Former Google alumni launches Howcast, a web 2.0 ‘How To’ video site. For an in-depth analysis of the site Tech Crunch wrote a great story about the new site. The site, Howcast.com, is a really cool, and actually very useful version of YouTube.

So, if you see the name of the site, Howcast, and still don’t know what the site is, well, it’s an instructional video site. Sign-up is free, as it is with most web 2.0 companies. Even before you sign-up, however, you can view any videos and wiki’s available on the site. Once signed up you have access to some great other features, such as suggesting ‘how to’ topics for future videos. you can also review and rate other users suggestions. If you’re feeling particularly generous and knoledgable on a subject, you also have the ability to upload your own ‘how to’ videos, although, I guess they’re called ‘howcasts’.

A good number of the videos so far are done in house by the Howcast staff. They look very professional and polished with on-screen graphics and professional voice overs. They seem to be the best production wise, of course. I would like to see some additional features. Maybe some kind of option to include the Howcast on-screen graphics into an uploaded how to video. Maybe even some minor editing tools of some sort. Then all the videos could have some form of professionalism. That would be great.

So, if you’ve ever wanted to know how to do something or you know how to do something people need to know, Howcast.com seems to be a great new place on the web for sharing and helping.

Boom!

The newly “re-monopolized” media giant AT&T has decided, according to CNET’s new daily video news program Loaded (great supplement to Buzz Out Loud), to raise it’s DSL prices. They’re going to be raising the prices for their monthly Broadband DSL by $5/month.

Why you ask? Because of all the value you’re getting. A spokesman with AT&T is quoted saying, this price adjustment is being done in order to “better reflect the value of the broadband service and market conditions.” The price increase will only effect AT&T’s three lower-speed tiers of service. It will not only effect new customers, but all current subscribers as well.

AT&T has also said, “Even with this adjustment, our pricing still beats cable’s standard pricing across the majority of our markets,” AT&T spokesman Brad Mays said via CNET. “We’re confident that customers will see the value in the service and that we’ll continue to grow our customer base.”

I don’t know about you, but this will directly effect me as I have Bellsouth, I mean the new (more expensive) AT&T. I’m not exactly happy about this seeing as how the alternatives I have are very limited. I don’t have cable. I have satellite. No way would I get satellite broadband. This might just push me to upgrade to the premium service seeing as how the prices only effect the cheaper (now former cheaper) DLS plans.

Does this effect you? Speak up and let us know.

CNET’s News.com Article

Boom!

I just watched a video about Microsoft’s Surface touch-screen tabletop computer. It uses multi-touch technology. It’s kind of like the iPhone the way you can flip images and maximize with 2 fingers. But this is really neat because you can put your phone or camera on the surface (touch-screen tabletop) and it will recognize the device and let you select files you would like to share with any other devices on the surface. It looks really nice. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said they are trying to speed up the process after getting a lot of demand for a consumer version. Maybe it’ll be ready by spring. Maybe.

Thanks to Sparkingtech.com, CNetnews.com and Microsoft for the information.

Remember slap bracelets? Well the’re back! Chocolate Agency has created an e-paper snap bracelet. The bracelet has the ability to carry an MP4 player. The surface is a thin, high contrast display. Also since it’s a snap bracelet it has no latches or buckles just a simple magnet to hold it on. Wait I have more. It doesn’t need batteries. Two words. Kinetic Energy. As you move your arm around it charges this puppy. So with the MP4 player you should be able to show e-books, photos and videos. Don’t forget it’s a watch too. The only thing missing is the headphone jack. Grrrr.

The e-paper slap bracelet was #8 on the list of Best of January 08 on Yanko Design.

Here is the complete list:
More…

It just doesn’t have the same ring to it. Microsoft has made an official bid on the internet search and portal giant Yahoo! according to GamerNode.com. $44.6 billion dollars. Check out the details in their official press release here. On a similar note, Counteragent.com is for sale for just under that price. Eh, Microsoft? I’m just saying.

Anyway, what does this mean for you and me? Probably nothing really. Maybe some stronger competition for Yahoo and Microsoft’s nemesis Google.

The bid would offer $31 per share, which according to Microsoft, “represents a 62 percent premium above the closing price of Yahoo! common stock on Jan. 31, 2008.” Yahoo responded to the bid from M$ saying they “will evaluate this proposal carefully and promptly in the context of Yahoo!’s strategic plans and pursue the best course of action to maximize long-term value for shareholders.” Full details.

Boom!

So, Sony had announced Skype would be coming to the PSP and it’s here. Yay! Sorry, it only works on the new Slim PSPs.

Here’s the Press Release:

Skype™ communication features available

London, 30th January 2008 – Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE) today announced the immediate availability of the latest system software update for PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable). Version 3.90 will enable all owners of the new PSP Slim & Lite* to make and receive phone calls, adding a whole new raft of functionality, highlighting the true portability of PSP.

Skype™ is a little piece of software that allows users to make free calls over the internet to more than 276 million other Skype users anywhere in the world, whilst also having the ability to make cheap SkypeOut™ calls to landlines and mobile phones. With the addition of these features, alongside the ability to send and receive Skype Voicemail, PSP can now claim to be a highly cost-effective and accessible portable communications device, in addition to its entertainment credentials.

To use Skype on PSP**, users simply need to upgrade to system software 3.90, register and talk, using a headset and remote control or Go! Cam.

Also added through system software update 3.90, is the Go! Messenger icon, highlighting the commitment shown towards communications on PSP***. Although Go! Messenger will not be available until early March, the presence of the icon not only emphasises its impending arrival but also allows users to obtain more information about the feature from a dedicated website, accessed via clicking on the icon. More information about the release of Go! Messenger will be announced soon.

* The Skype functionality is available for the PSP Slim & Lite only

** To use Skype on PSP users require a suitable WiFi internet connection

*** Go! Messenger functionality will be available with all models of PSP, including Slim & Lite

Boom!

Thanks to TechCrunch for the link.

Ever wanted to know what it would be like if LOL Catz designed your favorite websites? Yeah, me too. Well, wonder no more. Thanks to the guys over at Malevolent Design you can now see exactly how a cat would design a website by using LOLinator. They use a very technical and scientific algorithm to determine exactly how a cat would design. They also employ many cats to ensure authenticity and accuracy.

You can enter any site you desire and the cats will go to work converting it to the cutest and most feline friendly site on the net. It’s a good five minutes of fun. Enjoy. Here’s Counteragent.com as designed by cats.

Boom!

The MacWorld Keynote went down today and there were some great new updates announced for the iPhone and, apparently it’s red headed step brother, the iPod Touch. Some of the updates include new arrangement features for customizing your home screen, up to 9 total home screens can be saved, on both iPhone and iPod Touch. You can also SMS multiple people at once, find your location via Google Maps and Skyhook Wireless, and Webclips can be accessed via the home screen.

Steve Jobs also showed off other new features like Lyrics, Chapters, Languages, and all the new multimedia features included in the v1.1.3 firmware update. Jobs says, “All of this is valuable today as a free software update for every iPhone.” But wait, there’s more. “But what about the iPod touch? What can we do for the touch? We decided to add five Apps to the Touch. Mail, Maps, Stocks, Notes, and Weather!” That’s great, right? Wrong! “Starting today we’re going to build it into every new iPod touch, for existing iPod touch users it’s going to be just a $20 upgrade.” See. Epic Fail.

So, let me get this straight. I can pay a mere $20 to get all five of the Apps that the iPod Touch was stripped of originally, you know the ones the iPhone comes with, or I can hack it and get all those plus a ton more, minus the $20. Hmm? That’s a hard choice. Probably the worst thing about this is that Jobs said starting today, all new iPod Touch’s they ship will come with these updates. What the heck? Do you have to pay $20 more for a new iPod Touch in the store? Let me think… NO! While this is nowhere near the amount of $200 that original iPhone user’s were outraged over paying for early adoption last year, I think it is a problem on the same level.

Epic Fail Apple! I still like my iPod Touch. I just like it hacked.

Boom!

Is Guitar Hero just too much for you? Too hard? Well, the guys over at Jada Toys have you covered with the new Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker just revealed at CES. If you’ve always dreamed of combining your passion for air guitar and actual music with sound and all, then this is for you. It’s a little amp that you attach to your belt along with a “magic” belt buckle, that not only looks totally sweet, but picks up your air guitar strumming skills and converts that into one of ten different guitar tracks.

The thing comes out in March and retails for $29.99. That’s not bad, but I have a pretty sweet air guitar that I got from a guy downtown for a lot less money. Watch the video to see it in action. Wig not included.

Here’s an excerpt from the press release: The Guitar Hero Air Guitar Rocker features patented technology which includes guitar pics and a rockin’ belt buckle that, when connected to a wearable, mini-amplifier, allows run-of-the-mill rock fans to transform into legendary guitarists. With an air guitar in hand, the user waves the pic over the belt buckle to determine the tempo of the song. The product comes with an Air Cartridge(TM) that features 10 guitar riffs, ranging in skill level from 1-5, including Black Sabbath’s “Iron Man,” Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water,” Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades,” Van Halen’s “You Really Got Me”, Boston’s “More Than a Feeling,” and five original Air Guitar Rocker freestyle riffs. Users are encouraged to listen to the demo tracks, then try to master the riffs on their own. The product can also be connected to external speakers to really rock the house!

Thanks to GearLog for the video.

Boom!

Bill Gate’s gave his last keynote CES earlier tonight. How was it? What giant revelations did he have? Is he still as boring and un-charismatic as ever? Read on to find out. Oh, but yeah, he still can’t deliver on the charisma thing.

It all started with some of the crappiest music I could endure, Paulson, whatever. That led into the much hyped reveal of Mr. President and CEO of CES, Gary Shapiro, yeah no Gates yet. Once he was done pimping CES he introduced Bill Gates. (Note: this is his 12th and final CES). The Xbox was announced at CES some years ago, as well as a number of big Microsoft products. Mr. Gates walks onto stage to a funky remix of the ‘If you believe in magic’. He starts with talk about hopes and dreams. The technologies that have grown in the past few years.

It’s all about the first “Digital Decade”. He claims all media will be software, not hardware driven in the future. All about customizing your experience wherever you are. The TV meeting the Internet, i.e. their very own Windows Media Center.

Holy crap, then they did this crappy montage, skit thing about what Bill Gates last day will be like. I think they’re trying to make him lovable or something before he goes. They had him rapping with Jay-Z, working out with Matthew McConaughey , rocking out with Rock Band while on the phone with U2 singer Bono. Steven Speilberg, George Clooney, John Stewart, even Hilary Clinton, Obama, and Al Gore make cameo’s. All of the guys at Microsoft like to let their hair down and have a good laugh. They’re people just like you and me, not a gigantic, retarded, monopoly, right? More…