Crave Podcast 69: In-game advertising on trial

Episode 69 of the Crave Podcast presented us with a dilemma. Do we unleash our inner Beavis with a torrent of insinuendo, or do we shut up, show some maturity and talk about this week's most interesting tech stories? Decisions, decisions.

The most pod-worthy topics this week include the situation over at Virgin Galactic. Sir Richard Branson has just released the final plans to take space tourists to the final frontier, and it has to be said, we're very excited. Except Kate, who's a tiny bit concerned about the lack of a one-way ticket option.

We also give you the lowdown on Israel's plans to turn the country into a hotbed of electric cars. Project Better Place allows the public to pay a monthly fee in exchange for an electric car, which they then own at the end of the contract period. It's like buying a mobile phone, except you get a car and Mother Nature doesn't choke to death on toxic fumes.

Our most heated discussion this week concerned the impact of advertising in games. Rory Reid reckons the presence of ads could ruin the user experience, while Andrew Lim argues they make games more realistic, and give the developers more cash. Judge Rupert's decision may stun and surprise you.

On a final note: if you fancy a little Internet randomness, stick around 'til the very end of the podcast. We hit you with a snippet of what we think is the most addictive and funny piece of music since Lips 2 Da Floor. It's called Hit Me on My iPhone, and it'll be stuck in your head for months.

Hit this link to listen. You won't be disappointed. -Rory Reid