Just like you don't call your laptop a word processor, despite it being able to do word processing, or a gaming device (despite it being able to play games), the LifeDrive's PDA (addressbook, schedule, etc.) functionality is just one part of what it can do. Calling it a PDA just glosses over all its *other* capabilities (2X wireless, high-res screen, voice recording, A/V playback, camera buddy, etc.), the sum of which really haven't been seen before.
...but it still won't replace my Treo 650. PalmOS and the UI Jeff Hawkins has crafted are just so much more intuitive and efficient, and UI efficiency is something that power users tend to appreciate.
I can't believe there isn't prior art for this
on
Microsoft's 911 Patent
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· Score: 2, Interesting
This is absurd. Unless the full text of the patent contains some highly restrictive language or incredibly innovative concepts (both unlikely), there is no way this hasn't been patented by some higher-level concept before. Aggregating information into a single place? Come on!
Absurdity aside, what isn't patentable now? I'm getting more and more convinced that the limits on patentability are quickly dwindling to nothing. I'm not sure if it's the patent clerks trying to ensure job security or a misguided vision that the USPTO's job is to approve patents and that the courts should settle disagreements. Whichever it is, or both, needs to be addressed ASAP.
Headlines from the Future: MPAA Sues Man Over His Memories
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has sued Jack Murthy of Winnetka, IL over alleged copyright violations related to Mr. Murthy's memory-enhancing brain implants.
By the universal law of "he who smelt it, dealt it," those Jovians who visit Mars in a few decades will think "damn those humans, now they're stinking up ANOTHER planet!"
This online DVD rental biz is certainly far from saturated. With Amazon's excellent distribution network already established, and their penchance for customer service, I would guess they'd do quite well.
My hunch about why they're looking to partner is that online DVD rental may turn out to be a business with a fairly short lifespan. Everyone and their mother is coming out with plans to deliver video content on demand via every possible medium, so physical delivery of those oh-so-easily-copied silver discs could be risky.
The one thing that might keep it alive for a while is the rise of HD DVDs, but by the time those are prevalent, we might all be wondering why physical media are even necessary any more.
Murdering someone hurts a tiny number of people (sometimes just one) incredibly much, while a spammer hurts an incredible number of people just a tiny bit. Are these equal offenses?
I'm not sure how I feel personally about this, but maybe what we have here is a good ol' fashioned public display of punishment -- spammer in stocks for everyone to mock -- just to make sure that the seriousness of the justice system is known by those who might consider spamming. Dunno for sure, just guessing.
On the other hand, maybe the court got a particularly large batch of v1agr4 and c!al!s ads that day.
It's good to see that we might actually see some commercializable results come out of his research. Jeff's a smart dude Donna really is an excellent business manager, so I expect interesting things to emerge from this new venture.
I mean, heck, if it gets us even one step closer to having competent automated tech support, I'm all for it.
Posting something on a blog is basically akin to painting up a big sign and putting it in your yard. And it's surprising that saying something bad about the company you work for on such a sign might get you a quick trip to HR? Jeez...come on.
Blogs only expand the reach of your message, they do not magically remove the responsibility for what you say (that's what anonymous email accounts are for).
The analogy to a floppy disk is perfect...
on
DVHS on a Budget
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· Score: 4, Insightful
...they are both lame, outdated technologies.
Seriously, why bother with this when there are so many better, faster, more capable storage media available today?
Don't forget about product placement as a means for generating revenue from a TV show.
In fact, product placement in a sci-fi series could be even more effective. Think about it: are you going to notice a Coke can more in a modern day police station set or on the bridge of a star cruiser in 2046?
I've read that in order to use the branding that Kubrick used in 2001: A Space Odyssey (e.g., PanAM and AT&T), he had to pay those companies for the rights. My how times have a-changed!
Just seek out the smuggest-looking n3rd in the mall/park, which shouldn't be too hard, since true geeks generally avoid places with other people and sunshine.
Since I'm apparently so at risk of having my online identity stolen, I guess it's time to go steal a few myself -- never hurts to have some backup indentities!
It didn't help Palm back when they decided to issue cease-and-desist orders to websites/fansites with "Palm" in their name.
Pissing on your most ardent fans is pretty stupid -- when will companies figure this out?
If you don't want information to get out before you're ready, you have two options:
1. Get ready sooner.
2. Release lots of bogus information so nobody knows when the rumors are legit (personally, I think this strategy is both more fun and easier to do)
I have several nice, expensive, capable PDAs in a drawer at home. Instead, I carry my Treo 600 -- it has a lower resolution screen, smaller keyboard, less RAM, and a slower processor than my PDAs, yet it's small, capable, and always with me.
Smartphones will continue to get better and PDAs, like boomboxes and those camcorders you used to attach to a VCR, will be another personal electronics form-factor that just won't make much sense in a few years.
The trend has been towards laptops outselling desktops. Personally, I think that's in large part due to the "simpler" nature of a laptop -- no wires and unconnected parts to confuse the n00b -- but also to the size issue. When many homes don't have extra space for a full tower, allocating a little bit of space is easier, and that's why small form factor PCs will continue to thrive.
Just look at the success Shuttle has had, and their products aren't even all that superlative.
Slashdot Mirror
Just like you don't call your laptop a word processor, despite it being able to do word processing, or a gaming device (despite it being able to play games), the LifeDrive's PDA (addressbook, schedule, etc.) functionality is just one part of what it can do. Calling it a PDA just glosses over all its *other* capabilities (2X wireless, high-res screen, voice recording, A/V playback, camera buddy, etc.), the sum of which really haven't been seen before.
...but it still won't replace my Treo 650. PalmOS and the UI Jeff Hawkins has crafted are just so much more intuitive and efficient, and UI efficiency is something that power users tend to appreciate.
Absurdity aside, what isn't patentable now? I'm getting more and more convinced that the limits on patentability are quickly dwindling to nothing. I'm not sure if it's the patent clerks trying to ensure job security or a misguided vision that the USPTO's job is to approve patents and that the courts should settle disagreements. Whichever it is, or both, needs to be addressed ASAP.
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has sued Jack Murthy of Winnetka, IL over alleged copyright violations related to Mr. Murthy's memory-enhancing brain implants.
Full story here.
It's gonna happen...don't say you weren't warned.
By the universal law of "he who smelt it, dealt it," those Jovians who visit Mars in a few decades will think "damn those humans, now they're stinking up ANOTHER planet!"
And expensive-to-cancel contracts help us do that because, well, frankly, otherwise we'd have to keep improving our service and that's expensive!
At this point, the phone call abruptly ended: he entered a tent.
My hunch about why they're looking to partner is that online DVD rental may turn out to be a business with a fairly short lifespan. Everyone and their mother is coming out with plans to deliver video content on demand via every possible medium, so physical delivery of those oh-so-easily-copied silver discs could be risky.
The one thing that might keep it alive for a while is the rise of HD DVDs, but by the time those are prevalent, we might all be wondering why physical media are even necessary any more.
The only truly sustainable way to make money in software is through services. Unless you're a monopoly.
I'm not sure how I feel personally about this, but maybe what we have here is a good ol' fashioned public display of punishment -- spammer in stocks for everyone to mock -- just to make sure that the seriousness of the justice system is known by those who might consider spamming. Dunno for sure, just guessing.
On the other hand, maybe the court got a particularly large batch of v1agr4 and c!al!s ads that day.
I mean, heck, if it gets us even one step closer to having competent automated tech support, I'm all for it.
Within 10 years, Sirius and XM will either morph into some variant of themselves, or they'll just dry up and blow away.
Blogs only expand the reach of your message, they do not magically remove the responsibility for what you say (that's what anonymous email accounts are for).
Seriously, why bother with this when there are so many better, faster, more capable storage media available today?
--
One if by troll, two if by redundant...
In fact, product placement in a sci-fi series could be even more effective. Think about it: are you going to notice a Coke can more in a modern day police station set or on the bridge of a star cruiser in 2046?
I've read that in order to use the branding that Kubrick used in 2001: A Space Odyssey (e.g., PanAM and AT&T), he had to pay those companies for the rights. My how times have a-changed!
Yeah, go ahead...I've got some karma to burn.
Well, think of the resources its directing. ;-)
The law is kind of like software for humans -- it is a set of codes that regulate who can do what under what circumstances.
Once machines get an inkling of intelligence and truly autonomous decision-making, then there will be NO difference between software and law.
Since I'm apparently so at risk of having my online identity stolen, I guess it's time to go steal a few myself -- never hurts to have some backup indentities!
I think I'm running low on pow
Pissing on your most ardent fans is pretty stupid -- when will companies figure this out?
If you don't want information to get out before you're ready, you have two options:
1. Get ready sooner.
2. Release lots of bogus information so nobody knows when the rumors are legit (personally, I think this strategy is both more fun and easier to do)
Of course, this becomes less and less important as WMC-based PCs become better and OS alternatives get more polished.
Ah, TiVo, it's been nice.
News Update: Woman Gives Birth
Breaking Story: Actor Turns Politician
Headline: Sun Rises in East...AGAIN!
*sigh*
Is there a mailing list somewhere??
Smartphones will continue to get better and PDAs, like boomboxes and those camcorders you used to attach to a VCR, will be another personal electronics form-factor that just won't make much sense in a few years.
Just look at the success Shuttle has had, and their products aren't even all that superlative.