Tech Talk for Families (Enhanced): Technology, toy, and video game news for YOUR family

LeapFrog flew us out to San Francisco last week to show us around. While much of what we learned will have to wait, you can watch our website for more information, articles, reviews, and blogs. Toy News: * Ugobe's Pleo: your own pet robot dinosaur * Spy Video Car Tech News: * Sandisk Fanfair and TakeTV: think iTunes store and AppleTV * Comcast and Verizon caught cheating consumer internet * Black Friday Beginning on Thanksgiving, but Wal-mart sues! Someone tell us why! * TiVo Series 3 and HD gets a big upgrade * Pink Barbie iPod Dock Interview This week, Dale Cripps from HDTV Magazine joins us to tell us all about HDTV. If you're looking to buy an HDTV this year--or ever, you should listen to this comprehensive buying guide. Know what to look for and how to find what's right for you. Video Game News and Reviews: * PlayHut opens another virtual world, GoLive2.com Kraze * Samba de Amigo for Wii will lack Maracas peripherals * Microsoft releases XBox 360 Arcade to compete with the Wii, but don't buy it Review Super Paper Mario The spiritual Wii successor to Super Mario Bros. 3 will not leave you flat. Dale and Teresa give you the skinny on this mostly 2-D platformer. Feedback * Charles from Mostly News called in to disagree with Matt from PVRBlog * Redboy called in to say he wouldn't buy an iPod based on color...but he did * Patrick in New Hampshire calls in with a request...how do you like it now? * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut.

This week, Teresa contemplates her new power cord. Maybe she should've waited. Also, we're updating our website. Check out the new look, and keep checking back to watch it evolve! Toy News: * Toys 'R' Us lists five toy buying trends this year Tech News: * Windows Update Hijacks Computers * Mobile Phones Help Quit Smoking * DRM-Free Music Price Drop at iTunes Music Store * Sprint's Answer to the iPhone (Dale wants one!) * Third-Party Applications officially coming to iPhone * Outlets to Go * Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 Interview This week, we talk to Matthew Haughey from PVRBlog. Matt talks about how a PVR/DVR/Tivo can benefit your family. Video Game News and Reviews: Review Cars Supercharged for Leapster This week, Hannah takes Cars Supercharged for a spin. She likes the tractor tipping. Feedback * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut. Next week: * An interview with Dale Cripps from HDTV Magazine * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

This week, Teresa enjoys an end to a laptop fire hazard...and fast! And no, we're not going in-depth on the iBrick. Recalls and Safety Information: * Don't try selling recalled items on Ebay * Wal-mart tests for lead, too * Recalled lead-tainted toys replaced by lead-tainted toys Toy News: * Holiday Toy Shortages Expected, but Toy Sales Begin Early, so shop early * FAO Schwartz Top Dozen Toys: These will probably disappear from the shelves first * New Dr. Seuss Games from I Can Do That Games Tech News: * Burn movie downloads to DVD * New Zunes, now with Squircles! Check out iLike for an iTunes version of the Zune Social. * Firefly Mobile and Gameloft to release games for flyphone Interview This week, we welcome Shauna Maggs from Groundspeak in the long-awaited discussion on geocaching. It's a gadget-related activity that involves the whole family, fresh air, and exercise! Video Game News and Reviews: * Free Nintendo Wii 'Jackets' to protect your Wiimotes Review Ratatouille for Wii This week, we take a look at another Ratatouille game, this time for the Wii. Anyone can cook, but can anyone play this game? Feedback * Redboy at The Redboy Podcast left a voicemail * Charles from Desperate Husbands and Mostly News left a voicemail * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut. Other Podcasts Mentioned: * Thanks to Game Addict Hotline for playing our promo. Next week: * Hannah returns with a review of Cars: Supercharged for the Leapster * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

Dale and Teresa have a fixed dishwasher, so that's one less recalled item in the house. Recalls and Safety Information: * Sesame Workshop takes a closer look at their toys * Security Hole Adobe Reader Toy News: * Littlest Pet Shop takes on Webkinz * Nickelodeon introduces Npower Tech News: * AT&T Parental Control Suspended * The "Hundred-Dollar Laptop" for $400, but help a poor child * USB 3.0: 10x as fast as USB 2.0 * The latest on iTunes TV Shows * iPod Touch Screens gone bad * Lego iPod Dock Interview This week, we welcome Mark Frauenfelder from Make Magazine, a totally different DIY magazine. It's all about making fun things! Also, check out Craft Magazine, their sister publication where Mark's wife works! Video Game News and Reviews: * Sony PS3's Home delayed Review Ratatouille for Leapster Hannah joins us for a look at Remy, Linguini, and Chef Gusteau in an educational game based on the Disney/Pixar movie. Feedback * We got a voicemail from Matt of the Pizza Go Here podcast. * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut. Other Podcasts Mentioned: * Dancing with Elephants * Wicked Good Podcast (Rated PG) * The Redboy Podcast (Rated PG-13)

Recovering from a weekend of birthday parties, Dale and Teresa bring a bunch of iTunes-related stories, some gift ideas, and a great interview. Recalls and Safety Information: * China Ending Lead Paint on Toys * Disney and Toys 'R' Us run extra toy testing Toy News: * Watch for Skee-Ball from Hasbro * Study: The Importance of Play * Creation Station toy camcorder and green screen Tech News: * iTunes Music Store to offer Video Rentals? * Apple to offer 99 cent TV Shows? * Apple responds to iPhone Unlock * SanDisk Sansa View announced * Music Industry offers 'Ringles' * Stupid Female Syndrome strikes again! How do you ladies feel about pink gadgets? * Sony Rolly MP3 Player * Amazon 'Kindle' eBook Reader * Polk Audio Introduces I-Sonic Entertainment System 2 Interview This week, we have the Brit TWiT, Wil Harris. As founder of Channel Flip, Wil has some insight into IPTV (Internet Television), its present and its future. Video Game News and Reviews: * Wii Zapper concrete details * Jakks Pacific announces game based on 'Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?' * Take Two Interactive Announces 2K Play for Dora and Diego Games Review Toon-Doku for Nintendo DS Teresa schools Dale at yet another Sudoku game. How does this one add up against the others? Feedback * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us!

September will bring an odd schedule, but we should still get at least three episodes out this month with some great guests! And for some reason, most of the tech news is about portable media this week. Welcome to the digital. Recalls and Safety Information: Thanks to more internal quality control testing, Mattel announces more recalls. Do your kids have any toys left? * More Barbie Accessories * Geo Trax * Bongo Band Tech News: * Apple's big iPod news * Archos 605 with Wi-Fi * Sony introduces new Walkman digital video players (the NWZ-A810 and NWZ-S610/S510) * Sony shuts down Connect Music Store * NBC dumps iTunes for Amazon Unbox Nokia announces Ovi Music Store * Smart Limits: AT&T adds parental control options to mobile phones * Would you like some spam with your Quechup? Interview This week, we're thrilled to have a fellow tech podcasting parent, TechTV veteran Megan Morrone from the Jumping Monkeys blog and podcast. And Megan, I found your old blog. Note: This interview was recorded August 28, 2007, so some of the comments need to be heard with that in mind (especially the iPod discussion). You can also hear the full uncut interview in the extras section of our site. Video Game News and Reviews: * Worms: Open Warfare 2 for DS Released * White SingStar Playstation2 with Mics Review Meteos: Disney Magic for DS Teresa the Puzzle Gamer challenges Dale to some DS fun. Feedback * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut as well as the full uncut interview with Megan. Next week: * An interview with the British TWiT, Wil Harris, about IPTV (Internet Television)! * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

We're a bit late this week, but likely better late than never. We had cavy problems. Tech News: * iPhone unlocked to work with T-Mobile * SanDisk Sansa Clip takes on the iPod Shuffle * Guardian Headphones tell you when the music is too loud * Fingerprint Recognition for your car * eBooks with that great musty smell you love so much! * Web Radio compromises * SportsCast Wireless Football Scoreboard on your desk Toy News: * Crayola goes Electronic * Digital Pens are super Fly! Video Game News and Reviews: * Cranium Game coming to the Wii Review Pinball Hall of Fame: The Gottlieb Collection We didn't get a chance to play Mario Party as we'd hoped, so Dale has a review of a collection of arcade games dating as far back as 1957: Pinball Hall of Fame: The Gottlieb Collection for the PS2. Get your retro on! Feedback * We got feedback from Redboy at the Redboy Podcast * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! Next week: * An interview with Megan Morrone from Jumping Monkeys. * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

This week, Dale and Teresa celebrate the birthday of the CD, lament living in the stone age, and enjoy High School Musical 2 (DS and PS2 games out now, Wii game not until November). Interviews will henceforth not be guaranteed. Recalls and Safety Information: * Mattel recalls millions of toys * Batman and One Piece * Sarge from Cars movie * Barbie and Tanner * Doggie Day Care * Polly Pocket * Mobile Phones and Driving compared to drunk driving Toy News: * Hannah Montana and Cheetah Girls toys * SEE Toys: Electronic toys, no batteries required Tech News: * DirecTV to offer internet over power lines * Sirius SCV1 backseat TV tuner: how could this be expanded? * Logitech Dream: Motion and light-detecting iPod clock radio * Haier WasH2O: A washing machine that doesn't need detergent to wash your clothes Video Game News and Reviews: * In2Games offers motion detection for PS2 * A New Crimson and Black DS Lite (Or "DS Dark", as the case may be) * Portable Screen for PS3 Review Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for Nintendo DS Dale and Kimberly throw around some gobstones, mix some potions, and review the most faithful game adaptation of a Harry Potter movie to date. Feedback * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! Next week: * A Review of Mario Party 8 for Wii * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

Teresa is finally back and joins Dale after getting back into the house. Recalls and Safety Information: * Fisher-Price Announces the largest toy recall ever * U.S. Works with China to prevent this from happening again * Have your kids tested for lead * Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T5 Camera * Is your printer producing second-hand smoke? Toy News: * Bright Starts Baby's PlayPlace Tech News: * MySpace: How private is your private information? * Amazon takes on Paypal and Google payment services * Google hopes to offer free wireless service and the Google Phone * Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Leaked * Free Anti-Malware from Robot Genius * MS Works now free * Hot and Cold Electric Blanket * Timex Ironman iControl: Control your iPod with your watch Interview No interview this week due to schedule conflicts. Video Game News and Reviews: * New Wrist Straps for the Wiimote * New 80GB Sony PS3 Ships * PS3 to take on DVR functions? * MLB Power Pros announced for American Release Review ClickStart My First Computer After Dale's ambivalent announcement about this new device from LeapFrog, they sent us one to try out. Hannah put it through its paces and offers her take on the device. We will also have reviews of cartridges in our Extras section in the coming weeks. Feedback * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! Next week: * A Review of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix for the DS * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

As the Drum Corps season comes to an end, Hannah joins Dale for one last show. Check out the Extras the full uncut interview. There's a bit of a hum in the audio for much of the episode. We apologize for that. Recalls and Safety Information: * Bling Pacifiers * Sky Rangers Park Flyer Radio Control Airplanes * Easy-Bake Oven * Recalled baby items on store shelves * iPhone Security Vulnerability * How well can you spot a web scam? (Dale got a 9 out of 10) Post your score by clicking "Add a Comment"! Toy News: * Mattel I Can Play Guitar * Barbie vs. Bratz on the Web: The New Be Bratz site * Fisher-Price Easy Link Internet Launch Pad * EyeClops: a microscope that plugs into your TV Tech News: * Singer Futura: The USB Sewing Machine * Zune 2.0 Announced Interview This week, Jason Snell, Editorial Director of MacWorld Magazine joins us to discuss the iPhone, iPod, and Macintosh. Jason shares his insights on the iPhone and iPod, discusses his favorite Leopard features, and his predictions Apple's future products. Get the expanded interview with additional insights and over 10 minutes of additional interview. Video Game News and Reviews: * Lego Indiana Jones Review Sonic And The Secret Rings for Wii Dale tries out a the new Wii approach to Sonic the Hedgehog. Feedback * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut, including the full uncut interview. Next week: * An interview with Shauna Maggs from Groundspeak to discuss Geocaching. (Yeah, Greg, we got your challenge!) * A Review of Leapfrog's ClickStart My First Computer * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

Teresa's back from the East Coast but suffering from what we can only call "bus lag." Also, a bunch of stories just didn't make it for lack of time. Find the "deleted scenes" in our Extras section at techtalkforfamilies.com/extras. Other announcements: * Full Disclosure * Win a Free iPod (Complete Rules) Recalls and Safety Information: * Do your children's toys contain phthalates? Tech News: * Google Maps: My Maps allows for customization * Congress wants iPhones for all! * Amazon Unbox movies and shows for TiVo users Toy News: * Leapfrog Clickstart My First Computer * Plenty of Harry Potter Toys to go around Interview This week, we have an informative and funny interview with Drew Janssen, President and CEO of Perhejanssen, Inc. Drew is one of only a handful of drive recovery experts in the country and gives us lots of insight into how to avoid having to call him! Drew has a great sense of humor, so while most discussions about hard drive backup and recover would seem dry, Drew will keep you smiling and learning at the same time. Video Game News and Reviews: With E3 last week, we have a ton of news, so we'll be running through it pretty quickly. We sort through it to give you the family-friendly gems. * XBox 360 Backward Compatibility List Updated * Microsoft has Viva Pinata announcements and movies from Disney * Midway announces Game Party and Cruis'n for Wii and a (not the Bee game for the DS) * Vivendi announces Crash Bandicoot: Crash of the Titans for most systems * Ubisoft offers more Petz, targets preteen girls, and offers self-help with the MyCoach series, plus Jam Sessions and Nitro Bikes * Activision announces a bee game that is based on the Bee Movie and Spider-man: Friend or Foe, a family-friendly, multiplayer Spidey game * EA adds "Family Play" so even adults can learn to play Madden, plus some new music games to help you Boogie * Disney discusses D Gamer, Hannah Montana, and more * Sony adds some Buzz and announces a new PSP coming in September * Nintendo seems to be holding back on Wii systems * Nintendo has new peripherals coming: the Zapper, the Wiil for Mario Kart, and a balance mat for Wii Fit, Nintendo's answer to EyeToy Kinetix Review Shrek Smash n' Crash Racing for DS 11-year-old Kimberly takes a break from packing to review Shrek's Kart racer for the Nintendo DS. Feedback * Feedback from Jack * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us * Digg Us! * And check out the Extras for stories that didn't make the cut, including the full uncut interview. Next week: * An interview with Jason Snell of MacWorld Magazine * A Review of Sonic and the Secret Rings for the Wii * The latest tech, toy, and video game news, as always

This week, having survived a sword fight, Hannah sits in for Teresa again, and we have a special guest for the review. Recalls and Safety Information: * Fisher-Price Rainforest Infant Swings * Target Toy Barbeque Grills Tech News: * Transfer your lifetime TiVo Membership * 1.3 Megapixel iSight Camera on your MacBook Pro? * New Google Maps: Change directions! * Got an HDTV? No? Join the Club! * Apple's Steve Jobs and AT&T's Randall Stephenson on the iPhone Toy News: * The Latest in Air Guitar Technology * Power Tour Guitar from Tiger Electronics: No strings! * Takara Tomy Corp's Air Guitar Pro: No Guitar! * MP3 Player for Infants * R/C Horse Racing Interview This week, Marilyn Wilson from Nurturing Results joined us to talk about what companies do to make their products more family-friendly and kid-friendly. Did you know they hire consultants to make that happen? Marilyn is one of those consultants. Unfortunately, the recording didn't take properly, so I'll have to catch her another time. Sorry, Marilyn! Video Game News and Reviews: * WiiWare: Wii Games from independents * Dragon's Lair coming to the DS * No such thing as video game addiction Review Excite Truck This week, 9-year-old Dani joins us for a review of Excite Truck for the Wii. Closing information and Feedback * No show next week * Dale did a presentation at the Tech Podcast Roundtable Feedback * Feedback from Bill at the GeeksOn forums * Feedback from Redboy * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us Digg Us!

Teresa is away again, but 5-year-old Hannah fills in for her. Recalls and Safety Information: * Necklace Recall Tech News: * 100GB HD Camcorder: the Sony SR Series * Proposal for Family-Friendly Cable Content * High Heels for Drivers Toy News: * Indiana Jones toys coming * Wonder Pets toys coming * Stan Lee: The Action Figure Interview Due to scheduling conflicts, we have no interview this week. Next week for sure. Video Game News and Reviews: * LCD Screen to make your Wii Portable * PS3 Price Drop? * New Sonic RPG coming * Real Heroes: Firefighter coming to Wii Review Animal Genius for Leapster While the DS version was just announced, Hannah's an old pro at Animal Genius for the Leapster. Closing information and Feedback Feedback * The anonymous feedbacker revealed: Dan from the Love Long and Prosper podcast * New feedback from John at the Jesus Geek podcast * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us

This week, and for much of the summer, Teresa is away, so Dale is "Mr. Mom," but we have an awesome interview and lots of cool announcements with more news to come in the coming weeks! All that, and we improved our sound quality! Recalls and Safety Information: * Thomas and Friends Railway toys recalled Toy News: * Build-A-Bear Workshop? How about Build-a-car with RideMakerz (Click to see the one Dale built.) * What's with all the doll websites (And where are the communities for boys?) * BarbieGirls.com * Cartoon Doll Emporium * Club Penguin * Cyworld * Habbo Hotel * Webkinz * WeeWorld * Stardoll * Trash-talking toys? Tech News: * A Visa card that you can swipe remotely: convenient, or pickpocket's dream? * Call 911 silently * WWDC: Apple releases Safari 3 Beta for Mac & Windows and more Mac OS X Leopard details Interview This week, we have an informative-yet-chaotic interview with the entire cast and crew of The Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd, including Grant Baciocco & Doug Price, as well as Dr. Grant, Dr. Floyd, Dr. Steve, Fidgert, Tim Porary, and even the Narrator! Find out why the Narrator never comes to the live shows! And, as a special bonus, you can listen to the full unedited 45 minute interview at our website! Video Game News and Reviews: * Majesco announces Fish Tycoon for DS * Scholastic announces Edutainment titles for DS: "I SPY: Fun House" and "Animal Genius" Review Wii Play Teresa stops in long enough to play a few rounds of Wii Play and discuss the pros and cons. Got feedback? * Join our Discussion List * Call our feedback line: 206-339-6480 * Leave a voice message with your computer microphone * Or e-mail us Closing Announcements: * We get an anonymous voice message. (Who was that digital man, anyway?) * If you're listening to the mp3 feed in iTunes, get the enhanced version! * And hello, Afghanistan!

This week, in addition to an awesome interview, since he's a rock star and all, we've included a couple songs for your listening pleasure. But also check out GottaPlay: cheaper and better than GameFly. Safety Information: (No recalls this week.) * Google says Ten Percent of websites have malware * Is your laptop bag a giant target for thieves? Toy News: Sorry, no toy news this week. There just wasn't anything worth reporting, and we saw no reason to report on boring stuff. Tech News: * Amazon and DRM-Freedom--it's official! * TiVo adds web video and improved searching * The TI-Navigator calculator tells teachers which students need help Interview This week, we're honored to have Jonathan Coulton, rock star of the Internet, contributing troubadour for Popular Science (PopSci) Magazine, and dad. Jonathan talks about his decision to go from code monkey to musician and how fatherhood and his unique career complement each other and how he juggles the two. We also feature two of his songs, "Stroller Town" and "You Ruined Everything" at the end of the show (Click the link--you have to read the description of "You Ruined Everything" to really appreciate it.) JoCo fans, as you listen to the interview, how many lyrics does he work into the discussion? Speaking of which, we also used clips from "Code Monkey" and "Chiron Beta Prime". Video Game News and Reviews: * Play video games instead of watching movie previews * The Wii and family games stomp on the XBox 360 and PS3 * Namco Museum Remix for the Wii announced: How many places can Pac-Man appear?! Review Wii Sports Yeah, it's included with the Wii, but we give our indepth take on the minigames. Next week, we have a great interview with the creators and the entire cast of the Radio Adventures of Dr. Floyd, as well as a special bonus surprise! Meanwhile, check out the Dr. Floyd Live Show! And send us your feedback by text, voice, or phone (206-339-6480)! We're not too proud to beg.