Okay, we’ll say it, and understand that we’re writing this post on an old iBook: the iPod line is starting to look tired. Sure, that Touch is elegant in the same way as the iPhone—but its capacity is similar to the Nano, and what if don’t want to carry around a Kubrick-style slab of minimalism? There are now some really nice alternatives out there if you’re willing to walk away from the perks of being a member of the Apple camp.
video
Google Is Sorry, Will Offer Full Refunds To Video Customers
By 8.22.07
Google has admitted to making a mistake with its poorly conceived (and received) plan to offer Google check out credits to customers who had purchased videos on its recently discontinued video download service.
Google Taking Back All Videos You Rented or Bought From Them
By 8.12.07
As of next Wednesday, you will no longer be able to view any videos you rented or purchased from Google Video. We’ll assume this only directly affects, like, the six of you out there who tried out their service, but it’s still a striking example of how badly consumers are treated when they “buy” DRM-shackled media online. According to boingboing.net, Google’s giving their abandoned customers credits that they have to spend (within 60 days) via Google Checkout.
2001 Dodge Ram Dashboards Collapsing, Cracking, Dealerships Won't Fix
By 5.10.07
When consumers try take the truck in for warranty repair, dealerships say the dashboards aren’t on a recall list, so they can’t do anything. The only thing Dodge will say is that they’re “reviewing records.”
Prevent ID Theft Of Dead Loved Ones
By 5.10.07
Based just on a name, and an address, crooks can purchase parts of a deceased person’s information from other crooks. This bits can be used to open up new bank accounts, credit cards, get a Social Security card, or used as a mask to conduct further crime.
SNL: Training The Crack TSA Team In The Fight Against Liquids
By 5.9.07
A decently humorous (a smile creaked on our craggy face) SNL skit underlining the absurdity of the TSA’s anti-liquid rules.
Adobe Adds DRM To Flash
By 4.17.07
“Adobe has created the first way for media companies to release video content, secure in the knowledge that advertising goes with it,” James McQuivey, an analyst at Forrester Research said.
BREAKING: NBC and FOX Announce "You Tube Killer" Featuring Full Episodes of Popular Shows
By 3.22.07
The companies said Thursday that distribution partners for the online content would include Yahoo Inc., Microsoft Corp.’s MSN network and Time Warner Inc.’s AOL unit. The site, which will be free, is expected to launch this summer and will carry full episodes and clips from hit shows such as “Heroes,” “The Simpsons,” “24” and “My Name Is Earl.” It will also feature movies, including “Borat.”
Enable Netflix Video-On-Demand
By 2.15.07
If you’re not one of the lucky people who has Netflix video-on-demand pushed to their account, you can click here to enable it.
Walmart's Video Download Service Predictably Sucks
By 2.6.07
We tried to take a look at Walmart’s new video download service, but hey, guess what. It doesn’t work in Firefox. So our review is this:
Comcast: On-Demand Rentals on DVD Release Date
By 12.19.06
The New York Times is reporting that Comcast will begin testing a new video on demand service in two cities, Pittsburgh and Denver. Unlike traditional video on-demand that shows movies 30- to 45-days after their release date on DVD, this service will allow movies to be ordered the same date as the DVD release. This puts video on-demand in direct competition with sales and rentals. Each on-demand rental will cost $4, which compares with DVD rental prices. Uh-oh, Blockbuster. Forget the beginning of the end, this is the end of the end. —MEGHANN MARCO
Meet The Douchebags Behind The Sony PSP Flog
By 12.13.06
We found the Myspace profiles for most of the the marketing douchebags who appear on the PSP flog, pretending that they are kids who want their parents to buy them a PSP for Christmas.
Blue Light Special: Video Voyeur Busted in Kmart
By 12.12.06
Jon Fletcher went to the Kmart on Wednesday, but not to buy Christmas presents.
EXCLUSIVE: TBWA’s Vomit-Soaked Holiday Party Invite
By 12.4.06
The holiday party invite from TBWAChiatDay, NYC, has the answer, and it’s not pretty.
Kooks Freeze Nuts Off Outside Best Buy Last Night
By 11.24.06
BEL AIR, MARYLAND – While you were starting on your pumpkin pie, these 20 or so diehards, captured by reader Danny, camped outside Best Buy, trading cold, time and pneumonia for exciting deals.
500 Person Line Outside Best Buy
By 11.24.06
Thanks to the magic of video technology, we’re able to speed it up. Plus everyone sounds like a munchkin. — BEN POPKEN
