Buzz Out Loud Podcast

Amazon's trying to compete with PayPal with a new service that brings one-click shopping into the rest of the non-Amazon world. We also kick around a rumor of Netflix coming to the Wii and discuss Google and Yahoo music searches. Oh, and then Cooley and I get deep about business models and copyright. That's near the end, though--if you don't like lectures.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Google music search announced. Still doesn’t work for Tom
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1023_3-10385755-93.html

Yahoo yells that it’s had it since June
http://www.ysearchblog.com/2009/10/28/play-that-funky-music-with-yahoo-search/

Amazon to take on PayPal with PayPhrase
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE59S0FH20091029

Confirmed: Netflix streaming coming to the Wii very shortly
http://blog.streamingmedia.com/the_business_of_online_vi/2009/10/confirmed-netflix-streaming-coming-to-the-wii-very-soon.html

Google tells FCC it’s still blocking calls, but fewer of them
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/10/google_voice_tells_fcc_its_sti.html

Microsoft and Yahoo delay signing search deal
http://www.businessinsider.com/microsoft-and-yahoo-delay-signing-search-deal-2009-10
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10385671-56.html

NBA brings League Pass to iPhone, Android; out-of-market package runs $40
http://paidcontent.org/article/419-nba-brings-league-pass-to-iphone-android-out-of-market-package-runs-40/
http://www.reuters.com/article/technologyNews/idUSTRE59S2NM20091029

Twitter users warned about new phishing attack
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10385661-245.html

Xerox claims printable electronics breakthrough
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/10/29/038210/Xerox-Claims-Printable-Electronics-Breakthrough

40th anniversary of Internet working without a crash
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/AheadoftheCurve/today-internets-40th-birthday/story?id=8945743

VOICE MAIL
Joe about LSU and Gmail

Sloan on his experience in Gmail

RogueTess on the Slate name

E-MAIL

Hey Buzzers, I just read a rather startling article on Slashdot. The article says that amazon has patented a new ‘invention’ that will replace words in all kinds of text documents(book, reviews, etc) with synonyms in an effort to track pirating. As an author I find this very disturbing, I don’t want amazon to go changing my hard work just so they can track piracy.
So my question to you is, is this for real and am I understanding it right. Please advise.

Future best selling author,
JoshuaCaleb

P.S. Keep up the great work.
http://yro.slashdot.org/story/09/10/28/2236235/Amazon-Patents-Changing-Authors-Words

**********

BOL folks:

My son is approaching the age where a cell phone may come in handy for communicating and coordinating activities. Things like “Running 10 minutes late.” “Meet me at Field 3 after soccer practice.” I’ve been looking for a cheap and light texting-only device. Perhaps the TwitterPeek can do that? Hmmm.

Keep on buzzing,
ymt

**********

Holiday Help Desk
November 23-December 23
4 PM ET/1 PM PT
Coming soon to http://live.cnet.com/
More details to follow!

Rafe is being drawing in to a love story with the new Motorola Droid. Dare we call it a Dro-mance? It's certainly a flashy new phone for Verizon which hasn't always been known for flashy new phones. We also congratulate Google on getting the contract to provide email to the city of Los Angeles. Well congratulate and fear for them. Because if they mess this up, it is so over.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Los Angeles adopts Google e-mail system for 30,000 city employees
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/city-council-votes-to-adopt-google-email-system-for-30000-city-employees.html

Verizon and Motorola unveil the Droid
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-10384994-266.html

Droid Eris: Verizon’s other Android phone?
http://www.cnet.com/8301-19736_1-10384533-251.html

Google Maps adds turn-by-turn to Android phones for free
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10384544-265.html

Microsoft to shut down MSN Direct traffic service for GPS (in 2012)
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2009/10/shutting-down-msn-direct-traffic-service-for-gps-units.html

Microsoft Signature computers dump crapware
http://www.techflash.com/seattle/2009/10/microsofts_signature_pc_shows_its_vision_of_computing_perfection.html

Peek silling Twitter-only device. Why?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002R5AG50?ie=UTF8&tag=livedigitally-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002R5AG50
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/the-twitterpeek-is-a-peek-for-twitter/

FCC Considers Shifting Some TV Airwaves to Broadband
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703574604574499730302393274.html

Stalqer mobile social app finds friends in new ways
http://news.cnet.com/8301-19882_3-10384727-250.html

How to Solve the Net Neutrality Issue
http://www.technewsworld.com/story/How-to-Solve-the-Net-Neutrality-Issue-68491.html

Ares I-X successfully launched
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/flighttests/aresIx/index.html
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/8330424.stm

VOICEMAIL
Paul on call forwarding

EMAIL

Hey Guys
Remember Redlasso, where you could use their servers that are recording stuff from cable and local stations 24/7 to make clips to emvbed in your blog?
I was on the list for beta testing and they somehow made it back into service this week?
Who’d have thunk it?
J’Tao
in San Francisco
http://redlasso.com/

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,
Yesterday you asked if there is still a Universal Service Fund fee on phone bills, and the answer is YES! I currently work for a telco as customer service, and I get about 10 calls a week asking what that charge is on their bill. And of course no one ever likes the answer. In fact, I often have people tell me that our company should eat the cost of the taxes and fee’s. Yes, it would be nice if the telcos did that, but the taxes and fees are so high many companies would go out of business. If we had enough people complain about the USF fee or taxes to our elected officials we could probably reduce them. But don’t get angry with companies that are required by law to have them. I bet that most telcos would be fine will lower taxes or fees on their customers bills, because a happy customer is a customer who will generally stay. Love the show.

~Justin~

**********

Howdy Buzzians

I know the DMCA is last years hot topic, but I thought people would still enjoy this nonetheless. the EFF (Electronics Frontier Foundation) has set up a new site for their “Takedown Hall of Shame” displaying some of the most insane and ludicrous takedown notices people have recieved. Some of them are downright hilarious while others just make you contemplate the depths of human stupidity. Eitherway thought you guys might enjoy it

Buzz on
~Phillip from the Boonies

P.S. The degree of my adoration for this media outlet is unmatched

http://www.eff.org/takedowns

So the French have passed a three strikes law that will disconnect your Internet if accused three times of piracy. At least there's some judicial review. Also, John McCain moves against Net Neutrality and Windows 7 seems to truly be good news for Microsoft.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Microsoft: Strong Windows demand helps earnings
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10381774-56.html
http://www.nasdaq.com/aspx/stock-market-news-story.aspx?storyid=200910230938dowjonesdjonline000584

Windows 7 student upgrade installer not working for many
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/23/windows-7-student-upgrade-installer-not-working-for-many/

Win 7 users shout: Where’s my bloody ballot screen?
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/23/windows_seven_ballot_browser/

Motorola Droid makes appearance on Motorola's Web site
http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/22/motorola-droid-makes-appearance-on-motorolas-site/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/motorola-droids-website-published-a-bit-early-with-specs-galor/

Prepare for disconnection! French “3 strikes” law now legal
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/10/french-3-strikes-law-returns-now-with-judicial-oversight.ars

McCain moves to block FCC Net neutrality
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/174221/mccain_moves_to_block_fcc_net_neutrality.html

Chase Carey: Hulu to charge in 2010
http://www.broadcastingcable.com/blog/ADverse_Atkinson_on_Advertising/23941-Chase_Carey_Hulu_to_Charge_in_2010.php

We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360
http://majornelson.com/archive/2009/10/22/we-have-no-plans-for-blu-ray-on-xbox-360.aspx

Psystar releases Mac clone software
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10381419-37.html

Nigeria actually arrests, shuts down online scammers
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/10/nigeria-actually-arrests-shuts-down-online-scammers.ars

Pay what you want for World of Goo
http://hellforge.gameriot.com/blogs/GameRiot-The-Blog/You-cheap-bastards-Pay-what-you-want-for-World-of-Goo-a-success-1

Yellowgold album
http://www.yellowgoldmusic.com

Geocities closes Monday
http://www.webuser.co.uk/news/top-stories/427768/yahoo-geocities-to-close-down
http://www.geocities.com/SoHo/Lofts/3596/

VOICE MAIL
Mike reports on a new scam

Thomas has some advice for fanboys

E-MAIL
Quick note…actually found myself on the Wolfram Alpha site on my Pre. That might be the first and last time anyone uses that combination…that said, it was easy enough to use and pretty helpful (some integrals for an E&M physics class).

Side note: got an email from my 62 year old Mom saying she is interested in the Nook…I don’t think she’s ever heard of the Kindle. Draw your own conclusions.

Time to run, Professor is looking at me.

-Adam in Seattle

**********

Dear Buzz Crew,

Barnes and Noble has now posted their FAQ, which is actually a bulletin board where they respond.

They say that you will be able to connect to any b and g wireless network. If you are in the store, you will get special offers and reading recommendations, and be able to read any ebook in full-text that they have stocked. If they could enable this for libraries, that would be perfect.

http://bookclubs.barnesandnoble.com/t5/eBooks-Help-Board/nook-Wi-Fi-access/m-p/401505#U401505
–Sam

**********

My concern is that the government’s definition of “Net Neutrality” and
ours/yours is different. I think they’ve hijacked the term. It is my
belief that they will apply FCC like content and access controls (they
have stated as much) to the internet such as the “fairness doctrine” and
“hate speech” rules, turning it into a Government “information”/
propaganda outlet. The devil is in the details and government is very
adept at saying one thing and doing something else when the laws and
regulation are actually written.
I also object to the telcos/cables/satellites being content providers
unless they are completely separate from the pipes and the pipes are
open at the same price to everyone. At least on principle. But that’s
just a money issue.
I object more to the government managing and controlling access to the
pipes. That's a freedom issue.

Sigh… any ideas for another internet like system? Maybe using quantum
networks over dark matter?

Love the show… s

Roger
Palm Beach County, Florida

OK yeah, we talk about Windows 7 and it's lovefest but it's so over. Time to get into the rumor mill again for the Windows 8 release. Why is Microsoft being so quiet about it?! We also cover the unnatural marriage of Verizon and Google over Net Neutrality. And Craigslist is not a pimp according to the law.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

500 people line up for Windows 7 in London
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8319083.stm

Burger King selling a Windows 7 Whopper in Japan
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/burger-king-selling-a-windows-7-whopper-in-japan/

Businesses love Windows 7, survey says
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/174130/businesses_love_windows_7_survey_says.html

Microsoft adds PC’s and third-party software to its online store
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10381031-56.html

Eight things you need to know about Windows 8
http://www.techradar.com/news/software/operating-systems/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-windows-8-643699

Blu-Ray coming for Xbox, sort of?
http://gizmodo.com/5387238/ballmer-talks-natal-says-blu+ray-add+on-for-xbox-coming

FCC moves forward on Net neutrality rule-making in unanimous vote
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/10/fcc_moves_forward_on_net_neutr.html
http://www.fcc.gov/

New BFFs Verizon, Google agree on Net neutrality, except for wireless
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/posttech/2009/10/new_bffs_verizon_google_talk_o.html

Google strikes a Twitter search deal, too
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10380615-36.html

Coming to Google Labs: Social search results
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10380739-36.html
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/10/21/web-2-0-summit-marrisa-mayer-shows-off-social-search-results-from-your-social-netowrk/

Nokia sues Apple, says iPhone infringes 10 patents
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/nokia-sues-apple-says-iphone-infringes-ten-patents/
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/8321058.stm

The iPhone is still a good thing for AT&T
http://blogs.zdnet.com/BTL/?p=26417

Judge: Craigslist not liable for prostitution ads
http://news.cnet.com/8301-31001_3-10380799-261.html

Standard charging connector for cars about to be ratified
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17912_3-10380010-72.html

Voice mail
Heather has an idea for ebook sellers.

CJ on BlackBerry love

E-mail
Just want mention that most of Sony laptops are not going to be supported by Sony to upgrade to Windows 7. They suggest you by a new one and to shop on their web page to get one. I check many models and was told the same thing. You can upgrade, but Sony will not provide support for there drivers.
I bought my SR series laptop in Feb this year, P8400 dual core 3 gig mem w/Vista Home Prem – no Sony support. But, I could update an IBM C100 (old and slow) – IBM wil provide support. – rgolab

**********

I just received a Kindle as a gift last week from my wife and we went
with the $259 U.S. version for the “new low price” of.. well.. $259. I
considered the International version as we often vacation outside of
the U.S., especially during the holidays but opted out of the $20
premium.

Well, while perusing the Amazon site tonight I noticed that there is
already a thread on the Kindle board discussing the fact that the
“U.S.” (only) version of the Kindle is now gone and the $259 version
is the U.S./International version.

Is it just me or isn’t this a bit weird as the price decrease FOR the
U.S. version was only a week or so ago? New hardware just post-Holiday
season? Hmmmm.

Just thought I would share,

Tracy in Newport Beach, CA (SOOOO much better than Atlanta!)

**********

hey buzz crew!!!

I am a walmart employee and work in their connection center. The prepaid service you have talked about is called Straight Talk, and is owned by the same people who brought you TracFone. The service uses Verizon’s network as well as their data network. The 45 dollar a month plan includes unlimited data, voice and text. We have even gotten new phones, one of which has a slide out qwerty keypad! Our store was a market test store and we have had it for a few months and people are going crazy over it. Very good deal if you ask me. Keep up the good work guys… love the show

Chris Decker in newnan, georgia

First, apologies for the song that will be stuck in your head for at least a week. Blame the chat room. In the news today, the T-Mobile Sidekick outage, the ongoing Facebook outage, the IBM outage that briefly crippled Air New Zealand, and the unbelievable failure that is the PSP Go launch. It's a fun show.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

T-Mobile: We probably lost all your Sidekick data
http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/10/t-mobile-we-probably-lost-all-your-sidekick-data/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10372521-1.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-10372525-56.htm
http://www.hiptop3.com/archives/what-caused-the-sidekick-fail/
http://samj.net/2009/10/if-its-dangerous-its-not-cloud.html

Downed Facebook accounts still haven’t returned
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10372417-36.html

Amateur’ IBM brings down Air New Zealand
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/10/12/ibm_new_zealand/

PSP Go launch has become a nightmare for gamers, Sony
http://arstechnica.com/gaming/news/2009/10/psp-go-launch-has-become-a-nightmare-for-gamers-sony.ars

FCC to investigate Google Voice call blocking
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/09/AR2009100904385.html
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10372521-1.html

Study: 54 percent of companies ban Facebook, Twitter at work
http://www.wired.com/epicenter/2009/10/study-54-of-companies-ban-facebook-twitter-at-work/

BSA: 41 percent of software on personal computers is pirated
http://www.net-security.org/secworld.php?id=8325

LG’s new twist on e-readers: Solar power!
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10372744-1.html

Hadron Collider physicist arrested on terrorism charges
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17852_3-10372398-71.html

VOICE MAIL
Anonymous Linux dude: how about a streamlined OS? #nerdsnort

E-MAIL
Hi Guys and Girls

This new Lightpeek standard sounds awesome but when you’re heads down, bum up in a dark corner because one cable is too short and the network, monitor, mouse and keyboard cables all look the same I think I’ll want to strangle someone. There’s a certain elegance in having a network cable that looks completely different to a DVI cable because my monitor doesn’t understand TCP/IP and my switch won’t go 1080p.

Cheers
Craig

**********

Hello Buzzies!

First: Happy Canadian Thanksgiving, and Happy American Columbus Day!

On another note however I would like to say why the Amazon Kindle
sucks overseas. Don’t get me wrong I love the idea of the Kindle,
built in 3G, buy books as you go and it works everywhere! However if I
would like one in the Netherlands (and Europe for that matter) I have
to buy it from Amazon.com and I have to pay in American Dollars. Which
isn’t to bad, heck the Euro/Dollar exchange rate is awesome at the
moment. But here come the terrible parts:

Although Amazon says it works overseas you have to keep this in mind:

- Ships with American Plug/adapter
- 20$ Shipping
- 60$ import costs
- Works through ATT Roaming partners, but you don’t have any roaming
costs (that is what Amazon says, they say US customers overseas pay
1.99$, but say other countries are free). In reality though, the books
(which you also have to pay in American $) are more expensive in the
European Kindle store than in the US kindle store.
- Newspapers are full price, but don’t get delivered with Images and
charts (saving bandwidth)
- The blogs feature is disabled (couldn’t care less)
- The experimental browser is disabled (yes this does suck)

The part that hurts most is the ‘premium’ on books even though Amazon
says no roaming fees (and don’t give the ‘tax’ excuse, because if that
is the case, there would be a Kindle store for every country, instead
of just for Europe. And the part that if I want a newspaper I don’t
get the pretty images and graphs. What’s the point of a newspaper if
they can’t show me any Pie charts?

Amazon did a lousy job, and wants to be easy by making a deal with ATT
Worldwide instead of making deals with carriers in every country. What
they probably should have done was introduce a Wi-Fi Kindle. And
release Kindles with 3G when they had deals in those countries.

I also came across another artist that is spreading his music through the Radiohead model, 'pay what you want $0 is good too'. The artist name is 'Yellowgold' never heard anything about him, but his new album 'The Mellower' is awesome! You can find it here: http://www.yellowgoldmusic.com/ . Good stuff!

Just my 2 cents!

Alex

**********

Barnes and Noble creating an android based e-book reader? More like Barnes and Noble creating the first Android based tablet. Google not only gets it’s hand into the e-book market after they have digitized books, but they also get the ability to test and review their android software on non-phone hardware. You can almost guarantee this device will not only read books but allow users to listen to mp3s, browse the Internet via wifi/chrome, and download all apps from the android marketplace. Knowing Google, they will also include you-tube functions as well as the ability to post on blogs and subscribe to rss feeds.

Ccarline

A listener reports that NFL.com subjected him to a 75-second pre-roll ad. Not funny, NFL. In the news today, the FCC proposes codifying Net neutrality rules, and much as we'd love to leave it to the market and the telcos, well, we just don't trust the telcos. Rules, FTW! Unless it's rules on selling energy-hog TVs. Those aren't cool.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

FCC chief proposes new Net Neutrality rules
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30686_3-10357411-266.html
http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/172316/fcc_net_neutrality_rules_are_a_win_consumers.html
http://www.glgroup.com/News/Net-Neutrality-And-The-Tragedy-Of-The-Commons-43453.html

Facebook Beacon has poked its last
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13577_3-10357107-36.html

Apple digging into iPhone 3GS battery issues, users say
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10357371-37.html

Sony Ericsson motion-controlled headset probably not “changing music forever”
http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/21/sony-ericssons-motion-activated-mh907-headset-could-change-thin/

Zune HD sales seemingly high
http://www.electronista.com/articles/09/09/19/zune.hd.sales.very.high/

Amazon Starts Own Brand Sales With AmazonBasics Name
http://www.pcworld.com/article/172297/amazon_starts_own_brand_sales_with_amazonbasics_name.html

California to set TV energy efficiency standards
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10357390-54.html

Garmin-Asus Nuvifone G60: AT&T Price Confirmed
http://www.i4u.com/article27053.html

Study: Microbloggers are really boring (well, the Jaiku ones, anyway)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10357359-2.html

Computers are killing cursive writing: do we care?
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090919/ap_on_re_us/us_cursive_angst

E-MAIL
Hey Buzz Crew!

I was very interested in your discussion about libraries on Friday’s podcast. As a current library employee and student of Library Science, I feel that public libraries need to change their image in order to remain open or get increased funding. There are some great examples of this around the world such as in Singapore wherein the entire physical library structure and image were given a completely modern overhaul. They have gone from a simple book repository to a learning center in order to attract more patronage. Similarly in Fresno County, California the public library has merged with the public schools in order to pool resources and coordinate learning initiatives. Mind you I could talk about this topic forever, but I thought it important to share these examples with you!

Sincerely,

Don, Maryland

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,

If you thought the pre-roll ads on the new Zune apps are bad, you should check out NFL.com. I went to watch some video highlights and was greeted with a 75 second, yes 7-5, pre-roll ad. I’m not sure if you will be able to duplicate it, but here’s the link.

Love the show.

-Will Pridemore

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,

I just listened to episode 1066 and heard Natali mention a new internet addiction rehab. facility in the northwest. Being the addict that I am, I had to instantly do a search and find out more about this. I found their website (www.netaddictionrecovery.com) and was shocked!

First of all, if you can afford it, it looks like a beautiful little vacation spot, but I have one big concern. Does it strike you as odd that they have, on their front page, links to their own social network and links so that you can follow them on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube? Oh, and don’t forget to check out their blog and leave a comment! Sounds a lot like kicking your drug habit with the help of your dealer.

Love the show!

Addicted to the cure,
Richard in ID

We discuss the developing story that the 4GB RAM limit in Windows is nothing but a license maneuver. Say it ain't so, Microsoft? Also Apple may be trying to sneak in antivirus in Snow Leopard, and guest host Dr. Kiki tells about MIT's effort to teleport data. No more lag in Dalaran!

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Apple to retain, redesign plastic MacBook family
http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/08/25/apple_to_retain_redesign_plastic_macbook_family.html

Report: Antivirus feature for Snow Leopard?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10318201-37.html

Twitter exploit still works
http://www.davidnaylor.co.uk/twitter-exploit-still-works.html

FCC declares intention to enforce Net neutrality
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/08/25/2044233/FCC-Declares-Intention-To-Enforce-Net-Neutrality

Dutch ISP builds dike around ‘Net, throttles non-HTTP traffic
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/08/dutch-isp-builds-dike-around-net-throttles-non-http-traffic.ars

Behind the 4GB memory limit In 32-bit Windows
http://tech.slashdot.org/story/09/08/25/1818215/Behind-the-4GB-Memory-Limit-In-32-Bit-Windows

Microsoft: Prove you’re human by reading and regurgitating an ad
http://www.techflash.com/Microsofts_latest_idea_Prove_youre_human_by_reading_an_ad_54859922.html

Micro wind generators reduce wind capital cost
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11128_3-10318155-54.html

Steam Car team claims record run
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10317389-76.html

Stanford team readies solar car for Aussie race
http://www.wired.com/autopia/2009/08/stanford-solar-car

Toward a quantum Internet
http://www.technologyreview.com/Infotech/20565/?a=f

Dr. Kiki (@drkiki) online!
http://www.drkiki.tv

Dr. Kiki’s Science Hour – Thursdays 3-4pm
http://live.twit.tv

This Week in Science
http://www.twis.org/audio or on iTunes

Voice mail
Paul from Verizon says Verizon does the same thing as ATT

Juan in Houston has a response to suing over headphones

E-mail
I think that the reason Google had to redact a lot of information from it’s response to the FCC is because Google may still be under an NDA with Apple even though they apparently don’t require one any more.

–David From CA.

**********

Hey Tom,

In episode 1049 you mentioned that Sony was pushing ePub as a standard
but no one else is using it.
That is true — kind of — but for once Sony is not pushing its own
standard. (Funny what being second place in the market will do!)

ePub is actually the industry standard backed by all the publishers
and readers’ advocacy groups.
It is free and open.
It was created to be the mp3 of ebooks but it was created by a
consortium of publishers so naturally they standardized two flavours:
one that allows DRM and one without.

Sony is using the DRM version. That sucks but at least they switched
to 3rd party (Adobe) authentication servers.
Theoretically at least that means Sony-device owners are not locked
into the Sony universe and can buy from other epub-compliant stores or
small publishers who sell direct.

Publishers and book people are quietly applauding Sony’s epUB move.
The DRM decision blows but publishers want to publish, track, and
manage only one file with one ISBN.
And it goes without saying that ending the eBabel for formats is great
for everybody.

As for the other players…

B&N bought Fictionwise so their catalog is in the Fictionwise
proprietary format that predates ePub.
Indigo’s book service — Shortcovers — is all cloud based. Look ma no
format.
And it is Amazon that is trying to be the Kingmaker with their
proprietary .mobi standard.

Publishers hate that Bezos is taking this approach. It is an inferior
format.
Dotmobi files won’t support things like monospace fonts (important in
publishing computer books).
And Bezos bought the company that makes Stanza — one of the first
and biggest all-ePub shops — and put their efforts on ice.

Love the show.
Mark from The Pub Call
pubcall.com

**********

So I looked at the news today and saw that the Space Shuttle Discovery launch has been delayed until Friday. First it was “weather.” Now a “valve problem.” Uh huh. It just so happens to conveniently fall around the time when Molly Wood will be in Florida… hmm… I think Molly has connections with someone on the “inside.” Hmmm…. hmmmm…

lucky

**********

Buzz folks
In BOL Episode 1049, I think Leo’s analogy comparing Apple to Mussolini’s Italy is particularly apt. You see, the trains didn’t actually run on time in Mussolini’s Italy; his propaganda department was just so good that everyone thought they did.

James the Graphic Designer

P.S. I realize that providing a source almost ruins the joke, but it’s Snopes, so it’s fun anyway: http://www.snopes.com/history/govern/trains.asp

Apple's letter to the FCC makes some pretty incredible claims about what Google Voice does to the iPhone's phone functionality. TechCrunch calls the claims misleading when they're being nice. To us, they sound like lies. We're also kinda taken with the Nokia laptop. Yes, Nokia is making a laptop. And, of course, the week of stars kicks off with guest host Patrick Beja.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Apple answers the FCC's questions
http://www.apple.com/hotnews/apple-answers-fcc-questions/
http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/08/21/the-simple-truth-whats-really-going-on-with-apple-google-att-and-the-fcc/
http://arstechnica.com/apple/news/2009/08/critics-call-shenanigans-in-wake-of-apple-att-fcc-replies.ars

Apple to ship Mac OS X Snow Leopard August 28
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13579_3-10315866-37.html

Nokia enters Netbook fray with booklet 3G
http://www.pcworld.com/article/170657/
http://www.engadget.com/2009/08/24/nokia-introduces-booklet-3g-mini-laptop/
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10315916-1.html

Cable versus wireless: Guess which is growing faster?
http://blogs.barrons.com/techtraderdaily/2009/08/21/cable-vs-wireless-guess-which-is-growing-faster/

Rumor: Walmart catalog lists $100 price cut for Xbox 360 Elite
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/22/rumor-wal-mart-catalog-lists-100-price-cut-for-xbox-360-elite/

Looking at the positive in WoW’s BlizzCon announcements
http://www.examiner.com/x-5942-Oklahoma-City-MMORPG-Examiner~y2009m8d23-Looking-at-the-positive-in-WoWs-BlizzCon-announcements
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8218521.stm

Skank’ blogger talks, sues Google for $15m
http://government.zdnet.com/?p=5283

Criminals prefer Firefox, Opera web browsers
http://it.slashdot.org/story/09/08/21/2119253/Criminals-Prefer-Firefox-Opera-Web-Browsers

AT&T to require smartphone data plans
http://news.cnet.com/8301-1035_3-10315678-94.html

Wal-Mart recalls fiery DVD players
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-10315452-1.html

Vote for Buzz Out Loud at SXSW 2010
http://www.cnet.com/8301-19709_1-10311505-10.html

VOICE MAIL
Jose is going to sue Apple

E-MAIL
Hey Buzz Crew,

Of the airplanes that have their own Weather Radar; it is usually
located in the nose of the aircraft and only covers about 160 degrees of
what is in front of them. They are completely blind about what is
behind them. So while you taxi to the runway and wait in line if you
are not pointed in your departure direction you are out of luck.

pilot of an airplane with weather radar,

chris

**********

Hi,

I am a day behind so I just listened to the 1046 episode. You received an e-mail that says that the IEEE membership is $15 I guess USD. As a former IEEE member I know you may be charged from $138 USD to $175 USD as a full member depending on the region of the world you live. As a student you get charged from $27 to $32 for one year and half of that for half a year. Also I searched the IEEE site and the only information I could find was that you can get MS software if you are a student member of the IEEE Computer Society.

http://www.ieee.org/web/membership/Cost/dues.html

From the IEEE Site:

IEEE Student membership is open to undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled in at least 50% of a normal, full-time course of study in an IEEE designated field.

That is why I didn’t renew my membership, I could afford to spend the $138 USD for the 2009 year. Maybe in 2010.

Love the show.

Eduardo Torres

**********

Slmgr.vbs -rearm is typically used when building machines in a lab
environment. Typically you use it when you rebuild the machines in your
lab.

Also, if you use volume licensing (ie Microsoft KMS and your KMS server
isn’t updated to support Windows 7 yet) you might need to extend your
expiration date until your KMS admin updates the KMS server’s Volume
Licensing Key.

–
Michael G

I don't know. It must be the low blood sugar but I called us the podcast of indeterminate lake. But we still were able to talk sensibly about the Twitter DoS targeted at one specific person. We also cheer on the FCC as they hold ISPs feet to the fire. And Adobe is the new Microsoft. We'll tell you why.

Listen now: Download today's podcast

Twitter, Facebook attack targeted one user
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10305200-245.html

FCC wants real answers from ISPs on broadband investment
http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2009/08/fcc-wants-real-answers-from-isps-on-broadband-investment.ars

Is Adobe the next (pre-2002) Microsoft?
http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10304455-245.html

On demand in command; 51% of young ‘Net users view TV online
http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/08/half-of-all-young-internet-users-now-watch-tv-online.ars

Crowdsourcing the semantics of numbers with True #
http://arstechnica.com/web/news/2009/08/using-the-web-to-embed-meaning-in-numbers.ars

Fox joins Universal’s war on Redbox DVD rental kiosks
http://arstechnica.com/media/news/2009/08/fox-joins-universals-war-on-redboxs-dvd-rental-kiosks.ars

CERN’s collider to get ’safe’ start in November
http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-10305480-76.html

Tech gives humans animal senses
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8188070.stm

Prototype OpenOffice.org gets ribboned
http://news.cnet.com/8301-17939_109-10305160-2.html

Steam car on course for record
http://www.iwcp.co.uk/news/news/steam-car-on-course-for-record-27792.aspx

VOICEMAIL
Jason in Georgia on a solution for coffee shops
http://briantong.blogspot.com/2009/07/treating-customers-with-respect.html

Steven in Las Vegas with an idea for show balance

EMAIL
Why doesn’t somebody come out with an unlocked GSM compatible e-book reader? This way the device cost will be lower then a Kindle (since you’re not paying for the “whisper net” overhead and you could just pop in your SIM card (given you subscribe to a GSM cellular carrier with data coverage) and after you download your content you just pop the SIM card out and put it back into your cell phone. Or, better yet, make a bluetooth tetherable e-book reader and use your cell phone as the data connection. Unfortunately, AT&T doesn't let you tether unless you have a smartphone with a special data plan.... Bummer...

Jonathan, from Cleveland, OH

**********

Hey Buzz Crew,

I just listened to episode 1035 and your discussion of how Radio Shack/”The Shack” needs to really try harder if it’s going to compete on the same level with Best Buy…

Well, it just so happens that Radio Shack tried to compete on the level of Best Buy once before and failed miserably at it.

Back in the 1990s, Radio Shack — then known as Tandy Corporation — opened up a chain of computer stores across the country known as Computer City. These were positioned as a direct competitor to the now-defunct CompUSA computer store chain, which at that time was just starting to dominate the retail computer market. During most of that decade, Tandy Corporation invested heavily in expanding this chain of stores, to the point where they were putting stores sometimes literally within arms reach of every CompUSA in the country.

Unfortunately, their rapid expansion (which resulted in the inevitable over saturation of the market), combined with poor management of the chain, eventually led Tandy Corporation into financially troubled waters, causing them to ultimately sell the entire Computer City chain to the very company they were trying to compete with.

Combine this with their badly-planned Incredible Universe chain (which could have been a legitimate competitor to Best Buy if they had actually put those stores anywhere other than in the middle of nowhere), and Tandy was forced to restructure, which eventually led them to rename the corporation as a whole — choosing the name of the chain of stores that represented their core competency: Radio Shack.

Love the show. Keep up the excellent work.

Regards,

Brian Cunningham

**********

Hey Buzz Gang,

Have a 'well actually' for you...well actually it's for fellow Saint John resident Ryan Floyd. I'd just like to reveal that Ryan is not the only listener from Saint John, NB, Canada. I also live in SJ and regularly listen to your fine show. I'm glad Ryan thought he was the only one however, as now I get to say hello and thank you guys for all the tech news/laughs that have very much become part of my routine.

I feel I should contribute something, so here is a link to a TechCrunch article on an interesting panoramic video technology:

http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/08/03/if-you-could-see-google-street-view-in-video-it-would-look-like-yellowbird

And the awesomely ridiculous web address:
http://www.yellowbirdsdonthavewingsbuttheyflytomakeyouexperiencea3dreality.com

When trying out the embedded video on TechCrunch, I (quietly) exclaimed something inappropriate for the workplace....

Mr. Rooney
The only listener on Germain Street, Saint John, NB, Canada.

**********

Hello Buzz Crew,

I am responsible for 7×24 support of the internet infrastructure for a very large company. Between all of the web, Java application, and EAI servers my team supports, we have numerous automatic monitors on our systems that sends text messages to our oncall phone in the event there are problems. (In the old days it was an actual pager. For the young-ens out there, that is a box that only receives text messages and you can’t speak into it).

With the talk of outlawing “texting while driving” does this mean I will have to tell my employer that by law I will have to ignore any system alerts I get during my 2 hours on the road commuting every day?

Pulling over isn’t always an option as by law you are only suppose to pull over on the highway in an “emergency”. I’m not sure the highway patrol will consider high thread utilization on a Java appserver an “emergency.”

Love the show.

Jeff – The Senior Internet Architect from Kansas City