It’s commonly used in Java. In C# you can use “is” or “as” instead.

if (object is String) will return true if the supplied object is a String.

(object as String) is just another way of casting object to a String.

The service will be separate from its Unbox download service, though one would assume they would be merged down the line. The VOD service has about 40,000 movies and TV programs that users can stream right after they order…it looks like it will be a hybrid progressive download service: the first two minutes of all movies and TV shows will begin playing for users on Amazon.com immediately when they visit a title’s product page on store, the NYT story says. Also, it will let users store the video in a virtual locker online, and then they can watch from any PC or TV when that’s connected.

To promote the service beyond its site, Amazon has tied up with Sony (NYSE: SNE) Electronics to place this service on the Sony Bravia line of HD TVs. This means that the VOD service will be available on these TV sets, with the big hurdle being online-to-TV viewing is only available via Sony Bravia Internet Video link, a $300 tower-shaped device that plugs into the TV. Expect Amazon to make similar deals with other hardware companies along these lines.

Amazon’s Unbox video service, launched in 2006, hasn’t been a huge hit, mainly because of its interface and the need to download and install a special software. Also, the service works only with Windows PCs and it did a deal in 2007 to allows users to download to Tivo DVR.

The announcement comes days after Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) XBox announced Netflix’s (NSDQ: NFLX) online service integration, and Sony announced is own PS3 video service.

But many who have walked away from Apple and AT&T (NYSE: T) stores with the new handset have found themselves unable to activate it on the network. Even those trying to activate inside the Apple Store weren’t spared what appears to be yet another system overload. In the UK, O2’s web-based activation system, which also was strained, required Microsoft (NSDQ: MSFT) Internet Explorer, of all things.

Meanwhile, Microsoft has released a statement challenging Yahoo on the accuracy of its recent announcements. Key points:

The offer sent on Friday was sent at the behest of Chairman Roy Bostock. Here’s the language: “Specifically, on Thursday afternoon, July 10, Mr. Bostock called Steve Ballmer’s office to arrange a call. On that subsequent call, Mr. Bostock told Mr. Ballmer that “with substantial guarantees on the table and an increase in the TAC (traffic acquisition cost) rate, there are the pillars of a search only deal to be done.” Mr. Bostock encouraged Mr. Ballmer to submit a new proposal to Yahoo! for a search-only deal reflecting these terms.” This is big, since it means Yahoo could be open to partial deal if the prices and guarantees were right.

It also denies that it set some type of ultimatum. Microsoft claims it wasn’t looking for a yes or no answer, but a confirmation that the new offer was good enough to warrant negotiations on a term sheet.

Here’s the key paragraph, which indicates that the new 3G iPhone is no longer a subscription business for the company: “Apple has signed multi-year agreements with carriers authorizing them to distribute and provide network services for iPhones in over 70 countries.

These agreements are generally not exclusive with a specific carrier, except in the United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Spain, Ireland, and certain other countries.

Under the vast majority of these agreements, Apple will not receive follow-on revenue generating payments from carriers for the new iPhone 3G beyond the purchase of the device by carriers or a commission on sales of the device by Apple. Apple will continue to receive payments from cellular network providers related to first-generation iPhones as long as they remain active on authorized networks.”

There’s also BlackBerry messaging and Yahoo (NSDQ: YHOO) Mail but, despite the launch on on-board WiFi in December, JetBlue still advises: “In order to maintain optimal bandwidth performance, attachments and internet browsing should be avoided.” Verizon had wanted to offload Airfone for some time, and the continuation of the unit had hinged on finding a buyer.

Two hours isn’t enough time to make Starbucks your office for the afternoon, but it’ll be helpful for those times when you just have to get a blog post up right then. And if you need more time online, then you can spend some of that two hours searching for free Wi-Fi hotspots in your area.