It's just been announced that O2 has won the contract to sell Apples iPhone in the UK. The phones will be sold in the stores from 9th November (in O2, Carphone Warehouse and Apple retailers) and will cost £269 plus an 18 month contract from £35 to £55 per month.
In terms of accessing the web, all users will be able to use the 7500 wi-fi hotspots however the iPhone isn't able to use high-speed 3G networks. As an alternative, it uses 'Edge', which works on the existing O2 network however is noticeably slower than 3G.
However, I doubt that this will rock sales of the iPhone as even with the teething troubles experienced by early adopters in the US, revenues were still huge. But if users are thinking about using their phones to surf the web, they'll be getting a slow service.
Should this stop anyone from wanting one though? The answer has to be....no :-)
Tuesday, 18 September 2007
Thursday, 16 August 2007
Facebook and CityWare - Going Blue
Just over the bridge in Bath, a team of researchers have been combining Facebook and communication technology to track 'real life' encounters . Users register with Cityware (a Facebook tool) which tracks and links users in the real world via Bluetooth - in short, it lets users find out if any of the people they bump into regularly is a Cityware user and has a profile of Facebook.
To get it to work, you need a Facebook account, a Bluetooth device and the Cityware application (at present, the system only works in a number of cities in the UK (where Cityware has setup their nodes/infrastructure)). The users must have a Facebook account, install the Cityware application and register the Bluetooth ID of their mobile phone or laptop with the software. These Cityware nodes are computers which constantly scan for Bluetooth-enabled devices in a given area, and send that information back to servers (which compare the IDs of the gadgets with any enabled Facebook profiles).
When you go back to your Facebook account, you can then see a list of all the devices you were near and the link to profiles of people who have tagged themselves on Cityware. Outside of the Web2.0 site, connecting with users in the 'real' world, the project has another aim - to see how cities operate, what the links are with the movement of people and how as a result, how viruses (both digital and biological) spread in the urban environment.
However, before this research is completed, the researchers are looking for a way for users mobile phones to alert each other when they near another Facebook user who shares common interests or common friends. Nice :-)
To get it to work, you need a Facebook account, a Bluetooth device and the Cityware application (at present, the system only works in a number of cities in the UK (where Cityware has setup their nodes/infrastructure)). The users must have a Facebook account, install the Cityware application and register the Bluetooth ID of their mobile phone or laptop with the software. These Cityware nodes are computers which constantly scan for Bluetooth-enabled devices in a given area, and send that information back to servers (which compare the IDs of the gadgets with any enabled Facebook profiles).
When you go back to your Facebook account, you can then see a list of all the devices you were near and the link to profiles of people who have tagged themselves on Cityware. Outside of the Web2.0 site, connecting with users in the 'real' world, the project has another aim - to see how cities operate, what the links are with the movement of people and how as a result, how viruses (both digital and biological) spread in the urban environment.
However, before this research is completed, the researchers are looking for a way for users mobile phones to alert each other when they near another Facebook user who shares common interests or common friends. Nice :-)
Monday, 13 August 2007
Firefox not converting 75% of users
An interesting piece of news on the FireFox wiki - "Currently, approximately 50% of the people who download FireFox actually try it and about 50% of those people continue to use it actively." Which means that 75% of those of us who download it don't become active users.
In a related note (as reported over at the Guardian) it looks like Steve Jobs of Apple is hinting at taking on FireFox with the aim of leaving Safari and Internet Explorer the only major players left standing (though the credibility of Apple's Safari browser has been severely dented by the host of problems present in it's initial beta release for Windows).
So, the browser wars are hotting up again and, for me, that can only be a good thing as rival developers seek to take control of the browser it pushes innovation and features which benefit us all.
In a related note (as reported over at the Guardian) it looks like Steve Jobs of Apple is hinting at taking on FireFox with the aim of leaving Safari and Internet Explorer the only major players left standing (though the credibility of Apple's Safari browser has been severely dented by the host of problems present in it's initial beta release for Windows).
So, the browser wars are hotting up again and, for me, that can only be a good thing as rival developers seek to take control of the browser it pushes innovation and features which benefit us all.
Monday, 6 August 2007
Pulic Wi-Fi even less secure that previously thought
Are you sat in a coffee shop sipping a skinny latte and browsing the web right now? If you are then you might need to be a bit more careful about how you use the the web when you're out and about.
According to this article from The Register it looks like public wi-fi is even less secure than already thought and you're particularly vulnerable to attack if you use services such as G-mail or Yahoo mail and anything else that uses a session cookie.
It's not all bad news and you can protect yourself by using permanent encryption while using these types of online services and if you're serious about protecting your net connection when you're out & about check out the Defcon Survival Guide to find out what you can do to stay secure.
According to this article from The Register it looks like public wi-fi is even less secure than already thought and you're particularly vulnerable to attack if you use services such as G-mail or Yahoo mail and anything else that uses a session cookie.
It's not all bad news and you can protect yourself by using permanent encryption while using these types of online services and if you're serious about protecting your net connection when you're out & about check out the Defcon Survival Guide to find out what you can do to stay secure.
Go-fast stripes
According to Which? magazine it seems that many of are not getting the broadband speeds that we signed up for.
In one of the test carried out Which? found that broadband packages that promised speeds of 8Mbps were actually only achieving and average of 2.7Mbps on tests of 300 customers net connections.
With ever increasing competition over broadband costs it's worth knowing how much bandwidth you're really getting and who you should switch to if you're not.
To test your broadband connection click here to do the Broadband Speed Test and if you're thinking of switching suppliers then try out the broadband supplier comparison over at Think-Broadband.
In one of the test carried out Which? found that broadband packages that promised speeds of 8Mbps were actually only achieving and average of 2.7Mbps on tests of 300 customers net connections.
With ever increasing competition over broadband costs it's worth knowing how much bandwidth you're really getting and who you should switch to if you're not.
To test your broadband connection click here to do the Broadband Speed Test and if you're thinking of switching suppliers then try out the broadband supplier comparison over at Think-Broadband.
Monday, 30 July 2007
Goldrush 2.0
As social media explodes and we all use the web to do lots of different things so there's a second explosion in dot com mania. This time round things look a little more encouraging with folks like Last.fm being snapped up by CBS from across the Atlantic.
Refreshingly, there also seems to be a number of UK ventures that are reaping the rewards from the uptake of web 2.0(try www.moo.com to print your own business cards from pics on your flickr account - it's cheap too!).
Moo's not the only dot com success over here and there is a list of top ten UK dot-commers worth watching over at the Guardian Media section today.
Refreshingly, there also seems to be a number of UK ventures that are reaping the rewards from the uptake of web 2.0(try www.moo.com to print your own business cards from pics on your flickr account - it's cheap too!).
Moo's not the only dot com success over here and there is a list of top ten UK dot-commers worth watching over at the Guardian Media section today.
Saturday, 28 July 2007
BBC iPlayer launches
A little bit later than planned, but still very much anticipated, the BBC launches it's iPlayer in beta form (sign up for iPlayer beta trial here). It's not yet available for Mac or Windows Vista, though it will be shortly. Anyhow, it's an online media player that allows you to catch up on BBC TV shows online up to 7 days after broadcast (as long as you're in the UK)
Will it change the viewing habits of the UK? Will we all hover round our computers to watch TV? Who knows. With services like Sky Plus and Virgin Media Plus+ and the option of recording and storing TV shows on your media ready PC the iPlayer doesn't seem to offer much more than is already available elsewhere.
The real excitement is around how readily will iPlayer allow traditional TV and interactive services to fully converge...imagine watching a historical TV dram and then simultaneously looking up info on the period in question or watching a murder mystery while reading the backs stories of each of the characters so that you have that extra insight into the drama. We don't know which way this will all go, though we have a few ideas, but we'll keep an eye out and report back as things develop.
Will it change the viewing habits of the UK? Will we all hover round our computers to watch TV? Who knows. With services like Sky Plus and Virgin Media Plus+ and the option of recording and storing TV shows on your media ready PC the iPlayer doesn't seem to offer much more than is already available elsewhere.
The real excitement is around how readily will iPlayer allow traditional TV and interactive services to fully converge...imagine watching a historical TV dram and then simultaneously looking up info on the period in question or watching a murder mystery while reading the backs stories of each of the characters so that you have that extra insight into the drama. We don't know which way this will all go, though we have a few ideas, but we'll keep an eye out and report back as things develop.
Wednesday, 25 July 2007
Selling at a profit
The, some say, ‘original’ eCommerce site Amazon.com has seen profits grow to over £37M in the three months to June this year - this is an increase of 35% from the previous year.
It’s not only the results that are big – the Amazon share price shot up 11% after the announcement of the results yesterday and perhaps providing a good source of revenue was the two million pre-orders that they took for the final Harry Potter tome.
I think what this demonstrates is that internet retail has really now come of age, and that some (only some!) of those that crawled out the sea at the time of dotcom madness are now very viable businesses.
Amazon only hit profit for the first time in the last three months of 2001… and to give you some context it made a loss of over half a billion dollars ($545m) the year before. Not bad for a company that had been in the red since 1995 - now that’s a long term investment…
It’s not only the results that are big – the Amazon share price shot up 11% after the announcement of the results yesterday and perhaps providing a good source of revenue was the two million pre-orders that they took for the final Harry Potter tome.
I think what this demonstrates is that internet retail has really now come of age, and that some (only some!) of those that crawled out the sea at the time of dotcom madness are now very viable businesses.
Amazon only hit profit for the first time in the last three months of 2001… and to give you some context it made a loss of over half a billion dollars ($545m) the year before. Not bad for a company that had been in the red since 1995 - now that’s a long term investment…
Sunday, 22 July 2007
Web Trends Map 2007
Those enterprising folks over at Information Architects have done it it again with their Web Trends Map 2007.
The map itself is rendered as alternative version of the Tokyo Subway map with 'You' placed in the Emporer's Palace at the centre of the network. Futher metaphors abound with each 'stop' on the line being given it's own 'Weather Report' so you can try and predict who's in good health and who isn't, thus extending the fun even further ;)
It's available in number of formats and resolutions and there is even an A2 poster to buy should you feel the need. Amongst the old faves such as BBC, Amazon, Apple and Wikipedia there is one Welsh connection on the line...answers on postcard if you can spot who and where it is.
The map itself is rendered as alternative version of the Tokyo Subway map with 'You' placed in the Emporer's Palace at the centre of the network. Futher metaphors abound with each 'stop' on the line being given it's own 'Weather Report' so you can try and predict who's in good health and who isn't, thus extending the fun even further ;)
It's available in number of formats and resolutions and there is even an A2 poster to buy should you feel the need. Amongst the old faves such as BBC, Amazon, Apple and Wikipedia there is one Welsh connection on the line...answers on postcard if you can spot who and where it is.
Thursday, 19 July 2007
He’s the right to look smug…
Sooooooo many web designers and developers get carried away with 'form over function'. Don't get me wrong, I agree that there is always a time for innovation and revolution, but according to usability guru Jakob Nielsen this must be the exception and not the rule.
Jakob’s law of internet user experience states “Users spend most of their time on other sites. This means that users prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know”. Whilst this is not a new theory (July 2000!!!) it is still incredibly relevant, and all to often totally ignored.
My conclusion is simple. Change should be introduced through small ‘nano’ changes, whereby websites evolve at a similar speed to the intended user. Taking ‘macro’ giant steps may serve to satisfy the creative/ techie desires of a few whilst alienating the majority.
Jakob’s law of internet user experience states “Users spend most of their time on other sites. This means that users prefer your site to work the same way as all the other sites they already know”. Whilst this is not a new theory (July 2000!!!) it is still incredibly relevant, and all to often totally ignored.
My conclusion is simple. Change should be introduced through small ‘nano’ changes, whereby websites evolve at a similar speed to the intended user. Taking ‘macro’ giant steps may serve to satisfy the creative/ techie desires of a few whilst alienating the majority.
Monday, 16 July 2007
Top 50 websites for 2007
Time Magazine has published a listing of its Top 25 websites for the past year here. I'm not sure I'd go along with the poll and sites like E-bay, Aamazon and Virb are conspicuous by their absence, but it's still a useful list and a pretty good indicator of how north America is using the web.
Usefully you can add your two penneth' worth to the fray by ranking the sites yourself (if you really have the time!)
Usefully you can add your two penneth' worth to the fray by ranking the sites yourself (if you really have the time!)
Government websites too hard to use?
According to this article from the National Audit Office it seems that a good number of UK Government websites are just too hard to use.
Major failings cited included too many text heavy websites, information too hard to find and too much complex information that is not relevant to the majority of users.
On a positive note usage of the main government websites has risen over time and some sites are widely and repeatedly used e.g. 78 per cent of Jobcentre Plus online service users visited its sites at least once a week.
The report concludes that there is much that can be done by Government agencies to improve their websites such as understanding their users better through detailed site statistics and consultation with the public over what resources they would like to use online.
If you're interested in learning more the full report can be downloaded here (PDF file790 kb).
Major failings cited included too many text heavy websites, information too hard to find and too much complex information that is not relevant to the majority of users.
On a positive note usage of the main government websites has risen over time and some sites are widely and repeatedly used e.g. 78 per cent of Jobcentre Plus online service users visited its sites at least once a week.
The report concludes that there is much that can be done by Government agencies to improve their websites such as understanding their users better through detailed site statistics and consultation with the public over what resources they would like to use online.
If you're interested in learning more the full report can be downloaded here (PDF file790 kb).
Monday, 9 July 2007
Feel the burn
As I like both cycling and technology I’m always amazed at how the broadcasters of the tour get out the pictures from a hundred miles or more of winding roads, and it was good to see Cardiff cyclist Geraint Thomas (the first Welshman for 40 years to ride it) enjoy the opening stages of the Tour De France 2007 as it came to London and the South East this weekend.
What’s even cooler is that German based mobile media specialist Unilabs are offering a ‘live tracker’ that provides a Google Maps mash up that includes real time biometric data such as the riders heart rate, speed, power output and cadence. Now in its second year the system relays the data from the monitoring tools that the teams use to keep track of rider performance and overlays it on Google maps.
This is one of those instances where the hairs stand up on the back of my neck, and whilst it may only be a few riders and it can be a bit clunky, it’s amazing to think that Burghardt or Paulinho is at that very moment in time pushing his way through the hardest endurance race on the planet and I’m sitting here with a coffee watching his heart rate…
Sunday, 8 July 2007
iPhone in the UK?
Following on from our post on the iPhone pre-release it looks like it's selling well (as predicted) and by and large feedback seems to be positive barring a few niggles over sign up.
For those of us in the UK we'll have to wait till the end of the year and it's looking as though O2 have secured the exclusive iPhone distribution rights in the UK.
Meanwhile, if you're not signed up to O2, or simply can't wait a few months, then The Register reports that a UK firm is offering to unlock the iPhone so that they can be used over here in the UK.
So if you really have to have one right now there are already a number of unlocked iPhones for sale on ebay for around £300 . Off you go...
For those of us in the UK we'll have to wait till the end of the year and it's looking as though O2 have secured the exclusive iPhone distribution rights in the UK.
Meanwhile, if you're not signed up to O2, or simply can't wait a few months, then The Register reports that a UK firm is offering to unlock the iPhone so that they can be used over here in the UK.
So if you really have to have one right now there are already a number of unlocked iPhones for sale on ebay for around £300 . Off you go...
Monday, 2 July 2007
Square eyes
The BBC has announced a launch date for it's iPlayer on -demand service. It won't be ready for macs immediately (though that will come later) and you will need to be running a decent broadband connection that will allow you to download all the content but we reckon that this the on-demand service that will lead to mass take up on converged media.
Imagine, for example, watching the Torchwood tv show whilst browsing the site, whilst playing the game, whilst chatting to other fans online, whilst exploring the web for clues about the latest episode - the possiblilities are literally endless with converged media and though we're not there yet this a massive step in the right direction.
Worth seeing who else is doing it as well.
Imagine, for example, watching the Torchwood tv show whilst browsing the site, whilst playing the game, whilst chatting to other fans online, whilst exploring the web for clues about the latest episode - the possiblilities are literally endless with converged media and though we're not there yet this a massive step in the right direction.
Worth seeing who else is doing it as well.
Thursday, 28 June 2007
Accessible webcasts
Making audio and video content accessible has long been a challenge and when you’re dealing with webcast screen sizes, simply slapping on subtitles on the video feed doesn’t really cut it.
It’s good to see that Welsh webcast company MultiStream are one of the first organisations to offer a live webcast subtitling service that takes output from a Stenographer and presents a real time transcript of the spoken content along side the video.
The service was developed specifically for Disability Wales conference, and DW used it live whilst the event was on, and I see now that an on demand archive of the conference is also now available.
NOTE - I say this is *one* of the first examples as I was aware that the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) used a similar solution.
It’s good to see that Welsh webcast company MultiStream are one of the first organisations to offer a live webcast subtitling service that takes output from a Stenographer and presents a real time transcript of the spoken content along side the video.
The service was developed specifically for Disability Wales conference, and DW used it live whilst the event was on, and I see now that an on demand archive of the conference is also now available.
NOTE - I say this is *one* of the first examples as I was aware that the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) used a similar solution.
Wednesday, 27 June 2007
The Ten Most Hated Words On The Internet
You couldn't make it up...unless, of course, you do it on the internet. If you are fed up of the seemingly never ending and relentless stream of newly invented words that sum up our online lives then you're not alone.
YouGov website did a small survey and apparently there's plenty of us who feel the same way. I'm too busy cruising the blogospshere and wikiscape to go into detail here, but if you're curious as to what the most irritating made-up-on-and-for-the-internet words actually are then check out the article on Ars Technia for more.
YouGov website did a small survey and apparently there's plenty of us who feel the same way. I'm too busy cruising the blogospshere and wikiscape to go into detail here, but if you're curious as to what the most irritating made-up-on-and-for-the-internet words actually are then check out the article on Ars Technia for more.
iPhone fever
The Apple iPhone launches in the US this Friday and looks like being the one of the most anticipated tech product launches ever.
Apple are entering an extremely competitive and crowded marketplace and the iPhone is yet to undergo the mass-usage feedback that will ultimately decide whether it hits or misses. However, early reviews from both the tech and mainstream press are overwhelmingly positive with the New York Times stating the “iPhone matches most of it’s hype” and Bloomberg reporting that it’s a “beautiful and breakthrough mobile device that lives up to the hype and will inspire lust in technology shoppers.”
The Financial Time also offers it's analysis here.
We’ll keep an eye on how the iPhone is received but if anybody is heading over to the states and gets to play with one, get in touch and let us know what you think.
Apple are entering an extremely competitive and crowded marketplace and the iPhone is yet to undergo the mass-usage feedback that will ultimately decide whether it hits or misses. However, early reviews from both the tech and mainstream press are overwhelmingly positive with the New York Times stating the “iPhone matches most of it’s hype” and Bloomberg reporting that it’s a “beautiful and breakthrough mobile device that lives up to the hype and will inspire lust in technology shoppers.”
The Financial Time also offers it's analysis here.
We’ll keep an eye on how the iPhone is received but if anybody is heading over to the states and gets to play with one, get in touch and let us know what you think.
Tuesday, 26 June 2007
My work is a game, a very serious game.
I see Welsh digital agency Sequence have announced that their Creative Director is sitting on the judging panel of the BBC Blast ‘Design a Doctor Who game’ competition.
In a nutshell punters come up with a game based around ‘new Doctor Who then the winner gets his/ her built. The rumour is that the winning game will be built in Wales by Sequence (which is nice), but you didn’t read that here....
Monday, 25 June 2007
Keen as mustard (in your eye)
Mr Keen caused me to shout at the radio whilst driving in to work this morning. He’s on the circuit promoting his new book ‘The cult of the amateur’ in which he shares his thoughts that “Today’s internet is killing our culture”.
Did desktop publishing kill off design houses, FrontPage web agencies or video kill the radio (star)? Does the fact that I’ve a digital camera mean I’m as good as David Bailey or the fact that I’m able to write this here imply that I’m on a level-pegging with Jon Simpson, Jon Ronson or John Humphrys?
No, of course not. If anything it makes the 'Profession’ raise their game and like all other new channels that present themselves - the professional will need to evolve or die.
I’ve got to go now as I need to make a posting on Trip Advisor. I’m sure Paul Theroux is quaking in his career.
Did desktop publishing kill off design houses, FrontPage web agencies or video kill the radio (star)? Does the fact that I’ve a digital camera mean I’m as good as David Bailey or the fact that I’m able to write this here imply that I’m on a level-pegging with Jon Simpson, Jon Ronson or John Humphrys?
No, of course not. If anything it makes the 'Profession’ raise their game and like all other new channels that present themselves - the professional will need to evolve or die.
I’ve got to go now as I need to make a posting on Trip Advisor. I’m sure Paul Theroux is quaking in his career.
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Welsh Blog Awards 2007
Prolific polyglot Sanddef Rhyferys (he blogs in Welsh, English, German and Castellano!) is organizing a competition to find the best Welsh blogs, via the Welsh Blog Awards 2007.
The awards are at an early enough stage that it doesn’t have any categories set as yet, but true to the spirit of blogging, Sanddef called for nominations of categories in which to recognise the efforts of Welsh bloggers.
The final list of categories will be released later this month and then it's on to the heady days of nomination and judging. More updates as and when the info becomes available.
The awards are at an early enough stage that it doesn’t have any categories set as yet, but true to the spirit of blogging, Sanddef called for nominations of categories in which to recognise the efforts of Welsh bloggers.
The final list of categories will be released later this month and then it's on to the heady days of nomination and judging. More updates as and when the info becomes available.
Windows users flock to Safari
Windows users were blindingly fast off the mark to grab a free copy of Safari for Windows, which Apple announced at the start of the week. Just 48 hours later, more than a million copies of the software had been downloaded by droves of mere mortals and at least one celebrity.
Apple claims that Safari 3 is the fastest browser running on Windows, rendering web pages up to twice as fast as IE 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2, based on industry standard benchmarking tests. There were some security bugs reported, which Apple patched with the release of Safari 3.0.1 a few days later.
Safari 3 for Windows requires Windows XP or Windows Vista, a minimum of 256 MB of memory and a system with at least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor.
Apple claims that Safari 3 is the fastest browser running on Windows, rendering web pages up to twice as fast as IE 7 and up to 1.6 times faster than Firefox 2, based on industry standard benchmarking tests. There were some security bugs reported, which Apple patched with the release of Safari 3.0.1 a few days later.
Safari 3 for Windows requires Windows XP or Windows Vista, a minimum of 256 MB of memory and a system with at least a 500 MHz Intel Pentium processor.
Monday, 4 June 2007
Intranet envy
"Intranet" is one of those terms that's bandied around fairly liberally, with no clear definition: some companies are blogging, twittering, collaborating, sharing documents, best practice and who knows what else; others make do with a shared directory on a network drive. The trouble is, unlike with web sites, they're always behind firewalls, so you can never tell what features people really have, and more importantly really use. It's all too easy to feel your organisation might be falling behind.
So it's with relief that I read the folks at Intranet Dashboard have done a survey to gauge the real state of the market, and it's a lot more conserative than you might have thought:
Download the full survey here
So it's with relief that I read the folks at Intranet Dashboard have done a survey to gauge the real state of the market, and it's a lot more conserative than you might have thought:
Blogs were not the only social networking tool that was generally shunned, however. Only 31 percent had included discussion forums, and 26 percent plan on adding them. RSS feeds, podcasting and wikis were not even on the map — nobody offered them.
Download the full survey here
Friday, 1 June 2007
That's so beta
Via Daniel at datblogu, I found myself on the website of Cymdeithas Meddalwed Cymraeg (that’s the Welsh Software Association yn Saesneg).
Daniel seemed pleased that there was some activity on the membership mailing list, signs that the CMC which was founded in July 2005 and launched its print publication, Byd Technoleg, at the National Eisteddfod in August 2006, has not completely faded into oblivion.
Wanting to renew my membership (I used to receive their notices but for some reason I have no copy of the mail that Daniel mentions), I went to the site and clicked ‘Join’ — and was horrified to be presented with a copy of their paper-based ‘registration of interest’ form to be printed and sent by snail mail to Bangor.
I know that Byd Technoleg is targeted at non-technical readers, but surely a web form with the option to print and post would be a more elegant, not to mention efficient alternative?
Daniel seemed pleased that there was some activity on the membership mailing list, signs that the CMC which was founded in July 2005 and launched its print publication, Byd Technoleg, at the National Eisteddfod in August 2006, has not completely faded into oblivion.
Wanting to renew my membership (I used to receive their notices but for some reason I have no copy of the mail that Daniel mentions), I went to the site and clicked ‘Join’ — and was horrified to be presented with a copy of their paper-based ‘registration of interest’ form to be printed and sent by snail mail to Bangor.
I know that Byd Technoleg is targeted at non-technical readers, but surely a web form with the option to print and post would be a more elegant, not to mention efficient alternative?
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Photomarathon.co.uk
I’m determined to shoehorn this in one way or another :)
Those with a 35mm camera (film, remember that?) may want to consider entering the PhotoMarathon competition that is scheduled for the 16th June.
It’s basically a time bound photography competition, during which photographers are encouraged to take photos in/ around Cardiff that reflect their interpretation of a variety of themes.
I know it isn’t digital, and it isn’t at all online, but it is quite a cool concept and I’m already thinking of how the web could take part in making it interactive…
Those with a 35mm camera (film, remember that?) may want to consider entering the PhotoMarathon competition that is scheduled for the 16th June.
It’s basically a time bound photography competition, during which photographers are encouraged to take photos in/ around Cardiff that reflect their interpretation of a variety of themes.
I know it isn’t digital, and it isn’t at all online, but it is quite a cool concept and I’m already thinking of how the web could take part in making it interactive…
Wednesday, 30 May 2007
Tuesday, 29 May 2007
Friday, 25 May 2007
Where to find Welsh language software
Kevin Donnelly, the man behind Welsh language versions of the Gnome and KDE Linux desktop environments, has started a directory of cross-platform software that can be used in Welsh, not dissimilar to the updates about Welsh language software you can find at Meddal.
So far Donnelly’s directory includes:
Donnelly is welcoming submissions, so if you know of any cross-platform software that can be used in Welsh, contact him via his blog.
So far Donnelly’s directory includes:
- The KnotsBag vector graphics software which allows you to create intricate Celtic knotwork patterns, making it ideal for tattoo designers with a penchant for maths, amongst others.
kTranslator, a program to translate words from one language to another.
QCAD, for 2D computer-aided drawing.
To Bach, the little utility from Draig Technology (based in Bangor) that allows you type diacritic marks when typing in Welsh.
Donnelly is welcoming submissions, so if you know of any cross-platform software that can be used in Welsh, contact him via his blog.
Important considerations when building a website
Another good article from A List Apart:
http://alistapart.com/articles/educatingstakeholders
Although aimed at web designers, there are some very useful lessons in here for anyone considering [re]building a website in the current legislative climate.
http://alistapart.com/articles/educatingstakeholders
Although aimed at web designers, there are some very useful lessons in here for anyone considering [re]building a website in the current legislative climate.
Our goal must be to equip decision-makers with the knowledge they need to make sensible and informed choices about development.
The purpose of this article is to show you how to do this by means of a simple process of stakeholder education. This will enable you to explain the main factors that shape web deliberations and help “set the scene” for future decision making.
Google under your skin
Over in the US on Tuesday, it was announced that Google invested almost $4m in 23andMe. 23andMe is a privately held genetics company that promises to help consumers understand and browse their own genetic information - "Don't panic - we're here to help". The Wall Street Journal stated that 23andMe "aims to unite people with copies of their genetic blueprint" but it’s not Google’s first investment into genetics. In 2005, the search giant invested in Craig Venter’s genome project (which is in direct competition with the Human Genome Project). Venter’s vision is to work with Google to catalogue the genome and make it searchable.
Now I’m more than happy allowing Google to ‘read’ my blog and visit my site on a daily basis but I’m not as happy allowing them to sequence my genetic code. Who will then own my code – Google or me? Whatever happens with these investments, their vision to collate and organise the world’s data is defiantly moving on.
Saying that, who needs Google when you've got TV? The BBC Wales and Yellow Duck programme ‘Coming Home’ did a great job of uniting the likes of Donny Osman and Petula Clark with their Welsh roots. Finding out that Paul Daniels, the renowned magician and conjurer, is an 1/8th Welsh pu a big healthy smile on my face. Even Google couldn’t have guessed that Debbie McGee husband had connections to Carmarthen.
Now I’m more than happy allowing Google to ‘read’ my blog and visit my site on a daily basis but I’m not as happy allowing them to sequence my genetic code. Who will then own my code – Google or me? Whatever happens with these investments, their vision to collate and organise the world’s data is defiantly moving on.
Saying that, who needs Google when you've got TV? The BBC Wales and Yellow Duck programme ‘Coming Home’ did a great job of uniting the likes of Donny Osman and Petula Clark with their Welsh roots. Finding out that Paul Daniels, the renowned magician and conjurer, is an 1/8th Welsh pu a big healthy smile on my face. Even Google couldn’t have guessed that Debbie McGee husband had connections to Carmarthen.
Boom a bust a boom
Online retailing has grown at its fastest rate since the dotcom bust reports the BBC. The figures are big and the results so far attribute this to more of us having broadband. The headline figures are amazing and apparently by 2011 almost 9% of all retail transactions will be online (wayhey!).
We’ve seen several local Welsh e-tailers do very well JoJo Maman Bebe for one and trendy eco clothing shifter Howies as well as a ‘clicks and mortar’ outfits like Welsh Whisky. I even notice that even high end Jeweller Clive Ranger is starting to dabble with the big ‘e’.
We’ve seen several local Welsh e-tailers do very well JoJo Maman Bebe for one and trendy eco clothing shifter Howies as well as a ‘clicks and mortar’ outfits like Welsh Whisky. I even notice that even high end Jeweller Clive Ranger is starting to dabble with the big ‘e’.
Thursday, 24 May 2007
Children forbidden from using Google
I don't know where the legal ramifications of this, but it does re-raise the question of "what point is there in terms and conditions no-one reads..."?
http://blog.outer-court.com/archive/2007-05-24-n26.html
http://blog.outer-court.com/archive/2007-05-24-n26.html
Roger Browne in the forum points out the following passage from the Google Terms of Service (US):
"Your use of Google’s ... web sites ... is subject to the terms of a legal agreement between you and Google ... You may not use the Services and may not accept the Terms if ... you are not of legal age to form a binding contract with Google"
Roger comments, “Probably every schoolchild in the developed world is breaking Google’s Terms of Service. How can lawyers be so far out of touch with how the web works?” (Is there a lawyer in the room?)
Online ads up 35% in 2006
Interactive Advertising Bureau releases results of recent survey in conjunction with PWC: http://www.iab.net/resources/ad_revenue.asp, then 2006 Full Year Results (190k pdf)
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) and PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) today released the Internet Advertising Revenue Report which shows record results for the full year and final quarter of 2006. Internet advertising revenues in the U.S. continued upward totaling $16.9 billion in 2006, a new annual record exceeding 2005 by 35%. Q4 2006 internet advertising revenues totaled $4.8 billion, representing record revenues for a single quarter and a 35% increase over same period in 2005.
Wednesday, 23 May 2007
And I struggle getting reception on parts of the M4.
Rod Barber made two mobile calls and sent a text from the top of Everest. I know of several places on my 5 mile drive home from the office in the centre of Cardiff where my orange signal disappears without fail, and God does it get on my nerves.
I’m obviously impressed, but why oh why would you want to do that? I love mountains and I like technology, but the whole reason people go up the blessed things is to get away from it all….
I’m obviously impressed, but why oh why would you want to do that? I love mountains and I like technology, but the whole reason people go up the blessed things is to get away from it all….
Make $70 million a year through registering domains
A fascinating article on a quiet multi-millionaire, who has built his wealth registering hundreds of thousands of misspelled domains.
I wish my afternoons were that "cheap" ;)
When Ham wants a domain, he leans over and quietly instructs an associate to bid on his behalf. He likes wedding names, so his guy lifts the white paddle and snags Weddingcatering.com for $10,000. (...) When it's all over, Ham strolls to the table near the exit and writes a check for $650,000. It's a cheap afternoon.
I wish my afternoons were that "cheap" ;)
Panorama Wifi scare roundly criticised
http://technology.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2084218,00.html
*So* disappointed in the BBC.
The programme's evidence was criticised as "grossly unscientific" by Malcolm Sperrin, director of medical physics and clinical engineering at Royal Berkshire hospital. "It's impossible to draw any sort of conclusion from the data as presented there."
*So* disappointed in the BBC.
Friday, 18 May 2007
Internet death threat (but not in Cardiff yet?)
On Monday the BBC’s panorama programme will be looking at the possible health side effects of using WiFi across our cities, possibly prompted by the similar story in the Telegraph.
I notice that they mention that 12 cities are now completely covered by WiFi, and looking at the BT Openzone press release does this mean that Cardiff is already covered? I don't think it is...
Keeping in mind I haven’t watched it yet, am not a scientist and know very little about what happens when 802.11 networks get busy… legal WiFi kit operates at very low power outputs (0.1 watt) compared to the average mobile phone handset (of nearer 2 watts), I'm personally more worried about risks from a saturated mobile network than a busy WiFi cloud.
Anyway, if you’ve got more exciting things to do on Monday evening, an on demand webcast will be available to watch on the Beeb’s website.
I notice that they mention that 12 cities are now completely covered by WiFi, and looking at the BT Openzone press release does this mean that Cardiff is already covered? I don't think it is...
Keeping in mind I haven’t watched it yet, am not a scientist and know very little about what happens when 802.11 networks get busy… legal WiFi kit operates at very low power outputs (0.1 watt) compared to the average mobile phone handset (of nearer 2 watts), I'm personally more worried about risks from a saturated mobile network than a busy WiFi cloud.
Anyway, if you’ve got more exciting things to do on Monday evening, an on demand webcast will be available to watch on the Beeb’s website.
S4C content available on demand to students via broadband
From icWales:
The channel has teamed up with Abercynon-based internet protocol television (IPTV) specialist Inuk Networks to make S4C digidol available free-of-charge to students living in halls of residence across the UK.
S4C digidol – which unlike sister channel S4C doesn’t broadcast any English language content – will be carried on Inuk’s IPTV Freewire TV service, which students are able to access on their own computers via the high speed Janet network.
Online sales of clothing overtakes geek goods
From the New York Times:
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/14/technology/14clothing.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/14/technology/14clothing.html
For the first time since online retailing was born a decade ago, the sales of clothing have overtaken those of computer hardware and software, suggesting that consumers have reached a new level of comfort buying merchandise on the Web.
Young women largest demographic of web users
A surprising article from the BBC on the latest demographics of web users:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6662469.stm
Looks like the days of the 'net being a tool for young male geeks is long gone...
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/6662469.stm
"Young women are now the most dominant group online in the UK, according to new research from net measurement firm Nielsen/NetRatings"
Looks like the days of the 'net being a tool for young male geeks is long gone...
Thursday, 17 May 2007
BBC New Media: "Death by Strangulation"
An interesting post from Monday's Media Guardian (needs registration):
http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,,2079046,00.html
The BBC has set itself a very ambitious task with their iPlayer, but can they deliver?
http://media.guardian.co.uk/mediaguardian/story/0,,2079046,00.html
The BBC has set itself a very ambitious task with their iPlayer, but can they deliver?
Tuesday, 15 May 2007
Wales buying in Welsh
The national procurement website for Wales (Sell2Wales) has started to allow public sector buyers to publish notices in English and Welsh.
The Welsh Language board and National Library of Wales have both published (below European threshold) notices using the facility, and when the goods or services they are buying need a demonstrable ability to use Welsh, then why shouldn’t they conduct the buying process in Welsh as well….?
The Welsh Language board and National Library of Wales have both published (below European threshold) notices using the facility, and when the goods or services they are buying need a demonstrable ability to use Welsh, then why shouldn’t they conduct the buying process in Welsh as well….?
Thursday, 10 May 2007
APS WAG WWW
A slightly confused icWales article heralds that our brothers and sisters at the Senedd have got a new website. In reality I *think* it’s just the APS bit that’s new, as the WAG bit looks to be the same.
The new Assembly Parliamentary Service website is live and it is to mark the separation between the political legislative bit (the Assembly) and the implementers (WAG).
It is without doubt a vast improvement on what was – it boats a good strong design and suitably logical, clear and an intuitive information architecture. However as a product of 9 months and several hundred thousand pounds, it is it is empty (very empty), has several basic technical issues (slow page response times, the odd error)…and it is *so* web1.0 darling!
The new Assembly Parliamentary Service website is live and it is to mark the separation between the political legislative bit (the Assembly) and the implementers (WAG).
It is without doubt a vast improvement on what was – it boats a good strong design and suitably logical, clear and an intuitive information architecture. However as a product of 9 months and several hundred thousand pounds, it is it is empty (very empty), has several basic technical issues (slow page response times, the odd error)…and it is *so* web1.0 darling!
Google Maps for Mobile *UK*
Hurrah! Google Maps for Mobile finally launches a UK version
Such a cool system - just visit http://www.google.co.uk/gmm on your phone, download the tiny (147k) app for your phone, and away you go. Works lovely on my Nokia6233 - not as "instant" as running on a PC, but so much nicer than the (relatively) slow and clunky Orange service.
Now, if only they'd integrate with Traffic Wales, so we'd have real-time traffic camera images, too...
Tuesday, 8 May 2007
Microsoft feeling flash
The largely dominant Flash plug-in, used for eons as the preferred method of delivering rich media cross platform interaction, is to face a serious challenge from the Microsoft Alternative, Sliverlight.
Despite the obvious opportunities for close integration to Microsoft’s own .NET platform, Silverlight is also proving an excellent platform for true multimedia distribution as it boasts native support for full screen 720p (High Definition) video.
Silverlight is currently in Beta, and the new media community at large are already experimenting with what is, and isn’t possible. See http://www.silverlight.net/ for more.
Despite the obvious opportunities for close integration to Microsoft’s own .NET platform, Silverlight is also proving an excellent platform for true multimedia distribution as it boasts native support for full screen 720p (High Definition) video.
Silverlight is currently in Beta, and the new media community at large are already experimenting with what is, and isn’t possible. See http://www.silverlight.net/ for more.
Monday, 30 April 2007
BBC iPlayer gets the go-ahead
The BBC has now got the green light to launch it's iplayer service later this year.
The service - which will launch later this year - allows viewers to watch programmes online for seven days after their first TV broadcast. Episodes can also be downloaded and stored for up to 30 days and can be played back on your tv via media centre pc's or by storage/playback devices such as Apple TV.
Other on TV on-demand services are covered here.
The service - which will launch later this year - allows viewers to watch programmes online for seven days after their first TV broadcast. Episodes can also be downloaded and stored for up to 30 days and can be played back on your tv via media centre pc's or by storage/playback devices such as Apple TV.
Other on TV on-demand services are covered here.
Celtic Media Festival Welsh success
Good to see that Welsh media and broadcast companies dominated the awards at the 2007 Celtic Media Festival.
For those who may have not been able to make the long trip to the stunning Isle of Skye, a complete webcast (ironically delivered by Welsh live webcast and streaming media specialists MultiStream) can be viewed online at http://www.celticfilm.co.uk/index.php?node_id=1.11
Congratulations all!
For those who may have not been able to make the long trip to the stunning Isle of Skye, a complete webcast (ironically delivered by Welsh live webcast and streaming media specialists MultiStream) can be viewed online at http://www.celticfilm.co.uk/index.php?node_id=1.11
Congratulations all!
Online advertising becoming the channel to young consumers?
Legislation against fast food adverts targeting children on TV is welcomed by most; however key stakeholders in the future health of this nation feel that this legislation should be extended to include the web.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6601465.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/6601465.stm
5 Key Characteristics of Web Brands
“Google has knocked Microsoft off the top spot and been named the most powerful global brand of 2007,” Gemma Simpson wrote for Silicon.com in April 2007. “It’s the second year in a row a tech brand has beaten household names such as Coca-Cola, Marlboro and Toyota.”
5 Key Characteristics of Web Brands
5 Key Characteristics of Web Brands
Friday, 27 April 2007
Using Amazon as a fulfilment house
An amazing new service from Amazon for small ecommerce outfits: send all your stock to Amazon, and they'll store it and then ship it to the client for you when you ask:
Sold on eBay, Shipped by Amazon.com (NY Times)
Sold on eBay, Shipped by Amazon.com (NY Times)
Is Google Overvalued? Discuss
An interesting quick debate between two "experts" on whether Google is overvalued (i.e. its business model based solely around pay-per-click), or "the lifeblood of many sites"...
Is Google overrated? Tapped out? Due for a fall? Two experts take sides
Is Google overrated? Tapped out? Due for a fall? Two experts take sides
Wednesday, 25 April 2007
Do you freecycle?
If you don't know already, Freecycle is "is an email list where people give away things that they no longer need for free".
It sounds too good to be true, but I've been subscribed to Cardiff Freecycle for a while know, and people really do seem to be give away decent, good quality items. So it seems not only a good way to save money, but helps do your bit for the environment, too. A nice example of the virtual world improving the real world, perhaps.
Ironically today I saw an item I wanted, went to contact the original poster, and it turned out to be someone sat 10 feet away from me in the same office... Small world...
Google Maps Results With User-Created Content
Google Maps Results With User-Created Content
Interesting news for all those of you who have started to create your own Google Maps - your info might now start to appear in other people's searches...
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