Skype Video Chat Through Your Flat Screen TV

Skype is planning on expanding their popular web chat software to flat screen TV’s.  The technology dubbed Skype Video Chat will allow families to communicate directly through their TV’s.   And did we mention yet that it will be for free?  That is for the skype service, but the video camera needs to be purchased.   At first the video camera will work only with the Panasonic Viera TV’s and LG TV’s, but plans are in the work for all flat screen TV’s.  Expect to see this hit the market in 2nd quarter of 2010.

What are your thoughts on this new product from Skype?  If you are like me this is a major improvement to huddling around a computer with terrible lighting and a smaller screen.  Can you imagine video chatting through Panasonic’s newly released 152″ tv?  Now that would be sweet.  This could be the start of virtual TV sex.

Jailhouse Software Keeps Inmates Locked Up Longer

I’ve never been to jail, but I imagine if I was stuck in the slammer I’d be counting the days until my release.  Without Technology at my disposal this would have to be done by hand, of course.    The jailhouse on the other hand would be counting my time in a database application with proper backups.  This way they will have on record my release days, parole opportunities, etc.  In theory, this is the way it’s suppose to work.  Unless…..you do your time at Cook County Jail in Chicago, IL.

You see Cook County Jail used the same software since 1978.   Let me repeat since 1978!!!  As you can imagine this certainly isn’t keeping up with the times and the software was a tad bit outdated.  In the past year alone, 3 major crashes were reported from the jail including one outage for 18 hours.  A spokesman for the Sheriff’s Dept said “The last two times, we called the company and they said ‘We don’t make those parts anymore,’” said Patterson. “We had to go on Ebay and buy the parts.”  This might be one of the rare times you feel sorry for the inmates.

To no one’s surprise, 5 inmates claim they were held longer than their authorized dates and have filed a lawsuit.  There is no word yet on the trial, but holy cow those inmates must be pissed!  Ending this debacle of a software story on a positive, the Cook County Jail has updated their software in the past month and have not reported any crashes YET.

Whopper With 7 Patties For Japan’s Window 7 Launch

Different cultures react differently when major software upgrades take place.  For instance, in the United States everyone attempts to hack the new software or break it.  In Britain, they attempt to identify licensing or monopoly issues so they can sue you.  And in Japan?  Well apparently they spice up a whopper with 7 patties.

Windows 7 Dominoes Fail

Unfortunately, some things never change.

Free Virus Filled Mac Snow Leopard Upgrade Or $29 Upgrade

How much do you value $29?  Would you risk upgrading your Mac to the latest software, Snow Leopard, for free or would you be willing to pay over the very reasonable $29?  Now I know the economy is struggling so this isn’t the best time to ask people this question.  But for those willing to go the free route, consider this before downloading a bootleg copy:

Trend Micro has found various sites offering free Snow Leopard software that contains viruses and other DNS changing malware.  The downloaded software, OSX_JAHLAV.K, includes additional IP Addresses which will redirect you to other fraudulent sites.  Also, many of the sites contain viruses and other forms of spyware.

Now I ask you again how much do you value $29?  Hopefully you know see the light and will go the pay approach from a certified buyer.  Your bank account will thank you in the long run.  For those interested in the upgrade, Apple store has it on sale here.

Next Page »