A Year in Technology
My relationship with technology has changed over the years and my enthusiasm has tempered greatly. Having worked in the IT field for 25 years (up until 2016), I have been immersed in technological advancement and due to my age have seen a great deal change. I was at one time an early adopter of anything I considered to be potentially beneficial to me and at times have been guilty of acquiring something “new and shiny” simply for its own sake. I have even flirted with that dubious notion of tech as a fashion accessory. But sometimes age does bring wisdom, so nowadays, I’m a firm believer in finding the sweet spot between “the right tool for the job” and “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. Subsequently, 2018 has not seem me acquire a great deal of new technology. However, what I have bought this year or started using has been well received and useful.
My relationship with technology has changed over the years and my enthusiasm has tempered greatly. Having worked in the IT field for 25 years (up until 2016), I have been immersed in technological advancement and due to my age have seen a great deal change. I was at one time an early adopter of anything I considered to be potentially beneficial to me and at times have been guilty of acquiring something “new and shiny” simply for its own sake. I have even flirted with that dubious notion of tech as a fashion accessory. But sometimes age does bring wisdom, so nowadays, I’m a firm believer in finding the sweet spot between “the right tool for the job” and “if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it”. Subsequently, 2018 has not seem me acquire a great deal of new technology. However, what I have bought this year or started using has been well received and useful.
I managed to keep my ageing PC adequately performing for another 12 months, although I’m pretty sure that everything that can be improved, has been. This year I finally added an SSD as the existing hybrid drive just wasn’t cutting it. Naturally Windows 10 is now performing significantly better and has a much-improved boot up time. The clean installation I carried out has meant that a lot of games are no longer installed and those that are benefit from being on the SSD. At present this is just limited to LOTRO and STO. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey, which I recently bought in a sale, has been placed on a secondary traditional hard drive due to its large size. This new game performs well but I cannot max out the settings, as I did with titles three or four years ago. I think 2019 will see me purchase a new PC but for the present my four-year-old system continues to serve well. However, that is mainly due to a memory upgrade, replacement graphics card and now solid-state drive.
I don’t know about you, but I get through a lot of keyboards and mice. I replace them both at least once a year and sometimes even twice. Keys tend to lose their markings and those that are used the most IE vowels, spacebar and backspace will become less responsive as their mechanism wears out. Similarly, I find that mice lose their left click quickly and that the perspiration from my hands eats through the plastic case. Both of these issues can be remedied by purchasing high quality replacements, but I tend to just buy a standard Microsoft keyboard from the supermarket along with whatever gaming mouse is being discounted. I bought a Trust CXT 105 mouse earlier this year which has the “added novelty” of changing colour. It does however have a fabric covered cable to prevent tangles which does appear to work quite well.
I recently wrote about buying a new tablet and how I eventually opted for the Fire HD 10. Some people don’t care for the device due to the pervasive way the Amazon ecosystem is integrated into the GUI. However, it has zero impact upon the consumption of content and I can read books, comics and watch videos in comfort and on a surprisingly good quality full HD 10-inch screen. 2018 also saw further improvements upon that other Amazon flagship products, the Echo. I originally purchased the first generation “smart speaker” back in November 2016. It continues to be regularly used in our household for news, music and internet enquiries as well as timers and alarms. This is also the third year I have been an Amazon Prime customer and once again, I have reaped the benefits of the subscription. I purchase not only for myself but for other members of my family. Subsequently I have a very eclectic purchasing history that often leads to some curious suggestions.
I acquired a new phone late in 2017 so have now had my Samsung Galaxy S8 over a year. I recently noticed some burn in on the screen so have moved icons and changed background to try and minimise any further problems of this kind. I have endeavoured to not be one of those people who is continuously on my smartphone and I’ve successfully imposed a set of rules to ensure that it is not used all the time, especially in social situations. I have removed a lot of superfluous apps this year focusing on those that seem to access my contacts and location for no valid reason. I have managed to not use Uber Eats excessively although it does make ordering unhealthy food on a whim and having it delivered to your door worryingly too easy. If they ever bring out a similar app for gin, then I may be doomed. The Taxi Card service that allows me to reliably book black cabs at a discounted rate for my disabled parents has been invaluable.
Technology is everywhere and permeates so many aspects of our lives. I order medical supplies for my father online and have an app on my phone that shows me what carers have visited him in the morning and evening and what actions they have taken with regard to his wellbeing. I can email my local pharmacist with prescription requests and have them delivered if required. The internet age certainly has benefits when managing my parents’ affairs. However, as a household we still choose to grocery shop at the actual supermarket, rather than shop exclusively online. And although apps, hardware and web-based services bring a great deal of convenience, they do not provide the social element that traditional face to face transactions bring. Therefore, I continue to try and maintain a healthy balance between the two. I also remain sceptical of so called “free” services that continue to harvest our personal data. Overall, I still think that my life has benefitted by the technology and services that it provides. It remains to be seen whether this equitable balance continues into 2019.
Amazon Fire HD 10
I find that the key to successfully buying any new item of technology is to know in advance exactly what you want from it and setting yourself a realistic budget. The next step, which is detailed research, is the one that I struggle with. Because it always involves a particular foible of human nature that really sets my teeth on edge. Far too many reviewers and technology journalists don’t fully grasp the concept of budgets as well as the idea of committing to the item that they are writing about. IE I often encounter sentiments such as “the Gruntmeister 2000 is a good option, but if you spend a little bit more you can get the 3000 model”. It’s habit that infuriates me. A budget of £100 is exactly just that. No more, no less. Therefore, if a buyer has specified their financial limit then it is illogical, crass and frankly damned rude to mention products that fall outside of that price range. Oh, it makes me want to punch until there’s brain matter on the walls. However, now that we’ve got that out of the way, I managed to track down exactly the new tablet that I needed. Furthermore, I got a bargain as it’s “Black Friday”.
I find that the key to successfully buying any new item of technology is to know in advance exactly what you want from it and setting yourself a realistic budget. The next step, which is detailed research, is the one that I struggle with. Because it always involves a particular foible of human nature that really sets my teeth on edge. Far too many reviewers and technology journalists don’t fully grasp the concept of budgets as well as the idea of committing to the item that they are writing about. IE I often encounter sentiments such as “the Gruntmeister 2000 is a good option, but if you spend a little bit more you can get the 3000 model”. It’s habit that infuriates me. A budget of £100 is exactly just that. No more, no less. Therefore, if a buyer has specified their financial limit then it is illogical, crass and frankly damned rude to mention products that fall outside of that price range. Oh, it makes me want to punch until there’s brain matter on the walls. However, now that we’ve got that out of the way, I managed to track down exactly the new tablet that I needed. Furthermore, I got a bargain as it’s “Black Friday”.
I like to do specific tasks via specific devices. As my phone is constantly with me, I primarily use it to access emails, texts, WhatsApp and Twitter. My desktop PC is where I write, create and edit podcasts and play games. My tablet is mainly for the consumption of content, such as podcasts, e-books and reading comics. The form factor lends itself to comfortably sitting on the sofa, reading a good book. A decent case means it can sit on bathroom unit, while I soak in the bath and listen to one of my favourite shows. And of course, perusing a quality graphic novel on a 10-inch screen is definitely a good way to enjoy the medium. So, bearing all this in mind, I knew in advance that I didn’t need a top end Samsung tablet along with it’s accompanying price tag. It soon became apparent that the Amazon Fire HD 10 would cover all my needs and I am happy to confirm that it certainly does. Its total cost was £100, although I also bought the matching case which added a further £25 on the overall price.
To start with let’s get the “negative” points out of the way first. Samsung and Apple tablets always feel incredibly robust, solid and “good quality” when you handle them. The Amazon Fire HD 10 feels cheaper. That’s not to say fragile because it’s not. But it’s rudimentary plastic build is what it is. The Fire operating system is not pure Android but Amazon’s own customised build. This is optimised towards Amazon’s own eco-system and therefore excludes rival apps. However, it is far from difficult to sideload Google Play store and add those apps you desire. The camera is also below par, but as it’s not really what I bought the table tablet for, it seems irrelevant. Frankly does anyone buy a tablet for the camera? The Amazon Fire HD 10 plus points are by far more important. First off there’s a nice 1920 x 1080 display. Its is sharp bright and vibrant making it eminently suitable for watching movies and streaming content. Battery life is also robust offering 10 hours of “mixed” use. The MediaTek quad-core processor is combined with 2GB of RAM and performs well. Navigation is smooth and there’s no major lag when navigating the interface. And then there’s the price which is approximately a third of the latest iPad.
I bought the 32GB version of the Amazon Fire HD 10, which so far is adequate for my needs. If there are any issues, then I can make use of the microSD card slot which offers up to another 256GB of storage space. Contrary to what I expected I have not had to make too many changes to the UI. I have turned off some of the superfluous Amazon promotional features and have dragged the unnecessary icons into a single tidy folder. I quickly found simple instructions online as to how to install the various Google apps I needed. At present my tablet has both Netflix and Amazon Prime, along with Podcast Addict, You Tube and Challenger Comics Viewer. I have no immediate intention of bloating OS with additional services, although I’m sure it can easily accommodate them. I also like the simple but functional Amazon case that I bought. Overall, I am pleased with this purchase as it has totally met my expectations. Compared to the past where I used to jump in feet first with new tech and tended to be an early adopter, I now favour this more targeted and measured approach. If your tablet needs are equally as straight forward to mine, you too may find the Amazon Fire HD 10 to be the best option currently on the market.
PC Upgrade Time Again
It was this time last year that I increased the RAM from 8GB to 16GB in my PC, and replaced the ageing GeForce GTX 650Ti 2GB, with a relatively better GTX 1050Ti 4GB. The PC is based around an Intel Quad Core i5-3340 3.10GHz processor, which is a third generation Ivy Bridge model circa 2013. Yet despite being five years old, it is still adequate for my gaming, writing and editing podcasts needs. At present, the 2TB Seagate hybrid SSHD that I installed in November 2016 is performing very poorly. Boot up times have grown longer in recent months and despite using the manufacturers diagnostic tools, I cannot find a specific technical problem with the drive or the Windows 10 start-up sequence. So, I have decided to replace the drive with a new SSD and install the operating system on it, then reformat the older SSHD and re-use it for data storage (mainly music and videos).
It was this time last year that I increased the RAM from 8GB to 16GB in my PC, and replaced the ageing GeForce GTX 650Ti 2GB, with a relatively better GTX 1050Ti 4GB. The PC is based around an Intel Quad Core i5-3340 3.10GHz processor, which is a third generation Ivy Bridge model circa 2013. Yet despite being five years old, it is still adequate for my gaming, writing and editing podcasts needs. At present, the 2TB Seagate hybrid SSHD that I installed in November 2016 is performing very poorly. Boot up times have grown longer in recent months and despite using the manufacturers diagnostic tools, I cannot find a specific technical problem with the drive or the Windows 10 start-up sequence. So, I have decided to replace the drive with a new SSD and install the operating system on it, then reformat the older SSHD and re-use it for data storage (mainly music and videos).
I briefly considered replacing the entire PC or at least buying a new motherboard and processor but both options were far from economical. Unlike so many computer related websites and forums, I do understand the underlying concept of working within a budget. After perusing Amazon, I manged to get a SanDisk SSD PLUS 240GB Sata III 2.5-inch Internal SSD and a 2.5-inch HDD/SSD to 3.5-inch HDD mounting frame for £47, including free next day delivery. The plan is to remove the existing drive, fit the SSD and do a fresh installation of Windows 10 and Office 365. As the SSD is only 240GB I shall be reserving the majority of the space for future Windows and Office updates. Therefore Steam, photos, videos and music will all go on another drive. However, I may install the two MMOs that I regularly play (LOTRO and STO) on the new SSD due to the performance boost it will afford them.
While researching this upgrade, I did consider cloning my existing SSHD to avoid having to re-install and migrate everything on it, but that meant having to purchase a 2TB SSD (at a cost of £300 minimum) or having to tinker with the cloning process to only copy specific files to fit a smaller sized drive. Such a strategy would be time consuming and increase the chance of errors occurring. Hence manually re-installing programs and migrating data is the path I have chosen. It at least affords me the opportunity to do some housekeeping on my current data. There are files that can be purged and games and programs that don’t require being re-installed. However, it will still prove to be a long process and I will not be content until I have essential items such as Outlook, fully replaced. The only other factor to consider is when is the optimum time to start this project. Sadly, it is not something that can be automated but requires user intervention in real time. If things go wrong expect another blog post.
DIY Tech Support: A Cautionary Tale
Late in the evening of March 1st I noticed that my default photo viewer, Microsoft Photos, had stopped working. When trying to open a screenshot taken from ESO, the application would launch and then simply close immediately. As I went to shut down my PC I noticed that a Windows 10 update was installing and attributed the problem to this. I erroneously assumed that the matter would be resolved when I restarted my computer the following day. Needless to say, it did not. Now for those who are not especially IT savvy, or more to the point interested in problem solving, the easiest solution was to either assign another program or app as the default picture viewer or install a new one and move on. Sadly, I’m not wired that way.
Late in the evening of March 1st I noticed that my default photo viewer, Microsoft Photos, had stopped working. When trying to open a screenshot taken from ESO, the application would launch and then simply close immediately. As I went to shut down my PC I noticed that a Windows 10 update was installing and attributed the problem to this. I erroneously assumed that the matter would be resolved when I restarted my computer the following day. Needless to say, it did not. Now for those who are not especially IT savvy, or more to the point interested in problem solving, the easiest solution was to either assign another program or app as the default picture viewer or install a new one and move on. Sadly, I’m not wired that way.
Having worked for twenty-five years in the IT industry before retiring, troubleshooting and technical problem solving is somewhat ingrained in me. I am very particular about how my computer is set up and what software I use. I always customise my Windows interface a particular way and even have a preferred set of icons. I detest any change made by the operating system without my prior knowledge and random rogue behaviour such as that demonstrated by Microsoft Photos, really bugs me. My entire borderline OCD approach to technology stems from the way I was mentored and taught. Order, structure and process should always be present, right the way from network topology down to directory organisation and file naming. Don’t get me started on patch panel management.
So, I diligently went about some old school troubleshooting. First off, I checked to see if the problem was with all photo viewing software or just Microsoft Photos. As .jpgs and .png files were working fine with Paint and GIMP, I determine this was a Microsoft issue. I then looked to see exactly what updates had been installed, made note of their credentials and then searched via Google to see if there were any known issues with them. Nothing obviously became apparent, so I decided to do some standard app troubleshooting. I reset the Microsoft Photo app, with no result. I then purged the app cache with again no effect. Next up I did a clean uninstall of the problematic software and then re-installed the latest version. Again, the fault persisted so it was time to up the ante and start some more in-depth trouble shooting. I ran Microsoft Photos, made specific note of the time and then went to the event viewer to see what the log files had to say. They pointed to a problem with the “twinappi.appcore.dll” file.
By now we were no longer in elementary problem-solving territory. You don’t idly mess with .dll files and the registry. So, after establishing a restore point and taking a back up of the Windows Registry, I used Powershell to de-register and then re-register the offending file. The problem with the photo app still continued. By now I was totally focused on the problem and quite prepared to go to great pains to remedy it, simply on principle. Plus, to be fair, I’ve always enjoyed the satisfaction of solving these types of issue. If you ever worked in IT for any length of time you soon learn that victories are often celebrated alone and at obscure times of day. So, because of my bloody mindedness, I made a bootable Linux thumb drive, so I could access the System32 directory and replace the problem file with a copy from another Windows installation. However, the version of Ubuntu I used had limited admin privileges, so I couldn’t amend any Windows system files. I could have used an older or different version of Linux but by now it was late, so I decided to continue trouble shooting the following day.
Google is an incredibly useful tool but often the success or failure of your search hinges upon what search parameters you use. So, the next day, I spent a far longer period of time searching various tech forums and Microsoft resource sites. What I did discover is that Microsoft Photos regularly gets broken by either Windows Updates or common place driver updates from companies such as AMD and Nvidia. I found that many of the steps that I had taken would work for some situations and not for others. I also found some posts that recommended some more risky and potentially labour-intensive solutions. A system restore to an earlier date was probably the most logical of these solutions, but it would have an impact of several other programs I have installed and thus would make additional work. Someone even advised me to do a Windows Reset which would keep my personal file but effectively re-install the operating system which would then mean a crap ton of work loading software back on and tinkering with my PC to get it “as I like it”. Bearing all this in mind and the fact that the problem still wasn’t solved, I sat down with a large Gin and came to a decision.
Age can bring wisdom if you let it. I have put aside my “need” to solve this issue and have simply installed an alternative piece of software. Actually, what I did was create a registry entry that allowed me to access Microsoft Photo Viewer, which is an older photo app that used to be the default viewer in Windows 7. I can live with this compromise. If I double-click on an image file, it opens within an acceptably simple app. I will simply wait for Microsoft to fix this problem in their next cumulative update for Windows 10. The only downside at present is that when I open animated .gif files they are static within the current software. I can live with this. It’s been a while since I’ve done any troubleshooting, mainly because I’ve had precious few issues with Windows 10 since I installed it. I guess my “tight ship” regime may also be a factor. However, what this experience has done is to remind me is how tedious and irritating problems of this nature can be. Also, once again Montgomery Scott has been proven right.” The more they overthink the plumbing, the easier it is to stop up the drain”.
Time for a New Phone Again
Two years ago, I renewed my contract with Vodafone and upgraded my mobile handset to a Samsung Galaxy S6. It has served me well over the last twenty-four months but the battery has been playing up of late and the phone barely survived a day on a full charge. Luckily, I became eligible for a new handset last week, so I decided upon the Samsung Galaxy S8. Now technophiles and phone aficionados have all informed me (AKA bored me) that there’s a newer Samsung handset being released in spring 2018. But my relationship with gadgets and the like has radically changed and I am no longer compelled to be at the cutting edge of technology. The S8 is more than adequate for my needs and is a tried and tested model. It arrived today and mercifully migrating all my personal data was an easy process, thanks to cloud based backups.
Two years ago, I renewed my contract with Vodafone and upgraded my mobile handset to a Samsung Galaxy S6. It has served me well over the last twenty-four months but the battery has been playing up of late and the phone barely survived a day on a full charge. Luckily, I became eligible for a new handset last week, so I decided upon the Samsung Galaxy S8. Now technophiles and phone aficionados have all informed me (AKA bored me) that there’s a newer Samsung handset being released in spring 2018. But my relationship with gadgets and the like has radically changed and I am no longer compelled to be at the cutting edge of technology. The S8 is more than adequate for my needs and is a tried and tested model. It arrived today and mercifully migrating all my personal data was an easy process, thanks to cloud based backups.
Annoyingly, the tariff that I’ve enjoyed for the last two years has now been retired and I was forced to move to another, which has resulted in a £6 a month increase. Subsequently, I now have a larger data allowance, not that it’s required, as I have a plethora of wireless networks saved on my phone. Whenever I visit someone these days, one of the first questions I ask is “what are your Wi-Fi details?” or something similar. Such is modern life. Frankly, the entire manner in which I use my phone has changed in recent years. Where it used to be a work tool, it is now mainly an administrative platform for my parent’s needs. I have multiple taxi apps, as well as others designed to re-order medication and book hospital and clinic visits. My calendar is a litany of appointments for others rather than myself.
My phone is currently the primary means for me to listen to podcasts. I travel a lot locally and this presents a lot of “dead time” that is ideal for catching up with my favourite shows. I also like to carry a selection of my own music, as my esoteric tastes don’t always align with streaming services. Luckily the S8 has a Micro SD card slot so I can bring what I like with me. WhatsApp is also an invaluable way to stay in touch with my wider family. Samsung phones have also had quality cameras for several years now and I do find myself taking more photos these days. Furthermore, it’s not all pictures of the grandchildren. We live in such an absurd world I often take a snap of anything that I find odd or quirky. Despite its flaws, I also still enjoy twitter and will often tweet while out and about, pointing out the strange foibles of life. Having a robust and quality phone allows me to do all these things easily.
I recent months I have made a concerted effort to separate myself from my phone in specific social and domestic situations. I still find the contemporary social etiquette regarding phone use a little discombobulating. I won’t dismiss out of hand the addictive nature of phones as I recently took time out to monitor how much I used mine and I do find myself checking it more and more. Hence I’m trying to show a degree of restraint. However, putting aside the issue of manners, I am of the opinion that phones are for better or for worse, essential tools nowadays. As a carer, managing the logistics of my parent’s lives would be far more difficult without the convenience of a phone. I recently went to a wedding in Hampshire and my phone was an invaluable navigational aid. I even paid in a shop recently for some miscellaneous crap using my Samsung Pay. So, while some folk may look to their flashy new phone for bragging rights, I see mine as an extension of my desktop computer. Either way, I wouldn’t be without it.
Upgrading Your PC
My current PC is nearly four years old (I know it’s shocking isn’t it?). I bought a bare bones system from Zoostorm back in January 2014 and have made several upgrades to it since then. At present the PC is built around an Intel Quad Core i5-3340 3.10GHz and has 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Storage is handled by a 2TB Hybrid Hard Drive and the graphics card is a GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB. I also replaced the standard PSU with a Cooler Master 500W 12V Elite Power 500 Power Supply Unit. So far, this PC has served me well and until recently has handled pretty much all the tasks I’ve thrown at it. However, it labours when taxed and struggles to run some of the more recent games at what I consider to be an acceptable level. So, I’ve been considering my options as to whether to replace the entire PC or to upgrade it further. Although money is not a major issue, it would be more fiscally prudent to replace a few components rather than buy a new system. Older Ivy Bridge processors such as mine are still viable, so I’ve decided to increase the RAM and replace the graphics card.
My current PC is nearly four years old (I know it’s shocking isn’t it?). I bought a bare bones system from Zoostorm back in January 2014 and have made several upgrades to it since then. At present the PC is built around an Intel Quad Core i5-3340 3.10GHz and has 8GB of DDR3 RAM. Storage is handled by a 2TB Hybrid Hard Drive and the graphics card is a GeForce GTX 650 Ti 2GB. I also replaced the standard PSU with a Cooler Master 500W 12V Elite Power 500 Power Supply Unit. So far, this PC has served me well and until recently has handled pretty much all the tasks I’ve thrown at it. However, it labours when taxed and struggles to run some of the more recent games at what I consider to be an acceptable level. So, I’ve been considering my options as to whether to replace the entire PC or to upgrade it further. Although money is not a major issue, it would be more fiscally prudent to replace a few components rather than buy a new system. Older Ivy Bridge processors such as mine are still viable, so I’ve decided to increase the RAM and replace the graphics card.
The only real headache I’ve had during this process was trying to determine a suitable graphics card. The budget of £150 has imposed a degree of restrictions. As I have said in the past, relying upon reviews is often a double-edged sword. Although I’ve found some that are informative, journalists seem reluctant to commit to a specific opinion. Hence, all too often I’ve wasted my time reading 500 hundred words that end by telling me to to increase my budget and buy something better. Patently, many tech writers fundamentally fail to grasp the concept of a “budget”. However, despite all this, I finally decided upon the Zotac GTX 1050Ti 4GB. I managed to obtain this model for £130. It’s a compact graphic card with a small form factor, that has a TDP of just 75watts, which means it can be powered with the PCie Bus alone. Not only does this mean no messing about with power adaptors and cable management, it also sounds devilishly saucy.
I’m also going to increase the RAM in my PC. This is not so much for the gaming, as the benefits in that respect are questionable. This is specifically for audio editing which can be very RAM intensive when editing and rendering. Doubling the quantity from 8GB to 16GB should make a significant improvement. However, as I have an older Gigabyte motherboard, I am still tied to DDR3 RAM. Rather than trying to find an exact matching module for the existing 8GB, I have opted to replace it and have bought two new Corsair 8GB DIMMs at £100. Mismatching memory modules or purchasing unsupported upgrades are common mistakes that often end in tears. So, I ensured that I checked my motherboard specifications thoroughly and conferred with the Corsair website before I committed to this upgrade. I also used the PSU calculator over at the Cooler Master website to ensure my current power supply is up to the job but it seems I over specified that when I originally replaced it.
All things considered, I am quite pleased with the choice of hardware for my new PC. It may not be the computing beast that some tech-heads may favour but frankly I'm no longer infatuated with technology in the way that I was a decade ago. I also find the subreddits on these matters to be technically spurious and populated by preening fans who often can’t see the woods for the trees. Getting practical and realistic advice is often like pulling teeth. However, I am confident the specifications of this PC will allow me write, record and edit podcasts as well as play games to an acceptable standard. So far, the overall spend has been £230, care of Amazon Prime. Plus, this exercise gives me an opportunity to dust off my tools and tinker with my PC. Although I am, for all intents and purposes, officially retired from working in IT, I do miss it from time to time.
Discord
I’ve been using a TeamSpeak server for nearly a decade and have found it an invaluable tool during that time. It has primarily provided a “home” for myself and my gaming colleagues. We meet up every Wednesday night and chew the proverbial fat while playing various MMOs. However, it has also provided a backup podcasting recording facility and on several occasions hosted impromptu business meetings. Costing $10.80 every quarter, for a ten-user server, TeamSpeak has been great value for money. The hosting company, TypeFrag, have provided good customer service and until recently there’s been no reason to change this business arrangement. Unfortunately, the server has been problematic over the last fortnight, with random disconnects and lengthy outages. Despite following the troubleshooting FAQ, the matter remains unresolved.
I’ve been using a TeamSpeak server for nearly a decade and have found it an invaluable tool during that time. It has primarily provided a “home” for myself and my gaming colleagues. We meet up every Wednesday night and chew the proverbial fat while playing various MMOs. However, it has also provided a backup podcasting recording facility and on several occasions hosted impromptu business meetings. Costing $10.80 every quarter, for a ten-user server, TeamSpeak has been great value for money. The hosting company, TypeFrag, have provided good customer service and until recently there’s been no reason to change this business arrangement. Unfortunately, the server has been problematic over the last fortnight, with random disconnects and lengthy outages. Despite following the troubleshooting FAQ, the matter remains unresolved.
Rather than waste further time trying to fix the issue, I decided to set up a Discord server. For those who may not know, Discord is a proprietary freeware VoIP application designed for gaming communities. Discord runs on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and in a web browser. As of May 2017, Discord has over 45 million users. Let it suffice to, if you are after a third-party chat server that supports not only voice but text as well, then Discord is the go to app. Configuring the server is very easy and inviting users and setting permissions is straight forward. Discord supports the embedding of hyperlinks, video, live streaming and has a wealth of other functionality. It therefore has appeal to more than just gamers. You can host a full online business conference if you see fit.
Although you can use Discord via your web browser, downloading and installing the desktop client offers full functionality. Even with a modest internet connection the audio quality in chat is very good. However, for me the biggest point of interest about Discord is its support for plugins. The client can be extensively customised both visually and in functionality. I made a cursory Google search regarding creating and managing an audio playlist and instantly found two plugins that supported this. It would appear that there is a busy community of programmer associated with Discord and that the quality control is quite high. Overall, there is much to praise and little to criticise with regard to Discord. Furthermore, it has the best price, in so far that its free.
And it is this final point that is the only thing that slightly alarms me. I’m not quite sure exactly how their business model works. There is no end user fee, at present, so I would guess that the company makes their money via licencing. Discord provides seamless integration with services such as Twitch TV, Steam, and Facebook. I would assume this is where revenue is raised. However, the fact that Discord is free does concern me a little and regular readers will be aware of my thoughts on becoming reliant on services with such a business model. Yet for many people, this is not an issue and the immediate practical solution that the service offers cannot be ignored. Therefore in the meantime, I shall start distributing invites to the all new Contains Moderate Peril Discord server, while bidding a fond farewell to TeamSpeak.
The Importance of Internet Access
There are many factors that contribute to deciding where you live. Price and location are primary considerations. If you have a family then schools are a major factor. Then there are other issues such as council tax, local facilities and transportation. If you use any of the major property listing websites, then you’ll find data on all of these points. However in recent years an additional factor has been added to this list of requirements. Internet access now plays a role in deciding whether a property is right or not. Having a fast and stable connection not only improves our leisure time but also play a part in many peoples work life. Self-employment and working from home are becoming more common, as is a culture of working outside of traditional hours. For many, internet access is now as essential as any other utility service.
There are many factors that contribute to deciding where you live. Price and location are primary considerations. If you have a family then schools are a major factor. Then there are other issues such as council tax, local facilities and transportation. If you use any of the major property listing websites, then you’ll find data on all of these points. However in recent years an additional factor has been added to this list of requirements. Internet access now plays a role in deciding whether a property is right or not. Having a fast and stable connection not only improves our leisure time but also play a part in many peoples work life. Self-employment and working from home are becoming more common, as is a culture of working outside of traditional hours. For many, internet access is now as essential as any other utility service.
Sadly, the UK still remains a country where the digital divide is clearly apparent. High speed, fibre based internet access is still only economically viable to rollout in major business and urban areas. Thus it is still only available in the major cities. 4G coverage is also patchy in rural areas, so offers no real alternative service. You may find a few wireless options here and there throughout the country along with other innovative providers. However the digital aspirations of successive UK governments have failed continuously over the last fifteen years. Trite buzzwords such as “superfast broadband” are still bandied about by politicians with no real technical background. You only have to look at the finer points of the current Digital Economies Bill, as it passes through The House of Lords, to see that it woefully misses the mark with regard to serving the needs of consumers and business alike.
I live in South East London, in a proverbial “leafy suburb”. Residents of the borough are in the core demographics for Netflix, Amazon Prime and other leisure services. Self-employment and home businesses are common too. Therefore, the major telecommunications companies see fit to provide suitable home and business internet services. For example, British Telecom (of whom I am a customer) offers fibre internet services from the local telephone exchange to cabinets in the streets. Connections to the home are then bridged by use of telephone landlines, providing speeds of 50 or 75MB. Virgin Cable is currently being rollout in my area offering 200MB connections in direct competition. Most packages have an unlimited download option. Yet the contrast with the rest of the UK is stark. Large parts of the country still have to make do with ADSL 2+ services providing connections of between 2 and 8MB. Often those living in such areas have no alternative vendors to go to.
Until last year when I became a carer, I relied upon the internet for the provision of my work. I would log into a secure site to collect my technical writing assignments and once completed, return to upload them. Prior to then, I would often store backups of client’s data on my own home servers. I’ve been working from home in some way or another since 2002 and have therefore always had a need for a robust and fast connection. Since my early retirement, I still find that the bulk of the administrative duties I do for my disabled parents need to be carried out online. In fact, given the choice I prefer to do most things that way. I can make quick purchases for my parents such as medical supplies, directly from my phone. I can do my accounts and file my tax return from my desktop PC. Pretty much all the day to day household administration that we all face, can be done via the internet at our own convenience.
Sadly, many in the UK can’t consider such a move to online services, finding themselves on the wrong side of an ever-widening digital divide. Which raises the question as to whether internet access should be seen as more than a luxury and effectively a necessity? Certainly, business has embraced the concept of free wi-fi as a means to keeping customers in certain retail industries happy. Should society and possibly government go beyond this and ensure that internet access is guaranteed in specific circumstances? For example, I frequently visit a major hospital in Kent with my Father. Because of the geography of the area, a mobile phone signal and thus internet access is unavailable within the hospital grounds. If you wish to speak to family or order a taxi, you have to walk for about five minutes or more to be able to do so. However, you can purchase internet access as a patient or a visitor for a fee. I have found myself on several occasions at this location in the early hours of the morning and have thus been forced to pay to get online, to return home. Considering that people at hospitals are frequently under pressure or in distress, should internet access be gated in such a way?
In the UK family incomes within certain demographics have fallen in recent years. In light of the forthcoming economic changes the country faces, it is likely they will continue to do so. Combined with a skills shortage and a decrease in social mobility, we are seeing a clear distinction between the haves and the have nots. The digital divide clearly reflects this. If you find yourself living in specific post codes, unless you find a means to leave, you may well find yourself excluded from adequate internet access. With further services and resources going online, there is potential to further marginalise specific groups of society. Internet access is too important to be driven by just market forces. Is it not time for this matter to be dealt with in a more socially responsible way? Because I suspect that if it is not, it may come back to haunt us in a decade’s time.
Amazon Echo
I recently decided to buy a year’s subscription to Amazon Prime. It was discounted by £20 and as I’ve been purchasing more and more from Amazon of late, it made sense to take advantage of the deal. So, I spent £59 and became a Prime customer. The first thing I did after receiving the confirmation email that I was now one of the “chosen”, was to buy the Amazon Echo. I’ve had my eye on these so-called smart speakers for a while. I was toying with the idea of buying the Google Home but it doesn’t become available in the UK until after Christmas. The Amazon echo has the advantage of being a tried and tested product that has been around since June 2015 in the US. As I’ve now bought into the Amazon ecosystem it made sense to go with their product and utilise its respective resources fully.
I recently decided to buy a year’s subscription to Amazon Prime. It was discounted by £20 and as I’ve been purchasing more and more from Amazon of late, it made sense to take advantage of the deal. So, I spent £59 and became a Prime customer. The first thing I did after receiving the confirmation email that I was now one of the “chosen”, was to buy the Amazon Echo. I’ve had my eye on these so-called smart speakers for a while. I was toying with the idea of buying the Google Home but it doesn’t become available in the UK until after Christmas. The Amazon echo has the advantage of being a tried and tested product that has been around since June 2015 in the US. As I’ve now bought into the Amazon ecosystem it made sense to go with their product and utilise its respective resources fully.
After a week and a half of using the Amazon Echo I am broadly in agreement with most of the reviews that I’ve read. The speaker itself is robust and of a sound quality that I find more than acceptable. Despite being a Prime customer I opted to try Amazon Music for a month, thus expanding the library of music available from two million tracks to forty million. The reason for this is that my significant other and I have broad and eclectic music taste and simply wanted more choice. Playing individual songs, specific albums and bespoke playlists is quick and easy. In a nutshell, the ease of access and use that the Echo affords means that music is now a regular feature in our household again.
The Echo is also easy to move about the house, connecting effortlessly to your Wi-Fi. Bluetooth connectivity means that it can easily pair with phones, tablets or even desktop PC. This flexibility means that family members do not have to fight over using the Echo, nor inflict differing musical preferences upon each other. The voice recognition software is sufficiently sophisticated and usually understands the various requests our household makes. There are times when Alexa struggles to understand languages other than English but then again it may down to my poor pronunciation. As for Alexa, her neutral UK English accent is pleasant and far from irritating. She has also been programmed to be suitably apologetic when request fails and has a sense of humour. Try asking “Open the pod bay doors, HAL”.
Echo users can customise news, weather and travel services as well use practical apps such as timers and alarms. It should be noted that a lot of the apps and functionality that are currently available in the US are not at the disposal of UK customers. However, I’m sure this will change over time. In fact, I see the Amazon Echo as a provisional incarnation of the sort of automated convenience we’ve seen in science fiction movies and literature for years. A decade from now this sort of technology will be standard in most new build homes. At present, it offers a degree of convenience and novelty. It’s fair to say that the Echo is also a cunning marketing tool, as you gain greater functionality the more Amazon services you buy into. The Echo could also be a prime example (no pun intended) of the emerging digital divide we are seeing in contemporary society.
Overall, I’m happy with the Amazon Echo and Alexa. So far, the only disappointment I’ve suffered was after trying to use the device as a surrogate sound bar for the TV. I purchased a Bluetooth adaptor and managed to output audio from both the television, IPTV and Blu-ray player via the Echo. Sadly, due to the inherent nature of Bluetooth, there was sufficient latency for the sound to be just a fraction out of sync with the visuals. It was too noticeable to be viable so I ceased using the device in this fashion. However, this specific con did not outweigh any of the aforementioned pros. I remain confident that over the next six months I shall find more useful ways to utilise the Amazon echo. Certainly, if I can address Alexa as “computer” in a Star Trek fashion, my user satisfaction would increase even further.
My Home Entertainment System
The ongoing changes to the way we consume media is a common subject for discussion these days. In recent years I’ve written about it on this blog and discussed the matter at length with my co-host Brian on the podcast. The focus of these debates has usually been about the cultural shift away from fixed viewing schedules, to watching shows and movies on demand. For many people TV has broadly moved from a shared cultural experience defined by broadcast times, to a more isolated experience. One has to be doubly aware of spoiler etiquette these days, as friends and colleagues may well watch the same show but be a season ahead or behind.
The ongoing changes to the way we consume media is a common subject for discussion these days. In recent years I’ve written about it on this blog and discussed the matter at length with my co-host Brian on the podcast. The focus of these debates has usually been about the cultural shift away from fixed viewing schedules, to watching shows and movies on demand. For many people TV has broadly moved from a shared cultural experience defined by broadcast times, to a more isolated experience. One has to be doubly aware of spoiler etiquette these days, as friends and colleagues may well watch the same show but be a season ahead or behind.
However on this occasion I want to talk about the actual hardware that we use to consume media. My PC, tablet and phone are all used to varying degrees to watch videos and TV shows but the television in the lounge still remains the focal point for shared, family viewing. Today I made some minor changes to our home entertainment setup to try and make it more flexible with regard to our viewing needs. I could have spent several thousand pounds if I wanted to ensure I was at the bleeding edge of home entertainment but frankly I did not see the sense in that. Much of the hardware that’s currently in place is perfectly adequate so there was merely a need to augment rather than replacement. So that is exactly what I did.
The 38 inch Samsung TV that resides on the wall in the lounge is somewhat old but it’s only real deficiency has been up to now, it’s lack of online functionality. The attached BT YouView box provides access to both digital terrestrial television and premium IPTV services. It’s also a DVR and has a range of optional on demand services. Until today a LG Blu-ray/DVD player was the third device in this humble home entertainment system. It’s only additional function was playback of video files via a USB flashdrive. However in recent months a lack of access to You Tube, along with multi-region support for both DVDs and Blu-rays has proven inconvenient. An increased use of .mkv files has highlighted a need for network functionality.
With all this in mind, I decided to replace the LG player with a newer Panasonic model. The DMP-BD83 has the multi-region support I was looking for, as well as internet apps including You Tube. The player has an ethernet port at the rear and also reads external HDD of up to 4TB. As of today the new player has been installed and as a result we can now enjoy multiple forms of entertainment in one location. The only logistical problem was sourcing an additional ethernet cable to the location. The existing one which serves the IPTV box is connected to the internet router via twin powerline adapters. Rather than add more of these I just bought a mini switch and split the existing LAN connection. I even kept the cable management tidy.
I must admit I’m happy with the results of this nominal upgrade. Both items cost a total of £75 and I was fortunate enough to have a spare 1TB portable HDD available to connect to the new Panasonic player. This has allowed be to consolidate all my current TV shows and movies in one place and free up space on my PC. I also linked my phone to the new setup and can now easily search You Tube on my Samsung S6 but view the results via the TV. Overall the ageing Samsung television has now gained full smart TV functionality without incurring the cost of purchasing one. Furthermore the setup is not especially difficult to operate which is beneficial for my significant other, who is not a major fan of technology.
The only weak link left in the current setup is the audio quality. I have toyed with the idea of buying a soundbar but can’t find one that is the right size for the shelves. For the present I’m considering a single all-in-one wireless speaker as an alternative. Perhaps Google Home will offer an appropriate solution when it is launches later this year. In the meantime, what is currently in place is sufficient for our entertainment needs. Perhaps the next television we’ll buy will be 4K compatible. Certainly I’m sure they’ll be more online delivery platforms to consider in the future. However we’ll cross those bridges, as and when we come to them.
My Phone and Me
I was wandering to the shops yesterday when there was an audible alert from my smartphone informing me of some message that needed “my urgent attention”. On this occasion it was from Discord regarding a new post and was nothing of significance. Needless to say this got me thinking about the endless stream of whistles, chirrups and beeps that emanate from my pocket during the course of the day, most of which are trivial. Frankly it’s been getting on my nerves for a while. In recent weeks, due to my Father’s illness, I’ve been using my phone in a far more traditional fashion; namely making and receiving calls and text messages. This shift in use has given me a different perspective and as a result I have fallen out of love with this constant barrage of trivia.
I was wandering to the shops yesterday when there was an audible alert from my smartphone informing me of some message that needed “my urgent attention”. On this occasion it was from Discord regarding a new post and was nothing of significance. Needless to say this got me thinking about the endless stream of whistles, chirrups and beeps that emanate from my pocket during the course of the day, most of which are trivial. Frankly it’s been getting on my nerves for a while. In recent weeks, due to my Father’s illness, I’ve been using my phone in a far more traditional fashion; namely making and receiving calls and text messages. This shift in use has given me a different perspective and as a result I have fallen out of love with this constant barrage of trivia.
Until today I had over fifty apps on my Samsung Galaxy S6. All of which were happily draining my phone’s battery as well as constantly updating and eroding my monthly 2 GB data allowance. Furthermore, they were constantly vying for my attention. It also has to be said that I’ve been complicit in this relationship. On mature reflection I’ve turned into one of those people who constantly check’s his phone. I reach for it first thing in the morning, to see what’s happened on Twitter during the night and am loath to put it down last thing at night. I’ve developed the mentality of an overexcited child at Christmas who “doesn’t want to miss anything”. However that has now changed. Circumstances and a healthy dose of reality have made we revise my “relationship” with my phone.
To cut a long story short (as Spandau Ballet said) the SIM card in my phone went on the blink this morning. After a trip to the Vodafone store it also became apparent that the excess of apps where causing conflicts with the phones network settings. As result I randomly couldn’t make or receive calls without having to manually switch between 3G and 4G. Fortunately a factory reset and a new SIM card the resolved the problem. It also presented me with a golden opportunity to install only those apps I deemed essential. So I grasped the nettle and said goodbye to dozens of pointless programs whose primary goal was to nag me incessantly.
Although I greatly enjoy the banter of twitter and like to stay abreast of the news, I think I’ve made an important change to my life. I will still use my phone as a window onto the world but I intend to be less dependent upon it; because I do feel that there is an element of psychological addiction associated with smart phone culture. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of people I see crossing roads or alighting from public transport, transfixed by their respective handheld device. I’m also a bluff old traditionalist who believes that certain social activities are sacrosanct, such as dining together and face to face conversations. So a change has been made and it will be interesting to see how well I cope. No doubt a future blog post will tell of my progress.
The Decline of the PC?
Market analysis by International Data Corporation, an American market research firm, has shown a record-breaking 10.6 per cent drop in PC sales over quarter four of 2015, with Apple being the only manufacturer making significant gains. If you have an interest in economics and business per se there’s a full breakdown of the report can be found over at gamesindustry.biz and it certainly makes for interesting viewing. However like most numbers this data needs to be placed within a wider context, so that we don’t make the mistake of jumping to erroneous conclusions. So in what markets are PC sales dropping and what exactly are the reasons why?
Market analysis by International Data Corporation, an American market research firm, has shown a record-breaking 10.6 per cent drop in PC sales over quarter four of 2015, with Apple being the only manufacturer making significant gains. If you have an interest in economics and business per se there’s a full breakdown of the report can be found over at gamesindustry.biz and it certainly makes for interesting viewing. However like most numbers this data needs to be placed within a wider context, so that we don’t make the mistake of jumping to erroneous conclusions. So in what markets are PC sales dropping and what exactly are the reasons why?
As a consultant I have a lot of dealing with small and medium sized businesses, especially those in the legal, financial and public relations sectors. The more traditional industries still seem to favour desktop hardware, although leasing has mainly replaced company ownership. Windows 10 has also been adopted quite widely by many of my clients. However I am also seeing an increase in businesses that have consolidated all their work resources to the cloud and look to staff to provide their own hardware for access. Tablets and ultrabooks seem to be very much in vogue in these instances. This shift has an impact upon new sales and replacements but I cannot see it accounting for such a decline.
The home market seems to be the obvious main culprit as so many day to day PC tasks can now be carried out on tablets and smartphones. I am aware of a lot of friends and colleagues that have ditched their home desktop PCs as the bulk of their online habits are based around social media and the consumption of content. Many of these people game via consoles or their handheld device. The PC therefore ceases to be a necessary or an inviting financial investment. As for those power users who still remain wedded to the PC for gaming and content creation (such as myself), there is a tendency to tinker and upgrade, thus negating the need to buy a new PC so often. In fact when there is a requirement to replace a system we often build it ourselves as it is a more economical and flexible option.
I certainly don’t expect to see the PC vanish anytime soon but I think that there will be a continuing shrinking of the market, as people look to alternative devices to carry out basic tasks. I think that the TV and home entertainment system will grow further in use and that smartphone will continue to dominate communication, content sharing and online purchasing. My recent phone upgrade has provided me with a very powerful handheld device and I have devolved further task to it such as banking and the consumption of podcasts and similar media. My desktop PC is a tool specifically for producing audio content and a gaming platform. At present those tasks cannot be dealt with to my liking on another platform. However there may well come a time when that is not the case and that may be sooner rather than later.
Oculus Rift to Retail at $599
The consumer electronics industry has been labouring on virtual reality for decades, pursuing what they see as the next major technological innovation of our time. I have never doubted that VR has many practical applications that are both beneficial and profitable. Gaming is certainly one of them, offering a new medium in immersive entertainment. However I have never felt especially enthralled the prospect of VR and what it has to offer. I don’t like experiences that isolate my senses and so the idea of placing a device over my head that does just is far from inviting.
The consumer electronics industry has been labouring on virtual reality for decades, pursuing what they see as the next major technological innovation of our time. I have never doubted that VR has many practical applications that are both beneficial and profitable. Gaming is certainly one of them, offering a new medium in immersive entertainment. However I have never felt especially enthralled the prospect of VR and what it has to offer. I don’t like experiences that isolate my senses and so the idea of placing a device over my head that does just is far from inviting.
However the development of the Oculus Rift in recent years has been a fascinating process to watch. The project was originally crowd funded in 2012 and those involved with its development had many laudable aspirations. The idea was to create something that was reasonably priced, customisable and accessible to as broader customer base as possible. Virtual reality and specifically the Oculus Rift were seen as part of the ongoing “democratisation” of technology. Sadly that perception took a major knock in July 2014 when Facebook acquired the Oculus VR for $2 billion and the hip indie ideology was replaced by corporate imperatives.
As of today consumers can finally pre-orders the CV1 version of the headset via the Oculus website. The unit price is $599 (£410) and orders will ship in March. This move was timed to coincide with the CES tech show in Las Vegas, where Oculus is demoing the headset. Although the technology on display has been broadly praised the price has not been well received among consumers, especially gamers. Costing $100 more than a next-gen console the device is not going to be universally adopted immediately. It is interesting to note that Oculus have not elected to sell the device at a discounted price to secure a foothold in this new market, despite the presence of competitors.
There are a few other things to consider with regard to the Oculus Rift and the whole VR idea per se. As of yet there is not a killer app for this medium; no essential game that showcases why we need VR. The headset also requires an extremely robust PC to showcase its abilities. Buying one may also require a similar cash outlay on a computer upgrade. There also doesn’t seem to be an immediately obvious ancillary market the developers can rely upon to raise further revenue, such as a licensing scheme or app store. All these factors could work against the Oculus Rift. If the device does not find its predicted market then it could end up being this year’s 3D TV.
A Year in Technology
As technology has such an impact upon so much of our lives I thought I’d take some time to reflect upon how I have personally used it over the last twelve months. Having worked in the IT industry for twenty years my relationship with technology has constantly evolved over time. As I’ve stated before both on the blog and podcast I no longer feel compelled to be an early adopter or at thecutting edge of technological change. The hardware and apps that I use from day to day are tools and I now treat them as such, rather than as fashion accessories. Practicality and functionality are the things I look for the most in the products that I use and if there are no immediate benefits to be gained then it doesn’t get purchased and installed. It would seem the reality and personal maturity has finally trumped the “wow” factor.
As technology has such an impact upon so much of our lives I thought I’d take some time to reflect upon how I have personally used it over the last twelve months. Having worked in the IT industry for twenty years my relationship with technology has constantly evolved over time. As I’ve stated before both on the blog and podcast I no longer feel compelled to be an early adopter or at thecutting edge of technological change. The hardware and apps that I use from day to day are tools and I now treat them as such, rather than as fashion accessories. Practicality and functionality are the things I look for the most in the products that I use and if there are no immediate benefits to be gained then it doesn’t get purchased and installed. It would seem the reality and personal maturity has finally trumped the “wow” factor.
First off, the only major change I made to my PC this year has been an upgrade in operating system. Like 110 million other people I opted to install Windows 10 and have been broadly pleased with the results. It corrected a lot of the issues associated with Windows 8 and even produced a performance increase from my year old computer. Beyond this all other tinkering with my computer has been very low key. In July I bought a new steel series mouse which has proven to be good choice. Then in October I changed web browsers, moving from Chrome back to Firefox. If anything 2016 was more of note for the amount of software I uninstalled from my PC. The rule of thumb has been if it’s not being actively used then it goes. As a result many games and productivity tools have been removed.
Another major technological shift for me this year has been the way I use my smartphone. As with my PC I have been very particular about what apps I’ve installed but I’ve also broadened my usage. I do an increasing amount of personal banking via my phone as both the domestic banks I use have well written and secure apps, offering a broad range of services. Whilst travelling in May, I used my phone to successfully navigate from London to Liverpool, book accommodation and find a suitable restaurant. Both my smartphone and tablet are my main communications hubs, with access to all my email and social media accounts. It would appear that there is now a distinct delineation of services between my PC and phone; the former being a tool for content creation and the latter my own personal switchboard.
With regard to blogging and podcasting 2015 has been the year I finally stopped using WordPress. Although a very flexible platform, maintaining a self-hosted site becomes increasing involved the more it grows and expands. My move to Squarespace has proven to be hassle free and a sound choice. It is also a far more financially viable option; an important factor as both blogging and podcasting are ongoing financial black holes. Zencastr has proven to be a most effective means of recording the Burton & Scrooge podcast and has helped streamline the production process. It records from Skype, using the individual sound card of all those participating in the call. It then stores them as separate but synchronised tracks via Dropbox. The only improvement left for me to carry out in 2016 is the purchase a new microphone.
2015 was also the year my DVR became redundant. My set top box still has programmes recorded from the previous Christmas which have still not been watched. I simply don’t view live TV content anymore as on demand players have eliminated the need for me to record content. Binge viewing popular shows has proven far more satisfactory than the traditional approach of one episode per week. Even my consumption of news and current affairs has moved from TV to online. Radio has also become a medium that I increasingly use, mainly through a phone or a tablet. Furthermore when radio cannot provide the entertainment I’m looking for then podcasts will often suffice. Podcast and Radio Addict is my app of choice for both these mediums.
It would appear that technological downsizing and using new mediums for traditional content have been the major themes in my use of technology over the last year. I think the defetishising of gadgets and hardware has been for me a positive step. The pace of change once again has proven to be both surprising and exhilarating. I have also noted that a healthy dose of scepticism has been beneficial. My first forays into the use of contactless payments were problematic as I expected they would be. 4G coverage is also a term I continue to be wary of. However overall I have felt that my use of technology has been positive over the last twelve months and I look forward to seeing what changes 2016 will bring.
Time For a New Phone
I can remember a time when upgrading my phone was a major source of excitement. If there was something shiny and new available, then I had to have it. More often than not it was simply the allure of the next big thing and there were no significant gains or benefits in upgrading. Unless you count that vicarious short term fix one gets when conspicuously consuming. At the time I was happy to remain on the technology treadmill and had no intention of getting off. However in the last decade there’s been a major shift in my relationship with consumer electronics. I now buy according to my needs rather than just for the sake of having what’s currently perceived as best. Once you cease to see gadgets and electrical devices as fashion accessories but simply as functional tools, then a lot changes. Furthermore it changes for the better.
I can remember a time when upgrading my phone was a major source of excitement. If there was something shiny and new available, then I had to have it. More often than not it was simply the allure of the next big thing and there were no significant gains or benefits in upgrading. Unless you count that vicarious short term fix one gets when conspicuously consuming. At the time I was happy to remain on the technology treadmill and had no intention of getting off. However in the last decade there’s been a major shift in my relationship with consumer electronics. I now buy according to my needs rather than just for the sake of having what’s currently perceived as best. Once you cease to see gadgets and electrical devices as fashion accessories but simply as functional tools, then a lot changes. Furthermore it changes for the better.
As part of my phone tariff with Vodafone, I can upgrade my handset every eighteen to twenty four months. It used to be once a year but the high cost of contemporary smartphones has forced them and other vendors to extend contract length. I’m currently eligible for a new handset, as I last replaced my phone in January 2014, so have spent some time this weekend perusing the latest models. Frankly I had no pressing requirement to replace my HTC One. It may not be the best phone I’ve owned but it still performs perfectly adequately. However as an opportunity has presented itself, I think it’s time to return to being a Samsung customer. So despite the lack of an FM radio (which is a major selling point for me) I have chosen to upgrade to a Samsung S6. I have also retained my current tariff of unlimited UK call minutes, unlimited texts and a 4GB data allowance each month with no cost increase. As someone who is self-employed and uses their phone a lot, this is a very good deal.
With regard to selling my old handset, there is a buoyant second hand market in the UK. Unfortunately the recent release of several new models has caused some older handset to suddenly drop in price. As a result I’ve only managed to sell my old phone for £41. With regard to my initial point, a decade ago I would have been lying in wait for the courier delivery, eagerly awaiting my new phone. Messing with the settings and migrating all my data would have been a pleasure to be relished. It’s funny how ones passions and priorities change over time. I’m having my new phone delivered to my parents address for reasons of security and probably won’t be able to collect it until mid-week. Although I'm sure I will be satisfied with the Samsung S6 over the months to come, it will remain in my view, just "a phone". I wonder how long it will be before the public's love affair with gadgets ends and the perception of technology returns once again to something more practical rather than aspirational?