Macromedia Director, back from the ashes

Adobe Director (formerly Macromedia Director) is now back in full, CS3 glory.

But WHY? Why? Why revive something that has been dead for nearly half a decade? Director enjoyed it’s utility back when interactive CD’s were all the rage (circa 2000). In our current decade, however: it’s just a tired, decrepit piece of archaic technology that’s better off forgotten.

The new CS3 version includes DX9 3D support (well, Director’s always been able to handle 3D anyway), a physics engine (promising) and better support for Flash (so that, er.. you could do what you could’ve done in Flash, anyway). I’m not too excited about this feature set.

As for web, Shockwave has long been deprecated by Flash. As for desktop applications, Flash and AIR are miles ahead. So where’s Director’s niche?

Verdict: I don’t think Adobe is aiming for getting new people excited about Director here. The update is, in my opinion, just a simple move to keep old users afloat and to delay it’s complete demise.

(Source: Adobe; Ars technica)

Yahoo’s design innovation team laid off

It’s a sad day at Yahoo. As part of their 1000-employee layoff plan, the entire design innovation team has been layed off. I’m pretty sure this is related to Microsoft’s bid on Yahoo.

From what I know, Yahoo’s design innovation team has been responsible for the product development of some unique ideas at Yahoo. They had some really interesting data visualization projects, see them here:

• Traffic map (shown)
• FlickrLens
• Delicious DNA
• Trip map

[Links nabbed off Solsie.com]

February house music roundup.

Every partyphile in Manila is already frenzied over the upcoming Hed Kandi night, but February has a lot more in store for house music fans.

First off: Grant Nelson is playing in Manila! His name might not ring a bell to the consciousness of most unless you’ve heard his remix of SOLU Music’s
Fade (Hed Kandi’s pride), but he’s contributed numerous remixes and productions to the deep, soulful house scene.

Grant Nelson will be on the decks at Friday, February 22 in Warehouse 135, Makati. For now, have a listen to my picks from his dossier of productions.

Grant Nelson
Switch
Download (mp3)

Physics
Civa L’amore (Grant Nelson Mix)
Download (mp3)

Here’s an event that hasn’t quite received the attention it deserves: Moony is playing in an early-evening concert. It’s on February 16 and it starts at an early 5PM, so it just might be the right warmup for those looking to go to Hed Kandi that night.

Moony previously played in Halo back in 2005 (remember Halo?). Fast-forwarding 3 years after, she’s pushed out at least 2 new hit tracks, and will be returning to Manila in a concert at the Fort open field this weekend.

Oh: Beautynomics is giving away free VIP passes to bloggers! If you write on a blog, head on over to their site and see how you can claim yours.

Nightsteed.

I’ve recently inherited a case of insomnia. On the downside, I’m tired as hell, but on the other hand I get an excuse to do more things like these.

Sleep issues aside: check out Jared (J3concepts)’s blog @ Electrichoneyhornetmitten. Aside from his brilliant illustrations, his blog hosts a collection of electronic music up for listening/downloading. I personally endorse his picks, this fella’s got taste.