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Firewire's future on DVRs is up for debate
Mandated by the FCC, Firewire ports have been commonplace, and sadly mostly unused, on our HD DVRs for some time, but recent requests by Intel and TiVo to forego their inclusion have brought the situation to a head. Multichannel News reports the 1394 Trade Association is calling Intel's waiver request "too broad" and cited its wide deployment as reasons it should still be included. Beyond some driver hacks to enable transfers of DVR'd programming, it seems like Ethernet and USB are getting the lion's share of use on boxes, while emerging DLNA and MoCa tech makes moving content around even easier, is anyone actually getting a benefit from the extra port on their boxes as we go into 2010?
iPod Touch (does not) require iTunes account to use
If you're planning to run out and grab an iPod Touch from an Apple Store this weekend (they're on sale there now, doncha know), Deep Thought has an important tip before you go. Before you even get chance one to use your new gadget, you'll have to make an iTunes account you won't need one-- see Update below.Of course it's not that surprising when you think about it (since you'll need an account for the WiFi store for sure), but an account just to use the iPod Touch? A little strange, no? The Touch might not have a contract like the iPhone, but clearly Apple wants you to check in on the signup form before you get to play with your new iPod.Update: Well, maybe not. Our beloved commenters say this is just plain not true. When setting up the Touch, you can apparently skip making the account, and while obviously you need it for the WiFi store, you don't need it to just use the iPod. Thanks, guys!Update2: DT has posted a retraction as well. In his defense, as I said in the comments, the original statement that said an account was required came directly from an Apple PDF. Not all of us have the resources or the cash to buy or use one of these things as soon as they're released, but all of us are committed to letting you know about any pitfalls before you spend your hard-earned money on one. If you are planning on buying a Touch, enjoy it, account or not.[via MacBytes]
