Dave Zatz I admit it. I’m lazy. Even though I’ve purchased and ripped hundreds of CDs (plus those DRM-encumbered iTunes), I still prefer someone else program my playlists. In fact I’m an iPhone owner who (mostly) forgos the audio iPod functions, opting instead for the (jailbreak) iRadio streaming application. Or my XM subscription via Helix or computer. … Read more
Gamefly (Netflix for video games) has started buying up subscriber’s used games: As a long-time member, you’ve been hand-selected to participate in our GameFly Trade-In Program. Now you can trade in the games you own for credit toward your membership fees! This strikes me as an interesting business initiative… I specifically use Gamefly to avoid … Read more
I just received an email from Kyocera that their new and hopefully improved EVDO router is shipping. In addition the PCMCIA card support of the KR1, the KR2 ($250) adds USB and ExpressCard compatibility. After my CES frustrations with the KR1, I’m hoping they’ve also added greater device compatibility. If you’re tempted, Kyocera is sweetening … Read more
TiVo Deskstop 2.6 has arrived right on schedule: TiVo (NASDAQ: TIVO), the creator of and a leader in television services for digital video recorders (DVRs), today announced TiVo® subscribers can now watch video content from the Web directly on their television sets. Through an updated version of TiVoâs Desktop Plus PC software, users can now … Read more
First, we hear Silverlight is headed for Nokia handsets. And today, Flash Lite and Silverlight are confirmed for Windows Mobile. Woo! It’s good to see these media-rich technologies land on portable devices. Though, there’s still no confirmation of Flash for the iPhone. But it’s inevitable… Right? Honestly, I’m not particular about which specific technologies land … Read more
How do you educate your customers to the perils of switched digital video (SDV) with the current generation of retail CableCARD products? In Cablevision’s case, they’ve started notifying folks that over 15 channels (including Kung Fu HD!) are unavailable via CableCARD – without actually mentioning why. But, hey, who needs a TiVo when you they’ll … Read more
Roxio has released Toast 9 but, as my headline questions, does it work… with TiVo? Last fall both Toast 8 and Popcorn 3 began experiencing issues in conjunction with TiVo’s Fall Software update. As I mentioned in early February, the Roxio team seemed to think they had a solution for the TiVoToGo file conversion audio/video … Read more
I’ve received a few questions asking if I’ve seen the new Sling television commercial. Uh, hello? Yes, of course I’ve seen it! And you can too (without actually watching TV). We’re also running an amusing seasonal radio spot. Click the play button to check it out: [audio:sling-basketball.mp3] (Unfortunately, my poor Terps closed out the last … Read more