Chronical of death (or virtory)

Just over a month ago I was (along with many other) expecting the Blu-ray Vs HD-DVD war to last for most of the year. I figure that at the end HD-DVD would some how win over most of the consumers and take down Blu-ray and along with it SONY!

• Then CES happened and a large studio dumped HD-DVD for Blu-ray, giving HD-DVD a big blow. Big enough that the HD-DVD side canceled the conference they had schedules for that day after hearing the announcement for Warner. In fact this was the talk of most of the show reporting on CES for the first few day.
• A bit later Michael Bay (of Transformers Fame) declared his Strong approval of Blu-ray and dislike of HD-DVD, to the point that he would not make a sequel if it was to be release in HD-DVD format. Reports come out that Target exclusively supports Blu-ray. and while you can still find both HD-DVD and Blu-Ray movies there in only players for one format Blu-ray (unless you count the HD-DVD add-on for the Xbox 360)
• Toshiba (creator and main supporter of HD-DVD) tries to help consumer "receive assistance with various marketing initiatives". In other word explain why HD-DVD is better. This in a attempt to slow the loses to the Blu-ray camp.
• Now paramount (one of the last HD-DVD supporters) is thinking of dropping HD-DVDs from it's lineup. Becoming yet another Studio releasing movies in Blu-ray format exclusively (as far as High definition goes).
• Now Universal, (HD-DVD biggest backer) fails to renew contract of exclusivity with HD-DVD
• Everyone is jumping in, a German studio and is drooping HD-DVD and going Blu-ray exclusive. Again cutting the number potential movies to be available in that format and giving Blu-ray better footing.
• Again HD-DVD tries to fight it was back into the consumers hands. This time by cutting prices, not only on the movies, but on the players. Also giving away 2 movies with every player and offering 5 free in the mail after purchase. While the idea seems good, it keep looking more and more like a "fire sale".
• NBC in Chicago finally broadcast local news in HD. Nothing to do with the formant war but it just bugs me that it took this long?
• Another German studio jumps on the Blu-ray bandwagon. I guess they felt left behind by the previous studio.
• Walmart does not make space for HD-DVD player on the store shelves. Giving all the real state to Blu-ray. Becoming the second mass retailer (and the biggest) to pick a side.
• Sales of Blu-ray player almost doubles market share after news of Warner joining Blu-ray side. A change that big is hard to miss. Especially since the HD-DVD side had been cutting prices to try and stay viable.
• Research company, Garner declares Blu-ray winning format in the consumer market, at least that's what they expect by the end of 2008.
• BestBuy joins in HD-DVD fire sale. They'll give you a HD-DVD title when you buy any other title. Your basic Buy One Get One (BOGO) sale.
• Now this one hurts; Netflicks decides to abandon HD-DVD and carry only Blu-ray movies. This was one of the best ways to get movies, since most places didn't carry any HD-DVD. But that in it self was not a good sign!
• Best Buy will recommend Blu-ray if asked, while they say they'll still carry HD-DVD hardware and media, they will promote Blu-ray as the formant of the future. We now have the top three American retailers (Walmart, Best Buy and Target) all selling Blu-ray as the format of the future.
• Walmart will be drooping HD-DVD completely by June! They didn't have the players and now they won't havet the movies either. All you'll find at the retail giant are Blu-ray titles.
• Finally Toshiba is pulling the plug in the format, making it official! BLu-ray wins.

leaving the door open to a change to Blu-ray. Universal can now release movie in both formats. more importantly, Universal can stop HD-DVD production and back Blu-ray without missing a beat.
As I said before I wanted HD-DVD to win, but at least this way you now know what to get for you home theater. No more debating, it Blu-ray. Now you just have to find one at a good price, if you are a gamer, get the PS3 (wait if you are a gamer you already have it).

Thank you engadget for keeping the news fresh.

Commuter Feed

This will be a great thing once (and if) it becomes popular. Here's what you need to know:

Commuter Feed let's anyone report traffic problems to the site by way of twitter. Once the incident is reported the site will list it in a page for the appropriate metro area.

There's just one more thing they need to do: Let people subscribe to a metro area with twitter so you can get updates in real time. It's not easy to browse to a web page on your phone when you are getting ready to go somewhere.

YES WE CAN

Barack Obama has won thirteen states -- a clear majority of the Super Tuesday states... Alaska... Missouri... Colorado... Idaho... Minnesota... Connecticut... North Dakota... Utah... Kansas... Alabama... Delware... Illinois... Georgia... Thanks to all of our remarkable grassroots supporters who carried Barack across the country. As Barack said tonight, "We are the ones we have been waiting for." …

Microsoft don't change flickr...

if you do end up taking over yahoo. When I first hear about the Microsoft's bid for Yahoo! I didn't think much of it until just a minute ago. Reasons I finally stopped to consider possible outcomes is Flickr.

I really like flickr and don't like most Microsoft products. I know Yahoo bought Flickr over a year ago and luckly didn't make any noticeable changes. Now there is the possibility that flckr (by way of yahoo) could be taken over by a company that cannot come up with a compelling web service. Microsoft has bought many products and basically stopped their innovation. Sometimes Microsoft in it's attempts to "improve" the service or program adds unneeded features and combo luted interface.

I just can't think of what I'm going to have to do if Microsoft changes flickr. I think I'm going to investigate other services that compete with Flickr