At SXSWi, Lindsay Campbell talks about the logic of Moblogic
AUSTIN, Texas--Lindsay Campbell rose to fame as the perky, witty hostess of finance video blog Wallstrip, made headlines when the show was purchased by CBS Interactive, and made even more headlines when she passed anchor duties on to new host Julie Alexandria so that she could take the helm of Moblogic.tv, a new video blog about news and finance.Moblogic premiered on Friday, in conjunction with the South by Southwest Interactive Festival here. I took a few minutes to talk with Campbell about her new show, whether she gets recognized on the street, Brangelina (read on, you'll get it), and if we might be seeing Moblogic in taxicabs any time soon.Your new show, Moblogic, just launched. How has the response to the first episode been?Lindsay Campbell: I've been here at the South by Southwest conference and interviewing people, just on the main floor while they're checking in, so I've been a little bit removed from my computer, which I think is a good thing. I'd probably be obsessively reading the comments, et cetera. But we have had an overwhelmingly friendly response just from fans of Wallstrip that have decided that they're going to see what we're up to next.We've also had some exciting news, which is that we were planning on launching without an advertiser so that we could get the content out there, build our viewer base, and this morning there was a clamor for sponsorship. So we actually got a sponsorship deal now that's through the end of our first month, and we'll see how it goes.And who's the sponsorship deal with?Campbell: GM (General Motors), actually their Saturn brand...they had been thinking about it, they saw the content, and they decided to advertise. Which has been good for us, we're trying to validate what we're doing: content created exclusively for the Internet within a large network that creates for a lot of other types of media. So it's good when we get advertising. We don't need it but it's good when we get it.How often are random people recognizing you now?Campbell: You know what's funny is that we've gone to a couple of conferences, and it's been the only place that I really get recognized because it's a self-selecting group of people. Here, people seem to recognize my face but not know why I'm carrying the orange (Moblogic) microphone instead of the green (Wallstrip) one. And then I have to tell them, "Oh, yeah, I used to do Wallstrip." Associating yourself with a new brand, it's trying in the beginning, but I'm getting used to it.How's Wallstrip doing without you?Campbell: It's really doing well, in fact, numbers have gone up. (Laughs.) I'm OK with that...I like to joke that the numbers have gone up exclusively because I left because there were people holding back on watching because I was there, but I think that in addition to proclivities, whatever you like to watch in a host, Julie's doing a really good job. The quality of the show hasn't fallen off, in my opinion.But another thing that's happened is that we've gotten a lot of features on the front of YouTube, which of course generates views, and we also have really enabled our archives. Our page views count whether it's today's show or whether it's 30 days ago's show, so they're watching one Wallstrip and then maybe watching four others, and that really builds our aggregate use for the month. Our page views for this month are crazy, and January and February were also really good. And that's good, because we were trying to prove that we could launch a new brand and not lose our first brand in the process.Are the rumors true that you were desperate to leave Wallstrip because you hate reporting on finance?Campbell: Is that really a rumor? (Laughs.) You know what's funny is I never pretended to like finance. That was one of the angles of our show, is that I'm a real person that you can touch and feel, and I have my own ideas, and I'm hosting a finance show, and I'll talk about stocks because I can explore that too, but it's not what I live and breathe. On the one hand, we never tried to present me as loving stocks. On the other hand, I actually ended up really enjoying what I was doing. I had no impetus to leave other than wanting to try a new challenge. That's really funny though.Quincy Smith, president of CBS Interactive, has talked recently about Moblogic as a new addition to "the Wallstrip family." So are we going to see more members of the Wallstrip family now too?Campbell: We're like Angelina and Brad, and everyone knows if we're going to have more babies!Yeah, but would they be Shilohs or Maddoxes? You know, produced in-house or acquired?Campbell: That's actually a great metaphor for the situation. It takes quite a bit of energy to launch a new daily show, so I'd tell you if we had another one we're going to launch next month. We're looking at, you know, within the next nine months, so within a true human gestational period to create a new show. And I'm not going to rule out acquisitions, or maybe partnerships is a better way to put it.But the reason that Wallstrip was acquired, despite all the rumors on that front, really was that (CBS Interactive) saw people doing online video that was compelling about a subject that was a niche, and they wanted us to do it for other things. That's part of what Moblogic is. Moblogic is news and politics, subjects that are really near and dear to mine and (Wallstrip co-creators) Adam (Elend)'s and Jeff (Marks)'s hearts, and our entire crew is really fired up about doing that kind of content. And if something presents itself as a really great opportunity in another vertical and we have the resources to do it, that fits part and parcel into what CBS brought us on to do.How have things been different since the acquisition?Campbell: Really, not that different. They acquired us, and gave us a great amount of resources, whatever we needed to keep producing the show the way that we had with a lot of respect to the way that they liked how we'd been doing things. We kept our own studio space, and pretty much the same level of supervision.They don't come into the studio and tell us what to do. They'll give us comments from the lawyers to make sure that we're being legal, but they let us do our own thing and explore and really try to figure out the next level of web video. Because once you have a daily show that people are watching, it's all about innovate, innovate, innovate. That's what we tried to do with the site for Moblogic, is really innovate how interactive it is. We said that Wallstrip is interactive, but was it really interactive? That's going to be the next thing for us in both shows, really make it powerfully interactive.So how are you building community and encouraging participation?Campbell: We'll absolutely have a viewer-generated content section, and different ways to link to it, and basically the philosophy of our video-creating group is to create the video and then put it where the viewer wants it, put it where they are already watching video, and they will come to you eventually and if it's content that they want to watch, make it really easy for them to find it.We'll be everywhere. We're working on our Facebook community right now, working on our MySpace community now, and we really need to work on the Bebo-Meebo-Leebo-Wheebo communities as well. That's definitely the future of building an online video community, just being in as many places and germinating in as many places as possible, including the CBS Audience Network, which Quincy could explain better than I can. The "girl in front of a camera, talking about stuff" has almost become a Web cliché by now. How do you hope that Moblogic will be different?Campbell: One of the things that we'd like to move beyond is just being a Web talking head, like a Web counterpart to the TV talking heads. So a lot of the talking on the show is going to be done by people that we meet all over the country, and eventually hopefully in other countries, about the topics that we're talking about. I'm not an expert, I'm just expert at talking to people, and that's how the stories are going to get formed.Then the next part of the adventure is having our stories linked together with other stories in our archives so you can watch the swell of public opinion as it ebbs and flows throughout time on a certain topic or on related topics. We're working on conceptually trying to come up with what are the major themes in news, and then connecting them all really intelligently in our archives...Any show that comes into the field right now has to have more depth. You have to be able to reach into it and get more information out of it because you could just read a blog post and get the information there. The man-on-the-street element, the travel element, not just reporting from one city--that's going to be kind of new for the Web.Do you have any fun trips on the books?Campbell: I'm down for whatever travel we're going to do, because that's been a dream of mine forever, just to have a job that involves travel. That's the height of fashion...The two exciting trips that we have on the books right now that are booked are both (political) conventions, in August and September, in Denver and Minneapolis for the elections. And that is like, stop-your-heart exciting for me. I think the towns themselves are going to be a little crazy, but we're going to try to capture some of that at-the-convention energy that you want to feel because there's really important news being made, and which I feel tends to get filtered out when it's presented by someone who's polished. So that's going to be an amazing experience, and every day I lobby for a new location.What are some of your favorite Web shows right now?Campbell: I spend a lot of my time capturing bits and pieces of Web video, and then sort of curate it myself, because a lot of my energy is spent in shooting every day. I think Epic Fu is an amazing show. I wish that they updated more frequently, but that's the nature of having to do a highly produced show like that. That's the kind of stuff that I like. Produce it like it's for television, and then trick me into thinking that I'm watching television.What do you think of Quarterlife?Campbell: I think that Quarterlife (the scripted Web drama that made the jump to NBC, only to promptly get canceled, though it lives on online) is just poorly executed. I'm not that into the story, I haven't seen enough of it to say whether it's a good story or whether it's good writing or not, but I really didn't find the actors that appealing. I know it hasn't died or anything, but no, that didn't do it for me.I'll tell you the show I've been raving about: it's not created for the Web, but the way they distribute it was very Web savvy, and that's HBO's In Treatment. And that show, from the second it came on, they did it on-demand. I watched it on iTunes. It's a 30-minute show...and the show is brilliant, the acting is brilliant, and I watched it only on the Web. I watch almost everything on my laptop, unless I'm in a movie theater, and that's like, once a year. But content like that could easily be created by someone creating just for the Web, it just so happens that HBO did it really well and did it first. That's the kind of content I like. I like drama.In Treatment is very cross-platform, because they're distributing online, which is very unusual for HBO. Could you see Moblogic potentially winding up on TV? Or like LX.TV got bought by NBC and now they show it in New York City taxis.Campbell: I don't daydream about that, because I think that two- to three-minute content on your television ends up feeling more like a commercial, like an interstitial, and even when we were doing Wallstrip, our content isn't really light. It's lightly presented, but the content itself has some meat on its bones. I wouldn't want it to be shunted into a sort of interstitial position.We're creating it in HD and it could easily be on your television, but I feel like the more likely way that it will go on your television is through, like, your Apple TV. If CBS decided to put it on their network, in their off-hours or where they needed content, I would welcome it. If they decided to turn it into a half-hour show, I would welcome it, but I do think it's Web-native, and by Web-native I mean that it really exists in a packaged form, two to three minutes, and it's the kind of thing that you're at work or you just want an inspiration or news, or you want to ponder a story and click on it and watch it on your computer and then it's ephemeral and it's gone after that.See more stories in CNET News.com's coverage of SXSWi (click here).
On the run with the Nike+ GPS iPhone app
On the run with the Nike+ GPS iPhone app
Though it was mostly accurate, I also noticed quirks with the GPS tracking. On the upside, despite losing the cellular connection on my first run (just after mile one), the finished map didn't show a gap at that point. The app also kept track when I veered off roads into parks and public squares.At other places, however, there were small, unexplained gaps in the route. The maps also showed a much curvier route than I remember taking--I can assure that I didn't run through San Francisco's Opera House--but that's a minor quibble. And in any case, when I used an online GPS pedometer to measure the same routes, the difference between it and the Nike+ GPS maps was less then 4 percent. For bigger discrepancies, the app's integrated calibration feature is an essential tool.Battery lifeThough the app remains active and constantly uses the GPS radio, it didn't require as much battery life as I feared. Indeed, during my first 44-minute run, the battery level dropped from about 45 percent to 31 percent. That's not a huge drain, but I can't imagine the phone lasting for a full marathon. Also, if you take an hour run in the morning, you'd most likely need to power your phone by mid-afternoon.CongratulationsThe app will store your stats for each run in the History database in which you can view the course, total distance, average pace and calories burned. You also can rate each run according to the weather conditions, terrain, and how you felt. When you're ready for more, you can opt to surpass your last run by jogging longer, farther, or faster. And if you're really feeling ambitions, you can choose to beat one of your last records (see the slideshow for more information). Recorded celebrity voices will then congratulate you as you set a new record. Some of the voices, like cyclist Lance Armstrong or marathoner Paula Radcliffe, make sense while others, like comedian Tracy Morgan, don't.Nike also offers a Web portal at Nikeplus.com where you can achieve status levels and get even more data on your runs, including your slowest and fastest miles, and your top speed. The breadth of information available is impressive, and I love that it doesn't require a subscription. Also online you can set personal goals, access training programs, chat in user forums, and challenge other runners to best your performance. That last one appears to involve a lot of tiresome trash-talking. What's missing?It's disappointing that Nike+ GPS only offers elevation data information through the Web portal. That information is particularly useful in a place like San Francisco where hills are hard to avoid when running long distances. As my first course ranged from a low of 39 feet to a high of 447 feet, I would have preferred to see it on my phone while I was on the go. Furthermore, the app doesn't appear to take elevation changes into account when determining your pace.I'd also like to see the app have lap and internal timers for run/walk training (where you take a short walk break after every few minutes of running). Indeed, I became a big fan of this method when training for my first marathon and still use it for long runs more than 4 miles. Hopefully, we'll see this in a future version of the app.
Though it was mostly accurate, I also noticed quirks with the GPS tracking. On the upside, despite losing the cellular connection on my first run (just after mile one), the finished map didn't show a gap at that point. The app also kept track when I veered off roads into parks and public squares.At other places, however, there were small, unexplained gaps in the route. The maps also showed a much curvier route than I remember taking--I can assure that I didn't run through San Francisco's Opera House--but that's a minor quibble. And in any case, when I used an online GPS pedometer to measure the same routes, the difference between it and the Nike+ GPS maps was less then 4 percent. For bigger discrepancies, the app's integrated calibration feature is an essential tool.Battery lifeThough the app remains active and constantly uses the GPS radio, it didn't require as much battery life as I feared. Indeed, during my first 44-minute run, the battery level dropped from about 45 percent to 31 percent. That's not a huge drain, but I can't imagine the phone lasting for a full marathon. Also, if you take an hour run in the morning, you'd most likely need to power your phone by mid-afternoon.CongratulationsThe app will store your stats for each run in the History database in which you can view the course, total distance, average pace and calories burned. You also can rate each run according to the weather conditions, terrain, and how you felt. When you're ready for more, you can opt to surpass your last run by jogging longer, farther, or faster. And if you're really feeling ambitions, you can choose to beat one of your last records (see the slideshow for more information). Recorded celebrity voices will then congratulate you as you set a new record. Some of the voices, like cyclist Lance Armstrong or marathoner Paula Radcliffe, make sense while others, like comedian Tracy Morgan, don't.Nike also offers a Web portal at Nikeplus.com where you can achieve status levels and get even more data on your runs, including your slowest and fastest miles, and your top speed. The breadth of information available is impressive, and I love that it doesn't require a subscription. Also online you can set personal goals, access training programs, chat in user forums, and challenge other runners to best your performance. That last one appears to involve a lot of tiresome trash-talking. What's missing?It's disappointing that Nike+ GPS only offers elevation data information through the Web portal. That information is particularly useful in a place like San Francisco where hills are hard to avoid when running long distances. As my first course ranged from a low of 39 feet to a high of 447 feet, I would have preferred to see it on my phone while I was on the go. Furthermore, the app doesn't appear to take elevation changes into account when determining your pace.I'd also like to see the app have lap and internal timers for run/walk training (where you take a short walk break after every few minutes of running). Indeed, I became a big fan of this method when training for my first marathon and still use it for long runs more than 4 miles. Hopefully, we'll see this in a future version of the app.
Clueful scans your iOS apps for privacy behavior
Clueful scans your iOS apps for privacy behavior
A new iOS app aims to make app privacy more transparent and easier to stay on top of, especially when it comes to information-tracking you might not have even realized what was going on behind the scenes.Security firm Bitdefender today rolled out Clueful (iTunes), an app that lets you see what information other applications installed on your phone might have access to.Once installed, the $3.99 app scans your device to see what's installed and puts it in an ordered list that can be filtered based on the various kinds of behavior. This includes things like: Apps that can track location Apps that can read the address book Apps that might drain battery Apps that use iPhone's unique ID Apps that display ads Apps that gather analyticsThese behaviors are listed in the results, and -- if present -- are explained in each app's detail page; however, the app doesn't go so far as to show you a log of how often this happens. Clueful also notes whether your data is being encrypted, and if app makers anonymize you as a user.Besides scanning what you have, the software is designed to let you research what kinds of information an application wants to access before you purchase it from the App Store. In a brief test, this feature appeared to be a work in progress. It was slow, and unable to pick up a handful of big name games and apps I threw its way. All the data behind the privacy breakdowns is maintained by Bitdefender, and users can request to have apps that are not a part of that system analyzed. App detail pages spell out what types of information apps have access to.CNETClueful comes some three months after Apple came after fire for iOS applications that collected user contact information without asking, a behavior Apple later came out to say was a violation of its guidelines. Before that, there was the concern with how Apple's own operating system logged user location data, which Apple changed.Predating both of those items was controversy over Apple making unique user identification numbers available to developers, who then exploited that information to track user behavior. Apple removed that feature in its most recent major version of iOS.Worth noting is that Apple already screens iOS apps for bad behavior during its App Store review process, something that keeps apps that could cause damage to the device, or access user information without asking permission, from entering the store in the first place. Bitdefender's aim here is just tallying up what types of information apps use, and putting all that in one place that's kept up-to-date.
A new iOS app aims to make app privacy more transparent and easier to stay on top of, especially when it comes to information-tracking you might not have even realized what was going on behind the scenes.Security firm Bitdefender today rolled out Clueful (iTunes), an app that lets you see what information other applications installed on your phone might have access to.Once installed, the $3.99 app scans your device to see what's installed and puts it in an ordered list that can be filtered based on the various kinds of behavior. This includes things like: Apps that can track location Apps that can read the address book Apps that might drain battery Apps that use iPhone's unique ID Apps that display ads Apps that gather analyticsThese behaviors are listed in the results, and -- if present -- are explained in each app's detail page; however, the app doesn't go so far as to show you a log of how often this happens. Clueful also notes whether your data is being encrypted, and if app makers anonymize you as a user.Besides scanning what you have, the software is designed to let you research what kinds of information an application wants to access before you purchase it from the App Store. In a brief test, this feature appeared to be a work in progress. It was slow, and unable to pick up a handful of big name games and apps I threw its way. All the data behind the privacy breakdowns is maintained by Bitdefender, and users can request to have apps that are not a part of that system analyzed. App detail pages spell out what types of information apps have access to.CNETClueful comes some three months after Apple came after fire for iOS applications that collected user contact information without asking, a behavior Apple later came out to say was a violation of its guidelines. Before that, there was the concern with how Apple's own operating system logged user location data, which Apple changed.Predating both of those items was controversy over Apple making unique user identification numbers available to developers, who then exploited that information to track user behavior. Apple removed that feature in its most recent major version of iOS.Worth noting is that Apple already screens iOS apps for bad behavior during its App Store review process, something that keeps apps that could cause damage to the device, or access user information without asking permission, from entering the store in the first place. Bitdefender's aim here is just tallying up what types of information apps use, and putting all that in one place that's kept up-to-date.
The 404 447- Where the cheese stands alone
The 404 447: Where the cheese stands alone
Justin Yu/CNETFamily of the YearEven though I definitely messed up the title format and everything else for that matter, today's show is still "Where the cheese stands alone," because you get to witness the pain as I try to record a solo podcast. That's right, Jeff is out and Wilson called in sick, so I'm left to fend for myself with the generous help of a few friends along the way.Disclaimer: Today's show is atypical. If this is your first time listening to The 404, note that this is definitely not the norm. The show is usually very random and tangential, but today's episode is a ONE MAN SHOW. That man is me, and for that I beg your forgiveness in advance. If you're able to get through the entire show, well then I tip my hat to you.It's the first time I've operated the engineering board and camera switching by myself, so the production value ain't up to par with Jeff's expert skills...just keep that in mind as you struggle through this episode of random musings, behind the scenes scoops, upcoming guests, meet-up ideas, Halloween costumes, and the future of The 404!As hard as it is to listen to me wing my way through 45 minutes of streaming video, it would have been far worse if not for my dear friends Dan Ackerman, Scott Stein, and Julie Rivera who all came in to put me out of my lonely misery. They're all part of CNET's own Digital City Podcast, so be sure to check them out. Here's some exciting news to look forward to: our guest on Monday will be the band Family of the Year. After hearing that we chose them for our Beck's Beer Draft Pick, they agreed to come in for a live in-studio acoustic performance!Jeff will certainly be back for that, but no guarantees for Wilson G. Tang, who may or may not have contracted the Avian Swine Flu, a rare form of H1N1 that only occurs when pigs fly.Have a great weekend everyone!Episode 447PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Justin Yu/CNETFamily of the YearEven though I definitely messed up the title format and everything else for that matter, today's show is still "Where the cheese stands alone," because you get to witness the pain as I try to record a solo podcast. That's right, Jeff is out and Wilson called in sick, so I'm left to fend for myself with the generous help of a few friends along the way.Disclaimer: Today's show is atypical. If this is your first time listening to The 404, note that this is definitely not the norm. The show is usually very random and tangential, but today's episode is a ONE MAN SHOW. That man is me, and for that I beg your forgiveness in advance. If you're able to get through the entire show, well then I tip my hat to you.It's the first time I've operated the engineering board and camera switching by myself, so the production value ain't up to par with Jeff's expert skills...just keep that in mind as you struggle through this episode of random musings, behind the scenes scoops, upcoming guests, meet-up ideas, Halloween costumes, and the future of The 404!As hard as it is to listen to me wing my way through 45 minutes of streaming video, it would have been far worse if not for my dear friends Dan Ackerman, Scott Stein, and Julie Rivera who all came in to put me out of my lonely misery. They're all part of CNET's own Digital City Podcast, so be sure to check them out. Here's some exciting news to look forward to: our guest on Monday will be the band Family of the Year. After hearing that we chose them for our Beck's Beer Draft Pick, they agreed to come in for a live in-studio acoustic performance!Jeff will certainly be back for that, but no guarantees for Wilson G. Tang, who may or may not have contracted the Avian Swine Flu, a rare form of H1N1 that only occurs when pigs fly.Have a great weekend everyone!Episode 447PodcastYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes audio | Suscribe to iTunes (video) |Subscribe in RSS Audio |Subscribe in RSS Video This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.PlayFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Movies and TV shows coming to the PS3 this summer
Movies and TV shows coming to the PS3 this summer
Sony has just confirmed the rumor we all heard back in April: video downloads will be available on the PS3 this summer. Details right now are scarce, but we do know the service will first be rolled out in the United States, followed by Japan and Europe later in the year. As we mentioned before, we would like to see a service tied in with Netflix since everybody and their mother seems to use the service, or even a Hulu type service, which offers TV shows from Fox and NBC, broken up by short 15-second ads. Our best guess though: iTunes-esque pricing, the most expensive of all three choices. Rent a movie, pay a high premium, and lose it . We can't see how this will be successful, considering Sony's quirky history with digital media downloads (see: Sony Connect and ATRAC3).Sony's own Bravia line of televisions will be getting video as well via Bravia Internet Video Link (BIVL). The film, Hancock, as mentioned in Sony's press release, will be available "exclusively to all Internet connected Bravia LCD TVs in the U.S. before it is available on DVD." We'll have a review of the BIVL system very soon.Another interesting tidbit from the press release: Sony wants 90 percent of their electronics products network-enabled and wireless-capable by March 2011. The PSP, PS3, and a Bravia television--all connected together and sharing media? Yes, we're just as thrilled as you are of the future possibilities. Let's hope that Sony doesn't limit their content and media-sharing capabilities to a Sony-centric universe, which the BIVL system seems to be all about. We'll have more details as they roll in. In the meantime, what do you think of Sony's direction? Will the company go down the Hulu route or will it offer time-limited DRM content?Source: Sony (PDF link)
Sony has just confirmed the rumor we all heard back in April: video downloads will be available on the PS3 this summer. Details right now are scarce, but we do know the service will first be rolled out in the United States, followed by Japan and Europe later in the year. As we mentioned before, we would like to see a service tied in with Netflix since everybody and their mother seems to use the service, or even a Hulu type service, which offers TV shows from Fox and NBC, broken up by short 15-second ads. Our best guess though: iTunes-esque pricing, the most expensive of all three choices. Rent a movie, pay a high premium, and lose it . We can't see how this will be successful, considering Sony's quirky history with digital media downloads (see: Sony Connect and ATRAC3).Sony's own Bravia line of televisions will be getting video as well via Bravia Internet Video Link (BIVL). The film, Hancock, as mentioned in Sony's press release, will be available "exclusively to all Internet connected Bravia LCD TVs in the U.S. before it is available on DVD." We'll have a review of the BIVL system very soon.Another interesting tidbit from the press release: Sony wants 90 percent of their electronics products network-enabled and wireless-capable by March 2011. The PSP, PS3, and a Bravia television--all connected together and sharing media? Yes, we're just as thrilled as you are of the future possibilities. Let's hope that Sony doesn't limit their content and media-sharing capabilities to a Sony-centric universe, which the BIVL system seems to be all about. We'll have more details as they roll in. In the meantime, what do you think of Sony's direction? Will the company go down the Hulu route or will it offer time-limited DRM content?Source: Sony (PDF link)
Get an Apple TV for $85 shipped
Get an Apple TV for $85 shipped
For anyone interested in accessing awesome services like Netflix and Pandora on their TV, the choice usually boils down to a Roku box or an Apple TV.If you're voting solely with your wallet, the choice might seem pretty easy: the Roku LT sells for $50, the Apple TV for $100. Ah, but if you really want to compare (sorry) apples to Apples, you need to look at the $80 Roku 2 XD, which matches the Apple TV's 1080p output capabilities.And guess what: Apple just started selling the refurbished current-generation Apple TV for $85 shipped (plus sales tax in some states). Now it's a horse race. (That's an expression, isn't it?)I'm not going to spend time detailing the pros and cons of the two devices; CNET already did that in its Apple-TV-vs.-Roku comparison. Bottom line: they're both awesome.So, how to decide? If you're already vested in iTunes and/or an iDevice, I think an Apple TV makes the most sense. It's great not only for streaming movies, music, and stuff, but also for showing off your iDevice-captured photos and videos on your TV. That feature alone was enough to get me to pull the trigger.Is it worth choosing a refurbished unit just to save $15? Absolutely. As I've noted before, when shopping for Apple products, you should always choose refurbished. You'll get a like-new unit with a same-as-new one-year warranty. No-brainer.Of course, make sure to check out CNET's review of the Apple TV so you have the full scoop. And keep in mind that whether you pick that or a Roku, you'll need an HDMI cable. See yesterday's post for help with that.So I'm just wondering: if Apple ever does release an actual TV, something that's been rumored for a while, what will they call it? Oh, I know! Apple T...oh, wait.Bonus deal: Speaking of Roku, I just noticed that the aforementioned Roku 2 XD is on sale for $69.99 shipped. Two big reasons I love mine: Amazon Instant Video and HBO Go. I wouldn't expect to see those channels on an Apple TV anytime soon.Cheapin' it real.Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.
For anyone interested in accessing awesome services like Netflix and Pandora on their TV, the choice usually boils down to a Roku box or an Apple TV.If you're voting solely with your wallet, the choice might seem pretty easy: the Roku LT sells for $50, the Apple TV for $100. Ah, but if you really want to compare (sorry) apples to Apples, you need to look at the $80 Roku 2 XD, which matches the Apple TV's 1080p output capabilities.And guess what: Apple just started selling the refurbished current-generation Apple TV for $85 shipped (plus sales tax in some states). Now it's a horse race. (That's an expression, isn't it?)I'm not going to spend time detailing the pros and cons of the two devices; CNET already did that in its Apple-TV-vs.-Roku comparison. Bottom line: they're both awesome.So, how to decide? If you're already vested in iTunes and/or an iDevice, I think an Apple TV makes the most sense. It's great not only for streaming movies, music, and stuff, but also for showing off your iDevice-captured photos and videos on your TV. That feature alone was enough to get me to pull the trigger.Is it worth choosing a refurbished unit just to save $15? Absolutely. As I've noted before, when shopping for Apple products, you should always choose refurbished. You'll get a like-new unit with a same-as-new one-year warranty. No-brainer.Of course, make sure to check out CNET's review of the Apple TV so you have the full scoop. And keep in mind that whether you pick that or a Roku, you'll need an HDMI cable. See yesterday's post for help with that.So I'm just wondering: if Apple ever does release an actual TV, something that's been rumored for a while, what will they call it? Oh, I know! Apple T...oh, wait.Bonus deal: Speaking of Roku, I just noticed that the aforementioned Roku 2 XD is on sale for $69.99 shipped. Two big reasons I love mine: Amazon Instant Video and HBO Go. I wouldn't expect to see those channels on an Apple TV anytime soon.Cheapin' it real.Deals found on The Cheapskate are subject to availability, expiration, and other terms determined by sellers.Curious about what exactly The Cheapskate does and how it works? Read our FAQ.
Get Amazon MP3 credit when you buy a Logitech Bluetooth speaker
Get Amazon MP3 credit when you buy a Logitech Bluetooth speaker
If you agreed with me a couple days ago when I professed my love for Bluetooth speakers (in favor of their AirPlay counterparts), you might just be thinking about buying one.Logitech offers some attractive models, and Amazon just made choosing one that much sweeter: when you buy a qualifying Logitech speaker, you'll get a rather substantial Amazon MP3 credit.For example, the $76.67 Logitech Mini Boombox comes with a $30 Amazon MP3 credit. (You'll see a link to the details under Special Offers and Product Promotions.) So does the $76.24 Logitech Z515 Wireless Speaker.And if you splurge on the $129 Logitech Wireless Boombox, you'll get a $50 Amazon MP3 credit. Like I said, rather substantial!(FYI, those are also among the lowest prices I've seen for those speakers, so it's not like you're paying full list price in order to score that credit -- often the case with deals like these.)Related storiesReview: Logitech Wireless Boombox for iPadReview: Logitech Mini BoomboxReview: Logitech Z515Speaking of credit, let me give it where it's due: CNET's own Bonnie Gannon alerted me to this deal, which is available through June 7. The only caveat: you must "spend" your entire Amazon MP3 store credit by July 7.I really dig speakers like these. They're rechargeable, meaning you can use them around the house or take them with you to the pool, the park, or wherever. And because they support Bluetooth, they can pair with pretty much any smartphone or tablet that supports the A2DP protocol (most do, though not the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet). The Z515 also comes with a USB Bluetooth adapter that can plug into desktops or laptops that lack it.All three Logitech models have solid reviews from users: 4 stars (average) for the Z515, 4.5 for the other two. And Amazon MP3, of course, offers a music selection matched only by iTunes -- and its downloader can automatically feed your purchases to iTunes if that's how you roll. (It supports Windows Media Player as well.)In short, these are great prices on popular Bluetooth speakers, and Amazon ices that cake with big gobs of free-MP3 frosting. Yum.
If you agreed with me a couple days ago when I professed my love for Bluetooth speakers (in favor of their AirPlay counterparts), you might just be thinking about buying one.Logitech offers some attractive models, and Amazon just made choosing one that much sweeter: when you buy a qualifying Logitech speaker, you'll get a rather substantial Amazon MP3 credit.For example, the $76.67 Logitech Mini Boombox comes with a $30 Amazon MP3 credit. (You'll see a link to the details under Special Offers and Product Promotions.) So does the $76.24 Logitech Z515 Wireless Speaker.And if you splurge on the $129 Logitech Wireless Boombox, you'll get a $50 Amazon MP3 credit. Like I said, rather substantial!(FYI, those are also among the lowest prices I've seen for those speakers, so it's not like you're paying full list price in order to score that credit -- often the case with deals like these.)Related storiesReview: Logitech Wireless Boombox for iPadReview: Logitech Mini BoomboxReview: Logitech Z515Speaking of credit, let me give it where it's due: CNET's own Bonnie Gannon alerted me to this deal, which is available through June 7. The only caveat: you must "spend" your entire Amazon MP3 store credit by July 7.I really dig speakers like these. They're rechargeable, meaning you can use them around the house or take them with you to the pool, the park, or wherever. And because they support Bluetooth, they can pair with pretty much any smartphone or tablet that supports the A2DP protocol (most do, though not the Kindle Fire or Nook Tablet). The Z515 also comes with a USB Bluetooth adapter that can plug into desktops or laptops that lack it.All three Logitech models have solid reviews from users: 4 stars (average) for the Z515, 4.5 for the other two. And Amazon MP3, of course, offers a music selection matched only by iTunes -- and its downloader can automatically feed your purchases to iTunes if that's how you roll. (It supports Windows Media Player as well.)In short, these are great prices on popular Bluetooth speakers, and Amazon ices that cake with big gobs of free-MP3 frosting. Yum.
Intel next-gen chip to support key Apple tech
Intel next-gen chip to support key Apple tech
Listed as a "core" OS X technology, OpenCL "dramatically accelerates" applications by tapping into the special processing power of the graphics processing unit (GPU), according to Apple. It taps into what an Apple developer page states as the "the amazing parallel computing power of the GPU." GPU-centric acceleration can be used for financial modeling, accounting applications, analysis on large media files, games, and media applications.In general, the GPU is much better than the CPU (central processing unit) at certain types of computations--thus the necessity of GPUs in games.In fact, much of the performance boost in Intel's next-generation Ivy Bridge processor (up to 60 percent faster than Intel's current Sandy Bridge chip) is due to more graphics circuits.Of the several hundred million additional transistors in Ivy Bridge (compared to Sandy Bridge), many are dedicated to boosting graphics performance.To be fair, Nvidia's and Advanced Micro Devices' GPUs already support OpenCL but since neither of those GPUs are in the third-generation MacBook Air, the popular Apple MacBook would likely need an updated Intel processor to get that support. That's where Ivy Bridge comes in. That Intel chip is due for volume production in the first quarter of next year potentially putting it in a refreshed MacBook Air sometime after that.Indeed, that's a question that may dog the MacBook faithful in the coming months. When, in fact, will MacBooks get the Ivy Bridge processor? Which leads to another intriguing question. Ivy Bridge also supports USB 3.0--a faster version of aging USB 2.0. Will Apple also equip MacBooks with USB 3.0 ports next to the existing Thunderbolt port?
Listed as a "core" OS X technology, OpenCL "dramatically accelerates" applications by tapping into the special processing power of the graphics processing unit (GPU), according to Apple. It taps into what an Apple developer page states as the "the amazing parallel computing power of the GPU." GPU-centric acceleration can be used for financial modeling, accounting applications, analysis on large media files, games, and media applications.In general, the GPU is much better than the CPU (central processing unit) at certain types of computations--thus the necessity of GPUs in games.In fact, much of the performance boost in Intel's next-generation Ivy Bridge processor (up to 60 percent faster than Intel's current Sandy Bridge chip) is due to more graphics circuits.Of the several hundred million additional transistors in Ivy Bridge (compared to Sandy Bridge), many are dedicated to boosting graphics performance.To be fair, Nvidia's and Advanced Micro Devices' GPUs already support OpenCL but since neither of those GPUs are in the third-generation MacBook Air, the popular Apple MacBook would likely need an updated Intel processor to get that support. That's where Ivy Bridge comes in. That Intel chip is due for volume production in the first quarter of next year potentially putting it in a refreshed MacBook Air sometime after that.Indeed, that's a question that may dog the MacBook faithful in the coming months. When, in fact, will MacBooks get the Ivy Bridge processor? Which leads to another intriguing question. Ivy Bridge also supports USB 3.0--a faster version of aging USB 2.0. Will Apple also equip MacBooks with USB 3.0 ports next to the existing Thunderbolt port?
Intel delivers USB 3.0 in its chips, finally
Intel delivers USB 3.0 in its chips, finally
USB is one of the most widely used connection technologies in the world, found on everything from Windows and Apple computers to tablets and smartphones. Intel laid the groundwork for widespread adoption in spring 2002 when it put the technology in its silicon. USB 3.0 is about 10 times faster than current USB technology.Related storiesIntel: USB 3.0 in 2012 with ThunderboltIntel details Thunderbolt techBy including support in its chipsets, Intel will likely make USB 3.0 ubiquitous.Basically any Windows 8 Ivy Bridge PC -- laptop or desktop -- will come standard with USB 3.0. That said, many Sandy Bridge-based systems today have USB 3.0, but it's not yet ubiquitous like USB 2.0.Which raises the question, will Ivy Bridge-based MacBooks get USB 3.0? It's likely. And remember USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt -- formerly known by its codename Light Peak -- are different technologies but not necessarily mutually exclusive.Thunderbolt combines high-speed data transfer and high-definition video on a single cable and does transfers at up to 10Gbps. Currently, the most high-profile application of Thunderbolt is on MacBooks and Macs.Those Apple Thunderbolt ports are based on two technologies: PCI Express and DisplayPort.The Intel 7-series chipsets also support Intel Smart Response, Intel Smart Connect, and Intel Rapid Start in desktop and mobile platforms, the company said. All three of those technologies are targeted at making PCs more like tablets and smartphones, which come out of standby instantly and are always connected.
USB is one of the most widely used connection technologies in the world, found on everything from Windows and Apple computers to tablets and smartphones. Intel laid the groundwork for widespread adoption in spring 2002 when it put the technology in its silicon. USB 3.0 is about 10 times faster than current USB technology.Related storiesIntel: USB 3.0 in 2012 with ThunderboltIntel details Thunderbolt techBy including support in its chipsets, Intel will likely make USB 3.0 ubiquitous.Basically any Windows 8 Ivy Bridge PC -- laptop or desktop -- will come standard with USB 3.0. That said, many Sandy Bridge-based systems today have USB 3.0, but it's not yet ubiquitous like USB 2.0.Which raises the question, will Ivy Bridge-based MacBooks get USB 3.0? It's likely. And remember USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt -- formerly known by its codename Light Peak -- are different technologies but not necessarily mutually exclusive.Thunderbolt combines high-speed data transfer and high-definition video on a single cable and does transfers at up to 10Gbps. Currently, the most high-profile application of Thunderbolt is on MacBooks and Macs.Those Apple Thunderbolt ports are based on two technologies: PCI Express and DisplayPort.The Intel 7-series chipsets also support Intel Smart Response, Intel Smart Connect, and Intel Rapid Start in desktop and mobile platforms, the company said. All three of those technologies are targeted at making PCs more like tablets and smartphones, which come out of standby instantly and are always connected.
Intel CEO on Android chaos, Apple control
Intel CEO on Android chaos, Apple control
"Apple's objective is to control everything end to end so they can control the experience and the pricing," Otellini said Tuesday at Intel's investor meeting in Santa Clara, Calif.Google's Android, however, couldn't be more different, according to Otellini."Google's model is to get as broad a base as possible because, how do they get paid?They don't get paid by selling Android.They get paid by clicks.At the end of the day, the more pervasive Android is, the more money Google ultimately makes because advertising revenue can accrue from it," he said, responding to an analyst who asserted that Android's growth is being driven by the dynamics of fragmentation.Otellini continued. "I think there is some growing pains that Android is going through...How do you create order out of chaos?" He compared Android today with Microsoft's past trials and tribulations when trying to impose order on Windows.Over the years, Windows has run on a variety of platforms, including DEC's Alpha, IBM's PowerPC, ARM, and MIPS before settling predominantly on Intel's x86 architecture.Fragmentation will be rectified over time, he said. "The notion of compatibility forwards and backwards, the notion of verification...is something you'll see imposed on the Android ecosystem over time.If you read the press about [Android's] anti-fragmentation agreements that's exactly what's happening today," he said. Otellini also tried to allay concerns about Apple shifting its Mac line to another chip architecture down the road. "[Apple's] growth in Macs has quadrupled since they shifted to Intel, their market share has quadrupled since they shifted to Intel.And that value proposition has served them very well." "I don't see their Mac line moving in any different direction anytime soon," he said.
"Apple's objective is to control everything end to end so they can control the experience and the pricing," Otellini said Tuesday at Intel's investor meeting in Santa Clara, Calif.Google's Android, however, couldn't be more different, according to Otellini."Google's model is to get as broad a base as possible because, how do they get paid?They don't get paid by selling Android.They get paid by clicks.At the end of the day, the more pervasive Android is, the more money Google ultimately makes because advertising revenue can accrue from it," he said, responding to an analyst who asserted that Android's growth is being driven by the dynamics of fragmentation.Otellini continued. "I think there is some growing pains that Android is going through...How do you create order out of chaos?" He compared Android today with Microsoft's past trials and tribulations when trying to impose order on Windows.Over the years, Windows has run on a variety of platforms, including DEC's Alpha, IBM's PowerPC, ARM, and MIPS before settling predominantly on Intel's x86 architecture.Fragmentation will be rectified over time, he said. "The notion of compatibility forwards and backwards, the notion of verification...is something you'll see imposed on the Android ecosystem over time.If you read the press about [Android's] anti-fragmentation agreements that's exactly what's happening today," he said. Otellini also tried to allay concerns about Apple shifting its Mac line to another chip architecture down the road. "[Apple's] growth in Macs has quadrupled since they shifted to Intel, their market share has quadrupled since they shifted to Intel.And that value proposition has served them very well." "I don't see their Mac line moving in any different direction anytime soon," he said.
Intel and partners may be late to the tablet party, but they're here
Intel and partners may be late to the tablet party, but they're here
Intel and its hardware partners will launch a broad attack on the tablet market today.Standing alongside Intel at an event in San Francisco are executives from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and ZTE.Those companies are showcasing new Windows 8 tablets and convertible devices.Many, if not most, of the devices have already been unveiled, such as HP's Envy x2, Dell's Latitude 10, and Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2. All of the devices feature Intel's dual-core Z2760 "Clover Trail" (PDF)Atom Processor, a power-efficient system-on-a-chip that allows partners to build tablets as thin as 8.5mm and as light as 1.5 pounds. Intel is claiming the chip provides long battery life -- over 10 hours of local HD video playback and over 3 weeks of standby time. Related storiesIntel cites AMD exec who 'would never buy' AMD And the chipmaker is also touting Near Field Communication (NFC), which pairs devices with a quick tap.Intel's silicon also provides support for HD cameras (up to 8MP) Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G LTE. Tablets and convertibles using the new Intel chip will come with the full version of Windows 8, which can run virtually anything a Windows 7 laptop can.This differs from tablets based on Windows RT: those devices cannot run so-called "legacy" Windows software.Microsoft, Intel, and the PC crowd are late to the sub-two-pound, touch-centric tablet market.Apple launched its iPad in April of 2010 and holds the lion's share of the global tablet market.And Android tablet suppliers such as Samsung, Motorola, and Asus are already onto second and third generation devices. Hewlett-Packard's Envy x2 'convertible' laptop uses Intel's new dual-core Clover Trail chip.Hewlett-Packard
Intel and its hardware partners will launch a broad attack on the tablet market today.Standing alongside Intel at an event in San Francisco are executives from Acer, Asus, Dell, HP, Lenovo, Samsung and ZTE.Those companies are showcasing new Windows 8 tablets and convertible devices.Many, if not most, of the devices have already been unveiled, such as HP's Envy x2, Dell's Latitude 10, and Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2. All of the devices feature Intel's dual-core Z2760 "Clover Trail" (PDF)Atom Processor, a power-efficient system-on-a-chip that allows partners to build tablets as thin as 8.5mm and as light as 1.5 pounds. Intel is claiming the chip provides long battery life -- over 10 hours of local HD video playback and over 3 weeks of standby time. Related storiesIntel cites AMD exec who 'would never buy' AMD And the chipmaker is also touting Near Field Communication (NFC), which pairs devices with a quick tap.Intel's silicon also provides support for HD cameras (up to 8MP) Wi-Fi, 3G, and 4G LTE. Tablets and convertibles using the new Intel chip will come with the full version of Windows 8, which can run virtually anything a Windows 7 laptop can.This differs from tablets based on Windows RT: those devices cannot run so-called "legacy" Windows software.Microsoft, Intel, and the PC crowd are late to the sub-two-pound, touch-centric tablet market.Apple launched its iPad in April of 2010 and holds the lion's share of the global tablet market.And Android tablet suppliers such as Samsung, Motorola, and Asus are already onto second and third generation devices. Hewlett-Packard's Envy x2 'convertible' laptop uses Intel's new dual-core Clover Trail chip.Hewlett-Packard
Infinity Blade games earned Epic more than $30 million
Infinity Blade games earned Epic more than $30 million
One of the prettiest looking games on Apple's iOS platform turns out to be pretty profitable too.The popular Infinity Blade franchise, which grew to two games last month, has earned Epic Games and developer Chair Entertainment more than $30 million since its debut near the end of 2010. Epic announced that figure today, while noting that Infinity Blade II has brought in net earnings of $5 million in the month since its launch, a benchmark the company says took the first game three months.The series was unveiled at Apple's once-annual music event in 2010 and was released as a standalone app called Epic Citadel. The app was not a game as much as a showcase for Epic's Unreal Engine, letting players walk around a fictional castle and take in the details. A few months later Epic went on to release Infinity Blade, which nixed the first-person gameplay in favor oftap-based exploration and swipe-based combat. Infinity Blade's sequel went on sale last month after first being demoed at the unveiling of Apple's iPhone 4S in October. It's notable for being the first game showed off that takes advantage of the phone's speedier hardware, something developers have had access to with the iPad 2 since March. Epic says that the original game has earned the company more than $23 million, and laid the groundwork for other products related to the series; that includes a soundtrack, novella, and arcade game.You can read CNET's Infinity Blade II review here.
One of the prettiest looking games on Apple's iOS platform turns out to be pretty profitable too.The popular Infinity Blade franchise, which grew to two games last month, has earned Epic Games and developer Chair Entertainment more than $30 million since its debut near the end of 2010. Epic announced that figure today, while noting that Infinity Blade II has brought in net earnings of $5 million in the month since its launch, a benchmark the company says took the first game three months.The series was unveiled at Apple's once-annual music event in 2010 and was released as a standalone app called Epic Citadel. The app was not a game as much as a showcase for Epic's Unreal Engine, letting players walk around a fictional castle and take in the details. A few months later Epic went on to release Infinity Blade, which nixed the first-person gameplay in favor oftap-based exploration and swipe-based combat. Infinity Blade's sequel went on sale last month after first being demoed at the unveiling of Apple's iPhone 4S in October. It's notable for being the first game showed off that takes advantage of the phone's speedier hardware, something developers have had access to with the iPad 2 since March. Epic says that the original game has earned the company more than $23 million, and laid the groundwork for other products related to the series; that includes a soundtrack, novella, and arcade game.You can read CNET's Infinity Blade II review here.
Apple appeals Chinese ruling over encyclopedia infringement
The tech giant lost a case brought to court by China Publishing House, which claimed that Apple infringed copyright protection by allowing the sale of an app containing large sections of "Encyclopedia of China" without the publishing house's consent. The iPhone and iPad-compatible app can be downloaded from Apple's App Store. In September, a Chinese court ordered Apple to pay compensation of 520,000 yuan, which is roughly $83,000. First reported by the Jinghua Times, Apple asserts that the original judgment was incorrect, and in addition, that the financial compensation awarded is too high.Related stories:Apple: iPhone jailbreaking violates our copyrightApple v. Samsung: A battle over billionsApple accused of ripping off famous Swiss clock designApple argued that as the store owner and not a third-party developer, it is not responsible for every individual application hosted in the App store. However, the court ruled in the favor of China Publishing House, which claimed that Apple has caused the publisher financial damages and loss -- whereas in contrast, the tech giant was profiting from copyright infringement after allowing the app to be hosted in the App Store.If Apple loses the appeal, it may set a precedent for other copyright holders to fight against content made available in third-party applications -- and could prove more costly than $83,000 in the long run.
Apple apparently fixes bug that stifled iOS app downloads
Apple iOS users can once again download apps, music, and other items without being trapped in a Terms & Conditions loop.Yesterday, people posting in Apple's Support Communities and elsewhere started complaining that they couldn't get past the new Terms & Conditions screen. Recently updated, this screen requires iOS users to agree to Apple's lengthy list of service requirements before they can download items.Despite agreeing to the terms, users kept seeing the same screen pop up over and over again, stopping them from downloading new apps, music, books, movies, and TV shows.Related storiesCan Apple's App Store maintain its lead over Google Play?Apple CEO: We are 'extremely sorry' for Maps flapApple launches 'find maps' list in App StoreApple rolls out fix for iPhone 5 Wi-Fi network data bugBut as of this morning, if not earlier, the glitch had apparently been fixed, according to MacRumors and other sources. I received the new Terms & Conditions screen on my iPhone this morning and was able to get past it with no trouble.The bug affected purchases via Apple's App Store and iTunes on both iOS devices and the Mac, MacRumors said.Users of the Mac App Store and iTunes Match were also stuck in the loop. The problem itself may have been confined to just the United States.CNET has contacted Apple for comment and will update the story if the company responds.
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