Trust me I know. When we want our weekly, daily, and who am I kidding, our hourly tech cravings, TechCrunch & Mashable are our go to guides. They cover everything. And now, here at the Daily Waffle, I’m going to give it my own shot as well! In my own way, that is.
So welcome to Tuesday’s Tech Take, where I’ll headline the most relevant tech news and get you up to speed if you find yourself out of the loop. Don’t worry, this is good for me too, since I’m keen to analyze how technology affects our culture sometimes, a little too much. But now, I can focus on the facts. Ready, set…go!
1- The Facebook Phone is Back
They’re not saying no. Well, not yet anyways. Would you buy a Facebook phone? Not a phone that has Facebook, like what we have already, but literally, a phone that was carried, run by, and yes, also had Facebook? I still think this idea is weird.
Just because Zuckerberg invented the most addicting technology, arguably, of all time, doesn’t mean he needs to reinvent the telephone too. But, they’re continuing to push this. TechCrunch is reporting that Facebook is going to customize the Android platform, the open source one, along with HTC, to make something of its own. Even IF, and that’s a big if, it works, it’s still not technically all Facebook then. Nice try, though. TechCrunch does note some serious issues with this, however, if it’s persued more thoroughly– like how, potentially a “Facebook OS” could compete against the almighty Apple OS. Do you think it’d stand a shot? Maybe I’m wrong, but I think the ship has sailed on that one. Android, and only Android (not one teamed up with Facebook) for the forseeable future, I think, will be the only one to keep up.
2- YouTube Got Another Makeover
And apparently, Mashable is concerned that users have no idea how to use this platform anymore. Never fear, though. They’ve offered a brilliant guide to navigating this new, sexier version. What’s new? Here’s the rundown I’ve gotten from this nifty guide: more personalization, more personalization, more personalization.
Can’t emphasize that word enough in social media today. It’s the only way to stay ahead of the game, and YouTube knows it. For instance, on your home page, you can add your favorite channels to the most left column. More accessibility means more smiles from us. And more recommendations! Like how we’re told on our Twitter homepages who to follow, or who is similar to us, YouTube will suggest channels it thinks you will like, based on what you’ve watched already, and it even breaks down channels suited for you by categories:
Smart. I like it already.
And lastly,
3-Holiday Shopping is Here to Stay
I know that’s really not much of headline, because it’ll always be true this time of year, but let’s face it. The holidays can only mean great things for our favorite gadgets in these next few weeks. It’s time for all of us to consider the pros and cons of the various forms of smartphones, tablets, HD tvs and blurays we want. Oh, the endless possibility.
Me? I’m torn on the kind of tablet I want. Currently weighing in on the Barnes & Noble Nook Tablet and the Kindle Fire. If any of you have suggestions, then by all means, please share!
