Google Knol Launches

Google went live with Knol, a platform to read and write articles on all kinds of subjects. Knol was being tested privately since some time and had been pre-announced back in 2007. The address is knol.google.com, but notably not knol.com or knol.org or even googleknol.com. This project is somewhat reminiscent of Wikipedia, though there are many differences as well.

5 min read Archive

TrueAnthem Next Nail In Music Label Coffins

Widgets, advertising, and a couple of prominent music acts listed among the early participants in TrueAnthem's efforts show us why the music world doesn't end at the labels' doorsteps.

2 min read Archive

Yahoo Music Is Shutting Its Doors

There had to be a better way. It's no surprise that Yahoo! Music is shutting down its download store and pointing customers to Rhapsody.  But did they have to pull a Microsoft and stop supporting the retrieval of license keys or authorize playback on additional computers? Here's the email that came last night:

2 min read Archive

Amid Economic Woes, Microsoft Pushes Into Your Home

More money spent on gas and groceries means less for luxuries. In the past that meant more people going to the movies and picking up used musical instruments. Now, Microsoft wants to be an entertainment outlet, serving games, videos, and oh yes, advertising.

2 min read Archive

Home fiber, city fiber, where's my fiber?

Who should own the last mile of fiber to your place? It’s been the telcos for years, but what if it were the cities or even you who owned that important bit of connectivity?

2 min read Archive