Here are my rants/review about G4TechTV Canada, the new iPhone 2.0.2 firmware update and the upcoming gaming event Digital Overload 2009.

So you may ask, “TechTV, I haven’t heard that name in a very long time” and if you did, than you’re probably from America (not that it is a bad thing). G4TechTV Canada is the Canadian equivalent to the US’s G4 channel. Over the last few years TechTV has gone down the crapper, moving away from the Tech aspect of things, and more into the Internet 2.0 era of the computing world. Although G4TechTV has tried to keep things Tech, with shows like Call For Help, CNetTV, it’s ownership by Rogers seems to be hindering it’s ability to succeed.

Currently there are only a handful of shows that are new, even with the schedule revamp that took place over the weekend, there is a 3 hour period throughout the 24 hour day where there is new content being broadcast. To make matters worse, the commercials are outdated, and their helpful segments called “TechTips” haven’t been edited in a number of years now, and are more geared towards Mac users. Lets be honest here, I love mac, but most people who watch TechTV aren’t in it for the Mac.

So what needs to be done? More shows for one, and not drama shows. We need original Canadian tech shows that are aired regularly and are being filmed continuously. Also, a community needs to be created around the network, such as a forum, a Twitter account, even a FaceBook page. Lastly their commercial segments need some serious work done. If you agree that TechTV needs to be revamped, join the small voices on the G4 forums and make your voice be heard. Yes the TechTV forums is but a small board at the bottom of G4’s forum. You can join the discussions here at forums.g4tv.com.

Tonight Apple launched iPhone 2.0.2 firmware updates to it’s iPhone and iPod touch users. The release notes state that there were bug fixes, and nothing more. Some customers have reported that there is better carrier reception, and faster load times. There are also less lag issues with typing. These fixes cannot be officially confirmed as Apple has not stated anymore than there were fixes.

On top of the new firmware update Apple has also sent out an email saying that MobileMe users will get yet another 60 day extension to their trial. I believe we are up to 150 days of free service for anyone who signed up on launch day, or shortly there after. This extension has been given because of the original stat up issues the push email service encountered over the first month of use. Customers should see the additional 60 days added to their accounts over the next couple days.

And finally Digital Overload 2009 is soon upon us, only about 6 more months to go until the Rhode Island gaming convention begins. This will be XTG’s 4th year going to DO, and we are hoping to cover the events with more detail, including video, blog, twitter and flickr updates live to your computers and iPhones. You can find out more information about DO by visiting Ctrl-Alt-Del’s website. While no relevant information about this years gaming event has been posted, you can browse the previous year’s events on the forums and via fan updates.

For those who have not been to Digital Overload, you have no idea what you’re missing. While it is not as big as ComiCon or PAX, it still delivers a wealth of gaming in a small environment. There are around 1000 attendees who came out last year, far from the 30,000 at PAX, but the smaller numbers means better chances to win prizes and meet people like Tim Buckley. We will be updating with any information that we get from DO, so you can also take part in the events coming in 2009.