05.02.2008Brightkite

I’m not sure that there are many unexplored boundaries left within the social networking space on the internet.  Most apps which appear to be p2p for people are getting into the mature part of the business cycle and old hat even for the old folks like me.  One of the more intersting areas that hasn’t been fully explored is mobile social networking.

I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw with a new service called Brightkite.  I like the fact that it doesn’t actively track it’s users but still allows enough detail for somebody to be found if they want to be.  An interesting concept to be sure.  One small hiccup that was easily solved: Verizon hasn’t approved them for their network, so poor souls like me too lazy to do some searching will only eventually find out that sending SMS to the provided photo e-mail link works just as well as the SMS address.  Lesson learned (yet again), check the support forums before complaining about lack of functionality.

I could see Brightkite being very useful as more people start to use it.  If you want an invite (it’s still in private beta), contact me with an e-mail address and I’ll send you one.

04.24.2008The Future of MySQL

Back in January, Sun Microsystems acquired MySQL for about $1 billion.  This move made sense from Sun’s point-of-view as it provided a solid database product that could be re-marketed toward large enterprise environments.  Given Sun’s shift from hardware and proprietary software to a desire to implement open source solutions, the MySQL acquisition was another step in furthering that objective.

I’m left to wonder how strong Sun’s commitment to open source software really is after reading TechDirt’s take on What Sun Should Be Doing With MySQL.  Of particular concern to me is Sun’s moving specific new features to closed source development in an effort to push customers into paid support and versions.

Sun’s MySQL actions have some potential consequences.  First, Sun risks alienating loyal MySQL users and forcing them to look at other products.  One might argue that losing a customer that never paid for the software in the first place isn’t so bad, but many of the people that use MySQL in an unpaid installation also influence larger database decisions either through being loud and vocal or as part of career responsibilities.  The exodus from MySQL might also affect other companies that produce software that rely on MySQL such as CMS and personal publishing software companies.  And forcing those companies that currently rely on MySQL to seek alternative database solutions might be problematic in terms of software stability, new bugs, and overall product pricing.

While these problems may never manifest themselves, techno-slobs like myself may be in for higher hosting fees (due to software licensing) or new basic database instabilities.

04.23.2008Sony To Buy Gracenote

According to Slashdot, Sony is buying Gracenote for $260 million.  Gracenote is the commercialized version of CDDB, a previously open project that was a database of CD song titles.  Gracenote currently supplies CD info to a variety of media players including iTunes.

Given Sony’s apparent desire to render everything into completely proprietary formats, I’d suspect that this might provide the stimulus for a competing database effort.

04.22.2008Battlestar Galactica End Credit Logos

I have a tremendous amount of respect for those companies that produce TV programming that is different and continually pushes the envelope.  Programs such as Deadwood, Southpark, and Millenium in one way or another have pushed the boundaries of acceptability further and in creative ways.

I will be honest in saying that I’m not a regular viewer of the new Battlestar Galactica.  It’s not a bad show, it just never generated a great deal of interest for me.  I will, however, give them props for the end credit logos.  Those are the mini displays at the end of a show that credit the series producers.  Wired discussed Battlestar’s end credit logos; brutal affairs that would make the “Itchy and Scrathy” show proud.  Wired’s story also includes a link to a Youtube video with the first couple of seasons end credit logos.

Maybe I’ll make a more serious effort to watch BSG.  Any show with those end credit logos can’t be all bad.

04.21.2008Blade Runner (4 Disc Collector’s Edition)

A few months ago, my wife and I took some duplicate DVDs we received for Christmas back to Virgin Megastore.  While we were there, I purchased the Blade Runner (4 Disc Collector’s Edition) and promptly put the DVD set in our shelving system for future viewing.  This past Saturday, we blew the dust off the set and watched “The Final Cut” version of the film.

After viewing this version of the film, all I have to say is “wow”.  The biggest and most noticeable change in this version of the film is the removal of Harrison Ford’s overbearing narration.  The film may now be a bit slow for some but I found the narration-free version of the film captivating.  Other changes include all the added violence from the International Cut, some plot corrections, and additional CGI effects.

The film seems to have withstood the test of time, the original film was released in 1982.  The plot, interesting characters, and strong cast make this film still worth watching and relevant even now.  What’s old is new again.

04.18.2008Apple Safari 3.1 - Windows (Part Deux)

A few days ago, I commented on my experience with Apple Safari 3.1 for WIndows.  One of the things that I noted was that I wasn’t pleased with the stealth approach of how Apple was pushing it’s browser out to Windows iTunes users via the Software Update mechanism.

Per Wired, Apple has modified how Software Update presents the browser’s availability.  The Software Update Window is now separated into two panes: “Updates” and “New Software”.  People that aren’t careful with how they apply updates will still have Safari installed during their iTunes updates as it’s selected by default.

While I think Apple would have been smarter to leave Safari deselected by default, it’s good to see the change made.

04.18.2008Seagate Suing SSD Manufacturer

After reading ARS Technica’s story on Seagate going after US-based solid state drive (SSD) manufacturer STEC, I can’t really say I’m surprised.

Seagate is in the unenviable position of being a leader in the dying industry of hard disk storage.  As costs come down and capacities increase, SSD will likely eventually kick magnetic and optical based storage to the curb at the notebook and desktop arenas and may even challenge traditional high-capacity storage solutions.  Whats not to like, SSD doesnt have moving parts, runs cooler, and is faster.