Uncompressed Episode 41
Things are a little crazy this week in Uncompressed land — longtime fans will recognize the off-the-cuff format. 
Planned discussions about Vista Authentication being cracked, HD-DVD pulling ahead in the HiDef race, and Christmas lights degrading WiFi signals, spiral out of control into conversations about car navigation systems and hot chicks playing with the Nintendo Wii. (for those listening that want to play along click here!)
News
- James Kim found dead.
- IRS to tax virtual assets.
- Optimus once again going color.
- Vista authentication already cracked.
- HD-DVD pulling ahead?
- RIAA wants to reduce artist royalties.
- Christmas lights degrade WiFi signals.
- Heros available on NBC website.
- Industry price fixing scandal starts to emerge.
Gaming
- The ultimate Guitar Hero mod.
- Cops flash badges to skip in PS3 line.
- Wii strap getting thicker?
- Crysis delayed further.
- Miyamoto tells gamers to calm down.
Other Stuff (that didn’t make the show)
- Follow up: 9 out of 10 emails are spam.
- Wii power glove.
- Japan still hates the Xbox (360).
- Wii web browser for Christmas?
- Vista to make PCs 20% more expensive.
- Gears of War clogs the tubes.
YouTube of the Week
Bottle Guy
Link to Assasin’ Creed video. (Requires Quicktime)
Thats everything — ton of links this week! Please make sure to check out our contest. Even if you dont participate, if you know someone that might be interested please let them know!
December 13th, 2006 at 2:10 pm
http://secondlife.reuters.com/stories/2006/12/04/details-emerge-on-us-virtual-world-tax-probe/
2nd life is a big reason that politicians are already looking at taxing money “made” in virtual worlds.
I expect the best deal for gamers or people who want to make a living in online worlds is to treat is like capitol gains. Basically take what you take an equation like this:
Money out of the system - money into the system (fees, hardware if you are a company, and/or any money you put into the system) = profits
Then the tax will be a percent of the profits. It is simple both if you were an individual or a company “making money” in a virtual world.
December 14th, 2006 at 2:42 pm
Here’s that article I was talking about on the show to turn a real guitar into a Guitar Hero controller:
http://toolmonger.com/2006/12/05/how-to-build-your-own-custom-full-sized-wireless-guitar-hero-controller/
December 14th, 2006 at 10:28 pm
Thanks for the link Nation. I have always been intrigued by how some folks can actually make a pretty penny in the virtual world. I just downloaded Second Life, maybe in tis life I will be able to worry about capital gains
Thom - That link is awesome, I have an old guitar that lying around that I can try this out on. I just ordered a wireless GH controller, but I think this is the only way I will be able to beat Free Bird on expert