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Hey, you know what we need a ribbon for, people? We need a ribbon for the fact that less than a third of U.S. students have even basic proficiency in science education. Science. Education. You know, the foundations of the universe? The familiarity with physics and electronics that leads to inventions like cars, computers, and fancy tablet computers? This is a serious problem, and sure, there's other news today, but this? This is important. Love, Molly.

Microsoft has filed a complaint with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) against the makers of TiVo and is seeking to bar the set-top DVR boxes from being imported to the U.S. as well as being sold within the country's borders.

The legal move, which was sniffed out by blog Winrumors, is a follow up to a year-old patent suit Microsoft filed against TiVo for illegally using video purchasing and delivery technology in its digital video recorders--two features Microsoft says are covered within patents it owns.

Microsoft had originally said it was "open to resolving this … Read more

TiVo has struck a multiyear deal with Charter Communications to bring its Premiere set-top box and interface to the fourth-largest cable provider.

According to Charter, its deal with TiVo is designed to bring its customers "a new and enhanced experience." Charter said that its offering will have the features current TiVo users are accustomed to, including a programming guide, content searching, and live TV control. Users will also have access to the provider's OnDemand content from the set-top box.

Charter will release an iPad app to complement its TiVo launch. The company said that the app will be a "command central" for users, allowing them to schedule recordings, post updates to Twitter and Facebook, and search for shows.

Charter will be offering Premiere boxes to customers, and those devices will offer 45 hours of HD and 400 hours of standard-definition storage. In addition, users will be able to transfer content to their set-top box with TiVoToGo.… Read more

If you have a TiVo Premiere or you're an iPad owner thinking about getting a TiVo, the TiVo App for iPad might be enough to get you to buy the one you don't have.

The app, which is now available for download, essentially puts the entire TiVo Premiere interface on the iPad's screen. That means you can do everything--browse the program guide, schedule and manage recordings, and search for content across broadcast and broadband services--without interrupting what's onscreen.

Overall, the functionality of the app is impressive, mostly because it's snappier than the Premiere's interface. … Read more

LAS VEGAS--The early class of "pocket" pico projectors hasn't taken off as quickly as some people expected, largely because the image quality hasn't been good. Texas Instruments hopes to kick-start the category with a new DLP Pico HD chipset that will make its way into products shipping later this year.

The company says the new chip delivers "stunning" HD (WXGA) video and images on "nearly any surface, with more brightness and greater energy efficiency than ever before," and that it will usher in "a new era for portable high-definition entertainment." … Read more

Good news, square-eyes: TiVo is back in Britain. Virgin Media launched its TiVo-powered set-top box this week, allowing your telly to access an app store and record things it thinks you'll like. Magic powers, basically.

The TiVo set-top box includes a whopping 1TB hard drive, which means you'll be able to store huge amounts of television, even in high definition. It has two tuners, with a third tuner being added in 2011.

Crave UK got a quick look at the box and it's everything we wanted: an incredible PVR with a powerful recommendation engine and a brand … Read more

Microsoft now says the Kinect was left open "by design." Ok, if that's what you have to say to save some face, guys. We know you got the "Lego robotics model" idea from us. Also, Netflix officially launches its streaming-only plan, Murdoch brings the paywall to the iPad, and FIOS gets even faster for the lucky few who have it (or can afford it). --Molly

If you have a TiVo Premiere or you're an iPad owner thinking about getting a TiVo, the TiVo Premiere App for iPad might be enough to get you to buy the one you don't have.

The app, which will be available for free "in the coming weeks," essentially puts the entire TiVo Premiere interface on the iPad's screen. That means you can do everything--browse the program guide, schedule and manage recordings, and search for content across broadcast and broadband services--all without interrupting what's on screen.

Also, as you can see in the screenshot above, … Read more

TiVo has crafted a holiday offer for its DVRs that will save customers cash in the short term, but potentially cost more over the long term.

The company announced today that consumers can buy the TiVo Premiere for $99.99 if they agree to a one-year service commitment. Even better, TiVo once again has a $0 down offer on its Premiere box with a two-year commitment. Those who want to get their hands on the Premiere XL will pay $299.99 upfront with a one-year commitment.

At first glance, this "limited time" offer seems like a winner for … Read more