Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Macworld 2008 Keynote


Check out Steve Jobs' keynote at Macworld 2008 here. I'm personally not blown away by any of the things he announced. However, I'm sure a number of people are or will be psyched about a certain practically-paper-thin laptop.

Anyway, I think it's better to watch any keynote without any knowledge about the content whatsoever. It makes everything sound better I guess. So I'll stop blabbing now.

Sunday, November 11, 2007

My Top 4 Video Podcasts

Aside from reading blogs, video podcasts are my favorite way of keeping up with tech news. You can download podcasts through Apple iTunes, RSS feeds, or through their websites. However, I understand that picking a podcast to subscribe to can be pretty daunting, since there are practically hundreds to choose from.

Being the techie that I am, I have tried watching every other tech podcast available in the internet, but I have found out that I stick to a few that I really like. I'd gladly recommend my favorites to those who are new to podcasts, and here they are:

  • Mobuzz.tv - Keeping up with tech news is a breeze with Mobuzz TV. However, this isn't just any other tech news podcast. The way it's written makes it really quirky and entertaining, while still managing to keep it's credibility and intelligence. Mobuzz is based in Spain so they have a more European approach to tech news, but they pretty much cover the whole tech world.

    Length: around 5 minutes
    Published: 5 days a week
    Host: Olivia
    Based in: Spain

  • Geekbrief.tv - This podcast aims to keep us updated on all the latest gadget news and reviews. The host Cali is a true blue techie and it shows in this podcast; she really knows her stuff. The podcast covers the whole gamut of gadgetry, from cameras to phones to iPods to computers. I love the DearCali episodes, where she answers questions sent in by viewers.

    Length: around 5 minutes
    Published: depends, mostly every two days
    Host: Cali Lewis
    Based in: USA


  • WebbAlert - This is another great tech news podcast, based in the United States. It is hosted by Morgan Webb, another real-life techie, particularly a hardcore gamer. The podcast is published almost daily and covers the latest developments in tech, gaming, gadgetry and digital culture.

    Length: around 5 minutes
    Published: 4 days a week
    Host: Morgan Webb
    Based in: USA


  • Tekzilla - This is a great podcast to watch on your Apple TV or on you computer, since it's practically a full-length tv show. Their target audience is someone who's not too much on the techie side since they keep everything "idiot-proof." However, it's still a nice show to watch even if you're already a geek.

    Length: around 30 minutes
    Published: around once a week
    Host: Jessica Corbin and Patrick Norton
    Based in: USA

Do you know any great podcasts that are not included here? Let us know!

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Looking Back: The iPod Archives

Earlier today, I was looking for a discussion thread about the latest Steve Jobs Keynote. I've already read a lot of the comments at Engadget but I guess I'm not over it yet. Reading everyone's posts always makes my day. You can't get any more attacks and arguments anywhere else. Everyone has their own opinion, everyone thinks they're right and everyone wants to be heard.

After searching "ipod forums" in Google, I found a thread in the Macrumors.com forums. It was titled "Apple's New Thing (iPod)". I thought the title was a bit weird. I mean, it makes it sound as if the iPod was a newly launched product. After reading a couple of posts, lo and behold, I realize I was reading an archived thread started when the original iPod was announced almost 6 years ago! A lot of the posts amused me, they ranged from disappointed to delusional. A lot of the posters actually hated the iPod back then! Here are a rundown of my fave posts (my comments are in green)...

  • WeezerX80 wrote: "I still can't believe this! All this hype for something so ridiculous! Who cares about an MP3 player? I want something new! I want them to think differently! Why oh why would they do this?! It's so wrong! It's so stupid!" [Perhaps he was expecting a jetpack backpack?]

  • elitemacor wrote: "It's now at the online Apple Store! $400 for an Mp3 Player! I'd call it the Cube 2.0 as it wont sell, and be killed off in a short time...and it's not really functional. Uuhh Steve, can I have a PDA now?" [6 years later, MP3 players, particularly iPods, are one of the fastest selling gadgets around and PDAs are the ones practically extinct...]

  • Guest wrote: "I have no use for an Mp3 player. My house has a CD player. My car has a CD player. My Mac has a CD player. I don't use headphones. The iPod requires me to change my lifestyle to meet it's needs... I need round holes, not square holes. For $99 I might buy the toy, for $399? Why? Doesn't a Mac with a CDR undermine the need for most of this? All that's left is the number of songs you can play and the ability to listen to all of them with headphones anywhere. Do I really need ALL my songs ALL the time?uhm, no. Won't last. Another Cube." [Of course I need all my songs all the time! I need all my podcasts and movies and tv shows with me everywhere I go as well! And Mr. Guest, no one is asking you to change your lifestyle. You can have your CDs if you love them so much. LOL.]

  • Smelt wrote: "Lots of hype. Now I gripe. 400 bucks! Is Steve nuts? Digital hub??? What a flub! Stupid name. Who to blame? Come on folks-no more jokes..." [Uhm, your rhymes aren't great, you won't get paid... Ok, mine was worse... next...]

  • myassmuh wrote: "i'm not expecting a $200 time machine, but damn, why can't i have a $200 ipod. or even better a $50 or $100 dollar product that can expand userbase and introduce people to the apple product line. want people in the stores? try offering a deal, steve." [Uh, he just did... and now people hate him...]

It just proves that techies are whiners through and through. Haha, I've whined a couple of times myself. Anyway, here's the link to the thread if you want to check it out yourself... [thread]. Enjoy!

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Thursday, September 6, 2007

Steve Jobs Keynote

Whew, Steve Jobs latest keynote address surely gave me a lot of material to write about! But before anything else, I think it's best if you watch the actual address first. He talks about really exciting stuff like iTunes upgrades and of course new iPods! Go ahead, watch it from start to finish. If you're an Apple lover like me you'll probably end up drooling. No wonder he looks so smug in the picture. Here's the link to the stream, enjoy!

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