Modern Geek
By GWC Network
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Podcast Description
We live the geek lifestyle, and in this podcast we share it with you every week, discussing current news, fun projects, and cool products -- all from a geek perspective.
| Name | Description | Released | Price | ||
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1 |
#43: Ubuntu 12.04 LTS Review, Instacast | Chuck reviews the sweet iOS podcast manager app Instacast. Will WiFi work out of the box? Will ACPI suck? What's that new app store like? Juan delivers the details in a run-down of his experiences installing and trying out the latest long term support Ubuntu release -- without opening a terminal. | 5/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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2 |
#42: Juan Chooses a Tablet | That's right -- Juan finally stepped up and chose his tablet. We share our detailed personal process for selecting the perfect gear, a process you, too, can follow to make sure that when you throw down the big bucks you get something that'll serve your purposes well for years to come. | 5/8/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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3 |
#41: The Most Popular Android Tablet | We discuss the Kindle Fire, the fact that it's the best selling Android tablet by far, and what this means for the non-iOS tablet market. We add our thoughts to Woz's recent evaluation of the Windows phone. We discuss Firefox' move to automated updates and how it's time for business apps to build to standards instead of browsers. And we ponder the news of Oracle's decision to provide direct OS X Java updates. Will it mean better or worse updates going forward? | 5/1/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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4 |
#40: SSD Price Drop, Apple II 30th Anniversary | We note continued SSD price drops, including Intel's new sub-$90 60GB model. We share some Apple II experiences in honor of the "computer for the masses'" 30th anniversary. We discuss the pseudo-open-source release of the original Apple II Prince of Persia game source code along with documentation -- plus the widespread adoption of older game tech to get new game ideas to market. We review the recently-released Windows 8 product lineup. And we take a look at what might just be the best iPad keyboard/case on the market. | 4/23/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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5 |
#39: Google Goggles, AT&T Unlocks, YouTube Channels | We talk about Google's theoretical Goggles. We note that AT&T will soon begin unlocking off-contract phones on request. And we cover some of the new grant-funded YouTube content for geeks and how it makes sense of the whole YouTube channels system. Also, we hear from a listener who has first-hand experience with Time Machine backups. | 4/16/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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6 |
#38: Win 8 Consumer Preview, Trackpad Challenge | We download the Windows 8 consumer preview, install it on a VM, and offer some early thoughts as to its functionality and originality. Short version: We love Metro, but we're not yet sold on its integration -- and some of the features scare the hell out of us. Also, Juan takes up the Trackpad Challenge, ditching his beloved mouse for two weeks and replacing it with a multi-touch trackpad, reporting back this week with the results. | 4/3/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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7 |
#37: Draw Something/360 Cloud Sync Fail | Juan shares a story about using Skype and Google Hangout to attend his mother's birthday party while sick with the flu -- and even recruit friends from around the country to sing the famous happy birthday song. We discuss the new viral iOS game app Draw Something and how it netted its creator around $200 million this week. And we relate our experiences with the new Xbox 360 cloud sync for game saves as well as some best practices to avoid inadvertently leaving your saves "locked" to an Xbox 3000+ miles away (cough, cough, JUAN). | 3/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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8 |
#36: Modern Geeking the GWC Meetup | This week we run down some of the fun gear we use to live-stream the 2012 GWC Meetup podcasts and take questions from the live audience. | 3/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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9 |
#35: The New iPad/ME3 Dynamics | We walk you through the details of the New iPad announcement including iOS 5.1 (and all its changes), the new Retina display, the updated camera, voice dictation, new 4G LTE radios, a slightly-more-portly weight and size, and a new battery to keep battery life similar. We also note Bioware's awesome decision to include a dynamic range setting in Mass Effect 3's config menus, allowing you to dial up and down the game's audio dynamic range to simplify play on high-end sound systems or in noisy environments. | 3/25/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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10 |
#34: Apple Pre-Event, Win Skype | We put a little thought into this week's Apple event and its likely launch of the iPad 3. We discover that Microsoft Flight is going free-to-play. We talk about Microsoft's push for Win-phone Skype compatibility. We discuss AT&T's latest wireless data bandwidth fiasco. And we think about HBO's future with the XBox. | 3/5/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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11 |
#33: Legos in Space, Hard Drive Pricing, Cord Cutting | We have some fun calculating the cost (and awesome coolness factor) of shipping a lego ISS to the real ISS. We talk about ways to identify the correct insertion of a USB cable. We discuss Netflix's outright rejection this week of Blackberry users and how this year might be the "watershed moment" for cable TV cord-cutters. We read about possible relief from stupidly-high hard drive pricing (though it'll get worse before better, doh). We talk about an article this week identifying Apple's slide-to-unlock sound as that of a pair of locking pliers opening, which leads into a discussion of smartphone use in the shop (and tool branding concerns). And we read a couple of great emails from listeners who accepted our challenge of finding use cases for Apple's desktop-aimed trackpad. | 2/28/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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12 |
#32: OS X Mountain Lion Preview (Bonus) | We walk you through some of the recently-exposed features coming down the pike for OS X users this summer in the form of OS X 10.8, Mountain Lion, including Airplay screen sharing, iMessage for the desktop, Notification Center, Game Center, enhanced iCloud integration, calendar/notes tweaks, Reminders (with iCloud sync), additional Twitter integration, and the dreaded Gatekeeper/App Store Software Update combo. And hey: Even if you don't care about OS X, you can always enjoy us arguing about the ethics/efficacy of sandboxed apps. | 2/21/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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13 |
#31: Win8, Antennagate, Switching, Clear App Review | We run down the news, including Apple's final "antennagate" settlement (hint: you probably already got yours), our take on the new Windows 8 logo (and Microsoft's Win8 future), Google's new Chrome "sign in," the new Minecraft-themed Lego sets, and this week's WebOS governance rules announcement. We also offer some tips to a listener who asked (via Twitter) what a long-time Windows user should expect when confronting an Apple desktop. And we review the much-buzzed iOS task app Clear and it's killer new UI. | 2/20/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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14 |
#30: AT&T Fees, Multi-Monitors | We catch up on some news, including new password leaks by multiple companies, Syrian officials' lame-ass passwords (12345? Really?), and Kodak's exit from the world of digital cameras. We note the oft-overlooked versioning features in Google Docs. We run down some new fees and changes to AT&T mobile users' accounts. And we answer Gizmodo's recent question: How many monitors is too many? | 2/13/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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15 |
#29: Dropbox, Smart TVs, Streaming | We marvel at the awesomeness of one of our listeners streaming her wedding live for us and others -- on the spur of the moment. We point out Dropbox's beta features and free 4.5 GB of storage. We walk through some users' issues with the OS X 10.7.3 update. We mini-review the touch-screen compatible AGloves. And we take some great listener calls including one about the development resources vs. code quality balance (which leads us to discuss the testing balance as well) and a great question about the value of integrated smart TVs. | 2/6/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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16 |
#28: Cloud-Based OS Access, Computer-on-a-Stick | Juan shares his junk pile adventures complete with the recovery of an original World of Warcraft manual. We note remote-game-purveyor OnLive's foray into cloud-based OS access, discussing just how much cloud computing has modified the small business landscape. We drool a bit on a $35 computer-on-a-stick that's a project just waiting to happen. And we take some great listener calls, including a take on ethical programming, some experiences with virus scanners, and a question about IOS updates. | 1/30/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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17 |
#27: New AT&T Data Plans, SOPA Primer | We run down AT&T's latest data plan modifications, offering slightly more data at a slightly higher cost. And as much as we hate to talk about it -- especially since it's already "shelved" for now -- we run through the provisions of SOPA/PIPA, its predecessors, and the bills likely to follow in its wake. | 1/24/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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18 |
#26: VHS Conversion Story, PS3 Analog Sticks | In this bonus episode we tell the tale of what's probably the most Rube Goldberg VHS conversion you've ever heard -- "Step 1: Recompile ffmpeg" -- resulting in Chuck recovering a copy of an old Super8 film he shot 20 years ago. And we take a listener call from the UK resulting in a discussion of the move from Firefox to Chrome, a concave vs. convex debate regarding the PS3's analog sticks, and an expression of our faith in the future of podcasting. Remember: You can call in your questions/comments at 214.296.9229! | 1/20/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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19 |
#25: CES, XBox 720 DVR | We have some fun with a bit of off-site CES coverage followed by a nice long discussion of the XBox 720 DVR possibility and the business decisions that drive it. Also, we take some listener calls, including a Mac Pro SSD upgrade experience and a question about leaving iOS devices plugged in overnight. | 1/18/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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20 |
#24: Best Gym Music Player, Long Term Data Storage | We share our experiences in selecting a high quality, inexpensive music player for the gym -- choosing one you might not expect. We answer a listener call asking about the best storage medium for long-term data archival. And Juan tells us a little about his recent Kinect interactions. | 1/13/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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21 |
#23: A320 Classic Game Emulator, News | We offer our first impressions of the cheap-assed Linux-based A320 classic game emulator. We discuss your new ability to add free voice calls to Google+ hangouts. And we talk Verizon convenience fee and what separates one carrier from another (read: not much). | 1/10/12 | Free | View In iTunes |
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22 |
#22: Christmas Hauls, Listener Calls | We wonder when Firefox will stop the onslaught of business-use-killing version numbers. We talk about the latest Boxee PC update and how Boxee's discontinuance of the PC version makes sense. Juan tells us about his new PS3 and his accessory purchase plans. And we take listener calls, including a great SIRI use case, discussion of the social impact of media viewing, an iTunes home sharing fail, and possible solutions to iPhone WiFi issues. | 12/30/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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23 |
#21: XBox Live Dashboard Update, iOS App | We talk through the latest Xbox Live dashboard update. We express our surprise at the usefulness of the XBL iOS app. And we give some serious thought (and talk, of course) to how incredibly apt we find the Win8 panels interface on both Windows phones and the 360. Where's our Apple-quality functionality with a bad-ass Win panels UI? | 12/18/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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24 |
#20: Twitter iOS Updates/Desktop Software Sales | This week Twitter deployed major changes to their iPhone app, and we run down the new changes and what they mean to your online social life. We discuss when it makes sense to pay (sometimes big bucks) for a mobile app and when to stick to the freebies. And we take a look at some of the big packaged-desktop-software deals in terms of real value. Also: We update our SIRI quarter bet. | 12/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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25 |
#19: Listener Calls, Podcast Rig Geeking | In this bonus episode of Modern Geek, we take listener calls, including a question about WiFi slowdowns on the iPhone, a successful Roku-based cutting of the cable TV cord, and an inquiry as to the best camera choice for taking pictures of active children. Also, we geek out a bit about the technical hurdles we overcame to pull off a special live streaming podcast for the network's flagship Galactic Watercooler podcast including live calls screened from another country, meta call-on-call action, and even pee breaks. | 12/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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26 |
#18: YouTube’s New UI/Chiptune Magic | We talk about YouTube's user interface makeover and what it might mean for the overall Google social strategy. We geek out over an Apple II-based drum sequencer for chiptune composers. We get distracted by an awesome eBay Apple II auction. And we run down the basics of recent YouTube Content ID profiteering. | 12/6/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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27 |
#17: 360 Dashboard Update, Boxee, Retro Gaming | We talk about the huge change coming to the Xbox 360 dashboard in the next few weeks. We dissect the addition of live TV via antennae to the Boxee Box. We drool over ThinkGeek's awesome sub-$100 portable retro gaming rig -- and quietly add it to both our Christmas lists. And we discuss a reader's suggestion on how to DIY up your own pair of touchscreen-compatible winter gloves. | 12/4/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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28 |
#16: Black Friday/Password Security | We offer some advice on how to avoid disappointing Black Friday purchases. We talk about password security and how you can easily and dramatically increase the security of your online accounts and identity. And we take a listener call about cellular data plans. | 11/20/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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29 |
#15: SIRI Explainer, Redundancy vs. Backup | We cover the iOS 5.0.1 release -- the platform's first OTA update. We explain the basics of how SIRI works and why outages occur. We discuss Adobe's halt of movie/TV Flash player development and what it means to the industry. We delve into the differences between redundancy and backup when it comes to data protection, why you need both, and how to get some for yourself. And we take listener calls with questions about old laptop disposal and comments on iPod decommissioning. | 11/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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30 |
#14: SSDs, Windows 8 | Juan talks us through the magic of installing an SSD to give an older (but still usable) computer a serious kick in the performance ass. We talk Windows 8 and iPhone 4S battery problem updates. And we take some awesome listener calls, including an opinion on the AppleTV entertainment center solution and a killer steampunk iPhone case recommendation. | 11/1/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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31 |
#13: Ice Cream Sandwich, Future of Media | We run down some basics of the Android Ice Cream Sandwich launch -- and admit that we're woefully under-informed about new Android developments. We discuss the future of media and what the latest convergence devices might do to the way we consume TV and movies. And we cover some Apple launch-day glitches and recommendations for iPhone cases. | 10/26/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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32 |
#12: Kindle Update, DC Comics/BN, Prepping for iOS5 Update | We run down interesting new news, including Amazon's option of removing ads from the ad-supported Kindle for $30, Barnes and Noble's war with DC Comics, and more information about the XBOX TV "network." And we walk you through what you need to do to be prepared for the coming Apple iOS5 update. Also, we take more (awesome) listener calls! | 10/11/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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33 |
#11: Apple Event Coverage (Bonus) | Yep, we talk about the October 4, 2011 Apple event, including the release of some new apps, iOS5, iCloud, slightly-changed iPod Nanos/Touches, and the new iPhone 4S. Have questions about all the new shizz that we didn't answer? Give us a call or drop us an email and we'll do our best. | 10/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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34 |
#10: Tech & Your Loved Ones, Digital Note-Taking | We spend some time thinking about the best ways to offer tech support to your relatives and loved ones. Chuck shares his recent experiences shifting to digital note-taking, which leads into a discussion of digital task management. And we take some listener calls. | 10/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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35 |
#9: New Kindles, AeroPress | We run down Amazon's incredible new range of Kindle devices, making an early attempt to match the new tablet/readers to lots of use cases. We talk briefly about the real use of cloud computing. And we offer a review of/look into the AeroPress, an awesome way to make great coffee by the cup -- cheaply. | 10/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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36 |
#8: Unlimited Data, Hosting a Personal Blog | We talk a bit about the realities of "unlimited" data plans. We dive into the ins, outs, and available options for hosting a personal blog. And we address a listener concern: what to do when you want to share a Google+ meetup with someone local to you. | 9/27/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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37 |
#7: Halo Night (Bonus) | In this bonus episode, we let you join in one of our weekly social activities: Halo night. Shooting the crap while shooting the Covenant, we discuss some of the tools available to help the modern geek socialize with distant friends, as well as the history of such technologies, including BBSs and early MMOs. | 9/21/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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38 |
#6: XBox TV, Cable Management | We ponder the possibility of Microsoft "Appling" the cable TV industry with an upcoming release of a Kinect-powered streaming/on-demand video service. We discuss some of the many options available to keep cables under control in your desk and home theater setup. Chuck rants a bit about HDMI standards. And we hear from a listener about yet another (awesome) special printer use case. | 9/19/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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39 |
#5: Voicemail Show | You called, and we respond! Since we didn't have time to address all your (awesome) calls in this week's main episode, we added this bonus voicemail show. Highlights: We describe some of the technical magic that automatically strips, converts, and positions the voicemails that come in to all the various GWC podcast. We hear MG listener Barb's take on tea -- and tell you about the thoughtful (and tasteful) gift we received this week from Adagio. We address the question of Windows vs. iOS vs. Android for non-powerusers. We discover that some families need color printing and ponder cheap (and painfully expensive) color printer options. And uber-geek Shooter digs into the iPad capitative touch screen specs and tells us how they might affect the design of iPad styluses. Thanks again for calling in your killer thoughts and questions! | 9/16/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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40 |
#4: Device Transport, G+ Mashups | We dig into the process of choosing a bag in which to carry all your mobile devices (and other stuff). We hear about Juan's attempt to merge two G+ hangout sessions (and how we might construct a serious system to do a better job of it). We talk about this week's Google Docs outage, musing about what it might mean to cloud computing and contemplating where gDocs fits into the free-to-paid office app suite continuum. And we learn that it's possible to hear about an earthquake that happens less than 100 km away by Twitter -- before you feel the rumbling. | 9/12/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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41 |
#3: G+ Hangout/Skype Best Practices, IngenuiTEA Review | We run down some new news on the GameStop coupon fiasco front. We present some technical ideas and best practices for not being "that guy" (who always screws up the fun -- or productivity -- for everyone) on Google Plus hangouts and Skype conference calls. We review Adagio's IngenuiTEA, a cheap and easy way to make high-quality loose-leaf tea. And we take a listener call asking about iPad styluses (stylii?). | 9/5/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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42 |
#2: Jobs’ Retirement, Selecting a Cheap Printer | We discuss the history of Steve Jobs' innovation. We disagree (in part) with current talk of a "tablet bubble." We compare low-end ink jet and laser printers in terms of providing fast, cheap, and easy service in a home environment. And we take a listener call asking about what HP's departure from the mobile market (and potentially the PC market as well) could mean to home and business customers. | 8/29/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
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43 |
#1: Back to School, Back to Work | We walk you through the process of selecting a large mobile device, answering the questions: Netbook or tablet? Tablet or reader? We discuss Google's purchase of Motorola's mobile division and what it might mean to the smartphone (and possibly computer) biz. And we take a close look at Canon's killer point-and-shoot camera, the PowerShot S95. | 8/15/11 | Free | View In iTunes |
| Total: 43 Episodes |
Customer Reviews
Great podcast
Everything I love about GWC (except the missing people) in a tech spotlight. Overall, awesome to listen to, and an awesome podcast.
