Microsoft Buys Multi-Touch Expert Perceptive Pixel

Microsoft announced yesterday its intent to acquire Perceptive Pixel – the multi-touch experts behind such large-screen implementations as the CNN election board – and the news had me digging through old ZNF posts for something that was tickling the back of my brain.

Sure enough, I posted a video from Perceptive Pixel way back in 2007 (re-posted below), right about the same time early news surfaced that Microsoft was working on a multi-touch laptop. The two companies have both been tangoing with multi-touch tech for more than five years, and each one has clearly had an eye on where the other was headed.

Today, Perceptive Pixel lists high-profile customers in defense, education, broadcast TV and more. Microsoft, on the other hand, is playing catch-up, with plans finally crystalizing around the launch of a multi-touch tablet.

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Redbox-Verizon Streaming Initiative Now Hiring

While we’re still a few months away from launch, the Redbox-Verizon collaboration intended to take on Netflix video streaming is seriously ramping up staffing — with the companies advertising several dozen job openings in multiple states:

The Verizon-Redbox JV brings together two innovative companies known for creating brands that customers trust and products consumers want. With immediate DVD and Blu-ray rental through Redbox and instant broadband content from Verizon, we’ll be uniquely positioned to deliver the best of both worlds – physical and digital – to all consumers nationwide. We’ll make it easy for everyone to access and enjoy the entertainment they want to see, using any providers’ mobile or home broadband service – anytime, anywhere. Working at the Verizon-Redbox Joint Venture means you can enjoy the freedom and creativity of a start-up business with the resources of two recognized, established companies

Additionally, as deployment approaches, Fierce Wireless has uncovered a new Redbox logo trademark (above left).

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Comcast vs. Verizon, The Tabula Rosa Edition

My wife and I just can’t seem to kick this gypsy lifestyle and are on the move once again. While we’d initially contemplated moving closer in to DC or returning to Maryland, we’ve changed tack and will be venturing deeper into the Northern Virginia suburbs next month. And, as with our former home, we’re fortunate … Read more

JBL Takes On Jambox With Soundfly Speaker

If the FCC is any indication, JBL’s compact “Soundfly” Bluetooth speaker should be hitting store shelves in short order. Unlike the rechargeable and portable Jawbone Jambox ($200), the Soundfly essentially mounts directly onto an AC outlet. I can’t imagine the Soundfly produces killer audio given its diminutive stature, but could make a nice kitchen or travel accessory … Read more

HBO Go Now on Nearly Every Android OS

HBO may be making it harder to transfer shows from TiVo hardware, but it’s expanding users’ other mobile options with the HBO GO app. Time Warner Cable let the cat out of the bag in a blog post stating that HBO GO would be available starting today on nearly every Android device, and the updated … Read more

Ooma To Launch Linx Telo Extender

Thanks to the FCC, we learn VoIP service provider Ooma is still trucking and intends to release a wireless accessory for their long-running Telo basestation ($200). Unlike, say Vonage or your cableco’s telephone service, Ooma sells you their network gadget for a one time fee and then provides unlimited US calling using your phone handsets or … Read more

Boxee and Comcast Agree To Something

Earlier this year, Boxee petitioned the FCC regarding the possibility of Big Cable encrypting their basic tiers, including the local affiliates. Despite the NCTA’s less-than-friendly retort, Comcast and Boxee seemed to have found some common ground in providing Boxee devices access to basic cable. From their joint FCC filing: Comcast and Boxee representatives updated Commission staff on … Read more

HBO Makes FiOS TV Less TiVo-Friendly (7/31)

Verizon may find themselves dethroned as the top TiVo-friendly “cable” provider come August when they implement the Copy Once CableCARD flag — presumably at HBO’s request and in at least one market (Dallas Fort Worth). On channels and programs with this particular CCI Byte notation, TiVo owners will be permitted to DVR shows as they normally … Read more