Digit Online
Adobe have released a beta of Photoshop CS3. It will work for 2 days without a serial number, but it is completely functional. If a valid CS2 serial number is entered it will not expire (until the beta period ends in Spring of 2007 when the full product should be available).
It's a Universal Binary so will work natively on new Macs without going through Rosetta (Apple's PowerPC/Intel translator) which means a considerable speed increase.
It comes with Aobe Bridge and Device Central (which allows repurposing content to mobiles etc).
No pricing has been announced for the real product. Beta CS3 is also available in Windows format.
The biggest reason for Mac users not to upgrade has been the lack of Universal Binary Adobe products, this will not change and it'll be a good time to look for PowerBooks and G5's on Ebay.
19 Aralık 2006 Salı
ExpressCard 5-in-1 reader
Digit Online
GriffinTechnologies have announced an ExpressCard suitable for the Apple MacBook Pro that is a 5-in-1 memory card, it supports Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and xD-Picture card formats and other formats with adapters.
It costs £19.99 in the UK.
ExpressCard is really PCIe on a PC Card format but there is a shortage of products at the moment. Mac users are looking forward to 3G data cards coming out in this format.
GriffinTechnologies have announced an ExpressCard suitable for the Apple MacBook Pro that is a 5-in-1 memory card, it supports Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro, Secure Digital (SD), MultiMediaCard (MMC) and xD-Picture card formats and other formats with adapters.
It costs £19.99 in the UK.
ExpressCard is really PCIe on a PC Card format but there is a shortage of products at the moment. Mac users are looking forward to 3G data cards coming out in this format.
Comments from Steve Kennedy - Wifi news, WiMAX news, muni WiFi and wireless broadband news in Fierce
Comments from Steve Kennedy - Wifi news, WiMAX news, muni WiFi and wireless broadband news in Fierce
FierceWiFi published some WiMAX related info in their newsletter, I commented and this was a comment to their new piece (and comments).
Thanks to Ben the editor for publishing them.
FierceWiFi published some WiMAX related info in their newsletter, I commented and this was a comment to their new piece (and comments).
Thanks to Ben the editor for publishing them.
14 Aralık 2006 Perşembe
Digit Online
Digit Online
It's been a long time coming, but the RSC (Radio Spectrum Committee) which is made up of 22 EU member states has approved UWB in Europe. There are changes from the US approved version which was approved in 2002 (though no equipment is yet on the market).
Though the RSC has approved UWB it still has to go through EU formal legislation - which is expected in Feb 2007, member states then have 6 months to locally approve it.
It is still unclear on the restrictions that will be imposed on use, however it should allow short range equipment to operate at speeds of up to 480Mb/s suiting IPTV and other high bandwidth applications. It can be thought of as a short range wires replacement service.
It's been a long time coming, but the RSC (Radio Spectrum Committee) which is made up of 22 EU member states has approved UWB in Europe. There are changes from the US approved version which was approved in 2002 (though no equipment is yet on the market).
Though the RSC has approved UWB it still has to go through EU formal legislation - which is expected in Feb 2007, member states then have 6 months to locally approve it.
It is still unclear on the restrictions that will be imposed on use, however it should allow short range equipment to operate at speeds of up to 480Mb/s suiting IPTV and other high bandwidth applications. It can be thought of as a short range wires replacement service.
Ofcom Website | 1785-1805 MHz in Ireland and Northern Ireland
Ofcom Website | 1785-1805 MHz in Ireland and Northern Ireland
This is a 20MHz unpaired band. Ofcom are publishing regulations for the band in conjunction with ComReg in Ireland.
Licensees will have to co-ordinate with GSM 1800 users who neighbour this band.
This only covers Northern Ireland and Ireland.
This is a 20MHz unpaired band. Ofcom are publishing regulations for the band in conjunction with ComReg in Ireland.
Licensees will have to co-ordinate with GSM 1800 users who neighbour this band.
This only covers Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Switching broadband provider | Ofcom
Switching broadband provider | Ofcom
From Feb 14th 2007 broadband providers will have to supply consumers with a MAC upon request and free of charge. The MAC is the Migration Authorisation Code and allows a consumer to change broadband providers with minimal loss of service.
The new rules will mean that all wholesale providers must provide MAC codes to their customers – the retail broadband providers - upon request, regardless of any dispute.
This have been problematic to date and Ofcom found that though 83% of users found it relatively easy to change providers, 17% didn't.
There has been some resistance to this, but now wholesale broadband providers will not be able to refuse supplying the MAC.
From Feb 14th 2007 broadband providers will have to supply consumers with a MAC upon request and free of charge. The MAC is the Migration Authorisation Code and allows a consumer to change broadband providers with minimal loss of service.
The new rules will mean that all wholesale providers must provide MAC codes to their customers – the retail broadband providers - upon request, regardless of any dispute.
This have been problematic to date and Ofcom found that though 83% of users found it relatively easy to change providers, 17% didn't.
There has been some resistance to this, but now wholesale broadband providers will not be able to refuse supplying the MAC.
Terms of Reference | Ofcom
Terms of Reference | Ofcom
Ofcom is conducting a review of premium rate services and whether the legislative regime should be changed, there should be more resources made available to concentrate on where consumer harm is greatest, revisions to the ICSTIS code and PRS conditions.
Ofcom will also hold a consultation next spring (2007) and then make recommendations/changes after.
Though Ofcom can tighten the regime, there are innovotive uses for PRS such as micro-payment solutions and their aim is to ensure consumers are protected while encouraging innovation.
Ofcom is conducting a review of premium rate services and whether the legislative regime should be changed, there should be more resources made available to concentrate on where consumer harm is greatest, revisions to the ICSTIS code and PRS conditions.
Ofcom will also hold a consultation next spring (2007) and then make recommendations/changes after.
Though Ofcom can tighten the regime, there are innovotive uses for PRS such as micro-payment solutions and their aim is to ensure consumers are protected while encouraging innovation.
11 Aralık 2006 Pazartesi
Digit news - EU approves sale of AOL UK
Digit news - EU approves sale of AOL UK
The EC (European Commission) has approved the sale of AOL UK to Carphone Warehouse (CPW), so the CPW should be able to leverage AOL's LLU service and provisioning systems.
CPW have been getting a lot of consumer flack for leaving lines without broadband or telephone service for weeks. If they can integrate AOLs systems they should be able to improve their customer service considerably.
They also gain IPTV and other content services from AOL.
The EC (European Commission) has approved the sale of AOL UK to Carphone Warehouse (CPW), so the CPW should be able to leverage AOL's LLU service and provisioning systems.
CPW have been getting a lot of consumer flack for leaving lines without broadband or telephone service for weeks. If they can integrate AOLs systems they should be able to improve their customer service considerably.
They also gain IPTV and other content services from AOL.
Award of available spectrum: 2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz and 2290-2300 MHz | Ofcom
Award of available spectrum: 2500-2690 MHz, 2010-2025 MHz and 2290-2300 MHz | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on various frequency bands. The consultation closes in March 2007.
These are "prime" bands as there's a lot of spectrum available and they sit in the WiMAX frequency range and would suite 802.16e (i.e. Mobile WiMAX). BT have already expressed interest.
Unfortunately these bands are designated for 3G use and the 3G operators are likely to wish to utilise the spectrum since they paid £21bn for their original allocations.
Ofcom would like to offer them on a technology neutral basis, but there are EU harmonisation issues (they are harmonised bands allocated for 3G use).
If they can be moved away from purely 3G use, competition will be fierce.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on various frequency bands. The consultation closes in March 2007.
These are "prime" bands as there's a lot of spectrum available and they sit in the WiMAX frequency range and would suite 802.16e (i.e. Mobile WiMAX). BT have already expressed interest.
Unfortunately these bands are designated for 3G use and the 3G operators are likely to wish to utilise the spectrum since they paid £21bn for their original allocations.
Ofcom would like to offer them on a technology neutral basis, but there are EU harmonisation issues (they are harmonised bands allocated for 3G use).
If they can be moved away from purely 3G use, competition will be fierce.
5 Aralık 2006 Salı
Telabria goes titsup, takes down So Broadband | The Register
Telabria goes titsup, takes down So Broadband | The Register: "OrbitalNetOrbitalNet"
Another WISP (wireless ISP) has gone down the tubes. Telabria set-up a while ago in the Canterbury area and made a big noise about WiMAX. It's unlikely they were really using WiMAX, but preWiMAX kit - and in 5.8GHz which has no interference protection.
Let's hope other (pre)WiMAX operators don't go the same way, or maybe they should and someone can start afresh buying kit in a firesale.
Another WISP (wireless ISP) has gone down the tubes. Telabria set-up a while ago in the Canterbury area and made a big noise about WiMAX. It's unlikely they were really using WiMAX, but preWiMAX kit - and in 5.8GHz which has no interference protection.
Let's hope other (pre)WiMAX operators don't go the same way, or maybe they should and someone can start afresh buying kit in a firesale.
4 Aralık 2006 Pazartesi
7 foot balloon makes its first appearance
A while back I obtained a 7 foot diameter commercial helium balloon. It sat around for a long time while I tried to get someone to make a cover for it.
It took a while, but in the last 2 weeks it materialised (thanks to the Bristol lot). It was fireproof with a nice velcro slit to allow the balloon to be inserted and removed.
On Saturday it made its first public appearance at Whirl-y-gig and all seemed well.
Unfortunately some idiots decided to sit on it and find the only non-covered bit (a small circle where the strips were sown together and where it could be tied) and put a cigarette through the nylon and puncture it. The jump also slightly tore the cover, so back to Bristol it's gone for repair.
When all is fixed and it makes a clubbing return it will have to be secured between letting loose so idiots cant touch it.
I tried filling with helium, but it eats a lot and it's not practicle unless spending lots of money.
Digit news - UK cities in spat over metro Wi-Fi claims
Digit news - UK cities in spat over metro Wi-Fi claims
Bt's launching it's wired cities, the Cloud are going nowhere fast and Cityspace are extending Bristol and Islington zones.
Much of it is hype as WiFi just doesn't scale well, it was never designed to operate that way and as networks grow bigger, they suffer more interference and performance degrades rapidly.
It's rumoured the Cloud were using lamposts with WiFi mesh systems in them, unfortunately though they got permission from the Council to use them, the electricity company didn't, so they've got all these boxes sitting there but not plugged in.
Bt's launching it's wired cities, the Cloud are going nowhere fast and Cityspace are extending Bristol and Islington zones.
Much of it is hype as WiFi just doesn't scale well, it was never designed to operate that way and as networks grow bigger, they suffer more interference and performance degrades rapidly.
It's rumoured the Cloud were using lamposts with WiFi mesh systems in them, unfortunately though they got permission from the Council to use them, the electricity company didn't, so they've got all these boxes sitting there but not plugged in.
Parallels beta works with Boot Camp partition
Parallels beta works with Boot Camp partition
Parallels, the software that supports virtual machines under Intel versions of MacOS X has launched a new beta that allows it also to work with Apple's boot camp partitions (which allows dual booting of Windows XP).
There are also lots of new features: -
* New Look and Feel and Improved Usability. Completely redesigned windows and dialogues to make them even easier and smooth. Too many changes to describe – just check them out yourselves
* Virtual Machines Catalogue. A very useful feature for those having more than one VM – now all of them are available through centralized VM catalogue which appears on each Parallels Desktop for Mac instance start in case you have more than one VM
* One-click Virtual Machine Aliases:
- Automatically created by OS installation assistant or by drag-and-drop from title bar pressing Command-Option keys combination
- Clicking on Alias automatically starts the Virtual Machine
- Shutting down the VM automatically closes Parallels Desktop for Mac application
* Resizable Main Window. Resize Parallels Desktop for Mac main window as you do with any other Mac application
* Auto-Adjusting Screen Resolution. Your Windows auto-adjusts the screen resolution to the actual Main Window size.
* Drag and Drop files and folders between Windows and Mac. A long awaited feature that lets you seamlessly drag and drop files and folders from Windows to Mac OS X and vice versa.
* Read/Write BootCamp partition. Since this build, an Apple Boot Camp partition with Windows XP installed could be used as a virtual HDD for Parallels Desktop for Mac.
* Boot from BootCamp partition. Another long awaited feature that lets you boot your 32-bit Windows XP residing on Boot Camp partition directly in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
installation.
* Parallels Transporter Beta bundled. Migrate your Windows PC, VMware or Virtual PC VMs to Parallels virtual machines. Please visit Parallels Transporter forum for details.
* Coherence. Shows Windows applications as if they were Mac ones. Try it and enjoy best of both worlds truly at the same time. No more switching between Windows to Mac OS.
* Improved graphic performance. Up to 50% on different applications.
* Connect/disconnect USB devices schema improved. No more “wait 5-10 seconds” message on USB device connecting to Parallels Desktop for Mac.
* Up to 5 Virtual NICs. Now Virtual Machine can have up to five virtual network interfaces.
* Enhanced Shared Networking Mode. Run Cisco VPN and many other complicated networking applications in conjunction with Connection Sharing Mode.
* Switch between networking modes on-the-fly. Switch networking modes while the virtual machine is running.
* Transparent mapping of Command-AZXCV key combinations. Now you can also use Mac copy/paste key combinations in Windows.
* Power On/Power Off/Suspend/Resume/Pause animation. Just try and see. :) We’re very interested in your feedback about the feature.
* Shared folders configuration on-the-fly. Add/remove/configure shared folders on-the-fly via menu or Status Bar icon without the need to stop your Virtual Machine.
* Drag and Drop CD/FDD images and folders to the Parallels Desktop statusbar. Just drag and drop CD or floppy image you want to connect or Mac folder you want to share onto a respective statusbar icon.
People who use Parallels, swear by it. It has a very good reputation. It seems a big use is people running Outlook on XP in Parallels and Office for Mac for all the other MS applications.
Parallels, the software that supports virtual machines under Intel versions of MacOS X has launched a new beta that allows it also to work with Apple's boot camp partitions (which allows dual booting of Windows XP).
There are also lots of new features: -
* New Look and Feel and Improved Usability. Completely redesigned windows and dialogues to make them even easier and smooth. Too many changes to describe – just check them out yourselves
* Virtual Machines Catalogue. A very useful feature for those having more than one VM – now all of them are available through centralized VM catalogue which appears on each Parallels Desktop for Mac instance start in case you have more than one VM
* One-click Virtual Machine Aliases:
- Automatically created by OS installation assistant or by drag-and-drop from title bar pressing Command-Option keys combination
- Clicking on Alias automatically starts the Virtual Machine
- Shutting down the VM automatically closes Parallels Desktop for Mac application
* Resizable Main Window. Resize Parallels Desktop for Mac main window as you do with any other Mac application
* Auto-Adjusting Screen Resolution. Your Windows auto-adjusts the screen resolution to the actual Main Window size.
* Drag and Drop files and folders between Windows and Mac. A long awaited feature that lets you seamlessly drag and drop files and folders from Windows to Mac OS X and vice versa.
* Read/Write BootCamp partition. Since this build, an Apple Boot Camp partition with Windows XP installed could be used as a virtual HDD for Parallels Desktop for Mac.
* Boot from BootCamp partition. Another long awaited feature that lets you boot your 32-bit Windows XP residing on Boot Camp partition directly in Parallels Desktop for Mac.
installation.
* Parallels Transporter Beta bundled. Migrate your Windows PC, VMware or Virtual PC VMs to Parallels virtual machines. Please visit Parallels Transporter forum for details.
* Coherence. Shows Windows applications as if they were Mac ones. Try it and enjoy best of both worlds truly at the same time. No more switching between Windows to Mac OS.
* Improved graphic performance. Up to 50% on different applications.
* Connect/disconnect USB devices schema improved. No more “wait 5-10 seconds” message on USB device connecting to Parallels Desktop for Mac.
* Up to 5 Virtual NICs. Now Virtual Machine can have up to five virtual network interfaces.
* Enhanced Shared Networking Mode. Run Cisco VPN and many other complicated networking applications in conjunction with Connection Sharing Mode.
* Switch between networking modes on-the-fly. Switch networking modes while the virtual machine is running.
* Transparent mapping of Command-AZXCV key combinations. Now you can also use Mac copy/paste key combinations in Windows.
* Power On/Power Off/Suspend/Resume/Pause animation. Just try and see. :) We’re very interested in your feedback about the feature.
* Shared folders configuration on-the-fly. Add/remove/configure shared folders on-the-fly via menu or Status Bar icon without the need to stop your Virtual Machine.
* Drag and Drop CD/FDD images and folders to the Parallels Desktop statusbar. Just drag and drop CD or floppy image you want to connect or Mac folder you want to share onto a respective statusbar icon.
People who use Parallels, swear by it. It has a very good reputation. It seems a big use is people running Outlook on XP in Parallels and Office for Mac for all the other MS applications.
Digit news - Sun enhances mobile delivery platform
Digit news - Sun enhances mobile delivery platform
Sun is poised to announce it's Sun Java System Content Delivery Server (CDS) at the International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World show in Hong Kong today.
It's a platform providing a common infrastructure for delivering all types of content, including Java applications, games, ringtones and wallpaper. It also lets operators create storefronts, viral marketing tools and payment systems.
This should allow operators and carriers to quickly develop applications etc and maybe provice new revenue streams for the 3G markets - which could help carriers pay for their 3G licenses.
The European Commission has today told Ofcom that mobile termination rates should not be set high to pay off the huge fees paid for licenses in the UK 3G auction.
Sun are also announcing various partnership deals with carriers etc.
Sun is poised to announce it's Sun Java System Content Delivery Server (CDS) at the International Telecommunication Union's Telecom World show in Hong Kong today.
It's a platform providing a common infrastructure for delivering all types of content, including Java applications, games, ringtones and wallpaper. It also lets operators create storefronts, viral marketing tools and payment systems.
This should allow operators and carriers to quickly develop applications etc and maybe provice new revenue streams for the 3G markets - which could help carriers pay for their 3G licenses.
The European Commission has today told Ofcom that mobile termination rates should not be set high to pay off the huge fees paid for licenses in the UK 3G auction.
Sun are also announcing various partnership deals with carriers etc.
Ofcom advertises DAB national radio multiplex licence | Ofcom
Ofcom advertises DAB national radio multiplex licence | Ofcom
Last week Ofcom started the process for a new UK wide (and Isle of Mann) DAB multiplex.
Consideration will need to be given to interference in coastal areas and Northern Ireland. Countries that may be affected are France, Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
Initially, some coastal areas in southern and south-eastern England, as well as parts of Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and parts of west Wales will not be able to receive this multiplex.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3.00 p.m. on 28 March 2007. A non-refundable fee of £50,000 will be payable for each application submitted.
So any budding radio operators - ged bidding for a new license.
Last week Ofcom started the process for a new UK wide (and Isle of Mann) DAB multiplex.
Consideration will need to be given to interference in coastal areas and Northern Ireland. Countries that may be affected are France, Netherlands and the Republic of Ireland.
Initially, some coastal areas in southern and south-eastern England, as well as parts of Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and parts of west Wales will not be able to receive this multiplex.
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3.00 p.m. on 28 March 2007. A non-refundable fee of £50,000 will be payable for each application submitted.
So any budding radio operators - ged bidding for a new license.
Ofcom Licensing Centre services | Ofcom
Ofcom Licensing Centre services | Ofcom
Last week Ofcom launched an on-line licensing service for amateur radio and ship's licenses (these are lifetime licenses).
Users will have to register first, then they can access the on-line service.
This is in-line with the recent announcements of legalising low power FM transmitters etc.
Last week Ofcom launched an on-line licensing service for amateur radio and ship's licenses (these are lifetime licenses).
Users will have to register first, then they can access the on-line service.
This is in-line with the recent announcements of legalising low power FM transmitters etc.