The 404 319: Where Dan the Mantern is locked in
Apparently, EA sent out packages of brass knuckles for the release of its video game version of "The Godfather II."Unbeknownst to them, it is a crime in most states to send brass knuckles, as they are in the same category of weapons as switchblades and gas guns.Also on today's show, we cover Vermont legalizing "sexting," a special eBay auction just in case you need to tell someone off, and Disney releasing a controversial animated movie featuring a black princess.We've got a special treat for you today, as well.If you check your RSS or iTunes feed, you'll discover that we've officially pushed to you The 404 ringtones, including our main theme courtesy of Mr. Jamie Lewis and a Tom Merritt-inspired "Calls from the Public" ringtone.Also, if you have an iPhone, we've got special instructions on how to use our ringtones on your Jesus Phone.But wait, there's more!Yes, because of popular demand, we're pushing out acoustic versions of Jonathan Coulton's performances of "Codemonkey" and "Re: Your Brains" performed in our very own podcast studios.Don't you just love us?!?!Remember to mark Thursday, April 16, as the day your life changes when Bore Out Loud and the Snore Oh Four battle to the death in a dance off (bring your tap shoes).Be sure to RSVP.We'll be partying hard at the whole upstairs floor of The Delancey in New York City at 7:30 p.m.EPISODE 319Download today's podcast |Â Subscribe in iTunes |Â Subscribe in RSSSome one at EA might be going to jailVermont legalizes "sexting"An eBay auction in case you need to tell someone offDisney release a controversial animated film featuring a black princessFollow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangDan the Mantern
LaCie's LaCinema Premier- The DVD ripper's friend-
LaCie's LaCinema Premier: The DVD ripper's friend?
As good as the Apple TV 2.0 is, it's still pretty limited on what sort of videos it can stream from a networked computer--if it hasn't been imported into iTunes, you're pretty much out of luck. If you're looking for something with more file format flexibility--and the simplicity of drag-and-drop operation--the LaCie LaCinema Premier may be just the ticket. The LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs.LaCieOn one hand, it's a standard USB 2.0 external hard drive, available in beefy 500GB ($250), 750GB ($350), and 1TB ($500) capacities. But on the other hand, unlike standard backup drives the LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs (composite, S-Video, and component video--but no HDMI--analog stereo, optical and coaxial surround-capable digital jacks). The idea is that you load the drive with all of your digital movies, music, and photos (via a USB connection from a Mac or Windows PC), and then connect it to your TV.You can then use the included remote control to select whichvideos, songs, or photos you would like to enjoy via an onscreen interface. Though the lack of DivX compatibility is notable, the LaCinema Premier looks to support a reasonable variety of file formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and--rippers take note--the ISO, IFO, and VOB files of DVDs. (Repeat after me: you're only legally allowed to rip DVDs that aren't copy-protected--which pretty much eliminates any Hollywood release.) The spec sheet also mentions "1080i upscaling." So while it's always a crapshoot to judge products from afar (which is to say: we haven't reviewed this LaCie drive, or even seen it in person), the LaCinema Premier may well be a "just right" sneakernet alternative to the too-small SanDisk Sansa TakeTV ($150) and the way-too-expensive Kaleidescape movie server ($20,000)--assuming the network-enabled Apple TV or Xbox 360 doesn't already handle those needs for you. Use the included remote to choose the video, music, or photo of your choice.LaCieOne final note to LaCie: In addition to adding that missing DivX support, you might also want to throw in an extra power adapter--one to leave at the computer (when you're loading up the drive with content), and one to leave by the TV (when you're enjoying it on the big screen).
As good as the Apple TV 2.0 is, it's still pretty limited on what sort of videos it can stream from a networked computer--if it hasn't been imported into iTunes, you're pretty much out of luck. If you're looking for something with more file format flexibility--and the simplicity of drag-and-drop operation--the LaCie LaCinema Premier may be just the ticket. The LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs.LaCieOn one hand, it's a standard USB 2.0 external hard drive, available in beefy 500GB ($250), 750GB ($350), and 1TB ($500) capacities. But on the other hand, unlike standard backup drives the LaCinema Premier has a full set of AV outputs (composite, S-Video, and component video--but no HDMI--analog stereo, optical and coaxial surround-capable digital jacks). The idea is that you load the drive with all of your digital movies, music, and photos (via a USB connection from a Mac or Windows PC), and then connect it to your TV.You can then use the included remote control to select whichvideos, songs, or photos you would like to enjoy via an onscreen interface. Though the lack of DivX compatibility is notable, the LaCinema Premier looks to support a reasonable variety of file formats, including MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and--rippers take note--the ISO, IFO, and VOB files of DVDs. (Repeat after me: you're only legally allowed to rip DVDs that aren't copy-protected--which pretty much eliminates any Hollywood release.) The spec sheet also mentions "1080i upscaling." So while it's always a crapshoot to judge products from afar (which is to say: we haven't reviewed this LaCie drive, or even seen it in person), the LaCinema Premier may well be a "just right" sneakernet alternative to the too-small SanDisk Sansa TakeTV ($150) and the way-too-expensive Kaleidescape movie server ($20,000)--assuming the network-enabled Apple TV or Xbox 360 doesn't already handle those needs for you. Use the included remote to choose the video, music, or photo of your choice.LaCieOne final note to LaCie: In addition to adding that missing DivX support, you might also want to throw in an extra power adapter--one to leave at the computer (when you're loading up the drive with content), and one to leave by the TV (when you're enjoying it on the big screen).
Apple's Passbook scores home run with Major League Baseball
Apple's Passbook scores home run with Major League Baseball
Passbook has already found one big fan in Major League Baseball.Still in its initial innings, Apple's new electronic ticketing system scored well in a recent test conducted by MLB. In the final two weeks of the regular season, four teams tried out Passbook. Among 1,500 e-ticket buyers, 12 percent chose to receive their tickets via Apple's service, reports The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch."That adoption rate really floored us -- there is no question our fans want digital tickets," Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advance Media, told MarketWatch. "Fans can use the tickets, forward them to a friend, resell them, or even donate them to charity -- and they never get lost or left at home."Related storiesGiving Apple's Passbook a real-world spinGetting started with Passbook on iOS 6Starbucks iOS app adds support for Apple's PassbookApple's Passbook gets some love from Airbnb, Eventbrite, McDonald'sElectronic ticket delivery has already been a hit among baseball fans.Traditional paper tickets were used for just one-third of all single-game seats sold in the 2012 season, down from 55 percent last year, MarketWatch noted. That number is expected to fall to 10 percent next season as Passbook and similar services prompt more people to receive tickets via e-mail or text message.CNET's own Josh Lowensohn recently gave Passbook a workout at the ballpark, using the service to generate tickets for aSan Francisco Giants game. The transaction required one piece of paperwork in the form of a printed receipt. But Passbook did offer distinct advantages over paper tickets, including the ability to alert you to changes and offer access based on your location. As Passbook gains more traction and sophistication, the process should get even smoother.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Passbook has already found one big fan in Major League Baseball.Still in its initial innings, Apple's new electronic ticketing system scored well in a recent test conducted by MLB. In the final two weeks of the regular season, four teams tried out Passbook. Among 1,500 e-ticket buyers, 12 percent chose to receive their tickets via Apple's service, reports The Wall Street Journal's MarketWatch."That adoption rate really floored us -- there is no question our fans want digital tickets," Bob Bowman, CEO of MLB Advance Media, told MarketWatch. "Fans can use the tickets, forward them to a friend, resell them, or even donate them to charity -- and they never get lost or left at home."Related storiesGiving Apple's Passbook a real-world spinGetting started with Passbook on iOS 6Starbucks iOS app adds support for Apple's PassbookApple's Passbook gets some love from Airbnb, Eventbrite, McDonald'sElectronic ticket delivery has already been a hit among baseball fans.Traditional paper tickets were used for just one-third of all single-game seats sold in the 2012 season, down from 55 percent last year, MarketWatch noted. That number is expected to fall to 10 percent next season as Passbook and similar services prompt more people to receive tickets via e-mail or text message.CNET's own Josh Lowensohn recently gave Passbook a workout at the ballpark, using the service to generate tickets for aSan Francisco Giants game. The transaction required one piece of paperwork in the form of a printed receipt. But Passbook did offer distinct advantages over paper tickets, including the ability to alert you to changes and offer access based on your location. As Passbook gains more traction and sophistication, the process should get even smoother.This content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.Play
Apple's ownership of 'iPhone' name in Brazil in peril
Apple's ownership of 'iPhone' name in Brazil in peril
Apple could soon lose its rights to use the iPhone name in Brazil as part of a decision expected from the local patent and trademark office next week. Citing an unnamed source, both Reuters and Folha de S.Paulo today say the Brazilian Institute of Intellectual Property plans to award an exclusive iPhone name trademark to Brazil-based electronics company Gradiente. Gradiente filed for the iPhone naming rights in the country years before Apple's device came to be. However the company didn't put out its own iPhone-branded productuntil last December when it began selling a line of touch-screen smartphones running Google's Android.In a release about the new products, Gradiente said it had secured the legal rights to the name through 2018.An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the reports. Apple famously wrested the rights to the iPhone name in the U.S. from Cisco Systems in early 2007, just months before the product's release. Cisco sued Apple for trademark infringement immediately after the iPhone was unveiled at the annual Macworld conference in January that same year. In its complaint, Cisco said Apple had approached the company over the name a number of times, even using a shell company in an attempt to acquire the moniker. The two ended up settling in February 2007.Internationally the story has been a bit more interesting, including a fight in China over the rights to the "iPad" trademark with a company called Proview. That dispute, which threatened sales of the popular tablet in the country, was settled last Julyfor $60 million. A similar result is expected in Brazil if the patent office sides with Gradiente, with a report earlier today quoting a company official saying he was "open to a dialogue" of such a deal.
Apple could soon lose its rights to use the iPhone name in Brazil as part of a decision expected from the local patent and trademark office next week. Citing an unnamed source, both Reuters and Folha de S.Paulo today say the Brazilian Institute of Intellectual Property plans to award an exclusive iPhone name trademark to Brazil-based electronics company Gradiente. Gradiente filed for the iPhone naming rights in the country years before Apple's device came to be. However the company didn't put out its own iPhone-branded productuntil last December when it began selling a line of touch-screen smartphones running Google's Android.In a release about the new products, Gradiente said it had secured the legal rights to the name through 2018.An Apple spokesman declined to comment on the reports. Apple famously wrested the rights to the iPhone name in the U.S. from Cisco Systems in early 2007, just months before the product's release. Cisco sued Apple for trademark infringement immediately after the iPhone was unveiled at the annual Macworld conference in January that same year. In its complaint, Cisco said Apple had approached the company over the name a number of times, even using a shell company in an attempt to acquire the moniker. The two ended up settling in February 2007.Internationally the story has been a bit more interesting, including a fight in China over the rights to the "iPad" trademark with a company called Proview. That dispute, which threatened sales of the popular tablet in the country, was settled last Julyfor $60 million. A similar result is expected in Brazil if the patent office sides with Gradiente, with a report earlier today quoting a company official saying he was "open to a dialogue" of such a deal.
Apple's OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.5 update arrives
Apple's OS X Mountain Lion 10.8.5 update arrives
After nearly three months of beta testing with developers, Apple has rolled out another update to its desktop operating system. OS X 10.8.5, which went out as a free update on Thursday, brings a handful of bug fixes and security patches. Key among them is a fix for a bug in Apple's mail software that would keep the program from displaying messages, the company said in its change log, pasted below:The OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.5 Update is recommended for all OS X Mountain Lion users. It improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac. This update:Fixes an issue that may prevent Mail from displaying messagesImproves AFP file transfer performance over 802.11ac Wi-FiResolves an issue that may prevent a screen saver from starting automaticallyImproves Xsan reliabilityImproves reliability when transferring large files over EthernetImproves performance when authenticating to an Open Directory serverAddresses an issue that prevented a smart card from unlocking preference panes in System PreferencesContains the improvements included in MacBook Air (Mid 2013) Software Update 1.0 Apple first began testing the 10.8.5 update in late June and has rolled out eight additional beta versions of the software since. The update comes weeks ahead of when Apple is expected to release OS X 10.9, dubbed "Mavericks." That software, which is rumored to be arriving near the end of October, brings over a few more iOS features like Apple's Maps software and iBooks, as well as under the hood changes designed to improve battery life.
After nearly three months of beta testing with developers, Apple has rolled out another update to its desktop operating system. OS X 10.8.5, which went out as a free update on Thursday, brings a handful of bug fixes and security patches. Key among them is a fix for a bug in Apple's mail software that would keep the program from displaying messages, the company said in its change log, pasted below:The OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.5 Update is recommended for all OS X Mountain Lion users. It improves the stability, compatibility, and security of your Mac. This update:Fixes an issue that may prevent Mail from displaying messagesImproves AFP file transfer performance over 802.11ac Wi-FiResolves an issue that may prevent a screen saver from starting automaticallyImproves Xsan reliabilityImproves reliability when transferring large files over EthernetImproves performance when authenticating to an Open Directory serverAddresses an issue that prevented a smart card from unlocking preference panes in System PreferencesContains the improvements included in MacBook Air (Mid 2013) Software Update 1.0 Apple first began testing the 10.8.5 update in late June and has rolled out eight additional beta versions of the software since. The update comes weeks ahead of when Apple is expected to release OS X 10.9, dubbed "Mavericks." That software, which is rumored to be arriving near the end of October, brings over a few more iOS features like Apple's Maps software and iBooks, as well as under the hood changes designed to improve battery life.
Apple's OS X 10.8.4 arrives with fix for annoying iMessage bug
Apple's OS X 10.8.4 arrives with fix for annoying iMessage bug
Apple released what is likely to be the last round of fixes to 10.8 Mountain Lion ahead of a look at the next major version of OS X at next week's Worldwide Developer conference. 10.8.4 -- which has been in developer testing for months -- went out Tuesday and fixes a handful of bugs while promising "improvements' in other areas. Key among them is a fix for a bug in Apple's Messages software that would display messages out of order, an issue that could make the app's conversational style useless and confusing. On the official change list:• Compatibility improvements when connecting to certain enterprise Wi-Fi networks• Microsoft Exchange compatability improvements in Calendar• A fix for an issue that prevented FaceTime calls to non-U.S. phone numbers• A fix for an issue that may prevent scheduled sleep after using Boot Camp• Improved VoiceOver compatability with text in PDF documents• Includes Safari 6.0.5A larger list of changes that come with the update can be found here. Apple has said it will unveil the next version of OS X at WWDC, which kicks off next Monday. The company typically puts its development efforts only into the newer versions of the software, though it has occasionally released standalone security updates to older versions of the OS. The last minor update to Mountain Lion came back in March, with support for Windows 8 in its Boot Camp software, as well as a fix for a security loophole that could crash apps malicious URLs.
Apple released what is likely to be the last round of fixes to 10.8 Mountain Lion ahead of a look at the next major version of OS X at next week's Worldwide Developer conference. 10.8.4 -- which has been in developer testing for months -- went out Tuesday and fixes a handful of bugs while promising "improvements' in other areas. Key among them is a fix for a bug in Apple's Messages software that would display messages out of order, an issue that could make the app's conversational style useless and confusing. On the official change list:• Compatibility improvements when connecting to certain enterprise Wi-Fi networks• Microsoft Exchange compatability improvements in Calendar• A fix for an issue that prevented FaceTime calls to non-U.S. phone numbers• A fix for an issue that may prevent scheduled sleep after using Boot Camp• Improved VoiceOver compatability with text in PDF documents• Includes Safari 6.0.5A larger list of changes that come with the update can be found here. Apple has said it will unveil the next version of OS X at WWDC, which kicks off next Monday. The company typically puts its development efforts only into the newer versions of the software, though it has occasionally released standalone security updates to older versions of the OS. The last minor update to Mountain Lion came back in March, with support for Windows 8 in its Boot Camp software, as well as a fix for a security loophole that could crash apps malicious URLs.
Apple's newly renovated NYC 'cube' to reopen tomorrow
Apple's newly renovated NYC 'cube' to reopen tomorrow
Apple's highest-profile store in the Big Apple is set to re-open tomorrow following a nearly five month construction overhaul.Work on the store, which is one of the most photographed landmarks in New York, began in mid-June. A note put up by Apple in early August noted that Apple was "simplifying" the design of its iconic glass cube "by using larger, seamless pieces of glass." Macrumors today notes that Apple has put up a note on its retail store's site to note that the 24/7 store will be reopening at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 4.All told, the renovation--which Apple retail tracking blog ifoAppleStore estimated to cost some $6.6 million dollars--will bring the outside design down to 15 panels from the 90 it was using before. Besides work to the cube itself, a list of permits pulled together by ifoAppleStore listed that the company is also renovating part of the drainage system above the square, then repaving it when done.Apple is currently in the process of juggling its retail stores in New York City, with the company having closed down its store in nearby SoHo so that it can begin an expansion project that will wrap up in early to mid-2012. The company is also at work constructing its newest store in Grand Central Station, a long-rumored deal that wrapped up a few months ago. Most recently, Apple opened up a temporary retail store on Greene Street, one that's unlike many of its others. Since opening in 2006, the company's Fifth Avenue location has gone on to become one of the company's busiest, and reportedly the most profitable.
Apple's highest-profile store in the Big Apple is set to re-open tomorrow following a nearly five month construction overhaul.Work on the store, which is one of the most photographed landmarks in New York, began in mid-June. A note put up by Apple in early August noted that Apple was "simplifying" the design of its iconic glass cube "by using larger, seamless pieces of glass." Macrumors today notes that Apple has put up a note on its retail store's site to note that the 24/7 store will be reopening at 10 a.m. on Friday, November 4.All told, the renovation--which Apple retail tracking blog ifoAppleStore estimated to cost some $6.6 million dollars--will bring the outside design down to 15 panels from the 90 it was using before. Besides work to the cube itself, a list of permits pulled together by ifoAppleStore listed that the company is also renovating part of the drainage system above the square, then repaving it when done.Apple is currently in the process of juggling its retail stores in New York City, with the company having closed down its store in nearby SoHo so that it can begin an expansion project that will wrap up in early to mid-2012. The company is also at work constructing its newest store in Grand Central Station, a long-rumored deal that wrapped up a few months ago. Most recently, Apple opened up a temporary retail store on Greene Street, one that's unlike many of its others. Since opening in 2006, the company's Fifth Avenue location has gone on to become one of the company's busiest, and reportedly the most profitable.
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