Tech
YouTube Upload Limits Increased
July 3, 2009
You don’t need me to tell you how big YouTube is – and with millions of hours worth of videos being uploaded every day it’s only getting bigger, and with the relatively recent introduction of high definition (HD) videos the file sizes are also following the trend of increasing in side.
So all those of you out there that like to use your HD recording ability and sharing it with the world will be glad to know that YouTube have decided to increase their upload limit allowing people to upload up to 2GB worth of video (doubling the previous 1GB maximum figure).
Continue reading »‘Milo’ Artificial Intelligence – The End Of Society As We Know It?
July 2, 2009
Until about 5 years ago I generally had a good understanding about modern technology but as you know, 5 years is a long time. I don’t think my mobile phone even had a camera back then and my PC had an impressive 8 gig of memory.
Since graduating from university in 2004 I’d say the closest I’ve come to new technology is having a go on my mates’ PS3 and getting a new phone when I renew my contract every 18 months. All I know about AI is what I’ve learned from the Terminator films and watching the clip of the Project Natal “Milo” demo on Zath.
Continue reading »Masked Passwords – Security Over Usability?
July 1, 2009
The masking of passwords is one of those things that we don’t really think about – it’s safe to say that 99.99% of the time you enter passwords on a website the letters/numbers are blanked out with nice stars or circles – surely this helps to promote Internet safety and a way to Get Safe Online?
But isn’t this just common sense? Surely having it as a failsafe in case someone is looking over your shoulder isn’t such a bad idea? Well according to a couple of experts in the field not only are they pointless, but can also be counterproductive with regards to security and are calling for the end of them.
Continue reading »‘The Video Bay’ Is Released As Trial Drags On
June 29, 2009
Over the last few months we have followed trial of the “Pirate Bay Four” and seen how, although they did ultimately find them guilty, it has brought shame on the Swedish judicial system after a series of claims questioning the neutrality of the judges amid the already lengthy and convoluted trial.
As such it is unsurprising that (as we predicted) the story is back again, and with a few more variables just for good measure. Of course this has a lot to do with the fact that it is in the interest of the Pirate Bay founders to keep the story on the agenda, and I’m sure the timing of “The Video Bay” release (which I will cover later) is not coincidental.
Continue reading »Orange Solar Tent Concept Offers Interesting Camping Future?
June 28, 2009
One of the great British summer traditions is getting the family together, squeezing as much stuff as humanly possible in a car and go camping – something that always ends up in bad weather, poor hygiene and a good time had by all. But to be honest it hasn’t really been brought into the electronic age and that is what Orange have been putting their mind to.
This concept all-singing-all-dancing solar tent has been unveiled in conjunction with the opening of Glastonbury (as Orange are one of the many sponsors) and although some of the details may be more from the realms of the ideal than that of reality it could well be the direction in which camping is going.
Continue reading »Windows 7 Prices Announced
June 25, 2009
Ahead of the much anticipated October 22nd 2009 Windows 7 release date, Microsoft have finally announced how much their new o/s will cost and some more information about the upgrade options as well as explaining how you will be able to potentially save on the full price.
Firstly the bad news: the full price will be, as ever, pretty hard on your pocket. The three versions that will be available (Home Premium, Professional and Ultimate) will be priced at £169.99, £219.99 and £229.99 respectively although we still don’t know about the starter edition (designed for netbooks) – but seeing as it will only be sold to business the pricing isn’t a massive problem for most of us.
Continue reading »Netbook/Notebook Terminology Confusing The Masses?
June 24, 2009
Seeing as you are sitting there reading this article on Zath and being generally tech-aware it is fair to say that you probably know a pretty good definition of a netbook and a notebook. And would definitely be able to tell the difference between them (with the notable exception of the Sony Viao P-Series). However if you were to buy a netbook with this knowledge you would, amazingly, be in the minority.
According to a recent NPD survey around 60% of people who purchased netbooks did so under the impression that they had the same functionality, i.e. the same thing as a notebook just crammed into a smaller case. This, oddly enough, has led to a few people being pretty disappointed when they get their new netbook home and turn it on.
Continue reading »Sony Vaio NW Range Launched
June 22, 2009
Having been at the front line of technology for a good few decades now any release by Sony is definitely worth a mention, and despite the somewhat low-impact last addition to the Vaio line up with the P-series ‘Sony netbook’ they are back to what they do best with the Sony Vaio NW notebook range.
Unsurprisingly the Vaio NW is sleek, subtly curved and available in a range of soft tones (including birch white, walnut brown and rattan silver) all of which have the iconic ‘Vaio’ logo embossed in silver in big letters along the top.
However the most notable thing about the NW range is not its design (as you would probably struggle to distinguish from, well, any other Vaio) but the fact that, according to Sony, it offers ‘entry level’ pricing for a Blu-Ray equipped laptop.
Continue reading »iPhone 3.0: The Dark Side – Part 1
June 21, 2009
I know what you’re thinking.
Here’s the Windows Nerd, back for another round of Apple bashing. Well let me get a few things straight right now before we begin. I own an iPhone and more than that, I think it pretty excellent. There is absolutely nothing out there that even comes close to the intuitive user interface, the plethora of fantastic apps and the sheer usability of what is quite simply, the best phone ever made. Am I going to use an awkward, clunky Windows Mobile interface, or am I going to use an iPhone? Hmm, tough call isn’t it?
Continue reading »iPhone 3.0 Update: The Dark Side – Teaser
June 19, 2009
The system you use has left it’s scent on you. Do not forget who it is that you serve…
No one on this planet has ever bought an iPhone. While experienced users fumble with shitty firmware migration and Apple bigots rave over the most superficial and fundamental enhancements, let’s not forget the elephant in the room. As good as the iPhone is, your use of it depends on the continuing flow of money from your bank account to your cell provider. Don’t think for a minute that your iPhone won’t eventually turn to a brick, because I personally guarantee that in time, it will.
Continue reading »
