Apple’s iPhone/iPod 2.0 OS rocks…

Ok, I’m probably going to sound like a bit of a fanboy for writing this, but who cares.  I love my new iPod Touch, particularly the new 2.0 OS.  I personally didn’t need the phone and camera of the 3G iPhone. (already have a nice new cameraphone and I’m not a big fan of AT&T)  I was buying a Macbook anyway and Apple was running their free iPod with a new Mac deal so it was a win-win.  A lot of people seem to think it stinks that Apple is charging for the 2.0 OS, but it really is worth it.  (C’mon, it’s only $10 people!)  Before 2.0, you got the stock apps and that was it.  The 2.0 OS brings features like WPA/WPA2 Enterprise support, the same ActiveSync integration as the iPhone and access to applications from the iPhone app store.  In fact the only glaring item missing from the device is a tasks application that ties into ActiveSync.  Hopefully that will be something that appears on the app store.  (preferably for free…)  The iPod is also an excellent social networking tool, perfect for twitter tweets and quick checks of facebook.  There are even blogging clients for some of the more popular platforms like WordPress.  Apple has worked hard to unify the look and feel of the included apps, but there are still inconsistencies.  One thing I found strange is that some apps rotate, while others don’t.  I personally prefer the landscape view because it’s easier to type accurately on the virtual keyboard.  It’s not hard the other way, but I find it makes me type slower.   Still the interface design is very good; exactly what I would expect from Apple.  The iPod Touch is a great all around gadget; useful for both work and entertainment.  While it’s certainly geared more towards entertainment, it is quite useful as well.

Phoenix lands on Mars, sends first pics

NASA’s Phoenix lander made if safely to the Martian surface and sent back its first images this evening. Since it takes over 10 minutes for the signal to get back to earth, you’re actually watching events that have already taken place. Still it’s pretty amazing just how well the landing went. The first images included some interesting shots of the local landscape. I love that in this connected age, the images were literally up on the Phoenix site minutes after they came down from the spacecraft.

NASA – Phoenix lander to set down Sunday

NASA – Phoenix

NASA’s Phoenix probe is set to land on the surface of Mars on Sunday around 8:00p EST. The lander will be setting down in a polar region. The last probe to attempt that crashed. Let’s hope this one has better luck. The Phoenix mission is somewhat similar to the Viking mission of the 1970’s in that it is a stationary lander designed to sample the soil for signs of life, or the potential to support life. NASA will hold a briefing on NASA TV and online on Saturday and will be streaming video of the event live Sunday evening. I can’t wait!!