X360 Dashboard Update available

Like previously reported, X360 has announced to come out with a new Dashboard update. It will automatically update when you start your X360. Here is what it includes:

• Improvements to the Xbox Guide
• Option to retain your saved games when you delete a profile
• Increased accuracy of "last time played"
• Network configuration improvements for Xbox Live members in the Netherlands
• More detailed messaging for unreadable disk or region errors

iTunes testing "Network Premiere"

On, Monday, January 30th, a new episode of Comedy Central's "Drawn Together" will be available on iTunes for free three days before its premiere on TV. This will be the first iTunes Episode Premiere.

Also a paid download of Nickelodeon's "Zoey 101" is available via iTunes before its premiere.

I've never seen either show but I'm going to have to check out Drawn Together. Supposedly it is hilarious. Zoey 101 is a kids show that comes on Nickelodean. Even if that was for free I doubt I would get it. :D

ESPN to be added to EA games!

"EA and ESPN are creating one place, inside our EA SPORTS games, where anyone who is passionate about real sports and sports videogames can come for their ultimate sports fix. The first implementation can be found in EA SPORTS' MVP 06 NCAA Baseball where gamers can receive ESPN SportsCenter radio highlights, real-time scores, and top stories from the world of sports that update seamlessly while they play; it's the first step in bringing together the worlds of interactive gaming and actual sports," said Todd Sitrin, vice president of marketing for EA.

I must admit this sounds pretty dang cool. I'm an avid sports fan so I can't wait. Imagine playing Madden and simulating the Super Bowl as it is going on AND staying up to date on it via your XBOX!

New ESPN shows added to iTunes!!

Most like this is the result in some ways of the ABC purchase of Pixar. Personally, the list isn't that great right now and Apple should step it up if it wants to compete with Google Video's NBA games (they are the full versions also. Not just small 15 minutes videos. aka the BCS games on iTunes).

Overall though, it is a step in the right direction but I would love to see the ESPN games on there as well as Sportscenter.

And the shows are:

Sportscenter Ads

Sportscentury Shorts

Best of the X Games

Streetball

Intel iBooks due for this Spring?

According to the MacRumors, Apple will be upgrading the iBook with a 13" wide-screen display alongside Front Row and the Apple Remote. Much like the recently released Intel iMac and MacBook Pro, the iBook will incorporate a built-in iSight and also come bundled with Photo Booth.

The iBooks are said to retain a similar design as currently shipping iBooks, and will retain Firewire 400 connectors contrary to previous reports. The 13" model is expected to consolidate and replace both the 12" and 14" form factors that are presently shipping. The name of the final product remains up for debate. Previous comments raised speculation that the iBook may adopt the "MacBook" name.

New DS Lite revealed!!!

The following is the official statement from Nintendo. It has been taken off the official Nintendo Japan website (click the title) so please bare with some of the translation. Thanks. Oo, and check out the cool photo! P.S. I tried converting the price and if it is 16,800 Japanese Yen then that is roughly $144.

Edit: Newest Update: The DS Lite is thinner, lighter, and has four levels of brightness control. Also, the DS is looking like it is going to be the compliment to the Revolution with a slick design and even the buttons look similar. Also, as it says below a March 2nd Japan release date is expected.

The Nintendo Co. corporation (the Kyoto Itiminami Ku: Satoru Iwata president) on March 2nd this year, it hits against, the superior model of portable type video game machine "ニンテンドー DS" "ニ ン ten ド - DS Lite" manufacturer desired retail price 16 and 800 Yen (including tax: Private AC adapter attachment) with we sell.

We started domestic sale on 2004 December 2nd "ニンテンドー DS" (including tax desired retail price 15, The result and the domestic sum total cell through quantity as for everyone who 000 Yen), the doubles cleanliness and the touch screen, microphone input and wireless communication (local communication and Wi - Fi communication) etc. fully loads unique function, is enjoyed the video game from the past of course, until now also one time has not been done the game and receive support even in the customer of many women and senior layer (from the retail store the actual sale quantity to the customer) after the selling within 13 months 5000000 units breaking (most speed in all the video game machines which were sold so far in the country; The MediaCreate corporation) it does to inspect, for the country of 2005 end of year point in time the sale quantity has reached to 5700000.

This corporation sells this time new as for "ニンテンドー DS Lite", "ニンテンドー DS" being unique, as for colorful function by the fact that that way, the substance thin shape is lightened more to raise portable characteristic, it is the superior type which loads the brightness control function of 4 stages whose it is possible furthermore to make the picture bright. ("It is light", "it is bright", we have named "Lite" from meaning.)

As for Nintendo Co., it designates the existence in the portable type game machine market furthermore it is complete & expands the attractive corresponding software which you can enjoy to the your wide customer regardless of the presence of age sex game experience, not only, with throwing the superior model, this "ニンテンドー DS Lite", as more firm ones, starts actualizing preponderant spread.

New iTunes shows!!

A total of 14 new shows have been added, including MTV’s Laguna Beach, The Gauntlet 2, Beavis & Butt-Head, Punk’d, Jackass, and My Super Sweet 16. Also, MTV2’s Wonder Showzen and Nickelodeon’s Dora the Explorer, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Zoey 101. Comedy Central brings South Park and Stand-Up (where is the Daily Show?!?) and The N adds South of Nowhere.

Google admits mistake with Google Video

"We made a big mistake," Mayer, who oversees all of Google's search products, said Tuesday. "You can't come out and launch a product like Google Video and say 'CSI' and 'Survivor' are there if they're not on the home page."

Recently, Google Video has been bashed by many across the web including myself. It is an extremely poor piece of a store. No details on when Google will fix it.

New Google Search Update

Google will soon release an update to its software algorithm. The "code name" is Big Daddy (big ego). Here are the two links that you can use so you can check them out:

66.249.93.104

64.233.179.104

This update is due in either late February or early March

Microsoft to introduce iPod killer

In a recent interview, Steve Jobs said that Microsoft had to come out with an iPod like device to even be able to compete.

Seems like Microsoft listened. According to BusinessWeek, M$ is mulling its own digital device that adds gaming to music and video, in an effort to compete with Apple's iPod empire.

Microsoft has been licensing software for many MP3 players for years now but have made a substantial impact in the market.

X360: Major update to Dashboard and more!

All the bugs that come with every new console are about to be fixed for the XBOX 360 when the new Dashboard update is released. Current reports circulating around the web are that XBOX will soon release a new Dashboard update ASAP. The other rumor to go with this is that the webcam accessory will be introduced as well. Also, this new update will fix many of the known problems with some games.

Official: Disney Buys Pixar

Disney has announced today that it plans to acquire Pixar for $7.4 billion. There have been many rumors of this lately but this is the official release statement. The animation studio, owned mostly by Steve Jobs, is responsible for such hits like "The Incredibles" and "Finding Nemo." Before this announcement, Disney has distributed Pixar's films and has taken a cut. But now they want the whole chunk of the pie. Furthermore, Steve Jobs is set to earn around $3.5 billion and he will have a seat on the Disney Board.

Guide for Firefox Bookmark for Site Feed

Two posts ago I introduced our new RSS 2.0/Atom feed. Well now I just would like to mention a great part of Firefox that I have talked about a numerous amount of times. For those of you that don't know Firefox has this great Live Bookmark system which can basically display your bookmarks and/or your RSS feeds in your browser. Today, I am going to show you how to put in one of these for the TechWrap site.

1) In the sidebar look for a huge orange radio RSS symbol. Then just click it. Look at the picture below.



2) Next, just click that same small icon that appears in the Firefox Browser in the Address Bar (where the URL to the site is). Look at picture below.



3) Now a little Firefox Browser Pop up will come up and just make sure that it is put into the Bookmarks Toolbar Folder.


4) It should look like the picture below and now you can always be updated on the current news brought to you by the TechWrap. Enjoy! You have just embarked on the RSS path. :D

New TechWrap RSS 2.0 & Atom Feed

Hey guys and gals, the TechWrapone.proud to introduce a new RSS feed for everyone. We previously had an ok feed for everyone but we've decided to spice it up a little bit.

Here it is: http://feeds.feedburner.com/TechWrap

Also, if you use any specific RSS reader then you should be able to find it below and just click on it and you can do the rest.

How to: Mac OS X on a PC

WARNING: This is an EXTREMELY complicated guide and I suggest you only do it if you just HAVE to have a Mac.

But here is the link folks:

http://profit42.com/guides.php?id=1

I suggest just getting a Mac but hey you could try it on a semi old computer (like maybe a year old comp and nothing more).

TechWrap now for Cell Phones!!

With images:

http://www.skweezer.net/skweeze.aspx?q=http%3A%2F%2F
www.TechWrap.blogspot.com&i=1

Without images:

http://www.skweezer.net/skweeze.aspx?q=http%3A%2F%2F
www.TechWrap.blogspot.com

Obviously those to are a mouth full and I don't expect you to type that into your cell phone.

So here are the shortened versions:

With images:

http://tinyurl.com/9nrpv

Without images:

http://tinyurl.com/cra4u

Now you can get all your Tech News on the go!!

Can you Digg it?

From Digg: Digg is a technology news website that combines social bookmarking, blogging, RSS, and non-hierarchical editorial control.

Now just by clicking two links on this site you can instantly Digg one of our articles!!!




And then...

Why are blogs so successful?

If you have even checked out the Internet lately most sites are versions of some types of blogs. Why are blogs so successful? Is it because people just want a voice? Is it because almost anyone can do it?

When I originally came up with the TechWrap, I wondered which route I should take. For me it was a no brainer. It was a blog that looked good, had the great blog feel, and something that I could edit and change how I pleased with it all being free.

Now of course there are all different types of blogs out there. Some are just personal ones while others are high end sites. Many are subdomains of blogger services while others opt to just buy a domain (I'm tryhing to get us one soon. No details yet on when). No matter the blog though what really matters is the content.

This is most likely the first and most important way that they have become so successful. Bloggers have the ability to be anyone. That means that the variety of content is vast and ever expanding. Bloggers have a knack for being one of the first with the news that takes most news outlets forever to release. Usually one of the first news breaks are from some blogger out there in the blogosphere that happens to have an inside source. Then everyone latches on and it spreads like wildfire after that. The first one to break the Dan Rather memo mishap was a blogger that took notice.

Blogs have a community in and of itself. Blogs bridge the gap between forums and regular sites. On forums anyone can speak up but somewhere along the line something gets lost. On the big sites such as Yahoo your news is there but you don't have a voice. In a blog though it allows comments and feedback to the system. It changes the way the internet is run.

Even major news sites (news.com) now have comments for their articles. It seems as if the future of websites are going to include some type of a blog.

Blogs though represent something more though. Blogs represent anyone having the ability to have a voice in the vast internet. It gives one tiny glimmer to the little guy. It seems cliche but really blogs provide an outlet for anyone to express their views and opinions.

It is because of this fact in and of itself that blogs have become what they are today and I expect to gain even more ground in the future.

Google Video Store Verdict: Not so hot

For those of you that don't know, Google has unveiled a new video store. Bryan, one of our writers, previously posted about it and showed us what's in store (pun intended :D). Many reviews across the web have said it is mediocre at best and certainly won't take down iTunes any time soon. It seems that since Google Talk, Google hasn't really released anything that has truly made a difference and certainly hasn't been innovating. Google Reader is ok but you can easily find better options. Same with almost everything else they have revealed lately.

Google has been known for being THE option and they certainly haven't fit the bill as of late. Speaking of bills, investors should stay tuned to this lack of innovation especially when Google's stock is at $471.63 (as of today).

Of course, Google can't come up with something well, Google search like, for every product. They can't make a gmail product for a RSS reader. But in some instances they could have easily tried harder and I expect Google to rise to the challenge.

*Congrats to wolv3r1ne for making the TechWrap team!!

FREE Monk episode!!!

You can now get a FREE version of Monk on iTunes right now. Perfect for your iPod so go head on over and get it now. It is the episode, Mr. Monk and the Other Detective. Monk is a pretty good show so I recommend it for anyone. Of course you need an iTunes account and it does require a credit card. Click Title and it will take you right to it.

New Intel MacBook Pro!!!

This is the one EVERYONE has been waiting for. We all thought that it would be in the form of an iBook but it turns out that Apple decided to surprise us all!!! Instead they decided to forgo their iBook and PowerBook name and instead went with the all new MacBook Pro! Like the previous article, I got to tell it to you straight from Apple themselves:

You’ve dreamed about it long enough. Now it has a name: MacBook Pro. Powered by a dual-core Intel engine. Up to four times the speed of the PowerBook G4. Eight times the graphics bandwidth. With built-in iSight for instant video conferencing on the move. And Front Row with Apple Remote to dazzle everyone in the room. Wait no more. MacBook Pro starts at just $1999.
Intel Core Duo
New engine, same soul

This is the first Mac notebook built upon the revolutionary new Intel Core Duo — which is actually two processors (up to 1.83GHz) engineered onto a single chip. It provides 2MB of Smart Cache, L2 cache that can be shared between both cores as needed. It delivers higher performance in 2D and 3D graphics, video editing, and music encoding. And the new engine is only part of the story. MacBook Pro has a frontside bus and memory that, at 667MHz, runs faster than any previous Mac notebook. It’s the first Mac notebook with PCI Express, a Serial ATA hard drive and the ATI Mobility Radeon X1600 for superfast graphics performance.
iSight camera built
Embedded reporter

Sit down. Click on someone’s iChat icon. And video conference from anywhere in the world. Though you can barely see it, there’s an iSight camera built into the thin bezel just above the display. So now you can conference with associates during the day and chat with the kids at night. iChat AV lets you video chat with up to three other people similtaneously. MacBook Pro also comes with Apple’s new Photo Booth application, a fun program that lets you take warped and Warholesque snapshots. With the new iLife ’06 (included, of course), you can even record movies with iSight right into iMovie, then use the new iLife’s newest application, iWeb, to create a video blog entry or podcast in just a few clicks (2).
Front Row
Road show

The first notebook to deliver the Front Row media experience, MacBook Pro makes it easy (and rather spectacular) to showcase your latest creations. Whether you’re at the client’s office, on location, or back at your hotel room, you just use the Apple Remote to control your videos, music, movies, and more. Front Row lets you quickly navigate through your work and play from anywhere in the room. You can even use the Apple Remote to navigate through Keynote presentations.
iLife ’06
Do something. Say something. Make something.

MacBook Pro comes with iLife ’06, a suite of easy-to-use applications that make it easy for anyone to make postcards, calendars, DVDs, websites and podcasts. Even professionals with proficiencies in high-end applications can appreciate the ease of creating initial compositions. Or posting pictures, videos, and commentary of current events almost before they happened. Enjoy the freedom of the press on MacBook Pro.(2).

1. Testing conducted by Apple in December 2005 using preproduction 15-inch MacBook Pro units with 1.83GHz Intel Core Duo; all other systems were shipping units. Estimated SPECint_rate_base2000 score: 30.3. Estimated SPECfp_rate_base2000 score: 25.6. SPEC is a registered trademark of the Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC); see www.spec.org for more information. Benchmarks were compiled using the IBM compiler and a beta version of the Intel compiler for Mac OS.
2. Some features require .Mac. The .Mac service is available to persons age 13 and older. Annual membership fee and Internet access required. Terms and conditions apply.

New Intel iMac!!!

That's right folks. This one is the big shocker. Hold your horses for this. I can't really explain it any better than the Apple guys so here it is:

Rev up your digital life at speeds twice as fast as the previous iMac. Intel Core Duo and iLife ’06 raise the bar — again — of what makes a personal computer so personal. Enjoy everything you love about iMac, only turbocharged, starting at $1299.
Intel Core Duo chip
Power has never been this much fun

No computer on earth makes it as easy to work with digital photos, movies, music and the web as iMac. And now it all happens with blazing speed — powered by the revolutionary Intel Core Duo. With two processors built onto a single chip, this new Intel engine kicks iMac performance up to a whole new level. Coupled with the new ATI Radeon X1600 graphics processor and the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X, iMac will run all your software, fast.
iLife ’06
It’s a wonderful iLife

iMac comes with iLife ’06, a suite of easy-to-use applications that make the spectacular part of your everyday life. Enhance, organize and share your photos via iPhoto. Make an epic starring your kid in iMovie. Turn your photo and movie creations into professional DVDs with iDVD. Create original music in GarageBand, even if you can’t carry a tune. Make podcasts and blogs. Then publish them online via your .Mac account and the all-new iWeb2.
Three-way iChat AV + iSight Camera
The ultimate see and say

There’s an iSight camera built into every new iMac, so you can start a video chat (or join one) at a moment’s notice. There’s nothing extra to buy3, nothing to attach, no cords to fumble with, no software to install or configure4. Simply start up iChat AV, click your buddy’s video icon and you’re ready to chat with sight and sound — with up to three friends at once5. Proper attire suggested.
Front Row + Apple Remote
Now showing

With iMac, you’ve got the best seat in the house. The full-screen Front Row media experience — with its intuitive menus, large text and brilliant graphics — lets you browse the music, photos, and videos on your iMac as easily as you browse music on your iPod. And the new Apple Remote lets you do your browsing from anywhere in the room. So gather your friends and dazzle them with a slideshow of your vacation pics, a home movie or a DVD. iMac was born to entertain.

New iWork '06

Features of both (thanks MR):

New in Both Pages 2 and Keynote 3
- Perform basic spreadsheet-like calculations and formatting in tables.
- Display your data in beautiful three-dimensional charts with life-like textures.
- Add stars, polygons or draw freeform custom shapes with Bézier curves in any document or presentation.
- Mask photos and images with any shape.
- Adjust photos just like you’d adjust them in iPhoto.
- Add comment “stickies” to any document or presentation to capture to-do’s or reminders.

Pages 2
- Start with any one of 66 templates, including 27 new designs.
- Import documents created with AppleWorks or Microsoft Word — from both PC and Mac.
- Export as a cross-platform PDF, Word, HTML, RTF or text-only file.
- Build form letters with drag-and-drop simplicity using your Address Book.

Keynote 3
- Choose from 32 themes, including new HD themes up to 1920x1080 pixels.
- Add gorgeous cinematic transitions, animations, slide builds and more.
- Import presentations created with AppleWorks or Microsoft PowerPoint on from both PC and Mac.
- Export your presentation to PowerPoint, or to iDVD or iPhoto.
- See all your slides at a glance in Light table view and easily reorganize them.

Apple unveils iLife '06 along with iWeb

Here are the new features of the new iLife and iWeb (thanks MR):

iPhoto
One click effects - sepia, b&w,
New cards, calendars & books
hard and softcover books
better quality
Photocasting - podcasting for photos
integrates with .Mac
password protected, subscribable with RSS feeds

iMovie HD
Animated themes for movies
real time effects
new audio tools
more than one project open at once
export to iPod
create Video Podcasts

iDVD
Widescreen menus
Magic iDVD
choose theme, drop in movies & photos & select theme
3rd party burner support

Garageband
New Podcast studio
Podcast artwork track
Over 200 free jingles & effects
Speech enhancer
Use iChat for remote interviews
New Jampack - World Music

iTunes
no mentioned changes from current version (6.0.1)

iWeb (New)
Apple web templates
iLife media browser
Online AJAX photo slideshows
One-click publish to .Mac
Podcast publishing

Google Talk with Buddy Icons!

At CES there is a new demo version of Google Talk and it has...BUDDY ICONS. I have found some pictures below, thanks to Orrent Design. They are a little rough looking but you can get the idea.

There are more picture so check them out here.

The one right below is from Big Blue Ball.

Also it seems that the interaction of Google Talk and AIM will be out pretty soon. This is looking really really good.

IMPORTANT!!! Podcast Related. MUST READ!!

As with all podcasts (in iTunes only), a few weeks after submission if you search for a certain podcast (such as ours), you will not be able to find it. That REALLY makes me pissed (excuse the language) because I think it is the easiest way for anyone to subscribe.

So please if you use iTunes and would like to subscribe to the podcast then just click the link in the title of this article and then just save it to your computer. Then go to iTunes and hit File ---> Add File to Library. From there just find the thing you just downloaded and it should do it for you.

The only way to find our podcast through iTunes is to hit the browse button and make it go like this:

Podcasts--->Technology--->All

Then just go by the title and just look for Technology Wrap Podcast.

vEmotion 1.0

With vEmotion you have the ability to send voice emotions/sound effects to your friends who take part in a IM call/conference.

Anything you have inconvenience in expressing it with your mouth or text, you can communicate it by voice emotions.

You can also set background music for a call/conference.Furthermore, it's totally FREE, and compatible with all major IM programs(Skype, Msn Messenger, Google Talk, AOL Messenger, Yahoo Messenger or Tencent QQ)

Download it here or in the title as usual!

ZENcast now has our podcast up!!

That's right, so now for anyone that has the new ZENcast you can subscribe to our podcast just by searching for it under IT & Hardware ---> Science and Technology. Orrrr, you can just click the title of this article and it takes you straight to it! It, of course has our cool new logo designed by one of our great writers, Luke. Thanks again man!

X360 to get HD-DVD Drive...CONFIRMED!!

Via official Microsoft link:

"Building on Xbox 360 leadership in high-definition experiences, the company announced plans to deliver a new Xbox 360 external HD DVD drive in 2006. The new drive will offer millions of Xbox 360 owners the ability to easily enjoy HD DVD movies and will provide consumers with even more choices for experiencing high-definition content, in either physical or digital form. "

This is HUGE but I wonder what will happen to people that got the X360 with the regular drive....

PLEASE click the title of this article to go to the main Microsoft site.

O, by the way, This is our 100th POST!!!

Microsoft iTunes like product. Urge

Via CNN Money:

"Bill Gates aims to take over your living room and late Wednesday he unveiled a new music service and new software to do it.

Using an appearance with Justin Timberlake, the Microsoft chairman debuted a new music service, Urge, to directly compete with the iTunes music store and interface. Urge launches with over 2 million tracks for purchase or as part of an all-you-can eat subscription, an option the iTunes music store doesn't have. The offering will include exclusive material from MTV, though it will not be compatible with iPods, which are currently the most popular MP3 player."

Google to Offer Video Downloads for $

Via WSJ:

"Google Inc. plans to announce Friday that it will begin allowing consumers to buy videos from major content partners through the Google site and will also roll out a new downloadable bundle of software for consumers that could heighten Google's competition with Microsoft Corp., according to people familiar with the matter."

"Under the major upgrade to Google's video-search service, consumers will be able to pay to download and view videos, such as television shows, on their computers from Google content partners such as TV companies, people familiar with the matter say. Google plans to announce partnerships with some major players tomorrow, including CBS Corp. and the National Basketball Association, these people say. By virtue of Google's huge presence online, the move could place Google in competition with other emerging powers in Internet distribution of video such as Apple Computer Inc."

New Apple Patent for iPod Wireless Transmission

Supposedly, according to Macsimum News, Apple has filed for a patent that allows you to wirelessly transmit your iPod to your car stereo. The patents says this technology will send music & ID3 tags to your car stereo.

iLife '06 and iWeb (wth!)

There has been a ton of news lately so....i'm gonna have to do some direct quotes:

A MacRumors Forums user spotted the image to the right on Garageband's podcasting page earlier today. It lists iLife '06 (though the link just goes to the iLife page) and a mysterious application called 'iWeb.' iLife '06 seems like a no brainer, since I am sure Apple will be releasing this suite every year at Macworld.iWeb is the real interesting thing here. Is this some sort of web authoring tool? Will it have some uber-benefits for .Mac members? Is this all baseless speculation?We will soon find out.

New Bluetooth Headphones from Moto

Like we said in a previous post, Bluetooth Headphones would arrive. Personally, I thought it would be from Apple but Motorola is good too. It connects through the dock connector. One cool feature is that if you have a bluetooth enabled cell phone then whenever someone calls you the music stops and then resumes when you are done. The Motorola Music DUO is expected in the first quarter of 2006. Here are the features taken from Motorola:

• Provides seamless connections to both your iPod and compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone
• Music pauses for incoming calls and resumes when calls are complete
• Compatible with Generation 3 or newer iPod players that have a Dock Connector (i.e. iPod, iPod mini, iPod nano)
• Compatible with any brand of Bluetooth 1.1 or 1.2 –enabled phone that supports “headset” and “hands-free” profiles
• Compatible with Bluetooth Stereo Accessories

Also, it has up to 10 hours of listening time.

Creative comes out with iTunes like product

Creative has just come out with an iTunes like product that hooks up to their Creative Zen players. It is called the ZenCast (so original). Basically it is designed just for podcasts and vidcasts or video podcasts. I have just submitted our podcast (http://feeds.feedburner.com/TechWPodcast) so you should be able to see it soon. Until then though you can hit the subscribe button and just enter in the URL for the podcast. I have one HUGE thing to gripe about it. You can't search for podcasts within the program itself. It only shows you about 4 per category and there aren't even enough categories. You have to go to ZENcast.com to find other podcasts. It isn't worth it guys.

My Rating: 1/5

Google PC no more?

Google has officially denied the Google PC reports.

"We have many PC partners who serve their markets exceedingly well and we see no need to enter that market; we would rather partner with great companies," Google said in response.

This might be it instead:

The genesis of the reports may have been an online column in November in which Robert X. Cringley forecasts in his blog that Google will create distributed data centers in shipping containers that would be used to link up "Google Cubes." He describes them as plug-and-play devices that would serve as the company's "interface to every computer, TV, and stereo system in your home, as well as linking to home automation and climate control?(and) are networked together wirelessly in a mesh network, so only one need be attached to your broadband modem or router."

WalMart was originally the one that was to distribute the PCs. Here is what they said today:

"That's just a rumor. There's no truth to it whatsoever," said a Walmart spokeswoman.

Possible things to see from MacWorld

Great article I found about the things we could see from Apple at the upcoming MacWorld. Only thing I want to add is that we could also see Bluetooth headphones for the iPod!

10. Mac OS X 10.5. Leopard will be Apple's sixth major release of Mac OS X. CEO Steve Jobs stated during his WWDC keynote speech on June 6, 2005 that "We intend to release Leopard at the end of 2006 or early 2007." Since it's less than a year after Tiger's release on April 29, 2005 it's not likely we'll see it at Macworld Expo. Look for a Leopard preview at WWDC 2006 sometime in June. Odds: 100-1.

9. Intel PowerBook. The PowerBook everyone is waiting for will be powered by a dual-core Intel "Yonah" processor and will feature a built-in iSight camera. Apple has recruited a bunch of former Sony VAIO engineers for the project and the PowerBook successor is rumored to be 20-25 percent thinner. Hopefully it'll be the PowerBook nano I've been dreaming of. Unfortunately, it's not likely as the pro software (Final Cut, Creative Suite, etc.) isn't universal binary yet. Rosetta emulation isn't fun folks. Odds: 50-1.

8. iWork '06. Apple's productivity suite will get upgrades to Pages and Keynote with the possible addition of a modern Office-killing spreadsheet application (rumored to be called "Numbers" or "Sheets"). If it reads and writes Excel files the Apple spreadsheet will be the final nail is Microsoft Office's coffin. Microsoft will waste no time in announcing the end of support for Office for the Mac if this happens. It would be great if Apple also bundled FileMaker pro or a spinoff application called iBase (like they did with Logic > Garageband and Final Cut > iMovie). Apple should also make Pages into more of a true word processor and move all the DTP features to a separate application called iLayout - just to keep Quark and AdobeMedia on their toes. Bonus points if Apple were to release pro versions of Mail and iCal. Odds: 25-1.

7. iLife '06. iLife '06 will see updates to its core apps (iPhoto, iMovie HD, iDVD, GarageBand and iTunes) and the addition of PhotoBooth and Front Row that will work with all Macs. iBlog could be acquired from Lifli Software and upgraded to publish to all major blog platforms including Blogger, Movable Type and WordPress (in addition to iDisk.) Apple could replace TiVO and your cable company's DVR in one fell swoop with iDVR. Several new applications are being bandied about as potential additions to the suite, including: Animator, Site Builder and Podcaster. Odds: 10-1.

6. Bluetooth remote control. The new BT remote will work with Front Row 2.0 on all Macs. A Radio Frequency (RF) remote is also possible, but it will require a USB receiver for the Mac which is a buzz kill. Odds: 5-1 on RF, 3-1 on BT.
5. Price Increases for iTunes. The iTunes Music Store will succumb to pressure from the music labels and the decline in online music sales and move its pricing model to a sliding scale. Less popular songs will start as low as US$0.19 while new releases will jump to US$1.99. A compromise by the labels will leave album prices at US$9.99 with the possible addition of lyrics. Odds: 10-1.

4. AirPort Ultra. This is a new portable AirPort base station with video. Bundled with a new application called AirTV you'll be able to stream video to your TV - in High Definition. It'll be bigger than the Express to accommodate the built-in HDMI connector and will sell for US$199. The upgraded AirTunes 2.0 software will allow you to stream any audio to it (not just iTunes), allow streaming to multiple Ultras at once and simultaneous playthrough on the computer speakers. Bonus: If you have an iSight camera or microphone it doubles as an intercom system. Odds: 10-1

3. 1GB iPod nano. The iPod shuffle has been sold out for weeks and Apple could release a larger 2GB version, but they're more likely to euthanize the shuffle (like they did with the iPod mini) in favor of a 1GB nano. For only US$159 (US$30 more than the 1GB shuffle) you get a color screen and a dock connector. Apple will also add video support to the nano line via a firmware upgrade to boost sales of TV shows and video content. Odds: 3-2.

2. Intel Mac mini. It's no secret that Apple's moving into the living room and the Mac mini is the perfect platform to do it with. Apple could replace TiVO and your cable company's DVR in one fell swoop with Apple-ized DVR software (see iLife '06). Apple will also add a built-in iPod dock, a dual-layer DVD drive and Front Row 2.0 (see iLife 06) to the Intel-based Mac mini, code-named Kaleidoscope. Odds: Even money.

1. Widescreen Intel iBook. The first portable Intel Macs will be iBooks based on Intel's new Yonah chipset featuring a new 65nm process that's 70 percent smaller than the Centrino processor. Dynamic Power Coordination will allow Yonah's two cores to be controlled independently making it sip batteries slowly. The new IBook (capital "I") will feature a dual-core Yonah processor in the 1.5 to 2.0GHz range with a 667MHz front side bus. The new IBooks will ship in a single 13.3-inch widescreen (possibly High-Def) configuration. Don't be surprised if this IBook is the first to ship without a FireWire port.

ESPN, ABC sports, etc. to come to iTunes!

As I've been saying for some time now. ESPN has been thinking about putting their shows on iTunes. You heard it here first!!

The Disney ABC Television Group announced today that it plans to add a slew of new programming to the iTunes Music Store. The new offerings will come from ESPN and ABC Sports, ABC Entertainment and Touchstone Television, ABC Family, ABC News, Buena Vista Television, Disney Channel, SOAPnet, and Walt Disney Feature Animation. The content will be a mix of free and paid downloads.

Also,

ESPN and ABC Sports are offering condensed versions of all four BCS Bowl Games from ABC Sports. Yesterday’s Tostitos Fiesta Bowl and Nokia Sugar Bowl will be available today, while today’s Orange Bowl and tomorrow’s Rose Bowl will be available the day after they air. Other ESPN content will be available later this month, including the “Best Of The X Games,” ESPN Classic’s “SportsCentury” interviews, “This is SportsCenter” commercials, and “Knight School,” the forthcoming reality program featuring Texas Tech basketball coach Bobby Knight.

Later this month will be ABC Family’s original series “Wildfire,” Disney Channel’s animated series “Kim Possible” and “The Proud Family” and SOAPnet’s original biography series “Soapography,” as well as ABC’s “America’s Funniest Home Videos” and the popular 1970’s Saturday morning “School House Rock” vignettes and episodes of Buena Vista Television’s “Ebert and Roeper.”

In addition, free video podcasts from ABC News will be available on iTunes, including daily segments from “Good Morning America” and the “World News Tonight” webcast, as well as ABC News Now’s “Money Minute,” “Medical Minute” and “Buzz Cut.”

I think ABC is just a tiny bit pissed that NBC's the Office has been the reigning king on iTunes. Plus they were the first on iTunes and I think they want to be the king of it. :D

@ the Apple Store

Hey guys, I'm posting today from my nearby Apple Store. First, I've noticed that we have a good number of Mac users that read the site and also a few Apple converters. Personally, I wish I had a Mac and hopefully soon I will have one. I've been debating which one to get so I figured I could go through the agony and tell you guys which one you should get. First, I still haven't decided whether I want a desktop or a portable so I'll go through both. The desktops of course have a LOT of power. The portables on the other hand are exactly what they are. Portable.

I've been fiddling around with the different gadgets and I can honestly say that the Mighty Mouse is one of the best out there. I love it. It has a left and a right click but the great thing is that you can't even tell that it is double sided. It just knows based on where you hit the mouse. Apple of course has apple-ified the mouse. The scroll on the top is this cool little ball. It just feels so cool. I can't explain it. Just try it out and you'll know what I mean. I definitely have to get one. Only problem though is the price is a little steep but you get what you pay for.

Currently I'm on a 20' iMac G5. It is extremely fast and everything is integrated so well. Earlier I was on an iBook and Safari was a little too slow for my pace. *Note I'm a POWER user so everything has to be extremely fast for me. Most people will be comfortable with the iBook. The PowerBook is great and has enough power for me. If I go the portable route then I am going to have to go in that direction. My only problem with it, is that it isn't a G5. This means that it isn't a 64-bit processor so you don't get that extra boost. Hopefully the new Intel Macs will cure that problem.

Also, I tested out the PowerMac and it was AMAZING. I loved it. The only thing that I didn't love about it was the price. Just a little too steep for my wallet. But once again you get what you pay for and they give you a TON of power.

Every piece of Mac software is well designed and fully integrated. It really is a seamless experience. If you are converting from Windows then there are some adjustments but they are quick and easy.

Final Verdict: Every Mac is great here and is good for different users. For about 90% of the population though I suggest this: If I were to buy a Mac today then I would have to go with the 20' iMac G5 with a 250GB hard drive. Also, I would have to update the RAM just because I am a power user and time is extremely valuable to me. If I were one to wait then I would have to pick the PowerBook when it comes in with the new Intel chips. Hoped it helped to any of you out there and I definitely recommend switching for anyone.

Edit: I forgot to mention a couple of things. First, I tried fooling around with FrontRow and the remote but Apple did not have it for use. This REALLY made me made because I wanted to try it out especially if I was going to buy it. I asked the guy and he was cool about it and just explained that they can't really attach a security device to it. I understand this but they have iPod Nanos and such out so I don't understand why they can't make it happen.

Also, I found out that if you buy a new Mac and Office for Mac together then you get a rebate which is pretty cool. Furthermore, on all iPod accessories over $12.95 there is free shipping!

Google to release cheap PC!!!!

That's right folks. You heard it here first. Google is set to launch a super cheap PC that will run on a Google created Operating System. Google is currently in negotiations with Wal-Mart and other retailers to distribute their product. This is just one more way that Google is trying to diversify their revenue instead of being based solely on text ads. It will be unveiled Friday by Larry Page (one of the founders of Google) at the CES.

Revolutionary Highlights

Alright well I haven't posted much so I've decided to bring you a few highlights about the Revolution!

• Satoru Iwata says Nintendo's next-generation console will be priced below $299.99!! This is a nice deal considering the XBOX's prices.

• The Title "Revolution" is just the codename of the successor of Nintendos Gamecube, and not in fact its final name. I kind of like the name Revolution. But you never know, Nintendo said the same thing about the DS but it ended up being the final name.
• Nintendo Execs also say they are "not interested in engaging a technical battle with Sony and Microsoft"
• Also, the Revolution will have 12-inch disks, 512MB flash memory, two USB 2.0 ports, and Wi-Fi connection (awesome!). Although Iwata won't release full technical specs(saying that they are not important) a few people have a list of some of the revelutions abilities here.
• Nintendo has also reveiled the revolution will be backwards compatible with the GameCube, which i personally think is AWESOME!!!!
• The revolution WILL be able to play DVD movies, W00t.
• Iwata stresses that the Revolution will bring a revolution to video gaming. He believes that technology alone cannot advance videogames. The ability to download the best NES games, S-NES games, and N64 games is one example of this. Another is the use of motion sensor technology to be able to move things in the game by moving an input device outside of the game.

• You not only need a TV to play the Revolution. It will also be able to hook up to a computer monitor.
• One upset is that the Revolution will not be able to support high definition. One key goal Nintendo has for the Revolution is to make it a small quiet and affordable gaming system.
• A third Super Smash Bros is being readied for launch. In this one you will be able to play through WI-FI against other gamers. Along with that, other Mario and Zelda titles are being made. Also a Metroid Prime 3 is being made, along with an Animal Crossing sequel. Although not much is known about it, except it will interact wirelessly with the DS. Nintendo will also bring a Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicals to the Revolution.

Thes are only the highlights of a killer 8 page review by ign. you can see it here.

Enjoy!