http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20090624/media_nm/us_timewarner
The millions of opportunities and conveniences that the internet has given to today's society is quite amazing. The shear convenience of what the web offers draws many to it. Ever miss a TV show that you just cannot seem to get off your mind? Well perhaps in the near future this will become easy to catch up on. Recently, Time Warner Inc. and Comcast Corp. have joined together to further develop TV services on the web. This may seem like a simple service for them to provide to consumers, but we must remember that they must continue to keep there regular profits on their traditional means of TV. If free internet television was available, no one would ever subscribe to satellite or cable, thus putting these companies out of business. The two plan on providing this service to consumers for its convenience. Whether you want to watch something on TV, mobile device, or laptop, soon the option may be available. But this comes with one catch; you must be able to prove that you currently have some type of contract and are paying a subscription for it. A trial version is expected to be tested in July by about 5000 customers. They will be able to view certain shows that are aired on traditional television, just minutes after they end on the internet at their own convenience. This seems like a great idea to incorporate into today's media. I think it will be a large success; at least for the viewer. It seems to me that if these companies approach it the right way, they will still be able to gain revenue with their traditional service. Time Warner CEO Jeff Bewkes recently said, "It's clearly something demanded by consumers. If this approach gets adopted ... it will go past broadcast viewing (online), which is basically three networks on Hulu". These two companies joining together may see a spike in success if this new service is accepted by the consumer. It seems to me that it will be very successful; primarily because of its convenience and the ability of millions to access the internet.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2009/06/24/comcast-time-warner-team-_n_220010.html
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Journal 14, June 28
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090623/ap_on_hi_te/us_myspace_job_cuts
Myspace seemed to have started the social networking craze, but now it may be the first one to be losing track. Recently announced News Corp. has cut 400 domestic Myspace employees and within a week it was also released that 300 international jobs would be cut. With this downsize, Mypace plans to close 4 of its 15 overseas offices in the near future. Myspace Chief Executive Owen Van Natta had this to say, "Our goal to tap into as many international markets as possible drove us to create too many offices around the globe, and with them came inefficiencies". Though this problem of inefficiencies may be very true, I think there is a little more behind this large job cut. I think that recently Myspace has simply lost ground on rivals Facebook and Twitter. I personally began my social networking experience with Myspace many years ago but have recently deleted my account and use Facebook. Myspace was getting to out of control for me. My account was being hacked into and there was just to much junk associated with its use. It just seemed that spam was everywhere. Obviously these same things can happen on Facebook, but it seems to me that it is kept groomed a lot better. I think many people have realized the same thing in the recent past and this is a big reason for so many cuts on the part of Myspace. The combined cuts of domestic and international is said to be about 40% of the companies total workforce. This cut also comes as Myspace tries to match the productivity of Facebook with the respective amount of employees. What do I mean? Facebook is said to have about 850 employees worldwide and Myspace, before the cuts, had a staggering 1,900 worldwide employee base. Myspace executives have learned that just as much productivity can be accomplished with fewer employees; after all Facebook still has about 75 million more users than Myspace, yet so few employees to manage them. If these employee cuts by Myspace cause them to restructure the sight and its outdated features, then they may continue to compete with thriving rival Facebook. But as far as I can tell, if these cuts do not affect the site format and features, Myspace will continue to tumble downhill in the near future. People have found the new social networking site and Myspace needs to compete with it, and maybe that is the idea by starting with such a large job cut.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/myspace-to-cut-300-international-jobs-in-overhaul
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/06/23/236588/myspace-to-cut-another-300-international-jobs.htm
Myspace seemed to have started the social networking craze, but now it may be the first one to be losing track. Recently announced News Corp. has cut 400 domestic Myspace employees and within a week it was also released that 300 international jobs would be cut. With this downsize, Mypace plans to close 4 of its 15 overseas offices in the near future. Myspace Chief Executive Owen Van Natta had this to say, "Our goal to tap into as many international markets as possible drove us to create too many offices around the globe, and with them came inefficiencies". Though this problem of inefficiencies may be very true, I think there is a little more behind this large job cut. I think that recently Myspace has simply lost ground on rivals Facebook and Twitter. I personally began my social networking experience with Myspace many years ago but have recently deleted my account and use Facebook. Myspace was getting to out of control for me. My account was being hacked into and there was just to much junk associated with its use. It just seemed that spam was everywhere. Obviously these same things can happen on Facebook, but it seems to me that it is kept groomed a lot better. I think many people have realized the same thing in the recent past and this is a big reason for so many cuts on the part of Myspace. The combined cuts of domestic and international is said to be about 40% of the companies total workforce. This cut also comes as Myspace tries to match the productivity of Facebook with the respective amount of employees. What do I mean? Facebook is said to have about 850 employees worldwide and Myspace, before the cuts, had a staggering 1,900 worldwide employee base. Myspace executives have learned that just as much productivity can be accomplished with fewer employees; after all Facebook still has about 75 million more users than Myspace, yet so few employees to manage them. If these employee cuts by Myspace cause them to restructure the sight and its outdated features, then they may continue to compete with thriving rival Facebook. But as far as I can tell, if these cuts do not affect the site format and features, Myspace will continue to tumble downhill in the near future. People have found the new social networking site and Myspace needs to compete with it, and maybe that is the idea by starting with such a large job cut.
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/myspace-to-cut-300-international-jobs-in-overhaul
http://www.computerweekly.com/Articles/2009/06/23/236588/myspace-to-cut-another-300-international-jobs.htm
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Journal 13, June 28
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090622/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_netflix_s_nemesis
It is no question that the tough economy has put a damper on much of today's life and businesses. With this over-shadowing most of the nation, one business seems to be shining through; DVD rental. I am not just talking about any DVD rental service, but two in particular: Netflix Inc. mail service and Redbox kiosk rental. These rental types seem to be climbing to the top and competing with each other along the way. Though this does not seem like much of a technological breakthrough compared to others, I think it is quite amazing how it can be done. Mail-order DVD seems simple but in fact it is quite in depth. More amazing is the kiosk rentals. A machine that keeps track of movies while taking the money and dispensing is quite amazing. These easy to use kiosk are giving Netflix a run for their money recently. The simple, yet effective technology of Redbox is partially why DVD's are a mere $1 per day. In reality renting by the day makes perfect sense and people typically only watch the movie once before returning. With over 15,000 kiosk available nationwide this service is also becoming very convenient for the customer. Perhaps one of the best features is that the rented DVD can be returned to any of the Redbox kiosk, keeping track of these changes is quite amazing. Redbox kiosk can hold around 700 disc with about 200 different titles available. More impressive is Netflix's 100,000 titles to choose from. But perhaps this is also a drawback for Netflix. Sorting through and deciding on one out of 200 seems a lot more realistic than through 100,000 titles. I think that Redbox has hit a gold mine. I personally have used the service and have been very pleased with the available titles and convenience. This seems to be another technological breakthrough that millions will come to enjoy. Whether getting groceries or gas, why not spend $1 and have a little entertainment for the evening? I think the kiosk service will continue to be around and the Netflix mail-order may have an uphill battle ahead.
http://www.news-record.com/blog/53458/entry/62561
It is no question that the tough economy has put a damper on much of today's life and businesses. With this over-shadowing most of the nation, one business seems to be shining through; DVD rental. I am not just talking about any DVD rental service, but two in particular: Netflix Inc. mail service and Redbox kiosk rental. These rental types seem to be climbing to the top and competing with each other along the way. Though this does not seem like much of a technological breakthrough compared to others, I think it is quite amazing how it can be done. Mail-order DVD seems simple but in fact it is quite in depth. More amazing is the kiosk rentals. A machine that keeps track of movies while taking the money and dispensing is quite amazing. These easy to use kiosk are giving Netflix a run for their money recently. The simple, yet effective technology of Redbox is partially why DVD's are a mere $1 per day. In reality renting by the day makes perfect sense and people typically only watch the movie once before returning. With over 15,000 kiosk available nationwide this service is also becoming very convenient for the customer. Perhaps one of the best features is that the rented DVD can be returned to any of the Redbox kiosk, keeping track of these changes is quite amazing. Redbox kiosk can hold around 700 disc with about 200 different titles available. More impressive is Netflix's 100,000 titles to choose from. But perhaps this is also a drawback for Netflix. Sorting through and deciding on one out of 200 seems a lot more realistic than through 100,000 titles. I think that Redbox has hit a gold mine. I personally have used the service and have been very pleased with the available titles and convenience. This seems to be another technological breakthrough that millions will come to enjoy. Whether getting groceries or gas, why not spend $1 and have a little entertainment for the evening? I think the kiosk service will continue to be around and the Netflix mail-order may have an uphill battle ahead.
http://www.news-record.com/blog/53458/entry/62561
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Journal 12, June 21
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/166978/google_grabs_1_million_phone_numbers_for_google_voice.html?loomia_ow=t0:s0:a41:g2:r3:c0.050409:b25934090:z0
Ever get tired of using multiple phones and receiving messages on all of them? The hassle may end soon with the expected debut of Google Voice. Once again a major internet market is continually trying to improve its services by bundling numerous services into one. Last month Google obtained 1 million phone numbers through Level 3. This new service will bundle multiple telephone numbers into one. How does this work? If a Google Voice number is obtained this can be dialed and any telephone numbers associated with the account will be called; whether mobile, home or work. Currently this service is expected to debut with a free price tag on it. Not only will this service ring multiple numbers, it will also allow messages to be taken. These voicemail messages can also be transcribed by the computer and sent to either email or as SMS. Also an option will be available to screen callers, listen to them as they leave messages, and make them speak there name before calls will be forwarded. The options do not stop there. Outgoing calls and SMS will also be available via the internet. With access to Google Voice subscribers will be able to make outgoing calls with no charge on national calls and a reasonable international rates. Also outgoing SMS messages can be sent via computer and a number will be assigned so that you can be responded to. This technological progression that Google is showing, is quite amazing to me. Now that I have seen this, I will definitely be interested in subscribing. I think this will be a great hit with the general public, when released in the near future. The only problem I can possibly see is in the work-world. What do I mean by this? Often places of work will restrict employees from mobile phone use. With this technology it will be possible for them to have the access to all there phones, assuming they work with internet access. And in today's world, that is much of the population. I think that if this service is a success many companies will have to place restrictions on this program. Once again, only time will tell how this new technology will work.
http://searchengineland.com/google-voice-bracing-for-expansion-21328
http://www.salon.com/tech/giga_om/web_life/2009/06/19/google_voice_to_offer_phone_and_messaging_services/index.html?source=rss&aim=/tech/giga_om/web_life
Ever get tired of using multiple phones and receiving messages on all of them? The hassle may end soon with the expected debut of Google Voice. Once again a major internet market is continually trying to improve its services by bundling numerous services into one. Last month Google obtained 1 million phone numbers through Level 3. This new service will bundle multiple telephone numbers into one. How does this work? If a Google Voice number is obtained this can be dialed and any telephone numbers associated with the account will be called; whether mobile, home or work. Currently this service is expected to debut with a free price tag on it. Not only will this service ring multiple numbers, it will also allow messages to be taken. These voicemail messages can also be transcribed by the computer and sent to either email or as SMS. Also an option will be available to screen callers, listen to them as they leave messages, and make them speak there name before calls will be forwarded. The options do not stop there. Outgoing calls and SMS will also be available via the internet. With access to Google Voice subscribers will be able to make outgoing calls with no charge on national calls and a reasonable international rates. Also outgoing SMS messages can be sent via computer and a number will be assigned so that you can be responded to. This technological progression that Google is showing, is quite amazing to me. Now that I have seen this, I will definitely be interested in subscribing. I think this will be a great hit with the general public, when released in the near future. The only problem I can possibly see is in the work-world. What do I mean by this? Often places of work will restrict employees from mobile phone use. With this technology it will be possible for them to have the access to all there phones, assuming they work with internet access. And in today's world, that is much of the population. I think that if this service is a success many companies will have to place restrictions on this program. Once again, only time will tell how this new technology will work.
http://searchengineland.com/google-voice-bracing-for-expansion-21328
http://www.salon.com/tech/giga_om/web_life/2009/06/19/google_voice_to_offer_phone_and_messaging_services/index.html?source=rss&aim=/tech/giga_om/web_life
Friday, June 19, 2009
Journal 11, June 21
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/ap/20090619/ap_on_hi_te/as_china_google
The ever-rising popularity of pornography and other offensive sites on the internet is facing resistance in certain countries. China is on the forefront of blocking these sights primarily from its youth. Announced Friday, Google Inc. has agreed to step up its efforts to block these sights from its Chinese search engine. "We have been continually working to deal with pornographic content — and material that is harmful to children — on the Web in China," a statement released by Google after accusations from the Chinese Government. With China having the largest amount of internet users worldwide, at 298+ million, Google cannot afford to not make a conscience effort to fight this problem. Currently Google controls about 30% of the search engine market and wants to expand. With the strict restrictions of the Chinese government, Google executives must agree to cooperate with their regulations. Though the Chinese government claims to only do this in regards to pornographic, gambling, and other offensive sights, many think there is more. Some continue to see these restrictions as a means for the government to block many other topics such as sensitive political information. Whether that is the case or not, I think that there effort to block the offensive sights from its youth is very good. If a country as large as China can control such things from its people, I sometimes wonder why we cannot. I do not think that a very conservative filter needs to be put in place, but when it comes to children viewing these sights a lot more effort should be put in by our government. I believe human rights are very important in today's society, but at the same time I do not see some government controlled filters risking these rights. If Google is willing to make these efforts from China why not consider doing something for there country of origin. Perhaps if Google gets this problem engineered out in the near future for China, affects will be seen here in America. If indeed China is doing this with regard for their children and youth, I applaud them for their efforts.
http://www.reuters.com/article/bigMoney/idUS301290404020090619
The ever-rising popularity of pornography and other offensive sites on the internet is facing resistance in certain countries. China is on the forefront of blocking these sights primarily from its youth. Announced Friday, Google Inc. has agreed to step up its efforts to block these sights from its Chinese search engine. "We have been continually working to deal with pornographic content — and material that is harmful to children — on the Web in China," a statement released by Google after accusations from the Chinese Government. With China having the largest amount of internet users worldwide, at 298+ million, Google cannot afford to not make a conscience effort to fight this problem. Currently Google controls about 30% of the search engine market and wants to expand. With the strict restrictions of the Chinese government, Google executives must agree to cooperate with their regulations. Though the Chinese government claims to only do this in regards to pornographic, gambling, and other offensive sights, many think there is more. Some continue to see these restrictions as a means for the government to block many other topics such as sensitive political information. Whether that is the case or not, I think that there effort to block the offensive sights from its youth is very good. If a country as large as China can control such things from its people, I sometimes wonder why we cannot. I do not think that a very conservative filter needs to be put in place, but when it comes to children viewing these sights a lot more effort should be put in by our government. I believe human rights are very important in today's society, but at the same time I do not see some government controlled filters risking these rights. If Google is willing to make these efforts from China why not consider doing something for there country of origin. Perhaps if Google gets this problem engineered out in the near future for China, affects will be seen here in America. If indeed China is doing this with regard for their children and youth, I applaud them for their efforts.
http://www.reuters.com/article/bigMoney/idUS301290404020090619
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Journal 10, June 21
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/pcworld/20090618/tc_pcworld/spammerscashinginontwitterirannewiphone
Email spammers are possibly the most wide spread of any, but there are plenty of other forms being generated. Those generating spam in various forms are hot on the trail of today's topics. A trend has been recently noticed; spammers are blowing up the "tweeting" space on the ever popular site Twitter. In recent days these tweets have focused on two very hot topics; Iran and the new iPhone 3.o OS. Fake Twitter accounts have been created to draw attention of people by stating things such as, "iPhone OS 3.0 Just Launched. Here are 20 Things To Do With It". When the accompanying links are clicked, the viewer is directed to sites that promote male enhancement. Not only are fake accounts being created, legitimate accounts are also being hacked into and generating such spam. Not only has the iPhone topic been a hot one, but also the recent election that took place in Iran. Spammers have recently used both of these topics to target the interest of Twitter users worldwide. Because of the recent increase in spam on famous social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, certain internet entrepreneur's have banned such sites from employees. Marc Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks and chairman of HDNet, recently asked his employees to refrain from using Facebook due to the ever spreading viruses. I think this is a very smart move on his part. There is really no current way to fight this trend than to do such things as refrain from using these sights all together. I think that Mr. Cuban is getting a head start on something that others will face in the near future. Not to be outdone, old-fashioned email spammers have recently been sending emails with fake invitations to join Twitter. These fake attachments are recently been known to be worms to infect the computer. All in all, no matter what form spam will occur in, it will continue to affect our society in a negative way. Will there ever been a true fix to this problem? Or will the only way to completely avoid them be to refrain from using today's technological advances? These question will continue to be asked in the near future.
http://www.itworld.com/security/69488/twitter-plays-key-role-dos-attacks-iran
Email spammers are possibly the most wide spread of any, but there are plenty of other forms being generated. Those generating spam in various forms are hot on the trail of today's topics. A trend has been recently noticed; spammers are blowing up the "tweeting" space on the ever popular site Twitter. In recent days these tweets have focused on two very hot topics; Iran and the new iPhone 3.o OS. Fake Twitter accounts have been created to draw attention of people by stating things such as, "iPhone OS 3.0 Just Launched. Here are 20 Things To Do With It". When the accompanying links are clicked, the viewer is directed to sites that promote male enhancement. Not only are fake accounts being created, legitimate accounts are also being hacked into and generating such spam. Not only has the iPhone topic been a hot one, but also the recent election that took place in Iran. Spammers have recently used both of these topics to target the interest of Twitter users worldwide. Because of the recent increase in spam on famous social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook, certain internet entrepreneur's have banned such sites from employees. Marc Cuban, owner of Dallas Mavericks and chairman of HDNet, recently asked his employees to refrain from using Facebook due to the ever spreading viruses. I think this is a very smart move on his part. There is really no current way to fight this trend than to do such things as refrain from using these sights all together. I think that Mr. Cuban is getting a head start on something that others will face in the near future. Not to be outdone, old-fashioned email spammers have recently been sending emails with fake invitations to join Twitter. These fake attachments are recently been known to be worms to infect the computer. All in all, no matter what form spam will occur in, it will continue to affect our society in a negative way. Will there ever been a true fix to this problem? Or will the only way to completely avoid them be to refrain from using today's technological advances? These question will continue to be asked in the near future.
http://www.itworld.com/security/69488/twitter-plays-key-role-dos-attacks-iran
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Journal 9, June 14
http://tech.yahoo.com/news/nm/20090611/tc_nm/us_microsoft_security
Ever get tired of viruses corrupting your computer or better yet, paying for a yearly subscription to software that is supposed to prevent it? Having to renew this virus software yearly can be a hassle and another expense that many would like to prevent. Recently announced the world's largest software manufacturer, Microsoft, will be releasing a free anti-virus service for personal computers. This new software is currently in the testing phase by allowing the employees of Microsoft test the product. Currently there is no release date to the public, but it is expected before the close of 2009. This announcement comes as relief to many, including me. It is inevitable that anti-virus software is needed in today's cyber-age, but myself and many others do not like the hassle and cost of renewal each year. Having a reputable name such as Microsoft plan to release a free version in the near future is likely to draw the attention of many. Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., the two largest producers of the current yearly renewal software, told reporters that they do not see this new software as a threat to them.
"Microsoft's free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves," said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. "A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected."
The final product that Microsoft will produce, and its capabilities are currently unknown. But it seems to me that if other subscription products are looked at on an equivalent level, the everyday consumer will go for the free version. Why pay $30-$40 annually when a free version is legally available? I also realize that there are currently free versions of anti-virus on the market, but it is my hope that a reputable name such as Microsoft will produce a competitive and effective software. In the end it does make me wonder how in-depth and effective this product will prove to be. I hope that Microsoft will take its time developing this software and make it right before jumping the gun on the release. A free effective product with Microsoft tagged on it, will gain a lot of respect and use from the personal computer users.
http://www.spy.im/microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-anti-virus-software-5-146297.html
http://www.wincert.net/news/1464-microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-virus-software.html
Ever get tired of viruses corrupting your computer or better yet, paying for a yearly subscription to software that is supposed to prevent it? Having to renew this virus software yearly can be a hassle and another expense that many would like to prevent. Recently announced the world's largest software manufacturer, Microsoft, will be releasing a free anti-virus service for personal computers. This new software is currently in the testing phase by allowing the employees of Microsoft test the product. Currently there is no release date to the public, but it is expected before the close of 2009. This announcement comes as relief to many, including me. It is inevitable that anti-virus software is needed in today's cyber-age, but myself and many others do not like the hassle and cost of renewal each year. Having a reputable name such as Microsoft plan to release a free version in the near future is likely to draw the attention of many. Symantec Corp. and McAfee Inc., the two largest producers of the current yearly renewal software, told reporters that they do not see this new software as a threat to them.
"Microsoft's free product is basically a stripped down version of the OneCare product Microsoft pulled from the shelves," said Symantec Consumer division president Janice Chaffin. "A full Internet security suite is what consumers require today to stay fully protected."
The final product that Microsoft will produce, and its capabilities are currently unknown. But it seems to me that if other subscription products are looked at on an equivalent level, the everyday consumer will go for the free version. Why pay $30-$40 annually when a free version is legally available? I also realize that there are currently free versions of anti-virus on the market, but it is my hope that a reputable name such as Microsoft will produce a competitive and effective software. In the end it does make me wonder how in-depth and effective this product will prove to be. I hope that Microsoft will take its time developing this software and make it right before jumping the gun on the release. A free effective product with Microsoft tagged on it, will gain a lot of respect and use from the personal computer users.
http://www.spy.im/microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-anti-virus-software-5-146297.html
http://www.wincert.net/news/1464-microsoft-will-soon-unveil-free-virus-software.html
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