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Growing Up Geek: Philip Palermo
Welcome to Growing Up Geek, a feature where we take a look back at our youth, and tell stories of growing up to be the nerds that we are. This week, we have our very own Philip Palermo! In case you couldn't tell from that pirate / bandit / pimp / vampire pictured above, I sometimes have trouble making up my mind. It took me forever to decide what I wanted to be that Halloween -- figuring out what I wanted to be when I grew up has taken even longer. It's strange to think that a few landmark tech purchases during my life helped make who I am today. Our family's first computer, the NES, a used DSLR -- just the simple act of bringing tech home and experimenting with it seemed to shape, reshape and re-reshape my projected career path.
Netflix is making 'Mascots,' a film from Christopher Guest
Netflix has acquired yet another movie: Mascots. Behind the full-length project, scheduled to be released in 2016, is Christopher Guest, best known for his acting and directing in comedies like A Mighty Wind, Best In Show and For Your Consideration. He also starred in This Is Spinal Tap, in which he played the role of an English rockstar. According to Netflix, Mascots is abouta group of "unusual" men and women in furry suits who compete to win "the prestigious Gold Fluffy Award and be crowned the best mascot in the world." Other than that, details are scarce at the moment. But, if Guest's previous mockumentaries are any indication, you can expect his Netflix film to be both funny and outrageous.
Engadget Eurocast 065 - 6.27.14
Dan has summoned the team together to deliver some important news, so we have a full house today. With 65 episodes under the belt, the Eurocast is joining the likes of the HD podcast and taking a hiatus. We're restructuring how we deliver news outside the website proper and as they say, "when it's time to change, you've got to rearrange." For now, however, it's time to turn those dewy eyes to Google-y eyes. This week's Google I/O developer conference brought forth a litany of software announcements including a new design language, auto-focused software, the Android Wear platform and support for budget handsets. While Android One is planning to power smartphones for economically minded devices, Google also delivered a corrugated solution to costly VR technology -- you can even make one at home. What does this all mean for you? Our crack team of technology addicts experts dig into the details to make it all crystal clear. Please join us at the streaming links below as we talk tech news one last time and raise our glasses to you, our listeners. Stay tuned, though, you might hear from us again sooner than you think. Hosts: Dan Cooper, Sharif Sakr, Matt Brian, Steve Dent, James Trew Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 402 - 6.18.14
A short time ago, your hosts Ben Drawbaugh and Richard Lawler celebrated the 400th episode of the Engadget HD Podcast and it was a milestone achievement. After this week, however, the show will be on hiatus as we re-envision the future of how we deliver HD and other news beyond the website proper. That doesn't mean we haven't packed in a ton of info into this week's episode, however. The FCC has decided to step in to offer support for municipal broadband and to review the situation between Netflix and ISPs like Comcast and Verizon. A new Slingbox is hitting the market and Comcast's Xfinity router seems to have developed WiFi capabilities. Of course, it wouldn't be a podcast without your hosts quibbling about the merits of Michael Bay or Ben giving us some info about either the Lego Movie or the brand's latest game. If you chose to watch last night's episode of Fargo instead of listening to the podcast live, we forgive you. But please join us for this week's edition of the Engadget HD Podcast at the streaming links below. At least for now, we'll all have a bit more time for HDTV! Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 401 - 6.11.14
Has it been two weeks since we last saw you? Yep, but audio-file-munching software systems couldn't keep us away this week, so get ready. There are piles of console related tidbits on top of E3 this week, with Sony launching its PlayStation TV device in the US and Microsoft's Xbox One getting dis-Kinect-ed from it's once-bundled sensor peripheral. Verizon and Netflix are at it again, playing the streaming slowdown blame game and Apple wants to improve audio quality by letting its proprietary Lightning port step in for headphone duty. There's also a ton of shows to see this week, but Ben's been too busy checking out the technology at Disney World to make a dent in his DVR queue. All this and much more is ready for your ears, so head to the streaming links below to join us for another episode of the Engadget HD Podcast! Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Eurocast 064 - 6.6.14
Dan goes freestyle this week in order to liven up the joint, boost morale and woo another age bracket of listenership, perhaps. His wild stylings are nothing compared to the crew's speculation about Amazon's upcoming mobile device and its interesting array of sensor technology. While that may be shrouded in mystery, Samsung has finally launched a series of Tizen-based smartphones and TVs to join its series of wearables with the OS. Plus we review Apple's recent WWDC announcements and discuss the company's developer-centric approach. All this and more is jammed into this week's episode of the Eurocast, so settle in with your favorite cuppa, put your feet up and let the pulsing rhythm of tech news feed your brain. Hosts: Dan Cooper, Sharif Sakr, Matt Brian Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget Podcast 399 - 5.30.14
We're taking the elephant in the room for a ride this week and jumping right into Apple's purchase of Beats, including both its Electronics and Music divisions. Since we're back in cramped confines of our NYC "studio," that scenario is more implausible than usual, especially with our guest Edgar Alvarez adding to the head count. Space issues like this may soon be forgotten as Oculus is picking up some heavy hitting partners for expansion of its virtual reality plans. This time it's joined forces with Samsung to work on a mobile device-based platform that plans to put VR into the hands of everyday smartphone users. Ben also chats about his visit to the White House Science Fair, where young minds are delivering some serious research and engineering projects. With our future in good hands and delicious waffles on the horizon, we wish you a happy Friday and leave you with another edition of the Engadget Podcast. Hosts: Ben Gilbert, Terrence O'Brien Guest: Edgar Alvarez Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 400 - 5.29.14
Welcome to the 400th HD Podcast! Similar words were typed back in February 2006, when the fledgling HDBeat Podcast was launched, with a slightly younger Ben Drawbaugh at the helm. Richard is no slouch himself, having racked up over 200 episodes in the series, and we're also joined by former editor and HD host Steve Kim, who has a habit of dropping in on these occasions. The crew does some reminiscing, but won't be stopped from getting down to the details that have kept this show afloat for so long. There's discussion of Cox's gigabit internet rollout, Google Fiber's business plan and Amazon's Fire TV deal, which Steve is pressured into acknowledging as a must-have deal. Richard has some tips to keep your classic Xbox 360 in top shape, but it somehow manages to dredge up memories of the unending flow of quarters which Donkey Kong and its arcade brethren used to command. Please join us for this quadricentennial celebration of the Engadget HD Podcast and its nostalgic look at how far things have come since this all began. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Guest: Steven Kim Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Podcast 398 - 5.26.14
It's all happening in San Francisco this week, as your hosts are joined by Tim Seppala and Mat Smith to talk NSA reform, Surface Pro 3, burritos and.. Guy Fieri? Terrence takes the time to detail the recent bill that passed in the house, which makes steps in the right direction to rein in the NSA's snooping, but fails to make a serious impact. There's also Microsoft's new "slate-top," a combination of tablet and laptop that's much improved over the previous Surface generation, but at a wallet-busting price. We have plenty more fun and news packed into this edition -- and at least one office dog -- so join us at the streaming links below for our slightly delayed, but worth-the-wait episode of the Engadget Podcast. Hosts: Ben Gilbert, Terrence O'Brien Guests: Timothy Seppala, Mat Smith Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Eurocast 063 - 5.23.14
We're broadcasting from San Francisco this week and joined by TUAW editor-in-chief Victor Agreda Jr. and Engadget's own Sarah Silbert to talk Beats acquihire rumors and the "lapability" of the Surface Pro 3. Dan tried to get Plan B to join the show, but, well... it is 2014. We've got all the details about Microsoft's newest slate-top and some insight as to how it fares as a daily driver. James shares some info about Samsung's latest foray into tangential gadgets: a VR rig tailored specifically for mobile devices that's being fast-tracked to beat out the competition. There's also been some action in the EE camp leading to another round of avian-inspired gear that's priced to move, although Jamie's going to wait for the LTE Moto G. It's a great bit of banter to soak up, so kick back and get ready for this week's Engadget Eurocast! Hosts: Dan Cooper, Jamie Rigg, James Trew Guests: Victor Agreda Jr., Sarah Silbert Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 399 - 5.21.14
Things are heating up in the HD world this week, but definitely not enough to cook a pizza properly. AT&T is making a bid to buy DirecTV for a hefty sum, unless the company's NFL Sunday Ticket portion doesn't pan out, leaving them with an escape clause. Other deals afoot include the Comcast and Time Warner Cable merger, both of which are some of the most hated names in the industry. As for Pioneer's beloved Kuro displays, it seems Ben's had one in his home for longer than he's willing to believe, leaving him in a nostalgic lurch. This gives Richard a chance to dish out all the new content that's popped up on Hulu Plus and run down some Must See HDTV -- don't worry, no Game of Thrones spoilers. As always, there's a ton of info to feed your brain with, so click on down to the streaming links and join us for this week's episode! Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Podcast 397 - 5.16.14
It's been a long and busy week, leaving a newly nicotine-free Terrence a tad more irritable than usual. Ben's been busy too, but that just means long hours of playing Mario Kart 8. Both of these factors seem to cancel each other out and the result is a pleasant stroll through the world of Xbox One, this time sporting a lower price tag and one less peripheral. Is it Microsoft's way to boost sales, or are there more complex plans afoot? It depends on who you listen too, but the Redmond camp believes it's doing gamers with tight budgets a big favor. We also dig into the issue of smart guns: how they work and what it could mean for the future of firearms. So plop on down in your comfiest chair and get ready for the smooth sounds of tech news, brought to you by the Engadget Podcast crew. Hosts: Ben Gilbert, Terrence O'Brien Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Eurocast 062 - 5.16.14
Dan's getting forgetful and Sharif is squeezing in mini holidays between cloud banks, but Matt champions the concept of news, so off we go. There's the often turbulent tale of Virgin Media and Sky, and yet they've managed to extend a truce that will continue to benefit customers, while still earning the companies a pretty penny. Another smart business move that's giving customers a treat is npower's deal to fold in Nest thermostats and installation along with its utility service. The lads then dive deep into the mobile situation with Motorola's Moto E, HTC's ungainly named One Mini 2 and a retail merger/mashup. So, please join us for this week's Doo Da Eurocast and a healthy helping of tech for hungry minds. Belly up, it's chow time. Hosts: Dan Cooper, Sharif Sakr, Matt Brian Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 398 - 5.15.14
Yep, there's more net neutrality talk this week, but look on the bright side: at least Eastbound & Down has arrived on Blu-ray. But it doesn't take a major leaguer to throw a curveball, as exemplified by Netflix's one dollar price hike for all its subscribers. The upside? If you're an existing customer, you get a two-year grace period on that increase. NBC is also upping the ante, but its all about locking in Olympics broadcast coverage until 2032 to the tune of $7.65 billion. While some things are looking to the future, this week also brought about a slew of TV finales, including the less-than-triumphant return of Cleveland Brown to Family Guy after his own show got canned. All this and more can be found amongst the informed chatter on this week's Engadget HD Podcast, conveniently served up at the streaming links below. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Facebook reminds you to celebrate your first friend this Mother's Day
Every now and again, Facebook likes to wheel out a clip to celebrate a special event, and today is no exception. If you are a mom, then congratulations, and if you have one, then why not take the Zuck's advice and wish them a good one. Just remember, if you forgot to get a present, then breakfast in bed will do as a short-term solution until you can get to the store.
Engadget Podcast 396 - 5.9.14
Dr. Dre hit it big this week with Apple flinging $3.2 billion his way for Beats Electronics and the Cristal beers were flowin' in celebration. Big Ben and JV are throwing down their thoughts on the matter, but it's not like it was WhatsApp money. Nintendo made the news as well, although not in such a celebratory light. The tight-lipped company failed to spin a certain social blunder with its Tomodachi Life game and the response from the Twitterverse has been fierce. Life can be tough sometimes. But hey, if you've got the dough, you can soon live smarter in NYC's upcoming smart neighborhood. In the meantime, stay strong, keep your chin up and remember, it's okay if things get a little Nasty sometimes. Please enjoy this week's Engadget Podcast responsibly. Hosts: Ben Gilbert, Joseph Volpe Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Engadget Eurocast 061 - 5.9.14
It's barbecue time in the UK, the sun is shining (for the moment) and things are right in the world. Unless, of course, you happen to be Nintendo. The crew looks at the state of Nintendo's financials and recent missteps in handling certain interactions of its Mii-based Tomodachi LIfe characters. While things keep getting complicated for Mario's makers, easyJet looks towards streamlining its engineers' workflow by employing drones to help speed up the fleet inspection process. China's Huawei is also launching its new Ascend P7, and aside from the bumpy Android ride, it looks to be headed in the right direction for such a nascent smartphone maker. So get some ribs on the grill and let 'em smoke, while we deliver up some tasty tech tidbits to chew on. Join us at the streaming links below for this edition of the Engadget Eurocast! Hosts: Dan Cooper, Sharif Sakr, Steve Dent Producer: Jon Turi Hear the Podcast:
Engadget HD Podcast 397 - 5.7.14
Stories about net neutrality and slowed connectivity continue to surface, and the FCC chairman has made it clear that preferential treatment will not be tolerated. In other news, merger mayhem continues with AT&T rumored to be buying DirectTV, and Cox may join the gigabit internet club. Ben and Richard do their best to sift through this towering mess of info and cut through the nonsense. But confusion abounds, with theatrical film releases bleeding into home viewing as Moviefone decides to add TV listings to its service and the CEO of Dreamworks is predicting a faster turnaround from cinemas to consumer purchases -- sometime in the next ten years, that is. You should definitely squeeze some time into your TV schedule for this week's episode, although we do know your DVR only has so much space. Hosts: Richard Lawler, Ben Drawbaugh Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
Samsung's Galaxy S5 now comes in a tweaker-friendly Verizon model
Fancy a Galaxy S5 on Verizon, but still want the freedom of tweaking your smartphone to your heart's content? Today's your lucky day. Samsung has just released a Developer Edition of the Android smartphone that's built for Big Red's network. The device is largely identical to what you'd find in the local carrier store, including branding. You're just getting an unlocked bootloader that will make it easier to install unofficial firmware. This special GS5 is also expensive at $599 contract-free, but that's what you'd shell out for the regular Verizon model on similar terms -- if you're already willing to pay full price, you might as well get more control over the device you buy.
Engadget Podcast 395 - 5.2.14
Urban legend confirmed. Atari did dump a pile of its E.T. game cartridges into a landfill in New Mexico and it's thanks to Microsoft's recent documentary efforts that we've gotten some closure. This leads your hosts to ponder the situation that led up to the cast off games and what it meant for Atari at the time. Inevitably, Terrence recalls his own Atari experiences as a youth, sitting down with a second-hand console and blasting away the hours with Yars Revenge. Ben is perfectly fine to sit back and listen -- he was a Nintendo kid, after all. But soon enough, he sets his gaming-honed gray matter in motion and delivers a cogent explanation about mobile privacy rights. It's all packed into this one episode, so head on down to the streaming links and feed your brain with the Engadget Podcast. It's delicious! Hosts: Terrence O'Brien, Ben Gilbert Producer: Jon Turi Hear the podcast:
