TechCrunch, much like the Digital Freedom Campaign, believes we need a Digital Bill of Rights to serve as "a consistent policy governing everything from Internet Protocol regulations to intellectual property on the Web."

The Digital Freedom Campaign focuses on the first three issues laid out in the TechCrunch piece -- "The Right to Use and Reuse Content," "The Right to Control Digital Property On Your Own Device" and "The Right to the Free Flow of Information."

The presidential election gives us a chance to turn the page and move forward, with support and guidance from policymakers, into a bright digital future.

Now let's see if anyone in Washington is listening.

Read more about it at TechCrunch.

And then cast your vote!

A new technology developed by Microsoft in alliance with the University of Massachusetts (UMASS), and the University of Washington has resulted in a new technology called Vi-Fi (Vehicle Wi-Fi). Vi-Fi solves the problem of hopping from one Wi-Fi wireless access point (WAP) to another when signal strength diminishes. According to the article, the goal of Vi-Fi could be to power VoIP calls, Internet, and radio in cars of the future.

Ironically, Andy wrote a controversial blog this week about VoIPing while flying (using Aircell) -- well now you can VoIP while driving too! Of course, I've been using VoIP over EVDO for some time now while driving. I was even able to register my Windows Mobile 6.1 device (EVDO as well) to an Asterisk server sitting in my office and make/receive office calls.

With this forthcoming technology, who needs XM or SIRIUS when you can stream radio for free over the internet with hundreds if not thousands to choose from? Time to short satellite radio stocks?

The system they are developing will provide users with on-the-go internet access more cheaply than existing cellular broadband systems.  The challenge this alliance aims to solve can be explained by this excerpt of the article:

The key to Microsoft's new system is a steady signal.  In Wi-Fi networks, as you travel overland, each signal station (base station) only broadcasts so far, so you have to hop between stations.  During these transitions, known as "hard handoffs", the signal strength typically drops.  At best this makes car Wi-Fi unpleasant, and at worst it makes it unworkable.

The key to to solving this challenge is the use of multiple base stations.  The station can send and receive signals from more than on base station, and the strongest strength gets assigned as the "anchor" system, while the other systems are used as "auxiliary" systems.  A complex algorithm is constantly calculating the probability of a packet not reaching the main station.  If that probability reaches a certain threshold the auxiliary stations try to forward it to the main station.

They did some test trials at Microsoft's campus and found the system eliminated nearly all the problems of network hopping while driving. Just don't expect Wi-Fi / Vi-Fi coverage to be as ubiquitous as say EVDO, 3G, etc. while driving. EVDO, 3G and other cellular data transmissions can travel a lot further than Wi-Fi signals, which are only rated for 300feet. So you'll still need a ton of these specialized Wi-Fi stations with the special software to get decent coverage.

But considering most homes have Wi-Fi APs, it could be very cool if you could build a massive Vi-Fi network using consumer's existing Wi-Fi APs. Simple firmware upgrade? But then you get into the whole security issues, bandwidth theft, etc. Still, the work Microsoft and these universities are doing is fascinating. How soon will be before we have truly mobile and ubiquitous Wi-Fi Internet access? Who knows? But my EVDO card works just fine almost wherever I go. It's not as fast as Wi-Fi but it works well enough.

Improving upon their line of Squeezebox (& Transporter) music network devices, Logitech recently introduced the Squeezebox Duet.
The Squeezebox Duet sports a cool new remote controller with a full-color 2.4 inch LCD screen and a receiver that utilizes 802.11g WiFi. the Duet allows users to stream music from any computer to any room with an audio receiver, browse your music collection with full color album art, and even stream Internet radio stations. In addition to playing songs stored on your computer, you can also connect to online services such as Pandora and Rhapsody. Rich Tehrani came to me a couple of weeks ago looking for a device that streams Internet radio, and Pandora so he can work out and listen to music. At the time I couldn't think of anything, but the Squeezebox Duet sounds like it might fit the bill. (Rich also found Webot as a possible solution today)


I like how the multi-room controller with its scroll-wheel navigation makes it easy to browse, select, and play music. After registering the Squeezebox Duet’s receiver, users can use the receiver and remote control to browse Internet radio stations, and subscription-based music services, all while their PC is off. Your personal library of music can be also uploaded to the open-source SqueezeNetwork so that no computer is required for playback. You can also add an MP3tunes.com music locker and listen to your personal music collection without turning on your computer.

For multiple rooms, additional receivers can be added. Simply connect the Squeezebox Receiver to a stereo system or powered speakers. You can also set it up so it plays different music or is synced so that every room is playing the same music. Logitech stated that people already using the older Squeezebox (and Transporter) system, can purchase controllers and integrated into the network.

The beauty of the Logitech Squeezebox Duet network music system, is that music lovers can listen to their personal digital music collection, Internet radio and subscription services on their high-end home-entertainment system anywhere in their house where they have stereo equipment. The scroll-wheel controller also makes it easy to workout on your home treadmill, elliptical, etc. and change music on-the-fly like you would do with your iPod or other MP3 player. That was another one of Rich's features he was looking for - the ability to change music while working out.

My only complaint with this device is that although the remote controller has a full color LCD screen, it doesn't support video for watching streaming video content. What? No Video? (What no gravy?)



Now that would be killer! Logitech makes plenty of video products, including being the #1 web cam manufacturer, so it shouldn't be that hard. Get on it, will ya?

Squeezebox Duet Network Music System Feature overview:
- Unlimited access to digital music: Play songs from your personal collection, tune in to thousands of Internet radio stations, or connect to online services such as Pandora and Rhapsody.
- Multi-room controller: Browse, select and play songs — all from the palm of your hand. 2.4-inch color display, convenient scroll wheel, familiar menus and intuitive buttons make navigation easy.

Performance
- Unsurpassed sound quality: High-fidelity 24-bit DAC, sophisticated audio rendering technology, and digital outputs provide crystal clear CD-quality sound.
- Reliable connectivity: Wired ethernet and true 802.11G Wi-Fi support provide excellent range and connectivity.

The Squeezebox Duet Receiver
Building on the control and audio quality of the classic Squeezebox, the new compact wireless receiver easily fits in any room in the house. Expert engineering and sophisticated audio rendering technology helps provide enhanced sound clarity. Advanced 802.11g wireless technology eliminates the need to string wires everywhere just to listen to music from the computer. And Squeezebox owners who want to control multiple music sources all over the house can easily add more receivers, allowing them to listen to a different song in each room, or synchronize their receivers to hear the same tune throughout the house. Multiple receivers can all be controlled by one Squeezebox Duet Controller.

Pricing and Availability
The Logitech Squeezebox Duet network music system is expected to be available in the U.S. and Europe beginning in January for a suggested retail price of $399.99 (U.S.). For people who want to set up additional rooms to play music, additional receivers can be purchased separately for a suggested retail price of $149.99 (U.S.). A stand-alone controller can be purchased for a suggested retail price of $299.99 (U.S.).

System Requirements

• Windows® 2000, Windows® XP, Windows Vista®
• Mac OS® X (10.3.5 or later)
• Linux/BSD/Solaris
• Ethernet or Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) home network
• Broadband Internet connection required

Technical Specifications Squeezebox™ Controller

• 2.4-inch color LCD TFT display with backlight
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery
• Built-in 802.11b/g wireless

Squeezebox™ Receiver

• Digital optical, coax, and analog connectors
• High-fidelity 24-bit Wolfson DAC
• Plays MP3, AAC, WMA, Ogg, FLAC, Apple Lossless, WMA Lossless, and WAV music files
• Built-in 802.11b/g wireless
• 10/100 Mbps Ethernet port
• Connects to SqueezeCenter™ software, providing access to music libraries on local computers
• Connects to SqueezeNetwork™ for access to Internet radio and online music services

Looks like Pontiac is launching the 2007 Pontiac G5 on the Internet. I just saw a Google video ad on my blog stating that Pontiac is launching the G5 exclusively on the Internet. The images you see are snapshots I took of the Pontiac G5 video.






In the commerical they list off popular digital items, trying to market the Pontiac G5 as a "digital car". They list: digital watch, digital abacus, digital camera, digital phone, digital video, digital card, digital haircut (i.e. Photoshop), digital house, digital mouse, digital friends, digital planet, digital life (2nd Life), digital death (Pacman), digital mood, digital pet, and finally "digital car" - the G5. The ad explains the G5 has an mp3 jack for connecting your MP3 player, digital satellite radio, and even diagnostic emails. Not sure what the heck diagnostic emails are. Does that mean Pontiac will email you when it detects your engine is about to fail, or are they going to spam you with oil change reminders every 3,000 miles?

Apparently the Pontiac G5 is going to be nationally launched only on the Internet. I guess no one would pay attention if they launched this at the North America International Auto Show or the New York International Auto Show, when you have to compete with the likes of Porsche and Ferrari or even Vipers and Vettes. It's an interesting idea to launch on the Internet. Obviously this vehicle is targetted at tech-savvy youth who are looking for gadget-enabled digital cars to show off to their friends for the "coolness" factor. Obviously, with a base price of $14995, they are making it affordable for young adults as well.

I'll stick with my Viper and just add-on cool accessories and gadgets, thank you very much. Speaking of which, I still have a Kenwood 7" DVD player in the box I've been meaning to install.

Or maybe it should be "get car TV with Sirius."

One of the two major sat radio players announced that it plans to offer live television in cars as early as 2007 (that would be next year) -- that would be Sirius.

Loved the idea of watching movies in cars to keep the kiddies quiet -- so why not take the next step and have TV shows available, too?

As a fall back, could always look out the window and enjoy the scenery ...

On the other hand, maybe there will be arguments on who sits in the back seat rather than who sits up front ...

Like this idea a lot!

For spectators at any golf tournament, a huge challenge is keeping up with the action spread across a huge, 18-hole course (and keeping hydrated, too, of course).

Tomorrow, golf fans headed to the Cialis Western Open in Chicago to see the best of the PGA Tour are in for a special treat.  They can pick up a high-tech gadget that offers a great solution: portable satellite radios.

During the tournament, spectators will be able to use a complimentary XM Satellite radio for the day and hear live coverage of the event, which runs through July 9.

Now isn't that a good idea?

Nielsen wants to expand upon their TV tracking into the Web realm and even your iPod to track what video content you watch. According to this MSNBC article, "Nielsen Media Research said Wednesday it plans to integrate TV with Internet ratings and to measure viewership for such portable devices as cell phones and iPods." It states that Nielsen is developing "meters" that track viewing on portable devices, and will by year's end have a 400-member iPod user panel in place.

While I applaud Nielsen for trying to expand their repertoire of user habits & tracking, which aids in reporting for content providers and gives advertisers an audited way of knowing readership, I am a bit skeptical over Nielsen tracking user's Web surfing habits or what videos they watch on their iPods. Isn't this known as "spyware"?

Read today about Bob Dylan becoming a radio DJ for a new weekly music show that XM Satellite Radio is launching next year.  He's supposed to have special guests and other artists on the show, offer commentary on his musical selections and answer e-mails from listeners.

Should be interesting contrast to Howard Stern ...

Funny how the music business can't get out of its own way when it comes to making music affordable and accessible to the millions of fans that keep record companies alive.  First we waited and waited for CD prices to come down once the production volume increased and manufacturing kinks were worked out -- that never happened over the 20+ history of the CD.

Then, they worried and worried that these digital CDs would be copied endlessly (perfect clones every time!) so that rather than sell a million copies of an album, one fan would buy one CD and then a million copies would be made. (See Sony's latest woes and damage to its brand as only the latest example of where this copy protection idea has led.)  

Next, when the Internet took off, Napster and other sites made it possible to download music for free while the record companies scratched their heads about how to fashion a business model that included the Internet.  (Is this Nero fiddling while Rome burned?)

Now with satellite radio from companies like XM Satellite Radio and Sirius Satellite Radio still trying to gain traction, these same labels (although now consolidated into a few conglomerates) are concerned that satellite radio receivers will enable listeners to record music off of the airwaves, further reducing the labels' sales and profits. 

No one can argue about the benefit of hindsight in all of these situations, but maybe a little foresight might be a good thing for a change?