Digital Life Radio

Show Notes 5/30/09

Posted on 30. May, 2009 by joseph in Show Notes

Episode 24 – 5/30/09

Hosted by Jordan Drake and Jake Brown

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In This Episode:

Tech News:

• The Palm Pre Smartphone confirms that it will provide iTunes support Source Engadget.com
• Microsoft will take a swing at iPod Touch with the ZuneHD this fall Source Engadget.com and Gizmodo.com
• Apple gets a tax break from North Carolina legislators and plans to build a $1 billion new server farm in the state Source Arstechnica.com
• Mac clone makers, Psystar, file for bankruptcy after legal altercations with Apple Source Arstechnica.com
  

Tech Discussion – Mac Clones:

Jake and Jordan talk about the viability of companies besides Apple making computers that run on OS X. Despite the failures of previous “Hackintosh” manufacturers, a new company called Quo Computer hopes to be the first to win over Apple. The originators of Mac OS X have an intimidating track record when it comes to suing clone makers, but Quo seems to be convinced that the quality of their product will set them apart from the rest. Of course, they are bracing themselves for a legal battle, but hope to coax Apple into somewhat of an alliance.

Jake discusses his trials and tribulations with installing OS X on a PC. After many failed attempts Jake got OS X installed, but it was very buggy, unstable, and automatic software updates could bring the whole system to its knees. Jake had a lot of trouble with the project even though he’s experienced with hardware modification; for anyone not so tech savvy to pull it off would be miraculous.

Movie Discussion – Toy Story 3 and the 10th Anniversary of Star Wars:

Jordan and Jake are looking forward to the third installment of Disney Pixar’s Toy Story franchise. They suggest that the studio has been so successful with its animated films because both the humor and language are appropriate for any age group. Toy Story, in particular, has done well because of great voice actors like Tim Allen and Tom Hanks and also due to the comedy that comes out of the chemistry between the very different main characters; a cowboy and an astronaut.

Our hosts take a moment to reflect on the hype surrounding the premier of the first installment of the most recent Star Wars films: The Phantom Menace. They agree that the film’s hype may have been misleading because the movie didn’t quite deliver everything the Star Wars fans were looking for. The newer installments just don’t seem to have that same spirit that hooked audiences all over the world so many years ago.

Tech Discussion – Options for Streaming Video Content:

Our hosts talk about some of the different online content providers and their benefits. Netflix offers a way to stream television shows and movies through your computer and although it doesn’t offer a really wide range of movies, bundling it with a traditional Netflix account makes it a good option. Hulu is definitely a content provider to watch out for, boasting a wide range of TV episodes and movies that can be accessed for free (with limited commercials), they’re moving in a new direction with their new Hulu Desktop application. It allows users to control its beautiful interface with a remote control or a keyboard, which brings online streaming a step closer to true home entertainment. Boxee is an older provider with the same idea, but it’s a little more aimed at users who connect their computer to their TV. Our hosts have given it a try and find it to be a bit ‘clunky’ and not nearly as user friendly as the others.

Overall, the integration of online streaming content and home entertainment has not been fully achieved. Jordan and Jake discuss what’s lacking from these current providers.

Tech Discussion – Skype Pro:

Jordan and Jake have been long time users of Skype and recommend it for everyone, but the new Skype Pro is offering some really great new features. Skype Pro expands on the original by offering caller ID, calling to any other type of phone (land line, cell, etc.), and call forwarding. It also allows you to record calls, choose the caller ID label representing your phone, and make calls from outside the country through your Skype account (much cheaper). Jake even got the Skype iPhone App which allows him to make calls on his iPhone through a Wi-Fi connection instead of using his minutes.

Tech Discussion – Click Free Storage Solutions

In coming episodes Jordan will be talking about some very simple products for backing up your computer from Click Free. They are designed to be the most user friendly options for backing up your computer, just plug it in and it starts working on its own, no tech knowledge required. Great for people who aren’t very tech savvy, yet still need important files backed up on their computers.

Jordans been using the Click Free Traveller Flash Storage Device. It’s about 79 dollars, it holds 16 GB, and it is also about the size of two credit cards stacked together.It even fits in your wallet! Jordan is really impressed with the ease of use; you plug it in and wait for the LED light to tell you it’s done and you can walking away knowing your important files are safe. The device can back up your whole computer or just specific data.The only downside is that it’s a little tricky to set it up as a basic USB flash drive.

We air every Saturday at 3pm ET on AM 1200 WXIT – call in or email us – 828 264 8255 – contact@digitalliferadio.net

Tags: hulu, iphone, mac, palm pre, skype