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Episode 10: Personal Video Recorders, Especially TiVo
In this episode, Stephen and Charlie sing the praises of TiVo and trash its competitors as they explain the pros and cons of the world of PVRs (personal video recorders). Those life-changing, schedule enhancing entertainment devices have practcally killed the VCR, and for good reason. The guys explain why. Also, hear about Apple's newest dual-core G5 computers, and indulge yourself in Google's latest wizardry, offered to all takers for free.
Rapid-Fire Roundup® of Cool Products
Kodak’s EasyShare One
Kodak’s new EasyShare One digital camera lets you wirelessly e-mail, upload, view and share pictures as soon as you take them (provided you’re within a Wi-Fi Internet-access area.) T-Mobile offers a complimentary hot spot trial service for EasyShare One purchasers. The 4-megapixel camera has enough memory to store up to 1,500 images and a rotating 3-inch touch display screen.
Google Local , formerly called Google Maps
Google does it again with its open mapping protocol, and lots of code writers are picking up the ball and running with it big-time. Find a pizza, cheap gas or even find out where UFOs have been sighted. I get a feeling this is only the beginning with Google Maps.
Soccer’s Smart Ball
Adidas, working with Germany's Cairos AG and Fraunhofer Institute, is testing and developing an “intelligent” soccer ball designed to end goal-line controversies. The ball contains a microchip that senses when the ball crosses the goal line. Referees outfitted with earpieces hear a transmitted beep once a ball makes a goal. FIFA, the international football association, tried out the ball in the Under-17 World Championship this year in Peru, and the ball may be used in next year’s World Cup in Germany.
Google Earth
Here's a free broadband 3D application that lets you fly all over the earth and see satellite photos of any location you wish. Fly from space to your neighborhood. Type in an address and zoom right in. Tilt and rotate the view to see 3D terrain and buildings. You should see the Grand Canyon with this thing. It's downright amazing and it's all free. How do they do that? You just have to download this to try it!
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Coolness Roundup ©2005 Charlie White and Stephen Schleicher
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