Brer Rabbit . October 17, 2003 Researchers at Nottingham and Sussex have developed a fascinating research project, Dynamo , which they call "a communal multiuser interactive surface." The basic idea is to create a device that will allow for easy collaboration and sharing of files in real space environments such as bars, airports and other ad-hoc meeting places. What is particularly interesting about the virtual space of Dynamo is that several individuals can use it simultaneously, and easily share information from their digital cameras, cell phones, hand helds, etc. While many aspects of the concept have been seen previously, Dynamo has a unique combination of attributes. It may not be what the future holds, but it certainly is an interesting step towards the future. iTunes captured some early media interest with their store on the Mac, but I think the Windows platform will be a significant challenge for them. Unless Apple decides to make radical changes to their service model, a Windows-based version of iTunes will still remain a closed system, where iPod owners cannot access content from other services. Additionally, users of iTunes are limited to music from Apple's Music Store. What I find interesting is that the Windows spokesperson (Dave Fester, General Manager, Windows Digital Media Division), goes on to talk about how bad iTunes is because it is a closed system: As I mentioned earlier, this [iTunes' closed system] is a drawback for Windows users, who expect choice in music services, choice in devices, and choice in