Google and proprietary formats
Day-to-day I use an Ubuntu computer. The problem with open source is that every now and again you need a particular codec (say a way of encoding sound) or some other proprietary piece of software protected by a patent and you just can't do something.
This is a big problem for people distributing open source systems such as Android. Access to patents is the stated reason why Google has just purchased Motorola mobility.
But hey - as an Ubuntu user - I am getting used to this.
You see I have (now infrequent) trouble with proprietary formats with conference calls and investor presentations. Microsoft is the worst offender (but I can't expect them to change). BofA can be surprisingly hard. But most things for most companies are fairly easily accessible.
Then I tried to listen to the Google conference call for the Motorola mobility purchase using an Ubuntu 11.04 and Google Chrome.
I can do it but I am amused by their choice of format:
Yes you do see this right. I get the choice of Flash or Windows.
Both proprietary.
John