Comments for Web News: Microsoft Supports OpenID, Gmail Opens Up, Amazon/TiVo, Google and Cable Operators

Web News: Microsoft Supports OpenID, Gmail Opens Up, Amazon/TiVo, Google and Cable Operators

2007-02-07T23:09:33Z

- Microsoft to Support OpenID; details are sketchy at this point, but Microsoft looks likely to utilize OpenID (the open, decentralized identity system) in some of its products. Brady Forrest has more info at O'Reilly Radar. If this turns out to be true, it'll be a huge step forward and will put pressure on Yahoo and Google. Frankly, I think Microsoft can achieve a rare moment of 'higher ground' with this - for once, Google will look like the laggard in supporting open standards.

- Google opens Gmail to all; Google has removed the invite-only part of Gmail, after nearly 3 years (it launched April 2004). I note that the 'beta' tag is still there though! Also it could probably do with a boost in data allowance, as I for one am now over 50% of my allocated 2814 MB.

- Amazon Unbox on TiVo; Amazon.com and TiVo partner to beam movies and TV shows directly to their customers' living rooms. We're really seeing some action in the Internet TV space this year, with Apple, Microsoft, Wal-Mart and startups like Joost all jostling for early market leadership. Key to TiVo choosing Amazon over other partnership contender Netflix was Amazon's "large customer network and a large catalog of distribution rights".

- Google to cable operators: Let's collaborate; related to the Amazon/TiVo news, Google head of TV technology Vincent Dureau is reaching out to cable operators because "the Web infrastructure, and even Google's (infrastructure), doesn't scale. It's not going to offer the quality of service that consumers expect". This is mostly because of online video, which is expected to put a huge strain on Internet infrastructure this year and going forward.

Comment from Brad White on 2007-02-07

2007-02-07T23:26:26Z

A boost for gmail storage? 2.8 gigs of free storage of your email should be more than enough, even for the craziest of individuals. I think you're asking a little much, being that they are providing the largest amount of free email storage on the Internet. You're being very greedy with that comment :)

(p.s. I presume you're not serious about really thinking Google should boost the data allowance)

Comment from Samer Bazzi on 2007-02-07

2007-02-08T01:58:41Z

I am a abig google fan, but they need to get out of all the alphas and betas, it really does not help them much. I know they love search and are mainly a search company but eventually they need to get in to other profitable markets to continue market growth and adapation of other Google products.

Comment from Richard MacManus on 2007-02-07

2007-02-08T02:34:58Z

Actually Brad I was being serious, but then perhaps I am just a little greedy :-) You're right, 2.8GB is very generous. Maybe I should just clear out my spam folder in gmail! :-)