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Survey shows the many advantages of virtual offices (beyond the ability to work sans pants)
Those of us who do almost all of our work from the comforts of our homes will not be surprised by what follows, but the rest of the world should take note. A new survey of directors of 600 small to medium sized business reveal that upper-management sees major benefits of so-called "virtual office" work environments. So what are those advantages? Well, no shockers here, chief among the perceived advantages are lowered costs, flexibility for employee (such as the ability to hire people in different geographic locations), and cutting down on pollution and commute times and costs. In fact, over half of businesses reported a cost savings of around $10,000 a month by using the "virtual" environment. So... welcome to our world, world!
Microsoft's Ventura could be a cloud music / video platform, have something to do with Zune
Zune hasn't gotten much love from Microsoft as of late, but that might change over time -- ZDNet's Mary Jo Foley noticed that the company is staffing up for a cloud-based multimedia project (by a group known as "Ventura Media Services") directed at PCs, TVs and mobile devices. "The team is a tight group of music and video lovers that create services and experiences revolving around music/video discovery and consumption," read a series of job postings that date back at least as far as July of 2010, calling for software developers in Beijing and Redmond who are familiar with the Microsoft Azure cloud platform. (Two of them have "Zune" in the job title.) While it's hard to say if this project is a major focus for Microsoft no matter how often the job posting says "large scale" (we count four times) it'd definitely be nice to have some competition for Google and Apple when they start drawing the multimedia-streaming battle lines. [Thanks, zblack]
Microsoft goes on a hiring spree for new Xbox hardware devs, staffing up for next console push?
Before you go leaping to any conclusions, do remember that Microsoft plans on keeping the Xbox 360 going until at least 2015 so we're not really talking imminent changes here. Nonetheless, the software giant has listed a plethora of new job openings, with the most interesting ones being at its Mountain View research campus, where a team responsible for "defining and delivering next generation console architectures" is looking for fresh blood. A graphics hardware architect is sought to ensure that the next Xbox strikes the optimal balance between the awesome and affordable, while a design verification engineer and a few others will be hired to test and help develop prototypes. This bolstering of numbers seems to indicate Microsoft is starting to ramp up research and development on its next-gen home entertainment linchpin, and while nothing's likely to emerge from those Mountain View labs in the short term, the mere sound of clanking tools and buzzing electrons is getting us excited already.
CCP Games expanding US presence, hiring 150 additional staff
Icelandic game development studio CCP Games began life as a handful of employees in a small Reykjavik building. The ongoing success of its flagship game EVE Online has fueled the company's expansion into a global entity with offices in Iceland, the United States, China and the United Kingdom. In addition to working on EVE Online, CCP's offices house people working on the upcoming console MMOFPS Dust 514 and the announced World of Darkness MMO. CCP announced today that its American headquarters are to be relocated to a new area in Atlanta. The new office space will provide some much-needed room for the company to expand, allowing it to create up to 150 new jobs over the next three years. Many of these jobs will be filled by local colleges and universities, which offer comprehensive courses relating heavily to work in the games industry. Mike Tinney, President of CCP North America, was positive about the move. "Decatur offers the perfect blend of big city accessibility with a hometown feel that we were looking for," he said. "Georgia's financial climate combined with Decatur's social climate provide the ideal conditions for continued growth."
Beauty Lift High Nose puts the plastic in (and leaves the surgery out of) plastic surgery
Sizable schnoz? Problem proboscis? Looking for a dubious, crapgadgety alternative to costly rhinoplasty? A Japanese company called Omni has a device called the Beauty Lift High Nose that claims it will do the trick. You can get yours for $140 if you dare -- but don't hold out for an Engadget review before placing your order.
Want a job at Apple? Here's how to get it
So, you want to work for Apple. You're not alone -- a lot of people love the company so much that they'd do anything to work for Apple. Blogger James Holland at Electricpig has written a detailed guide on how to increase your chances of being hired by the geniuses of Cupertino. Most of his guide is common sense -- you need to study, make contacts, be prepared for the interview and know the internal culture of the company. For those seeking employment, those tips are excellent no matter where you're trying to get a job. But Holland's guide goes beyond the obvious, pointing out that joining Apple's Developer Program is a great idea, even if you're not a developer. He also notes that Jony Ive visits his alma mater (Northumbria University) from time to time if you're interested in meeting him, and even suggests that, if all else fails, you can always try to be one of the 1-in-200 applicants who gets hired at an Apple retail store. Holland makes other points that are great for anyone who is looking to either start a new career at The Big Fruit or perhaps move ahead in their boring, humdrum jobs. One that I personally feel is important for anyone is to "never stop studying." Heck, even as a fifty-something tech geek, I find it a necessity to learn new things to stay at the peak of my game. Whether you want to walk the halls of Apple or are just seeking some job-hunting tips that can help you to start or advance a career in tech, Holland's post is worth a detailed read. [via CrunchGear]
Apple job posting calls for another LTE expert
"iOS Cellular Protocol SW Engineer-SH/BJ" doesn't have the sex appeal of "chief designer" or anything, but someone is being sought for that very position, to work under the Haus of Apple. And what does the job entail? Among other duties, "Implementation, Integration, customization, enhancement and maintenance of L1-3 Protocols for one or more of the following air interface: GSM/UMTS, CDMA (1x/EVDO), LTE etc." You read that right, LTE. It's not the first time we've seen such the technology listed (hello there, since-removed "Cellular Technology Software Manager" job posting), but at the same time, it's not surprising that Apple's looking to the future. Just don't get your hopes up for an LTE iPhone or iPad in the near future.
Apple job posts point to built-in NFC capabilities for iPad / iPhone
Ladies and gentlemen of the, ahem, jury, we intend to show -- through rumors and circumstantial evidence -- that Apple might very well be building Nexus S-like NFC capabilities into next-generation iPhones and iPads. We present for your consideration exhibits A, B, and C: three Apple job posts, seeking two managers of global payment platforms and one test engineer for iPhone hardware. According to the original post, the right engineer possesses a background in both ICT (information and communication technology) and RFID (radio frequency identification), which forms the basis for NFC. Suspiciously, Apple removed the "ID" in "RFID" sometime in the past 24 hours. Still not convinced of Apple's NFC involvement? Consider this: Apple's manager of global payment platforms is tasked with contributing "to the analysis and development of new payment types and processes." Okay, so there's not a smoking gun in sight, but a little innocent conjecture never hurt anybody.
Xbox veteran Ed Fries joins Razer in an advisory role, probably to work on something awesome
What do you do after spending nearly three decades tinkering with software -- from the humble Atari, through Microsoft Office, and into the modernity of Xbox gaming? Well, in Ed Fries' case, we're guessing you go to CES, find the wildest, most awesome gaming concept around, and sign up with its maker to help guide its development. Again, we're guessing that's what Ed's done, we can't know for sure what he'll be doing as a member of Razer's Board of Advisors, but there's no denying the proximity of the Switchblade's announcement and his joining the gaming peripheral company. Even if the kindly gent's focus isn't on Razer's portable gaming device, we imagine he'll be a good influence on other products going forward. After all, when has it ever been a bad idea to have more veterans on your team? [Thanks, JL]
Intel hires Will-i-am as 'director of creative innovation,' whole world is nonplussed
You know a job title is tenuous when even the guys who announce it have to put it in quotation marks -- Intel's just signed up the Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am as a "director of creative innovation." The hip hop star responsible for flooding CES 2010 and every BlackBerry event since with an irritatingly cheery tune (which we're sure we don't have to name) is about to commence a long-term, "hands-on" collaboration with Intel on its development of "new technologies, music and tech advocacy." Basically, it sounds like he'll act as an ambassador for the chip company, who'll in turn pretend to listen to his zany ideas about mega-giga-bass. Then again, Lady Gaga's similar partnership with Polaroid produced these glasses, so what the hell do we know?
Crytek seeking iOS developers, leaves us guessing at the reason
Are you interested in and capable of developing "complex, integrated iPhone/iPad applications"? Crytek will want to hear from you, then, as the author of the CryEngine has this week advertised its intention to leap into the Apple orchard known as iOS via a job posting. Sadly, there's no direct mention of a mobile version of Crysis, though given the limited range of Crytek's activities, the company is clearly looking to develop either an iOS game or a game companion app. Aside from the job requirements, the "preferences" section is also illuminating as it lists Android and Windows Mobile development expertise -- potentially suggesting that whatever developer leads the iOS charge might then transition to bringing Crytek's goods to the other major mobile platforms. Hey, if the Unreal Engine can be crammed inside an iPhone, why not the CryEngine?
Rahul Sood joins Microsoft as GM for System Experience in the Interactive Entertainment Business
Yes, it's a big old mouthful of a job title, and no, we've no idea what exactly it entails either. Rahul Sood, the originator of the Voodoo gaming PC line, has just announced he has joined up with Microsoft to perform the ill-specified role of general manager for system experience in the Interactive Entertainment division. We imagine that's an intentionally loose definition, intended to give Rahul the wide remit of influence and operation that he enjoyed with his previous employer, HP. He's already had a few choice words to dish on the topic of Xbox versus PC gaming, so it'll be most intriguing to see where and how his energies are utilized as things move forward. Most intriguing indeed.
Apple looking to hire iOS navigation engineers, first test is to find way around One Infinite Loop
Is Apple looking to take it to Google and its uppity Maps app? That certainly looks to be the case, with AppleInsider noticing that the company has four new job listings which specify "Computational Geometry or Graph Theory" and "experience developing navigation software" as "valuable knowledge." The obvious implications here are that Apple's looking to craft first-party, full-fledged, turn-by-turn navigation and bring it to its GPS-equipped devices, but maybe the company's previous new hires simply got lost a lot and this is just an attempt to nip that problem in the bud. Either way, the software job market just improved by four. Giddy up, coders. [Image credit: Nurimb]
Netflix hiring Facebook Integration engineer
Like Netflix? Then get ready to prove it by sharing your film interests with your social network. Netflix is looking to hire a "Facebook Integration -- Engineer / Architect" into its new Social Systems engineering team. According to the open position posted to the Netflix jobs board, the senior web engineer will, "conceive and build the systems that enable Netflix applications and systems to use the social graph to create a more social Netflix experience" Specifically, the ideal new hire should be familiar with Facebook's Open Graph API to build a customer-facing service. It's just a guess, but we'd expect this to ultimately allow Netflix subscribers and wannabes to like, view and filter Netflix offerings based upon their social input and preferences. Interesting, because Netflix abandoned its homegrown Friends feature earlier this year. Guess now we know why. [Thanks, Eric]
Apple job listing calls for Verizon iPad engineer, hints at a lot more
Do you "have enterprise sales experience and an existing knowledge of the mobile market and the technologies that support it?" Do you "have strong IT knowledge in the areas of enterprise messaging and collaboration, VPN, WiFi and enterprise security technologies?" And most importantly, do you "possess the ability to work without direct supervision or detailed direction?" If so, you might just be suitable for Apple's latest and greatest job listing. The HR team in Cupertino is apparently looking for a Verizon iPad system engineer, primarily to work with Apple's sales team and legions of business partners in order to "drive the adoption of iPad in enterprise accounts." What's interesting is the Verizon angle; if Apple simply wanted nondescript iPads in Corporate America, why hire someone familiar with Big Red? Moreover, this certainly says something about Apple's relationship with Verizon -- namely, that it's growing, and we're guessing that the pleasantries will eventually extend far beyond a tablet. So yeah, it's no real shocker that Apple and Verizon are in cahoots on some level, but this kind of invitation usually comes with one or two undercover intentions. Any upstanding gentleman attached to his better half would understand.
Apple looking to hire CDMA-knowledgeable staff
A recent job posting on Apple's corporate job board loosely suggests Apple may be testing a CDMA iPhone. The posting for a Cellular Systems Performance Engineer went live December 9th and requires an individual knowledgeable in cellular technology, including standard GSM protocols (GSM, GPRS, EDGE, WCDMA, HSDPA, HSUPA) and CDMA. The successful candidate will be tasked with handling protocol issues that arise from certification, interoperability, and field testing, the job post says, and they should also have experience with different carrier networks and infrastructures. Normally, such a job listing would be overlooked as the requirement for experience with CDMA may be included by default. If you are a Cellular Systems Performance engineer, you most likely have experience with all the cellular technologies, not just one and this job listing reflects that diversity of skills. Given all the rumors surrounding the CDMA iPhone, though, this is not exactly a normal time. In this particular case, the inclusion of CDMA and the job duties that focus on analyzing final stage test results may point to the CDMA iPhone. Admittedly, hiring a Performance Engineer now is a bit late, but it is not that much of a stretch. Rumors suggest the CDMA iPhone may be prepping for an early 2011 launch which is a relatively wide launch window. This would put the handset in the final stages of testing and a quick hire could be done to help iron out all those final details. Update: Commenter fernando notes that Mexican carrier lusacell will have the CDMA iPhone, but we have confirmed that the iPhone is GSM and will run on the carrier's new GSM network, not its CDMA network. [Via Ubergizmo]
Adjustments incoming to Final Fantasy XI's jobs
The most recent announcement for Final Fantasy XI's December version update covered a wide spectrum of improvements for the new level cap increase, but there are adjustments coming to lower levels as well. Subjobs won't be getting most of the boosts, but several mains will see improved or broadened functionality, starting with Ninjas receiving a long-awaited addition: Universal tools. Available in three broad categories, these tools can be used in place of any specific tool after a character has exhausted the ninjitsu-specific tool. Corsairs will see a similar update in the form of a new card that is imbued with all elemental powers, once again only usable after specific cards are used up. Beastmasters receive several new pet broths, Thieves acquire a stacking buff to Treasure Hunter when dealing melee damage, and Scholars see a significant improvement to Sublimation based upon level. Take a look at the official list of changes to see what your job of choice can expect with the coming Final Fantasy XI version update.
HTC job listing hints at an E Ink / 3D-filled future, new North Carolina facility
Months back, word on the street had it that HTC was looking to grab up emptied space in North Carolina's Research Triangle Park post-recession; huge outfits like Nortel bit the bullet in 2009, while Sony Ericsson shuttered its operations there and relocated to Atlanta. Naturally, the consolidation paved the way for other technology firms to slide in without overpaying for real estate. HTC has remained mum on the prospect of expansion, but it's fairly obvious what's in mind given the multiple job listings that have just emerged for a heretofore unannounced facility in RTP. Of particular importance is a plea for a Display and Camera Design Engineer -- HTC is asking that whoever applies for the role have some level of "familiarity with 3D display and imaging technologies," not to mention "familiarity with multiple display technologies (TFT-LCD, PMOLED, AMOLED, E-ink, etc.)." Of course, we've seen quite a few bullet points in our years that end up meaning nothing at all, but it definitely gets our gears turning. Could HTC be working on a reader / tablet that would at least partially rely on e-paper? Are we destined to see a 3D Android device from the outfit at Mobile World Congress 2011? Imaginations, here's the part where you run wild.
Nokia's former MeeGo chief confirms new role as Senior VP of webOS at HP
Ari Jaaksi, the former head of MeeGo Devices at Nokia, has confirmed reports from last month identifying HP as his new employer. According to the latest update to his LinkedIn profile, Ari is now enjoying the mild temperatures of the San Francisco Bay Area and does indeed hold the title of Senior Vice President at Hewlett-Packard. That in itself doesn't necessarily mean he's the new head honcho for webOS and Palm devices, but clicking on his "Company Website" link takes you to Palm.com, which should dispel any lingering doubts. So now that we know he'll be helping steer the HPalm ship, can we start sending Ari our mockups for the Pre 3 or what?
Anti-Aliased: End of line
Yeah, it's exactly what you think it is. It's one of those columns where the writer announces that she's packing up and moving out. It's a column where the writer talks about how she's been here for two years and 199 days, and has written over 1,018 posts that have included over 534,580 words. It's a column where the writer says goodbye, wishes that she wasn't moving on, but knows that she must. Guys and gals, it's been an amazing two and a half years and it has been nothing but an honor to write for all of you. I know sometimes we all disagree, and I know I say some really insane stuff that leaves people going, "Wow, she really said that aloud?" But, I'm glad that all of you still come back to discuss gaming here on my column, despite some of our disagreements. Anti-Aliased has remained one of the most popular columns here on Massively throughout these two years and I am very grateful for your readership. As I prepare to leave Massively and say goodbye, I'd like to take one final look at the MMO genre as a whole. Plus, I have a surprise announcement to make at the end! Yay surprises!
