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!

TechWrap now in 9 Languages!!!

So today, I was trying to translate the site into Spanish just for fun and because I wanted to increase visitors by offering it in a new language. Instead I ended up finding this amazing thing from AltaVista's BabelFish translator. So instead of the TechWrap being in English and Spanish it will be in 9 different languages!!!!

• English
• Spanish
• Italian
• French
• Chinese
• Japanese
• Korean
• German
• Portugese

So now people speaking these languages can get their TechWrap!!

Google Sued for Patent Infringement

Google is being sued for patent infringement over the VoIP portion of Google Talk.

You can find the full text (38 pages pdf) of the complaint filed by Rates Technology in October here.A copy of the court docket is posted here.

The lawsuit was filed in the Eastern District of New York.The suit includes two causes of action for patent infringement against Google.Rates Technology says that two patents they hold (awarded in 1995, 2001) for minimizing the cost of long distance calls using the Internet are being infringed upon by Google Talk.

Copies of these two patents along with one more mentioned in the filing are included in the complaint.

Rates Technology is asking for a jury trial along with:

• Enforcement of the patents
• Damages including the loss of profits so provide a royalty
• A preliminary injuction against Google
• Attorney's fees

( source: blog.searchenginewatch.com )

DivX Browser Plug-In: Must-Have!!

DivX has just released a beta of a browser plug-in for the following browsers:

• Internet Explorer (5.0 and above)
• Firefox (1.0 and above)
• Mozilla (1.7 and above)
• Netscape (8.0 and above)

Mac OS X and Linux versions are "just around the corner."

Download: Click Here

After you have downloaded:

Samples:

• Batman Begins Trailer
  
• X-Men 3 Trailer
• Underworld Evolution Trailer

Features:

• Playback DivX AVI files (DivX 5/6 video + MP3 audio) stored on a regular webserver live in your browser
• Save files to to disk so that you can replay them later with the free DivX Player
• Monitor your connection speed and the download buffer during playback
• Watch video in windowed mode or blow it up to fullscreen
• Seek and trick play into the download buffer
• Change preferences for the download behavior
• Check for updates and instantly update the plug-in (with prompting)
• Awesome™ playback performance

*All downloads etc. brought to you by DivX. TechWrap takes NO claims to any of these downloads just because they are on this site.