Messages is a good idea, but is not ready for prime time: Messages, like the rest ofMountain Lion, is the logical next step in Apple developing its instant message programs and making them available across a lot of its devices. But like last year’s FaceTime beta, there are a lot of bugs to be worked out, and I wish Apple had taken a cue fromAdiumin designing Messages. If you do plan to stick with the program, Erica will be offering some tips and tricks on making it useful. (Via…

Apple factory inspectors put positive spin on Foxconn conditions, but watchdogs are skeptical | The Verge: “Apple factory inspectors put positive spin on Foxconn conditions, but watchdogs are skeptical” (Via The Verge) They aren’t Apple factories, and they aren’t Apple inspectors. This headline seems to imply at least one, if not both. Now, I have my doubts about the FLA after reading many articles recently. Seems like there’s a good chance they are sugar coating conditions over there at least a bit. They could very well be a…

CNN investigates Foxconn iPad factory conditions, Apple responds: A new report features a woman who works 60 hours per week assembling iPad components in China, though she has never seen a full iPad in person. (Via www.appleinsider.com) I know a lot of American workers in cubicles who work 60 hours a week and haven’t seen the product their company produces. So what’s your point, CNN? All kidding aside, conditions in China are pretty horrible. But parading out individuals and making it look like a specific Apple…

> Why is the public getting such detailed information about Rep. [Gabrielle Giffords](http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/Gabrielle_Giffords)‘ medical condition and none about [Steve Jobs](http://topics.sfgate.com/topics/Steve_Jobs)? > > Both are public figures of intense national interest. via [sfgate.com](http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/01/20/BUH41HATCA.DTL&feed=rss.news)Answer: Rep. Giffords’ family is choosing to make information public, which is perfectly within their right but certainly not a requirement. The other has decided that his health…