Episode 62: Finale

12/25/2006 7:39:17 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher

The PowerUser gang is back for one more regularly scheduled episode. This week they discuss how robots could demand legal rights (they poo-poo the idea, as is to be expected), they review the Windows Vista system requirements, they discover that the Zune is making no dent in the iPod market (shock!) and we revisit a previous story about Nigeria becoming a toxic waste dump.

In gaming news, Nintendo is making good on 3.2 million Wii straps, and of course our rambunctios gang can't keep their dirty minds out of the gutter. Joel Hulsey gives his top game picks of 2006, as does Brad Wardell. And finally we bid a fond but somewhat bittersweet adieu to all of the fans that have stuck with us for 62 episodes.

We will be back in the future with non-scheduled "special" episodes. Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the last year and a half.

Happy Holidays to All and Best Wishes for the New Year, from the PowerUser Team!

Important Links:
Robots Could Demand Legal Rights
Nigeria fears e-waste 'toxic legacy'
Swing Your Wii Controller Wildly Without Worry

  Download Full Show        59 Comments Segments :   Episode 62: Tech Segment  Episode 62: Game Segment 

Episode 61: Xbox 360 vs PS3 and More!

12/11/2006 3:18:57 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher

This week Brad makes a triumphant return from...wherever it is he was...and tells us how Hewlett Packard has settled their "spy" lawsuit. Also, Apple sets it's sights on a cell phone to a resounding 'meh', and is the Sun setting on DRM? Kristin is particularly happy to learn that man could live on the moon by the year 2020 since Brad is always threatening to send her there.

In game news we discover that the cult TV show Firefly is getting a new life as an MMO, and the team discusses the difference in graphics in the Xbox 360 and the PS3.

Stardock is giving away a free theme for the holidays and you can get it here! We have one call-in and one big announcement at the end to round-out the show. Enjoy!

Important Links:
CNET: Prespective: Apple Phone Flop
ITWire: Beginning of the end for DRM?
Scotsman:Man will be able to live on the moon by the year 2020, says NASA
Stardock: FREE Christmas Theme!

  Download Full Show        37 Comments Segments :   Episode 61: Tech Segment  Episode 61: Game Segment 

Episode 60: Mac OS X, Wii, PS3 and More!

11/27/2006 11:44:29 AM

Host: Kristin Hatcher

This week the gang discusses a teen who created a fusion device in his basement, the Mac OS X flaw, a self-replicating worm found in Second Life, as well as Linden Labs take on copyright issues. Stardock announces the winners of the 2006 GUI Championships and the plethora of prizes that go to the winners. We also tell you about a cool program you can get for everyone on your Christmas list.

In gaming news we hear about how quickly the Wii and the PS3 sold out (is anyone surprised?) as well as Sony losing out to the Xbox on some exclusive games. Gran Turismo HD, Hellgate is pushed back and the FBI gets involved when Lineage II is hacked. Are you sure you know where your MMO servers are? Joel also tells us about the game that's kicking his butt this week.

All the news you can stomach right here in one tidy little MP3. Check it out now!

Important Links:
Wired: Second Life Will Save Copyright
Aquarium Desktop
Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar Beta

  Download Full Show        19 Comments Segments :   Episode 60: Tech Segment  Episode 60: Game Segment 

Episode 59: voting machines, Net enemies, Wii bundle and more!

11/13/2006 6:00:41 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher This week Kristin and the boys tackle (and heckle) current affairs when reports come in from all over the U.S. of problems with voting machines. Also, got a bad reputation on the web? A new company can help you eliminate those prior indiscretions and accidental lapses of reason. We also expose the top 13 "enemies of the internet" according to Reporters Without Borders. Who needs a hug? Everyone! That's why we discuss the Hug Shirt from CuteCircuit. You know you want one.

Joel joins us for game news to discuss Bo Stefan Eriksson, the Gizmondo exec imprisoned for crashing his rare Ferrari and much more. Also, XBox Live set to deliver TV and movie downloads (some in High Def) for XBox Live subscribers. What does Sony think of that? They call it "a disservice" because, well, they're Sony... Anyway, Dead or Alive producer Tomonobu Itagaki has been slapped with a sexual harrassment suit and demoted. GameStop announced a Wii bundle including the console and $449 USD worth of games. Tune in to find out which ones! Also, Joel discusses the game that's kicking his butt his week and goes so far as to call it the "bloodiest, goriest game I have ever seen!" You'll want to hear what he says about this one.

Brad is absent this week due to his philanthropic endeavors and Joel joins us half way through for game news, but don't you dare think half the staff means half the show. Au contraire! Download it now!

Important Links:
Delete Your Bad Web Rep
The Shirt That Hugs - Literally!
GameStop Offering $699 Wii Bundle

  Download Full Show        18 Comments Segments :   Episode 59: Tech Segment  Episode 59: Game Segment 

Episode 58: Vista, Firefox 2.0, EA and More!

10/30/2006 7:25:57 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher This week Kristin and the crew kick things off with an uplifting story about Scott Adams, creator of Dilbert, gets his voice back after 18 months. From there, we cover IBM's patent lawsuit against Amazon and Dell pushes for everyone to adopt Vista ASAP. Sophos claims McAfee and Symantec should have been better prepared for Vista instead of whining and Brad digs into a grossly misled article about Vista's GUI. Derek talks about the new Firefox 2.0 release and what happened to Apple in the computer world since the 90s and how it could have been different.

In the gaming portion, Joel talks about Blizzard's announcement that the World of Warcraft expansion will be bumped back to a 2007 release. Also, EA slams XBox 360 users with micropayments for "officially sanctioned cheating" in Tiger Woods Golf and other Godfather. Lumines Live! makes users pay out the wazoo for what should be standard game functionality. Lik-Sang shuts down due to Sony lawsuit and Rockstar's Bully has some boy-on-boy action and the ESRB doesn't care. And finally, Jack Thompson's back in the news raging against Bully, in potential contempt of court and threatening to run for judge! The end is near!

Brad has a good rant about Rush Limbaugh reading his blog on the air for 3 days and much more! It's an extra long show this week! Dig in!

Important Links:
Scott Adams get his voice back
Under the hood: What's different about Vista's GUI
Why Apple Failed in the 90s
Bully's Jimmy Hopkins likes to kiss boys

  Download Full Show        17 Comments Segments :   Episode 58: Tech Segment  Episode 58: Game Segment 

Episode 57: $1.65B for YouTube, Live A Priority & More!

10/16/2006 4:52:12 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher Episode 57: $1.65B for YouTube, Live A Priority & More!

In this episode, the gang talks about Google acquiring YouTube for $1.65 billion which leads them to reminisce about Internet Deals From Hell (the ones that didn't live up to the money). Microsoft claims that Windows Live is it's top priority (even over Windows Vista) and Brad gives them a few business tips as well as discussing his latest article, "So, ya want Microsoft to do it for ya, eh?"

Derek talks about a new breakthrough in television technology; the Laser TV. Despite the potential Awesome Factor, Brad, of course, has his doubts... Kristin fills us in on a dual-mode chip that can power Blu-Ray and HD-DVD players in one unit. Will it make it to production? Brad explains some of the hot new features in WindowBlinds 5.1 and we briefly touch on Internet gaming (gambling) sites moving overseas to the EU.

Since Joel couldn't make it this week (and in lieu of any actual gaming news), we talk about GameStop/EBGames accepting Wii pre-orders starting on Friday the 13th, Kristin runs down the Top 10 "Best Selling" games of September and Microsoft hits the road for a video game ratings publicity tour. Brad discusses some of the new features in Galactic Civilizations II: Dark Avatar and briefly touches on Sins of a Solar Empire. Brad wraps it all up with news of the 2006 GUI Championships.

Even though Joel was unable to join us, we've still got all the rants, tangents and laughs you're used to and keep asking for... so download it now, MegaChump!

NOTE: Just one file this week since there's no seperate gaming segment.

Important Links:
2006 GUI Championships
WindowBlinds 5.1
Sins of a Solar Empire
So, you want Microsoft to do it for you, eh?
Internet Deal of the Damned

  Download Full Show        19 Comments Segments :  

Episode 56: Zune, ICANN, Wii and More!

9/25/2006 9:10:34 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher

NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO SEE THE VIDEO YOU MUST DOWNLOAD IT FROM THIS SITE - IT IS NOT AVAILABLE ON ITUNES OR OTHER DISTRIBUTION SERVICES. 

This week we discuss the Zune and the M$ Media Player and the possibility that M$ is taking notes from SONY or the RIAA. In other news, the US extends ICANN oversight, Stardock releases ObjectBar 2.0 and we find out which grad students cheat the most. Also we briefly let you know that some porn sites are using a new IE bug to install spyware (you can't possibly be surprised) and we begin taking bets on when Vista will be available. Jump on the forums and place your bets now!

In gaming news Joel gives us the update on the Xbox and it's new controller and the software upgrade, and also the pricing and availability of the Wii. Wiiii! And finally we get to see video of Joel as he tells us what game is kicking his butt this week.

There's something for everyone in this episode; call-ins, tech news and nose-picking. Check it out now!

Important Links:
Slashdot: Which Grad Students Cheat the Most?
Windows Vista: Now is the Time!
Stardock: ObjectBar 2.0 Released!
USA Today confirms U.S. Wii price, date.

  Download Full Show        32 Comments Segments :   Episode 56: Tech Segment  Episode 56: Game Segment  Episode 56: Video m4v File  Episode 56: Video wmv File 

Episode 55: Vista RC1, Privacy Issues, PS3 News & More

9/11/2006 5:45:33 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher This week the gang talks about IBM once again building the Fastest Supercomputer Ever, Amazon.com unwraps its Unbox movie service, and Facebook takes a beating over privacy options. Speaking of privacy, we discuss how Diebold Voting Machines can easily be hacked in 4 minutes flat without a trace. Also, feds shut down a major spyware operation and hit them for 2 million bucks. We discuss the possibility of Windows Vista being delayed in Europe as well as how far Vista RC1 has come since Beta 2 and what to expect from it in the future. In News of the Ridiculous, Microsoft attempts to patent conjugating verbs. We can't make this stuff up, folks...

In game news, Sony confirms 500,000 PS3s for the November 17th launch (and even if they do, it won't contain an HDMI cable) and we talk about how they just continue to drop the ball. Also, Neverwinter Nights gets pushed back and Joel discusses the new Sam & Max game coming out in about a month and highly recommends it.

Brad talks about the 2006 GUI Championships. Please visit the link below!

Kristin regales us with tales of her travels and, as usual, there's plenty of banter and stories to keep you entertained. Get it now while its hot!

Important Links:
The 2006 GUI Championships
Vista Compatibility: What Does Microsoft Owe Us?
Diebold Voting Machine Hacked In Four Minutes Flat
Brad's MySpace page

  Download Full Show        21 Comments Segments :   Episode 55: Tech Segment  Episode 55: Game Segment 

Episode 54: Pluto Demoted, Apple Sued, XBox Schwag & More

8/28/2006 6:05:23 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher This week the gang discusses Pluto's demotion from planet status, Google's beta release of it's online word processor, and Microsoft inviting the Mozilla Developers to Redmond. We also touch on IE7 RC1 briefly and discuss Apple's own shareholders suing Apple. Speaking of Apple, it looks like they finally settled with Creative over the lawsuits.

We discuss AOL's recent security snafu and those who left the company because of it. We also discuss the burgeoning Piracy Party of Sweden and finally, the campaign to bring a swift DEATH TO THE CAPS LOCK KEY!

In gaming news, Joel (aka Dr. Love) discusses how the gaming industry has failed women, GameTap hits 600 games and hot new XBox 360 exclusives!

Brad is off in Uganda spreading good will to those less fortunate than himself and Derek apparently puts his pen somewhere it wasn't supposed to be. Hilarity ensues. You don't want to miss this episode!

Important Links:
A Nation Divided Over Piracy
Games Industry is Failing Women
Death to Caps Lock

  Download Full Show        30 Comments Segments :   Episode 54: Tech Segment  Episode 54: Game Segment 

Episode 53: Now With Video!

8/14/2006 6:35:40 PM

Host: Kristin Hatcher

NOTE: YOU MUST GO DOWNLOAD THE VIDEO FROM WWW.POWERUSER.TV IF YOU WANT TO SEE IT!

This week we discuss the flight restrictions resulting from the recently thwarted terror plots, bring you more information about Windows Genuine Advantage and show you a cool video ('cause we can do that now) on Object Desktop 2007.

We also send kudos to IBM on their 25 years in business, note that Windows Vista is still on track for a January release and mock Apple for it's whining.

In our miniature version of game news we discuss a possible 40% of World of Warcraft players being addicted to gameplay, and the new "Bully" video game that RockStar will release soon.

We have no Joel this week for a variety of reasons. We thought we'd be able to get him in at the end, but in fact it wasn't to be. He will certainly be on next time.

Let us know how you like the vid-cast and if you want more! Thanks for watching!

Important Links:
Object Desktop 2007
Expert: 40 Percent of World of Warcraft Players Addicted
MySpace Moves Into #1 Position for all Internet Sites

  Download Full Show        90 Comments Segments :   Episode 53: Tech Segment  Episode 53: Game Segment  Episode 53: Video For iPod (m4v)  Episode 53: Video wmv File