The Unheard Word

The browser Opera is 10 years old and the developers say, “We’re giving away registration codes for as long as the party lasts!” This is the real deal: I grabbed one.

I like this. Finally, someone who isn’t afraid to dispel some hype and who actually discusses the cons as well as the pros. (More cons than pros, actually!) These cons include privacy issues. Hands up anyone who is surprised to hear that, although chat logs can’t be readily accessed by chatters, they are saved in URI format so could easily be sent to Google?

… from what I can gather, the main innovative Google difference I was expecting is in Google competing directly with the likes of Skype, yet using an open network that will work outside of closed networks such as Yahoo, AIM and MSN. It also appears the plug-in architectures means it will be easily integrated into other applications (like GMail) relatively simple.

This article from Wired.com says that Asians notice more background detail than folks from the U.S.A. I’d be interested in the implications of this, assuming it’s true…. Perhaps we should be giving more attention to visual communication (in the background as opposed to multimedia content) where possible?

Still, it does work in Adium, and apparently iChat, except for voice. (Which is something I wouldn’t be using anyway.) You can download it here (900K) and give it a go…. If you don’t have one, ask me.

Google is to introduce their own text and voice messaging system. Citing unnamed sources “familiar with the service,” the Los Angeles Times said that Google’s Instant Messaging program would be called Google Talk and could be launched as early as Wednesday.

The whole bogging thing is fascinating me lately. My mind is spinning with ideas of how to make it work for me. Yes, I’m talking about ways in which blogging can help me (and anyone) make money.

An interesting discussion recently on the Web Standards Group (WSG) email list last week prompted me to write about political-correctness in the area of web accessibility.

There was a some dissent on the list about the correct labels to apply to people with disabilities.

Dubbed the Mighty Mouse, Apple has released a new, multi-button mouse.It looks very much like the existing Apple Pro Mouse: same shape and size.

I’ve just added accesskeys to the menu items and “skip to” links on my re-vamped business website. (And about time, too, I know!)