I simply want a thin, A4 or letter sized tablet which is thin, uses little battery (e-Ink is OK), is WiFi capable and which is touch sensitive. And which has a decent bluetooth stack so I can add a laser keyboard or a docking kit if I need it.
The whole single-sheet-of-glass idea is good as it's easy to keep clean, and we should technically be at a level where we can make this thin. There is NO need whatsoever to make this an Apple product - if it runs Linux or Android you're in business, maybe add 3G capability.
It must be possible to do this cheaply, so this development is a good step towards this. And for $99 I'd buy several.
There is nothing stopping from consumers buying an OS, but Microsoft has been running this OEM scam to lock out competition for so long it ought to quality for the Guinness Book of Records as longest con ever.
The primary issue here is that that statement is only there to allow some US legislators to nod "OK" while they get great handfuls of dollars stuffed up their cranial cavity instead of taking the anti-competitive action they're supposed to. As a matter of fact, I'm a bit surprises Neelie Kroes didn't track this one when she was in office.
If that refund statement was true it should be easy - buy, provide proof of install cancellation, return license code, cash refund, and the volume could then encourage better competition. Instead, they still appear to run an OEM blackmail scam, hiding behind a statement that is as true as any statement uttered by any New Labour politician (i.e. only close to the truth if you're familiar with measuring in imaginary numbers).
If there was a consistent refund process you would end up with a consistent refund value, an incentive for people to look at the *actual* numbers and an end to lock in. That's also precisely the reason I can never see that happen, but that wouldn't stop me giving them hell and bad publicity if I was ever inclined to buy another Windows system..
Heck, I may buy a cheap one just to do this. Worth it, and I can still stick Linux on it later so it actually works in a reasonable safe way (I just wish OpenSuSE could work out how to set the gateway when picking up WiFi DHCP. That they still manage to screw that up is IMHO astonishing - but I digress).
Bottom line: either do as stated or face the consequences. Or remove that statement and receive your due that way.
.. an iPhone user was clubbed over the head with his phone, thus emptying his bank account.
London. An unsuspecting iPhone user received a nasty surprise when his iPhone was used to empty his bank account. The thief, who had identified his victim by the tell-tale white earphones, grabbed his victim's phone and proceeded to knock him over the head until he had stated his PIN number. After starting the App, the victim was subjected to several more knocks to activate the transaction whilst the attacker stated "Robbery? There's an App for that".
The victim was left bleeding in the gutter, sans iPhone which was found in an adjacent street as it has run out of battery. The iPhone suffered no damage in the process, despite not having a screen protector fitted as they are no longer sold in Apple shops.
Up until now, no clue to the identity of the assailant exists other than that he used another stolen iPhone for the transaction. The Western Union payment following the robbery could, as always, not be traced.
Fred Flintstone
The choice is irrelevant - the statement counts →#↑
"Adam Drake had that choice, but he chose Windows. So why is he complaining?"
Actually, Linux or not is wholly irrelevant. ANY copy of Windows started up for the first time will make the refund statement. They should either be called on this bullshit, or stop displaying the statement.
That, and that alone, is the issue here. That this refund rubbish is pretence is pretty much clear by now, but unless Microsoft and OEMs are called on this it will continue, that's why it's an OFT issue.
If this is a job requiring clearance, the person should be living in the UK or it will cost more (if they decide to bother at all in the first place). Sounds like a conflict to me..
If Dell doesn't refund the cost of Windows then you could in principle involve teh Office of Fair Trading as the EULA is then misleading to the point of hitting the Trade Descriptions Act (any tame lawyers here)?.
Put another way, it's either the OEM who ends up in trouble - or Microsoft. It would actually be good to get a decent statement out of the OFT for this (it would also be unique, but I digress) because it would act as a benchmark. Given the actual content of the EULA I cannot see this going Dell's/Microsoft's way, so if Dell is smart it caves as soon as it gets hinted at OFT involvement. The last thing they need is a precedent there.
Keep pushing guys - if they want to use make-believe it's time to call them on it. If my next system wasn't going to be a Mac (fed up with the hourly patching of Windows just to keep it semi-safe) I'd buy one just so I could be a royal pain too.
Isn't it lovely when you can hang a company by its own BS? :-)
The Dutch police in Venray was obviously not that familiar with the Google vehicles so they stopped them. If you look carefully you can see the "stop" sign in the top lights bar of the vehicle: http://bit.ly/bGaz55.
Either the law of probabilities appears to have struck with a vengeance in the Netherlands or they have had time to plan for mischief, there is a veritable avalanche of creative shots available, and one newspaper is presently running a competition to get the best ones. In other words, more to come.
Good - I approve of anyone taking the piss, and that includes black humour..
"Is there a prize for being part of the 5% that didnt get streetviewed?"
Yes, euthanasia under Gordon Brown's new plan to ensure some remaining pension funds after he personally destroyed them a few years ago. As usual they didn't get the timing right - Google was supposed to go live AFTER the announcement.
I suggest you hide while you can - at least they can't do a sit rep using Streetview..
I have one (unrestricted, evil grin), which ought to be enough reason. Besides, I have also had a bike for years so I'm the guy who will give you plenty space to pass and who will actually use his mirrors before changing lanes.
However, I think it could be justified to increase controls on Toyotas. You know, the ones that suddenly accelerate for no other reason that not being subject to a congestion charge in central London. What? Did I say anything wrong?
Mine's the one with the S4 keys in the pocket and the large amount of fuel bills..
No, seriously. The CC companies don't want to change their business model because they have effectively put the transaction liability on the clients and now treat the cost of fraud as a business expense, so they won't play and leave Paypal meddling away.
However, it is possible to seriously cut fraud if you know what you're doing, and I happen to know precisely how. With about 100k I can build this up in 3 months flat and take a serious chunk out of Paypal with users who turn real money - and almost no fraud risk (0% is unrealistic, but it's possible to completely avoid virus and fraudulent repudiation risks). The result would be a drastically lower overhead, and no need for new infrastructure other than the data centre,
Result: less risk AND less transaction overhead means lower cost per transaction. I'd have this well past break even in under a year. As a matter of fact, I think I ought to talk to someone about this...
.. for the odd 50 or so that "just say no" there are sufficient idiots left (several million or so) that continue to keep their revenue stream stable, so I don't think they care much..
.. "we fired the idiot who came up with this "evil" crap because we keep getting this thrown at us every time we want to make more profit" ..
What in the world possesses everyone to take a marketing statement as somewhere even remotely near reality? Didn't you learn enough from Microsoft? Hello?
Duh..
PS: how much do you believe the "negotiations" statement? IMHO it'll go something like this:
Google: "We want to be free of censorship"
China: "No"
Google: "We're going to throw another tantrum"
China: "Go ahead, make our day. Got hacked lately?"
Google: "Oh, err. But we may leave"
China: "Cool. Let me hold open the door for you"
Google: "But, but .." (walking out, bumping into a Microsoft rep wearing a Bing T-shirt arm in arm with the Baidu CFO)
Door: "Click" - end scene.
From a publicity point of view these guys have dug themselves a pretty deep hole. Disappointingly stupid IMHO, hopefully they'll learn from it. Google has the capability to do much better, as long as they leave off the posturing.
I disagree. Clifford is smart enough to know that his threat has worked, and he's taken the compensation because that was worth more than wasting his time in court. The journo's may have gotten away this time, but I bet they will be a LOT more careful with Clifford now - which was the actual objective.
Sigh. No phones were hacked, and no fluffy animals were damaged in the process. This is VOICE MAIL hacking.
Phone hacking was easy in the analogue days where all you needed was a re-chipped NEC P3 to listen in to all that was going on around you (and occasionally join in to piss people off).
It takes a lot more resources to do this in the digital world (not impossible, but with a much higher effort.
Hacking voice mail, however, is child's play (evidently :-)..
True, but I think they are seriously in danger overestimating their ability to control that market. The inconsistencies with the App store, for instance, act as a break on developers because they cannot be certain their dev time will pay off (not to mention the fact that the shop has no real support for a maintenance fee model or chargeable updates).
In addition, preventing customers from what is considered perfectly normal on any other platform (3G to WiFi, for instance) will create pressure on people to jump to the platform that DOES provide. It won't be long before others can manufacture in that form factor, and then it's a matter of platform and apps. Android may not be much now, but it does have potential if things can run offline. I'd buy a tablet the size of an iPad if it had apps that I liked - I couldn't care less if it was Apple or someone else.
As long as it's not Windows - I don't like wasting 70% of my bandwidth on anti-virus updates..
.. is a decent remote control so that you could hook it up to a decent size monitor and control it.
I fear the touch screen idea won't work for me, because that typically relies on a display that won't move any further away when you press it (i.e. at the end of range for the hinge), unless you handle it with 2 hands (or "thumb" control it). I like the idea, but not sure how that is going to "pan out" (cough) in reality..
I would imagine if Paris spent a bit more time on it she could probably do better, but she's not a full time actress and I can't imagine her being interested in it either. I think for her it's more like "OK, that may be fun to do for a change" rather than "I'm going to put down an amazing performance here". Besides, you'd need a usable script for that, and I cannot say any of the movies she played in had more depth than a puddle on a Swiss road.
It's a shame she didn't go to pick it up - I must admit I'm a huge fan of Sandra Bullock precisely because she has a good sense of humour (witness the Meryl Streep kissing) and it didn't come as a complete surprise that she went to collect her Razzie. I think that shows style.
Now, anyone looking for an actor to win the next Razzie? I'm free right now, hurry!
If you work for a service, part of your job is to keep your mouth shut and keep information where it belongs. That's the deal, because you can cause an awful mess if you don't, and I personally think you deserve all the crap they can throw at you if you don't.
"I want to know is this a fingerprint checker or a fingerprint capture and recording system."
Umm, hello, this is the UK. This means it will store your fingerprint for at least twice as long as publicly announced, will probably scrape some DNA when you're not looking and before you, er, pull your finger out it will also take a picture of you - something that will only be discovered years later when someone accidentally leaves a USB stick on a train or when it's politically convenient to do so.
In addition, due to a configuration error your fingerprint will automatically get attached to a Schengen-wide search notice for a child abuser and lobbed into the US no-fly list as a result of the sterling brotherly coordination in place to help the world plus its privacy to hell in a hand basket.
I think that about sums it up. Anything else I can help with?
Wonderful idea. A decent triple mode jammer costs you something like USD 29 from a Chinese website, and will nuke all that fun stuff.
BTW; I like the Justabloke1 call centre idea :-)
Dial 1 for an airstrike, 2 for backup or enter hash plus launch codes to call a suicide nuke to your geo location. Do not forget to allow the application to read use your current location because we don't quite know what will happen otherwise. Thank you for calling in the suicide nuke, have a nice but brief day.
You know, you have just sparked all sorts of ideas here, involving animated GIFs. Imagine a shot of this huge display when calling a sex line - yes, I figured you didn't need more help :-).
However, you can't run an approval process that RETROSPECTIVE pulls apps. What Apple should have done is contact the relevant developers and give them a chance to change the app or otherwise offer an opportunity not to see their work wasted.
However, engaging in any sensible dialogue has never been an Apple feature and it frankly starts to piss me off. If I have paid for an app I expect that to be supported by updates (within reason), so if Apple decides to yank the App it removes the whole update chain with it. This is not a process I want dependent what sort of weather surrounds the turtle neck at any given time, thank you.
If Apple wants to be tight on QA it should start writing PROPER, defined rules, stick some sensible resources into the checking and apply only what it has defined. This "fuck the developer because I got out of bed late today" randomised approach sucks seven ways to Sunday because nobody has any grip on what is and isn't allowed - the moment it's past the gates it's too late.
This Apps nonsense is what will give Google the traction it needs to get Android properly established, and I think this is competition Apple will need to come to its senses, s as iPhone user I very much welcome Android. I use what works for me, if Apple starts getting in the way I will consider switching. Simple.
"nearly 6 months after launch with all the positive reviews, you still don't trust it?"
This may have something to do with the fact that those same reviewers were wildly enthusiastic about Windows Vista as well, which gave the game away.
Vista was IMHO the best ad *ever* for seeking Windows alternatives, I imagine Jobs must have thanked Gates on his knees every day even before he put his turtle neck on, and it exposed a lot of "reviewers" for the untrustworthy lot they were. This is also why I put no store whatsoever by reported sales figures. Such facts are so open to manipulation they're meaningless.
"got nothing to do with domains, unless it's to start a porn site"
I would immediately agree with the regulator, and comply with the judgement by limiting the domain name registration to porn sites for a week (and then drop the ad).
Not only would that kick this judgement in the nuts, it would generate even more media noise than the ad ban itself and give anyone in a sane state of mind something to laugh about. And make the regulator look like the idiots they are, as a sheer unfortunate side effect :-)
I really wish I had been marketing exec for this outfit - the regulator would be spitting blood by now. Give it to me baby, *never*, *ever* mess with someone with a sense of humour :-)
Cloud computing identifies the problem in the very words: cloud. The edges are fuzzy, which is why politicians and marketeers like it, and technical and security people hate it.
Cloud computing for government is feasible if the clouds are all in the UK and managed securely. If as much as a whisp (to stay with the image) drifts outside you have serious problems.
That the government is already saturated with people leaking information is no argument to make it even easier, so I'm fully with the doughnut inhabitants on this one.
I was going to say that letting politicians taking decisions about things they don't understand is a bad idea, but then I realised that's exactly what those people do - witness the economy..
It's the one without boom, the 520. Absolutely quality piece of work, and I have it work with an iPhone 3GS and a laptop (using a standard Toshiba Bluetooth stack on XP - works a charm with Skype).
The only occasional hiccup is that the iPhone isn't very good at convincing it to switch back to the iPhone channel, one day I may even bother to read the manual.
On the basis of wearer comfort, build as well as voice quality I will certainly give the boom version a try - I've always been a believer of putting a mike close to where the sound is.
I personally don't care two beans about what it looks like - I know how comfortable it is, and in the car it beats the bejeebes out of any other handsfree idee. You really notice Plantronics has been in the headset business for a long time.
You see, replacing the current systems costs money. It is cheaper to keep what is there and handle the losses as the cost of doing business. After all, the CC company doesn't have the liability any longer - you do. The losses are not high enough to justify investment in something new.
And you have only one choice: play by their rules, or not play at all.
Straw poll: if I could sell you a means of payment that was absolutely fraud proof, but you'd have to pay USD $100 to buy it, would you? I would because I care about online and transaction security, but I appear to be an exception.. Note: this would be something new, not another credit card.
.. with most users remembering "China bad, Google no evil", and the facts "we want to sell shares without anyone noticing we're not doing well in China" quitely fading into the background..
If Google offers a service that by default exposes personal details it breaks the Data Protection Act 1998.
AFAIK, it is not permissable to implicitly get permission for the use of personal data (i.e. as a consequence of some other action) in a different context (and publishing it is), that permission MUST be obtained explicitly.
In other words, Brits can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner, their email address is mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk.
And no, I won't say "I told you so" concerning Google's respect for your privacy, although it's been evident for quite a few years. I'll just think it..
If Obama can get one for something he hasn't done yet I guess the Google guys can take a shot at it as well (unless it was for getting rid of Bush, you can't do that twice).
Other than that, well, what did I say from the moment I heard this?
It wasn't even hard to work out, so I'm rather disappointed so many papers joined the screeching (not El Reg, I note) but hey, it's not like manipulating stock price is a new thing, is it?
Hey, I recycled a title there, is that "green" too? :-)
There is a full setup which has been running certified courses since years in Switzerland, look at www.hackerhighschool.org. I know some people involved, so call me biased, but I know these guys know their stuff.
I guess collaborating with those people would not have extracted so much tax money to play with..
Sniping aside, I think it's a good idea to teach kids early, but only if it makes them think. Making them scared is stupid, and with the present level of government-needed hysteria that is always somewhat hard work to avoid..
I don't buy that as a collective mistake of all the New Labour goons, sorry, however much they are hopeless and hopefully out on their ear in a few months.
A bunch of people got asked to do a job and they forgot to check something. It happens.
Samsung UN55B8000 55" LED TV (Widescreen, 1920x1080, HDTV)
LG Electronics 42LH30 42" LCD TV (Widescreen, 1920x1080, HDTV)
Samsung UN55B8500 55" LED TV (Widescreen, 1920x1080, HDTV)
Sony BRAVIA KDL-40EX400 40" LCD TV (Widescreen, 1920x1080, HDTV)
Samsung UN40B6000 40" LED TV (Widescreen, 1920x1080, HDTV)
318 posts • joined Tuesday 9th June 2009 16:52 GMT
Page:
Fred Flintstone
Give it to me - quick → #
Posted Friday 19th March 2010 20:46 GMT
In Chip maker to take on iPad with $99 tablet
I simply want a thin, A4 or letter sized tablet which is thin, uses little battery (e-Ink is OK), is WiFi capable and which is touch sensitive. And which has a decent bluetooth stack so I can add a laser keyboard or a docking kit if I need it.
The whole single-sheet-of-glass idea is good as it's easy to keep clean, and we should technically be at a level where we can make this thin. There is NO need whatsoever to make this an Apple product - if it runs Linux or Android you're in business, maybe add 3G capability.
It must be possible to do this cheaply, so this development is a good step towards this. And for $99 I'd buy several.
Fred Flintstone
Also not relevant → # ↑
Posted Friday 19th March 2010 17:03 GMT
In Dell bars Win 7 refunds from Linux lovers
There is nothing stopping from consumers buying an OS, but Microsoft has been running this OEM scam to lock out competition for so long it ought to quality for the Guinness Book of Records as longest con ever.
The primary issue here is that that statement is only there to allow some US legislators to nod "OK" while they get great handfuls of dollars stuffed up their cranial cavity instead of taking the anti-competitive action they're supposed to. As a matter of fact, I'm a bit surprises Neelie Kroes didn't track this one when she was in office.
If that refund statement was true it should be easy - buy, provide proof of install cancellation, return license code, cash refund, and the volume could then encourage better competition. Instead, they still appear to run an OEM blackmail scam, hiding behind a statement that is as true as any statement uttered by any New Labour politician (i.e. only close to the truth if you're familiar with measuring in imaginary numbers).
If there was a consistent refund process you would end up with a consistent refund value, an incentive for people to look at the *actual* numbers and an end to lock in. That's also precisely the reason I can never see that happen, but that wouldn't stop me giving them hell and bad publicity if I was ever inclined to buy another Windows system..
Heck, I may buy a cheap one just to do this. Worth it, and I can still stick Linux on it later so it actually works in a reasonable safe way (I just wish OpenSuSE could work out how to set the gateway when picking up WiFi DHCP. That they still manage to screw that up is IMHO astonishing - but I digress).
Bottom line: either do as stated or face the consequences. Or remove that statement and receive your due that way.
Fred Flintstone
In other news.. → #
Posted Friday 19th March 2010 13:55 GMT
In PayPal enables cash-by-slap
.. an iPhone user was clubbed over the head with his phone, thus emptying his bank account.
London. An unsuspecting iPhone user received a nasty surprise when his iPhone was used to empty his bank account. The thief, who had identified his victim by the tell-tale white earphones, grabbed his victim's phone and proceeded to knock him over the head until he had stated his PIN number. After starting the App, the victim was subjected to several more knocks to activate the transaction whilst the attacker stated "Robbery? There's an App for that".
The victim was left bleeding in the gutter, sans iPhone which was found in an adjacent street as it has run out of battery. The iPhone suffered no damage in the process, despite not having a screen protector fitted as they are no longer sold in Apple shops.
Up until now, no clue to the identity of the assailant exists other than that he used another stolen iPhone for the transaction. The Western Union payment following the robbery could, as always, not be traced.
Fred Flintstone
The choice is irrelevant - the statement counts → # ↑
Posted Friday 19th March 2010 13:22 GMT
In Dell bars Win 7 refunds from Linux lovers
"Adam Drake had that choice, but he chose Windows. So why is he complaining?"
Actually, Linux or not is wholly irrelevant. ANY copy of Windows started up for the first time will make the refund statement. They should either be called on this bullshit, or stop displaying the statement.
That, and that alone, is the issue here. That this refund rubbish is pretence is pretty much clear by now, but unless Microsoft and OEMs are called on this it will continue, that's why it's an OFT issue.
Fred Flintstone
Next year → # ↑
Posted Friday 19th March 2010 01:08 GMT
In Flat-pack plug designer wins top award
A foldable wall with a socket? There's never a socket when you need in a cafe..
:-)
Fred Flintstone
You just need the chemical life! → # ↑
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 23:48 GMT
In Aussie smoko-proofing drug prevents ill effects of cigs
You know the drill: Viagra before, nicotine patch after and you'll be fine.
What's more, once you're off the patches you can spend all the money on booze!
What? Did I say anything wrong? Which bit in particular? All of it?!
Mine's the one with the undertaking license, thanks.
Fred Flintstone
Thanks Lewis.. → #
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 23:48 GMT
In Aussie smoko-proofing drug prevents ill effects of cigs
"At the end of the test every single mouse was dead. However, this was simply because the boffins had killed them"
Quality writing :-).
Fred Flintstone
Small hiccup: clearance problems → #
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 23:48 GMT
In 'Racist' job ad sparks investigation
If this is a job requiring clearance, the person should be living in the UK or it will cost more (if they decide to bother at all in the first place). Sounds like a conflict to me..
Fred Flintstone
So it wasn't China! → #
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 23:46 GMT
In One in four UK schoolkids admits hacking
Google, take note*
(") Accidental good point - never heard what precisely they found. One hell of a killer "take your kids to work" day!
Fred Flintstone
Umm, it's one thing or the other: call the OFT → #
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 23:43 GMT
In Dell bars Win 7 refunds from Linux lovers
If Dell doesn't refund the cost of Windows then you could in principle involve teh Office of Fair Trading as the EULA is then misleading to the point of hitting the Trade Descriptions Act (any tame lawyers here)?.
Put another way, it's either the OEM who ends up in trouble - or Microsoft. It would actually be good to get a decent statement out of the OFT for this (it would also be unique, but I digress) because it would act as a benchmark. Given the actual content of the EULA I cannot see this going Dell's/Microsoft's way, so if Dell is smart it caves as soon as it gets hinted at OFT involvement. The last thing they need is a precedent there.
Keep pushing guys - if they want to use make-believe it's time to call them on it. If my next system wasn't going to be a Mac (fed up with the hourly patching of Windows just to keep it semi-safe) I'd buy one just so I could be a royal pain too.
Isn't it lovely when you can hang a company by its own BS? :-)
Fred Flintstone
Easy.. → # ↑
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 10:19 GMT
In Legless Lithuanian attacks copper with todger
Switch to a different make. Avoid drinking "binge".
Joking aside, I'm waiting for someone to bring out a drink called "binge" - just for the hell of it. Imagine the outrage :-)
Fred Flintstone
Easy answer.. → # ↑
Posted Thursday 18th March 2010 10:19 GMT
In Legless Lithuanian attacks copper with todger
"How can you breach the peace in your own bloody house?"
You're obviously not married :-)
Fred Flintstone
Ask Apple → # ↑
Posted Tuesday 16th March 2010 23:16 GMT
In China tells Google to obey law even if it's leaving
You may want to read what it says on the back of all iPhones - made in China.
Methinks they're not doing too badly, also with keeping things secure there..
Fred Flintstone
Other answer.. → # ↑
Posted Tuesday 16th March 2010 23:16 GMT
In Manchester's on fire for ID cards, claims ID minister
Just how warm was it in Manchester over the last few weeks?
Could just be a load of pensioners adding to their fuel rations..
Fred Flintstone
Ah, cutting edge journalism → #
Posted Monday 15th March 2010 13:34 GMT
In Are West Bromwich Borg pliers actually side cutters?
.. as it were..
Fred Flintstone
The beautiful irony .. → # ↑
Posted Sunday 14th March 2010 20:30 GMT
In China warns Google over uncensored search threat
.. is that all that blocking is apparently done with US sourced technology..
Funny that.
Fred Flintstone
The Dutch are at it too :-) → #
Posted Friday 12th March 2010 15:30 GMT
In Blighty surrenders to Street View
The Dutch police in Venray was obviously not that familiar with the Google vehicles so they stopped them. If you look carefully you can see the "stop" sign in the top lights bar of the vehicle: http://bit.ly/bGaz55.
Either the law of probabilities appears to have struck with a vengeance in the Netherlands or they have had time to plan for mischief, there is a veritable avalanche of creative shots available, and one newspaper is presently running a competition to get the best ones. In other words, more to come.
Good - I approve of anyone taking the piss, and that includes black humour..
Fred Flintstone
Yup.. → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 21:46 GMT
In Blighty surrenders to Street View
"Is there a prize for being part of the 5% that didnt get streetviewed?"
Yes, euthanasia under Gordon Brown's new plan to ensure some remaining pension funds after he personally destroyed them a few years ago. As usual they didn't get the timing right - Google was supposed to go live AFTER the announcement.
I suggest you hide while you can - at least they can't do a sit rep using Streetview..
Fred Flintstone
Impressive bit of scrambling.. → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 21:46 GMT
In Blighty surrenders to Street View
I'm impressed to the lengths they go to scramble license plates. They even scrambled the vehicles..
Fred Flintstone
"Back door" compulsion → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 21:46 GMT
In Home Sec says 17m ID cards in circulation by 2017
For a moment you had me thinking they put Mandelson in charge of this. Pfew.
Fred Flintstone
Excuse me, not on Audis → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 13:39 GMT
In UK is safer from al-Qaeda 'bastards', says security minister
I have one (unrestricted, evil grin), which ought to be enough reason. Besides, I have also had a bike for years so I'm the guy who will give you plenty space to pass and who will actually use his mirrors before changing lanes.
However, I think it could be justified to increase controls on Toyotas. You know, the ones that suddenly accelerate for no other reason that not being subject to a congestion charge in central London. What? Did I say anything wrong?
Mine's the one with the S4 keys in the pocket and the large amount of fuel bills..
(and yes, I enjoy being an evil bastard).
Fred Flintstone
Give me £100k and I'll zap PayPal → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 13:10 GMT
In Cryptome: PayPal a 'liar, cheat and a thug'
No, seriously. The CC companies don't want to change their business model because they have effectively put the transaction liability on the clients and now treat the cost of fraud as a business expense, so they won't play and leave Paypal meddling away.
However, it is possible to seriously cut fraud if you know what you're doing, and I happen to know precisely how. With about 100k I can build this up in 3 months flat and take a serious chunk out of Paypal with users who turn real money - and almost no fraud risk (0% is unrealistic, but it's possible to completely avoid virus and fraudulent repudiation risks). The result would be a drastically lower overhead, and no need for new infrastructure other than the data centre,
Result: less risk AND less transaction overhead means lower cost per transaction. I'd have this well past break even in under a year. As a matter of fact, I think I ought to talk to someone about this...
Fred Flintstone
Unfortunately.. → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 12:52 GMT
In Cryptome: PayPal a 'liar, cheat and a thug'
.. for the odd 50 or so that "just say no" there are sufficient idiots left (several million or so) that continue to keep their revenue stream stable, so I don't think they care much..
Just being realistic, really.
Fred Flintstone
How about.. → # ↑
Posted Thursday 11th March 2010 12:47 GMT
In Google boss says something will happen in China 'soon'
.. "we fired the idiot who came up with this "evil" crap because we keep getting this thrown at us every time we want to make more profit" ..
What in the world possesses everyone to take a marketing statement as somewhere even remotely near reality? Didn't you learn enough from Microsoft? Hello?
Duh..
PS: how much do you believe the "negotiations" statement? IMHO it'll go something like this:
Google: "We want to be free of censorship"
China: "No"
Google: "We're going to throw another tantrum"
China: "Go ahead, make our day. Got hacked lately?"
Google: "Oh, err. But we may leave"
China: "Cool. Let me hold open the door for you"
Google: "But, but .." (walking out, bumping into a Microsoft rep wearing a Bing T-shirt arm in arm with the Baidu CFO)
Door: "Click" - end scene.
From a publicity point of view these guys have dug themselves a pretty deep hole. Disappointingly stupid IMHO, hopefully they'll learn from it. Google has the capability to do much better, as long as they leave off the posturing.
Fred Flintstone
Simple economics → # ↑
Posted Wednesday 10th March 2010 13:17 GMT
In Max Clifford takes £1m to drop hack probe
I disagree. Clifford is smart enough to know that his threat has worked, and he's taken the compensation because that was worth more than wasting his time in court. The journo's may have gotten away this time, but I bet they will be a LOT more careful with Clifford now - which was the actual objective.
Fred Flintstone
FFS - it is NOT phone hacking.. → #
Posted Wednesday 10th March 2010 13:17 GMT
In Max Clifford takes £1m to drop hack probe
Sigh. No phones were hacked, and no fluffy animals were damaged in the process. This is VOICE MAIL hacking.
Phone hacking was easy in the analogue days where all you needed was a re-chipped NEC P3 to listen in to all that was going on around you (and occasionally join in to piss people off).
It takes a lot more resources to do this in the digital world (not impossible, but with a much higher effort.
Hacking voice mail, however, is child's play (evidently :-)..
Fred Flintstone
I think Apple screwed up here → # ↑
Posted Tuesday 9th March 2010 23:30 GMT
In Android - the winning formula for tablets and netbooks?
"Apple know who their target market are"
True, but I think they are seriously in danger overestimating their ability to control that market. The inconsistencies with the App store, for instance, act as a break on developers because they cannot be certain their dev time will pay off (not to mention the fact that the shop has no real support for a maintenance fee model or chargeable updates).
In addition, preventing customers from what is considered perfectly normal on any other platform (3G to WiFi, for instance) will create pressure on people to jump to the platform that DOES provide. It won't be long before others can manufacture in that form factor, and then it's a matter of platform and apps. Android may not be much now, but it does have potential if things can run offline. I'd buy a tablet the size of an iPad if it had apps that I liked - I couldn't care less if it was Apple or someone else.
As long as it's not Windows - I don't like wasting 70% of my bandwidth on anti-virus updates..
Fred Flintstone
All it needs now .. → #
Posted Tuesday 9th March 2010 19:41 GMT
In Panasonic DMC-G2 Micro Four Thirds camera
.. is a decent remote control so that you could hook it up to a decent size monitor and control it.
I fear the touch screen idea won't work for me, because that typically relies on a display that won't move any further away when you press it (i.e. at the end of range for the hinge), unless you handle it with 2 hands (or "thumb" control it). I like the idea, but not sure how that is going to "pan out" (cough) in reality..
Anyway, nice preview, thanks.
Fred Flintstone
It's not exactly her main profession, is it? → #
Posted Tuesday 9th March 2010 11:01 GMT
In Paris Hilton crowned 'Worst Actress of the Decade'
I would imagine if Paris spent a bit more time on it she could probably do better, but she's not a full time actress and I can't imagine her being interested in it either. I think for her it's more like "OK, that may be fun to do for a change" rather than "I'm going to put down an amazing performance here". Besides, you'd need a usable script for that, and I cannot say any of the movies she played in had more depth than a puddle on a Swiss road.
It's a shame she didn't go to pick it up - I must admit I'm a huge fan of Sandra Bullock precisely because she has a good sense of humour (witness the Meryl Streep kissing) and it didn't come as a complete surprise that she went to collect her Razzie. I think that shows style.
Now, anyone looking for an actor to win the next Razzie? I'm free right now, hurry!
:-)
Fred Flintstone
Hah! You're just jealous.. → # ↑
Posted Tuesday 9th March 2010 10:59 GMT
In Steve Jobs says 'No' to iPhone-to-iPad tether
.. so there.
:-)
Fred Flintstone
Who apoligised? The driver.. → #
Posted Friday 5th March 2010 23:27 GMT
In Naomi Campbell bitchslaps NY limo driver
See http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8551176.stm.
Puts ye commentards somewhat to shame, no?
Fred Flintstone
So much for DV.. → #
Posted Friday 5th March 2010 18:16 GMT
In Mystery of alleged MI6 traitor's data theft
If you work for a service, part of your job is to keep your mouth shut and keep information where it belongs. That's the deal, because you can cause an awful mess if you don't, and I personally think you deserve all the crap they can throw at you if you don't.
If this was a sting, well done.
Fred Flintstone
Honestly.. → # ↑
Posted Friday 5th March 2010 14:14 GMT
In Dibble gets mobile dabs checker
"I want to know is this a fingerprint checker or a fingerprint capture and recording system."
Umm, hello, this is the UK. This means it will store your fingerprint for at least twice as long as publicly announced, will probably scrape some DNA when you're not looking and before you, er, pull your finger out it will also take a picture of you - something that will only be discovered years later when someone accidentally leaves a USB stick on a train or when it's politically convenient to do so.
In addition, due to a configuration error your fingerprint will automatically get attached to a Schengen-wide search notice for a child abuser and lobbed into the US no-fly list as a result of the sterling brotherly coordination in place to help the world plus its privacy to hell in a hand basket.
I think that about sums it up. Anything else I can help with?
Fred Flintstone
So, one jammer and it's closing time.. → #
Posted Friday 5th March 2010 14:14 GMT
In DARPA to build military App Store, battlefield 3G
Wonderful idea. A decent triple mode jammer costs you something like USD 29 from a Chinese website, and will nuke all that fun stuff.
BTW; I like the Justabloke1 call centre idea :-)
Dial 1 for an airstrike, 2 for backup or enter hash plus launch codes to call a suicide nuke to your geo location. Do not forget to allow the application to read use your current location because we don't quite know what will happen otherwise. Thank you for calling in the suicide nuke, have a nice but brief day.
Fred Flintstone
Umm.. → # ↑
Posted Friday 5th March 2010 14:09 GMT
In Sony takes aim at Apple iPhone, iPad
"Would have made more of an effort or less?"
You know, you have just sparked all sorts of ideas here, involving animated GIFs. Imagine a shot of this huge display when calling a sex line - yes, I figured you didn't need more help :-).
Ah, Friday..
Fred Flintstone
Not quite → # ↑
Posted Friday 5th March 2010 11:49 GMT
In Apple yanks Wi-Fi detectors from iTunes
Sure, I'm happy with Apple being tight on QA.
However, you can't run an approval process that RETROSPECTIVE pulls apps. What Apple should have done is contact the relevant developers and give them a chance to change the app or otherwise offer an opportunity not to see their work wasted.
However, engaging in any sensible dialogue has never been an Apple feature and it frankly starts to piss me off. If I have paid for an app I expect that to be supported by updates (within reason), so if Apple decides to yank the App it removes the whole update chain with it. This is not a process I want dependent what sort of weather surrounds the turtle neck at any given time, thank you.
If Apple wants to be tight on QA it should start writing PROPER, defined rules, stick some sensible resources into the checking and apply only what it has defined. This "fuck the developer because I got out of bed late today" randomised approach sucks seven ways to Sunday because nobody has any grip on what is and isn't allowed - the moment it's past the gates it's too late.
This Apps nonsense is what will give Google the traction it needs to get Android properly established, and I think this is competition Apple will need to come to its senses, s as iPhone user I very much welcome Android. I use what works for me, if Apple starts getting in the way I will consider switching. Simple.
Fred Flintstone
Yeah, those "positive" reviews → # ↑
Posted Wednesday 3rd March 2010 23:09 GMT
In Microsoft claims 90m sales of Windows 7
"nearly 6 months after launch with all the positive reviews, you still don't trust it?"
This may have something to do with the fact that those same reviewers were wildly enthusiastic about Windows Vista as well, which gave the game away.
Vista was IMHO the best ad *ever* for seeking Windows alternatives, I imagine Jobs must have thanked Gates on his knees every day even before he put his turtle neck on, and it exposed a lot of "reviewers" for the untrustworthy lot they were. This is also why I put no store whatsoever by reported sales figures. Such facts are so open to manipulation they're meaningless.
Fred Flintstone
Easy fix then.. → #
Posted Wednesday 3rd March 2010 12:02 GMT
In Oz watchdog nips Pammie Anderson's bikini-clad ass
"got nothing to do with domains, unless it's to start a porn site"
I would immediately agree with the regulator, and comply with the judgement by limiting the domain name registration to porn sites for a week (and then drop the ad).
Not only would that kick this judgement in the nuts, it would generate even more media noise than the ad ban itself and give anyone in a sane state of mind something to laugh about. And make the regulator look like the idiots they are, as a sheer unfortunate side effect :-)
I really wish I had been marketing exec for this outfit - the regulator would be spitting blood by now. Give it to me baby, *never*, *ever* mess with someone with a sense of humour :-)
This was a public service message from Dr Evil.
Fred Flintstone
OK, now I understand the Apple issue → #
Posted Tuesday 2nd March 2010 20:07 GMT
In Most resistance to 'Aurora' hack attacks futile, says report
Q: why did Apple never had this problem in China?
A: because they don't use PCs.
That's probably going to be the best "I'm a Mac" ad ever, courtesy of Google.
Fred Flintstone
Simple.. → #
Posted Monday 1st March 2010 10:46 GMT
In Cyberspooks sceptical on UK.gov's IT cost-cutting plans
Cloud computing identifies the problem in the very words: cloud. The edges are fuzzy, which is why politicians and marketeers like it, and technical and security people hate it.
Cloud computing for government is feasible if the clouds are all in the UK and managed securely. If as much as a whisp (to stay with the image) drifts outside you have serious problems.
That the government is already saturated with people leaking information is no argument to make it even easier, so I'm fully with the doughnut inhabitants on this one.
I was going to say that letting politicians taking decisions about things they don't understand is a bad idea, but then I realised that's exactly what those people do - witness the economy..
Fred Flintstone
Nah.. → # ↑
Posted Wednesday 17th February 2010 00:59 GMT
In Plantronics Voyager Pro UC
.. his t*ts suck.
Any other bad humour you need?
:-)
Fred Flintstone
I've got another Plantronics - love it → #
Posted Wednesday 17th February 2010 00:59 GMT
In Plantronics Voyager Pro UC
It's the one without boom, the 520. Absolutely quality piece of work, and I have it work with an iPhone 3GS and a laptop (using a standard Toshiba Bluetooth stack on XP - works a charm with Skype).
The only occasional hiccup is that the iPhone isn't very good at convincing it to switch back to the iPhone channel, one day I may even bother to read the manual.
On the basis of wearer comfort, build as well as voice quality I will certainly give the boom version a try - I've always been a believer of putting a mike close to where the sound is.
I personally don't care two beans about what it looks like - I know how comfortable it is, and in the car it beats the bejeebes out of any other handsfree idee. You really notice Plantronics has been in the headset business for a long time.
Thanks for the review.
Fred Flintstone
No, no, no - you got it all wrong → # ↑
Posted Wednesday 17th February 2010 00:59 GMT
In Miniskirt outrage Brazilian becomes Carnival queen
The Catholic cult is the one which is messing with young boys, not dress codes.
Please pay attention.
The flasher Mac, please
Fred Flintstone
It exists already.. → # ↑
Posted Wednesday 17th February 2010 00:59 GMT
In NFC gains Wi-Fi connection, loses name
.. but the problem is the transfer of liability.
You see, replacing the current systems costs money. It is cheaper to keep what is there and handle the losses as the cost of doing business. After all, the CC company doesn't have the liability any longer - you do. The losses are not high enough to justify investment in something new.
And you have only one choice: play by their rules, or not play at all.
Straw poll: if I could sell you a means of payment that was absolutely fraud proof, but you'd have to pay USD $100 to buy it, would you? I would because I care about online and transaction security, but I appear to be an exception.. Note: this would be something new, not another credit card.
Fred Flintstone
Does it come with warning labels.. → #
Posted Wednesday 17th February 2010 00:52 GMT
In Scots unleash world's strongest beer
.. not to cremate anyone who died from this through alcohol poisoning?
You'd go out with a bang..
Fred Flintstone
And so endeth the marketing spin.. → #
Posted Monday 15th February 2010 15:30 GMT
In Google co-founder: Maybe we'll stay in China after all
.. with most users remembering "China bad, Google no evil", and the facts "we want to sell shares without anyone noticing we're not doing well in China" quitely fading into the background..
Fred Flintstone
The consequences make it illegal in the UK → # ↑
Posted Friday 12th February 2010 14:05 GMT
In Google Buzz leaves privacy concerns ringing in ears
If Google offers a service that by default exposes personal details it breaks the Data Protection Act 1998.
AFAIK, it is not permissable to implicitly get permission for the use of personal data (i.e. as a consequence of some other action) in a different context (and publishing it is), that permission MUST be obtained explicitly.
In other words, Brits can file a complaint with the Information Commissioner, their email address is mail@ico.gsi.gov.uk.
And no, I won't say "I told you so" concerning Google's respect for your privacy, although it's been evident for quite a few years. I'll just think it..
Fred Flintstone
They simply want a Nobel prize.. → #
Posted Thursday 11th February 2010 13:25 GMT
In One month later, Google still censors China search
If Obama can get one for something he hasn't done yet I guess the Google guys can take a shot at it as well (unless it was for getting rid of Bush, you can't do that twice).
Other than that, well, what did I say from the moment I heard this?
It wasn't even hard to work out, so I'm rather disappointed so many papers joined the screeching (not El Reg, I note) but hey, it's not like manipulating stock price is a new thing, is it?
Fred Flintstone
Ooooooooooooold idea → #
Posted Wednesday 10th February 2010 10:59 GMT
In Safer Internet Day fights online foolhardiness
Hey, I recycled a title there, is that "green" too? :-)
There is a full setup which has been running certified courses since years in Switzerland, look at www.hackerhighschool.org. I know some people involved, so call me biased, but I know these guys know their stuff.
I guess collaborating with those people would not have extracted so much tax money to play with..
Sniping aside, I think it's a good idea to teach kids early, but only if it makes them think. Making them scared is stupid, and with the present level of government-needed hysteria that is always somewhat hard work to avoid..
Fred Flintstone
BS → # ↑
Posted Wednesday 10th February 2010 04:22 GMT
In Directgov kids' site apes explosive gay porn brand
I don't buy that as a collective mistake of all the New Labour goons, sorry, however much they are hopeless and hopefully out on their ear in a few months.
A bunch of people got asked to do a job and they forgot to check something. It happens.
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