Tech, Full Speed Ahead
When it comes to technology, everything moves forward at a record pace, so we turn to the Internet to keep us up to date on the latest tech trends. Sure, you could read countless amounts of tech blogs, magazines, or tweets to tell you what’s hot or not, but wouldn’t you rather watch videos about it instead? Yes, videos take a bit longer to produce than writing a breaking news post about freshly-announced gadgets, but the trade-off for waiting a day or two is definitely worth it. Videos offer all-encompassing hands-on demos, user-submitted (and expertly answered) questions, on-site interviews by tech pros from launch sites, and the type of humor that fails to transcend the blogging medium.
We tend to dedicate large portions of our income to the latest and greatest gadgets even as the gadgets themselves grow more complex (err expensive). Let’s face it: it is important to become technology-inclined at some point. For those looking to start, here are some great shows to help you become that tech savvy person you desire to be:
TV/Mobile
HD Nation is a Revision3 weekly video podcast made to cover everything high-definition. Hosts Patrick Norton and Robert Heron cycle through the endless amount of TV devices made to make the picture quality on your shiny HDTV look flawless. HD Nation also covers new Blu-Ray releases of the week as well as how to create the ultimate home theater. For HDTV: which is better, LCD or Projectors?
CNET Tap That App focuses on apps from all the smartphone operating systems. With humor in tow, each app is thoroughly reviewed and usually recommended. Each episode is hosted by a well-respected and informative CNET Editor, so you can bet you get all the best information fast and in a easy-to-understand manner. “Cut the Rope:” best handheld game?
AppJudgement is a Revision3 Network show that focuses on the hundreds of thousands of apps available for your smartphone. Each app is carefully reviewed to inform you on what’s worth getting, what isn’t, and even offers alternative apps that get the job done. Are celebrity apps useful or unnecessary?
Gaming
IGN Daily Fix is a weekly video podcast from IGN that covers movies, video games and TV shows in a fast and efficient manner. Each episode is about two minutes in length and covers only the most important technologically trendy topics. So, if you are only interested in the tech highlights, this show is definitely for you. What’s that, another Resident Evil video game?
Zero Punctuation is a weekly game review show from The Escapist Channel. Hosted by crude-humor king Ben Croshaw in what can best be described as ramblings from a mad genius (lunatic?), Ben reviews the newest video game releases. A positive review from Mr. Croshaw is rare, so when it does happen, be sure to buy it immediately: Red Dead Redemption anyone?
GameTrailers TV (GT.TV) with Geoff Keighley is a weekly TV show from Spike TV that bills itself as the ultimate guide to the world of video games. With full episodes available online in addition to TV, it might be right. Rather than just review games, GT.TV prides itself in delivering unprecedented access to today’s hottest video game events, trailers, and interviews. I’m thinking I might get that new Mortal Kombat video game.
Variety
Talking Tech is a tech information news show from USA Today with hosts Ed Baig and Jefferson Graham. Here you can learn about the latest news in full detail, new products, information, and insight into the technology and companies you enjoy most. Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes at Netflix?
Circuits with David Pogue is David’s personal tech-review blog that updates weekly for The New York Times. What I enjoy most about this show is David’s snarky sense of humor when reviewing everyday consumer technology. He lets himself have fun without the informative edge that even the average Joe can understand. Hey David, tell me what you really think about the Motorola Xoom.
CNET Prizefight is a tech match-up show that pits two contending products against one another for the battle Prizefight Supremacy. There are smartphone battles, ebook reader battles, and even next generation gaming battles. All for the purpose of buying your love and affection. With each fight slated to go the distance, who will you be rooting for? Up next on the score sheet: Verizon iPhone 4 vs. AT&T iPhone 4. Let’s get it on!
I’ll take getting the right information over the quick info any day. With more shows like these dedicated to covering this fast-paced and ever-expanding sector, you can pretty much guarantee you’re getting both.
