jasonwilkerson.com Blogs

jasonwilkerson.com Blogs http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs Blogs from jasonwilkerson.com en-us jasonwilkerson.com Blogs http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/images/user_icon.gif http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs Blog on Microsoft ASP.NET AJAX has gone gold! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=46&blog_id=5 Wed, 24 Jan 2007 02:16:00 GMT The new ajax framework for ASP.NET, ASP.NET AJAX (formerly code-named "Atlas") has gone gold and is ready to be downloaded. ASP.NET AJAX is a free framework for quickly creating a new generation of more efficient, more interactive and highly-personalized Web experiences that work across all the most popular browsers. With ASP.NET AJAX, you can: <li>Create next-generation interfaces with reusable AJAX components. <li>Enhance existing Web pages using powerful AJAX controls with support for all modern browsers. <li>Continue using Visual Studio 2005 to take your ASP.NET 2.0 sites to the next level. <li>Access remote services and data directly from the browser without writing a ton of complicated script. <li>Enjoy the benefits of a free framework with 24x7 technical support provided by Microsoft. <a href="http://ajax.asp.net/about/default.aspx?tabid=47" class="link16" target="new">Learn More</a> Blog on Technology Vista enthusiast gone too soon... http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=45&blog_id=6 Sun, 21 Jan 2007 07:11:00 GMT <img src="http://www.istartedsomething.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/01/utakz.png" width="130px" height="152px" alt="Remembering Aaron Lucas 'Utakz'" title="Remembering Aaron Lucas 'Utakz'" /> <a href="http://www.istartedsomething.com/about/" class="link16" target="new">Long Zheng</a> over at <a href="http://www.istartedsomething.com" class="link16" target="new">istartedsomething.com</a> just reported about the <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/story/News/+/2007011720/Mom+thankful+for+last+call" class="link16" target="new">tragic death</a> of a fellow technology enthusiast who had a lust for Windows Vista, <a href="http://www.dailymail.com/display_photo.php?iid=19418" class="link16" target="new">Aaron Lucas</a>. I've seen some posts from Utakz but never knew him myself. However, it's always a sad day when the technology world loses one of its own. Blog on Technology The much-rumored iPhone is here - and oh, how I want one! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=44&blog_id=6 Wed, 10 Jan 2007 01:33:00 GMT <img src="http://blog.wired.com/wiredphotos16/images/menu_1.jpg" /> Now, I realize that I just got my Cingular 8125 (I just couldn't justify the cost of the 8525) and I'm excited about the posibilities that I, as a software developer, have with such a phone, but DAMN, this phone is SEXY! Leave it to Apple to create another great looking product! But underneath the covers, it's still running MAC OS X, which is UNIX (with the greatest paint job ever!) and I hate UNIX! Blog on Technology New Yahoo Messenger for Windows Vista http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=43&blog_id=6 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 18:34:00 GMT Just found this from Brandon over at <a href="http://www.mstechtoday.com" class="link16" target="new window">MSTechToday</a>. It's a new version of Yahoo Messenger introduced at CES that's built on the new Windows Presentation Foundation from Microsoft. I'm not a Yahoo Messenger user, but I might be once this comes out! Check out the preview from the link below... <a href="http://messenger.yahoo.com/windowsvista.php" class="link16" target="new window">Yahoo Messenger for Vista preview</a> Blog on Microsoft DreamScene for Windows Vista http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=42&blog_id=5 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:20:00 GMT This looks really cool, but might get annoying for everyday use... Check it out though. <a href="http://windowsultimate.com/blogs/extras/archive/2007/01/07/windows-dreamscene.aspx" class="link16" target="new window">DreamScene for Windows Vista Ultimate</a> Blog on Microsoft Bill Gates Keynote at CES '07 http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=41&blog_id=5 Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:08:00 GMT Technology is amazing! I love listening to Bill talk about the future of technology - it get's me really excited and gives me lots of ideas for making my first million! From Las Vegas, Nevada, Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates keynotes the 2007 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) and demonstrates how Microsoft is delivering a new generation of connected experiences. Bill will be joined by Robbie Bach, President of Microsoftâ€™s Entertainment and Devices Division, in announcing several new offerings from Windows Vista, Xbox 360, Microsoft TV and more. Click one of the links below to stream <li><a href="http://metahost.origindigital.com/microsoft/20070107/ces_20070107_500.asx" class="link16" target="new window">500K</a> <li><a href="http://metahost.origindigital.com/microsoft/20070107/ces_20070107_220.asx" class="link16" target="new window">220K</a> <li><a href="http://metahost.origindigital.com/microsoft/20070107/ces_20070107_100.asx" class="link16" target="new window">100K</a> Blog on News Never, ever, ever, EVER believe liberal freaking Democrats! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=40&blog_id=8 Tue, 02 Jan 2007 14:20:00 GMT As reported by <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16431173/" class="link16">The Washington Post</a>: As they prepare to take control of Congress this week and face up to campaign pledges to restore bipartisanship and openness, Democrats are planning to largely sideline Republicans from the first burst of lawmaking. ... House Democrats intend to pass a raft of popular measures as part of their well-publicized plan for the first 100 hours. ... But instead of allowing Republicans to fully participate in deliberations, as promised after the Democratic victory in the Nov. 7 midterm elections, Democrats now say they will use House rules to prevent the opposition from offering alternative measures, assuring speedy passage of the bills... &ltrant&gt We need to support term limits so we can put an end to career politicians that only care about getting re-elected and special interests (Republicans and Democrats included) rather than representing their constituency! Oh, and all pot-smoking, tree-hugging, kumbaya-singing, hand-holding, welfare-loving, liberal Democrats should DIE! No hard feelings though... :) Vote conservative in 2008! &lt/rant&gt Blog on Microsoft Windows Vista RTM is available on MSDN! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=39&blog_id=5 Fri, 17 Nov 2006 04:46:00 GMT As reported by <a href="http://bink.nu/Article8871.bink" class="link16" target="new">Bink</a> and <a href="http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/robert/archive/2006/11/16/windows-vista-rtm-available-on-msdn-and-technet.aspx" class="link16" target="new">Robert McLaws</a> over at <a href="http://www.windows-now.com" class="link16" target="new">Windows-Now.com</a>, the RTM bits for Vista are available for download on the MSDN and TechNet Subscriber Downloads sections. &ltrant&gt I'm a bit miffed - I've been watching MSDN like a hawk all week, waiting for the RTM bits to be posted. And it's when I'm away from my computer for about five hours that the world passes me by... WTF! &lt/rant&gt Downloading mine now - only 4 hours 52 minutes to go! Blog on News After Iraq... http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=38&blog_id=8 Thu, 16 Nov 2006 13:59:00 GMT After we nuke Iraq and the rest of the middle east, we need to focus our attention on these bastards! <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061115/ap_on_re_as/china_dogs_on_the_run_1" class="link16" target="new">Continue at source</a> Blog on Microsoft UPDATED: Could this be it??? http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=37&blog_id=5 Wed, 15 Nov 2006 16:06:00 GMT UPDATE: Damn it! Just got back in and it's still not there... They said within 7 days of RTM (which was 11-8). Today is day 8 - WTF??? Come on Bill! Windows Vista RTM was just made available through the MVLS website and now I can't access the subscriber downloads section of MSDN... <a href="http://bink.nu/Article8844.bink" class="link16">Article from Bink.nu</a> Blog on Microsoft Vista sounds http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=35&blog_id=5 Fri, 10 Nov 2006 20:34:00 GMT I've been running the BETA and RC versions of Vista for months, but the one of the things for which I longed that was missing was the new sound scheme for Vista. While my browser sits on the MSDN Subscriber Downloads page with my finger poised over the F5 key (that refreshes the screen for those who are technically challanged) waiting for the RTM bits to be posted, I found this <a href="http://www.windows-now.com/blogs/robert/archive/2006/11/09/sounds-like-windows-vista.aspx" class="link16" target="_newWindow">post from Robert McLaws</a> over at <a href="http://www.windows-now.com" class="link16" target="_newWindow">www.windows-now.com</a> - it points to another blogger that posted the XP vs. Vista sounds: <embed src="http://soapbox.msn.com/flash/soapbox1_1.swf" quality="high" width="412" height="362" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" flashvars="c=v&v=34791e54-ec34-4acb-818b-ff2b71d38115" ></embed> Here is the <a href="http://www.istartedsomething.com/uploads/vistasounds.mov" class="link16" target="_newWindow">quicktime version</a> from <a href="http://www.istartedsomething.com" class="link16" target="_newWindow">www.istartedsomething.com</a> if you don't have access to the SoapBox Beta from MSN... I like them - more rounded, prettier, more subtle... Blog on Microsoft IT'S HERE!!! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=34&blog_id=5 Wed, 08 Nov 2006 20:05:00 GMT After five years of development, Windows Vista has been RTM'd! I've been running the Betas of Vista for months and I'm extremely excited to get my hands on the RTM! Blog on Entertainment BRAVO for LimeWire! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=33&blog_id=4 Tue, 26 Sep 2006 12:21:00 GMT Lime Wire has filed a counter claim against the RIAA accusing them of antitrust violations, consumer fraud and other misconduct. Has anyone seen a link where I can donate to the Lime Wire Defense Fund? I hope they are able to kick the shit out of the RIAA and make them WAKE UP! You would have thought that the entire P2P revolution would have opened their eyes just a bit. Dumbasses.............. Blog on Stuff Just sickening - woman rents phone from phone company for 42 years http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=32&blog_id=1 Fri, 15 Sep 2006 02:58:00 GMT There was a woman that lived across the street from my grandmother that did this same thing - she had no idea! The article states that the woman paid $29.10 per month for her phones. That's $14.55 each. It also states that there are 750,000 people in the country still renting phones. That works out to $10,912,500.00 per month! No wonder Lucent says, "We will continue to lease sets as long as there is a demand for them". Sickening! Blog on Stuff Our tax dollars hard at work! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=31&blog_id=1 Thu, 14 Sep 2006 13:03:00 GMT <img src='http://www.boingboing.net/images/41510810_71c29e681f_m.jpg'> The Los Alamos National Laboratory has announced this year's Distinguished Performance Awards. Among them, the "Stealthy Insect Sensor Project." Oh, go ahead and read all the sciencey prose, but here's all you need to know: They trained bees to stick out their tongues when they smell explosives. Here's an excerpt from the official explanation, which includes more blablabla: Honeybees are doing more than just making honey. Laboratory scientists studied honeybees and developed a platform to use the bees in detecting explosives... The team achieved its original goal of evaluating the proposed sensor platform and technology and greatly improved understanding of the platformâ€™s specificity and detection technology. It studied protein expressions and isolated genetic and physiological differences in individual bee olfaction characteristics. The team studied structural units in the beesâ€™ antennae and identified biochemical and molecular mechanisms that could account for differences in the insectsâ€™ training capabilities and retention capacities. The team also used Pavlovian training techniques that trigger a physical response to the smell of specific explosives. Creating a controlled environment in which they could accurately determine the beesâ€™ capabilities, the team demonstrated that the beesâ€™ natural reaction to food â€” a proboscis extension reflex (PER) in which they stick out their tongues â€” could be used to record an unambiguous response to scent. The bees responded with a PER when they were exposed to explosive vapors. This paradigm has been tested many times in both laboratory and field settings and is a viable alternative to using dogs or elaborate hardware to detect explosives at low concentrations. Blog on News I hate pot-smoking, tree-hugging, liberal, hippie Democrats! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=30&blog_id=8 Wed, 16 Aug 2006 04:08:00 GMT Here is a story you won't hear from the drive-by media! I received this from a friend and I thought was amazing... "Don't know whether you heard about this but Denzel Washington and his family visited the troops at Brook Army Medical Center, in San Antonio, TX (BAMC) the other day. This is where soldiers who have been evacuated from Germany come to be hospitalized in the United States, especially burn victims. There are some buildings there called Fisher Houses. The Fisher House is a hotel where soldiers' families can stay, for little or no charge, while their soldier is staying in the hospital. BAMC has quite a few of these houses on base, but as you can imagine, they are almost filled most of the time. While Denzel Washington was visiting BAMC, they gave him a tour of one of the Fisher Houses. He asked how much one of them would cost to build. He took his checkbook out and wrote a check for the full amount right there on the spot. The soldiers overseas were amazed to hear this story and want to get the word out to the American public, because it warmed their hearts to hear it. The question I have is: Why does Alec Baldwin, Madonna, Sean Penn and other Hollywood types make front page news with their anti-everything America crap and Denzel Washington's patriotism doesn't even make page 3 in the Metro section of any newspaper except the Local newspaper in San Antonio." Isn't this amazing???? God damn Democrats! They are destroying America and everything for which it stands! Blog on Entertainment Proof that the Record Companies are SCUM! http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=29&blog_id=4 Wed, 09 Aug 2006 13:13:00 GMT Here is an article where someone simply translated the RIAAs tactics from lawyer to english. It's a bit long, but it will make you want to engage the Italian Mafia to "shut up" the RIAA lawyers one at a time. The most telling quote from this article: "What the RIAA does isn't illegal, but it does exploit the law to its edges to take advantage of the courts and the ISP." Record companies are SCUM! Support independent artists and their music! Blog on Entertainment Record Companies are Scum http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=28&blog_id=4 Fri, 04 Aug 2006 23:40:00 GMT A group of music companies, including Sony, Virgin Records, and Warner Bros. Records have filed suit against LimeWire, a company that produces P2P software. These companies say that they are trying to "protect the rights and livelihoods of artists, songwriters and record label employees". I call bullshit! The record companies, for years, overcharged the public on CDs. A disc, including the materials, liner notes, etc. cost the record company under $3, yet they turn around and charge us a minimum of $15. They aren't protecting the rights of the artists, etc... - they are protecting their shareholders and their individual jobs! Rather than spend their time coming up with innovative ways to make people want to PURCHASE the music or add some additional value to owning the songs legally, they have resorted to sueing everyone in sight. It makes me sick! Now, despite how this tyraid sounds, I'm not against Corporate America. Every company should have the right to make a profit and build their business. However, when they are raping the public with their pricing model, simply because we have no choice, well, I have a problem with that. Look at the success of iTunes. The record industry went to Apple and said, "Hey, we need to raise the price on more popular songs". Steve Jobs (in his ultimate wisdom) fired back with, "No, you aren't going to raise the price! Look at how much money you are making selling them for $0.99 and how big of a dent we've put in music piracy. And you have virtually no overhead on distribution. If you raise the prices above $0.99, you will look greedy and the public will start stealing music again". So what happened? Music is still being sold through iTunes for $0.99... Blog on Microsoft Surface computing and the Starbucks compass http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=27&blog_id=5 Mon, 24 Jul 2006 14:17:00 GMT Check out this video from Microsoft. It showcases some cool new technologies that, while really neat, have some cool applications. My favorite is the Starbucks Compass... <a href='http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0607/28068/Andy_Wilson_MBR.asx'>http://www.microsoft.com/winme/0607/28068/Andy_Wilson_MBR.asx</a> Blog on Stuff Walmart to change it's policy on shoplifting http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=26&blog_id=1 Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:08:00 GMT Wal-Mart has decided to change it's zero-tolerance policy on shoplifting. In the past, they have prosecuted every person caught shoplifting - no matter if it was a $300 power tool or a $0.25 pack of gum. Now, their new policy states that only those people between the ages of 18 and 65 and who have stolen more than $25 worth of merchandise will be prosecuted. Screw iTunes and all of the P2P networks out there - I'm headed to Wal-Mart! I can get my music for free AND get the liner notes. So I may not post again for a while - it's going to take me a while to get all the music I want one CD at a time... Blog on Technology An actual competitor to the iPod? http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=25&blog_id=6 Wed, 24 May 2006 02:23:00 GMT <img src="http://tk.files.storage.msn.com/x1pc_jqddVOWRn5jdPyQiUJpsYubheKzSSpZo9dntQSycpvvSuazOO1E1HZDTZkFnkFtnK6axCY80nIja57LUm0A2M-HOY9nGkSKGreg4NtuyCrU09ohQaSY3k92LBqZr3KQEvAC0MLqZQ"> Will this device from LG really become a competitor to iPod that could actually make a dent? Here's a hint to LG - CHANGE THE NAME. One of the reasons we all like the iPod so much is because it's called an iPod. With LG's device, are we going to start MFJM53 PMPcasting? Blog on Technology Home much milk and cheese? Check your RFID tags... http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=24&blog_id=6 Wed, 24 May 2006 02:14:00 GMT About six months ago, I thought of a million dollar idea - manage your home grocery inventory via the web. The only problem was how to "scan in" your new items after a grocery visit without much hassle. A thought was to partner with grocery chains to import grocery receipts (anonymously, of course) and a user could log in to a website, enter the receipt id, then import that list into their home inventory. Well, in a recent issue of Popular Science, this idea was reported, only implementing their inventory tracking with RFID tags. On to the next idea... Blog on Technology Run to the beat... http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=23&blog_id=6 Wed, 24 May 2006 02:01:00 GMT Nike and Apple are currently working on a add-on kit for the iPod that will work together with certain Nike shoes. It will choose music that fits the cadence of your running/jogging as well as store information concerning running time, distance, pace and calories burned that can be uploaded to Nike's new nikeplus.com site when you sync your iPod with iTunes. This is currently only plannd for use with the iPod Nano. Hopefully, they will add support for other late-generation iPods soon - maybe that will get me running... :) Blog on News Evacuation plans for pets http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=22&blog_id=8 Tue, 23 May 2006 15:47:00 GMT Although Katrina was a terrible disaster for humans, even more tragic to me was the fact that so many pets were left behind. A television shot of a little boy losing his dog during Katrina rescue operations was the catalyst for a House vote Monday on legislation requiring pets to be considered in future emergency preparedness plans. 'The dog was taken away from this little boy, and to watch his face was a singularly revealing and tragic experience,' said Rep. Tom Lantos, D-Calif., sponsor of the Pet Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act. 'This legislation was born at that moment.' Because FEMA, or the government, or whoever was in charge, had not included pets when drawing up their disaster plans, many people were forced to choose between evacuation without their pet or "tough it out" with them. Now, this is easy for me to say because I didn't go through Katrina as many Louisiana residents did, but there's no way in hell you could convince me to leave my dogs behind! If they die because of the horendous conditions left behind by Katrina, well, I would die along side them. This is the first time in a VERY long time I have agreed with a Democrat on any legislation, but this time, Tom Lantos got this one right. Blog on Entertainment The Da Vinci Code http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=21&blog_id=4 Sat, 20 May 2006 18:01:00 GMT I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the novel - so much so that I immediately read Dan Brown's three other novels, Angels and Demons (which I believe to be superior to The Da Vinci Code), Digital Fortress and Deception Point. Dan Brown is an exceptional writer and I am eagerly anticipating his next work. I approached The Da Vinci Code as a work of fiction. Many people are interpreting this book as fact, but please remember, it is a fictional story with injections of legend and theory to make the story more believable (which Dan Brown has done masterfully). I saw the movie last night and was fairly pleased. It's been over a year since I've read the novel, so I don't remember precisely what was missing, I just know there were details left out - understandable for a book-turned-movie adaptation. The exclusion of these details may leave those who haven't read the book (all twelve of you) wanting or confused. Now that I have seen the movie, I intend to re-read the novel as a refresher, then see the movie again. The casting of the movie was fantastic - Sir Ian McKellan as Sir Leigh Teebing and Paul Bettany as Silas being my favorites - and the direction was very good for a summer blockbuster. This movie had the potential to be one of the best movies in the last twenty-five years - but sadly, it has fallen short. Don't get me wrong - it was a very good movie and well worth the eight dollar movie ticket. However, because of the subject matter, it had the potential to be so much more. The joke at the end of the movie just made me cringe, and could (should) have been left in the editing room. Blog on Microsoft Microsoft Live Search - new desktop search application http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=20&blog_id=5 Thu, 18 May 2006 20:43:00 GMT <img src="http://tk.files.storage.msn.com/x1pnp_rgmi5o51aBpb_FiheAb1RIkX9PQK6qHSTzSiGUFgRdVY_y_L-qy_9R9c1r9XUDCYHLGLYM4qDHi5k9UDKA4GXZvF-XQUBjH69og1M-W-XAiWIpPdTZQx9JGZ3eL-RubCIsyFERrk"> Here is a screenshot of Microsoft's Enterprise Desktop Search Beta. Blog on Technology Move over RIM and make room for Sling Box http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=19&blog_id=6 Thu, 18 May 2006 00:30:00 GMT <img src="http://tk.files.storage.msn.com/x1pc_jqddVOWRn5jdPyQiUJpgpdyEDyfX0_KfzeRYALxCbGJSTy4tTlihYC0YxIfNKOArwkT8LMBJsxSxENeVcDRvweEv9SxPO8XNmU9aKSoShWYASf4DGytey4HTKJ8cpGJsPly94WBtM"> With RIM's recent settling of its patent troubles as the latest example, it's become pretty evident that some laxity in the patent process is going to be exploited ad nauseum. New meat for the legal eagles. Coming up next will be a little patent percolation between <a href="http://www.slingmedia.com" class="link16">Sling Media</a> and any number of television studios. That's because Sling recently <a href="http://www.zatznotfunny.com/2006-05/sling-media-applies-for-patents-alludes-to-slingcatcher" class="link16">posted a number of patent filings</a> that point to the company eventually releasing a device, called the Sling Catcher. This bad boy is built to receive streaming video content from a Slingbox and play it back on a television without the need for a PC in between the two. No...the TV studios aren't going to like that one little bit. Hope it's a good fight, tho, as I'm of the mind that a little weakening of the TV industry wouldn't be such a bad thing. Yet another reason to get a Sling Box! Blog on Microsoft Is Microsoft getting into the Petrol market? http://blogs.jasonwilkerson.com/blogs/blogs/view_blog_entries.aspx?entry_id=18&blog_id=5 Thu, 18 May 2006 00:16:00 GMT <img src="http://www.wayne.com/images/bu/wayne/DispenseriX1.jpg"> A gas pump that can fuel your car while loading up your iPod with MP3 files took top honors at Microsoft's Mobile & Embedded DevCon, now underway in Las Vegas. The Ovation iX fuel dispenser, designed by Dresser Wayne of Austin, Texas, earned the company kudos as Microsoft's 2006 OEM embedded partner of the year for its use of the software giant's Windows CE operating system in the pump. Windows CE is used to control what Dresser calls its iX technology platform. The latter controls the key features of the pump, which includes a 10.4-inch color display that can bombard consumers with commercials while they gas up. A built-in printer can dispense promotional coupons. The software also ties the pump directly into the convenience store area that's part of most modern gas stations. "You'll be able to stop for gas and without ever leaving the pump, buy a cup of coffee and a lottery ticket, download an MP3, and check traffic reports," Dresser Wayne director of marketing Dan Harrell said in a statement earlier this year, when the pump was previewed at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.