HOME ENGINEERS

Make Free Phone Calls from PC(India Also) :EvaPhone

2008-10-25T11:18:00.000-07:00

Evaphone is a web service which allows FREE calls from your PC to Phone around the world. EvaPhone provides Internet telephone calls for free using VoIP services .The calls can be made to almost any country in the world. Moreover you can make free calls both to landline and mobile phone numbers.The requirements for using Evaphone is a good internet connection and Adobe Flash player 9.0 and there is no need to install any other software. You can check out the FREE call limit to all countries here.

Call for Free @ www.evaphone.com

British chemist to recreate the smell of outer space

2008-10-22T03:40:00.000-07:00

At the request of NASA, a British chemist has begun to recreate the smell of outer space to help astronauts in their training.

If you’ve ever had the urge to know what space smells like, you can now find out -fried steak, hot metal and welding a motorbike. Mix them all together and you now have a good idea what Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and company snorted when they went into space.

Now chemist Steven Pearce has been commissioned to recreate that smell to help trainees get used to the odor before they take off into the galaxy. He hopes to have it ready by the end of the year.

We have already produced the smell of fried steak, but hot metal is proving
more difficult. We think it’s a high energy vibration in the molecule and that’s
what we’re trying to add to it now.’

Move over Beijing, Dubai now has the world’s largest airport

2008-10-22T03:34:00.000-07:00

While Dubai’s underpaid workers live in misery, the city’s elite class keeps piling on architectural wonders one after another. This time they’ve built the world’s largest airport, dethroning the previous record holder, Beijing’s UFO-like Olympic Terminal. At 16.1 million square feet, Dubai’s International Airport is not only larger than all airports that have ever been built, but it’s also the most modern and luxurious. Featuring 97 escalators, 8 skytrains, 82 moving walkways, 157 lifts, and numerous bars and spas, the Emirate Terminal 3 has been launched on October 14th, to the greatest pleasure of Dubai’s rich and famous, I’m sure. Pictures after the jump.

The Leather Puffer

2008-10-21T21:10:00.000-07:00

As you might have read, lately, I've been craving a leather jacket. They are the perfect item to edge up a girly outfit. But since I'm the more easily chilled kind, warmth against the bitter cold is always one of my primary concerns. And so following the puffer trench, I discovered the leather puffer. I wasn't even deliberately looking. I was just randomly browsing at the Intermix store and lo' and behold, I find the leather puffer below:

I thought the concept was awesome, a cool, edgy and WARM leather jacket. The soft gray color also caught my eye. Probably because it has all the qualities of black but is not (although of course they have it in black). But then I tried it on- just for fun. It fits on very snugly (so if you're buying them online, go one size bigger!) but also very stiffly. I know it is probably because of the stuffing, but for a whooping $875, I expected a bit more. The ability to move to begin with. And secondly, better quality leather. I've come across my fair share of leather, and that was not good leather. It was stiff and felt (and looked now that I think about it) plasticky, making it look a bit cheap, which is ridiculous considering the price tag.

I walked out of the store disappointed. Maybe if they cut down the price tag by at least a 1/3. Then maybe it'll be worth considering.

Image Source: Intermix Online

Free action guide "The Financial Impact of Cyber Risk"

2008-10-21T21:06:00.000-07:00

Today, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Internet Security Alliance (ISA) released a new action guide to assist business executives in the analysis, management and transfer of financial risk related to a cyber attack.

"We are experiencing a financial meltdown due to a fundamental misunderstanding and mismanagement of modern financial systems, which is generating a crisis of confidence in our core institutions. Today, all our critical infrastructures are reliant on cyber systems that are also misunderstood and mismanaged. These vulnerabilities place both our financial and physical security in jeopardy unless we update the method we use to control our cyber systems," said Larry Clinton, president of the ISA.

In addition to 50 strategic questions provided in the document, the action guide offers sample charts to aid in calculating the probability and severity of financial loss from both risk events and the actions taken to mitigate them. The guide also includes a list of standards and reference documents to help businesses develop comprehensive risk management frameworks.

To download a free copy of the document, visit http://webstore.ansi.org/cybersecurity.

Visual Voicemail active in France

2008-10-17T01:05:00.000-07:00

Countering a previous announcement that said Visual Voicemail would not be available in France until February, users in metropolitan areas of France are reporting that they have full access to the service. SetteB.IT recently spoke with Louis Michel Aymard, spokesman for France Telecom, and he confirmed that visual voice mail had been operational since November 29th. This is especially good news for French iPhone users, since Orange has sold 30,000 of them to customers in five days, with 48% signing up for the two year contract.

Visual Voicemail is currently in dispute in the US, with Klausner Technologies suing Apple for breaching two patents relating to the technologies inherent in the service. Apple is not alone in this, as Klausner is also suing Comcast, eBay, and Cablevision on the same platform.

A closer look at Apple’s move to NVIDIA chipsets, DisplayPort

2008-10-16T07:39:00.000-07:00

Prince McLean, AppleInsider

Apple’s graphics options on all new MacBooks are substantially improved due to the use of NVIDIA chipsets over the Intel graphics provided on earlier models; we examine the significance of this and the choice of DisplayPort as the foundation for Apple’s video output future.

A closer look at Apple’s move to NVIDIA chipsets, DisplayPort

Apple details new MacBook manufacturing process

2008-10-16T07:34:00.000-07:00

Prince McLean, AppleInsider

Apple’s new MacBook and MacBook Pro feature precision unibody enclosures milled from an extruded block of aluminum, allowing them to get even thinner while retaining rigid durability and a stronger, cleaner, and more polished design. Here’s a detailed overview of the process, illustrated with photos.

In a press release touting the new manufacturing process, Steve Jobs said, “Apple has invented a whole new way of building notebooks from a single block of aluminum.” (Watch the video)

Jonathan Ive, Apple’s senior vice president of Industrial Design, noted that, “Traditionally notebooks are made from multiple parts. With the new MacBook, we’ve replaced all of those parts with just one part—the unibody. The MacBook’s unibody enclosure is made from a single block of aluminum, making the new MacBook fundamentally thinner, stronger and more robust with a fit and finish that we’ve never even dreamed of before.”

Continues: Apple details new MacBook manufacturing process

50 Consumer Technologies Developed by NASA in the Last 50 Years

2008-10-16T04:50:00.000-07:00

Everyday devices, improving our lives beyond giving us some nifty new desktop wallpapers. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Spinoff, and to celebrate, NASA has created a “best of” list (that we pasted after the jump). From the aerodynamic principles applied to tractor trailers to advanced imaging techniques that allow 360-degree Real Estate photo tours, NASA demonstrates that their technological breakthroughs are about more than just sticking an American flag on the moon.

Health and Medicine

Robotics Offer Newfound Surgical Capabilities
In-Line Filtration Improves Hygiene and Reduces Expense
LED Device Illuminates New Path to Healing
Polymer Coats Leads on Implantable Medical Device
Lockable Knee Brace Speeds Rehabilitation
Robotic Joints Support Horses and Humans
Photorefraction Screens Millions for Vision Disorders
Periodontal Probe Improves Exams, Alleviates Pain
Magnetic Separator Enhances Treatment Possibilities

Transportation

Lithium Battery Power Delivers Electric Vehicles to Market
Advanced Control System Increases Helicopter Safety
Aerodynamics Research Revolutionizes Truck Design
Engineering Models Ease and Speed Prototyping
Software Performs Complex Design Analysis

Public Safety

Space Suit Technologies Protect Deep-Sea Divers
Fiber Optic Sensing Monitors Strain and Reduces Costs
Polymer Fabric Protects Firefighters, Military, and Civilians
Advanced X-Ray Sources Ensure Safe Environments

Consumer, Home and Recreation

Wireless Fluid-Level Measurement System Equips Boat Owners
Mars Cameras Make Panoramic Photography a Snap
Experiments Advance Gardening at Home and in Space
Space Age Swimsuit Reduces Drag, Breaks Records
Immersive Photography Renders 360° Views
Historic Partnership Captures Our Imagination
Outboard Motor Maximizes Power and Dependability
Space Research Fortifies Nutrition Worldwide
Aerogels Insulate Missions and Consumer Products

Environmental and Agricultural Resources

Computer Model Locates Environmental Hazards
Battery Technology Stores Clean Energy
Robots Explore the Farthest Reaches of Earth and Space
Portable Nanomesh Creates Safer Drinking Water
Innovative Stemless Valve Eliminates Emissions
Web-Based Mapping Puts the World at Your Fingertips

Computer Technology

Program Assists Satellite Designers
Water-Based Coating Simplifies Circuit Board Manufacturing
Software Schedules Missions, Aids Project Management
Software Analyzes Complex Systems in Real Time
Wireless Sensor Network Handles Image Data
Virtual Reality System Offers a Wide Perspective
Software Simulates Sight: Flat Panel Mura Detection
Inductive System Monitors Tasks
Mars Mapping Technology Brings Main Street to Life
Intelligent Memory Module Overcomes Harsh Environments
Integrated Circuit Chip Improves Network Efficiency

Industrial Productivity

Novel Process Revolutionizes Welding Industry
Sensors Increase Productivity in Harsh Environments
Portable Device Analyzes Rocks and Minerals
NASA Design Strengthens Welds
Polyimide Boosts High-Temperature Performance
NASA Innovation Builds Better Nanotubes

The 2008 edition of Spinoff is free online, with each of these 50 stories available in full for your reading pleasure. Even if you just give the headlines a skim here, the variety of accomplishments is pretty impressive.

Run Multiple Orkut Profiles in Google Chrome

2008-10-16T04:38:00.001-07:00

Are you using Google Chrome already? Then do check the hack to run userscripts on Google Chrome. Well, this hack will allow you to run multiple instances of orkut profiles in Google chrome.
its a sardar work hahaha !!!

Snoozer Loser

2008-10-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Snoozer Loser is a New York-based line of separates by Sonia Tay. These dresses are perfect for layering with long tees or tights for the fall. And all of the cute designs are hand printed by Tay scoring high points for originality. Visit her shop for more styles.

Detailed report on the Georgia Cyberwarfare incident

2008-10-16T04:26:00.001-07:00

A 29 page report is available for download from HostExploit.com or georgiaupdate.gov.ge. This is probably the most thorough analysis available on the cyberwarfare related to Georgia.

An excerpt:

"In August 2008, cyberwar associated with the Russian Federation struck once more, this time against Georgia. The DDoS attacks began in the weeks running up to the outbreak of the Russian invasion and continued after the Kremlin announced that it had ceased hostilities on August 12th."

List of 10 Hi Tech Spy Gadgets

2008-10-16T03:49:00.001-07:00

Here are the Hi Tech designed spy gadgets with a built camera, audio, video and compact for recording anything and everything you look at and record. This is a cool list as a way to really record what is going on around you when you are out.
So below is the list of 10 Hi Tech Spy Gadgets:

Hear 100 Meters Sound Distance + HQ Headphone
Gadget Spy device which acts as a Bionic Ear, letting you hear faint sounds up to 20~30 Meters away, and loud sounds at an incredible 100 Meters on the included comfortable and high quality Stereo Headphone.

Do more with GPS

A GPS tracking system or unit is a small device that uses the Global Positioning System to determine the precise location of a vehicle, person, or other asset to which it is attached and to record the position of the asset at regular intervals.But do you know, there is more to do with GPS systems than tracking.

Chewing Gum Wrapper Sized - Video Audio Spy Camera

Mini spy camera with audio and video recording, perfectly sized to be put inside a chewing gum wrapper for almost undetectable covert surveillance.

1GB Pen Spy Camcorder with Audio

Get the mission completed with with this awesome secret agent pen camcorder with audio. Sitting in your shirt pocket, standing in the pen cup or lying on the desk no-one will ever notice as you secretly capture their every move.

Fully functioning and normal looking pen with completely inconspicuous built in wireless mini spy camera, and also coming with an included solar charger for quick and easy recharging of the pen cameras built in Li-ion battery.

Covert Wireless Spy Camera Alarm Clock + Receiver

Classy looking fully functional Alarm clock with a hidden surprise inside. Cleverly hidden in the base is a mini wireless 2.4 GHz spy camera(take a look at the mini digital cam), almost undetectable unless you take a close look.

Wired Recording Sunglasses Camera(1GB Feature Packed MP4)

Smoothly designed sunglasses with a built in wired micro spy camera built in for recording anything and everything you look at and a super featured packed 2GB MP4 player for recording the video onto combo.

Dissolvo Spy Paper - Water Soluble Security Paper

Dissolvo is an extraordinary paper that, when placed in or flushed with water or steam completely dissolves, along with anything printed or written on it.

SpyGear Laser Trip Wire

The Lazer Trip Wire works best in low/dark lighting conditions. The complete set can secure about 100 square feet: Pods can be set 6 to 10 feet apart, depending on lighting conditions. You can even connect multiple sets to secure larger areas.

Eclipse Intuit solar cell phone

The Eclipse Intuit is a solar cell phone that features a “powerful 5 megapixel camera with built-in software for editing and uploading to a photo album, slide-out touch keyboard with tactile feedback, and a nice big touchscreen front and center.”

Is Google making us smarter, or stupider?

2008-10-15T05:18:00.000-07:00

A recent study conducted at UCLA found that using Internet search engines stimulates brain activity, and may even help reduce the risk of dementia in older web surfers.

Experienced web users displayed much more brain activity than the inexperienced — which researchers think reflects the use of a more complex search strategy. Besides thinking about what information they’re looking for, savvy searchers are also gaming the search engine to get the best results — a process that is completely beyond someone who doesn’t know their Google from their Yahoo. Thus, experienced surfers not only showed brain activity in the areas that control language, reading, memory, and visual abilities — they also fired up regions for complex reasoning and decision-making.

Although this study focused on elder netizens (ages 55 to 78), presumably the brain benefits extend to advanced searchers of all ages. What then of Nick Carr’s questions about how search engines and the Internet generally are changing the way we think, perhaps for the worse? Are we becoming less able to apply long-term attention, as Carr suggests?

Perhaps so — but that may not be as much of a loss as it sounds. As information becomes ever more available, the patience that was once required in order to gather knowledge may become less important. But the way in which we synthesize that knowledge will sort out the thinkers from the mere receptacles for the stream of information. Like any tool, the Internet will cause some skills to become lost arts — but it will enable us to develop new skills we still haven’t foreseen.

Is “stupider” even a word? I don’t know, go google it.

Apple Updates Its Entire Line of Notebooks

2008-10-15T05:11:00.000-07:00

Today was the big keynote event Apple fanatics have been waiting for. Steve Jobs and his team graced the stage once more in order to update the Apple line and get it ready for the holiday shopping season. While the summer and spring were both big events for the iPhone and the iPods, September or October is traditionally the time when Apple brings out the big guns for its Macs.

This keynote was no exception to the rule. If you want to know the exact layout of the presentation, I suggest either checking out the Engadget liveblog or simply waiting for Apple to put out an official version through iTunes or the Apple.com front page.

If you’re too impatient, here is the long and short of it, condensed for your

convenience:

All of the new notebooks are now made out of a single piece of Aluminum that is cut and then anodized for strength and efficiency (a rumor we spoke of last week).

They have also upgraded the graphics on the MacBook Pro to NVIDIA’s new GeForce 9400M GPU chip as well as the 9600M GT chip for dedicated graphics.

The Macbook Pro has been upgraded primarily in appearance, which you can see above. It has the black-framed glossy screen that matches their iMac line exactly.

The touchpad has been made buttonless with the addition of a glass panel that, like the iPhone, allows for multi-touch controls. Up to four-finger commands have been pre-programmed in.

The Macbook Air is being updated with better graphics and an option for as much as 128GB of SSD disk space.

There is a new 24 inch glossy cinema display that looks amazing.

The “one more thing” is that the plastic Macbook is being reduced in price by 100 dollars.

Also, a new version of the Macbook is being offered (kind of a step between the plastic Macbook and the metal Macbook Pro) that is physically very similar to the Pro but not as robust in terms of features.

I’m not much of a graphics aficionado, but one of the constant complaints about Macs (and many notebooks in general) is their lack of graphics power. I think this latest update is a serious attempt by Apple to take the worry out of potential consumers’ minds

The multi-touch trackpad has me worried because not only will the multi-touch controls invariably confuse some people, but I think this is yet another step in Steve Jobs’ quest to destroy all buttons. Personally, I get irritated when someone leaves tap-clicking on in their preferences because it’s simply not how I prefer to use a touchpad.

I love the move to a new “black and chrome” theme. I think it makes the MacBook Pro very attractive and will certainly wow potential buyers this Winter.

There were a lot of little bits and pieces to this update, so please check out the liveblog or the link below for a little more hardcore listings of the specs. Also, be sure to leave your thoughts on these developments in the comments.

[Image from Engadget]

Google uses 200+ things to rank a page other than pagerank

2008-10-14T16:55:00.001-07:00

The source of this post is the discussion that aroused after the recent page rank update by Google.This time most of the bloggers and webmasters found that their page rank are dropped in spite of nothing wrong.They followed almost every thing that Google told them to do like no paid links,nofollow tag etc. but now they are confused how Google determines Page rank.

First of all,what is toolbar page rank

Two entirely different things are called “PageRank”. There’s the Google toolbar PageRank, which is represented by integers 1 through 10, and then there’s the internal PageRank number that Google uses as one of its many ranking factors. When I say PageRank doesn’t matter, I’m talking about the toolbar PageRank. The internal PageRank that Google uses does matter, but it’s far from only thing that matters.

At the simplest level, PageRank (both toolbar and internal) is a measure of a page’s link popularity. How many links does a page have and how authoritative are those links?

So guys don't worry about this update because Matt cutts says

It's just a toolbar PageRank update. Even if you don't show much PageRank,
Google still has 200+ other signals we use in our ranking. It's definitely
common to see lower-PageRank sites ranking above higher-PageRank sites--which
tends confuses the people who obsess too much about PageRank and who don't focus
on other factors that search engines might use to rank pages.
This is why sometimes lower page ranked sites are shown upper in the results compared to high page rank sites.But then why Google shows this toolbar pagerank ? Outer pagerank is just a delicate balance that Google has to maintain of giving as much information as possible to web site owners, while not giving away enough to let spammers impact the quality of search results.

Broadcast music, MP3, etc.. through Google Talk

2008-10-14T15:37:00.000-07:00

It's possible to broadcast music, MP3, etc.. through Google Talk.Unplug your microphone.

Double click on the speaker icon in the lower right corner.

This will open up "Volume Control". Select "Options" and then "Properties".

Then check the button next to "Recording" then click OK.

You may also have to change your setting under Mixer Device.

Now the Recording Control screen should be up.

On my computer I selected "Wave Out Mix". Click on the green phone in Google Talk and call your friend.

How To Use multiple identities on Google Talk

2008-10-14T15:31:00.000-07:00

Want to run Google Talk with multiple Gmail identities? If you have several Google Gmail accounts you also may want to run multiple instances of Google Talk This is especially important for families that share a single PC. Nothing worse than a family member signing you out so they can sign in under their own account! Basically, to have "Google Polygamy" you need to run Google Talk with the following switch: /nomutex

Step 1: Right-click on the desktop

Step 2: Select New

Step 3: Select Shortcut

Step 4: Paste this into the text box:

"c:\program files\google\google talk\googletalk.exe" /nomutex Step 5: Click Next and choose a shortcut name such as Google Talk1, Google Talk2, or something related to your Gmail account for easy remembering which account is which. Step 6: Click OK a few times.

How To make Conference Calls on Gtalk

2008-10-14T15:24:00.000-07:00

What you need to do to have conference calls:

Open up a copy of Google Talk on all computers with which you wish to conference. After one copy is opened make a new shortcut for Google

Talk but at the end of it add /nomutex. If you installed it to the default folder then your shortcut should read "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Talk\googletalk.exe" /nomutex.

Open 2nd instances of the software on every user's computer. After this start a chain: User 1 should connect on one instance to user 2. User 2 will connect on his second instance to user 3. User 3 will connect using his second instance back to user 1. With this chain everyone is connected to everyone.

Perfectly Imperfect

2008-10-14T15:11:00.000-07:00

In these crazy times I sometimes feel guilty writing about fashion… I mean… most people, myself included, have had to make certain sacrifices due to the current economic situation. However, as I’ve said before (I might have even said it yesterday… I was up at 4am this morning so I’m not thinking entirely straight) this is about more than just fashion. At least for me. It’s about art, it’s about the little guys following their dreams and its about true creativity. Anyone who goes after what they want without fear is definitely an inspiration to me…

In addition, there are some brands that mold themselves on a concept… like today’s label Perfectly Imperfect. Designer Jadie Kadletz is an LA based designer who created this organic line with style and quality in mind.

The collection is inspired by the Wabi Sabi way of life.

Wabi Sabi is an ancient Chinese philosophy adapted by the Japanese tea masters. This belief stands for things that are fresh and simple. It denotes simplicity and quietude, and also incorporates rustic beauty. It includes both that which is made by nature, and that which is made by hand. It can also mean an accidental or happenstance element (or perhaps even a small flaw) which gives elegance and uniqueness. It helps us to see the beauty in imperfection and to discover that our so-called flaws can also lead us to our greatest strengths and treasures. When we know this fundamental joy, we can reveal the post powerful and positive sides of our-self.

Not only does Jadie introduce us to a great collection of gorgeously wearable organics, but she gives us something to think about as well. I was talking to a friend about this concept just the other day. Sometimes, it’s the collection of a persons tiny imperfections that make them perfect… you know?

RFID Truths by IDTechEx

2008-10-14T14:57:00.000-07:00

IDTechEx, the leading independent research and consulting firm specializing in RFID technology is reporting that RFID Industry has followed the Gartner Hype Cycle. While the growth has reduced, it will still forecasts 23% growth in 2009 over 2008 and by 25% growth in 2010 over 2009.

These applications will eventually prevail, but probably not fast enough to create a profitable business for tag makers in the short term. For example, IDTechEx has recently surveyed RFID chip makers, and we find that in 2008 approximately 1 billion UHF chips will be made. The largest single order is by Marks & Spencer for 150 million tags for apparel, but the number two behind that is much less. Indeed, it is still rare to hear of orders of more than 1 million UHF tags - in other words, the applications of UHF RFID are many and small, reaching a wide range of different markets. Almost all are closed loop applications.

Play/Capture your video with Gom media Player

2008-10-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Gom Media Player is a free multimedia player that can be used instead of the Windows Media Player. Gom supports many popular video/audio formats including AVI, DAT, MPEG, DivX, XviD, WMV, and many more. You don't have to install codecs separately.

Gom even has a built-in screen capture feature that lets you zoom, pan, customize themes, have hot keys, and has preset and adjustable audio controls. You can set your skins with Gom so it will look any way that fits your style weather you want a Windows Media Player look-a-like or a more unique look. You can go to the GOM homepage to find out more information or you can download the Free Gom Media Player from this link.

IZArc zip archive utility

2008-10-14T03:52:00.000-07:00

If you want a free zip archive program then check out IZArc. IZArc is a free archive utility that supports a whole list of archive formats. I will list these formats at the bottom. IZArc is a fast archiving utility and supports archive encryption AES 128, 192, and 256 bit encoding.

The user interface is very similar to that of WinZip and if this is your first archiving utility it is still easy to navigate through. IZArc is supported by Windows Vista now so if you have upgraded to Vista then your able to use the free zip utility.

The following formats are supported by IZArc: 7-ZIP, A, ACE, ARC, ARJ, B64, BH, BIN, BZ2, BZA, C2D, CAB, CDI, CPIO, DEB, ENC, GCA, GZ, GZA, HA, IMG, ISO, JAR, LHA, LIB, LZH, MDF, MBF, MIM, NRG, PAK, PDI, PK3, RAR, RPM, TAR, TAZ, TBZ, TGZ, TZ, UUE, WAR, XXE, YZ1, Z, ZIP, ZOO.

XP-Make your Folders Private

2008-10-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

Open My Computer

Double-click the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive (C:), unless you have more than one drive on your computer).
If the contents of the drive are hidden, under System Tasks, click Show the contents of this drive.
Double-click the Documents and Settings folder

Double-click your user folder.

Right-click any folder in your user profile, and then click Properties.

On the Sharing tab, select the Make this folder private so that only I have access to it check box.

Note

To open My Computer, click Start, and then click My Computer.

This option is only available for folders included in your user profile. Folders in your user profile include My Documents and its subfolders, Desktop, Start Menu, Cookies, and Favorites. If you do not make these folders private, they are available to everyone who uses your computer.

When you make a folder private, all of its subfolders are private as well. For example, when you make My Documents private, you also make My Music and My Pictures private. When you share a folder, you also share all of its subfolders unless you make them private.

You cannot make your folders private if your drive is not formatted as NTFS For information about converting your drive to NTFS click here

YouTube’s Final Frontier

2008-10-13T21:13:00.000-07:00

With the mess with the Viacom lawsuit and allegations of encouraging piracy looming, YouTube has seemingly been working to shrug off this reputation and legitimize itself as a forum for legal, freely available user-generated content as well as legally licensed media content. The latest step towards this is the availability of full-length television shows, supported by advertising.

If that sounds familiar, I’d even go so far as to say that YouTube’s new “theater view” looks a lot like the viewing format at Hulu.com. Not that Hulu has the monopoly on ad-supported full-length TV shows–and in my opinion, the more the merrier. After all, they’re not showing the same shows as of right now, and in my opinion, the more freely-available content out there, the better.

YouTube suggests that there will be more TV shows to come, but right now the content is coming from someone they already had a partnership with, CBS (their official clips from Letterman are often some of the most-viewed on YouTube). This happens to include… original Star Trek! Right now there are only five episodes, but included is “The Naked Time,” one of my personal favorites, as well as the much-praised “City on the Edge of Forever.” Other TV shows already running are MacGyver and Beverly Hills 90210.

I hope this takes off and encourages content-providers to put even more full-length shows online. Now if only so many of these sites weren’t US or US/Canada-only! These shows deserve to boldly go to anyone who wants to watch them.