Category Archives: Software
Learning to love updates
He also explained that rapid releases help Google to introduce “gradual, gentle” upgrades over time, which makes the browser update process easier for users. Ruel walked around the still controversial automated browser update feature, but hinted that users value convenience and don’t want to be bothered with unnecessary system messages, or system restarts after installation. As long as the software update remains convenient for the user, Google apparently believes that the automated update is seen as a benefit by users. –Google Details Successes of its Chrome Release Process
Over the years, the whole release often thing has had one constant counter-argument: users don’t want updates that frequently. They like stability, and all that.
Gradually, as in the above, frequent upgrades have become a functional feature rather than just marketing – classically, you put out upgrades to get people to spend more money on the new version of your software.
But when the software is free (and you monetize some service, like ads in Google’s case), upgrades become a way to keep people in your ecosystem. Having frequent update becomes a differentiator, not a hassle.
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 109 – I'm gonna get bombed. Watch out for the shrapnel.
In this episode, Charles and I talk about daiquiris and cigars in Munich; Miller High Life & Mickey’s when it comes to Charles’ decreased beer snobbery and my grandfather; giving away software to sell it; Charles take on Green IT: “turning out the light when you take a shit…wait…after you take shit”; and finally the recent WordPress acquisition, Gravatar.
(This episode edited by Coté.)
Oh, and happy halloween!:
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 106 – Crumple Bags, Marketing Software, Charles's Triumphant Return to the Editor's Chair
In this episode, Coté and Charles talk about developer tools, esp. when it comes to when Charles will spend money on tools. Throughout, we hear some nuanced comments on the benefits of pair-programming: namely having someone there to share best practices and usage idioms with.
We also hear about Silva’s new Mac and how cute it is.
(This episode edited by Charles.)
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 83 – White Gravy Goes With Anything
In this episode, we talk about — no shit! — white gravy, videos, JavaOne rejecting The Front Side, and user delight.
Charles finally has a Twitter account.
(This episode edited by Charles.)
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 82 – Tex-Mex, Twitter, Jyte, PGP Boners, and Fuzzy Trust
In this episode, we see what Coté is like after a double Americano. Here’s Twitter, and jyte.
(This episode edited by Coté.)
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 80 – Jemima JavaScript, Cote' and the Office, Falling/Getting Up, Gay Bands and "C.H.o.Ps"
In this episode, we talk of JavaScript abstractions, optimizing offices, and then Gay Bands vs. Safe Bands…CHoPs!
(This episode edited by Charles.)
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 79 – Applying dynamic languages to HTTP Client in Java, Hitler's Monads, PGP and Email, Charles' Day, Getting to Continuous Personal Improvement and Backlogs
For this episode, instead of a description, I opted for a long title.
That said, here is the description for this week’s show, from #drunkandretired:
cote: I’m almost done editing this week’s episode.
cote: Now. I know what you’re thinking, Mr. Chess Clock.
cote: “Coté, what are you going to do now that you finished off that last bit of that bottle of Wild Turkey?”
cote: Never fear, my friend, I am well stocked.
cote: I was a Boy Scout after all.
cote: And their motto was “WE-BLOW!”
cote: Oh, wait, it was actually: “Be pre-paired.”
cote: Which helped influence my thinking about XP.
(This episode edited by Coté.)
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 71 – CrossCheck, RIA/AJAX Cage Match
In this short episode, Charles and Cote’ talk about CrossCheck, coding AJAX, and RIAs vs. AJAX.
(This episode edited by Cote’)
[DrunkAndRetired.com Podcast] Episode 62 – Mongrel, Servlet Problems, Packaging, Tron
In this episode, we talk about Mongrel, Charles & Co.’s problem with JEE servlets and headers, packaging software (or the lack thereof), and memories of Tron.
(This episode edited by Coté.)
