Bummer.
The French have watered down their proposal to force suppliers to open up their DRM systems (Apple and Microsoft e.g.).
[link]
Chicken!!!!
Mambo testtrack
As I wrote in the previous entry, I am in the process of testing Joomla and Mambo. I want to replace the PHPnuke software I use for a couple of sites. Joomla didn’t work for me so I moved to Mamboserver.
Yesterday I tested the 4.6 RC1 version. I dumped that one quickly because it complained about safe mode settings. As I didn’t wanted to change that in this stage of the process I moved back to 4.5.3.
That seems to work. There are still some things like; finding a good variable based template, keeping a welcome message fixed as first message on the website, finding some good components for a gallery, a forum, a league table, etc. There is tons of stuff but it is all close but no cigar.
Move from PHPnuke to Joomla
I run a couple of website of which some are based on PHPnuke. As PHPnuke is not very safe plus development is slow, I’m now testing Joomla.
Conversion is a problem, installation is not easy. But it is promissing
Server down
Due to maintenance my VPS was down for four hours. Not bad after being up for more than 1,5 year.
Cool design from Japan
From the FosFor gadgets site [link]. A very cool design which can match the Apple designs.
Google on board
Engadget is reporting that VW is incorporating Google satellite in their next generation navigation solutions [link].
Now Engadget is reporting that Honda is adding Google Earth to thei navigation systems [link].
Althought I think it is cool I’m also afraid that the US government is going to ask Google where you have been (as you are using Google).
Oooops Nokia
A DRM perfect world
I’ve been writing about the French and their approach about DRM. They are introducing regulation which will open up the issue around Digital Right Management used by different suppliers.
I have nothing against the French, I have nothing against DRM and I have nothing against Apple. But what I don’t like is being locked in by one supplier.
Apple has the market on online music sales with their iTunes and is expanding it into the video market as well. I don’t own Apple equipment and I am not going to buy it just because it enables me to buy from their website.
I want an open DRM model which enables me to play my music and video on any device from any brand I happen to own. Maybe the French initiative will help me.
Crack in the DRM Firewall??
France has approved the draft law which will force Apple and Microsoft to open up their DRM protection.
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2006/03/21/france_drm_interop/
Let’s see what the consequences will be.
First cracks showing in proprietary iTunes systems
Betanews reports about a possible break which could force Apple to open up its proprietary iTunes DRM model [link betanews]. iTunes is one of the most popular models for buying music on line. The biggest problem with the model is that Apple has made sure that music bought on iTunes can only be played on Apple equipment. With the recent introduction of all kind of home media equipment around the iPod, Apple has been trying to extend that lock in.
With the French move it could be that we can finally see Apple, but also Microsoft and the whole Music industry, be forced to use ‘open standard’ and to allow users who bought music to use it on any equipment they own. So playing your music on your PC, MP3 player, CD player, Car Stereo, etc.
Microsoft’s Origami
link: Geekpedia News.
Some hoepla about a new device by Microsoft. It looks like an A5 tablet PC if you ask me. Take a look at the pictures.
This is the snippet tool you can also get on the Tablet PC.
Adobe Lightroom Beta
Adobe Lightroom is a product aimed at the ‘professional’ photographer who wants to manage his portfolio. It looks real stylish and promissing. Adobe already has another product in its portfolio aimed at management and presentation of a photo portfolio; Photoshop Elements. It also has editing functionality. Question is going to be; is Adobe going to run both packages?
Lightroom is currently in Beta and only available on the Mac. A beta version can be downloaded from this link.
A link to the Lightroom site can be found here.