the välimäki experience

Took some time since I declared abandoning iPhone back in March to actually execute the plan. I’ve been now using Pantech Vega R3 running Android as my phone for a few days. Here’s what I’ve learned of migration from iPhone.

1. It is not so simple and straightforward as you’d like it to be. Main reason is Android but also Apple and the Korea Telecom specs of my Pantech have taken their toll.

2. Google has to support a lot of different devices and modifications like Microsoft has been doing for PC hardware in the past. The result is tons of incompatibilities, which may make the use of some key feature or service impossible or very difficult. It does not help when the Android phone is a Korean one, not sold anywhere else, localized to be used with a Korean telecom operator. If you want to get the device running you may need to install little third party apps, hack and customize the phone to make it work properly.

3. Apple is a closed, proprietary platform as we know. It also reminds me of Microsoft with the fact Apple does not support all open standards so actually taking your key data out from an Apple device may require you to install some “unofficial” third party hack that circumvents Apple’s DRM and opens their proprietary protocols.

4. I first tried my best to migrate everything from iPhone to Google’s cloud. I thought it should be straightforward then to download everything from Google to the new phone. I tried various methods. Google support Exchange (originally a Microsoft protocol) to share contacts, calendars and browser data. I tried my best but was never able to upload the stuff from my iPhone to Google’s services. I downloaded and installed latest iOS, version 6.0.1. No luck. I also went to try open protocols Apple has added support for, CardDAV and CalDAV. No luck there either. Everything was configured okay and there are options in the latest iOS interface, but iPhone just didn’t do anything. Data never uploaded. Maybe some protocol incompatibility. Who knows. Then I tried to do the same via my Mac. Based on some blog screenshots iTunes has apparently had the option to upload data to Google but looks like that option is no longer there. As far as I could see, iTunes could upload the contacts, calendar etc. data only to Apple’s own cloud. Thanks. — As an afterthought maybe this announcement explains the problems I had with Google’s cloud. If their Sync “service” does not work with such a basic device as iPhone they just shut it down?

5. So I went the route of uploading everything (and now it worked from both iPhone and iTunes on my Mac) to Apple’s very own iCloud. Then on my Pantech downloaded and purchased two apps: CardDAV-Sync and CalDAV-Sync which I used to sync the data from Apple’s cloud.

I had to go to forums to find out the right configuration info as Apple does not openly share iCloud server addresses. They are different to both contacts and calendar. Maybe it will be impossible to sync to iCloud later with Android but at least it works for now… so finally with these it worked out. I got my contacts and calendar notes migrated. Phew!

6. Then I wanted to also sync music, photos and videos from iPhone to Pantech. Found out there is basically just one popular solution and that one is DoubleTwist, the thing from DVD-Jon’s company. I downloaded and purchased DoubleTwist AirSync.

It should do the job but turns out it doesn’t work, at least all the time. It did not recognize the phone until I had it plugged in via USB. After some trial and error I got it finally working, even over the air, but only for a short time. Turns our doubleTwist works from time to time and does not work at other times. There are no crashes or explanations, usually it just does not connect. Also transferring files is quite strange as there is no good progress bar to check how it goes and while the transfer is ongoing you cannot add anything in queue. Syncing is not like you’d just sync your iPhone content; the application tries to do the whole iTunes library, not just the stuff I have on my iPhone… — As an afterthought here maybe all this has something to do with the fact doubleTwist and the company website don’t look like ones that are updated that often lately. Are they in trouble?

7. Of the many little annoyances after taking my Pantech into use I have to mention one. When receiving calls Pantech cannot show the right contact in the address book where everything has the international country code (e.g. +358 50 … or +358 40 … for Finnish numbers while they come in as 040 or 050). I had to install and configure another app called Prefixer to deal with that (remove 0 and add +358 instead). This does not work outside Finland of course; then this app must be disabled. I bet that some other Android manufactures have fixed this problem.

8. Setting all the migration hacking aside Pantech is a really cool device that generates tons of curiosity to try new things after that revolutionary device once titled Jesus-phone became all-too-boring over the years. My Pantech is right now possibly the fastest specd Android shipping anywhere. It has quad-core Snapdragon S4, crystal-clear 5.3″ screen, 13 megapixel camera, and it plays the sharpest Gangnam style from any device I have seen. The last few days have been kinda getting back to the excitement when I had to first root iPhone to see it running in the first place…

I’ve owned an iPhone since October 2007 when it was far ahead of the competition. I posted enthusiastically about my phone in 2007-2008, getting kicks from hacking and finding something new and playing retro stuff. I even went to one launch event once when it was a new concept and there was’t any queue. Then came the stores — both physical and online — everything went closed, commercial, queues grew up, and I had less time to hack. My previous iPhone post is indeed from 2008. Since then I’ve been running it in stock mode with just a couple apps. Issues I have with iPhone today include:

1. Look and feel is the same as when it launched five years ago. Yes. Where’s the innovation? On the left you have the original 2007 model, on the right hand side the latest model selling five years after in 2012. I want and expect change.
   
   
   
2. Crashes more and more often, and compared to competition it is getting worse. Here’s one related study although I’m talking about the operating system crashing, not an individual app. I’m experiencing at least once a week complete system hang which needs hard reboot. It can come any time during any operation of any app, like with the built-in map application. Apple is hacking an ever complex, closed system in-house. Some would say this is the expected outcome.
3. Hardware is closed and has no open connectors anybody could freely build accessories for. There’s less third party stuff in general. No peripheral ecosystem. Again, less innovation.
4. Apple is sold out like a girl or boy band at the peak of their career. Anything Apple is no longer cool. It gives me no kicks. Why would I devote any time to hack or talk about Apple’s devices because everybody is doing it. Having too many fans can makes you look dumb with those white earphones. I so much like this ad:

5. Overpriced and will remain so, despite all of the above. While this may not be the really limiting factor to get one, it will hit me that I don’t want to spend anybody’s money for technology that just isn’t worth it anymore. I think it is morally wrong and detrimental to innovation if people are spending money into that stuff and let them put out more crap.

On the positive side iOS devices are still easy to use and fast, very good (when it doesn’t crash) for basic email, navigation and surfing. There are apps for everything. Yes, like Windows 95 or 98 for basic desktop use. That comparison should tell enough why I’m switching …

Overall, Apple is today like Microsoft in the mid or late 1990s. It is hard to see right now how they can ever fail. They have obviously many great years ahead but, at the same time, the other guys are creating a more interesting future.

It’s been a while since I posted about cars. And It’s been even longer I posted about V8 cars. So here goes an update now that I have something to report.

When we moved to the US last August I had to of course get back to real cars with real engines. After checking Audi Q7 (overpriced, underpowered, looks sloppy), Mercedes R series (huge but more American than German, not a real SUV) and calling after a few Mercedes GL series (overpriced) I settled with Porsche Cayenne Turbo, model year 2004. This car had it all and was an absolutely beast to drive. Twin turbo V8, 450hp stock, 0-100km/h in 5.3 secs, all possible options. Handling and acceleration like a sports car but still with all the comfort extras and even cargo space for a family. Jack of all trades. No comparison to the others.

The only controversial you can say about the car is how it looks. Cayenne’s nickname in the forums is P!g. To me this particular animal, with 20″ rims and shining black basalt paint, has looked good from the first sight. However, I have to say knowing what’s inside does affect how you look at it.

I test drove two cars and ended up choosing the one that had 10k more miles on the dash but came with an extended Porsche Approved Certified Pre-Owned warranty, or just CPO in short. This was the first time I bought a car with warranty. Turns out the choice to have a car with the factory warranty was absolutely the right one. Here’s a list of maintenance and repairs over the CPO period. My part starts from the 80K mile service up:

• Replaced Air Suspension Compressor, Jan 2012 @ 92k miles
• Replaced Lower Control Arms, Jan 2012
• Replaced Passenger Side Mirror Motor, Jan 2012
• Replaced Brake Booster Line and Valve, Dec 2011
• Replaced Starter, Nov 2011
• Replaced Remote Key, Sep 2011
• Replaced Battery, Sep 2011
• Performed 80K Mile Service (inc. Air Filter, Spark Plugs), Sep 2011
• Replaced Drive Shaft, Apr 2011
• Replaced Driver Side Headlight Assembly, Oct 2010
• Replaced Coolant Hose, Oct 2010
• Replaced DME Control Unit, Mar 2010
• Replaced Dome Lamp, Jan 2010
• Replaced Park Brake Shock, Jan 2010
• Replaced Fuel Door Lock, Jan 2010
• Replaced Aux Water Pump, Jan 2010
• Replaced Coolant Pipes, Jan 2010 @ 76k miles

Pretty long list over two years and just over 15k miles! My experience with CPO has been excellent and prompt service. Everything has been replaced without questions (except for the air compressor that took three visits and a call to Porsche USA) and over repairing things I’ve reported they have found other issues and fixed them on the way. You get a free service loaner while the car is in for repairs, and when you pick up the car back it comes hand washed.

I have no information of major maintenance and repairs before the CPO period except what Carfax tells me. Interesting details include “engine serviced” in March 2007, “transmission checked” in March 2009 and several notes for “electrical” service.

The CPO coverage is now over. From now on I’m driving this beast on my own. The car does have mileage behind but the good thing is I know my car has been meticulously serviced, always at the dealership, and with original parts. It has no open issues. The fix list above goes pretty much through the known problems of early Cayennes.

What an interesting time to move into Silicon Valley to witness the change. Just in the last ten days we have had the following news from local companies:

• Google buys Motorola Mobility. I still remember the first real business phone I got into my hands back in 1999: Motorola TimePort. It worked all over the place. The first true mobile. And now? What does Google acquisition mean for the Android ecosystem in general? I’m sensing more disruptions in there.
• HP, which bought Palm only last year, appears to be killing not just their phones and tablets but PC business as well. PC was invented here, in Silicon Valley. And now, what is left besides Apple?
• Speaking about that, Steve Jobs just announced he has retired as a CEO effective immediately. Despite medical leaves he’s been there to introduce the latest iPad2 and making sure the hype remains the same. Changes will happen slowly, but my guess is that Apple is going to start changing direction as well. It cannot continue as a closed cathedral forever.

Overall, I’m sensing there will be tons of opportunities for companies who bridge the ever-changing platforms and ecosystems together. That’s my mission to do as well.

Just came back from a quick trip to Paris where I was a member of a PhD jury for Jan Eilhard. A great exprience. In many ways the Finns could learn from the process.

I arrived on Friday afternoon flight and took a RER to the hotel. The thesis was waiting in the lobby. Picked it up and headed to the university defense hall. It started curiously at 4:30PM, on a day which was a public holiday as well.

Upon arrival, I had no idea what was expected from me. I had submitted a 2-page report on the thesis one month beforehand. It turns our I am “rapporteur” together with Marc. Two Erics go with the title “examinateur.” So the Erics are the main opponents, I ask? No, you and Eric are what is needed, Francois responds. So you have a 10-15 minutes prepared speech, and you go first, ok? Okay…

Jan went off with a half an hour presentation of what he had done. The set went great and my commentary fit well with the others. The thesis was very good so the task was easy, and the whole event relaxed. Every jury member commented in turn. Supervisor Francois was the last one, and his comments were nice and personal. After two hours the candidate and audience left the room, the the jury discussed a final statement and signed PhD approval papers. People were called in. We went all to the stage and Marc gave the final asseesment. The candidate walked out as a PhD and served champagne to everyone. No Finnish post-process is expected.