The ruling against net neutrality and why you should be worried
Yesterday, a federal appeals court struck down the "net neutrality" rule that the FCC had implemented back in 2010. The ramifications of the decision will be widespread all over the internet, with the potential monopolization of the open web in danger of coming to fruition. However, what exactly is "net neutrality," and why should we be worried? If you want hard-hitting facts and a complete background on the issue, CNET has a large FAQ detailing the current hot button issue. For a general summary of why the anti-net neutrality ruling is so important and worrisome, the Wall Street Journal published a video which you can watch elsewhere.
Allow me to summarize the issue: Net neutrality means that every Internet Service Provider (ISP), such as Comcast, AT&T, Verizon, etc., must treat every piece of online content the same (hence, being neutral to all websites). Connection speeds for every website must be the same across the board, so YouTube videos are treated the same as Vines, Netflix speeds are the same as Redbox speeds, etc. Of course, each individual website must account for their own speeds due to content, large file sizes, etc. However, with the new ruling, the fairness of the open web is thrown out of the window in exchange for monopolizing and monetizing web services.
For example, AT&T could enter a contract with YouTube allowing AT&T subscribers to experience YouTube in full HD quality with the highest speeds; Comcast subscribers would still be able to access YouTube, just not at full speeds or the highest quality. The ruling opens up the field for major sites to monopolize their fields, restricting similar smaller sites from growing. As another example, Netflix could strike a deal with all of the ISPs to keep service running smoothly while also preventing services like Redbox or Amazing Instant from streaming at full strength.
This monopolization of the internet gives ISPs full power and control over the internet with no regulation. The FCC can (and should) appeal the ruling, but for now, we're facing a potential new era of the internet where we are powerless to resist new business models (i.e. "online packages" much like cable/satellite subscriptions). Small sites, such as Ruby Hornet, face a treacherous road under this new dawn of the internet, with consumers and businesses alike affected the most by the ruling.
We'll make sure we keep all of you informed of new rulings and appeals as they happen.
[Video] Create Your Soundtrack With The Jalapeno Beat Maker
In this day and age, there are so many tools out there to help you create the music that is trapped inside your head become a reality. Whether it's machines or software, there is something for everyone who has the need to create music, and now there is another option: The Jalapeno Beat Maker. The name fits the product because it really resembles a jalapeno, but also wants to help you create a soundtrack to your life.
The device is built to respond to your movements when you're engaged in activity such as snowboarding, skiing, or skating. What the Jalapeno does is remix music as you ride and do tricks, letting you mix up to four layers from Beat Farm's music library with tracks from your library or ones your created yourself. The device attaches to your board or yourself, wherever you want to put it, and creates mixes as you hit the slopes or while you have an intense dance session. If you're in the market for a beat maker or just want to try something like this out, head on to the project's Kickstarter for more info here.
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[Via Beat Farm]
Introducing The Mophie Space Pack
The iPhone has a sleek design and aesthetic appeal, but with its good looks comes the need for protection. It only takes one bad drop for the device to shatter and completely ruin your day. I've been a fan of Mophie since I first heard of the company, and their case's provide protection and charges my iPhone when I need it most.
Now they have created another case to solve another problem we face with the iPhone: lack of storage. They have introduced the Mophie Space Pack that not only provides extra battery life, but extra storage with either a 16GB or 32GB case to choose from. There's no need to trash your photos, videos, games, or apps anymore because just save everything to the space pack. With the accompanying app, you'll have an easy to use file management system in the palm of your hand. With Airplay and Airdrop integration, you can easily access any kind of file at anytime which is a pretty sweet feature. The Mophie Space Pack is available for pre-order at $149.95 (16GB) and $179.95 (32GB) with shipping to begin mid-March of this year, so check out Mophie for more info here.
[Via Mophie]
[Video] "Don't Talk or Text" PSA featuring Siri
The anti-phone policies at the Alamo Drafthouse are no joke. Whether they're expressed through funny "Don't Talk or Text" PSA videos (recently featuring the cast of The World's End and Before Midnight) or banning Madonna, the powers that be behind the Alamo take the film experience very seriously. Yet, there are still those general filmgoers who would rather ruin the experience for everybody rather than stepping aside or waiting to return a text or call.
It's gotten to a point where the iPhone's Siri has become sentient, as illustrated in this brilliant new "Don't Talk" PSA. Maybe the next time you consider texting or making a call through your iPhone, you'll think better of it. Siri knows all of your secrets, after all. Check out the video below!
[vimeo id="83350609"]
Kickstarter amassed $480 million in funds last year
I've been a huge supporter of Kickstarter for a few years, throwing some cash towards a large number of video game, comic, and film projects. With the growing success of crowdfunding projects, many mainstream artists have turned to the service to fund their projects, from the Veronica Mars film adaptation to Elzhi's new album, as well as many, many independent studios and companies funding their dream projects.
Recently, Kickstarter released their statistics from 2013, and they're very lofty numbers. Three million people across 214 different countries pledged $480 million to various projects last year, with close to 20,000 projects (19,911 projects to be exact) being successfully funded. Crowdfunding has seen a growth in popularity in recent years, with Kickstarter and IndieGoGo being the top two services offered. 2014 should be an even bigger and better year for aspiring creatives.
[via Kickstarter]
3 million Xbox Ones, 4.2 million PlayStation 4s sold in 2013
Monday, Microsoft announced that the Xbox One sold 3 million units across 13 different countries in 2013. That's 3 million units in fiveweeks. Astounding number, isn't it? After all, that extra million is on top of the 2 million Xbox Ones the company sold in the console's first eight days. Quite an accomplishment, no?
However, just as Sony was wont to do in 2013, demonstrated by their E3 debut of the system in which Sony not only undercut the Xbox One's price point, but also poked fun at Microsoft's DRM policy, they swept the rug from under Microsoft and stole some of their thunder. At Sony's CES keynote yesterday, the company announced that it sold 4.2 million PS4s in the final six weeks of 2013.
In case you're wondering, Nintendo has sold 3.92 million Wii Us as of October 2013 since its launch in November 2012. They just can't catch a break, can they?
With both the PS4 and Xbox One yet to launch in Japan, as I noted recently, expect that number to increase exponentially during the first quarter of 2014. If you're a visual person, IGN has a few bar graphs comparing the PS4, Xbox One, and Wii U against one another, as well as lifetime and launch sales of the PS3, 360, and Wii.
[via IGN]
PlayStation Now to stream old PlayStation games to PS4, PS Vita
When Sony bought Gakai back in the summer of 2011, it was always assumed that they would use the cloud service to stream PS3 games for the upcoming PlayStation 4. Today, the Japanese company confirmed their plans with their announcement of PlayStation Now. Currently, PS3 games are confirmed to be a part of the service, allowing PS4 owners to stream PS3 games to the PS3, PS4, PS Vita, and select Bravia TVs with additional devices planned for the future. PS2 and PS1 games are also rumored to be available through PlayStation Now, although the official press release hasn't addressed their availability. A beta run for the service is set to begin at the end of the month with a roll out scheduled for the summer.
There are no details as to how the service will function, but Sony has noted that a subscription plan is in the works for gamers to choose from an assortment of games, as well as the ability to stream individual titles. There's no word on whether or not gamers who already own copies of the game will have access to them or have to pay a fee (much like the PS3 to PS4 upgrade service). One thing's for sure: it won't be long before us PS4 owners can get rid of our PS3s collecting dust.
[via PlayStation Blog]
Polaroid Socialmatic Camera to Officially Launch at CES 2014
With CES 2014 well on its way in Las Vegas, one product that many people have been anticipating is Polaroid's Socialmatic Camera AKA the Instagram camera. It will officially launch this week at CES, so that means we can see it for sale within the next month or two. ADR Studio are the geniuses behind the camera. Housing a 14 megapixel digital camera (front and back), the camera can also print a 2x3 full color photo thanks to ZINK Zero (the guys behind the ink printing technology). Good news for us photo nerds who can't wait to get their hands on this guy. Be sure to check out this overview video from ADR Studio about the camera, as well.
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