The software titan hires top scientists and mathematicians in its quest for search algorithms that will allow Microsoft to compete directly with Google. [CNET News.com]
PowerBook Shown On Microsoft .NET Homepage
diskiller writes “It seems Microsoft is using a Titanium Powerbook on their .Net website! I wonder if they know that it is an apple laptop? This reminds me of the dell debacle earlier, when a powerbook was shown on a dell advertising page…” Sure enough, it’s a 15″ PowerBook right there at the top…irony thy name is Microsof [MacSlash]
ISP helps members sell Net to neighbors
Independent broadband provider Speakeasy is allowing subscribers to resell their Internet access via wireless set-ups–turning their homes into Wi-Fi hot spots.
The new service puts a semiofficial stamp on a practice that has long been used in tech-savvy households around the country. Wireless 802.11, or Wi-Fi, technology allows computer users to set up a network “hot spot” that gives people within its range of about 300 feet the ability to tap into a central Net connection.
Microsoft wants more remote control
The software giant expands distribution of its MSN TV Internet service that gives people access to the Web and e-mail through their TV sets. [CNET News.com]
.Net:… 3 Years Later
Ashcrow writes “EWeek has posted an article on Microsoft’s .NET initiative. It’s been three years since we were first introduced to .NET and virtually none of the promised advantages have come true. [Slashdot]
Study: Gamers Not Reclusive Nerds
According to a Pew Internet Project survey, not all college-age gamers are nerdy antisocial guys. Women also like to play games, video games generally don’t interfere with students’ studying and games were found to be a highly social activity. [Wired News]
A new lease on life
Rented software services look poised for a revival, attracting customers with a promise to save them tons of money and headaches. [CNET News.com]
Comcast sets deadline for AT&T switch
AT&T Broadband subscribers swallowed in last year’s billion-dollar takeover by Comcast must drop their familiar attbi.com addresses or face lost e-mail. [CNET News.com]
RCN Offers Home Networking Package
In growing trend, broadband operator RCN offers home networking package: They’ll install adapters and allow multiple computers on the network, while providing tech support for the basic networking function (but not file sharing or printing, wisely of them)…. [802.11b Networking News]
Coming Soon: A Horror Show for TV Ads
Business Week Online : TiVo Recorders Indicate the Truth About TV Advertising
TiVo’s digital recorders indicate that viewers don’t necessarily watch the ads, even on hit shows. Agencies and networks are still in denial
They are in fact tracking quite a bit of usage data on viewing behavior… time to face the music.
FCC official: No need to regulate ISPs
There’s no reason to introduce rules to make sure that broadband access providers don’t favor one Web site over another, says an FCC official, rebuffing calls from Microsoft and others. [CNET News.com]
Verizon Wireless sues Nextel
The company claims Nextel Communications “improperly obtained” prototypes of some new Verizon cell phones with walkie-talkie features. [CNET News.com]
The heat is on… guess things are getting much more sensitive now that Verizon is just about ready to launch their service…
Do Not Call…
FCC: “Consumers can register on-line for the national do-not-call registry beginning June 27, 2003.” [Werblog]
Will SupperBuddy squeeze the Butterfly?
America Online plans to start an online campaign on Friday to build buzz among its current subscribers for the next version of its Internet service. [CNET News.com]
No Such Thing as Broadband
One way to describe Bob Frankston’s latest must-read essay is that he is saying that there is no such thing as broadband. That is, it is misleading to think about “broadband” as a defined service.
[Corante: Bottom Line]Palm’s Web site not Palm friendly…
I find it interesting that browsing the Palm website via my Palm Tungsten C I am greeted by the regular desktop version. It attempts to shoot a pop-up window open, but the Palm browser tells me that pop-up windows are not supported.
Why would Palm NOT create a version specific to their devices?? Seems like a lost opportunity considering the site is linked from the default home page on their handhelds.
Companies need to better address the potential needs and desires of customers — especially with an interactive product. Another idea would certainly have been to have created a Palm-friendly home page with links to other Palm-friendly sites.
Pioneer adds TiVo to DVD recorders
The electronics maker is combining digital video recording capabilities to its line of DVD recorders in its latest attempt to jumpstart the DVR market. [CNET News.com]
Pioneer’s new DVR-810H DVD recorder comes with an 80GB drive and costs $1,199, while the DVR-57H has a 120GB drive and is priced at $1,800. Both will include the TiVo basic service, which does not require a monthly fee for the DVR service but does allow consumers to upgrade to the full TiVo service so they can access a 14-day program guide among other features. The devices come with a 181-channel cable TV tuner, and consumers will be able to transfer content on VCR tapes to DVD-R or DVD-RW discs by connecting a VCR via analog inputs to the recorder.
“At these prices, they aren’t making a play for the mass market,” said Greg Ireland, an analyst with research firm IDC. “However, this is an indication of a trend where DVR can be added to other products to distinguish one company’s product from another’s.”
Pioneer rivals Toshiba and Sony Electronics also have licensed TiVo’s service and technology and have been developing products that use the DVR service.
Push to Talk demand may be less than expected…
Just as Nextel and two other carriers expand their services for the cell phone walkie-talkie feature, a new study predicts turbulent times for the technology. [CNET News.com]
The survey comes just a few weeks before Verizon Wireless is expected to launch the first of three new services that are similar to Nextel Communications’ DirectConnect and aimed at business clientele. Nextel so far is the only carrier to offer such a service.
Broadband homes want faster, reliable Net
Households upgrading to high-speed Net access are basing their decisions on practical necessities rather than a desire for splashy graphics and streaming videos, a new study shows. [CNET News.com]
In a survey of 525 U.S. broadband households, faster Net access and a freed
phone line influenced consumers’ decision to upgrade from their dial-up
accounts significantly more than watching streaming video and downloading
music. The study, conducted by market research firm Strategy Analytics ,
also showed that broadband households check e-mail and search for
information more than access audio or video content.“The broadband market today in the U.S. is still being driven heavily by
access and basic features and availability rather than a move to what we’ve
all been waiting for–where premium services and content would become more
important,” said James Penhune, a Strategy Analytics analyst.
Not for the reasons many have thought. It’s all about convenience and reliability — at least for now.
Amazon, Intuit Team on Small Biz Apps Storefront
“Small businesses have a variety of different needs, and we’ve found with QuickBooks that some of these third-party software developers are able to create applications which meet the specific interests of particular small businesses,” Thacker says.
“Under the terms of the agreement, Amazon.com will process the transaction for the customer while the respective IDN (Intuit Developer Network) member will manage inventory and order fulfillment, and customer service and support with the software product,” the companies said in a joint statement. [internetnews.com]