OSWALD Newsletter Archives (by issue #, click to view)
The Open Source Law Weekly Digest or OSWALD first launched late in 2002. Since then it has been regularly providing updates on all things open source related. The focus of this newsletter is on business, rather than technical developments in open source. Another strong component of the newsletter is IP news, as it is of interest to me and has an effect on open source.
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Welcome to the Open Source Law Weekly Open Source Digest (OSWALD)
There is no theme in this issue that I would say characterises it, but there are a lot of interesting stories. NZ has introduced a bill to stop software patenting in that jurisdiction. In the space station they have swapped some laptops from Windows to Linux because they "needed an operating system that was stable and reliable". Prenda law has been on the receiving end this issue. I have omitted several Google I/O stories and warrantless searches of journalist's records in the US because they weren't particularly FOSS related.
*From my blog: http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/ip-issues-paper-42-costs/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/ip-issues-paper-42-moral-rights/
http://brendanscott.wordpress.com/2012/11/16/ip-issues-paper-42-reflecting-the-views-of-owners/
Verbatim distribution with attribution ok.
Other distribution - email me.
Regards
Brendan
***** Open Standards/ODF
Landmark Web anniversary passes quietly http://www.itworldcanada.com/news/landmark-web-anniversary-passes-quietly/147061?sub=146611&utm_source=146611&utm_medium=dailyitwire&utm_campaign=enews
Twenty years ago a European agency that had proposed the World Wide Web said the standards could be used for free.Today, a columnist asks, why is the W3C considering standards that could limit access
Would you be concerned if the "GeoServices REST API" became an OGC standard? http://lists.osgeo.org/pipermail/discuss/2013-May/011599.html
I'm wanting to hear whether people in the OSGeo community have strongopinions regarding this proposed standard, and whether we as acollective OSGeo community should make statements to the OGC, and votingOGC members, stressing our thoughts.
JavaScript Guru Heralds New Streaming Software Solution http://ostatic.com/blog/javascript-guru-heralds-new-streaming-software-solution
"ORBX.js, a downloadable HD codec written in JS and WebGL. The advantages are many. On the good-for-the-open-web side: no encumbered-format burden on web browsers, they are just IP-blind runtimes.
***** Off Topic
Do-Not-Track Talks Could Be Running Off the Rails http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/05/03/do-not-track-talks-could-be-running-off-the-rails/
http://www.businessinsider.com/jonathan-mayer-and-cookies-in-firefox-2013-5
Advertisers say they need to collect tracking data in order to show relevant ads to consumers. Without behavior-based ads to support free content and services, they argue, certain sites would have to shut down or start charging for access. Privacy advocates, for their part, argue that consumers have a right to choose not to be tracked by companies they don’t do business with. If the price consumers have to pay is more generic ads that are not tailored to them, they say, so be it.
Facebook's iPhone Culture Builds An Overzealous Home On Android http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/12/droidfooding-home/
Facebook didn’t realize just how important widgets, docks, and app folders were to Android users, and that leaving them out of Home was a huge mistake. That’s because some of the Facebookers who built and tested Home normally carry iPhones, I’ve confirmed.
Skype with care Microsoft is reading everything you write http://www.h-online.com/security/news/item/Skype-with-care-Microsoft-is-reading-everything-you-write-1862870.html
Shortly after sending HTTPS URLs over the instant messaging service, those URLs receive an unannounced visit from Microsoft HQ in Redmond.
This Is What Happens When Publishers Invest In Long Stories http://www.fastcolabs.com/3009577/open-company/this-is-what-happens-when-publishers-invest-in-long-stories
As web publishers we're obsessed with analytics. Any strategy that moves the needle gets our attention. So you can imagine my surprise when a new way of writing articles blew up my assumptions about how to drive traffic.
Homeland Security seizes funds at main Bitcoin exchange http://gigaom.com/2013/05/14/homeland-security-seizes-funds-at-main-bitcoin-exchange-report/
What this means in practical terms is that Bitcoin traders are now shut off from one of the few ways to supply and receive funds from Mt. Gox. The Japanese exchange doesn’t work with mainstream banks — it only accepts funds via wire transfers and a handful of shadowy e-currencies.
New App Lets You Boycott Koch Brothers, Monsanto And More By Scanning Your Shopping Cart http://www.forbes.com/sites/clareoconnor/2013/05/14/new-app-lets-you-boycott-koch-brothers-monsanto-and-more-by-scanning-your-shopping-cart/?partner=yahootix
Buycott shows you a product's corporate family tree while you shop.
***** Government/Policy
Supplementary Order Paper No 237: Proposed Amendments to NZ Patent Legislation http://www.legislation.govt.nz/sop/government/2013/0237/latest/whole.html#DLM518 7401
* (1) A computer program is not an invention and not a manner of manufacture for the purposes of this Act.
Making Open and Machine Readable the New Default for Government Information http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2013/05/09/executive-order-making-open-and-machine-readable-new-default-government-
Section 1. General Principles. Openness in government strengthens our democracy, promotes the delivery of efficient and effective services to the public, and contributes to economic growth. As one vital benefit of open government, making information resources easy to find, accessible, and usable can fuel entrepreneurship, innovation, and scientific discovery that improves Americans' lives and contributes significantly to job creation.
Stiglitz on Myriad Genetics http://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/the-myriad-problems-of-intellectual-property-by-joseph-e--stiglitz
The consequences have been tragic: Thorough, affordable testing that identifies high-risk patients saves lives. Blocking such testing costs lives. Myriad is a true example of an American corporation for which profit trumps all other values, including the value of human life itself.
Does Innovation Require the Patent Office? http://lfb.org/today/does-innovation-require-the-patent-office/
But is it true? Most patent holders assume so. They cling to them as a source of life and defend them against all encroachment. Some businesses build up their war chests with patents as purely defensive measures. The more you own, the more you can intimidate your competitors to stay out of your territory.
Why werent the Prenda porn trolls stopped years ago? http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/why-werent-the-prenda-porn-trolls-stopped-years-ago/
In October 2012, Forbes asked Steele if his tactics had earned the $15 million suggested by the 5,000 settlements Prenda says it has made. “Maybe a little less," Steele replied. "We don’t track the amount we’ve recovered. More than a few million. We’ve done reductions based on people’s situations. We decided we’re not going after people in the military or active service.”
Trade Talks? Only Business Insiders Invited http://thetyee.ca/Mediacheck/2013/05/07/Canada-EU-Trade-Talks/
While the government tries to stop potential leaks, the newly obtained government documents reveal that the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade has established a secret insider group with some companies and industry associations granted access to consultations as well as opportunities to learn more about the agreement and Canada's negotiating position.
Orphan Works - the new law in the UK http://www.francisdavey.co.uk/2013/05/orphan-works-new-law-in-uk.html
Such a system would make it very easy to discover who was the owner of a work older than the short initial period of copyright, but of course there would be administrative costs associated with it. Legislators have been more timid in their response.
Megaupload Launches Frontal Attack on White House Corruption http://torrentfreak.com/megaupload-launches-frontal-attack-on-white-house-corruption-130507/
Megaupload’s legal team are not restricting their fight with the U.S. Government only to the courts. Today they published a detailed white paper accusing the White House of selling out to corporate interests, particularly Hollywood. “The message is clear. The White House is for sale. More and more of our rights are eroding away to protect the interests of large corporations and their billionaire shareholders,” Dotcom summarizes.
Patent Fixes Pick up Steam in Congress http://www.patentprogress.org/2013/05/02/patent-fixes-pick-up-steam-in-congress/
Then we hit a tipping point of sorts. It has been widely known that troll litigation is unsavory and inefficient, but many ardent defenders of the current patent system argued that patent trolls were a sideshow. In 2005, trolls accounted for 23% of patent litigation
To the space station and beyond with Linux http://www.zdnet.com/to-the-space-station-and-beyond-with-linux-7000014958/
http://it.toolbox.com/blogs/locutus/is-there-anything-linux-cannot-do-56021
http://training.linuxfoundation.org/why-our-linux-training/training-reviews/linux-foundation-training-prepares-the-international-space-station-for-linux-migration
"We migrated key functions from Windows to Linux because we needed an operating system that was stable and reliable — one that would give us in-house control. So if we needed to patch, adjust, or adapt, we could."
Aaron Swartz prosecutors will unseal evidence, but wont name names http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/aaron-swartz-prosecutors-must-unseal-evidence-but-wont-name-names/
The federal judge who would have overseen the trial of Aaron Swartz on computer hacking charges has ordered the prosecution to reveal much of the evidence it had against him. However, the government and MIT will be allowed to keep most of the relevant names redacted.
Thoughts on Open Innovation http://www.openforumacademy.org/research/thoughts-on-open-innovation
http://www.ted.com/talks/charles_leadbeater_on_innovation.html5
Open Innovation is everywhere. However, the precise scope of Open Innovation, its impact on daily life, and the policy measures needed to sustain it are still a matter of intense discussion and debate.
Seeking Outstanding Open Science Champions of Change http://m.whitehouse.gov/blog/2013/05/07/seeking-outstanding-open-science-champions-change
That’s why, in February 2013, OSTP Director John P. Holdren issued a memo to the heads of Federal agencies that aims to increase public access to the results of federally-funded research—including scientific data and publications.
Open Source Software Helped Obama Win the 2012 Election Campaign http://blog.smartbear.com/software-quality/bid/289116/Open-Source-Software-Helped-Obama-Win-the-2012-Election-Campaign
But the success wasn’t only in the choice of software tools. According to Reed, the fundamentals were, "Build a great team, practice failure, and use open source."
An Army Is Forming To Battle Patent Trolls http://www.rackspace.com/blog/an-army-is-forming-to-battle-patent-trolls/
http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/6a57af62-b655-11e2-93ba-00144feabdc0.html
http://blog.martin-graesslin.com/blog/2013/05/mir-in-kubuntu/
These organizations – large and small – are fed up. They’re sick and tired of patent assertion entities (PAEs), more commonly known as patent trolls, and their often baseless but costly attacks. In a blog post on Patent Progress, Josh Lamel, Executive Director at The Foundation for Innovation and Internet Freedom, likened the energy at the big tent meeting to the iconic scene from “Network,” where Howard Beale (Peter Finch) persuades viewers to scream out “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take it anymore.”
***** Patent/CR/DRM News+Policy
Google Framed As Book Stealer Bent On Data Domination In New Documentary http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/08/google-book-search-and-the-world-brain-book/
http://paidcontent.org/2013/05/08/fair-use-takes-center-stage-at-google-books-appeal/
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-08/google-asks-court-to-reject-class-action-suit-by-writers.html
“Google And The World Brain” is a new documentary about Google’s plan to scan all of the world’s books, which triggered an ongoing lawsuit being heard today. The hair-raising film sees Google import millions of copyrighted works, get sued, lose, but almost get a literature monopoly in the process. It’s scary, informative, and worth watching if you recognize its biased portrayal of Google as evil.
Microsoft Mulling Nook Media LLC Purchase For $1 Billion http://techcrunch.com/2013/05/08/microsoft-mulling-nook-media-llc-purchase-for-1-billion/
Microsoft is offering to pay $1 billion to buy the digital assets of Nook Media LLC, the digital book and college book joint venture with Barnes & Noble and other investors, according to internal documents we’ve obtained. In this plan, Microsoft would redeem preferred units in Nook Media, which also includes a college textbook division, leaving it with the digital operation — e-books, as well as Nook e-readers and tablets.
Apple Inc., Microsoft Corporation & Google Inc: Strength In Patents http://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/apple-inc-aapl-microsoft-corporation-msft-google-inc-goog-strength-in-patents-137584/2/
In 2011, Google was granted 283 U.S. utility patents, compared to only 28 in 2008.
Feds Realize That Exploiting A Bug In Casino Video Poker Software Is Not Hacking/CFAA Violation http://www.techdirt.com/articles/20130508/11121223004/feds-realize-that-exploiting-bug-casino-video-poker-software-is-not-hacking-not-cfaa-violation.shtml
Apparently Kane discovered this bug by accident from playing a ridiculous amount of video poker. His lawyer claims that Kane was obsessed with video poker and probably played it more than anyone. He also insists that there was no research or effort that went into this.
Apple Seeks Android Source Code Records in Samsung Suit http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-05-07/apple-seeks-android-source-code-records-in-samsung-suit.html
Apple Inc. (AAPL), taking its patent fight to Google Inc. (GOOG) through its infringement litigation against Samsung Electronics Co. (005930), is asking a judge to force Google to turn over documents related to its Android operating system.
Prenda lawyer downplays devastating order, promises appeal http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/prenda-lawyer-downplays-devastating-order-promises-appeal/
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/prenda-hammered-judge-sends-porn-trolling-lawyers-to-criminal-investigators/
http://www.popehat.com/2013/05/06/does-prenda-believe-in-no-win-scenarios-because-judge-wright-just-gave-them-one/
http://ia601508.us.archive.org/28/items/gov.uscourts.cacd.543744/gov.uscourts.cacd.543744.130.0.pdf
http://torrentfreak.com/copyright-trolls-threaten-to-call-neighbors-of-accused-porn-pirates-130513/
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/look-you-may-hate-me-90-minutes-with-john-steele-prenda-porn-troll/
http://www.popehat.com/2013/05/09/hilarious-new-team-prenda-argument-judge-wrights-order-is-irrelevant-because-of-gay-marriage/
Yesterday, John Steele, one of the masterminds behind Prenda Law, was referred to criminal investigators at the Department of Justice and Internal Revenue Service by a federal judge. Steele and his colleagues were also ordered to pay more than $81,000 in attorneys' fees, and referred to state bar investigators.
Infringement contentions based on industry standards sufficient to comply with N.D. Cal. local p http://essentialpatentblog.com/2013/05/infringement-contentions-based-on-industry-standards-sufficient-to-comply-with-n-d-cal-local-patent-rules-france-telecom-v-marvell/
In a ruling handed down this past Friday, U.S. Magistrate Judge Nathaniel Cousins found that it was proper for France Telecom to rely on two ETSI 3G cellular standards in formulating its infringement contentions. This ruling shows that — with some caveats — it is permissible to use an industry standard as a basis for infringement contentions in districts with local patent rules.
Aereo Brings New Lawsuit Against CBS Over Expansion Plans http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/thr-esq/aereo-brings-new-lawsuit-cbs-484494
The upstart is now seeking a nationwide permanent injunction against CBS and its licensing entities. The big question in Aereo's latest lawsuit is whether a New York judge will exercise authority to stop the broadcasters from seeking action in other jurisdictions. CBS might attempt to have the case transferred.
Lodsys patent rampage continues as Activision and Capcom get sued http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/lodsys-patent-rampage-continues-as-activision-and-capcom-get-sued/
It hasn't helped. Lodsys has sued dozens of targets this year, showing it has no compunction about taking on any app maker whether it's a tiny game studio or a global corporation. Late last week, Lodsys fired off its newest round of lawsuits.
Patent Troll Panel at Yale Law School http://www.patentlyo.com/patent/2013/05/patent-troll-panel-at-yale-law-school.html
Professor Michael Risch (Villanova), described his finding in Patent Troll Myths that the patents enforced by trolls look "basically like the patents you see in the rest of the world." NPEs drive up product costs by suing operating companies over what are sometimes weak patents—but so do operating companies, and if this a problem, any solution should target both.
Monsanto, Dow Chemical Crops Face Further Delays on Environmental Studies http://www.foxbusiness.com/news/2013/05/10/monsanto-dow-chemical-crops-face-further-delays-on-environmental-studies/
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct environmental assessments of new corn, soybean and cotton seeds genetically engineered to withstand herbicides, further delaying the possible launch of products from Monsanto Co. (MON) and Dow Chemical Co. (DOW).
On key software decision, top patent court grinds to a stalemate http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2013/05/on-key-software-decision-top-patent-court-grinds-to-a-stalemate/
http://essentialpatentblog.com/2013/05/dow-lohnes-patent-alert-en-banc-federal-circuit-indecisive-on-patent-eligibility-of-computer-implemented-inventions-cls-v-alice/
The answer is now clear: not much at all. A lengthy opinion issued Friday reflects nothing but division, with ten judges essentially splitting 5-5 on key issues. That means that the lower court decision will stand, and CLS Bank will be free to operate without making patent-related payments to Alice. It also means that no binding precedent will come from the ruling, since no portion of the document is signed by a majority of the judges.
Should Patents Be Awarded to Software? http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424127887323335404578444683887043510-lMyQjAxMTAzMDEwMzExNDMyWj.html?mod=wsj_valettop_email
Weaponizing The Patent System: A Tiny Startup Faces Financial Extinction http://readwrite.com/2013/04/29/weaponizing-the-patent-system-a-tiny-eyewear-startup-faces-financial-extinction
Ditto is a 15-person eyewear startup that utilizes remarkable software — a 3D modeling system that replicates the buyer's face — to let customers try on glasses virtually before purchasing them. Unfortunately for Ditto, its innovative software has put the company in the crosshairs of Glasses.com.
Breast cancer gene data beneficial, controversial http://www.myfoxlubbock.com/news/local/story/breast-cancer-lubbock-brca-gene-mutation-tes/FeW7YATstUuc4BlIFh1dOw.cspx
If patients qualify, a blood or saliva sample is taken at places like Dr. Candy Arentz' breast cancer clinic. They are then sent to Myriad Genetics, a lab in Utah. "And they are the only ones who can actually do the genetic testing," she said.
Canada - The Copyright Pentalogy: Technological Neutrality http://www.michaelgeist.ca/content/view/6847/125/
The message from the Court is clear: copyright law should not stand in the way of technological progress and potentially impede the opportunities for greater access afforded by the Internet through the imposition of additional fees or restrictive rules that create extra user costs. Viewed in this light, technological neutrality as a principle within Canadian copyright may have the same dramatic effects on the law as the articulation of users’ rights did in 2004.
Angelina Jolie, breast cancer and the gene-patenting question http://www.siliconbeat.com/2013/05/15/angelina-jolie-breast-cancer-and-the-gene-patenting-question/
Jolie wrote that she decided to have her breasts removed because she carries a faulty gene called BRCA 1, and her doctors estimated she had an 87 percent risk of developing breast cancer. Jolie found out she carries the gene through a test that costs about $3,000 made by only one company, Utah-based Myriad Genetics, which discovered and has a patent on BRCA 1 and 2.
What Happened to Judge Lourie in CLS Bank v. Alice Corp? http://www.ipwatchdog.com/2013/05/15/what-happened-to-judge-lourie-in-cls-bank-v-alice-corp/id=40387/
Now is an exhilarating, and terrifying, time to work with software patents. If the dissenting judges are even half right, we could see a 50% decline in the business of software patents.
In court filing, Justice Dept. accuses Apple of e-book price fixing http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/technology/justice-dept-accuses-apple-of-conspiring-to-raise-e-book-prices-court-documents-say/2013/05/14/bb59a55c-bce3-11e2-89c9-3be8095fe767_story.html
The Justice Department accused Apple executives, including its late chief executive Steve Jobs, of leading a conspiracy that raised e-book prices in an attempt to hurt Amazon and other competitors, according to documents filed in federal court Tuesday.
Patentable Subject Matter New Notices From Canadian Patent Office, Anticipated Issues? http://www.slaw.ca/2013/05/15/patentable-subject-matter-new-notices-from-canadian-patent-office-anticipated-issues-for-the-court/
The Canadian Intellectual Property Office (“CIPO”) has recently published two notices for patent examiners relating to patent interpretation[i], and in particular computer-related/business method type patents.
Apple cites Judge Robarts Microsoft-Motorola decision as supplemental FRAND authority in Fed Ci http://essentialpatentblog.com/2013/05/apple-cites-judge-robarts-microsoft-motorola-decision-as-supplemental-frand-authority-in-fed-circuit-itc-cases/
Apple argues to the ITC that the low RAND royalties found by Judge Robart, as well as his analytical framework, are consistent with the approaches urged by Apple, not Samsung. Apple furthermore claims that Judge Robart’s decision is evidence that district courts — not the ITC — are the proper forum for making RAND determinations.
***** Applications/Gadgets
Get your very own open source nematode http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/08/open_worm_project_models_nematode/
A project to create a complete computer simulation of a nematode called Caenorhabditis elegans has taken a small step forward, releasing a model showing the operation of a group of the worm's muscles.
New software upgrade turns Nook HD into good Android tablet (Review) http://www.zdnet.com/new-software-upgrade-turns-nook-hd-into-good-android-tablet-review-7000015027/
I was pleased that Barnes & Noble (B&N) had updated its HD line with Google Store. I knew this software upgrade would make the low-priced HD — usually $149 to $199 until May 12 — a truly usable Android 4.x tablet.
Broadcom Secures WiFi with New Silicon http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/netsecur/broadcom-secures-wifi-with-new-silicon.html
For hardware vendors building solutions with the BCM58522, Linux will be the primary operating system.
MiraBox Review - Super Raspberry Pi? http://www.linuxuser.co.uk/reviews/mirabox-review-super-raspberry-pi
Powering the device on, the boot sequence – which can be viewed and, through the ubiquitous U-Boot BIOS, modified via a micro-USB serial console – loads a version of Debian Squeeze based on the 2.6.35 kernel tree.
***** Reports
New Yorker unveils open source whistleblower system http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/05/15/new-yorker-unveils-open-source-whistleblower-system-designed-by-activist-aaron-schwartz/
http://mashable.com/2013/05/15/new-yorker-strongbox/
http://www.wired.com/opinion/2013/05/listen-up-future-deep-throats-this-is-how-to-leak-to-the-press-today/
The New Yorker magazine on Wednesday unveiled a new online system for anonymous whistleblower tips, based on technology developed by the late Internet activist Aaron Swartz and a former hacker.
Facebook aims to knock Cisco down a peg with open network hardware http://arstechnica.com/information-technology/2013/05/facebook-aims-to-knock-cisco-down-a-peg-with-open-network-hardware/
Now, Facebook aims to knock Cisco and the other top network vendors down a peg by leading a nearly identical project for switches. Facebook is leading this disruption of the data center hardware industry through the Open Compute Project, which takes the open source approach typically applied to software such as Linux and aims it at hardware.
Shareholder to Nokia CEO: Are you aware that results are what matter? http://arstechnica.com/business/2013/05/shareholder-to-nokia-ceo-are-you-aware-that-results-are-what-matter/
"You're a nice guy…and the leadership team is doing its best, but clearly, it's not enough," shareholder Hannu Virtanen told Elop, according to Reuters. "Are you aware that results are what matter? The road to hell is paved with good intentions. Please switch to another road.”
Analyzing 450 million lines of software code http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=14871
http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/05/coverity-report/
Code quality for open source software continues to mirror that of proprietary softwareand both continue to surpass the industry standard for software quality. Defect density (defects per 1,000 lines of software code) is a commonly used measurement for software quality. The analysis found an average defect density of .69 for open source software projects that leverage the Coverity Scan service, and an average defect density of .68 for proprietary code developed by Coverity enterprise customers.
Open source solutions offered through Canada's web experience toolkit http://www.fiercegovernmentit.com/story/open-source-solutions-offered-through-canadas-web-experience-toolkit/2013-05-06
When Canadian government departments weren't meeting accessibility requirements, the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat, the Canadian equivalent of the Office of Management and Budget, decided to create a web experience toolkit.
Free (with strings attached): Keeping track of open source code http://www.computerworld.com/s/article/9238908/Free_with_strings_attached_Keeping_track_of_open_source_code
Each piece of open-source software has specific license requirements and possible restrictions. At the same time, the software should be documented and tracked to ensure that it's working properly. The problem is, many IT organizations aren't applying good governance practices to open-source software.
Red Hat OpenStack Distribution: June 2013 Surprises Coming http://thevarguy.com/cloud-computing-services-and-business-solutions/red-hat-openstack-distribution-june-2013-partner-sur
Red Hat OpenStack will earn the spotlight at Red Hat Summit 2013. But will the open source company announce a delivery day and partner strategy for its open source cloud platform distribution?
The Era of the Open Source Gun http://www.thepowerbase.com/2013/05/the-era-of-the-open-source-gun/
May 6th, 2013 will stand out in the memory of anyone involved in the 3D printing community as the day that the mass media, for better or for worse, really took notice of this rapidly evolving field. That’s because as of right now, anyone in the United States can legally download and print their own fully functioning handgun.
Ubuntu dev proposes new package format for mobile apps http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/09/ubuntu_click_packages/
http://www.zdnet.com/ubuntu-working-on-new-linux-application-installer-7000015174/
In a move that could see Ubuntu veer even further away from the Linux mainstream, Canonical has proposed a new software packaging format designed to make it easier for developers to publish apps for Ubuntu's tablet and phone–friendly future incarnations.
International Space Station switches from Windows to Linux, for improved reliability http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/155392-international-space-station-switches-from-windows-to-linux-for-improved-reliability
“We migrated key functions from Windows to Linux because we needed an operating system that was stable and reliable.”
Play video games with an open-source Arduino-based gun replica http://www.geek.com/games/play-video-games-with-an-open-source-arduino-based-gun-replica-1554558/
The Delta Six controller isn’t just a light gun, but an extremely detailed, open-source, Arduino-based gun controller. Not only does the Delta Six ably perform the point-and-shoot duties of a light gun, but adds motion control and regular button-based movement into the mix so you can travel around a map.
Microsoft's most profitable mobile operating system: Android http://www.zdnet.com/microsofts-most-profitable-mobile-operating-system-android-7000015094/
To some, Windows 8 is a marketplace failure. But its flop has been nothing compared to Microsoft's problems in getting anyone to use its Windows Phone operating systems. You don't need to worry about Microsoft's bottom line though. Thanks to its Android patent agreements, Microsoft may be making as much as $8 per Android device. This could give Microsoft as much as $3.4 billion in 2013 from Android sales.
Google's cloud dumps custom Linux, switches to Debian http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/09/google_taps_debian_for_cloud/
The decision to make Debian the default image type for Google Compute Engine was announced by the company on Thursday. As a consequence, Google's stripped down Linux OS GCEL (Google Compute Engine Linux) is being deprecated in favor of Debian 6.0 and 7.0
What to expect from Android Key Lime Pie http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-57583272-251/what-to-expect-from-android-key-lime-pie/
That means Android 5.0 could still be a few months off. Word around the campfire is that hardware partners are (still) struggling to keep pace with the various Android releases.
Canonical staff to get working Ubuntu phones by late May http://www.pcworld.com/article/2038421/canonical-staff-to-get-working-ubuntu-phones-by-late-may.html
By the end of this month Canonical plans to equip its employees with early versions of its widely hyped “Ubuntu phone” for testing and refinement.
Android dominated smart devices in Q1, says Canalys http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-19736_7-57583841-251/android-dominated-smart-devices-in-q1-says-canalys/
Android dominated the global smart mobile device market in the first quarter, according to a new report from Canalys.
Why Schools Require MS Office; Nokia Plays Rope-A-Dope & More??? http://fossforce.com/2013/05/why-schools-require-ms-office-nokia-plays-rope-a-dope-more/
“Specifically, Google and Adobe on Wednesday released into beta the Adobe CFF engine, an advanced Compact Font Format (CFF) rasterizer that ‘paves the way for FreeType-based platforms to provide users with richer and more beautiful reading experiences,’ as Google put it in an online announcement on the Google Open Source Blog.”
Open source cellular targets rural comms http://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/05/13/range_networks_linux_asterisk/
Start-up RangeNetworks is hoping that the combination of low cost and transparent software will allow it to break into the notoriously locked-down cellular network market.
Google Preps Update to Android Gaming: Google Play Games http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2418873,00.asp
As for gaming with others, Google Play Games is also set to handle invites and matchmarking for those who want to get a little multiplayer action in on Android.
Dart: a New Web Programming Experience http://www.linuxjournal.com/content/dart-new-web-programming-experience
In comes Google Dart, a new JavaScript replacement language. Dart is a ground-up re-imagining of what JavaScript should be. It requires its own runtime environment (which Google makes available for free under the three-clause BSD license) and has its own syntax and libraries. Dart is an object-orientated language with a heavy Java-like feel, but it maintains many of the loved JavaScript paradigms like first-class functions.
W3C presses ahead with DRM interface in HTML5 http://www.w3.org/TR/2013/WD-encrypted-media-20130510/
The API supports use cases ranging from simple clear key decryption to high value video (given an appropriate user agent implementation). License/key exchange is controlled by the application, facilitating the development of robust playback applications supporting a range of content decryption and protection technologies.
Two Open Data Centers at Facebook http://opensource.com/life/13/5/facebook-open-data-center
With this innovative new open source coding, Facebook offers public access to the same information their engineers use daily to monitor the efficiency of the facilities.
FOSS Knowledge, Part 2: Common Misunderstandings and Blind Spots http://www.openlogic.com/blog/bid/290444/FOSS-Knowledge-Part-2-Common-Misunderstandings-and-Blind-Spots
Regardless of the how or why, many companies are not tracking their use of FOSS and do not have an open source policy. When suddenly an external reason forces the issue, there is often little time to think through and plan out a comprehensive and forward-thinking solution. Consequently, some form of action is taken, which leads to more questions instead of clarity.
Study: open source remixing seems to lead to less original work http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-05/13/remixable-project
The data showed the remixing dilemma held true, with originality increasing as generativity decreased. This is a troubling conclusion for peer production, open source projects and so on, because it implies that truly innovative technology is the opposite of what collaborative remixing produces.
LucidWorks pulls in $10M to turn open source data into business gold http://venturebeat.com/2013/05/13/lucidworks-pulls-in-10m-to-turn-open-source-data-into-business-gold/
LucidWorks claims to be the largest supporter of open-source search in the industry. Organizations are struggling to draw business insights from mountains of unstructured (texts, emails, and so on) and structured data and a crop of well-funded big data startups are trying to provide the simplest way to crawl through petabytes of information, store a massive volume of data, and extract the most relevant information. Endeca, Autonomy, ElasticSearch and recently launched SRCH2 are other players in the space.
LFCS: The value of FOSS fiscal sponsorship http://lwn.net/Articles/548542/
As open source becomes more popular and mature, questions of formalizing the governance and corporate structures of projects are becoming of increasing importance, as can been seen by the rising visibility of various FOSS foundations.
Book Review -- William Patry, How to Fix Copyright http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=2256260
The book is noteworthy for its ambitious yet measured effort to diagnose where copyright law has gone astray in recent years. It is less successful with respect to proposing possible changes to the law
Google to use open-source sensors to monitor I/O conference http://www.zdnet.com/google-to-use-open-source-sensors-to-monitor-io-conference-7000015337/
The Google Cloud Platform Development Relations team announced in a blogpost on Monday that it is running an experiment with O'Reilly Data Sensing Lab, which will see hundreds of Arduino-based environmental sensors deployed across the Moscone Centre to monitor what is going on at all times.
New Open Source Phones Nearly Upon Us http://ostatic.com/blog/new-open-source-phones-nearly-upon-us
Samsung 'undisputed' Android king, takes 95 percent of Q1 profits http://www.zdnet.com/samsung-undisputed-android-king-takes-95-percent-of-q1-profits-7000015479/
In a first quarter which saw smartphones powered by Google's Android operating system (OS) generate US$5.3 billion in operating profit, Samsung Electronics managed to capture 94.7 percent of the overall market.
Google says it has 900 million Android activations http://www.networkworld.com/news/2013/051513-google-says-it-has-900-269793.html
Google's Android OS has more than 900 million users, the company said Wednesday at its I/O event began in San Francisco.
Newegg, Overstock win patent fight with Alcatel-Lucent http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/05/15/net-us-alcatellucent-patent-newegg-idUSBRE94E18L20130515
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, which hears all patent appeals, upheld a lower court decision which found that Newegg and Overstock did not infringe on a software patent that allows computers to adapt the shopping web sites to their own screen size rather than having a server do the work.
Send money with Gmail http://www.google.com/wallet/send-money/
Itâs free to send money from your Google Wallet Balance or directly from your bank account. You can also pay with your credit and debit cards for a low fee of 2.9% per transaction (minimum $0.30). Receiving money is always free.
Don't Turn My Company Into A Patent Troll! http://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2013/05/13/dont-turn-my-company-into-a-patent-troll/
To be sure, at times we have been forced to litigate to enforce our licensing agreements or to stop the infringement of our patented technologies. But our average annual litigation expense has still been far below that of most technology operating companies. And because we choose our battles carefully, when we have gone to court or to arbitration we have been very successful, recouping about $2.70 for every $1 spent on litigation.
***** Snippets
Red Hat CEO: We don't need Microsoft to succeed http://www.infoworld.com/t/linux/red-hat-ceo-we-dont-need-microsoft-succeed-217918
XBMC for Android's End User Friendly build gets stable release http://www.engadget.com/2013/05/04/xmbc-for-androids-end-user-friendly-build-gets-stable-release/
Iron Penguin: First open-source Iron Man suit within reach? http://www.zdnet.com/iron-penguin-first-open-source-iron-man-suit-within-reach-7000014894/
The Elegant Mageia Linux Prepares a New Release
https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/717273-the-elegant-mageia-linux-prepares-a-new-release
Debian Wheezy Linux Arrives on Time http://www.linuxplanet.com/news/debian-wheezy-linux-arrives-on-time.html
The Linux desktop is already the new normal http://www.infoworld.com/d/open-source-software/the-linux-desktop-already-the-new-normal-217818
First Development Release of GNOME 3.10 Arrives http://news.softpedia.com/news/First-Development-Release-of-GNOME-3-10-Arrives-350985.shtml
The Perfect Server - Ubuntu 13.04 (Apache2, BIND, Dovecot, ISPConfig 3) http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect-server-ubuntu-13.04-apache2-bind-dovecot-ispconfig-3
Android this week http://gigaom.com/2013/05/04/android-this-week-nexus-11-leaked-wii-fit-turns-into-smart-scale-lg-optimus-pro-here/
Open Source and SDN #Interop http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/open-source-and-sdn-interop.html
Debian 7.0 Wheezy Review http://desktoplinuxreviews.com/debian-reviews/debian-7-0-wheezy-review/
Microsoft.NET Meets OpenStack Open Source Cloud (Care of Rackspace) http://thevarguy.com/cloud-computing-services-and-business-solutions/rackspace-tools-connect-microsoftnet-openstack-cloud
Ubuntu Software http://www.datamation.com/open-source/ubuntu-software-1.html
KDE 4.10.3 Brings over 75 Bugfixes http://news.softpedia.com/news/KDE-4-10-3-Brings-over-75-Bugfixes-351067.shtml
The Perfect Server - Debian Wheezy (Apache2, BIND, Dovecot, ISPConfig 3) http://www.howtoforge.com/perfect-server-debian-wheezy-apache2-bind-dovecot-ispconfig-3
Why Use Xen? http://www.linux.com/news/enterprise/systems-management/717553-why-use-xen
Ubuntu vs Android Tablets, Smartphones: Canonical's Secret Weapon http://thevarguy.com/mobile-device-management-software-solutions/ubuntu-vs-android-tablets-smartphones-canonicals-secret-
What Social Media (And the World) Owes to Open Source http://www.forbes.com/sites/giovannirodriguez/2013/05/07/what-social-media-and-the-world-owes-to-open-source/
Inside Interop's BYOD WiFi Network [VIDEO] - Linux Powered http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/nethub/inside-the-interop-byod-wifi-network-video.html
Inktank Ceph Upgrade Targets Big Data Storage, Red Hat Support http://thevarguy.com/big-data-technology-solutions-and-information/inktank-ceph-upgrade-targets-big-data-storage-red-hat-
Linux Kernel 3.8.12 Released with Major Improvements http://news.softpedia.com/news/Linux-Kernel-3-8-12-Released-with-Major-Improvements-351437.shtml
Google Earth for Android Gets Street View http://mashable.com/2013/05/09/google-earth-android-street-view/
Linux, Freedom and Cold Cash http://www.linuxinsider.com/story/Linux-Freedom-and-Cold-Cash-77992.html
Facebook Rattles Networking World With Open Source Gear http://www.wired.com/wiredenterprise/2013/05/facebook_networking/
http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/nethub/facebooks-open-compute-launches-networking-project-at-interop.html
http://www.zdnet.com/open-compute-to-open-source-high-end-network-switches-7000015163/
FOSS Knowledge, Part 1: Where Are We Now? http://www.openlogic.com/blog/bid/289798/FOSS-Knowledge-Part-1-Where-Are-We-Now
Which Linux distributions would you save? The results are in http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2013/05/which-linux-distribution-would-you-save.html
Interop: From Server Virtualization to Private Cloud http://www.serverwatch.com/server-trends/interop-from-server-virtualization-to-private-cloud.html
Interop Video Exclusive: Don't Bet Against Ethernet http://www.internetnews.com/dev-news/article.php/3690751/Ethernet+Headed+For+40+100GbE.htm
LibreOffice, Blender, and KDE, Oh My http://ostatic.com/blog/libreoffice-blender-and-kde-oh-my
Linux 3.10 rc1
https://lkml.org/lkml/2013/5/11/155
Open source flight, from the Drone Lab to Twitter: Q&A with Dave Lester http://gigaom.com/2013/05/10/open-source-flight-from-the-drone-lab-to-twitter-qa-with-dave-lester/
Run Your Own Social Network Using elgg on RHEL / CentOS and Scientific Linux http://www.unixmen.com/run-your-own-social-network-using-elgg-on-rhel-centos-and-scientific-linux/
PacketFence v4.0 Released http://www.packetfence.org/news/2013/article/packetfence-40-released.html
Canonical Promotes Ceph Big Data Storage System...For Red Hat? http://thevarguy.com/ubuntu/canonical-promotes-ceph-big-data-storage-systemfor-red-hat
Mir & Unity8 UI weekly May 10, 2013
https://lists.ubuntu.com/archives/ubuntu-devel/2013-May/037083.html
A proposal for an always-releasable Debian http://lwn.net/Articles/550032/
SimplyMEPIS 12 Reaches Beta Quality http://ostatic.com/blog/simplymepis-12-reaches-beta-quality
Google on Android updates: We're still working on it http://www.zdnet.com/google-on-android-updates-were-still-working-on-it-7000015299/
MATE 1.6.1 Adds Support for More Applets http://news.softpedia.com/news/MATE-1-6-1-Adds-Support-for-More-Applets-352942.shtml
Toward a more colorful LibreOffice http://www.openlogic.com/wazi/bid/289688/toward-a-more-colorful-libreoffice
Canonical Vows to Maintain Ubuntu Community Focus http://thevarguy.com/ubuntu/ubuntu-linux-community-canonical-vows-maintain-focus
Cisco Cloud CTO on OpenStack, SDN and the Internet of Things [VIDEO] http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/datacenter/cisco-cloud-cto-on-openstack-sdn-and-the-internet-of-things-video.html
How Open Source Python Drives the OpenStack Cloud [VIDEO] http://www.datamation.com/cloud-computing/how-open-source-python-drives-the-openstack-cloud-video.html
Linux 3.10 - The biggest Linux RC 1 Ever? http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/linux-3-10-the-biggest-linux-rc-1-ever.html
New Android Boss Finally Reveals Plans for Worlds Most Popular Mobile OS http://www.wired.com/business/2013/05/exclusive-sundar-pichai-reveals-his-plans-for-android/
Bowman v. Monsanto - Monsato wins unanimously http://www.scotusblog.com/2013/05/details-on-todays-opinions-23/68/supreme-court-rules-for-monsanto-in-case-against-farmer
Google Glass a hit with early adopters http://seattletimes.com/html/businesstechnology/2020963793_googleglassearlyadoptersxml.html
Rygel 0.18.2 Fixes Numerous Bugs http://news.softpedia.com/news/Rygel-0-18-2-Fixes-Numerous-Bugs-352790.shtml
Connect your android galaxy tablet to ubuntu via usb http://www.unixmen.com/connect-your-android-galaxy-tablet-to-ubuntu-via-usb/
Ubuntu to stop Brainstorm http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Ubuntu-to-stop-Brainstorm-1862298.html
Intel Kills Linux Small Business Server? http://thevarguy.com/business-technology-solution-sales/intel-hybrid-cloud-server-dead-or-alive
FOSS Force Poll: We Don???t Trust Oracle Or Java http://fossforce.com/2013/05/foss-force-poll-we-dont-trust-oracle-or-java/
Fedora 18 - Can we be totally free? http://www.everydaylinuxuser.com/2013/05/fedora-18-can-we-ever-be-totally-free.html
Cinnarch Linux Reborn as Antergos http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/cinnarch-linux-reborn-as-antergos.html
Crafter Open Source CMS Goes Solo http://www.craftersoftware.com/
Is Mozilla Firefox 21 A 'Healthy' Browser? http://www.datamation.com/applications/is-mozilla-firefox-21-a-healthy-browser.html
Java Release Numbering Gets Re-Numbered http://www.internetnews.com/blog/skerner/java-release-numbering-gets-re-numbered.html
Chrome vs. Firefox http://www.datamation.com/open-source/chrome-vs.-firefox.html
Firefox 21 arrives with social providers Cliqz, Mixi, MSN Now, open source fonts and HTML5 tweaks for Android http://thenextweb.com/apps/2013/05/14/firefox-21-arrives-with-social-providers-cliqz-mixi-msn-now-open-source-fonts-and-html5-tweaks-for-android/
Canonical to maintain Linux 3.8 until August 2014 http://www.h-online.com/open/features/What-s-new-in-Linux-3-8-1804240.html
How to Run Fedora Linux on the MacBook Air Without Touching the SSD
https://www.linux.com/learn/tutorials/718439-how-to-run-fedora-linux-on-the-macbook-air-without-touching-the-ssd
VIDEO: ONF Chief on the Future of OpenFlow SDN http://www.enterprisenetworkingplanet.com/netsp/video-onf-chief-on-the-future-of-openflow-sdn.html
Measuring Linux By the VAR Metric http://fossforce.com/2013/05/measuring-linux-by-the-var-metric/
Man From Microsoft Runs the Ubuntu Project Now http://techrights.org/2013/05/15/ubuntu-and-microsoft-veteran/
Google Reveals How To Hack Google Glass Device (And Void Your Warranty) http://www.forbes.com/sites/roberthof/2013/05/16/google-reveals-how-to-hack-google-glass-device-and-void-your-warranty/
Maybe the Point of Chromebooks Isnt Chromebooks http://techland.time.com/2013/05/16/maybe-the-point-of-chromebooks-isnt-chromebooks/
What Are The Major Changes That Android Made To The Linux Kernel? http://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2013/05/13/what-are-the-major-changes-that-android-made-to-the-linux-kernel/
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