Re: [Leica] If Bill Gates bought Leica

[Francesco <fls@san.rr.com>]

THIS WAS AMAZING!  BEST JOKE POST I HAVE EVER READ ON THE LUG!

Francesco



At 09:01 PM 1/21/99 , Khoffberg wrote:
>
>Redmond.  In a move that is sure to shock the photography world, it was
>announced today that Bill Gates has bought Leica.  Or more accurately, his
>wife did.
>
>"Well, Bill always said he wanted a Leica," said Melinda French, Bills wife.
>"I went to the Internet and I guess I clicked the wrong button on my
>browser.  Somehow I got on e-trade instead of e-bay.  It seemed a bit high
>for a camera, but then, I'd always heard Leicas were pricey.  I just didn't
>realize I'd bought the whole company.  Oh well, it wasn't really that
>expensive."
>
>A clearly delighted Gates has already begun to hatch plans for his new
>acquisition.  "It's a perfect fit," says Gates.  "Corbis already own the
>electronic rights to most of the great Leica photographers, why not the
>cameras as well?"
>
>Separately, a Microsoft spokesperson announced a series of new product
>initiatives for the new Microsoft division.  First on the list is the
>sometimes troubled electronics of the flagship R8.  The newly updated R2000
>will feature a new GUI interface built on Windows CE.  The back of the
>camera will be replaced with a touch screen that will be nose-activated
>allowing the operator to select from among 28 custom programmed functions,
>including an internet browser.  Release date is unconfirmed but is thought
>to be "sometime late next year."
>
>In a bold bid to cease the high-ground in software standards for handling
>analog images, Microsoft also announced a revised set of protocols called
>ElmaritNT 2.8 which will feature new .apo and .asph extensions.
>
>Microsoft also announced a long awaited update to the long in the tooth M6.
>"Users clearly want more functionality in their photo gear.  Why should they
>have to act as their own integrator?"  The new M2000 will feature a fully
>integrated metering, autofocus, auto film advance, and web browser that will
>allow instant access to the internet from any urban location.  In an effort
>to create a true global standard, lens choices will be limited to 50mm
>although third party providers are sure to rush additional offerings to
>market.
>
>Separately, Sun Microsystems launched their new photography initiative
>called Jaba.  Said Sun CEO Scott McNeally, "The camera is dead.  The network
>is the camera."
>
>Kevin Hoffberg
>