The Android platform is quite fragmented (many forks, without source available), because so many vendors have had so many different phones and they've generally all made CLOSED proprietary changes. The Apache license doesn't require the carriers to make their user-space code available to users or Google or anyone. (The Linux part is still GPLed, but that is only part of Android).
Users generally have crippled control of their devices since generally only the carrier has the source to what they're using. Building from other source is possible, but will likely introduce other problems and cause loss of features added by the carrier. It's not the same as with the many Linux distributions because those generally each have the full source available.
Some carriers wouldn't like the openness, but if Google switched to the GPL for future releases, users could likely see community fixes/enhancements long after the carriers moved on.
Carriers CAN release under the GPL. Users should demand it. The current situation also makes it unlikely that work done by each carrier will go upstream to improve things for everyone.
I'm not sure if you're aware, but having done some work at the local FedEx facility, the people on the shipping floor make around $8/hour with no benefits.
Hmmmm, Ubuntu Live CDs would be great for every holiday stocking... just figure out how to burn them to boot up and auto-play Rick Astley. Would be a nice addition to the maintenance scripts too...
If you found a buried metal detector with a metal detector...would the universe implode?
The buried metal detector would have also found you. You and the owner of the other detector would then become each others' slaves.
Re:Still not available to everbody ...
on
Apple iOS 4.2 Hands-On
·
· Score: 4, Informative
Beware that the user agreement for iTunes gives Apple permissions you probably don't expect, like gathering data on how you use you machine. Expect that they see app log files. Many of the disc ripping and burning utilities, as well as video conversion utilities such as HandBrake log the files or disks processed. ClamX AV keeps a log of files scanned. Note the use of "verfiy compliance" below:
From the popup user agreement seen when updating iTunes:
"4. Consent to Use of Data. You agree that Apple and its subsidiaries may collect and use technical and related information, including but not limited to technical information about your computer, system and application software, and peripherals, that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support and other services to you (if any) related to the Apple Software and to verify compliance with the terms of this License.Apple may use this information, as long as it is in a form that does not personally identify you, to improve our products or to provide services or technologies to you."
In the past after crashes/force-quits etc., there was an option to opt-in to sending this additional information automatically and periodically. Later it acts without you seeing it, and you're not told how to reverse the opt-in.
There are settings in the prefs for the console app to turn off sending the "anonymous" info. I use the quotes, because besides you IP address, some of the log files contain things like your user name (that of home folder).
Even if you don't mind Apple collecting the info, you might not wanting it sent over some net connections. transmission is periodic, not just after a crash.
Some are using the utility Little Snitch to block outgoing connections to radarsubmissions.apple.com
Looking under "Diagnostic and Usage Info" in console shows a number of things that get sent.
With the current terms of the iTunes agreement, I have to wonder if this info-gathering behavior is now enabled without the crash opt-in user approval. Maybe there's not a problem, but this is worthy of examination. It seems a bit much for the iTunes license to affect things outside the use of iTunes.
Apple makes great hardware and is generally very responsive to issues. If there's a problem and users are vocal about it, they seem likely to do what they can to satisfy people.
Well, it looks like we have a new toy for those spy shows. It'd be kinda funny to see images on an ice cube in s cocktail, with a tongue touch interface. Another reason to hire spies with long tongues...
But will they be able to power it all from a slice of lemon? Toothpick WiFi antenna... Olive processor.
To me a name like Rockmelt suggests a major unexpected transformation... but if that's a bit deep, try Rocky Road ice cream that melted while someone got wrapped up in their coding.
We certainly shouldn't blindly trust proposed free speech and privacy regulatory changes.
People will thing it is personal privacy being protected, but we'll see corporations wanting "privacy" as if they were individuals. AT&T is already looking for less transparency.
You'd think that with all of the genetically altered and engineered food out there, they would have it altering our DNA so that an unaltered image of our faces contains what amounts to a stenographic browser cookie. That's in parallel with the old-school tech of the infrared readable barcode on the forehead.
Ready to go on new diet yet?? Maybe it is time for a list of approved geek foods.
- - Conan, once a writer for the Simpsons, now lives on TBS. Competing slot with John Stewart?!?
Why start your own town when you can start your own country?
Maybe this is a good time to get a deal on one of those countries that's being swallowed up by a rising ocean?
A great spot to pile all that stuff that doesn't recycle so well, or to be someplace special for those that don't believe in global warming. Move them there and bring along their favorite tv network to make it feel like home.
For variable definitions of "works". Flash is not a great performer on low power hardware, especially on the battery.
While it doesn't change the existing speed/stability/security/battery-munching problems of most of the Flash content out there, the performance situation should be somewhat better for Flash content that uses h.264 on hardware with h.264 acceleration. (upgrade to current software, if possible, probably required)
The people that say Flash works fine and those that say it's awful can both be right. It's not consistent. So that definition of "works" needs qualifiers for old versus h.264 Flash content, and whether certain playback platform features are present.
The way I see it, if one has to replace old Flash content with h.264 or another modern codec to get acceleration speed/power improvements, it might as well not be wrapped in a Flash container.
On VP8: The question I have is can existing hardware that supports h.264 acceleration do the same for WebM VP8 video, and if not, can that functionality be added fairly easily to future devices?
Support for hardware acceleration is probably a bigger deal, at least on mobile devices, than whatever performance differences otherwise remain.
Sci-Fi is worthy of historical landmarks or monuments. Too bad that Arizona gaming company couldn't do a big promotion, like putting a full-sized Stargate by the end of the London Bridge. Of course the remote wilderness of Lake Powell to the north feels ideal, as much like another planet as any place on Earth. A Stargate would look great out by Rainbow Bridge, an amazing natural arch.
Someone filthy rich should build a town somewhere with different sections that are all built from various sci-fi constructs. Turn it into a cool town, playground, resort, school, or campus for some hot new startup? Steve: sell that MS stock and do something fun while giving geeks and other jobs
(wondering when the next season of Eureka starts...)
What we need are some cannibalistic robots that'll go around the house feeding on old PCs and other consumer electronics. It should cut the cost, help them grow (and reproduce?) and save us the hassles of other recycling methods.
These guys go too far. One of these days we'll have botnets doing trading with funds from sniffed credit/debit info. They could even pay back what they took... then profits get dumped anonymously to campaign funds. Botnets do get free-speech rights don't they?? (they may have an opinion on capital gains taxes, or want to own broadcast stations)
If it makes anyone feel better, call that pile of computers a bank and lend it some "government" money
Trading in those strange mortgage death futures is too risky, botnet futures are the new thing.
Cylons and Skynet Terminators will have their own electronic religion making them tax exempt.
Slashdot Mirror
The Android platform is quite fragmented (many forks, without source available), because so many vendors have had so many different phones and they've generally all made CLOSED proprietary changes. The Apache license doesn't require the carriers to make their user-space code available to users or Google or anyone. (The Linux part is still GPLed, but that is only part of Android).
http://arstechnica.com/old/content/2007/11/why-google-chose-the-apache-software-license-over-gplv2.ars
Users generally have crippled control of their devices since generally only the carrier has the source to what they're using. Building from other source is possible, but will likely introduce other problems and cause loss of features added by the carrier. It's not the same as with the many Linux distributions because those generally each have the full source available.
Some carriers wouldn't like the openness, but if Google switched to the GPL for future releases, users could likely see community fixes/enhancements long after the carriers moved on.
Carriers CAN release under the GPL. Users should demand it. The current situation also makes it unlikely that work done by each carrier will go upstream to improve things for everyone.
Which is funny because if you look at the web stats of Slashdot, 90% of visitors are using Windows computers.
You were expecting sinners to be kicked out of the church of the Penguin and the Leopard?
In the spirit of the season and transition, welcome the followers of the Turkey as we sacrifice it!
I'm not sure if you're aware, but having done some work at the local FedEx facility, the people on the shipping floor make around $8/hour with no benefits.
More pay and strict discipline are in order.
Spare the rod, spoil the child
Hmmmm, Ubuntu Live CDs would be great for every holiday stocking... just figure out how to burn them to boot up and auto-play Rick Astley. Would be a nice addition to the maintenance scripts too...
So what were people using before this pie thing came along? Beer bread?
Perhaps those with complaining partners would have better luck with marijuana brownies?
When in doubt, there's always chocolate.
Note to self: No pie before going to airport
I know Apple products are great and all, but they do have their limits of use.
Perhaps some have forgotten, but Macs were considered weapons!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzxz3k2zQJI
"As for Pentium PCs, well... they're harmless"
If you found a buried metal detector with a metal detector...would the universe implode?
The buried metal detector would have also found you. You and the owner of the other detector would then become each others' slaves.
Beware that the user agreement for iTunes gives Apple permissions you probably don't expect, like gathering data on how you use you machine. Expect that they see app log files. Many of the disc ripping and burning utilities, as well as video conversion utilities such as HandBrake log the files or disks processed. ClamX AV keeps a log of files scanned. Note the use of "verfiy compliance" below:
From the popup user agreement seen when updating iTunes:
"4. Consent to Use of Data. You agree that Apple and its subsidiaries may collect and use technical and related information, including but not limited to technical information about your computer, system and application software, and peripherals, that is gathered periodically to facilitate the provision of software updates, product support and other services to you (if any) related to the Apple Software and to verify compliance with the terms of this License.Apple may use this information, as long as it is in a form that does not personally identify you, to improve our products or to provide services or technologies to you."
In the past after crashes/force-quits etc., there was an option to opt-in to sending this additional information automatically and periodically. Later it acts without you seeing it, and you're not told how to reverse the opt-in.
There are settings in the prefs for the console app to turn off sending the "anonymous" info. I use the quotes, because besides you IP address, some of the log files contain things like your user name (that of home folder).
http://developer.apple.com/library/mac/#documentation/Darwin/Reference/ManPages/man8/SubmitDiagInfo.8.html
Even if you don't mind Apple collecting the info, you might not wanting it sent over some net connections.
transmission is periodic, not just after a crash.
Some are using the utility Little Snitch to block outgoing connections to radarsubmissions.apple.com
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=2141147&tstart=105
There's a utility that Xcode installs that can configure some reporting. /Developer/Applications/Utilities/CrashReporterPrefs.app
http://discussions.info.apple.com/thread.jspa;jsessionid=57C8B4C60DD7F68968B6617155516075.node0?messageID=11555436�
Looking under "Diagnostic and Usage Info" in console shows a number of things that get sent.
With the current terms of the iTunes agreement, I have to wonder if this info-gathering behavior is now enabled without the crash opt-in user approval. Maybe there's not a problem, but this is worthy of examination. It seems a bit much for the iTunes license to affect things outside the use of iTunes.
Apple makes great hardware and is generally very responsive to issues. If there's a problem and users are vocal about it, they seem likely to do what they can to satisfy people.
apparently they forgot that all they have to do to make these scanners less objectionable is to get rid of them.
Well they're still a relatively new technology. Perhaps people will like them more with a few updates.
Maybe they'll have Facebook integration...?
Well, it looks like we have a new toy for those spy shows. It'd be kinda funny to see images on an ice cube in s cocktail, with a tongue touch interface. Another reason to hire spies with long tongues...
But will they be able to power it all from a slice of lemon? Toothpick WiFi antenna... Olive processor.
To me a name like Rockmelt suggests a major unexpected transformation... but if that's a bit deep, try Rocky Road ice cream that melted while someone got wrapped up in their coding.
We certainly shouldn't blindly trust proposed free speech and privacy regulatory changes.
People will thing it is personal privacy being protected, but we'll see corporations wanting "privacy" as if they were individuals. AT&T is already looking for less transparency.
https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2010/11/eff-brief-privacy-protections-corporations
I wonder how long it would take Microsoft to develop workable software for one of these...
An older article with considerably more detail. Not sure if it's the same bacteria.
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn19386-for-selfhealing-concrete-just-ad
Hmmmm.... how to enjoy corn syrup without getting fat...
You'd think that with all of the genetically altered and engineered food out there, they would have it altering our DNA so that an unaltered image of our faces contains what amounts to a stenographic browser cookie. That's in parallel with the old-school tech of the infrared readable barcode on the forehead.
Ready to go on new diet yet?? Maybe it is time for a list of approved geek foods.
- -
Conan, once a writer for the Simpsons, now lives on TBS. Competing slot with John Stewart?!?
It's ironic that so many that don't like Fox or Newcorp pumped so much money into the organization by paying to see Avatar.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/avatar-leads-news-corp-to-us25bn-profit/story-fn65t1pq-1225901426210
That in mind, there's a bit of irony running into conservatives complaining that Avatar had a liberal agenda.
I guess it is also ironic to see those that like Newscorp and dislike MS-NBC liking Microsoft.
Maybe it's time for Microsoft to produce a movie, but what? I doubt they'd go for a remake of Antitrust.
http://www.linux.com/archive/feed/6854
Well look at it this way - they aren't fudging their balance sheets as bad as the US Government
Shouldn't they have to count the government as a subsidiary?
Why start your own town when you can start your own country?
Maybe this is a good time to get a deal on one of those countries that's being swallowed up by a rising ocean?
A great spot to pile all that stuff that doesn't recycle so well, or to be someplace special for those that don't believe in global warming. Move them there and bring along their favorite tv network to make it feel like home.
For variable definitions of "works". Flash is not a great performer on low power hardware, especially on the battery.
While it doesn't change the existing speed/stability/security/battery-munching problems of most of the Flash content out there, the performance situation should be somewhat better for Flash content that uses h.264 on hardware with h.264 acceleration. (upgrade to current software, if possible, probably required)
The people that say Flash works fine and those that say it's awful can both be right. It's not consistent.
So that definition of "works" needs qualifiers for old versus h.264 Flash content, and whether certain playback platform features are present.
The way I see it, if one has to replace old Flash content with h.264 or another modern codec to get acceleration speed/power improvements, it might as well not be wrapped in a Flash container.
On VP8:
The question I have is can existing hardware that supports h.264 acceleration do the same for WebM VP8 video, and if not, can that functionality be added fairly easily to future devices?
Support for hardware acceleration is probably a bigger deal, at least on mobile devices, than whatever performance differences otherwise remain.
Doesn't it seem much more likely that the hack is what lead to the spam being sent, THEN the site got blocked as a result?
Sci-Fi is worthy of historical landmarks or monuments. Too bad that Arizona gaming company couldn't do a big promotion, like putting a full-sized Stargate by the end of the London Bridge. Of course the remote wilderness of Lake Powell to the north feels ideal, as much like another planet as any place on Earth. A Stargate would look great out by Rainbow Bridge, an amazing natural arch.
https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Lake_powell
Someone filthy rich should build a town somewhere with different sections that are all built from various sci-fi constructs. Turn it into a cool town, playground, resort, school, or campus for some hot new startup?
Steve: sell that MS stock and do something fun while giving geeks and other jobs
(wondering when the next season of Eureka starts...)
What we need are some cannibalistic robots that'll go around the house feeding on old PCs and other consumer electronics. It should cut the cost, help them grow (and reproduce?) and save us the hassles of other recycling methods.
Slim Pickens rode a bomb not a missile.
Perhaps it was Ronald Reagan?
These guys go too far. One of these days we'll have botnets doing trading with funds from sniffed credit/debit info. They could even pay back what they took... then profits get dumped anonymously to campaign funds. Botnets do get free-speech rights don't they?? (they may have an opinion on capital gains taxes, or want to own broadcast stations)
If it makes anyone feel better, call that pile of computers a bank and lend it some "government" money
Trading in those strange mortgage death futures is too risky, botnet futures are the new thing.
Cylons and Skynet Terminators will have their own electronic religion making them tax exempt.