Buzz Out Loud 780: Microsoft to dump Windows?

Details are leaking out about a post-Windows OS from Microsoft, code-name Midori, that would use virtualization and the cloud to manage your computing life. Throw in the semantic Web and you have a buzzword threefer! But, it brings up the interesting fact that Microsoft is thinking of an end of life for Windows someday. In other news, Comcast gets slapped on the wrist by the FCC but does the FCC have the authority to make the slap stick? We'll talk about it.
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EPISODE 780

FCC spanks Comcast for P2P blocking: no fine, full disclosure
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080801-fcc-spanks-comcast-for-p2p-blocking-no-fine-full-disclosure.html

Midori musings: thoughts on a “post-Windows” OS
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080804-midori-musings-thoughts-on-a-post-windows-os.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7540282.stm

Intel details future ‘Larrabee’ graphics chip
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-10005391-64.html

LiMo Foundation adds new handsets, members
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10004741-1.html
http://blogs.zdnet.com/open-source/?p=2739

Unreliable British tabloid claims Apple will release iPhone Nano this year
http://gadgets.boingboing.net/2008/08/03/unreliable-british-t.html
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1041006/Apple-launch-iPhone-nano-time-Christmas.html?ITO=1490

The extended warranty you ought to buy
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10005159-2.html

SpaceX’s rocket destroys Scotty’s space-bound ashes in a demonstration of tremendous irony
http://www.engadget.com/2008/08/04/spacexs-rocket-destroys-scottys-space-bound-ashes-in-a-demonst/
http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20080803-spaceflights-not-easy-space-x-loses-scotty-and-a-rocket.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/7539780.stm

VOICEMAIL

Tony
VPN won't always work getting around firewall.

Norman
Little headset tip.

E-MAIL

Hi Buzz Crew,

Just an FYI:

“Bottom line: iPhone tethering uses more power than charging circuitry
can provide! ”

http://sleepers.net/news/2008/07/31/3g-tethering-iphone-power-woes/

Love the show.
Jim the geek

**********

Check out this awesome how-to on how to eliminate the GSM cell phone buzzing that goes through speakers by taking the clunky ends off some USB cords and putting them near your speakers.

http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2008/08/killing_that_gsm_buzz.html?CMP=OTC-0D6B48984890
Regards,
Jack Hanington

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,

In response to your discussion about USB vs. Firewire, I couldn’t help thinking that there was a point for Firewire that you missed out.

While USB is in theory faster than Firewire, the actual results show the opposite. This is because Firewire doesn’t use the computer’s CPU but instead it’s own independent chipset; USB relies on the computer’s processor. This is great for slower computers but also for those running applications like Final Cut Pro, which are traditionally heavy on the processor.

Love the show!

Steve
Bristol, UK

**********

Dear Molly, Tom, and Jason,

Listening to this piece, I was wondering if this feat could be pulled off on “SKYPE” and if so, could we pull off a Mozilla moment? Wouldn’t that then give them something to scream about and truly then will the HILLS be ALIVE with the SOUND of...? Now, from the fjords, can you hear this--“LOVE THE FREAKING SHOW”--loud enough?!

**********

Hey Buzz Out Loud…

After all was said and done on show #778, you played some Swiss dude cappin’ on poor Rafe about Velcro. It was not invented in the 1940’s by some mad, Swiss scientist. I’m sure Tom will back me on this; it was given to us by the Vulcan’s in the year 1957 by T’Pol’s Grandmother. Next thing you know, the Swiss will want to take credit for the greatest utility invention ever… noooo, not that red knife thingy, I’m referring to The Titanium SPORK!!

Dennis O.
Powell, Ohio