Windows Update Crashed the Skype Network - Can You Believe It?

from Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal

This is unbelievable. Skype is blaming Microsoft "Patch Tuesday" for the downtime and the sign-on problems that lasted for more than 48 hours.

As per Skype, the disruption was initiated by a massive restart of our user's computers across the globe within a very short timeframe as they re-booted after receiving a routine software update. This is presumably the Windows updates that were sent out on Patch Tuesday last week, which required the PC to be restarted.

Normally Skype’s peer-to-peer network has an inbuilt ability to self-heal, however, this event revealed a previously unseen software bug within the network resource allocation algorithm which prevented the self-healing function from working quickly. Regrettably, as a result of this disruption, Skype was unavailable to the majority of its users for approximately two days.

It's kind of funny because Skype is using Windows Update as an excuse rather than admitting that they had a bug in their software that was exposed when Microsoft fixed their Windows software. Patch Tuesdays happen every month - how could Skype survive the previous "bulk restarts" on Windows machines. More commentary on Skype Blog, BBC and Neowin.

© 2007 Digital Inspiration by Amit Agarwal

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Hitachi works up new stereoscopic vision display technology

from Engadget by Darren Murph

Details are a bit hazy on this one, but it looks like Hitachi is readying a new "small sized stereoscopic vision display technology." Measuring in at 7.9- x 7.9- x 3.9-inches and weighing 2.2-pounds, the mysterious device apparently utilizes an array of mirrors and projects imagery in a manner than gives off a three-dimensional illusion. Reportedly, the new "synthetic image" device is similar in design to its larger "Transpost," and Hitachi hopes to implement the technology in locales such as schools, exhibitions, museums, etc. Nevertheless, the outfit is slated to show off the unit at SIGGRAPH 2007, so if anyone happens to drop in, do let us know how impressive / unflattering it really is in person. [Via Impress]

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First "real" snapshots of Meizu's M8 supposedly surface

from Engadget by Darren Murph

We'll be the first to admit that the first "real" photographs of Meizu's M8 still appear mighty doctored, but hey, so long as the final product looks this good, we'll be content. Nevertheless, the firm has made available three supposed snapshots for us to drool over, and while we're far beyond the point of actually believing anything these guys say in regard to a release date, the latest news on that front has the finalized unit ready for testing by the year's end. 'Course, there's still no set date for actually getting it into the needy hands of consumers everywhere, but the most recent price estimates peg the 4GB M8 at 2,380CNY ($314) and the 8GB version at 2,880CNY ($380). Per usual, feel free to peep the other two snaps after the jump.

[Via MyMiniOne]

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OLE pill bug robot concept could fight forest fires

from Engadget by Conrad Quilty-Harper

German researchers at the University of Madgeburg-Stendal have developed a concept for a robot shaped like a pill millipede that could potentially detect and fight forest fires. Were the "OLE" a real robot, it would be able to scuttle around the forest floor at speeds of around 6 to 12 MPH, using infrared and "biosensors" to detect fire sources. If it gets into trouble, it can curl up just like a real pill bug and be fully protected thanks to a ceramic-fibre compound shell that can withstand temperature of 1,300 Degrees Centigrade. According to the researchers, 30 of these OLEs could protect a forest area as large as 2,700 square miles, whilst simultaneously freaking out hundreds of forest animals.

[Via GearFuse; thanks, Steve]

 

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Google-backed Gbox online music store uses Universal's open MP3s

from Engadget by Conrad Quilty-Harper

Google, Universal, and a new start-up company called gBox are teaming up to sell music exclusively through an ad based format, bucking the iTunes style method of selling music online. The partnership works out with Google referring users to gBox, where they can buy DRM-free copies of Universal's music catalog for 99 cents. Universal still has to pay Google for the ad space, which begs the question, why couldn't Universal simply distribute the music itself? But hey, at least it looks like the whole DRM-free thing's working out for Universal and Co. Your turn, Mr. J.

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