Entries Tagged 'Off topic' ↓

Bing released an iPhone app today (App store link). It’s pretty sweet. Check it out and write a review before the haters flood the ratings like they did with Seadragon Mobile.

Impressive video from TechFest demonstrating a research project where multiple sources of real time video are ’stitched’ together to create a large panoramic scene. Almost like PhotoSynth for Video.

As you probably know, there was some fanfare a few weeks ago about an application from Microsoft Research called SongSmith. Despite the bizarre promo video and campy sonic style the app is brilliant under the covers and can analyze vocals and generate musical accompaniment to match.

Well, it didn’t take long for the web community to run with it.

Oh…it gets better
Roxanne by The Police
Creep by Radiohead
Wonderwall by Oasis
Roxanne by The Police
Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles
Eye of the Tiger by Survivor
Just What I Needed by The Cars
White Wedding by Billy Idol

When you update to Vista SP1 the installer saves backups of your system files in case you want to uninstall. If you’re like me, you have no plans to roll back SP1 at this point.

Microsoft has Conveniently included an SP1 Cleanup tool with the SP1 installer. This utility removes the backup drivers and system files from your hard drive.

On a 32bit system the utility can be found under
%SystemRoot%\System32\vsp1cln.exe
I’m not sure if there is an X64 version.

For me this utility freed up about 0.8 GB, but I’ve heard that it can be much more depending on your system configuration. If you use it let us know how you did.

Long Zheng published an in depth preview of Microsoft Research “Boku”. It’s an application built on the XNA framework that employs a fun icon based interface intended for kids to learn about programming.

Boku
Boku is a new visual programming language made specifically for creating games. It is designed to be accessible for children and enjoyable for anyone. The programming environment runs on the XBox, allowing rapid design iteration using only a game controller for input.

Microsoft Research Boku preview from Long Zheng on Vimeo.

Microsoft Research teamed up with Disney/Pixar to create a virtual tour of the universe hosted by none other than WALL•E.

According to this Microsoft press release the tour which uses WorldWide Telescope sounds like a lot of fun. Unfortunately I’m getting an error when I click the “Download Tour” button on the WorleWide Telescope project page.

Anyone have better luck?

Ever need to have a color pallet available while working on a project in multiple applications? Microsoft Live Labs has released a color picker sidebar gadget that will hold 8 colors io a beautify designed art board.

To add to the color fun, they’ve added the ability to search the ColourLovers database of pallets for inspiration. Sweet.

Michael Cohen, Principal Researcher at the Interactive Visual Media Group for Microsoft Research, has posted some examples of annotated gigapixel images.

These examples are large Quicktime videos, and the site is thin on detail, but they’re worth a look. I checked out A “tour” of Boston (62Mb), it was really interesting stuff.

U Rank is a social search engine prototype developed by Microsoft Research.

U Rank is a research project to help us learn more about how people organize search results as they go about larger information tasks, how people collaboratively search, and generally, how people edit and share searches

According to the U Rank project page you can organize, edit and annotate search results, as well as share information with others.

• Collaboration: Share URLs with friends (”related projects”, “our reading list”)
• Recommendations: Tell your friends what you like (”best books,” “favorite restaurants”)
• Multimedia results: Mix video and images with web results for added context
• Ego-boosting: Make sure your home page is #1 (at least for you and your friends)
• Easy to explore what your friends are sharing
• Short-cuts: Move your favorite sites up; then put an ! in front of the query and go straight to the top result

Sorry I haven’t posted much lately. Things have been really busy at work ..in a good way. I just wanted to take a moment to get the word out that we’re looking for a .NET web developer. Please pass this along if you know anyone who may be looking.
Thanks
-Mike

Sr. Web Developer - .NET / Silverlight

RDVO, one of Boston’s leading user experience design firms, is looking for a web developer with .NET skills to join our team. This position is responsible for developing and executing web solutions for a variety of project types, including RIA’s, complex websites and embedded product UIs.

Candidates will be able to think in terms of end-to-end UI development, and apply strategic thinking and business goals to web application structure, with a focus on usability and aesthetic values. Candidates will work closely with the UX and creative teams and will be responsible for delivering all aspects of application planning, development and deployment.

You should have extensive experience working in collaborative environments, integrating user-centered design, technology, and traditional research methods. You should enjoy working independently, taking initiative, and innovating.

At RDVO you will have the opportunity to work on projects for many ‘A list’ clients including; Microsoft, HP, Gillette, Proctor & Gamble, Monster.com, Fidelity, The Boston Red Sox, Genzyme, Kodak and many others.

We will continue to build on our Silverlight and WPF application service offerings, so an interest in developing these skills is required.

Job Description / Responsibilities:

• Be quick and eager to adapt to changing technologies; we’re looking for innovative and forward thinkers
• Organize information architecture into a solid, scalable, web application structure
• Familiar with a wide variety of web technologies and able to recommend appropriate technical approaches to solving a client’s business needs
• Able to translate designs into XHTML compliant front-end code
• Familiarity with WPF/Silverlight and XAML and the desire to develop these skills
• Posses the basic skills required to work with assets delivered in Adobe Photoshop

Requirements (Education/Experience):

• A minimum of 4-5 years of web development experience
• Technical proficiency in .NET, C#, XHTML, XML, SQL, JavaScript, Ajax
• Experience working with content management systems
• Exposure to all aspects of the web development lifecycle
• Proven skills in solving complex issues and critical thinking
• Ability to work independently, prioritize, and solve problems proactively
• Demonstrated ability to work with clients, communicate persuasively, and resolve issue
• Work well in a team environment, provide mentoring to junior-level staff and communicate effectively

The following skills would be a plus:

• Candidates with experience in WPF/Silverlight/XAML will be strongly preferred
• Flash Actionscript (AS2 AS3)
• Linux, Apache, MySQL, PHP (LAMP)

About RDVO:

Founded in 2000, RDVO has grown into one of the top user experience design agencies in the Northeast. A multidisciplinary digital consultancy that specializes in research, design and development, of RIA’s, complex websites and embedded product UIs.

We have provided innovative solutions for clients including Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, Monster.com, Hewlett-Packard, Eastman Kodak, Oxfam, MBTA, and Fidelity Investments. We offer competitive compensation and benefits, including full medical and dental coverage and a flexible time off policy.

RDVO is located in Davis Square, Somerville.

To apply for this position send a resume, cover letter and any relevant work samples to: jobs@rdvo.com