"i got a blackberry and all i got was this lousy messenger service"

Earlier today, Blackberry announced that BBM would be available for free on Android & iOS - this is a pretty big deal (or at least I think it is).

I see this as the first step towards the end of Blackberry as we know it.

It has been rumoured for a while that Blackberry would turn BBM cross-platform; but I didn't think they'd actually do it. I think there's no doubt that Blackberry are getting desperate to retain their customers - the whole 're-imaging' of the brand via the Blackberry Z10 & dropping the 'Research In Motion' title for 'Blackberry'. Not to mention that they literally paid Android developers to quickly port their apps over to Blackberry.

There was a time where Blackberry's were the top dog in the smartphone industry (hell, they're the original smart phone manufacturers); targeted at business environments due to the how secure it was. Since the iPhone, however - the smartphone has become a mass consumer point and frankly, Blackberry are falling behind as the alternatives have rocketed ahead. It appeared that Blackberry's one major selling point was the BBM service; exclusive to Blackberry's and from the people I've spoken to overtime was the one thing keeping people owning a Blackberry.

Since data messaging services such as Whatsapp, Kik & Facebook Messenger have emerged though; is it too late to save BBM? I see making it available on iPhones & Android as a move of desperation on the companies behalf to simply keep customers. If they're not buying their phones then at least they're using a Blackberry service, right? Right?

It might be a little too late, though. I think BBM was popular in it's prime but a lot of people have moved on. What I'd like to see in the Android version though; is unified messaging; similar to iMessage but with BBM and Google Chat integration  I don't think it'd happen - in reality it's just going to be yet another data messaging with Push notifications.

I think that the Z10 hardware is gorgeous, similar to the HTC One but a huge step up for Blackberry. The OS is pretty nice, but not quite there yet. If I had to make a bold prediction it would be that eventually Blackberry will go the way of Nokia & start focusing primarily on hardware (& software services?). Judging by the lack of Windows 8 BBM - I'd be sure they'd manufacture for Android.

In a sick way, it'd be nice to see Blackberry evolve and become legitimate competition in the smartphone wars again - however, I think they've missed their opportunity window. The Blackberry name has become an unreliable joke, meanwhile customers are sitting comfy in the world of iOS & Android.

birthday recap (+ pickups)

It was my 20th (!!!) birthday last week, which I guess marks the end of my teenage years - which is sad, but now this could be considered "the next part" of my life. University in September to study Media & Communications. I'm thankful I'm going, this year has really taught me a lot and made me more introspective about what I want & what I'm doing.

But really though, It's not different at all.

My birthday was great, though. Best birthday I've ever had. On the Friday, Charlotte cooked me a 3 course meal & made me a Dr Pepper cake. It wasn't even my birthday yet and it was going off! Seriously though, that cake was amazing, as was the meal, it's definitely a sign that she should cook for me more often, but hey - that's just wishful thinking.

The Saturday night, a few of us went to Drop Beats Not Bombs 10th Anniversary, at Q Club, Birmingham. The venue was moved there from Rainbow due to "a catastrophic power failure;" which I thought would suck, as they were closing the entire street by Rainbow for this.

Luckily though, the converted chapel was probably one of the more surreal arenas I've been in, I just remember looking up & thinking I was in Hogwarts, shit was amazing, even if it was £4 for a can of Red Stripe.

I'm not gonna recap the entire night (partly because I can't) - but it was easily one of the best nights out all year, set a pretty high standard. I felt blessed to have such people around me.

Supreme x Kermit

I finally acquired one of my grails!

Picked it up from a guy on Reddit for a good price (a birthday present to myself...).

It was a good week clothes wise - new jeans & shirt from Charlotte as well as some Nike Roshe Runs (Light Bone colourway). It'll be nice to add a bit more variation to my wardrobe





It's still early in the morning and I'm still very tired, So I think I'll publish this, re-read it and think 'what the fuck?'

I'm writing a post about Hype Clothing, so that should be up soon.

Peace

nike digital floral stefan janoski pickup

Digi Floral Stefan Janoski

I've been waiting for these since the design was leaked a few months ago; expecting an exclusive release - they landed in the UK last Friday, I managed to pickup a pair from Prime Delux before the availability switched to 'In Store Only'.

The Digi variation of the full camouflage print has been seen as an alternative to Supreme's Power, Corruptuon & Lies Vans. The Supreme PCL retailed at around £114, with resell from £150+; this pair of Janoski however, retail from £65.

They are very nice in person. I loved the design from the leak; however the official capsule image made me skeptical. But good thing is that they're a helluva lot nicer in person. What did disappoint me was that the shoes come with 2 pairs of black laces - if it were me, I'd have offered white as a variation. Looks Like I'll have to pick some up off eBay.

Digi Floral Stefan Janoski - another view

It does seem to me that the 'digitalisation' of these full prints - floral, camo, leopard (soon?) are an attempt to rehash a trend that has been ongoing for at least a good 2 years now. While I do think that a bit of originality in print is necessary - the digital variations are a good step towards that; whilst maintaining a reflection of the current digital age we're currently in.

I believe these drop in the US next month.

the music industry does not own the internet

Today, I discovered that UK Internet Providers Virgin Media, BT, O2 & BE have recently blocked three major BitTorrent websites - being KickassTorrents, h33t & Fenopy. The censorship follows suit of a High Court order a few months ago, blocking BitTorrent king, The Pirate Bay.

This issue is something which bothers me; I've briefly touched on censorship in my Google Glass post; but I feel this is more current. I'm a big believer in the open internet and anti-censorship because that's what makes the internet what it is. You have access to every single piece of information ever recorded, written and archived, from any perspective you want. The best part is that the information is constantly updated and open. We live in a time where we have access to all this at the push of a button. Take Wikipedia for example; an entire unbiased encyclopedia available for free.

I don't think the internet should be regulated or 'owned' by anybody - especially the media industries who insist on throwing stacks of cash towards lawyers to keep their archaic business model in place. The dynamics of how consumers are accessing new media is shifting entirely; but it appears that the music industry isn't playing nice. The conventional method of purchasing music is moving towards a more open-ended access with platforms such as Spotify and pirating music.

Piracy has become an issue with so much propaganda around it; it's unreal. Last year, I wrote my EPQ on the effects of piracy on music industry sales; and recent studies have found that piracy doesn't affect sales and statistically, people who pirate are more likely to buy more music than non-pirates simply because they have access to it (think 'try before you buy'). So why are the music industries so hellbent on protecting their business model?

I feel like the RIAA are stubborn to adjust their business model in a way that the television indsutry are doing. TV is slowly moving to on-demand - a la iPlayer, Netflix, 4od, Internet TV boxes etc to stay relevant and it's working! My prediction is that conventional channels will be no more, in favour of internet/on-demand based TV. Now, if the music industry could do this more willingly, we wouldn't have an issue.

Censoring these torrent websites is an incredibly short-sighted ruling and The Pirate Bay actually gained more traffic (thus more pirates) from news coverage of the censoring - I'm sure that's not what the music industry hoped for. Besides, there are literally 100's of ways to bypass the websites block. So what good is blocking a website doing? Making an example? Asserting authority, or a desperate attempt to stay in charge?

Censoring concerns me because the line is going to be incredibly blurred. Government wants to introduce certain bills to allow censorship and monitoring without warrant, such as SOPA, CISPA. The trouble with these bills is that while the government representative will say "it's to protect children, it's to stop copyright theft" - the actual written law is done so vaguely that it can cover any form of censorship.

Don't believe me? Look at MegaUpload.

Keep the internet open. Freedom of information is one of the most vital things we have.

supreme x comme des garcons 2013 t-shirt pickup

A few months ago, I posted about picking up the black polkadot Supreme x Comme Des Garcons t-shirt and the big faff around with ParcelForce I had. This week, I'm happy to say that I picked up the 2013 edition of the collaboration - but not without the traditional postal service controversy!

Supreme x Comme Des Garcons 2013 olive box logo t-shirt

The second edition of New York's Supreme and Japan's Comme Des Garcons collaborative effort was released last Thursday; this particular t-shirt was one I purchased via Dover Street Market's e-shop & thanks to DHL holding my parcel for 3 days (to which I only discovered during a phone call with DHL's head of customer complaints, Zoe); this arrived at my house this afternoon.

The t-shirt sports the infamous box logo, mirrored on the front & Comme Des Garcons trademark polka dot design on the back. In comparison to last year, the similarities end at the mirrored box logo & polkadot design. See:

Supreme x Comme Des Garcons 2013 & 2012

The 2013 edition sports black polkadots on top of a digi-camo back print. It seems to be that the two companies decided to stick to the traditional themes of what made the previous collaboration successful; whilst maintaining to 'push the boat out' a slight bit more with the digi-camo/polka on CDG's behalf - although relative to CDG, this is very tame. I do feel that the print being back-only is so Supreme can maintain the 'clean cut' theme they seem to be opting towards in some of their lines - it's for that reason I feel Supreme & CDG collaborated in the first place is so Supreme can be looked at not only as a skate brand; but a viable choice for the more formal occasions (aka 'upper market'). However, in this particular collaboration, this definitely applies more to the shirts and wallets, rather than the t-shirt and camps.

It does irritate me how some brands only seem to go all out during collaborations. I can understand the motif is that you're not only catering to your audience; but an entirely new audience; especially two different brands in Supreme & Comme Des Garcons. It's interesting to see what each company can bring to the table.

The material definitely feels thicker and more sturdy on the 2012 t-shirt; however the print has proved to be very weak, with some polkadots fading and smearing. This appears to be the opposite for the 2013 collaboration, but we'll see what time shows.

Overall; I am pleased with the purchase. I did fall in love with the collaboration in the Lookbook preview and doubted it when the Capsule was released.

Which do you prefer, 2012 or 2013?

2013 & 2012 Supreme x Comme Des Garcons

Life in the 'Now' - Google Glass

When it comes to big, ambitious projects - Google isn't a company to shy away. Google Maps, Street View, Google Fiber, Driverless Cars ... the list could go on. Google Glass is no different. I've been following the progress of Project Glass since it's announcement April 2012 and have dramatically mixed feelings of excitement and fear for this project, allured by some curiosity and wonder. I'll outline why in this post.

If you don't know; Google Glass is a head-mounted display, which provides an interface for you -- like you were playing a first person game - your health, a map and information is displayed in the corners; this is essentially that. For a better explanation, watch this prototype video from April 2012:

Looks pretty amazing, right? If you've read any of my previous posts (thanks!), you'll see that I absolutely love Android, Google Now & the idea of a technological ecosystem - Google Glass is essentially Google Now with a much bigger UI. However, this project does raise a lot of pros and cons for me.

I think it's ridiculously innovative, it's going to be painfully convenient, especially for map following! If you have a smartphone, you already have information about anything you want, at any time in your pocket. Just a Google search away. With Glass, you can simply look at something, ask Glass and you have information in your line-of-sight. I usually don't like the phrase, but the possibilities are endless.

What scares me, aside from the fact that I think this may only be voice controlled -- can you imagine going to the Eiffel Tower and having hundreds of people shouting "GLASS, TAKE A PICTURE!" -- is augmented reality.

Augmented reality scares me, because while it can do so much good, it can also be so dangerous. If you don't know, augmented reality is basically "CGI" for real life. In the video, the text messages and map directions were augmented reality. It's adding a graphical layer over 'real life' - here's a better video example:

Tinfoil hat time, now! What happens when augmented reality is used for billboards and advertisements that appear in your face. Google is primarily an advertising company, after all. What's to stop companies wanting artificial advertisements placed in 'convenient' places for the consumer?

The real reason augmented reality scares me, is that while we have the ability to add things, we also have the ability to cover things. If that doesn't ring alarm bells for you, here's why I think it should: it opens up an entire new generation of censorship. This video demonstrates such ability.

Companies & Government could restrict how, when & why we can use such technologies (like Apples already demonstrated stranglehold on their own technology). I think the most horrifying thought is how easily things can be censored and removed. Compare it to Chinese internet filter, where the government block free information they don’t want their people to see; now imagine that, but for reality.

I don’t think I even have to go into how fraudsters, hackers & criminals could use this technology to their advantage.

Not to mention that there could no longer be anonymity. The world as we know it is hellbent on online social networking & always being connected. If, for example, AR technology had Facebook (or whatever popular social networking site is the most popular at the time) integration. The technology could be used to identify any detail one places on their Facebook page just by simply looking at the person and having facial recognition (a technology Facebook has actually introduced) do the rest.

If you also want another reason why I'm hesitant on Project Glass, think back to Black Mirror's "The Entire History of You" (4od link!)

Tinfoil hat aside, I still am excited to see how this project grows and definitely want to have some form of involvement in it. I just hope they release a model compatible for people with glasses...

2013 Clothing Wishlist Recap

I've added a brief wishlist of a couple of items to the sidebar that I'm going to be searching for throughout 2013; they're mostly my sought-after or 'heat' pieces. I'm pretty bored as it's 11:30pm, so here's recap:

If you're selling any of the below, please do get in contact with me

pinkwriting@gmail.com

I wear mediums in shirts, Sz 10 in shoes.

Supreme x Kermit The Frog Red or Teal
I'd consider this one of my 'grail' pieces. If you were to ask me why, I honestly couldn't answer you. I just really like it. One of the possible reasons I'm so heavily after one is because I was sold a fake one a good few months ago. I think it's stubbornness making me do this, so I'd definitely prefer the red colourway because it compliments the green, but I wouldn't mind either.

BAPE x ADIDAS x UNDFTD Campus 80s

Just look at them, they're beautiful.

BAPE x Fred Perry

I've always had a spot for Fred Perry polo shirts ~ as well as polo shirts in general. I've always felt that Fred Perry polo's fit very comfortably and feel more natural to wear over others, while maintaining a snug, strong and warm feel. (same with Lyle & Scott). I'd opt for either white or black colourways. Possibly one of the more unattainable pieces in this list, but who knows?

Stefan Janoski Wino

I feel like I shouldn't love these, but I do. I just do. At the moment, I would class this line of Nike SB's as my favourite; as this year I would like to get more varying colourways. Simply because they are just too damn comfortable. I enjoy the no bullshit, casual look of them, did I mention how comfortable they are? This year, I'd like to cop a pair of Wino Janoski. Released only in Asia, usually go for about double the price of standard Janoski. Finding these in a Size 10, in the UK may prove difficult.

Whilst on the subject of Janoski; I do love this design, I do love the style; however if I had to pick one pair of sneakers that could fall under the same deathtrap as the Classic Vans, Nike Blazer & more recently the Puma Suedes - it'd have to be the Janoski. That or Gazelles.

Comme Des Fuckdown beanie

Following the pattern of rarities on this list, this one may be out of place, seen as it is readily available at a decent price, even after international shipping. I think this is simply a hype piece; evidenced by the onslaught of fakes on eBay (why sell a fake of something readily available?). I do think it is a nice hat, it's in your face, but not as in your face as the crewneck or pullover.

BAPE x Supreme

Undoubtedly what will be the hardest to obtain from this list. Originally released in 2003; most of these went to friends of BAPE & Supreme at the time. As you can probably tell, there is an onslaught of BAPE in this wishlist. This is partly due to our prediction of 2013 being the 'Year of The BAPE'; as it's their 20th anniversary this year, I'm certain they're going to come out with something big. I'm fairly certain I won't own a Supreme x Bape piece. It's something that I won't go out of my way to find, but if it appears, I'll go for it, I may even have to size up to a large...

--

There are some other items in the wishlist that I didn't mention, I thought I'd just write about what I'd more like to find.

If you're selling any of the above, please do get in contact with me

pinkwriting@gmail.com

I wear mediums in shirts, Sz 10 in shoes.