Apple TV – $99; Google TV – $300

Google TV launch hardware looks to be expensive, clunky
[Via Ars Technica]

Details about the compatible hardware for Google TV’s launch in the next couple of weeks have begun to spill out. Logitech is now accepting preorders for its Revue set-top box, while Sony is expected to launch a line of Google TV-powered Bravia HDTVs sometime this month. What we have seen of the hardware and its pricing so far may not entice many early adopters.

The Logitech Revue is a small set-top box that runs the Android-powered Google TV software. Though it comes with a trackpad-equipped wireless keyboard necessary for Web browsing, the unit sells for $300—far more than the Roku XD|S and Apple TV, which sell for just $99 each. Logitech is also touting additional accessories, including a much smaller Mini Controller as well as a 720p HD webcam that can enable video calling right from the TV.

[More]

So the AppleTV costs $99 and a GoogleTV device costs $300. And the mini-contrller – boy, is it ugly –is still more expensive the the AppleTV.

But this comment on another site has a great visual.

The Logitech mini-controller

And the AppleTV remote

Which do you think most people will use? Does anyone remember WebTV?

Cool, Microsoft plus Adobe would be Microbe.

from Wikipedia

Microsoft, Adobe execs discuss Apple, potential merger in meeting
[Via AppleInsider]

Microsoft Chief Executive Steve Ballmer and other company top brass recently held a meeting with those in charge of Adobe to discuss a number of topics, including a partnership or even a merger to counter Apple’s success in the mobile phone market.

[More]

So, let me understand this. One company that has built itself on acquiring the technology created by others and finding itself behind in the market place is going to acquire another company that has built itself on acquiring the technology of others and finding itself behind in the market place.

It is the snake that devours itself, which represents the end of a cycle. I think this particular cycle is the one dealing with personal computers, that began with the founding of Apple. The new one will seems to be that of mobile devices and computers, which can arguably be said to start with Apple’s release of the iPod.

Will Microbe have any meaning at all in the new cycle? Adobe, a maker of desktop software that has not been able to find any real foothold in the mobile market paired with a maker of a desktop OS that has failed to find relevance in the mobile sector. It would seem to take one of the greatest business wizards of the last generation to be able to pull that off. And I think we can agree that Ballmer is not on that list.

Verizon dithers while Apple routes around the damage

by Emmanuel Alanis

Verizon, Apple quarreled over iPhone retail options, digital content [Via AppleInsider]

Major sticking points in negotiations between Verizon and Apple have reportedly been the wireless carrier’s interest in allowing retail partners to sell the iPhone, and Verizon’s promotion of its V Cast digital video-on-demand store.

[More]

This is the same problems Apple had when it first brought out the iPhone. The cell networks want to be in charge of everything and set things up to maximize their profits. As does Apple. But, Apple actually does focus on what many people want and give it to them.

Apple lets us create our own ringtones at a time Verizon and others wanted $2-5. Verizon turned Apple down to begin with. ATT only came into the picture because they were so far behind in the market place that were willing to let Apple try anything.

Now they are right up there. Verizon wants to again edge Apple out of the equation.

What does this remind you of? How about Apple and Adobe? Adobe, through Flash, has the potential to control Apple’s software development. So Jobs just cut them out, not even putting them on any of the mobile devices.

While there are good technical reasons for what Jobs is doing, it also fits things he has said. He does not want Apple’s future directions controlled by others. So, the phone companies are trying to do just that, what is Jobs going to do?

I think I know and have written about it. Using White-fi, Apple will be able to provide video phone calls to almost anywhere without having to really be beholden to any phone company. It’ll work on any mobile device Apple sells and will provide a better value proposition to the customer than the cell phone companies do.

FaceTime will supposedly be available to others so other devices will be able to get around the cell phone networks. It uses Apple servers to make the connection. Perhaps this is one reason Apple is building that huge server farm in NC? Not to simply stream music but to provide the needed ability to connect Wi-Fi devices in FaceTime.

An interesting conversation in a comment thread

by kiwinz

Roger from New Zealand and I have been having a nice conversation in the comment tread from an earlier blog post dealing with climate change and AGW as a scientific model.

We may not agree but I am glad we have been able to carry on a relatively cordial exchange. In the long run, we are all best served by being able to converse rather that to scream and yell.

But it is hard sometimes. Remaining cordial with someone whose views are different than your own is not easy. Probably why so few Democrats talk with Republicans and vice versa. Life is much easier when you only contact those who think the same way.

And that is a path for failure. Mankind is as strong as it is because of the diversity of views that it has. Our understanding of the world around us is enhanced by engaging those with differing views.

As long as we can remain civilized and cordial. Once shouting and fear enter the discussion, then two-way communication stops and little understanding can happen. When people retreat into Cargo Cult Worlds, they do so to prevent further understanding, not to enhance it. As long as they remain there, engaging them no longer provides much use.

Then we all lose.

The conversation I moderated

[Crossposted at SpreadingScience]

You can watch the video at the SpreadingScience link or at the Seattle Channel web site.

On September 14, I moderated a discussion between Ash Awad, Vice President of Energy & Facility Services at McKinstry; and Daniel Friedman, Dean of the College of Built Environments at the University of Washington.

The topic was A Conversation About Sustainable Design and the Seattle Channel videotaped it. It was a fantastic evening and I had a wonderful time sitting between two great speakers.