Regarding New Technology - All Entries
Google Maps to your car's GPS Navigation System?
It looks like Google and their Maps program is getting a cool update. Well maybe..... They are testing out a service with BMW that allows you to send Google Maps info directly into your car's GPS In-Car navigation. They are promoting: No more having to write down the address and re-enter it in the car -- now you can just click and drive! We've partnered with BMW because they're a leading innovator in the automotive space, and they share our vision for a network-connected world. We've partnered with BMW because they're a leading innovator in the automotive space, and they share our vision for a network-connected world. It sounds and looks real cool, but I have to think about it in the real business world scenario. I seldom have the need to find an address online and then drive to it. Usually when I need to find a place, it's... More »
Last Post: November 18, 2009 3:29 AM by alexpnn
Digital TV converter box coupons now available
With a year to go until analog TV broadcasts give way to digital, the federal government on Tuesday started mailing $40 discount coupons for digital converter boxes to consumers who requested them. Do you need one? And if so, do you really need one now? Only consumers with older analog TVs who get their programming solely over the air — not through cable or satellite service — will need to plug their rooftop antenna or pair of rabbit ears into a converter box. If you use an antenna to watch television, your older set won't work after Feb. 17, 2009. One year from now all over-the-air TV broadcasts will be strictly digital. Analog TV is going away and your old television can't receive the new digital TV signal. So, if you use an antenna to watch TV, you'll need to buy a digital converter box for your older TV. As... More »
Last Post: October 23, 2009 1:38 AM by Manilyn
Great Ways to Send, Receive or Share Large Files
We get this question quite a bit. "How can I send this file to..(put name here)........" and our answer always depends on the abilities of the person asking the question. There are tons of ways to send, share or receive files. But most folks are looking for an easy way to do it and also don't do it very often. So we decided to put together a list of some of the ways you can send files. Some of them require additional programs to be installed and some don't. FTP (file transfer protocol) is the way most geeks shuttle big files around. It’s how many Web designers upload the files and graphics for their Web sites. Average people generally don’t have much contact with FTP, but it's not especially complicated. But it is not something that you would probably use for the occasional files sharing. . C hat programs—AIM, iChat,... More »
Last Post: June 25, 2009 7:01 AM by Manish M. Shah
How do you become a Beta Tester for software or hardware?
The first question is "Why would anyone want to be a Beta tester?" The hardware or software has problems, and you have to spend time finding, reporting and resolving issues. Sometimes it takes a whole bunch of your time. It also takes away from your personal time, that and you can't make any real money doing it. Then, in most cases, you can't even tell anyone you are a tester. So why is it that when a company that puts out a beta test tons of people clamor to become testers? Most people do it because if, like me, you like to be on the cutting edge, or need a product that is new, you can (usually) get it for free, way ahead of the masses. A few examples are Windows Vista, the Drobo box and the Slingplayer for Palm. These products all did Beta testing before releasing them to... More »
How to Nab and Convert Videos from the Internet
As usual I was hopping around the internet and came to a site I had never seen before. They have quite a few videos that you won't see on YouTube or other places. No, I am not talking about Porn or adult videos, just videos that I thought were funny and that I would like to share with my friends. The place I found was funnyjunk.com they have quite a few funny and interesting videos. I came across this video and thought that it would be nice to send it and share it with my friends and also to save to my computer and my Sansa. Unfortunately they don't have anything to allow me to download the video into some kind of Windows type format. After a little research, I found a way to do just what I want and with very little effort. The first thing I needed to... More »
Last Post: March 22, 2008 6:26 PM by 2of12
NEC Flask Phone?
NEC, the Japanese electronics manufacturer, recently unveiled a new concept phone that uses fuel cell as power. The handset is apparently named NEC Flask Phone and, at a first glance, it looks like a giant lighter that Bigfoot might really love (if he exists and if he smokes). At a second glance, things seem a bit more serious, as this device is said to pack some sort of a touchscreen that also has the role of a keypad. The phone has a transparent case that allows users to see how much fuel is consumed, thus knowing when to recharge, and it's intended to be a device that perfectly integrates advanced technology and simple but elegant design. There are no technical details regarding the Flask Phone concept, so we don't know much about the nature of the fuel powering it or about the features the phone has to offer. Although it... More »
Put Slide Shows on your TiVo
I have been making quite a few slide shows out of photos for Christmas this year. Using Nero Vision I have been making the slide shows and then burning them to DVD. This is a great way to give out nice presents without much of an investment. But depending on the length of the show, the resolution if the photos and other things I have found that the preview function in Nero is just not enough to rely on. You really need to see them on the TV, especially with the large screen TVs now available. The only problem is, after making the DVD and for some reason you want to make a change to the show, well, you already have created the DVD. So you have to trash it and make another. This can get expensive. So, instead of burning to DVD, testing it out, changing things, burning another,... More »
Last Post: January 12, 2008 6:29 PM by Brandon C.
Cool Japanese Cell Phone Services
While doing research on this new phone , we came across a lot of cool an interesting services that the Japanese enjoy that we don't have. Check this stuff out. Omakase Lock - Lock your phone just by contacting DoCoMo. You can lock your Phonebook and other personal data as well as the "Osaifu-Keitai" IC card function on your phone if you misplace or otherwise loose it. PushTalk - PushTalk enables up to 5* people* (including the caller ) to participate in a single call. Calls between PushTalk compatible handsets can be made straight away as no application is necessary. Videophone - Convey Your Feelings Like You're There in Person Videophone conveys the nuance of what you want to say better than with words only. Sharing moments in real time as they happen is one of the many ways to use Videophone. Chara-den - Chara-den is a service where the... More »
Last Post: October 8, 2007 11:16 AM by Jeff Block
A Wellness Cell Phone?
Just when you thought you had a phone with every cool feature there is, out comes the Wellness Phone. The prototype Wellness mobile phone from Japan's NTT DoCoMo was unveiled this week at the CEATEC electronics show outside Tokyo. It can take your pulse, check your body fat, time your jogs and tell you if you have bad breath. It even assesses stress levels and inspires you with a pep talk. The phone has an inbuilt motion sensor that detects body movement and calculates how many calories you burn. The sensor can tell whether you're walking, running, climbing stairs, or resting, and counts the calories accordingly to tally daily totals. Hold the phone with outstretched arms, and it turns into a mini body fat calculator. A sensor at the top of the phone takes your pulse from your fingertip. Worried about bad breath? Use the phone's breathalyzer. Blow on a... More »
How Fast Can You Whip it Out?
Not every gadget is electronic. When you are a guy, you know that when it’s time to “Whip it out” speed is of the essence. No one want to be too late in getting it out! Now it looks like we have a new addition to our Christmas list, sorry if it’s not what you thought it was. They promote it as the best knife you’ll ever have, but I just think it’s cool! You can find it here , and no, we do not have any affiliation with them and are not making anything from promoting it. But it looks pretty nice. Here is what they say: Five Cool Things About This Knife Accessible without reaching for it. Accessible without unnatural motion. Out and open in an indetectable manner Out and open with one handed operation Accessible even when sitting down (bonus) accessible even when wearing chaps Out, done,... More »
Last Post: September 23, 2007 10:24 PM by Brandon C.
DirecTV Supercast With Sling Media Test Drive
It was announced here a few days ago that Sling Media was working with the NFL and DirecTv to produce the NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ SuperFan™ DIRECTV SUPERCAST. I don't have DirecTv but was fortunate enough to give it a test drive today. It's pretty darn cool! You get live streams of every NFL SUNDAY TICKET game right on your PC, via your Internet Explorer. No software to download, not special codecs needed, nothing. Just go to your Supercast page and start watching. They have live streams of every NFL SUNDAY TICKET™ game, plus the Red Zone Channel. Real-time player and team stats and scores. You also get highlights from every game as they happen and after the game is over. The site works pretty well. Except that I couldn't watch my home team even though they were on an away game. But I could Sling it and watch the other... More »
10 things IPhone can't do, the rebuttal
First of all, if you have not read the Mind Over Matt'er blog about what he can with his 8525 phone that the iPhone can't , you need to read it first, here, then come back to this post. Ok, you back? We thought that a rebuttal was needed to this post. Here is the stated reasons that he said he can do that iPhone owners can only dream about. 1. Watch my home TV with SlingPlayer - No you can't watch your Sling Box yet. Who would want to? Whatever you may be watching, someone at home could be watching the same thing at the same time! So they would know when you are watching adult videos! You can download and convert movies to your iPhone and no one would be the wiser as to what you are watching. Nothing like a good adult movie when you are out... More »
Last Post: August 24, 2007 5:57 PM by Brandon C.
IOGEAR New Bluetooth Hands Free Car Kit
IOGEAR just received FCC approval for a new Bluetooth hands free car kit. No, we are not talking about their recently released GBHFK201W6 product. Click on the photo on the right to enlarge. This is a brand new product a GBHFK211W6. This one will come with the same type of USB charging cable and a in car charger. But they will have 2 -AAA rechargeable batteries inside, instead of a Rechargeable Lithium Battery. It will also be VOIP enabled and usable as a portable speaker phone for in the home, in the office, or on the road. I have been looking for an in car cell phone, car kit, I have tried several bluetooth headsets and always find them lacking or uncomfortable. We can't say when it will be released, but are looking forward to testing it! What do you think? In car Hands Free kit or Bluetooth earpiece headset?... More »
Make a Phone Call from a website
A company called Ribbit showed a phone component a few days ago at that will be available soon. The Ribbit component could be pretty amazing. Basically it allows you to place or receive phone calls soley in your web browser. They say: The RibbitPhone Component will give Rich internet application developers the ability to make and receive calls, record/send and receive voice mail, as well as add and manage contacts. They say as part of the service you can specify a number to dial from which then shows up on the caller id of the person you’re dialing. There is a messaging feature built into the application so that anyone can call your number and it will ring both on your phone as well as inside the browser application. You can answer it from your browser and use a microphone to talk. If you aren’t there, the system tracks your... More »
Virgin Airlines Going High Tech
We for one say it’s about time. As much as we travel it would be nice if all airlines offer these kind of high tech features. Virgin America launched its first flights today from New York City’s JFK airport and Los Angeles to San Francisco. That in itself is news but check out some of the features they are offering. Mood lighting that will change from day to night Leather seats with adjustable headrests. Full USB and electrical power connections at every seat. Using the ports you’ll be able to charge portable gaming devices, MP3 players, laptops, cameras and cell phones. We hear the later on, the airline will activate Ethernet ports at every seat so you surf the Web from 35,000 feet. All seats will offer video screens where will you find satellite TV from the Dish network, get live TV (a first for an airline), streaming satellite radio,... More »
Is Microsoft Dumping the 360 for Newer Models?
Microsoft just announce in a the price drop for 360 hardware. As of today Microsoft the Premium will fall $50 to $350, the Core will fall $20 to $280, and the Elite will see a $30 price reduction to an even $450. Now there is rumor that HDMI will probably be included in all boxes. A new version of the Core and Premium hardware is supposed to be released late this month or September and will include an HDMI port. It’s also expected that this new hardware will feature the 65nm process for the CPU and quieter DVD drives. The new hardware will ship in boxes very similar to what we saw on store shelves now, but there will be a small “call out” on the box so you know you’re getting a system with the HDMI connection. So soon you may not have to choose between the Elite and... More »
Ultimate Flying Gadget?
The Unmanned Reaper airplane is coming to Afghanistan, and will land in Iraq sometime between this fall and next spring. This has to be the ultimate gadget! Check out the tech specs. The airplane is the size of a jet fighter. Powered by a turboprop engine, able to fly at 300 mph and reach 50,000 feet. It’s outfitted with infrared, laser and radar targeting. It carries a ton and a half of guided bombs and missiles. There’s no one on board! Its pilot will sit at a video console 7,000 miles away in Nevada. At five tons gross weight, the Reaper is four times heavier than it’s predecessor, the Predator. It’ 36 feet long, with a 66-foot wingspan - is comparable to the profile of the Air Force’s workhorse A-10 attack plane. It can fly twice as fast and twice as high as the Predator. It carries many more weapons... More »
Here comes the Solid State Hard Drive
SAMSUNG has started mass production of their first 1.8-inch, 64GB Solid State Drive. I have been telling people for years that someday the hard drive, as we know it, will be replaced by a solid state device and will no longer be mechanical. It appears that this time is coming soon. They have been creating smaller sized SSD's (Solid State Drives) for a little while now, but they were just not large enough for the average computer user. With the production of a 64GB drive, that they will initially target for Notebook PCs, they finally have one large enough. Unless you are power user like me, 64GB is large enough for most casual Laptop or business users. SSDs will have greater reliability, faster boot times and faster application start-up times than hard disk drives. No more worrying about dropping the laptop and loosing all your info on a destroyed HD.... More »
Last Post: June 29, 2007 8:45 AM by Larry Dillon
Does Your New TV Have Warning Label?
If you have not bought a new TV in the last month, you may not know. But all TV's that do not have a built-in digital tuner, also known as an ATSC receiver ,have a warning label sticker saying it will need a "converter box" in 2009 because of a switch to digital broadcasting. Why are they doing that? Well, Those stickers are mandated by the Federal Communications Commission to be on all analog TV's starting in May. Some folks already know this, but.... What's happening is that on February 17, 2009, TV broadcasters will be turning off their analog over-the-air broadcasts, the kind you tune into with rabbit-ear antennas. The FCC is making the TV stations do this for various reasons but mainly because digital broadcasting is much more efficient, using less of the valuable radio spectrum. What will happen is the government will take that spectrum back and... More »
Blockbuster to push Blu-ray HD DVD format
After reading this Article about the Blu-ray problems, this news announcement came as kinda a surprise. It appears Blockbuster will rent high-definition DVDs only in the Blu-ray format in 1,450 stores when it expands its high-def offerings next month This could be a major blow to the rival HD DVD format and it could help to resolvethe format war that has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players. Most folks are waiting until they can determine which format will dominate the market. Blockbuster has been renting both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles in 250 stores since late last year and found that consumers were choosing Blu-ray titles more than 70 percent of the time. "The consumers are sending us a message. I can't ignore what I'm seeing," Matthew Smith, senior vice president of merchandising at Blockbuster, told The Associated Press. Blockbuster will continue to rent HD DVD... More »
Last Post: June 25, 2007 8:12 PM by Brandon C.
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