Software Updates
As part of our increasing dependency upon software, we have also grown accustomed to its associated foibles, especially the negative ones. Today, I upgraded my blog from Squarespace 7.0 to 7.1 and my PC operating system from Windows 10 to 11. I started early in the morning and ensured that all my personal data was backed up. My default expectation was that both processes would go wrong in some way, shape or form. Let’s take a moment to consider this mindset, which is born out of experience. It is now taken as read that whatever you upgrade, be it an app on your phone or a program on your PC, that it’s going to be problematic. It won’t be a seamless transition and you’ll end up having to do some sort of troubleshooting. Despite our lives becoming more dependent on such software, the quality of these products seems to be deteriorating. What a sorry state of affairs.
New Phone? No Thanks
I last bought a new phone in March 2022. At the time I decided to move away from Samsung after a decade of brand loyalty and try the Google Pixel 6. Let it suffice to say that I have found this handset to be most satisfactory. I like the size. It fits into the front pocket of my jeans. Its overall performance is very good and it has no issue running any of the apps that I regularly use. Subsequent software updates have improved some aspects of the camera, which initially had a poor zoom. Overall the good points of the Google Pixel 6 outweigh its flaws. Hence despite being 3 years old I am happy to keep using it. I have looked at what the subsequent iterations of the Google Pixel have to offer and I really don’t see any significant improvements or benefits. So despite being offered a handset upgrade by Vodafone, I have decided against one.
Star Trek Online: Budget D7
The current Klingon Recruitment Event in Star Trek Online is a great opportunity for new and returning players. The revamped Klingon storyline really hits the mark, offering an adventure that is packed to the gunwales with lore appropriate themes and homages. Basically you get to shout Qapla' a lot and while dispatching your enemies with the business end of your bat'leth. You even get to fight alongside Kahless the Unforgettable himself. Cryptic certainly know how to use their license effectively, offering not only a fanservice but a genuinely well conceived narrative. So let it suffice to say, I created a new Klingon alt (choosing a Discovery era Klingon this time round) and have powered through the four story arcs. K’Olin has now reached level 52 and the rank of Lieutenant General. I have benefited greatly by reclaiming gear and equipment that has been account unlocked by other alts.