Bits: Economics of Scale in Microsoft-Yahoo
Microsoft’s chief says scale is more important in Internet search than in “any other technology business I know.” What’s driving the need to get big?.
Archive for July, 2009
Wal-Mart Contests Use of Name by Canadian Union
The world’s largest retailer asked a court in Quebec to stop a union Web site from using the company’s name.
F.C.C. Looking Into Rejection of Google App for iPhone
The Federal Communications Commission is examining a recent decision by Apple to reject a program that Google had developed for the iPhone.
Court Orders Reduced Term for Ex-Qwest Chief
A court ordered a shorter sentence for Joseph Nacchio, saying his six-year term for insider trading was too long.
Windows 7 RTM reviewed
I’ve spent much of the past six months using Windows 7, tracking its development from beta to release-to-manufacturing. There’s a lot to like, some dislikes, and overall it’s a step in the right direction.
Twitter use turned into graphic art
David McCandless has taken a comprehensive analysis of twitter usage and made it pretty.
His graphic reveals that it is a small minority producing the majority of tweets, while half of Twitter account holders only contribute sporadically.
Student Must Pay $675,000 in Downloading Case
A Boston University student has been ordered to pay $675,000 to four record labels for illegally downloading and sharing music.
Treat robots like this and they’re bound to turn against us
Photographing robot firefighters earlier this week, I couldn’t help wishing that at least one of them was more humanoid. Robots that look like people are so much more interesting than those that look like quad bikes or vacuum cleaners. Even so, it was hard not to foist human qualities onto the three robots as they worked together to damp down a fire, especially when one seemed to hold open a van door for another to pour in water. That moment of co-operation seemed oddly human (and of course it was, originating in the mind of the human controller).
With that in mind, I challenge you to watch the video after the jump without feeling a sense of injustice when the woman gives the robot an unprovoked shove.
iPhone Apps: What Makes Apple Say No?
Recent app rejections, including Google Voice, have developers—and the FCC—asking Apple to clarify its criteria
Court orders shorter sentence for ex-Qwest chief
Denver appeals court says stock gains had been overstated for Joseph Nacchio, who is currently serving a six-year prison term for insider trading.