Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Kaspersky Internet Security 2015's user interface does not inspire confidence

Anti-malware software shouldn't just protect computer systems from hacking/malware/phishing; the suites should also make the owner/user feel confident. The latter requires that psychology be addressed. Previous versions of KIS have boasted confidence-boosting user interfaces which clearly and boldly tell you - the user - that you are protected. Not anymore. KIS 2015, apparently in the interest of minimalism/simplicity, eschews the bold interfaces found in previous versions in favor of a rather bland and uninspiring design. Not good, even if the underlying protection technologies are the best ever!

KIS 2015:


Older versions:




Update [Jan'15]: Screenshot below is from F-Secure Internet Security 2014. It shows that the suite contains several distinct protection modules, all of which work in parallel to protect the system/user. Such a list of modules provides confidence to the user that, despite the minimal interface of this product, there are multiple technologies at work in the background.

Monday, January 26, 2015

BlackBerry should work to establish its BB10 operating system on smart TVs

Time is quickly running out for BlackBerry. Network effect is deeply at play in the smartphone market, to the disadvantage of BlackBerry [irrespective of how good BB10 OS itself is]. One opportunity, however, that is ripe for exploitation is the still-evolving market for "smart TVs", the ones that increasingly resemble computers and smartphones, yet remain essentially TVs.

No software platform or manufacturer is a leader in this still-emerging space. BB should act fast and partner with a solid TV-maker to launch a range of BB10-powered smart TVs. The lack of applications for BB10 OS doesn't hurt BB in this market [at least not yet]. BB10 is a solid OS and its spread into the smart TVs market will bring benefits to BB10 on smartphones as well [increased developer awareness, increased application development, increased consumer familiarity with BB10, etc.].