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News: July 2003
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In this Issue
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Browser Wars Fizzle Out.
Have you ever had a lively debate about which browser you use? Maybe you've encountered a problem with a website, only to be told that it's actually your fault for using the wrong browser? In a story that is as old as the web, the rival browsers from Microsoft and Netscape have often traded places at the top of the pile, and in doing so, caused website developers untold misery. Last year, the seemingly down and out Netscape got a major lift when it was purchased and adopted by AOL. Proponents of competition were excited by the possibility that the world's largest subscriber base could give the old web favorite a new lease of life. Developers and coders were also excited, as Netscape had more recently been a leader in creating a more standards-compliant browser.
Why are standards important? Well, remember that problem you had with a website that claimed it was your browser's fault? With websites made to standards, and viewed in compliant browsers, suddenly the web is a happier place.
Sadly, events of the last month have dealt a crushing blow to these hopes. First, Microsoft announced it would not be releasing any new versions of its browser, Internet Explorer, until it unveils its new operating system (projected 2005), and then it will only be available if you buy said OS. Secondly, AOL dropped its lawsuit against Microsoft concerning Internet Explorer, and subsequently shut down its Netscape department, shattering hopes for new development.
So where are we now? Locked into a period of stasis with the dominant browser having a lack of standards support. We've been here before, when Netscape 4 ruled the roost, and it must be said that Explorer 6 is a much more capable browser than we had to contend with back then. But the situation is far short of ideal.
So what's the silver lining? Well, first of all, a period of stasis means that at least we all know what we're dealing with users and developers alike can get comfortable in this situation. Secondly, it's not all over for standards development. Mozilla, the Netscape offshoot and now independent organization, continues to pioneer browser development. It seems unlikely that they will dominate the major consumer audience, but if you'd like to enhance your own viewing pleasure, check out their latest offering, for Windows, Linux, Mac and more, available free at www.mozilla.org.
Source: 3W Staff
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Site Launch News
Dents and Dings are a thing of the past
Drivers unfortunate enough to be in need of auto repair now have a new site to check out. Universal Collision has taken advantage of The Kidd Group's full service nature, with a new brand ID, media campaign, and of course the new www.universalcollision.com
McDonald's to Expand Wireless Web Plan
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AP Photo |
McDonald's Corp., which has been offering wireless Internet access at 10 restaurants in New York City, expanded the pilot program Tuesday to 55 outlets in the San Francisco Bay area. About 20 more will soon follow.
Additional restaurants in New York and Chicago also are slated to become so-called wireless "hot spots" as part of a McDonald's goal to offer wireless service at several hundred restaurants by year's end.
"Today's customer is more time-pressed than ever, and we think it's important to meet the needs of busy professional and family lifestyles by offering services that are easy to use and relevant," said Don Thompson, McDonald's West Division president. "We want the Golden Arches to be the first choice for a great meal and a place to go wireless." Cost for a two-hour wireless connection at Bay Area restaurants will be $4.95. During an introductory promotion through Aug. 12, patrons can get the wireless access free along with the purchase of a Big Mac Extra Value Meal.
The McDonald's program coincides with the growing trend of wireless computing. The short-range wireless access technology known as Wi-Fi is increasingly available in coffee houses, hotels and airports, and is being built into laptops and handheld computers. "Right now, the (computing) industry is targeting the business traveler, but to get the market to really grow, you have to pull in the mainstream consumer, and McDonald's plays really well into that," said Tim Shelton, an analyst at Allied Business Intelligence market research firm.
The firm projects that the number of Wi-Fi hotspots in the nation will more than quadruple to 66,300 in 2007 from 12,400 this year. Wayport Inc., a leading provider of wireless Internet access in hotels and airports, is providing the service for Bay Area McDonald's restaurants.
Source: Associated Press
Have You Registered?
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The country got a great surprise from the Federal Trade Commission in June when it unveiled the first ever National Do Not Call Registry, allowing individuals to log-on to prevent telemarketers from calling them. The Federal Government created the national registry to make it easier and more efficient for people to stop getting unwanted telemarketing sales calls.
Individuals can easily have their phone numbers added to the National Do Not Call Registry by visiting http://www.donotcall.gov/default.aspx or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the number they wish to register. The process is that easy and the government is promising to enforce this calling program beginning on October 1, 2003.
What are consumers asking for next? A National Do Not Spam Registry; legislation is in the works.
Source: Federal Trade Commission Online
Tales from the Web: Dairy Cow For Rent
Swiss dairy farmer Paul Wyler is offering his cows for rent on the Internet, with all the cheese they produce going to the "owner." Cows cost $276 for the summer, and Wyler looks after the animals and makes cheese from their milk. Each cow produces 154-264 pounds of cheese - soft and hard varieties - which the renter of the cow can collect in September and either sell or use as gifts for family and friends. Wyler came up with the idea because he could not sell as much cheese as he produced every year. He already rents some of his cows to restaurants.
Source: Associated Press