XplanaZine

Here’s our take on news that matters for Wednesday, November 9. Today’s theme is change and there are definitely signs that things simply refuse to say the same.

• Well, not that it’s actually “news,” but Bill Gates did send a memo to all Microsoft leaders predicting disruptive changes in the months to come. According to Gates, Microsoft must alter its business or face being at a competitive disadvantage to
  a growing array of companies. In September, Microsoft announced that it was reorganizing itself into three units and tapping Ozzie to lead a company-wide services push. Last week, Microsoft announced the first fruits of that effort–products called Windows Live and Office Live.
• And from the “stealing sheep” archives, analysts are predicting that more than 1 million PC users may switch to Macs in 2005. Much of this, of course, is due to the “Halo Effect” generated by the popularity of the iPod. And, while 1 million users isn’t really a big dent in the PC market, it does send the message that people are not as resistant to change in technology as we often claim.
• As a slow-moving example of that, a report is out showing that mobile phone and e-mail usage on the rise.
  The study surveyed over 4500 mobile users from 21 countries in North America, South America,
  Europe and Asia. 53 percent of mobile users surveyed had phones that were data-enabled, up from 49 percent
  last year. Of those, 56 percent used at least one data service each month, up dramatically from
  36 percent a year ago.
• Finally, as confirmation of the changes in entertainment patterns, there’s a bit from Businessweek with numbers on the gaming industry’s profitability. In case you haven’t seen this movie before, let me spoil the ending for you. Games are bringing in more and more users and making more and more money.

Now, here’s a recap of our favorite posts from the edublogging community from the past 48 hours.

• From George Siemens : Post on understanding the e-learning market.
• From Brian Lamb : Post on podcasting in education.
• From Stephen Downes: Post on social bookmarking in Higher Education.