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Technology

82% of Cell Phone Users Never Text Message

picture.jpgThere are some interesting statistics from a study done by Ipsos MediaCT and reported on in the New York Times by Alex Mindlin: 82% of American cell phone users never use text messaging, while 15% use it weekly of more. Only 3% used it once a month, making it apparent that those who use text messaging use it often, and others don’t.

This may seem a little low, but it doesn’t surprise me too much. I can’t think of anybody over the age of 40 in my entire family that regularly uses text messaging. The generational gap is definitely very much in effect.
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Microsoft Acquires Semantic Web Company Powerset

microsoft-logo.jpgOne has to admire Microsoft’s aggression in their push to take on Google. They continue to pursue Yahoo, now trying to bring on new partners. Their Live Search Cashback is an interesting attempt to make Live the homepage for people looking to purchase items on the Internet (although it’s far too easy to just use the cashback feature and ignore Live Search itself).

Now, Microsoft has acquired Powerset, a natural language search company. Powerset uses semantic web algorithms to produce more relevant search results. Keyword based search doesn’t often bring out the nuance in a query, and Powerset’s engineers are working to parse out the intent of a search query rather than simply matching up the search words to text and metacontent on a page.
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Questions Arise as Anti-Obama Blogs Get the Boot From Google

barack-obama-official-small.jpgBarack Obama’s support online is the stuff of legend, and most of it is positive. His netroots fundraising efforts have resulted in his campaign being the richest in history, and the mature realization of the Howard Dean phenomenon. His Internet advertising far outpaces his rivals, and he is the favorite amongst much of the Internet upper-crust. His site’s social network does a fantastic job of keeping his supporters connected and his campaigns overall grasp of the technology available far outpaces his rival, John McCain.

However, rumors are swirling that some of his supporters may be abusing their technological advantage. Several anti-Obama blogs, many of them by Hillary Clinton supporters, have been shut down on Google’s Blogger network after being identified as spam.

But there is no concrete evidence of foul play, and Google’s explanation for the shutdown scotches speculation by the conspiracy theorists.
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Will iPhone and Android Usher in Golden Age in Mobile Adult Content?

iphone.jpgTime Magazine has a rather intriguing article about the future of mobile porn vis a vis the iPhone.

Several iPhone-friendly adult sites have popped up with video clips optimized for the iPhone. iPhone’s browser gives adult content companies an upper hand they’ve not previously had with other mobile carriers: restrictions by network providers.

Mobile porn is a $1.7 billion industry, but half of that income comes from Western Europe, where liberal mobile service providers allow adult content to be broadcast over their phones. With iPhone, there are no such restrictions.
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Denon Offers 5-Foot Ethernet Cable for $500

denon_logo.gifThis was just too good to pass up writing about.

For all you audiophiles out there, I’m sure you recognize the Denon name: they sell ridiculously high-priced audio and video equipment to “discriminating customers.” If you have any interest in spending $7000 on an A/V receiver, they are the crew to go to.

But that’s fine: there is a market for ultra-premium electronics out there and I’m sure Denon offers a fine product. If they can produce a quality item and move it for $7000 grand, then rock ‘n’ roll. It’s a free country.

However, is there any possible reason to pay $8.33 an inch for an ethernet cable?
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