Technology

How Google Integrates Services

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“Android Market” really wasn’t the best name for the media hub that, well, the Android Market became.  Plus Google needs a more integrated, non-exclusive approach to media, so meet . . .

Google Play.

It’s a hub approach for media, just like, well, everyone.  Smart branding move though, and it shows just how serious Google is about the competition.  My only concern is Google may be overdoing the new stuff and there could be some exhaustion/confusion.

– Steven Savage

Lamar Smith Is Back To “Protect The Children”

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Lamar Smith, who gave us the disaster known as SOPA is now back with a supposed “protect the children/stop child porn bill” that really involves ISPs keeping your information and making it available without warrant. Now it’s only in the House, with no Senate version in sight.

TAKEAWAYS:

  • Lamar Smith apparently has decided to be the enemy of internet freedom and privacy in the House, so those of us working in IT who also like not being treated like criminals should keep an eye on him. Come to think of it when he leaves the House (I figure due to a scandal) we should ALSO keep an eye on him. Oh, and he’s a jerk.
  • Considering Smith introduced it, my guess is this bill could be a back-door to SOPA like shenanigans. If IPSs had to keep this information, it would be a lot easier to add SOPA-like abuses.
  • Technically a bill like this is a disaster as well, but note it’s not as much an “internet breaker” as SOPA. I’m suspecting this could be part of SOPA-returns-in-pieces.
  • The bill won’t come up until later this year, so it has a chance to die off – or be killed.
  • No, it’s apparent members of Congress don’t get the internet. *We* have to remind them.
  • I’m pretty sure Lamar Smith hates you.

– Steven Savage

A Look At Windows 8?

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Engadget has it’s impressions of Windows 8 consumer. What I picked up:

  • The interface with XBox is limited, but pretty good. This makes the future of Windows/Microsoft pretty clear – full integration.
  • The System definitely shows it’s trying to have it all ways – it’s not a “complete re-invention” but, as Windows has so often been, a new system with a way of running old stuff.
  • Most of it sounds actually quite promising, except for some control foofaraw.

Microsoft is betting a lot on this because they need to move with the times and compete with a slicker, more tablet-oriented world that’s not as tolerant of idiosyncrasies of technology.

My Takeaways:

  • So, definitely imperfect, but also showing Microsoft put some thought into this (hell, in some cases too much thought), and is dedicated to moving this way in the future. Yes, that means you’ll probably have to put up with it.
  • Developers are going to need to keep on top of this of course, which roughly sums up as “Start Learning Metro.”
  • XBox developers also need to pay attention because the interface, which seems simple now, has a lot of promise. To whet your appetite, look at the Wii U controller. Now imagine a tablet connected to the Xbox . . .
  • For those of us working in IT, it’s another system to keep track of. Me, I’d like to see more on the security myself . . .
  • As this gets closer to market, watch to see what’s done with Apple and Android. Apple and the Android quarter know this is coming – we may have some surprises from their goody bag as it gets closer as a way to head off any Windows enthusiasm (which are words I so rarely put together anymore)

– Steven Savage