Ubisoft has perfected a simple 4-step method for turning gamers into software pirates: 1. Release a new game with invasive DRM 2. Wait 24 hours for the obligatory cracked versions (or not) 3. Have the required DRM servers crash 4. PROFIT!!! Seriously, how could they not have expected this… I’m guessing that the DRM authentication …
Author Archives: sandro
Of iPads, Couriers, and Failure
Apple is about to release the iPad (April 3, 2010), and while I don’t know if it’s going to be a huge success, I think they’ve figured out some problems that others are still struggling with. For instance, I just had a look at Gizmodo’s coverage of the “Microsoft Courier” (what a new font, really?). …
Upgraded bubbles
A little Photoshop wizardry (courtesy of an online tutorial), and I’ve upgraded the bubbles in my first iPhone application. I need to figure out a real game of some sort to use these in so I can justify putting it on the App Store.
My first iPhone app
I’m still tinkering, but I pretty much just finished my first iPhone app that’s more interesting than a list of text. As I mentioned before, I’m taking the iPhone class at UMD this semester; and this is/was lab #3. Basically it’s just a small app that creates bubbles as you tap the screen, and pops …
Snow Suck
Snowmageddon, Snowpocalypse Now, Snotorious B.I.G. call it what you will, the blizzard of 2010 was pretty miserable for us. If you don’t follow my Twitter Feed/Facebook Wall, you might not know that last week’s snow storm was pretty traumatic for the family. Besides 55″ of snow, we had a town truck catch fire in front …
Pictures of Flowers
Here’s a photo of the flowers we got (see the previous post), compare that with the picture of what I ordered. BTW: I’ve been promised a refund, but it hasn’t materialized yet.
Delivering the goods…
It’s becoming clear to me that some forms of customer service are dead. I sit here currently on hold with 1-800-flowers.com after complaining about the bouquet that was just delivered. The bouquet I ordered is pictured to the left, the one that arrived is significantly different. Although their description states the arrangement would include: “Fresh …
iPhone Development Class
I’ve signed up for the iPhone development class we have at UMD at the moment. So far it’s going OK, but I did miss the first week since I was in Pennsylvania. Hopefully, I’ll get motivated, catch up, and eventually put something out through the App Store.
Developing Employment Leads
Scott has put together a good post on finding job leads. Ok, it’s a bit self-serving to mention it since he cites me in it, but he goes on to build on my relatively simple advice. Scott’s Blog: Can Google Find You?
Everyday Design: Ovens
My future brother-in-law Chris pointed out that we’re getting so used to well-designed objects (thanks Apple) that, when something isn’t well designed, it sticks out like a sore thumb. While putting the roast in the oven, it became abundantly clear to me that ovens need some fresh thought. The design hasn’t really changed in what …