I moved out of Google

I started in my digital journey fifteen years ago in the Apple world, soon after the iPhone was released. I spent ten years in the Apple ecosystem and was a faithful, vocal fanboy. Then Google changed Android to be more secure, updatable, and customizable. I bought my first Samsung phone (Note 9) and I have never looked back.

The transition to Samsung and Android has been a good one for me. While I had some issues with my Note 9 updating (never switch carriers.....ugh), I tried the Google ecosystem to be as integrated as possible but that never really happened.

The problem was Microsoft. I have been using Outlook (remember Hotmail) since I got my first computer and my association with Office has been long. While you can live in Google and Microsoft ecosystems simultaneously, I couldnt find my happy place.

When Microsoft started building software for Android, things became clearer to me. Over time, Microsoft built many great apps on iOS and Android and I found myself admiring their work. Soon Microsoft shipped Microsoft Launcher for Android and I got even happier. What happens next was a big shock.

Microsoft announces the line of Duo phones in 2020 with Android. They released "Your Phone" app for Windows in 2020 and my new world started to come together. Microsoft partners with Samsung in 2020 and for the first time, Apple has real competition!

I remain a happy Android user because of Windows 11 integration and feel like both Samsung and Microsoft won a big battle in the world of mobile.

Cars powered by the Sun

The future is bright for using the power of the sun to move people around. This week I began my journey as a brand ambassador for Aptera. My goal is to help rural areas experience EV cars for work and play in Michigan's four seasons.

Reasons for Digital Notes

There are very nuanced reasons why I want to be a digital note taker. These are some thoughts and opinions about my journey. I don't like pens (on paper) unless they are the erasable Frixion type Paper is harder to organize, make available online, and find using search I like digital writing as it is essential to skill building, memory and learning I want to write using ePaper devices as they can be setup similar to real paper experiences I will use OneNote and OneDrive to capture my ePaper notes for review and long term storage Digital pens like Livescribe and Neo are great solutions but require equally great and available paper accessories Supplies have to be bought by the digital pen manufacturer to work You can easily lose a digital pen You can break an e-ink screen The e-ink tablets have their own UI and can be difficult to use, forcing you to learn their OS and changing your workflow. I prefer an eco-friendly writing solution I don't want to run out of paper or pen suppl

I Faced Death Today

Today is my cat's last day. He has an incurable condition that will eventually lead him to suffocation or heart attack. We are removing the possibility of suffering by putting him down. There isn't a more uncomfortable task we have in life than to face death. Especially when it is someone we love. We don't like to think of our own death either. Most lack a living will, money to cover burial expenses. not to mention leaving a legacy or lasting value behind. Avoiding death is the same thing as negligence. It's a failure to embrace the inevitable. We are celebrating Toby's life today but that's not enough to ease our crying eyes and sobs. We need to consider our own passing. Now. Have you planned your end? Are you now prepared? What is your legacy?

Go Ask Ben

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