Faster is Better...

For those that have not had a chance to keep up with the never ending need for speed on the inter-tubes, let me fill you in. Last May Japanese scientists successfully reported direct intensity modulation and wireless data transmission characteristics of terahertz-oscillating resonant tunnelling diodes (woot!). Translation- they broke the records for wireless data transmission in the terahertz range, which is about 20 times faster than most WiFi connections.

Their research deals with the "T-Ray" band, the electromagnetic spectrum between 300GHz and 3THz.  But before you get too excited, keep in mind this is still just a bunch of scientist proving out their hypothesis.  Besides it is estimated that this speed would work over a short distance, say, 30ish feet (perfect only for a NYC apartment).

All this talk of speed reminds me that I need more fiber...Google Fiber, that is.  The new service launched in Kansas City today and offers speeds of 1000Mbps, no data cap, and 1TB (wtf?!) of free storage.  To put this in perspective, cable maxes out at 30Mbps (when you are very,very,very lucky).  Fios announced in May that is was going to jack up speeds from 150Mbps to 300Mbps (allowing users to download a 2 hour movie in 40 seconds).  Google's offering is over 3 times faster than that.  Google's internet only package runs about 70 bucks a month.

For 50 more dollars a month you get access to Google Fiber Television.  Similar to Google TV but you can record up to 500hr of HD and get a free Nexus 7 to use as your remote.  No one is sure where the future of TV lies (Apple?), but this move turns Google into a legit cable provider...at least in Kansas City.

In response, rather than threatening puppies, TimeWarner is willing to reward your spying with $50.