Actually, as soon as 'your idea' is incorporated, it isn't yours anymore, it's IP of the corporation (unless you copyright, patent to heck and then license it to the corp) and you lose rights. Most folks get by because there's a loop-hole: the "corporate veil", and can be bad or good for the owners. I learned that through a class action lawsuit w/a former employer when it went Chap 11. The CEO/creator/owner wanted to 'magically' transfer the IP to his new 'prop-up' company to keep the development going while not paying our salaries in the current corp. Judge didn't buy it and the IP was sold with the company instead when it went chap 7.
I want google to succeed, but if things go wrong, Larry and Sergey better have a private jet handy, it will get ugly in court fast.
Best Buy thought..."Hey, it worked for BlockBuster". It's pretty obvious on what they're doing when you have a cellophane wrapper machine right behind the service desk area--that's the scene at the last 3 BlockBusters I've visited (and still visit when there's nothing on cable or I'm not on slashdot).
I've been told auto dealers (not all!) have been doing stuff like this for years with warranty work, since the philosophy there is "throw new parts at a problem": if a new part doesn't fix the problem, reshelf it and sell at retail to 'joe parts customer'. Also, your warranty emergency brake cable maynot be so new after all...
Washington Post states the actual [bad] entry in the system was "T. Kennedy" that trigger this whole event.
Scenario: When you goto the airport, they look at your drivers license and it says "Richard Bruce Cheney" (or Richard B. Cheney). I'm sure you will not be flagged against "D. Cheney" if it shows up in the database, otherwise all we need is a J. Smith to be entered in the database and viola, system overload... Anyway that's where profiling comes in to place I guess to prevent that;)
Sounds like human error or poor judgement (or good judgement, depending on political party preference) but obviously blamed on a computer/database.
Considering all computers have have this feature and can easily get DVR capability.
I still prefer the BBC TVOD way of content viewing as mentioned by slashdot.
Unfortunately TVOD as well as VOD require you to think on deciding what to watch. I think that's why Tivo has a solid following: one can (by default) watch TV in a "no-brainer" way, they have the normal viewing schedule as the syndicates, and decisions are more provoked not only by what you 'want to watch', but by other social factors like what everyone else is watching, i.e. we all don't choose to watch programs by content alone. And you get the same benefits of TVOD/VOD (scheduling, etc..) to boot
"The programmer who could save Tivo..."
Hmmm, and could help [save] the Spam community as well [unfortunately]. Could my Tivo recognize Spam and forward it to my trash can?
Re:'Flaws' Not that big of a deal
on
Latest SP2 News
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· Score: 1
Yes, the problem itself is trival, but it's a big deal, like millions and millions of [lazy to install hotfixes] windows users.
If a solar sail wants to use pressure from another star, it will need to be reflective on both sides. Usually most sails that I have researched have the composite "dark on one side, reflective on the other"--they must furl/unfurl the sail to reorient it in the opposite direction which will likely take a good amount of power (AND leads to more weight somewhere).
As from the previous poster, you have the 3 forces (and heat generated from the sail itself, as we can't make something with 100% reflectivity [yet]), so you need to use them accordingly. I remember proposing a trajectory pattern such that a solar sail, if have reached it's critical velocity (need to look up poynting vectors which some of sail theory is based on) could use a curved trajectory, such that gravity from the destination can "capture" the sail--just like a comet trajectory to an extent. Energy from the vehicle slowing is recycled as heat and used/expelled accordingly. This of course would take a longer travel time since it's not the least distance between 2 points. Since sails can accelerate for longer periods of time, higher terminal velocity can make up for the extra distance as long as you choose a velocity that can still be "captured" by the gravity of the destination (of course!).
Anyway, computers have made be stupid, that science was really neat stuff. Though only issue I have with the Cosmos and Japanese teams is no one has yet to mention to confirm what the pressure of light is!!! I was able to measure the pressure and simulate it, I was off by 10^-4 (i.e. 16 bit cpu). One would think that's a "huge" difference, but it was decent (I got scholarship $$ from that) given it was in a man-made vacuum at sea level using gravity as a reference. Sure miss those days (sorry had to reminisce)
Anyway an immediate use of solar sails is to keep satellites in orbit cheaply, I think Hughes Space (now Boeing) had a prototype that works (they also have xenon ion drives too:) )
I would love to have instead something like a BenQ PB6200 (similar weight and size) projector with home sound system, ALL wirelessly connected (WiFi & Bluetooth) to my 2 processor server in the basement running iTunes. Then when I go out, to have my cell phone stream the iTunes songs I want to hear and pass them on to my bluetooth car stereo or headphones as needed.
Unfortunately, I'm not rich as the bandwidth costs will be insane and the equipment doesn't really exist. Also security could be a nightmare. So, I guess I'll have to do with my Handspring Visor Delux w/33mHz processor;)
Tablets are just another fad as along as Moore's law is valid (i.e. iTunes on your watch anyone?). Just say no.
It nice how marketing dropouts can develop microscopic ways of incorrectly determining VALUE. TCO is another one.
The single product in question, "The Microsoft Operating System", according to their copyright labels has been around for what? 19 YEARS! (1985-2004). All businesses work to lower their operating costs and increase their profit/growth (i.e. ROI, another buzz term:p). Luckily their 'benefit' eventually does pass on to the customer (i.e. as sold as TC0). Businesses don't create an environment that allows customers to save money unless that business save money as well (and makes more money to boot). So, making the business case to customers using the lower TCO strategy is misleading. It's a facade to customers. It sounds cool. To a consumer, TCO shouldn't be a valid measure of value IMO.
For a potential customer, in economically judging and determining the superior OS, or "the better buy", one should look at what I call "the rate of TC0"--i.e. TCO over the product's lifetime. Yes, Microsoft has "rewritten" the Windows kernel a couple of times, but it still identified as the "Microsoft Operating System"--even since the days of MS-DOS (the Ford Mustang automobile comes to mind). And we all know there's got to be some old DOS code in XP Professional somewhere. It took almost 20 years for Microsoft to get where they are with Windows. Graph it out and I bet it's a nice linear rate--a controllable rate (TCO trending downward) that MS is able to handle and survive and beat the competition. NOW, look at the rate of Linux? Much, much better for the consumer IMO in the current market conditions and Linux has only been around for what? 5 years? And every major version of Linux is leaps and bounds from the last. That rate's probably exponential and so good it can intepreted as a threat such that is can make
operating system a commodity to the extent no one makes money (i.e. Get Win2012 for $9.99, via developed in Baghdad). That usually promotes new services, growth, and innovation in the industry, which is all good.
Although, I'm currently disgusted of RedHat Linux 8, it's runs great, but my apps (i.e. eclipse) crash quite a bit, the UI is not as good a XP, but for an OS that's been around for less than 5 yrs, it still beats windows 98 and NT. Linux maintenance is going through the same phase as Win98/NT did a few years back, but with the maintance costs of those times (higher), and it's expected as Microsoft does have a head start (10+ years) in fixing bugs. The next version of Linux (and UI) is sure going to be up there with Win2K/XP and likely better where as Longhorn looks like a "repackaged" (bug free?) version of XP.
That is what the business community should be aware of, but unfortunately the community is fed information (from Market Research firms) based on which vendor's has the deepest pockets and short term goals. Gotta love capitalism:)
To the non-business consumer, TC0 is still:
$149 Windows XP vs. $0 (and some setup time) for Linux.
"Kids hate using things that are purposefully crippled for kids."
You are on the right track and YEP, with the advertised DRM, content filtering, parental-control, and possibly a program that will not let you share Disney content, kids, who IMO are the most creative and curious age group will hate this machine over time (i.e. 2-3 months)
This is a machine they thought the parents would want, but instead created a machine that no one will want after using one for 3 months because it's limiting and I'm pretty sure.... not upgradable.
It's like going to Borders books, there's the "kiddie" section and then there's the "adult" section. You'll see a good amount of kids in the kiddie section for awhile, until everyone gets bored of the same 10-zillion colored walls, and the same toys & books, and then moves on to the magazine section. The kiddie sections thrive only if they provide room to grow. It's all about staying fresh and innovative on an already good thing. I predict this will be pulled by Xmas time. Disney should've did a laptop. All the kids want a laptop.
The service providers, which are part of the OLD telco bureaucracy (think Mr. Powell & the FCC), are just too greedy. And I given them credit, they are in a position that controls the [cellphone] industry vertical and currently expanding on specific services (crossing multiple verticals) like adding internet content access. So, it makes sense we end up paying premium for service (their expertise) and a commodity price for hardware. Reminds me of the cable TV market, though the cellphone providers have it easier, just provide an access point to the internet, charge by byte, sit back and watch the profits come in--the traditional internet companies will do and pay for all the work too. Talk about a toll booth mentality.
What I hate about the providers is they know for a fact that this segment has a demand for hardware, i.e. the early adopters are definitely willing to pay premium for phone hardware. The Treo comes to mind. But they've concluded that: a. they want and know how push their services as its easy money and b. lock-in to their services will allow them to change rates as needed based on their competitors and trade group analysis--NOT based on THE CONSUMER. In the end, I see service plans eventually being regulated--hello, Mr. federal government...and the viaous cycle we jump into...
Also, when you have developer memberships like the one with SonyEricsson Core+ being $1000US on up + the premium price of a smartphone ($600-900US), it shuts out a lot of independent developers. And that arena is where the killer apps will be created, later to be exploited by the big guys (that's acceptable). Currently, spending a lot on development and then selling at basement prices to the service providers is putting you between a rock and a hard place--reason why I've temporarily jumped out of the mobile development industry:(
"it is to be understood that the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or procedures described. Rather, the specific features and procedures are disclosed as exemplary forms of implementing the claimed invention"
Translation: "This patent applies to eveything else not mentioned to this patent. We only disclosed this example at it's what the applicant supplied with their $check$"
My sis works at USPTO, I need to ask her what the heck are they smoking there...
BTW, briefly reading the link. Here's their source code:
// Begin Patent
ExImage i = EXIFStandardKnownAPI->getFile("pic.jpg");
Time_t t = i->getTimeByKnownAPI();
int indexPosition = getIndexByTimeSimpleSort(t);
// End Patent
processImageIntoFileSystem();
(Also, I guess my EXIF reader I implemented on PalmOS that does essentially the same thing is in violation!)
A decent article nonetheless on points against OSS, but once again, its another article that misses the point on how software is used. Propriteary and OSS have different purposes. One serves as a focused, immediately need and is a short-term investment; the other serves as a robust, flexible need, and is a longer-term investment. Neither is a "be all end all" no matter how businesses try to market or accomplish this. One thing for sure is that OSS is an evolution of s/w development--in business that leads to commodization of a 'product', in society that leads to widespread use, i.e. services.
The article does have a good analogue with books...If you expand on that example: we have 2 types of library systems--"paid for" systems & subscriptions (i.e. technical journals, commercial content) and the "basic public library" system (which usually contains donated commercial content and OSS-like content or paid through taxes). Which system is the bigger and more valued (a la Metcalf's law)? The public library system of course... If OSS follows a similar path, I think it will find "a place in the software world" and strike a good balance with business (services) and social needs (content).
People interpret jurisprudence, i.e. Law, and it's verified by the facts presented within a set time, it is neither natural law nor absolute rule. Keyword is intepreted: people are normally lousy interpreters and usually make half-assed judgements, i.e. mistakes happen and they happen a lot, as we are human. Having video surveillance is not the problem, it's the way we are using this technology--the current "marketing" benefit is that law enforcement agencies can review and review, oh by the way...review, a specific act on tape 1 billion times over. Likely material will be reviewed in ABSTRACT ways (e.g. terrorism), and likely by people who are not [really] at the scene of the crime (using your cop analogue). Gotta love the data mining technologies nowadays, it's great for following/analyzing consumers and TV viewers, but the accuracy rate is 20% (I believe) for social issues--like predicting the presidency this year. Crime would fall under social issues... Elaborating on the cop example, with a cop: speedy identification of a crime, speedy investigation of the crime, speedy judgement (mistake, a ticket, court summons, or jail), lousy follow-up. With a video system, speedy identification of a crime, lousy everything else--and if you're identified as a perpetrator by mistake, too bad, the system has you under control and I feel sorry for you.
Surveillance cameras can be a good thing, but the way we are using it is more for control rather than security.
MPAA should thank all the users who download movies. They've got marketing down to a science (heck, look how they made F/911 appear in the previews--"awesome action & drama!"). Heck, even Gigli previews looked good.... By getting movies onto the Internet, especially before release, they can discover the really good stories. We can too, so that's a win-win. These can be filtered and market overload (blitz campaign/"shock-n-awe") to all media outlets may commence. Hence, a guaranteed smash opening ($$$) for the corporations. Win for them, consumption for us... Now, an actor's demand for higher salaries is another story!
The MPAA/movies have an advantage compared to RIAA/music. That advantage is "you can't beat the big theater house experience". Unless movie picture quality improves on the Internet and everyone (I mean everyone) has a 5ft-plasma screen at home (most already have THX/5.1 audio on their computers), movies via the Internet do not compare to the big theater. MPAA knows, when you watch a poor quality (technical-wise, not CONTENT-wise) movie on the Internet, it will make you want to see it on the big screen (unless you already have a "big screen" at home). Then when the DVD comes out, you'll likely get the DVD someday. RIAA has much tougher job, most people already have an acceptable/excellent listening environment at home (or car!), and the quality of MP3s (128bit) are pretty much the best you're going to get for bulk-distribution media, so RIAA loses--they have no control and lose profits. They win instead by changing the laws: Only way to win the game is change the game's rules. Go figure.
Re:I thought of this years ago-- same HERE :)
on
Broadband Blimps
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· Score: 1
"Each airship is 100% reclaimable"
That's of course, you don't lose ground station control:)... Not sure they know if their proposed technology will withstand the environment up there, which is somewhat different from suborbital or terrestrial elevations. I used to work for a startup that partnered with Orbital Sciences on a similar idea (1997). The balloons (we called) or blimps are feasible, especially with technology now offered today--we proposed a goretex+kelvar composite material for our balloons. We concluded that unless we shared ground station services (i.e. not dedicated), it would be to costly. That was during the time OSC/Orbcomm's venture flopped, so we had to build our own stations. Could be a reason I'm in another job currently... In the end, the operating costs out weighed the benefit compared to a LEO or even a land-line fiber solution [at the time].
BTW, for kicks, here was our competition back then
(funny): http://www.wired.com/wired/4.09/es.sky.html
Also, I worked with a company called iBlast, which has a cheaper approach to this (i.e. bandwidth reuse):
http://www.iblast.com/how.php3
Then again, guys have gone 'down' to flying helicopters with transmitters/receivers/repeaters to provide high-bandwidth comm links for very brief moments of a day (i.e. 2-4pm)
Man, times have changed (sigh)...
I remember doing computer simulations with researchers that used this concept 10yrs ago for addiction research *on humans*. Wasn't accurate compared to PET scanning with EEG biofeedback. I guess technologies likely gotten better, but the problem in this [we discovered] was getting a true mesaure of blood flow: it's pretty much a multi-body problem, more of a 6-body problem (blood flow rate, direction, glucose metabolism rate, type of brain matter, etc...). Simulations only go so far since most models represent a biased view (i.e. theory). Funny how it's already difficult and even impossible to solve a typical 3-body problem to the precision these guys are suggesting--I would be interested to see the details on their accuracy/precision criteria.
In the end, what value does this offer? Sounds like more of the same topic of controlling us lemmings in the long run. Or maybe M$ (heck MSNBC reported it) is looking for a way to persuade the EU...
1. Palm is a pain to developed *with* been there done that... 2. Sony figured they'll end up in the M$ situation with too many versions of hardware which Sony will need to support (Intel supports M$ & takes care of that part). Remember Palm is proceeding down the deadly path in creating 2 OS-es. Obviously the handheld days are numbered and Palm is moving towards smaller devices as well (PalmOS 6) 3. Have any of you looked into Sony-Ericsson phones? They have Java-compat. cores, better screens (though smaller), and are just as fast, and possibly more reliable. I have an old T300 from europe and it rocks such that I gave up my Handspring. Sony made the right decision if they are moving into smartphones instead. The Clie's were basically a laptop, but to use one, it felt like you had one hand tied behind your back.
Also knowing Sony is SOOO propertiary with their PalmOS versions and APIs, the PalmOS5/6 split probably made them gasp (heck, I bet they found their API would not port!)...
Again, MS is marketing the theory that goverment should be run by a capitalistic philosophy, for PROFIT. Where "the good for the people" comes out of that philosophy I do not know yet (cause I'm poor).
Slashdot Mirror
I want google to succeed, but if things go wrong, Larry and Sergey better have a private jet handy, it will get ugly in court fast.
I've been told auto dealers (not all!) have been doing stuff like this for years with warranty work, since the philosophy there is "throw new parts at a problem": if a new part doesn't fix the problem, reshelf it and sell at retail to 'joe parts customer'. Also, your warranty emergency brake cable maynot be so new after all...
Ted's a nickname...
Washington Post states the actual [bad] entry in the system was "T. Kennedy" that trigger this whole event.
Scenario: When you goto the airport, they look at your drivers license and it says "Richard Bruce Cheney" (or Richard B. Cheney). I'm sure you will not be flagged against "D. Cheney" if it shows up in the database, otherwise all we need is a J. Smith to be entered in the database and viola, system overload... Anyway that's where profiling comes in to place I guess to prevent that ;)
Sounds like human error or poor judgement (or good judgement, depending on political party preference) but obviously blamed on a computer/database.
Unfortunately TVOD as well as VOD require you to think on deciding what to watch. I think that's why Tivo has a solid following: one can (by default) watch TV in a "no-brainer" way, they have the normal viewing schedule as the syndicates, and decisions are more provoked not only by what you 'want to watch', but by other social factors like what everyone else is watching, i.e. we all don't choose to watch programs by content alone. And you get the same benefits of TVOD/VOD (scheduling, etc..) to boot
"The programmer who could save Tivo..."
Hmmm, and could help [save] the Spam community as well [unfortunately]. Could my Tivo recognize Spam and forward it to my trash can?
Strength in numbers does work both ways.
As from the previous poster, you have the 3 forces (and heat generated from the sail itself, as we can't make something with 100% reflectivity [yet]), so you need to use them accordingly. I remember proposing a trajectory pattern such that a solar sail, if have reached it's critical velocity (need to look up poynting vectors which some of sail theory is based on) could use a curved trajectory, such that gravity from the destination can "capture" the sail--just like a comet trajectory to an extent. Energy from the vehicle slowing is recycled as heat and used/expelled accordingly. This of course would take a longer travel time since it's not the least distance between 2 points. Since sails can accelerate for longer periods of time, higher terminal velocity can make up for the extra distance as long as you choose a velocity that can still be "captured" by the gravity of the destination (of course!).
Anyway, computers have made be stupid, that science was really neat stuff. Though only issue I have with the Cosmos and Japanese teams is no one has yet to mention to confirm what the pressure of light is!!! I was able to measure the pressure and simulate it, I was off by 10^-4 (i.e. 16 bit cpu). One would think that's a "huge" difference, but it was decent (I got scholarship $$ from that) given it was in a man-made vacuum at sea level using gravity as a reference. Sure miss those days (sorry had to reminisce)
Anyway an immediate use of solar sails is to keep satellites in orbit cheaply, I think Hughes Space (now Boeing) had a prototype that works (they also have xenon ion drives too :) )
they had the opportunity to bring back the "egg craze" and blew it :( !!!
Unfortunately, I'm not rich as the bandwidth costs will be insane and the equipment doesn't really exist. Also security could be a nightmare. So, I guess I'll have to do with my Handspring Visor Delux w/33mHz processor ;)
Tablets are just another fad as along as Moore's law is valid (i.e. iTunes on your watch anyone?). Just say no.
The single product in question, "The Microsoft Operating System", according to their copyright labels has been around for what? 19 YEARS! (1985-2004). All businesses work to lower their operating costs and increase their profit/growth (i.e. ROI, another buzz term :p). Luckily their 'benefit' eventually does pass on to the customer (i.e. as sold as TC0). Businesses don't create an environment that allows customers to save money unless that business save money as well (and makes more money to boot). So, making the business case to customers using the lower TCO strategy is misleading. It's a facade to customers. It sounds cool. To a consumer, TCO shouldn't be a valid measure of value IMO.
For a potential customer, in economically judging and determining the superior OS, or "the better buy", one should look at what I call "the rate of TC0"--i.e. TCO over the product's lifetime. Yes, Microsoft has "rewritten" the Windows kernel a couple of times, but it still identified as the "Microsoft Operating System"--even since the days of MS-DOS (the Ford Mustang automobile comes to mind). And we all know there's got to be some old DOS code in XP Professional somewhere. It took almost 20 years for Microsoft to get where they are with Windows. Graph it out and I bet it's a nice linear rate--a controllable rate (TCO trending downward) that MS is able to handle and survive and beat the competition. NOW, look at the rate of Linux? Much, much better for the consumer IMO in the current market conditions and Linux has only been around for what? 5 years? And every major version of Linux is leaps and bounds from the last. That rate's probably exponential and so good it can intepreted as a threat such that is can make operating system a commodity to the extent no one makes money (i.e. Get Win2012 for $9.99, via developed in Baghdad). That usually promotes new services, growth, and innovation in the industry, which is all good.
Although, I'm currently disgusted of RedHat Linux 8, it's runs great, but my apps (i.e. eclipse) crash quite a bit, the UI is not as good a XP, but for an OS that's been around for less than 5 yrs, it still beats windows 98 and NT. Linux maintenance is going through the same phase as Win98/NT did a few years back, but with the maintance costs of those times (higher), and it's expected as Microsoft does have a head start (10+ years) in fixing bugs. The next version of Linux (and UI) is sure going to be up there with Win2K/XP and likely better where as Longhorn looks like a "repackaged" (bug free?) version of XP.
That is what the business community should be aware of, but unfortunately the community is fed information (from Market Research firms) based on which vendor's has the deepest pockets and short term goals. Gotta love capitalism :)
To the non-business consumer, TC0 is still: $149 Windows XP vs. $0 (and some setup time) for Linux.
You are on the right track and YEP, with the advertised DRM, content filtering, parental-control, and possibly a program that will not let you share Disney content, kids, who IMO are the most creative and curious age group will hate this machine over time (i.e. 2-3 months)
This is a machine they thought the parents would want, but instead created a machine that no one will want after using one for 3 months because it's limiting and I'm pretty sure.... not upgradable.
It's like going to Borders books, there's the "kiddie" section and then there's the "adult" section. You'll see a good amount of kids in the kiddie section for awhile, until everyone gets bored of the same 10-zillion colored walls, and the same toys & books, and then moves on to the magazine section. The kiddie sections thrive only if they provide room to grow. It's all about staying fresh and innovative on an already good thing. I predict this will be pulled by Xmas time. Disney should've did a laptop. All the kids want a laptop.
What I hate about the providers is they know for a fact that this segment has a demand for hardware, i.e. the early adopters are definitely willing to pay premium for phone hardware. The Treo comes to mind. But they've concluded that: a. they want and know how push their services as its easy money and b. lock-in to their services will allow them to change rates as needed based on their competitors and trade group analysis--NOT based on THE CONSUMER. In the end, I see service plans eventually being regulated--hello, Mr. federal government...and the viaous cycle we jump into...
Also, when you have developer memberships like the one with SonyEricsson Core+ being $1000US on up + the premium price of a smartphone ($600-900US), it shuts out a lot of independent developers. And that arena is where the killer apps will be created, later to be exploited by the big guys (that's acceptable). Currently, spending a lot on development and then selling at basement prices to the service providers is putting you between a rock and a hard place--reason why I've temporarily jumped out of the mobile development industry :(
Translation: "This patent applies to eveything else not mentioned to this patent. We only disclosed this example at it's what the applicant supplied with their $check$"
My sis works at USPTO, I need to ask her what the heck are they smoking there...
BTW, briefly reading the link. Here's their source code:
// Begin Patent
ExImage i = EXIFStandardKnownAPI->getFile("pic.jpg");
Time_t t = i->getTimeByKnownAPI();
int indexPosition = getIndexByTimeSimpleSort(t);
// End Patent
processImageIntoFileSystem();
(Also, I guess my EXIF reader I implemented on PalmOS that does essentially the same thing is in violation!)
The article does have a good analogue with books...If you expand on that example: we have 2 types of library systems--"paid for" systems & subscriptions (i.e. technical journals, commercial content) and the "basic public library" system (which usually contains donated commercial content and OSS-like content or paid through taxes). Which system is the bigger and more valued (a la Metcalf's law)? The public library system of course... If OSS follows a similar path, I think it will find "a place in the software world" and strike a good balance with business (services) and social needs (content).
I just hope it's as good as the eToy's auction, they had cool furniture and even cooler desk gagdets :)
People interpret jurisprudence, i.e. Law, and it's verified by the facts presented within a set time, it is neither natural law nor absolute rule. Keyword is intepreted: people are normally lousy interpreters and usually make half-assed judgements, i.e. mistakes happen and they happen a lot, as we are human. Having video surveillance is not the problem, it's the way we are using this technology--the current "marketing" benefit is that law enforcement agencies can review and review, oh by the way...review, a specific act on tape 1 billion times over. Likely material will be reviewed in ABSTRACT ways (e.g. terrorism), and likely by people who are not [really] at the scene of the crime (using your cop analogue). Gotta love the data mining technologies nowadays, it's great for following/analyzing consumers and TV viewers, but the accuracy rate is 20% (I believe) for social issues--like predicting the presidency this year. Crime would fall under social issues... Elaborating on the cop example, with a cop: speedy identification of a crime, speedy investigation of the crime, speedy judgement (mistake, a ticket, court summons, or jail), lousy follow-up. With a video system, speedy identification of a crime, lousy everything else--and if you're identified as a perpetrator by mistake, too bad, the system has you under control and I feel sorry for you. Surveillance cameras can be a good thing, but the way we are using it is more for control rather than security.
The MPAA/movies have an advantage compared to RIAA/music. That advantage is "you can't beat the big theater house experience". Unless movie picture quality improves on the Internet and everyone (I mean everyone) has a 5ft-plasma screen at home (most already have THX/5.1 audio on their computers), movies via the Internet do not compare to the big theater. MPAA knows, when you watch a poor quality (technical-wise, not CONTENT-wise) movie on the Internet, it will make you want to see it on the big screen (unless you already have a "big screen" at home). Then when the DVD comes out, you'll likely get the DVD someday. RIAA has much tougher job, most people already have an acceptable/excellent listening environment at home (or car!), and the quality of MP3s (128bit) are pretty much the best you're going to get for bulk-distribution media, so RIAA loses--they have no control and lose profits. They win instead by changing the laws: Only way to win the game is change the game's rules. Go figure.
"Each airship is 100% reclaimable" That's of course, you don't lose ground station control :) ... Not sure they know if their proposed technology will withstand the environment up there, which is somewhat different from suborbital or terrestrial elevations. I used to work for a startup that partnered with Orbital Sciences on a similar idea (1997). The balloons (we called) or blimps are feasible, especially with technology now offered today--we proposed a goretex+kelvar composite material for our balloons. We concluded that unless we shared ground station services (i.e. not dedicated), it would be to costly. That was during the time OSC/Orbcomm's venture flopped, so we had to build our own stations. Could be a reason I'm in another job currently... In the end, the operating costs out weighed the benefit compared to a LEO or even a land-line fiber solution [at the time].
BTW, for kicks, here was our competition back then
(funny): http://www.wired.com/wired/4.09/es.sky.html
Also, I worked with a company called iBlast, which has a cheaper approach to this (i.e. bandwidth reuse):
http://www.iblast.com/how.php3
Then again, guys have gone 'down' to flying helicopters with transmitters/receivers/repeaters to provide high-bandwidth comm links for very brief moments of a day (i.e. 2-4pm)
Man, times have changed (sigh)...
In the end, what value does this offer? Sounds like more of the same topic of controlling us lemmings in the long run. Or maybe M$ (heck MSNBC reported it) is looking for a way to persuade the EU...
1. Palm is a pain to developed *with* been there done that...
2. Sony figured they'll end up in the M$ situation
with too many versions of hardware which Sony will need to support (Intel supports M$ & takes care of that part). Remember Palm is proceeding down the deadly path in creating 2 OS-es.
Obviously the handheld days are numbered and Palm is moving towards smaller devices as well (PalmOS 6)
3. Have any of you looked into Sony-Ericsson phones? They have Java-compat. cores, better screens (though smaller), and are just as fast, and possibly more reliable. I have an old T300 from europe and it rocks such that I gave up my Handspring. Sony made the right decision if they are moving into smartphones instead. The Clie's were basically a laptop, but to use one, it felt like you had one hand tied behind your back.
Also knowing Sony is SOOO propertiary with their PalmOS versions and APIs, the PalmOS5/6 split probably made them gasp (heck, I bet they found their API would not port!)...
Again, MS is marketing the theory that goverment should be run by a capitalistic philosophy, for PROFIT. Where "the good for the people" comes out of that philosophy I do not know yet (cause I'm poor).