Over the weekend, Microsoft released the CableCARD firmware update for Windows 7 Media Center which relaxes DRM for recordings in a big way and adds support for SDV. The package arrived as the “ATI Digital Cable Tuner 1.19.12.09050155 firmware” — available to all of those with the ATI CableCARD tuners via Windows Update. Next, Microsoft … Read more
Rumors reported by Silicon Alley Insider last week indicate that TechCrunch Michael Arrington’s Linux-based CrunchPad web browsing tablet has gone into hibernation. Perhaps due to higher than anticipated production expenses. Arrington had promised “a big announcement” during the summer months… which never materialized. So something’s definitely up. And I expect it’s the realization that launching … Read more
Normally, I tend to think that most regulations are bad. In a free market, businesses should be allowed to operate with a wide degree of latitude. At the same time there is a pragmatic part of me that understands there can be exceptions to this. Everyone should have the right to free speech, but that … Read more
Looks like Roku and the Xbox 360 won’t be the only set-top boxes making the jump from 802.11g to the faster, further 802.11n spec this fall. While I’ve been scanning FCC filings lately, trolling for something specific, a new TiVo wireless adapter wasn’t on my radar. Fortunately, the Engadget team is a more thorough and … Read more
Less than a year on the market, the SlingCatcher‘s entrance fee has dropped by 2/3rds from retail launch pricing of $300 down to a rock bottom $99.99 at Best Buy. I can only assume sales have been horrible. Which pains me on personal level. The digital media Swiss Army knife vision of the SlingCatcher was … Read more
In the week or so I’ve been evaluating Sprint’s rendition of the HTC Hero, I’ve bemoaned the lack of Slacker Radio — one of my iPhone must-haves. Fortunately, review timing is fortuitous… and Slacker just joined Pandora in the Android Market. It’s the same music experience you know and love, yet accompanied by less polished … Read more
Philadelphia got its official Clearwire WiMAX launch yesterday with a celebration in the city’s Love Park. I say official because Clear’s 4G service has been available in the Philly metro area for just over a month now. I signed up with my own Motorola USB modem (filched, with permission, from my employer at a trade … Read more
Some bemoan the commercialization of the winter holidays, but in the spirit of “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em,” why not look at the fun side of the seasonal shopping extravaganza? Naturally you have the giving and receiving of many gadgets, but there’s also new tech to experience in the act of shopping itself. … Read more