Tech Talk : eReaders, Gorilla Glass, And An Attack From The Sun

The Library of Congress announced several exemptions to the prohibition on circumvention of DRM including ability to show clips of DVDs, video games, jail-breaking a cell phone, hack your eReader to allow audio for eBooks and hack software that is dongle* dependent. Note: the video exception is exclusive to the DVD format; therefore, it is still illegal to rip Blu-ray DVD without a license. (http://www.copyright.gov/1201/)

The Connecticut Attorney General will be investigating both Amazon and Apple over anti-competitive eBook price practices . It seems that neither Amazon nor Apple allow publishers to set their prices of eBooks and are creating monopoly via manipulation of price. The Attorney General’s press release says, “Both Amazon and Apple have reached agreements with the largest e-book publishers that ensure both will receive the best prices for e-books over any competitors — contract provisions known as “most favored nation” (MFN) clauses”. This will not make buying eBooks cheaper or more expensive, but it will allow purchasing power to affect pricing of eBooks. (http://tinyurl.com/3xt6fto)

Speaking of ebooks: Amazon, in reaction to the Nook, cut their their entry level Kindle down to $139 for a WiFi-only version and $189 3G model.  Available August 27th (http://tinyurl.com/AKindle-139).  Amazon Kindle do not allow users to get free eBooks through your public library. (http://tinyurl.com/TechTalkeReader)

Corning, yes the plate people, are pitching “Gorilla Glass” for use as TV cover glass. Originally invented in 1962 it has been used in smartphones and handheld devices to protect against drop damage and scratches. “Gorilla Glass” is already installed on phones and other media devices. This is a “light bulb” moment for Corning that should have come years ago.  Better late than never, especially since all the latest console gaming will include flying remotes or flaying arms.  (http://www.corning.com/gorillaglass/index.aspx)

The FBI got in contact with Wikipedia’s San Francisco office to inform them they were violating the law in regards to ‘unauthorized production’ of their seal in Wikipedia’s FBI entry. The FBI quoted the law as saying, ‘Whoever possesses any insignia… or any colorable imitation thereof… shall be fined… or imprisoned… or both.’ Wikipedia refused to take the image down and stated that the FBI was misquoting the law. The FBI claims that this production of this image is ‘particularly problematic, because it facilitates both deliberate and unwitting violations of restrictions by Wikipedia users.’ Wikipedia’s lawyer contacted the FBI and responded, ‘We are compelled as a matter of law and principle to deny your demand for removal of the FBI Seal from Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons,’ adding that the firm was ‘prepared to argue our view in court.’ The FBI seal, like any other seal of US Departments, are paid for by you (the taxpayer).  (http://tinyurl.com/26pmcbs)

Have a Microsoft Windows computer?  Microsoft released a fix on Monday for a critical Windows vulnerability that was being exploited by a fast-spreading virus and other malware. Update your computer please. (http://tinyurl.com/3422bqq)

If you had problems accessing your cell phone or other devices this week, it’s the sun’s fault. The sun had an explosion, called a coronal mass ejection, which was aimed directly towards Earth, which then sent a “solar tsunami” racing 93 million miles across space. The good: It is likely to spark spectacular displays of the aurora or northern and southern lights.   The bad: Experts said the wave of supercharged gas will affect the natural magnetic shield protecting Earth. The ugly: Scientists have warned that a really big solar eruption could destroy satellites and wreck power and communications grids around the globe. (http://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov)

Microsoft wants to get back into the tablet computer game. Microsoft killed the Courier tablet project May this year and now regret that decision due to the success of the iPad.  Tablet computers have been around for years without any real consumers, but the main difference between Apple and Microsoft is evident in their tablets.  Apple uses a operating system (OS) based on apps while Microsoft just trims down the Windows OS.  Tablets have to be simplified and they have to be fast.  Microsoft users, no matter the device, access apps via “start menu”.  It will be interesting if Microsoft learns from Apple users and make their tablet so easy a 99-year old can use it. (http://tinyurl.com/3777m8a)

Blackberry has also thrown their hat into the tablet ring.  The device, according to patent and domain registration, is to be dubbed the “Blackpad”. (http://tinyurl.com/2fh6jrk)

Facebook launched a questions feature exclusive to Facebook users. At this time, this feature will not be available in any search engine. (http://tinyurl.com/2fl527u)

Hulu Plus is now available to users on computers, iPad, iPhone, iTouch, Samsung apps enable TVs, Samsung apps enable Blu-ray players and Sony PlaySatation 3. I have inquired to Hulu concerning other devices and they have responded, “We have plans to bring Hulu Plus to as many devices as possible, starting with Sony Bravia and Vizio TVs in the near future, and the XBox in 2011. That said, we are continually evaluating new technologies, and will be adding more devices based on user demand.” (http://www.hulu.com/plus) Speaking of  . . . Hulu and Cable TV coming to Roku (read more . . .)

Finally! ICANN, the organization that oversees the administration of the Internet’s domain name system, has approved the hotly-debated .xxx top level domain for adult
sites.  The current internet filters fail to protect users from adult content because the filter isn’t about domain names but certain words.  For example; the internet filter denies users access to website discussion or information about breast cancer because the site contains the word “breast”. If all adult sits utilize .xxx a simple “do not allow .xxx” will keep my browser accidentally going to whitehouse.xxx and not whitehouse.com.  Clarification: whitehouse.com = porn. whitehouse.gov = US White House. (http://tinyurl.com/29h3pms)

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