Topic: Episode #50 - Google vs. AT&T

[Zeus]

We have just posted up Episode #50 of Weekly Tech Update.  Below are the show notes and more.
This episode of Weekly Tech Update is brought to you by CoolIT Systems.

Download Episode #50
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MSI’s External Video Card Solution 3:43
MSI is the first of the graphics companies to go mainstream with external graphics for laptops.  This little device will be debuted at Computex and will enable you to bring your favorite 84-watt or less GPU to your laptop via Exprescard.  USB3.0 is in the works as well.

Seagate confirms 3TB Hard Drive 10:57
Although having a 3TB drive is cool, the issues with using it as a boot drive as well as the strict 64-bit OS requirements will likely keep this drive in the server market at the moment.  As BIOS gets replaced with EFI this will become more popular.

Chrome hits 70 Million Users, Firefox has over 365 Million 14:51
Google Chrome browser usage up 100% in the last year to a total of 70 Million.  That being said, Firefox gained 100 Million in the last year.  Keep in mind that IE is still widely used and is still the most popular browser.  To be fair IE is good enough for most people.

Google I/O Conference Coverage 20:26
At the Google I/O conference last week there were a lot of interesting announcements.  Google Wave for everyone, FroYo for Android and a lot more.

Google Android 2.2 Questions and Answers 23:10
This upcoming version of Android has really taken the steam away from iPhone as it is innovative, open source, consumer driven and there is a lot of development on this platform.  The Froyo update will speed up the already fast phone significantly as well as add WiFi tethering, Flash and a lot more.

Steve Balmer Claims Android Isn’t Free 26:35
You should take a few minutes and watch the video to find out why Android isn’t free.  Of course Balmer is trying to push Windows 7 Phone, but Android works for just about everything other than Zune.  Exchange works on both.  Really, it may not be free, but it’s a heck of a lot more open and innovative than Windows 7 Phone.
Google Toilet
Google Wave

AT&T Raises fees to break contracts 36:21
It seems that AT&T is trying to keep users by doubling the cost of cancelling your iPhone contract on their network.  What makes this interesting is that they’ve dropped the price of cancellation on non-smartphone contracts by $25.  We all feel that this is a way to keep iPhone users and snub google and Android devices.  Even though these are available on the network, the make more money on iPhone.  Being they are still the only iPhone provider in the USA, they want to keep people forking over the coin.

Quit Facebook Day – Why Facebook is in Trouble 45:24
The privacy in Facebook is a joke and according to the Telegraph, as many as half of Facebook users are super worried about privacy and may quit.  I have a feeling they won’t quit until there is an alternative. 

Recent Articles & Reviews:
Thermaltake Frio CPU Cooler

Upcoming BCCHardware features:
Thermaltake Element V case
775W Thermaltake Toughpower XP
Trendnet 3G Router

NZXT Spring Prize Fling:
Go enter the contest here!

50th Episode Freebie
All you have to do is send an email to contest@bcchardware.com with “Weekly Tech Update Episode #50”  This gives you a chance to score a 4GB kit of DDR3-1333 Crucial Ballistix Tracer.  Good luck!

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Send your comments directly to us at podcast@bcchardware.com or post them below in the forum.

[Fujitsu]

another contest? That's unheard of!

This one is pretty much the worlds easiest contest though, if you can't figure this one out you might want to seek professional help

[x.clay]

seems too easy   

[Krab]

Woot! I've been following some of the podcasts since its early days, great to see its still alive and kicking, 

If I want to refer the contest to a couple of friends, do I need to tell them to sign up or just send the e-mail?

[Zeus]

It would be nice if they'd listen to the podcast and hear it for themselves.  Ultimately, if they send an email that's all they need though.

[Krab]

It would be nice if they'd listen to the podcast and hear it for themselves.  Ultimately, if they send an email that's all they need though.

Looks like some of them are too lazy to even send an e-mail. 

[MegaHz]

by the way, I blame skype and a horrible, and I mean horrible recording setup for the utter failure of that original episode 2 (way back in 2006 or 2007 wasn't it?). I spent about 10 hours trying to normalize volume on everyone in post, but you're right, there was absolutely no amount of editing that could save it.

[Zeus]

hah.  We still blame the Mac.  No worries though man.  We've come a long way (and still have a long way to go)...

[BoneRak]

Your Episode #50 sounded great! I would have thought you guys were all in the same room. And not a 10X10 jail cell room ether. 

[MegaHz]

definitely a slight improvement 

[Fujitsu]

Your Episode #50 sounded great! I would have thought you guys were all in the same room. And not a 10X10 jail cell room ether. 

They let us out for good behavior........

[dhoshaw]

I just subscribed on iTunes.

[slugbug]

Ooh, another giveaway. Too bad I missed it

[Zenphic]

Awesomesauce. Thanks for the contest yet again doods! Postage seemed quite steeped from Alberta to Montreal though: about $28!


The Box


The prize, with promotional items from Zalman (lanyard/belt bottle holder), Patriot (beer bottle opener) and TRENDnet (nifty screw driver!)


The nifty TRENDnet screw driver


The screw driver in action. Pew pew pew!


RAM FTW

I wonder which motherboard would match red RAM?

[Zeus]

Yeah Zenphic.  I screwed up, boxed up the RAM personally and left it on the shelf for a couple of weeks.  I tried to make it up to you by paying for 2-day delivery.  It's all good bro!  Enjoy - and sorry for the delay!