Geekly Update July 21

The AskBobRankin Geekly Update

• Google has announced Chrome OS, an open source operating system intended for netbooks. It will have speedy startup and is designed to get you online in just a few seconds. Google is promising that Chrome OS users won't have to deal with viruses, malware and security updates. All applications will be web-based, which means they'll also run on Mac, Windows and Linux computers. More news will become available this fall and expect to see the new OS in netbooks about a year from now. Chrome OS appears to be a direct competitor to Microsoft's Windows 7, or maybe it's just proof that nobody really cares about the operating system any more -- people just want to get on the web and not worry about things like installing software, security updates and defragging.
• It appears that EVGA is bringing its InterView system to the US. Designed for "creative professionals," business folk and those who simply want to impress, the device features a single desktop stand that supports 2 rotating 17" LCD displays, each with a 1,440 x 900 resolution. They can move 180º horizontally and fold 90º and are controlled by 2 different keyboards and mice. It also features a mic, 3-port hub and built-in Webcam. No price or date has been released.
• Microsoft Silverlight 3.0.40624.0 is now available and can work with Mac, Windows and Linux. The browser plug-in is compatible with IE, Firefox 2 and 3, and Safari 3 and 4, and features GPU hardware and acceleration, application development and many other improvements. With HD support, improved text quality and cool effects, Silverlight is free to download.
• Amazon is getting into the Wireless biz with its new Wireless beta site. The online storefront offers cell phones and plans, shopping with instant rebates and free 2-day shipping. If you already have a plan, they will help you set up a new one and offer over 130 phones from which to choose. Right now they are only working with AT&T and Verizon, but will be adding Sprint and T-Mobile in the future.
• Internet radio has been saved. Pandora came close to going under last year because of high royalty rates, but in an agreement with the music industry, the service agreed to give up a 25% share of its revenue and an overall reduction in fees of 40-50% through 2015. They also agreed to impose a 40 hour limits on free users who must then pay $.99 for the rest of the month, or ummm, use Slacker instead. There will be no extra charge for paid users, however. See my related article Internet Radio for more about Pandora, Slacker, and other similar services.
• BlackBerry users on the United Arab Emirates Etisalat network have received an update that seems to contain spyware that allows interception of messages remotely and may effect battery life. Sent out as a WAP Push message, a Java file is installed that affects text and emails. It is believed that the UAE government may have initiated the update, in an attempt to enable them to monitor Blackberry communications. It can be removed, but not easily, so should you notice anything that resembles “Etisalat network upgrade for BlackBerry service. Please download to ensure continuous service quality," be afraid.
• Speaking of Internet evils, the Messaging Anti-Abuse Working Group (MAAWG) reports that 12 percent of email users responded to spam because they were interested in the product or service. The company contacted 800 interviewees via telephone and 48% said that they had never clicked on a spam email, which means that 52% couldn’t resist. Seventeen percent admit to making a mistake, 13% said they simply did it, while 6% said they "wanted to see what would happen."
• After several attempts, Endeavor finally took off this week with some slight damage, but otherwise intact. I think I mention this because this year marks the 40th anniversary of the Apollo 11 trek to the moon. Anyone who is old enough to remember it also knows where they were that day. And isn’t it amazing that in those forty years how much technology has improved? In 1969 everyone was glued to their TV screens, while you can now go to the NASA site to get instant gratification.

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