TiVo Resurrects Lifetime Service (for a time)

Through February 2nd, TiVo is offering Lifetime Service subscriptions to existing customers at a cost of $399. Mathematically, only you can decide if this is a good deal. Adding a lifetime of standard definition service (TiVo DT, Series2) doesn’t make sense to me, but it could be entirely reasonable on a TiVo HD or Series3. … Read more

Sheer Google Brilliance… And I’m Not Talking Android

Most of the news on Google is (rightfully) focused on the giant’s new mobile phone strategy. However, there’s a story in the AP today (covered by our buds at JKOnTheRun) on a new initiative to bring Google Maps to gas stations. This is utterly brilliant. A few of the gas stations near me have started … Read more

Pandora Adds Interactivity and Community Features

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Last night I heard from (free) online music provider Pandora founder Tim Westergren that his service is beginning to roll out supplemental features. “Pandora Extras” intend to compliment music with additional content, interactivity, and community features. A summary of the initial batch of Extras launched today:

  • Real time song and artist info with recommendations for similar content and listeners
  • Pandora buddy lists
  • 100 finely tuned genre stations
  • “Pandora Presents” series of original audio and video programming

When I get home from NYC and have some time, I’ll give them a spin… The editorial content and pre-programmed stations look appealing, though I have no need for more online social networking. (In fact, I’d appreciate it if LinkedIn and Facebook would merge.)

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ESPN Content Lands on Xbox

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ESPN and Microsoft have announced Xbox LIVE downloads:

Effective immediately, fans of all ages can access a growing catalog of marquee sporting events and timely programming, including full-length NCAA college football and basketball games, Summer X Games 13, “World Series of Poker,” “The Contender,” “Madden Nation” and much more on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, the leading high-definition video download service.

I obviously support additional partners and digital downloads, but I wonder how many will pay for a game 48 hours after broadcast? As a college football fan, I know the outcomes of all the meaningful games and have no interest in watching old sports programming… for a fee. Especially, since the first batch of games (above) are SD only. However, what I might pay for is something like DirecTV’s Superfan “Short Cuts” — an entire game condensed into 30 minutes or less. Get creative, people!

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Pricing CDNs

Since we’ve been talking about content delivery networks (CDNs), I did a little research to determine typical CDN services fees. We’re starting to see hybrid models, such as the GridNetworks solution (CDN and P2P), but for strict CDN services – where content is hosted on regional servers for faster delivery – here’s what I discovered … Read more

How Will The Writers Strike Impact Your TV Viewing?

Last-ditch efforts to avert the WGA (Writers Guild of America) strike took place Sunday according to TV with MeeVee. However, those talks didn’t pan out and the picketing began today as predicted. If the strike lingers, there will be very real consequences to the television shows you and I watch… The effects of which could … Read more

The OTTO Wireless MP3 Player Giveaway

Hot on the heels of Kevin’s review, we’re giving away the OTTO Wireless MP3 Headset. It’s a basic 512MB player built into stereo headphones. Notable: OTTO does support secure WMA, so your Yahoo Music or Napster tunes should be good to go – in addition to unprotected MP3 and WMA files. You know the drill … Read more

Deal of the Day: $40 off OS X Leopard

While browsing the beautiful new Micro Center (Rockville, MD) yesterday, I ran across a pretty sweet deal on Mac OS X Leopard. Assuming you’re not one of the millions who’s already upgraded, Micro Center’s $40 rebate is being offered both in-store and online though 11/11. While Spaces appeals to me, I haven’t really felt the … Read more