WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER 11 BETA

Windows Media Player 11 is finally here. Well, kinda.

Microsoft has released the beta version of Windows Media Player 11 for beta testers and reviews alike.

As far as I can tell its just an incremental upgrade to Windows Media Player 10. In fact I would be as bold to say I like 10 better.

I think the obvious graphical interface of 11 is the biggest change of all. The back-end of the program is still 10.

The best change is the search. It's in realtime. Instead of typing th eword you're looking for and waiting for Media Player to find it for you.

I would love to review the online store but we don't have access to it here in Canada (like many other things companies release) so I obviously can't.

The funkiest change is the back and forward buttons. Just like in a browser. Cool but a little weird. If you can get lost enough that you have to use back and forward buttons to navigate a program you need to seriously rethink you menus structure (you learn that with building websites as well).

Beyond those couple of changes its still in the end just Media Player 10 in a new skin.

There is no RSS support so no podcast support at all. Not a good move when your media player competition is iTunes.

When you compare Media Player 11 to iTunes you see Media Player just isn't as simple to use.

The designers at Apple just got it right. Not only is iTunes good looking but easy to use and if you have an iPod number 1: You have to use iTunes, and number 2: iTunes automatically synchs without any hiccups or pre-configuration.

Check out iTunes at apple.com/itunes.

I like iTunes. Not just because I have 2 iPods but because there is RSS support. I love podcasts and I think that is a very important thing to support when iptv is becoming a reality not only in the United States but also here in Canada.

Keep in mind that Windows Media Player 11 is just a beta and there may be more included in the end, but I wouldn't count on it.

Nice try Microsoft but your Media Player 11 has struck out again.

LIST MANAGER FROM UNWIRED SOFTWARE

I recently had the priveledge to review a product from Unwired Software (San Diego, CA) called InfoShare List Manager. This is a piece of software for your Pocket PC smartphone. I don't normally review software for phones but this is a very sweet program that really deserves your attention.

This program can do only one thing but in that one thing does many amazing things within that.

List Manager is a program that allows you to build lists of things, like the dreaded "honey-do-list". Boring? Yes. But theres more.

The first thing you do is download the application for your desktop from Unwired Software and install it. The install is very easy and quick. Make sure you know whether your smartphone is PocketPC compatible.

The next thing it will do is ask for user information. Name and mobile number. Why the mobile number you ask? Well, just hang on and we'll get to that. The mobile phone number must match the number of your smartphone or PocketPC phone.

So your done. The List Manager will automatically discover your phone and update it with the software and lists. Yeah I know you haven't created a list but that is what it does.

Anyway enough tech talk. Why is this so great. Notice it automatically synchronizes with you smartphone. That is the whole key to this piece of software.

Now just to let you know I was contacted by Unwired Software to do this review but I have been totally objective and I am not going to butter up the software just to make it look good.

Since we know that List Manager automatically synchs with your phone what can we do with that? Well, say you forgot to put something on your grocery list or "to-do" list for the day or week for that matter. Lets say apples just to pick something out of the air. Well someone at home realizes that you forgot to put apples on your list. All that person at home has to do is log-in to List Manager and edit the list by adding apples to it. It's that simple.

This is where the InfoShare system software takes over. It automatically synchs with your smartphone. Wherever you are. Isn't that cool? This is one of the coolest things that I've seen in a while. It also works in the reverse and updates to several smartphones and PC's as needed.

Now I know, I know. I wasn't going to butter up the software,..., and I'm not. There are some things that I would like to see improved.

The software is compatible with any PocketPC based smartphone and the Palm treo smartphones. There is no BlackBerry version.

I know that BlackBerry is not the biggest smartphone out there but it is still used and I think a complete piece of software to make people's lives easier should run on just about anything. I would love to see a BlackBerry version in the future. I asked Unwired Software if they would ever release a BlackBerry version. They replied with that not being the plan at the moment.

They have some testimonials about their product on their website and I encourge you to check them out. I would also like to comment that I am still ongoing with my review and will have an update in the future.

Now I asked a few questions about List Manager and Unwired Software from Darren Conway from Unwired Software. If you would like to read the full questions and answers I will post them in the comments section as to save frontpage space.

If you have had experience with List Manager please email us at technobabble001@gmail.com and if you haev questions about the software itself please check out Unwired Software's website by clicking on the title.

About Unwired Software. [taken from the Unwired Software website]
Unwired Software, Inc. is a fast-growing, privately-held, San Diego-based software company that is dedicated to delivering high quality software solutions that allow people to integrate their mobile devices completely into their lives.

Image in this review was taken from the Unwire Software website and was not intended to infringe on any copyright or mis-use of any type.

MACBOOKS OVERHEATING?

So we all love the new MacBook laptops from Apple using the new Intel Core Duo processors. Then why is Apple saying not to put them on your lap?

We are being told that the new MacBooks contain powerful processors that are still good at battery life. However what do we trade?

Apparently, the new Core Duos from Intel kick out a massive ammount of heat accoding the Engadget. So hot they may potentially "burn" you. That's pretty hot.

I owned a Toshiba A10 containing a P4M (not a Pentium M) and it got bloody hot too but it didn't burn (though got really close).

But what do we expect from Apple? I think we need to give them a break. Intel processors have never been known to run cool so the Core Duo should be no surprise to run hot.

However I do feel for those who purchased a new MacBook and their case is starting to melt.

Apple has released a firmware update to save their problematic CPU and make users feel a little more cozy.

Apple is still however placing inserts in their MacBook retail boxes stating not to place MacBook on your lap. Umm, I buy a notebook to use on the road,..., where there are no desks. What's the point of having a laptop that needs a desk or table to use it.

Oh well, I still want a MacBook.

APPLE RELEASES MACBOOK AND BOOSTS THE MACBOOK PRO

The new MacBook is a sight to behold with all its MacBook Pro related products it is also a very mobile notebook as well.

The new MacBook replace the old iBook G4 line with the new Intel Core Duo processors increasing their GHz greatly.

The Macbook comes with a built-in iSight camara, iLife '06, and Frontrow with remote.

As well as the better processor the MacBook equips itself with Intel GMA 950 integrated graphics (whether thats good or bad is up to you). You can also upgrade you processor to the 2.0GHz Core Duo. The MacBook has wifi of course alonge all your standard ports including: 2 USB, 1 firewire 400, gigabit ethernet, mini-dvi, microphone jack, and speaker jack.

The MacBook also sports a Combo drive as a standard, or you can purchase the Super Drive. Apple also gives for a range of hard drives as well including 60, 80, 100, 120GB (5400 RPM).

The MacBook employs the first ever shined finish on a monitor for Apple's notebooks. The notebook has a 13.3" display with a native resolution of 1280x800 and and exterior monitor support for up to 1920x1200.

Of course we now know the MacBook will also run WindowsXP so you have no reason not to at least consider a MacBook.

At a price starting at $1249.00 CAN you can't pass this mobile beauty up for long.

Because of the new release of the MacBook the MacBook Pro has gotten an update as well. It now has the option to have a 2.16GHz Intel Core Duo.

NEWS COVERAGE WILL RETURN SHORTLY

We have news coming in now from different places but I (Jeff) have been busy fixing our podcast problems and working on my own side business.

We are looking for a new host for our podcasts. We want to make the podcast even more popular and to do that we have to have a reliable server. If you or anyone you know could help us out with this we would appreciate it.

Episode 6.5 and 7 are finished and ready to go but we can't seem to post them.

We'll keep trying and keep you informed.

TECHNOBABBLE PODCAST

Episode 7 is on the way. We have been having trouble with uploading the file so now we are trying Odeo. This system acutally records right through flash on the internet directly to the odeo servers. I'm not sure how I can set it up as an xml but I'll look into it.

If all goes well I will have the podcast up by the end of the day.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE - MCAFEE VIRUS SCAN

McAfee VirusScan has also been a trusted anti-virus application for many years now.

VirusScan is not as power-hungry as Norton AntiVirus with resources. It has a very good interface but there are still a lot of menus.

Is it just me or don't you want an application with less menus and more one-click applications?

Anyway, VirusScan is a lot quicker than Norton and is a lot more transparent. You aren't notified every time it updates. That's the way I like it. Who cares if the program has been updated? I don't. I just want to know its there and working.

You can also use an online VirusScan on McAfee's website to get a taste of the system.

They are usually just as quick as Norton to get out updates.

And now the price. The downloadable versions is quite a bit more than Norton. It will cost you $61.99 CAN. That's with no CD. If you have 512MB of RAM or more, go with Norton (that is if you want to pay alot for anti-virus).

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE - NORTON ANTI-VIRUS

Symantec is possibly the most well-known anti-virus software company in the world today.

Norton AntiVirus known for slowing your computer down, not badly, but the fact is noticeable.

But, Norton is also know for its great coverage. It stops every virus in its tracks. I myself used Norton AntiVirus Professional 2004 for several years (paying every year) and just recently stopped using the software.

I recommend everyone that runs Windows runs an anti-virus program of some fashion or another. I don't run Norton because I have a slow enough computer already and limited resources.

That said, the program costs $44.32 CAN for a download with no CD plus a $9.96 CAN download fee. It's obviously not free.

Symantec has kept up a very good database and has free virus removal tools on their web-site.

The software itself is not the easiest to use since it does so many things. It has a quite busy interface and has many options if you dig around in its cluster of options in it preferences menu.

It has great update ability but I often see more updates for their system being downloaded than actual virus updates.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE - SPYWARE BLASTER BY JAVACOOL SOFTWARE

Javacool's Spyware Blaster is just another way to get rid of spyware infestations that Windows is so proned to.

Javacool has created their spyware prevention program with easeof use in mind. In three clicks you can protect Internet Explorer, Firefox, and even restrict access by know spyware sites.

Spyware Blaster is a live scanning program but doesn't take the processor cycles away like Norton would.

Spyware Blaster will also back up your registry in a case that when some spyware is removed and makes you system run abnormally it will restore the previous good registry.

It also has one-click updates.

I think the best thing that most of these companies are working at is less menus and more one-click applications (minus Microsoft Office 2007 - I like to explore and not have buttons all over the screen). This makes learning new applications easier for new users.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE - SPYBOT SEARCH AND DESTROY

Spybot is another spyware program dedicated to fixing Windows flaws.

Spybot is a very good system that I am just starting to use. It is very fast and It even detected 78 pieces of spyware on my system. They are all gone now though.

This program is very efficient. It will make a back-up of your registry as well.

It also comes is a gazillion different languages. Japanese? Russian? French? They have it all.

It's free so check it out by clicking on the title.

KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE - MICROSOFT WINDOWS DEFENDER

Windows Defender, as Microsoft has deemed, is a spyware removal tool. Curious that Microsoft would admint to having a crappy operating system but kudos to them for trying to make it better. Too bad they just can't fix their code.

Windows defender is a good solution for those out there who prefer to stay with know companies (and we all know Microsoft). I have used this program for a while now and it has worked flawlessly. I haven't had a "hiccup" yet. The interface is easy to use and cleanly designed.

Microsoft is known for hiding functions way into the menu structure in their applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.) but they have basically done away with menus. This is really great because one click gets you to where you need to be in the program.

Beyond the graceful exterior is a ruthless monster of code ready to hunt down and destroy any spyware that may try to waltz into your computer. The code in this program runs very efficiently and the program is always on.

Spyware beware. Windows Defender is ready to tear you to shreds and eat you for supper.

Windows Defender is free by clicking on the title.

e3coverage.com now online

Interested in the Electronic Entertainment Expo, otherwise known as e3? Thought so.

Check out e3coverageonline.com for all of the updates on the coolest games and consoles on and coming onto the market. The domain should be up momentarily.

The coverage will start on May 9, 2006 and there will be updates hourly after 3PM EST.

STARTING A NEW SERIES - "KEEPING YOUR COMPUTER SAFE"

During the next few days before E3 I will be posting some reviews on programs that help keep Windows users safe from spyware and viruses.

Here is what we will be covering:

• Windows Defender
• Ad-Aware
• Spybot
• Spyware Blaster
• Norton Anti-Virus
• McAfee Anti-Virus
• Other free anti-virus solutions

We are working on a small web-site to post our E3 coverage as well. Stay tuned for more.

NINTENDO DS LITE LAUNCH DATE

The Nintendo DS Lite is confirmed for launch at least in the United States (and I assume North America) on May 15, 2006. This version is much like Nintendo moving from GameBoy Advance SP to GameBoy Micro (which will die a slow death because of it's lack of compatibility).

The DS lite will empower a bigger stylus, smaller frame, brighter screen and cartridge cover for when the system is not in use.

The system also get a design upgrade. A much NEEDED design upgrade. Nintendo shined up the exterior and interior with a "polar white" colour and a new logo on the top. It also has a built in microphone in the middle now.

The fundamental hardware running inside the DS Lite still remains the same, however and the firmware installed in the DS is the same as well.

Now that the styling has changed I will actaully consider buying one of these after I purchase a new handheld running Windows Mobile for a few reviews that I am working on.

Curiously, this seems more of a marketing ploy to sell their new Super Mario Bros game coming out on the same day.

PODCAST PROBLEMS

We are having problems uploading our podcast to Switchpod again.

Episode 6.5 will be released however but it will not be on Switchpod. I will find a new hosting service as soon as I can.

If anyone has any suggestions please contact me at technobabble001@gmail.com

E3 COVERAGE

Tech news seems to be slow this week as if the media is starving for May 9 whey E3 is officially opened. To tell the truth, I'm anticipating a lot of news and I think any news that comes out this week is probably not even worth talking about on the website.

Anyway, I wanted to inform our readers that technobabbleonline.com will have passive coverage of E3 (we weren't able to get in to E3 because we aren't an accomplished enough media outlet). This means as soon as we see news from E3 about anything really cool (eg., PS3, Wii, XBOX 360, and new games) we will write stories or link to them.

If you or someone you know has access to the E3 floor and would like to write some things for technobabbleonline.com while they're at E3 we would appreciate. Not sure how we'll repay you yet but we'll think of something.

Our email is technobabble001@gmail.com

TECHNO_BABBLE IS BACK ONLINE

After a lot of Red-Bull can crunching and nervous actions-packed hours of smashing server code, technobabbleonline.com is now up again.

Thanks for your patience.

We have deleted episode 6 of techno_babble podcast and will name it the forever-missing episode. We are recording episode 7 today and will include the stories that were covered in the last podcast on this one.

Wii NINTENTDO?

We say Wii Nintendo, why? I have linked to the press release from Nintendo. It is a hilarious read.

Anyway, Wii did Nintendo give out the name Wii (actually pronounced wee)? This is the actual name for the new Nintendo Revolution. The Nintendo Wii. They want to make the Wii more community like. More friendly.

Good luck Nintendo.