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Welcome to PowerUser.TV! Bi-weekly podcasts with news of interest to the computer poweruser.
5/22/2006 2:04:15 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
This week on the show Brad makes a triumphant return (i.e., he found his way out of the parking lot and back to our facility). We give you an update on Blue Security, discuss a robot that can take care of your children (see note below) and Apple launching the MacBook. We also talk about two lawsuits: Creative is suing Apple over a patent infringement and record labels are suing XM over a piece of hardware. We also get an update from Brad on what's going on with Vista and his thoughts on the future of OS software.
In gaming news Joel tells us about a stock scam involving an ex-Infinium executive, a planned World of Warcraft movie and a new study that reveals that gamers are getting older. Plus we hear about another game, 'Fear Effect' being made into a movie and the cool game that is kicking Joel's butt this week.
Check it out!
Disclaimer: The views of Brad Wardell are not the views of PowerUser.TV, its sponsors or...anyone, really. Especially concerning the childcare robot. He loves his children and wants to take care of them and spend time with them. But help from robots would be cool.
Note from Brad: To clarify something I said about 32-bit processors, I want to be clear that 32-bit processors support 4 gigabytes per memory per process, not total.
Important Links:
Child Care Robot (A.K.A. Brad's dream come true)
PC World: Creative Sues Apple Over the iPod
CNET: Labels sue XM over music-storing 'mothership'
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Full Show 
Segments :
Episode 42: Tech Segment
Episode 42: Game Segment
24MB
5/22/2006 2:05:39 PM
EST
This week on the show Brad makes a triumphant return (i.e., he found his way out of the parking lot and back to our facility). We give you an update on Blue Security, discuss a robot that can take care of your children (see note below) and Apple launching the MacBook. We also talk about two lawsuite: Creative is suing Apple over a patent infringement and record labels are suing XM over a piece of hardware. We also get an update from Brad on what's going on with Vista and his thoughts on the future of OS software.
Listen Now
11MB
5/22/2006 2:08:43 PM
EST
In gaming news Joel tells us about a stock scam involving an ex-Infinium executive, a planned World of Warcraft movie and a new study that reveals that gamers are getting older. Plus we hear about another game, 'Fear Effect' being made into a movie and the cool game that is kicking Joel's butt this week.
Listen Now
5/15/2006 10:48:47 AM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
With E3 going on this week, we simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to revisit the "booth babes" issue and discuss their apparel (or the lack thereof). We also discovered that people in the UK are now allowed to listen to their CDs on their iPods according to the RIAA. Let's hope North America isn't far behind! Also a spam war involving Blue Security and Russian hackers brings down several websites.
Some are saying the porn industry will decide whether or not Blu-Ray or HD-DVD becomes the new standard, while others say it will be the video game industry. We say it's all BUNK! Ok, it's not really bunk. What do you say?
In gaming news this week we discuss several things coming out of E3, including Nintendo revealing a more traditional controller for the Wii, and Sony makes the pricing structure for the PlayStation 3 public and receives a generally dismal reaction. We also argue about a new game out of Japan called "Maiden Love Revolution".
All this and less! Er...More! Check it out!
(And check out the link to buy Galactic Civilizations II t-shirts! --->)
Important Links:
PC World: Porn Industry May Be Decider in Blu-Ray/HD-DVD Battle
Reuters: Video Games a Key Battlefield in DVD War
Wired News: Win a Date With Shallow Hayato
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 41: Tech Segment
Episode 41: Game Segment
15MB
5/15/2006 10:49:54 AM
EST
With E3 going on this week, we simply couldn't pass up the opportunity to revisit the "booth babes" issue and discuss their apparel (or the lack thereof). We also discovered that people in the UK are now allowed to listen to their CDs on their iPods according to the RIAA. Let's hope North America isn't far behind! Also a spam war involving Blue Security and Russian hackers brings down several websites. Plus, some are saying the porn industry will decide whether or not Blu-Ray or HD-DVD becomes the new standard.
Listen Now
17MB
5/15/2006 10:50:28 AM
EST
Some are saying the video game industry will decide whether or not Blu-Ray or HD-DVD becomes the new standard. What do you say? Also we discuss several things coming out of E3, including Nintendo revealing a more traditional controller for the Wii, and Sony makes the pricing structure for the PlayStation 3 public and receives a generally dismal reaction. We also argue about a new game out of Japan called "Maiden Love Revolution".
Listen Now
5/8/2006 10:50:21 AM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
Apple goes mano y mano with both France and the RIAA and comes out on top. Also there are rumors that Windows Vista will be delayed again, but what does that really mean for consumers? Skype plans to give us the ability to have a 100 person conference call (which is an instant headache for Kristin) and a high school hacker is caught and "punished".
In gaming news the DS Lite will come out in June, and Oblivion is getting re-rated to an M for Mature! Also gold farmers buy Allakhazam and Joel tells us about the game that's kicking his butt this week.
All of this and so much more in Episode 40. Check it out! w00t!
Important Links:
Would another Vista delay matter?
DS Lite hits US June 11
Miners trapped in cave-in in Australia.
We discuss in the episode how there are 2 Australian gold miners trapped in a mine in Australia. They have been given iPods as part of an effort to keep their spirits up. While we joke about them getting the iPods and how the iPod has become something that is right up there next to food and water in terms of "things that keep us alive", we recognize that this is a serious situation where people have died and do not take it lightly. As of the time of posting this episode of the show (Just before Noon EST, May 8), they were still trapped in the mine and have been since April 25. They are very close to rescue, but it may be some hours yet before they are above ground again. We wish them safely to the surface. Read the story at the link above to find out more.
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 40: Tech Segment
Episode 40: Game Segment
14MB
5/8/2006 10:51:31 AM
EST
Apple goes mano y mano with both France and the RIAA and comes out on top. Also there are rumors that Windows Vista will be delayed again, but what does that really mean for consumers? Skype plans to give us the ability to have a 100 person conference call (which is an instant headache for Kristin) and a high school hacker is caught and "punished".
Listen Now
17MB
5/8/2006 10:52:21 AM
EST
In gaming news the DS Lite will come out in June, and Oblivion is getting re-rated to an M! Also gold farmers buy Allakhazam and Joel tells us about the game that's kicking his butt this week.
Listen Now
5/1/2006 1:01:26 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
This week Wii discuss how nanoelectronics and water can be used to create memory storage devices (what will they think of next?), Firefox fanboi's are out to "get" IE, and House Democrats have lost the vote on Net neutrality. Also Yahoo offers free software that can turn your PC into a DVR, and phishers have a new scam using VoIP.
In gaming news another ex-Gizmondo exec is in trouble, a dad gets mad and shoots his sons computer and the Oklahoma legislature passes a bill that classifies violent games with pornography. Wii also find out that there will be no Spore until 2007 (which sounds like a good thing to game-impaired Kristin, but apparently it's sad news) but the Guitar Hero sequel is coming out in November to a surprising price tag. Wii also find out which game is kicking Joel's butt this week.
It seems like there was something else Wii discussed, but Wii've forgotten what it was...
Important Links:
Ultra-Dense Memory Storage from Water and Nanoelectronics
Firefox Backers Create 'Destroy IE' Campaign
Revolution Renamed Wii
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 39: Tech Segment
Episode 39: Game Segment
18MB
5/1/2006 1:02:22 PM
EST
This week Wii discuss how nanoelectronics and water can be used to create memory storage devices (what will they think of next?), Firefox fanboi's are out to "get" IE, and House Democrats have lost the vote on Net Neutrality. Also Yahoo offers free software that can turn your PC into a DVR, and phishers have a new scam using VoIP.
Listen Now
27MB
5/1/2006 1:03:16 PM
EST
In gaming news another ex-Gizmondo exec is in trouble, a dad gets mad and shoots his sons computer and the Oklahoma legislature passes a bill that classifies violent games with pornography. Wii also find out that there will be no Spore until 2007 (which sounds like a good thing to game-impaired Kristin, but apparently it's sad news) but the guitar hero sequel is coming out in November to a surprising price tag. Wii also find out which game is kicking Joel's butt this week.
It seems like there was something else Wii discussed, but Wii've forgotten what it was...
Listen Now
4/24/2006 2:57:36 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
This week the team discusses the Navajo Nation getting online, and actors and broadcasters take another look at old contracts that don't cover new media distribution. In the realm of hardware news Brad gives us an update on our hot new "toy" at the office, the Barracuda e-mail server that keeps spam and viruses away. Shocking news: registered sex offenders are on MySpace. Who'da thunk it?
In game news we find out that Microsoft is sponsoring the World Cyber Games, so video game nuts everywhere can compete to cover themselves in cyber glory (or whatever the kids are calling it these days). We also find out that a new version of Command and Conquer is coming out, the PS2 price is dropping (a little) and that the end of the world is nigh: Paris Hilton has a video game now. We find out about the latest pay-for add-on in Oblivion and Joel's butt gets kicked by a brainy game.
Don't miss this episode or else...you'll miss it!
Important Links:
US Patent Application for Philips "Advertisement Display"
Wired News: MySpace's Perp Problem
GameSpot: Paris Hilton Mobile Game
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 38: Tech Segment
Episode 38: Game Segment
26MB
4/24/2006 3:03:17 PM
EST
This week the team discusses the Navajo Nation getting online, and actors and broadcasters take another look at old contracts that don't cover new media distribution. In the realm of hardware news Brad gives us an update on our hot new "toy" at the office, the Barracuda e-mail server that keeps spam and viruses away. Shocking news: registered sex offenders are on MySpace. Who'da thunk it?
Listen Now
22MB
4/24/2006 3:04:11 PM
EST
In game news we find out that Microsoft is sponsoring the World Cyber Games, so video game nuts everywhere can compete to cover themselves in cyber glory (or whatever the kids are calling it these days). We also find out that a new version of Command and Conquer is coming out, the PS2 price is dropping (a little) and that the end of the world is nigh: Paris Hilton has a video game now. We find out about the latest pay-for add-on in Oblivion and Joel's butt gets kicked by a brainy game.
Listen Now
4/17/2006 11:40:16 AM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
This week the team discusses the Webby Award nominations (10th anniversary!), people who use child avatars in "Second Life", and free Internet TV - is there anything for the networks to worry about? Also several holes in the U.S. border security system were found.
In gaming news the Gizmondo knucklehead who wrecked his Ferrari has now been accused of stealing that very car. A new "study" shows violent video games leads to drug and alcohol abuse, and Oblivion is the fastest selling game on the XBox 360 (what a shock). Also Burger King has a hissy-fit over a blog claiming they are creating a video game, and Microsoft is ready to launch the 360 in the Middle East and elsewhere.
This is episode 37! Collect the whole set!
Important Links:
News.com: Phony Kids, Virtual Sex
News.com: Webby Awards Hit 10
Wired News: Border Security System Left Open
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 37: Tech Segment
Episode 37: Game Segment
18MB
4/17/2006 11:41:05 AM
EST
This week the team discusses the Webby Award nominations (10th anniversary!), people who use child avatars in "Second Life", and free Internet TV - is there anything for the networks to worry about? Also several holes in the U.S. border security system were found.
Listen Now
12MB
4/17/2006 11:41:59 AM
EST
In gaming news the Gizmondo knucklehead who wrecked his Ferrari has now been accused of stealing that very car. A new "study" shows violent video games leads to drug and alcohol abuse, and Oblivion is the fastest selling game on the XBox 360 (what a shock). Also Burger King has a hissy-fit over a blog claiming they are creating a video game, and Microsoft is ready to launch the 360 in the Middle East and elsewhere.
Listen Now
4/10/2006 4:53:24 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
This week the team discusses MySpace (pre- & post-mortem), recovery from malware, and a software update patent. We also discuss dual boot Macs (oh yeah baby) and open source DRM.
In gaming news we find that there is a class action lawsuit against Ubisoft for using Starforce (how shocking) and Michigan's law aimed at violent video games. Also young girls terrorize a town with Mario blocks and Bethesda sells horse armor for $3. Microsft purchases Lionhead and the first mod of Oblivion comes out…it’s a doozy! And of course Joel gets his butt kicked; this week by a tennis game.
Don't miss out on all the geeky goodness!
Important Links:
Wired News: Reasons to Love Open-Source DRM
Class Action Lawsuit Against Ubisoft
Star-Force Fake Website
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 36: Tech Segment
Episode 36: Game Segment
16MB
4/10/2006 4:54:39 PM
EST
This week the team discusses MySpace (pre- & post-mortem), recovery from malware, and a software update patent. We also discuss dual boot Macs (oh yeah baby) and open source DRM.
Listen Now
31MB
4/10/2006 4:55:59 PM
EST
In gaming news we find that there is a class action lawsuit against Ubisoft for using Starforce (how shocking) and Michigan's law aimed at violent video games. Also young girls terrorize a town with Mario blocks and Bethesda sells horse armor for $3. Microsft purchases Lionhead and the first mod of Oblivion comes out…it’s a doozy! And of course Joel gets his butt kicked; this week by a tennis game.
Listen Now
4/3/2006 2:53:46 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
Did you know that lying in bed for days on end can give you some of the same effects that Astronauts experience? It’s true. Also true: the European Union is already looking to Microsoft’s Vista to try and prevent any more monopolistic tactics. Plus Google patents free Wi-Fi, and the Supreme Court meets up with some patent trolls.
This week we bring you a special interview with Victor Lazzaro of Studio Red who explains how some of our favorite gizmos and gadgets get designed.
In gaming news: The GalCiv II demo hits the net while the Gizmondo chief hits a telephone pole. WoW receives a 1.1 patch update. Check it out!
Important news: Although people who keep pet turtles tend to use the collective term "herd" to refer to a group of turtles, the classic collective term is a "bale of turtles." Tune in to this weeks show to find out why thats important.
Important Links:
Neowin.net: Google Patents Free Wi-Fi
Studio Red
World of WarCraft 1.1 update
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 35: Tech Segment
Episode 35: Interview
Episode 35: Game Segment
20MB
4/3/2006 3:04:52 PM
EST
Did you know that lying in bed for days on end can give you some of the same effects that Astronauts experience? It’s true. Also true: the European Union is already looking to Microsoft’s Vista to try and prevent any more monopolistic tactics. Plus Google patents free Wi-Fi, and the Supreme Court meets up with some patent trolls.
Listen Now
13MB
4/3/2006 3:07:12 PM
EST
This week we bring you a special interview with Victor Lazzaro of Studio Red who explains how some of our favorite gizmos and gadgets get designed.
Listen Now
11MB
4/3/2006 3:11:07 PM
EST
In gaming news: The GalCiv II demo hits the net which the Gizmondo chief hits a telephone pole. WoW receives a 1.1 patch update. Check it out!
Listen Now
3/27/2006 3:13:41 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
Vista has been delayed! The team discusses what a disaster this could be for
Microsoft, as well as Bill Gates speaking on the delays in IE7. Firefox is
taking up the slack with their 2.0 alpha release. Also Google has been forced to
reveal websites but not personal information for their users.
France has a controversial plan to make sure that all media players sold in
France will play all format types, which would directly affect Apple’s iPod
sales. DRM stories abound with reports that the MPAA/RIAA saying that it is not
ok to break DRM even if it’s a threat to your life. Starforce’s new way of
enforcing their DRM is an instant reboot of your computer anytime you engage is
“suspicious activity”. Rage! But we are returned to our former jolly state by
being able to discuss porn and the revival of the planned XXX domain. Also Dell
puts us to shame by buying Alienware in spite of our podcast last week.
In our gaming segment we also get to discuss something that we haven’t been
able to talk about before: online crucifixion. The RPG Oblivion has been
released and Joel thoroughly enjoys having his butt kicked by it. Lots of PS3
news and other items of interest from GDC. Listen now and let your Geek flag
fly!
Important Links:
Wired
News: How France Is Saving Civilization
MPAA/RIAA/BSA: No breaking DRM, even if it's killing you
(literally!)
Britain to witness first cruxifixion in almost 2,000
years
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 34: Tech Segment
Episode 34: Game Segment
31MB
3/27/2006 3:15:25 PM
EST
Vista has been delayed! The team discusses what a disaster this could be for Microsoft, as well as Bill Gates speaking on the delays in IE7. Firefox is taking up the slack with their 2.0 alpha release. Also Google has been forced to reveal websites but not personal information for their users.
France has a controversial plan to make sure that all media players sold in France will play all format types, which would directly affect Apple’s iPod sales. DRM stories abound with reports that the MPAA/RIAA saying that it is not ok to break DRM even if it’s a threat to your life. Starforce’s new way of enforcing their DRM is an instant reboot of your computer anytime you engage is “suspicious activity”. Rage! But we are returned to our former jolly state by being able to discuss porn and the revival of the planned XXX domain. Also Dell puts us to shame by buying Alienware in spite of our podcast last week.
Check it out!
Listen Now
16MB
3/27/2006 3:16:34 PM
EST
In our gaming segment we also get to discuss something that we haven’t been able to talk about before: online crucifixion. The RPG Oblivion has been released and Joel thoroughly enjoys having his butt kicked by it. Lots of PS3 news and other items of interest from GDC. Listen now and let your Geek flag fly!
Listen Now
3/20/2006 2:39:16 PM
Host:
Kristin Hatcher
Rumors that Dell may acquire Alienware appear to be unfounded, and rumors that a new invention lets you type with just your brainwaves has us in awe. We also discuss online bullying, searching for covert CIA agents on the 'net, and the 'Buy It Now' patent pain.
In gaming news this week we discuss the matter of Stardock and StarForce, Hillary Clinton going to the CDC to get them to look into gaming as a possible disease, and the PlayStation 3 release is postponed. Joel also fills us in on what game is kicking his behind this week. Don't miss it!
Important Links:
Let Your Brain Do the Typing
Clinton, Lieberman propose CDC investigate games
Copy protection follow-up
Download
Full Show
Segments :
Episode 33: Tech Segment
Episode 33: Game Segment
19MB
3/20/2006 2:41:39 PM
EST
Rumors that Dell may acquire Alienware appear to be unfounded, and rumors that a new invention lets you type with just your brainwaves has us in awe. We also discuss online bullying, searching for covert CIA agents on the 'net, and the 'Buy It Now' patent. Check it out!
Listen Now
20MB
3/20/2006 2:43:40 PM
EST
In gaming news this week we discuss the matter of Stardock and StarForce, Hillary Clinton going to the CDC to get them to look into gaming as a possible disease, and the PlayStation 3 release is postponed. Joel also fills us in on what game is kicking his behind this week. Don't miss it!
Listen Now