Archive for the ‘Geek’ Category

Apple iOS Updates … Why so frustrating!

Geek | Posted by Dean
May 19 2011

Apple released iOS version 4.3.3 on the 4th May. This was for me relatively good timing as I was about to pick up a brand new iPhone 4 with an iOS that would need an update. The phone has iOS 4.3 on it, so my second task after setup was to update IOS on it. Well so I thought.

iOS 4 Logo

iOS 4 Logo

It is now the fourth day of trying and failing. The process is failing during the download, so before it even attempts updating the phone. Each and every time the iOS update ends with error 1403, which is a corrupt file. You only get this message after downloading the 600+ MB from Apple.

I would guess I have tried a minimum of 15 times in the past 4 days. This represents 9+ GB of download wasted for no result. The suggestions on the Apple Support Communities from a fellow iOS user is to wait a few days and try again. Hardly a solution, and I do not fancy waiting a few days and see the exact same behaviour continue. I will be shaped lickity split if it does.

I think Apple need to revise the way they perform iOS updates. Perhaps delivery of patches via small files rather than moster updates. Or if the monster updates are to continue how about splitting the download into smaller chunks (say 50 – 100 MB) that can be verified individually before being assembled into the larger update file. In the latter scenario the corrupted content would represent a lot less to download again than the whole 600+ MB.

Another thing Apple should have a long hard think about it where private customers like myself have multiple iOS devices. I have an iPad (which miraculously got 4.3.3), iPhone 4, and an iTouch in the house. Each requires its own specific download to accomplish the same base task of running iOS 4.3.3. The equates to roughly 1.5 GB just to ensure the 3 devices are up to date. Why could I not download a single smart update that includes smarts to say are you an iPad/iPhone/iTouch and then include the applicable code updates. Again this would save a lot of download limit for those of us with the devices in the house.

This all said I am not likely to jump to Android or Windows Phone 7 as a mobile compute platform. I just am not impressed by them. I float this advice on the hope that Apple may look at how they can make their update experience better and more robust for the home user.

Anyone else had a similar iOS experience or have any thoughts on how the update experience could be improved?

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Vodafone is the path to the dark side. Vodafone leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to Telstra.

Geek | Posted by Dean
May 16 2011

vodafail

vodafail


Today I have freed myself from the decripit telephony network that is Vodafone Australia. When I went to Vodafone I was overjoyed at moving away from Telstra, however after having many an issue with them I am now back to the big “T”.

I was planning on moving back to Telstra when my Vodafone contract expired at the end of June. The plan was to move the number only and then wait to upgrade the handset when the iPhone 5 is released.

However when my Nokia N97 had a cataclysmic failure in the charging socket the need grew more urgent. On the Nokia N97 the charging point in the phone itself failed to connect to the chargers tried. Prices to fix this put it between $90 and $110 to repair. More than a new contract with a new iPhone 4.

So I have gone to Telstra on a cheaper cap and some added perks due to an active promotion. The perks all up represent $100 in savings … huzzah! So I am now a full Apple convert with an iPod Classic, iPad Generation 1, MacBook Pro, and now an iPhone 4. I guess I can call Steve Jobs the Emperor now!

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It’s time to kick ass or chew bubble gum, and I’m all out of gum

Geek | Posted by Dean
May 06 2011

Duke Nukem is about to be reloaded again in Duke Nukem Forever. Looking forward to the attitude returning.

Listen out for some classic quotes in this one!

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Pain for Gain

Facebook, Fitness Challenge, Geek | Posted by Dean
Mar 17 2011

As I wrote about earlier I am on a new fitness kick called Fat Attack 2011. As a part of this attempt I have decided to use my Wii and X-Box Kinect as exercise aids. My first session was on Sunday, since then I have had very sore shoulders, and after yesterday and todays sessions some sore legs.

After writing of this on FaceBook I was made aware of DOMS. Immediately I had visions of an Italian Gourmet Pizza Parlour, but alas DOMS is delayed onset muscle soreness. DOMS (as a geek I love acronyms) is as it suggests where you feel sore long after the exercise has ceased. DOMS is most frequently felt when you begin a new exercise program, change your exercise routine, or dramatically increase the duration or intensity of your exercise routine.

So in my case my body is not used to anything beyond walking and tenpin bowling. Essentially any exercise could be considered is an increase to what my lazy arse is used to. So yes even the exercises within Kinect Sports and Wii Fit. Unwittingly I have suffered this before from the Wii and previously called this feeling a Wiinjury.

Delayed onset muscle soreness is thought to be a result of microscopic tearing of the muscle fibers. The amount of tearing (and soreness) depends on how hard and how long you exercise and what type of exercise you do. Any movement you aren’t used to can lead to DOMS. So my Kinect Sports session with the boxing and bowling obviously was very effective in ripping tiny tears through my shoulders and arms, whilst the leg workout of yesterday and today has done similar things to my legs.

DOMS effects are worse within 24 and 72 hours and gradually will subside beyond that timeframe. There are many ways to treat DOMS, but no one way is definitively the best. In the past I have tried the “wait it out” approach. In this approach you do nothing but wait for the pain to go away. However, I am going to try an alternative approach of “active recovery”. Basically lower intensity activities until the DOMS effects are gone. The theory is that the continued use helps increase blood flow through the area. This blood flow assists with the muscle recovery and adaptation to more continued use.

So today I will be head back to the filthy Munmorrah Circuit Duck Pond for a morning walk before work. I will also be bowling in the evening. Depending on how I pull up after bowling I may squeeze in some Wii Fit with some of the yoga type work outs.

Having delved into DOMS, I guess I now know the true meaning of no pain, no gain! I also expect that I am going to be generally sore for a few weeks whilst my lard arse gets its groove back.

P.S.: A graphical track will be kept on progress in the sidebar to the right.

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Another Fat Attack

Fitness Challenge, Geek | Posted by Dean
Mar 12 2011

Over the past fortnight I have been to my local GP. My blood pressure was up and I need to go see him again in another fortnight. This is no real surprise given that I am a fatty and under constant pressure have been for a very long time. Since that visit to the GP I have been steadily being more selective in what, and how much I consume.

I am thus keen to manage this situation before drugs and/or surgical options (i.e. lap band/gastric bypass) is mentioned, even though I am close to two great examples of the success in that approach. However, I want to make this a true lifestyle change and focus. I have also seen that approach work with my sister, and it is she that has inspired me.

It is time to resurrect the fitness challenge that I was succeeding at previously. It is going to be difficult given the long commutes that were not present then, but it is something I just have to do. I intend beginning this new quest across the weekend with some casual strolls around the area. I will also be geeking the challenge up with at least 1 hour on Kinect Sports/Adventures and Wii Fit per night during the week, excepting Fridays when I bowl. I will use Wii Fit as my measuring stick at this point.

I am also hopeful that when I succeed the ill effects of my sleep apnoea will be lessened, and that I will actually be able to get a decent nights sleep, though some of the personal and professional stress will also need to go. I also hope that the joint aches that I get in my knees and ankles will also become a memory of the past.

Anyway, I promise not to become a Food Nazi or the like, and it will not be my sole blogging effort. After all I have 18 hours to kill on the train 3 days per week.

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