Mac is dominating the TV airwaves with its Mac vs. PC commercials.  They’re funny, witty, and pokes fun at Windows.  Well, the punchline is usually the PC showing how it constantly crashes or is behind the curve in technology.

Now, Microsoft has debuted its new commercial, featuring Bill Gates and comedic funny man, Jerry Seinfeld. Definitely an odd couple.  And odd is what Microsoft is going for.  In order to fight back to keep its share of computer users, Microsoft is putting out what it’s calling a thought-provoking commercial.  The commercial shows Jerry and Bill meeting up by chance at a discount shoestore.  It looked like Bill either worked there or had enough knowledge of leisure sneakers to work there.  Bill instructed Jerry with a few tips on the shoes and then they walked out the store.  Jerry just listened in awe and seemed impressed with Bill’s sneaker knowledge.  Then, the Windows logo appeared.  No take-home message or anything related to computer technology or technology support.

This commercial, although very strange, is backed by Microsoft’s advertising department.  Microsoft said this is the first of a string of commercials, and this one is supposed to stir up discussion and leave the door open for more info. 

Well, it definitely did that since we have no clue what the commercial meant.  We feel they better follow up with a better commercial soon since this one leaves us feeling like Gates has retreated from his love of PCs to his retired new hobby of selling sneakers.  Keep in mind that Windows still owns 90% of the market while Apple only owns 10%.  This commercial conveys that Microsoft is desperately trying to keep its share and not forfeit more users to the Mac switch.  We appreciate the call to action, but the ad’s content was a definite miss and needs follow-up quickly.

Digital Spectrum has a new product called MemoryVue which is the best digital picture frame out there.   It has a sharp 15″ screen along with a nice frame around it.  You may easily transfer pictures by memory card or USB flash drive.  You can also set up music in background. 

The images are clear and the setup is easy.  For approximately $250, this is a good steal.  Other competitors, such as Kodak and Sharper Image, are typically only 10 or 12 inches are priced at $350.

You will need minimal computer support for this device and you can hang it or have it stand on a table.  Good stuff!

iTunes 7 is currently being used, and if you’re an iTunes user, you’ll notice that an update comes out just about every 2 seconds.  Okay, updates come out just about every 2 months more likely and forces you to update your computer and restart.  What will iTunes 8 offer that version 7 doesn’t?

If you’re a closet DJ mixer who never made it big yet, iTunes 8 will mix your songs for you.  The new version will have a component named “Genius” which will group songs in a playlist that go well together.  No further info has been provided regarding what “goes well together means.”  For example, will the genre be grouped together, or will similar beats or background noises go well together.  We’re hoping that not only will the songs be grouped in playlists, but also scratching and blending beats and noises will be accompanied.  But, I’m sure our lazy man idead of DJ’ing will not fully be satisfied with these “nice-to-haves.”

We have not heard how the Apple tech support team has fared with beta versions since it’s too early to tell at this stage.  iTunes 8 might be released during next week’s Apple event.

The United States was the singular leader with the Internet.  The Internet was created in America for America.  All of the Internet providers were American and were used also to help pave the way for other countries as well. 

It is easy to think that this concept is great for the American economy.  It’s nice that the US used to be market leaders which fostered heavy competition and client options.  But, it also meant that all of the other countries used to piggyback on US Internet providers for their service.  For instance, Turkey had to use a US Internet line in order to gain access.  Decades ago, other countries just didn’t have the technology to produce the Internet lines themselves.  This, little monopoly of Internet lines also meant that the US owned close to 80% of the Internet communications.  It has been revealed due to that statistic, in not so many words, that the US military has used this means of communications to retrieve important overseas information in many cases.

Now, the US has only 25% of the Internet communications flowing from the states directly or via international borders.  China is now the market leader with the most Internet users.  So, in a declining economy, the Internet usage and coverage is also affected, whether directly or indirectly is difficult to ascertain.  For the US to become market leaders, Verizon FIOS might have to open up its technical service to many more areas in the US!