New York Times technology columnist David Pogue opens his talk with a rousing musical number about the trials of customer support, then launches into some sharp commentary on "The Software Upgrade Paradox" ("Improve a piece of software enough times, you eventually ruin it").

Next he takes on the worst interface design offenders, the causes of "Software Rage." After a couple of trips back to the piano, Pogue moves to the success stories, offering examples of products that celebrate the power of simplicity. 
 
 

David Pogue - TED Bio
 
Which cell phone to choose? What software to buy? Are camera-binoculars a necessity or novelty? As release cycles shorten and ever-shrinking gadgets hit the market with dizzying speed, it's harder and harder to know what’s worth the investment. A tireless explorer of everyday technology, David Pogue investigates all the options so we don't have to.

After happily weathering installation nightmares, customer service hiccups, and an overwhelming crush of backups, upgrades and downloads, Pogue reports back with his recommendations via his many columns, TV appearances and how-to books. And he does it all with relatable insight, humor and an unsinkable sense of pun, er, fun. All that, and he sings, too.

In a world of too many options and too little time, our obvious choice is to ignore the ordinary stuff.

Marketing guru Seth Godin spells out why, when it comes getting our attention, bad or bizarre ideas are more successful than boring ones.

And early adopters, not the mainstream's bell curve, are the new sweet spot of the market.