The Inside Mac Radio Show Podcast Feed (RSS 2.0/XML)

The Macintosh represents more than a computing platform among the tech-savvy, for many it's a way of life. Inside Mac brings the voice of experience to the people who live the Macintosh digital lifestyle. The show is currently syndicated every week across the country and around the world on terrestrial broadcast radio stations, Podcast, Audible, Macworld Magazine CD and streaming live on broadband web radio. Anchor Scott Sheppard and correspondents Desmond Crisis and Laura Burstein cover the latest tech stories with the Mac user in mind. Senior Mac Technologist Sam Levin keeps listeners updated on the latest products, and news correspondent Ken Ray brings it all into perspective with a regular roundup of the week's news headlines. Inside Mac is one of the most unique tech shows on broadcast radio today.

Subscribe to the Insiders Club - Inside Mac Radio
Insiders Club subscribers will be sent an announcement telling you about what's going on this weeks show and about future guests, contests, giveaways, downloadable show archives and special deals for Insiders Club subscribers.

The Inside Mac Show - February 5th 2005

LIVE 1-3pm Pacific - Call Us At 800-490-0058

Listen / Download the February 5th, 2005 Show

The Inside Mac Radio Show - February 5th 2005 Podcast Feed (RSS 2.0/XML)

A brand new feature in this week's show, veteran newsman Ken Ray brings you up to speed fast with Inside Mac Radio News.

Got iPod? Get outfitted! Andrew Green from Digital Lifestyle Outfitters joins the gang to show off their iBoom box, Transpod car kit, and iDirect remote for those of us so lazy we can't be bothered to lift our little iPods! That's pretty lazy, how much are they again?

Had your lifestyle aggregated lately? Macromedia Co-Founder Mark Canter joins us to talk about the early days of one of the most important companies in tech. Then we get a look into the future with his latest venture in the Digital Lifestyle Aggregation field called Broadband Mechanics. Find out how your friends and your media define who you are and how you can use that to your advantage.

Someone gave Laura Burstein a copy of hacker mag 2600 and her world may never be the same! Laura and OSXFAQ Editor Adrian Mayo tell you how to find your lost $2000 PowerBook with a few lines of well-placed PHP script.

Can unlicensed accessories kill your iPod? One website thinks so and wants you to trust them and feel safe. Scott and Sam put on their sequined wrestling masks and have the obligatory throw-down!

Also, Sam's Cool Mac Picks, Desmond flips the switch, and Adrian Mayo's Mac OS X Tip of the week...

Andrew Green - VP Marketing/Creative Director - Digital Lifestyle Outfitters

iBoom

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) announced it is shipping the DLO iBoom boombox, a 20-watt per channel, four-speaker sound system for the iPod. The DLO iBoom fits all iPods and iPod minis, and features a fully digital FM stereo with 4 station presets and a bright amber backlit display. "Music is meant to be shared," said Jeff Grady, President of DLO. "The Apple iPod is great, but with headphones it's a solo inclusive experience. Drop your iPod into a DLO iBoom and it's a party." The DLO iBoom is available for US$149.95.

iDirect

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) introduced the iDirect remote control for all dockable iPods. The iDirect features a compact remote control with buttons for play/pause, next, previous, and volume control. The receiver snaps on top of the iPod to capture IR remote commands and translate them to the iPod. This module can also be used by itself to receive memorized commands from any existing learning remote, according to the company. The DLO iDirect retails for US$49.99 and is available now.

TransPod

Digital Lifestyle Outfitters (DLO) announced that its TransPod all-in-one car solution for iPod is fully compatible with the new iPod photo. The US$99.95 device lets owners transmit, charge and secure their iPod in while in their cars. "After extensive testing, DLO now confirms the iPod photo fits the TransPod as well as the current lineup of 3G, 4G and mini iPods,"

Marc Canter - Digital Lifestyle Aggregation - Broadband Mechanics

Canter is involved in promulgating open standards for new kinds of micro-content; including people (FOAF), media (OpenMedia) and events (OpenEvents.) Broadband Mechanics designs and builds digital lifestyle aggregators (DLAs) for customers like Ziff-Davis Media (1UP.com), Tribe.net, and AlwaysOn Network. Broadband Mechanics is also working with Laszlo Systems to build hot compelling interfaces for these DLAs (which are the next generation portal.)

Prior, Canter founded a company named MacroMind which became MacroMedia. Canter was part of the team that created the first multimedia player, the first cross-platform authoring system and the world's leading multimediaplatform.

After leaving Macromedia in 1992, Canter started Canter Technology which formed the MediaBand (an interactive music video ensemble), produced the Marc Canter Show (and example of scalable content), and implemented a cyber theme restaurant at his home on Potrero Hill (which was an authoring system for Interactive TV).

After spending all his money, Canter went to work for others - at SuperBowl XXXII (1998) and designed a digital city for Trieste, Italy (1998). Broadband Mechanics was founded in 1999 and immediately helped found DigiScents (a smell based platform) and built an interactive TV authoring system for Richard Li's NOW.com (1999). Subsequent projects included designs for Ealing Studio's Digital Production Studio (2000), a Reuters trading system (2000) and AOL (2001.)

Digital Lifestyle Aggregation

The Rise of Digital Lifestyle Aggregation

Over the past few years, we have seen the worlds of IM, digital cameras, cell phones, blogging, videogames, PVRs and broadband continue to grow despite the overall downturn of the PC, web and service based sectors of our economy. This pursuit of 'digital convergence' has been burning in the hearts and minds of both end-users and vendors - for over 10 years now - and mature, highly evolved products and services are starting to reach mainstream market - as we speak. Digital Lifestyle Aggregation is the notion of a software layer that unites all of the aspects of digital convergence. Whether it be a media collection at home, a calendar of memeories of road trips or to do lists for a picnic in the park - DLAs (digital lifestyle aggregators) will become a major part of our lives in the future.

The consolidation of eCommerce and enterprise based service businesses also shows that we are entering into a maturing time period - where providing customers with value and compelling experiences is the overall leading guideline for success. We have all grown to recognize when a product still needs refinement or when a new fad or trend burns out. We also have grown to expect new kinds of innovation and exciting features (such as TiVO, phone cams or blogging) to gain our attention and keep things hot and evolving. In this environment, open source and open standards have played a predominant role in changing the rules of the game and the formula for success.

Ask any customer (whether they are a so-called 'consumer' or enterprise based IT manager or end-user) what's the most frustrating, hardest thing about using computer based products today - and they'll answer "it's too hard to use". This is the underlying goal of most software companies today - to simplify the process of using computers, hand held devices and other forms of technology - while at the same time introduce new kinds of capabilities, features and services.

One way to describe the era from which we come from, is to say that there are currently lots of separate data silos, locked in installed bases, single stand alone features and companies which focus on such a narrow experience and deliverable - that only geniuses can put together all of the pieces necessary to utilize all these products together. End-users are expected to integrate and utilize this wide range of tools, operating systems, peripherals, bandwidth connections, display devices and interactive controls in some sort of orderly fashion.

This narrow focus is seen in the companies and services of today. Very often you will find experts in cell phones or videogames, who know nothing about PCs or web sites. Or on-line commerce entities that don't even recognize the rise of personal publishing or IM. Or automobile based products which seem to not have ever used a PC before.

We're all used to the notion of integrated productivity software (like Microsoft Office) but we're still waiting for media editors, like music or sound sampling, graphics or photo editing and simple presentation tools - to be integrated with IM, email, personal publishing (like blogs) and social networking. This notion of intregrated applications and services, tightly wrapped around aggregation of ALL kinds of data and a level of customization appropriate to every end-user - is exactly what digital lifestyle aggregation is all about.

Music and video have been an integrating factor in this environment, as most people (and even companies) see the value of having audio play during a presentation or that video can train, entertain and provide safety at the same time.

Navigating the complex worlds of multimedia, on-line content, communications, ecommerce and Home LAN based products is the key to understanding where we're headed in the future. Enabling customers (both end-users and enterprises) to connect all of these disparate worlds, products and services together is what digital lifestyle aggregation is all about.

What's a Digital Lifestyle Aggregator?

Imagine a next generation MyYahoo service - which enabled end-users to keep track of their personal (and their families) music, photo, video and file collections and provided them with 'home publishing' capabilities to create, store and distribute their own content. Imagine a social networking environment which matched and found like-minded people and enabled them to participate in activities together (both on-line and in 'real space'.)

Imagine a system that managed their Home LAN, devices, cell phones and videogames while providing a virtual file system to give them access to all of their content and data - whether they were at home, the office or on the road. Imagine a communications and personal management system which enabled inter-personal interaction (sort of like 'groupware for humans') that assumed that all of these features and capabilities were built-in system constructs.

Now imagine all of these capabilities and features in one integrated environment - focused in on a particular constituency, content brand or set of activities. That's what we call a digital lifestyle aggregator (DLA.)

It's a new kind of platform which every ISP, hardware and software vendor and major brand will have their own version of. Based upon what assets, IP, market position, resources and existing technology base - each DLA customer will have their own unique set of requirements and implementation details. But each will share the notion of making THEIR customers lives easier - by integrating, aggregating and providing appropriate levels of customization to bring all of the disparate elements of digital convergence together.

Apple calls theirs iLife. Microsoft is building it into Longhorn. We feel that we can design, build and maintain a significant number of these kinds of systems (over 20% of the market) and build a highly profitable company doing so within the next 3-5 years.

Sam's Cool Mac Pick's - Feb 5th - 2005

Kensington Contour Roller Case

For anyone that needs to take the weight off your back and spine, this might be the perfect ticket. Complete with numerous compartments for one's PowerBook or iBook (any size), I can say I'll be using this during long walks in airports and abroad.

The Kensington Roller case with ergonomic design delivers go-anywhere comfort and protection. Five stage curved telescopic handle shifts weight onto the wheels for easier roller navigation. In situations where the case needs to be carried, the Contour system helps reduce shoulder and neck fatigue by up to 35%. SnugFit protection system provides superior notebook computer safety.

Available through kensington.com, electronic and computer superstores worldwide

Macally PodWave

Share your sounds anytime, anywhere in a tiny, portable, battery-operated stereo speaker

How many times do you just want to hear tunes from your iPod without carrying bulky speakers or forced to use headphones?

PodWave from Macally is a simple speaker that clips on the top of any iPod. The PodWave is great for the office or travel.

Features:

• Ultra-portable, battery operated mini stereo system for your iPod
• Enjoy your iPod music without headsets or large wired external speakers
• Share music with friends anywhere, anytime
• ON/OFF switch to save battery life while not in use
• Works with classic iPod, iPod Mini or any audio players with a 3.5mm jack
• Single AA battery (included) lasts up to 8 hours of continuous use
• 500mW power output per channel for exceptional stereo sound

Canon PIXMA iP6000D Photo Printer

For the advanced photographer who wants exceptional quality, versatility and control, the 6-color Canon PIXMA(TM) iP6000D Photo Printer is a powerful new tool. Take advantage of the Easy-PhotoPrint software to eliminate the frustrations of photo printing while empowering users to fix, sharpen and enhance their photos. Using the large built-in 2.5" LCD display and control panel, you can actually visualize the print process and fine-tune your images for better results with or without a computer.

Its versatility is matched by its superior quality, achieving a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 color dpi.1 Canon Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering (FINE) uses a high-performance 1,536-nozzle print head that ejects consistent, prescribed-volume droplets as small as 2 picoliters. The results? Fast prints and breathtaking detail on all of your photos - including borderless prints up to 8.5" x 11". Imagine a 4" x 6" borderless print that looks like a photo from the photo lab in as little as 75 seconds.2 With the convenience of a dual paper path system, you can keep photo paper in one tray and plain paper in the other, so you're always ready to print photos or documents - no paper switching required.

Insert a memory card into the built-in card slots and you can preview, edit and select images for printing with the LCD display and control panel. Images can be sized and then optimized for brightness, color tones and color balance. Or simply connect any PictBridge compatible digital camera or DV camcorder and print. You can even print wireless with a compatible infrared cellphone or PDA.4

To reduce printing costs,5 this unique system has six individual ink tanks that let you replace only the color that runs out, rather than an entire cartridge containing unused ink.

• Large built-in 2.5" LCD for easy viewing, editing and printing
• Direct photo printing from select memory cards/PictBridge compatible digital cameras & DV camcorders
• Wireless photo printing from compatible infrared mobile phones
• Dual paper path with built-in 2 sided printing
• 6 individual ink tanks help reduce waste and can save you money
• Maximum 4800 x 1200 color dpi with microscopic droplets as small as 2 picoliters

Scott Sheppard - Executive Producer / Anchor

Scott Sheppard is the founder and editor of the VERY popular Macintosh Web Site, http://www.OSXFAQ.com/. He is the Executive Producer/Anchor of the nationally syndicated broadcast radio show "Inside Mac" and a Contributing Editor for Macworld UK. Scott has been using Apple computers for more than 25 years, as well as spending many years as a Wintel user, giving him the unique perspective of having spent a lot of time on both sides of the computer fence.

Scott Sheppard previously hosted the Inside Mac Show broadcast by CNET radio.

Desmond Crisis - Correspondent

If you look in the Cyberpunk Handbook, you'll find Desmond Crisis.

Having founded the Otaku Patrol Group in 1993 he quickly found his way to the front lines of emerging technologies. One of the pioneers of technology television, Desmond was the anchor of CNET Television's "Cool Tech" and correspondent to "CNET Central", "The New Edge", and "The Web" seen on USA Network, Sci-Fi Channel and international stations. He has also hosted the "The Desmond Crisis Program" a daily call-in talk show on the CNET Radio Network, including terrestrial AM stations coast-to-coast and one of XM Satellite Radio's launch channels.

Before he got his press badge, Desmond was a game developer and part of the team that produced several titles including "Zero Tolerance", the first 3D behind-the-gun shooter which was also the first multi-console networked game for the Sega Genesis. When not broadcasting, Desmond volunteers his time and skills to various homeland security agencies. He is an avid communications enthusiast holding both a General Mobile Radio Service license as well as the amateur radio callsign KC6VHG

Desmond Crisis has been called "the cult leader of the cyberpunks"

Laura Burstein - Correspondent

Laura Burstein is a Silicon Valley native with more than a decade of combined experience in broadcasting, writing, and new media.

Laura graduated with a degree in journalism from San Jose State University. Before and during college, Laura worked at local radio and television stations around the Bay Area.

Laura was a Web Producer at ZDTV (later TechTV) in early 2000. Eventually, Laura appeared on-air as an Interact Host on the network's daily news show, Tech Live and occasionally filled in as co-host of Call for Help.

Laura also co-wrote Leo Laporte,s 2003 Technology Almanac, which sold more than 50,000 copies worldwide.

Today, Laura,s love of tech can only be rivaled by her love of food.

Ken Ray - Correspondent

Ken Ray has worked both sides of the radio mic for over ten years. He has written and produced comedy bits for an alternative station in Boston, anchored two and half hours of news daily on TechTV Radio, was morning drive personality on an FM country station in the middle of nowhere, was operations director for an AM in Boston, was operations director for an AM in San Francisco, and has logged countless hours in production studios, tearing out everything from down and dirty :30 spots that need to hit the air yesterday to agency spots to long-form infomercials and even longer-form CD projects. Writing news, spots, promos and interstitials also fits somewhere in his repertoire. And he runs a mean radio board for in studio as well as remote broadcasts.

Outside of radio, Ken wrote for the magazine Global Technology Business.

He also makes a darn good bread pudding.

Sam Levin - Senior Mac Technologist

Sam Levin Co-Founded the Stanford Mac Users' Group in 1985, and has worked with leading Macintosh developers on business development, licensing, and strategic market development. Sam Directed licensing and business development initiatives for leading companies such as Axio, Virgin Interactive, Broderbund, Chronos, Mattel, Connectix, IBM Multimedia, IXLA, iSkin, Jiiva, Keyspan, Microsoft, MYOB, MacMice, Fathom Pictures, LandWare, Nova Development, Totally Hip Software, Y-E Data and more.

Sam has been using Macs for 20 years, as well as tied into the world of handheld and digital imaging, providing him a special angle on personal computing and consumer electronics.

Greg Douglas - Director of Network Operations

Gregory Douglas has fifteen years of experience in the radio, television and computer- related areas. He was the Director of Network Operations for Personal Achievement Radio, which included responsibilities for the production, operation and distribution of the "PAR" format. As the primary individual in charge of the on-air sound for "PAR", Mr. Douglas interacted with the motivational authors, Nightingale-Conant, ABC Radio Networks, PAR O & O's and affiliates and the broadcast talent. He pioneered the transition to digital for the flagship PAR studios. In addition, Mr. Douglas was M.I.S. Manager for Douglas Broadcasting Inc. where he was responsible for the traffic and business computer functions as well as the computer networking of DBI/PAR radio outlets.

Previously, he was the General Manager of DBI's Seattle operation and Station Manager at WBPS-AM in Boston. Also, Mr. Douglas has been involved in almost all areas of broadcasting, including traffic, business, engineering, production and sales.

For more information contact:

Scott Sheppard
Executive Producer / Anchor
info@insidemacradio.com