...Paul Thurrott is waiting to create a Social Network (tm) with someone else with a Zune.
I actually like the idea of being able to share songs from my mp3 player. Other posters have suggested that sharing content would be limited to streaming or previews. I hate to think so, but it would make more sense for Microsoft to restrict the sharing functionality in such a way. Microsoft is very keen to form partnerships with the content industry. This has been demonstrated through their investment in DRM technologies such as MS's Janus platform for content sales and secure distribution), Windows Media Player, "Plays for Sure" and the DRM restrictions in the Media Centre and Xbox 360 platform.
Although, even if it wasn't restricted in some way, I do see the wireless sharing aspect of the Zune to be a cool, but minor feature. When people are listening to their MP3 players, they're *not* communicating with other people! You don't know what their listening to and they probably don't know if you where in the slightest bit interested! Also, without looking at the screen, how would you know that someone wants to share songs? An audible alarm would be the obvious solution but that would just be nasty. Many people keep their players in pockets, covers, bags or armbands whilst their using them. Who walks around staring at their mp3 player all the time?! This feature would really only come into it's own when you wanted to trade songs with friends. Especially in a similar social context to the way that people trade ringtones, "Have you heard this? Do you want me to send it to you"
That's a pretty solid library but there's one problem that I can see: Most of those games are rehashes of old titles that you can already get for a couple of dollars for the PS2. People already know what these games are like, they've seen it before and perhaps, just perhaps, they're overly familar with this stuff to think twice about shelling out for it again. I know Nintendo aren't shy about updating and republishing their back-catalogue, but the DS's touch screen allows developers to bring something new and unique to the table.
I think the best summary of the difference between the DS and the PSP was by the UK games magazine "Edge".
"The PSP is for those who know what they want. The DS is for those who want what they don't know"
Maybe the PSP's market didn't know what they wanted after all...
Actually, Enron's auditors were the now-largely defunct Arthur Andersen. After the Enron scandal, the SEC convicted Arthur Andersen of obstructng justice and they lost their license to practice. Even after that conviction was overturned, most of Arthur Andersen's big name customers had lost faith in Arthur Andersen and stopped employing their services. With their reputation in tatters and without a decent client base, Arthur Andersen let all their staff go except for a core 200 who are now mostly dealing with numerous lawsuits. See the Wiki Article on Arthur Andersen for further details.
I believe PWC where contracted to try and salvage parts of Enron's wasted empire just before they filed for bankruptcy.
As an aside, your post was incorrect and misguided. I suggest you either check your facts before posting or, even better, abstain from doing so altogether so people don't waste time reading your nonsense.
My company once ran a scheme where staff could purchase a PC at a heavily subsidised rate and spread the cost of the payments over three years. The scheme was some kind of tax write-off and the thinking was that by offering all the employees a new PC, they could raise basic computer literacy within the organisation.
The machine itself wasn't anything special, but at $10 a month I wasn't complaining. It was a low end PC with a printer and monitor. Once the RAM was upgraded, it was just enough to XP. Since I already a decent machine of my own, I gave it to my parents who where chuffed to bits with their new toy.
... Then they proceeded to break it every way imaginable.
That box went through a lot. Viruses, rogue dialers, a most comprehensive collection of malware. Not to imagine having every single craptastic free app from magazine cover discs and the Webtron installed on it. Every single time I went to visit them, I had to spend a couple of hours backing up all their personal stuff and then rebuilding the damn thing.
I tried everything. I installed firewalls, applied patches, stopped them running as Admin and then even tried educating them. My parents are pretty smart people, but they didn't really grok the whole maintenance gig.
In the end, I got so pissed up with whole thing, that I went on the offensive. I'd been impressed by my little iBook and the sweetness and light that is OS X and my folks liked it too. So I bought them a Mac Mini, with a view to ending all my support woes.
... And they loved it.
That little box just worked. They had all their photo's in iPhoto. They could read email and browse tinternet with impunity. Everything went swimmingly for the first couple months.
Then the fucking thing was hit by lightening and was killed instantly.
I'm only posting this because there's a tenuous relationship with fan made projects and this trailer for Richard Matheson's "I am Legend" that a couple of my mates made.
They showed it to the local Arts Council, but they weren't really interested. I thought that was a shame since they spent a long time on it and to be fair, I think it's pretty good. So I'm posting it here on/. to see what ppl's reactions are. Don't be shy to use the"Send Message" button and give them some feedback.
Cheers guys!
a dual-core CPU running at 4 to 6GHz; a minimum of 2 gigs of RAM; up to a terabyte of storage; a 1 Gbit, built-in, Ethernet-wired port and an 802.11g wireless link; and a graphics processor that runs three times faster than those on the market today
Maybe that's why it's taking so long to release Longhorn.... they're still trying to compile it!
What should IT workers be doing to differentiate ourselves from our overseas counterparts, to add the kinds of value for employers that will make them want to look beyond direct costs and see other benefits
I've been wrestling with a similar problem for a while now...
I work as a developer in my organisation of 2000+ people. My department designs and builds bespoke applications to enable the business to operate. Occasionally, we outsource projects to external organisations but only if it's because we don't have the resources to build it in house, which is the preferred option both politically and financially. Interestingly, about 90% of our developers are contractors, some of whom have been at the company for over 5 years!
However, in order to further my career I was told that I had to something different. It must be said, that my organisation is very keen on multi-skilling and expects it's permanent staff to move around every couple of years. I was offered training and a position in Business Analysis or Project Management. Both are good roles but I wasn't really that interested. I've always considered myself a technical person and most of the time, I really enjoyed my job.
However, the senior technical roles are very few and far between so I was kinda stuck. I needed to find a way to further my career (and my salary) without having to pursue a managerial position. I tried increasing my technical skillset, improving and demonstrating my "soft skills" (presentations, procurement, managing people) but that wasn't really working either.
Eventually, I stumbled upon a chance opportunity: a non-IT 2 year secondment in business. I was expressed an interest in this role and although management where suprised that I was applying they where very supportive and encouraged me. I think the reason is that there doesn't seem to be much human traffic between the IT Dept. and the rest of the business. I could act as a sort of ambassador between the two departments. But most importantly, I will be actually experiencing the challenges and the issues that our Users face. When I return to IT I will bring my first hand knowledge back and some pretty "l33t" analytical skills!:->
So everybody wins! I further my career by adding another dimension to my skills. IT wins by having access to somebody who understands development and the business processes and challenges. The Business gains by having someone with excellent technical knowledge and a in-depth knowledge of their systems.
I'm not suggesting that everyone should give up IT and do something else for a couple of years, rather I think that some of us might benefit from adding value to themselves in ways other than developing their technical skills. If we really really understand what our customers/users/colleagues are trying to achieve with our products then we might be able to find better ways of realising their ambitions and serving them better.
But instead of paying $23.7 million for the Microsoft solution...
Don't forget though that Microsofts initial proposal was $36.6m! Ballmer flew out there do demonstrate how keen MS was to keep Munich's business. MS then subsequentally cut the cost to $31.9m and then finally $23.7m.
A similar thing happened in the UK where Newham Council in London considered migrating away from a MS environment to a Open Source environment. A Linux based desktop (not sure about backend stuff) was designed, built and trialed. MS sponsored an "independent" consultancy firm to do a TCO Investigation which, surprisingly, found that the MS Solution would have a lower TCO. The most interesting aspect of this case is that it became quite high profile in the UK and it soon became apparent that MS where very eager to secure the deal. However, in no small part due to the media exposure this story received, MS where given two choices; either aggresively discount their proposal or risk a humiliating defeat (remember the "Under no circumstances lose to Linux" memo?). Newham Council eventually chose to stick with Microsoft, citing the difficulties of getting a reliable Exchange 5.5 client for Linux, but not before they had secured a deal that was apparently an order of magnitude better than the deal that the UK Govt. has! Not bad for a poverty-stricken East-London Council!
In the UK, you can pick up a dedicated DVD player for as little as 30GBP. So what? I wasn't evaluating the cost of the XBox against the cost of dedicated DVD player anyway!
Besides, the cost of the actual unit isn't the point. The real issue is, why should I bother getting a dedicated DVD player, when I've already got a device that performs the same duties as more.
As well as space considerations, there is the issue of integrating the extra devices into my existing AV setup. Another device would mean another set of cables taking up inputs on my AV Receiver and another video cable kicking around.
As far as I'm concerned, if you've got a PS2 or an XBox, you could quite happily do without a dedicated DVD player unless you're a serious home cinema buff.
Besides, the XBox has support for Progressive Scan (which is great for HDTV owners) and XBox Media Player XBMP
can play just about every audio and video format under the sun *as well* as play games. Can your supermarket special do that?
NB: Link is currently down to protest against Software Patents.. I've included it for future reference.
The debate on why you should bother modding an XBox comes up quite frequently, but most people can't seem to get pass the "Q: Why Bother A: WaR3z / Linux" debate.
I use my modded XBox as a media player... and it really is very very good. All my MP3s and films (all legal of course!) sit on my pc and the media is streamed down to the XBox. The XBox, in turn, is plugged into my home cinema equipment via an optical connection.
Since I don't own a dedicated DVD player or one of those fancy hifi mp3 players, the XBox does the job perfectly and with the added advantage that I can play games on the thing.
Sure, I could use a shuttle pc or something, but why bother? An XBox, even included the cost of a mod chip and the remote control, is going to be much less than the cost of a "proper" peecee. Besides, its really nice having the remote control for it.
Ummm.... haven't you heard of Planetside?
It's a well balanced and beautifully designed MMOFPS (the first of it's kind I believe).
In a sense, it's similar to Tribes 2, in that there is a wide range of vehicles, troop configs and roles (engineer, grunt, heavy armour, medic and hacker).
The full version has a $15 subscription fee and even though I was initially dubious about the fee, I found that it was well worth the money.
I remember boring my mates silly in the pub with anecdotes from the front. Since there are no NPCs and no scripted events, all the action is caused by people.
Storming an enemy base, with about dozens of other players, complete with heavy armour, troop carriers and air support is a serious rush.
I think that in the future, we'll see more games like this, but for now Planetside is in a league of it's own.
Ignoring the fact that the XBox was created by our dear friends at MS, let's look at this a little more objectively...
AFAIK, to run homebrew code your XBox needs a modchip. Unless the Dreamix guys have shelled out for the Official Xbox Dev Kit and whatever licenses they need, Dreamix will require a modchip to run. End of story.... Not that this is the end of the world of course. There are loads of vendors of modchips, both online and indie game shops. Getting your Xbox modded is neither expensive or difficult... even if you want to get someone else to do the honors for you.
One of the perks of getting your box modded (not forgetting you can play all your *ahem* backups!) is that you can install a bigger hard drive. A modded Xbox can support anything upto 137Gb (after that, extra space is ignored and the device is treated as 137Gb unit).
As far as video input goes, the idea of having media piped in through the 10/100 ethernet socket isn't such a bad idea. The QCast tuner for the PS2 uses a similar idea: where media, from your pc, is streamed to the PS2, which then displays it on screen. So with that in mind, I guess it's possible. The other option would be to use a USB based video capture device, and I believe there are some already on the market. The controller ports on the XBox are just USB ports with a proprietry molding. An adapter cable is available for about 10GBP that will do the business for you.
As far as cost goes, sure getting a Tivo would probably work out cheaper (and better!) unless you already had a modded Xbox. Being techies, I guess we've all got some old hard drives kicking around and new 80Gb is pretty cheap. So for the price of the video capture unit, whatever guise that comes in, I think it's a pretty good idea IMHO. Count me in!;-)
Slashdot Mirror
I actually like the idea of being able to share songs from my mp3 player. Other posters have suggested that sharing content would be limited to streaming or previews. I hate to think so, but it would make more sense for Microsoft to restrict the sharing functionality in such a way. Microsoft is very keen to form partnerships with the content industry. This has been demonstrated through their investment in DRM technologies such as MS's Janus platform for content sales and secure distribution), Windows Media Player, "Plays for Sure" and the DRM restrictions in the Media Centre and Xbox 360 platform. Although, even if it wasn't restricted in some way, I do see the wireless sharing aspect of the Zune to be a cool, but minor feature. When people are listening to their MP3 players, they're *not* communicating with other people! You don't know what their listening to and they probably don't know if you where in the slightest bit interested! Also, without looking at the screen, how would you know that someone wants to share songs? An audible alarm would be the obvious solution but that would just be nasty. Many people keep their players in pockets, covers, bags or armbands whilst their using them. Who walks around staring at their mp3 player all the time?! This feature would really only come into it's own when you wanted to trade songs with friends. Especially in a similar social context to the way that people trade ringtones, "Have you heard this? Do you want me to send it to you"
Just my $0.02...
I think the best summary of the difference between the DS and the PSP was by the UK games magazine "Edge".
"The PSP is for those who know what they want. The DS is for those who want what they don't know"
Maybe the PSP's market didn't know what they wanted after all...
I believe PWC where contracted to try and salvage parts of Enron's wasted empire just before they filed for bankruptcy.
As an aside, your post was incorrect and misguided. I suggest you either check your facts before posting or, even better, abstain from doing so altogether so people don't waste time reading your nonsense.
The machine itself wasn't anything special, but at $10 a month I wasn't complaining. It was a low end PC with a printer and monitor. Once the RAM was upgraded, it was just enough to XP. Since I already a decent machine of my own, I gave it to my parents who where chuffed to bits with their new toy.
That box went through a lot. Viruses, rogue dialers, a most comprehensive collection of malware. Not to imagine having every single craptastic free app from magazine cover discs and the Webtron installed on it. Every single time I went to visit them, I had to spend a couple of hours backing up all their personal stuff and then rebuilding the damn thing.
I tried everything. I installed firewalls, applied patches, stopped them running as Admin and then even tried educating them. My parents are pretty smart people, but they didn't really grok the whole maintenance gig.
In the end, I got so pissed up with whole thing, that I went on the offensive. I'd been impressed by my little iBook and the sweetness and light that is OS X and my folks liked it too. So I bought them a Mac Mini, with a view to ending all my support woes.
That little box just worked. They had all their photo's in iPhoto. They could read email and browse tinternet with impunity. Everything went swimmingly for the first couple months.
Then the fucking thing was hit by lightening and was killed instantly.
*Sigh* Sometimes you just can't win.
They showed it to the local Arts Council, but they weren't really interested. I thought that was a shame since they spent a long time on it and to be fair, I think it's pretty good. So I'm posting it here on /. to see what ppl's reactions are. Don't be shy to use the"Send Message" button and give them some feedback.
Cheers guys!
I am Legend
Maybe that's why it's taking so long to release Longhorn.... they're still trying to compile it!
What should IT workers be doing to differentiate ourselves from our overseas counterparts, to add the kinds of value for employers that will make them want to look beyond direct costs and see other benefits
I've been wrestling with a similar problem for a while now...
I work as a developer in my organisation of 2000+ people. My department designs and builds bespoke applications to enable the business to operate. Occasionally, we outsource projects to external organisations but only if it's because we don't have the resources to build it in house, which is the preferred option both politically and financially. Interestingly, about 90% of our developers are contractors, some of whom have been at the company for over 5 years!
However, in order to further my career I was told that I had to something different. It must be said, that my organisation is very keen on multi-skilling and expects it's permanent staff to move around every couple of years. I was offered training and a position in Business Analysis or Project Management. Both are good roles but I wasn't really that interested. I've always considered myself a technical person and most of the time, I really enjoyed my job.
However, the senior technical roles are very few and far between so I was kinda stuck. I needed to find a way to further my career (and my salary) without having to pursue a managerial position. I tried increasing my technical skillset, improving and demonstrating my "soft skills" (presentations, procurement, managing people) but that wasn't really working either.
Eventually, I stumbled upon a chance opportunity: a non-IT 2 year secondment in business. I was expressed an interest in this role and although management where suprised that I was applying they where very supportive and encouraged me. I think the reason is that there doesn't seem to be much human traffic between the IT Dept. and the rest of the business. I could act as a sort of ambassador between the two departments. But most importantly, I will be actually experiencing the challenges and the issues that our Users face. When I return to IT I will bring my first hand knowledge back and some pretty "l33t" analytical skills! :->
So everybody wins! I further my career by adding another dimension to my skills. IT wins by having access to somebody who understands development and the business processes and challenges. The Business gains by having someone with excellent technical knowledge and a in-depth knowledge of their systems.
I'm not suggesting that everyone should give up IT and do something else for a couple of years, rather I think that some of us might benefit from adding value to themselves in ways other than developing their technical skills. If we really really understand what our customers/users/colleagues are trying to achieve with our products then we might be able to find better ways of realising their ambitions and serving them better.
But instead of paying $23.7 million for the Microsoft solution...
Don't forget though that Microsofts initial proposal was $36.6m! Ballmer flew out there do demonstrate how keen MS was to keep Munich's business. MS then subsequentally cut the cost to $31.9m and then finally $23.7m.
A similar thing happened in the UK where Newham Council in London considered migrating away from a MS environment to a Open Source environment. A Linux based desktop (not sure about backend stuff) was designed, built and trialed. MS sponsored an "independent" consultancy firm to do a TCO Investigation which, surprisingly, found that the MS Solution would have a lower TCO. The most interesting aspect of this case is that it became quite high profile in the UK and it soon became apparent that MS where very eager to secure the deal. However, in no small part due to the media exposure this story received, MS where given two choices; either aggresively discount their proposal or risk a humiliating defeat (remember the "Under no circumstances lose to Linux" memo?). Newham Council eventually chose to stick with Microsoft, citing the difficulties of getting a reliable Exchange 5.5 client for Linux, but not before they had secured a deal that was apparently an order of magnitude better than the deal that the UK Govt. has! Not bad for a poverty-stricken East-London Council!
In the UK, you can pick up a dedicated DVD player for as little as 30GBP. So what? I wasn't evaluating the cost of the XBox against the cost of dedicated DVD player anyway! Besides, the cost of the actual unit isn't the point. The real issue is, why should I bother getting a dedicated DVD player, when I've already got a device that performs the same duties as more. As well as space considerations, there is the issue of integrating the extra devices into my existing AV setup. Another device would mean another set of cables taking up inputs on my AV Receiver and another video cable kicking around. As far as I'm concerned, if you've got a PS2 or an XBox, you could quite happily do without a dedicated DVD player unless you're a serious home cinema buff. Besides, the XBox has support for Progressive Scan (which is great for HDTV owners) and XBox Media Player XBMP can play just about every audio and video format under the sun *as well* as play games. Can your supermarket special do that? NB: Link is currently down to protest against Software Patents.. I've included it for future reference.
The debate on why you should bother modding an XBox comes up quite frequently, but most people can't seem to get pass the "Q: Why Bother A: WaR3z / Linux" debate. I use my modded XBox as a media player... and it really is very very good. All my MP3s and films (all legal of course!) sit on my pc and the media is streamed down to the XBox. The XBox, in turn, is plugged into my home cinema equipment via an optical connection. Since I don't own a dedicated DVD player or one of those fancy hifi mp3 players, the XBox does the job perfectly and with the added advantage that I can play games on the thing. Sure, I could use a shuttle pc or something, but why bother? An XBox, even included the cost of a mod chip and the remote control, is going to be much less than the cost of a "proper" peecee. Besides, its really nice having the remote control for it.
Ummm.... haven't you heard of Planetside? It's a well balanced and beautifully designed MMOFPS (the first of it's kind I believe). In a sense, it's similar to Tribes 2, in that there is a wide range of vehicles, troop configs and roles (engineer, grunt, heavy armour, medic and hacker). The full version has a $15 subscription fee and even though I was initially dubious about the fee, I found that it was well worth the money. I remember boring my mates silly in the pub with anecdotes from the front. Since there are no NPCs and no scripted events, all the action is caused by people. Storming an enemy base, with about dozens of other players, complete with heavy armour, troop carriers and air support is a serious rush. I think that in the future, we'll see more games like this, but for now Planetside is in a league of it's own.
I've never felt compelled to comment on another's grammar and spelling before, but it's
*sophistication* nagdammit!
I always imagined the Mule to look like John Malkovich...
Anybody got any other thoughts?
Ignoring the fact that the XBox was created by our dear friends at MS, let's look at this a little more objectively... AFAIK, to run homebrew code your XBox needs a modchip. Unless the Dreamix guys have shelled out for the Official Xbox Dev Kit and whatever licenses they need, Dreamix will require a modchip to run. End of story. ... Not that this is the end of the world of course. There are loads of vendors of modchips, both online and indie game shops. Getting your Xbox modded is neither expensive or difficult... even if you want to get someone else to do the honors for you.
One of the perks of getting your box modded (not forgetting you can play all your *ahem* backups!) is that you can install a bigger hard drive. A modded Xbox can support anything upto 137Gb (after that, extra space is ignored and the device is treated as 137Gb unit).
As far as video input goes, the idea of having media piped in through the 10/100 ethernet socket isn't such a bad idea. The QCast tuner for the PS2 uses a similar idea: where media, from your pc, is streamed to the PS2, which then displays it on screen. So with that in mind, I guess it's possible. The other option would be to use a USB based video capture device, and I believe there are some already on the market. The controller ports on the XBox are just USB ports with a proprietry molding. An adapter cable is available for about 10GBP that will do the business for you.
As far as cost goes, sure getting a Tivo would probably work out cheaper (and better!) unless you already had a modded Xbox. Being techies, I guess we've all got some old hard drives kicking around and new 80Gb is pretty cheap. So for the price of the video capture unit, whatever guise that comes in, I think it's a pretty good idea IMHO. Count me in! ;-)