http://www.businessweek.com Steve Wildstrom created BusinessWeek's Technology & You column in 1994 with the goal of helping readers understand and use personal technology to enhance their jobs and their lives. Tech tips from Steve Wildstrom are available every week. BusinessWeek BusinessWeek, computers, mac, windows, mp3, personal electronics, tech, pda, phone, wildstrom no Steve Wildstrom created BusinessWeek's Technology & You column in 1994 with the goal of helping readers understand and use personal technology to enhance their jobs and their lives. Tech tips from Steve are available every week. Download at any time -- or subscribe and get automatic updates. Then listen on your Mac, PC or digital music player. en-us Copyright 2009, by The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. All rights reserved. Jaime Beauchamp#bw_online_media@businessweek.com Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:57:46 -0500 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss bwwebmaster@businessweek.com 1000 http://images.businessweek.com/icons/bw_podcast_88x31.jpghttp://www.businessweek.com8831 Twitterpeek: Too special, not excellen BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_25_09.htm In the struggle between specialized devices and multipurpose products, multipurpose nearly always wins. To succeed, a specialized product must perform far better than any multipurpose version. Cheaper or simpler isn't enough; it has to be superior Wed, 25 Nov 2009 13:55:38 -0500 8:47 Twitter, Technology and You, Steve Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandyou_112409.mp3 Location data accuracy has to improve BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_18_09.htm Augmented reality is a technology that uses location data from your phone's GPS receiver and orientation information from its compass to superimpose data on a screen image generated by the phone camera. It sounds great in theory, but doesn't work very well in reality. A major reason appears to be that the data the phone supplies just are not accurate enough Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:49:51 -0500 8:37 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_111609.mp3 Winning on profits by staying upmarket BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_10_09.htm Macs account for less than 20% of the U.S. retail market, according to NPD Group, but nearly 90% of the $1,000-plus segment. Apple does so by focusing on a superior user experience and shunning advice to boost share by pursuing the low end of the market Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:14:55 -0500 8:16 Apple, Mac, NPD, Steven Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, BusinessWeek, Tech and You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_110909.mp3 Google's Phone Software Comes of Age BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_03_09.htm It's only been a year since the release of the first Android phone, and the Google platform has matured amazingly in that time. The Motorola Droid is not an iPhone killer, but it's a smartphone that can stand up to the Apple's device on its own terms. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:01:31 -0500 6:08 Android, iPhone, Google, Motorola, Apple, Technology and You, Peter Elstrom, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_102909.mp3 Windows 7 paves the way for multitouch BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_27_09.htm Microsoft's support for a wide range of iPhone-like touch gestures in its Windows 7 operating system gives software developers freedom to focus on the creative aspects of touch rather than the mechanics. That should help touch move into the mainstream Tue, 27 Oct 2009 14:00:50 -0400 7:28 Touch, touch screens, touch gestures, multitouch, PC screens, laptop screens, desktop screens, Microsoft, Windows 7, http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_you_102609.mp3 The end of keyboards on smartphones? BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_20_09.htm The original BlackBerry Storm, released a year ago, was marred by poor execution of its touch screen. The new Storm 2's may swing the balance away from physical keyboards. It's no longer worthwhile to put up with a tiny display or a clumsy slider design. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:32:05 -0400 8:42 BlackBerry, Storm, Technology and You, Steve Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandyou_101909.mp3 Windows 7 is the smooth un-Vista BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_13_09.htm Win 7 has a lot in common with the reviled Vista. By eliminating the sluggishness and annoying quirks of Vista and taking cues from the better ideas in the Mac OS X interface--an old OS tradition--Win 7 is slick and pleasant to use where Vista was clunky. Tue, 13 Oct 2009 15:37:56 -0400 7:11 Steve Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, BusinessWeek, Technology and You, Window 7, Apple http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_you_wad_101209.mp3 Software predates iPhone and it shows BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_06_09.htm Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.5 is at best a stopgap until a truly new version is ready. The iPhone has already passed it. Worst problem: touchscreen phones that both lack the latest touch technologies and provide sluggish and inconsistent support for touch Tue, 06 Oct 2009 11:44:17 -0400 8:49 Steve Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, Technology and You, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_wad_100509.mp3 Better at navigation than calling BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_29_09.htm The Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60 is an excellent personal navigation device on a mediocre phone. At 299 dollars (after rebate) with a two-year AT & T contract , it's cheaper to get an iPhone with a navigation app. You'd have a poorer navigator, but a much better phone. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 13:31:31 -0400 7:17 Garmin-Asus nuvifone G60, iPhone, AT&T, Stephen Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, Tech and You, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_wad_0930.mp3 Laplink software handles Win 7 upgrades BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_22_09.htm There's no direct way to upgrade from Windows XP to Windows 7, or from 32-bit Vista to 64-bit Win 7, but Laplink, one of the oldest publishers of PC software, can make things a lot easier with a migration tool called PCmover Tue, 22 Sep 2009 17:51:29 -0400 6:17 Windows, Microsoft, upgrades, sotware, OS, Operating System, XP, Vista, MSFT, 32 bit, 64 bit, MSFT http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_wad_0921.mp3 It all depends on the apps BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_15_09.htm Microsoft's Zune is never going to beat Apple's iPod Touch and iPhone as a media player. Gaming--and integration with the Xbox--could be Zune's secret weapon. But it's hard to tell, since Zune HD was released with an understocked app store Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:48:39 -0400 8:48 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/tech_and_you_091609.mp3 Security Essentials is a solid product BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_09_09.htm Microsoft failed to score in security software with a product called OneCare. It's free antivirus program, can't compare to heavyweight security offerings from the likes of Symantec and McAfee, but it will meet the needs of most Windows users Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:23:55 -0400 7:10 stephen wildstrom, peter elstrom, technology, microsoft, mcafee, symantec, anti virus, security, personal computers, dell, hp, pc http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_090809.mp3 You'll need a new system running Vista BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_03_09.htm Win 7 is the best OS Microsoft has offered in years. But you may need a new computer to fully enjoy it. Upgrading from XP means reinstalling all your applications. And going to 64-bit Win 7 to access 3 GB of additional memory raises similar issues Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:59:02 -0400 7:21 Computers, windows 7, operating systems, Microsoft http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_02_09.mp3 OS supports for Microsoft Exchange Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_25_09.htm Snow Leopard is short on the eye candy Apple is famous for. But there's a lot of engineering under the covers. The new OS supports Exchange, and software like Grand Central Dispatch and OpenCL ready the OS for a future of massively multicore computers. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:16:39 -0400 9:28 Apple, Mac Intel, Snow Leapard, Stephen Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, Technology and You, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_26_09.mp3 Google Voice and RingCentral BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_11_09.htm Arik Hesseldahl tries Google Voice and RingCentral, two Internet call-management services, one aimed at consumers, the other at businesses, which can help simplify the multiphone life Tue, 11 Aug 2009 13:21:24 -0400 6:24 Google, Google Voice, RingCentral, PBX, VOIP, Internet calling, wireless, mobile, iphone, smart phone, http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_081009.mp3 New devices let you browse and print BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_06_09.htm Printer manufacturers are trying to stay relevant by adding Web connections and software to their devices, letting users print without having to use a computer Thu, 06 Aug 2009 10:21:03 -0400 7:04 Hewlett-Packard, Lexmark, Printers, Fandango, Google, Cliff Edwards, Widgets, Web-connected http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_080409.mp3 Tech & You podcast BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_29_09.htm Stripped-down devices offer big savings on hardware costs and software support Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:38:13 -0400 17:12 thin clients, HP, Celio, Wyse, Microsoft http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/IOTW_ulwick_072709.mp3 New handsets give Google a chance BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_22_09.htm The first Android smartphone, T-Mobile's G1, wasn't very good and didn't give the software a fair test. The myTouch, the U.S. version of HTC's Magic, is an improvement. More Android phones are coming, but it's a crowded field and the iPhone is way ahead. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 18:46:35 -0400 9:33 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/tech_and_you_072009.mp3 A Thinkpad costs $700 more than an Acer BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_15_09.htm Lenovo's ThinkPad T400s and Acer's Timeline 3128 are similar. But the ThinkPad starts at $1,600 while the Acer goes for $900. What does the $700 buy? In general, a laptop that is better in many ways, though the Timeline offers much better battery life. Wed, 15 Jul 2009 11:34:21 -0400 6:51 technology, ibm, apple, stephen wildstrom, peter elstrom, acer, lenovo http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/tech_and_you_071309.mp3 To succeed, it needs standout phones and closer relations with carriers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_30_09.htm Nokia's making another stab at the U.S. mobile phone market, led by the E71x. But despite an attractive $100 price with an AT&T contract, the E71x doesn't stand out in the crowded smartphone field Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:56:29 -0400 10:32 Nokia, Stephen Wildstrom,Peter Elstrom, BusinessWeek, E71x, AT & T, mobile phone http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_062909.mp3 New designs and touchscreens may help BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_25_09.htm Desktop PCs have been fading from the scene for years, but they may be poised for a modest rebound. One big reason is the combination of big touchscreen models--the Dell Studio One or the Hewlett-Packard TouchSmar--and the multitouch features of Windows 7. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:59:08 -0400 8:00 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_062209.mp3 New features let Apple attack new markets BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_17_09.htm Since the advent of the iPhone 3G and iTunes App Store, Apple has become a tornado of creative destruction in the handset market. Now it's challenging new markets including in-car navigation, video production, and BlackBerry's hold on the corporate market Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:51:38 -0400 9:53 technology, peter elstrom, stephen wildstrom, iphone, apple, rim, blackberry, app store, itunes, mac os, 3 point o, 3gs http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandyou_061709.mp3 Amazon's new Kindle DX BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_10_09.htm The most striking thing about the Kindle DX is its size--it looks like a Kindle 2 with a screen nearly three times bigger than the original. But perhaps the most important thing is the ease with which businesses can load their own documents in PDF form Wed, 10 Jun 2009 10:17:48 -0400 6:21 Kindle DX, Peter Elstrom, Stephen Wildstrom, Technology and You, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_060809.mp3 An exciting platform in need of apps BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_04_09.htm The new Palm Pre may be the first phone that can challenge the iPhone. The hardware is solid and the OS is advanced. But there's one thing the iPhone has taught us: It's all about the apps Thu, 04 Jun 2009 10:30:24 -0400 8:19 Palm Pre, iPhone, Steve Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, Technology and You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/TEch_and_You_060109.mp3 MiFi and Constant Connect BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_27_09.htm Novatel's MiFi creates an instant Wi-Fi hotspot using the Verizon or Sprint networks. Lenovo Constant Connect silently feeds e-mail from a BlackBerry to a ThinkPad, but limited device support and difficult setup get in the way. Wed, 27 May 2009 11:36:18 -0400 7:08 peter elstrom, stephen wildstrom, technology, business travel, mifi, novatel, blackberry, smart phone, thinkpad, rim, connection http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_052809.mp3 Get more done editing Office documents BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_20_09.htm Until recently, iPhone and BlackBerry users could read Microsoft Office documents sent to their phones but could not edit or alter them. Two applications, Quickoffice for the iPhone and Documents To Go for the BlackBerry, are changing that. Wed, 20 May 2009 18:00:12 -0400 6:48 tech maven, hesseldahl, dataviz, quickoffice, blackberry, iphone, research in motion, apple, smart phones, wireless, productivity, microsoft office http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/tech_and_you_051909.mp3 Aliph, BlueAnt, and Plantronics impress BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_13_09.htm You can get a Bluetooth headset for less than 20 dollars. But this is an area of technology where spending more is well worth it. We look at three headsets that offer superior voice quality, battery life, and noise reduction. Wed, 13 May 2009 15:48:49 -0400 5:32 Technology, Peter Elstrom, Stephen Wildstrom, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/tech_and_you_051109.mp3 Lots more for the money than a netbook BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_06_09.htm Thin, light notebooks have been around for a while, but they have been aimed at well-heeled mobile execs. A new generation is emerging that will drive down prices below $1,000 and igniting conflict among Intel, AMD, and Nvidia. Wed, 06 May 2009 12:11:19 -0400 7:28 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/tech_and_you_050409.mp3 Who will buy Dell's gorgeous new laptop? BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_29_09.htm Dell, long known for its plain laptops, has made a design statement with the Adamo. But its performance is mundane, like that of most compact notebooks. And will the world clamor for a $2,000-plus laptop when the average price is falling below $1,000? Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:46:22 -0400 5:29 Adamo, peter elstrom, arik hesseldahl, stephen wildstrom, dell, laptop, notebook http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_042909.mp3 Sees home entertainment as growth market BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_22_09.htm Cisco Systems isn't the first company you'd name as a digital home entertainment leader, despite its Linksys networking gear, Scientific Atlanta set-top boxes, and Flip video cameras. Question is, can Cisco learn to think like a consumer electronics company? Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:46:42 -0400 7:56 Cisco, entertainment, home electronics http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_042209.mp3 It's time to rethink user interfaces BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_14_09.htm Computers' basic user interface has changed little since the Macintosh appeared 25 years ago. Using improvements in computer power and graphics, a startup called Bump Technologies has a fresh approach. Having to rewrite all applications is a huge hurdle. Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:59:32 -0400 8:59 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_041509.mp3 But using PayPal makes checkout awkward BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_07_09.htm Research In Motion's new App World brings one-stop shopping to the BlackBerry. But the experience is nowhere near as slick as Apple's iTunes App Store because of the burdens of PayPal's checkout procedure and BlackBerry's own security measures. Tue, 07 Apr 2009 14:14:36 -0400 9:02 apps, steve wildstrom, peter elstrom, apple, rim, blackberry, iphone, app store, appworld, java, sdk, os http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_040909.mp3 The Hub impresses but has its flaws BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_01_09.htm The Hub is Verizon Wireless' push for the home-phone market, where consumers have been shedding landlines by the millions. It's impressive, but it tries too hard to make you do what Verizon wants, not what you might want to do yourself. Wed, 01 Apr 2009 18:56:30 -0400 9:30 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_040209.mp3 Cloud computing's handy, but is it safe? BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_25_09.htm Applying some common sense in deciding what data you entrust to online services can save you from grief. Photos from that trip to Disney World? Good. The term sheet for a proposed acquisition? Better think again. Wed, 25 Mar 2009 14:53:18 -0400 7:52 Cloud computing, data, security, safe, risk, trust, online services, common sense http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_032309.mp3 Windows 7 has iPhone-like touchiness BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_11_09.htm The iPhone brought multi-touch interfaces to wide attention. Windows 7 will bring it to PCs. We take the multi-touch Dell Latitude XT2 for a spin with a trial version of Windows 7 and beta drivers from N-Trig. It has a way to go, but looks promising. Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:09:14 -0400 8:27 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_12_09.mp3 Software Called Boxee Can Help BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_04_09.htm Watching internet video on TV is a tough proposition at this point. Open-source software called Boxee aims to improve this and is available for use on Macs and on some PCs Wed, 04 Mar 2009 19:10:16 -0500 8:00 Boxee, Tech and You, Stephen Wildstrom, BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_04_09.mp3 Hardware redesign leads to big improvement BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_25_09.htm Taken one at a time, the changes in the design of the Kindle e-book reader don't amount to much. But the overall effect is a dramatic boost in the device's usability. Coupled with Amazon.com's excellent content service, the device is a winner that could change reading forever Wed, 25 Feb 2009 10:55:55 -0500 8:21 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_23_09.mp3 HP's Linux-based Mi does small screens BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_18_09.htm Netbooks are the hottest PCs out there, but standard operating systems, especially Windows, don't work well on displays smaller than 12 in. HP has built a new user interface that greatly enhances usability while hiding the complexities of Linux. Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:45:04 -0500 11:16 netbooks, HP, Linux, laptops, Windows http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_19_09.mp3 HyperSpace gets you working fast BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_11_09.htm Slow boot-up times have been an annoyance since the dawn of computing. The new HyperSpace software from Phoenix Technology lets a Windows laptop boot almost instantly into a Linux environment to get you working fast. Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:38:14 -0500 8:13 Businessweek, Tech and You, Hyperspace, Peter Elstrom, Stephen Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_020909b_1.mp3 A MediaSmart may be what you need BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_04_09.htm Home networks are getting more complicated. Many households have a combo of Windows PCs and Macs. Hewlett-Packard's second-edition MediaSmart Home Server makes it easier for computers to communicate, back up their data, and share videos, music, and photos. Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:58:30 -0500 6:49 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_04_09.mp3 The beta version of Win 7 raises the bar BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_28_09.htm A focus on clean design, better user control, and compatibility has Windows 7 off to a very promising start. It's a welcome change from the unfortunate launch of Vista. Wed, 28 Jan 2009 17:04:57 -0500 11:44 technology, OS, Operating System, Vista, Microsoft, MSFT, software, podcast, GUI, user interface http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_29_09.mp3 But wiring up rural U.S. is a good bet BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_21_09.htm The tech industry and advocacy groups call for spending $10 billion to $40 billion to bring superfast broadband to the U.S. As a matter of social equity, the idea has merits. But it's not likely to provide a huge boost to the economy in the short run. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 13:05:34 -0500 13:32 technology, stimulus, broadband, steve wildstrom, peter elstrom, bytes, bits, megabits, bandwidth, fiber, economy, debate http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_22_09.mp3 New iLife, iWork favor native apps BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_15_09.htm While Microsoft, Google, and others seem to be betting the future of consumer applications is Web-based, Apple continues the push for improved native apps. But Apple's business model also depends on offering unique, superior software on the Mac platform. Thu, 15 Jan 2009 10:10:00 -0500 8:09 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_12_09.mp3 GeForce 3D Vision enhances games BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_07_09.htm Three-dimensional displays have been an elusive goal for years but Nvidia's $19 kit, plus a high-end display and graphics adapter, can make existing software leap off the screen Wed, 07 Jan 2009 18:52:00 -0500 6:47 NVidia, 3D Display, GeForce 3D Vision http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_08_09b.mp3 Hollywood's outdated business model BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_30_08.htm Why are classic movies unavailable on DVD and why are some titles available in Europe but not the U.S.? Why do movies appear on and disappear from download services seemingly at random. Blame it on an antiquated business model that serves mainly to encourage piracy Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:23:30 -0500 8:12 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_08_09.mp3 Look for new operating systems, netbooks BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_17_08.htm PCs, not very newsy of late, may dominate tech news next year. Apple and Microsoft will have new operating systems, while mini-notebooks, or netbooks, which burst on the scene in 2008, will expand their market and could be sold more like wireless phones. Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:09:08 -0500 9:25 peter elstrom, stephen wildstrom, technology, gadgets, new year, computer operating systems, os, mac, pc, microsoft, netbooks, iphone http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_18_08.mp3 Handset makers gain power from carriers BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_10_08.htm The iPhone has accelerated a trend: Customers who once belonged to wireless carriers now identify with the maker of their handset or its software. This is turning the carriers into commodity bandwidth suppliers, but it increases choices for customers. Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:31:39 -0500 8:11 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_08_08.mp3 Outlook and other apps on OS X desktops Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_03_08.htm New virtual machine versions from Parallels and VMware make Macs easier for business users. Wed, 03 Dec 2008 12:48:35 -0500 9:07 Steve Wildstrom,BusinessWeek,technology, bootcamp, Apple, software http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/Tech_and_You_1201.mp3 The new update includes streaming videos Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_25_08.htm Microsoft is trying again to transform the Xbox 360 from just a gaming console into a whole-family entertainment center. A new user interface and a deal with Netflix to provide unlimited streaming of movies and TV shows might just do the trick Tue, 25 Nov 2008 17:15:19 -0500 7:12 Xbox 360, Microsoft, Netflix http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_27_08.mp3 Both are good; the choice depends on you BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_19_08.htm The iPhone and the BlackBerry Storm are both wonderful products, but they are aimed at different users. The Storm is for people who primarily use a smartphone for messaging, while the iPhone is the choice for Web browsing, games, and cool applications. Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:27:43 -0500 5:34 iphone, stephen wildstrom, peter elstrom, storm, rim, apple, 3g, blackberry, touchscreen, telecom, communications http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_20_08.mp3 Tight integration for great smartphones Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_12_08.htm Open design is great in theory. But BW's Stephen Wildstrom reluctantly concludes that tight integration of hardware and software in proprietary designs may be why the iPhone and various BlackBerrys outpace such rivals as Windows Mobile Wed, 12 Nov 2008 11:17:51 -0500 11:55 iPhone, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, Stephen Wildstrom, proprietary design, integration, open design http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_13_08.mp3 The new MacBook and MacBook Pro BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_06_08.htm Compared with what rivals offer, Apple has a limited lineup of notebook computers. But they keep gaining market share--and selling for twice what people pay for Windows notebooks. The reason: They're really good. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 11:01:13 -0500 8:58 Apple, Mac, laptops http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_06_08.mp3 A handy scanner puts records in order Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_29_08.htm The "paperless office" has been slow to appear. A new scanner and software combo for Neat Co. (formerly Neat Receipts) could change that. It scans and interprets documents, saves them to a database, and syncs with other programs. Wed, 29 Oct 2008 10:25:36 -0400 5:38 technology, peter elstrom, stephen wildstrom, office, paperless, scanner, organization, neat company http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_30_08.mp3 Can WiMAX be ubiquitous? Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_22_08.htm XOHM, a joint venture of Sprint Nextel and Clearwire, has lit up Baltimore as it starts its rollout of a national network. It's a promising beginning, but WiMAX faces challenges from tough financial markets and a rival technology called LTE. Wed, 22 Oct 2008 17:04:08 -0400 10:22 wimax, stephen wildstrom, peter elstrom, sprint, nextel, clearwire, wifi, network, lte http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_23_08.mp3 Google's Android faces obstacles Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_15_08.htm Android, Google's open-source smartphone software, makes its debut Oct. 22 with the T-Mobile G1. The software breaks down barriers between applications, but Android could be hampered by poor handset design and T-Mo's limited 3G U.S. network. Wed, 15 Oct 2008 10:26:16 -0400 12:04 stephen wildstrom, peter elstrom, technology, tmobile, cellphones, storm, iphone, blackberry, apple, 3G, android, google http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_16_08.mp3 Storm's onscreen keypad beats the iPhone BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_08_08.htm Research In Motion invented the usable mini keyboard for the BlackBerry. It has reinvented it with the Storm. With a light touch for navigation and a harder press, with terrific tactile feedback, for typing, the touchscreen offers unprecedented accuracy Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:01:00 -0400 9:04 BlackBerry, iPhone, smartphone, RIM, wireless, PDA, messaging, http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_09_08.mp3 Great performance, smaller display size Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_01_08.htm A new generation of lightweight laptops with 12.1-inch widescreen displays are serious corporate workhorses, offering better keyboards, faster but energy-thrifty processors, and long battery life, plus prices that won't make a purchasing manager wince Wed, 01 Oct 2008 12:58:04 -0400 8:05 Light Weight Laptops, widescreen http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_02_08.mp3 A look at the T-Mobile G1 Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_23_08.htm The T-Mobile G1, the first phone based on Google's Android open-software platform, has been unveiled. Its long-term success will depend on the efforts of third-party developers--and people's willingness to share even more personal information with Google Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:20:08 -0400 10:24 Google, T-Mobile, Android http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_25_08.mp3 New software copies DVDs to hard drive Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_17_08.htm Copying DVDs to hard drives has been difficult--and illegal. RealDVD simplifies and legalizes the process, but there are some significant restrictions on what you can do with the content. Wed, 17 Sep 2008 20:06:35 -0400 11:13 RealDVD, Hard drives http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_18_08.mp3 Microsoft Windows may be the real target Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_10_08.htm Google Chrome is a browser designed from the ground up with the understanding that Web pages have become complex applications rather than collections of text and images. To the extent it succeeds, desktop operating systems become less relevant. Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:12:21 -0400 11:48 Google, Stephen Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, web, browser, microsoft, explorer, firefox, mozilla, safari, apple, netscape http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_11_08.mp3 Tech upgrades are helping Web congestion Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_03_08.htm To hear AT&T tell it, the Net is running out of room, but studies suggest the traffic is not accelerating. Neutrality advocates claim ISP interference in video traffic with precious little to back the assertion. It's time to tone the argument down. Wed, 03 Sep 2008 16:16:05 -0400 9:54 internet, capacity, gigabytes, video, downloads, HD http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_04_08.mp3 Treo Pro is best offering in some time Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_27_08.htm The new Treo Pro is the best piece of hardware from Palm in some time. However, two big problems: It's being sold in the U.S. with no carrier partner at an unsubsidized $550 price, and Windows Mobile makes it hard to differentiate it from other products Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:03:47 -0400 8:04 RIMM, Treo, Palm, iPhone, Microsoft, Windows OS, SmartPhone http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_28_08.mp3 Digital boxes for old sets have limits Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_13_08.htm When analog TV stations go dark next Feb. 17, so will old analog TVs that rely on over-the-air broadcasts. Converter boxes won't let you take full advantage of digital signals. Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:15:03 -0400 9:23 Analog, Digital, Television Broadcast, Converter Boxes http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_14_08.mp3 Many add-ons don't make better pictures BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_06_08.htm A discussion with Jay Greene, BusinessWeek's Seattle bureau chief, about a bevy of features in the latest compact digital cameras. They don't always make taking pictures any easier. Wed, 06 Aug 2008 17:05:08 -0400 5:01 compact digital cameras, Sony Cyber-shot, Panasonic Lumix, Nikon Coolpix, Smile Shutter, megapixel, feature creep http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_06_08.mp3 Emotiv's Epoc: Control a PC via thought BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_30_08.htm BusinessWeek's Cliff Edwards takes a look at a new headset that can be tuned to read your thoughts and translate them into computer instructions so you can play a game or arrange photos without using your hands or speaking words Wed, 30 Jul 2008 18:32:23 -0400 5:03 technology, computers, control-devices, gaming, mind-control, assistive technology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_030_08.mp3 Integrated sets make streaming cheaper and easier BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_23_08.htm BusinessWeek's Cliff Edwards says that by next year, recent deals will allow Panasonic and other TV makers to build in cable converters, eliminating set-top boxes Wed, 23 Jul 2008 23:48:00 -0400 4:43 communications, cable, Internet, Web, streaming video, YouTube, photo-sharing, Google, Sony, Bravia, HP Media Smart http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_24_08.mp3 These apps vastly extend iPhone's range BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_16_08.htm An even bigger deal than Apple's July 11 announcement of its new iPhone 3G was the unveiling of its iTunes App Store to distribute third-party applications. The applications are varied and of mixed quality. The big lack: no turn-by-turn navigation. Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:13:41 -0400 9:02 iPhone 3g, iTunes App Store, third-party applications, turn-by-turn navigation http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandyou_07_14_08.mp3 Both more and less open trends seen Business Week http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_09_08.htm Recent months have seen contradictory trends in wireless networks. Google's Android and Verizon's Open Network point to a greater consumer choice, but Apple's iPhone 3G could be a step back. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 14:44:09 -0400 16:14 Networks, Wireless, Verizon, Google, iPhone, Consumer http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_10_08.mp3 Auto service comes to the Web BusinessWeek http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_02_08.htm The availability of pricing information on the Web has revolutionized how cars are sold. Two new services, DriverSide and RepairPal are trying to do the same for repair services. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 13:12:12 -0400 5:42 dealership, auto repair, estimate, mechanics, internet http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_02_08.mp3 The new TouchSmart PC's clever interface Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_25_08.htm Computer makers other than Apple mostly withdrew from software 25 years ago and watched Microsoft turn their products into commodities. HP hopes to use its software chops to differentiate itself - its latest effort is a much improved TouchSmart family PC Wed, 25 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 8:36 Hewlett-Packard, TouchSmart, PC maker, computer maker, software, innovation, family PC, Microsoft http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_062608.mp3 They can copy hardware but not software Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_18_08.htm Since the iPhone came out, handset makers have tried to replicate the touch-screen wonder. But software deficiencies mean that even a good copy, like the Samsung Instinct from Sprint, falls short. Now Apple is fostering more robust third-party software Wed, 18 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 8:27 Telecomm, Wireless, Rimm, Blackberry, Software, Hardware, Pocket Computer, Cell, 3G, Interface, Developers http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_19_08.mp3 A new version of the browser Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_11_08.htm Firefox browser, an open-source project based on Netscape code, is pushing toward a 20% share of the market. A new version features improved performance and anti-fraud protections. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 8:34 Fire Fox, Netscape, Browser,t Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_12_08.mp3 Voice-based search services show promise Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_04_08.htm For mobile search with speech recognition and location awareness, Yahoo's oneSearch and Microsoft's Tellme have complementary strengths and weaknesses, but both are likely to improve. Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:00:00 -0400 7:51 car stereo, speakers, consumer electronics, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_04_08.mp3 It now makes mobile maneuvers easier Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_29_08.htm There's more to Bluetooth these days, including wireless speakerphone kits for cars and setups that let your 3G phone work as a wireless modem for your laptop. Thu, 29 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 7:44 car stereo, speakers, consumer electronics, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_29_08.mp3 The set-top player is convenient, but it has issues Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_22_08.htm Netflix has made some titles available for streaming on PC for several months. Now, pony up $100 for a Roku Netflix Player and see them on TV. The drawback: A poorly designed Web site. Thu, 22 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 9:13 netflix, set-top player, streaming video, movies, blu-ray, consumer electronics, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_22_08.mp3 RIM gears up to maintain dominance Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_15_08.htm In the year since the iPhone launched, Research In Motion's BlackBerry has gained market share. The new Bold, with added appeal for corporate users, is BlackBerry's bid to counter Apple's second-generation iPhone Thu, 15 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 7:01 technology, cell phones, touch screens, iPhone, RIM, Apple iPhone, Apple Touch, multitouch screen, consumer electronics, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_15_08.mp3 Touch screens are set to take off Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_08_08.htm Since the iPhone, multitouch hardware is getting more relevant. It gives users a more natural interaction with electronic devices, but the software still has a long way to go Thu, 08 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 7:26 technology, cell phones, Keywords: touch screens, iPhone, Apple iPhone, Apple Touch, multitouch screen, consumer electronics, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_08_08.mp3 A new service called vTap makes it easy Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_01_08.htm There's a lot of great video on the Web, but playing it on a handheld is a big challenge. vTap not only finds the video you want but reformats it so you can play it on your handset Thu, 01 May 2008 00:00:00 -0400 8:52 technology, cell phones, communications, broadband, narrow band, calling plans, wireless, entertainment, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_01_08.mp3 The new HP Mini-Note 2133 notebook Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_24_08.htm HP is the first top-tier U.S. laptop maker to introduce a low-cost mini-notebook aimed at the education market. The challenge is getting software that can fulfill the hardware's promise Thu, 24 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 10:46 technology, keywords: mini notebook computers, hardware, software, hewlett-packard, hp mini-note 2133, olpc, xo mini, asus eee pc, macbook air, lenovo thinkpad, linux http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_24_08.mp3 New Adobe offering for Web photo display Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_17_08.htm Photoshop Express really isn't an online version of the photo editing software. But a lot of Photoshop technology powers what may be the most capable site for fixing photos for Web display Thu, 17 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 7:11 technology, software, program, imaging, applications, Windows, Macs, Windows, Internet, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_17_08.mp3 Access files, wherever they're stored Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_10_08.htm The SugarSync Manager and a Web service make it simple to get access to files of any sort from Windows PCs, Macs, Windows Mobile smartphones, or BlackBerrys. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 6:49 technology, software, SugarSync, Windows, Macs, Windows Mobile, smartphones, BlackBerry, Internet, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_10_08.mp3 It's taking on YouTube and iTunes Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_03_08.htm Adobe's Flash software is the standard for online video, but now it lets you watch TV shows, movies, and videos on one player that you can set up without calling on your teenager for tech support Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:00:00 -0400 6:49 technology, software, Adobe, Adobe Flash, iTunes, YouTube, streaming, video, media, TV, networks, television http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_03_08.mp3 For consumers, far more choices Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_27_08.htm Apple is opening the iPhone to third-party applications, Verizon is opening its network, Google's Android is an open platform for handset software, and government rules require buyers of newly auctioned spectrum to be open to all Thu, 27 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 9:19 technology, software, wireless, wi-fi, Verizon, Apple, PDA, platform, PDA, applications, regulation, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_27_08.mp3 New tools, and headaches, await users Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_20_08.htm Despite its name, Microsoft Office Live has little to do with Microsoft's suite of productivity applications. Instead, it's a package of tools to help small businesses establish a presence online. Ironically, one flaw is a lack of integration with Office Thu, 20 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 8:50 technology, software, Live, suite, productibity, applications, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_20_08.mp3 Eavesdroppers on unprotected networks Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_13_08.htm Most of public Wi-Fi networks are unencrypted--that means everything you send or receive can be monitored by anyone with a laptop and some software. The best protection: Use a virtual private network or stick to secure Web sites Thu, 13 Mar 2008 00:00:00 -0400 8:50 cpmmunications, encryption, internet, signals, spam, virus, password, risk http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_13_08.mp3 Content still disappoints Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_05_08.htm A free software download fixes Apple TV's biggest shortcoming. You can now shop at the iTunes Store directly from your TV and rent as well as buy movies. But with just 500 movie titles available, Apple TV has a ways to go to become a compelling purchase Wed, 05 Mar 2008 23:00:00 -0500 9:05 TV, TiVo, Apple, movies, content http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_06_08.mp3 Almost as thin as Air--and rugged Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_27_08.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says that the X300 is not as thin or as glamorous as the MacBook, but most mobile professionals will agree that it is better designed for the long haul Wed, 27 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 9:05 Lenovo, ThinkPad, X300 review, laptop, computer, hardware, technology, portability, IBM http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_28_08.mp3 Here's what I'd like in Windows 7 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_20_08.htm Microsoft is working on a successor to the poorly received Vista. My unsolicited advice: Make it a lot more like a Mac, if necessary by creating a separate consumer version of the software Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 10:21 hardware, phones, handhelds, technology, processors http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_21_08.mp3 Intel's next generation of chips Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_20_08.htm Intel is readying two new generations of chips that will bring unprecedented power to handhelds. The Silverthorn will let mobile devices be smaller and run longer. The Moorestown may bring true computer-like performance to the iPhone and other handsets Wed, 20 Feb 2008 23:00:00 -0500 8:54 hardware, phones, handhelds, technology, processors http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_14_08.mp3 A database for the rest of us Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_07_08.htm Databases are the workhorses of computing, but they are way too hard for most people to use. Bento, from Apple's FileMaker, brings the power of databases within the reach of everyone--at least if you have a Mac Thu, 07 Feb 2008 19:00:00 -0500 8:06 technology, Apple, relational database, inventory, homeowner, computers, software, programs, programming, Tech & You, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_07_08.mp3 Head Vs. Heart Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_31_08.htm The new MacBook Air is the sexiest laptop ever designed. But before long you'll notice some deficiencies that will greatly impact those most likely to use it: mobile professionals Thu, 31 Jan 2008 19:00:00 -0500 11:50 technology, broadband, computer, ethernet, usb, connectivity, design, Macintosh, battery life, wi-fi, wifi, internet http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_31_08.mp3 An update not worth waiting for Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_24_08.htm Lots of folks were waiting for Service Pack 1 before moving to Windows Vista. With SP1 almost ready for release, they are likely to be disappointed. It fixes bugs and improves performance, but Vista's many annoyances are still with us Thu, 24 Jan 2008 19:00:00 -0500 9:48 Vista, Windows OS, Microsoft, technology, operating system, OS, PC, computer, desktop, laptop, Dell, Tech & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_24_08.mp3 Technology enables on-demand flying Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_17_08.htm BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom says that DayJet flies three-passenger micro-jets with prices based on how flexible fliers are. For travel between smaller cities, it's an alternative to driving or chartering a plane Thu, 17 Jan 2008 19:00:00 -0500 7:31 software, auction, programming, flying, business class, algorhythmn, charter, air taxi, Eclipse, mathematician, traveling salesman problem, computational science http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_17_08.mp3 Blurb's book publishing solution Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_10_08.htm BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom says that for only $20, a startup called Blurb gives you the opportunity to create a book and sell the finished product online Thu, 10 Jan 2008 19:00:00 -0500 7:03 publishing, books, online, internet, software, publication, Tech & You, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_10_08.mp3 Microsoft goes back to the office Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_03_08.htm This long-overdue reworking of the Mac version of Office, the leading productivity software suite, is the first Mac version to take full advantage of Apple's move to Intel processors--and it's got even more than that going for it Thu, 03 Jan 2008 19:00:00 -0500 9:08 Microsoft, Apple, Mac, productivity, software, Intel, upgrade, word processor, spreadsheet, Power Point, ipod, presentation http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_03_08.mp3 A greater choice of devices after analog Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_20_07.htm BW Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says that more bandwidth will be available for wireless networks after analog TV is shut down Thu, 20 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0500 10:36 television, TV, analog, technology, bandwidth, digital, devices, communications, , gadgets http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_20_07.mp3 Escape that massive tangle of cords Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_13_07.htm Wireless USB could eliminate the data cables that connect cameras, music players, and other gizmos to computer, while a wireless charger from wildCharge could eliminate many power cables Thu, 13 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0500 10:39 electricity, power, wireless, USB, data, charging, wildCharge, computers, gadgets http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_13_07.mp3 Microsoft's home server solutions Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_06_07.htm Home computers are used for mail, documents, photos, music, and videos. Microsoft sees an opening for a home server product that can easily and securely store and share data Thu, 06 Dec 2007 12:00:00 -0500 8:23 storage, media, content, server, video, business, Hewlett Packard http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_05_07.mp3 Playing tomorrow's tune Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_29_07.htm Microsoft's Zune didn't dent Apple's dominance of the music market, but the company is trying again with a new and much improved version of the media player, and a subscription service Thu, 29 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0500 9:33 iTunes, Apple, Microsoft, music store, digital music, iTunes, Store, Zing!, music subscription, Real Networks, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_29_07.mp3 Will Amazon's e-reader take off? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_22_07.htm Amazon has taken its knowledge of books and online selling to create a simple digital reading device. The main problem is the $400 price tag, which could come down if Kindle takes off Thu, 22 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0500 10:29 reader, analog, books, e-retail, e-books, technology, Web, Internet, e-commerce, e-retail, e-biz, http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_23_07.mp3 The connected home--disconnected Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_15_07.htm BW's Steve Wildstrom thinks that Microsoft and Apple are both missing the home entertainment boat, especially since the arrival of a new generation of digital entertainment products that work just fine without a computer Thu, 15 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0500 15:03 Real Networls, Rhapsody, Mac, PC, Windows, music, entertainment, Sonos Bundle 130, ZonePlayer 100, Windows Home Server, Apple TV, Netgear ReadyNAS http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_15_07.mp3 Data protection for the rest of us Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_08_07.htm Encryption solves the problem of loss of confidential data, but it has been too difficult for most to use. New hard drives with encryption technology built in are changing the game Thu, 08 Nov 2007 12:00:00 -0500 8:33 Hard Drive, encryption, hardware, computers, data, algorithm, laptop, security, data theft, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You, Tech & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_08_07.mp3 Apple's new OS Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_01_07.htm With Leopard, the latest version of Mac OS X, Apple follows the eclectic software tradition of incorporating ideas from other programs. But while many ideas in Leopard come from Windows or Linux, Apple has found ways to improve on them Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:00:00 -0400 10:02 Operating System, Mac, Apple, technology, GUI, interface, user interface, Vista, Windows, XP, Tiger, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_01_07.mp3 Is regulation really needed? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_25_07.htm Verizon Communications and AT&T have convinced BusinessWeek Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom that more government involvement is needed to keep communications free of corporate interference Thu, 25 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0400 12:55 telecom, Internet, free speech, text messages, advertising, politics, Naral Pro-Choice America, big government, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You, network, Wi-Fi http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_25_07.mp3 Will it buy Palm enough time? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_18_07.htm Priced as low as $99, the new, smaller Palm Centro is a bid to expand the market for Palm's bigger and more expensive Treo smartphones. Will sales buy Palm enough time to keep going until the end of 2008, when its aged core software gets a rewrite? Thu, 18 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0400 10:44 Palm, OS, PDA, Pilot, Treo, Microsoft, iPhone, Newton, Google, phone, personal organizer, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_18_07.mp3 RIM's 8820 and the 8320 Curve Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_11_07.htm Research In Motion has just released two new BlackBerrys, the first to incorporate Wi-Fi. Superficially, the 8820 for AT&T and the 8320 Curve for T-Mobile seem a lot alike. Edge: the Curve Thu, 11 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0400 8:23 RIM, technology, telecom, communication, PDA, phone. AT&T, T-Mobile, Steve Wildstrom, Technology & You, network, Wi-Fi, Tech & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_11_07.mp3 Fine. But where's the wow? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_04_07.htm The new Gateway One is a fine example of a neglected breed: the all-in-one desktop computer. But Tech & You columnist Stephen Wildstrom says it lacks the emotional appeal of the Apple iMac Thu, 04 Oct 2007 13:00:00 -0400 7:42 computer, hardware, Gateway, Apple, iMac, technology, design, desktop, software, Tech & You, podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_04_07.mp3 Vudu is easy to use, and the images are fine. Hello, Hollywood? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_27_07.htm BusinessWeek's Technology & You columnist, Seve Wildstrom, talks about Vudu, a new service that delivers movies direct from the Internet to your TV Thu, 27 Sep 2007 13:00:00 -0400 7:29 technology, TV, Internet, movies, studios, copyrights, consumers, web, browser, mobile, Tech & You, podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_27_07.mp3 Palm candy from Apple Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_20_07.htm More than an iPod, less than an iPhone--The Touch, Apple's newest iPod, creates a whole new product category. It has the look and feel of the iPhone, but has Wi-Fi only for browsing, not calling. It's a beautiful device, but some software omissions make it less useful than it could be Thu, 20 Sep 2007 13:00:00 -0400 8:45 Apple, technology, video, mp3, player, movies, iPhone, iPod, Wi-Fi, web, browser, mobile http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_20_07.mp3 Accessing multiple GSM networks Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_13_07.htm BW's Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says Apple and AT&T have locked down the iPhone's hardware and software, but others are frustrating the effort. Although it loses some functions, an iPhone freed by a hardware modification, supplied by PureMobile in Quebec, easily works on multiple GSM networks Thu, 13 Sep 2007 13:00:00 -0400 7:59 iPhone, ATT, Apple, downloads, unlocking, SIM card, PureMobile, hackers, personal technology, wireless, telecommunications, Web http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_13_07.mp3 For now, ooma isn't paying big carriers to use their networks Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_06_07.htm To avoid "termination" charges, ooma is using some of its customers--those who have kept regular phone lines--to serve as gateways to the local phone network. BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom says that when it looks like you're getting something for nothing, somebody is paying, and it might be you Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:00:00 -0400 8:31 telecom, Internet, Web, phone, calls, carriers, telephone, Vonage, Skype, landline, Net, FreeConference http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_06_07.mp3 Archos makes an advance, but the setup is still tricky Cliff Edwards http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_30_07.htm BusinessWeek Technology writer Cliff Edwards thinks that the Archos 605 Wi-Fi video player will allow even novices to get Net-based content on their TV. And despite the occasional hassle, this device offers one of the best experiences available in the still-troubled arena of Internet TV Thu, 30 Aug 2007 13:00:00 -0400 7:00 technology, Internet, Television, viewers, YouTube, Archos dvr Station, recording, programming, Web, Tech & You, podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_30_07.mp3 Imagine having Net access almost anywhere Jay Greene http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_23_07.htm BusinessWeek's Jay Greene says that if you want Internet access wherever you go, there's an emerging technology called Wimax that aims to indulge that craving Thu, 23 Aug 2007 13:00:00 -0400 7:06 technology, jay Greene, Clearwire, wireless, Internet, technology, communications, Net, Steve Wildstrom, Peter Elstrom, computer, hardware http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_23_07.mp3 The Logitech MX Air packs a lot of technology into a small package Cliff Edwards http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_09_07.htm Over the years, Logitech has delivered plenty of innovations to make this time-honored device more versatile. But at this late date, is there really any way to build a better mouse? BusinessWeek Technology Writer Cliff Edwards thinks so Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:00:00 -0400 6:15 technology, mouse, Logitech, Wii, hardware, computer, Apple, Microsoft, Windows, LOGI, AAPL, MSFT http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_09_07.mp3 For the best performance, go with a system that uses ATI or NVIDIA Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_02_07.htm 3D graphics have been the province of serious gamers, but Microsoft is encouraging software developers to make more use of 3D in its Windows Vista OS. But the widely used graphics adapter, the Intel 965 Express family, is not optimized for 3D. Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom discusses some suggestions on how to get better 3D graphics on a new PC Thu, 02 Aug 2007 13:00:00 -0400 7:04 graphics, 3-D, 3D, Windows, Vista, Intel, 965 Express, AMD, NVidia, ATI, podcast, Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_02_07.mp3 The new HD set-top box is a delight--once you get it running Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_26_07.htm BusinessWeek's Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that the new TiVo HD isn't quite the set-top box of his dreams, but it comes pretty close. And it is a harbinger of better things that will be here soon Thu, 26 Jul 2007 13:00:00 -0400 10:11 Tivo, cable, technology, HD, cable card, set-top, interface, Tch & You, podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_26_07.mp3 HotSpot @Home is easy to use, but the handsets aren't great Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_19_07.htm BusinessWeek's Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that techies have been promoting Wi-Fi as an alternative to conventional wireless phones for some time, but most people have found it hopelessly impractical. The new HotSpot @Home service from T-Mobile changes the game by letting users move seamlessly between Wi-Fi and calls on T-Mobile's GSM network Thu, 19 Jul 2007 13:00:00 -0400 10:41 Wi-Fi, technology, HotSpot, @Home, T-Mobile, GSM, CDMA, wireless, phone http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_19_07.mp3 Why did Apple sign a long-term exclusive arrangement with AT&T? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_12_07.htm BusinessWeek's Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that Apple isn't talking, but the decisions aren't as mysterious as they might appear. And they say a lot about the confused and confusing state of the U.S. wireless industry Thu, 12 Jul 2007 13:00:00 -0400 10:12 iPhone, Apple, AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, GMS, CDMA, T-Mobile, 3G, technology, telephony, mobile http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_12_07.mp3 The enterprise-class secure e-mail hurdle Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_02_07.htm Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that lots of mobile executives would love to switch to Apple's new iPhone, but it's not ready for serious business. Luckily, its software problems can be fixed Mon, 02 Jul 2007 13:00:00 -0400 6:07 cell phone, iPhone, iPod, calendar, contacts, Outlook, Apple, Microsoft, RIM, Research In Motion, BlackBerry Enterprise Server, Good Messaging http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_02_07.mp3 It's light-but no lightweight Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_28_07.htm Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that he's a big fan of featherweight computers. But he has been discouraged by the slightest and lightest of this class because of the compromises they forced him to accept--cramped keyboards, undersized displays, poor battery life, puny storage, and less-than-stellar performance. But the Toshiba Portege R500 breaks that mold Thu, 28 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0400 8:49 laptop, Toshiba, keyboard, duo core, Intel, battery, display, storage, performance, podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_28_07.mp3 A better way to search? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_21_07.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says that while Google has done a lot to improve Web search, it's still very 1999. Ask.com, has a better idea, with its three-pane approach to search results that really is more usable Thu, 21 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0400 8:56 Google, Ask.com, search engine, Internet, Web, podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_21_07.mp3 Real Network's RealPlayer 11 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_14_07.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says that videos from YouTube and all other streaming media sites on the Web have one big disadvantage: You can't take them with you. But now, RealNetworks has a solution in RealPlayer 11, which can record noncopy-protected streaming video Thu, 14 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0400 7:12 DRM, video, streaming, Flash, WMV, QT, QuickTime, rich media, portability, recording, digital rights management http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_14_07.mp3 The FCC is breaking the cable hold on set-top boxes and letting rivals step in Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_07_07.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says that on July 1, Federal Communication Commission regulations 11 years in the making will liberate consumers from the tyranny of cable providers' set-top boxes. The new rules prohibit cable operators from combining tuning and security in a single integrated device. The CableCARD security module should lead to the creation of whole new classes of cable-ready devices. Consumers should finally get the boxes they want, not the ones the cable companies wants them to have Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:00:01 -0400 9:33 FCC, security, digital rights, Federal Communications Commission, regulation, cable, CableCARD http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_07_07.mp3 Faster, less power-hungry flash drives will see wider use as costs fall and capacity rises Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_24_07.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom tells us how after 25 years as the king of storage, the conventional hard-disk drive is coming under attack from a new breed of storage based on flash memory. The first laptops based on these new solid-state disks have hit the market, promising more speed, greater reliability, and more compact designs. For the time being, SSDs are much more expensive than conventional drives but the gap will narrow. And in the meantime, expect to see Windows Vista PCs using hybrid storage that combines flash with a conventional drive for improved performance Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:01 -0400 7:18 computers, memory, hard drives, flash, SSD, performance, Windows, Vista http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_31_07.mp3 A sweet and simple camcorder Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_24_07.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom tells us why the Flip camcorder from Pure Digital is an example of the terrific simplicity that can be achieved when a product is designed for a single purpose Thu, 24 May 2007 00:00:01 -0400 6:08 camcorder, consumer, Flip, video, software, camera, video recorder http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_24_07.mp3 You can take this smartphone across all borders Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_17_07.htm Globe-trotting BlackBerry users who prefer Verizon's wireless service--and there are many of them--have had to put up with service blackouts outside North America. The new BlackBerry 8830 World Edition lets them have their cake and eat it, too. At home, it runs on Verizon's CDMA voice and high-speed data network. Abroad, the 8830 magically morphs into a Vodafone GSM handset for voice and solid, although slower, data. You need never miss an e-mail again Thu, 17 May 2007 00:00:01 -0400 7:23 BlackBerry, Verizon, CDMA, GSM, smartphone, global high-speed data, network, wireles, vodafone, e-mail http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_17_07.mp3 Innovate!Europe 2007 Conference Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_10_07.htm BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom talks to GuideWire's Cathy Brooks at the Innovate!Europe conference in Zaragoza, Spain. They discuss the changes in the European market over the last three years as well as the way that failure is perceived in Europe and the U.S., the cultural nature of that perception, and its impact on innovation. And guess which two countries are most like Silicon Valley when it comes to a culture of innovation... Thu, 10 May 2007 00:00:01 -0400 8:15 innovation, technology, global, Europe, Spain, Israel, Silicon Valley, risk-averse, failure, http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_10_07.mp3 Its new printers can crank out 4x6s for15c apiece Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_03_07.htm Kodak wants to change the digital photography game with a new line of printers that dramatically lowers the cost of home printing -- in order to compete with labs. Whether or not this is a winner for Kodak, it's good news for consumers Thu, 03 May 2007 00:00:01 -0400 8:47 digital, photography, Kodak, HP, Dell, technology, imaging, pictures, cameras, film, consumers http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_03_07.mp3 A better Wi-Fi music player Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_26_07.htm BW Columnist Steve Wildstrom talks about the latest entrant to the digital music player market, the SanDisk Sansa connect, a new player that makes intelligent use of Wi-Fi connectivity. Well-designed middleware from ZING systems lets the Connect leverage Yahoo! Music Unlimited to Go's subscription music services Thu, 26 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -0400 10:28 digital music player, iPod, Apple, Yahoo!, Go, Wi-Fi, Microsoft, Zune, subscription service, studios, record companies http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_26_07.mp3 At last, an online Art House Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_19_07.htm Jaman's startup download service aims to become an online film festival for world movies and the works of independent filmmakers--the sort that don't have distribution deals with Miramax Film or Fox Searchlight Pictures. BW's Tech & You columnist, Steve Wildstrom says that for anyone looking to go beyond the greatest hits approach of iTunes, CinemaNow, and the others, Jaman is well worth a look Thu, 19 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -0400 5:21 Internet, online, video, streaming, rental, Bollywood, Hollywood, movie, theater, big screen, TV, Jammin http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_19_07.mp3 Getting into the game quickly Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_12_07.htm The increased customer interaction provided by social networking sites creates both opportunities and pitfalls for businesses. A new service called Ning provides a relatively easy way for small and medium-sized businesses to get into the game Thu, 12 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -0400 9:39 network, Web, social networking, Ning, podcast, Tech & You, user-created, small business, Internet http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_12_07.mp3 Squinting through Windows on Vulcan Portals' super-portable laptop Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_05_07.htm BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom says the FlipStart, a mini-clamshell laptop from Paul Allen's Vulcan Portals, is the best attempt so far at putting a PC into a tiny package. But for this class of product to succeed, Microsoft, an avid promoter of the ultra-mobile PC, must rethink Windows for smaller displays Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:00:01 -0400 9:32 FlipStart, Paul AllenVulcan Portals, laptop, clamshell, mobile, ultra-mobile, PC http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_05_07.mp3 Hollywood's piracy fears are stifling online video expansion Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_29_07.htm The quickly growing stock of movies and shows available for download is too scattered to allow any one service to gain traction. BW's Steve Wildstrom says the downloaded entertainment revolution is going to remain on pause until Hollywood loses its overwhelming fear of piracy Thu, 29 Mar 2007 00:00:01 -0400 9:27 digital, publishing, copyright, theft, copyright, copy, TiVo, Movielink, CinemaNow Google Video, Hollywood, studios http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_29_07.mp3 A blurry future? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_22_07.htm BW Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom screens some Apple TV. Like nearly all products coming out of Apple these days, Apple TV is brilliantly executed. It's a set-top box that lets you play content--movies, TV shows, podcasts, photos, music--from an iTunes library on a computer in your home on your television set. The problem is that you can only play iTunes content--and that leaves out an awful lot you might want to see Thu, 22 Mar 2007 00:00:01 -0400 5:42 Apple, TV, iTunes, podcast, photos, music, movies, TV Shows http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_22_07.mp3 The security program is so annoying you're likely to turn it off Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_15_07.htm BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom says that extended use of Microsoft's new operating system has failed to make some annoying features less vexing. The biggest problem is User Account control, a security feature that requests permission before installing software of changing system settings. It's an example of a good idea gone too far. And while you can turn it off, doing so compromises the security of Vista Thu, 15 Mar 2007 00:00:01 -0400 9:21 OS, Vista, Microsoft, Operating System, Windows, XP, User Account. computer, security, software, review http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_15_07.mp3 Why old-fashioned Yellow Pages can still give the Web a run for its money Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_07_07.htm BusinessWeek's Steve Wildstrom finds that search engines still have trouble locating a business inside your zip code. He tests the major Web search engines, and concludes that you're better off using alternative sites to find local information Wed, 07 Mar 2007 23:00:01 -0500 9:50 web search Google Local Ask.com City MSN Live Yahoo maps businesses services http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_08_07.mp3 Gliding to a new software future Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_28_07.htm Much hyped, Web-based software is becoming a serious competitor to conventional desktop applications. Glide OS 2.0 from Transmedia tries to replace most software with Web-based equivalents. It may be too ambitious, but it points to an interesting future Wed, 28 Feb 2007 23:00:01 -0500 5:19 software web based apps applications Glide OS 2.0 Transmedia http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_01_07.mp3 A sweeter fruit from RIM Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_21_07.htm When it introduced the Pearl last fall, Research In Motion brought some style to its competent but rather stodgy BlackBerry handheld. The new BlackBerry 8800 inherits many of the features of the more consumer-oriented Pearl, including the shiny black and silver look and the little pearl-like trackball that replaces the traditional BlackBerry scroll wheel. But the 8800 includes a full keyboard, which makes it a powerful e-mail machine Wed, 21 Feb 2007 23:00:01 -0500 9:28 RIM, Blackberry 8800 telephony messaging e-mail wireless keyboard pearl http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_22_07.mp3 Why sticky notes are still the champ Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_14_07.htm An electronic family communication center has long been the dream of the PC industry, and the latest manifestation is the Hewlett-Packard TouchSmart IQ770. This is a very nice all-in-one PC with some specialized applications designed to let family members share information easily. But it's not likely to replace the note stuck to the refrigerator as the family messaging system Wed, 14 Feb 2007 23:00:01 -0500 9:36 HP family kitchen sticky notes home computer Hewlett-Packard messaging http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_15_07.mp3 Integrated PC security software Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_07_07.htm Windows Vista represents a considerable advance in the security of Microsoft operating systems, but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Whether you are running Vista or XP, you are going to need additional software to protect your computer from the bad guys on the Net. Changes in both software and the common types of attacks increasingly argue for a single integrated tool to provide antivirus, antispyware, and firewall protection, and Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom thinks Norton Internet Security 2007 is the best of the current crop Windows Vista represents a considerable advance in the security of Microsoft operating systems, but that doesn't mean you can let your guard down. Whether you are running Vista or XP, you are going to need additional software to protect your computer from the bad guys on the Net. Changes in both software and the common types of attacks increasingly argue for a single integrated tool to provide antivirus, antispyware, and firewall protection, and Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom thinks Norton Internet Security 2007 is the best of the current crop Wed, 07 Feb 2007 23:00:01 -0500 12:25 Vista XP software protection computers Microsoft Windows net internet virus antivirus worms hack hack software attacks http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_08_07.mp3 Vista gets the Tablet laptop --finally-- looking up Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_31_07.htm The Tablet PC languished in the four years since Microsoft introduced it. With the release of Vista, Tablet software is getting deserved improvements, and PC manufacturers are responding with interesting Tablet laptops. Some features could become standard Wed, 31 Jan 2007 23:00:01 -0500 9:51 Tablet PC text recognition Microsoft laptop Hewlett-Packard Pavilion tx1000 toshiba Portege r400 Jane Lenovo ThinkPad X60 Tablet ThinkPad X60 Windows Vista xp Tablet pc Edition 2005 http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_01_07.mp3 Juicing up the home network Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_24_07.htm The increasing use of video on home networks is creating more demand for speed than Wi-Fi systems can deliver. A new version of an old technology, data over power lines, may provide the answer. Homeplug AV and Powerline HD, provide enough bandwidth to send high quality video around your home Wed, 24 Jan 2007 23:00:01 -0500 11:03 Wi-Fi system technology powerline networking Homeplug AV Powerline HDbandwidth video home network http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_25_07.mp3 Your travel pal Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_17_07.htm Plunging prices and rising quality have made navigation devices based on the global positioning system indispensable for travelers. Many mobile phone handsets now include GPS circuitry, and subscription navigation services do a more than respectable job. Dedicated systems that mount on your car's windshield or dashboard are a step up and are available for as little as $200 Wed, 17 Jan 2007 23:00:01 -0500 11:06 GPS technology travel navigation device satellite mobile handset car businessweek podcast steve wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_18_07.mp3 New Security Features in Windows Vista Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_10_07.htm Some of the safety features in the Microsoft Vista operating system will probably make you feel annoyed. But don't mess with them -- they're actually good for you, says BW technology columnist Steve Wildstrom Wed, 10 Jan 2007 23:00:01 -0500 12:16 vista technology security microsoft businessweek podcast steve wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_11_07.mp3 Ready or not, here it comes Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_03_07.htm The most dramatic change in Microsoft's flagship product in more than a decade, Vista is very pretty to look at, but its real significance lies in the underlying improvements in Windows security, says BW's Steve Wildstrom Wed, 03 Jan 2007 23:00:01 -0500 12:55 Microsoft MSN Windows Office Apple Leopard OSX http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_04_07.mp3 Change for change's sake? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_27_06.htm With its 15-year legacy, Microsoft's Office has high expectations to meet. BW columnist Steve Wildstrom reviews the latest version of the software. He gives high marks to the way commands are grouped, but also has some reservations about the new product Wed, 27 Dec 2006 23:00:01 -0500 12:50 software Windows Vista Microsoft Office OS Operating System http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_28_06.mp3 Vista and Leopard may grab some headlines, but Web-based programs are sure to create major buzz in '07 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_13_06.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says it doesn't take much of a fortune-teller to predict the big tech news of 2007. Early next year Microsoft will finally roll out Vista and a major overhaul of Microsoft Office. And probably before spring Apple will release Leopard, the latest version of OS X. But these new releases may be dinosaurs, because the action is moving to the Web Wed, 13 Dec 2006 23:00:01 -0500 12:19 Microsoft MSN Windows Office Apple Leopard OSX http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_14_06.mp3 The Quiet HD Transition Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_06_06.htm Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom talks about HD radio. While television is making a highly publicized transition to digital, high-definition broadcasts, a much quieter transition is underway to HD radio. The big advantage of the new standard is better sound quality, with digital FM sounding nearly as good as CDs and digital AM approaching standard FM quality. The digital transition also gives broadcasters the ability to send out two or three channels in their existing bandwidth. But limited availability of receivers and poor programming put a damper on the appeal of HD radio Wed, 06 Dec 2006 23:00:01 -0500 10:09 HD radio technology steve wildstrom businessweek digital transition high-definition television http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_07_06.mp3 GreatCall Jitterbug & the HP Printing Mailbox Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_29_06.htm Many high-tech products are far too complicated for most people, and that makes them doubly intimidating -- and useless -- to many older folks who are uncomfortable with technology. Two new products, the GreatCall Jitterbug phone and the HP Printing Mailbox, address themselves to this market by offering maximum simplicity and the relatively low cost of very limited features Wed, 29 Nov 2006 23:00:01 -0500 9:14 technology GreatCall Jitterbug HP Printing Mailbox seniors accessability phone telecom e-mail gaming BusinessWeek technology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_30_06.mp3 It's here. Now what? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_22_06.htm Though quantities are severely limited, Sony's PlayStation 3 has finally arrived. It's an impressive technical achievement, with graphics that are better than anything seen before in a game console. But is that enough to ensure a payoff for Sony? The company has struggled due to its severely underdeveloped networking capabilities. And the economics of the PS3 are daunting Wed, 22 Nov 2006 23:12:01 -0500 6:49 Sony PlayStation 3 game console PS3 XBox Microsoft gaming BusinessWeek technology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_23_06.mp3 Elbowing into Q Territory Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_15_06.htm Not surprisingly, the success of Motorola's thin and inexpensive Q smartphone is inspiring competition. Versions of a couple of competitors that have been available for a while in Europe and Asia have landed on North American shores. Cingular is offering the Nokia E62, a full-keyboard smartphone based on the Symbian operating system. It can easily hook up to corporate e-mail systems using BlackBerry Connect or Good Messaging Service. The more consumer-oriented T-Mobile Dash, also known as the HTC Excalibur, can get data using both T-Mobile's network and Wi-Fi hot spots Wed, 15 Nov 2006 23:12:01 -0500 10:54 Nokia E62 HTC Excalibur Motorola Q smartphone Cingular Blackberry Connect Good Messaging Service hotspots Wi-Fi BusinessWeek technology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_16_06.mp3 Too little, too late? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_08_06.htm The new Zune music player and service is Microsoft's latest attempt to win a share of the market dominated by the iPod and the iTunes store. Its main distinction: a wireless connection that allows Zune owners to share music Wed, 08 Nov 2006 23:00:01 -0500 14:37 Microsoft Zune Apple iPod iTunes music digital download rights Marketplace audio movie video share businessweek wildstrom podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_09_06.mp3 Most of IE 7's new features are already available on Firefox Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_01_06.htm BW Columnist Steve Wildstrom wonders why it took Microsoft so long to launch IE 7, especially now that it must confront challengers like Firefox Wed, 01 Nov 2006 23:00:01 -0500 14:11 browser Firefox Internet Explorer IE 7 tech technology update software businessweek wildstrom podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_02_06.mp3 Copy protection schemes pose a daunting challenge Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_26_06.htm The Hewlett Packard Media Vault is a big disk drive, 300 gigabytes or more, that you can hang directly on your network, and HP has done a good job of making it accessible from any computer on the net. Considering the huge and growing size of video downloads, music, and photos, this is a great idea. But the digital rights management schemes used to protect commercial content, especially movies and TV shows, make the Media Vault a lot less useful than it might be Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:01 -0400 10:53 media technology HP Hewlett Packard Vault gigabytes network businessweek wildstrom podcast http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_26_06.mp3 A smarter math machine Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_26_06.htm Teaching math is heading into a back-to-basics phase. But while excessive reliance on technology might be partly responsible for declining skills, the Casio ClassPad 300 Plus, a new type of calculator, can enhance the understanding of math Thu, 26 Oct 2006 00:00:01 -0400 5:15 technology math smart school education casio classpad calculator businessweek business steve wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_28_06.mp3 What do you get with a $75 mouse? All those zippy functions Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_19_06.htm You can get a perfectly serviceable mouse for $15, so what do you get if you spend upwards of $75? In a couple of words: features and customization. New cordless mice from Microsoft and Logitech represent the state of the art. The MX Revolution from Logitech is the most interesting, featuring a new kind of scroll wheel that lets you move through through a document one click at a time or in a free-wheeling mode that lets you zip through the longest spreadsheets Thu, 19 Oct 2006 00:00:01 -0400 9:41 mice Microsoft Logitech cordless mouse MX Revolution podcast BusinessWeek Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_19_06.mp3 Beware the high-tech ballot Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_12_06.htm Chances are great that Americans will face widespread problems when they go to cast their ballots on Nov. 7. Not because of the much-publicized vulnerability of electronic voting systems to hackers, serious as they might be, but because we have unwisely deployed technology without the training and systems needed to make it work effectively. As a result, overworked and undertrained election officials make mistakes, and chaos ensues Thu, 12 Oct 2006 00:00:01 -0400 11:20 steve wildstrom Technology e-vote democracy digital voting machine vulnerability hacking election election official high-tech http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_12_06.mp3 Gutenberg 1, Sony 0 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_05_06.htm While far better than the monochrome displays on earlier e-books in both appearance and power consumption, the Sony Reader falls short of real print on paper Thu, 05 Oct 2006 00:00:01 -0400 10:10 e-books Sony Reader Amazon ebooks.connect.com MIT Connect Bookstore books bestseller search engine review businessweek business steve wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_05_06.mp3 Keeping downloaded movies out of the mainstream Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_21_06.htm The availability of movies and other entertainment for download from the Internet is growing daily, but getting that content to television sets, which is where most people want to watch it, remains a daunting challenge. Part of the problem is that the technology isn't quite there. But the bigger issue is the reluctance of the Hollywood studios to take the plunge into the digital era Thu, 21 Sep 2006 00:00:01 -0400 6:55 technology podcast streaming movies production dvd video mainstream downloads businessweek steve wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_21_06.mp3 With the equivalent of a V-12 engine, this media powerhouse is cheaper than a tricked-out Dell Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_14_06.htm Who needs the computing equivalent of a V-12 engine? Creative professionals: graphic artists, photographers, musicians, and video- and filmmakers, along with scientists, designers, and engineers. But Tech & You Columnist Steve Wildstrom says the Mac Pro also holds great appeal for serious amateurs Thu, 14 Sep 2006 00:00:01 -0400 5:45 Apple Mac Pro creative professionals graphic artists photographers musicians video filmmakers scientists designers engineers technology podcast Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_14_06.mp3 BlackBerry's First Stab at Fun Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_07_06.htm RIM BlackBerrys are corporate icons. But no one has ever accused them of being fun or stylish. BW Columnist Steve Wildstrom reviews the new BlackBerry Pearl, which crams a small keyboard, a camera, and a media player into a package the size of a standard candy-bar phone Thu, 07 Sep 2006 00:00:01 -0400 7:03 RIM Research In Motion BlackBerry T-Mobile Pearl wireless cell phone PDA technology podcast Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_07_06.mp3 Lithium-ion batteries are potential incendiaries, but they're all we've got Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_31_06.htm The recall of nearly 6 million Dell and Apple laptop batteries brought to light what has long been the tech industry's dirty little secret: The batteries that power our laptops, wireless phones, iPods, and cameras are potential incendiaries, says BusinessWeek's Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 7:08 lithium ion batteries Dell Apple iPod polymer Sony technology podcast Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_31_06.mp3 LEGO Mindstorms NXT to the rescue Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_24_06.htm BusinessWeek's Tech & You columnist, Steve Wildstrom, thinks that LEGO's enhanced Mindstorms kit could help spark an early interest in science and serve as an antidote to today's popular high-tech toys and shoot-em-up video games Thu, 24 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 7:08 Microsoft Intel pc electronics Apple iPod Internet Explorer hardware software robots computers video games LEGO Mindstorms science technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_24_06.mp3 The single standard in Europeean wireless telephony is a good thing Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_17_06.htm It's an article of faith in the tech industry that competition is good for everyone. But the history of the PC provides a good illustration of where competition works for consumers and where it doesn't. In part two of a two-part podcast, BusinessWeek Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that the wireless coverage is so reliable in Europe because they made a decision early on to build to the same GSM standard Thu, 17 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 4:47 Microsoft Intel pc electronics Apple iPod Internet Explorer hardware software consumers free market Silicon Valley technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_17_06.mp3 Simple choices helped popularize computers Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_10_06.htm It's an article of faith in the tech industry that competition is good for everyone. But the history of the PC provides a good illustration of where competition works for consumers and where it doesn't. In part one of a two-part podcast, BusinessWeek Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says that the pressure to squeeze out every penny of cost yields PCs as commoditized as wheat or cement Thu, 10 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 9:36 Microsoft Intel pc electronics Apple iPod Internet Explorer hardware software consumers free market Silicon Valley technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_10_06.mp3 Satellite radio to go Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_03_06.htm Popular for cars and to some degree homes as well, satellite radio hasn't been able to make a go of it for mobile units. Two new, nearly identical XM2Go receivers neatly address the problem. The Samsung Helix and Pioneer Inno add interesting capabilities: You can use them to record music broadcast by XM to be played back whenever you like, and you can mix recorded XM music with MP3 digital recordings from your computer Thu, 03 Aug 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:12 satellite radio Samsung Helix Pioneer Inno XM2Go Sirious XM music MP3 copyright technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_03_06.mp3 Where's the Microsoft hype machine? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_27_06.htm Six months before the release of a major new operating system, you would expect the Microsoft hype machine to be running at full buzz. But there's a curious lack of anticipation in the runup to Windows Vista, which Microsoft says will ship early in 2007. That's partly because PCs and their software are maturing. But it also reflects a lack of truly compelling new features in Vista, says BW's Steve Wildstrom Thu, 27 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 6:49 Microsoft MSFT Windows Vista operating system PCs technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_27_06.mp3 Too much Windows and not enough entertainment Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_20_06.htm The growing supply of TV shows and movies available for download on the Web amount to a good argument for a device that links the Internet and your TV. But BW Tech & You columnist Steve Wildstrom says he's growing increasingly doubtful that Microsoft's Windows XP Media Center Edition is the right way to do it. The problem: too much Windows, not enough entertainment. We need software that does its job and stays out of the way Thu, 20 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 6:06 Internet television download Microsoft Windows Media Player TV technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_20_06.mp3 Jumping the gun on High-def DVD Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_13_06.htm The most distinctive feature of Toshiba's Qosimo G35-AV650 laptop: a high-definition DVD drive. But that's probably the worst reason to buy it. Neither Toshiba's HD-DVD nor Sony's rival Blu-ray Disc is really ready for prime time. Consumers would do much better to wait until the technology matures -- and maybe until a single standard emerges Thu, 13 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 6:12 HD-DVD Toshiba Blu-ray Disc Sony Qosimo G35-AV650 high-definition technology Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_13_06.mp3 The war for the Net's future Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_06_06.htm There's more -- and less -- than meets the eye to the fight over "net neutrality" now raging in Washington, says BW's Steve Wildstrom. The two sides, basically phone and cable companies on one hand and big Internet players like Google and Microsoft on the other, want you to believe this is about freedom and innovation. But it mostly revolves around money. Fortunately, there's a way out of the swap that can protect the interests of both the big players and the public at large Thu, 06 Jul 2006 00:00:00 -0400 6:21 net neutrality phone cable companies Google Microsoft freedom Washington public Web internet Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_06_06.mp3 Look out, Microsoft Office Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_29_06.htm Since vanquishing its rivals in the 1990s, Microsoft Office has owned the market for productivity applications such as word processors and spreadsheets. But simple and free Web-based applications are presenting Gates & Co. with a real challenge in the consumer and small business markets. The outstanding new offering is Google Spreadsheets, a surprisingly full-featured upstart that can replace Microsoft Excel for many users. But the trick for the publishers of these new Web-based applications is finding a way to make money off them Thu, 29 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 12:02 Microsoft Office Word Excel Google spreadheets applications software Web internet Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_29_06.mp3 Pioneer's Inno XM2go Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_22_06.htm The new Pioneer Inno XM Satellite Radio receiver lets you listen to XMs live broadcasts and record music and shows. But the record industry has gone to court to block its sale, claiming that that by allowing recording, XM has changed its service from a broadcast to an illegal download service. Record companies are continuing the fight to sustain their outmoded business model Thu, 22 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 12:17 XM radio satellite Pioneer Inno XM2go digital music broadcast download entertainment copyright music record industry courts Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_22_06.mp3 Steve's advice to students buying a new computer Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_15_06.htm As millions of students prepare to go to college, many are thinking about what sort of computer they should take. This year, I have some new advice: For most students, the best bet is a Mac. Mac OS X is the best consumer operating system available, and it comes with an suite of excellent applications, including iPhoto, iMovie, and Garage Band. And with the move to Intel processors, Apple has closed both the performance gap and the affordability gap between Macs and Windows PCs Thu, 15 Jun 2006 00:00:00 -0400 10:23 operating system Mac iPhoto iMovie Apple Garage Band Windows PC Mac Mac OS X Intel Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_15_06.mp3 Barking Up the Right Treo Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_08_06.htm For longtime Palm fans, Windows envy is over. For the past six months or so, Palm's latest and greatest hardware, the Treo 700, has only been availalbe in a version that runs Windows Mobile. But now we have the Treo 700p from Sprint and Verizon, an all-Palm version of the 700 hardware. And there's a nice bonus: Not only does the 700p run on Sprint and Verizon's high-speed data networks, you can use it as a modem to give your laptop wireless data access as well Thu, 08 Jun 2006 00:00:10 -0400 10:31 Treo 700p 700w Palm Windows Mobile Sprint Verizon wireless modem Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_08_06.mp3 Worth the Wait Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_01_06.htm Consumers had to wait a long time for Motorolas Q to make it to market, but its finally here, with the style and panache we have come to expect from Motorola products of late. The Q breaks new ground by incorporating a full keyboard and big display -- for a handheld -- into Microsofts Windows Mobile Smartphone edition software. This version has some disadvantages -- in comparison to the more powerful Pocket PC version -- but on the whole, the Q is a winner Thu, 01 Jun 2006 10:30:00 -0400 9:04 Motorola Q Smartphone Microsofts Windows Mobile Smartphone phone wireless Pocket PC handheld Steve Wildstrom Tech & You BusinessWeek column http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_01_06.mp3 Cheaper and easier than ever Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_25_06.htm Skype, the free computer-to-computer phone service owned by eBay, also offers a cheap way to make calls to conventional phones, especially for international callers. A couple of new USB accessories make it very easy to turn your laptop into a high-quality Skype speakerphone. And in a bid to increase its presence in the U.S. market, Skype is offering free calls to any phone in North America for the rest of the year Thu, 25 May 2006 00:00:01 -0400 9:04 Skype eBay telephony computer-to-computer computer-to-phone long distance calling Europe North America Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_25_06.mp3 Can governments do it? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_18_06.htm This week's podcast, featuring BW's Steve Wildstrom, originates at the Innovate!Europe 2006 conference in Zaragosa, Spain. It is conventional wisdom in the U.S. that government efforts to spur innovative businesses are doomed to failure. That belief is not shared in the Autonomous Region of Aragon in Spain, where the governments of the region and the capital city of Zaragosa are working to promote innovation in energy production and other businesses -- apparently with some success Thu, 18 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400 6:14 Innovate!Europe 2006 Zaragosa Spain innovation energy Aragon government business Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_18_06.mp3 Talking to your laptop and handheld Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_11_06.htm After receiving a lot of hype in the late 1990s, speech recognition software seemed to have gone into a long hibernation. But it never went away, and it remained the object of intense research in industrial and academic laboratories. After BW's Steve Rosenbush spent a day catching up with the latest in speech technology at IBM's Thomas J. Watson Research Center, he discovered the technology is much improved -- and poised for a comeback on laptops and handheld devices Thu, 11 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:07 speech technology recognition Thomas J. Watson Research Center computer PDA handheld laptop research Via Voice IBM Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_11_06.mp3 Samsung's Ultra-Mobile PC, the Q1 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_04_06.htm In "An Itsy-Bitsy Problem," BW's Peter Elstrom interviews Tech and You columnist Stephen H. Wildstrom about the new Q1 from Samsung, the first product to incorporate a Microsoft-Intel design called the ultra-mobile PC. Its small, but it has two big drawbacks. One is a $1,099 price tag. The other is that its Windows XP software just doesnt work very well on its 7-inch widescreen display. For the UMPC to succeed, it will need software specifically designed to work on small displays Thu, 04 May 2006 00:00:00 -0400 9:48 Microsoft Windows XP Vista virtual machines operating systems technology crashes music video servers modularity code programming PC Intel Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_05_04_06.mp3 Software-based virtual computing Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_27_06.htm Early next year, when Microsoft celebrates the release of its much delayed update of Windows, called Vista, it will probably mark the end of the road for Windows as an all-in-one operating system. Projects on the scale of the systemupdating and writing tens of millions of lines of interlocking codeare becoming impossible to debug fully. Windows will make money for Microsoft for a long time, but theres a better way to build such software. Technology exists that can divide a large and complex operating system into a number of smaller, simpler units that run on one computer but function independently of each other. To the user, it will look much like todays software, but it will be less prone to glitches, crashes, and attacks Thu, 27 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400 8:45 Microsoft Windows XP Vista virtual machines operating systems technology crashes music video servers modularity code programming PC Intel Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_27_06.mp3 Apple computers can now run Windows XP Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_20_06.htm Apple Computer caused a huge stir in early April when it released software called Boot Camp that lets Windows XP run on new Intel-powered Macs. Apple's stock even got a 10% pop. Despite the program's elegance, it's the wrong solution for the many people who might like to buy a Mac but need to run an occasional Windows program. There's a better way Thu, 20 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:21 Apple Mac Boot Camp Windows XP Microsft Virtual PC Intel Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_20_06.mp3 It's finally getting there Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_13_06.htm Disney's Apr. 10 announcement that it was making an assortment of current ABC Television shows available for streaming on the Web was the latest in a string of deals bringing real television to the Internet. We are even seeing the first bit of high-definition television from aggregator Akimbo. But for Internet television to become truly mainstream, two things have to happen. Viewers need a unified source of programming information, sort of a TV Guide for the Web. And most importantly, we need a way to get the programming from computers to TV sets, which is where most people want to watch it Thu, 13 Apr 2006 00:00:00 -0400 11:11 televison TV Web Internet Akimbo high-definition high-speed streaming Disney ABC Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_13_06.mp3 Antipiracy safeguards' problems Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_06_06.htm Antipiracy safeguards embedded in digital TV programming create a new set of problems for those trying to hook up TV cables. The problem stems from restrictive antipiracy measures imposed by companies that own the content. At best, the transition to HDTV was going to be confusing for consumers. But the piracy safeguards embedded in the hardware make it much more complicated, according to BusinessWeek's Tech & You columnist, Steve Wildstrom Thu, 06 Apr 2006 10:30:00 -0400 12:16 Antipiracy digital TV television HDTV Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_04_06_06.mp3 High-quality tunes on the go Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_30_06.htm Many folks who listen to digital music have a large collection and treasure the freedom to dip into it wherever they choose. Two new products, the Roku SoundBridge Radio and the Apple iPod Hi-Fi, offer relatively inexpensive ways to enjoy tunes -- with high-quality sound -- on the go. BusinessWeek's Tech and You columnist, Steve Wildstrom, tries both and gives us his report Thu, 30 Mar 2006 09:30:00 -0500 7:36 digital music Apple Roku SoundBridge Apple iPod Hi-Fi high fidelity Steve Wildstrom Technology & You http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_30_06.mp3 Cell-phone or Wi-Fi networks, which to use? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_22_06.htm Now that nearly every new laptop comes equipped with Wi-Fi, it seems you should be able to plunk your computer down just about anywhere, log on to a wireless network, and get to work. Alas, it's not that simple, because Wi-Fi is neither ubiquitous nor always cheap. That's why new PCs that use both very fast cell-phone networks and Wi-Fi are attractive. But which service is the right one for you? BusinessWeek's Tech and You columnist, Steve Wildstrom helps you choose Wed, 22 Mar 2006 23:00:00 -0500 11:22 Sprint Cingular Verizon broadband access wireless laptop cell-phone networks PC http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_23_06.mp3 Apple's MacBook and Mini Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_15_06.htm Apple is continuing to push the conversion of its line to Intel processors, introducing two Intel-powered minis and the MacBook, the successor to the 15-inch PowerBook G4. Because these models are skipping forward a full processor generation, they show much more impressive performance gains than the iMac introduced earlier this year. And they both display a lot of typical, nice Apple touches: a breakaway power cord and an iSight camera in the MacBook, Front Row software, and easy connections to a TV in the minis Wed, 15 Mar 2006 23:00:00 -0500 8:44 Apple Mac Intel MacBook Mini PowerBook G4 software Front Row iSight http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_14_06.mp3 Finally, an armored Explorer Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_08_06.htm Back in the mid-1990s, security experts warned Microsoft that integrating a Web browser deeply into Windows was a mistake. A decade and countless security vulnerabilities later, Microsoft is tacitly conceding the critics had it right. The new version of Internet Explorer to be released as part of the Vista version of Windows this fall -- and separately for Windows XP -- loses much of the privileged relationship with Windows that the Microsoft browser has long enjoyed Wed, 08 Mar 2006 23:00:00 -0500 11:03 Vista internet Explorer Windows security software integration Microsoft browser XP http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_07_06.mp3 The final frontier Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_03_01_06.htm The explosive growth of digital media means that PC disk drives with 60 or even 100 gigabytes -- which once seemed limitless -- are filling up. Fortunately, there are solutions that both solve your storage problems and make sharing content on a home network much simpler Wed, 01 Mar 2006 23:00:00 -0500 7:54 network storage Maxtor Shared Storage Plus Digital Living Alliance hard drive IBM Tivoli continous Data Protection Memeo AutoBackup PC computers file sharing Vibe http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_28_06.mp3 HDTV moves to the next level Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_22_06.htm High-definition and digital TV are already vastly confusing for consumers. Now laypeople will have even more furrowed brows. Get ready for a new HD standard called 1080p -- and for a war between two contenders that both want to distinguish themselves as the next-generation high-def DVD. Combining the best of the two most popular HD standards, 1080p provides both very high resolution of larger displays and the ability to handle rapid action well. The problem: No 1080p content is available and probably wont be until settlement of the DVD format fight. Still, if you're buying a display larger than 40 inches, getting one capable of a 1080p display might serve as good future insurance Wed, 22 Feb 2006 23:00:00 -0500 8:50 High-definition digital television HD standard 1080p high resolution 1080p content DVD http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_21_06.mp3 Aiming for a Pest-Free PC Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_15_06.htm The job of keeping a home PC free of viruses, spyware, and other pests has become overwhelming for many consumers. Even when assembled into "suites," users are faced with an assortment of programs, each designed to deal with a specific threat. And configuring them properly often requires knowledge far beyond that available to most nonprofessionals. But things are improving. A startup called TrustELI provides hardware and service to manage the security of a home network on a wireless router. And security heavyweights are moving toward better integrated and more managed solutions Wed, 15 Feb 2006 23:00:00 -0500 7:44 data security Internet Net privacy hacking technology anonymous non-personally identifiable information Web site security PC home network TrustELI http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_14_06.mp3 Your data, naked on the Net Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_08_06.htm Web sites know a lot more about you than you probably realize. Mostly, site owners care about the aggregate behavior of users -- and are not out to invade your privacy. But two factors threaten what remains of privacy: First, improvments in technology may make it possible for others to identify you as an individual out of snippets of "nonpersonally identifiable" data. Second, the government's growing appetite for information about people's Web behavior might trump any site's privacy pledges Wed, 08 Feb 2006 23:00:00 -0500 8:11 data security Internet Net privacy hacking technology anonymous non-personally identifiable information Web site http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_07_06.mp3 Apple gets Intel inside Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_02_01_06.htm At first glance, and even after you have used it for a while, the newest iMac seems almost identical to the version released last fall. The similarity is amazing for a machine that has undergone a brain transplant, going from an IBM PowerPC G5 to an Intel Core Duo. Because the Intel chip uses entirely different instructions than the G5, Apple had to work some software magic through a remarkable technology called Rosetta. Its not perfect, but it comes pretty close Wed, 01 Feb 2006 23:00:00 -0500 8:53 Apple Intel IBM PowerPC G5 Core Duo Rosetta software hardware technology http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_31_06.mp3 Two brains are better than one Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_25_06.htm BW's Steve Wildstrom discusses the newest Intel processor, the Core Duo, designed to narrow the growing performance gap between desktops and laptops. Like the desktop Pentium D released last year, the Core Duo puts two processors on a single chip, gaining a better trade-off between performance on the one hand, and cooling requirements and power consumption on the other. But no one can determine for sure what impact it will have on battery life -- or the ideal configuration for laptop buyers looking forward to the release of Windows Vista this fall Wed, 25 Jan 2006 23:00:00 -0500 8:06 Intel, processor, hardware, desktop, laptop, Vista, Microsoft, Pentium D, Windows Core Duo http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_24_06.mp3 The easiest, smartest GPS yet Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_18_06.htm Add-on car navigation systems have improved greatly and the nuvi 300 from Garmin stands out as the slickest yet, says BW columnist Steve Wildstrom. The biggest difference between the new products and older version is that very fast GPS systems can get a location fix very quickly while speedy processors take just seconds to generate new directions if you deviate from the suggested route. At $900, the nuvi is expensive, but offers some very nice features. Its just about the size of a deck of cards, so you can remove it from the car and slip it into your pocket, and an optional talking phrase book and travel guide can enhance its value Wed, 18 Jan 2006 23:00:00 -0500 7:43 GPS systems Garmin nuvi 300 travel terrestrial locator technology satellite navigation location http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_17_06.mp3 Fade to black Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_11_06.htm When Congress returns at the end of this month, one of its first acts will be to give final approval to a bill that sets Feb. 17, 2009 as the date when broadcast television stations in the U.S. will go all digital, abandoning the analog technology they have been using for the past 60 years. But most U.S. TV viewers will never notice, because they get their signals from cable or satellite, not from over-the-air broadcasts. The new rules will affect you, though, if you are looking to buy a new TV in the next couple of years. Cheap analog-only CRTs are disappearing fast. But the good news is that the cost of new flat panel sets i8s continuing to plunge Wed, 11 Jan 2006 23:00:00 -0500 11:16 digital TV analog 2009 broadcast television congress flat panels CRT http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_10_06.mp3 Better Windows from Palm Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_04_06.htm Palm has unveiled the much-anticipated Windows-based Treo 700w, and it looks like a very impressive piece of work, says BW's Steve Wildstrom. The company took full advantage of its license to modify the Windows Mobile software -- hence producing the first Pocket PC whose stylus will almost never leave its storage slot. Now available from Verizon Wireless, Treo 700w should be offered by other carriers later in the year Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:00:00 -0500 7:26 700w Treo Windows Mobile Pocket PC Verizon Wireless Palm http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_03_06.mp3 There's no need to panic Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_01_03_06.htm With negotiations to settle a patent infringement case stalled, theres still a possibility that a judge could shut down Research In Motions BlackBerry mobile e-mail service. But there's good news for millions of BlackBerry addicts: A number of existing alternatives can keep the e-mail flowing to mobile workers -- whether individuals, employees of small or medium-size businesses, or part of large-scale corporate deployments Tue, 03 Jan 2006 23:00:00 -0500 10:01 RIM Research in Motion mobile e-mail service Blackberry settlement patent http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_27_05.mp3 Why Microsoft's next version of Windows matters Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_27_05.htm Microsoft's Windows Vista, the new version of Windows due out at the end of 2006, has received poor reviews from a number of observers. The primary reason: Microsoft has dumped some major planned features it couldnt finish if it wanted to make its shipping deadline. But Vista is still going to prove itself a crucial development for both business and home computer users. It makes some highly significant changes in the security architecture of Windows -- which should produce safer and more reliable computing. But it remains unclear as to what sort of hardware users will need to take full advantage of Vista Tue, 27 Dec 2005 23:00:00 -0500 10:40 software operating system OS Microsoft Windows Vista Bill Gates personal pc Intel home computer computers hardware http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_20_05.mp3 Hardware and software advances in 2006 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_13_05.htm The last few years have looked pretty dull in PC-land. Faster and cheaper is nice, but it's been a long time since any real breakthroughs in PC hardware or software came to the market. Next year should prove different. It will begin with the announcement of the first Apple PCs to run on Intel processors. And toward the end of 2006, Microsoft will roll out Windows Vista, the first big change in the look and feel of Windows in a decade. I suspect that both developments will have greater lasting importance than is immediately apparent. The new Mac could position Apple to play a major role in the digital home of the future, and Vista could provide major improvements in the security and reliability of personal computing Tue, 13 Dec 2005 23:00:00 -0500 9:45 software operating system OS Mac Windows hardware media center Apple Microsoft processor http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_13_05.mp3 Just let us play the movie Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_13_05.htm Sony BMG's fiasco with copy-protection software reveals enormous pitfalls in content owners' plans to prevent piracy through digital-rights management (DRM). But DRM is essential to making the content available, and there are ways to do it right. To make the revolution in digital media a success, rights management must be based on standards. It should be interoperable, so that users can play all types of content on all devices. Above all, it should be designed with the consumers' needs in mind Tue, 13 Dec 2005 23:00:00 -0500 9:58 piracy digital asset management rights copyright copying music protection movies DVD interoperability standards Apple http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_12_07_05.mp3 There's a new game in town Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_30_05.htm The Xbox 360 takes console gaming to a new level. With high-definition video, the best Xbox 360 games approach cinematic realism. But the Xbox means more to Microsoft than games -- it seeks to dominate the digital living room of the future. Here the device falls short, as it's too noisy to serve as a primary media player and is saddled with all the flaws of Microsoft's Media Center PC Wed, 30 Nov 2005 22:59:00 -0500 11:18 classical music digital download symphonic chamber player Symphony Olive Media Products http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_29_05.mp3 A system that respects classical music Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_23_05.htm Classical music lovers are a small but passionate segment of the music-buying population, but many feel left out of the digital revolution. The pickings at online music stores are sparse, and the quality of downloadable recordings is not acceptable to serious listeners. Olive Media Products hopes to change all that with its $899 Symphony, a digital music player designed for classical listening Wed, 23 Nov 2005 10:59:00 -0500 8:53 classical music digital download symphonic chamber player Symphony Olive Media Products http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_22_05.mp3 Assistive technologies go mainstream Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_16_05.htm For years, an assortment of technologies designed to let people with disabilities use computers effectively have been available, but at the high cost dictated by the relatively small market. Now that the oldest baby boomers are hitting 60 and increasingly vulnerable to the infirmities of aging, a niche market is going mainstream. BW's Steve Wildstrom takes a look at some technologies that can help with a variety of sensory and motor problems, including a new generation of Microsoft mice with built-in screen magnifiers, a mouse that can filter out tremors, and a system that can create on-the-fly captions for video Wed, 16 Nov 2005 10:59:00 -0500 6:09 crash data duplicate file defective http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_15_05.mp3 RIM's new fruit Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_09_05.htm BW's Steve Wildstrom discusses the challenges faced by the BlackBerry. Although it has produced a hugely popular product, RIM -- manufacturer of the device -- has much new competition. A number of e-mail service providers now compete with BlackBerry service. Microsoft is readying new wireless capabilities that some execs call a BlackBerry killer. And RIM is enmeshed in a patent suit. Fortunately, the company has a promising new handheld in the works Wed, 09 Nov 2005 10:59:00 -0500 10:59 crash data duplicate file defective http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_11_08_05.mp3 The way to a Google Office Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_20_05.htm There may be more than meets the eye to the recently announced strategic relationship between Google and Sun Microsystems. Google clearly is itching to challenge Microsoft on the desktop. Of course, there are still daunting technical and business challenges ahead Thu, 20 Oct 2005 11:59:00 -0400 10:15 crash data duplicate file defective http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_18_05.mp3 A big leap for small windows Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_13_05.htm With Windows Mobile 5, Microsoft significantly narrows the gap between the Pocket PC Phone Edition and rival devices such as Treos and BlackBerrys. A new Treo built on Microsoft's software, and due from Verizon Wireless early next year, should finish the job Thu, 13 Oct 2005 11:59:00 -0400 8:47 crash data duplicate file defective http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_11_05.mp3 Bigger displays make work life easier Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_06_05.htm What do consumers know that corporations don't? That wide-screen laptops are a really good idea. These designs now account for the overwhelming majority of laptops sold to consumers and small businesses but remain extremely rare in large enterprises. The corporate view seems to be that wide-screens are only good for movies, but I found that, in addition to being ideal for airplane use, a new breed of thin, light wide-screens are also great for traditional business applications Thu, 06 Oct 2005 15:24:00 -0400 7:04 crash data duplicate file defective http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_10_4_05.mp3 Hard drive failure Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_28_05.htm It happened to me, and sooner or later it will happen to you-hard-drive failure. But when my disk died, it was a nuisance, not a disaster because I had it backed up two different ways. And if you havent backed up but really, truly need the data, data recovery offers and expensive but potentially lifesaving alternative Wed, 28 Sep 2005 15:42:00 -0400 9:35 crash data duplicate file defective http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_9_27_05.mp3 A Treo running Windows? Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_20_05.htm Palm will soon announce a Treo that runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 5 rather than Palm OS. What does this mean for Palm and the future of handheld devices? Tue, 20 Sep 2005 16:22:00 -0400 7:21 pda windows ce palmsource phone http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_9_20_05.mp3 Electronics give boaters a new view of shore. Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_14_05.htm Time was about the only electronics you'd find on most please boats was a two-way radio. But the marine electronics revolution has drastically changed boating. State-of-the-art systems, such as the Raymarine E-series, can superimpose radar and global positioning system data on an integrated chart display, and even add satellite imagery and the phone number of dockside restaurants. But even the most sophisticated fish finder still can't guarantee catching anything Wed, 14 Sep 2005 10:05:00 -0400 8:57 gps cell computer boat sailing boating http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_9_13_05.mp3 Carriers are catering to youth with flashy, complicated models Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_08_05.htm An August column on simplified wireless phones for small children produced a lot of reader response wondering where similar products might be for a lot of other people who could use simpler handsets: the handicapped, the elderly, and a lot of folks who just want a simple phone to make a simple phone call. But at least in the U.S., where carriers are pursuing a youth market with ever fancier phones, the market for simplicity is badly underserved Thu, 08 Sep 2005 10:40:00 -0400 6:20 kids cell mobile easy cingular verizon t-mobile nextel sprint http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_9_06_05.mp3 Sharp-shooting camcorder generates crisp footage Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_09_01_05.htm The newest consumer camcorders offer the ability to record your own HD video. But editing it and playing it back is another matter. The editing problem is being solved, but HD sharing and playback will remain a big issue until the industry solves some fundamental problems Thu, 01 Sep 2005 12:20:00 -0400 9:27 google podcasting microsoft music peer to peer p2p maps yahoo http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_8_30_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_25_05.htm The Web is evolving rapidly in ways that make it more interesting and useful. One major development is the deployment of Web services that can be combined to create something entirely new Thu, 25 Aug 2005 00:01:00 -0400 10:10 google podcasting microsoft music peer to peer p2p maps yahoo http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_8_23_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_18_05.htm Security threats on the Internet keep getting nastier. You owe it to yourself and others to take precautions--and here's some advice on what you should do Thu, 18 Aug 2005 16:35:00 -0400 6:19 virus worms microsoft mac unix browser adware p2p http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_8_16_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_11_05.htm Computers are terrific at arithmetic, but students at all levels need help to develop the required skills. Some of our kids aren't learning the math they'll need for a successful career through their own lack of diligence or effort. But far more are being failed by professionals that are paid to know better Thu, 11 Aug 2005 16:35:00 -0400 6:48 learning education mathmatics maths teacher teaching http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_8_09_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_08_04_05.htm Parents see phones as a good way to contact kids whenever they wishin an emergency, to communicate a change of plans, and just to satisfy curiosity about here the kids are and what they are doing. A couple of companies have designed phones specifically for the grade-school set. Both the Firefly from Firefly Mobile and the TicTalk from Enfora are drastically simplified handsets that offer parents complete control over who their children can talk to and how much time the spend on the phone Thu, 04 Aug 2005 12:16:00 -0400 6:39 cell children http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_8_02_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_28_05.htm Microsoft Student 2006 is a $100 package that promises to use the power of personal computing to help students learn. But it's something of a hodgepodge, combining features of the MSN Encarta encyclopedia with an assortment of adds-ons to Microsoft Office. Parents might do more for their kids if they spend the money on some good books instead Thu, 28 Jul 2005 11:34:00 -0400 7:06 education research learning http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_7_26_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_21_05.htm Rising processing demands are causing computers to bog down even while running routine tasks such as e-mail or Web browsing. Instead of merely boosting processor speeds as in the past, Intel and AMD are bringing real relief with new chips that combine two processors on a single piece of silicon Thu, 21 Jul 2005 11:56:00 -0400 8:30 performance CPU dual core http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_7_19_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_14_05.htm Popular wisdom to the contrary notwithstanding, most of the world's knowledge is not freely available on the Web. Instead, it's hidden away in subscription-only databases or in those ancient stores of information, books. Several efforts are underway to make this content more accessible, though sometimes for a price. Steve takes a look at such services as Yahoo! Search Subscriptions, Google Scholar, Scirus, and Google Print Thu, 14 Jul 2005 15:40:00 -0400 8:42 search categorization library archive archives http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_7_12_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_07_06_05.htm Google Earth, a new free program from the ubiquitous search company, is a fascinating new way to use a PC to explore the world. The program lets you fly over a global mosaic of satellite imagery, zooming in and out of points of interest, from the Grand Canyon to your childhood home. It's not clear what Google Earth is really useful for, but it sure is fun Wed, 06 Jul 2005 10:15:00 -0400 8:32 map mapping maps globe http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_7_05_05.mp3 Steve Wildstrom http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_06_28_05.htm Digitizing vinyl LP records or tapes is a lot more difficult than ripping CDs. But if you have analog recordings that are not available on CD, preserving them in digital form may be worth the effort. Steve discusses some tools that can help you do the job Tue, 28 Jun 2005 10:15:00 -0400 10:47 music transcode digitize analog album cassette http://www.businessweek.com/mediacenter/qt/podcasts/techmaven/techandu_6_30_05.mp3