Technoracle (a.k.a. "Duane's World")

During the last year there has been a worsening financial crisis. While some may look at this as a bad thing, I look at it as opportunity. Have you ever thought about upgrading your skills? Wanted to work in high tech? If you recently lost your job, now might be the time - and Adobe (and the evangelism team) is here to help!

Fact: Flex and AIR developers are in short supply! Don't believe me, look at the search result below. Over 1.7 million results for "Flex Developer Wanted".

http://www.google.com/search?source=ig&hl=en&rlz=&=&q=flex+developers+wanted&btnG=Google+Search&aq=f&oq=

Inference: there is more demand than there is supply for skilled IT workers.

Rationale: Think about why. As the economy got worse, big firms failed and got acquired by others. What is the first thing they want done? Integration of computer systems and re-branding, both of which require programmers and architects. The demand is out there.

Solution: We are giving away FREE Flex Builder licenses to anyone who has recently been laid off. You can simply go to this location and apply:

https://freeriatools.adobe.com/

Of course, free tools don't just build stuff themselves so we need to help out even more and train you. I have taken it upon myself to do this and I have made a full day of training available here.

http://www.web2open.org/courses.html

On top of that, I have started some full day, hands-on intensive courses for those who want to learn how to use Flex Builder. There are two events scheduled.

Vancouver - May 28 - Full day 100% free Flex, AIR camp (details)

Berlin - June 14 - Full day 100% free Flex, AIR camp (details TBA)

and

Possibly a third at Hamburg. If you are interested in Hamburg training in the time frame of June 15-25, please drop me a comment here. Ja - ich kann auch Deutsche sphreche und ich liebe gut Deutches Bier!

I will also entertain coming to other cities around the world to help train those who are interested in changing their lives and joining us. We are all part of a global community and it is only an illusion that we are separate. What harms you harms me. What helps you helps me. Pay it forward and good karma shall be yours.

On top of that, Adobe has made one full week of video training available to take online. See here for details:

http://technoracle.blogspot.com/2009/03/learn-flex-in-one-week.html

Oh yeah - did I mention this is all free!

WOOT!

Labels: Adobe Stimulus program, free adobe products, free flex builder, free training, learn flex in one week.

Last month I blogged about a free developers day of training for Adobe Flex and AIR. The date has been set at May 28 and the registration is open:

http://flash.meetup.com/110/calendar/10129317/

This course will be largely hands-on and everyone there will build several applications and complete labs to get trained in RIA web development.

There are limited slots available and in the first hour almost 1/7 of the seats has gone. Register now!

Fan of Adobe? Want to make some extra cash? You may not be aware of this but there is an Adobe affiliate program in place to allow anyone to make money by referring customers to Adobe technologies.

Anyone (except Adobe employees!) can signup and direct folks to the online store -- any purchases made after referral receive a 6% commission. That's over $40 for a single copy of Flex Builder Pro.

Here are details on the program:

http://www.adobe.com/buy/affiliates/

I have been part of a group of people who were selected to test Apple's move into the consumer appliances market. While being under NDA has been difficult, it officially ended Mar 31, 2009 and I can now share the results (and where you can order one - below). It makes sense for Apple to move in this direction, after all - they have dominated the phone and TV market places. Moving to Microwaves, Fridges and Stoves is a logical next move for the consumer electronics giant, joining companies like Sony, General Electric, Siemens and others. If Apple's past reputation is anything of an indicator, I think they will be a serious threat in this marketplace. My experience was very good.

I was selected to preview the new Apple Microwave. Let me tell you - this is no ordinary appliance. Apple has integrated components from their computer platform such as Bluetooth, network access, pinhole cameras and a range of other sensors. The Apple Microwave is so easily integrated with their other products, you can actually use it with your iPhone (as long as you're within Bluetooth range).



How it works:

The Apple microwave has a small pinhole camera which transmits images on Bluetooth. These can be picked up with a standard iPhone or iPod as well as any Mac laptop that is Bluetooth enabled. The Microwave also has sensors that probe the surface temperature of the dish you are cooking and even track it as the food turns on the turnstyle. The images are overlayered with temperature readings.

Nits:

- In Canada (and most of the rest of the world) we use Celsius. The current model I tested only had Fahrenheit. I am sure this will be fixed in the next release. See image below. The number in the top left-hand corner is the timer showing 33 seconds left.



- There is a delay in transmitting images to the iPhone (I haven't tested any other BT device). Note that in the photo below, the rotation of the food shown on the iPhone is about 2.5 seconds behind the rotation of the food on the turnstyle. The rotation in this case is going clockwise.



- I would also like to see network connectivity to monitor thawing food from other rooms in my house.

Summary:

I love it. I haven't been asked to give it back yet and I would not want to. Apple is supposed to open up their beta program later this week. Keep your eye on the following URL where you will be able to apply. I am not sure how much the final consumer pricing will be.

http://www.apple.com/microwave/