Send 'um Texts Heap Fast

Apple will soon add Cherokee language support to iOS devices. Just in case you've been waiting.

On-line Content

Internet-connected television is trying to become popular by several means but will it replace cable, satellite and over-the-air? In my opinion, no. At least not in the near future. Some people are replacing conventional delivery with Hulu (and less significant/successful others), but I think most of us are using internet connections only as an occasional supplement - mostly for movies.

Hulu seems to be the most popular web tv provider and offers free content from FOX, NBC, ABC, ABC Family, The Biography Channel, MTV Networks, the National Geographic Channel and other networks. I do know some people who use Hulu as their primary source of television viewing but many people use Hulu just as a backup for when they miss the original airing of a favorite TV show and are willing to watch the missed episode on their computer monitor.

Sony has partnered with Google TV and is offering network-ready televisions but GoogleTV seems to be having a hard time hitting the ground. Content providers such as NBC, ABC, CBS, Hulu and Viacom have blocked content from Google TV. Google TV is getting lots of on-line press but, even backed with Google cash, Google TV has a lot to overcome.

Popular hardware for receiving content via the internet includes the new Apple TV (as opposed to the old Apple TV which was perhaps not quite ready for prime-time), the Roku box, game consoles (XBOX, PS3, Wii, etc.) and Tivo. If you're looking for such hardware I would recommend any of these (although that includes the game consoles only if you already own one). Just remember you'll need an internet network with good bandwidth to avoid annoying pauses.

Popular content providers include Netflix, Amazon, and iTunes. On-demand content is also available from Blockbuster.

Apple TV

Eric's post about the Apple TV reminded me that I'd really like to get one and play with it, but even at the low, low price of $99 I can't push myself over the decision hump because my Tivo does pretty much all the same things. That still doesn't mean I won't eventually buy one, though. As a gadget geek, the Apple TV is just too neat for me to ignore forever.

Suddenlink to offer Tivo to Midland market

In this announcement yesterday, Suddenlink and Tivo announced Midland and Lubbock customers of the cable service will be offered the Tivo Premiere DVR. I will be surprised if users don't find the Tivo to be light-years ahead of what they've been using.