Here’s a look at just some of what we’re covering in our February show:

• News Updates: A new phone with a novel power source, upgrades in store for Virgin customers, three video-on-demand stories, an amazing price-cut on the Blackberry tablet, plus the fate of the leap-second
• Focus: We look at a selection of the latest wireless fitness products, and some applications that will help you stay in shape in 2012
• First look: We get some help from a guest listener to take a look at the just-launched Netflix service
• Review: Probably the oddest beverage accessory we’ve ever seen, plus a peak into Pete’s kitchen
• Feedback: Problems with Virgin speed, your complaints, plus the hunt for a Freesat/Freeview set-top box

If you own an iPad, iPhone or iPod, then you can get the latest show now via iTunes – You’ll find it here: FrequencyCast on iTunes.

Alternatively, you can get the latest FrequencyCast online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html , where you’ll also find instructions on how to subscribe, download the show to your portable device, and listen to us online.

Show Links:

• Show Notes for Show 72
• Transcript: Wireless Fitness Tech (plus bonus material)
• Transcript: UK Netflix Review

Please remember that FrequencyCast is free – We need your support though – We don’t need your money… what we need you to do, is provide us with feedback and suggestions, but more importantly, tell your friends about us. Like FrequencyCast on Facebook, or follow FrequencyCast on Twitter and send your followers a message. Alternatively, mention us online, in emails, or tell your friends about us. Without you, we’re nothing.

We’d love to get your comments and feedback on the show. If you have a comment, good or bad, please add a comment in the box below, or leave us a voicemail message on 0208 133 4567 (price of a call to London).

Thanks again for your support. We hope you have a great 2012, and we look forward to entertaining you in the coming months.

Engage The Cloak

According to a report on the BBC Technology site this morning, researchers at the University of Texas have successfully “cloaked” an object.

Using plasmonic materials, an 18cm cylinder has been rendered invisible. Sadly, it’s not quite as exciting as sounds, as it’s only invisible to light at the microwave end of the spectrum. According to the report, the technique and materials used are unlikely to work for the visible part of the spectrum, so all of those cunning uses that FrequencyCast listeners might conjure up for a cloak of invisibility… will have to wait. More details on this breakthrough at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-16726609

Although we’re not there yet, it’s still, it’s good to know that some early steps are being made – at this rate, we might be able to have cloaking technology ahead of the Klingons, and that can only be a good thing.

We’re still waiting for those tech boffins to create the SEP Field – If you don’t know your Douglas Adams, the Someone Else’s Problem Field allows something to appear to be invisible because it’s too implausible to be there… “the brain just edits it out, like it’s a blind spot”

Apologies for this odd clipart – you try finding a picture of a cloaked object!!

Star Trek Tricorder

In other sci-fi related “coming soon” news… There’s a competition running to be the first to build a Star Trek Tricorder… If you can build a handy gadget that can diagnose 15 diseases, then you could net yourself £6.5 million in the X Price competition that was recently announced at CES (the Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. Qualcomm’s stumping up the $10 million prize, and you can check out the terms and conditions here:Star Trek Tricorder X Price

What gadget from the Star Trek Universe, or the Hitchhikers Guide To The Galaxy would you like to like to see become a reality? Add a comment below, and we’ll share your thoughts with the FrequencyCast audience.

This is to let you know that our January show was released earlier today, and it’s available now for your listening pleasure.

Here’s a summary of what’s covered in the first show of the New Year:

• News Updates: Channel 5 Freeview HD, Apple iTV and Virgin updates.
• Focus: Our review of 2011, and a look ahead at the next year of TV & tech.
• Report: Updates to the Nintendo 3DS handheld console
• Feedback: X-Box 360 dashboard updates and printing from the iPad

If you own an iPad, iPhone or iPod, then you can get the latest show now via iTunes – You’ll find it here: FrequencyCast on iTunes.

Alternatively, you can download the latest show, show 71 direct to your MP3 player or listen online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html , where you’ll also find instructions on how to subscribe.

Show Links:

• Show Notes for Show 71
• Transcript: Review of TV & Tech in 2011
• Transcript: Nintendo 3DS Updates

As you know, FrequencyCast is a free service and shows are based on your feedback and questions – without you, there would be no show, and we reply on you to help spread the word. Please tell your friends about this latest show – Like FrequencyCast on Facebook, or follow FrequencyCast on Twitter and send your followers a message

We’d love to get your comments and feedback on the show. If you have a comment, good or bad, please add a comment in the box below, or leave us a voicemail message on 0208 133 4567 (price of a call to London).

Thanks again for your support. We hope you have a great 2012, and we look forward to entertaining you in the coming months.

As ever, you set the agenda for the show – what you’d like us to cover, and what questions you want us to answer. Here’s a summary of what’s covered in the latest installment of FrequencyCast:

• News Updates: BBC HD channel to be axed, iPhone 4S shortages, o2′s upgrade policy, PBS comes to the UK and festive DAB
• Focus: As requested by our listeners, it’s all about printers and printing.
• Review: iPhone 4S and the Siri virtual assistant
• Your comments and questions on dual monitors, Overdrive book lending and the Steadicam

If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad device, you should find show 69 is available now via iTunes – See FrequencyCast on iTunes.

Alternatively, you can download Show 69 direct to your MP3 player or listen online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html

Show Links:

• Show Notes for Show 69
• Transcript: Printers and Printing Transcript
• Transcript: iPhone 4S and Siri Transcript

Please help us out by spreading the word. Tell your friends via: FrequencyCast on Facebook and FrequencyCast on Twitter.

Any comments on the show? Anything you’d like to ask our Siri? Please add a comment below, or leave us a voicemail message on 0208 133 4567 (London call), or drop us a text message!

As it’s the first of the month, it’s time for a new show, and we’ve packed quite a lot into Show 68. Here’s a summary of what’s included in the show:

• News Updates: More Freeview HD on the way, we’ve hit a digital switchover milestone, plus news on the iPhone 5 launch date
• Focus: Could the future of home gaming be upon us? Carl and Pete get hands-on with OnLive.
• Featured: Google+, BT Vision, the Prospero satellite, Alan Partridge, eBook readers and Air Swimmers
• Your comments and questions on French TV, Freeview top-ups and HTC Desire S problems

If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad device, you should find show 68 is available now via iTunes – See FrequencyCast on iTunes.

Alternatively, you can download Show 68 direct to your MP3 player or listen online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html

We’re also available via streaming radio services and can be heard on a growing number of radio stations around the UK. Thanks to all of our regular listeners for the ongoing support!

Show Links:

• Show Notes for Show 68
• Transcript: Show 68 Transcript
• Transcript: OnLive Gaming Review Transcript

Our shows are always free, and we need to you to spread the word, to help us to build an audience.

Please tell your friends about us. Like FrequencyCast on Facebook and follow FrequencyCast on Twitter.

We’d love to know what you think of the show, and we also need your feedback and suggestions for the next show. Needy, aren’t we?

Got something to say about the show, please add a comment below, or leave us a voicemail message on 0208 133 4567 (London call)

The video, recorded in February 2011 by Eli Pariser, highlights that what we see on Facebook and Google has been tailored to our personal requirements, and that we may be being force-fed Internet Junk Food.

Here’s the clip, which will take up just 9 minutes of your time.

This may be a topic we cover in our next show,so we’d love your thoughts. Filters… A good or a bad thing for those of us who live online…

Update: We cover this in show 64. More: Internet Filter Bubble

FrequencyCast were there, and we have some exclusive photos and interviews.

Gadget Show Live Presenters

Go to frequencycast.co.uk/gsl to see some early pics, and our show summary. Essential listening if you’re coming to the show!

More to follow soon!

Pete and Carl

Here’s a look at what we cover in this show:

• News Updates: Digital Switchover update, BBC local radio and Powerline adapter news
• Focus: The Internet is changing – A look at how IPv6 will affect you and your browser
• Hands-on: We play with the new Nintendo 3DS, and don’t get a headache
• Your comments and questions on local radio, iMax Mini, Yesterday and analogue TV

You can download Show 62 direct to your MP3 player or listen online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html.

If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad, get shows faster by signing up to FrequencyCast on iTunes.

Links:

• Show Notes for Show 62
• Transcript: IPv6 Explained
• Transcript: Nintendo 3DS Review

We hope you enjoy the show.

We’d also like to remind you that without you, we’re nothing. Our shows are free, and we need to you to spread the word – Please mention us on Facebook and Twitter, and spread the word.

Powerline Adapters use a home’s mains wiring to distribute the Internet to other rooms in your home, but the radio interference that they generate, can be a problem for shortwave radio listeners as well as radio amateurs (of which our Pete is one)

Well, according to a report on The Register, the story has taken an interesting turn. One enterprising amateur radio operator used the UK’s Freedom of Information laws to force OfCom to release a report, commissioned by OfCom, that appears to confirm that the Comtrend Powerline Adapters (supplied with BT Vision) do cause interference and breach European EMC Directives.

Although Powerline Adapters have been proven to create interference, it seems that OfCom feels it’s “not in the public interest” to force a recall of these products, or to prevent them from being sold.

For the full story, see The Register

You may well be familiar with the concept of the disposable camera – you may find them at weddings, and indeed you may take them to places where you wouldn’t want to risk your £400 SLR camera. Normally, of course, these are film cameras.

The camera we feature in our new podcast is a disposable digital from Vistaquest, which is now available in the UK.

Here are the headline features of this camera:

• Takes 40 digital photos
• Disposable and recycleable
• Built-in battery and flash

The advantage of a disposable digital over a disposable film camera, is you don’t need to take the camera down to Boots to get to the images you’ve captured, and you don’t need to pay for printing and processing.

If you want to find out more, go here: Vistaquest Digital Single Use Camera at AdvancedMP3Players

If you’ve been considering getting an external light for your front door, but don’t fancy the hassle of running mains outside your house, then this little freebie could be the answer. It gets power from the sun, and when it detects movement, fires up 15 LEDs for 25 seconds.

To get the free light system, worth £24.99, just spend £35 or more at the online Maplin store between now and the 22nd of March. Here’s how:

• Go to maplin.co.uk and buy stuff to the value of £35 or more
• Add the PIR light to your basket as part of your order – the order code is : N10JF.
• Select from the vouchers drop down menu ‘FREEGIFT £24.99 off item £35′ in the checkout process.

If the free PIR light doesn’t tickle your fancy, here’s some money-off codes valid until 22nd March 2011:

• £1 off any purchase over £10* (voucher code: secret1)
• £3 off any purchase over £30* (voucher code: secret3)
• £5 off any purchase over £65* (voucher code: secret5)
• £10 off any purchase over £130* (voucher code: secret10)
• £15 off any purchase over £200* (voucher code: secret15)
• £25 off any purchase over £300* (voucher code: secret25)

Share and enjoy!

In case you’re wondering, he’s referring to “Crimestoppers Property Protector“, another name for a product we reviewed last year, EnigmaTag.

In 2010, we interviewed Clive Smith, who explained exactly how the gadget protection liquid works. Enigmatag also gave us a special code to allow you to get the product at a discounted price – Get £8 off the retail price!

For the review, interview and the discount code, see our EnigmaTag Reviewed page.

In this show, here’s a look at what we cover:

• News Updates: A busy month the news on YouView, Sky HD, Wifi Hotspots and the BBC
• Focus: By popular demand, a look at tablet computers… can the Apple iPad be beaten?
• Your comments and questions on rechargeable batteries, Virgin Media, TV in other rooms and weather stations

You can download Show 60 direct to your MP3 player or listen online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html.

If you have an iPod, iPhone or iPad, get shows faster by signing up to  FrequencyCast on iTunes.

Links:

• Show Notes for Show 60
• Transcript: Tablet Computers Explored

We hope you enjoy our latest show. As ever, we’d love your comments, in the space provided below!

As ever, if you like what you’ve heard, please spread the word to your Facebook and Twitter chums…

This new machine offers a 3D gaming experience without the need for 3D glasses.

An initial 30 3D games are expected and the new machine will cost around £220.

If you’re keen to be one of the first to get your hands on this 3D marvel, you can preorder the Nintendo 3DS now from the following retailers:

• Tesco Nintendo 3DS Preorder
• HMV Nintendo 3DS Preorder

if this is something you’d like us to review in an upcoming FrequencyCast show, please add a comment below

At the end of January 2011, Sky announced that its bought The Cloud, the wi-fi hotspot service with around 5,000 wi-fi sports around the UK. Expect these to be made available to Sky Broadband customers sometime soon.

In the same week, phone provider o2 announced plans to create a free Wireless hotspot network. The service will be available at a number of key venues around the UK, and will be free to o2 and non-o2 customers like. It’s expected that the service will be offered for free in return for opting in to an ad service of some kind, possibly text message.

We featured the various wi-fi hotspot services in Show 46 – Wi-fi Hotspot Review

It’s at this point, we’d normally be able to offer a Sky / Cloud-related pun, but Carl was unavailable for commentat the time of recording. Got a pun? Add it below!

In the update, you’ll hear news about ITV1, Heart, Mac Store and the Chumby, plus lots of your feedback, and a little controversy on Internet advertising.

Our update is now available iTunes: FrequencyCast on iTunes

You can also listen online or download the update from here: FrequencyCast Updates

Share and Enjoy!

The new App Store  reportedly clocked up over 1 million downloads in the first 24 hours. With the majority of apps priced $5 or less, this appears to be a big hit with the Apple community, and is great for Mac app developers too, offering an easier route for releasing and monetising release of their applications.

If you’re a Mac user, the Mac App Store is available for free – See www.apple.com/mac/app-store/

In this latest show, here’s a look at what we cover:

• News Updates: All change for Sky HD, plus Atlantic and new channels
• Focus: Our look back at the last 12 months of TV and tech
• Your comments and questions on adding maps to your camera and Freeview HD sound

You can download Show 59 direct to your MP3 player or listen online at http://www.frequencycast.co.uk/latest.html.

If you have an iPod or iPhone, get shows faster by signing up via iTunes.

Links:

• Show Notes for Show 59
• Transcript: Review of 2010

We hope you enjoy today’s show. We’d love to know what you think.

As ever, if you like what you’ve heard, please spread the word to your Facebook and Twitter chums…

In this update, we look at BBC iPlayer, Apple iTunes, Karotz, servers, Zombies and Apple TV

The 12 minute FrequencyCast Update is attached to this blog entry, and is available free via iTunes or at www.frequencycast.co.uk/update.html

We hope you enjoy our little update…

If you’re a Skype user, note that there’s a new version of the Skype Windows app available for download. Version 5 of Skype comes with an amazingly handy feature – Facebook integration. From within Skype, you can browse the news feed, update your Facebook status (as well as your Skype Mood), and also call your Facebook contacts over Skype.

Skype with Facebook

A smooth bit of integration, and as we tend to have Skype running here at the FrequencyCast office all of the time, it’s a handy way to interact with our faithful Facebook followers!

We’re about to record the news for tomorrow’s show, so expect the Facebook / Skype integration to get a mention.