Internet Connection problems, we’ve all had them at some point be it on the move, in the office or at home. We usually grin and bear it occasionally picking up the phone to make a complaint that’s logged and usually not fixed much faster then if you just got on with your day as normal. Well not for some people, you see for some who live in areas not so well equipped as London and other big cities where broadband is at our finger tips. What do those people do? Where do they get their super-fast internet that is being talked about so often from? Telecoms and internet providers do not see a big market and so they don’t service these areas. Well the residents are taking a stand and are installing there own super-fast broadband!
The community-based tactic is not a new idea to gain connectivity but is working well, with promises to have many networks up and running by the end of 2008. The role out of fibre-optics and WiMAX has given hope to these remote areas. One scheme, CyberMoor (http://www.cybermoor.org/) has brought wireless broadband to areas ‘off the beaten track’ (so to speak) within Cumbria.
DIY fibre-optics take a lot of planning, digging and most of all community team work. The logistics however, are relatively quite straightforward, according to Daniel Heery, head of the project in Cumbria. Malcolm Corbett, head of the Community Broadband Network (CBN - http://www.broadband-uk.coop/) comments; "While BT has been sitting on its hands the public sector is going to start experimenting," well said! The CBN is working in 10 areas including Walsall, Nottingham and Manchester and says it represents 20% of the UK population.
This kind of scheme is also seen in other parts of Europe like Holland, where OnsNet’s (http://www.onsnetnuenen.nl/) community-based fibre project sit alongside larger rollouts. This is definitely something that would be great to see in the UK and it’s great to see that people are taking action themselves; perhaps we may start to see similar projects for mobile phone coverage?
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Busy? Skills to Keep in Mind
In today’s busy world people are left running this way and that way attempting to get things done. The ability to multitask is something we all will have to know. Here are a few things I have come across to keep in mind when trying to sort out your hectic and seemingly bottomless things to accomplish by this afternoon.
1. Don't think you can actually do two things at once.
2. Prioritize. To know when to switch tasks, you must distinguish between the tasks you must perform and those you can afford to blow off.
3. Immerse yourself in your immediate task, but don't forget what remains to be done next.
4. Depend on routines -- and compare new tasks with old ones. Multitasking becomes easier, scientists believe, when you make parts of the process routine.
5. Make schedules, not to-do lists.
Next time you feel like exploding on the person in the next cubicle for making more work for you just give them this list and tell them you have no excuses now.
Info by: NY Times
1. Don't think you can actually do two things at once.
2. Prioritize. To know when to switch tasks, you must distinguish between the tasks you must perform and those you can afford to blow off.
3. Immerse yourself in your immediate task, but don't forget what remains to be done next.
4. Depend on routines -- and compare new tasks with old ones. Multitasking becomes easier, scientists believe, when you make parts of the process routine.
5. Make schedules, not to-do lists.
Next time you feel like exploding on the person in the next cubicle for making more work for you just give them this list and tell them you have no excuses now.
Info by: NY Times
Monday, July 28, 2008
Even the Royals get phones stolen!
We’ve all been there…dancing away in a nightclub and the realisation hits that our mobile is no longer in its usual place. Scouring the floor we know that it is either somewhere around us, in another pocket or in the worst case, that someone has nicked it from us.
Apparently the Royals are no different to us as Prince Harry discovered last week when he was enjoying a night out in a dark nightclub in Lesotho. Prince Harry was spending time in the small African town working on charity projects, when a pickpocket took his phone and ran off. Little did this Artful Dodger know that it in fact belonged to a Prince who had high level security around him.
Officers from the Lesotho Defence Force eventually managed to track down the culprit two days later and retrieved the phone and said, “When we eventually found the culprit it took quite some time to explain to him that he had stolen from the prince. To him Prince Harry was just one of those white guys.”
The Prince decided not to press charges against the thief and was said to be relieved that his contacts list had not gone astray. Yes we all have our phones stolen before but seldom do we have such little problem getting them back – oh to be a Royal!
Apparently the Royals are no different to us as Prince Harry discovered last week when he was enjoying a night out in a dark nightclub in Lesotho. Prince Harry was spending time in the small African town working on charity projects, when a pickpocket took his phone and ran off. Little did this Artful Dodger know that it in fact belonged to a Prince who had high level security around him.
Officers from the Lesotho Defence Force eventually managed to track down the culprit two days later and retrieved the phone and said, “When we eventually found the culprit it took quite some time to explain to him that he had stolen from the prince. To him Prince Harry was just one of those white guys.”
The Prince decided not to press charges against the thief and was said to be relieved that his contacts list had not gone astray. Yes we all have our phones stolen before but seldom do we have such little problem getting them back – oh to be a Royal!
Friday, July 25, 2008
This Weeks Top News
Here’s a recap of some of this week’s top news stories…
July 21, 2008
iPhone 3G Inventory Plummets
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/iphone-3g-inventory-plummets-over-weekend/2008-07-21?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss&cmp-id=OTC-RSS-FW0
July 22, 2008
728 Newspapers Join AP Mobile News Network
http://mobilecrunch.com/2008/07/21/728-newspapers-join-ap-mobile-news-network/
July 23, 2008
Qualcomm Stock Soars on Nokia Settlement
http://www.rcrnews.com/article/20080723/FREE/528264349/Qualcomm-stock-soars-on-Nokia-settlement
July 24, 2008
Sprint –Nextel Sells its Towers
http://www.moconews.net/entry/419-sprint-nextel-sells-its-towers-raises-around-670-million/
Public Responds to Cancer Doctor’s Warning
July 25, 2008
http://www.wirelessweek.com/article.aspx?id=161728
July 21, 2008
iPhone 3G Inventory Plummets
http://www.fiercewireless.com/story/iphone-3g-inventory-plummets-over-weekend/2008-07-21?utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss&cmp-id=OTC-RSS-FW0
July 22, 2008
728 Newspapers Join AP Mobile News Network
http://mobilecrunch.com/2008/07/21/728-newspapers-join-ap-mobile-news-network/
July 23, 2008
Qualcomm Stock Soars on Nokia Settlement
http://www.rcrnews.com/article/20080723/FREE/528264349/Qualcomm-stock-soars-on-Nokia-settlement
July 24, 2008
Sprint –Nextel Sells its Towers
http://www.moconews.net/entry/419-sprint-nextel-sells-its-towers-raises-around-670-million/
Public Responds to Cancer Doctor’s Warning
July 25, 2008
http://www.wirelessweek.com/article.aspx?id=161728
Gone phishing? Again?
The iPhone is a phenomenon - many people have one, many people want to have one, some want to get rid of theirs again, and some are now warning that the iPhone can even be used to go phishing.
The Safari and Mail applications on the prestigious object reportedly puts users at a risk. By the relatively old-fashioned trick of spoofing an URL, phishers are able to redirect users to websites that are not what they pretend to be.
Interesting, as Mac OSX is very immune against most attacks. But luckily there is good (and general) advice available: iPhone users should enter the addresses of sites they wish to visit manually instead of clicking on links contained in email. Until there is an official patch from Apple to fix this problem. And maybe also after the patch is available.
The Safari and Mail applications on the prestigious object reportedly puts users at a risk. By the relatively old-fashioned trick of spoofing an URL, phishers are able to redirect users to websites that are not what they pretend to be.
Interesting, as Mac OSX is very immune against most attacks. But luckily there is good (and general) advice available: iPhone users should enter the addresses of sites they wish to visit manually instead of clicking on links contained in email. Until there is an official patch from Apple to fix this problem. And maybe also after the patch is available.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Corporate social media in action
Mashable today rounded up 35+ examples of corporate social media campaigns in action, with a wide variety of businesses, sectors, and social media tactics.
Some notable examples:
Adobe’s use of social bookmarking site Delicious to maintain a list of websites and conversations relevant to the company.
Ford’s blogger-friendly newsroom, complete with multimedia elements, and social media release templates.
Fujifilm’s social network for photo enthusiasts to promote its latest camera model.
Intuit’s tax almanac wiki, where users can contribute relevant tax information.
The WWE ’s Facebook application to connect and create new wrestling fans.
Zappo’s employees use Twitter to communicate with their customers.
Some notable examples:
Adobe’s use of social bookmarking site Delicious to maintain a list of websites and conversations relevant to the company.
Ford’s blogger-friendly newsroom, complete with multimedia elements, and social media release templates.
Fujifilm’s social network for photo enthusiasts to promote its latest camera model.
Intuit’s tax almanac wiki, where users can contribute relevant tax information.
The WWE ’s Facebook application to connect and create new wrestling fans.
Zappo’s employees use Twitter to communicate with their customers.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
iPhone Not So Hot in Japan
The phone that swept the world earlier this month finds it hard to fit in to the Japanese culture. Everyone knows how advanced they are in technology however it did not stop many Japanese to stand in line at the country’s Apple Stores. The stores which did manage to sell out at their locations are not seeing much interest after the initial rush of consumers.
With phone use that may rival that of the average American it has encountered such problems as simple as providing a loop for decorative pieces that are a major part of the culture. Apple will have to switch things up to stay in the unique and competitive Japanese cellular market because with phones already with fast internet connections, high megapixel cameras, and infrared diversification is key.
Information by: MoCoNews
With phone use that may rival that of the average American it has encountered such problems as simple as providing a loop for decorative pieces that are a major part of the culture. Apple will have to switch things up to stay in the unique and competitive Japanese cellular market because with phones already with fast internet connections, high megapixel cameras, and infrared diversification is key.
Information by: MoCoNews
Broadband to become a civil right
Wow, talk about a drastic call! According to today’s Fierce Telecom the Federal Communications Commission has told an audience at Carnegie Mellon University that access to high-speed broadband should be made available to all US Citizens as a ‘civil right’.
So right there next to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness every American should be guaranteed a high-speed Internet connection. The thought of it sounds quite laughable, yet the US looks set to turn around its broadband access to position it as essential for everyday life and change its status as currently ranking 15th among developed nations in broadband use per capita.
Speaking at the University, Commissioner Copps stated; "No matter who you are, or where you live, or how much money you make ... you will need, and you are entitled to have these tools (broadband Internet) available to you, I think, as a civil right."
Talk about dramatic!
So right there next to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness every American should be guaranteed a high-speed Internet connection. The thought of it sounds quite laughable, yet the US looks set to turn around its broadband access to position it as essential for everyday life and change its status as currently ranking 15th among developed nations in broadband use per capita.
Speaking at the University, Commissioner Copps stated; "No matter who you are, or where you live, or how much money you make ... you will need, and you are entitled to have these tools (broadband Internet) available to you, I think, as a civil right."
Talk about dramatic!
Women look for Text Appeal
Hoping to make a good impression on the new woman in your life? Well the answer is in the power of your fingertips according to the Daily Mail.
Apparently 90% of girls prefer text messages to phone calls when first getting to know a potential date, according to a survey by the directory inquiry service 118 118. From experience I can agree that a text message is much less formal and there is less pressure to make that first good impression, but where is the romance in it?
The Daily Mail is calling it ‘Text Appeal’ but for many women it might be a turn off as men appear to not be making the effort…after all if they can't make the effort at the start of a relationship, when will they?
William Ostrom of 118118 said: “Paying attention to texting is important for single men because women place so much importance on it, almost viewing dating texts as a snapshot of a man's personality.” I’m not so convinced…
Apparently 90% of girls prefer text messages to phone calls when first getting to know a potential date, according to a survey by the directory inquiry service 118 118. From experience I can agree that a text message is much less formal and there is less pressure to make that first good impression, but where is the romance in it?
The Daily Mail is calling it ‘Text Appeal’ but for many women it might be a turn off as men appear to not be making the effort…after all if they can't make the effort at the start of a relationship, when will they?
William Ostrom of 118118 said: “Paying attention to texting is important for single men because women place so much importance on it, almost viewing dating texts as a snapshot of a man's personality.” I’m not so convinced…
Monday, July 21, 2008
Privacy: A Thing of the Past
Sometimes it shocks me to think that people believe that privacy actually still exist these days. Apparently cell phone users are finding out that sending a MMS may just not be going to the intended recipient. A story posted today by Moco News, shared that an anti spam company mailchannels found that the UK’s O2 was leaking its customers MMS out onto the web. With a simple Goggle search, mailchannels found multiple pictures and videos online that were sent by O2’s customers.
Extended research by another company, Slashdot, found that both Sprint and Boost Mobile customers are experiencing a similar situation. In fact, not only can the image the customer sent be found online, but also the phone number where it was sent from.
Remember, nothing on the internet is private. So before you take that picture with your mobile and send it off to your “someone special”, you may want to think twice. Or be willing to come up with a really great excuse as to why those photos of you are on the web. Remember, “I was young” and “They were meant to be art” have already been used a time or two.
Extended research by another company, Slashdot, found that both Sprint and Boost Mobile customers are experiencing a similar situation. In fact, not only can the image the customer sent be found online, but also the phone number where it was sent from.
Remember, nothing on the internet is private. So before you take that picture with your mobile and send it off to your “someone special”, you may want to think twice. Or be willing to come up with a really great excuse as to why those photos of you are on the web. Remember, “I was young” and “They were meant to be art” have already been used a time or two.
Friday, July 18, 2008
Wireless is meant for everyone
At the end of a long week, I just came across this story which I think is great as it shows that wireless is fascinating - it is not only about multimillion companies employing hardcore freaks working in posh open plan offices with foosball and spending huge budgets on R&D and marketing. Luckily, it is about everyone and as we know, the total is more than the sum of all components (which, as far as I remember, was mentioned by Aristotle who probably would have been delighted by the prospect of a certain topic spreading within a society).
I keep my fingers crossed that this genius (not Aristotle, of course) will receive the funding to develop his proof of concept and bring it to the market.
I keep my fingers crossed that this genius (not Aristotle, of course) will receive the funding to develop his proof of concept and bring it to the market.
Friday Feature: Wireless Media Profile
About publication: MocoNews is a part of ContentNext media, and started as a spin-off of paidContent.org. MocoNews is an online news website and e-newsletter dedicated to mobile content news on the following topics:
· Mobile gaming
· Mobile music
· Mobile video/TV
· VC funding
· M&A deals
· Mobile gaming
· Mobile music
· Mobile video/TV
· VC funding
· M&A deals
Based out of: Santa Monica, CA and New York, NY
Editor-in-Chief: Rafat Ali
Key contacts:
· Tricia Duryee, principal correspondent
· Matt Kapko, entertainment editor
· Dianne See Morrison, correspondent
· James Pearce, correspondent
· Tricia Duryee, principal correspondent
· Matt Kapko, entertainment editor
· Dianne See Morrison, correspondent
· James Pearce, correspondent
Tips for pitching:
· Make sure your news has to do with mobile content or the mobile industry
· Pitch to the right editor—for example, get in contact with the entertainment editor if you have a new mobile game or mobile music service to launch
· Make sure your news has to do with mobile content or the mobile industry
· Pitch to the right editor—for example, get in contact with the entertainment editor if you have a new mobile game or mobile music service to launch
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Pandora Hits iPhone and Bumps Success
The increasingly popular must know site, Pandora, is a website that offers free music play of a seemingly endless number of songs compiled from artists you have chosen and ones recommended. The website allows you to skip the songs you dislike and discover those you like but did not know.
Now available on your iPhone, all of these options and benefits are mobile. With flawless playback on the servers 3G and EDGE networks, the app released last Friday is in the top 5 downloads coming in at number four behind apps like Weatherbug and AIM.
The Pandora app helped the company over this past launch weekend to reach a new high in streaming music with numbers coming in at over 3 million to just the iPhones. They not only listened to one song, but often were entertained by the apps recommended choices for an hour or so.
We will see how long Pandora can hold out before having to slap on a fee.
Now available on your iPhone, all of these options and benefits are mobile. With flawless playback on the servers 3G and EDGE networks, the app released last Friday is in the top 5 downloads coming in at number four behind apps like Weatherbug and AIM.
The Pandora app helped the company over this past launch weekend to reach a new high in streaming music with numbers coming in at over 3 million to just the iPhones. They not only listened to one song, but often were entertained by the apps recommended choices for an hour or so.
We will see how long Pandora can hold out before having to slap on a fee.
info by: techcrunch
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Twitter buys microblogging search engine Summize
Numerous blogs are reporting that after earning an impressive $15 million in its last round of funding, Twitter has purchased Summize, a search engine. SAI reports that the Virginia-based search engine was sold for around $15 million.
Following this acquisition, five of the six Summize employees will be joining Twitter and the company has also launched search.twitter.com, which is where users visiting summize.com are now directed.
Summize is not the first microblogging search engine, however it has proven itself to be more successful than its rivals, including TweetScan.
Following this acquisition, five of the six Summize employees will be joining Twitter and the company has also launched search.twitter.com, which is where users visiting summize.com are now directed.
Summize is not the first microblogging search engine, however it has proven itself to be more successful than its rivals, including TweetScan.
Monday, July 14, 2008
1 Million... sold
According to, well everywhere you look, Apple sold 1 million 3G iPhone’s over this past weekend. Being released in 21 countries last Friday, the 3G surpassed the 250,000 units that were sold when the original iPhone was released (US only) last year. I am not surprised, due to the fact that lines we already forming 1 week before the actual release. And Steve Jobs seemed continent with the sales so far commenting that the iPhone is off to a great start around the world.
Although it wasn’t all smooth sailing…
From the problems with the activation (AT&T and O2 customers both had trouble) to a store in the UK actually having to close its doors and call the police, iPhone drama was plentiful this weekend.
Although it wasn’t all smooth sailing…
From the problems with the activation (AT&T and O2 customers both had trouble) to a store in the UK actually having to close its doors and call the police, iPhone drama was plentiful this weekend.
Can London transport stand up to the challenge of going wireless?
Following the lead of the ‘trusty’ Oyster card, the Royal Bank of Scotland is said to be fitting proximity-payment readers into 25 London taxis as part of a trial. This will allow taxi users that hold a ‘wave and pay’ card, to pay for their journey in a similar fashion to the Oyster card.
We are now able to pay for fares under £10 by pressing a PayPass card against special payment readers in the taxis, providing an end to such cabs that refuse chip and PIN transactions for less than £10 and then charge passengers £1.50 per use. The only question now remaining is, how do we leave a tip for the drivers?
This comes as the BBC reports that thousands of people using London's public transport network may find their electronic Oyster card no longer works after a fault hit the system…
Using the bus on Saturday lunchtime I was amazed to find a notice over the yellow oyster reader saying that my journey would be free of charge. So squashed between lots of people making the most of their freebie journey, I was left feeling slightly smug.
Surprisingly it wasn’t TFL choosing to be nice to London travellers using the buses, Tube, tram and Docklands Light Railway. For a five hour spell on Saturday morning, the system stopped working and some oyster cards used during that time have since stopped working or incurred a fine. Whilst the ticket barriers were left open at train stations, the free bus travel continued for much longer until each individual bus had returned to their garages for the systems to be reset.
Let’s hope that this glitch has been resolved and that the cracked system will become secured following Thursday’s court case to protect the leaked codes.
We are now able to pay for fares under £10 by pressing a PayPass card against special payment readers in the taxis, providing an end to such cabs that refuse chip and PIN transactions for less than £10 and then charge passengers £1.50 per use. The only question now remaining is, how do we leave a tip for the drivers?
This comes as the BBC reports that thousands of people using London's public transport network may find their electronic Oyster card no longer works after a fault hit the system…
Using the bus on Saturday lunchtime I was amazed to find a notice over the yellow oyster reader saying that my journey would be free of charge. So squashed between lots of people making the most of their freebie journey, I was left feeling slightly smug.
Surprisingly it wasn’t TFL choosing to be nice to London travellers using the buses, Tube, tram and Docklands Light Railway. For a five hour spell on Saturday morning, the system stopped working and some oyster cards used during that time have since stopped working or incurred a fine. Whilst the ticket barriers were left open at train stations, the free bus travel continued for much longer until each individual bus had returned to their garages for the systems to be reset.
Let’s hope that this glitch has been resolved and that the cracked system will become secured following Thursday’s court case to protect the leaked codes.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Friday Feature: Picking the Right PR Agency
Part Two of Two: Choosing a PR Firm
So now that you’ve done the research and narrowed it down to your top choices the next step is actually choosing a PR firm. One way to learn about each firm is to have them create some kind of proposal for you. This helps you learn about the company wand what their goals will be to deliver quality PR to your company.
Next, make sure the firm has strong media relations. Make sure they know the right people to contact at each media outlet you want to target. Ask them for a sample media list to see what media they would target when sending out a press release. If you have certain media that you want to see your releases in then make sure that list includes it. However, as we pointed out in Part One, be realistic.
Also, client references are a great way to learn about a particular agency. Ask each firm you are interviewing for a few references. Word of mouth is a great way to learn about the company and get the real scoop on the companies.
And lastly, plan a face-to-face meeting with the entire team that would be working with you. Meeting the team will allow you to get to know each firm and the each team member. This is an important step and could help make your final decision if you find yourself torn between different firms.
So now that you’ve done the research and narrowed it down to your top choices the next step is actually choosing a PR firm. One way to learn about each firm is to have them create some kind of proposal for you. This helps you learn about the company wand what their goals will be to deliver quality PR to your company.
Next, make sure the firm has strong media relations. Make sure they know the right people to contact at each media outlet you want to target. Ask them for a sample media list to see what media they would target when sending out a press release. If you have certain media that you want to see your releases in then make sure that list includes it. However, as we pointed out in Part One, be realistic.
Also, client references are a great way to learn about a particular agency. Ask each firm you are interviewing for a few references. Word of mouth is a great way to learn about the company and get the real scoop on the companies.
And lastly, plan a face-to-face meeting with the entire team that would be working with you. Meeting the team will allow you to get to know each firm and the each team member. This is an important step and could help make your final decision if you find yourself torn between different firms.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Should Congress get involved in online advertising?
Not according to the FTC, which is re-advocating an industry self-regulation plan in response to the Senate Commerce Committee's initial investigation that launched Wednesday into how online companies collect data for online advertising.
To the contrary, Google, Yahoo and Microsoft are all proponents of some form of legislation for privacy standards to establish online and offline protocol and to punish those who would not uphold certain standards.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the coming year and although online privacy should absolutely be protected, I don't see targeted advertising as the culprit to jeapordize the saftey of online information.
To the contrary, Google, Yahoo and Microsoft are all proponents of some form of legislation for privacy standards to establish online and offline protocol and to punish those who would not uphold certain standards.
It will be interesting to see how this plays out over the coming year and although online privacy should absolutely be protected, I don't see targeted advertising as the culprit to jeapordize the saftey of online information.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Just When You Thought It Was Safe to Travel...Again
A recent study by the Ponemon Institute, which conducts studies in privacy and security, found that at U.S. airports, a reported 10,000 laptops are stolen on a weekly basis. This study which focused on the 36 largest airports showed that of the laptops stolen most had little to no hope to getting recovered. In addition to the 10,000, another over 2,000 laptops are reported stolen from smaller airports around the U.S. weekly.
Only about 35 percent of these reported stolen laptops are returned to the owner. There are ways to help make sure you laptop is secure and makes it with you to your destination. You can always keep it in a case that is strapped to you at all times. If you don’t plan on using it then why not just pack it in your suitcase securely and check it in. However, if you do intend to bring it on board then, as simple as this may sound, don’t leave your bags un-attended at anytime.
These days if it’s not one thing it’s another i.e. airline prices and now airport security again. I would think twice before taking that nap while you wait for your flight to board.
Information provided by: Engadget
Only about 35 percent of these reported stolen laptops are returned to the owner. There are ways to help make sure you laptop is secure and makes it with you to your destination. You can always keep it in a case that is strapped to you at all times. If you don’t plan on using it then why not just pack it in your suitcase securely and check it in. However, if you do intend to bring it on board then, as simple as this may sound, don’t leave your bags un-attended at anytime.
These days if it’s not one thing it’s another i.e. airline prices and now airport security again. I would think twice before taking that nap while you wait for your flight to board.
Information provided by: Engadget
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Surprising fact: Online videos are still not a threat to TV
Silicon Alley Insider reports on a Nielsen study released that proves our ‘Online Video Will Take Over the World’ theories wrong for now—while time spent watching online videos is indeed increasing, it still does not compare to time spent watching television.
Nielsen’s findings claim that the average American watched about 127 hours of TV in May (up 6 hours from 2007) and spent around 26 hours on the Internet (up 2 hours from 2007). Online videos, on the other hand, gained an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes of our time, which is, oh, about 125 hours less than the time spent watching television.
It’ll be interesting to see whether this trend will continue or change drastically as time goes on. While the writers’ strike in Hollywood has definitely influenced a movement into online video, 2008 might not show the explosion that everyone was hoping for.
Nielsen’s findings claim that the average American watched about 127 hours of TV in May (up 6 hours from 2007) and spent around 26 hours on the Internet (up 2 hours from 2007). Online videos, on the other hand, gained an average of 2 hours and 19 minutes of our time, which is, oh, about 125 hours less than the time spent watching television.
It’ll be interesting to see whether this trend will continue or change drastically as time goes on. While the writers’ strike in Hollywood has definitely influenced a movement into online video, 2008 might not show the explosion that everyone was hoping for.
Monday, July 7, 2008
Say It Ain’t So…
Mobile Entertainment reports that some people have WAY too much time on their hands. Okay, well not exactly, but the news does fit nicely into that assumption. The story comes from Geardiary, who reports that at around noon on July 4th (EST) there was already a line forming outside the Apple store. At the time, there was about a dozen or so people standing in front of the store. Apparently there was even a couple with a baby waiting in line. The article states that this could just be a publicity stunt and that these folks may have been trying to set a record for longest time in line. With the release of the 3G iPhone set for Friday, July 11th, and today being July 7th, I wonder how long that line is now…
When it comes to Apple or the iPhone, I know that this kind of behavior is just not surprising to most people. Not even the part about the couple with the baby. However, if this is not a publicity stunt, Mobile Entertainment says, “The alternative is very, very depressing.”
They took the words right out of my mouth.
When it comes to Apple or the iPhone, I know that this kind of behavior is just not surprising to most people. Not even the part about the couple with the baby. However, if this is not a publicity stunt, Mobile Entertainment says, “The alternative is very, very depressing.”
They took the words right out of my mouth.
Friday, July 4, 2008
Could the flood of User Generated Content be coming to an end?
In a landmark ruling this week, a judge in New York ordered YouTube to release data on the viewing habits of millions of viewers worldwide. Privacy advocates are alarmed at the prospect of viewing habits being opened to scrutiny.
The decision follows a $1bn lawsuit brought about by Viacom (the owner of channels like MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon). Viacom alleged that YouTube encouraged people to upload significant amounts of pirated copyrighted programmes.
Yes, everyone knows: uploading copyrighted videos is illegal and steps should be taken to protect DRM. It is something many in the industry have called for time and time again. But User Generated Content (UGC) has grown exponentially and the latest devices make uploading our own content much easier.
So, could the prospect of users' details being scrutinised by large corporates put off people from signing up and using sites like YouTube? 2007 was the year that saw UGC take off, could 2008/2009 see its demise? This is a debate the industry will be following closely.
The decision follows a $1bn lawsuit brought about by Viacom (the owner of channels like MTV, VH1 and Nickelodeon). Viacom alleged that YouTube encouraged people to upload significant amounts of pirated copyrighted programmes.
Yes, everyone knows: uploading copyrighted videos is illegal and steps should be taken to protect DRM. It is something many in the industry have called for time and time again. But User Generated Content (UGC) has grown exponentially and the latest devices make uploading our own content much easier.
So, could the prospect of users' details being scrutinised by large corporates put off people from signing up and using sites like YouTube? 2007 was the year that saw UGC take off, could 2008/2009 see its demise? This is a debate the industry will be following closely.
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
It’s official: No chatting on cell phones while driving in California (but no word so far on texting or e-mail)
Today, two California laws go into effect that will affect chatty drivers all over the state: Adult drivers are required to use a hands-free device if they want to talk on their cell phones, and teenagers under 18 will not be allowed to use their cell phones at all, except when on private property or making an emergency call.
The new laws also state that drivers can be pulled over for using their cell phones without having committed a driving violation prior, such as speeding or excessive swerving.
First-time offenders receive a $20 fine, with a $50 fine for each additional offense. The penalty is already being criticized for being overly lenient; In other states with cell phone laws in effect, drivers who are caught using their handsets while driving are charged up to $124.
The Public Policy Institute of California predicts that despite the low fine, the law will save around 300 lives per year. While this law will stop some from using handsets while driving, it certainly won’t stop everyone. If anything, the CHP is going to have quite a busy future with these!
Source: San Francisco Examiner
The new laws also state that drivers can be pulled over for using their cell phones without having committed a driving violation prior, such as speeding or excessive swerving.
First-time offenders receive a $20 fine, with a $50 fine for each additional offense. The penalty is already being criticized for being overly lenient; In other states with cell phone laws in effect, drivers who are caught using their handsets while driving are charged up to $124.
The Public Policy Institute of California predicts that despite the low fine, the law will save around 300 lives per year. While this law will stop some from using handsets while driving, it certainly won’t stop everyone. If anything, the CHP is going to have quite a busy future with these!
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
.jpg){kind=link}