Google TV Blocked by Networks

Alright, who didn't see this one coming.  As you can see in the image below, ABC has blocked Google TV users from watching their online content (NBC, and ABC's parent company Walt  Disney are the networks blocking Google TV). Another reason why buying a Google TV doesn't seem like a good idea, in my opinion.  Google TV has lots of potential, but if the major networks aren't on aboard then it doesn't have much of a future, especially at $299.

Google is suppose to be working to solve this problem, but we will see what comes of it.  Without some sort of monthly fee, or payment to networks, I don't see how Google can resolve this. I wonder if Walt Disney is blocking the Google TV because of some sort of close Apple relationship? The saga continues......

Image via androidcentral.com

Source: http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE69K5QS20101022

Palm Pre 2 Announced!

Today HP announced the Palm Pre 2 phone and WebOS 2.  It will be coming to Verizon in the states, within the coming months.  Sadly, there was no mention of Sprint in the announcement.  It makes you wonder if Sprint will ever get this phone, or if they will be left in the dust.  I am disappointed in the lack of Sprint getting the Palm Pre 2 because I am a Sprint customer, maybe i will need to start thinking about Android more seriously.

The Palm Pre 2 is a nice looking phone, but I don't consider it anything worth rushing to the store for, and it isn't anything that get me to switch phone carriers to get.  It looks nice, and it should be a better phone, but it isn't breathe taking.  Maybe we will see something more exciting from Palm/HP during CES 2011.

For the full specs check out the specs at Precentral.net.

Update: According to Palm via Facebook we need to communicate to Sprint about why Pre 2 is not on Sprint.  Well many have taken this statement to heart and the Sprint Facebook page has been getting hammered with people asking and complaining about the Palm Pre 2 announcement.  They all want to know one thing: why does Sprint not have a new WebOS phone to offer its users?

HTC EVO 4G - Sprint only $99

With a 2-year contact you can get the HTC EVO 4G from Amazon.com for only $99.

You can also get the Samsung Epic 4G from Sprint, for only $99 with a 2-year contract here.

Both these prices are pretty good price for these phones, consider the EVO is $199.99 at Sprint.com and the Epic is $249.99 at Sprint.com


Reviews


HTC EVO 4G - CNET.COM

Samsung Epic 4G - CNET.COM

How to Run Disk Utility on Mac OS X 10.6 (Snow Leopard) to Repair Permissions

How To Run OS X Disk Utility - Repair Permissions

1. Click on the Spotlight magnifying glass in top right of your screen (See figure 1)

2. Type “ disk utility “ in the Spotlight bar (See figure 1)

3. Select Disk Utility, located next to the text: Applications (See figure 1)

Figure 1

4. In the left hand-side column/box of Disk Utility select “ Macintosh HD “ (See Figure 2)

5. Select the “ First Aid “ button on the middle-right of the Disk Utility window (See Figure 2)

6. Click on the “ Repair Permissions “ button.  This procedure could take a long time to complete (See Figure 2)

FIGURE 2

Note: This tutorial assumes the user is using Mac OS X 10.6. It is possible to have a different named partition in Disk Utility, ie Macintosh HD could be called something else.


This tutorial can be downloaded here.

Microsoft to Buy Adobe

Their are rumors going around whether Adobe may get bought out by Microsoft.  This would be a HUGE acquisition for Microsoft or for any company.  Would this be a positive move for Microsoft?  In many ways it would be good for both companies, but they have many overlapping products.  Overlapping products can be an issue when combining companies because it is hard to choose who product and what features come/go, etc...

I personally don't see this going through, or even being a legit rumor, but if it were real then might Apple consider purchasing Adobe?  Adobe has a large portion portion of their business invested in Apple products, even though they argue about Flash.  A Microsoft purchase of Adobe could prove to be a problem for Apple, so buying Adobe before Microsoft does could prove to be a good move.  Ultimately I can't imagine Adobe being bought by any of these companies, but anything is possible.


Source: http://www.technologyreview.com/wire/26487/?nlid=3609

Logitech Revue Information Released

The Logitech Revue seems to be a little more than expected.  It has Google Chrome built in which supports Flash 10.1 and HTML 5, so you should be able to watch videos on most any website.  The other thing that has some excitement is the following statement:

A Logitech rep confirmed the device will also stream the popular MKV file format, among others.

This could potentially make this device a Roku box but with many more features, and with the potential of the Android App store this might be something to look at.  The major downside to this product is that it costs roughly $300, so this product better offer some unique and exciting features.  We have been down this road before it seems, where we are promised an amazing set-top box, but it doesn't come through.  Google has some content providers on board currently, but without more is it really any better than paying $99 for a Apple TV or Roku?  


If Google TV integrates nicely with your existing cable service, then you might find the Logitech Revue exciting, but if you are looking to replace cable, I feel you will be disappointed at this point.  My suggestion, wait and see what develops before spending the money, unless you are already satisfied with what it does.



Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-20018763-1.html#ixzz11cRjjRDG

More Google TV Information Released

Today Google announced some more information regarding their upcoming Google TV product(s).  Some of the features they listed are:

• Ability to access websites from Turner Broadcasting that are optimized for Google TV

• CNBC Real-Time, a service that gives you access to news information

• HBO is going to offer their HBO GO service via Google TV. Don't get too excited though because you have to be subscribed to HBO via Satellite or Cable in order to have access to this service.

• NBA Game Time will give you score/highlights of games

• Amazon Video on Demand

• Netflix

• YouTube (I would hope so)

Also, Google is working with music providers like Pandora and Napster to give you access to music, and they are working with news sites like the New York Times and USA Today.

It sounds like Google is trying to create an 'open' media platform that content providers can use to sell their products direct to the consumer, at least it seems that is their goal.  It will be interesting to see what happens, but it looks like this box will be basically like every other set-top box out there.  There is no mention of streaming via SMB or DLNA, so I would guess you will be locked into web only content at this point.  I'm not too overly excited about Google TV at this point, but maybe I will be pleasantly surprised.

Google TV Blog Post and Video: http://googletv.blogspot.com/2010/10/here-comes-google-tv_04.html

D-Link DNS-321

I recently bought a D-Link DNS-321 diskless NAS.  I have been looking at buying a NAS now for sometime.  The problem that I have ran into is that all of them seem to fall short in one way or another.  The only way to get network storage that is decent is to go with a more expensive unit (like a ReadyNAS), or to go the server method (like a Mac Mini Server or some other server).

The D-Link DNS-321 is not what I would call an amazing NAS, but I found it at Tigerdirect.com for roughly $70 after mail-in-rebate.  I found it on sale still/again at dealnews.com for the same price.  For $70 this device offers a decent location to store music, video, and archived data, so I decided to give it a try.

So far I have been pretty happy with it.  It took me about 10 minutes to get it setup and it gives you your basic needs.  Now the problem that I am running into is that I need more storage.  I have been using two 250GB drives in a RAID 1 array, and I am ought of room already (had the NAS a week).  Now I am looking at purchasing two WD 500GB drives for $80 after $30 mail-in-rebate ($15 mail-in-rebate per drive) from newegg.com.

For a in depth review of the DNS-321 visit the review at SmallNetBuilder.com.

Its Offical - Roku To Get Hulu Plus

I just wanted to keep you in the loop, in case you haven't already heard, today it was announced that Hulu Plus will be coming to the new Roku set-top boxes and Tivo Premiere users.  This announcement undoubtedly helps Roku compete, and in many instances have a upper hand on many other set-top boxes on the market.  Now I am wondering, should I buy a Roku now, or is there still hope that Apple TV will get Hulu?  Disney is part owner of Hulu and they do have close ties with Apple, courtesy of Steve Jobs.  I doubt this will happen, but something to think about.

TV via Internet

Recently I decided to save some money and not pay for cable/satellite TV.  This has also made me more alert of Internet alternatives like Netflix, Hulu, iTunes, Amazon VoD, etc...  These services continue to have an increasing amount of valuable content, which makes them very attractive.  One of the largest downfalls to these services is that there is not a good central location that you can go to access them.  This makes watching TV very cumbersome and requires users to be somewhat tech savvy.  

I have been paying attention to Apple TV, Google TV, Roku, and the PS3.  Each set-top box offers most of the above services, and some services are implemented better than others.  I have been most attracted to the Roku boxes because they are affordable and they offer Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, and more.  The ONE service they are missing, that I want, is Hulu. Recently streamingmedia.com reported that Roku boxes will indeed be receiving a Hulu channel soon.  When and if this happens, it will make a Roku box #1 on my list of set-top boxes.  This would allow you to get practically everything you could possibly want for about $20/month (Netflix+Hulu Plus subscriptions).  If there is anything missing, you also have Amazon Video on Demand where you can purchase individual shows/seasons too.  The only thing that would make Roku the set-top box of set-top boxes would be the ability to play media from local network devices (There are reports this may be coming).

What are your thoughts, do you use a set-top box currently?  What do you use?  What features would you like that you don't have?

Zach

Mazda Announces Diesels for the United States

At the New York Auto Show Mazda has announced plans to bring diesel engines to the United States.  This is a unusual move because most automakers, besides Volkswagen, do not have smaller diesels in their United States portfolios.  The first vehicle to have a diesel will be a Mazda 6 sized vehicle (maybe even the Mazda 6).

I know that diesels aren't that popular in the United States but I blame that mostly on the lack of vehicle choices.  The lack of choices is sad because diesel engines offer better fuel economy than most hybrids, can burn many different types of fuels and diesels tend to have a longer life expectancy than their gasoline counterparts.

I am glad to see some more diesels coming to the States and with Mazda, you know we will have some sporty/affordable options.

What are your thoughts towards diesel engines?

Source:
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/article.aspx?cp-documentid=1137598

Is China Losing Its Appeal to Businesses?

Google has finally taking a stance against China's censorship rules of their search results by moving their Chinese servers to Hong Kong.  Google understands the importance of China but they also understand the importance of information.  Not long after Google announced their stance against China, two other companies also made some interesting announcements.

Godaddy.com, a web services company, has made a statement saying  they no longer intend to register web domains in China because the Chinese government is requiring that they obtain photos of each person registering a domain.  Also, there was an announcement by the India prime minster saying that Dell is looking at moving their manufacturing from China to India.  Dell's move seems to be due to the business environment in China as well, and Dell's manufacturing business represents about 25 Billion dollars.

So what does this all mean?

China has been come from companies moving manufacturing operations to China and opening up branches in order to have a business presences in China.  Chinese companies have been copying foreign product designs and/or using intellectual properties of foreign companies without permission or consequences for years.  I have often wondered if this type of business environment was going to eventually cause China problems because the Chinese government doesn't seem to care about protecting foreign companies rights.

I personally think that companies have been ignoring and/or tolerating the negative conditions in China for far too long.  Most of this is due to the fact that manufacturing goods in China is very inexpensive and because China is an economy with huge potential.  I am glad to see some companies realize that there are more options in this world than China, like India or Hong Kong.  I also think that we will see other companies continuing to look else where for manufacturing and investment.

The Chinese economy will undoubtedly be a force in the future, but why should foreign companies risk their beliefs and intellectual properties in a hostile environment just to make some money?  If your products are being copied and used by the Chinese and you are unable to do anything about it, is it actually worth it to you to be involved in the Chinese economy?  China could be looking at a less lucrative future if these trends continue because the cost of doing business in China may exceed the gain. 

Sources

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62O5FS20100325

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/technologybrierdudleysblog/2011444484_with_china_concerns_high_india.html

Doing Business in China Getting Tougher For U.S. Companies

What to do about my cell phone service, AT&T or Verizon?

This May is my last month in my contract with Sprint.  I have had Sprint/Nextel for 10 years now and I have no complaints about their overall service.  I've always had cell phone coverage whenever I needed it, there customer service has been ok and their prices are good.  After 10 years of being a good customer I am looking at changing carriers because I want a nice new phone.  There are three phones that I am very interested in:

• Apple iPhone
• Google Nexus One
• Motorola Droid

The phone that I want the most is the Apple iPhone, which is only on AT&T.  With what seems to be so many complaints about AT&T's service, I keep wondering whether I would regret having them as my carrier.  With a positive review from PCWorld showing improvements, it makes me think that they are finally getting their act together.  Then, Consumer Reports has a report rating AT&T as the worst overall carrier and I wonder who to believe.  I have talked to several people about their personal experiences and again, I get mixed reviews so this hasn't been a lot of help either.

In second place is the Nexus One but not by much over the Motorola Droid.  I know the Nexus One is not on Verizon, yet, but I would wait till this spring when it is.  Verizon, for the most part, seems to get positive reviews across the board.  I know several people who use Verizon and they all seem to like them.  Plus if you look at any of the above reviews, Verizon is consistently giving good results there as well.

I want one of the phones listed above, with the iPhone taking top wanted, but I also want a carrier that I can rely on.  At the end of the day it appears that Verizon is the better carrier.  I am a Apple guy so, this makes me even more torn between my options.  I just wish I could get an iPhone on Verizon....maybe someday.

Does anyone have any suggestions or comments?

Anyone have some pointers to help me with my decision?

Alternatives to Google Web Services

Lately, there have been several articles about alternatives to Google's services like: Gmail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, etc...  I know that many of these article have stemmed from recent events surrounding Google's treatment of its users privacy and rights but, I personally have no issues with Google thus far and have no intentions on ditching any of Google's services. They offer many free services that I enjoy and like.

The major thing these articles did for me is it awakened me to the fact that there are several options, other than Google, for web-based services like email, document creation/editing, analytics and calendar.  With Google playing such a critical role in my online life it seems almost impossible to replace them.  So my investigation began to find other alternatives that I might like.

The first web service that I started with was email.  I remember several years ago I had a Hotmail account, didn't we all, and email through my Internet service provider before switching to Gmail completely.  I was mostly curious just to see what was available as options and here are the ones that stuck out:

• Zoho Mail
• Aol Mail
• Yahoo Mail
• ISP/Domain Mail - This option is provided to you by your Internet service provider, your web-hosting company (if you have a blog/website), or is available for a small fee from companies like Rackspace
• Apple mobile me - This service offers email, push functions, file storage and more for $99/year

Many of these mail services also have calendars integrated in them which looked like they would suffice or I could start using iCal exclusively.  Zoho seemed to have the nicest webmail and calendar available and it is FREE for non-bussiness users.  I signed up for Zoho mail and intend to try it to see whether I like it.

When searching for a web-based document editor I didn't have to look far because Zoho also has that.  Their document editor, Zoho Writer, looks like it is very nicely laid out and has many key features.

The next item on my list was web-site analytics, here I found two options that interested me and were free:

Woopra - Woopra is not a web-based service but it offers an application for Linux, Windows and Mac.  They offer paid plans that offer more options but their basic plan should be suffice for most users.  One of the key benefits of Woopra is that is gives you realtime analytics.  You don't have to wait till the next day to see your sites analytics like you do with Google Analytics.

Piwik - This is a free open-source web service.  Piwik has an online demo of their analytics service and it appears to offer mostly everything you would need.

Out of the two different analytic service I was intrigued with Piwik the most.

After all of this I still have no plans on replacing any of my Google services but I do plan on trying a few of these services to see how they work.  It is also a good reminder that there are many other options out there besides Google.

What are your experiences with non-Google web services, who do you use and what do you use them for?