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.
Friday 30 March 2007
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."
Wednesday 14 March 2007
Gore TV
Former US Vice President Al Gore has promised to "democratise" television in the UK at the launch of a channel featuring programmes made by viewers.
"Current TV will broadcast non-fiction videos by "people making TV for the first time, and making it well", said Mr Gore, one of the channel's founders."
"Available through Sky and Virgin Media, it claims to be the first channel created by and for 18- to 34-year-olds."
"Statistics from Google's search engine will be featured every half hour - "our version of the news", Mr Gore said."
"Every month, viewers will vote for one short film - or "pod", as Current TV is branding them - to be archived in the British Library."
Guardian Article
"Al Gore yesterday unveiled the British version of his Current TV network, claiming it was the first example of "television for the internet generation"
"Current TV, which launched yesterday on the Sky and Virgin Media pay-TV platforms, is aimed at the 18- to 34-year-olds increasingly turning to the net, mobile phones and a myriad of digital channels to complement mainstream media habits."
"Current TV will broadcast non-fiction videos by "people making TV for the first time, and making it well", said Mr Gore, one of the channel's founders."
"Available through Sky and Virgin Media, it claims to be the first channel created by and for 18- to 34-year-olds."
"Statistics from Google's search engine will be featured every half hour - "our version of the news", Mr Gore said."
"Every month, viewers will vote for one short film - or "pod", as Current TV is branding them - to be archived in the British Library."
Guardian Article
"Al Gore yesterday unveiled the British version of his Current TV network, claiming it was the first example of "television for the internet generation"
"Current TV, which launched yesterday on the Sky and Virgin Media pay-TV platforms, is aimed at the 18- to 34-year-olds increasingly turning to the net, mobile phones and a myriad of digital channels to complement mainstream media habits."
Tuesday 13 March 2007
Downloading Music
Wikipedia article
"Downloading music first became popular with file sharing technologies such as peer-to-peer networks, with people breaking copyright laws by not paying for any of it. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) claimed that this practice was hurting the music industry, and a series of law suits led to many of these networks being closed down."
"The second phase of music downloading was the online music store, whereby songs could be downloaded at a price. In 2003, iTunes saw the popularity of legal digital downloads skyrocket. Other online websites include URGE, Napster and MSN's Music store. The sales of downloaded music has now surpassed the sales of 'physical copies' in some countries; this has been indicated in the UK where Crazy by Gnarls Barkley reached the top spot in the UK Singles Chart based on download sales alone"
Downloading 'myths' challenged
"According to the music industry, legal downloads have tripled during 2005.
In the first half of 2005, some 10 million songs have been legally downloaded. "
" The study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music."
"The Leading Question survey also asked 600 music fans what devices they would be buying in the next year.
A third planned to buy a dedicated MP3 player, while just 8% said they would be buying an MP3-enabled phone"
Music downloads on the Internet: a new music generation
"Even though the cost of MP3 downloads is at an all time low, with tracks costing as little as 50p for the UK, some people still choose to download tracks illegally or use file sharing software to share music."
From 2003...
Illegal music sites 'here to stay'
" 19% of people surveyed said they would pay for song downloads over the internet, up from 16% a year ago."
"Album sales in the US in 2002 were down for the second year in a row - dropping more than 10% on the previous year."
"# 1,060 unauthorised servers
# 28,000 pirate web and music sites
# 700 million unauthorised music files"
"Downloading music first became popular with file sharing technologies such as peer-to-peer networks, with people breaking copyright laws by not paying for any of it. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) claimed that this practice was hurting the music industry, and a series of law suits led to many of these networks being closed down."
"The second phase of music downloading was the online music store, whereby songs could be downloaded at a price. In 2003, iTunes saw the popularity of legal digital downloads skyrocket. Other online websites include URGE, Napster and MSN's Music store. The sales of downloaded music has now surpassed the sales of 'physical copies' in some countries; this has been indicated in the UK where Crazy by Gnarls Barkley reached the top spot in the UK Singles Chart based on download sales alone"
Downloading 'myths' challenged
"According to the music industry, legal downloads have tripled during 2005.
In the first half of 2005, some 10 million songs have been legally downloaded. "
" The study found that regular downloaders of unlicensed music spent an average of £5.52 a month on legal digital music."
"The Leading Question survey also asked 600 music fans what devices they would be buying in the next year.
A third planned to buy a dedicated MP3 player, while just 8% said they would be buying an MP3-enabled phone"
Music downloads on the Internet: a new music generation
"Even though the cost of MP3 downloads is at an all time low, with tracks costing as little as 50p for the UK, some people still choose to download tracks illegally or use file sharing software to share music."
From 2003...
Illegal music sites 'here to stay'
" 19% of people surveyed said they would pay for song downloads over the internet, up from 16% a year ago."
"Album sales in the US in 2002 were down for the second year in a row - dropping more than 10% on the previous year."
"# 1,060 unauthorised servers
# 28,000 pirate web and music sites
# 700 million unauthorised music files"
Wednesday 7 March 2007
Pocasts
Wikipedia Article
"The concept of Podcasting was suggested as early as 2000 and its technical components were available by 2001, then implemented in the program Radio Userland. In 2003 regular podcasts started showing up on well-known Web sites and software support spread."
"Podcasting's initial appeal was to allow individuals to distribute their own "radio shows," but the system quickly became used in a wide variety of other ways, including distribution of school lessons, official and unofficial audio tours of museums, conference meeting alerts and updates, and by police departments to distribute public safety messages."
BBC article on "Podcasters"
"It is totally going to kill the business model of radio," thinks Curry.
"I just did a tour of Madison Avenue where all the big brands and advertising agencies of the world are," he says.
"And they are scared to death of the next generation - like my daughter who is 14 - who don't listen to radio.
"They are on MSN, they've got their iPod, their MP3 player, they've got their Xbox - they are not listening to radio.
"So how are they going to reach these audiences?
"It is the distribution that is changing and the barriers are being brought down so everyone can be part of it."
"The concept of Podcasting was suggested as early as 2000 and its technical components were available by 2001, then implemented in the program Radio Userland. In 2003 regular podcasts started showing up on well-known Web sites and software support spread."
"Podcasting's initial appeal was to allow individuals to distribute their own "radio shows," but the system quickly became used in a wide variety of other ways, including distribution of school lessons, official and unofficial audio tours of museums, conference meeting alerts and updates, and by police departments to distribute public safety messages."
BBC article on "Podcasters"
"It is totally going to kill the business model of radio," thinks Curry.
"I just did a tour of Madison Avenue where all the big brands and advertising agencies of the world are," he says.
"And they are scared to death of the next generation - like my daughter who is 14 - who don't listen to radio.
"They are on MSN, they've got their iPod, their MP3 player, they've got their Xbox - they are not listening to radio.
"So how are they going to reach these audiences?
"It is the distribution that is changing and the barriers are being brought down so everyone can be part of it."
Tuesday 6 March 2007
Blogging
Wikipedia definition on what a blog is
"A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order."
"Before blogging became popular, digital communities took many forms, including Usenet, e-mail lists[2] and bulletin board systems (BBS). In the 1990s, Internet forum software, such as WebEx, created running conversations with "threads". Threads are topical connections between messages on a metaphorical "corkboard". Some have likened blogging to the mass-observation movement of the mid-20th century."
"The modern blog evolved from the online diary, where people would keep a running account of their personal lives. Most such writers called themselves diarists, journalists, or journalers. A few called themselves escribitionists. The Open Pages webring included members of the online-journal community. Justin Hall, who began eleven years of personal blogging in 1994 while a student at Swarthmore College, is generally recognized as one of the earliest bloggers."
"In 2004, the role of blogs became increasingly mainstream, as political consultants, news services and candidates began using them as tools for outreach and opinion forming. Even politicians not actively campaigning, such as the UK's Labour Party's MP Tom Watson, began to blog to bond with constituents."
Blogging and the mass media
Many bloggers differentiate themselves from the mainstream media, while others are members of that media working through a different channel. Some institutions see blogging as a means of "getting around the filter" and pushing messages directly to the public. Some critics worry that bloggers respect neither copyright nor the role of the mass media in presenting society with credible news. Bloggers and other contributors to user generated content are behind TIME magazine naming the 2006 person of the year as "you".
Many mainstream journalists, meanwhile, write their own blogs -- well over 300, according to CyberJournalist.net's J-blog list. The first known use of a Weblog on a news site was in August 1998, when Jonathan Dube of The Charlotte Observer published one chronicling Hurricane Bonnie.[16]
Blogs have also had an influence on minority languages, bringing together scattered speakers and learners; this is particularly so with blogs in Gaelic languages, whose creators can be found as far away from traditional Gaelic areas as Kazakhstan and Alaska. Minority language publishing (which may lack economic feasibility) can find its audience through inexpensive blogging.
The BBCs definition of what blogging is
People loosing their jobs over blogs
"There are more than five million blogs, or online diaries, and the number is growing."
"A new term has emerged as a result. According to UrbanDictionary.com, to be "dooced" means "losing your job for something you wrote in your online blog, journal, website, etc.""
The blogging phenomenon is set to peak in 2007, according to technology predictions by analysts Gartner.
"The analysts said that during the middle of next year the number of blogs will level out at about 100 million."
People also create video blogs or a "vlog" on websites such as Youtube
"A blog is a user-generated website where entries are made in journal style and displayed in a reverse chronological order."
"Before blogging became popular, digital communities took many forms, including Usenet, e-mail lists[2] and bulletin board systems (BBS). In the 1990s, Internet forum software, such as WebEx, created running conversations with "threads". Threads are topical connections between messages on a metaphorical "corkboard". Some have likened blogging to the mass-observation movement of the mid-20th century."
"The modern blog evolved from the online diary, where people would keep a running account of their personal lives. Most such writers called themselves diarists, journalists, or journalers. A few called themselves escribitionists. The Open Pages webring included members of the online-journal community. Justin Hall, who began eleven years of personal blogging in 1994 while a student at Swarthmore College, is generally recognized as one of the earliest bloggers."
"In 2004, the role of blogs became increasingly mainstream, as political consultants, news services and candidates began using them as tools for outreach and opinion forming. Even politicians not actively campaigning, such as the UK's Labour Party's MP Tom Watson, began to blog to bond with constituents."
Blogging and the mass media
Many bloggers differentiate themselves from the mainstream media, while others are members of that media working through a different channel. Some institutions see blogging as a means of "getting around the filter" and pushing messages directly to the public. Some critics worry that bloggers respect neither copyright nor the role of the mass media in presenting society with credible news. Bloggers and other contributors to user generated content are behind TIME magazine naming the 2006 person of the year as "you".
Many mainstream journalists, meanwhile, write their own blogs -- well over 300, according to CyberJournalist.net's J-blog list. The first known use of a Weblog on a news site was in August 1998, when Jonathan Dube of The Charlotte Observer published one chronicling Hurricane Bonnie.[16]
Blogs have also had an influence on minority languages, bringing together scattered speakers and learners; this is particularly so with blogs in Gaelic languages, whose creators can be found as far away from traditional Gaelic areas as Kazakhstan and Alaska. Minority language publishing (which may lack economic feasibility) can find its audience through inexpensive blogging.
The BBCs definition of what blogging is
People loosing their jobs over blogs
"There are more than five million blogs, or online diaries, and the number is growing."
"A new term has emerged as a result. According to UrbanDictionary.com, to be "dooced" means "losing your job for something you wrote in your online blog, journal, website, etc.""
The blogging phenomenon is set to peak in 2007, according to technology predictions by analysts Gartner.
"The analysts said that during the middle of next year the number of blogs will level out at about 100 million."
People also create video blogs or a "vlog" on websites such as Youtube
Monday 5 March 2007
Nintendo Wii
Official Website
BBC "factfile" on the Wii
"The Wii Remote, which resembles a TV remote control, allows users to play games through simple physical movements.
It can be used to jab like a sword, steer like driving a car, swoosh like a tennis racket. Nintendo hopes the change in gameplay will broaden the console's appeal."
Nintendo Wii Takes Lead in Console Wars
"Nintendo sold 436,000 units during the month, with Sony's previous iteration of its console, the
PlayStation 2, coming in second place. Microsoft's
Xbox 360 was third, followed by the PlayStation 3.
Nintendo has maintained its lead primarily through ease-of-use, a lower price, and strong game titles at launch time, analysts have said. Sony and Microsoft, in contrast, have tried to develop consoles that are cutting edge, which has increased the price of the units."
Wikipedia article
" Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3,[7] but it competes with both as part of the seventh generation of gaming systems."
Nintendo Wii issues with breakages
BBC "factfile" on the Wii
"The Wii Remote, which resembles a TV remote control, allows users to play games through simple physical movements.
It can be used to jab like a sword, steer like driving a car, swoosh like a tennis racket. Nintendo hopes the change in gameplay will broaden the console's appeal."
Nintendo Wii Takes Lead in Console Wars
"Nintendo sold 436,000 units during the month, with Sony's previous iteration of its console, the
PlayStation 2, coming in second place. Microsoft's
Xbox 360 was third, followed by the PlayStation 3.
Nintendo has maintained its lead primarily through ease-of-use, a lower price, and strong game titles at launch time, analysts have said. Sony and Microsoft, in contrast, have tried to develop consoles that are cutting edge, which has increased the price of the units."
Wikipedia article
" Nintendo states that its console targets a broader demographic than that of Microsoft's Xbox 360 and Sony's PlayStation 3,[7] but it competes with both as part of the seventh generation of gaming systems."
Nintendo Wii issues with breakages
Thursday 1 March 2007
Second Life
Official Website
Wikipedia Article
"an Internet-based virtual world which came to international attention via mainstream news media in late 2006 and early 2007."
"providing an advanced level of a social network service"
The future of social networking???
"a user-defined world of general use in which people can interact, play, do business, and otherwise communicate"
"over four million accounts have been registered, though many are not active, and some Residents have multiple accounts."
"Second Life has recently emerged as one of the cutting-edge virtual classrooms for major colleges and universities, including Harvard, Pepperdine, Ball State, New York University and Delft University of Technology"
Prices
"It is possible, and quite common, to join Second Life for free. Many activities in Second Life are free, but others cost money, payable in Linden dollars (Second Life's in-world currency; see Economy and real estate). For example, goods and services may be charged for by other Residents — these charges are not set by Linden Lab, and so are not included under membership pricing, but are simply part of the economy of Second Life. There are two types of account in Second Life: "basic accounts" and "premium accounts". Basic accounts have no recurring fee, but lack the right to own land within Second Life. As of February 2007, the premium account fee is set at $9.95 per month, although this reduces to $6.00 per month if the fee is paid annually"
Parody of Second Life, "Get a Life"
The BBC using Second
Life
"The rented island exists in online game Second Life and will hold its first event this weekend with bands including Muse, Razorlight and Gnarls Barkley."
Wired article about people making a living in Second Life
"Within a month, Grinnell was making more in Second Life than in her real-world job as a dispatcher. And after three months she realized she could quit her day job altogether."
"With users now numbering over 130,000, game-maker Linden Lab estimates that nearly $5 million dollars, or about $38 per person, was exchanged between players in January 2006 alone."
Guardian Article
"Second Life's population includes a wedding planner, pet manufacturer, tattooist, nightclub owner, car maker, fashion designer, jewellery maker, architect, tour guide, and property speculator. There is a detective agency, which can be hired to check whether your virtual spouse is cheating with a virtual lover - such cases are reported to have caused marital rows over whether online cheating counts as real-life cheating."
Wikipedia Article
"an Internet-based virtual world which came to international attention via mainstream news media in late 2006 and early 2007."
"providing an advanced level of a social network service"
The future of social networking???
"a user-defined world of general use in which people can interact, play, do business, and otherwise communicate"
"over four million accounts have been registered, though many are not active, and some Residents have multiple accounts."
"Second Life has recently emerged as one of the cutting-edge virtual classrooms for major colleges and universities, including Harvard, Pepperdine, Ball State, New York University and Delft University of Technology"
Prices
"It is possible, and quite common, to join Second Life for free. Many activities in Second Life are free, but others cost money, payable in Linden dollars (Second Life's in-world currency; see Economy and real estate). For example, goods and services may be charged for by other Residents — these charges are not set by Linden Lab, and so are not included under membership pricing, but are simply part of the economy of Second Life. There are two types of account in Second Life: "basic accounts" and "premium accounts". Basic accounts have no recurring fee, but lack the right to own land within Second Life. As of February 2007, the premium account fee is set at $9.95 per month, although this reduces to $6.00 per month if the fee is paid annually"
Parody of Second Life, "Get a Life"
The BBC using Second
Life
"The rented island exists in online game Second Life and will hold its first event this weekend with bands including Muse, Razorlight and Gnarls Barkley."
Wired article about people making a living in Second Life
"Within a month, Grinnell was making more in Second Life than in her real-world job as a dispatcher. And after three months she realized she could quit her day job altogether."
"With users now numbering over 130,000, game-maker Linden Lab estimates that nearly $5 million dollars, or about $38 per person, was exchanged between players in January 2006 alone."
Guardian Article
"Second Life's population includes a wedding planner, pet manufacturer, tattooist, nightclub owner, car maker, fashion designer, jewellery maker, architect, tour guide, and property speculator. There is a detective agency, which can be hired to check whether your virtual spouse is cheating with a virtual lover - such cases are reported to have caused marital rows over whether online cheating counts as real-life cheating."
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