Mike Wehner at TUAW has a humorous look at one of the predictions about the Samsung Galaxy S5 and how it turned out.

The S5 looks like a fine but not overwhelming phone from a spec perspective. But from a looks perspective? Eesh. The best argument that Samsung doesn’t copy Apple may be that they can’t seem to make an attractive phone.

Today’s OS X Mavericks update reportedly fixes the Mail problem(s) and the goto fail security bug.

Can I get a “finally”?

The Verge’s Tom Warren on Nokia’s little experiment.

The X introduces a new “forked” version of Android that’s akin to what Amazon does with its Kindle Fire line. Nokia is effectively taking the open-source elements of Android and then bolting on its own services, a Windows Phone-like UI, and yet another Android app store.

Sounds interesting.

Using the X software can be quite frustrating, however, as the entire interface is prone to slow response and a lot of lag. Closing or switching between apps on the X takes far longer than other, even entry-level, smartphones, and browsing the web will quickly test your patience.

Aaand not anymore.

I’m not sure how it makes any sense to get into this ecosystem when there’s a very good chance Microsoft is just going to kill it. And then it’s not even a good user experience. Maybe that’s another Elop Trojan horse: make Android look crappy by making a crappy Android user experience.

GigaOm’s Jeff John Roberts reports that Intellectual Ventures is setting up a political action committee for patent trolls:

“We don’t have any details to share about the PAC filing,” said an IV spokesperson in response to an email question about how the company will direct the PAC money.

It’s a good bet, however, that the company will target Congressional freshman with messages about “protecting property” and “supporting innovation.” The company once used such rhetoric to charm Malcolm Gladwell and others, but now IV’s demands for money are regarded by many as a tax and a nuisance.

Thank goodness someone will be finally provide a voice in government for those who almost literally sit under bridges they did not build and extort money from those who pass over.

(Via Kontra)

The fine folks at The Magazine have made public a piece I wrote for them back in 2012. It’s a biting satire of modern life.

Or is it?

It is.

At least I think it is.

CNBC:

Facebook today announced that it has reached a definitive agreement to acquire WhatsApp, a rapidly growing cross-platform mobile messaging company, for a total of approximately $16 billion…

Cross platform messaging does seem like a good fit and I understand WhatsApp is pretty popular, but as Ben Bajarin notes, this is more than Google paid for Motorola and Nest combined. Not that this is going to stop me from making fun of Google buying Motorola.

This sounds like it might be a better deal, anyway.

WhatsApp’s volume is “approaching the entire global telecom SMS volume,” which makes $16 billion suddenly seem totally reasonable

Gregg Keizer writing for Computerworld:

…is there a chance that when Microsoft launches Office for the iPad,

I said this over a year ago and with the passage of time the continued success of the iPad and failure of the Surface only serve to support the argument.

The Verge’s Chris Welch reports on Google’s helpful hints on how not to be a Glasshole.

“Standing alone in the corner of a room staring at people while recording them through Glass is not going to win you any friends,” Google says.

Huh.  Who would have thought that?

Videos like this one really don’t help Google’s message here.

Michael Yoshikami presents “Three things Apple needs to do right now.”

Right now right now or later right now?

1. Present to the marketplace new products in untapped segments

Like their competitors have so successfully done.

Uh…

Moving on! See if you can spot the logical flaw in number 2.

2. Deliver a next-generation iPhone that isn’t just evolutionary but instead contains meaningful technological advances such as the fingerprint scanner included in the iPhone 5s.

Yes, they desperately need meaningful technological advances. Like the one they introduced last fall.

3. Paint a clear vision as to their view on the emergence of new technology and how it will be incorporated into products

Tip your hand! Start acting like Google! Stop being so you!

Being an innovator not only means great technology but understanding what the market wants and delivering a product that is unique and differentiated.

Unique and differentiated. Cannot stress that “and” enough. So many companies will ship products that are unique but not different. Or, very different but not unique. It’s a problem.

Pieces like this are basically advertising, in this case for Yoshikami’s investment advisory firm. Its mission statement?

Our passion is making a difference each and every day

Well… there’s always tomorrow.

You have got to be kidding.