There are already standard APIs for interfacing with a number of different devices, with broad support across platforms. There are more on the way, with surprising cooperation between browser vendors. They know how important these new APIs are, after all. Though FireFoxOS is certainly doing a lot of the heavy lifting, even drafting support for VR. That's a solved problem and not the important issue here.

What's important here is the standard app package that can be trivially implemented on various platforms. The established players might not like it, but new mobile OS's certainly benefit from access to the established, and steadily growing, set of apps.

For users, it's even better. They're no longer beholden to a single platform or app market. They're free to use whatever OS and marketplace they feel best meets their needs. They can opt for a closed system or one that's completely open. What matters, of course, is that they have real choice in a much more open marketplace. If you have Apples walled garden and don't trust Google to do no evil with the data they're continuously gathering you have real options.

The rush toward homogeneity is why we ended up with IE6. Rather than shitting on FXOS for whatever reason, you should be demanding other vendors support their app packages. No one wins if FXOS fails, but everyone wins if it succeeds.

FirefoxOS is an extremely important project, right up there with the browser at the time it was conceived.

As for the OS itself, years ago, there really wasn't much to say. It's improved dramatically since those early releases on low-end hardware. Check out some of the 2.5 demos. It's really something. What will really amaze you, of course, are the customization features you'll likely never find on other platforms.

As this is about the Matchstick, and you seem to like scathing reviews, take a look at this FXOS vs Android head-to-head in the smart TV arena. Needless to say, I was looking forward to the Matchstick.

I know. Google's spyware, Apples walled garden, it's a nightmare! That's why FXOS is so important. The mobile space needs an open platform and, most importantly, an open app package standard that anyone can implement. Users benefit by being able to keep their apps even when switching platforms and new platforms benefit from a wealth of apps ready to go from day one.

When you have a really good thing, you don't "cut your losses" simply because some kickstarter project didn't want to see another delay. It's not like the backers were consulted. I'd have voted to wait an extra year, if necessary, to get my hands on the thing. After all, I funded the project to support FXOS, not because I was interested in the matchstick. I know how important it is, and what it can do for mobile.

You can't understand why someone would want more than one portable heater?

I understand that one is more than sufficient for your 10x15 "apartment" in your mom's basement, but can you look past your own needs for a moment and consider that the needs of others may be different?

Those are as common as pimples at a school dance. If you can't find a phone with those features, you haven't been looking.

(That's the joke...)

Maybe it was just poorly written, but it doesn't seem like she has any specific complaints.

Then there was the odd bit about how she trusts Google, so it's okay for them to collect vast amounts of information about her.

Why is this here?

It's Medium.com spam.

This needs to stop.

You might really enjoy Somolia.

The "joke":

Chrome doesn't rely on a plugin for flash, it has a player built-in. I seriously doubt they'd have killed NPAPI support otherwise.

Congratulations! In your rush to repeat your favorite MRA line, you've completely missed the point!

A rather selective quote.

Did you know that you can quote someone exactly and make it look like they've said something completely different?

That's very obviously not true.

I'd disagree. There are differences there that can hide rather well. The most important, of course, is credibility.

Let's say I make the following threat, directed toward you: "I'm going to murder you! Murder you to death! I'll kill you with murder!"

You, presumably, will be unaffected. We don't know each other, or anything about one another. You have no reason to believe I have the ability to make good on my promise. I simply can't make a threatening threat that will threaten you in the slightest.

Now, image we're high school classmates. You say to me, over facebook, "After school tomorrow, I'm going to pound you until you piss blood".

That's a far more credible threat, as I know you have the knowledge and opportunity necessary to actualize it.

Now imagine that you're the target of a large movement filled with very angry people and you receive a number of credible threats...

There are a number of ways to interpret the "if you're a woman" clause.

  You found the one way to interpret it that fits your preconceptions, and lets you attack someone who thinks differently than you do about various social issues.

Attacking her personally and whatever imaginary beliefs you've attributed to her isn't going to convince anyone to see your side of the issues. Why? Because you're clearly avoiding the real issues. I can only assume it's because you have nothing to say. Is it because you don't think there's a problem because you're not personally affected? Do you know there's a problem, but benefit from the status quo and want to maintain it?

Is it denial? Puerile self-interest? Delusion? Vengeance? What motivates you here? Why not just address the issues directly? Why bother with personal attacks? Why beat the stuffing out of those strawmen? Why imagine shadowing PC Media villains out to ... do some unknown nefarious deed? What is it?