Better on-line photos!

A little photo juju for folks who like to post pictures: Use your phone or computer's built-in photo-editing features before posting that picture! Fix it up for better results:

• Use the "Auto-enhance" feature for starters.
• Too dark? Use the "Light, Shadows" control to bring the subjects and background out from the shadows. Or use the "Light, Brightness" to increase the overall lighting.
• Dull look? Use the "Light, Contrast" control to increase the separation between lights and darks.
• More pop? Use the "Color, Intensity" to add more color and the "Color, Saturation" control to increase the wash.
• Zoom in on the subject or straighten the picture? Use the "Crop" or "Rotate" controls.
• When posting a picture on-line, it's usually better to brighten it up rather than posting it "as is". This is because most cameras expose for prints, not monitors.

With just a little attention, you'll see the difference - and so will your friends!

Droid does - but do you want it to?

I'm perplexed by the "Droid Does" (tm) marketing blitz, which seeks to deflate the sails of a certain smartphone that doesn't run apps concurrently, etc.

The thrust seems to be "We allow full access to the platform, and they don't!" But, I'm thinking, do you really benefit from that? For one thing, it's an open door to virus, phishing, and commandeering abuse - and who really wants more of that?

Sounds like they should re-visit their marketing message to me.

Interesting article on "The best smartphone OS"

Heads up: Highly subjective! Make sure to read some of the feedback comments, too. Nevertheless, entertaining and enlightening.

http://mobilitysite.com/2009/01/palmpre-vs-iphone-vs-winmo-vs-android-vs-blackberry-fight/

iPhone++ (the hallmarks of the new device revolution)

The success of the iPhone shows how including API access for a consumer device will give it a long reach. An predecessor that also leveraged this approach was the original Palm Pilot (which enabled a basic five-function device to become much more).

Including compact database capability is also a compelling feature, since it allows storage of data sets and relational capabilities.

Network access is a "must have", too.

Bonus points: A virtual version of the device (allowing developers and testers to be productive without requiring actual hardware).

Conclusion: Look for devices that include network access, accessible APIs, compact database capability, and virtual simulation to go a long way.