So last decade

I used to use one of the Philips Pronto universal touchscreen remotes; it took a lot of effort to set up, but worked like a dream for a long time. It's now dead (I blame the kids) and I can't justify replacing it: modern AV amps take a lot of the hassle out of switching AV inputs, SKY+ remotes can be setup so that the volume buttons control the amp, etc.

Phone/tablet WiFi control isn't quite there yet, but soon the Harmony et al will seem like overpriced anachronisms. I'll struggle on with a two-remote setup until then.

Paris; because it's springtime.

Modern UI. Outstanding work Microsoft.

Modern compared to what? Does this imply that non-tile based UIs are, like, so last-year?

Regardless of the pros and cons of the OS itself (not used it, won't comment), doesn't this hasty rebranding seem undignified and a bit amateurish? It seems they really have lost their way.

Bird numbers

It would be interesting to know how much of the decline in bird numbers is due to an increase in the numbers of domestic cats, rather than, say, destruction of hedgerows or reduction in insect populations due to pesticides, etc.

That would be a bit like doing research, wouldn't it?

On another topic, and in response to the foaming-at-the-mouth 'cat shit in my garden' bunch: I take the kids to the park, guess what I have to clean off shoes/pram wheels far too often: cat shit or dog shit? Go on guess. When was the last time you had to step round some cat shit on the pavement?

Conspiracy!

This is another example of a trade war hiding behind a series of increasingly spurious patent disputes:

The US Patent Office grant Apple a patent on something obvious/essential;

Apple defend its patent 'vigorously';

US judges find in favour of Apple and ban imports of infringing tech;

US consumers find they're free to buy from Apple or go without.

Way to enhance your country's balance of trade.

(Adjusts tinfoil hat)