Ofcom completes investigation into BSkyB’s shareholding in ITV plc | Ofcom
Ofcom has completed it's investigation into Sky's purchase of 17.9% of ITV plc and has warranted that there are public interest issues (in relation to sufficient plurality of news provision for both cross media and television news in the UK).
This has now been passed back to the Secretary of State who will now consider whether to take it to the Competition Commission. That decision will be announced by 26 May 2007.
Sky are doing their best thwarte Virgin Media, who were trying to buy ITV. Soon after Sky also pulled their basic channels from Virgin too.
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30 Nisan 2007 Pazartesi
25 Nisan 2007 Çarşamba
Apple Reports Second Quarter Results
Apple have posted their 2nd quarter results for the fiscal year 2007.
Earnings Grow 88 Percent Year-over-Year
The Company posted revenue of $5.26 billion and net quarterly profit of $770 million, or $.87 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $4.36 billion and net quarterly profit of $410 million, or $.47 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 35.1 percent, up from 29.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 43 percent of the quarter�s revenue.
Apple shipped 1,517,000 Macs and 10,549,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 36% growth in Macs and 24% growth in iPods over the year-ago quarter.
"The Mac is clearly gaining market share, with sales growing 36% more than three times the industry growth rate" said Steve Jobs "We're very excited about the upcoming launch of iPhone in late June, and are also hard at work on some other amazing new products in our pipeline."
Peter Oppenheimer, Apple CFO said it was "the most profitable March quarter in Apple's history".
Though Apple are growing, they still only account for a low percentage of the total number of PC's sold.
Earnings Grow 88 Percent Year-over-Year
The Company posted revenue of $5.26 billion and net quarterly profit of $770 million, or $.87 per diluted share. These results compare to revenue of $4.36 billion and net quarterly profit of $410 million, or $.47 per diluted share, in the year-ago quarter. Gross margin was 35.1 percent, up from 29.8 percent in the year-ago quarter. International sales accounted for 43 percent of the quarter�s revenue.
Apple shipped 1,517,000 Macs and 10,549,000 iPods during the quarter, representing 36% growth in Macs and 24% growth in iPods over the year-ago quarter.
"The Mac is clearly gaining market share, with sales growing 36% more than three times the industry growth rate" said Steve Jobs "We're very excited about the upcoming launch of iPhone in late June, and are also hard at work on some other amazing new products in our pipeline."
Peter Oppenheimer, Apple CFO said it was "the most profitable March quarter in Apple's history".
Though Apple are growing, they still only account for a low percentage of the total number of PC's sold.
New version of Asterisk released
Following security announcements a new version of Asterisk has been released (both for the 1.2 and 1.4 branches). New versions of Zaptel are also available.
Asterisk is an open source PBX which has an incredible wealth of functionality, however it's not for the feint hearted.
Asterisk is an open source PBX which has an incredible wealth of functionality, however it's not for the feint hearted.
XNA Game Studio Express Update - Xbox
XNA Game Studio Express Update - Xbox
Microsoft have updated their XNA Game Studio Express which allows developers a cost effective entry to developing Xbox360 games.
The refresh contains a packager allowing which can create both Xbox360 and PC games (only packing the game, not the source).
It also allows: -
* Official XNA Game Studio Express compatibility with Windows Vista
* Support for 3D audio using XACT
* Support for fonts in the XNA Framework
* Various other product enhancements and performance tuning
In order to share games, users must sign up to the XNA Creators Club which is available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 (U.S.) for 4 month sub, or $99 (U.S.) for 12 months.
By allowing smaller players (including home users) to develop games, there could be some interesting projects which could become a reality.
Microsoft have updated their XNA Game Studio Express which allows developers a cost effective entry to developing Xbox360 games.
The refresh contains a packager allowing which can create both Xbox360 and PC games (only packing the game, not the source).
It also allows: -
* Official XNA Game Studio Express compatibility with Windows Vista
* Support for 3D audio using XACT
* Support for fonts in the XNA Framework
* Various other product enhancements and performance tuning
In order to share games, users must sign up to the XNA Creators Club which is available via Xbox LIVE Marketplace for $49 (U.S.) for 4 month sub, or $99 (U.S.) for 12 months.
By allowing smaller players (including home users) to develop games, there could be some interesting projects which could become a reality.
24 Nisan 2007 Salı
Top Wireless Companies, FierceWireless - Fierce15, 2007 - FierceWireless
Top Wireless Companies, FierceWireless - Fierce15, 2007 - FierceWireless:
Firce Wireless have announced the 15 companies that are going to make the biggest difference to the wireless market. US market of course ...
Ecrio
Gogomo
Integrated Mobile
Interop Technologies
iSkoot
JumpTap
Metrico Wireless
Millennial Media
Neonode
Obopay
Omnilink Systems
SNAPin
Sonopia
TeleNav
Tensorcomm
Firce Wireless have announced the 15 companies that are going to make the biggest difference to the wireless market. US market of course ...
Ecrio
Gogomo
Integrated Mobile
Interop Technologies
iSkoot
JumpTap
Metrico Wireless
Millennial Media
Neonode
Obopay
Omnilink Systems
SNAPin
Sonopia
TeleNav
Tensorcomm
Research In Motion
Research In Motion
RIM the makers of the Blackberry have announced there'll be a software version for Windows Mobile 6.0, though no specifics about which devices it will support.
RIM are unlikely to sell the product directly, but allow carriers to bundle it with Smartphones.
WM6 already supports Microsoft's push Email over ActiveSync from an Exchange server, but this will allow WM6 users to integrate directly into a familiar Blackbery environment.
It's also cheaper for RIM who don't have to continually develop new handsets.
RIM the makers of the Blackberry have announced there'll be a software version for Windows Mobile 6.0, though no specifics about which devices it will support.
RIM are unlikely to sell the product directly, but allow carriers to bundle it with Smartphones.
WM6 already supports Microsoft's push Email over ActiveSync from an Exchange server, but this will allow WM6 users to integrate directly into a familiar Blackbery environment.
It's also cheaper for RIM who don't have to continually develop new handsets.
Funny or Die
Funny or Die
Will Farrell (US comedian) has set this site up with backing from Sequoia ventures (who invested in YouTube).
Though Farrell and friends will contribute content, it's also user contributed and more importantly rated.
Any video that gets below a 1 rating goes into "The Crypt" and then can only be resurrected when 1,000 or more people request it - which should mean bad stuff gets relegated quickly and they save on huge storage costs.
Whether it can actually compete with YouTube is yet to be seen, though Farrell's "Landlord" video has been view 3m times already.
Will Farrell (US comedian) has set this site up with backing from Sequoia ventures (who invested in YouTube).
Though Farrell and friends will contribute content, it's also user contributed and more importantly rated.
Any video that gets below a 1 rating goes into "The Crypt" and then can only be resurrected when 1,000 or more people request it - which should mean bad stuff gets relegated quickly and they save on huge storage costs.
Whether it can actually compete with YouTube is yet to be seen, though Farrell's "Landlord" video has been view 3m times already.
23 Nisan 2007 Pazartesi
Free Wi-Fi software nixes need for routers - Network World
Free Wi-Fi software nixes need for routers - Network World
The Technion Institute in Isreal has developed Wipeer software that links PCs using WiFi.
The software is available as a free download and connects indoors up to 300ft and 900ft outdoors.
Technion are also looking at adding cellular support in for even more connectivity options.
The Technion Institute in Isreal has developed Wipeer software that links PCs using WiFi.
The software is available as a free download and connects indoors up to 300ft and 900ft outdoors.
Technion are also looking at adding cellular support in for even more connectivity options.
19 Nisan 2007 Perşembe
Illegal Broadcasting | Ofcom
Illegal Broadcasting | Ofcom
Ofcom has published a report into illegal broadcasting in the UK (i.e. pirate radio stations).
Though Ofcom have to fight illegal broadcasting, they do have some interesting reports of activities in London specifically and have independently interviewed both listeners and broadcasters - who feel there is a need for pirate stations.
The annex of this report makes interesting reading - it shows that Ofcom's general readership don't understand modern terms at all :)
Ofcom has published a report into illegal broadcasting in the UK (i.e. pirate radio stations).
Though Ofcom have to fight illegal broadcasting, they do have some interesting reports of activities in London specifically and have independently interviewed both listeners and broadcasters - who feel there is a need for pirate stations.
The annex of this report makes interesting reading - it shows that Ofcom's general readership don't understand modern terms at all :)
16 Nisan 2007 Pazartesi
Apple - Final Cut Studio 2
Apple - Final Cut Studio 2
Apple announced the new Final Cut Studio 2 at NAB in Las Vegas.
It comes with Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Color, Compressor 3 and DVD Studio Pro 4.
These allow timeline editing of video (and audio). Motion produces impressive 3D motion graphics. Compressor supports many video formats which can be controlled by the click of a button and DVD Studio supports the production of SD and HD DVDs.
Apple have also released Final Cut Server which is a (templated) media asset system.
Apple announced the new Final Cut Studio 2 at NAB in Las Vegas.
It comes with Final Cut Pro 6, Motion 3, Soundtrack Pro 2, Color, Compressor 3 and DVD Studio Pro 4.
These allow timeline editing of video (and audio). Motion produces impressive 3D motion graphics. Compressor supports many video formats which can be controlled by the click of a button and DVD Studio supports the production of SD and HD DVDs.
Apple have also released Final Cut Server which is a (templated) media asset system.
13 Nisan 2007 Cuma
Backgrounder on Local Loop Unbundling in the UK at Digital-Lifestyles (alpha remix)
Backgrounder on Local Loop Unbundling in the UK at Digital-Lifestyles (alpha remix)
My article on LLU in the UK and the (un)economics of it all...
Enjoy the read.
My article on LLU in the UK and the (un)economics of it all...
Enjoy the read.
12 Nisan 2007 Perşembe
Licence-Exemption Framework Review (LEFR) | Ofcom
Licence-Exemption Framework Review (LEFR) | Ofcom
Ofcom is holding a consultation on how they should approach License Exempt spectrum.
There are many issues: -
a) Should spectrum be reserved for exclusive licence-exempt use by a single wireless application (i.e. application-specific spectrum)? Or should multiple applications be allowed to share the spectrum (i.e. spectrum commons)?
b) What type of rules, if any, should be used to manage licence-exempt use of spectrum (e.g. rules of entry and operation within a spectrum commons)?
c) What is the relationship between light-licensing and licence-exemption? What are the circumstances under which one regime is preferable over the other?
d) Is there a frequency limit above which all spectrum use can be made exempt from licensing? If so, what is the value of this limit?
e) Is there a transmission power limit below which all emissions can be made exempt from licensing? If so, what is the value of this limit and how should it vary as a function of frequency?
f) What should our international stance towards licence-exemption be?
g) Should there be any degree of protection towards licence-exempt users of spectrum beyond our current legal obligations?
Ofcom also consider the commercial value of the spectrum and whether it would be better (more effectively) used in a license exempt or licensed manner.
The consultation closes on 21 June 2007.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on how they should approach License Exempt spectrum.
There are many issues: -
a) Should spectrum be reserved for exclusive licence-exempt use by a single wireless application (i.e. application-specific spectrum)? Or should multiple applications be allowed to share the spectrum (i.e. spectrum commons)?
b) What type of rules, if any, should be used to manage licence-exempt use of spectrum (e.g. rules of entry and operation within a spectrum commons)?
c) What is the relationship between light-licensing and licence-exemption? What are the circumstances under which one regime is preferable over the other?
d) Is there a frequency limit above which all spectrum use can be made exempt from licensing? If so, what is the value of this limit?
e) Is there a transmission power limit below which all emissions can be made exempt from licensing? If so, what is the value of this limit and how should it vary as a function of frequency?
f) What should our international stance towards licence-exemption be?
g) Should there be any degree of protection towards licence-exempt users of spectrum beyond our current legal obligations?
Ofcom also consider the commercial value of the spectrum and whether it would be better (more effectively) used in a license exempt or licensed manner.
The consultation closes on 21 June 2007.
Ofcom announced companies allowed to bid
Barablu Mobile Holding Limited and Personal Broadband UK Limited are eligable to bid for the 1785 - 1805 MHz Northern Ireland spectrum award.
5 Nisan 2007 Perşembe
Apple launches quad core MacPros
Apple have released new MacPro desktop machines with quad core CPUs allowing up to 8 cores per machines.
They cost about £4,000 but they are bound to attract interest from the high end creatives.
Since Adobe have now launched CS3 (in various flavours) with native Mac/Intel support, the new machines will make a match in heaven for people using Photoshop and other applications that have a high pixel count etc.
Please find me one.
They cost about £4,000 but they are bound to attract interest from the high end creatives.
Since Adobe have now launched CS3 (in various flavours) with native Mac/Intel support, the new machines will make a match in heaven for people using Photoshop and other applications that have a high pixel count etc.
Please find me one.
Joost is very cool
Joost have launched their service in beta, these are the guys that set-up Kazaa and then Skype. It's an IPTV system that uses P2P. There's a description of how it all works on the UKNOF site (Manchester/UKNOF7).
It's currently in beta and works on invites where every now and again beta users get to invite other users.
Quality is actually pretty good though navigation is a bid odd and needs getting used to.
It's going to be big.
It's currently in beta and works on invites where every now and again beta users get to invite other users.
Quality is actually pretty good though navigation is a bid odd and needs getting used to.
It's going to be big.
2 Nisan 2007 Pazartesi
EMI to offer DRM free music through iTunes
EMI has ditched DRM for music sold through the iTunes store.
New music will be encoded at 256Kb/s (compared to current DRM encoded tracks at 128Kb/s), each track will cost 99p (compared to 79p for DRM encoded).
Users can automagically upgrade all their DRM tracks to non-DRM'ed tracks for 20p per track.
Future video content from EMI will not be DRM'ed and there will be no increase in price.
This is a major change for a big music label and hopefully is the way of things to come.
New music will be encoded at 256Kb/s (compared to current DRM encoded tracks at 128Kb/s), each track will cost 99p (compared to 79p for DRM encoded).
Users can automagically upgrade all their DRM tracks to non-DRM'ed tracks for 20p per track.
Future video content from EMI will not be DRM'ed and there will be no increase in price.
This is a major change for a big music label and hopefully is the way of things to come.