Wikipedia
The Complete Web 2.0 directory
Web 2.0 wave starts to take hold
"Whether you use your computer for work or fun, the programs you use generally have one thing in common - they are stored on your PC. Increasingly though, that software is moving online."
"In a basic way it demonstrates how web browsers are gradually being used by consumers for far more than just looking around in cyberspace. "
"As people gravitate to the internet for more and more free services and solutions the web browser could become the central window through which our daily lives are conducted, potentially replacing most desktop applications. "
*Will update when school computers are not such a piece of useless crap.
Tuesday 24 April 2007
Wednesday 18 April 2007
Wednesday 4 April 2007
Xbox Live
Xbox Live official Website
"COMPETE!
Enter the online multiplayer gaming arena to face a world of competition."
"LIVE!
You are unique—choose your gamer card, gamer picture, motto, more."
"CONNECT!
Get online to chat, play, strategize, and compete with gamers worldwide."
"PLAY!
Access new game content, trailers, demos, themes, and gamer picture"
Wikipedia Article
"Xbox Live is a multiplayer gaming and content delivery system created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It was first made available to the Xbox video game console in November 2002. An updated version of the service became available for the Xbox 360 console at that system's launch. Live for Windows makes certain aspects of the system available on other platforms such as PCs (using Windows Vista), handhelds and mobile phones."
4m people use Xbox Live
"Microsoft reckons it's on track for six million users by June 2007. "We openly welcome other console platforms to join us in [the online] space," it says, a bit mockingly."
"Finally, the company said that since November 2002 when Xbox Live first came online with Xbox 1, users have cumulatively logged over two billion hours."
"COMPETE!
Enter the online multiplayer gaming arena to face a world of competition."
"LIVE!
You are unique—choose your gamer card, gamer picture, motto, more."
"CONNECT!
Get online to chat, play, strategize, and compete with gamers worldwide."
"PLAY!
Access new game content, trailers, demos, themes, and gamer picture"
Wikipedia Article
"Xbox Live is a multiplayer gaming and content delivery system created and operated by Microsoft Corporation. It was first made available to the Xbox video game console in November 2002. An updated version of the service became available for the Xbox 360 console at that system's launch. Live for Windows makes certain aspects of the system available on other platforms such as PCs (using Windows Vista), handhelds and mobile phones."
4m people use Xbox Live
"Microsoft reckons it's on track for six million users by June 2007. "We openly welcome other console platforms to join us in [the online] space," it says, a bit mockingly."
"Finally, the company said that since November 2002 when Xbox Live first came online with Xbox 1, users have cumulatively logged over two billion hours."
Friday 30 March 2007
Sky+
Information from the official Sky website
Information from Wikipedia
"Sky Plus, or Sky+ is a subscription personal video recorder (PVR) service for Sky Digital.
Sky+ allows the user to record, pause and instantly rewind live TV. The system performs these functions using an internal hard drive inside the Sky+ set top box. Launched in October 2001, Sky+ is the first and only PVR service on Sky Digital. However, similar services, such as Tivo, launched in mid-2000, in many other countries."
"Sky Anytime TV service
On January 2, 2007, Sky announced plans to release a service, named Sky Anytime to Sky+ subscribers. The service will be a Push-Video on Demand (push-VoD) system similar to Top Up TV Anytime, where the Sky+ PVR automatically records programmes transmitted over-night.[3] The service, will be available to over 2 million Sky+ subscribers, using reserved space on the PVR's hard drive.
The service will work as a catch-up service for the best programmes of the week.[4] The service will launch some time in March 2007"
Sky+ tops 2 million mark
"The number of Sky+ boxes installed in UK homes has reached 2 million according to Sky.
The PVR service will also be enhanced in the coming months by giving Sky+ customers the chance to enjoy a selection of the week's best programmes on-demand. The service will be available to more than one million Sky+ customers from launch, making use of additional recording capacity on the hard drive of more recent boxes."
"Drama was found to be the most frequently recorded genre, accounting for 39.3% of all time-shifted viewing, with documentaries making up 14.9%, entertainment 13.0% and movies, 9.5%.
News and weather account for just 0.6% of time-shifted viewing by Sky+ viewers, while current affairs programmes account for 1.2%."
Article saying Sky+ is a huge leap in technology. Lists 6 ways in which it can be better.
Information from Wikipedia
"Sky Plus, or Sky+ is a subscription personal video recorder (PVR) service for Sky Digital.
Sky+ allows the user to record, pause and instantly rewind live TV. The system performs these functions using an internal hard drive inside the Sky+ set top box. Launched in October 2001, Sky+ is the first and only PVR service on Sky Digital. However, similar services, such as Tivo, launched in mid-2000, in many other countries."
"Sky Anytime TV service
On January 2, 2007, Sky announced plans to release a service, named Sky Anytime to Sky+ subscribers. The service will be a Push-Video on Demand (push-VoD) system similar to Top Up TV Anytime, where the Sky+ PVR automatically records programmes transmitted over-night.[3] The service, will be available to over 2 million Sky+ subscribers, using reserved space on the PVR's hard drive.
The service will work as a catch-up service for the best programmes of the week.[4] The service will launch some time in March 2007"
Sky+ tops 2 million mark
"The number of Sky+ boxes installed in UK homes has reached 2 million according to Sky.
The PVR service will also be enhanced in the coming months by giving Sky+ customers the chance to enjoy a selection of the week's best programmes on-demand. The service will be available to more than one million Sky+ customers from launch, making use of additional recording capacity on the hard drive of more recent boxes."
"Drama was found to be the most frequently recorded genre, accounting for 39.3% of all time-shifted viewing, with documentaries making up 14.9%, entertainment 13.0% and movies, 9.5%.
News and weather account for just 0.6% of time-shifted viewing by Sky+ viewers, while current affairs programmes account for 1.2%."
Article saying Sky+ is a huge leap in technology. Lists 6 ways in which it can be better.
Thursday 29 March 2007
Youtube
youtube
from the official website -
"Founded in February 2005, YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.
Everyone can watch videos on YouTube. People can see first-hand accounts of current events, find videos about their hobbies and interests, and discover the quirky and unusual. As more people capture special moments on video, YouTube is empowering them to become the broadcasters of tomorrow."
YouTube hits 100m videos per day
"Internet video site YouTube has said its users are now watching more than 100 million videos per day."
"YouTube is the leading net video download site in the US, with 29% of the country's multimedia market, according to traffic monitor Hitwise"
"YouTube said that its videos account for 60% of all videos watched online in the US. It has almost 20 million visitors to the site each month, according to Nielsen/NetRatings."
BBC branches out with YouTube
"he BBC has signed a major deal with Google to launch three branded channels on YouTube."
"Under the agreement, fans of such BBC shows as "Life on Mars," "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood" will be able to watch clips and specially commissioned content relating to BBC shows on two branded channels on YouTube, with search service provided by Google."
"Users will be able to comment on clips, rate them, recommend them to friends and post their own video responses to communicate with viewers and the BBC. YouTube will act as a shop window that will allow users to link to the BBC's own interactive media player for on-demand content."
Copyright Issues
Viacom will sue YouTube for $1bn
"Entertainment giant Viacom Media says it will sue web search engine Google and its video-sharing website YouTube for $1bn (£517m)."
"Viacom alleges that about 160,000 unauthorised clips of its programmes have been loaded onto YouTube's site and viewed more than 1.5 billion times."
"Last month, Viacom, which also owns cable networks VH1 and Comedy Central, told YouTube to remove 100,000 "unauthorised" clips."
Other companies that have challenged Youtube include NBC and News Corp
Issues in the news include people "Happy slapping" and putting it on youtube and more recently "urban skiing"
from the official website -
"Founded in February 2005, YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.
Everyone can watch videos on YouTube. People can see first-hand accounts of current events, find videos about their hobbies and interests, and discover the quirky and unusual. As more people capture special moments on video, YouTube is empowering them to become the broadcasters of tomorrow."
YouTube hits 100m videos per day
"Internet video site YouTube has said its users are now watching more than 100 million videos per day."
"YouTube is the leading net video download site in the US, with 29% of the country's multimedia market, according to traffic monitor Hitwise"
"YouTube said that its videos account for 60% of all videos watched online in the US. It has almost 20 million visitors to the site each month, according to Nielsen/NetRatings."
BBC branches out with YouTube
"he BBC has signed a major deal with Google to launch three branded channels on YouTube."
"Under the agreement, fans of such BBC shows as "Life on Mars," "Doctor Who" and "Torchwood" will be able to watch clips and specially commissioned content relating to BBC shows on two branded channels on YouTube, with search service provided by Google."
"Users will be able to comment on clips, rate them, recommend them to friends and post their own video responses to communicate with viewers and the BBC. YouTube will act as a shop window that will allow users to link to the BBC's own interactive media player for on-demand content."
Copyright Issues
Viacom will sue YouTube for $1bn
"Entertainment giant Viacom Media says it will sue web search engine Google and its video-sharing website YouTube for $1bn (£517m)."
"Viacom alleges that about 160,000 unauthorised clips of its programmes have been loaded onto YouTube's site and viewed more than 1.5 billion times."
"Last month, Viacom, which also owns cable networks VH1 and Comedy Central, told YouTube to remove 100,000 "unauthorised" clips."
Other companies that have challenged Youtube include NBC and News Corp
Issues in the news include people "Happy slapping" and putting it on youtube and more recently "urban skiing"
Sunday 25 March 2007
Sony Playstation 3
Microsoft crashes Sony PS3 launch
"In both London and France Microsoft mounted publicity stunts to rub some of the gloss off Sony's launch events."
"At the Virgin Megastore in London's Oxford Street, the software giant handed out chairs to those queuing that had a website address printed on them.
Anyone visiting the webpage saw an Xbox 360 branded site that "welcomes" Sony to the next generation and chides the electronics giant for being "late". Microsoft's Xbox 360 launched in late 2005. "
"It believes that the combination of a high-definition Blu-ray DVD player, online capabilities and gaming powered by the Cell processor will convince gamers to spend £425 (599 Euros) on the machine."
Gamers review on the PS3
"Having only played the PS3 for a day, my initial thoughts are that it is absolutely sensational.
The wireless controller, on-screen format and graphics quality is nothing like any other console I have used. Its functionality (CD, DVD, Blu-ray, music, photos, internet, games) now allows the PS3 to be the only machine stacked underneath the TV.
PS3 owner, AP
Only a few people managed to bag a PlayStation 3
It goes without saying that the graphics and playability were phenomenal but the real winner for me was the network gaming aspect which was very easy to use. "
Sony Unveils Big PS3 Secret: Gamers Get To Go 'Home'
"Because Sony revealed on Wednesday (March 7) that it is indeed launching a "Second Life"-style service called PlayStation Home that will grant every PS3 owner an avatar and a virtual apartment, which are linked into a virtual world that will be available for free to all system owners when it launches in the fall."
"The characters are designed to look like real people, down to the details of individual eyelashes. They don't appear as cartoon figures, like Nintendo's Mii player-avatars on the Wii."
"Home users will each have a personal apartment they can customize with free and purchased furniture, all rendered to bounce and pile up with realistic physics. Players can redecorate and stream movies and music saved on their PS3 into virtual TV sets and stereos."
Free £2,000 TVs at launch of PlayStation 3
"As well as console games, Sony points out, the machine plays high-definition movies and MP3s, stores photos and connects to the internet via its own browser. "Look at what's inside the box, it's fantastic value for money," said Alan Duncan, UK marketing director for Sony PlayStation, "That figure [£425] reflects the cutting edge technology that's in the box."
"Whilst teenage boys poured praise on the PS3's life-like graphics, others - notably their parents - grumbled about the hidden costs required to run the machine - including games, DVDs and, to make the most of the high-definition pictures, a new TV screen."
The rivals
Sony's PlayStation 3 costs £425 with games about £50. At 5kg this is the console heavyweight. It plays Blu-Ray discs, CDs and DVDs, has 256MB of built-in memory and a 60GB hard disk for storing games and digital media. It can connect to the internet.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 costs £280 with games £40-£50. It is slightly smaller than the PS3, and can play DVDs. It has 512MB of on-board memory, a 20GB hard disk and the built-in internet play is a big plus.
Nintendo's Wii £179 with games £30-£40. Less powerful but found success with its controller which means on-screen action can be directed with real-life movements. It has 512MB of memory, no hard drive, but can download games from the internet.
"In both London and France Microsoft mounted publicity stunts to rub some of the gloss off Sony's launch events."
"At the Virgin Megastore in London's Oxford Street, the software giant handed out chairs to those queuing that had a website address printed on them.
Anyone visiting the webpage saw an Xbox 360 branded site that "welcomes" Sony to the next generation and chides the electronics giant for being "late". Microsoft's Xbox 360 launched in late 2005. "
"It believes that the combination of a high-definition Blu-ray DVD player, online capabilities and gaming powered by the Cell processor will convince gamers to spend £425 (599 Euros) on the machine."
Gamers review on the PS3
"Having only played the PS3 for a day, my initial thoughts are that it is absolutely sensational.
The wireless controller, on-screen format and graphics quality is nothing like any other console I have used. Its functionality (CD, DVD, Blu-ray, music, photos, internet, games) now allows the PS3 to be the only machine stacked underneath the TV.
PS3 owner, AP
Only a few people managed to bag a PlayStation 3
It goes without saying that the graphics and playability were phenomenal but the real winner for me was the network gaming aspect which was very easy to use. "
Sony Unveils Big PS3 Secret: Gamers Get To Go 'Home'
"Because Sony revealed on Wednesday (March 7) that it is indeed launching a "Second Life"-style service called PlayStation Home that will grant every PS3 owner an avatar and a virtual apartment, which are linked into a virtual world that will be available for free to all system owners when it launches in the fall."
"The characters are designed to look like real people, down to the details of individual eyelashes. They don't appear as cartoon figures, like Nintendo's Mii player-avatars on the Wii."
"Home users will each have a personal apartment they can customize with free and purchased furniture, all rendered to bounce and pile up with realistic physics. Players can redecorate and stream movies and music saved on their PS3 into virtual TV sets and stereos."
Free £2,000 TVs at launch of PlayStation 3
"As well as console games, Sony points out, the machine plays high-definition movies and MP3s, stores photos and connects to the internet via its own browser. "Look at what's inside the box, it's fantastic value for money," said Alan Duncan, UK marketing director for Sony PlayStation, "That figure [£425] reflects the cutting edge technology that's in the box."
"Whilst teenage boys poured praise on the PS3's life-like graphics, others - notably their parents - grumbled about the hidden costs required to run the machine - including games, DVDs and, to make the most of the high-definition pictures, a new TV screen."
The rivals
Sony's PlayStation 3 costs £425 with games about £50. At 5kg this is the console heavyweight. It plays Blu-Ray discs, CDs and DVDs, has 256MB of built-in memory and a 60GB hard disk for storing games and digital media. It can connect to the internet.
Microsoft's Xbox 360 costs £280 with games £40-£50. It is slightly smaller than the PS3, and can play DVDs. It has 512MB of on-board memory, a 20GB hard disk and the built-in internet play is a big plus.
Nintendo's Wii £179 with games £30-£40. Less powerful but found success with its controller which means on-screen action can be directed with real-life movements. It has 512MB of memory, no hard drive, but can download games from the internet.
Tuesday 20 March 2007
Games on Mobile Phones
"For years now senior games industry figures and media analysts have predicted that mobile phone games will revolutionise the industry."
"Revenue from mobile games is predicted to grow by more than $5bn (£2.5bn) to about $7bn (£3.5bn) in the next five years, according to a report by Informa Telecoms and Media."
"Consoles usually have a lifetime of five to six years, giving games publishers a period of stability in which to develop titles and franchises.
But business models and technologies in mobile phones are constantly evolving, which means mobile developers face additional pressures in producing games for an ever-changing market. "
"Making use of mobile phone connectivity for multiplayer gaming is a current trend we can expect to see develop in the future, according to Chris White, European head of studio at Glu Mobile."
"Future mobile gaming could involve hours of immersive gameplay within mobile MMOs and realtime multiplayer games with gamers chatting while they play."
Women lead rush to mobile gaming
"Female wireless subscribers make up 65% of mobile phone game revenue, according to mobile research firm Telephia."
"It said that the "casual nature of mobile games provides tremendous appeal to women, who are not traditionally hardcore gamers".
Article from early 2006 "Troubled times for mobile games"
"In addition, buying games from a mobile was often a difficult and arduous process for consumers.
Mr Lasky also hit out at the quality of mobiles games, saying there were too just many poor games available. "
"A buzz phrase that echoed during the sessions was "one-button gameplay". This is the idea being that good games can be created that only require the player to use a single button."
"Revenue from mobile games is predicted to grow by more than $5bn (£2.5bn) to about $7bn (£3.5bn) in the next five years, according to a report by Informa Telecoms and Media."
"Consoles usually have a lifetime of five to six years, giving games publishers a period of stability in which to develop titles and franchises.
But business models and technologies in mobile phones are constantly evolving, which means mobile developers face additional pressures in producing games for an ever-changing market. "
"Making use of mobile phone connectivity for multiplayer gaming is a current trend we can expect to see develop in the future, according to Chris White, European head of studio at Glu Mobile."
"Future mobile gaming could involve hours of immersive gameplay within mobile MMOs and realtime multiplayer games with gamers chatting while they play."
Women lead rush to mobile gaming
"Female wireless subscribers make up 65% of mobile phone game revenue, according to mobile research firm Telephia."
"It said that the "casual nature of mobile games provides tremendous appeal to women, who are not traditionally hardcore gamers".
Article from early 2006 "Troubled times for mobile games"
"In addition, buying games from a mobile was often a difficult and arduous process for consumers.
Mr Lasky also hit out at the quality of mobiles games, saying there were too just many poor games available. "
"A buzz phrase that echoed during the sessions was "one-button gameplay". This is the idea being that good games can be created that only require the player to use a single button."
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