On GameSpot:
So-called 'Halo killer' gets 23 to life
Simplify your laptop buyingAlpha authors
- Dan Ackerman
- Rich Brown
- David Carnoy
- Bonnie Cha
- Brian Cooley
- Wayne Cunningham
- Robert Dubbin
- Matthew Elliott
- John Falcone
- Jasmine France
- Kent German
- Will Greenwald
- Lori Grunin
- Justin Jaffe
- David Katzmaier
- James Kim
- Nicole Lee
- Lara Luepke
- Kevin Massy
- Tom Merritt
- Tim Moynihan
- Rafe Needleman
- David Rudden
- Philip Ryan
- Michelle Thatcher
- Robert Vamosi
- Elsa Wenzel
- Molly Wood
- Felisa Yang
July 20, 2007, 2:12 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: Most awkward episode ever!
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
 |
EPISODE 521 |
Veronica's first moments:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Dan in Pennsylvania
Who's replacing Veronica?
Who's replacing Veronica?
Alex Liar
I think they really did use me as a source.
I think they really did use me as a source.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Karaoke phone
I got my cell phone bill today, and I started to laugh hysterically. And no, not just for the amount. Even if it was twice as big as normal.
My service provider had a new offer; now I can sing karaoke with my cell phone for the low price of 1.90 euros per song.
The phone plays the music and shows the lyrics at the same time, so you can sing with a friend or by yourself. You can also hook up your phone to your TV and watch the lyrics from there. The only downsides to this are that you can only use Nokia phones and the song selection is rather limited. There are only 20 songs available, and they are kind of...peculiar. There are Eurovision "hits" and old Finnish "classics" and nothing else.
I'd heard that Finland is sometimes called the "Japan of the North," but this was the first time that I really believed it! Anyway. Do you have anything like this in the States? Or is this something we Finns came up with on our own?
Have a nice summer, and take care!
Hannu Jaakkola
Helsinki, Finland
I got my cell phone bill today, and I started to laugh hysterically. And no, not just for the amount. Even if it was twice as big as normal.
My service provider had a new offer; now I can sing karaoke with my cell phone for the low price of 1.90 euros per song.
The phone plays the music and shows the lyrics at the same time, so you can sing with a friend or by yourself. You can also hook up your phone to your TV and watch the lyrics from there. The only downsides to this are that you can only use Nokia phones and the song selection is rather limited. There are only 20 songs available, and they are kind of...peculiar. There are Eurovision "hits" and old Finnish "classics" and nothing else.
I'd heard that Finland is sometimes called the "Japan of the North," but this was the first time that I really believed it! Anyway. Do you have anything like this in the States? Or is this something we Finns came up with on our own?
Have a nice summer, and take care!
Hannu Jaakkola
Helsinki, Finland
Those are X-Wings!
Molly, come on, those are X-Wings in the AT&T/Death Star graphic, not TIE fighters, in the Gizmodo story from yesterday! Take another look. :)
Jeremy
St. Pete, Florida
Molly, come on, those are X-Wings in the AT&T/Death Star graphic, not TIE fighters, in the Gizmodo story from yesterday! Take another look. :)
Jeremy
St. Pete, Florida
Literal man
While I was listening to your podcast, streaming it over Whole Foods' free Wi-Fi to my PSP, I heard the outrageous claim by Tom that they charge $13 a pound for peanuts. Luckily having my camera phone, I rushed over to see if it was true. As the attached picture proves, Whole Foods does not charge $13 a pound for peanuts; instead, it is more like $1.50 a pound. The 32 ounce bag shown costs only $2.99. My local Trader Joe's, I later checked, actually sells their 18 ounce bags of peanuts for $3.39! I didn't have my phone there, so I sadly cannot completely show the outrageous injustice concerning lightly salted peanuts. Hope this straightens some things out.
Silas
While I was listening to your podcast, streaming it over Whole Foods' free Wi-Fi to my PSP, I heard the outrageous claim by Tom that they charge $13 a pound for peanuts. Luckily having my camera phone, I rushed over to see if it was true. As the attached picture proves, Whole Foods does not charge $13 a pound for peanuts; instead, it is more like $1.50 a pound. The 32 ounce bag shown costs only $2.99. My local Trader Joe's, I later checked, actually sells their 18 ounce bags of peanuts for $3.39! I didn't have my phone there, so I sadly cannot completely show the outrageous injustice concerning lightly salted peanuts. Hope this straightens some things out.
Silas
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 19, 2007, 1:44 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: Save Fake Steve Jobs!
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 520 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Remy
The USPS has the Harry Potter book.
The USPS has the Harry Potter book.
Alex in Philadelphia
I lied to Think Secret. But am I lying?
I lied to Think Secret. But am I lying?
Alan in NJ
Veronica's beating Molly at Google Fight.
Veronica's beating Molly at Google Fight.
Paulnotron
Can Jason fire Veronica?
Can Jason fire Veronica?
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Better than Google Street View
Hi, Buzz Crew,
First off, and I'm sure I won't be the first to say this, but: TOM IS A CYLON, RUN, VERONICA and MOLLY!!! He's partly opaque!
Secondly, I have a cool Google idea: So you have street scene and you can see people. Let's go one step further and be able to control an individual with a Web browser. So, let's say Tom is walking, and his shirt needs to be tucked in. Click of a button, and boom--his shirt is now tucked in. Or a more practical use: Tom is about to be hit by that car coming his way. Click of a button, and boom--the car is diverted and misses Tom.
I know, I know this totally screws with quantum mechanics and such, but a man can dream, right?
Keep up the great show! And Veronica, please don't go! Who will represent us Mac folk on BOL now?
Cheers,
Robert G
Hi, Buzz Crew,
First off, and I'm sure I won't be the first to say this, but: TOM IS A CYLON, RUN, VERONICA and MOLLY!!! He's partly opaque!
Secondly, I have a cool Google idea: So you have street scene and you can see people. Let's go one step further and be able to control an individual with a Web browser. So, let's say Tom is walking, and his shirt needs to be tucked in. Click of a button, and boom--his shirt is now tucked in. Or a more practical use: Tom is about to be hit by that car coming his way. Click of a button, and boom--the car is diverted and misses Tom.
I know, I know this totally screws with quantum mechanics and such, but a man can dream, right?
Keep up the great show! And Veronica, please don't go! Who will represent us Mac folk on BOL now?
Cheers,
Robert G
Apple store networks and the iPhone
Hey, all,
First of all, Veronica, it will be sad to see you go.
I just thought I would let you know, I have some friends who work in Apple Stores, and they all say that Apple employees have to keep their phones in airplane mode when in the store to prevent their in-store networks from getting slaughtered.
Eric M
Hey, all,
First of all, Veronica, it will be sad to see you go.
I just thought I would let you know, I have some friends who work in Apple Stores, and they all say that Apple employees have to keep their phones in airplane mode when in the store to prevent their in-store networks from getting slaughtered.
Eric M
Customized music
Hi, BOL,
I just wanted to drop a line about the customized music you talked about on episode 519. Basically, its nothing new; I work for a company that has been doing that for years. I actually wrote them a piece of software that will customize the songs for them. All they have to do is sing the names, and/or messages and the software mixes everything together. This is how they sell their music for a lot cheaper than 200 bucks. Just thought you might be interested.
Brad from northern Minnesota.
Hi, BOL,
I just wanted to drop a line about the customized music you talked about on episode 519. Basically, its nothing new; I work for a company that has been doing that for years. I actually wrote them a piece of software that will customize the songs for them. All they have to do is sing the names, and/or messages and the software mixes everything together. This is how they sell their music for a lot cheaper than 200 bucks. Just thought you might be interested.
Brad from northern Minnesota.
iPhone, go to sleep! Go on, get!
TMV (FOR NOW, *ahem*)
The sleep/wake button will indeed stop any video content playing when you press it, as will the home screen button. HOWEVER,_audio_content will continue to play when either the sleep/wake button or the home screen button are pressed. Go ahead, try it. I mean, I reckon you wouldn't really need to be listening to the audio portion of something sans video, eh?
Albert
TMV (FOR NOW, *ahem*)
The sleep/wake button will indeed stop any video content playing when you press it, as will the home screen button. HOWEVER,_audio_content will continue to play when either the sleep/wake button or the home screen button are pressed. Go ahead, try it. I mean, I reckon you wouldn't really need to be listening to the audio portion of something sans video, eh?
Albert
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 18, 2007, 4:55 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: U.S. just not well-endowed
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 519 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Dan from OH
Can't call 900-numbers from Cingular phones.
Can't call 900-numbers from Cingular phones.
Bwana in Jacksonville
Power button turns off iPhone screen.
Power button turns off iPhone screen.
Michael from Hong Kong
You can't order a hide-a-pod
You can't order a hide-a-pod
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
$99 PC and fear
Hi Molly, Tom, and what's-her-name,
From 518.
So, it's OK to spend $636 for a cell phone and $60+ a month, but it's not OK to buy a 99 and pay $13 a month? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the $13 is for them to maintain the PC, but if you wanted to, you can buy it outright? Regarding lack of fear, one word: REAVERS!!!
Felipe G.
Hi Molly, Tom, and what's-her-name,
From 518.
So, it's OK to spend $636 for a cell phone and $60+ a month, but it's not OK to buy a 99 and pay $13 a month? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the $13 is for them to maintain the PC, but if you wanted to, you can buy it outright? Regarding lack of fear, one word: REAVERS!!!
Felipe G.
Rental Linux PC
Hello Veronica (oh, i'll miss you), Tom, and Molly the Mom (and Jason).
Well, Actually, the $13 a month is for offsite storage on Amazon s3 servers, because the Linux PC does not have a hard drive, it uses a CF card that is 4GB and that has the OS on it.
Just wanted to let you know,
Brian B from Omaha, NE
P.S. Love the show!
Hello Veronica (oh, i'll miss you), Tom, and Molly the Mom (and Jason).
Well, Actually, the $13 a month is for offsite storage on Amazon s3 servers, because the Linux PC does not have a hard drive, it uses a CF card that is 4GB and that has the OS on it.
Just wanted to let you know,
Brian B from Omaha, NE
P.S. Love the show!
Harry Potter book
Hi guys; it's Quentin from Chantilly, VA.
I am writing in to comment on the person who got a hold of the 7th Harry Potter book and uploaded it. This honestly can be very easily done. One of my friend's mom is a librarian and she got the book early this week. Before she got her library's copies she had to sign and send a document to the publishing house saying that she would not put it out early. So if the person that uploaded it worked for a library or knew someone who did, then they could have easily gotten a copy of it.
Love the showęSorry to hear that Veronica is leaving :-( Best of luck in your future adventures!!
Quentin
Hi guys; it's Quentin from Chantilly, VA.
I am writing in to comment on the person who got a hold of the 7th Harry Potter book and uploaded it. This honestly can be very easily done. One of my friend's mom is a librarian and she got the book early this week. Before she got her library's copies she had to sign and send a document to the publishing house saying that she would not put it out early. So if the person that uploaded it worked for a library or knew someone who did, then they could have easily gotten a copy of it.
Love the showęSorry to hear that Veronica is leaving :-( Best of luck in your future adventures!!
Quentin
Memory
Hey guys,
It was great to hear you discuss memory. As a memory researcher I thought I could add some insight.
Veronica is correct; short-term memory is limited as to how much it can hold, it is 7 +/- 2 items. So your STM may hold as few as 5 items, so half points there. That said, STM literally lasts only seconds unless the information is processed somehow. "Short-term memory" is often misused in popular parlance.
Long-term memory is essentially limitless (though of course there must be a physical limit). I imagine the failure to remember phone numbers and so on is a failure of encoding. We usually "tag" items to be remembered with other information. Indeed, the idea of "I need to remember this" can be one of those tags. There is a rich literature on directed remembering and forgetting. If you tell people to forget something at the time of study, they do. They never encode it; it never gets in the system in the first place.
On "muscle memory" as some term it, this is a kind of LTM called procedural memory. Procedural memory and facts about the world (semantic memory) are called implicit memory. It is memory you have that you do not need consciousness to access. This is cool stuff, and quite hot in memory research. It turns out that this type of memory is preserved in most cases of amnesia.
The other sort of conscious, self-referential LTM is called episodic memory. These are about episodes in your life.
So, remembering what breakfast is--that is implicit and semantic; remembering it was two crumpets and a cup of coffee--that is episodic and explicit.
I probably muddied the waters, but I thought I would write in anyway...
Off to class.
Dave (the psychologist)
Hey guys,
It was great to hear you discuss memory. As a memory researcher I thought I could add some insight.
Veronica is correct; short-term memory is limited as to how much it can hold, it is 7 +/- 2 items. So your STM may hold as few as 5 items, so half points there. That said, STM literally lasts only seconds unless the information is processed somehow. "Short-term memory" is often misused in popular parlance.
Long-term memory is essentially limitless (though of course there must be a physical limit). I imagine the failure to remember phone numbers and so on is a failure of encoding. We usually "tag" items to be remembered with other information. Indeed, the idea of "I need to remember this" can be one of those tags. There is a rich literature on directed remembering and forgetting. If you tell people to forget something at the time of study, they do. They never encode it; it never gets in the system in the first place.
On "muscle memory" as some term it, this is a kind of LTM called procedural memory. Procedural memory and facts about the world (semantic memory) are called implicit memory. It is memory you have that you do not need consciousness to access. This is cool stuff, and quite hot in memory research. It turns out that this type of memory is preserved in most cases of amnesia.
The other sort of conscious, self-referential LTM is called episodic memory. These are about episodes in your life.
So, remembering what breakfast is--that is implicit and semantic; remembering it was two crumpets and a cup of coffee--that is episodic and explicit.
I probably muddied the waters, but I thought I would write in anyway...
Off to class.
Dave (the psychologist)
TMV Analysts?
Hey guys. I was just curious whether TMV Analysts would be incorporating under a new name, or how that was going to work. I really look to the organization for its analysis.
Later.
Mike
Hey guys. I was just curious whether TMV Analysts would be incorporating under a new name, or how that was going to work. I really look to the organization for its analysis.
Later.
Mike
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 17, 2007, 3:35 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: Pancakes vs. waffles
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 518 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Dan
Tom is irresponsible with money.
Tom is irresponsible with money.
Robert in New Jersey
Why I like the audio-only video podcast option.
Why I like the audio-only video podcast option.
Rick in Dallas
Tom made an obvious point, obviously.
Tom made an obvious point, obviously.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
An odd coincidence
Hello mayors/benevolent dictators of Buzztown,
This evening I was listening to BOL #517 whilst walking through the city and generally staring at the ground. I randomly looked up at the moment Veronica said "Crackle, crackle, crackle!" during the story about the video-sharing site, and what did I see? Parked not two meters in front of me, a 4x4 with the registration plate "KRAKEN1". Freaked. Me. Out.
Well, that's all, really - very sad to hear that Veronica is leaving, but BOL will remain a favorite, and now there's a whole other Veronica thing to watch, too, so perhaps it'll work out well for the rest of us as much as it hopefully will for her.
Thanks for a great podcast; love your work.
Mike
P.S. - Of course I don't remember my home landline number! Why would I need to do that? It's not like I'll ever have to phone it, nobody is home anyway :)
Hello mayors/benevolent dictators of Buzztown,
This evening I was listening to BOL #517 whilst walking through the city and generally staring at the ground. I randomly looked up at the moment Veronica said "Crackle, crackle, crackle!" during the story about the video-sharing site, and what did I see? Parked not two meters in front of me, a 4x4 with the registration plate "KRAKEN1". Freaked. Me. Out.
Well, that's all, really - very sad to hear that Veronica is leaving, but BOL will remain a favorite, and now there's a whole other Veronica thing to watch, too, so perhaps it'll work out well for the rest of us as much as it hopefully will for her.
Thanks for a great podcast; love your work.
Mike
P.S. - Of course I don't remember my home landline number! Why would I need to do that? It's not like I'll ever have to phone it, nobody is home anyway :)
Harry Potter Book 7 leak (no spoilers)
Hey TMV,
I just thought you guys would be interested to learn about the leak of the 7th and final Harry Potter book. I have photographs of every page of the book, and have been reading through them on my computer. I'm 137 pages in, and I'm loving it. I wonder if any legal action will be taken against the uploader(s) of these pictures. That doesn't even begin to ask the question of how this person got their hands on a copy. If J.K. Rowling writes another book about the Harry Potter universe, I'm sure that this person won't get early access. Attached is a picture of the first page of the real text.
Keep up the great work,
Alex B.
P.S.
I'm sad to see you go, but good luck in your future at Mahalo, Veronica.
Hey TMV,
I just thought you guys would be interested to learn about the leak of the 7th and final Harry Potter book. I have photographs of every page of the book, and have been reading through them on my computer. I'm 137 pages in, and I'm loving it. I wonder if any legal action will be taken against the uploader(s) of these pictures. That doesn't even begin to ask the question of how this person got their hands on a copy. If J.K. Rowling writes another book about the Harry Potter universe, I'm sure that this person won't get early access. Attached is a picture of the first page of the real text.
Keep up the great work,
Alex B.
P.S.
I'm sad to see you go, but good luck in your future at Mahalo, Veronica.
Molly talkin' Apple smack!
Hey you guys,
I was just wondering if you guys ever get sick and tired of Molly talking smack about anything Apple-related. She is such a hater! And on episode 517 today she called the iPhone a turd! Twice??!
I can feel my face turning red! And you guys didn't even seem to flinch! GRR! I am not a sheep and I love my iPhone!
Stop drinking the hatorade, Molly!
Aaron in Monterey, CA
P.S. - I'll miss you on the show, Veronica! Best wishes! :)
Hey you guys,
I was just wondering if you guys ever get sick and tired of Molly talking smack about anything Apple-related. She is such a hater! And on episode 517 today she called the iPhone a turd! Twice??!
I can feel my face turning red! And you guys didn't even seem to flinch! GRR! I am not a sheep and I love my iPhone!
Stop drinking the hatorade, Molly!
Aaron in Monterey, CA
P.S. - I'll miss you on the show, Veronica! Best wishes! :)
Apple TV still not working?
Hello TMV,
I heard on the podcast with Jim Louderback that Tom's Apple TV is still not working. Mine also stops working about every two weeks. The fix I use is to reboot my D-Link router and restart ITunes.
Have you tried a wired connection instead of wireless?
Have you tried a static IP?
Can you get movie trailers and YouTube videos?
When mine goes out, I lose all network access from my Apple TV.
Veronica, congratulations on the new job. Add me to the list of longtime listeners who will miss you. Good luck and much success.
Molly, Glad to have you back. Keep up the great podcasts.
Henry C.
Southfield, MI.
Hello TMV,
I heard on the podcast with Jim Louderback that Tom's Apple TV is still not working. Mine also stops working about every two weeks. The fix I use is to reboot my D-Link router and restart ITunes.
Have you tried a wired connection instead of wireless?
Have you tried a static IP?
Can you get movie trailers and YouTube videos?
When mine goes out, I lose all network access from my Apple TV.
Veronica, congratulations on the new job. Add me to the list of longtime listeners who will miss you. Good luck and much success.
Molly, Glad to have you back. Keep up the great podcasts.
Henry C.
Southfield, MI.
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 16, 2007, 5:02 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: Pay to squirt
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 517 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Shalin
But what about Guitar Hero?
But what about Guitar Hero?
Nick Tucson
How to drag and drop on iPhone
How to drag and drop on iPhone
Anon
Ride the lightning
Ride the lightning
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Why I call Sprint every day
Hi, guys,
In the past month, I've called Sprint 14 times. It's not near the 45 times a month some people did--yet. First I was trying to order a new phone, but I was "randomly" selected as a possible fraud. So although they had already debited my credit card, they would not send me the phone without several calls. Then they didn't turn all the services on that I was being billed for, so I had to call a few more times to get that going. And now I'm trying to return the phone (can you guess why?). And getting that approved is like playing a slot machine. Every time I call, I get a different set of answers, but it's not the right combination, so I have to keep pulling the handle (calling) to try my luck and get the correct approval.
But I will tell you, that the day after the report came out ranking Sprint with bad customer service, all the accents disappeared, and everyone now tells me that they personally are pleased that I'm a customer.
Great show, guys!
Michael B.
Hi, guys,
In the past month, I've called Sprint 14 times. It's not near the 45 times a month some people did--yet. First I was trying to order a new phone, but I was "randomly" selected as a possible fraud. So although they had already debited my credit card, they would not send me the phone without several calls. Then they didn't turn all the services on that I was being billed for, so I had to call a few more times to get that going. And now I'm trying to return the phone (can you guess why?). And getting that approved is like playing a slot machine. Every time I call, I get a different set of answers, but it's not the right combination, so I have to keep pulling the handle (calling) to try my luck and get the correct approval.
But I will tell you, that the day after the report came out ranking Sprint with bad customer service, all the accents disappeared, and everyone now tells me that they personally are pleased that I'm a customer.
Great show, guys!
Michael B.
Hide-a-Pod
One way to prevent your iPod from being stolen...make it look like a Zune!
Ohhh, the irony! My iPod just got stolen...
The Blokes
One way to prevent your iPod from being stolen...make it look like a Zune!
Ohhh, the irony! My iPod just got stolen...
The Blokes
Correction on 3G, WiMAX and Cricket Wireless
I can ALWAYS find an unlocked Wi-Fi somewhere, from a town of 100 people in South Dakota to Boise, Idaho, to Minneapolis. If I had Cingular, care to know where I could get 3G? Two metro areas in the entire northwest! Spokane? Not covered. Boise (our metro is roughly 500,000 and has a large tech economy including Micron, Crucial, and HP's printer division)? Also not covered. Portland? Yes. Seattle? Yes. Let's try the midwest...Minneapolis? Nope. St. Paul? Nope. Rochester, Minnesota? BINGO (why...oh, duh, IBM is there). Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, NEBRASKA, COLORADO...I would go on, but I hope you get my point. Honestly I'm tired of people saying "Oh, why do you need Wi-Fi or this or that when you have 3G?" UM. YOU DON'T. I do with Verizon; almost all metro areas, but it's overpriced. You are correct; according to AT&T's Web site, 3G does work with EDGE. I agree with Tom, Wimax is the way to go, Clearwire (Wimax in Boise) kicks ass, and is cheaper than cable. Oh, and Cricket Wireless is actually pretty cool and has been around here for a while. Don't leave town, thoug,h or you lose it quickly, but unlimited texts, calling, and a few other things for a very cheap price. Great show, love the podcast, and Veronica leaving breaks my heart, she was the spokesperson for the younger generation on the podcast. :)
Brice E.
I can ALWAYS find an unlocked Wi-Fi somewhere, from a town of 100 people in South Dakota to Boise, Idaho, to Minneapolis. If I had Cingular, care to know where I could get 3G? Two metro areas in the entire northwest! Spokane? Not covered. Boise (our metro is roughly 500,000 and has a large tech economy including Micron, Crucial, and HP's printer division)? Also not covered. Portland? Yes. Seattle? Yes. Let's try the midwest...Minneapolis? Nope. St. Paul? Nope. Rochester, Minnesota? BINGO (why...oh, duh, IBM is there). Montana, South Dakota, North Dakota, NEBRASKA, COLORADO...I would go on, but I hope you get my point. Honestly I'm tired of people saying "Oh, why do you need Wi-Fi or this or that when you have 3G?" UM. YOU DON'T. I do with Verizon; almost all metro areas, but it's overpriced. You are correct; according to AT&T's Web site, 3G does work with EDGE. I agree with Tom, Wimax is the way to go, Clearwire (Wimax in Boise) kicks ass, and is cheaper than cable. Oh, and Cricket Wireless is actually pretty cool and has been around here for a while. Don't leave town, thoug,h or you lose it quickly, but unlimited texts, calling, and a few other things for a very cheap price. Great show, love the podcast, and Veronica leaving breaks my heart, she was the spokesperson for the younger generation on the podcast. :)
Brice E.
No DOUBLE iPhone needed!
Hi, nerdy-laugh-Tom, metal-head-Molly, and i-don't-know-i-think-so-Veronica,
Tom!
I like your excuse for using the Family Plan as your reason for needing the iPhone... However, I have have the AT&T Family Plan with an iPhone, and my wife does not. The iPhone can be added to any plan, as long as you add the $20 data fee. As a side note, if the Family Plan required all members to have an iPhone, I wouldn't be able to get one, since my wife will not touch anything that does not have a physical keypad. She tried to throw my previous smart phone (HTC Hermes) out the window when she tried to call someone with it while I was driving in the car...
peace out
iPeter
Hi, nerdy-laugh-Tom, metal-head-Molly, and i-don't-know-i-think-so-Veronica,
Tom!
I like your excuse for using the Family Plan as your reason for needing the iPhone... However, I have have the AT&T Family Plan with an iPhone, and my wife does not. The iPhone can be added to any plan, as long as you add the $20 data fee. As a side note, if the Family Plan required all members to have an iPhone, I wouldn't be able to get one, since my wife will not touch anything that does not have a physical keypad. She tried to throw my previous smart phone (HTC Hermes) out the window when she tried to call someone with it while I was driving in the car...
peace out
iPeter
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 13, 2007, 5:15 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: Ride the Lightning!
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 516 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Brian in Alaska
Why do I have to pay the charge?
Why do I have to pay the charge?
Jason in Cincy
Copyright protects artists from bad covers.
Copyright protects artists from bad covers.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Let the people decide--3G?
Hey Tom and Molly,
You got me so fired up I had to stop midgulp in my breakfast smoothie. Two things.
3G, 3G, 3G...please. You're complaining that Wi-Fi isn't everywhere? Have you checked AT&T's 3G coverage? Wi-Fi is in a lot more places. The reality is that EDGE provides coverage across the nation--if they just made the phone 3G a lot of people wouldn't be able to buy it.
"Great job--love the podcast!" :-)
Best,
Phillip
P.S. I'll miss you, V!
Hey Tom and Molly,
You got me so fired up I had to stop midgulp in my breakfast smoothie. Two things.
3G, 3G, 3G...please. You're complaining that Wi-Fi isn't everywhere? Have you checked AT&T's 3G coverage? Wi-Fi is in a lot more places. The reality is that EDGE provides coverage across the nation--if they just made the phone 3G a lot of people wouldn't be able to buy it.
"Great job--love the podcast!" :-)
Best,
Phillip
P.S. I'll miss you, V!
Hotel Capitol Hill
What would be really funny is if the RIAA went after the Congress guy that quoted the Eagles lyrics without royalties.
Brian
What would be really funny is if the RIAA went after the Congress guy that quoted the Eagles lyrics without royalties.
Brian
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 09, 2007, 3:33 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: iPhone Liberation Front
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 512 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Paul from Atlanta
I'm using Flock.
I'm using Flock.
Anonymous
Why are you always trashing AT&T?
Why are you always trashing AT&T?
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Happy 512!!!
I just wanted to congratulate you on your 512th show; happy half a gig!
Nicholas R
I just wanted to congratulate you on your 512th show; happy half a gig!
Nicholas R
H1B visas
Hi Buzz crew,
I'm one of thousands that came to work for Microsoft under H1B visa. In my group last year, more than 15 other Brazilians came to work under the same visa status, and hundreds came from other countries.
It's interesting to note that the U.S. government is not only expanding the H1B visa numbers, but it also is not processing any new employer-sponsored green card applications until the fall. This means that all my friends who rushed to get married and get all the paperwork together lost their time and money. Under H1B visa we are able to work for three years and get an extension for three more years. The reason that we get a green card is to be able to work here for longer than that.
Microsoft is very supportive in that sense, giving us all the legal support for the process, but it seems that the government is not that interested in bringing more foreigners to work in the tech industry. It's a shame, as we all know that we have a big shortage in IT professionals here in the U.S.
News here.
More info about the news can be seen on this search.
Love the show!
Take care,
Cleber
Hi Buzz crew,
I'm one of thousands that came to work for Microsoft under H1B visa. In my group last year, more than 15 other Brazilians came to work under the same visa status, and hundreds came from other countries.
It's interesting to note that the U.S. government is not only expanding the H1B visa numbers, but it also is not processing any new employer-sponsored green card applications until the fall. This means that all my friends who rushed to get married and get all the paperwork together lost their time and money. Under H1B visa we are able to work for three years and get an extension for three more years. The reason that we get a green card is to be able to work here for longer than that.
Microsoft is very supportive in that sense, giving us all the legal support for the process, but it seems that the government is not that interested in bringing more foreigners to work in the tech industry. It's a shame, as we all know that we have a big shortage in IT professionals here in the U.S.
News here.
More info about the news can be seen on this search.
Love the show!
Take care,
Cleber
Telekinesis media streaming app
Hey Tom, Molly, and Veronica,
Guess what? IT'S HERE in alpha so far but I tried the Media Streaming App (via iphoneapplicationlist.com) and it is Amazing!!!!
I was controlling my computer, using my iSight, Browsing my files, Controlling iTunes, and streaming videos and music all on my phone. It is truly awesome.
Try it out for yourself and you will be amazed.
-Andrew G.
P.S. Right now, because it is in alpha, to stream videos and music you must run the app insecurely....but if you have an encrypted network you should be okay. Information on streaming from the app is here.
Hey Tom, Molly, and Veronica,
Guess what? IT'S HERE in alpha so far but I tried the Media Streaming App (via iphoneapplicationlist.com) and it is Amazing!!!!
I was controlling my computer, using my iSight, Browsing my files, Controlling iTunes, and streaming videos and music all on my phone. It is truly awesome.
Try it out for yourself and you will be amazed.
-Andrew G.
P.S. Right now, because it is in alpha, to stream videos and music you must run the app insecurely....but if you have an encrypted network you should be okay. Information on streaming from the app is here.
AT&T's partner coverage in South Dakota
I was checking out AT&T's wireless coverage in the areas where I normally travel. I was disappointed to learn that AT&T does not offer coverage in South Dakota; instead AT&T shows "partner" coverage in some parts of South Dakota, and no coverage in most of the state. Then I remembered that most carriers reserve the right to cancel your contract if the majority of your calling is from a location they don't directly serve.
Here is the scenario I am curious about:
Step 1: I purchase and activate an iPhone in Iowa (I live in Iowa now and AT&T serves the city where I live).
Step 2: I "move" to South Dakota (where my brother & my parents live).
Step 3: AT&T cancels my service because most of my calls are in an area they do not directly serve.
If AT&T cancels my service, are they obligated to unlock my iPhone (or any of their other phones, for that matter) so I can use it with another GSM carrier?
Keep up the great work.
Bob M.
P.S. - I'm looking forward to Molly returning full time, because no one can go off on a rant like Molly can.
I was checking out AT&T's wireless coverage in the areas where I normally travel. I was disappointed to learn that AT&T does not offer coverage in South Dakota; instead AT&T shows "partner" coverage in some parts of South Dakota, and no coverage in most of the state. Then I remembered that most carriers reserve the right to cancel your contract if the majority of your calling is from a location they don't directly serve.
Here is the scenario I am curious about:
Step 1: I purchase and activate an iPhone in Iowa (I live in Iowa now and AT&T serves the city where I live).
Step 2: I "move" to South Dakota (where my brother & my parents live).
Step 3: AT&T cancels my service because most of my calls are in an area they do not directly serve.
If AT&T cancels my service, are they obligated to unlock my iPhone (or any of their other phones, for that matter) so I can use it with another GSM carrier?
Keep up the great work.
Bob M.
P.S. - I'm looking forward to Molly returning full time, because no one can go off on a rant like Molly can.
Discount iTunes gift cards?
Costco sells the $50 gift cards for $44.99. There's free shipping on mail orders, so you don't even need a store near you. With Tom's spending, it would likely more than pay for membership.
Chuck from Maryland
Costco sells the $50 gift cards for $44.99. There's free shipping on mail orders, so you don't even need a store near you. With Tom's spending, it would likely more than pay for membership.
Chuck from Maryland
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 06, 2007, 1:20 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: Rough day for Microsoft
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 511 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Alex in Miami Beach
Stop apologizing!
Stop apologizing!
Chris in Greensborough
Well, yeah, I'd pay attention!
Well, yeah, I'd pay attention!
Josh in Denver
I'd buy the iPhone if it had Wi-Fi calls.
I'd buy the iPhone if it had Wi-Fi calls.
Alan in Los Angeles
Using terminal services with smart phone.
Using terminal services with smart phone.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
No subject line can capture this one
Hey y'all,
While pedaling into the office this morning, I found myself distracted by an interior landscape teeming with China unicorns. Light-hearted musing, you say. But no, said flying creatures brought with them feelings of melancholy. As is my custom, I investigated the source of the encroaching nadir-ish atmosphere. I found myself transported (on a magic bed of money, no doubt) back several weeks to Tom's apparent anxiety over the purchase of an Apple TV. It struck me that had Tom instead bought a couple shares of Apple stock, he could have sold them today and totally (well, perhaps, partially, but hey, who's counting) paid for Explosives Camp ('cause that would be a blast--sorry). Sigh. Alas and alack, for those opportunities that we miss.
Great show! Keep up the terrific-ness.
David S.
Hey y'all,
While pedaling into the office this morning, I found myself distracted by an interior landscape teeming with China unicorns. Light-hearted musing, you say. But no, said flying creatures brought with them feelings of melancholy. As is my custom, I investigated the source of the encroaching nadir-ish atmosphere. I found myself transported (on a magic bed of money, no doubt) back several weeks to Tom's apparent anxiety over the purchase of an Apple TV. It struck me that had Tom instead bought a couple shares of Apple stock, he could have sold them today and totally (well, perhaps, partially, but hey, who's counting) paid for Explosives Camp ('cause that would be a blast--sorry). Sigh. Alas and alack, for those opportunities that we miss.
Great show! Keep up the terrific-ness.
David S.
NASA moves satellite to avoid Chinese ASAT missile debris field in orbit
The Chinese government has still not explained to the international community why the heck they shot their aging satellite down, and I think the Karma police will get 'em by causing a debris strike on one of their "glorious" manned missions in the future. It's unfortunate, but they seem to be asking for it if they're going to be that irresponsible in space. Even dime-size paint flecks can seriously damage some satellites, and China created 1,000-plus pieces of debris even after many nations said it should not test.
Yes, this is another case where Shalin is not amused.
Shalin
The Chinese government has still not explained to the international community why the heck they shot their aging satellite down, and I think the Karma police will get 'em by causing a debris strike on one of their "glorious" manned missions in the future. It's unfortunate, but they seem to be asking for it if they're going to be that irresponsible in space. Even dime-size paint flecks can seriously damage some satellites, and China created 1,000-plus pieces of debris even after many nations said it should not test.
Yes, this is another case where Shalin is not amused.
Shalin
999-99-9999
Hey CNET!
After listening to the 510th episode of Buzz Out Loud on the iPhone fake activation by John, I decided to look more around the Web. I stumbled on the trick to get a prepaid account, even if you don't have bad credit. Apparently, if you use 999-99-9999 as your Social Security Number, the system will think you have bad credit and give you the option to have a PrePaid account. Can't wait to try it out on my iPhone--eventually!
Cody B.
Hey CNET!
After listening to the 510th episode of Buzz Out Loud on the iPhone fake activation by John, I decided to look more around the Web. I stumbled on the trick to get a prepaid account, even if you don't have bad credit. Apparently, if you use 999-99-9999 as your Social Security Number, the system will think you have bad credit and give you the option to have a PrePaid account. Can't wait to try it out on my iPhone--eventually!
Cody B.
Free energy
Hey Buzz crew,
I can't believe how dismissive you were of Steorn's Free Energy machine. Did you not go look at their Webcams?? The have a glass stand that looks absolutely amazing!! As soon as the iPhone is released in Ireland, I am soooo getting one. A shiny new iPhone would look crazy, crazy cool on that stand. I might even set up a system on Webcams to broadcast it.
On a more serious not, it's important to remember that your crazy American "laws" of physics don't apply here in Ireland, where the magnetic field produced by our leprechaun gold allow for "reverse polarity perpetual motion."
You heard it here first.
Dave for Ireland
Hey Buzz crew,
I can't believe how dismissive you were of Steorn's Free Energy machine. Did you not go look at their Webcams?? The have a glass stand that looks absolutely amazing!! As soon as the iPhone is released in Ireland, I am soooo getting one. A shiny new iPhone would look crazy, crazy cool on that stand. I might even set up a system on Webcams to broadcast it.
On a more serious not, it's important to remember that your crazy American "laws" of physics don't apply here in Ireland, where the magnetic field produced by our leprechaun gold allow for "reverse polarity perpetual motion."
You heard it here first.
Dave for Ireland
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 05, 2007, 1:55 PM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: China unicorn?
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 510 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
James
Can the iPhone go 3G with a firmware upgrade?
Can the iPhone go 3G with a firmware upgrade?
Josh in Denver
Bill Gates is no longer the richest man in the world.
Bill Gates is no longer the richest man in the world.
Casey in LA
Will the iPhone cause you to break the law?
Will the iPhone cause you to break the law?
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Phone service and some beer
To avoid a pricing war, two mobile phone service providers are offering free beer just for signing up for their service. So I guess you and a bunch of your friends can go and get a phone, and then have a party afterward. :)
Best,
Shalin
To avoid a pricing war, two mobile phone service providers are offering free beer just for signing up for their service. So I guess you and a bunch of your friends can go and get a phone, and then have a party afterward. :)
Best,
Shalin
Fast forwarding commercials
Hey TMV:
An interesting article appeared in NYT today. Here's a snippet from it:
Engaging at any speed? Commercials put to the test
In new experiments for NBC, people are hooked up to sensors as they watch television, and researchers observe changes in their heart rate, palm sweat, eye movement, and breathing patterns.
But the panelists are not watching just NBC programs. They are watching commercials--in fast-forward mode.
The test subjects were just as engaged while watching fast-forwarded advertisements as they were while viewing opening scenes from the NBC show Heroes at regular speed.
Anish
Vestal (not Bethlehem) New York
Hey TMV:
An interesting article appeared in NYT today. Here's a snippet from it:
Engaging at any speed? Commercials put to the test
In new experiments for NBC, people are hooked up to sensors as they watch television, and researchers observe changes in their heart rate, palm sweat, eye movement, and breathing patterns.
But the panelists are not watching just NBC programs. They are watching commercials--in fast-forward mode.
The test subjects were just as engaged while watching fast-forwarded advertisements as they were while viewing opening scenes from the NBC show Heroes at regular speed.
Anish
Vestal (not Bethlehem) New York
SIM card replacement in the iPhone
On Tuesday's show, you guys mentioned the option of taking the AT&T SIM card from an iPhone and putting it in another phone for when you go skiing or to a rock concert (someplace where you don't want to bring your new $600 phone).
I think that's a brilliant idea. Because if I went skiing or to a rock concert, I'm sure that I would want to shoot some small action-shots in video, the better to commemorate the fun. And for that you need a cheap, disposable--well, actually, for shooting video you need any cell phone other than the iPhone.
Cheers from Vancouver,
Jan K (pronounced "Yen"--it's Danish, it's confusing)
On Tuesday's show, you guys mentioned the option of taking the AT&T SIM card from an iPhone and putting it in another phone for when you go skiing or to a rock concert (someplace where you don't want to bring your new $600 phone).
I think that's a brilliant idea. Because if I went skiing or to a rock concert, I'm sure that I would want to shoot some small action-shots in video, the better to commemorate the fun. And for that you need a cheap, disposable--well, actually, for shooting video you need any cell phone other than the iPhone.
Cheers from Vancouver,
Jan K (pronounced "Yen"--it's Danish, it's confusing)
iPhone thin client
Re: the anonymous call about iPhone thin client
I'm glad that that you guys played that call too, because it really does make a lot of sense to access data remotely instead of having data locally and incurring the bulk and cost of local storage. (How big would the iPhone be if it had 16 GB? How much would it cost?!!!)
However, the call was not a huge revelation. Take a look again at the WWDC keynote. A little ballyhooed feature called "Back to my Mac" was introduced. It allows remote access to a Mac's hard drive via the Internet. If ported to the iPhone, it would be very useful indeed.
I'm pretty sure that similar service exists for Windows(?).
Regards,
ThriftyT
Jersey City, New Jersey
Re: the anonymous call about iPhone thin client
I'm glad that that you guys played that call too, because it really does make a lot of sense to access data remotely instead of having data locally and incurring the bulk and cost of local storage. (How big would the iPhone be if it had 16 GB? How much would it cost?!!!)
However, the call was not a huge revelation. Take a look again at the WWDC keynote. A little ballyhooed feature called "Back to my Mac" was introduced. It allows remote access to a Mac's hard drive via the Internet. If ported to the iPhone, it would be very useful indeed.
I'm pretty sure that similar service exists for Windows(?).
Regards,
ThriftyT
Jersey City, New Jersey
Three Faces of Eve
Tom, I'm pretty sure you meant The Three Faces of Eve with Joanne Woodward, not All About Eve with Bette Davis and Ann Baxter. Love the show!!!
B. Tackett
Tom, I'm pretty sure you meant The Three Faces of Eve with Joanne Woodward, not All About Eve with Bette Davis and Ann Baxter. Love the show!!!
B. Tackett
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
July 03, 2007, 11:55 AM PDTBuzz Out Loud Show Notes: A rose by any other name
Posted by: Veronica Belmont
--Veronica
|
EPISODE 509 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Mickey from Phoenix
A little bit of info on Cricket.
A little bit of info on Cricket.
Andy in Colorado
Buzz Out Loud keeps me awake at the wheel.
Buzz Out Loud keeps me awake at the wheel.
Anonymous
iPhone network device?
iPhone network device?
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Using an iPhone in the Philippines
Hi, Tom, Veronica (and Molly),
I'm from the Philippines, and one of my friends got an iPhone as a pasalubong yesterday (Tom, ask your wife what that Tagalog word means). Amazing luck, yes, but more amazingly, he got it activated from here in Manila using a loophole in the iTunes activation process.
Essentially, after many failed tries, he got it to a point where iTunes let him get a $30 AT&T prepaid account, which he did online. Upon activating it, all the functions (except the phone part) worked! Then when he realized he'd have to pay for a fixed monthly charge for phone service he can't use, he promptly canceled the account, swallowing the $175 penalty. But that leaves him with the fanciest iPod ever. Great deal in my book.
This means that this can work for anyone else in the world, given the right conditions. True, it adds a couple of hundred bucks to the cost, but hey, it's only money. This is an iPhone!
That's the Reader's Digest abridged version. If you want more details on this, it's on my Mac blog at macadoodle.wordpress.com.
Just thought you might want to know. Keep up the good work!
Adel G
Also this.
Hi, Tom, Veronica (and Molly),
I'm from the Philippines, and one of my friends got an iPhone as a pasalubong yesterday (Tom, ask your wife what that Tagalog word means). Amazing luck, yes, but more amazingly, he got it activated from here in Manila using a loophole in the iTunes activation process.
Essentially, after many failed tries, he got it to a point where iTunes let him get a $30 AT&T prepaid account, which he did online. Upon activating it, all the functions (except the phone part) worked! Then when he realized he'd have to pay for a fixed monthly charge for phone service he can't use, he promptly canceled the account, swallowing the $175 penalty. But that leaves him with the fanciest iPod ever. Great deal in my book.
This means that this can work for anyone else in the world, given the right conditions. True, it adds a couple of hundred bucks to the cost, but hey, it's only money. This is an iPhone!
That's the Reader's Digest abridged version. If you want more details on this, it's on my Mac blog at macadoodle.wordpress.com.
Just thought you might want to know. Keep up the good work!
Adel G
Also this.
Little iTunes changes that no one notices
Hey, Tom, Molly, Veronica (and in the future, Jason),
About the iTunes upgrades that you were talking about in...some of the past episodes (sorry, Tom, I really don't remember :P), well, I noticed a few little details.
1 - When everybody was paying attention to the iPhone actvation, nobody noticed that a new button appeared in the podcast section. Now, right at the side of the podcast's name, there's a "Get all episodes" button that, if pressed, will steal all your bandwidth in order to download all episodes on the podcast's feed.
2 - The podcast's order has changed, too. Before the upgrade, the ones starting with symbols (# % * - I don't even know WHY there're people who put these things in the title) were on the top, but now iTunes just ignores them and orders all alphabetically.
3 - One outside the podcast section, available since the 7.1.2 upgrade: there's a new checkbox in the second step of Sign In that informs you that the DRM-free music and high-quality music can be found, and by checking the box, they will appear (if the album selected has them) instead of the old-fashioned DRMed MP3s and AACs.
Perhaps when iTunes stops crashing on Veronica's PC, she can see all these minor changes. :)
Keep up the great work; I love the podcast and would love a SkypeCast with you guys and citizens of BuzzTown, too.
Rafa
Hey, Tom, Molly, Veronica (and in the future, Jason),
About the iTunes upgrades that you were talking about in...some of the past episodes (sorry, Tom, I really don't remember :P), well, I noticed a few little details.
1 - When everybody was paying attention to the iPhone actvation, nobody noticed that a new button appeared in the podcast section. Now, right at the side of the podcast's name, there's a "Get all episodes" button that, if pressed, will steal all your bandwidth in order to download all episodes on the podcast's feed.
2 - The podcast's order has changed, too. Before the upgrade, the ones starting with symbols (# % * - I don't even know WHY there're people who put these things in the title) were on the top, but now iTunes just ignores them and orders all alphabetically.
3 - One outside the podcast section, available since the 7.1.2 upgrade: there's a new checkbox in the second step of Sign In that informs you that the DRM-free music and high-quality music can be found, and by checking the box, they will appear (if the album selected has them) instead of the old-fashioned DRMed MP3s and AACs.
Perhaps when iTunes stops crashing on Veronica's PC, she can see all these minor changes. :)
Keep up the great work; I love the podcast and would love a SkypeCast with you guys and citizens of BuzzTown, too.
Rafa
- Read also: cnet, buzz out loud
- Email to a friend | Print this post
