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Episode 29: RIAA, Chip Implants and Flying Cars

2/20/2006 3:49:03 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher
In the news this week: Blog readership is apparently down, but Brad thinks there is a correlation between big news events like the 2004 election and blogging popularity. Also the RIAA is at it again. They’ve banned the selling of pre-loaded iPods. Fine. Then they also stated that ripping your music CD’s that you purchased to your iPod is not “fair use”. Not fine. Feel free to express your outrage in the show comments.

Also, ID chips have been implanted in American workers for the first time, someone has invented a very useful clothes washer that will wash, dry and iron, and is the flying car on the way? We’ve been hearing rumblings about it since the 1920’s, so surely they are just around the corner.

We have another call to create a video game, but this time it’s from researchers at the University of Southern California and they want you to invent the “World of Peacecraft” or similar. Perhaps someone will invent the thing while power-lunching with their clubmates in WoW, where there is now an online version of a country club. (Brad not invited). We have an update on the “StarForce” gang and Brad lets us in on a Star Wars: Empire at War review. Plus a question from a listener about n00bs – should we enslave them all? (We’re paraphrasing). Check it out!

Important Links:
PCPro: Ripping music for iPods is not fair use - RIAA
CNET News.com: Flying car ready for takeoff?
USC Center on Public Diplomacy: Call for Game Submissions

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12 Comments

Segments : Episode 29: Tech Segment Episode 29: Game Segment

rappyuk

2/20/2006 3:05:02 PM

downloading now...

Neomilan

2/20/2006 3:44:34 PM

woo!

/me downloads

The Wicked Flea

2/20/2006 5:29:02 PM

Brad, how do you get any work done?? I'd expect a butterfly to pass your window and you immediately tear yourself away and then run into a glass door or something.

I think that the RIAA is going to get sued to death shortly. This is just totally retarded. I have to agree with Brad's opinions on piracy and "proper usage". Tighten your grip and you make more pirates than before.

balupton

2/21/2006 11:56:14 PM

For that question of what Vista does to help the unexperienced user there is the Vista Starter Edition (aka Windows Starter 2007).

Aimed at beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC. As with the XP version, Windows Starter 2007 (note that it's not branded as Window Vista) is a subset of Vista Home Basic, and will ship in a 32-bit version only (no 64-bit x64 version). Starter 2007 will allow only three applications (and/or three windows) to run simultaneously, will provide Internet connectivity but not incoming network communications, and will not provide for logon passwords or Fast User Switching (FUS). Starter 2007 is analogous to XP Starter Edition. This version will only be sold in emerging markets.

Windows Starter 2007 is lacking a number of unique features found in most of the other Vista product editions. There is no Aero user interface, for example, and no support for Castle-based networking. Other missing features include DVD Authoring, gaming common controller support, and image editing with enhanced touchup.

The marketing message: For beginner computer users in emerging markets who can only afford a low cost PC, Windows Starter 2007 provides a more affordable and easy introduction to personal computing because it is lower priced, tailored to the needs of beginner personal computer users, compatible with a wide range of Windows-based applications and devices, and tailored to each market.

More info is here:
http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/winvista_editions.asp

CerebroJD

2/22/2006 2:56:34 PM

The blog stats are from Feb 2005? Thats like, a year ago.... I think its better now...

WishX

2/22/2006 3:48:31 PM

The blog stats were from a poll taken in early December, 2005.

Cordelia

2/22/2006 3:57:29 PM

Yes, WishX is correct. The stats were from early December 2005 and were compared to a poll taken in February 2005, which shows a marked downward trend. Which doesn't seem right to me. I mean, I read blogs, so everyone else does too, right?

Balupton - very cool! Thanks for the info.

The Wicked Flea - How did you know? Are you spying on us?

Thanks for listening everyone!

mourningwould

2/23/2006 2:45:04 PM

Listening to the 'cast now. This is the 3rd episode I've listened to so far. Really like what you do and find it somewhat similar to a podcast I'm involved in (no shameless plug from me though... email me if you are dieing to know).

I really liked hearing about Cordelia's experience working with newbs. Hard to remember what it was like...

I don't expect Vista to make things easier for users. Some aspects of the GUI make things more difficult (transparent borders for example). On the other hand Mac OSX is the best OS for anyone who wants to know nothing. Despite being easier than windows... it's not crippled. Spotlight will find the email to your aunt instantly. Got tons more of examples... I just know you guys don't dabble much into Apple... and I thought I'd give my $.02.

Good work

Skelaton444

2/25/2006 11:51:11 AM

Well I enjoyed the show good stuff never liked the RIAA

I got a idea tho maybe to save stardock some money... Distribute the show Through Bit Torrent also and there HTTP this will save you alot of bandwith i beilve... just my 2 cents..

Keep up the good work

Strider-NZ

2/26/2006 11:02:11 PM

Hey great show guys been tuning in for a few months now and thought Id just giv u guys some props.

The RIAA remind me of a certain Zero Wing quote
"all your base are belong to us"

PS: I remember Brad mentioning Tom Chicks shift in podcasts, I was wondering where i could find it??

MountainDragon

2/28/2006 7:02:49 PM

Great show, again! You guys are funny!

As far as what a person can do with a computer with no previous knowledge, I think you may be overstating the case - much of our human world is only accessible to those who have been educated or trained - someone completely unfamiliar with reading, or automobiles, or telephones, or atm machines...etc would have a hard time getting along. Every signifincant new technology seems strange and difficult to the first generation exposed to it.

angelblue01

3/7/2006 9:16:57 PM

I read blogs everday.

I'm a liberal

But they're my friends'

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