Drop, charge, and lose the cords
February 4, 2008 11:28 AM PST
Nintendo says cigarette ash is causing problems with the gameplay of "Super Smash Brothers Brawl." Funny, I would have thought that would be more of a problem with Wii Sports, and with players' lungs, not the optical drive. Plus, we keep you up to date on the Yahoo-Microsoft merger prospects and how Google is being a third wheel now.
--Tom
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Tom
Listen now: Download today's podcast
 |
EPISODE 653 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Max from Fresno
Customer confusion with mergers.
Customer confusion with mergers.
Anonymous
Paid shills for Zune.
Paid shills for Zune.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Are you nuts?
Tom, Molly, Jason--
I was catching up on last week's shows on the morning commute this morning, and you guys just prompted a 'John Rant' (me being John).
If I can paraphrase, you stated that while you oppose legislation regarding filtering, that it was OK for the RIAA to lobby ISPs to ask them to filter voluntarily. Are you flippin' nuts??? This is completely unacceptable. If anything, we should have legislation that specifically prevents filtering!! (Disclaimer: I am referring to U.S. legislation, I cannot speak for other countries and apologize to the International listeners of BOL.)
****While I am a huge fan of competition, open markets, consumer choice, and invisible hands--content on the Internet must remain free and open. If I have my legal MP3 collection on my home server, and I have chosen an ISP who does not filter so I can access that legal content 'anywhere' from my laptop, am I now expected to only stay in hotels who use ISPs who don't filter? Am I now expected to use Wi-Fi services only the coffee shops who use ISPs who don't filter? This is crazy--the whole benefit of an open network like the Internet is I don't need to ask these questions, it just works.*****
Not too long ago, I was at Panera Bread (my favorite free Wi-Fi coffee/sandwich joint), and access to my own server was blocked by their content filtering engine (I have a static IP and have had the same one for about four years). Thankfully, there was a link on the 'blocked' page to the filtering company--I was able to look up my own IP address and request that it be removed from their blocked list (their list was horribly out of date and whoever had my IP five years ago must have had some questionable content on there). My next visit to Panera, access to my server worked fine. This was a nuisance, but I somewhat understand. A public location like a coffee shop wants to have a filter in place to prevent customers from seeing offensive content over another customer's shoulder. I get it. It's the same as requiring customers to wear shirts and shoes. But when you start filtering simply to allow another business to continue their flawed business model, this crosses the line. In keeping with the shirts and shoes analogy, this would be akin to inspecting your customers shirts and shoes for counterfeits: "I'm sorry, that's not a genuine Izod, so I'm going to need to take your shirt..."
Angry in Fairfax,
John
P.S.: Love the show.
P.P.S.: Does the "PS: Love the show." reverse any and all criticisms of the show above? Should one instead say, "Love the show, with one noted exception (see above)."?
Tom, Molly, Jason--
I was catching up on last week's shows on the morning commute this morning, and you guys just prompted a 'John Rant' (me being John).
If I can paraphrase, you stated that while you oppose legislation regarding filtering, that it was OK for the RIAA to lobby ISPs to ask them to filter voluntarily. Are you flippin' nuts??? This is completely unacceptable. If anything, we should have legislation that specifically prevents filtering!! (Disclaimer: I am referring to U.S. legislation, I cannot speak for other countries and apologize to the International listeners of BOL.)
****While I am a huge fan of competition, open markets, consumer choice, and invisible hands--content on the Internet must remain free and open. If I have my legal MP3 collection on my home server, and I have chosen an ISP who does not filter so I can access that legal content 'anywhere' from my laptop, am I now expected to only stay in hotels who use ISPs who don't filter? Am I now expected to use Wi-Fi services only the coffee shops who use ISPs who don't filter? This is crazy--the whole benefit of an open network like the Internet is I don't need to ask these questions, it just works.*****
Not too long ago, I was at Panera Bread (my favorite free Wi-Fi coffee/sandwich joint), and access to my own server was blocked by their content filtering engine (I have a static IP and have had the same one for about four years). Thankfully, there was a link on the 'blocked' page to the filtering company--I was able to look up my own IP address and request that it be removed from their blocked list (their list was horribly out of date and whoever had my IP five years ago must have had some questionable content on there). My next visit to Panera, access to my server worked fine. This was a nuisance, but I somewhat understand. A public location like a coffee shop wants to have a filter in place to prevent customers from seeing offensive content over another customer's shoulder. I get it. It's the same as requiring customers to wear shirts and shoes. But when you start filtering simply to allow another business to continue their flawed business model, this crosses the line. In keeping with the shirts and shoes analogy, this would be akin to inspecting your customers shirts and shoes for counterfeits: "I'm sorry, that's not a genuine Izod, so I'm going to need to take your shirt..."
Angry in Fairfax,
John
P.S.: Love the show.
P.P.S.: Does the "PS: Love the show." reverse any and all criticisms of the show above? Should one instead say, "Love the show, with one noted exception (see above)."?
Hey Boys in Boston...
Hey guys, love the show.
Interesting point on the Boys from Boston's comments from episode 652 on the Microsoft/Yahoo merger.
FYI: Reminder: Their concerns were the following. First concern: Significant number of people go to Microhoo portals and information is then controlled by Microhoo. Scary second concern: E- mail - Now Microhoo has your data since they have so much of the e-mail market. Scary third concern: Ads and the consolidation of Microsoft and Yahoo's new acquisitions and are the largest competitors to DoubleClick.
At the end of their comment they said something to the effect of thankfully there's Google there to be a competitor to this behemoth. Hello!!! Google is doing those exact concerns to you today! Jeez! Amazingly, somehow Google got credit as being the good guy in a situation where they are already the bad guy. Amazing. Are people really so blind to the googleverse?
In case you're saying "Huh?":
- Google owns 50 percent of search share, and their algorithms determine what information is found based on what you search for, i.e. they already control what you see.
- Google's Gmail product produces ads based on the content within your e- mail, therefore they are indeed scanning your data already and they are storing your data with no promise that they aren't saving and using it. Therefore, they own your data (searches +Gmail is quite a telling tale)!
- Ads: You're talking about No. 1 in search merging with No. 1 in ads, which is an antitrust concern. The Microsoft and Yahoo merger is actually good for this as a competitor.
It continually amazes me how so many people have blind allegiance to Google, Apple, and all the other trendy companies. Regardless if you like or don't like Microsoft, IBM, Dell or all the other now old and uncool technology companies.
Thanks,
Brandon from Minnesota
Hey guys, love the show.
Interesting point on the Boys from Boston's comments from episode 652 on the Microsoft/Yahoo merger.
FYI: Reminder: Their concerns were the following. First concern: Significant number of people go to Microhoo portals and information is then controlled by Microhoo. Scary second concern: E- mail - Now Microhoo has your data since they have so much of the e-mail market. Scary third concern: Ads and the consolidation of Microsoft and Yahoo's new acquisitions and are the largest competitors to DoubleClick.
At the end of their comment they said something to the effect of thankfully there's Google there to be a competitor to this behemoth. Hello!!! Google is doing those exact concerns to you today! Jeez! Amazingly, somehow Google got credit as being the good guy in a situation where they are already the bad guy. Amazing. Are people really so blind to the googleverse?
In case you're saying "Huh?":
- Google owns 50 percent of search share, and their algorithms determine what information is found based on what you search for, i.e. they already control what you see.
- Google's Gmail product produces ads based on the content within your e- mail, therefore they are indeed scanning your data already and they are storing your data with no promise that they aren't saving and using it. Therefore, they own your data (searches +Gmail is quite a telling tale)!
- Ads: You're talking about No. 1 in search merging with No. 1 in ads, which is an antitrust concern. The Microsoft and Yahoo merger is actually good for this as a competitor.
It continually amazes me how so many people have blind allegiance to Google, Apple, and all the other trendy companies. Regardless if you like or don't like Microsoft, IBM, Dell or all the other now old and uncool technology companies.
Thanks,
Brandon from Minnesota
Wii, iPhone, etc...
This is Jonathan from Philadelphia, currently visiting Shanghai, China.
Well, I found all the missing Wiis here. All these little game stores here have Wiis in stock and modded. They sell for about 300 dollars and can play all the backup discs, import discs, etc. The pirated games sells for 75 cents each, go figure. I have been trying to get a Wii in the states for months and couldn't get one. I might just go get one here- -take that, Nintendo.
Also, iPhones, plenty of them at various stores as well, all jailbreaked and ready to go. They do sell for a premium, about $550-$600 each. Still, pretty hot sell here, saw several people using them on the subway.
OK, that's my buzz report from Shanghai. Love the show.
Jonathan
This is Jonathan from Philadelphia, currently visiting Shanghai, China.
Well, I found all the missing Wiis here. All these little game stores here have Wiis in stock and modded. They sell for about 300 dollars and can play all the backup discs, import discs, etc. The pirated games sells for 75 cents each, go figure. I have been trying to get a Wii in the states for months and couldn't get one. I might just go get one here- -take that, Nintendo.
Also, iPhones, plenty of them at various stores as well, all jailbreaked and ready to go. They do sell for a premium, about $550-$600 each. Still, pretty hot sell here, saw several people using them on the subway.
OK, that's my buzz report from Shanghai. Love the show.
Jonathan
Multiple cellphones
On Friday's episode, you wondered what the cab driver in Israel would need his third cell phone for (speculating one being for business, the other for personal use). I'm currently living in Venezuela and people here also have multiple cell phones. That's because, like in the U.S., you can get cheap or free mobile-to-mobile minutes. Therefore, people tend to have one (usually prepaid) for each carrier their friends and family use. It's pretty amusing the first time you see them but after a while you get accustomed to someone digging through their cellphones to find the one that's calling to them.
Love the show,
Albany in Venezuela
On Friday's episode, you wondered what the cab driver in Israel would need his third cell phone for (speculating one being for business, the other for personal use). I'm currently living in Venezuela and people here also have multiple cell phones. That's because, like in the U.S., you can get cheap or free mobile-to-mobile minutes. Therefore, people tend to have one (usually prepaid) for each carrier their friends and family use. It's pretty amusing the first time you see them but after a while you get accustomed to someone digging through their cellphones to find the one that's calling to them.
Love the show,
Albany in Venezuela
Another small grammar thing
Hola people!
AJ wrote in yesterday to say that "unsecure" was the correct word to use in stead of "insecure" when discussing security topics. I was lovin' AJ until he said this: "I'm pretty sure my Wi-Fi router doesn't need therapy because it feels badly about its easily hackable WEP encryption."
Ohhhh AJ. You're breakin' my heart, brutha. You are breakin' my heart.
The verb "to feel" is a linking verb when used the way that you used it in that sentence. So if one ever "feels badly", it means that there is probably something wrong with one's hands. You meant to say that the router "feels bad" not "badly". If "feel" is used as an action verb, it is modified by an adverb like badly. But "feel" is used as a linking verb the way that you used it so it is modified by a predicate adjective.
Forget all the fancy grammar talk. An easy way to remember when to use feel bad vs. feel badly is this way: Do you feel sadly? Do you feel madly? Then you don't feel badly. You feel bad. Unless, again, there is something wrong with your hands and you are literally feeling something incorrectly, then you are feeling badly.
Get it?
Oh, I love that other people care about good grammar in Buzztown. It makes me so happy!
I posted today in the forums on my other pet peeve, which is the difference between gender and sex if anyone is interested. It drives me nuts when people mess that one up. Nuts, I say.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Fordo
Hola people!
AJ wrote in yesterday to say that "unsecure" was the correct word to use in stead of "insecure" when discussing security topics. I was lovin' AJ until he said this: "I'm pretty sure my Wi-Fi router doesn't need therapy because it feels badly about its easily hackable WEP encryption."
Ohhhh AJ. You're breakin' my heart, brutha. You are breakin' my heart.
The verb "to feel" is a linking verb when used the way that you used it in that sentence. So if one ever "feels badly", it means that there is probably something wrong with one's hands. You meant to say that the router "feels bad" not "badly". If "feel" is used as an action verb, it is modified by an adverb like badly. But "feel" is used as a linking verb the way that you used it so it is modified by a predicate adjective.
Forget all the fancy grammar talk. An easy way to remember when to use feel bad vs. feel badly is this way: Do you feel sadly? Do you feel madly? Then you don't feel badly. You feel bad. Unless, again, there is something wrong with your hands and you are literally feeling something incorrectly, then you are feeling badly.
Get it?
Oh, I love that other people care about good grammar in Buzztown. It makes me so happy!
I posted today in the forums on my other pet peeve, which is the difference between gender and sex if anyone is interested. It drives me nuts when people mess that one up. Nuts, I say.
Have a great weekend, everyone!
Fordo
Their Kung fu was not so strong
Greetings Buzz team,
What follows is a post from my Weblog about my day yesterday. I'm the manager of the wireless network for a mid-sized university in Western Kentucky. Go Racers! It's not terribly news-worthy, but we all listen to Buzz Out Loud around here and immediately upon the unfolding of these events, a coworker turns to me and says "You gotta tell Tom and Molly." I agreed, but only on the condition that we also tell Jason. Enjoy.
"So yesterday while in class I was robbed. Someone stole my brand new Columbia winter jacket from the table right next to me. I'd gotten hot and taken it off, placing it within arm's reach; I mean, like a foot and a half away. When I got up to leave, my jacket was gone. Someone stole my jacket, three feet away, during math class!
(Insert first round of mental expletives.)
So that sucked. Then I remembered my iPod Touch was in the breast pocket of said jacket.
(Insert second round of mental expletives, many of these audible to nearby civilians.)
This was rapidly turning out to be a bad day. Then I walked back to my office in the freezing rain in my short-sleeved polo shirt.
(Insert third round of out-loud, pseudo-intelligible random expletives, cursing the very nature of such a dirty rotten scoundrel to any available passersby.)
So now I'm cold, wet, hungry, and sans $300 MP3 player! I swear a Klingon blood oath of vengeance upon his soul, and get to work.
Here's where had this been an action movie the next 30 minutes of work would be pieced together into a 60-second montage, complete with Nine Inch Nails soundtrack in the background. I'll give you the short version:
The iPod Touch is more than just a simple MP3 player. It's got a Wi-Fi connection and a browser built in. (This being, to me, its main utility.) Any time you turn on the device, it automatically tries to find a wireless network and join it. If you've ever joined the network before, it won't even notify you it's doing so. (He he he.)
Notice to criminals: If you're going to steal a wireless-capable device, don't steal it from the manager of the wireless network.
To make a long story short, I was able to use the campus wireless network to track down the exact location of my jacket and iPod. I had it send SMS messages to my cell phone, updating me on its current position. Police officers made an arrest last night, and first thing this AM I got my cheese back. Don't mess with a network ninja. That, my friends, is weak sauce. Weak sauce!
This morning I get a call from the detective involved with the case. "We just received a report of a laptop stolen on campus. Think you could do that again?" (Fade in theme music.)
Addendum: A coworker came up with the perfect analogy for this occurrence. "Hey, how about I steal this huge homing beacon and take it back with me to my secret lair? What's that beeping sound?"
Network ninja out."
Thanks for a great show guys!
Drew the Wi-Fi guy from Kentucky
Greetings Buzz team,
What follows is a post from my Weblog about my day yesterday. I'm the manager of the wireless network for a mid-sized university in Western Kentucky. Go Racers! It's not terribly news-worthy, but we all listen to Buzz Out Loud around here and immediately upon the unfolding of these events, a coworker turns to me and says "You gotta tell Tom and Molly." I agreed, but only on the condition that we also tell Jason. Enjoy.
"So yesterday while in class I was robbed. Someone stole my brand new Columbia winter jacket from the table right next to me. I'd gotten hot and taken it off, placing it within arm's reach; I mean, like a foot and a half away. When I got up to leave, my jacket was gone. Someone stole my jacket, three feet away, during math class!
(Insert first round of mental expletives.)
So that sucked. Then I remembered my iPod Touch was in the breast pocket of said jacket.
(Insert second round of mental expletives, many of these audible to nearby civilians.)
This was rapidly turning out to be a bad day. Then I walked back to my office in the freezing rain in my short-sleeved polo shirt.
(Insert third round of out-loud, pseudo-intelligible random expletives, cursing the very nature of such a dirty rotten scoundrel to any available passersby.)
So now I'm cold, wet, hungry, and sans $300 MP3 player! I swear a Klingon blood oath of vengeance upon his soul, and get to work.
Here's where had this been an action movie the next 30 minutes of work would be pieced together into a 60-second montage, complete with Nine Inch Nails soundtrack in the background. I'll give you the short version:
The iPod Touch is more than just a simple MP3 player. It's got a Wi-Fi connection and a browser built in. (This being, to me, its main utility.) Any time you turn on the device, it automatically tries to find a wireless network and join it. If you've ever joined the network before, it won't even notify you it's doing so. (He he he.)
Notice to criminals: If you're going to steal a wireless-capable device, don't steal it from the manager of the wireless network.
To make a long story short, I was able to use the campus wireless network to track down the exact location of my jacket and iPod. I had it send SMS messages to my cell phone, updating me on its current position. Police officers made an arrest last night, and first thing this AM I got my cheese back. Don't mess with a network ninja. That, my friends, is weak sauce. Weak sauce!
This morning I get a call from the detective involved with the case. "We just received a report of a laptop stolen on campus. Think you could do that again?" (Fade in theme music.)
Addendum: A coworker came up with the perfect analogy for this occurrence. "Hey, how about I steal this huge homing beacon and take it back with me to my secret lair? What's that beeping sound?"
Network ninja out."
Thanks for a great show guys!
Drew the Wi-Fi guy from Kentucky
February 1, 2008 11:55 AM PST
What to name a company resulting from the merger of Yahoo and Microsoft is probably the least of their concerns right now. First, Yahoo has to accept the bid. If they don't, Microsoft may get pushy. Then they have to merge two very different companies. Who does this benefit? You? We'll discuss that on today's show.
--Tom
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Tom
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 652 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Chris
Torch moment.
Torch moment.
Josh from Israel
Cell phones in my country.
Cell phones in my country.
Javier from Florida
What's with the clicking?
What's with the clicking?
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Micro-Hoo: Our take
Hey JaMoTo,
No doubt you've seen this news--here's a link from the NYTimes.
Here are some of our quick thoughts on this huge news.
Complementary ad products (duh)
The merger of the two companies is complementary in obvious ways--for example, MSN gets Yahoo Music, Yahoo gets a stronger international foothold, MSN finally gets a significant piece of the search revenue, Yahoo gets access to the business consumer through Office, etc. There are quite a few overlapping areas across their content areas, which would no doubt be done away with for operational efficiency's sake. It also continues to pays off Ballmer's assurances that Microsoft is transforming into a media company (as did the acquisition of A-Quantive).
Culture clash
From friends within both companies, the cultures couldn't be more different. Yahoo's is a consumer-oriented culture of innovation that's based on collaboration; everything we hear about Microsoft is that it's still a software company at the core, an engineering-oriented culture of innovation based on competition (dare we say "cut-throat-iness").
Is it scary?
1. A significant percentage of the Web population gets their news and info from and through these portals on a daily basis. Consolidation means control of information, which may put too much of that power in one place. This could be like CBS merging with ABC. Potentially a bad thing for consumers, with the loss of news/editorial diversity.
2. A significant percentage of the Web population uses the Hotmail and Yahoo mail. Is this like UPS merging with FedEx or the USPS? As Newman said on Seinfeld, "When you control the mail, you control information!" Again, would there be too much of this control in one place?
3. There's the Google-DoubleClick angle too. Yahoo bought RightMedia--an adserving engine, Microsoft bought A-Quantive who owns DoubleClick's main competitor (Atlas Adserver). So, not only could Micro-Hoo control the information (through the portals and search results), they'd be watching us as we consume it. We may be off the deep end, but it's (again) potentially disadvantageous to the marketplace, consumers, and the free flow of ideas. Not to mention all this consumer and business data would sit with one company--whose servers the government could compel to hand over--sound familiar?
Take cover in the "long tail"
With this Google counterbalance in the increasingly less diverse marketplace, the only solace consumers would have from all this information control is in the long-tail. And thankfully, it's only a click away.
Go Pats!!
The boys from Boston (Mo and Vijay)
Hey JaMoTo,
No doubt you've seen this news--here's a link from the NYTimes.
Here are some of our quick thoughts on this huge news.
Complementary ad products (duh)
The merger of the two companies is complementary in obvious ways--for example, MSN gets Yahoo Music, Yahoo gets a stronger international foothold, MSN finally gets a significant piece of the search revenue, Yahoo gets access to the business consumer through Office, etc. There are quite a few overlapping areas across their content areas, which would no doubt be done away with for operational efficiency's sake. It also continues to pays off Ballmer's assurances that Microsoft is transforming into a media company (as did the acquisition of A-Quantive).
Culture clash
From friends within both companies, the cultures couldn't be more different. Yahoo's is a consumer-oriented culture of innovation that's based on collaboration; everything we hear about Microsoft is that it's still a software company at the core, an engineering-oriented culture of innovation based on competition (dare we say "cut-throat-iness").
Is it scary?
1. A significant percentage of the Web population gets their news and info from and through these portals on a daily basis. Consolidation means control of information, which may put too much of that power in one place. This could be like CBS merging with ABC. Potentially a bad thing for consumers, with the loss of news/editorial diversity.
2. A significant percentage of the Web population uses the Hotmail and Yahoo mail. Is this like UPS merging with FedEx or the USPS? As Newman said on Seinfeld, "When you control the mail, you control information!" Again, would there be too much of this control in one place?
3. There's the Google-DoubleClick angle too. Yahoo bought RightMedia--an adserving engine, Microsoft bought A-Quantive who owns DoubleClick's main competitor (Atlas Adserver). So, not only could Micro-Hoo control the information (through the portals and search results), they'd be watching us as we consume it. We may be off the deep end, but it's (again) potentially disadvantageous to the marketplace, consumers, and the free flow of ideas. Not to mention all this consumer and business data would sit with one company--whose servers the government could compel to hand over--sound familiar?
Take cover in the "long tail"
With this Google counterbalance in the increasingly less diverse marketplace, the only solace consumers would have from all this information control is in the long-tail. And thankfully, it's only a click away.
Go Pats!!
The boys from Boston (Mo and Vijay)
Not the only tablet user
I also have a cute story associated for my tablet. The other day I eyed an attractive women while commuting to work on the ACE train. I was kinda shy, and I didn't really have a way to talk to her, so I took out my Nokia N810 and drew the sketch attached. She was ecstatic when she saw it and we struck up a conversation that lasted the rest of the ride. Sad to say I didn't get a chance to take her on a date (uh, she was engaged without a ring), but I made a great friend to talk to on the train!
-Sargun
I also have a cute story associated for my tablet. The other day I eyed an attractive women while commuting to work on the ACE train. I was kinda shy, and I didn't really have a way to talk to her, so I took out my Nokia N810 and drew the sketch attached. She was ecstatic when she saw it and we struck up a conversation that lasted the rest of the ride. Sad to say I didn't get a chance to take her on a date (uh, she was engaged without a ring), but I made a great friend to talk to on the train!
-Sargun
My own MollyRant!
Tom and Molly (Jason too!);
Firstly, love the show, been listening since late 2005. I have chosen to make Buzztown my sounding board for these two items.
1. Since grammar is the hot topic of late, please stop using the word "insecure" to talk about security topics, the word is "unsecure." I'm pretty sure my Wi-Fi router doesn't need therapy because it feels badly about its easily hackable WEP encryption.
2. HD DVD is not dead--stop perpetuating this misnomer! Technical merits aside, I believe the HD DVD specifications were superior from the start and has not alienated any early adopters like Blu-ray spec 1.1 has and 2.0 will again. A "movie specialist" at Best Buy told me not to buy the HD DVD I had in my hand because, and I quote: "the war was over and HD DVD lost because of Warner went Blu-ray". Warner is not the be-all, end-all of movie studios. Looking back at their releases over the last few months, I see few "must have" releases. At least as many "must have" titles were released from Universal and Paramount (which are HD DVD exclusives) during the same timeframe. Most of the Warner releases have been back catalog titles that I already own on DVD. Looking forward, I see a few new releases from Warner I'll pick up when released. Also, the fact that Warner will not stop producing HD DVD titles until mid-year also seems to elude the media.
Not only is the war not over, but in fact, HD DVD could win this war easily if they only did one thing. Yes, I said it, checkmate in one move. It's so simple, I'm surprised they did not go this route from day one. Here it is: HD DVD Combo format is the only format the remaining two exclusive studios release content on. Here is the important part, the media must sell for the same price as the DVD- only version it is replacing. No more DVD-only version, so when Joe Customer goes to Wal-Mart to buy BeoWolf or American Gangster, it's only available in HD DVD Combo format. Joe Customer takes home his combo format movie, it plays in his regular DVD player (The title would also work in HD DVD or Blu-Ray---DVD format only). Fast-forward a year and now Joe Customer has 15 or 20 HD DVD combo discs in his house and he goes to the store to purchase one of those new fangled HD players--which one is he going to purchase? "Hmmm, I have to repurchase all my movies in HD if I want that Blu-ray player or my existing collection of movies already is HD on the HD DVD player." Game over!
Just my .02, hope you read it. :D
AJ
Tom and Molly (Jason too!);
Firstly, love the show, been listening since late 2005. I have chosen to make Buzztown my sounding board for these two items.
1. Since grammar is the hot topic of late, please stop using the word "insecure" to talk about security topics, the word is "unsecure." I'm pretty sure my Wi-Fi router doesn't need therapy because it feels badly about its easily hackable WEP encryption.
2. HD DVD is not dead--stop perpetuating this misnomer! Technical merits aside, I believe the HD DVD specifications were superior from the start and has not alienated any early adopters like Blu-ray spec 1.1 has and 2.0 will again. A "movie specialist" at Best Buy told me not to buy the HD DVD I had in my hand because, and I quote: "the war was over and HD DVD lost because of Warner went Blu-ray". Warner is not the be-all, end-all of movie studios. Looking back at their releases over the last few months, I see few "must have" releases. At least as many "must have" titles were released from Universal and Paramount (which are HD DVD exclusives) during the same timeframe. Most of the Warner releases have been back catalog titles that I already own on DVD. Looking forward, I see a few new releases from Warner I'll pick up when released. Also, the fact that Warner will not stop producing HD DVD titles until mid-year also seems to elude the media.
Not only is the war not over, but in fact, HD DVD could win this war easily if they only did one thing. Yes, I said it, checkmate in one move. It's so simple, I'm surprised they did not go this route from day one. Here it is: HD DVD Combo format is the only format the remaining two exclusive studios release content on. Here is the important part, the media must sell for the same price as the DVD- only version it is replacing. No more DVD-only version, so when Joe Customer goes to Wal-Mart to buy BeoWolf or American Gangster, it's only available in HD DVD Combo format. Joe Customer takes home his combo format movie, it plays in his regular DVD player (The title would also work in HD DVD or Blu-Ray---DVD format only). Fast-forward a year and now Joe Customer has 15 or 20 HD DVD combo discs in his house and he goes to the store to purchase one of those new fangled HD players--which one is he going to purchase? "Hmmm, I have to repurchase all my movies in HD if I want that Blu-ray player or my existing collection of movies already is HD on the HD DVD player." Game over!
Just my .02, hope you read it. :D
AJ
ISP profits from music downloads
Seriously?? In episode 650, you were incredulous that one might argue about an ISP profiting directly from providing high-speed music downloads. Has it really been that long since we last heard "...with Earthlink high-speed, you'd be able to download about 120 songs in the same amount of time, so there's your first 90 reasons to try Earthlink today!"
Otherwise, I agree that the ISPs should only be "shamed" into propping up the music industry as much as the airlines should be shamed into resurrecting Amtrak.
And just like everyone else says, "love the show."
Jonathan D.
Seriously?? In episode 650, you were incredulous that one might argue about an ISP profiting directly from providing high-speed music downloads. Has it really been that long since we last heard "...with Earthlink high-speed, you'd be able to download about 120 songs in the same amount of time, so there's your first 90 reasons to try Earthlink today!"
Otherwise, I agree that the ISPs should only be "shamed" into propping up the music industry as much as the airlines should be shamed into resurrecting Amtrak.
And just like everyone else says, "love the show."
Jonathan D.
File sharing
Greetings Buzztown,
The problem with filtering content at the ISP level is it won't stop anything. The pirates will simply use encrypted VPN and TOR servers.
An example is JungleDisk reviewed on Security Now #123. It uses encryption to store data using Amazon's S3 service. Even Amazon won't know what you are storing there.
Love the show.
Molly, love the new hairdo.
Henry C.
Southfield Michigan
Greetings Buzztown,
The problem with filtering content at the ISP level is it won't stop anything. The pirates will simply use encrypted VPN and TOR servers.
An example is JungleDisk reviewed on Security Now #123. It uses encryption to store data using Amazon's S3 service. Even Amazon won't know what you are storing there.
Love the show.
Molly, love the new hairdo.
Henry C.
Southfield Michigan
ISP filtering
I believe I know why the ISPs say they will not filter traffic for copyrighted material. It is probably because it can't be easily done. Now I could be wrong, as I have never done any filtering myself at my job. But as far as I know routers block by IPs or protocol, not by file types. Even if the RIAA and MPAA gave ISP hashes of their files, a file hash is based on the whole file. They would have to have a hash of every possible packet containing part of a song or movie. On top of that, not all packets for a transmission would travel through the same router. Then you have the fact that if a user makes a slight change to the file, say an encoding change, then the file's hash changes. The only way I can think of an ISP filtering copyrighted material is if they downloaded it first, looked at it, and if it was OK, send it your way. If ISPs started doing that, we might as well go back to dial-up. For now I believe we are safe from the demands of U2, the RIAA, and MPAA.
Nick
Network admin
Mesa, Arizona
I believe I know why the ISPs say they will not filter traffic for copyrighted material. It is probably because it can't be easily done. Now I could be wrong, as I have never done any filtering myself at my job. But as far as I know routers block by IPs or protocol, not by file types. Even if the RIAA and MPAA gave ISP hashes of their files, a file hash is based on the whole file. They would have to have a hash of every possible packet containing part of a song or movie. On top of that, not all packets for a transmission would travel through the same router. Then you have the fact that if a user makes a slight change to the file, say an encoding change, then the file's hash changes. The only way I can think of an ISP filtering copyrighted material is if they downloaded it first, looked at it, and if it was OK, send it your way. If ISPs started doing that, we might as well go back to dial-up. For now I believe we are safe from the demands of U2, the RIAA, and MPAA.
Nick
Network admin
Mesa, Arizona
Friggin' Valentines Day
Bah-humbug!
What has gotten into this show lately?
Alex (from Miami) is having babies and talking about how sexy other callers sound.
Then we have 10 other people say that Netflix/Mac Girl sounded sexy.
Then we also have someone the other day saying some guy sounded sexy.
(Not to mention that all of this 'you sound sexy" stuff started with Remy--or possibly it has its origins in the life-affirming "Molly had a baby" factoid).
Now we've got the Zune hook-up story, followed by the Tablet hook-up story.
All this romance and flirtatiousness and sexiness and intrigue--Buzztown is either going to need a singles bar or is going to be made the subject of an reality show or something.
Bah, humbug. I liked it better before all this kissy-face nonsense entered into the equation. When we'd just sit around and wait for tech things to happen then talk about them. Now everyone is holding hands and skipping off to the old Buzz-tree to carve their serial numbers into it. Hopefully by the 15th all this will be behind us, and we can just go on with the serious business of zombie stories and Lost spoilers.
Bah. Humbug.
Frank J. M. Lattuca, Esq.
Bah-humbug!
What has gotten into this show lately?
Alex (from Miami) is having babies and talking about how sexy other callers sound.
Then we have 10 other people say that Netflix/Mac Girl sounded sexy.
Then we also have someone the other day saying some guy sounded sexy.
(Not to mention that all of this 'you sound sexy" stuff started with Remy--or possibly it has its origins in the life-affirming "Molly had a baby" factoid).
Now we've got the Zune hook-up story, followed by the Tablet hook-up story.
All this romance and flirtatiousness and sexiness and intrigue--Buzztown is either going to need a singles bar or is going to be made the subject of an reality show or something.
Bah, humbug. I liked it better before all this kissy-face nonsense entered into the equation. When we'd just sit around and wait for tech things to happen then talk about them. Now everyone is holding hands and skipping off to the old Buzz-tree to carve their serial numbers into it. Hopefully by the 15th all this will be behind us, and we can just go on with the serious business of zombie stories and Lost spoilers.
Bah. Humbug.
Frank J. M. Lattuca, Esq.
January 31, 2008 11:15 AM PST
Serious news today: A cut submarine cable damages Middle East Internet access, Amazon acquires Audible, and we rail against "super duper" as a serious political news term. In other news, the C Block hits its reserve price, and Verizon and the RIAA agree that the government shouldn't mandate ISP-level traffic filtering. Although the RIAA still wouldn't mind if Verizon did it just to be nice.
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 651 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Sentient Lee from Michigan
How we all die and become zombies.
How we all die and become zombies.
Kim
Here's something about eBay.
Here's something about eBay.
Jim in Midway, Ohio
FCC auction.
FCC auction.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
More grist for the copyright abuse mill
Hey Buzz crew,
Long time listener, but inactive responder as I am always listening to the previous day's podcast on my morning commute. I can't even pause and call on the cell phone while driving, (not that I would, of course) because I am already the proverbial day late and dollar short.
So, this isn't in response to anything particular from a show, just a story from TechDirt on yet another salvo in the Culture of Ownership wars (see link and excerpt below).
Heh (not LOL)--maybe you already talked about it today.
BTW: After fixing Netizen usage of "its" and "it's", could you please do something about "loose" and "lose." Arghhh!
Love the show, love the rants!
Best,
Bob in New Jersey
Hey Buzz crew,
Long time listener, but inactive responder as I am always listening to the previous day's podcast on my morning commute. I can't even pause and call on the cell phone while driving, (not that I would, of course) because I am already the proverbial day late and dollar short.
So, this isn't in response to anything particular from a show, just a story from TechDirt on yet another salvo in the Culture of Ownership wars (see link and excerpt below).
Heh (not LOL)--maybe you already talked about it today.
BTW: After fixing Netizen usage of "its" and "it's", could you please do something about "loose" and "lose." Arghhh!
Love the show, love the rants!
Best,
Bob in New Jersey
Should U2 be held responsible?
In regards to the story in episode 650 about U2. My question is, if U2 should be held to the same standards for any criminal activity that occurs at their concerts? Should they have to collect and provide lists of concert-goers, track activity, and be held responsible for any illegal activity that might occur at their concerts?
'Nuff said.
Darrin in New York
In regards to the story in episode 650 about U2. My question is, if U2 should be held to the same standards for any criminal activity that occurs at their concerts? Should they have to collect and provide lists of concert-goers, track activity, and be held responsible for any illegal activity that might occur at their concerts?
'Nuff said.
Darrin in New York
Paul McGuiness
Hi Jason, Molly, Tom (thought I would shake up the order),
I am writing concerning my fellow countryman, Paul McGuinness and his comments on ISPs, episode 650. I think he is totally disingenuous, he rants about ISPs destroying music. I totally agree that to compel ISPs to introduce mandatory service disconnections to end unauthorized downloading, is total madness.
He specifically accused companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook of building "multibillion dollar industries on the back of our content without paying for it". Could that be because he could then sue the world's richest men for a lot more money to stick in his Dutch U2 bank account now, would it Paul? These comments are rich, forgive the pun, considering this same individual and his band U2, moved their finances-- Euro 690 million, to evade Euro 15 million in taxes. Why then should the average individual concern themselves over huge businesses that abuse our tax systems, to ensure their ability to buy bigger silver spoons? Boo hoo hoo Paul, Bono etc.
Paul wants to "shift the focus of moral pressure away from the individual P2P thief and on to the multibillion dollar industries that benefit from these tiny crimes." Also, could this be the same individual who signed a multimillion dollar deal with Apple back in 2004 on behalf of U2 so that they would help promote the iPod with the sale of their own limited edition versions.
I totally agree with you, Tom and Molly, that no business should have to support another business.
Anyway great show, listen all the time for about a year, great to distract me at work.
Cheers,
Mike
Hi Jason, Molly, Tom (thought I would shake up the order),
I am writing concerning my fellow countryman, Paul McGuinness and his comments on ISPs, episode 650. I think he is totally disingenuous, he rants about ISPs destroying music. I totally agree that to compel ISPs to introduce mandatory service disconnections to end unauthorized downloading, is total madness.
He specifically accused companies such as Apple, Google, and Facebook of building "multibillion dollar industries on the back of our content without paying for it". Could that be because he could then sue the world's richest men for a lot more money to stick in his Dutch U2 bank account now, would it Paul? These comments are rich, forgive the pun, considering this same individual and his band U2, moved their finances-- Euro 690 million, to evade Euro 15 million in taxes. Why then should the average individual concern themselves over huge businesses that abuse our tax systems, to ensure their ability to buy bigger silver spoons? Boo hoo hoo Paul, Bono etc.
Paul wants to "shift the focus of moral pressure away from the individual P2P thief and on to the multibillion dollar industries that benefit from these tiny crimes." Also, could this be the same individual who signed a multimillion dollar deal with Apple back in 2004 on behalf of U2 so that they would help promote the iPod with the sale of their own limited edition versions.
I totally agree with you, Tom and Molly, that no business should have to support another business.
Anyway great show, listen all the time for about a year, great to distract me at work.
Cheers,
Mike
Technology breaking the ice
Hey Buzzards, Ankh in Dublin here.
In episode 650 you played a call from someone who had listened to two Zune users hooking up on the back of a bus. Well, I have trumps on that one: Last night an attractive girl sat beside me on the DART; she seemed to be crying, so I set about trying to cheer her up. I whipped out my HP tx1000, snapped it into tablet mode and we drew some silly pictures together.
She cheered up. Mission complete!
-Keep up the good work. and tell that Merritt to expect an angry e-mail from me soon.
Ankwatcher
Hey Buzzards, Ankh in Dublin here.
In episode 650 you played a call from someone who had listened to two Zune users hooking up on the back of a bus. Well, I have trumps on that one: Last night an attractive girl sat beside me on the DART; she seemed to be crying, so I set about trying to cheer her up. I whipped out my HP tx1000, snapped it into tablet mode and we drew some silly pictures together.
She cheered up. Mission complete!
-Keep up the good work. and tell that Merritt to expect an angry e-mail from me soon.
Ankwatcher
Did you say Singapore sells iPhones?
Hey BOL crew,
I'm in the army, so I only download episodes over the weekend and listen to them over a week, so forgive me for being slow on this one.
Anyway, on episode 648, Tom was responding to the e-mail from the guy from Thailand who sees iPhones everywhere, mentioning that "if Thailand has that many, you gotta figure Singapore..." would have them selling everywhere too.
Well actually, a few weeks ago, Apple sent letters to every Singapore retailer selling unlocked iPhones telling them that it is illegal to do so and that they will fine them $1,000 (not sure U.S. or Singapore dollars) per iPhone they sell! (I may be wrong about the price, it's on iLounge.com. Their mobile version only goes so far back.)
I think they said something about copyright infringement, because you pay for the license to use but not modify the phone. Can't really remember. I asked people in the industry about this and they said some guy here signed Singapore up for a stricter DMCA that doesn't allow unlocking. We've never heard of subsidy locks before the iPhone, you see. It's illegal for carriers to lock phones here. So the only iPhones around here are either purchased before Apple stepped in or are doing it in the dark. Yeah. As if not bringing the iTunes store here wasn't bad enough.
Just thought I'd throw in that "well actually."
Oh, and really love the show, been listening before Veronica was on board. :)
Dan the Singapore podcaster
P.S. I love the newsletter 'cos I can't get to the BOL blog while at work (well, I could, but my phone's browser won't load it properly), so I rely on reading them in my Gmail mobile from my Nokia E61 when I'm in my army camp. In fact, sometimes I read them instead of listening to the show 'cos I've collected too much backlot over the weekend, and there's no time to listen during the weekdays.
Hey BOL crew,
I'm in the army, so I only download episodes over the weekend and listen to them over a week, so forgive me for being slow on this one.
Anyway, on episode 648, Tom was responding to the e-mail from the guy from Thailand who sees iPhones everywhere, mentioning that "if Thailand has that many, you gotta figure Singapore..." would have them selling everywhere too.
Well actually, a few weeks ago, Apple sent letters to every Singapore retailer selling unlocked iPhones telling them that it is illegal to do so and that they will fine them $1,000 (not sure U.S. or Singapore dollars) per iPhone they sell! (I may be wrong about the price, it's on iLounge.com. Their mobile version only goes so far back.)
I think they said something about copyright infringement, because you pay for the license to use but not modify the phone. Can't really remember. I asked people in the industry about this and they said some guy here signed Singapore up for a stricter DMCA that doesn't allow unlocking. We've never heard of subsidy locks before the iPhone, you see. It's illegal for carriers to lock phones here. So the only iPhones around here are either purchased before Apple stepped in or are doing it in the dark. Yeah. As if not bringing the iTunes store here wasn't bad enough.
Just thought I'd throw in that "well actually."
Oh, and really love the show, been listening before Veronica was on board. :)
Dan the Singapore podcaster
P.S. I love the newsletter 'cos I can't get to the BOL blog while at work (well, I could, but my phone's browser won't load it properly), so I rely on reading them in my Gmail mobile from my Nokia E61 when I'm in my army camp. In fact, sometimes I read them instead of listening to the show 'cos I've collected too much backlot over the weekend, and there's no time to listen during the weekdays.
Weather control
Hey Jason, or China,
I was outside shoveling the 35cm of snow we got today (with 120km/h winds and -30C windchill that shut down our whole city and closed about 700km of highway in northern Ontario) while listening to today's BOL. So, umm, could Jason or China do something about this?
On the plus side, my neuropharm students missed a midterm, so there is that.
Dave (the snow-shoveling psychologist)
Hey Jason, or China,
I was outside shoveling the 35cm of snow we got today (with 120km/h winds and -30C windchill that shut down our whole city and closed about 700km of highway in northern Ontario) while listening to today's BOL. So, umm, could Jason or China do something about this?
On the plus side, my neuropharm students missed a midterm, so there is that.
Dave (the snow-shoveling psychologist)
Beware the Mollet!
Ben from Highland, Illinois
Go Bulldogs!
BTW, Tom, thank god for the DMV in Greenville--it is way better than Edwardsville's two-hour wait!
Ben from Highland, Illinois
Go Bulldogs!
BTW, Tom, thank god for the DMV in Greenville--it is way better than Edwardsville's two-hour wait!
January 30, 2008 11:40 AM PST
Rounding down to zero? Don't be ridiculous. Forcing ISPs to monitor and filter Internet traffic in order to guarantee that music artists continue to make money, so that the ISPs feel some sort of moral obligation to keep U2 in fancy leather pants. It sounds illogical when you put it that way, right? We thought so.
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 650 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Mike from Jersey
Microsoft says they'll wait for quality this time.
Microsoft says they'll wait for quality this time.
Alex from Austin
What about eBay shipping fees?
What about eBay shipping fees?
George from Chicago
Off-site backup.
Off-site backup.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Ryan's ISP?
Peter from Melbourne Australia has got to have the most amazingly sexy voice ever! Thanks for playing his voice mail twice. Oh, and in case you are learning all the languages in reverse alphabetical order, the correct (Chinese) pronunciation of LiXindi is Lee Shin Dee. The last time I e-mailed, Molly pronounced it more like Lee Zindy, which, while incorrect, is tons better than the usual Lick Cindy that I get.
Hiding from the black holes,
LiXindi
Peter from Melbourne Australia has got to have the most amazingly sexy voice ever! Thanks for playing his voice mail twice. Oh, and in case you are learning all the languages in reverse alphabetical order, the correct (Chinese) pronunciation of LiXindi is Lee Shin Dee. The last time I e-mailed, Molly pronounced it more like Lee Zindy, which, while incorrect, is tons better than the usual Lick Cindy that I get.
Hiding from the black holes,
LiXindi
Amazon 404 huh?
Ahoy Buzzards,
I'll try to keep this e-mail under 30 seconds. (Just read it really fast.)
According to Slashdot, Jeff Bezos has been awarded a patent for Error Processing Methods for Providing Responsive Content to a User When a Page Load Error Occurs, including, apparently, 404 Not Found redirects. If this truly is the meat of this patent, I suspect prior art is to be found. I know I've been running a 404 redirect via .htaccess for longer than Amazon's been in business. I doubt this patent would hold up were it to be tested in court. I cry shenanigans!
Buzz on. I'm buzzing off,
Drew the Wi-Fi guy from Kentucky
Ahoy Buzzards,
I'll try to keep this e-mail under 30 seconds. (Just read it really fast.)
According to Slashdot, Jeff Bezos has been awarded a patent for Error Processing Methods for Providing Responsive Content to a User When a Page Load Error Occurs, including, apparently, 404 Not Found redirects. If this truly is the meat of this patent, I suspect prior art is to be found. I know I've been running a 404 redirect via .htaccess for longer than Amazon's been in business. I doubt this patent would hold up were it to be tested in court. I cry shenanigans!
Buzz on. I'm buzzing off,
Drew the Wi-Fi guy from Kentucky
Amazon baby registry
In regards to Episode 649, Absolon's (sp?) e-mail from Amazon Baby Registry. My wife received a similar message and we had an Amazon also had a wedding registry. We just assumed it was a phishing scam. If you don't follow the link and go directly to your Amazon Registries, there is no established baby registry.
Marc
In regards to Episode 649, Absolon's (sp?) e-mail from Amazon Baby Registry. My wife received a similar message and we had an Amazon also had a wedding registry. We just assumed it was a phishing scam. If you don't follow the link and go directly to your Amazon Registries, there is no established baby registry.
Marc
Large Hadron Collider...well, actually...
Dear Tom & Molly (Jason wasn't on the show that day, but hi anyway!),
Well you did it, you finally riled me enough to send in my first "well actually." In BOL episode 649, you guys went through a list of possible ways the world might end, one of which will supposedly be caused by the Large Hadron Collider. This is totally bogus, it is not as Tom put it, "a small probability thing" but in fact a zero probability thing. In case you guys don't believe me, you could checkout the Astronomy Cast podcast episode 69. At about 22:31, an actual astronomer (with a Ph.D!) addresses this very rumor! I hope you note this correction on the show because I would hate it if BOL contributed to the stereotype of scientists as lunatics who are out to destroy mankind.
Please excuse my terrible punctuation, Molly. Thanks guys, love the show!
Jerad
Dear Tom & Molly (Jason wasn't on the show that day, but hi anyway!),
Well you did it, you finally riled me enough to send in my first "well actually." In BOL episode 649, you guys went through a list of possible ways the world might end, one of which will supposedly be caused by the Large Hadron Collider. This is totally bogus, it is not as Tom put it, "a small probability thing" but in fact a zero probability thing. In case you guys don't believe me, you could checkout the Astronomy Cast podcast episode 69. At about 22:31, an actual astronomer (with a Ph.D!) addresses this very rumor! I hope you note this correction on the show because I would hate it if BOL contributed to the stereotype of scientists as lunatics who are out to destroy mankind.
Please excuse my terrible punctuation, Molly. Thanks guys, love the show!
Jerad
iPhones in Cabo confirmed!
I left my iPhone at home, but did see someone playing with an iPhone at this restaurant where you can do shots with tequila that has rattlesnakes soaking in it.
WTH? I love me some tequila but politely passed on this.
Tracy in Atlanta
I left my iPhone at home, but did see someone playing with an iPhone at this restaurant where you can do shots with tequila that has rattlesnakes soaking in it.
WTH? I love me some tequila but politely passed on this.
Tracy in Atlanta
First WiMax provider for Australia
Hi Tom, Molly, and Jason,
I was just on my ISP's Web site checking how much of my metered bandwidth I'd used for the month when I noticed they had a press release on their site saying they have started rolling out WiMax in rural Australia, and it's backed by the Federal government.
Between this and the new Prime Minister's election promise to have fiber to the node rolled out in all Australian cities, it looks like we really might be able to get 99 percent of Australia connected to broadband like the politicians are aiming for.
Nik
Hi Tom, Molly, and Jason,
I was just on my ISP's Web site checking how much of my metered bandwidth I'd used for the month when I noticed they had a press release on their site saying they have started rolling out WiMax in rural Australia, and it's backed by the Federal government.
Between this and the new Prime Minister's election promise to have fiber to the node rolled out in all Australian cities, it looks like we really might be able to get 99 percent of Australia connected to broadband like the politicians are aiming for.
Nik
iPhones in Estonia
Since everyone is talking about iPhones in their countries, I will, too. :p There are a lot of shops selling already unlocked iPhones here, for 9K to 11K EEK, that's about $900 to $1,100. Also, Estonia doesn't have phone + gsm plans for the most part, everyone just buys a sim-card seperately to their phone. I had no idea about these gsm+phone plans or whatever until I heard about the iPhone, actually.
Fred
Since everyone is talking about iPhones in their countries, I will, too. :p There are a lot of shops selling already unlocked iPhones here, for 9K to 11K EEK, that's about $900 to $1,100. Also, Estonia doesn't have phone + gsm plans for the most part, everyone just buys a sim-card seperately to their phone. I had no idea about these gsm+phone plans or whatever until I heard about the iPhone, actually.
Fred
Skylab
Hi Buzz crew,
This is Mike from Perth, Western Australia. I'm a day behind in listening to your episodes, so apologies if this has already been discussed. The parts of Skylab that survived re-entry mostly crashed near Esperance, WA on the 11th of July, 1979 (nine days before I was born!), and I've been to see the small museum there as some of my family lives nearby. There's something cool about looking at man-made things that've flown through space, hurtled back to earth and smashed into the ground at mach eleventythree. Or maybe that's just me.
Anyway, the Esperance local government issued the U.S. with a $400 fine for littering, which remains unpaid. I figure by now we can pick ourselves up a nice Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with the overdue fees.
Anyway, love the show, thanks for keeping us all entertained and informed.
-Mike
P.S. Fordo rocks :)
Hi Buzz crew,
This is Mike from Perth, Western Australia. I'm a day behind in listening to your episodes, so apologies if this has already been discussed. The parts of Skylab that survived re-entry mostly crashed near Esperance, WA on the 11th of July, 1979 (nine days before I was born!), and I've been to see the small museum there as some of my family lives nearby. There's something cool about looking at man-made things that've flown through space, hurtled back to earth and smashed into the ground at mach eleventythree. Or maybe that's just me.
Anyway, the Esperance local government issued the U.S. with a $400 fine for littering, which remains unpaid. I figure by now we can pick ourselves up a nice Nimitz-class aircraft carrier with the overdue fees.
Anyway, love the show, thanks for keeping us all entertained and informed.
-Mike
P.S. Fordo rocks :)
Saw the craziest thing today
So I'm on the city bus going to school, sitting in the very front like all nerds do. I take a quick look to the back of the bus, and I see a guy hold up his Zune to another passenger and asks if she has one. Surprisingly, she did! They began to talk and started sharing music between each other. It was a sight to see. Maybe there's something to this whole "the social" thing after all.
Jonny from Connecticut
So I'm on the city bus going to school, sitting in the very front like all nerds do. I take a quick look to the back of the bus, and I see a guy hold up his Zune to another passenger and asks if she has one. Surprisingly, she did! They began to talk and started sharing music between each other. It was a sight to see. Maybe there's something to this whole "the social" thing after all.
Jonny from Connecticut
January 29, 2008 11:54 AM PST
According to one scientist, the world is most likely to end due to asteroid impact or a black hole, but either way, we'll be reading books when it happens. Also today, could Automatic kill Twitter? Qtrax still hasn't launched and is still infuriating artists, and a Norwegian TV show goes on Bittorrent ... on purpose.
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 649 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Chris in Nashville
Go grammar people!
Go grammar people!
Myrna
Proper pronunciation of Paulo Coelho.
Proper pronunciation of Paulo Coelho.
Anonymous
Hair cut hot.
Hair cut hot.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Quicken
Just listening to episode 648, when Molly was talking about Quicken not working. I thought it was a well-known fact that Quicken disables support for software once it is three years old. There is no other reason for this than Quicken wanting you to buy their software over and over again. I bought Quicken 2007 before I knew this, and now I regret it. Fear not, I will never buy a Quicken product again. I really don't like the fact that they disable support just to sell more copies. It might be different if they put new features into the new versions that are actually good, but as Molly said, the new versions just don't offer anything meaningful over the previous versions. As it stands, that's how they sell more copies.
Tyler
Just listening to episode 648, when Molly was talking about Quicken not working. I thought it was a well-known fact that Quicken disables support for software once it is three years old. There is no other reason for this than Quicken wanting you to buy their software over and over again. I bought Quicken 2007 before I knew this, and now I regret it. Fear not, I will never buy a Quicken product again. I really don't like the fact that they disable support just to sell more copies. It might be different if they put new features into the new versions that are actually good, but as Molly said, the new versions just don't offer anything meaningful over the previous versions. As it stands, that's how they sell more copies.
Tyler
POP mail Yahoo in Mexico
Hi--
Just to let you know that Yahoo Mail Mexico has free POP mail service, no charge at all, Jason should check in his account options.
On other topic, in Mexico we have a major mobile phone player Telcel with 80 percent of the market, and they had all the cool phones, so it doesn't matter if is blocked or not, in the iPhone, officialy there is no launch of that here, but there are stores already selling it unblocked to work with Telcel and Movistar (GSM providers), one of the stores is the iPodMania store in all the country. (The closest thing to an Apple store in Mexico.)
Love the show.
Jorge Arturo
Hi--
Just to let you know that Yahoo Mail Mexico has free POP mail service, no charge at all, Jason should check in his account options.
On other topic, in Mexico we have a major mobile phone player Telcel with 80 percent of the market, and they had all the cool phones, so it doesn't matter if is blocked or not, in the iPhone, officialy there is no launch of that here, but there are stores already selling it unblocked to work with Telcel and Movistar (GSM providers), one of the stores is the iPodMania store in all the country. (The closest thing to an Apple store in Mexico.)
Love the show.
Jorge Arturo
Amazon wants me to have babies
Hey buzz crew,
So I wake up today and check my e-mail, only to see that someone has purchased a product from my baby registry. Thing is, I'm not having a baby. This came as a huge surprise to both my wife and I. We got married in September and I'm led to believe that the Amazon.com A.I needs us to have this baby. Could it be that my baby will be the architect of the robotic uprising? What are your thoughts?
Absalon from Chicago
Hey buzz crew,
So I wake up today and check my e-mail, only to see that someone has purchased a product from my baby registry. Thing is, I'm not having a baby. This came as a huge surprise to both my wife and I. We got married in September and I'm led to believe that the Amazon.com A.I needs us to have this baby. Could it be that my baby will be the architect of the robotic uprising? What are your thoughts?
Absalon from Chicago
iPhone jailbreak
Hey Tom, Molly and Jason,
Just wanted to let you guys know that yesterday AriX and I released iJailBreakMobile 1.0, which allows iPhones and iPod Touches on Jailbroken 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 installations to upgrade to Jailbreak 1.1.3 without the use of the computer--it's all done over the Internet and on the device through Installer.app.
The process is relatively simple and essentially all you have to do is add a new source to Installer.app (ijailbreak.com/repo.plist) and choose which firmware you're upgrading from in the new iJailBreakMobile category. (I've written out more detailed instructions at iJailBreak.com.)
Although this does delete third-party applications installed on your 1.1.1 or 1.1.2, it doesn't delete the settings, so if/when you reinstall them, all preferences or high-scores or whatever will show up. Also, this doesn't mess with any iPhone activation or unlocks--the phone will work "right out of the box."
Just wanted to let you guys know that you don't just have to have a Mac (or even a Windows PC) to get third-party apps on your iPod Touch or iPhone!
Thanks,
Ben from Philadelphia
Hey Tom, Molly and Jason,
Just wanted to let you guys know that yesterday AriX and I released iJailBreakMobile 1.0, which allows iPhones and iPod Touches on Jailbroken 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 installations to upgrade to Jailbreak 1.1.3 without the use of the computer--it's all done over the Internet and on the device through Installer.app.
The process is relatively simple and essentially all you have to do is add a new source to Installer.app (ijailbreak.com/repo.plist) and choose which firmware you're upgrading from in the new iJailBreakMobile category. (I've written out more detailed instructions at iJailBreak.com.)
Although this does delete third-party applications installed on your 1.1.1 or 1.1.2, it doesn't delete the settings, so if/when you reinstall them, all preferences or high-scores or whatever will show up. Also, this doesn't mess with any iPhone activation or unlocks--the phone will work "right out of the box."
Just wanted to let you guys know that you don't just have to have a Mac (or even a Windows PC) to get third-party apps on your iPod Touch or iPhone!
Thanks,
Ben from Philadelphia
We're through, Molly!
Hi Buzz,
I am a huge fan of your show, but I'm afraid I may not be able to be a loyal listener much longer. After Molly stated in episode 648 that sources offering free MP3s is not to be trusted, but doesn't music.download.com to this very thing?
And after seeing Molly's latest Buzz Report linking her to the CIA, I'm beginning to wonder how much I can trust her. Love the show, keep up the good work.
Best,
Matt
Hi Buzz,
I am a huge fan of your show, but I'm afraid I may not be able to be a loyal listener much longer. After Molly stated in episode 648 that sources offering free MP3s is not to be trusted, but doesn't music.download.com to this very thing?
And after seeing Molly's latest Buzz Report linking her to the CIA, I'm beginning to wonder how much I can trust her. Love the show, keep up the good work.
Best,
Matt
This is how the world ends
This is an interesting talk given at the TED conference in 2002 about the 10 most likely ways the world will come to and end.
#9 is aliens. All I'm sayin'.
Ethan
Minneapolis
This is an interesting talk given at the TED conference in 2002 about the 10 most likely ways the world will come to and end.
#9 is aliens. All I'm sayin'.
Ethan
Minneapolis
iPhones around the world
Hey BOL, this is Hamza from UAE.
I was just listening to episode 648 and just wanted to tell you that over here, too, you can get an iPhone from almost anywhere. Even Virgin magastores has them "under the counter" (Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge) but for a whopping price of $1,089. Love the show.
Hey BOL, this is Hamza from UAE.
I was just listening to episode 648 and just wanted to tell you that over here, too, you can get an iPhone from almost anywhere. Even Virgin magastores has them "under the counter" (Wink, Wink, Nudge, Nudge) but for a whopping price of $1,089. Love the show.
I have to correct you on your assumption that there are unlocked iPhones
everywhere in Japan. I suppose this is in part due to the fact that it's
virtually impossible to get only a SIM card here. A phone is pretty much
tied to a plan here and vice versa. And even though you can watch TV on
a lot phones, they're all the same kind of uninspired clam-shell clone.
If and when the iPhone finally does come out over here, it may well turn the market on its head like it did in the U.S.
You were correct about Hong Kong though.
Chrs,
Dav the freshly married guy
If and when the iPhone finally does come out over here, it may well turn the market on its head like it did in the U.S.
You were correct about Hong Kong though.
Chrs,
Dav the freshly married guy
Regarding the subject on iPhones from Friday (episode 647). You were
wondering how many iPhones were in Canada, Australia, and all the other
places where iPhone hasn't launched yet.
Did you think about Colombia?
Well, in my country I have seen many people calling on their iPhones. In fact, in our criolla version of eBay, Deremate.com you can find locked and unlocked iPhones (at insane prices). So maybe there are more places to look for the missing iPods in the Apple numbers.
Thank you for changing my commute from boring to interesting and informative.
Regards,
Bernardo the reservoir engineer
Did you think about Colombia?
Well, in my country I have seen many people calling on their iPhones. In fact, in our criolla version of eBay, Deremate.com you can find locked and unlocked iPhones (at insane prices). So maybe there are more places to look for the missing iPods in the Apple numbers.
Thank you for changing my commute from boring to interesting and informative.
Regards,
Bernardo the reservoir engineer
Show notes, RSS style
Hey, you guys said you can get the show notes in an RSS feed--how would I go about doing this? 'Cause I'm not gonna lie, I don't really check it in my Gmail, but I might in Google Reader (when I'm listening to the show).
Thanks!
Hey, you guys said you can get the show notes in an RSS feed--how would I go about doing this? 'Cause I'm not gonna lie, I don't really check it in my Gmail, but I might in Google Reader (when I'm listening to the show).
Thanks!
January 28, 2008 11:36 AM PST
BOL can now predict, based one early returns, Blu-Ray will win the high-definition format war. But tune in tomorrow, there's still a close race for second place! HD VMD could make a surprise showing! In other news, Scientology, for once, is the one under attack, and Qtrax ... well. Poor Qtrax.
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 648 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
David from Milwaukee
Put some XP on your MacBook.
Put some XP on your MacBook.
Jason?
I pay a lot per text message.
I pay a lot per text message.
Shalin
Everybody loves Fordo.
Everybody loves Fordo.
Mark
Five-second call.
Five-second call.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Hey guys,
I'm not one to peruse the news sites, and so I depend on Buzz Out Loud to keep me in the loop on tech-related stuff that comes up during small talk around the office.
For the first time, I had to tell my friends and coworkers that I had not heard of a story. Apparently, it, or a related story had been on USA Today, Wired, Time, NBC, SkyNews, NPR, FoxNews, the Drudge Report, The Register, Slashdot, and News.com, but nothing on BOL.
Sample conversation.
Non-tech-savvy coworker: What do you know about the hackers that
attacked Scientology? Me: Hackers attacked Scientology?
Non-tech-savvy coworker: Yeah, it was on Kevin and Bean this morning. I thought you kept up on hacker news. Me: ...
So, I went to Digg and found dozens of stories.
I depend on BOL to keep me away from places like Digg!
=[
Anthony
I'm not one to peruse the news sites, and so I depend on Buzz Out Loud to keep me in the loop on tech-related stuff that comes up during small talk around the office.
For the first time, I had to tell my friends and coworkers that I had not heard of a story. Apparently, it, or a related story had been on USA Today, Wired, Time, NBC, SkyNews, NPR, FoxNews, the Drudge Report, The Register, Slashdot, and News.com, but nothing on BOL.
Sample conversation.
Non-tech-savvy coworker: What do you know about the hackers that
attacked Scientology? Me: Hackers attacked Scientology?
Non-tech-savvy coworker: Yeah, it was on Kevin and Bean this morning. I thought you kept up on hacker news. Me: ...
So, I went to Digg and found dozens of stories.
I depend on BOL to keep me away from places like Digg!
=[
Anthony
Molly? Where were you?
Molly, you disappoint the world when you were a no-show for TWiT. Just letting you know. :(
Love the show.
Kevin Brown
Molly, you disappoint the world when you were a no-show for TWiT. Just letting you know. :(
Love the show.
Kevin Brown
Here's where the iPhones went
Hi everyone,
My name is Nick. I'm Thai. I live in Bangkok.
With reference to number of iPhone Apple sold and number of iPhone registered with AT&T. I'm not surprise at all. Because most of my friends, my sister, my uncle and my girlfriend are using iPhone. I see iPhone everywhere I go in Bangkok.
There is one shopping center where there are many mobile phone shop (more that 200 mobile phone shop). 95 percent of those shop have iPhone on sell. They are selling iPhone locked at about USD575 and unlocked iPhone at about USD700.
I heard that AIS (Thai carrier) is talking with Apple to bring iPhone to Thailand officially. But I don't think it will work. As iPhones in U.S. are subsidized by AT&T. Official iPhone would cost USD1,000 in Thailand.
I hope this information would be useful. Love the show. BOL helps me get through Bangkok traffic everyday.
Best regards,
Nick
Hi everyone,
My name is Nick. I'm Thai. I live in Bangkok.
With reference to number of iPhone Apple sold and number of iPhone registered with AT&T. I'm not surprise at all. Because most of my friends, my sister, my uncle and my girlfriend are using iPhone. I see iPhone everywhere I go in Bangkok.
There is one shopping center where there are many mobile phone shop (more that 200 mobile phone shop). 95 percent of those shop have iPhone on sell. They are selling iPhone locked at about USD575 and unlocked iPhone at about USD700.
I heard that AIS (Thai carrier) is talking with Apple to bring iPhone to Thailand officially. But I don't think it will work. As iPhones in U.S. are subsidized by AT&T. Official iPhone would cost USD1,000 in Thailand.
I hope this information would be useful. Love the show. BOL helps me get through Bangkok traffic everyday.
Best regards,
Nick
Coffee explanation
Ian re: the coffee voice mail. Remember when you guys were talking about Verizon waking up and smelling the coffee!?! Geez....
Oh. Um. Obviously.
Ian re: the coffee voice mail. Remember when you guys were talking about Verizon waking up and smelling the coffee!?! Geez....
Oh. Um. Obviously.
January 25, 2008 11:09 AM PST
Deletions happen, people. Would you rather look out for crazy employees (like the one who deleted $2.5 million worth of architectural records because she thought she might get fired) and careless ISPs (like Charter, which accidentally wiped out 14,000 e-mail accounts), or just back up and settle down? I bet a Drobo's looking pretty good right now, eh?
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 647 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Wild podcaster
Ha!
Ha!
Alan the bean counter
Coffee, yeah, coffee.
Coffee, yeah, coffee.
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Verizon gets marketing but little else, and sunspot update
Molly, Tom, and Jason:
I have been listening for a year and half and also love the podcast.
I really look forward to my BOL each morning.
Of the hundreds of vendors, customers, and governmental entities I deal with, only two stand out as abysmal.
Verizon does not get it at all at the day-to-day service level. Customer response time, access to knowledgeable technical support personnel, and the knowledge and workmanship of onsite service has sunk so low over the years that it is truly beyond belief. I deal with them every two or three months, and they never disappoint in their ability to be the bane of my business existence.
BTW, Comcast is a very, very close second.
Well actually: As a ham radio operator (call sign K3FY) we depend on sunspots to supply ionizing energy to certain layers of the ionosphere to enable us to bounce our radio signals back to earth. The angle of this reflection varies with the ionosphere's density, the frequency of radio waves used, and the take-off angle of the originating signals. This reflection allows us to greatly extend our communications range, and at times with several bounces a complete circle of the earth occurs. Now back to the sunspots themselves. The occurrence frequency of sunspots varies within an 11-year cycle. Each cycle is given a number. We are currently at a sunspot minimum with virtually no sunspots. However, this marks the beginning of next 11-year sunspot cycle number 24. The occurrence of sunspots and generally their size will both be slowly increasing over the next 5-1/2 years. Only the big ones tend to threaten power grids and communications. Please refer to the links below for more information.
Graph from http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/SunspotCycle.shtml
An excellent source of sun information.
Tom, I also love "The Real Deal."
Mark Holzbach
Molly, Tom, and Jason:
I have been listening for a year and half and also love the podcast.
I really look forward to my BOL each morning.
Of the hundreds of vendors, customers, and governmental entities I deal with, only two stand out as abysmal.
Verizon does not get it at all at the day-to-day service level. Customer response time, access to knowledgeable technical support personnel, and the knowledge and workmanship of onsite service has sunk so low over the years that it is truly beyond belief. I deal with them every two or three months, and they never disappoint in their ability to be the bane of my business existence.
BTW, Comcast is a very, very close second.
Well actually: As a ham radio operator (call sign K3FY) we depend on sunspots to supply ionizing energy to certain layers of the ionosphere to enable us to bounce our radio signals back to earth. The angle of this reflection varies with the ionosphere's density, the frequency of radio waves used, and the take-off angle of the originating signals. This reflection allows us to greatly extend our communications range, and at times with several bounces a complete circle of the earth occurs. Now back to the sunspots themselves. The occurrence frequency of sunspots varies within an 11-year cycle. Each cycle is given a number. We are currently at a sunspot minimum with virtually no sunspots. However, this marks the beginning of next 11-year sunspot cycle number 24. The occurrence of sunspots and generally their size will both be slowly increasing over the next 5-1/2 years. Only the big ones tend to threaten power grids and communications. Please refer to the links below for more information.
Graph from http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/SunspotCycle.shtml
An excellent source of sun information.
Tom, I also love "The Real Deal."
Mark Holzbach
Ice cream
Hey B.O.L. crew,
I was listening to show #646 at work yesterday and had to stop everything and concentrate on the show. My attention was grabbed by the voice mail at the end of the show. I heard this woman bouncing through thoughts like she was hopped up on caffeine. I liked that. It reminded me of me. The only difference is I have Netfilx streaming to my laptop, and I have the HBO on broadband. The only thing I need is someone to bring the ice cream.
Love the show,
Mike from Wisconsin
Hey B.O.L. crew,
I was listening to show #646 at work yesterday and had to stop everything and concentrate on the show. My attention was grabbed by the voice mail at the end of the show. I heard this woman bouncing through thoughts like she was hopped up on caffeine. I liked that. It reminded me of me. The only difference is I have Netfilx streaming to my laptop, and I have the HBO on broadband. The only thing I need is someone to bring the ice cream.
Love the show,
Mike from Wisconsin
Cellphone heaven
Hi Tom, Molly, and Jason.
Was listening to Episode 645 where you talk about cellphones and SMS and the costs involved, and how you sort of speculate how nice it would be to just buy a GSM cell and stick your SIM in it and everything works.
I live here in Manila, the Philippines. I've never really given it much thought, but now I realize how great we have it here, and repressed you guys are over there with phones and everything.
Here, a typical midrange postpaid plan from a provider costs about US$28.50/month, which includes 344 minutes of call time, and 350 free text messages. If you go over, they start charging 20 cents a minute for calls, and .02 cents per SMS.
You can also buy prepaid SIMs for about $3.50, loaded with a few free minutes of call time and SMSs. You just buy credit and load up the (anonymous) account in increments of $2 or even smaller, or you can ask friends with postpaid accounts to pass you credit phone-to-phone which gets charged to their accounts.
The nice part is you can buy a SIM chip anywhere to create havoc with your enemies, or to play pranks or do scams, then just throw it away after, since the prepaids aren't monitored or regulated at all. Imagine the possibilities.
And of course, you can just pick up any open-line phone at any store anywhere, from cheapo disposables to the top-of-the-line units from our region, where it all comes from.
That's it. Love the show.
Adel from cellphone nirvana
Manila, Philippines
Hi Tom, Molly, and Jason.
Was listening to Episode 645 where you talk about cellphones and SMS and the costs involved, and how you sort of speculate how nice it would be to just buy a GSM cell and stick your SIM in it and everything works.
I live here in Manila, the Philippines. I've never really given it much thought, but now I realize how great we have it here, and repressed you guys are over there with phones and everything.
Here, a typical midrange postpaid plan from a provider costs about US$28.50/month, which includes 344 minutes of call time, and 350 free text messages. If you go over, they start charging 20 cents a minute for calls, and .02 cents per SMS.
You can also buy prepaid SIMs for about $3.50, loaded with a few free minutes of call time and SMSs. You just buy credit and load up the (anonymous) account in increments of $2 or even smaller, or you can ask friends with postpaid accounts to pass you credit phone-to-phone which gets charged to their accounts.
The nice part is you can buy a SIM chip anywhere to create havoc with your enemies, or to play pranks or do scams, then just throw it away after, since the prepaids aren't monitored or regulated at all. Imagine the possibilities.
And of course, you can just pick up any open-line phone at any store anywhere, from cheapo disposables to the top-of-the-line units from our region, where it all comes from.
That's it. Love the show.
Adel from cellphone nirvana
Manila, Philippines
Crishing
I have experienced this crishing twice in the past week from the other end. This is how it works: cheap car posted, send e-mail for more info, then get a response saying that they are in a divorce, visiting family etc., and that they want to ship it to me, all they need is name, address, and to Paypal money in advance.
Tyler W.
I have experienced this crishing twice in the past week from the other end. This is how it works: cheap car posted, send e-mail for more info, then get a response saying that they are in a divorce, visiting family etc., and that they want to ship it to me, all they need is name, address, and to Paypal money in advance.
Tyler W.
A PS3 wish engine
Hey Buzz,
Given that all of Sony's PS3 denials seem to come true about a week after they deny the claim, perhaps we could use this information to our advantage. Maybe they aren't hiding anything when they deny, but some how the asking of the question is creating the reality where the price drops occur. Basically what I'm saying is why don't you all send a question to Sony looking for an official response to the question:
"Is there any truth to the rumor that Sony plans to give away 10,000 PS3 units for free over the next few weeks?"
or
"Is there any truth to the rumor that Sony plans to pay off Frank L.'s student loans?"
You never know, it might work :)
Frank J. M. Lattuca, Esq.
Hey Buzz,
Given that all of Sony's PS3 denials seem to come true about a week after they deny the claim, perhaps we could use this information to our advantage. Maybe they aren't hiding anything when they deny, but some how the asking of the question is creating the reality where the price drops occur. Basically what I'm saying is why don't you all send a question to Sony looking for an official response to the question:
"Is there any truth to the rumor that Sony plans to give away 10,000 PS3 units for free over the next few weeks?"
or
"Is there any truth to the rumor that Sony plans to pay off Frank L.'s student loans?"
You never know, it might work :)
Frank J. M. Lattuca, Esq.
'Pausing' iTunes movies?
Macworld has an article about pausing iTunes rental and resuming well after the expiration time.
http://www.macworld.com/article/131790/2008/01/longerrentals.html
Thanks for the show!
Mike R.
Macworld has an article about pausing iTunes rental and resuming well after the expiration time.
http://www.macworld.com/article/131790/2008/01/longerrentals.html
Thanks for the show!
Mike R.
January 24, 2008 11:15 AM PST
Leo LaPorte sits in today, and the next thing you know, the four of us decided to write a novel together. On Twitter. Yeah, we're not allowed to hang out together anymore. In other news, will Google end up buying the 700MHz spectrum (the auction starts tomorrow) or are they just throwing their money around to get the rules changed in their favor? Best guess: both.
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 646 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Gary the transportation planner
Gas tax pays for roads and is in danger.
Gas tax pays for roads and is in danger.
Hank
LQTS about your call.
LQTS about your call.
Aaron
Vigamox is more expensive than printer ink.
Vigamox is more expensive than printer ink.
FORUMS:
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Amazon ID3 tag debacle
Quoth the article:
"Now the mystery is solved!
It turns out that the user had a file-permissions problem with his Amazon MP3s-and that there's nothing proprietary on Amazon MP3s after all:
Thanks to some help from an Amazon employee in the Boing Boing comments, we figured the initial customer service rep who told me "it's proprietary" was misinformed. This led me back to poking around on my system, at which point I discovered the MP3 files only had read permissions for my user account, when I made them readable for other users, both mpd and mt-daapd were able to find them."
Rorik
Quoth the article:
"Now the mystery is solved!
It turns out that the user had a file-permissions problem with his Amazon MP3s-and that there's nothing proprietary on Amazon MP3s after all:
Thanks to some help from an Amazon employee in the Boing Boing comments, we figured the initial customer service rep who told me "it's proprietary" was misinformed. This led me back to poking around on my system, at which point I discovered the MP3 files only had read permissions for my user account, when I made them readable for other users, both mpd and mt-daapd were able to find them."
Rorik
CRIA does sue its fans
CRIA does sue its fans. Just not successfully. CRIA filed a lawsuit against 29 file sharers in 2004, but the case was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada. Ars Technica has updated its story to reflect this. The story now links to a post by Michael Geist about this.
Stephen
CRIA does sue its fans. Just not successfully. CRIA filed a lawsuit against 29 file sharers in 2004, but the case was dismissed by the Supreme Court of Canada. Ars Technica has updated its story to reflect this. The story now links to a post by Michael Geist about this.
Stephen
Unlimited SMS
I have unlimited SMS and data on Helio. --Sara from Los Angeles
I have a T-Mobile Sidekick and the $20/Month UNLIMITED data plan includes unlimited SMS/MMS/Email/Data! --Jason, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I have unlimited SMS with my family plan on AT&T. --Anna ( that's Aw-nuh by the way. A as in aardvark, not anteater)
Ian the college student here. Verizon does indeed offer an unlimited texting option.
Check out these awesome plans: http://www.mycricket.com/cricketplans/ and http://www.metropcs.com/ZipCode.aspx --Anish
Altell still offers unlimited text messaging plans but prefer to sell per message plans. --Jared
As a Sprint employee, I feel it is my duty to inform you that Sprint offers an unlimited SMS messaging plan for $10 a month. Please switch to Sprint, we're gettting better I swear. :-)--Logan
I have unlimited SMS and data on Helio. --Sara from Los Angeles
I have a T-Mobile Sidekick and the $20/Month UNLIMITED data plan includes unlimited SMS/MMS/Email/Data! --Jason, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
I have unlimited SMS with my family plan on AT&T. --Anna ( that's Aw-nuh by the way. A as in aardvark, not anteater)
Ian the college student here. Verizon does indeed offer an unlimited texting option.
Check out these awesome plans: http://www.mycricket.com/cricketplans/ and http://www.metropcs.com/ZipCode.aspx --Anish
Altell still offers unlimited text messaging plans but prefer to sell per message plans. --Jared
As a Sprint employee, I feel it is my duty to inform you that Sprint offers an unlimited SMS messaging plan for $10 a month. Please switch to Sprint, we're gettting better I swear. :-)--Logan
Update for Airport Extreme coming Friday
Hey guys -
It's me again. Fordo, from New York City. I just called and left you a message telling you that there would be a Mac upgrade this week for the Airport Extreme so that one can use a hard drive wirelessly with one's MacBook. Which is awesome. I, like so many of your listeners, had recently purchased an Airport Extreme so I was really bummed when the Jobster didn't mention an upgrade for it when he introduced Time Capsule at MacWorld last week. So anyway, here is the link to the article about that (and other) Mac upgrades coming soon. I am actually a couple of days behind on my BOL podcasts so if you already know this info--sorry!
Also, in addition to my really liking your new bangs, Molly, and really jonesing to see what you look like, Jason, (just in a curious way, not in a creepy stalker way), I also wanted to tell you people that one of the reasons that I always look fwd to listening to you on my walk and subway ride to work every day is because you guys are all so nice. I mean, if I didn't know better, I would swear you are all Canadian. Even Veronica. So so nice. All four of you. And Bonnie, and Brian, and all your other guests. It's awesome. I used to work at The Motley Fool, and I imagine CNET has a similar sort of corporate culture and attracts a similar sort of person to work there. Despite my having worked at The Fool, I am actually not that nice. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm nice. But I am also kinda prone to calling people morons or idiots or dumbasses a lot--at least in my head or behind their backs, if such name-calling is called for--and let's face it, it often is. It doesn't seem like you guys would do that. I'm sure you do sometimes, but in general, I think you lean way more toward the Canadian end of the scale than you do the, say, Larry David end of the scale. (Love LD, btw...but you know what I mean.)
Anyway, I have been listening for a couple of years now and I love when the little wheel turns around in my iTunes next to BOL bc that means I get a new podcast! It's the best. Love watching all the CNET videos on my TiVo and on my iPod and listening to BOL and other CNET podcasts. I am totally a huge fangirl. So thanks for being a part of my Monday thru Fridays!
Adios, amigos (and ga), Fordo
Hey guys -
It's me again. Fordo, from New York City. I just called and left you a message telling you that there would be a Mac upgrade this week for the Airport Extreme so that one can use a hard drive wirelessly with one's MacBook. Which is awesome. I, like so many of your listeners, had recently purchased an Airport Extreme so I was really bummed when the Jobster didn't mention an upgrade for it when he introduced Time Capsule at MacWorld last week. So anyway, here is the link to the article about that (and other) Mac upgrades coming soon. I am actually a couple of days behind on my BOL podcasts so if you already know this info--sorry!
Also, in addition to my really liking your new bangs, Molly, and really jonesing to see what you look like, Jason, (just in a curious way, not in a creepy stalker way), I also wanted to tell you people that one of the reasons that I always look fwd to listening to you on my walk and subway ride to work every day is because you guys are all so nice. I mean, if I didn't know better, I would swear you are all Canadian. Even Veronica. So so nice. All four of you. And Bonnie, and Brian, and all your other guests. It's awesome. I used to work at The Motley Fool, and I imagine CNET has a similar sort of corporate culture and attracts a similar sort of person to work there. Despite my having worked at The Fool, I am actually not that nice. I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm nice. But I am also kinda prone to calling people morons or idiots or dumbasses a lot--at least in my head or behind their backs, if such name-calling is called for--and let's face it, it often is. It doesn't seem like you guys would do that. I'm sure you do sometimes, but in general, I think you lean way more toward the Canadian end of the scale than you do the, say, Larry David end of the scale. (Love LD, btw...but you know what I mean.)
Anyway, I have been listening for a couple of years now and I love when the little wheel turns around in my iTunes next to BOL bc that means I get a new podcast! It's the best. Love watching all the CNET videos on my TiVo and on my iPod and listening to BOL and other CNET podcasts. I am totally a huge fangirl. So thanks for being a part of my Monday thru Fridays!
Adios, amigos (and ga), Fordo
Comcast DVR
Hey Buzz,
Just wanted to let you know that a DVR on Comcast is $12.95 a month per DVR (which also includes the on-demand) and the TiVo is an additional $2.95 no matter how many boxes you have.
Mike
Gardner, Massachusetts
Hey Buzz,
Just wanted to let you know that a DVR on Comcast is $12.95 a month per DVR (which also includes the on-demand) and the TiVo is an additional $2.95 no matter how many boxes you have.
Mike
Gardner, Massachusetts
WiMax massive rollout throughout a country--in India in 2010
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/indian-telecom-company-to-rollout-massive-wimax-network/ Excerpt:
Best,
Shalin
http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/24/indian-telecom-company-to-rollout-massive-wimax-network/ Excerpt:
Even as Sprint tentatively rolls out the XOHM network here in the States, the largest Indian telecom company is planning to build a mobile WiMax network covering three states on the subcontinent capable of serving 250 million people.A few thoughts on this:
- I think this shows the strong interest of wireless over landlines due to less physical infrastructure of wireless in such a high population density country.
- Imagine this: You're in the high hills in South India, surrounded tea fields producing a deep, green velvet blanketing the hills around for miles and miles and a pure blue sky above you. It's New Years Day and while you enjoy the scenery and fresh air, you catch up with your family in another continent via Webcam from your handheld Internet device while on a walk through the fields just next to your room at a cozy, (and usually affordable) hilltop hotel. Nice, huh! :)
- You may sacrifice some western comforts...but if you like the varieties of Indian food, you'd probably eat well! ;)
Best,
Shalin
January 23, 2008 11:22 AM PST
Our good friend Matt Mullenweg (did we mention he's handsome, too?) just got $30 million in venture capital funding! Hey, buddy, can we borrow a $20...thousand? Nah, just kidding, we're covered, but congrats. In other news, the MPAA admits that its numbers on college campus piracy, which it used to demonize the entire university set and prop up draconian legislation and rules, were *super* inflated. Just a little "human error." Uh huh. Awesome.
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 645 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
Amanda from Atlanta
Netflix on Apple.
Netflix on Apple.
Lee in Boston
Craigslist phishing.
Craigslist phishing.
Richard
Monkeys and robots hack voting.
Monkeys and robots hack voting.
FORUMS:
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Missing button in iTunes
In regards to 644
I had recently updated my iPod Touch on Monday (yesterday). I searched and searched for the "No Thanks" button, but it was not found until today. It seems it takes about 5 reconnects before this button shows up. But now I'm getting this pop-up "An error occurred. The iTunes Store could not process your request, please try again later." Then resumes normal operation. Then if I reconnect my iPod, it's as if I said no thanks and bugs me again and repeats everything all over again.
Chris
In regards to 644
I had recently updated my iPod Touch on Monday (yesterday). I searched and searched for the "No Thanks" button, but it was not found until today. It seems it takes about 5 reconnects before this button shows up. But now I'm getting this pop-up "An error occurred. The iTunes Store could not process your request, please try again later." Then resumes normal operation. Then if I reconnect my iPod, it's as if I said no thanks and bugs me again and repeats everything all over again.
Chris
"No Thanks" button confirmation
I can confirm that there is no 'No Thanks' for the first three times you plug in a non-updated iPod touch.
Cameron from London, Ontario
I can confirm that there is no 'No Thanks' for the first three times you plug in a non-updated iPod touch.
Cameron from London, Ontario
Why iTunes rentals don't work on 5/5.5G iPod
Hey TMJ,
The 5/5.5G iPod Videos send video out through either composite or S- Video, and it is analog (also it does not require a proprietary cable with a chip to (prevent piracy?)). Maybe this shows why there was that dumb TV-out change in the new iPods. Theoretically you could hook it up to your TV and since it doesn't require the new proprietary chip video cables, you could potentially capture the analog to pirate the content. But come on, if I wanted to pirate the dumb 480p video I would rip the DVD...ever heard of handbrake?
This is completely ridiculous and annoying, but remember there are studios, not just Apple.
Tim from Dallas
Also, iPod Touch users, get over it (2 reasons): 1. Shoulda just bought an iPhone...way better. 2. It's called Sarbanes-Oxley and Apple's interpretations of it.
And the MacBook Air owns. Tim
Hey TMJ,
The 5/5.5G iPod Videos send video out through either composite or S- Video, and it is analog (also it does not require a proprietary cable with a chip to (prevent piracy?)). Maybe this shows why there was that dumb TV-out change in the new iPods. Theoretically you could hook it up to your TV and since it doesn't require the new proprietary chip video cables, you could potentially capture the analog to pirate the content. But come on, if I wanted to pirate the dumb 480p video I would rip the DVD...ever heard of handbrake?
This is completely ridiculous and annoying, but remember there are studios, not just Apple.
Tim from Dallas
Also, iPod Touch users, get over it (2 reasons): 1. Shoulda just bought an iPhone...way better. 2. It's called Sarbanes-Oxley and Apple's interpretations of it.
And the MacBook Air owns. Tim
Comcast TiVo
Hey Buzz crew,
I just wanted to let you know that immediately when i heard you talking about Comcast finally getting TiVo I called them and I have an appointment on Sunday between 3 and 5 for them to do a 'software upgrade'. They are charging me $14.95 to send a technician out to do this upgrade and it is 2.95 more a month (for as many DVR as you have, we have 2). But, in the end I don't care because the Comcast DVR awful and I can't wait to have TiVo back!
Mike
Gardner, Massachusetts
Hey Buzz crew,
I just wanted to let you know that immediately when i heard you talking about Comcast finally getting TiVo I called them and I have an appointment on Sunday between 3 and 5 for them to do a 'software upgrade'. They are charging me $14.95 to send a technician out to do this upgrade and it is 2.95 more a month (for as many DVR as you have, we have 2). But, in the end I don't care because the Comcast DVR awful and I can't wait to have TiVo back!
Mike
Gardner, Massachusetts
Digital frames have virus, Best Buy says...what's next?!?!?
http://redtape.msnbc.com/2008/01/digital-picture.html
Excerpt:
Best,
Shalin
http://redtape.msnbc.com/2008/01/digital-picture.html
Excerpt:
Digital picture frames were one of the hit gifts this holiday season, but at least some consumers have ended up with an unwelcome extra present--a computer virus.And our next story--why you should look twice before sharing songs between Zunes... ;)
Electronics retailer Best Buy acknowledged this weekend that some private label Insignia 10-inch digital frames it sold over the holiday season were contaminated with a unidentified virus. The frames have now been pulled from store shelves and the product discontinued, Best Buy said in a statement.
Best,
Shalin
Tom's 2008 predictions--one big one correct!
Hello!
Long time subscriber from the U.K., I seem to remember listening to shows where Veronica hardly ever talked! First time for me getting more actively involved somehow (never have time to get on the forums etc) so would love to get a mention!
Anyhow, wanted to show you that one of Tom's 2008 predictions about a big TV network showing programmes live on TV and Web at the same time will be coming true...and the key new bit of jargon to remember is "simulcast"
BBC Three Controller Danny Cohen set out his plans for the future of the channel at a season press launch earlier today.
Danny revealed that BBC Three is to become the first BBC channel to change from a linear service to a fully joined-up multiplatform venture. This means that all the channel's programmes, content, and experiences can be available on TV, online, mobile, and on-demand platforms--and that's just the start.
BBC Three will be simulcast live on the Web for the first time. Programmes will be available on demand for seven days after first transmission and in some cases previewed on the site in advance. This will make the channel's content vastly more accessible to audiences who wouldn't necessarily seek out or stumble across its programmes on conventional TV.
This is from the BBC's Internet blog. Some of the BBC's biggest programmes for 16-to-34yr olds are being shown on the BBC3 channel, so this isn't just niche content.
All the best!
James
P.S. Before you ask, yes, my real name is James Brown!
Hello!
Long time subscriber from the U.K., I seem to remember listening to shows where Veronica hardly ever talked! First time for me getting more actively involved somehow (never have time to get on the forums etc) so would love to get a mention!
Anyhow, wanted to show you that one of Tom's 2008 predictions about a big TV network showing programmes live on TV and Web at the same time will be coming true...and the key new bit of jargon to remember is "simulcast"
BBC Three Controller Danny Cohen set out his plans for the future of the channel at a season press launch earlier today.
Danny revealed that BBC Three is to become the first BBC channel to change from a linear service to a fully joined-up multiplatform venture. This means that all the channel's programmes, content, and experiences can be available on TV, online, mobile, and on-demand platforms--and that's just the start.
BBC Three will be simulcast live on the Web for the first time. Programmes will be available on demand for seven days after first transmission and in some cases previewed on the site in advance. This will make the channel's content vastly more accessible to audiences who wouldn't necessarily seek out or stumble across its programmes on conventional TV.
This is from the BBC's Internet blog. Some of the BBC's biggest programmes for 16-to-34yr olds are being shown on the BBC3 channel, so this isn't just niche content.
All the best!
James
P.S. Before you ask, yes, my real name is James Brown!
No more LOL
I came across this web site this morning and think we should all join the "No More LOL" cause.
Thank you,
Klo Utley
I came across this web site this morning and think we should all join the "No More LOL" cause.
Thank you,
Klo Utley
January 22, 2008 11:43 AM PST
In the news today, NBC and Apple are kissing and making up--so, is "Heroes" coming back to iTunes or what? Also, we find out how to get kids to play outside and quit watching TV: higher taxes! Robots can lie now, TiVo launches on Comcast in Boston only, and the new fear du jour is "vishing."
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
--Molly
Listen now: Download today's podcast
|
EPISODE 644 |
TODAY'S LINKS:
TODAY'S VOICE MAIL:
James the game developer
Video game industry: they're no angels.
Video game industry: they're no angels.
Anon.
I hate you, Netflix!
I hate you, Netflix!
Anon.
Button paranoia in iTunes.
Button paranoia in iTunes.
Alex from PA:
Isn't this just AOL, round 2?
Isn't this just AOL, round 2?
TODAY'S E-MAIL:
Metered bandwidth
Hey Buzz crew,
In reference to Episodes 642/643 where you were talking about metered bandwidth, I live in Australia, and most people have metered bandwidth here. I have a 5GB per month limit, and an admittedly slow 512Kbps connection, and I have two laptops and a Wii connected up to the 'net, and I listen to about seven or so podcasts, four video podcasts, buy music from iTunes, and I rarely go over my limit. If I do go over, I don't get charged, I just get throttled back to 128Kbps. It's not that bad, to the guy that downloads 20GB worth of stuff, what are you downloading?? I buy my DVDs for $AU10 to $AU20, and save on bandwidth and have a hard copy should my HDD die. (Incidentally, we still can't buy/rent movies or TV shows on iTunes anyway, and things similar to Netflix are just getting started.)
Love the show,
Dave
Melbourne, Australia
Hey Buzz crew,
In reference to Episodes 642/643 where you were talking about metered bandwidth, I live in Australia, and most people have metered bandwidth here. I have a 5GB per month limit, and an admittedly slow 512Kbps connection, and I have two laptops and a Wii connected up to the 'net, and I listen to about seven or so podcasts, four video podcasts, buy music from iTunes, and I rarely go over my limit. If I do go over, I don't get charged, I just get throttled back to 128Kbps. It's not that bad, to the guy that downloads 20GB worth of stuff, what are you downloading?? I buy my DVDs for $AU10 to $AU20, and save on bandwidth and have a hard copy should my HDD die. (Incidentally, we still can't buy/rent movies or TV shows on iTunes anyway, and things similar to Netflix are just getting started.)
Love the show,
Dave
Melbourne, Australia
From a Frenchman, about book price
Hi Buzz crew,
I thought I would react to episode 643 where you talk about the book pricing French law. The law requires books to be sold at the price specified by the publisher (or the importer). Price cannot be higher, and maximum discount allowed is 5 percent. Two-third of EU countries have the same law. Why do we have this law?
Jerome, the French guy
Hi Buzz crew,
I thought I would react to episode 643 where you talk about the book pricing French law. The law requires books to be sold at the price specified by the publisher (or the importer). Price cannot be higher, and maximum discount allowed is 5 percent. Two-third of EU countries have the same law. Why do we have this law?
- to give an equal access to culture (same price wherever you live).
- to keep a really wide and decentralized book distribution network (small vendors can stay in business).
- to help culture diversity. It is believed that in the long term, large discount practices will favor high volume, fast rotation books, and therefore limit the number of original, break-through books.
Jerome, the French guy
Appointing myself Molly's conscience
As Molly's new conscience, in regard to metered bandwidth, I would like to point out all the other things that could be paid for by the ounce/mile/day/etc., and are not currently: roads, public education, television (OTA or cable/satellite), garbage collection--don't tell me I need to count my banana peels and empty cans of soup to make sure I don't go over my 'fair share'. My simple point is this: If people want to pay a flat rate for something (like for TV or cell phones), then the market will shake out that way. The important thing is to make sure we have more than one choice for ISPs so that if one company finds that they can make more money with metered Internet, then consumers have the choice of how to pay, not the providers.
And...
...on the issue of the MacBook Air, I think you guys are overanalyzing the port layout on this thing; if someone needs something this portable and light, they will understand that certain interfaces are going to be sacrificed, but if they need all the ports that you're talking about, they'll need to go with one of the other MacBook form factors. This is a "road warrior" machine, and no one who spends most of their time in airports and cafes is going to be looking for a wall jack for their IP connection.
Christopher W. New
("Chris from Ankeny, Iowa")
As Molly's new conscience, in regard to metered bandwidth, I would like to point out all the other things that could be paid for by the ounce/mile/day/etc., and are not currently: roads, public education, television (OTA or cable/satellite), garbage collection--don't tell me I need to count my banana peels and empty cans of soup to make sure I don't go over my 'fair share'. My simple point is this: If people want to pay a flat rate for something (like for TV or cell phones), then the market will shake out that way. The important thing is to make sure we have more than one choice for ISPs so that if one company finds that they can make more money with metered Internet, then consumers have the choice of how to pay, not the providers.
And...
...on the issue of the MacBook Air, I think you guys are overanalyzing the port layout on this thing; if someone needs something this portable and light, they will understand that certain interfaces are going to be sacrificed, but if they need all the ports that you're talking about, they'll need to go with one of the other MacBook form factors. This is a "road warrior" machine, and no one who spends most of their time in airports and cafes is going to be looking for a wall jack for their IP connection.
Christopher W. New
("Chris from Ankeny, Iowa")
iPod Touch outrage!
After hearing William's voice mail about the craptastic iPod Touch firmware and apps that cost $20, I ran right out and jailbroke my (brand- freaking-new) Touch, and installed the missing apps. I will give my $20 the the iPhone dev team and will do anything in my power to take away Steve Jobs' *#%-eating grin.
Seriously, $20 has never thrown me into such a rage before. I think I need a nap.
Chris the attorney in DC
After hearing William's voice mail about the craptastic iPod Touch firmware and apps that cost $20, I ran right out and jailbroke my (brand- freaking-new) Touch, and installed the missing apps. I will give my $20 the the iPhone dev team and will do anything in my power to take away Steve Jobs' *#%-eating grin.
Seriously, $20 has never thrown me into such a rage before. I think I need a nap.
Chris the attorney in DC
iTunes movie rental issue
Hi Tom, Molly, and Jason,
Not sure if you have covered this yet but I ran into an issue with the iTunes movie rental service. My wife has a fifth-generation video iPod and rented the Superbad movie. When she tried to transfer the rental to her iPod, an error message popped up stating that it was not possible to transfer the rental because it "could not be played on this iPod." The Movies page on the Apple Web site advertises "Rentals to go. Movie rentals from iTunes transfer to your iPod or iPhone to watch on the go. Either device remembers where you stopped watching on your computer and picks up where you left off."
An e-mail to the iTunes tech support revealed that "You can play iTunes Store movie rentals on iPhone, iPod Nano (3rd generation), iPod classic, iPod Touch, Apple TV, and in iTunes on a Mac or PC." Their replay was quick, and I was offered a refund.
Nevertheless, I feel that this fact should be stated more prominently within the iTunes store and Apple Web site.
Thanks I enjoy the show.
Best,
Ben
Hi Tom, Molly, and Jason,
Not sure if you have covered this yet but I ran into an issue with the iTunes movie rental service. My wife has a fifth-generation video iPod and rented the Superbad movie. When she tried to transfer the rental to her iPod, an error message popped up stating that it was not possible to transfer the rental because it "could not be played on this iPod." The Movies page on the Apple Web site advertises "Rentals to go. Movie rentals from iTunes transfer to your iPod or iPhone to watch on the go. Either device remembers where you stopped watching on your computer and picks up where you left off."
An e-mail to the iTunes tech support revealed that "You can play iTunes Store movie rentals on iPhone, iPod Nano (3rd generation), iPod classic, iPod Touch, Apple TV, and in iTunes on a Mac or PC." Their replay was quick, and I was offered a refund.
Nevertheless, I feel that this fact should be stated more prominently within the iTunes store and Apple Web site.
Thanks I enjoy the show.
Best,
Ben
'Blue Harvest' digital copy!
My friend's brother-in-law bought the Blue Harvest DVD the day it came out, and in it is a second disc that has the digital copy of the "movie" on it. Before you can play it, you have to run the app that comes along with it (one of those auto-start things) and tell it to import to iTunes (or just open iTunes and it recognizes the disc as a device). You then are presented a page asking for a code. Well, the ONE- TIME-USE code is on a separate insert, so after you locate this paper (shouldn't be hard to do) you key in the code and iTunes starts to rip the copy from the DVD to your library. It is DRM-ed and only playable on one iTunes account.
Josh the high school student from South Carolina
My friend's brother-in-law bought the Blue Harvest DVD the day it came out, and in it is a second disc that has the digital copy of the "movie" on it. Before you can play it, you have to run the app that comes along with it (one of those auto-start things) and tell it to import to iTunes (or just open iTunes and it recognizes the disc as a device). You then are presented a page asking for a code. Well, the ONE- TIME-USE code is on a separate insert, so after you locate this paper (shouldn't be hard to do) you key in the code and iTunes starts to rip the copy from the DVD to your library. It is DRM-ed and only playable on one iTunes account.
Josh the high school student from South Carolina
Poking holes in your iPhone
A word of warning if you're thinking of poking holes to increase the volume: The plastic shield is probably to stop dust getting into your phone.
If you've ever had a phone with inadequate dust shielding, you'll know how annoying it is when it builds up behind the screen.
My HTC Typhoon/Orange C500 became almost illegible in strong sunlight with light reflecting off the dust.
P.S. Molly--For the love of god, please don't sniff next to your mic. ever ever again.
Keith
A word of warning if you're thinking of poking holes to increase the volume: The plastic shield is probably to stop dust getting into your phone.
If you've ever had a phone with inadequate dust shielding, you'll know how annoying it is when it builds up behind the screen.
My HTC Typhoon/Orange C500 became almost illegible in strong sunlight with light reflecting off the dust.
P.S. Molly--For the love of god, please don't sniff next to your mic. ever ever again.
Keith
Time Warner's conflict of interest
Hi guys, (sorry, I couldn't come up with something catchy)
While I don't disagree that the concept of Time Warner's usage-based pricing structure doesn't sound bad on the surface, I wonder if there is not a conflict of interest. I am a Time Warner cable and Internet subscriber, and if this pricing structure moves forward, I end up having to pay extra for bandwidth to watch an iTunes movie rental over the pay- per-view that Time Warner is offering me.
Couldn't this be a different tactic to make the competition's product more expensive while protecting your own, similar to the tiered Internet?
Thanks,
Ron
Cincinnati, Ohio
Hi guys, (sorry, I couldn't come up with something catchy)
While I don't disagree that the concept of Time Warner's usage-based pricing structure doesn't sound bad on the surface, I wonder if there is not a conflict of interest. I am a Time Warner cable and Internet subscriber, and if this pricing structure moves forward, I end up having to pay extra for bandwidth to watch an iTunes movie rental over the pay- per-view that Time Warner is offering me.
Couldn't this be a different tactic to make the competition's product more expensive while protecting your own, similar to the tiered Internet?
Thanks,
Ron
Cincinnati, Ohio
Tom Merritt appears on
CNET TV, specializing in help and how-to and the ever popular Top 5
lists. He also co-hosts CNET's The Real Deal podcast. 
Jason Howell can
often be found producing Buzz Out Loud from the audio studios at CNET,
updating XML feeds from the comfort of his cubicle, and saying "uh-oh"
from time to time. 
