Cranky Geeks

Episode 191: Google Talks Up Chrome OS, Droid vs. iPhone War Begins, Hulu To Charge?, U.S. Regulators Target Intel, and more...

2009-11-04T19:15:24Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 191: Google Talks Up Chrome OS, Droid vs. iPhone War Begins, Hulu To Charge?, U.S. Regulators Target Intel, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 191

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editor-in-Chief, GigaOM.com

Sam Levin, Brand Evangelist

David Spark, Tech Journalist, Host "The Spark Minute"

The Topics:

Google Talks Up Chrome OS

Web applications such as Gmail and Google Wave are paving the way for major adoption of the Google Chrome Web browser and fueling the forthcoming Chrome Operating System, says Sundar Pichai, a Google VP. Does Chrome OS have a chance?

Apple's Jesus Phone

At the Web 2.0 Summit Morgan Stanley's Managing Director Mary Meeker revealed that the iPhone/iPod touch is the fastest growing consumer electronics platform in history. And she had some charts to prove it. Does that seem plausible?

U.S. Regulators To Come After Intel

The FTC is moving toward opening a formal complaint against Intel, saysa Reuters report. The report comes in the wake of the European Commission fining Intel $1.44 billion in May, after finding it guilty of paying rebates to PC makers in order to shut out competition from rivals such as AMD.

Cell Phone Boycotters

Some 85 percent of adult Americans have cellphones, according to the Pew Internet and American Life Project. The rest have strategies for living without this tool. How feasible is it to live without a cell phone, and will they replace most landlines?

Hulu To Charge For Content?

Hulu's backers want to stick lots of its content behind a paywall starting next year. News Corp. executives have said that the free, ad-supported model isn't "bringing home enough bacon." Will people pay for Hulu content?

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Episode 190: Windows 7's Prospects, Mozilla's Ultimate Inbox, Netflix to Stream Only?, and more...

2009-10-28T16:57:13Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 190: Apple Takes On Windows 7, Google and Bing Indexing Tweets, Netflix Streaming Only Overseas, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 190

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editor, GigaOm.com

Chris DiBona, Open Source Program Manager, Google

Mike Elgan, Columnist, Computerworld

The Topics:

Windows 7 in Apple's Crosshairs

Apple has unleashed a flurry of anti-Microsoft advertising as Windows 7 is just getting established. Is Cupertino a little worried?

Google and Microsoft Indexing Tweets

Google and Microsoft have announced that they have integrated Tweets into their Bing and Google.com search results, reports PCMag. Do we want this in our search results?

Netflix Streaming Only Overseas

This is the day the US Postal Service has dreaded--the beginning of the end for Netflix mailers. The company is unveiling streaming only movie service overseas, and reports that on-demand viewing is way up in the U.S.

Psystar Launches Mac Cloning Tool

Mac clone maker Psystar is selling a utility that lets owners of generic PCs install and run Apple's Snow Leopard operating system. It's dubbed Rebel EFI. Does this company have it out for Apple or what?

Mozilla's Ultimate Inbox: Raindrop

Mozilla's Thunderbird team has been working on software called Raindrop that aims to unify communications channels such as e-mail, Facebook, and Twitter into a single interface. Is this a good idea?

Episode 189: Companies Tell FCC to Ditch Net Neutrality, Windows 7 On Deck, Tech Insider Trading Scandal, and more...

2009-10-21T17:52:09Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 189: Companies Tell FCC to Ditch Net Neutrality, Windows 7 On Deck, Tech Insider Trading Scandal, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 189

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editor, GigaOm.com

Molly Wood, Executive Editor, CNet

Roger Chang, Producer, Revision3

The Topics:

Companies to FCC: Ditch Net Neutrality

As the FCC moves toward developing formal Net neutrality rules, some U.S. lawmakers and tech companies have told the agency that new regulations will cause more problems than they're worth. FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski announced last month that he would seek to develop formal rules prohibiting ISPs from selectively blocking or slowing Web content.

Windows 7 vs. Snow Leopard

CNET Labs tested the two operating systems side by side and finds that while Snow Leopard is faster with Apple software, Windows 7 is the way to go when it comes to serious gaming. Windows 7 noticeably outpaced Snow Leopard in 3D image rendering benchmarks.

PCMag Readers Love Their iPhones

In PCMag's most recent reader survey on service and reliability for cell phones, the iPhone won by a huge margin. How is it that so many people complain about the exclusive deal that AT&T has with Apple as the only U.S. carrier, but people then turn around and laud the phone to no end?

Tech Insider Trading Scandal

Among those charged in the largest hedge-fund insider trading case in US history last week was IBM Sr. VP Robert W. Moffat, and a director in Intel's investment division. In the wake of the arrests, the IBM executive's IBM biography and numerous other web citations for him were sweepingly taken down.

Microsoft's "Lifeblogging" Camera

Microsoft has talked before about developing a camera to be slung around the necks of people with Alzheimers to help them recall where they've been. A version of this device will now be mass-produced by a UK firm, Vicon. It is worn around the neck and takes an image every thirty seconds. It will also be aimed at "lifebloggers."

Episode 188: FTC Guns for Blogger Shills, Are Online Writers Trigger Happy?, Rupert Murdoch vs. Google, AT&T's Concessions, and more...

2009-10-14T17:59:25Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 188: FTC Guns for Blogger Shills, Are Online Writers Trigger Happy?, Rupert Murdoch vs. Google, AT&T's Concessions, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 188

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editor, GigaOm.com

Jason Hiner, Editor-in-Chief, TechRepublic

Tom Merritt, Executive Editor, CNET

The Topics:

Rupert Murdoch Says Google is Stealing His Content

Newsweek reports that Rupert Murdoch gave a speech to media executives in Beijing decrying that search engines -- in particular Google -- are stealing from him, because Google links to his stories but doesn't pay News Corp. to do so. "It will be the content creators who will pay the ultimate price," Murdoch said.

AT&T Concedes Network Challenges

AT&T Wireless CEO Ralph de la Vega bemoaned the disproportionate wireless bandwidth usage of iPhone users in a speech to wireless industry professionals at last week's CTIA show. Many users complain about the performance and availability of AT&T's service on the iPhone, and AT&T's exclusive deal with Apple as sole U.S. wireless provider ends next year. Will Apple seek other service providers?

FTC Guns for Blogger Shills

Last episode, we discussed how the FTC is coming after bloggers who accept payola, slapping them with $11,000 fines for dubious paid reviews. Dan Costa from PCMag.com says that the FTC is tilting at windmills. "Part of my problem with the FTC is that it sees a line between blogs and traditional media that does not exist," he writes.

Are Online Writers Trigger Happy?

A recent story on ZDNet accused Yahoo of sharing the names and emails of 200,000 users with the Iranian government. Problem is, the report was completely false. "Journalists get caught up in the moment; we get excited and we post stupid crap from a foreign language student blog," writes Paul Carr. Are bloggers and journalists too trigger happy?

Dvorak's Apple Tablet Theories

I recently wrote a column about Apple's rumored tablet. Will it be an e-reader? An iPhone on steroids? Or perhaps--both? Speculation is running rampant, and Apple has rehired the person behind the original Newton PDA device. Tablets haven't fared so well with users, so is Apple really going to do one?

Episode 187: Windows 7 is Imminent, Verizon Hooks Up With Android, AT&T to Lose iPhone Exclusivity?, and more...

2009-10-07T17:35:29Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 187: Windows 7 is Imminent, Verizon Hooks Up With Android, AT&T to Lose iPhone Exclusivity?, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 187

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Editor, The GigaOm Network, GigaOm.com

Rob Enderle, President, Enderle Group

Rafe Needleman, Editor, CNET's Webware

The Topics:

Windows 7 is Due Oct. 22nd--What to Expect

A quick peek at the lineups of new laptops slated for an October 22 roll-out from Hewlett-Packard and Toshiba make it clear that the prices of mainstream and higher-end laptops are diving, reports CNet. Is Windows 7 going to help define new lower price points for laptops.

Is AT&T's Exclusive iPhone Deal Doomed?

Apple could double its iPhone sales if it ended its policy of exclusive contracts with mobile service providers. That's the considered opinion of Morgan Stanley analyst Kathryn Huberty, voiced in a research missive issued Friday morning. Huberty cites a 136 per cent increase in the iPhone's French market share after opening up to several service providers.

Verizon Wireless Embraces Android

Verizon Wireless will launch a range of Android-powered "feature phones, PDAs, netbooks ... speciality devices" and smartphones for the United States' largest wireless carrier beginning "in a few weeks," Verizon Wireless chief executive Lowell McAdam said Tuesday.

NBC Universal and Comcast May Ink Deal

Comcast and General Electric continue to discuss a possibly major deal that could position the largest cable and broadband provider as a television, movie and theme park juggernaut via a controlling stake in NBC Universal. NBC is co-owner of Hulu, which Comcast could gain partial control over.

Where's My Wireless Revolution?

Why does the area around my computer still look like a rat's nest of wires? My networking cable is hooked to the "wireless" router, which itself is hooked by a thin nasty looking wire to a brick-like power supply, which is wired to the power strip. Weren't we supposed to get rid of all these cables?

Episode 186: Ballmer Disses Windows Mobile, Gadget Fantasy Land, 2 Billion iPhone Apps, AT&T vs. Google Voice, and more...

2009-09-30T18:13:48Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 186: Ballmer Disses Windows Mobile, Gadget Fantasy Land, 2 Billion iPhone Apps, AT&T vs. Google Voice, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 186

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Adam Curry, President, Mevio

David Spark, Tech Journalist, Host, The Spark Minute

The Topics:

Ballmer Disses Windows Mobile

Ballmer's comments, reported on Twitter by attendees of a Microsoft event, come after a reorg of Windows Mobile team. Venture capitalist Paul Jozefak's tweet from the event said that Ballmer wished Windows Mobile 7 had already launched, even as Windows Mobile 6.5 has not yet launched. He has made other disparaging comments about Microsoft's mobile platform. Is Windows Mobile doomed?

Has USB 3.0 Arrived?

At Intel's recent Developer Forum, several new USB 3.0 devices were shown, including video cameras capable of 1080p 60-frame per second USB transfers at very fast rates, USB 3.0 hard drives, and more. The next generation of USB can do uploads and downloads simultaneously, and is many times faster than version 2.0. Has USB 3.0 arrived?

Television vs. New Media

In a recent column, I wrote that: "New Media should not be compared to TV. Video productions that are created specifically for the Web are what they are. And they are not TV." That includes this show. "In some ways, the unpretentiousness of Web shows are part of their charm." Do people understand the differences?

Making Money from Podcasting

David Spark recently completed a series called "Making Money from Podcasting." It discussed getting sponsors, offering partial podcasts for free and then charging fees, and more. He gives us the details first-hand.

First Moblin Version 2 Netbook Arrives

At Intel's recent Developer Forum, a new netbook from Dell, a Mini 10v, was shown running the Intel-backed Moblin Linux operating system. Moblin was also shown running on a smartphone with an Intel chip. Is there room for another Linux-based mobile operating system to compete with Android, Ubuntu and eventually Chrome OS?

Episode 185: Google Voice vs. Apple, FCC Calls for Open Internet, Calculator Hackers Under Fire, Anti-Windows 7 Scheme, and more...

2009-09-23T18:37:37Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 185: Google Voice vs. Apple, FCC Calls for Open Internet, Calculator Hackers Under Fire, Anti-Windows 7 Scheme, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 185

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Cade Metz, U.S. Editor, The Register

Dan Goodin, Dan Goodin, The Register

The Topics:

Apple vs. Google Voice

Google has told the US Federal Communication Commission that Apple rejected the Google Voice and Google Lattitude apps it submitted to the iTunes App Store - though Apple says otherwise. Google also had asked the FCC to keep under wraps Apple's stated reasons for rejecting the apps: namely that Google Voice duplicated the "core dialer functionality of the iPhone." Apple claims that lack of approval doesn't equal rejection.

"Evil" Windows 7 Campaign

The Free Software Foundation's Windows 7 sins campaign goes global next week, with letters to 500 of the world's charities and non-governmental organizations. Letters will encourage organizations to use the introduction of Windows 7 by Microsoft in October as an opportunity to review their use of Windows and evaluate open-source software instead.

EU Shows Smoking Guns from Intel Ruling

The EU has revealed documents that supported its record $1.6 billion fine against Intel for anti-competitive practices. Internal documents from Intel's clients--Dell, Hewlett-Packard Co, NEC Corp, Lenovo and Media Saturn Holding--and their evidence showed that Intel paid computer makers to postpone or scrap plans to launch products using AMD chips, and gave illegal rebates.

Intel and Apple: Future Rivals?

As Intel readies its most potent chip yet for small devices, Apple may already be using competing technology. One of the themes of this week's Intel Developer Forum is the chip giant's foray into the smartphone and mobile Internet device markets, with its powerful Moorestown chip. Apple is doing similar development for iPhones, iPod Touches, etc.

Analysts: A Rough Year for Palm?

It could be a rough holiday season for shareholders of Palm, say analysts. Palm's revenue forecast for the current quarter missed Wall Street expectations by far, and it cut the price of its Pre phone by $50. Analysts say demand for the Pre phone is dying down, after initial interest.

Episode 184: Is City-Wide Wi-Fi Dead?, Apple TVs on Sale, Where Are All the Corporate Blogs?, and more...

2009-09-16T18:01:36Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 184: Is City-Wide Wi-Fi Dead?, Apple TVs on Sale, Where Are All the Corporate Blogs?, and more...	iPod/iPhone/PSP: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 184

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Martin Sargent, Tech Journalist, TV Personality

David Spark, Spark Minute Host, Tech Journalist

The Topics:

Is City-Wide Wi-Fi Dead?

Remember all those projects to cover cities with Wi-Fi? The BBC wants to know what happened to them. Meanwhile, PCMag suggests that public Wi-Fi isn't dead at all and will make a comeback due to the increasing popularity of Wi-Fi-enabled smartphones. Is the idea dead?

The iPod Nano: Your New Family Video Camera

PCMag.com's Tim Bajarin says that the video camera in the new iPod Nano is going to take spontaneous video capture to new levels. He says it's disruptive enough to completely change the way families integrate video capture into their lives--it might even make video more important to families than still images. The small size of the iPods and the ease of syncing video files will introduce many people to filming video.

FCC Joins Facebook, Twitter

The Federal Communications Commission, the U.S. agency that regulates the telecommunications industry, is becoming more media savvy by joining popular networking sites such as Twitter, YouTube and Facebook. The FCC is also also urging the public to vote onlin on which communications topics are the most important. Social networking tools may be used for voting. Is this just PR?

Prices Slashed On Apple TVs

Apple may not have shown any love to the Apple TV during its music event last week, but it has eliminated the 40GB Apple TV from its lineup and dropped the price of the remaining 160GB version from $329 to $229. A price cut at this point makes it pretty unlikely that there will be any hardware changes to the device in 2009. Does Apple care about AppleTV anymore?

Is T-Mobile Set to Buy Sprint?

Rumors are swirling that T-Mobile is getting set to buy beleagured Sprint. According to the Gearlog blog, though, it'll never happen because their technologies don't match, there's too much on T-Mobile's plate right now, and for other reasons. Is this just a rumor?

Episode 183: Update from the Apple Event, Windows Mobile's Woes, Google's Bigotry Problem, and more...

2009-09-09T18:22:18Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 183: Update from the Apple Event, Windows Mobile's Woes, Google's Bigotry Problem, and more...,	iPod/iPhone: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 183

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Sam Levin, Brand Evangelist

Rob Enderle, President, Enderle Group

The Topics:

Apple's New iPhone OS, Cheaper iPods, and Much More

Paul and Ringo did not make an appearance, and the Apple tablet wasn't at Wednesday's Apple press conference, as expected. But chief executive Steve Jobs returned to debut an iPod nano with a built-in video camera and FM tuner as Apple lowered the prices on existing iPods and introduced a revamped iTunes program that includes app management and home sharing.

Google's Bigotry Problem

"Google has an image problem--specifically a press problem," writes blogger Jeff Jarvis, who concludes that many countries and factions are bigoted against it. Newspapers ascribe their failures to Google, France's Le Monde recently railed against the company for invading everyone's privacy, and China regularly criticizes the company.

France Objects to Google Books

The French government plans to file its objections to Google's plan to digitize millions of books in court. Google struck a deal with U.S. authors and publisher groups earlier this year. and Microsoft, Amazon and others vehemently oppose the effort. Has Google gone too far in the digital book arena?

Windows Mobile Must Change Or Die

PCMag Editor in Chief Lance Ulanoff says Windows Mobile is in grave danger and "a mass of over-engineered effluvia." Meanwhile, The iPhone OS keeps getting better and better. Symbian has Nokia firmly behind it, Android is finally gathering steam, and more. Is Microsoft's mobile goose cooked?

Chrome to Be Default Browser On Sony VAIO Systems

A year after the arrival of Google's Chrome browser, the company has struck a deal with Sony to make it the default browser on all VAIO computers. The deal is a milestone, say many analysts, and could help Chrome get much more market share.

Episode 182: Skype Sold, Internet Turns 40, iPhone Headed to China, Sony's Motion Controllers, and more...

2009-09-02T17:53:46Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 182: Internet Turns 40, Skype Sold, iPhone Headed to China, Employee Sacked Over All-Capitalized E-Mail, and more...	iPod/iPhone: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 182

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Garnett Lee, Executive Editor, 1Up.com

David Spark, Spark Minute Host, Tech Journalist

The Topics:

Skype Sold: What Lies Ahead?

eBay is selling Skype in a deal that values the Internet calling service at $2.75 billion. eBay will get $1.9 billion in cash, a $125 million note, and will give up 65 percent of the company to a group of investors, including Marc Andreessen. Is Skype worth this much money?

Internet Turns 40

September 2nd, today, marks the 40-year anniversary of the Arpanet network, which gave rise to the Internet. The Associated Press has taken note of a number of barriers that could inhibit growth, though, including ubiquitous firewalls that can impede collaboration apps, and caps on monthly data usage. Is the Internet infrastructure in trouble?

iPhone Headed to China

China Unicom has announced that it has struck a 3-year deal with Apple to sell iPhones in China. Apple has long wanted to enter the Chinese market. Meanwhile, China Mobile is backing Android-based phones from Dell, and phones based on its Ophone operating system. Which smartphones will be a hit with Chinese users?

Apple's Rock and Roll Event

Apple said on Monday that it would host a media event next week, when the company is widely expected to unveil an updated line of iPod media players. The event's tagline is "It's only rock and roll, but we like it," so it appears music focused. However, some blogs are reporting that Apple will unveil its rumored Apple Tablet.

Can Twitter Last?

In a recent column, I wrote that Twitter may be the next CB radio--destined to fall to a better alternative, or otherwise fail. According to some research, 60 percent of all Twitter accounts are dead. Is Twitter good enough to last?

Episode 181: Outed Blogger Suing Google, iPhone Legally Unlocked, Facebook's Hiring Spree, WiMax Done Right, and more...

2009-08-26T17:59:40Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 181: Outed Blogger Suing Google, iPhone Legally Unlocked, Facebook's Hiring Spree, WiMax Unchained, and more...	iPod/iPhone: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 181

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Rafe Needleman, Editor, CNet's Webware

Tom Merritt, Executive Editor, CNET

The Topics:

Outed Blogger Suing Google

Last week, a judge ordered Google to reveal the name of a blogger who may have defamed Vogue model Liskula Cohen. Now Rosemary Port, whose "Skanks in NYC" blog suggested Cohen was a "skank" and a "ho" among other potentially negative descriptions, intends to sue Google for $15 million for outing her. Should Google have complied here?

How the Microsoft/Yahoo Deal Benefits Google

eWeek has a report claiming that Microsoft's and Yahoo's 10-year search deal could benefit Google. "Not only is Google well-positioned to weather this collaborative attack, but the deal could help Google innovate even faster, add to its market share and perhaps even fly lower under the antitrust radar," claims the report. It also notes that Google can poach many of Yahoo's best search employees

Blogger Legally Unlocks iPhone

An iPhone blogger has revealed a way of legally unlocking the device after paying off his mobile contract. TheAppleBlog.com's Olly Farshi claimed he legitimately unlocked his 2-year-old iPhone 3G by taking advantage of a European loophole. He paid off a 2-year contract with his carrier, Sonera. The Finland-based firm then forwarded the request to Apple and the next time Farshi synched with iTunes he was prompted to install an official carrier update. The unlock is permanent.

Who Owns Transit Data?

Commuters are wondering whether their local transit agencies are willing to share that data with others to put it into new and helpful formats, wrote Rafe Needleman on Webware. Some metro areas make scheduling and other data available to developers for mash-ups, but not all. Shouldn't this be freely available, for everyone's convenience and to usher in useful new applications?

Hey Clearwire: Here's How You Do WiMax

PCMag editors recently went on a trip to Korea, where they used WiMAX - what the Koreans call WiBro (wireless broadband.) The Korean technology is exactly what Clearwire is currently installing in cities like Baltimore, Portland, and Atlanta, albeit on a different frequency. From streaming video on a train to other tests, they got fantastic performance. Can Clearwire replicate what the editors found there?

Episode 180: Apple vs. Psystar, Secret Rockmelt Browser, 10 Stupid iPhone Apps, and more...

2009-08-19T18:01:24Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 180: Apple vs. Psystar, Secret Rockmelt Browser, 10 Stupid iPhone Apps, Phones vs. the Kindle, and more...	iPod/iPhone: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 180

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Dave Mathews, Inventor, Tech Journalist

Andrew Eisner, Director of Content and Community, Retrevo.com

The Topics:

Marc Andreessen Working On Secret Rockmelt Browser

Former Netscape star Marc Andreessen has a company working on a secret browser called Rockmelt. On PCMag.Com, Lance Ulanoff writes "no more browsers, please." "All of this simply leads competing browser developers to add more bells and whistles, which will inevitably lead to worse, not better, browsing experiences," he writes. Does we need another browser?

Apple and Psystar: Watch the Fur Fly

The battle between Apple and Mac clone maker Psystar continued last week with Apple accusing the company of destroying evidence - and Psystar gearing up to depose nine of Apple's top executives. Psystar "erased infringing versions of the software code used on computers sold to its customers," Apple claims. Psystar has announced that it will fire many questions at Apple executives during upcoming depositions.

Boxee Gets a $6 Million Catalyst

Open source media center application company Boxee has closed a $6 million round of financing led by Boston-based General Catalyst. The company says that talks are underway to get Boxee embedded into connected TVs and Blu-Ray players, game consoles and set-top boxes.

Stopping the Newspaper Death March

In a recent column, John laid out a prescription for saving dying newspapers through immediate and drastic downsizing. He wrote: "Eliminate layers of redundant editors. Turn off the lights, sell the desks, and get rid of the buildings. Reporters should work in the field and file reports over the network. I know of no major newspaper or magazine that has ever even considered virtualizing the entire operation."

DOJ Defends $1.92 Million Music Sharing Fine

The Department of Justice has published a brief that argues why, according to the law, the $1.92 million fine applied to single mom Jammie Thomas for illegally sharing 24 songs via Kazaa was constitutional. " Congress took into account the need to deter millions of users of new media from infringing copyrights in an environment where many violators believe that they will go unnoticed," says the brief.

Episode 179: Apple's Potent Cocktail, The New New Netbooks, Bing On The Rise?, P2P and Private Data, and more...

2009-08-12T18:49:24Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 179: Apple's Potent Cocktail, The New New Netbooks, Bing On The Rise?, P2P and Private Data, and more...	iPod/iPhone: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 179

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, PCMagCast.com

Vanessa Fox, Founder, NineByBlue.com

Carlos Rodela, Producer, Mevio

The Topics:

Apple and Music Labels Stir Up a Cocktail

Reuters reports that Apple and music labels are working on a mysterious new digitial music format known as Cocktail, which will bundle photos, videos, lyrics and other assets with an album's music. Sources say that Cocktail could rekindle interest in album covers, record sleeves, cover art, and more.

Are Smartbooks the New Netbooks?

On PCMag.com, Tim Bajarin notes that there is a bifurcation of the netbook market. Qualcomm---and its telecom partners---seem intent on calling a new class of machines smartbooks. Smartbooks are ultimately designed to be more of an always-on connected device, with browser and Web- or cloud-based apps and services tied to what will be a complete set of telecom-related solutions. Are these going anywhere?

Net Neutrality Bill Calls On FCC to Babysit ISPs

Net neutrality recently took center stage when several House members introduced a bill intended to preserve the open nature of the Web by asking the FCC to keep a watchful eye on Internet service providers. The Internet Freedom Preservation Act would ban ISPs from blocking lawful applications and devices on the Internet. ISPs would also be banned from offering prioritized Internet access or requiring customers to sign up for services other than Internet access.

Microsoft's Bing Share Climbs Again?

Microsoft increased its share of the U.S. Internet search market by another 1 percentage point in July, taking its combined share with new search partner Yahoo to 20.36 percent, according to data released from Statcounter. Microsoft's new Bing search engine had 9.41 percent of the U.S. market in July, up from 8.23 percent in June.

Are P2P Networks Sharing Your Private Data?

The CEO of LimeWire has taken some heat from members of Congress over the security of his network, and one of those members plans to introduce legislation that would ban P2P on government networks. "At its worst, it isn't peer-to-peer; it's predator-to-prey," Rep. Edolphus Towns, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, said. The remarks came after a panel studied inadvertent file sharing over P2P networks.

Episode 178: FCC Questions Apple Over Google Voice, Microsoft's Windows 7 Gamble, Google Criticizes Microhoo, and more...

2009-08-05T18:05:44Z

Player won't launch? Click here. Episode 178: FCC Questions Apple Over Google Voice, Microsoft's Windows 7 Gamble, Google Criticizes Microhoo, and more...	iPod/iPhone: 111MB Quicktime H.264: 137MB Windows Media Player: 133MB Mobile 3GP: 38MB MP3 (Audio Only): 14MB Right click and choose "save target as" or "save as" to download videos.

What's new in Episode 178

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Chris DiBona, Open Source Program Manager, Google

Dan Goodin, Reporter, The Register

The Topics:

Google Criticizes Microhoo

The head of Google's search organization said the search deal announced Wednesday between Microsoft and Yahoo looked likely to be negative for competition and for consumers. If Yahoo adopts Microsoft's Bing search engine in place of its own, that will reduce the search market from three major players to two, and could reduce innovation, said Marissa Mayer.

FCC Questions Apple Over Google Voice

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has written to Apple, AT&T and Google questioning the rejection of Google Voice and related applications from the iPhone App Store. It asked what role AT&T may have played in the decision and what the difference is between Google Voice and other VoIP software that has been approved for the iPhone.

Microsoft Reverses: Ties IE to Windows 7

Microsoft is canceling its plan to offer versions of Windows without the Internet Explorer browser in Europe, a move that was supposed to ease antitrust concerns.However, Microsoft still has plans in place to offer a "ballot screen" designed to let Windows 7 users install a competing Web browser and disable Internet Explorer.

Apple Accused of Hiding iPod Flame-Out Issue

Apple has been accused of attempting to gag a traumatised iPod user, whose player burst into flames. According to the London Times, Ken Stanborough, 47, from Liverpool, complained to the firm after his daughter's iPod self-combusted shortly after being dropped, and ended up flying 10 feet in the air. Reportedly, Apple offered him a refund, but wrote a letter saying "You will keep the terms and existence of this settlement agreement completely confidential."

Amazon Sued Over eBook Shenanigans

A seventeen-year-old high school senior has sued Amazon for vanishing George Orwell's 1984 from his Kindle ebook reader - and removing his personal annotations in the process. Two weeks ago, in an amusingly ironic moment, Jeff Bezos and company deleted all copies of both 1984 and Animal Farm from citizen Kindles after the rights holder complained the titles had been sold without its permission. Michigan high school senior Justin D. Gawronski has a Chicago law firm handling his suit.

Episode 177: Microsoft & Yahoo Hook Up, New Carriers for the iPhone?, EA Sorry for Booth Babe Scheme, and more...

2009-07-29T18:02:06Z

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What's new in Episode 177

Today's Guests:

Sebastian Rupley, Co-Crank, Editorial Director, PCMagCast.com

Roger Chang, Producer, Revision3

Garnett Lee, Executive Editor, 1Up.com

The Topics:

Microsoft and Yahoo Finally Ink Search Deal

Microsoft's Bing will power Yahoo! Search, while Yahoo! will sell search advertising services for both companies. Compensation for Yahoo will come through a revenue-sharing agreement beased on traffic generated on Yahoo's network of owned and operated as well as affiliate sites. Yahoo expects the agreement will generate about US$500 million in operating income and a savings of about $200 million in capital expenditures.

Will AT&T No Longer Have its Exclusive iPhone Deal?

AT&T CEO Randall Stephenson admitted July 23 that AT&T's partnership with Apple as the exclusive provider of the iPhone will inevitably end and network quality will ultimately be the differentiator for wireless carriers. AT&T's deal with Apple--originally signed in 2007--is rumored to end next year. Recent studies show AT&T's 3G speeds are slower than competitors.

Electronic Arts Sorry for Its Booth Babe Scheme at Comic-Con

Electronic Arts has apologised for any offence caused by a competition which encouraged entrants to "commit acts of lust" with booth babes at Comic-Con. The "Sin to Win" competition promised "a night with the hottest girl at Comic-Con, dinner, booty and more" to the attendee who committed the most blatantly lustful act.

Apple Dominates $1,000+ PC Market

New figures from market researcher NPD indicate that Apple's strategy of selling premium computers is paying off. According to reports, For all Windows PCs, Average Selling Price was $515 in June. For Macs: $1,400. That's also driving Apple's revenues to new heights. Is this sustainable?

Fix Our Industry, Please!

In a recent column, John covers things we need to do and/or develop in order to turn tech around. Among these were "new killer apps," talking and listening computers, robots, machine translation, and handwriting recognition. Are we not seeing enough innovation?