Digital-Lifestyles

Digital-Lifestyles pre-empted and reported thousands of articles on the then-coming impact that technology was to have on all forms of Media. Launched in 2001 as a research blog to aid its founder, Simon Perry, present at IBC 2002, it grew into a wide ranging, multi-author publication that was quoted in many publications globally including the BBC, was described by the Guardian as 'Informative' and also cited in a myriad of tech publications before closing in 2009

  • Google Floats as Demand Sags

    Google has floated at a US$85 (€68.7) share price, considerably less than the original valuation of US$108 to US$135 (€88 to €110). The company also issued less shares – only 19.6 million, where 25.7 million had been planned initially. It is thought that executives held on to parts of their stakes because of weak demand. Only 5.5 million shares were issued to private investors, less than half the number first bandied about. The shares were issued in a Dutch auction – bids are ranked from highest price down and shares are allocated. Pundits feel that by releasing less shares, the stocks did not have to be sold to the lower bids – sneaky.

    The IPO will raise US$1.67 billion (€1.35 billion) for Google, making it the fourth largest this year. Though, since many IPOs have been cancelled in the last few months, that isn’t saying much.

    The float values Google at US$23 billion (€18.6 billion), down from the US$36 billion (€29.1 billion) suggested when optimism for the share sell off was at its highest. To give some perspective, Amazon is valued at US$16 billion (€13 billion).

    The Google Prospectus

  • Microsoft Previews 64 bit Windows XP Professional

    Microsoft have released a preview of the 64 bit version of Windows XP Professional for beta testers. Now called Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, the final version of the OS will now be released in 2005, having been delayed from winter 2004, no doubt because of delays with XP SP2. Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition will also be released in 2005.

    Those of you wishing to test the OS have a 450 mb download ahead of you – which doesn’t seem that bad, really though copies are available free on CD with a modest shipping charge. From a feature standpoint, 64 bit Windows is virtually identical to the standard version, the program and kernel code is compiled to take advantage of the increased processor world length. Pricing for the final OS will be similar to 32 bit versions.

    64 bit XP will run on a range of 64 bit processors and support up to 16 gigabytes of physical RAM and eight terabytes of virtual memory. RAM support will increase as hardware manufacturers catch up. 32 bit users on some processors will be able to upgrade to the new OS for free.

    An overview of Windows XP Professional x64

  • Digitally Tracking Adverts with Ad ID

    Ad ID is a 12 digit code to be attached to all advertising so that it can be tracked effectively. The system has been developed by the Association of National Advertisers and the American Association of Advertising Agencies, and has just been endorsed by the top four broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC) in the US, along with over 100 other large advertisers and trade groups.

    Each piece of advertising will have a unique 12 digit ID and combined with RFID technology, will enable advertisers to track precisely how individual households have responded to advertising messages through their purchases. Is it just me, or is that really frightening? The introduction of Ad ID is being compared with the introduction of the UPC bar code 30 years ago – though coupling Ad ID with active technologies such as the internet and RFID chips make this a considerably more powerful tool.

    Ad ID is not entirely new – it’s been in development since 2002. Tagging each advert with a unique identifier also allows metadata to be stored about the ad – such as geographic relevance and scheduling. The system is backed by a web portal so that advertisers can update campaign information and consult billing and scheduling details.

    Ad ID

  • 51% of US Domestic Internet Access Now Broadband

    Dial-up internet connections are now in the minority in the US, as 51% of connections are now made through broadband links. The progress has been fast – last month it was 49%, and this time last year only 38% of domestic users had broadband.

    63 million home users now connect to the internet through broadband using cable modems, ADSL or other variants, contrasted with 61.3 million on dial-up.

    The figures come from a new Neilsen//NetRatings charting the growth of broadband against the decline of dial-up internet access. Broadband access has risen 47% year on year against dial-up’s 13% decline.

    Marc Ryan, senior director of analysis at Nielsen//NetRatings said “What this is really pointing to is the fact that consumers are taking advantage of broadband, that there are lots of incentives for them to sign up for broadband. The opportunity here for marketers is to present customers with a richer environment to interact with advertising and with brands. In order to truly experience the Internet at its best these days, a broadband connection is almost a must.”

    New demand is slowing for the time being, though we thing that won’t be for long. The total number of American’ accessing the internet grew only 10% from 113 million in July 2003 to 124 million July 2004, out of a population of 281 million, though a fall in the cost of broadband services coupled with the subsequent increase in rich content may well spur a second growth phase for the internet.

    The Neilsen report

  • PS2 & Xbox: Euro price drop

    Both Sony and Microsoft have announced the European price drop of their consoles at the Leipzig Games Convention.It is thought that Microsoft got wind of Sony’s intended price drop and preempted it by announcing their own reduction. The exact timings were 3pm CET for Microsoft and 4:30 SET for Sony.Sony new pricing for the PS2 will be £104.99 with immediate effect. The Xbox will drop to £99.99, just below the physiological £100 barrier, but will take effect on the 27th August.Sounds like Microsoft had made a decision to drop the price, Sony then dropped theirs and Microsoft felt they had to try and trump it. The end results will be close to zero Xboxes being sold between now and 27th August.Sales surged in the US when US retail prices were dropped in June; a similar effect is expected here.

  • HomeChoice and Sky Do a Deal on Sport and Films

    VideoNetwork’s HomeChoice platform now carries BSkyB’s Sky Sports and Movies channels. Subscribers can now watch Sky Sports 1, 2, 3 and Xtra, plus Sky Movies Screens 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9.

    This takes HomeChoices’ selection up to 80 digital TV and on-demand film, music and entertainment channels.

    Roger Lynch, Chairman and CEO, Video Networks Ltd said: “The addition of these channels is great news for HomeChoice subscribers. Over the past 15 years Sky has helped shape the UK’s TV sector. Its sports channels offer fantastic coverage of events that are close to the hearts of all UK sports fans. Furthermore, the addition of Sky Movies means even more choice for our customers. There are currently over 1000 films at their fingertips via our on-demand film channels Film 1st and Movies Now. Factor in the movies delivered via Sky’s channels and the HomeChoice platform offers outstanding choice for film fans.”

    Martin Goswami, Sky’s Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted to have reached an agreement with Video Networks that enables Sky to retail its services on the HomeChoice platform. This is a new initiative for Sky and a further broadening of the distribution of our channels.”

    VideoNetworks

  • Internet-only Pharmacies Approved in England

    The UK government has approved internet-only pharmacies in England under changes to the laws governing pharmacies in general, as a result of an Office of Fair Trading report. Whilst some pharmacies already sell medicines online, they must have a physical store to trade legally – the changes to the law mean that internet-only chemists will soon be available for the first time.

    The Department of Health is assuring the public that there will be strict rules enforced to ensure quality of service and safety.

    Health Minister Rosie Winterton said “These reforms continue to support the Government’s aim to put the needs of patients first, ensuring that local health services reflect the changing lifestyles and needs of patients.”

    Whilst it’s a great idea in principle, some internet users may mistake spam and some less reputable online services offering medicines as legitimate organisations. It will take public education and strict policing to ensure that members of the public do not put themselves at risk.

    Office of Fair Trading

  • EDS and BSkyB Suing Each Other

    BSkyB are suing EDS over a contract for a new IT system at the broadcaster’s Livingston and Dunfermline call centres, accusing them of negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract.

    BSkyB hired EDS in 2000 to supply a new customer service platform for the 6000 staff in the centres, but ran into difficulties in the first twelve months. After redefining the project requirements, the system was handed over to BSkyB a year later in 2002, and the contract ended in December that year as BSkyB felt that EDS could not deliver the system in accordance with their contract. However, EDS claim that they ended the contract, not BSkyB.

    A quick rummage in a filing cabinet should end that debate, though BSkyB claim to have consulted some 50,000 documents to come to the conclusion that EDS did not deliver what they signed up for.

    The system has cost BSkyB about UK£170 million since 2000, and they are expected to fork out another UK£50 million to the two Scottish call centres until 2008. The broadcaster is now looking to sue for about UK£180 million to UK£240 million to get back lost revenue and effort.

    EDS aren’t doing to well lately, having lost a number of high profile government contracts, notably with the Child Support Agency, NHS and Inland Revenue.

    EDS have announced that they will be countersuing, as they claimed to be expecting this sort of behaviour from BSkyB. Given the size of the two companies and the nature of corporate litigation, this one will run and run.

    EDS UK

    BSkyB

  • Dan and Dusty – an Unlikely Example of TV Interactivity

    Dan and Dusty is ITV1’s latest occupant for the post-pub Friday night slot – thirteen weeks of bands, interviews and stand up designed to appeal to young drunk people. This time however, ITV have fronted the show with two puppets rather than the usual talentless presenter. I suppose they’re cheaper and the headlines in 3AM Girls will be less embarrassing.

    Anyway, what has this got to do with convergence? That’s right – ITV have realised that young, drunk people who like music and comedy also like mobile phones … and mobile phones equal money.

    Viewers can interact with the programme with their mobile phone in a number of ways. They can send text messages to the show’s agony aunt for live advice on “In Confidence”, and enter competitions for prizes. It should come as no surprise to Digital Lifestyles readers that there are wallpapers and ringtones to download as well.

    The mobile service is provided by Mobileway and Watertrace. Bernadette Lyons, the managing director Mobileway UK, said: “By providing mobile services to a show that looks set to have all the qualities of a cult success, Watertrace and Mobileway are helping ITV create a truly interactive proposition for viewers.”MobileWay

    Dan and Dusty

  • EU Delays Microsoft DRM Decision

    EU anti-trust regulators have decided to postpone their decision on whether or not to review Microsoft and Time Warner’s joint acquisition of ContentGuard, a digital rights management company.

    Microsoft has invested in ContentGuard for some time now, and along with Time Warner have sought to strengthen their position in the DRM market. Time Warner, as one of the world’s leading content houses, also has a lot to gain from the acquisition.

    The EU commission usually has a month to decide if it wants to investigate a deal like this further, and though in this case it has opted for a two week extension to 25th August. The extension has come about because the two companies have submitted remedies to some concerns raised by the commission.

    ContentGuard, who developed the Extensible Rights Markup Language, holds a number of patents which are licensed to Sony, Microsoft and others. The patents were in turn developed at Xerox PARC and some of these patents have been adopted as standards by the Motion Picture Experts Group.

    ContentGuard