Split Screen Web Searching

A company called SearchBoth.ca has developed a Website that presents search word/term results in split screen format: one side showing Google results, and the other showing Yahoo!

The first thought when I read the announcement was: “Why the heck would anyone need to search both at the same time?" But the more I pondered the idea, the more I realized that the simplistic nature of this new Website is exactly what makes it so appealing.

Think about it: you’re essentially doubling search results in one click. Sure, there’s likely a lot of overlap. But it’s all about ranking: sometimes the result you’re looking for is higher ranked on Google than it is Yahoo!, and therefore shows up on the first page instead of the second, or third, or fourth, for example.

This site could also serve as a useful tool in helping users determine which search engine works best for their particular needs. You might realize over time that Google produces more relevant results; or that Yahoo! has a better handle on your specific topic interests.

I gave SearchBoth a quick test run, and it is exactly what it promises to be. Search results are presented instantaneously (I’m on a high-speed Rogers connection and using IE6). Place the cursor inside either the Google or Yahoo! results, and that selected side shifts to take up the majority of the screen. Move the cursor out of the window and it flips back to a 50/50 split. It can get annoying because, as you move the cursor (likely by force of habit), the screen toggles side to side in turn. But you’ll easily get used to it.

My quick searches didn’t determine a definite “winner” of the search engine race. The results were actually pretty evenly skewed, with everything I wanted either first on the list, or somewhere on the first page of results. As it stands, I only use Google for web searches. But I’m willing to give SearchBoth.ca a try to see if it yields better, faster, or more relevant results over the long run.

SearchBoth has also launched similar sites in the U.S. (SearchBoth.com), UK (SearckBoth.co.uk), and Australia (SearchBoth.com.au), each of which searches Google and Yahoo! in the respective countries.

You might be reading this and thinking “what a stupid idea”. But don’t forget that some of the greatest inventions probably sounded really stupid at first inception: especially when it comes to the ‘net. YouTube, anyone? I thought so. Who’s laughing now.

Social Networking Continues to Grow

I’m revisiting the social networking topic, since it has been the subject of a lot of media buzz these days (with what room remains after extensive coverage of Paris Hilton’s latest order-to-and-subsequent-release-from-jail debacle). Last month, you might recall that I was debating whether or not to join a social networking Website. Despite my reluctance to do so, I eventually surrendered to the power of the ‘net. I subsequently received a lot of flak from many who thought it juvenile, “stupid”, and unnecessarily time consuming. But I persevered, nonetheless.

A month has passed, and about 90 per cent of my critics have now joined, albeit not without a push. When confronted, each grudgingly admitted to having caved in for various reasons: some claimed friends/family members were on their cases to join; while others simply said that eventually, their curiosity got the best of them.

Interestingly enough, these “converts” have become the best spokespeople in favour of social networking. Many have admitted that, although they have no interest in communicating with 98% of the people who attempt to contact them, the 2% of people they are glad they found make it all worth it. Interesting…

Even more interesting is the results of a recent poll by TNS Canadian Facts. The survey found that, although teens and young adults dominate the social networking world, the doors are slowly opening up for the 30+ crowd: and even those 50 and above. Six in 10 of those in their 30s have visited a social networking site; 45 per cent of those in their 40s, and one-third 50 and older.

And why not? From a personal perspective, social networking sites have become the easiest way to locate a long-lost friend or colleague. These sites are also a great way to enjoy a relationship with business contacts that goes beyond the suit and tie. And relationships are always a good thing, no matter how you build them.

Click Here for more results from the TNS survey: http://www.marketnews.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=2862

Shake-Up in the U.S. Cell Phone Industry

There’s the potential for some real drama in the U.S. cell phone industry if the U.S. International Trade Commission gets its way. The ITC has ordered a ban on the import of all mobile phones using Qualcomm’s 3G technology. Apparently, the technology infringes on a Broadcom patent.

3G technology is the latest advancement in the cell phone arena that basically allows for faster download speeds via wireless broadband, and thus the ability to do things like download music and videos from the phone's Internet browser, then experience them right on the handset’s screen. According to reports, Qualcomm’s chip infringes on a patent that Broadcom holds for a technology that helps to conserve power in cell phones, thus permitting longer battery life. What’s strange is that the ban would only apply to mobile phones that haven’t yet been introduced to the U.S. market; while already existing 3G phones will not be affected.

The cell phone is increasingly moving toward becoming more of a convergence device that offers everything from music playback functionality, to fancy integrated digital cameras and even GPS capabilities. Given this, technologies like 3G are essential to further development, and feature benefits.

I’d be surprised if a resolution wasn’t made prior to a ban actually coming into effect. But it could go either way. Apparently Qualcomm is seeking a stay from the Federal Court of Appeals, and President Bush has 60 days to make a final decision. Either way, if a ban appears imminent, it will be interesting to see if cell phone manufacturers scramble to release their latest Qualcomm-based 3G innovation ahead of schedule for fear of the ban actually taking effect!

CTIA-The Wireless Association said it best: “Consumers should not have to pay the price for a legal debate that could be settled by other means.” Let’s keep our fingers crossed that it is settled before things get ugly.

The Buzz is Green

I’m sure you’ve heard the word “green” more times than usual over the past few months. No, I’m not referring a big, lovable animated creature called Shrek, but rather the continuing focus on environmentally-friendly products and initiatives. Although the “green” phenomenon is appearing everywhere, from car manufacturers, to celebrity rants, and even grocery stores (I saw “green” toilet paper last night!), it is also finding a huge presence in the consumer electronics industry.

Sharp Canada, for example, is running a contest that will afford one lucky entrant who does the most to reduce his environmental impact a 52-inch Sharp AQUOS LCD TV. The manufacturer even labels its new factory in Japan “Super Green”, because it employs practices to reduce such things as electrical power use and Co2 emissions.

Another company that’s big on “green” is HP: the firm has been actively running a recycling program for two decades, and as a result, has recycled more than 920 million pounds of hardware and print cartridges globally from more than 40 countries, regions, and territories around the world! HP’s goal is to reach one-billion cumulative pounds by the end of 2007.

Cell phone manufacturers are even joining the pack. In March, Telus Mobility promised to plant a tree for every customer who signed up for online billing and canceled his paper bill; or for anyone who came into a Telus store or authorized dealer before May 30 with the company’s weekend newspaper insert. Meanwhile, Bell Mobility recently announced a partnership with the WWF Canada to donate one dollar to the Fund for every mobile phone or PDA returned through its Mobile Take-Back Program. Collected phones are either refurbished for re-use, or dismantled and recycled.

Other organizations are also helping to make the world a greener place. Computation Ltd. (www.computation.to), which has locations in both Toronto, ON and Montreal, QC, runs drop-off locations for unwanted PC equipment, which is then recycled. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (www.rbrc.org) also works to promote the recycling of used portable rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. The RBRC’s even managed to snag a celebrity spokesperson: Tim “the Toolman” Taylor’s own sidekick Al from the old sitcom Home Improvement (Richard Karn)!

Energy Star and RoHS compliancy has also become a highly-touted selling feature of many CE products, from notebook PCs to washing machines.

This is a great sign that we’re on the right track to a more environmentally-friendly and conscious society. Kudos to so many CE manufacturers for putting “green” initiatives on the forefront of product development.

Photo: HP has redesigned the North American packaging for its print cartridges as part of its ongoing efforts to help the environment. The firm says that the smaller and lighter packaging will result is an estimated 37 million points of reduced greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking 3,6000 cars off the road for one year.

The NHL Gets It

Last week, I mentioned that the MLB was frowning upon the Slingbox place-shifting device, pulling the copyright card by saying that the device constitutes an unauthorized redistribution of content. (The Slingbox lets users access a connected video source remotely from their PC, anywhere in the world where there's a high-speed connection). This week, the NHL has announced a partnership with Sling Media, makers of the Slingbox, to offer “clips” from games on a dedicated section of Sling Media’s Website via a new Clip+Sling feature.

With Clip+Sling, Slingbox customers can essentially record a clip from a broadcast (say, the awesome play Mats Sundin just made), and e-mail it to a friend. The e-mail contains a link that directs to a dedicated Webpage, where the recipient can view the clip. Whoa, back up here. So the NHL is not only giving the Slingbox two thumbs up, but it’s also permitting hockey fans to actually record short clips from the game, then redistribute them online? Not only this: the NHL and its clubs will work to organize the content so it’s easily searchable by web surfers; and even add its own content to the site!

In MLB’s defense, the firm's argument isn’t focused on the redistribution of content, but rather the fact that it’s being done without the firm’s “express written consent”. That, I can understand. But in the same respect, shouldn’t I be fined if I invite three friends over to watch a movie that’s playing on cable? After all, they aren’t subscribed to the service, so why should they reap the benefits?

It’s important to note that video content from the Slingbox can only be accessed through the installed software application on one remote PC. This means that it’s likely one person watching his favourite show in a hotel room while traveling on business to Japan; or maybe even a few people gathered around a 17-inch notebook screen to watch the final game of the playoffs while vacationing in Europe. In essence, all the Slingbox is doing is letting someone who subscribes to the cable service already enjoy the content anywhere he wants. If you ask me, that’s more of an incentive to sign up to additional channels, especially for sports fan!

Companies like the CBC and NHL get it. The CBC has partnered with everyone from Amp’D Mobile, to DivX, and even Sling Media, to offer its content throughout various platforms. And they’re undoubtedly reaping the benefits, both by viewership and financially. MLB offers its content on a subscription basis through places like U.S. mobile phone providers Verizon Wireless and AT&T, which is great. But there are other methods of distributing content; and they are becoming more and more innovative by the minute. What all content providers need to understand is that in the end, the consumer needs to win. A business can’t exist without consumers. And happy ones, at that.

Does Subliminal Advertising Still Exist?

I’m going to break away a bit from tech today, because a topic arose out of the blue last night that I just couldn’t resist touching upon. I was watching the season premiere of Hell’s Kitchen, a really neat reality show where aspiring chefs basically get beaten down by world-class British chef Gordon Ramsey. Naturally, I’m PVR’ing it at the same time in order to skip through the commercial breaks. All of a sudden, my significant other starts rewinding. “What are you doing,” I ask him, having been deeply engrossed in the drama that was about to ensue. “I just want to check something I thought I saw,” he exclaims.

Sure enough, sitting on the table beside two girls as they gossip after a grueling day in the kitchen is a take-out bag from Mr. Sub. Yes, the Canadian franchise. The one that doesn’t exist in the States. The show is American, broadcast by Fox. Now, I’m pretty sure none of the contestants took a hop across the border to grab a cold cut trio on their break, so how did it get there? My guess? Strategic (and paid for) product placement.

Is this simply a clever form of advertising, or deceptive marketing? Had my partner not pointed out the bag donned with the clearly identifiable red “Mr. Sub” logo, I may have stepped out at noon today with a strange craving for a submarine, and no idea why. Frankly, what I find more disturbing is the implication that a group of people who are supposed to be great culinary artists are wolfing down subs in between making scallops and fois gras. Don’t get me wrong, I love Mr. Sub, but it is fast food, no matter how you slice it.

In a similar situation on The Food Network, a viewer noticed a McDonald’s logo had quickly flashed on the screen during an episode of Iron Chef America. When he played the segment back on his PVR, the logo was caught in freeze-frame. The video can be viewed on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMzbwa6PvEE&mode=related&search.

I am still trying to grasp my head around why fast food joints would want to advertise their goods while you're watching mouth-watering dishes being made by world-class chefs!

Best Buy Moves in on Mobile Phone Market

It's no surprise that Best Buy has a huge presence in the consumer electronics space. Now, the retailer is expanding its Mobile Store presence with plans to open 180 locations in 12 states. This, according to TWICE.com, includes both newly-developed in-store areas and standalone shops targeted specifically to the mobile phone market. No such plans have been announced for Canadian Best Buy locations, but is this just a matter of time? Something to think about…

How will the carrier storefronts, like Bell Mobility and Rogers Wireless, not to mention stores like The Telephone Booth, feel should these Best Buy Mobile stores start popping up in popular markets across Canada? It is one thing for cell phones and plans to be selling through Best Buy stores: but it’s a whole other story when the retailer is actively pushing them through a dedicated location.

I guess either way, the carrier wins. But you have to admit it would be amusing to drive down the street and see Best Buy labels on every store you pass: Best Buy CE shop, Best Buy Mobile, Best Buy Geek Squad. What’s next? Judging from the recent demise of Sam The Record Man’s iconic downtown Toronto store, I wouldn’t put my money on a CD shop!