22 Jul 2007
Finally got an invitation to Pownce this afternoon.
What is it?
Pownce is a way to send messages, files, links, and events to your friends. You’ll create a network of the people you know and then you can share stuff with all of them, just a few of them, or even just one other person really fast.
It’s Kevin Rose’s (from digg.com and whatnot) new thing. I’ll play with it over the next few days and see how it works. If anyone out there would like an invitation drop me a line, or leave a comment. If you’re already have an account, you should add me as a friend :).
From what I’ve seen, Pownce has a fairly intutitive UI and I’m particularly interested in trying out it’s desktop component. The desktop app leverages Adobe new AIR (Apollo) framework.
10 Jul 2007
http://blog.ceruleanstudios.com/?p=162
Trillian Astra is a version of the popular Trillian IM client specifically designed for the iPhone (still no Trillian for the Mac tho).
So if you happen to have an iPhone and want some IM goodness, head on over to Cerulean Studios and signup to be an alpha tester.
09 Jul 2007
Caught the announcement on CBC last week regarding Microsoft’s intention to start a development centre in nearby Vancouver, BC.
www.cbc.ca/cp/technology/070705/z070502A.html
It’s funny that they mention troubles with US immigration as being a motivating factor for opening shop this side of the border. I don’t doubt it, but when I was dealing with Amazon.com last year, they seemed to indicate that it wouldn’t have been a problem to get me a TN (and later a H-1B) visa should I want to work south of the border.
If MS wanted to extend their reach a little further, they’d consider situating the centre downtown with easy access to float planes. I’m sure there are more than a few talented individuals on the island who wouldn’t mind a slight commute.
I’m curious as to what technologies and product’s they plan on shifting resources up here for, or if the focus will be more R&D.
What’s the likelihood of this being just the start of a trend for larger software shops to setup more substantial operations north of the border?