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Archive for February, 2009

Blu-ray

February 24th, 2009 Comments off

Japan is a very interesting market when it comes to technology, as it is definitely one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world. That is why observing various trends is not only interesting, but may prove to be beneficial for many reasons. Recent data suggests that the Blu-ray DVD sales are growing rapidly in Japan, which is probably due to HD-DVD discs that lost the format war last year. Not only that the sales are growing, but the prediction is that the sales will continue to grow for a long time, as the Blu-ray DVD technology doesn�t really have a competitor.
One of the reasons for that may be that around half a year ago one of the biggest backers of HD DVD format, namely Universal Studios, has decided to release all their new videos on the victorious Blu-ray technology. Universal Studios are releasing dozens of titles, all of them are being released on the Blu-ray DVDs. Some called this the final nail in the coffin for HD DVD. Generally speaking, I am certain that having only one format is benefiting customers, as they don’t have to obtain equipment which would have the capability to playback both formats. This in turn means more money left in the pocket of an average consumer.

Categories: Biz, Tech Tags:

Quality and Digg

February 17th, 2009 Comments off

Among other things, Digg has always been a great place to submit interesting articles and stories. Users are given the possibility to cast a vote on those articles by �digging�. While Digg has helped the Internet community, many believe that there has been a decline in the quality of articles on Digg. The problem is that Digg changed its algorithm to artificially favor articles posted in certain categories, such as politics and news over articles in different categories like technology. Additionally, it artificially favors new users over long-time active users. The problem is that the algorithm favors diversity, but results in poorer content. Some users are getting rewarded more frequently even though they don�t perform as well as others. Until Digg makes some changes in its algorithm, this situation may continue.

Categories: Web Tags:

External Hard Drives and Backup

February 12th, 2009 Comments off

Doing backup is something which many novice computer users forget to do, but later regret it. Doing regular backups is important and guarantees that you won�t lose any files on which you worked so hard. External hard drives are a perfect solution for this purpose, as you can backup data from many computers by using just one external hard drive connected to the USB port. I have an external hard drive myself which I use for backup purposes, and this way I can be sure that whatever happens to my PC I am protected. The reason why an external drive is a better choice than connecting an additional disk to your computer is that it is cheaper, because external hard drives will not use as much power since they won’t be connected at all times. Additionally, even if someone steals your computer, you will still have all of the important data stored on your external hard drive. You will also be protected in case of any power surge which could potentially damage all of the computer components connected to the motherboard.

Categories: Tech Tags:

Going on the Moon

February 6th, 2009 Comments off

Some time ago Google launched a space race to the moon with a $20 million prize. The requirements are that it should be a private team with as little government involved as possible. The catch is that the mission has to be a success before December 31, 2012 and the rover which would be launched has to travel 500 meters and send pictures and videos back to earth. The prize goes away after 2014, which is supposed to motivate the contestants to do it as fast as possible. I am sure that this competition will attract the brightest minds in the fields of robotics and engineering, and possibly even many amateurs hoping to make history. Currently, there are sixteen teams competing for the prize, as other two participants have withdrawn.

Categories: Tech Tags: