol buffers are now Google's lingua franca for data – at time of writing, there are 48,162 different message types defined in the Google code tree across 12,183 .proto files. They're used both in RPC systems and for persistent storage of data in a variety of storage systems.

    Web Essentials, Visual Studio 2013, Browser Link

    Web Essentials 2013 Preview now available - A Visual Studio extension

    "Web Essentials extends Visual Studio 2012 & 2013 with a lot of new features"

    podcast @ hanselminutes
    Mads Kristensen

    Google Reader Alternatives

    Google has discontinues a popular "reader" service...
    "Focus?"

    Google Reader Alternatives and Similar Software - AlternativeTo.net



    http://theoldreader.com/

    This is one alternative site done by 3 people...

    Google can't afford to pay 3 people?
    How many Google users are unhappy for need to look for alternative?
    How about merging reader to Google+?
    A some point, scale of business becomes a problem...

    One-Man-Band vs Orchestra

    Amazing One-Man-Band Street Performer in Croatia (Cigo Man Band) - YouTube: "
    4+ million views on YouTube


    1 thousand views on YouTube


    Observe efficiency difference: one inspired person producing millions of views by happy viewers
    vs. hundreds of "professional" people getting a thousand views... (if not counting national television :)

    SuperComputer "performance-per-watt" list

    Eurora Supercomputer Tops Green500 List - IEEE Spectrum


    These days, cars are evaluated by fuel consumed per kilometer, not their maximum speed. Supercomputers are following this trend, too.

    Wednesday, July 03, 2013

    Douglas Engelbart: "The Mother of All Demos"


    Douglas Engelbart, father of the mouse, dies at 88

    Douglas Engelbart : The Mother of All Demos (1/9) - YouTube:
    "On December 9, 1968, Douglas C. Engelbart and the group of 17 researchers working with him in the Augmentation Research Center at Stanford Research Institute in Menlo Park, CA, presented a 90-minute live public demonstration of the online system, NLS, they had been working on since 1962. The public presentation was a session in the of the Fall Joint Computer Conference held at the Convention Center in San Francisco, and it was attended by about 1,000 computer professionals. This was the public debut of the computer mouse. But the mouse was only one of many innovations demonstrated that day, including hypertext, object addressing and dynamic file linking, as well as shared-screen collaboration involving two persons at different sites communicating over a network with audio and video interface."

    Bing "People & Places" vs Google Knowledge Graph

    Microsoft combats Google Knowledge Graph by adding people and places to Bing Snapshot sidebar - The Next Web

    "Back in August, Google launched its Knowledge Graph product on Search. It’s essentially a sidebar that provides direct contextual information about searches for people, places or things.

    Now, Microsoft has announced that its Bing snapshot sidebar is also adding direct results for famous people and places."


    What's New in Windows 8.1

    Windows 8.1 - What's New, IT Pro Features, Devices, UI | TechNet



    10 New Features in Windows 8.1 Preview that saved my Surface RT - Scott Hanselman

    Monday, July 01, 2013

    ONE ASP.NET + Bootstrap

    Finally, ASP.NET tools is merging into one unified toolset.
    As announced on BUILD 2013, it will also include (twitter) "bootstrap" CSS library/framework, same as jQuery was included before...

    ASP.NET and Web Tools for VS 2013 Preview with One ASP.NET, New HTML Editor, MVC5, SignalR 2, EF 6:

    ASP.NET MVC 4 Bootstrap Layout Template (VS2013/ VS2012)

    Introduction to Bootstrap @ pluralsight

    Windows 8.1

    Windows 8.1 release date, news and features | News | TechRadar



    Download

    Hands On with Windows 8.1: Microsoft's 'do-over' OS is loaded with features

    Windows 8.1 + Bing

    Many Bing APIs are available for Windows 8.1 developers...

    The search in Windows 8.1 is "integrated", so local computer, SkyDrive, web, app store, are all searched in parallel...

    Using Bing Platform Controls to Build Great Windows Apps | Build 2013 | Channel 9



    Bing has capabilities of Speech, Maps, Optical Character Recognition and Translation that can help you add value to your apps across Windows and Windows Phone.

    3D Printing with Windows 8.1

    Windows 8.1 comes with pre-installed drivers/tools for 3D printers

    3D Printing with Windows | Build 2013 | Channel 9

    Watch Neo4j

    Videos of recorded presentations from Neo4j events.

    Watch Neo4j

    "Ask Patents" @ StackExchange

    About - Ask Patents

    "Ask Patents is a question and answer site for people interested in improving and participating in the patent system. It's built and run by you as part of the Stack Exchange network of Q&A sites. With your help, we're working together to find Prior Art on dangerous and overly broad US Patent Applications before they become issued Patents."


    Google Patents site has links to "Ask Patents",
    as well as "Find Prior Art" search. Useful.


    The Patent Protection Racket by Joel Spolsky (co-founder of ScatckExchange)

    @EFF.org