XplanaZine

Here’s our take on news that matters for Monday, April 10. Today’s theme is virtual is good, and here are a some links to headlines about technology that is changing the way we live and learn.

• Gaming — Microsoft’s Xbox 360 has plenty of detractors in Japan. The main complaint isn’t that it’s an American import but rather than it lacks a strong list of compelling, must-have games. Also, Piper Jaffray
  has announced the results of its 11th bi-annual proprietary research survey on teen spending habits. For what it’s worth,
  almost 80 percent of teens indicated that they intend to spend less time playing video games in 2006. Finally, there’s a new version of Mario Brothers coming out soon for the Nintendo DS.
• Blogging, mediacasting, and online creations — While last week’s news from Forrester that podcasting may not be such a big deal might have some scratching their heads, the solutions for better penetration is really simple. We require easy-to-use solutions and better content. This article about PodBop provides a hint at how better content can be distributed in a meaningful manner.
• Handhelds – AP has this article out about VoIP cell phones and the fact that they are closer than ever. And, in another kind of convergence, cable companies are crafting wireless deals to pull of the quadruple threat.
• Social Networks – Digital Video Guru has this analysis and comparison of the different video sharing sites out there. Their numbers show YouTube with more traffic and better community features than anyone else but Vimeo has the fastest and JumpCut offers the best editing tools.And, according to this BusinessWeek article, social networking sites are finding ways to make money.
• Technology Talks — Of course, it was only a matter of time. Someone has successfully managed to install Windows Vista on a Mac using Boot Camp. Also, check out this story about a musician who successfully took her music to the people over the Web. Lots of applications to publishing here.