So, today, after some waiting, Google finally released the update to the Google Mobile App for iPhone that adds voice-powered searching… from my very limited tests it looks thoroughly fantastic. But I’ll let Mike LeBeau, from Google, do the talking…
Earlier this month, Microsoft released Small Basic: yet another variation on BASIC (of which there are now over 200 known implementations). On first glance, this seems like a little bit pointless - but their intention was not to create another Visual Basic, but to create a teaching language that isn’t too far from things like C#, to allow easy progression.
I must say, I wasn’t overly convinced by the idea when I heard about it - but I thought I’d download and check it out. After a bit of testing, I must say that it’s actually quite impressive (at least, I imagine it will be as a learning environment). The thing that most impresses me is the supplied IDE… it’s really straightforward, there’s nothing remotely complex about it, and it has every piece of non-essential functionality completely stripped from it.
In addition, the fantastically-intuitive IntelliSense that is present in all Microsoft .NET IDEs has been ported, too… in a very simple, and usable, manner:
Whilst Small Basic isn’t providing a great deal of functionality (with only 15 keywords, and a very limited use of some of the default .NET libraries), I’m sure it can provide a fantastic learning environment for both younger kids, but also for anyone unfamiliar with programming - but desirous of an opportunity to try it out!
You can find out more information about it at the Microsoft Small Basic Website.
Well, for most of yesterday and today I’ve been up in Nantwich, Cheshire, visiting Regents Theological College - primarily for an interview (which I had earlier). Whilst the college isn’t going to be in the same place next year (it’s moving to Malvern, in sunny Worcestershire), it’s been an amazing opportunity to get to meet some people, have a look around, and see some of the great things going on.
I feel my interview went well today, (was gutted to be pulled out of the 1 Corinithians lecture for it) and I’ll find out in a day or two whether I’ve been accepted to studying the Applied Theology BA (straight track) or not… so, I guess we’ll see just how it goes - at the end of the day, the decision isn’t up to me.
But, for now, I plan to eat something and get an early night… nearly 7 hours of driving in a shade over 24 hours is a bit shattering.
