Next Windows to get multi-touch

Microsoft’s next version of Windows will support complex multi-touch features, according to a claim by company test engineer Hilton Locke. So far referred to only as Windows 7, the operating system will receive a Windows Technology update that should allow multiple points of contact and significantly more complex input options than the iPhone. Users of the Apple handset will be “blown away” by the additions to Windows, Locke hints without providing specific details.

Really guys? Really? Come on.
Based on Microsoft’s track record, the next version of Windows won’t be out for another 5-7 years, and if they pull it off at all like they did with Vista, it will be slow and buggy as hell until… um.. hey, when’s SP1 supposed to come out, anyway?

So, ok, maybe touch technologies in the Windows PC of 2014 will blow the 2007 iPhone away… but what about the 2-3 versions of iPhone that are sure to come out in the meantime? What about the 7 years of Mac OS & computer updates that will have come out by then? What about the foretold Apple multitouch gadgets that may be released as soon as next year or possibly next month? Does Microsoft thinks this industry is standing still without them? Do they really think a one-up to the iPhone’s technology half a decade later is going to be their killer app?

…And if they do, why the hell are they telling us about this? I mean, I love juicy tech news as much as the next geek, but guys, take a tip from Apple (or just about any tech company): Don’t say anything about what you’re working on until you have a shiny new product that works and is ready to sell to the public.

Not sure if they’re true, but I thought that was a great combo.

If you’re not familiar with the One Laptop Per Child program, the concept is simple: In the information age in which we live, computers and the internet are critical learning and communication tools. However, many parts of the world don’t have access to such technology. The OLPC project aims to create an inexpensive laptop that is fully capable, networked, rugged, and accessible to children in developing countries that may have never even seen a computer.
The fruits of the project’s efforts are about to be released all over the world, but they need our help, which also provides an interesting opportunity. For a limited time, you can buy 2 laptops: one is your to do with as you desire, and the other goes to a developing country that needs it. I personally think this is an amazing initiative, and I’m as eager to bring the 3rd world into the 21st century as I am eager to have a new gadget to mess around with. This program won’t last, so on Nov 12th, I suggest you nab one of these. Better karma than an iPhone, dudes.

OLPC Give One Get One program
OLPC main informational website

With everyone’s help, the packs were finished* just in the nick of time, and the B51 Ghostbusters** rolled out for some Halloween barhopping in Manhattan.
Our proton guns shot silly string, and the packs contained candy. Mine also had a set of speakers which played several versions of the theme song.

The night was a blast even though we missed a promised TV appearance and several costume contests. People all over cheered, sang, and danced when they saw us, and we were stopped for many pictures. A cop even lamented that he’d rather have our proton guns since he’s can’t shoot the one he has anyway.

* The packs aren’t really done yet. They look great, but need a few more pieces, some wires, and of course, more paint. Still, they served their purpose quite well. These things will be 100% done for next year.
** Tadd filling in for Eric

B51 Ghostbusters photo wall
Check out my B51GB photos on flickr
Check out Will’s B51GB photos on flickr

The forms are almost fully complete, and the first coat of polycrylic sealer is on.
Tonight we paint.

After a week of looking up plans on the web and building a test prototype, Chris and I made a nice start on 4 Ghostbuster proton packs this past Sunday.
This should be a fun Halloween for B51…

Folks, this Thursday looks to be quite a treat, with 3 wonderful happenings goin on..

6-8 PM
Donald Jurney @ Arcadia Fine Arts: 51 Greene St, New York, NY 10013
Donald Jurney is an incredible landscape painter, and will be showing works spanning 30 years at Arcadia Fine Arts.

7-9 PM
Adam Stennett @ 31GRAND: 143 Ludlow St. New York, NY 10002
Adam Stennett, know for his gorgeously realistic paintings of mice, will be showing new works and a new direction.

10 PM
Schocholautte @ Ottos Shrunken Head: 538 E 14th St, New York, NY 10009
B51 alum Michael P, of Aquaman karaoke fame, will be playing with his band at a Tiki Bar.

Come on out, it should be a fun night!

“Web 2.0 in just under 5 minutes”
I love this video. A very entertaining & informative summary of why this web 2.0 thing is so dern cool. Use it to educate your less geeky friends