As rumors of a game-changing new Apple TV begin to swirl, we wonder how technology is changing the way we watch television.  Does technology always need to have “productive” uses?  In this episode, we turn to a nonserious technology topic for the end of summer, explore ways technology, especially tablets, can enhance your TV viewing experience, and find some surprisingly serious conclusions about where technology is taking us.

Link to the episode:  Technology-Enhanced Television

Segment 1:  Technology-Enhanced Television

• Different ways to watch TV on a tablet now (iPad links below; other platforms will have apps for most of these)
  • Hulu+
  • Apps for major networks – ABC, NBC, TNT
  • HBO Go
  • CNN
  • DirecTV
  • Comcast
  • SlingPlayer for Slingbox – watch whatever’s on your own television when you’re on the road
• “Second Screen” Apps – check the App Store for second screen app companions to your favorite shows
  • Falling Skies
• Other Social Television Apps
  • IntoNow
  • GetGlue

Segment 2:  Puzzled. This week, Tom and Dennis are puzzled why websites don’t provide a consistent approach to choosing and managing passwords.  Tom’s puzzlement nearly turns into a rant.

Segment 3:  Parting Shots