CustomScoop's Tech Jots

A Kickstart for College Students

Yahoo Developing Social Network for Job-Seeking College Students
The Web Services Report
Yahoo is testing a new social network designed to help college students find employment. Kickstart links job seekers to alumni from their school in an effort to get them the “in” needed to secure a job. Harrison Hoffman notes that the layout is simple and similar to other social networks, but the concept, he says, really stands out. “I personally think that Kickstart is a really solid concept and that it's a possible game-changer in the professional networking space.”

Microsoft, Eolas Settle Patent Dispute
Techdirt
The long running patent dispute between Microsoft and Eolas has come to an end as the two parties have reached an undisclosed settlement. Eolas had sued the tech giant, alleging that Internet Explorer violates an Eolas patent for browser plugins, and at one point earned a $500 million judgment in the case. Mike Masnick is disappointed by the settlement news, arguing that the patent system is broken. “Once again, this highlights nearly everything wrong with the patent system and why it needs to be changed. A very broad and vague concept with plenty of prior art gets patented by a small firm that doesn't actually do anything. Then it holds up a large company that is actually offering a product to the market, and forces them to change their product, taking away functionality, while trying to collect hundreds of millions of dollars that could have gone towards further innovation.”

NBC Leaves iTunes
IP & Democracy
Frustrated with Apple’s rigid pricing structure for iTunes videos, NBC Universal has decided to allow its contract to expire. A number of bloggers are taking note, suggesting that this will be a major blow to Apple, as NBC Universal is the largest content provider on iTunes. Cynthia Brumfield argues that Apple has to start buying into the content business, or NBC’s exit could turn into a trend. “If Apple doesn’t start investing in content that it controls, the company could find its iTunes store increasingly empty of product to sell because other studios and powerful content suppliers are likely to follow NBC-U’s lead.”

Vista is Almost Really Ready

Microsoft to Release Service Packs for Vista, XP
Todd Bishop’s Microsoft Blog
Microsoft will issue a limited release of Vista’s first service pack, and XP’s third, in the next few weeks, with a full launch expected early next year. Among other features, Vista SP1 contains a number of security patches and performance improvements. XP SP3 will be focused on security updates and patches. Todd Bishop suggests that the Vista upgrade could be a boon for Microsoft. “Psychologically, at least, the release of the first service pack for a new Windows version has traditionally been a key moment in Microsoft's efforts to get businesses to upgrade. Many wait until Service Pack 1 before moving ahead.”

Nokia 2.0
last100
Nokia is creating a lot of chatter today with its announcement of five new multimedia phones and its own online music store. The Nokia Music Store, which promises millions of songs, will be just a part of Ovi, the company’s new web brand that includes gaming, map, and social networking components. The service will launch initially in Europe and Asia. Steve O’Hear suggests that Nokia is aggressively restructuring its business strategy due to sagging sales. “Profits from hardware sales are falling, requiring the company to reinvent itself as one that provides a broad range of mobile services.”

Zoho Launches Application Hub
Read/Write Web
Zoho has unveiled a new organization tool designed to help integrate its suite of applications. Zoho Start will serve as a hub for Zoho Writer, Sheet, and Show, allowing users to easily access different types of documents from the same screen. Josh Catone is not overly impressed, but calls Start a step in the right direction. “Zoho Start is still quite rough around the edges. [It] isn't the prettiest application, but by tying together their apps under a common launch interface, Zoho is taking a step toward a fully web-based suite that has the cohesive feel of desktop systems.”

Virtual Aspirin for Web 2.0 Headaches

Facebook Tweaks Platform
TechCrunch
Facebook is altering its platform in an effort to crack down on abusive applications. The social networking site will restrict how applications contact members and force them to reveal all advertisements to profile owners. Michael Arrington praises Facebook for trying to maintain order, but argues that the network should do so by penalizing abusers without punishing the good guys. “Since application developers aren’t penalized for finding the weaknesses in the Facebook platform, expect them (and their venture dollars) to continue to focus on finding the next hole to exploit. […] Also, the changes are very cumbersome for even the non-abusers.”

Digg Gets a New Look
Compiler
In an effort to make its homepage more user friendly, Digg has unveiled a cleaner interface with integrated video and new customization features. Scott Gilbertson notes that softer colors and a streamlined navigation makes the site more visually appealing, but suggests that the changes are largely cosmetic. “The makeover is largely skin deep. Still, the new look is cleaner and could help make Digg more appealing to a wider audience.”

IPhone Hack a Boon for Apple?
CNET News Blog
Widespread confirmation that the Apple iPhone has been successfully unlocked has many counting the ticks until the hack is released. With rumors swirling that the hack could be publicly available as soon as tomorrow, Don Reisinger speculates that it may have a dramatic impact on Apple’s bottom line. “With a new unlocking procedure in place, the iPhone will become as ubiquitous overseas as it is in the US. In a matter of days after the best iPhone unlock is released, we will witness a flurry of sales that will create a watershed moment for Apple.”

A Change of Scenery

Yahoo Mail Launches Upgrades
Compiler
After nearly a year of beta testing, Yahoo has publicly launched its upgraded email offering, which includes a few brand new features. Most notably, Yahoo Mail now includes SMS/text messaging capabilities and short cuts designed to make the free web-based service faster and easier to use. Scott Gilbertson likes the new tools, but notes that GMail’s free POP access makes Google’s email service a better option for many users. “If you’re a heavy SMS user Yahoo Mail is the way to go, if you’re looking to centralize all your e-mail addresses in one spot I’d recommend GMail. “

A New Look for Bloglines
Read/Write Web
The RSS reader/aggregator Bloglines has just unveiled a beta site redesign. The new offering features AJAX based drag and drop functionality along with a number of customizable viewing options. Richard MacManus argues that Bloglines is “back on track” and applauds the service’s ease of use. “My first impressions are of a slick new RSS Reader interface - and it actually seems faster than Google Reader, which does have its quirks. The Bloglines Start Page is fantastic… ”

Acer to Purchase Gateway
engadget

Taiwan-based computer manufacturer Acer is set to acquire Gateway, Inc. for $710 million. Acer has become a major global player, now comfortably the third largest PC company worldwide. The Gateway brand is expected to continue under Acer’s umbrella, and Thomas Ricker sees the acquisition as a positive step for both parties. “Sure seems like a win-win what with Gateway steadily losing market share (but still tied for third largest PC maker in the US) while finally giving […] Acer a dominant position in the Americas.”

The Monetization of YouTube

YouTube to Feature In-Video Ads
Techdirt
After months of speculation, Google has unveiled plans to monetize YouTube with overlay advertisements. The 10-second flash animation ads, currently in live testing, appear shortly after a video begins at the bottom of the clip. A number of bloggers are touting the project as an innovative way to display powerful ads without upsetting viewers. Mike Masnick expects to see impressive results early on, but suggests that many viewers will learn to ignore the ads. “You can expect higher clickthroughs initially simply because it's different and viewers aren't used to seeing it. But, over time, ad blindness is likely to creep back in.”

Twitter Launches Search Feature
TeachCrunch
The popular new microblogging/messenger service Twitter is delighting geeks across the blogosphere with the introduction Twitter search. The upgrade allows users to find friends, or even strangers, based on name, location, bio, and URL. Michael Arrington applauds the offering and suggests that new competition in the marketplace is driving Twitter to create a better product. “It seems that Twitter has become much more stable since the launch of competitors like Pownce, Jaiku, Yappd and others. And now we’re getting new feature releases too.”

Conduit Plans Social Network for Gamers
VentureBeat
Investors are pouring millions of dollars into a new company that aims to build a social network for virtual world gamers. Conduit Labs wants to create a network that will facilitate “interactions designed around real-life relationships” between fellow gamers. The goal appears to be a cross between Facebook and Second Life, but as Eric Eldon explains, Conduit’s plans are not yet crystal clear. “We’re not entirely sure how the company can improve on instant messaging and real-time video interactions that are already possible, [but] we look forward to following this company as it emerges.”

Web Video Takes a Step Forward

Adobe Set to Push HD Video Online
Read/Write Web
Adobe has beta launched an updated version of its widely used Flash Player that features support for high definition video and High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding (HE-AAC). Adobe representatives argue that the improved audio format will prove to be the “successor to MP3.” Meanwhile, Richard MacManus believes that the video upgrades, set for a full launch this fall, will have a widespread impact on web users. “Higher quality online video is great news for consumers and producers alike - especially in a near ubiquitous media player like Flash Player, which is used on YouTube, MySpace and other major platforms.”

Facebook Integrates Email
ParisLemon
Facebook has opened up its messaging tool, and now allows users to send email to outside accounts. MG Siegler calls the move a brilliant marketing decision, noting that it will force many outside of Facebook to take a closer look at the service. Siegler also suggests that Facebook is gradually morphing into the “Inner-Internet,” where users can manage all of their regular tasks in one place. “Pictures, movies, your favorite Internet apps, and now email - pretty soon if you don't want to, you basically will only need to visit one site on the Internet to do everything - Facebook.”

Build Your Own Social Network
TechCrunch
CollectiveX has launched a service that will allow users to build their own social networks. Groupsites is a free service that includes various privacy settings and the ability to manage multiple networks form a singular interface. Michael Arrington is impressed with CollectiveX’s effort so far, noting that the company has a knack for doing more with less. “CollectiveX is certainly comparable to some of the better funded sites who’ve spent millions on development.”

Tech Jots – Pointing Fingers and Directing Traffic

Offline Channels Drive Online Searches
Search Engine Journal
A new iProspect/Jupiter Research study reveals that 67 percent of online searches are driven by offline channels, and 39 percent of those searches result in a purchase. While TV commercials are more likely to drive searches, print media reportedly is more successful in converting purchases. Arnold Zafra urges marketing professionals to consider revising their strategies with these numbers in mind. “SEM experts better explore these offline channels and start refocusing their marketing strategies to capture offline audience and bring them into the online world.”

Skype Blames Outage on Windows Update
Ryan Naraine’s Zero Day
The cause of Skype’s two-day outage last week has apparently been linked to a Microsoft Windows update. Skype claims that the massive reboot following Microsoft’s most recent software upgrade “caused a flood of log-in requests, which, combined with the lack of peer-to-peer network resources, prompted a chain reaction that had a critical impact.” Ryan Naraine isn’t buying the explanation however, and rightly notes that these “massive” reboots are nothing new. “The Windows Update explanation seems a bit bizarre.   After all, Microsoft has been delivering automatic updates (and simultaneous reboots) every month since 2003.  Something still isn’t adding up.”

DRM v. Watermarks
George Ou
The anti-digital rights management (DRM) movement appears to be seeing some traction inside major studios, but George Ou warns that the price may be too much. The alternative, Ou notes, is digital watermarking, which could presumably be used to track pirated music after the fact. While some insist that watermarks are inaudible, Ou disagrees and complains that it will weaken the quality of purchased music. “While I don’t particularly care for DRM, I’ll put up with it like most consumers… But I definitely have a problem with my music being polluted with watermarks no matter how supposedly inaudible they are.”

Skypers Weep, Micro-bloggers Cheer

Twitter or Jaiku? Why Not Both?

TechCrunch
Fans of micro-blogging services Twitter and Jaiku have a new time saving option in TwitKu. The new site merges both services into one interface, allowing users to post to one, or both, services on the same screen. Michael Arrington touts the offering as helpful and easy to use, and expects to see more platforms added to the mix in the not-too-distant future. “Clones/similar products like Pownce and the new Yappd don’t have APIs. When and if those services release them, I’d expect TwitKu to quickly add those services as well.”

Skype’s Loss is SIPphone’s Gain
GigaOM
Skype has been experiencing wide-spread outages over the last two days, resulting in a “day from hell” for the company and its customers. Not coincidentally, a startup competitor called SIPphone has seen a four fold increase in traffic and sales during the same time. Om Malik suggests that the outage raises serious concerns about P2P voice in general. “The Skype outage - you couldn’t login to your Skype account - that started sometime last night makes you wonder about how resilient are P2P services.”

Light Speed is So Last Century
Gizmodo

And now for your Star Trek moment of the week – a pair of German physicists claim to have broken the speed of light using microwave photons. The two used glass prisms to pass a photon about three feet at a speed they argue surpasses 186,000 miles per second, or the speed of light. Matthew Sparkes is clearly intrigued, but acknowledges that the report leaves plenty of room for skepticism. “We'll give them the benefit of the doubt for now. If they don't hold a press conference exhibiting a time-traveling Delorean within a year though, we'll remove all support.”

Facebook, Bebo Make a Splash

Bebo Rules in the UK
The Social Web
MySpace’s reign of dominance in the United Kingdom has come to an end. New Comscore data reveals that Bebo has leaped ahead in the social networking race with 10.7 million unique visitors across the pond. Steve O’Hear is not surprised that Bebo has continued to find success, but expects in both services could be eclipsed by Facebook down the road. “Give it six months or less, and Facebook’s UK figures could look very different. I suspect they’ll be a lot closer to the other two — within the thousands not millions — and could eventually overtake them both.”

Bloggers Drool Over Facebook for iPhone
TechCrunch
A number of bloggers are heaping praise on Facebook’s newest website, which is designed specifically for Apple’s iPhone. Michael Arrington, Chris Messina, Pete Cashmore, and others are calling it the best iPhone-specific site developed to date. Cashmore lauds the site’s ease of use and horizontally sliding interface. Arrington argues that Facebook has raised the bar for other social networks and anyone interested in creating an iSite a website for the iPhone. “I have not seen a better iPhone website than this one. A lot of startups are going to look to this as the gold standard.”

Moveable Type 4.0 Set Free
Read/Write Web
Moveable Type has just launched version 4.0, calling it "the largest release in the product’s history.” The updated offering includes 50 new features, including a redesigned interface, additional editing tools, and template wizards. Moveable Type is also releasing a plug-in directory to help fight spam and improve functionality. Richard MacManus is impressed by the feature list and eagerly anticipates the open source version, which is expected to launch later this year. “Once that is released, Movable Type will be at least as attractive as Wordpress as a publishing platform for bloggers.”

Cell Phones Get Smarter, Hotter

AOL Tries to Tackle Mobile Search
GigaOM
America Online is launching a new mobile search service designed to minimize the number of clicks needed to find information and make calls. The service’s most significant new feature is Click2Call integration, a tool that allows users to click directly on a phone number on a search results page in order to place a call. Om Malik applauds the offering, but, given the competition, is unsure if it will be a success. “AOL’s new offering, at first blush seems simple and useful, though as is the case with most such offerings they have to pass the test of time.”

Hot Phone? Check Your Battery
Gadget Lab
Nokia has issued an advisory on 46 million cell phone batteries that the manufacturer believes could overheat and “dislodge.” The company insists there have been no cases of injury from the problem, which has reportedly been linked to about 100 phones. Charlie Sorrel wisely notes that there is no reason to risk being the first. “These things have a habit of going off at the wrong time, so head over to the Nokia site and check your serial number.”

Microsoft Announces Email Upgrades
Squash
Microsoft has just started rolling out a series of upgrades for Hotmail, the tech giant’s online email service. The new features include more storage (5GB), faster speeds, better spam filters, and improved organization tools. Insisting that “speed is king,” Phil Sim argues that Hotmail can only be successful with faster service. “Microsoft’s offering have just been too slow… So anyway that Microsoft can speed up the new AJAX apps will be a good start to gaining back some ground.”