InPhase Technologies has set a new data density record of 515 gigabits per square inch (beating 300 gigabits per inch with magnetic tape drives) with holographic storage. Holographic storage is able to cram a lot of data into a small space due to the fact that it takes advantage of volumetric efficiencies. This means that the entire disc is used rather than just the surface (such as in the case of dvd or cd) This opens the door for some impressive numbers when it comes to storage…. how does 300 gb a disc sound? Good? Well, the first models scheduled for release later this year will have a 300 gb storage capacity with models ranging from 800 gb to 1.6 TB to follow. We don’t expect these to be affordable to the average consumer right out of the gate, but more likely the early holographic products will be used by businesses to replace their tape drives for back up purposes. But hey, it’s fun to dream about having your entire dvd collection with you on a single disc isn’t it?

This information has been circulating for some time now, but I felt it necessary to put my two cents in regarding Verizon’s rollout of their new FiOS internet, and TV services. FiOS is verizon’s new fiber optic network, which is used to bring both internet and television (you heard me, verizon is providing TV) to your home. Currently, they’re offering three packages of internet service consisting of a 5mbps down / 2mbps up, 15mbps down / 2 mbps up, and a 30mbps down / 5mbps up plan. The TV service will offer a variety of channels as well as on demand, dvr, and hd services. (more…)

It seems that in an act of legal paranoia, Marvel and DC comics at some point got a joint trademark on the word Superhero. How are they using this trademark you might ask? To defend their intellectual property against plagerists out to make a quick buck? No. They are using their legal muscle to strong arm an indie comic company called Geek Punk Comics. Geek punk’s flagship comic up until recently was known as Super-hero Happy Hour, but was recently changed to simply Hero Happy Hour after Geek Punk recieved a letter which, long story short, threatened legal action unless the name was changed. Of course, a smaller company like Geek Punk would have little chance of defending itself in a legal battle against corporate giants such as Marvel and DC, so the title was changed.
We here at What the Geek would like to offer a couple of alternatives to the word superhero for anyone else interested in starting their own comic, and here they are

1. Souperhero - his only enemy is the can opener
2. Supernero - able to fiddle at the speed of light while Rome burns
3. Superzero - He’s nondivisible!

In closing I’d like to say this to Marvel and DC: Don’t sue me for using the word superhero in this article…. I don’t have any money for you to take…. you’d be wasting your time and money.