Comcast is in heavy PR-spin mode this week following last week’s reports that they spoof customers’ computers to cancel peer-to-peer connections, and have been blocking corporate users from sending large attachments via Lotus Notes (that blockage was “fixed” last week, around the time this story broke). Comcast says that they don’t “block” anything but rather delay requests, and that it’s only done to improve overall performance for their customers.
downloads
NBC Announces Free "Downloads" Of TV Shows
By 9.21.07
NBC makes many of its popular shows available online in streaming media, which means that fans can watch episodes on their computers. Under the new NBC service, called NBC Direct, consumers will be able to download, for no fee, NBC programs like “Heroes,” “The Office” and “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” on the night that they are broadcast and keep them for seven days. They would also be able to subscribe to shows, guaranteeing delivery each week.
Blockbuster Tries To Thwart Netflix, Gobbles Up Movie Download Service
By 8.10.07
Blockbuster has purchased Movielink, an ailing movie download service cobbled together by film studios to combat online piracy. The deal will give Blockbuster access to movies from Sony, Universal, Paramount, MGM, and Warner Brothers. Netflix’s download service, by contrast, offers a limited selection of mostly older movies. The deal is the latest salvo fired in the consumer-friendly war of the movie rental services. No word yet on how long hackers might take to crack the new download service.
Bought a Song on iTunes? Don't Pay For it Twice
By 3.30.07
Until yesterday, iTunes users who bought a single song, and later decided they wanted the whole album, ended up paying for the same song twice. Not anymore!
Download Tax Cut For Free
By 3.20.07
Still haven’t done the old taxes? Here’s your chance to download TaxCut Premium Federal from HRBlock for free.
Apple: Sorry About South Park
By 12.21.06
Apple is trying to set things right with customers who complained after they bought a “South Park Season Pass” that was only good for half the season. According to MacNN, “Comedy Central had decided to ‘split’ the season into two halves for $11.99 each, confusing many customers who thought they were purchasing the entire South Park season.” Apple changed the name of the download to reflect the two halfs of the season, and is offering customers who purchased the first half under the confusing title the opportunity to download part B for free. Let us know how that turns out. —MEGHANN MARCO
You Don’t Own Anything With DRM
By 5.15.06
One problem with DRM in general is that it is an industry concept that takes-as-read the consumerist fallacy that you don’t actually own things you buy, you just license them. Perhaps this is the natural evolution of consumerism now that products like media are, if not less tangible, at least a bit more ethereal. Still, DRM gives all the power to the companies… and companies prove time and time again that they can’t be trusted.
Bits du Jour Enables Discounted Daily Downloads
By 3.8.06
Bits du Jour is a new site that will offer one discounted download for one day. It’s like Woot! except for software or memberships. It remains to be seen what they’ll be able to line up, but if you want to be on the front lines in case this is good and for reals, sign up at Bitsdujour.com.
