The 404 906: Where Qwikster delivers the booty (podcast)
Before we get into the important Netflix news of of the day, Jeff tells us about his weekend experience at "Sleep No More," an interactive theater experience in New York that's loosely based on the Macbeth story--with a creepy twist. The plot plays out in various acts throughout a three-story abandoned warehouse in Chelsea, so tune in to hear more spoiler-free details and reserve your tickets here!Next we'll get into the Netflix mea culpa delivered by e-mail and blog post this morning that's giving current Netflix subscribers even more reasons to moan about the recent price hike.CEO Reed Hastings announced that the company will soon split in two, with the name of the DVD mail rental service changing to Qwikster (not to be confused with Quixtar, QuickStar, Kwikster, Quickster, or Quik-Star), while the video-streaming arm will retain the Netflix name and Web address.We'll also talk today about a satellite plunging from space, a group of scientists that are poaching PS3 gamers to help find a cure for AIDS, and the last single-space parking meter disappearing in Manhattan today.The 404 Digest for Episode 906DragCloseThis content is rated TV-MA, and is for viewers 18 years or older. Are you of age?YesNoSorry, you are not old enough to view this content.The emoticon was invented 29 years ago today.Netflix CEO: "I slid into arrogance."PS3 users are helping to find a cure for AIDS.A satellite loosely based on "Donnie Darko" is coming to Earth.World's largest sperm bank refusing donations from redheads.Iguana Fart.Episode 906Listen nowYour browser does not support the audio element. Subscribe in iTunes (audio) | Subscribe in iTunes (video) | Subscribe in RSS Audio | Subscribe in RSS Video  Follow us on Twitter!The 404Jeff BakalarJustin YuWilson TangAdd us on Facebook!The 404 Fan PageThe 404 GroupJustin YuJeff BakalarWilson Tang
Playlist.com files for Chapter 11
Playlist.com files for Chapter 11
"The company expects to conduct business as usual and emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible," Playlist said in a statement. In July, CNET reported that the company had run into money trouble and was looking for funding.Playlist.com enables users to create and share digital music playlists with friends. A couple of years ago, the service had built a reputation as a potential challenger to some of the other ad-supported music services, such as MySpace Music and Imeem. An embarrassing management shake-up followed, when then-CEO Owen Van Natta, the well-known former Facebook executive, resigned after only five months on the job to become MySpace CEO. (Van Natta then left MySpace after less than a year.)Two of the four major recording companies also filed copyright suits against the service. Those suits were eventually settled out of court. Playlist never really got going for those reasons, and it's hard to have much hope for the company's future when most of digital music seems mired in a stagnate period. Few, if any, digital-music companies are attracting big audiences or stirring much excitement. In the past 18 months, Imeem and iLike were acquired by MySpace, and SpiralFrog and Ruckus shut down. MySpace Music hasn't lived up to billing. Spotify can't quite make the jump to the United States. The best we can hope for is that the music service Google is working on is special. Sources in the music industry have told CNET that Google is working on a service that enables users to store and obtain music from the company's servers. Google could also link downloads to the company's powerful search engine.Apple's iTunes, the reigning and mostly unchallenged digital-music leader, is also working on a cloud music service, but music industry insiders say Apple's cloud plans are focused on video more than music, at this point.
"The company expects to conduct business as usual and emerge from Chapter 11 as quickly as possible," Playlist said in a statement. In July, CNET reported that the company had run into money trouble and was looking for funding.Playlist.com enables users to create and share digital music playlists with friends. A couple of years ago, the service had built a reputation as a potential challenger to some of the other ad-supported music services, such as MySpace Music and Imeem. An embarrassing management shake-up followed, when then-CEO Owen Van Natta, the well-known former Facebook executive, resigned after only five months on the job to become MySpace CEO. (Van Natta then left MySpace after less than a year.)Two of the four major recording companies also filed copyright suits against the service. Those suits were eventually settled out of court. Playlist never really got going for those reasons, and it's hard to have much hope for the company's future when most of digital music seems mired in a stagnate period. Few, if any, digital-music companies are attracting big audiences or stirring much excitement. In the past 18 months, Imeem and iLike were acquired by MySpace, and SpiralFrog and Ruckus shut down. MySpace Music hasn't lived up to billing. Spotify can't quite make the jump to the United States. The best we can hope for is that the music service Google is working on is special. Sources in the music industry have told CNET that Google is working on a service that enables users to store and obtain music from the company's servers. Google could also link downloads to the company's powerful search engine.Apple's iTunes, the reigning and mostly unchallenged digital-music leader, is also working on a cloud music service, but music industry insiders say Apple's cloud plans are focused on video more than music, at this point.
OS X 10.9 to add more 'power user' features -- report
OS X 10.9 to add more 'power user' features -- report
Apple's next desktop operating system launch, which is slated for later this year, will come with few visual enhancements, but a host of improvements for so-called power users, according to a new report.The folks over at 9to5Mac on Monday said that they have sources with knowledge of Apple's plans who claim that the core design and functions of the new operating system, OS X 10.9 and code-named Cabernet, will remain the same. One of the biggest improvements, however, will be how the Finder application works. That application, which allows users to access files across the operating system, will support tags and tabbed browsing in OS X 10.9, making it easier for users to transfer files.A new Safari Web browser also will be making its way to the operating system, according to 9to5Mac. The browser will have a more responsive back end that improves page loading times.One other possibility for OS X 10.9: a multitasking feature similar to that which is available in iOS.OS X 10.9 is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference event in June. As always, CNET will be on hand to cover every last second of that event.
Apple's next desktop operating system launch, which is slated for later this year, will come with few visual enhancements, but a host of improvements for so-called power users, according to a new report.The folks over at 9to5Mac on Monday said that they have sources with knowledge of Apple's plans who claim that the core design and functions of the new operating system, OS X 10.9 and code-named Cabernet, will remain the same. One of the biggest improvements, however, will be how the Finder application works. That application, which allows users to access files across the operating system, will support tags and tabbed browsing in OS X 10.9, making it easier for users to transfer files.A new Safari Web browser also will be making its way to the operating system, according to 9to5Mac. The browser will have a more responsive back end that improves page loading times.One other possibility for OS X 10.9: a multitasking feature similar to that which is available in iOS.OS X 10.9 is expected to be unveiled at Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference event in June. As always, CNET will be on hand to cover every last second of that event.
Original iPhone reportedly to be obsolete on June 11
Original iPhone reportedly to be obsolete on June 11
The original iPhone will soon leave its current "vintage" status and become an obsolete product in Apple's eyes, according to an internal document seen by blog site 9to5 Mac.This change is slated to happen on June 11, 2013, which means that on this date people with the original iPhone will no longer be able to get it repaired or otherwise serviced.The change will take place for consumers in the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America regions, and in Apple's retail stores, according to the document, but the original iPhone will remain in vintage status for other authorized repair centers in the United States.Therefore, those in the U.S. who need to service their phones can still do so, but will need to visit an authorized service center other than an Apple Store.Apple maintains a list of its vintage and obsolete products on its Web site.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
The original iPhone will soon leave its current "vintage" status and become an obsolete product in Apple's eyes, according to an internal document seen by blog site 9to5 Mac.This change is slated to happen on June 11, 2013, which means that on this date people with the original iPhone will no longer be able to get it repaired or otherwise serviced.The change will take place for consumers in the Asia-Pacific, Canada, Europe, Latin America regions, and in Apple's retail stores, according to the document, but the original iPhone will remain in vintage status for other authorized repair centers in the United States.Therefore, those in the U.S. who need to service their phones can still do so, but will need to visit an authorized service center other than an Apple Store.Apple maintains a list of its vintage and obsolete products on its Web site.Questions? Comments? Have a fix? Post them below or e-mail us!Be sure to check us out on Twitter and the CNET Mac forums.
The Longest Journey arrives remastered for iOS
The Longest Journey arrives remastered for iOS
As Red Thread Games releases the next installment in the Longest Journey series -- Kickstarter-funded Dreamfall Chapters -- the studio is also gearing up for a global relaunch of the original 1999 game, remastered for iOS.Related articlesBioShock releases on iOSAssassin's Creed Identity offers first RPG experience for iOSXCOM: Enemy Unknown"The Longest Journey is truly more than a game -- it's more like a book, a movie and a game all rolled into one. Explore an interactive and beautifully created universe from the perspective of April Ryan, a young art student who soon discovers that there is more to her world than meets the eye," the description reads."With the power to pass between worlds like others pass from waking to sleep, April must embark on the longest journey of her life; a journey not only across twin worlds but also into her very own heart and soul. Embark on a voyage across phenomenal worlds, encounter a fantastic cast of unforgettable characters, and unravel one of the most epic stories ever told."Three years in the making, the game is a faithful port of the original title, with graphics remastered for the high-resolution screens of iOS devices, both iPhone and iPad. The graphics can be a little rough around the edges in parts, but the point-and-click format works perfectly with the touchscreen platform.At this point, The Longest Journey has only been soft-launched in Australia and New Zealand as a test market. It's expected to arrive globally soon, at which point it will come in at $6.99 (AU$8.99 | £4.99) in the iTunes app store.
As Red Thread Games releases the next installment in the Longest Journey series -- Kickstarter-funded Dreamfall Chapters -- the studio is also gearing up for a global relaunch of the original 1999 game, remastered for iOS.Related articlesBioShock releases on iOSAssassin's Creed Identity offers first RPG experience for iOSXCOM: Enemy Unknown"The Longest Journey is truly more than a game -- it's more like a book, a movie and a game all rolled into one. Explore an interactive and beautifully created universe from the perspective of April Ryan, a young art student who soon discovers that there is more to her world than meets the eye," the description reads."With the power to pass between worlds like others pass from waking to sleep, April must embark on the longest journey of her life; a journey not only across twin worlds but also into her very own heart and soul. Embark on a voyage across phenomenal worlds, encounter a fantastic cast of unforgettable characters, and unravel one of the most epic stories ever told."Three years in the making, the game is a faithful port of the original title, with graphics remastered for the high-resolution screens of iOS devices, both iPhone and iPad. The graphics can be a little rough around the edges in parts, but the point-and-click format works perfectly with the touchscreen platform.At this point, The Longest Journey has only been soft-launched in Australia and New Zealand as a test market. It's expected to arrive globally soon, at which point it will come in at $6.99 (AU$8.99 | £4.99) in the iTunes app store.
The iPhone app that detects monsters
The iPhone app that detects monsters
You might think that this app is a very shallow way to fool your child (or yourself) into believing there's nothing untoward toward the window sill. However, Monster Meter promises four monster detection technologies, each seeming to offer a different emphasis on the axis between levity and gravity.There is, for example, a Green Meter, which the makers describe as "playful, yet serious." Like Renee Zellweger, I suppose. But then there's the Metal Meter, something that is described as a "more serious looking meter for serious monster finding".The makers emphasize that Monster Meter is designed to help your kids feel safer by seeing on an iPhone screen that there are no otherworldly gorillas in their midst. But there are surely adults, too, who might keep their Monster Meter close at hand. Politicians, for example, could use one before stepping into a room that might contain hidden adversaries, like the troubled ghosts of Richard Nixon, FDR, or Machiavelli. Actors, too, might wave their Monster Meters around before stepping into their trailers. There is surely something very comforting about knowing that the spirit of monster actors such as Orson Welles or Mel Gibson isn't lurking, ready to interfere with the final polish you give your lines.
You might think that this app is a very shallow way to fool your child (or yourself) into believing there's nothing untoward toward the window sill. However, Monster Meter promises four monster detection technologies, each seeming to offer a different emphasis on the axis between levity and gravity.There is, for example, a Green Meter, which the makers describe as "playful, yet serious." Like Renee Zellweger, I suppose. But then there's the Metal Meter, something that is described as a "more serious looking meter for serious monster finding".The makers emphasize that Monster Meter is designed to help your kids feel safer by seeing on an iPhone screen that there are no otherworldly gorillas in their midst. But there are surely adults, too, who might keep their Monster Meter close at hand. Politicians, for example, could use one before stepping into a room that might contain hidden adversaries, like the troubled ghosts of Richard Nixon, FDR, or Machiavelli. Actors, too, might wave their Monster Meters around before stepping into their trailers. There is surely something very comforting about knowing that the spirit of monster actors such as Orson Welles or Mel Gibson isn't lurking, ready to interfere with the final polish you give your lines.
The Good, The Bad, and The DRM-Free_0
The Good, The Bad, and The DRM-Free
On Monday, the face of digital music was potentially changed forever when record label EMI Group announced that it would be offering premium versions of its albums available for download, with better audio quality and no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions attached. Even more surprisingly, EMI's first partner in the endeavor is Apple's iTunes Store, which many would argue is the poster child for DRM's shortcomings.EMI's DRM-free offerings won't be available on the iTunes Store until next month, but the label has announced that the first premium album, the self-titled LP from The Good, The Bad, and the Queen is available for purchase on the band's Web site. It's in MP3 form--the iTunes Store's version will be in Apple's preferred AAC audio format.The Good, The Bad, and the Queen, as you may recall, gave a live performance prior to EMI and Apple's joint announcement on Monday. It's the latest project from British rocker Damon Albarn, of Blur and Gorillaz fame.P.S.: Just to clarify, EMI has offered several DRM-free downloads in the past. This, however, is the first "premium" one to come with the enhanced audio quality, as part of EMI's new DRM-free initiative.
On Monday, the face of digital music was potentially changed forever when record label EMI Group announced that it would be offering premium versions of its albums available for download, with better audio quality and no digital rights management (DRM) restrictions attached. Even more surprisingly, EMI's first partner in the endeavor is Apple's iTunes Store, which many would argue is the poster child for DRM's shortcomings.EMI's DRM-free offerings won't be available on the iTunes Store until next month, but the label has announced that the first premium album, the self-titled LP from The Good, The Bad, and the Queen is available for purchase on the band's Web site. It's in MP3 form--the iTunes Store's version will be in Apple's preferred AAC audio format.The Good, The Bad, and the Queen, as you may recall, gave a live performance prior to EMI and Apple's joint announcement on Monday. It's the latest project from British rocker Damon Albarn, of Blur and Gorillaz fame.P.S.: Just to clarify, EMI has offered several DRM-free downloads in the past. This, however, is the first "premium" one to come with the enhanced audio quality, as part of EMI's new DRM-free initiative.
The Gizmo Report- Sennheiser's HD-280 headphones
The Gizmo Report: Sennheiser's HD-280 headphones
After studying the problem, I realized that if I could just straighten out the curvature of the top of the headband, I could get the fit I wanted. I measured the size of the stiffener I needed: 23mm wide, 80mm long, preferably not more than 1.5mm thick. Initially I figured I'd use a scrap piece of titanium for this purpose, but then I remembered some carbon-fiber scraps I had left over from panels I'd made for an earlier project, and one had a nice section remaining of just the right size. CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) is much easier to work than titanium. I cut the piece I needed with a hacksaw, then smoothed and rounded the edges with a belt sander.The stiffener installed on the headband of the HD 280 Pro headphonesPeter N. GlaskowskyThe next day at the office, I removed the padded cover from the headband, attached the stiffener to the headband with several loops of strapping tape, and put the cover back on-- that was difficult because it was already a fairly snug fit. But it was made of vinyl, so it stretched enough. The last thing was to add little rubber bumpers to the top outer surface of each earpiece to adjust the earpiece angle and balance the forces applied above and below my ears. (I'm not providing a picture of these bumpers because they're pretty ugly right now. :-)And now... they fit perfectly, look almost unchanged, and sound great.So if the shape of your head is within their adjustment range, or if you have some carbon fiber sitting around to make this kind of adjustment (I'm pretty sure titanium will also work), I can heartily recomment Sennheiser's HD 280 Pro headphones.
After studying the problem, I realized that if I could just straighten out the curvature of the top of the headband, I could get the fit I wanted. I measured the size of the stiffener I needed: 23mm wide, 80mm long, preferably not more than 1.5mm thick. Initially I figured I'd use a scrap piece of titanium for this purpose, but then I remembered some carbon-fiber scraps I had left over from panels I'd made for an earlier project, and one had a nice section remaining of just the right size. CFRP (carbon-fiber reinforced plastic) is much easier to work than titanium. I cut the piece I needed with a hacksaw, then smoothed and rounded the edges with a belt sander.The stiffener installed on the headband of the HD 280 Pro headphonesPeter N. GlaskowskyThe next day at the office, I removed the padded cover from the headband, attached the stiffener to the headband with several loops of strapping tape, and put the cover back on-- that was difficult because it was already a fairly snug fit. But it was made of vinyl, so it stretched enough. The last thing was to add little rubber bumpers to the top outer surface of each earpiece to adjust the earpiece angle and balance the forces applied above and below my ears. (I'm not providing a picture of these bumpers because they're pretty ugly right now. :-)And now... they fit perfectly, look almost unchanged, and sound great.So if the shape of your head is within their adjustment range, or if you have some carbon fiber sitting around to make this kind of adjustment (I'm pretty sure titanium will also work), I can heartily recomment Sennheiser's HD 280 Pro headphones.
The Ensign- Prequel to A Dark Room arrives on iOS
The Ensign: Prequel to A Dark Room arrives on iOS
A Dark Room doesn't look like much. A few words show up on your screen. You make an action. Then more words. More actions. Soon, you get to make choices. You meet a woman. She wants you to stay. You have itchy feet, and a burning ambition you never suspected -- and soon you're exploring an ASCII forest searching for something -- anything -- to figure out who and what you are.For something so minimal, it's deeply and strangely compelling. The game itself was created by developer Michael Townsend as a Chrome Experiment, and ported to iOS by developer Amirali Rajan. It is Rajan who has built the prequel, The Ensign, which Townsend has called "a brutally difficult take on the Dusty Path segment of A Dark Room" -- the section of the game where you explore the ASCII world.Like A Dark Room, the story is a vital part of the game, and Rajan has said very little about it so as to avoid spoilers. You start in a dusky swamp with a mysterious admiral after a battle, and the the only thing you can do is strike out to explore, once again, an ASCII world, fighting for survival as you slowly unravel your story."I really loved traversing the Dusty Path (more so than balancing an economy and upgrading gear). This prequel is a brutally difficult rendition of the Dusty Path that covers the events directly before A Dark Room," Rajan wrote in the app description."I wanted to make a strategy game that had high replay value, as opposed to a game about discovery. Best of luck to whoever attempts this game. I imagine few will succeed in completing all of it."You can download The Ensign for $0.99 from the iTunes app store.
A Dark Room doesn't look like much. A few words show up on your screen. You make an action. Then more words. More actions. Soon, you get to make choices. You meet a woman. She wants you to stay. You have itchy feet, and a burning ambition you never suspected -- and soon you're exploring an ASCII forest searching for something -- anything -- to figure out who and what you are.For something so minimal, it's deeply and strangely compelling. The game itself was created by developer Michael Townsend as a Chrome Experiment, and ported to iOS by developer Amirali Rajan. It is Rajan who has built the prequel, The Ensign, which Townsend has called "a brutally difficult take on the Dusty Path segment of A Dark Room" -- the section of the game where you explore the ASCII world.Like A Dark Room, the story is a vital part of the game, and Rajan has said very little about it so as to avoid spoilers. You start in a dusky swamp with a mysterious admiral after a battle, and the the only thing you can do is strike out to explore, once again, an ASCII world, fighting for survival as you slowly unravel your story."I really loved traversing the Dusty Path (more so than balancing an economy and upgrading gear). This prequel is a brutally difficult rendition of the Dusty Path that covers the events directly before A Dark Room," Rajan wrote in the app description."I wanted to make a strategy game that had high replay value, as opposed to a game about discovery. Best of luck to whoever attempts this game. I imagine few will succeed in completing all of it."You can download The Ensign for $0.99 from the iTunes app store.
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