Jan 01 2009
Windows 7, MPAA gets bslapped, and Crazy MMO litigation.
I don’t do “tech news” type posts very often, but every now and then there are some technology issues I think it would be interesting to discuss. So here’s a grab bag of three issues:
1) A preview of Windows 7 (please be better than vista)
2) The MPAA getting a much deserved b-slap from the FCC.
3) And some insane patent related litigation that would be horrible for the MMO industry if it succeeds.
First look at Windows 7 beta 1
The most interesting part of the article is this: “Judging by the quality of this build, I expect Windows 7 to be released June/July of ‘09. I really can’t see Microsoft dragging out the release a year.” Since I just made the switch to Vista, I’m going to be a little annoyed if 7 is ready that soon. But if it is significantly better, I guess it will be worth it. And then I can do a reformat and have a super fast computer again I guess. Thoughts?
FCC chair nixes MPAA bid for selectable output control
The MPAA wanted to be allowed to flag content so it could NEVER be displayed on any sort of analog device. So your older tvs, portable dvd players, etc. would be completely out. Lame. Fortunately, the FCC smacked them down, agreeing with the stance that “consumers have the right to expect that their video-related devices will function as they did when they purchased them.”
As an added bonus, FCC Chair Kevin Marin said they had no further intention of even considering the issue: “I’m not supportive of moving forward with this MPAA proposal at this time. If another Commission wants to deal with the question, they will be able to, obviously, but I’m not supportive of it.”
When the MPAA or RIAA get owned, we all win.
… And on to the big one …
Worlds.com Files Suit Against NCsoft for Patent Infringement
The law suit is based on a totally absurd patent that has massive prior-art problems.
Specifically, the suit claims that NCsoft has infringed on patent 7,181,690, “System and Method for Enabling Users to Interact in a Virtual Space” through its games, including City of Heroes, City of Villains, Dungeon Runners, Exteel, Guild Wars, Lineage, Lineage II, and Tablula Rasa.
One has to hope this law suit would fail, but if it does not it could be moderately disastrous for the MMO industry.
Regarding the last story, I don’t think this news story is a coincidence:
Legal firms setting up practices devoted to video games
Wishing you a wonderful and prosperous 2009.
Software patents are in ridiculous need of reform. Apple, Microsoft, and Google are currently being sued due to a patent on using icons to preview file content that was granted this year. There’s probably at least a dozen of these meritless patent suits going on right now.
I don’t want a new software OS from Microsoft. I already have Vista and it’s problems. Can’t they just upgrade the crap they have out? How often do they come out with new OS software? I figured you would be the one to ask. Love the blog! I have not had a chance to get by here lately.
http://www.dirttrackgonewild.com
Hey Robin, welcome back.
Vista is starting to feel like a next generation version of Windows ME. The difference is at least Vista has a few worthwhile improvements - assuming you have the 64 bit version. If you use the 32 bit version of Vista, then you would be better off staying with XP.
Honestly, I wish there was a way to get gaming companies to design for Linux. Probably the biggest barrier to that is the lack of DirectX on Linux (for obvious reasons). DirectX has been a truly impressive, high quality achievement for Windows. It also keeps PC developers married to the Windows platform.