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Google Takes on China

Google shocked the world this week by announcing that it would rather shut down its China operations than comply with China’s censorship laws. The announcement was applauded by human rights organizations around the world, with bouquets of flowers being laid across Google’s sign at the entrance to its large Beijing headquarters. Meanwhile Google investors are stunned speechless by the prospect of Google snubbing the country with the 2nd largest, and most rapidly growing economy.

Google’s decision was prompted by a cyber attack on Google servers last month that originated in China. Google’s investigation of the attack shows that it was not the only target. Twenty other large businesses and government agencies were also hacked. In each case, the attackers were seeking information related to human rights activists with a history of attacking China and its practices. While it is not possible to prove the attack was government sponsored, investigators believe that the level of sophistication involved point to government sources.

China has responded to the allegation by downplaying the incident and reiterating that all businesses in Chine are bound to uphold China laws. As it appears China will not budge on its censorship requirements for Internet companies, everyone is waiting to see if Google will stay true to its word and close its China operations. Meanwhile the US government intends to make a formal demand of China to investigate the incident and report back its findings.

Yahoo!, who has previously found its own Chinese operations caught between China’s censorship and human rights groups, was also a target in the recent attack. Yahoo! released a statement supporting Google’s stance against China. The statement stirred up contempt from Yahoo’s China partner, Alibaba, who called Yahoo’s response reckless. Yahoo owns a 40 percent share of the giant Chinese online company that runs Yahoo! China. Meanwhile, Microsoft, who was also hacked, is downplaying the incident stating that it has no plans to change its business strategy in China. Microsoft has partnered with the Chinese government to crack down on software pirating in China. To criticize China might destroy the progress Microsoft has made in its efforts.

The hackers were able to infiltrate the corporate networks utilizing a security hole in Internet Explorer. The method of the attack was recently made public and is already being used by hackers in more recent attacks. Security experts are cautioning INternet users from using Internet Explorer, although Microsoft says that Vista and Windows 7 users should be safe if they run IE in Safe Mode. Microsoft is scrambling to create a patch for the vulnerability. Meanwhile Google announced that it is adding HTTPS encryption to all gmail services to help protect user’s privacy.

So, like a soap opera on a global scale, we will have to wait to see how this story plays out…

• Will Google really pull out of China?
• Will other companies follow Google’s lead?
• How will China respond to U.S. demands for an investigation?
• Will Yahoo and Alibaba kiss and make up?
• Will Microsoft patch Internet Explorer before many others are hacked?

Tune in next week to find out!

• Google Reveals Chinese Espionage Efforts [Technology Review]
• Chinese authorities behind Google attack, researcher claims [Computerworld]
• Google Puts Its Foot Down With China [Ecommerce Times]
• Furious Google throws down gauntlet to China over censorship [Ars Technica]
• Far-Ranging Support for Google’s China Move [NYTimes]
• U.S. to send formal message to China on Google case [Reuters]
• U.S. to lodge formal protest with China over alleged cyberattacks [Computerworld]
• Follow the Law, China Tells Internet Companies [NYTimes]
• Chinese Internet activists applaud Google, see no backdown [Reuters]
• Wall Street frets over Google’s future in China [Reuters]
• Yahoo knew of attacks before Google, kept mum [Reuters]
• Yahoo pulled into Google fracas, Alibaba reacts [Reuters]
• Alibaba calls Yahoo’s support of Google ‘reckless’ [Computerworld]
• Google China spat shines spotlight on cyberspying [Reuters]
• U.S. urges China to work with Google on security [Reuters]
• China defends censorship after Google threat [Reuters]
• Attack on Google exploited browser flaw: McAfee [Reuters]
• China plays down Google dispute but U.S. concerned [Reuters]
• Microsoft CEO says no China exit [Reuters]
• Google’s Threat Echoed Everywhere, Except China [NYTimes]
• Google Upgrades Security on Gmail [NYTimes]
• After Google’s Stand on China, U.S. Treads Lightly [NYTimes]
• For Google, a Threat to China With Little Revenue at Stake [NYTimes]
• Can Google Beat China? [NYTimes]

CES Review

The Consumer Electronics Show has concluded in Las Vegas, launching a number of new technologies and providing insight into important technologies of 2010. The three product categories garnering the most attention were 3D HD television, tablet and slate computers and ebook readers, and smartphones and superphones.

Last year’s CES saw the introduction of the 3-D TV, and this year saw its proliferation. Nearly every television manufacturer at CES was demoing what they claimed was the best 3-D Hi-def TV. 3-D TVs perform like regular hi-def televisions, but have additional 3-D capability. When in 3-D mode, viewers are required to don 3-D glasses to enjoy the immersive viewing experience. Cable TV companies are rushing to deliver 3-D channels and content to watch on this new generation of television. For example, both ESPN and Discovery are in the process of launching 3-D TV networks. Manufacturers are hoping that the introduction of 3-D technology will spur television sales, while analysts are wondering if the public is even interested. The Panasonic TC-PVT25 series 3-D TV won the best in show award in the TV category at CES.

Most everyone knew that ebook readers would be hot at this year’s CES, but I doubt anyone anticipated how hot. Dozens of ebook readers were launched last week at CES, including four from Samsung, two from Interead, six from DMC, 2 from Jinke, and others from Fujitsu, iRiver, Entourage, Spring Designs, Skiff, Plastic Logic, Hanvon, and others. Two ebook readers distinguish themselves from the crowd. Both the Que from Plastic Logic and the Skiff Reader from Skiff are marketed as ebook readers for business professionals. They feature large touch sensitive e-ink displays for viewing newspapers, periodicals, and business documents in both Microsoft Office and Adobe PDF formats. The Que will also connect to Microsoft Exchange servers for viewing email and calendars.

Slate PCs have emerged as the headline grabber in the personal computer category. While these devices were being referred to as Tablet PCs just a few weeks ago, the Apple rumors about a new iSlate device has everyone referring to their tablet as a slate – including Steve Balmer, who introduced Windows 7 running on a Dell “slate” computer. The slate design is much like an ebook reader, such as Amazon’s Kindle, but utilizes an LCD display rather than e-ink, and includes PC and Internet functionality. Lenovo took the Best in Show award in the Computer category for its IdeaPad U1 Hybrid. The U1 looks like a sleek Windows 7 notebook, until you remove the display, which functions as a slate computer running Linux.

Last year, Palm earned most of the attention at CES with the unveiling of the Palm Pre. This year, Palm once again wooed the audience with new versions of the Palm Pre and Pixie, a partnership with EA Games to develop mobile games for its devices, and a new software development kit for the Palm Web OS that should generate a lot more applications for its devices. Palm handsets are available to Verizon and Sprint subscribers, and AT&T announced that it will soon carry two handsets running Palm’s Web OS. AT&T also announced the adoption of five new smart phones based on Google’s Android operating system, including one from Dell. Many are seeing this as an indication that the iPhone may soon be expanding beyond AT&T’s network. Just Prior to CES, Google unveiled its own handset named the Nexus One. The Nexus one is a high-end Google Android phone, with the distinction of being sold and supported directly by Google at http://www.google.com/phone. The Nexus One is currently designed only for the Verizon network. Google refers to the Nexus One as a superphone, rather than a smartphone, due to its powerful processor and applications. Analysts and vendors are picking up on “superphone” and using the term to describe other powerful handsets on the market.

Other technologies getting attention at this year’s CES include:

1. An in-dash touchsceen computer system from Ford named Mytouch
2. Touch enabled computers and netbooks like the new HP Mini 5102
3. Smartbooks, smaller than netbooks but larger than smartphones; these tiny Internet-connected notebooks typically run a Linux operating system on an ARM processor
4. The first devices utilizing the new USB v3.0 – now external drives can be as fast as internal drives!
5. And Samsung’s notebook with a transparent see-through 14 inch OLED display

While many new and exciting devices were unveiled last week at CES, tech companies and enthusiasts are waiting expectantly to see what Apple will unveil at its January 27 press gathering.

• Google Reveals Its New Phone [Technology Review]
• Google unveils Nexus One “superphone” [Reuters]
• CES: Lenovo Going Outside The Box [Barrons]
• Tech showcase looks to regain “wow” factor [Reuters]
• Freescale takes aim at tablet computer market [Reuters]
• Lenovo, Qualcomm team up on Skylight “smartbook” [Reuters]
• ESPN and Discovery launching 3-D TV networks [Reuters]
• AT&T plans 7 new smartphones: 2 Palm, 5 Android [Reuters]
• TV makers bet big on 3D but payoff uncertain [Reuters]
• Microsoft CEO unveils new HP tablet [Reuters]
• Tablet? Slate? New devices emerge as Apple looms [Reuters]
• Palm shares jump on CES, 2010 seen turnaround year [Reuters]
• Do Consumers Really Want 3-D TVs? [NYTimes]
• Television Begins a Push Into the 3rd Dimension [NYTimes]
• Despite Risks, Internet Creeps Onto Car Dashboards [NYTimes]
• A Deluge of Devices for Reading and Surfing [NYTimes]
• Google Debuts a New Way To Purchase ‘Superphones’ [NewsFactor]
• Ford Outlines ‘Personalized Driving’ as CES Opens [NewsFactor]
• Ford Shows Technology To Keep Car Users Connected [NewsFactor]
• Plastic Logic E-Reader Designed for Business Users [NewsFactor]
• TV Makers Gamble on Glasses-Required 3-D HDTVs [NewsFactor]
• Jinke announces 6 and 9-inch SiPix panel e-readers [Engadget]
• USB 3.0 SuperSpeed gone wild at CES 2010, trumps even your new SSD [Engadget]
• Quick look: The LG GW990 and Intel’s role in ‘superphones’ [Computerworld]
• E-readers to face tough fight against color tablets [Computerworld]
• Your mobile future: From smartphones to superphones — and beyond [Computerworld]
• CES: See-through screens – gimmick or instant gadget love? [Computerworld]
• Palm updates the Pre and Pixi for Verizon Wireless [Computerworld]
• Palm opens developer program, adds plug-in support [Computerworld]
• First looks from CES: Google Nexus One and Motorola Backflip [Computerworld]
• Palm updates devices, opens App Catalog, boosts gaming [Ars Technica]

Google Public DNS

When you type a URL into your browser, or click a link on a Web page, your request is sent to a Domain Name System server or DNS server where the IP address and server location of the resource is acquired. The DNS keeps track of where everything is on the Internet including Web pages, email, and all other Internet resources. Typically, users use a DNS server provided by their Internet service provider. This week, however, Google is encouraging users to switch to its own new service named Google Public DNS.

Google claims that its new DNS service provides faster and more secure processing than your Internet service providers’. To switch to Google Public DNS, users are required to change the DNS settings in their router to point to Google’s DNS server addresses: 8.8.8.8 as the primary address and 8.8.4.4 for the secondary.

Some in the industry are concerned that Google will gain too much power if it is allowed to grow as a DNS service provider. DNS service providers have access to every Internet request that users make. If not regulated, that power could result in invasion of privacy and other civil rights abuses. At the very least it would give Google valuable insight into public interests and allow it to monetize that insight through its advertising services.

So far, most reviews of the service are unable to find any benefit to switching to Google Public DNS, except for individuals using substandard Internet service providers. However, over time, Google could develop services, especially in the area of information security that could make its DNS service more attractive.

• Pondering Google’s Move Into the D.N.S. Business [NYTimes]
• Google Public DNS service not ideal for everyone [Ars Technica]

QR Me

Google is mailing out 100,000 QR Code stickers to businesses around the world. QR Codes are the next generation bar codes that are made up of a grid of small squares. Businesses can place the stickers at their entrance for customers to scan wit htheir cell phone cameras. Utilizing special software, the cell phones can then access detailed information about the business, along with customer reviews, and discount coupons.

• Putting a Bar Code on Places, Not Just Products [NYTimes]

Working towards STEM strength

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It is an important acronym for our country since these areas are key to U.S. economic growth, but underserved in U.S. education. For years there have been efforts in the U.S. to improve student engagement in STEM studies. This week President Obama announced a campaign named “Educate to Innovate” that enlists the help of businesses and nonprofit groups to encourage students to embrace STEM subjects. Everyone from Elmo to David M. Zaslav, the president of Discovery are pitching in to provide programming that shows the fun and fulfilling aspects of STEM studies and research. Science and engineering societies are providing volunteers to work with students in the classroom. Corporations are coughing up big bucks to fund promotional campaigns. Sony is donating 1,000 PlayStation 3 game consoles to utilize gaming as a tool for education and inspiration. The Department of Education is investing $4.35 billion in stimulus financing to states to promote innovative programs.

A special emphasis is being place on including women and minorities in the effort. A recent study by researchers at Northern Illinois University found that high school boys generally have a more positive attitude towards science classes than high school girls. The boys in the study expressed increased engagement as projects became more challenging. The girls reported feeling less engaged when faced with more challenging tasks. Both males and females enjoy class discussions, but males preferred labs and giving presentations, while females preferred seatwork and lectures. The challenge is to find out why young women seem less interested in STEM subjects, and utilize that knowledge to make the subjects more interesting to them.

Educate to Innovate has become a major priority for the White House. The Obama administration believes that the country’s economic destiny lies in the ability of college graduates to innovate in the areas of science, technology, and engineering, which are all dependant on a strong math skills. Diversity in the scientific and engineering community is an important factor in achieving innovative solutions to the wide array of challenges that face our country and our planet.

• White House Pushes Science and Math Education [NYTimes]
• Studying the science gender gap at the high school level [Ars Technica]

Is Cloud Computing Ready for Prime Time?

Last week, I reported that Google has introduced its Chrome OS to developers. This week, there were many reviews and articles published about the new Chrome OS as developers took the source code and implemented it on a number of different computing platforms. You may recall that I mentioned that Chrome boots in only a few seconds. Turn on your computer and you are ready to work within the blink of an eye. So why does Chrome OS boot up so quickly, while Windows and Mac OS X provide enough time for a snack while waiting for the system to boot? The reason is that Chrome OS is designed for cloud computing. It’s essentially an operating system that acts as a Web browser. The only software installed on a Chrome OS machine is the Chrome operating system. All other software that you may need is accessed on the Web. Chrome provides access to popular online email services, social networking services, and of course Google Apps. Windows and Mac OS X have to slough through the loading of all kinds of installed apps and security packages before they can allow you to start working. Chrome OS needs only to load itself.

So the important question for Google and Google investors is this. Will cloud computing be ready for prime time when devices running Chrome OS hit the market a year from now? What do you think? Are *you* ready to live life online with no installed apps? It seems likely that Chrome OS will do well in the mobile device market on platforms like netbooks, tablets, smartphones, and the like. But it may take a little longer before the market is ready for cloud computing on work PCs. Ready or not, it is likely that Chrome OS is pointing the way to the future of PC operating systems.

• The 5 best, and 5 worst, features of Google Chrome OS [Network World]
• Google Chrome: Redefining end user computing [Computerworld]

Feeling Isolated?

A recent Pew study looked at the impact of technology on social isolation. Research from a number of recent studies has determined that the average American’s social circle is getting smaller. Twenty years ago most people interviewed could identify three individuals that they felt they could truly confide in – that number has dropped to two. Is technology to blame? A 2007 General Social Survey claimed it was. The study hypothesized that Internet and cell phone use were the cause of increased social isolation. This week’s Pew study contradicted that claim, finding that, while social circles have gotten smaller, technology is not to blame. Cell phone and Internet users generally have larger social circles and closer friends than those that are technologically disconnected. The study found that technology users are more likely to visit parks and cafes and volunteer for local organizations. However, they are less likely to know and interact with their neighbors. Technology users also have more diverse social networks that include friends with a variety of backgrounds. While technology appears to facilitate closer relationships, those that use it still prefer face-to-face communication as the best way to stay in touch with family and friends.

Does Technology Reduce Social Isolation? [NYTimes]

Augmented Reality

Another science fiction technology is about to become a reality – an augmented reality that is. Augmented reality technology displays a layer of information over whatever it is that you’re looking at. In science fiction, it is often implemented through special glasses or goggles that act as a translucent display, interpreting what you see and providing useful insight in the form of text overlays. For instance, as you look at a restaurant it might display the hours of operation and the daily blue-plate special.

Augmented reality has been used for specific purposes like assisting fighter pilots and airplane mechanics, but a general purpose augmented reality system has appeared to be many years out of reach. Such a system would require technology that could interpret visual input from any angle and map it to data from a huge database containing information on every location in the world transferring the data back to the user in real time over a robust pervasive network. It seems impossible, but new applications for the iPhone 3GS have found shortcuts that bring the technology within grasp. In fact Gartner has labeled Augmented Reality as one of the top 10 disruptive technologies from 2008 through 2012.

The iPhone app Yelp and other similar applications make use of the iPhone 3GS’s Camera, GPS capabilities and compass to determine where you are, what direction you are facing, and what you are looking at. While looking through the camera, Yelp places icons over the businesses that you are viewing to provide information and customer ratings and reviews. Yelp has been available online for years, but its augmented reality function – called Monocle, has provided the software with a new prestige. Yelp’s Monicle is an impressive first step towards Augmented Reality that provides us with a glimpse of what is possible.

Augmented Reality Goes Mobile [NewsFactor]

Telecom News

The CTIA Wireless I.T. & Entertainment Convention is in full swing in San Diego and the spotlight is on the future of the cellular industry.

In a speech at CTIA, U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski praised cellular carriers for moving towards more open network policies and sympathized with concerns over bandwidth. “I believe that that the biggest threat to the future of mobile in America is the looming spectrum crisis,” he said. Genachowski cited expectations for future growth in the use of smartphones and netbooks as a serious concern that could create a “traffic jam” on the “information superhighway.” He stated that more wireless spectrum will be required to support the increase in demand and better network management will be needed from the FCC.

Wireless carriers believe that they should have freedom to manage network traffic for the benefit of their customers. AT&T Wireless CEO Ralph de la Vega made the case by pointing out that while iPhone users make up only three percent of its smart phone customers, they eat up 40 percent of its data bandwidth. He stated that AT&T needs to “manage the network to make sure that the few cannot crowd out the many.”

Pressure from the FCC has influenced AT&T to change its position on Internet-based phone services for the iPhone. This week AT&T announced that it has cleared the way for Skype and other VoIP applications that it had previously blocked from the iPhone Apps Store.

Republicans sent a letter to the FCC this week expressing opposition to the FCC’s plan to regulate the telecom industry with laws designed to insure network neutrality. They argue that telecom companies should remain free to manage network traffic as they see fit. They fear that government regulations would reduce the industries motivation to upgrade networks and ultimately harm consumers.

• FCC chief lauds wireless companies [Reuters]
• GOP Warns of Net Neutrality Perils [Ecommerce Times]
• AT&T Knuckles Under on VoIP for iPhone [Ecommerce Times]
• FCC Chair Warns of Wireless Gridlock [Ecommerce Times]
• Genachowski lays out FCC mobile strategy at CTIA [Computerworld]
• AT&T Wireless CEO Hints at ‘Managing’ iPhone Data Usage [Computerworld]
• AT&T has change of heart about VoIP over 3G for the iPhone [Ars Technica]