Category: Geek Stuff

Coffee Talk #578: Google Fiber Rage

I love Google Fiber…but it’s pissing me off. Last year, I wrote about Google Fiber and the dream of gigabit Internet. Seeing the service spread from Kansas City to Austin to Provo makes my heart soar and crushes it at the same time. While idiot executives at Time Warner Cable (the crap-bag company that currently provides my Internet service) claim that nobody wants gigabit Internet, anyone with common sense can see that these speeds would drastically change the types of Internet services offered and what people can do online. Those kinds of speeds are transformative and…more

Welcome to Coffee Talk! Let’s start off the day by discussing whatever is on your (nerd chic) mind. Every morning I’ll kick off a discussion and I’m counting on you to participate in it. If you’re not feelin’ my topic, feel free to start a chat with your fellow readers and see where it takes you. Whether you’re talking about videogames, Derek Jeter’s broken (again) ankle, the start of the NBA playoffs, or Jennifer Love Hewitt’s surprising second act, Coffee Talk is the place to do it.

I love Google Fiber…but it’s pissing me off. Last year, I wrote about Google Fiber and the dream of gigabit Internet. Seeing the service spread from Kansas City to Austin to Provo makes my heart soar and crushes it at the same time. While idiot executives at Time Warner Cable (the crap-bag company that currently provides my Internet service) claim that nobody wants gigabit Internet, anyone with common sense can see that these speeds would drastically change the types of Internet services offered and what people can do online. Those kinds of speeds are transformative and the sooner more people have them, the sooner online services can evolve.

It’s not even a chicken-and-egg proposition in my mind. There are hundreds of companies in America that would enable consumers to do all kinds of interesting things online in a way that they can’t today. American ISPs are a barrier — one that will remain for the foreseeable future unless drastic changes are made. For the most part, there’s no incentive for ISPs to advance because most people are covered by monopolies or duopolies. Cable companies and telephone companies are mostly content with being nearly as fast or just a bit faster than the other guy.

Imagine how much better online video, video communications, and online gaming would be if the majority of American Internet services and consumers had access to gigabit Internet? You’d be able to stream 1080p video without buffering. You’d be able to enjoy crystal-clear full-screen video chat with friends and family on the other side of the country. Online games could include more players in a lag-free environment. Perhaps RPadholic smartguy would be able to update his PlayStation 3 in a timely fashion. Those are just some of the improvements gigabit Internet would allow for existing services. There are loads of new services that won’t work (well) with current Internet speeds, but would soar with widely available gigabit Internet.

So yeah, I’m thrilled that Google Fiber is doing well in Kansas City and will be rolled out in two additional cities in the future…but it’s also making me hate Time Warner Cable even more.

Vader’s Little Princess Lands in April

I rarely buy physical books, but I couldn’t resist the utterly charming Darth Vader and Son. It’s a cute, cartoonish take on what it would have been like if Darth Vader raised Luke Skywalker. I’m totally psyched for the follow up, Vader’s Little Princess. As you’ve probably figured out, this book is a whimsical take on the father-daughter relationship between Darth Vader and Prince Leia. The images released totally have me sold. If you need more convincing then check out the video below.

Vader’s Little Princess is set for an April 23, 2013 release.

Google Shopping Express Taking on Amazon Prime?

Word on the street is that Google will be launching a shopping service with same-day delivery called Shopping Express. According to TechCrunch, Google’s service will be slightly cheaper than Amazon Prime and will allegedly include several well known retailer partners (Target, Walmart, Walgreens,Safeway, and more). Would you be interested in this service? Or is Amazon Prime’s two-day delivery good enough for you?

As many of you know, I’m a huge fan of Amazon Prime. I’ve been a member since the program started and I’ve been thrilled with the value. As an old-school Prime member, I enjoy the service primarily for its fast delivery, but there are many new customers — particularly Kindle Fire owners — that love Prime for its “free” digital media library. While Google Shopping Express will reportedly be cheaper than Amazon Prime, there hasn’t been any mention of a digital media component. The focus appears to be on same-day delivery, as opposed to Prime’s two-day delivery paired with a digital library.

However, Google has digital goods in place and it would be easy for Shopping Express to compete with Amazon Prime feature-for-feature. If Shopping Express offered same-day delivery and a large library of streaming media from Google Play, then it woud truly belong with us among the clouds (Lando Calrissian) be an Amazon Prime killer. If it doesn’t have a digital media component then the “Amazon Prime killer” label many are using is somewhat inaccurate.

Hmmmm, all this talk of same-day delivery is giving me flashbacks to Kozmo.com. My friend James and I totally abused the service when we were living in San Francisco. It was awesome getting same-day delivery of food, drinks, music, adult movies, and more. Have any of you enjoyed services that offer diverse goods online and deliver them the same day you order? Is this something you want or are you cool with old fashioned shopping? Should Google Shopping Express have a digital media component? Or should it focus on delivering your stuff hella fast? Shout it out in the comments section (please)!

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Handmade Gamer/Nerd Jewelry at Fangirl Emporium

My Facebook friend Amanda has a really cool Etsy store called Fangirl Emporium. Right now she has a bunch of awesome necklace pendants for sale. Gamer neckwear includes a Pokeball from Pokemon, the Umbrella logo from Resident Evil, the Halo symbol, and more. Nerd neckwear includes a Klingon symbol from Star Trek, the bloody smiley face from Watchmen, the Starfleet symbol from Star Trek, and more. It’s pretty sweet stuff!

Kindly check out Fangirl Emporium when you get a chance and leave a comment if anything from Amanda’s store catches your eye. I’d totally wear the Pokeball…but put it on a necklace that’s more masculine.

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School House Rock / Star Wars Mashup (Interjections)

School House Rock is awesome. Star Wars is awesome. Put the two of them together and you get on overload of awesomeness! Here’s a mashup video featuring School House Rock’s “Interjections” song set to scenes from various Star Wars movies. It’s a really well done video that’s funny, cool, and educational all at once. Continue reading “School House Rock / Star Wars Mashup (Interjections)”

USPS…the Clothing Line?!?

Cliff Claven fans rejoice! Saturday deliver from the United States Postal Service is ending, but official USPS clothing is on the way. This is obvious a clever ploy from a federal agency capitalizing on everyone that’s dreamed of dressing up as postman. The clothing line will be called “Rain Heat & Snow” and made by Wahconah Group. Here’s a clip from the press release:

“This agreement will put the Postal Service on the cutting edge of functional fashion,” said Postal Service Corporate Licensing Manager Steven Mills. “The main focus will be to produce Rain Heat & Snow apparel and accessories using technology to create ‘smart apparel’ — also known as wearable electronics.”

Under the licensing agreement with the Postal Service, Wahconah will initially introduce Rain Heat & Snow apparel and accessories for men with future plans for a women’s line. The goal is to sell this product in premier department and specialty stores.

Hopefully the USPS will be fine with Target and Walmart….

Honestly, I would wear USPS tech-nerd gear, but my fear is that hipsters will also want to wear these threads as a form of ironic fashion. How about you? Any interested in the USPS-licensed Rain Heat & Snow line from Wahconah?

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NAMM 2013: Blue Microphones Nessie

Tech nerds love Blue Microphones’ mix of quality construction, sleek looks, and great sound. The company’s USB mics are used by thousands of musicians and podcasters. The latest USB mic from Blue is the Nessie. Like the Loch Ness Monster it’s named after, the Nessie has a curved, elongated neck. It uses the same capsule as the renowned Yeti, but features adaptive processing for users that don’t want to mess around with EQ and levels. The Nessie features a built-in pop filter and shock mount, adding to the user friendliness. This mic is a great choice for podcasters that don’t know how to optimize sound and musicians laying down quick scratch tracks.

I’m a huge fan of Blue Mics. I use a Yeti for VO and used an Encore for interviews/karaoke. While the Yeti is still going strong, a friend of mine broke my Encore by accidentally smashing it on concrete (I’m still not over it). Some of you will recall that comedian Jay Mohr was so impressed by my Encore that he grabbed it and busted out some Van Halen. Anyway, back to the Nessie! On paper, it looks like a great USB mic for single users. I expect it to offer the same great sound quality as the Yeti, but in an idiot-proof package.

Check out the video above and let me know what you think of the Blue Microphones Nessie when you have a chance. Also, since Blue already has the Yeti and Nessie, which mythical creature do you think the company will go with next?

NAMM 2013: IK Multimedia iLoud Speaker

Like most of you, I’ve seen loads of Bluetooth speakers over the years. The IK Multimedia iLoud stands out for its blend of power, sound quality, and versatility. In addition to being able to pair with your PC, tablet, or phone via Bluetooth, the iLoud also features a 1/4-inch plug that accepts microphones and musical instruments. With 40 watts of power and high-quality sound (according to the manufacturer), this speaker can double as a studio monitor for musicians and vocalists. The iLoud also features a built-in iRig circuit that allows you to manipulate mics and instruments with mobile apps like AmpliTube and VocalLive.

I spent some time at NAMM 2013 playing with the iLoud and was impressed by its power and versatility. With all the noise blaring on the show floor, I wasn’t able to get an idea of the sound quality it offers. The iLoud will be released some time in the first half of 2013 and hopefully I’ll be reviewing it in the future. For now, please check out the video above and let me know if the iLoud is something you’re interested in.

Get 50GB of Storage on Kim Dotcom’s Mega Cloud Service

Internet maven and MegaUpload founder Kim Dotcom’s next cloud storage service, Mega, launches this weekend. Mr. Dotcom (his professional name) surprised and delighted Internet nerds when he announced via Twitter that Mega users that opt for free accounts will get 50GB of storage. Compared to what most competitors offer at the free level, this is up to ten times more.

Megaupload was shut down after legal troubles with the United States Department of Justice. With Mega, Dotcom appears to be taking an aggressive approach that’s still mindful of possible legal issues. On paper, it looks like it should be smooth sailing, but there are some Internet users that are wary of trusting Dotcom after getting shut out of their MegaUpload accounts. That said, there appear to be more supporters of what Dotcom is trying to do with Mega. Some have portrayed him as the Robin Hood of cloud storage. (Rumor has it that he has the hat and everything.)

Personally, I’m anxious to get a Mega account and don’t foresee any issues with the service. While I’m satisfied with my 10GB on Dropbox and surprisingly thrilled with my 25GB on SkyDrive, an additional 50GB of cloud storage couldn’t hurt. I love how quickly cloud storage is progressing and I’m grateful for people like Kim Dotcom that are aggressively pushing things forward. It’s awesome that I’m now at the point where my cloud backups have backups that have backups. Data redundancy rules.

How about you guys and gals? Are you excited for Mega? Will you be signing up for an account this weekend?

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