It's WWDC today, so expect LOTS of news and analysis . . . and we'll also get E3 in here tomorrow.
Economics/Geekonomics:
Economic report isn't too hot and looks like small businesses aren't going to be hiring and might even let people go. Ouch. We could well be seeing a double-dip recession.
Demographics:
Where paychecks go farther – and are worth the least. Some fascinating stuff. Is it just me or is DC getting more and more attractive all the time?
Microsoft:
WDDC: The new XBox experience is pretty much full multimedia. Voice controlled, streamlines, media-focused, etc. The Xbox is so painfully obviously becoming Microsoft's major central device it's not funny – and this sounds pretty slick. Keep in mind that others may follow suit, and they have a huge audience with buy-in already.
Publishing:
WWDC: Apple has increased its eBook sales. Some useful information on eBooks in general is provided.
Security:
Nintendo gets hacked but nothing is stolen, and the hackers, LulzSec, seem to be more benevolent toward Nintendo. I think hacking-of-game companies is going to be big for awhile (and a thought, why no known attacks versus XBox or Microsoft? or is that coming?).
Tablets:
WDDC: Details on the iOS 5. Lots of little tweaks, but some powerful stuff including iOS message (gee, didn't we see an article on Apple-as-Twitter last week)? That'll shift some messaging politics.
Technology:
WWDC: iCloud, the worst-kept Apple secret, is announced and described. It's pretty iOS-centric, but it's seriously hardcore – it stores and dupes everything. Note this is yet ANOTHER step of Apple as service, and something I expect to see more duplicating of (keep in mind Amazon has a cloud system, Google has sort of one . . . ). This lends major credibility to the cloud (good for engineers) and brings up security concerns (good for engineers and lawyers).
WWDC: More details on Lion. I note the move to more iPad like functions and even more convenience.
Oh, and be sure to get a list of all the apps and developers Apple's upgrades make irrelevant.
Video Games:
Double Fine to do a Kinect Sesame Street Game which I consider the perfect synergy for the goofy-yet-savvy show and the forward-thinking game company. Great combo, and I hope it pays off (and thus they make money and hire).
WDDC: Kinect support is going to be everywhere. It looks like all future Tom Clancy titles will involve Kintect. Programmers, get used to it . . .
Witty Quote Of the Day:
Dustin Curtis – "Apple just pissed off:Dropbox, Sparrow, Instapaper, Readability, Remember the Milk, Facebook, RIM, & the carriers. Well done."
QUESTION OF THE DAY: Could the impact of Ecosystem development stamp out a lot of smaller companies?
– Steven Savage