Darkstar

MySpace Messenger Coming

MySpace Messenger Coming: "

Update: So this has been something which has been whispered for a while, but Pete Cashmore has discovered actual screen shots of MySpace Messenger. Even though the screen shots have been around for a while (as pointed out by eagle eyed readers), MySpace is now asking people to sign in and activate their messaging accounts. This is the first time I think Yahoo, MSN and AIM have some serious competition, and I predict that this will change the market share equation.

From the looks of it, it is a Windows only app developed by a third party developer, called .IM, a NY-based company. Since the new IM is based on Sonork platform, it is not hard to imagine that MySpace will integrate IM right into MySpace pages. MySpace money machine is now about to hit the second gear as this IM can support banner ads, and inline commerce.

(Via GigaOM.)

SkypeMe Your eBay Bids

SkypeMe Your eBay Bids: "

When eBay bought Skype last year for a whopping $4.1 billion ($2.6 billion in stock/cash and rest as an earn out) my theory is that the first step in integration of the two companies would be adding a Skype Me feature for all sellers on the eBay system. Well, time to say, told you so.

It seems that eBay is already mash-ing it up Skype in some European countries. Switzerland for example, where, buyers can talk to sellers via Skype, and also with eBay customer service. Didier Durand has posted a lengthy french language post on his blog sent me the heads-up. Thanks DD. Didier says that since eBay’s European headquarters are in Bern, Switzerland the small size of the market, and its multilingual nature (4 national languages), it is often used for experiment like the one made by Ebay.

eBay has confirmed this on its Swiss website. Similar tests are going on in Belgium, Holland, China and Taiwan according to Ute Moritz which works for Ebay in Germany. Similar tests were conducted in Norway as well. It makes sense, especially as eBay starts to move high ticket items like cars, and expensive jewelry, as people would like to talk to each other before closing deals. But Skype calls when selling a phone power adapter… yikes!

I find it interesting that most of the tests are in countries that are not hostile to Skype. I think such a roll-out in the US would have the MSOs and the phone company(s) up in arms. Now if you are like me, then you are asking: this is it for $4.1 billion? There’s got to be more, right.

(Via GigaOM.)

The New Boom

Wired has an article on the boom and bust cycles of Silicon Valley in their latest article on the apparent bubble forming around Web 2.0 startups.


Technorati Tags: web2.0, business, vc

RIM Patent infringement case

Fascinating story about the Blackberry patent infringement case and the history behind the two inventors ptting their heads.  One just happens to be dead.

Great charts

Ever find yourself looking for a chart of major trends or aggregated data?  Check out Karl Hartig's site of charts for some pretty cool charts you can use in that presentation or hang on your wall.


Technorati Tags: charts, diagrams, information

Google Earth Mac OS X

Lots of Mac related announcements this week on the heels of MacWorld.  One quiet announcement was the release of Google Earth for Mac OSX.  An earlier Beta was leaked about a month ago, but now we finally have yet another Beta product from Google.




Technorati Tags: googeearth, macosx

Technorati Tags: googeearth, macosx

SMS People via Email

Ok.. I am geeking out tons these days so mainly run across interesting services online.  Here's one that allows you to SMS your friends via email.  There are lots of SMS gateways out there, but this one is very elegent.

Teleflip started when the founder became increasingly frustrated at
his inability to send text messages to friends' cell phones
from his PC. It was of course possible, but you had to know
the cell phone provider, the correct domain name and the correct
syntax for the email address.



Technorati Tags: sms

Technorati Tags: sms

Essential Mac OSX software

Ok.. so I am a Mac head.  Have preferred Macs since sys 9, but now with OS X mature, robust and with BSD under the hood, it really does kick ass.  I have had no problems interacting with Windows folks and there's not a single Windows app that I miss out on.  I ran across a fun little list of essential Mac OS X applications that is a good start if you are just getting a Mac for the first time.  What is your top couple of Mac OS X apps you can't live without?

Small Biz 101

Ryan Carson does a good job of introducing some basic on the ground insights into starting your own business, especially since he has a CS degree and not an MBA.  A good read through his series How to Get Started, Cash Flow Basics and No One Starts with a Masterpiece.  In the latest installment Tips for Increasing Sales he talks about ways to be passionate about what you are doing and eight good steps to take in order to bring in the customers to improve your cash flow.  Worth the quick read if you are trying to start your first business or even if you are a veteran, it never hurts to have a refresher.


Technorati Tags: business, startup, tips

Technorati Tags: business, startup, tips

Quicksilver and Backpack

I've been just crazed lately with too many bits of data and projects on my plate so have reached out to try and find some solutions.  I'll probably be posting a series here on how I am living my digital life.  I think the first installment is going to be on two amazing tools that are now part of my arsenal.  First caveat, I work on a Mac OSX platform, but try to use Web 2.0 apps when possible to allow myself as much flexibility as possible.

The first tool in the kit is Backpack by the nifty folks at 37signals.  These folks are amazing and I think will be the hottest ticket on the Web 2.0 sphere this year.  Backpack is an amazingly easy to use organizer that allows me to keep my to do lists, my brainstorms, organize my projects, just about anything I can think of that needs to be documented.  I can quickly make updates via the AJAX implementation interface.  It is easy to read and I can even share certain pages with other folks.  You have to check this app out!

Now on my local machine I am also faced with organizing and manipulating my laptop with a whole host of files and applications.  Along came Quicksilver to solve my problems.  This nifty free application is just amazing.  It is hard to tell you the power of this application until you give it a try.  Install it and slowly begin to see the power it gives your fingertips.

I found out recently that I can combine the power of both applications.  I could try to explain both applications, but that would just be regurgiating what has already been written online.  Go check out both and it will soon change your life.


Technorati Tags: backpackit, quicksilver, web2.0

Technorati Tags: backpackit, quicksilver, web2.0