A Few New Toys
I have recently discovered a few new applications. I really like using so, I'll share! Some are for work and a few are for play. You can make a decision how you would like to use each one. Enjoy.
Chat
Google has launched a new IM client called Google Talk. This is encouraging because; it is based on Jabber and the XMPP protocol. This is the recommendation set forth by the Internet Engineering Task Force as a chat standard. What does this mean to normal people? VoIP is being offered for free, and you will be able to use the application in any way you see fit. It follows standard protocols so, users can access it in a variety of ways with different tools. Email has been like this for years. Proprietary projects that try to connect a global audience have shortcomings. They tend to alienate people who choose one piece of proprietary software over another. Wouldn't be weird if I couldn't email my Dad because; he decided to use a different email service? This is why Google Talk is taking VoIP bundled IM to the next level.
iChat also offers this along with video conferencing. My problem with iChat is that it does not consolidate IM Clients. I currently use Trillian on Windows and Adium on OSX. They allow a user to have one client open to talk on many chat networks like AIM, Yahoo Messenger, ICQ, etc... I love the single chat window feature with tabbed windows in both applications. I was able to connect to Google Talk with Adium but not Trillian Basic. Once the talk feature is supported by Adium, I will be able to use its functionality to the fullest while consolidating my IM clients. That day will be sweet. One day, maybe Trillian Basic will even support Google Talk. We'll have to see.
P2P
While reading a Wired article, I came across a new BitTorrent search site. Its actually new to me, and I feel silly for not finding it sooner. Its been around since 2003. The name? The Pirate Bay. I don't think they will eventually die like Suprnova.org. It is hosted in Sweden. Therefore, it is not bound to United States Laws like the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. Plus, they only host torrent files. These files never contain copyrighted material. I enjoyed reading through a few of the interactions in the legal section. Yay sticking it to the man and power figures! The site is user friendly so, go ahead and share the love.
