Newswatch: “Base Model” of the Internet Will Be Paid -ZDNet
Thursday 8am Silicon Valley news report:
Free broadband won't entice all -BBC
Some 42% of adults said that they had no interest or need for the internet. This so-called self-excluded group tended to be older or retired, with 61% confessing to never having used a computer.
Manipulating light on a chip for quantum technologies -h+
The Bristol Centre for Quantum Photonics has demonstrated precise control of four photons using a microscopic metal electrode lithographically patterned onto a silicon chip.
Inevitably, Diller said, the “base model” of the Internet will be paid, at the end of the chaos. The forms will include not just subscriptions and individual one-time purchases, but rapid-fire micropayments and other mechanisms.
China Faces Criticism Over New Software Censor -NYTimes
“To be honest, nobody really knows what this software is capable of,” said one executive at an American computer maker who spoke on the condition of anonymity because his company is still trying to work with the government on the issue. Computer experts fear that it could allow the government to monitor Internet use and collect personal information.
Survey: Venture capital firms look outside U.S. -SFGate
"The U.S. is no longer the only area in the world for venture capital activity," said Mark Heesen, president of the National Venture Capital Association, which conducted the survey along with Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. "It's truly a global phenomena that's changing economies all around the world."
London to Electric Car Biz: On Your Marks, Get Set -NYTimes
London’s official foreign direct investment agency, Think London, pitched more than 50 executives from cleantech companies at an event in San Francisco, laying out the appeal of setting up shop in London.
USA Today publisher sees hope in mobile platforms -AP
As one step toward expanding its revenue sources, on Aug. 3 USA Today will start selling e-mailed replicas of its daily newspapers for about $10 a month, Hunke said at a gathering of reporters. USA Today already has been selling electronic editions for $13.95 a month, but now it is switching to a new technology provider and putting more resources into promoting the service.
Google unfazed by 3 US government inquiries -AP
In a sign that the book inquiry is intensifying, investigators have issued formal demands for more details about the settlement. Google confirmed Wednesday it is among the settlement participants that received the civil investigative demands, or CIDs. A federal judge is scheduled to review the settlement in October.
French court curbs disputed Internet piracy rules -Reuters
France's top constitutional court on Wednesday seriously weakened a law backed by President Nicolas Sarkozy that was aimed at punishing Internet pirates.
Ex-Apple Executive Who Led Its iPod Division Is Named Chief of Palm -NYTimes
Mr. Rubinstein, 52, will remain chairman, a post he assumed in October 2007 to help bring innovation back to the company. He said in a statement he was excited about his expanded role.
Craigslist expects record revenue: $100 million -SFGate
"Craigslist, whether you agree with what it's doing or not, has pretty much changed the way we look at classifieds," said Jim Townsend, editorial director for AIM. "They're a game changer."
Digital downloads spell end for video game stores? -Reuters
Digital downloads are still a small, but fast-growing business. According to the NPD group, 17 percent of games sold in 2008 by PC gamers were digitally downloaded. Microsoft and Sony are trying to convert console gamers who have become accustomed to consuming music and movies digitally via services like Netflix and Apple Inc's iTunes.
