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