Faster streaming for Netflix at a heavy cost.

There's been a pretty high amount of uproar over the new net neutrality rules proposed by the FCC. If you haven't heard, the part that people care about is a little clause that would allow streaming services to strike deals with internet providers that would increase the speed at which content is streamed. So in the very near future, Netflix will be able to negotiate the speed at which it streams content.

Courtesy: Matt Perreault (CC)

It's already looking like they have a deal with AT&T. Today, they made a deal with Verizon as well.

I smell a little blood in the water. The changes are apparently coming because of a federal appeals court ruling that was filed by Verizon. That is immediately suspicious. It's like when Henry VIII threw the Catholic church out of England, just so he could divorce his wife and marry Anne Boleyn.

While speeds are increasing for Verizon internet users, it might be that Netflix intends to slow down other connections. Forcing expensive contracts with providers that drive up prices for internet service in general.

Obviously, this is bad for the common man. I pay enough for internet as it is. So, uh, I guess you should write a mean letter to your local congressman. In the meantime, I'll keep my eye on those two conniving hooligans.

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-By: Levi Warner-

Southwest Airlines changes in-flight tv screens.

I'm sure you've seen the T.V. commercial by now but I decided to delve more into the program that Southwest Airlines is instituting for their flights. A select number of high traffic flights now have planes that have no T.V. screens in the seats or overhead. Instead, it has been replaced with a downloadable app That allows TV to be streamed through your mobile or tablet device.

Courtesy: Southwest Airlines Co. (CC)

The service allows you to choose live TV or up to 75 shows through the on-demand service provided by Dish Network. The app also shows flight tracking and games throughout the duration of the flight. The app is free to download and the service in-flight is free. Internet and games however cost extra but this is no change from usual policies.

Last year, the FAA changed restrictions on electronic devices so that anything not emitting a cell signal may be used for the duration of the flight. Southwest has taken advantage of this, since removing the screens normally used in flight saves several hundred pounds in fuel costs and generally makes the aircraft lighter. (My major used to be Aerospace, you know)

Fret not if you don't have an iPad or smartphone. The airline is also providing a rental service that allows you to check out an iPad 2 if you provide a credit card. They are also now giving away iPad mini's to anyone who signs up for the Dish Hopper program. It's DVR TV service combined with a frequent flyer program that will set you back about $30 bucks a month.

With Southwest recently expanding to the East coast and a major hub in Atlanta, it's likely that you'll be using the service soon. Feel free to leave comments below.

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-By: Levi Warner-