Amazon has started a WebVan-like home grocery delivery service in a limited area in Seattle. The service is by invite only so far, but they are planning to expand their coverage area soon.
Getting started with JavaFX
So you heard about JavaFX at JavaOne this year, now how can you get started with trying it out? java.sun.com have an introductory tutorial that walks through the syntax and writing some simple Hello World type applications. They even have a link to an app you can use to interactive enter JavaFX script and execute it as you go to see your results.
Gates still plans exit from Microsoft, 1 year into 2 year transition period
Gates is now 1 year into his 2 year transition period in his move to depart Microsoft, and is still planning to leave the company 1 year from now. Since his departure to the side lines and handing over the steering wheel to Balmer, the company has reportedly doubled it’s revenue and almost doubled it’s profits in just 5 years.
It will be interesting to see how much input Gates has into the running and direction of the company once he completely leaves, since he will still retain a position on the board.
Microsoft admit $1bn cost for XBox failures was ‘painful’
Balmer was quoted today in the press as saying that the $1bn cost that Microsoft swallowed for the 1 in 3 failure rate of their XBox 360 console was ‘painful’.
Microsoft recently announced that it would extend a full replacement warranty for 3 years for all XBox 360s previously and newly sold in order to handle the 1 in 3 failure rate that consumers are currently seeing with their XBox 360s.