John's Technology Blog

Global Internet Usage - 2008

This graph shows the changing global internet trends as of the end of 2008. I am surprised by how much bandwidth is used by P2P. I almost never see pages in languages other than English, yet maybe I should be looking for that content.
http://ping.fm/fVJOp

Google plans Chrome-based Web operating system | Webware - CNET

The plans are finally and officially in the open.  Google plans Chrome-based Web  operating system.  This will be a game changer in the following way: currently most web developers do not make Chrome compatibility a top priority, but that would have to change.  That means another reason to not build on ActiveX (Internet Explorer exclusive) and favor open standards. 

Get your Windows 7 at half price

Just pre-ordered Windows 7 at 50% off. Only 3 days left at this price. Time to stock-up. http://tinyurl.com/kmd7md

How to run a social change campaign

Here is an example of how to organize a crowd around an issue.  The old sign-the-petition campaign comes to twitter and is helped by this simple yet very appealing site: Outlook’s broken—Let’s fix it.  The background is reminiscent of the display Apple used at this year's WWDC to show the success of the iPhone App Store.  (watch the video to get the full effect).   Sure makes visitors feel as though they are part of a larger movement.

Snow Leopard for $29 - Windows 7 for $???

Apple has set the bar at the right level with their announcement that the new OS Snow Leopard, due in September, will cost $29 to upgrade. 

$29.

This is what Windows 7 will be measured against in late October when it is released.   How about it Redmond?  Can you match the $29?  Can you at least be reasonable with pricing and/or family licensing?  Please call on all those sad Vista memories and find the inspiration to do the right thing and chose a price that tells the world you learned from your own painful past.

Myst - makes it on to the iPhone

If the name Myst (or Riven) doesn't ring a bell, skip this note.  Otherwise you will be interested in knowing that the Myst, that great adventure game originally released in 1993 is now available for the iPhone.  Yes, the iPhone.  The game is a 700MB download from the App Store, but it works.  Sure, Myst is no longer cutting edge, but the thought that such a "world" fits on my palm still blows my mind.  The playing guide alone was 20X the volume and weight of the iPhone.
Myst - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

UltraCapacitors - first products arrive

Here is the first commercially available consumer product I see that uses ultra capacitor technology.  This electric screwdriver charges fully in 90 seconds.  Not 90 minutes - seconds.  500,000 power cycles, well beyond the life of the equipment.  This technology will change many things.  User reviews say it will run for 30 minutes.

Coleman Flashcell Cordless Screwdriver - 90 Second Recharge - Using a SuperCapacitor.

Can't wait for notebooks, PDAs and cell phones to be powered by these capacitors.

Video - Lee Kwan Yew interview

Fareed Zakaria and his Sunday CNN show GPS has become one of my favorites.  This interview with the founder of Singapore is a great example.  All Americans should watch this -- soon!   Great thoughts on success in Afghanistan, the role of China and the flavors of democracy.
GPS: Lee Kwan Yew interview.

ThinkGeek :: Phantom Keystroker V2

IT folks, drive your "friends" nuts with this new toy.

ThinkGeek :: Phantom Keystroker V2.

"The Keystroker emulates a keyboard and mouse and periodically makes random mouse movements, toggles caps-lock and types out odd garbage text and phrases."

CNN's The Moment - Photosynth

First CNN brought us the virtual reporter at election night (cheesy), and now we get The Moment. The plan is to have users email pictures to a special email address (themoment@cnn.com) and they will create a Photosynth collage.  I am not sure how the cell network in DC will handle this, but the idea is a good one.

Has any other large public event been recorded with Photosynth?