Ep. 158 - What about the rest? Video
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The Creative Zii Egg is officially announced, and Jasmine is very confused about the whole thing, and Donald's muted attempts to offer clarity are unsuccessful. Also, the MP3 Insiders have caught wind of the potential new S-Series Walkman and are none-too-taken with the Disney design leanings.
After a marathon Zune lovefest last week, Donald and Jasmine come down with...yet more talk about the Zune! Don't worry: it's just a brief update regarding the Zune HD presale, release date, capacity, and pricing. Oh, and of course we have to mention the three new colors that will be available. Then, it's on to a little third-gen iPod Touch rumor-mongering, followed by a trip down memory lane with some old-school MP3 players with tempting price tags. Finally, we have a mini in-studio rave with the iBlink headphones.
On this, the day of the Zune HD, Donald and Jasmine naturally talk about the now-available player and its updated Zune Software and Marketplace, but the day would not be complete without some love for the next-generation Archos 5, a super sweet Internet media tablet with everything but the kitchen sink.
Ep. 148: Zune HD's moment in the sun
Donald and Jasmine give the newly-official Zune HD its deserved time in the spotlight as they both gush about the player's design and HD features as well as speculate about pricing and other possible WiFi-related additions. Also this week, the Insiders discuss rumblings about a potential Sirius XM App for the iPhone. Then, Jasmine brings up some of the tiniest MP3 players to ever be reviewed by CNET, while Donald goes off on a tangent about audiobooks. And we musn't forget to give props to the entity that gave this whole digital music thing a violent shove into the mainstream consciousness: Napster celebrates its 10 year anniversary this week.
Ep. 156 - Zune HD under fire: the Brian Seitz interview
It's a very special MP3 Insider this week as Donald and Jasmine drag Zune marketing guru Brian Seitz kicking and screaming into the podcast studio for a good old-fashioned live grilling. Actually, Brian came willingly and proceeded to graciously answer a veritable boatload of questions from the hosts as well as the CNET Live audience. Now you can find out all you're dying to know about Zune HD music playback, WiFi integration, games, apps, availability, and more. And for those video podcast converts, we've got some up close and personal shots of the Zune HD's onscreen interface. Tune in to the longest MP3 Insider EVER for all the gory details.
Ep. 159 - The simply superb Sansa Clip+
Once again, Donald and Jasmine promise a "short one" and fail to deliver. But how is it that just two devices manage to stretch on for the standard 30 minutes? We'll tell you: one of them inspires a lovefest that's saccharine enough to make your teeth throb, while the other throws Jasmine into a tizzy dripping with disappointment. This discussion on two new players--the Sansa Clip+ and the S-Series Walkman--is not to be missed. Also, the MP3 Insiders touch once again on the possibility of subscription music on the iPhone and iPod Touch.
Senior Editor Donald Bell rounds up his favorite accessories for the Microsoft Zune MP3 player.
"Trap" is a perfect film to feature as our IndieFest Valentine's weekend gala. It's about husbands and wives--killing each other! Award-winning short-filmmaker James Bonner's feature debut, is an artful horror that explores the place where salvation, love, and insanity come crashing together; where four people go in--and only one comes out.
Nicole is trapped. She's caught in an abusive marriage that brings new meaning to the phrase until death do us part. Her only friend, an online pal named Amy, admonishes Nicole to kill her husband before he does her in first. Nicole reluctantly agrees. She murders her husband and flees for Amy's distant home--and sanctuary.
But Amy is not what she seems: cruel and manipulative, she toys with anyone in reach. She's entrapped her own spouse, Chandler, and driven him half mad with her constant taunting and humiliations. Amy doesn't realize how desperate Chandler has become. The trap is set and a game of cat and mouse ensues in this harrowing, painfully funny story about body disposal and other problems with burying the past.
If you enjoy movies that are well written and acted, crisply edited, colorful, fast paced, visually dense, and consistently surprising, then Michigan-based, (and avowed fan of local hero Sam Raimi) James Bonner's "Trap" is an excellent entertainment choice. Find a date you really trust for Saturday night and get your tickets early.
Click here for more trailers, interviews, and videos from the 8th Annual SF IndieFest.
Jasmine and Donald discuss the implications of MOG's new $5 music service and lament Spotify's disappointingly slow start in the States. Also, Jasmine falls in love with a tiny speaker that is oh-so wallet friendly, and we give props to the Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide. You'll also get treated to some off-the-cuff gift suggestions from the esteemed audio editors. Finally, a listener tip on shaking up your iPod's shuffle.
At CNET's San Francisco headquarters on Oct. 25, 2006, Microsoft's CEO talked with CNET News.com reporter Ina Fried about the new Zune. Ballmer emphasized the gadget's wireless capability.
