HP just doesn't get it.

So let me get this straight.  The touchpad sold so poorly that HP not only discontinued the product but they're getting rid of their entire consumer division.  They then slash the price to $99 and it sells out almost instantly.

Maybe they should have priced it around $199 originally, taken a bath on each unit and made it up in the app store.  I bet a lot more developers would be likely to code for webOS if they knew there was an install base of millions right off the bat.  From what I have seen webOS is already substantially better than Android.

And people keep wondering why Apple is on top in these markets.  Maybe it's because they have a clue about how they work?

 

Google +/- Motorola

The big news this week has been the Google acquisition of Motorola.  Whether you believe Google just pulled the deal out of their ass or that they "set up" Apple and Microsoft into overbidding on the Nortel patents is irrelevant at this point.  Now the real questions is how does Android proceed when one of the largest handset makers is owned by the same company that develops the OS?  Both HTC and Samsung came out with their boilerplate "we think this is the best for Android" rhetoric but behind closed doors you know they're looking more closely at Windows Mobile Phone Series 7000.

Google has said they will be assigning Motorola's patents (because this why they really bought them, common knowledge yes?) to the mother ship while Moto will be run on its own.  A lot of the op-ed pieces I've read say that Google is just saying this to get the deal signed off by regulators and will fold in the hardware development at some point in the future.  From the very little I know about the way Google works I have to disagree.  My assumption was that Google would leave Motorola to sink or swim of their own accord.  It appears I'm not alone.

Via Shayndi Rice for The Wall Street Journal

"They are going to have to stand alone and win in the marketplace, or Google will shut them down and just focus on the patents,"- Edward Zander Former Motorola CEO

Better keep (read: start) innovating Motorola.  Your days may be numbered.

Twitpic Founder Launches Twitter Competitor Heello

Jollie O'Dell for Venturebeat.com

In addition to updates, which are called pings, the service also allows for following (“listening” to) other people and sending and receiving replies. You can also “echo,” or repost, a ping from another user.

“If Twitter can compete with its developers without fair notice, then why can’t we?” he quipped.

Many still think Google won't be able to catch up to Facebook and Everett thinks Heello can catch Twitter.  Good luck with that.

Remember, this is the same company that wanted to sell users pictures to advertisers.

I think I'll stick with Twitter.

Frances Bean Cobain

Jason Kottke

From fashion designer Hedi Slimane's photoshoot with Cobain. She's 18 now. The time, where did it go?

Feeling old yet?

Set the alarm clock the night before

Seth Godin 

Situational goal adjustment is a real problem.

Don't set the clock when you're tired, set it when you are planning your day. 

Like the old adage says, never go shopping on an empty stomach.  Sometimes it just helps to be reminded.

That truck driver you flipped off? Let me tell you his story.

Dan Hanson for The StarTribune

Every day, experienced and qualified drivers give it up because the government, the traffic and the greedy companies involved in trucking have drained their enthusiasm for this life.