Tech News Today 58

Tech News Today
Episode 58


"Sleek, Sexy, Slippery, And Just A Little Evil"Hosts: Tom Merritt, Sarah Lane, Erik Lanigan, Turpster Recorded: August 20, 2010 Published: August 20, 2010 Duration: 49:21 Transcript Previous episode – Next episode

Tech News Today 58: Sleek, Sexy, Slippery, And Just A Little Evil

The Dell Thunder prototype, the Google movie, and we discovered why gran wants a PSP

Thanks to Jason P. for tipping us off that the Microsoft Kinect is now available for pre-order. I found it on NewEgg and Amazon.

Polls are opening in Australia as we record, so if you're interested in the fiber rollout Australians, cast your vote!

TWiT at Dragon*Con. Meetup Saturday night September 4

Feedback

Voicemail from Anonymous wanting everyone to calm down about Facebook Places

Voicemail from Mike warning about putting controls on the back of the PSP

Email from Simon:

Hi Tom, Becky, Dr. Kiki, etc.
Can I add my own speculation as to what the rear touch pad on the rumoured PSP might be intended for...?
One of the problems consoles have is controlling the camera independent of the player's movement in first person games. PCs traditionally use the keyboard for player movement and the mouse to look around, which seems to work well. But for some reason using the Playstation's left and right analogue sticks for the same purpose often feels like patting your head while rubbing your tummy (to me, at least!) And anyway, so far ever PSP model has had only one analogue stick! The PS3 has a six-axis controller now, which makes camera control a little more natural, and I think the rear touch pad is intended to do the same for the new PSP.
It's tempting to assume the touch pad is intended as a fine-grain input for an on screen cursor, but I think perhaps it's main purpose will be a coarse (low resolution) input for camera control in first person shooters.
Just my 2c. Keep up the great work, Simon
(Liverpool, UK)

Email from Patrick:

Hi Tom & friends,
As a Dish satellite subscriber, I received an e-mail survey today regarding their upcoming Google TV offering. From the sounds of it, they want to sell you a box for a flat amount and ding you for a monthly fee. They're trying to find what people are willing to pay, contemplating everything from $0 up front + $15/month to $99 + $10/month to $299 + $0/month. They ask questions like ""At what level is it too expensive?"" and ""If it were offered today, what plan would you prefer?""
Personally, I had completely forgotten about Google TV's affiliation with Dish. Just what I want to do...pay MORE for TV.
Kind regards, Patrick Schommer Sun Prairie, WI
P.S. In the comments at the end, I noted that my iPad can do most of what they're touting with Google TV. And I can do it without interrupting whatever I'm watching.

Production Information

Edited by: Erik
Notes: Mediafly publish: 4:55

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Tech News Today 58

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