The Future of Things (TFOT) - MultiSwitch - First USB Sharing Hub

The Future of Things (TFOT) - MultiSwitch - First USB Sharing Hub: "A new extension to USB that will enable sharing of various USB peripherals between computers is now available. The new MultiSwitch hub technology, developed by SMSC, allows the sharing of information and content from devices such as DVD players, cameras, printers, and scanners between laptops and desktops using a simple USB cable. Future hubs may also allow wireless sharing of peripherals."

Way cool. FireWire allowed for parallel access by multiple devices, but most devices didn't support a way to lock and unlock the device easily and seamlessly.

BBC NEWS | Technology | BBC moves to file-sharing sites

BBC NEWS | Technology | BBC moves to file-sharing sites

"Beth Clearfield, vice president of program management and digital media at BBC Worldwide, said that the agreement was part of a drive to reach the largest audience possible."

Yes! Finally the networks (at least) are starting to get it. Any media, but particularly TV, the trick is eyeballs on the show. This is an excellent way to increase the eyeball count. Granted, the traditional advertising stuff is less likely to 'work' in this medium, but things like product placement will be more likely to start taking its place.

YesLed.com

YesLed.com

Now here is a cool idea. Replace those older flashlight bulbs with drop-in LED bulbs.

With a blanket license, will CDs get cheaper? | The Register

With a blanket license, will CDs get cheaper? | The Register: "A blanket license for digital music, now being considered by labels (big and small), songwriters and performers, gives you the right to exchange music freely over computer networks - for a small fee. The pool of money is then divided up according to the exchanges, and returned to rights holders. The model operates today in many situations where it's too onerous to count, let alone restrict the exchanges taking place: such as for radio, and music played in pubs and shopping malls, for example."

Is that the sound of a light bulb coming on? A little common sense prevailing? Gawd, I hope so.

Wired 14.12: Posts

Wired 14.12: Posts: "The future of the Internet lies not with institutions but with individuals. Low-cost connections will proliferate, encouraging creativity, collaboration, and telecommuting. The Net itself will recede into the background. If you're under 21, you likely don't care much about any supposed difference between virtual and actual, online and off. That's because the two realms are penetrating each other; Google Earth mingles with Google Maps, and daily life shows up on Flickr. Like the real world, the Net will be increasingly international and decreasingly reliant on English. It will be wrapped in a Chinese kung fu outfit, intoned in an Indian accent, oozing Brazilian sex appeal."

Damn insightful, good read.

DB Fletcher Furniture Design

DB Fletcher Furniture Design: "It is a circular table which, when rotated at its outer perimeter, doubles its seating capacity, yet astonishingly remains truly circular."

Wired News: RSS Delivers Web's Best Deals

Wired News: RSS Delivers Web's Best Deals

Web 2.0 indeed. Once again the markets define themselves.

Brew phones to talk to Xboxes

Brew phones to talk to Xboxes

Wired News: Why Gears of War Rocks

Wired News: Why Gears of War Rocks: "And the game really is awesome. Indeed, it is staggeringly, derangedly so. I popped Gears of War into my Xbox 360 and sat in a cybernetic haze for three straight hours, emerging with my stomach in fist-size knots, so emotionally and cognitively depleted that I had to consult the instructions on the side of the box before I was able to cook a bag of microwave popcorn -- which, come to think of it, was my only meal for the rest of the evening because I had to go back and play until I collapsed."


OK, that may be a *bit* extreme :) but it is quite good. Good enough that after wining on one difficulty level, you simply...must...go for the next.

Insane, indeed.

Ben Heckendorn's one-handed Xbox 360 controller - Engadget

Ben Heckendorn's one-handed Xbox 360 controller - Engadget