This Episode, admittedly a very late thanksgiving episode, features a conversation between two longtime friends (Sam and Ron) reminiscing about their shared experiences in the tech industry, spanning from the early days of personal computing and dial-up internet to the modern era of cloud computing and streaming services. Their discussion covers obsolete technologies, humorous anecdotes from their careers at Microsoft, and reflections on the evolution of the industry and its impact on their professional lives. They also compare past and present technological advancements, contrasting the problem-solving skills developed in earlier eras with readily available online resources today. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the importance of continuous learning and problem-solving in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
They reminisce about various hardware and software products released by Microsoft over the years, noting both their successes and failures.
Many of the products they discuss were innovative for their time but ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption.They attribute this to various factors, including lack of developer support, being ahead of their time, and market conditions.
Here's a list of some of the products they mention:
- Windows Phone: They praise its UI/UX but acknowledge its lack of popularity. They believe it failed due to a lack of developer support and the dominance of Android and
- Early HP Devices (iPAQs and Pocket PCs): They recall these devices as early attempts at mobile computing that were limited by their technology.
- Microsoft Cordless Phone System: They fondly remember this product, which integrated with Outlook contacts and offered caller ID and voicemail features.
- ActiMates: They discuss the interactive toys that could be programmed to perform various actions. While innovative, they also acknowledge their potential for misuse.
- Ultimate TV: They lament the demise of this two-tuner DirectTV receiver that allowed users to record one channel while watching another. They believe it was a precursor to modern DVR technology.
- Courier Tablet: They discuss this dual-screen tablet concept that was killed by Microsoft but later adopted by companies like Samsung.
- Microsoft Bob: They briefly mention this software product as an example of a product that was ahead of its time.
- Hydra (Terminal Server): They recall this product and its evolution into the widely used terminal server technology.
- Microsoft Hermes (SMS): They discuss this early precursor to Systems Management Server (SMS), highlighting its innovative screen-sharing capabilities but also its potential for privacy concerns.
The speakers conclude by reflecting on the importance of problem-solving skills, sharing knowledge, and continuous learning in the technology industry. They emphasize that while the abundance of information available today is beneficial, it's crucial to continue experimenting, questioning, and not solely relying on tools to solve problems.
Topics include:
- Tech History
- Obsolete tech
- Microsoft Products
- Problem Solving
- Knowledge Sharing
#innovation #whatinspiresme
