The import/export code has now been added to PowerTime. Sources are available via the PowerTime Google Code site.
Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
PowerTime alpha 7 implements import/export
Thursday, August 28th, 2008XBox 360 is just another PC to Microsoft
Wednesday, November 14th, 2007I got home plugged my XBox 360 into my TV and inserted my newly purchased Half Life 2 game. I was a little surprised to see Half Life 2 then wander off and install a console software update.
It’s weird how companies have a certain kind of corporate DNA built into them when they grow. Whatever they do subsequently they just can’t shake off their world view. In Microsoft’s case that is a PC mindset. Everything is a PC to Microsoft even a console.
I was expecting a post install reboot too. 
My Next Generation Console Choice: XBox 360
Tuesday, November 6th, 2007I’ve made up my mind. I’ve got to go for the XBox 360. Anything else just wouldn’t be rational. Much as I would love to give Sony my money for a PS3 I can’t see a single reason to do so.
What should worry Sony a whole lot is developers using the XBox 360 as the primary target and PS3 as the secondary. All of those nice cell processors are going to go to waste if the developers don’t put the effort into tuning for the PS3.
Shame. I think Sony tried to jump a generation. They didn’t need to go for the next generation DVD. I doubt they’d swap setting the next high DVD format for losing the console war with Microsoft. Seems like a bum deal to me. But that’s the way it’s looking at the moment.
Maybe I’ll pick up a PS3 next year when the prices start falling fast.
My Next Generation Console Choice
Friday, October 26th, 2007My slush fund has hit the magical level so that I can now afford a next generation console. But which one should I choose?
As a PS2 player, the obvious upgrade path would be to go for a PS3. In fact, I really, really do want to go the Sony route. Problem is, I would be buying more on the promise of what the PS3 might do than anything else.
I remember telling my nephew that all that matters are the games (after he bought a N64). The hardware is just so much plastic and metal without games.
So being mindful that I don’t want to be hypocritical, how can I go for the PS3 when there are no compelling games around for it? Especially when there is a next gen console that does have a number of killer titles: the Microsoft XBox 360.
But there again, my favourite PS2 game is KillZone. KillZone 2 is coming to the PS3 exclusively early next year. I absolutely must play that game!
I am a bit stuck. If I buy the XBox 360 then I can’t play KillZone 2. If I buy the PS3 then I won’t be able to play titles like BioShock.
I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. It was so much easier last time. 
Mahalo–a search engine?
Friday, August 17th, 2007Check out Mahalo, a human powered search engine by Jason Calacanis. Jason’s also got a very good blog, well worth adding to your RSS reader.
Whilst I like Mahalo, I don’t understand why they called it a search engine. I browse it in much the same way that I use Wikipedia. Sure, there is search there, but that’s not how I use it. When I go to Google, I go there to search, nothing else.
Do blog forums point to flaws in blogs
Tuesday, August 14th, 2007One of the great things to develop recently has been the growth in the number of blog forums.
If bloggers feel the need to communicate through a forum, does this suggest that blogs are not quite the perfect communications platform?
How could a blog merge the features of a forum to become a kind of hybrid: a blorum perhaps?
The guy who invented Madchester is dead
Sunday, August 12th, 2007
Sad to hear the news that Tony Wilson died on Friday. What is it about popular music figures that makes them die young? Fifty seven ain’t no age at all.
I read a great quote from him in today’s Independent from his final interview.
“In the North-west it rains and it rains. And yet we managed to produce the industrial revolution, trade union movement, the Communist Manifesto and even the goddam computer. Down south, where the sun never sets, you took all our money and what did you produce? Chas and fucking Dave.”
Google archipeligo
Friday, August 3rd, 2007I’ve got a Google account on lots of things, webmaster console, Google Analytics, Adwords, AdSense, Notepad etc etc. I’m sure many of you have too.
The one thing that bugs me about them is that each of the different services is like a little dinky island all on its own. Nothing ties them all together. I’d like to be able to bookmark a single page, then be able to use it as a jumping off point for all of Google’s various services, and to discover new services too.
Seems such an obvious thing to do. I find it hard to believe that Google hasn’t already done it. If they have, they are keeping it well hidden.
If you know of such a thing, please leave a comment.
Pandora vs Last.fm observations
Friday, June 1st, 2007I suggested Pandora as a great online music radio in January. Well, Last.fm is pretty cool too & you don’t need to register or lie about being in the USA either
Pandora is very good at suggesting cool music I’ve never heard of. Whilst Last.fm suggests artists I am already familiar with.
Only getting 30 seconds on tracks is a bit of a pain too. On Pandora, you get the full song but have much less control over what plays.
GPS navigation for cyclists
Wednesday, May 30th, 2007Now it’s getting into the cycle touring season I thought I’d treat myself to a GPS navigation system. I did seriously think about the Garmin products, but had a nasty suspicion that I’d probably either lose it or never have it when I needed it. So, I decided to go for a watch version with GPS functionality built in. That way, I just put it on before the trip and treat it like I would my regular watch. So, it would always be with me, except when I’m sleeping.
I went in the end for a Suunto X9i from OutdoorGB.
I will let you know how it goes, I am charging the battery at the mo.