Die Hard Packages Digital Copy With Its DVD

n a special edition of its upcoming release of the latest Die Hard DVD, 20th Century Fox has announced that it will include a DRM-free digital version of the movie on the DVD. In order to copy the WMV file to a local computer, movie watchers will need to input a 16 digit code that is found on the DVD box. It seems ironic to require people to enter some code to get at the supposedly DRM-free file. This is a step in the right direction, but it still seems like they’re making people jump through unnecessary hoops. Still, this feature will finally allow consumers to legally watch the movie on their computer and portable devices without having to pay again for that right… or having to use a third party ripping tool. Perhaps this move is more evidence that the studios find the DMCA unreasonable. As we’ve seen before, by embracing these formats, consumers will begin to find more value from the media, and, as a result, their consumption should increase, which is ultimately good for the entire movie industry.

Well this is a step in the right direction!! I can take it anywhere I want on my laptop!!

iBrick Latest: Free Unlock Now Available

Good news for those looking for a free solution to unlock an iPhone with the latest firmware version 1.1.1: help has arrived. The latest version of AnySIM now unlocks iPhone’s. More at CrunchGear here.

In the mean time though there are other practical uses for a bricked iPhone, as the video above demonstrates. Namaste to regular TechCrunch commenter Fake Steve Ballmer for the video.

Well at least they finally done it!!

The RIAA Attacks Usenet

Basking in glory after orchestrating a record punishment for a petty file-sharer in the US, the RIAA takes its legal campaign to the next level. Many may want newsgroups to stay under the radar but it’s too late – major labels have filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Usenet.com and it won’t be going away.

In an ideal world, people would not talk about Usenet. In an ideal world there would be no such things as copyright infringement lawsuits. Sadly, we do not live in an ideal world.

Today we simply have to talk about Usenet and we have to talk about lawsuits.

I see they are trying to stop the problem at it’s source but I seriously don’t think the RIAA will get the USENET to stop!!

Export Hardware Drivers with DriverMax

Windows only: Want to format your hard drive and reinstall Windows but you’re not sure you have all the hardware driver disks to get everything working again? Free utility DriverMax analyzes XP or Vista systems for installed hardware drivers and exports them to a folder or external drive. Install DriverMax on a newly built system and import those drivers to get everything from your video card to TV tuner working again. I didn’t have the chance to test DriverMax’s import function on a clean system, so do image your hard drive just in case. DriverMax isn’t the most modern-looking application and you have to hand over an email address to get a free registration code (Boo!). DriverMax is a free download for Windows XP and Vista.

Another good program to check out!!