demo09

Xandros instant-on platform: Who needs it?

Linux shop Xandros is launching the Presto "instant-on" platform for PCs and laptops at the Demo 09 conference.

When I saw my first PC with an alternate, quick-boot Linux operating system (DeviceVM), I was impressed. But I no longer think this is a viable market. I do not believe consumers want to run two operating systems on their computers--one fast to boot but limited, and one slow but capable. They want what they know, and for most of them, that means Windows. That's why Windows XP has become the popular operating system for low-spec Netbooks. And with … Read more

Tech brings hope to kidney transplant seekers

When President Obama talks about employing technology to improve the health care system, perhaps he's talking about something like the kidney donation software developed by Silverstone Solutions.

Designed by software engineer David Jacobs--whose own brother died of kidney failure--Silverstone's Kidney Paired Donation technology is built around the idea of radically improving the process through which those in need of kidney transplants must go to get what they need. If they are able to at all.

Today, Jacobs said, there are 83,000 Americans waiting for kidney transplants, each of whom has to wait between seven and eleven years … Read more

Foxmarks becomes Xmarks, does site discovery

Foxmarks, the browser bookmark utility, is getting new features and a new brand at Demo 09.

Now known as just Xmarks (download), the tool layers in site discovery features. The Xmarks plug-in shows you sites similar to the one you're on, based on what other users have bookmarked and where they've filed those bookmarks. The plug-in also gives you additional information in search results, letting you see site popularity and user ratings on your search hits.

All roads also, optionally, point the user to the Xmarks site, which has more reviews of and data about sites, and wiki-like … Read more

Facebook as an enterprise cloud platform?

On the surface, it sounds like an odd couple: Facebook, one of the most recognizable successes in the Web 2.0 firmament, and Zuora, a start-up with a suite of subscription commerce products based on the software as a service model.

But Zuora is betting on a computing trend: that as more applications move to the cloud in coming years, the natural corollary is that developers will follow the money and necessarily move in the same direction.

Even on Facebook.

"There are 140 new applications a day on Facebook because it's so easy and so viral a platform,&… Read more

Podcast: Kidney transplant software saves lives

David Jacobs, founder and CEO of Silverstone Solutions, is announcing a new version of his company's Kidney Paired Donation software. Jacobs, who was lucky enough to find a match when he was waiting for own kidney transplant, decided to help others by writing software that helps match living donors with patients in need of a kidney.

He told his personal story and details of the newest version of his software to CBS News and CNET Technology analyst Larry Magid

Avaak launches home video monitoring system

Avaak is launching its very attractive Vue Web cam system at the Demo 09 conference Monday. It's designed for home monitoring, like cameras from Panasonic, Logitech, and DLink. The kicker: The Vue cameras are tiny, light, and battery-powered. You don't have to screw them into a wall or run power cables to them. That changes a lot.

The mount for a Vue camera is a small metallic dome that you can screw or tape onto a surface. The cameras themselves have a curved base with a magnet inside so you can just stick them to the domes. You … Read more

Chris Shipley gives a Demo sneak peek

I chatted with Chris Shipley (you can listen by clicking the podcast link below) as she was getting ready to launch Demo 2009, where 39 companies plan to introduce new products.

Shipley gave me a sneak preview of what to expect, including a new screen capture product from Citrix Online (of GoToMyPC), some "hard-core development platforms," and consumer technologies, including a live streaming Web service for individuals from Avaak.

There will also be a new Netbook computer "that fits in a space between an iPhone and a laptop" and a product that is "putting a … Read more

How to monitor Demo 09 live

As a service to those of you who found your T&E budget cut to the bone and thus unable to support the flight to Palm Desert and the steep admission fee to the Demo 09 conference being held there next week, we present several ways to track the buzz at the show without being at the show itself.

I've put up a lot of ways to keep track of what CNET writers are seeing at the show. This is a bit of an experiment on my part. If you're inclined, let me know (in comments) which … Read more

CNET News Daily Podcast: Sony chief takes on more responsibility

Today's headlines from CNET News: Sir Howard Stringer adds to his titles of chairman and CEO; NTT DoCoMo says there's a problem with BlackBerrys it's selling in Japan; Android developers stage mini-revolt; Obama's budget includes money for criticized cybersecurity projects; and more.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Today's stories:

Sony's Stringer consolidates power

BlackBerry Bold sales suspended in Japan

Bleak week for memory chipmakers

Obama's budget blueprint enhances cybersecurity

Paid Android apps blocked on developer phones

Do tech hopefuls still need Demo?

Eager hordes flock to Google's Twitter account

Demo preview: Five launches to watch for

The biannual start-up fest Demo kicks off Sunday in Palm Desert, Calif. There will be somewhat fewer launches--only 40 -- at this show than at most previous Demos, but the lineup is interesting. Here are the companies whose pitches I am most looking forward to, based on public information about them. What actually happens at the show may make this list irrelevant, but this is the early take. The full rundown of presenters is after the jump.

Rafe's five preview picks for Demo 09

Avaak has DARPA mesh radio technology and has applied it to video for its military contracts. Its entry into the consumer market will be a personal video system. Interesting.

Ensembli will be trying--as so many have before--to apply some AI to finding content on the Web and in RSS feeds for individuals.

Desknet, it appears, is trying to build a desktop client that aggregates all your social network activities.

Qualcomm MEMS Technology may be talking about some cool new display technology.

Transformyx makes software for corporate crisis management. There will be a lot of corporate crises this year. Looking forward to seeing what it's introducing.