Death By Software, an Update

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Since my last article about keeping software safe and bug free, I came across an interesting news flash that frightens me... Let me explain.

Apple has taken over the mp3 player market by storm. No one can come close to penetrating the market the way Apple has. I've avoided buying an iPod for over 2 years and even waited anxiously for a slim version of the Creative Vision M. Creative has the technology to compete with Apple but apparently cannot cut it on the business and marketing side. There are several posts of people getting angry (like I did) at Creative for failing to deliver a decent competitor to the iPod.

I finally caved in and joined the 'evil empire.' No, I'm not talking about the Yankees nor Microsoft. I saw the still tiny 160 GB iPod at Costco, and jumped on the Apple bandwagon. I hate having to convert video. I want more supported codecs. I hate being married to iTunes (3rd party software isn't working with the new firmware just yet). But oh man... 160 GB! I'm at 45GB of usage so far and still have lots of junk to copy over. I rationalized the decision by telling myself I can just put stuff on and never have to take it off... since it's 160 GB!

But wait... what's this?!?! "iPod Sets Man's Pants Aflame"

Okay, now I need to worry about catching on fire? What's the deal Apple? I've noticed nearly every time I use iTunes (yuck) to drop new stuff on my iPod, a new firmware update is available for download. That tells me one thing: Apple is pushing out their products before adequately testing. Maybe Creative is still testing...? Hmm...

If you are a software or hardware professional, please insist on proper design, development, and testing procedures! Let's prevent embarrassing and life threatening bugs.