Joost Coming To The Browser?

Paul

Joost CEO Mike Volpi just suggested on stage at Web 2.0 that Joost is working on a browser-based version of its peer-to-peer Internet TV service. “At some point, when we can deliver the quality that Joost is known for, we will deliver an in-browser experience,” he told the audience here. I got up and asked him if he faces any legacy issues, since Joost is based on a peer-to-peer client that must currently be downloaded. His answer was that it is possible to separate the file-sharing from the viewing experience and that in fact Joost is working on just such a browser-based solution. It’s not clear whether people would still need to download a separate piece of software to do the P2P file-streaming or whether that could just be a browser plug-in. But with in-browser Flash video about to get a whole lot better over the next few months, Joost will have to respond with it’s own browser-based expereince.

Does that mean it will be integrated into Internet Explorer 8 when it comes out?

EA wants an open gaming platform

Paul

Considering EA is the king of repackaging the same game for multiple consoles (and multiple years — hello, Madden), you wouldn’t expect the company’s head of international distribution to call for a single universal platform, but that’s exactly what Gerhard Florin told the BBC he wants. “We want an open, standard platform which is much easier than having five which are not compatible,” he said, adding that “You don’t need an Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii — the consumer won’t even realise the platform it is being played on.” Florin’s comments were based on his prediction that set-top boxes would eventually contain enough horsepower to stream and run games over the net, a development he said would kill the market for dedicated consoles in the next fifteen years — which means he’s obviously never had to struggle with a cable company DVR, because we think we’ll stick with a console that can register more than three button presses without locking up, thanks much.

[Via Gamesindustry.biz]

That would so rock, I get tired of having a console war with all these makers. “One console to rule them all, One console to bind them!!”

Customize Your Mac with TinkerTool

Paul

Mac OS X only: Freeware customization utility TinkerTool tweaks hidden settings in all corners of your Mac, from modifying Finder and Dock features and effects to adjusting your system fonts. Similar to previously mentioned system tweaker Onyx, TinkerTool focuses more on visual tweaks in contrast to OnyX’s maintenance-focused tweaks (making them nice companion tools). My favorite feature: the ability to reorganize the order my startup items run via a simple drag and drop. TinkerTool is freeware, Mac OS X only.

TinkerTool [via Mac 911]

I’m do not have a mac but I am trying to include the mac people! 😉 if anyone tries out these programs let me know how they work!!

Britain recruiting spies with ads embedded in video games

Paul

Prefer the artful headshot of the sniper rifle to the scorched-earth carnage of the gatlin gun? Good, Britain’s GCHQ needs your help. The intelligence service focused on securing communications and information systems is set to embed adverts in games like “Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent” starting this month. A GCHQ spokesperson told The Times that the move was a bid to attract “computer-savvy, technologically-able, quick-thinking” recruits. The advertisements will not be written into the games themselves but will be fed via the Internet to PCs or Xbox 360 consoles. As the expression goes, “Never trust a gamer under 30.”

Hey now I resemble that remark!! 😉 I am always going to be a gamer under 30!! 😛