Intel considers internet-based TV service
The world’s top chipmaker, Intel Corp. has seemingly got its sights set somewhere else, since a while now. The company, reportedly has been toying with the idea of developing an Internet-based TV service, soon for users based in the United States, cites a Wall Street Journal report. If reports are to be believed, then Intel has been quite religiously taking up its plans with media companies. Elaborating further, the report stated that Intel plans on introducing, what is increasingly being referred to as a “virtual cable operator”, which would provide users with U.S TV channels, throughout the country over the Internet, thereby providing a package, quite like the subscriptions offered by cable and satellite TV operators. That being said, Intel wouldn’t provide Internet access, which users would have to avail to separately. In October, Intel discontinued making chips for digital “smart” TVs, but has since continued making chips for set-top boxes. Detailing a bit more on what U.S consumers can expect from Intel, the report states that the Internet-based TV service, while using Intel technology, would also use the company’s name in some cases. Intel, reportedly has also added that it plans on making its own set-top box to aid the TV service and has also demonstrated an interface allowing users to browse through programs in. Although Intel perceives roadblocks, like scarce bandwidth and expensive TV programming, it hopes to get its Internet-based TV service up and running by the end of this current year. Reports have also been suggesting that Intel has been seeking rate cards, in a couple of instances to gauge the cost of particular channels or types of on-demand programs as part of the subscription.
Technology will make science fiction ‘real’
Google executive chair Eric Schmidt predicted that rapid advances in technology will soon transform science fiction into reality – meaning people will have driverless cars, small robots at their command and the ability to experience being in another place without leaving home. Schmidt said the introduction of books available online, internet translation of languages and voice recognition for computers all happened much faster than anyone envisioned and that technological research into even more previously unheard of advances is progressing at a fast clip. “People who predict that holograms and self-driving cars will become reality soon are absolutely right,” Schmidt told thousands of attendees at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, the planet’s largest cellphone trade show. Schmidt stepped down as Google’s chief executive in 2011 but has remained the company’s chief representative in the public eye. As CEO, he rarely ventured into long-term visions like those he articulated in Barcelona. He didn’t outline how Google, which makes its money from online advertising, would profit from his visions. Schmidt said research under way will lead to situations where people can put themselves at events like a rock concerts so they can see, hear and even feel the event. And turn down the volume, if it’s too loud. One attendee said she was scared that the possibility could be dehumanising, but Schmidt replied by holding up his cellphone into the air. “It has an off button and it is here on the right,” Schmidt said. “My point is it is all about your control. If you don’t like my version of a rock concert, I’m not forcing you to go.” Small robots could be used so busy people can send them places where people need to be aware via video and voice of what is happening but their presence isn’t required, Schmidt said.
Banks team up to cut technology spending burden
Squeezed by the twin pressures of satisfying both regulators and clients, the world’s top banks are starting to work together on technology projects. More used to fierce competition than friendly collaboration, investment banks vie to offer computer-based trading services to a diverse client base of hedge funds, high-frequency traders, asset managers and other banks – and invest heavily to make sure theirs is the system of choice on the client desktop. But they also have to spend on adapting internal systems to comply with swathes of new regulation, which means they effectively have less cash to invest in platforms they provide to customers. “Banks are looking to build things in a way that can be re-used and there is a collective interest in developing applications collaboratively,” said Kosta Peric, head of innovation at financial messaging firm SWIFT. Peric also leads Innotribe, the SWIFT-sponsored collaborative financial technology innovation group. Peric said banks were increasingly happy to spread the cost of developing back office and regulatory compliance systems that they all need to conduct their business. SWIFT last year built an account management platform in partnership with Bank of New York Mellon, Citibank, JP Morgan Chase, and Royal Bank of Scotland. The not-for-profit company, owned by 2,500 financial firms, has also developed a messaging service for corporates backed by members including BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole , Societe Generale and UBS. Such collaboration allows companies to channel more resources towards what they do better than competitors. “We are having several discussions with different institutions over how they can work together to create utility models to drive cost savings for everyone,” said Jeffrey Wallis, managing partner at SunGard’s consulting business.
Linux certificate program targets newcomers to the OS
Linux skills are in growing demand in today’s IT hiring landscape, and there are many ways to bolster those skills both online and off. Called “Linux Essentials,” the program will be adopted by schools, educational authorities, training centers, and others beginning in June 2012. “Linux is ubiquitous and plays a significant role in the server room, on our phones and tablets, cash registers and, of course, embedded devices everywhere,” explained Jim Lacey, LPI’s president and CEO, in the group’s official announcement at CeBIT last week. “With our Linux Essentials program, we’re going to create the first global generation of users who are as comfortable with Linux as they are with any other operating system,” Lacey added. The result of two years’ worth of development by LPI along with qualification authorities, academic partners, private trainers, publishers, government organizations, volunteer IT professionals, and Linux and open source experts, the Linux Essentials program is designed to recognize participants’ knowledge of the following areas: the Linux community and careers in open source software; popular operating systems and major open source applications; open source software and licensing; Linux command line basics, files, and scripts. A single exam available online either through LPI or through partner internet-based testing services assesses understanding of these areas and leads to a PDF certificate of achievement that’s valid for 10 years. Other components of the program include regional links to employment and apprenticeship programs in Linux and open source careers; support for skills competitions such as Worldskills International; support for teacher collaboration and sharing of learning exercises; and commitments from major IT courseware and content publishers on exam preparatory resources.