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Our blog contains opinion on current affairs throughout the digital, web and social media world. We aren't always right but it will be interesting to hear your viewpoint on these issues, you never know, we may learn something as well.

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Cookie Control

Filed Under: Technology, Web by AJS
7 February 2012

Cookie Control

The issue of Cookies on websites held within the EU will rise in importance in the first half of 2012. Most websites do not have a plan for the deadline of 26 May 2012 and that includes the ICO.

They are yet to advise organisations throughout the UK on how to combat this major issue that has been set in motion without much foresight into the implications.

Yes, companies do track usage of users but most of it is anonymous data. When companies do hold information about users, it tends to improve the user experience by offering personalised content.

more >

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Google+ and referential integrity

Filed Under: Social Media, Web by AJS
9 November 2011

Google+

So I have a personal Google account with a personal GMail address. I run most things via this account like contacting friends, using it as correspondence for banks etc…

When Google+ was announced, I signed up straight away and I was one of the few that understood when Google started deleting those fake accounts. I was one of the few that was frustrated that I was receiving follow suggestions for people in my address book, just because I had multiple email addresses for them but there are the principles of referential integrity.

One person, one record on the database. more >

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Now even Adobe is killing Flash

Filed Under: Advertising, Design, Web by AJS
16 August 2011

Adobe Muse and Edge

The biggest story of last year was the Apple vs Adobe clash concerning Apple’s refusal to support Flash in iOS and therefore the iPad. Adobe responded with a satirical advertising campaign called We [heart] Apple but since then the arguments have died down.

As we all move towards mobile devices including tablets, the need for Flash is beginning to wane. Why should we create flash websites if we must also create an html version? In addition, why should we create flash elements for websites if we need to create a static substitute? The introduction of HTML5 and CSS3 with the inclusion of jQuery has also contributed to the demise of Flash.

Arne Bech produced some Flash vs HTML5 advert examples to see if the user could tell the difference between them. View the advert examples here and see if you can tell the difference. more >

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Google Web Fonts updated

Filed Under: Web by AJS
29 June 2011

google-web-fonts

The updated version of Google Web Fonts was updated this week in what should go down as one of the defining projects of web design for many years.

The whole project has been rolling along for a while and has slowly been gathering pace but the announcement at Google I/O 2011 of the new online directory was one of the standout talks. David Wurtz (@davidwurtz), Raph Levien (@raphlinus) and Darren Glenister (@typedna) presented an amazing web based repository which makes ‘Font Book’ look like yesterday’s news.

They haven’t just improved on the old font directory. They’ve given designers and developers the ultimate tool in selecting the best font for your project. more >

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Will the networks restrict iOS iMessage?

Filed Under: Gadgets, Technology by AJS
10 June 2011

imessage

WWDC came and went with 3 major announcements and some future releases to look forward to.

We knew a lot about Lion and we could predict a lot about iCloud but I think some of the biggest announcements were made by Scott Forstall about iOS 5.

You couldn’t help but feel the tension amongst the room when some of the announcements blatantly conflicted with some of the developers’ plans who were present.

One huge announcement was iMessage. An obvious rival to BlackBerry’s BBM service and pretty much the only ammunition left in RIM’s locker against the invading forces of Apple and Google.

But, if we can send free messages through the new iMessage system, what happens to texts?

My iPad and iPhone run on separate contracts so how can I access messages on both systems?

Maybe you know the answer but could the networks potentially squander what could be a game changing feature?

It wasn’t long ago when Apple were touting ‘personal hotspot’ as a must have feature for iOS4 but can we access that in the UK? The answer is Yes…As long as you pay for it!

Will the same happen again with iMessage or does this spell the end of texting?

It won’t be long before we find out.

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Foursquare superusers

Filed Under: Social Media, Technology, Web by AJS
24 May 2011

Foursquare

I received my Foursquare superuser status this week and it opened all new realms within the game of the Foursquare world.

No longer am I just leaving tips, opening specials and gaining mayorships; now I’m actually helping the network to grow. And there’s more! There are different levels of being a superuser! So after investing the past 18 months on check-ins; I’ve unlocked a whole new world with access that other mere ‘users’ cannot access.

On the face of things, I’m massively talking it up.

It is, after all, just data entry. But, if you ever have a spare 5-10mins, you can feel like you are doing some good. Then, the next time you are checking in, you can see the changes instantly.

Obviously there are rules, there’s a style guide, which, although limited, could have acted as a barrier if it was any more extensive. more >

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iPad2 has arrived

Filed Under: Gadgets, Technology by AJS
28 March 2011

iPad 2

Coast Design was one of the first in the country to get their hands on the iPad2. The most anticipated apple release since the first iPad and it won’t be beaten until the next iPad hits in around 10 months time.

We’ve heard many a person claim that there’s no real place in society for a tablet computer of this nature, yet the original iPad was a storming success.

Yes, it is a luxury item. No it won’t replace a laptop for those serious about their hardware. We won’t be seeing Adobe Creative Suite being released on the iPad any time soon. But, think about the casual computer user.

Those that have 3 main uses for purchasing a computer of some kind

  • Email
  • Internet
  • Organising media more >
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iPad2, will it launch?

Filed Under: Gadgets, Technology by AJS
21 March 2011

iPad 2The gap between the US and European releases of the iPad2 had been rumoured to have been up to 3 months, so imagine our delight when Jobs himself announced it would be 3 weeks, earlier this month.

Great news, but with an extraordinary amount of demand over the pond, will that affect our ability to get our hands on the lighter, faster, slimmer version of the iPad?

We’ll find out soon enough but even if it does launch this Friday, the stock is likely to be limited and if you haven’t got your greasy palms on one by lunchtime, you may have to kiss it goodbye for a while.

A 5 week lead time in the US for online orders could potentially result in an even longer lead time in Europe if you miss your chance on the first day. more >

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Is praise for the Mac App Store misguided?

Filed Under: Technology, Web by AJS
8 January 2011

App StoreThe Mac App Store launched this week and after a few hiccups in authorising accounts, has been a huge hit. There has been a lot of buzz about it since, but some of this seems to be misguided.

Yes, it makes sense that software should be available to download via an online marketplace like this but it isn’t exactly taking giant leaps forward. All the Mac App Store is really doing is freeing up space within Apple’s high street stores by ultimately reducing the offer of boxes of software that serve no purpose. more >

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Opera 11 released

Filed Under: Technology, Web by AJS
23 November 2010

Opera 11 beta was released this week, this may not seem like much to some because their market share has been crippled in recent months by the growth of Chrome and the resurgence of IE with IE9.

But to those in the web design community, we still look toward Opera for innovation. They come up with a lot of these ideas first only to be duplicated by competitors and ultimately improved upon.

Seriously, how long had Opera displayed ‘speed dial’ as a home screen before Apple came along and produced their own version. Obviously Apple made this sexier with a curved effect and reflections but Opera were there first. more >

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