The Indianapolis Colts won the Super Bowl for the first time since the franchise’s relocation to the Circle City in 1984 with a 29-14 win over the Chicago Bears in super-soggy Miami.According to a report from Strategy Analytics, over the next five years IPTV subscribers will grow to a staggering 80 million worldwide from just under 6 million IPTV households today. Additionally, the number of households worldwide that pay directly for IPTV service will rise from 3.3 million in 2006 to 40.9 million in 2011. Currently, about 55 percent of IPTV households pay directly for IPTV services while most of the remaining subscribers receive IPTV service as part of a bundle. In five years, we can look forward to a decline in the percentage of direct-paying IPTV households, as the industry increasingly favors service bundles.
For more on this report:
- see the write-up over at TVover.net
ConvinceMe is a new competitive arguing site launching tonight. It will let debaters carry out public debates, head to head arguments, and a “King of the Hill” free for all about any subject they like. Other argument sites, like Hot Soup and LoveToLead, have focused on sobering issues, like political or philosophical debates and polls. Comment threads and forums have also been great places for people to argue. Just look at the comments for Do the Right Thing.
ConvinceMe lets members talk about anything and ranks them based on how many “convince” points they get from user voting for their argument. Private debates are issued as public challenges from one member to another and end when one site has gained the agreed number of votes for their side. For public debates, each side’s arguments are ordered by the number of votes the arguments have. “King of the Hill” is a twist on the challenge debate, with each member only able to submit one argument for their position. The first argument with 100 votes wins. The final type, public debates are ongoing, with the votes for one side or the other marking the overall opinion of the community on the subject.A friend asked me this question last night... Some of the key points of my response are listed below:
damaka is great for enterprises that are looking for a secure, standards-based communication and collaboration application, to provide productivity features but keeping the costs down.
Benefits of damaka
With damaka’s SIP-based, P2P enterprise solution, businesses of all sizes can combine voice, video, data, real-time presence, instant messaging (with cross over to other protocols), and various applications for richer, more integrated communications on one converged IP network.
Enterprises can streamline system administration, desktop and endpoint management by integrating their IP PBX for conferencing, unified messaging, and other media on the same SIP network, and eliminate multiple admin interfaces as well as the need for separate IT voice teams and data teams.
So it’s official: Apple now is a phone manufacturer. With the announcement of the Apple iPhone, we can now finally assess that new product and I have to say, color me impressed. The company has managed to overcome a lot of the problems surrounding existing mobile phones and created a device that is close to what geeks like myself want: 2 megapixel camera, MP3 player, video player, phone with integrated address book, calendar, email, web browser, SMS, notepad, google maps, and support for other widgets, which makes the whole platform more extensible. It’s a very smart move on the part of Apple, which highlighted the change in the way the company is operating by changing its name from Apple Computer, Inc. to Apple, Inc. , reflecting the fact that they are no longer just a computer company.There were a few interesting items of interest, though.
For starters, no mention of how the phone will sync up with a computer. Are we to assume that it’s Mac Only or will it synchronize with computers running Windows too? If so, does that mean that a new set of applications will be available to Windows users to sync their address book, calendar and email with systems like Outlook or will the device require to manage those things specifically using Apple applications on Windows?
The other thing that was interesting is the announcement that the phone will run on quad-band GSM and will be using EDGE network. This means that the phone will get decent but not great data service. Perfect for email and light web browsing but not quite fast enough for video streaming. However, the introduction of WiFi in the device, which many other companies have avoided for fear of losing battery capacity, could take care of that.
The other interesting thing is that the operating system on this device is OSX. This seems to point out to two possible issues: First, what does that mean for PortalPlayer, which has traditionally provided Apple with the operating system (embedded on a chip) for the iPod? The second question is what does it mean in general: What Apple has introduced is basically a mac in a small form factor, which could easily compete with the UMPC specifications introduced by Microsoft. It’s pretty clear that Apple has a lot of plans in the future for that device but they didn’t say much about the significance of OSX, providing it almost as an aside (and what does it mean for the next version of OSX, which was not mentioned during this keynote at all, a surprising omission in itself.)
Palm (makers of the Treo), RIM (makers of the Blackberry), and Motorola and Nokia will obviously not be thrilled with the entrance of Apple in this market. Below is a comparison on how they fare against iPhone:
The event was attended by among others, Mr Ross Perot Jr. a multi billionaire investor in Dallas.
His Excellency, Mr. Ogego was presented with a special key for the city of Dallas by Mayor Don Hill.
I also had an opportunity to meet and trade business cards with Mr. Ross Perot Jr, Texas Secretary of State Mr. Roger Williams and President and CEO of African Chamber of Commerce, Sanmi Akinmulero. I must thank my good friend Steve Mathuku for the the invite.
damaka users only need one software to connect to different instant messaging platforms, call friends all over the world, watch Internet TV, conference with webcam, and share desktops
RICHARDSON, Texas – January 5, 2006 – damaka™, a fast-growing communication and collaboration software company, launches IM connectivity to MSN, Yahoo, AOL and Google. This feature allows damaka users to chat with friends across different platforms without having to launch multiple IM clients. Seamless instant messaging is a new element of the industry’s smallest downloadable peer-to-peer damaka software, which includes Internet TV, desktop sharing, and video conferencing.
According to MIT student Laila Shabir, “I have been using damaka VoIP application to make free calls to my family in Dubai. The new damaka IM is easy to use as I can move from MSN to AOL by clicking on a button. I am so glad that I don’t have to launch other IM clients to talk to my friends around the world. Also, it helps in removing the different communication tools clutter on my desktop and I am glad there’s finally a company that can do everything in one application.”
“With the addition of multi-platform IM to its white-label product suite, damaka now allows carriers, service providers, and online communities to cost-effectively deliver unified communication and collaboration services to their user base,” says Satish Gundabathula, CTO of damaka. damaka’s approach to integrating multiple functionality into its SIP-based, peer-to-peer Personal Softswitch™ aligns with the requirements that many companies have for an out-of-the-box triple play solution to increase productivity and generate new revenue streams.
damaka’s P2P communication (IM, Voice, Video, data) is end-to-end encrypted. This feature makes the software a powerful tool for secure and robust corporate communication worldwide.
Screenshot: http://www.damaka.com/IMConnectivity/
Download damaka
Romo... Oh noooo!!! :-(
Dallas (9-7) @ Seattle (9-7)
As much as I love Tony Romo, his performance as of late has been woefully inconsistant and he definitely needs to be on if Dallas wants to stand a chance at winning. Furthermore, Dallas– as shown in last weeks game against Detroit– can’t stop the big play, and Seattle is full of big-time offensive players. But with Parcells' experience, Romo's creativity and a little bit of luck, Dallas wins this one. Dallas win 27-24
 at  Saturday, 3:30 p.m. CT on NBC The Chiefs (9-7) got the help they needed Sunday and earned a date with Indianapolis Colts (12-4) in the wild-card round of the playoffs. But it won't be easy for the AFC's sixth seed as they head to the RCA Dome, where the Colts completed their first perfect season at home since 1958 when the Baltimore Colts won the NFL championship. Still, the key for the Chiefs will be the matchup of running back Larry Johnson, who set an NFL record for carries this season with 416, against an Indianapolis defense that has surrendered rushing yardage in bunches this year. |  at  Saturday, 7 p.m. CT on NBC Despite owning the top wild card, Dallas (9-7) goes into January having lost consecutive games for the first time all season. The Cowboys also have dropped three of four since owning a two-game division lead in early December. The situation is equally disappointing for the Seahawks (9-7) , who needed a win in the finale to halt a 3-game skid. "Our record isn't what we had hoped, to be honest with you, but there's something about 9-7 being a lot better than 8-8," coach Mike Holmgren said. The teams have met 10 times, with Dallas holding a 6-4 edge, but this will be the first postseason encounter. |
Principle 1: Give Yourself a Break
The hardest thing to do is be honest with yourself. Asking yourself some key questions will lead you to some amazing discoveries, and possibly motivate you to do what it takes to create the life you envision for yourself......
Principle 3: Stop Judging Yourself
Stop the negative conversations you have with yourself immediately. Say no to negative thoughts and encourage positive thinking.....
Principle 4: Stop Judging Others
We're not here to judge one another.....
Principle 5 : Pursue Fun with a Vengeance
Fun shouldn't be squeezed into a few weeks of vacation each year. And it shouldn't be squeezed into the last chapter of your life when you "get to" retire. Fun deserves to be a part of your life now -- in 2007. But fun doesn't just happen. You have to make it a priority in your life or it'll go missing. Life's too short to not have it.......
When users log-on for the first time in the New Year, they might be greeted by emails that wish them a happy new year and offer a post card greeting. It seems that a new worm is masquerading in such fashion, according to experts at Verisign. Once a user clicks through to the 'postcard' link, a file deploys different variants of malicious code onto the PC and then uses the computer to send similar mass mailings. Some big company networks are already feeling the pain, so make sure that your IT organization is ready to take on the first worm of 2007.
| Na maen momin vich maseet aan Na maen vich kufar diyan reet aan Na maen paakaan vich paleet aan Na maen moosa na pharaun. Bulleh! ki jaana maen kaun Na maen andar ved kitaab aan, Na vich bhangaan na sharaab aan Na vich rindaan masat kharaab aan Na vich jaagan na vich saun. Bulleh! ki jaana maen kaun. Na vich shaadi na ghamnaaki Na maen vich paleeti paaki Na maen aabi na maen khaki Na maen aatish na maen paun Bulleh!, ki jaana maen kaun Na maen arabi na lahori Na maen hindi shehar nagauri Na hindu na turak peshawri Na maen rehnda vich nadaun Bulla, ki jaana maen kaun Na maen bheth mazhab da paaya Ne maen aadam havva jaaya Na maen apna naam dharaaya Na vich baitthan na vich bhaun Bulleh , ki jaana maen kaun Avval aakhir aap nu jaana Na koi dooja hor pehchaana Maethon hor na koi siyaana Bulla! ooh khadda hai kaun Bulla, ki jaana maen kaun | Not a believer inside the mosque, am I Nor a pagan disciple of false rites Not the pure amongst the impure Neither Moses, nor the Pharoh Bulleh! to me, I am not known Not in the holy Vedas, am I Nor in opium, neither in wine Not in the drunkard`s intoxicated craze Niether awake, nor in a sleeping daze Bulleh! to me, I am not known In happiness nor in sorrow, am I Neither clean, nor a filthy mire Not from water, nor from earth Neither fire, nor from air, is my birth Bulleh! to me, I am not known Not an Arab, nor Lahori Neither Hindi, nor Nagauri Hindu, Turk (Muslim), nor Peshawari Nor do I live in Nadaun Bulleh! to me, I am not known Secrets of religion, I have not known From Adam and Eve, I am not born I am not the name I assume Not in stillness, nor on the move Bulleh! to me, I am not known I am the first, I am the last None other, have I ever known I am the wisest of them all Bulleh! do I stand alone? Bulleh! to me, I am not known |
damaka launched its VideoMail service today, that will allow users to leave a video message using their webcam. The new VideoMail service is an addition to the already existing portfolio which offers free PC-to-PC phone calls, free Video calls, cheap PC-to-Phone calls, desktop sharing, file transfer, IPTV (Free Internet TV), Internet Radio, RSS, Voice Commands and much more.
damaka also allows small and medium-sized operators to use its P2P platform for offering triple play solutions (PSPN program).
"Safety" (On-the-Field) -- Oh Hell No!British researchers have found that children's IQ predicts their likelihood of becoming vegetarians as young adults -- lowering their risk for cardiovascular disease in the process. The finding could explain the link between smarts and better health, the investigators say.
"Brighter people tend to have healthier dietary habits," concluded lead author Catharine Gale, a senior research fellow at the MRC Epidemiology Resource Centre of the University of Southampton and Southampton General Hospital.
Recent studies suggest that vegetarianism may be associated with lower cholesterol, reduced risk of obesity and heart disease. This might explain why children with high IQs tend to have a lower risk of heart disease in later life.
The report is published in the Dec. 15 online edition of the British Medical Journal.
Read the rest of the story
Worldwide, Both Sony and Nintendo expect to sell 6 million of their next-generation consoles by the end of March.
Software sales climbed 15% to $804 million from $702 million a year ago.
IPTV Around the World
Servicec providers all over the world are are trying to figure out how to build a "Telco 2.0" that delivers TV, Phone and Internet services over broadband pipes.
On Dec. 4, Britain's BT Group launched its IPTV service, setting a target of signing up between 2 million and 3 million subscribers. AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica, Swisscom , France Telecom, Korea's KT, and China Netcom are also in various stages of rolling out their own services.
It's not just the telcos that have a stake in this. Just about every major tech company wants a piece of the action. Alcatel-Lucent is joined by Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, and Cisco Systems as well as upstarts such as UTStarcom and China's Huawei. The rivalry is expected to help the market ramp up quickly.
IPTV relies on the same basic technology as streaming video over the Web except that the signals stay within the telco's network. If done right, IPTV shouldn't be all that different from the programs you're accustomed to viewing on cable or over the airwaves. Where IPTV has an advantage over standard broadcasts is its potentially limitless number of channels and instant, on-demand access to a vast library of content stored on a telco's servers.
Total subscribers to Internet-based telephone (Voice over-IP) services in U.S. grew 18% to 8.2 million in Q3 2006, more than doubling the figure in a year since 3Q 2005, according to market research firm TeleGeography.
TeleGeography predicted the market would grow by roughly 1.5 million subscribers in the fourth quarter to end the year with 9.7 million, or about 8.7% of the nation's households.
VoIP revenues are expected to reach $2.6 billion for the year, an increase of 250% from about $1 billion in 2005.
Top VoIP Providers, by subscribers, at the end of 3Q 2006:
The survey found that shoppers use a variety of websites to research and compare products. Popular places for shoppers to begin searching for merchandise availability, prices and product specifics include:
According to Andrew Lippman, Head of the MIT Media Lab’s Viral Communications program, “Personal, global television has been a dream since the advent of the PC; damaka has just made it a reality. With high quality, multi-channel IPTV at your fingertips, both consumers and the new media creative community have an easy-to-use new delivery option. Now a kid in Sumatra can watch American, Chinese, and British television without having to even buy a television.”
With the integration of IPTV to its existing product suite, damaka now allows carriers, service providers, and media companies to cost-effectively deliver Internet Television and multimedia services to consumers. damaka’s approach to integrating IPTV functionality into its SIP based, peer-to-peer Personal Softswitch™ aligns with the requirements that many carriers have for out-of-the-box triple play solution to increase revenue and enhance customer retention.
damaka’s latest release with IPTV is available for free download from the company website. After logging into damaka and selecting a television channel, the user can watch online news, entertainment, sports and music. While running IPTV, a user can still make phone calls and send instant messages via the damaka software.
RICHARDSON, Texas – “Hola” is no longer just a word sent over a traditional telephone line. With damaka, “Hola” can accompany a smile transmitted over a private video channel, a red heart icon sent over instant messaging, and a sensuous voice traveling through the internet cloud. damaka has been working with Fonet Global which has a strong presence in Mexico to launch d00d, the world’s first SIP based secure, encrypted, peer-to-peer voice, video and data communication solution wrapped into a small software targeted for the Hispanic community (http://www.myd00d.com).
“The Spanish community is family-oriented,” said Hector Terrazas, CEO of Fonet Global, “Face-to-face meetings are important. damaka’s technology brings that togetherness to the desktop. The video feature will be an attraction, giving the community the chance to communicate and see their loved ones real time using the most secure technology out there.”
Fonet plans to take the scalable, damaka-powered solution to different revenue generating avenues including enterprise communication, family conferences, online learning, online dating, and 1-900 premium service.
According to Siva Ravikumar, Founder and CEO of damaka, “Because damaka’s SIP-based pure software technology has low infrastructure requirement, the start-up cost and time to market for a telecom operator is minimal. For a competitively priced licensing fee, a telecom operator can launch its own private-labeled unified communication and collaboration solution in less than 30 days.”
Hector further noted that Fonet Global was able to adapt to the new technology much faster because of the flexible nature of their operation. “We can cut through the bureaucracy and launch this product while the market is hot,” he said. “We want to move fast so that we can leapfrog our competition in providing the most secure and high quality communication and collaborative application to our customers.”
damaka recently developed and released the best-in-class peer-to-peer multi-party video (H.263/H.264) as the cornerstone of its video offering.
In related research In-Stat found that although Online Content Aggregators are in the early experimentation stages of rolling out video services, they will have some dramatic revenue-generating opportunities in the next five years. The worldwide market for online content services is expected to expand by a factor of 10, growing from about 13 million households during 2005 to more than 131 million households by 2010.
RICHARDSON, Texas- (PR: Business Wire) – Cheap phone calls is now available to users worldwide using damaka’s DialOut™ service. After downloading damaka for free, a user can make a call from a personal computer to anywhere in the world at a fraction of the price charged by operators and phone card companies. Sample damaka per minute rates: US (1.9 ¢), India (9.8 ¢), China (1.8 ¢), UK (1.5 ¢), Singapore (1.4 ¢), Spain (1.7¢).
A cheap phone call, however, is just one of damaka’s product offerings. The standards-based solution comes with free video calling, free voicemail, Smart IM™, and soon-to-be-released, desktop sharing. These features, combined with the PC-to-Phone launch, makes damaka the most comprehensive, peer-to-peer, standards-based communication and collaboration software in the world. damaka also plans to launch DialIn™ feature shortly.
According to Chelsey Antony of Plano, Texas, “It took us about 30 seconds to download damaka from the Internet. After that, I could call my Grandma’s mobile phone in India and she sounded as if she was right next door. I could hear her excitement when I told her I got an A in math.”
According to Chandan Chopra, Director of IT at damaka. “Adding PC-to-Phone capabilities to our SIP-based, Peer-to-Peer platform adds a significant dimension to our existing suite of product offerings and underscores our commitment to increase user experience and deliver the next generation collaboration & communication software. “
damaka also offers an upgraded version of its software to corporations needing a one-stop-shop for unified communication and collaboration. A company can save the hassle of using one vendor for phone calls, another for video conferencing, and an unsecured third-party for IM. In less than 30 days, damaka can build, customize, and launch a private peer-to-peer network for companies ranging from a small start-up to a global conglomerate.
RICHARDSON, Texas --(PR: Business Wire)-- Before you call your loved ones, check out damaka's peer-to-peer video conferencing. Whether you are a businessman traveling in Japan or a mother wanting to talk to her son in Mexico, a simple download of damaka, paired with a webcam, will allow you to see your family and friends from the comfort of your desktop. With its breakthrough Personal Softswitch(TM), damaka launches affordable, multi-party video conferencing in pure software format, bringing Jetson-like voice and video communication to the office and home.
According to Siva Ravikumar, CEO, "What makes damaka unique is that it uses SIP-based P2P technology with no server in the middle. This means that data packets are transmitted directly from one user to another. Today's video conferencing technology uses the client/server platform, which requires expensive servers or the use of a third party provider. damaka is the only direct P2P video conferencing solution available in the world today which allows for affordable, scalable, end-to-end-encrypted video conferencing for up to four people."
damaka's vision is to use best-in-class video (H.263/H.264), combined with P2P telephony, instant messaging, email, SMS, and gaming, to create a one-stop-shop for all communication and collaboration needs. The unified communication solution gives higher flexibility not only for a CEO to have a private conversation from his/her office to counterparts worldwide, but also for families in different parts of the world to have affordable face-to-face chats from the comfort of their homes.
damaka licenses its software to operators who are interested in new revenue streams with minimal infrastructure investment and to enterprises interested in a secure collaboration platform. damaka also plans to work with online communities and dating sites interested in a low-cost, scalable, feature-rich platform to empower its members to communicate directly and privately with one another.
Click here for a Screenshot
