TechBytes: Online Cable Debuts

Dec. 16, 2009— -- Comcast will begin broadcasting cable TV on the web.The cable company has started rolling out a service allowing customers to watch several TV shows and movies over the internet. Comcast is the first cable provider to offer this service for free, but others have similar plans in the works.

Despite all the digital distraction available these days, most people are still glued to the couch. A new survey finds TV still dominates our leisure time with 81% of Americans saying they watch about 10 hours a week. 78% say they tune into the radio and 70% percent say they spend time using e-mail and instant messaging.

A new device makes it easier to have surround sound in your home. The Sonos ZonePlayer S5 is an all-in-one system that lets you control your digital music in multiple rooms without drilling any holes. The Wall Street Journal's Katie Boehret tested it out. "It is really easy to get going. It took me less than 10 minutes to get two of these ZonePlayers set up in three different rooms with remote controls." But, there were a few things Boehret did not like about the ZonePlayer, "It does not have an iPod dock… and it must be plugged in at all times, so it can't work completely wirelessly," she says. Overall she says for the price of $399 the Zoneplayer "is an all-in-one solution that I think a lot of people will find attractive." You can read Katie's full review on the Journal's website

MIT researchers unveiled a smart bike at the climate conference in Copenhagen. It features the Copenhagen Wheel, which stores energy every time the rider uses the brakes and then gives a power boost when riding uphill or in traffic. The wheel also has a series of sensors that connect to an iPhone and can track fitness, friends smog and traffic. It's expected to go into production next year.