planet

The 404 388: Where there's a Tesla coil in the room

Somehow we make it past the wild Tesla coil in the room to bring you an awesome (if not kind of late) show! Today we show you how to self-destruct your private data, discuss how 3D is totally lame, and why we think Jon Stewart should run for president.

Sorry for starting late today, live listeners! I think today's show made up for the tardiness, and it all starts with Little Big Planet celebrating one million user-created levels. Since the game's popular release, a level is created every 21 seconds or so, on average, which means that if you were to play all of the levels it would take 5 years to finish them all, and that's only if you're playing 24 hours a day. Wild!

I'm also very excited (big surprise!) about the rerelease of the original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, dubbed TMNT: Turtles in Time Re-Shelled. Who can forget that classic side-scrolling beat-em-up? I logged so many hours at the local nickel arcade next to my house just sitting there with my friends feeding nickels into that machine. Those were always my favorites kinds of games, and there used to be so many titles, too, including Streets of Rage, Final Fight, Simpsons, and Sunset Riders! Ahh, the old days when you actually had to go to an arcade to play a video game...

We also complain about the recent upsurge of all things 3D and how even YouTube is jumping on the bandwagon, offering users the capability to display their 3D videos in multiple formats. Later on in the second half, we analyze Jon Stewart's role as America's Most Trusted Newscaster, according to an online poll by Time Magazine. Should we be scared that America is relying on a comedian to report the daily news? We're not questioning Stewart's credibility here--he's clearly a smart man--but we're wondering how Comedy Central will leverage such a powerful figure.

OK, I have to bring up the Wikipedia page one more time and then I'll shut up: after a brief recess following yesterday's announcement, the page is now in Wiki-limbo. We need users and 404-supportive Wikipedians to populate the page with more details about the show, the hosts, references, guests, etc...since we can't do it ourselves (no, really, we can't), feel free to insert our appearance on "Fox Strategy Room" as well as other blogs on the Internet that mention The 404, even if it's your own! Anything helps, but please remember not to edit the redirection page; only edit the content at the existing address. Thanks, everyone!

EPISODE 388 Download today's podcast Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video… Read more

Real-time Earth wallpaper

EarthView offers a look at the globe in real time. With simple controls and a crystal-clear satellite view, this is a fun addition to any desktop or screensaver.

EarthView's interface is a user-friendly affair that allows you to customize your view of the globe. Controls are unmistakable and fun to tinker with. In addition, there is a Help file for anyone still feeling confused about this basic program. Viewing Earth is not difficult, but choosing which view may be a little more work. The program's controls provide simple access to the entire globe. Clicking a few buttons will … Read more

Rashi Chart reader

MB Astrology Rashi Chart provides users with a quick glance at their North Indian Style astrological outlook. With some complicated hurdles for newcomers, this program is best left to those with experience or those willing to learn.

This program's interface is equally simple and confusing, thanks to its strange requirements. Users should have no trouble knowing where information needs to be placed, but will most likely have a hard time filling it in. Requiring some online digging, notably with inputting the longitude and latitude of your birth, this was a frustrating gap in design. The program provides a Help … Read more

Astrological reader

Despite requiring a great deal of information about one's birth, this program is a great tool for any user interested in East Indian style Rashi astrology. While users are expected to know about this style of reading, it provides a simple layout of information.

This program's interface is simple enough to maneuver through, but anyone not knowing the longitude and latitude of their birth will be ushered to an online site to find it, which we found to be a snag that interrupted the otherwise smooth flow of its design. In addition, there is a Help file that … Read more

Vedic astrology helper

MB Astrology Rashi Chart (South Indian Style) offers to help users learn more about their star signs through Vedic astrology. While getting the information is not hard, users must be willing to translate the meaning for themselves.

The program's interface will not win any awards, but it does perform its function fairly well. While most information pertaining to one's sign is fairly easy to input, attaining the latitude and longitude of your birthplace requires users to click a link that takes them online, which some may not like. In addition, the Help file defined the various fields, but … Read more

What's the carbon footprint of your handwash?

Start-up Planet Metrics is developing software that could give consumers a better read on the embedded energy of everyday products.

The San Francisco-based company on Tuesday released the beta test version of its hosted application, which it calls Rapid Carbon Modeling. It also said Method, which makes eco-friendly home-cleaning products, is a customer.

There are a number of companies writing software for calculating how much energy is linked to a business' operations and managing carbon emissions. Planet Metrics' software is geared at manufacturers and makers of consumer packaged goods.

Using Planet Metrics' software, a person could, for example, see how … Read more

E3 game trailer: Lost Planet 2

Capcom's PS3, Xbox 360, and PC sequel to the wintry bug-and-mech-filled Lost Planet takes place during a period of global warming. Giant mech suits, swampy firefights, and plenty of giant alien boss creatures await.

PSP game lineup announced: Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, and more

Gran Turismo, launching October 1 with the PSP Go, was the headlining PSP game during Tuesday's E3 Sony press conference. It wasn't the only ammo Sony had. However, it seems like the biggest in terms of holiday 2009 impact. Polyphony Digital announced a "full game" with 800 cars, 35 tracks, 60 track layouts, and four-player play over local ad-hoc along with car trading, almost like Pokemon.

The other big announcment, Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker, was called a "true sequel" to the Metal Gear Solid series by Hideo Kojima, who appeared onstage to show … Read more

HearPlanet adds map to audio tour guide iPhone app

As I made my way around Vancouver, B.C., last week on a business trip and admired the futuristic high-rises and sweeping vistas of ocean and mountains I felt curious--and lost. I wanted to know what the buildings and landmarks were and why they were so striking.

My questions could easily have been answered with the HearPlanet Premium iPhone app. The new version of the "talking tour guide" mobile program, released publicly on Thursday, includes an integrated, interactive map and human voices, in addition to the computer-generated audio.

The HearPlanet Premium app, available for download from the App Store … Read more

IBM Pulse offers industry pulse

In between the Michael Phelps' no-show incident, Smash Mouth, and celebrity talking-head Forrest Sawyer, IBM's Pulse event in Las Vegas was a good microcosm of the state of IT today and where it is going. Here are a few of my takeaways:

IBM's "Smart Planet" initiative previews the future. Within the next few years, all kinds of stuff will be instrumented with RFIDs, IP addresses, and bountiful cheap processing power all connected by wired and wireless broadband networks. Organizations that capitalize on this infrastructure will successfully collect, analyze, and make decisions on this overwhelming global intelligence. … Read more