Rick Reifenstein

This week I started testing Windows 8 Developer release. It is a bold step for Microsoft. They have really bet that the tablet is the future of computing. While I am a huge fan of new user interfaces for computers, Windows8 will be  a challenge for computer users that are using a desktop or traditional laptop. Yes Microsoft does include the normal desktop to run applications like Word, Outlook, and other non-touch oriented applications, but the Start menu has been replaced with the Start Page. This might throw people, and may be a steep learning curve. For a tablet user however, Win8 begs you to touch it. It's big colorful blocks of "live" information make it so easy to use your hands and stylist to interact with it, you can't help but want to use it. What I'm looking forward to is seeing how Windows 8 can be used in non-traditional computer situations like, kiosks, way finding, touch aware surfaces etc. I want to see Windows go further than just "cool"

I wanted to share a great site on a subject I found my self interested in when I started designing applications for Microsoft Surface a few years ago. In 2007 I was asked to find an interactive multimedia solution for the Special Collections Library's Delcaring Independance Exhibit. I found what was then called "Vienna" at Microsoft Research. Vienna became "Surface". I convinced the Library to spend the money to purchase the unit. They agreed but on one condition; due to lack of funds or desire for in house programmers to learn C# and .NET, I had to program it! I agreed and started down a path into unknown territory. I NEVER programmed anything in my life! Besides learning to write applications I also learned how to design and application that would be used in a 360 degree interface, multiple touch point, multiple "click events" and take into consideration how people interact with digital version of real world objects. At some point it all became very

It's been a while since I've written anything, so I'm forcing myself this morning to post something...anything. I have been very busy at work. Since my Database Manager joined the team, we've been busy writing scripts and updating databases, and overall doing catch up on projects that have been put on the back burners since before I became the Director of Technology. I won't go into the details because it's pretty standard stuff for tech. departments and I don't want to sound like a whiner. So.... I want to talk about a few other things I've been working on. 1. Finding time and mental energy to compose music has been very difficult lately. This summer has been very draining mentally for me. So I've been trying different things to jump start or create a spark for my creativity. One tool I played around with recently has been what's called a tracker. see this wiki entry for trackers. Music Tracker My experiments were primarily based on

If you have been following my posts lately, you'll remember that my main computer system in the studio/office at home died. Motherboard failure. I was left scrambling for a replacement out of the stock of old computers in storage at the house. I really only had 3 to choose from. I grabbed an older Sony VAO and slapped Linux on it. Which of great! I love any *nix operating system. BUT, we don't have cable at the house so we rely on internet services for entertainment. I was using Playon to feed the XBox 360 as a media extender. Payon won't run under Wine because you can't get Media Player 11 to run separately from a Windows installation. Before you say, "Just get Netflix through the XBox directly." We watch more than just Netflix from the internet. with Youtube, Crackle, Hulu, and other independent streaming services, being limited by using just the XBox or an Apple TV just sounded too limiting. Now I do have a copy of Vista Ultimate. That's how things were

May flew quickly this year. Work has kept me busy. A good kind of busy. At least I'm not watching the clock. Because May was quick I didn't blog much. I was only able to dash off some quick Twitter posts as things happened. So here's the latest Tweet wrap up: Still having problems getting mail on my Newton. Tried several approaches found on the web.  # newtontalk 52 minutes ago   ch9   Microsoft Channel 9     by rmreifenstein TRON:Legacy - An HTML5 Graphic Novel by Disney http://dlvr.it/Ty6CY 3 Jun   rmreifenstein   Rick Reifenstein   More from the Windows 8 reveal: http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/01/microsoft-unveils-windows-8-tablet-prototypes/ 2 Jun   rmreifenstein   Rick Reifenstein   Windows 8 desktop? I ran this look with Rainmeter on a tablet. http://www.cnn.com/2011/TECH/mobile/06/01/windows.8/index.html?hpt=te_bn1 2 Jun   rmreifenstein   Rick Reifenstein   Black Hole exploit is now free. As if we didn't have enough to worry. http://www.theregister.co.uk/2011