Comments for GigaOM

Comment on Google and affliction of me-too-ism by Soma

Soma — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:11:50 +0000

Microsoft chasing ‘search’ and Google chasing ‘social’ is an apt way to describe the wayward history of the giants. But in the same token is n’t Facebook not starting to chase Mobile OS at least in the sense of creating native richer experience in smartphones. This is where the trend could play out in Google’s favor. And Gdrive should be seen in that context…although I agree it is late.

Comment on Do users really care whether the web is open or not? by Heather Shoemaker

Heather Shoemaker — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 09:02:07 +0000

“If there is one thing that we can learn from the runaway success of Apple, it is that the vast majority of users don’t particularly care about abstract concepts like openness or metaphors like walled gardens.”

While I cannot speak for the “vast majority,” I am personally extremely passionate about open access to information and knowledge and the Internet as an ideal conduit. That said, I also believe each individual should have the right and ability to withhold certain personal information from the public at large.

I do have a Facebook page and enjoy the ability I have there to share information solely with those whom I choose. I am not devoted to Facebook and if I felt my rights constricted through its use, I would not hesitate to discontinue its use. Until then, it is nice to have a place where I can interact specifically with those individuals I wish. I do not see anything inherently wrong with individuals cultivating a “safe zone” they share with those they choose. There are many other networks I use that I do not restrict in the same way, but this is – and I believe should be – my choice.

“AOL seemed so dominant in its time … But it faded because users realized that the benefits of being inside its garden were far outweighed by the downsides and that the open Internet wasn’t so bad after all.”

As an original user of AOL (I never thought I would feel so old at 27!), I did not use its service out of fear of the open Internet, but because there simply were not many well-known options at the time. I would venture to guess that, like me, the many AOL ex-users switched not out of reduced fear but out of increased opportunities.

Comment on Google and affliction of me-too-ism by Alok P

Alok P — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:45:16 +0000

And yet, Google has always been a me-too company. Apple has over the past decade been pretty much the same. Search existed long before Google. Mail too. Mobile OSes, Productivity software, all existed well before Google took the plunge. Google Earth and Maps were perhaps more of a market creator than most other Google products. And those were brought in from outside.

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by Kyle

Kyle — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:38:50 +0000

Nice watch Mr. Musk

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by Ucilia Wang

Ucilia Wang — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:36:58 +0000

Simmer down, George. If you jump out of your seat while talking to Elon Musk, then you’ll look like an idiot or someone who needs to go to the bathroom stat!

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by CSN

CSN — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:33:40 +0000

Nevermind the misogyny bleeding from the seams. I see a competent and balanced interview by a non-auto-jouno. You people watch too much Fox News to remember what reporting is supposed to look like.

Why would anyone think that having a giant door-umbrella over you would let in more rain than having… nothing?

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by AG

AG — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:28:35 +0000

Yes they do. I had the same thought, however if they offer a trailer hitch (do they?), then you could get away with a hitch mounted bike / ski rack. In addition, while the multiple sun roofs look cool, 90% of the time you want those windows covered so they kiddos don’t get sun burned.

Elon’s description of the 4wd system sounds like an electric version of the Subaru has had for years. (good)

When you look at 7 passenger cars, there are very few options. If people will drop $57k for a Toyota Highlander Hybrid, I’m sure they will sell plenty of these.

Comment on T-Mo adds a family check-in service; will people pay? by Greg

Greg — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:27:36 +0000

http://www.family-checkin.com/

This version works all around the world and even on low end devices like symbian. An interesting alternative.

Comment on JetBlue debuts iPhone app as big travel gets social, mobile savvy by NZ Tours

NZ Tours — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:26:47 +0000

Wish the companies here in NZ had the apps available to make our lifes easier as well.
Cheers!

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by CSN

CSN — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:24:09 +0000

Nevermind the misogyny bleeding from the seams. I see a competent and balanced interview by a non-auto-jouno. You guys watch too much Fox News to know what reporting is supposed to look like.

Why would anyone think having a giant door-umbrella would let in more rain than having… nothing?

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by Ucilia Wang

Ucilia Wang — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:21:30 +0000

Brad, it’s you who clearly knows nothing about the car business. Tesla is not selling the Model X to engineers. It wants to sell to families, so Katie’s questions about the roominess of the car, its safety and pricing are questions that consumers will ask. And her questions about how Tesla plans to market it — a van with a cool design and extra functions — are what any good business reporter should ask.

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by Eric Warnke

Eric Warnke — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:20:56 +0000

Considering this was a “hands on video” with the car they sure spent 75% of the video sitting around talking. Show us the car, I couldn’t care less about two people staring at each other for ~5 minutes.

Comment on Google and affliction of me-too-ism by Kathy E. Gill

Kathy E. Gill — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:16:33 +0000

Exactly, PXLated, IBM is an exception and the focus is “long-term-ism” not “me-too-ism”. See Kevin Kelly (2011): http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2011/07/corporate_long-.php And the innovation-disruption cycle is much shorter these days, which means you can’t wait until folks retire to change course.

Comment on Since the FCC no longer listens, AT&T tries Congress by cosplay store

cosplay store — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:14:06 +0000

In any event, the reality is that under the current rules the Schure Microphone company has far more power over the use of this spectrum than anybody else.

Comment on Hands-on video with Tesla’s electric Model X by karl

karl — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:09:24 +0000

Great interview!

Comment on Google and affliction of me-too-ism by Kathy E. Gill

Kathy E. Gill — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 08:09:09 +0000

DropBox integrates seamlessly with my iPhone/iPad apps — as others have pointed out, no browser required and sharing is a piece of cake, too. I can’t stick a zipped folder on GoogleDocs, but I can on DropBox.

Om, I have iDisk (and was a MobileMe $ customer for years) but I use it seldom. DropBox is just easier.