Digital/ Analog Book Hybrid

I just came across this interesting post from O’Reilly’s Tools of Change conference. 

Manolis Kelaidis‘ idea is to embed hyperlinks in traditional books, or as  the website puts it: 

The blueBook created at the RCA and pictured here is a traditional book over-printed with conductive ink. This conductive ink creates hyperlinks on the page which, when touched by the reader, activates a processor concealed in the cover of the book. This processor then connects via bluetooth to a nearby computer, triggering different actions.

It is rather Ingenious , with a capital I.  I can see this technology going places. For example: I’m currently reading ,yet again ,the lord of the Rings. The book could sense as I move from scene to scene and bring up the appropriate artwork, or music from Howard Shore’s excellent score, or bring up trivia, etc. Obscure names could link to an online glossary of all of Tolkien’s books.

In a technical context, links could be provided to get updated code samples, errors or updated technical information that adds to or supercedes the text.

This is a true hybrid since we get the best of both worlds: a user experience that has yet to be surpassed, and the functionality of eBook readers.  

Question is, will it take off?

PS In response to Tim O’Reilly’s question in the comments:

But Sarah’s comment is also really crucial to understand: “people made a real emotional connection.” Why was that?

The emotional connection comes in because of the format: books. People can and do form emotional connections with books, I mean, I still have my Famous Five books  in a cupboard - I refuse to throw them ( no matter what the improvement to the order in said cupboard). I can’t imagine forming such an emotional attachment to an eBook reader, laptop or webpage.

Windows Server Centro

According to Mary Jo Foley, Microsoft’s mid-market server is approaching the CTP stage. 

Centro is bundle of

Windows Server 2008, Exchange Server 2007, System Center Essentials 2007, SQL Server 2005, ISA Server and other Forefront security technologies.

Sounds rather good.

Its a pity that I’m out of machines to beta ( err, CTP) test on.

The funny thing is that this is the first that I’ve heard of Centro.

The significant thing is that this is a 64-bit only product. Which is interesting when taken together with the rumor that Windows Home Server 2 is also to be a 64-bit only version.

Its a possibility that this [is part of] a push by Microsoft to get people to adopt the 64-bit architecture. A rather chicken-and-egg problem. Do you wait for a larger x64 install base? Or do you force people to move by releasing x64 only products? 

It depends largely on a) the current size of the x64 install base in terms of the x86 install base and b) the barrier-to-entry in terms of architecture transition costs. The you have to factor in multi-core machines into this. Question: Is it even possible to get a multi-core x64 machine?

It’ll be interesting to see where Microsoft goes with this

iPhone Addiction Help

Steve Rubel passes on this hilarious collection of advice for people with iPhone-on-the-brain .

Get a black light poster of Mr. Jobs. Put it up in your bedroom. Close your eyes and chant softly: “Oh Steve, all-powerful maker of the most beautiful iPhone, please send me my wonderful gadget. Please send it, Steve. Please send it now.”

If the poster actually responds, you’re in deep trouble. If your room remains silent, you know you have the mental health to wait at least one more day.

Since I’m in the UK, I’ve given up all hope of even seeing the iPhone until late next year.

Blog Clean Up

If anyone has been looking for my previous posts and can’t find them, there’s a reason.

I’ve done a spring clean ( not that its really spring) and removed quite a few posts. As part of my aim to focus this blog on technology, all the politics stuff is gone. I did keep the Quotes and Bushisims as well as a few funny items. This’ll also apply to my Link blog.  

And to reflect this new change in direction, I’ve altered the tagline  to “Random Technology Musings”. If anyone thinks that its too random, suggestions are welcome.