CLICK to read article on Technolog - MSNBC
"While the idea behind Google TV holds great promise, the first products to come from that vision are too impotent and hard to use. The search giant, flush from back-to-back revolutions in the Internet and mobile spaces, decided to aim a missile of change at the very broken television experience. It's noble, but it could well be just another Google idea doomed to fizzle.
After testing both the $300 Logitech Revue and the $400 Sony Internet TV Blu-ray player — which are about 90 percent identical Google TV systems — I can tell you that the platform is nowhere near ready for your viewing enjoyment.
As you can probably guess from Google's interest in the subject, Google TV is about apps and search. The Logitech and Sony devices — set-top boxes which you connect to the Internet and to your cable or satellite box — are supposed to be partly a 'relax, we got it covered' manager of content, and a 'hey, check this out' guide to discovering more. They run Android and will get a version of the Android Market, with apps made especially for Google TV, sometime early next year. Currently, though, the included apps are fixed and limited: Netflix, Picasa, Pandora ... and not a whole lot else. Most other 'apps' are just links to websites, such as Amazon Video on Demand. You click an 'app' and instead, the browser launches. At that point, you are required to do what you'd do if you were on a computer: Log in, browse your options via touchpad, select and play.
If the website is compatible, that is. Google is currently promoting, on the 'Spotlight' page, the HBO Go service. However, Comcast subscribers are blocked from the Go service, because Comcast serves up HBO content on its own online VOD service, Fancast. But when you go to Fancast, you're told that the site is not compatible with Google TV, because it only works on computers running Microsoft's Internet Explorer and Apple's Safari. So here I am, a paying HBO subscriber, teased into thinking I can see HBO on this box, then let down by technological shortcomings and Hollywood licensing roadblocks. That right there is a common theme with Google TV.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
NerdBoyTV is a weekly syndicated podcast on iTunes and YouTube since 2007 focusing on consumer technology, techie gadgets, and cool Internet finds for the everyday person. Ryan Yee is the host of NerdBoyTV (with over 33,000 Twitter followers) and provides product demos, expert interviews, and links to the latest technology news. It's like having your very own online "nerd" friend.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Barnes & Noble unveils color Nook e-reader
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! News
"Barnes & Noble Inc. is introducing a new Nook e-reader with a color touch screen for $249 as competition in the fast-growing industry heats up ahead of the holidays.
As the first full-color touch electronic reader, the Nookcolor stands apart from black-and-white competitors like Amazon's Kindle. The device can be used to read books, magazines, newspapers and an expanded array of children's titles. It also takes hints from Apple Inc.'s iPad with more games, Web browsing, music streaming and its own application store. Like earlier versions, it runs on Google Inc.'s Android operating system.
Barnes & Noble, which announced the product Tuesday, said it will begin taking orders for the device online and in stores on Wednesday and begins shipping in mid-November.
'I think Barnes & Noble did a pretty good job presenting this device as its own e-reader instead of just a cheaper version of the iPad,' said Simba Information analyst Michael Norris. 'It is focused on the reading experience.'
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Barnes & Noble Inc. is introducing a new Nook e-reader with a color touch screen for $249 as competition in the fast-growing industry heats up ahead of the holidays.
As the first full-color touch electronic reader, the Nookcolor stands apart from black-and-white competitors like Amazon's Kindle. The device can be used to read books, magazines, newspapers and an expanded array of children's titles. It also takes hints from Apple Inc.'s iPad with more games, Web browsing, music streaming and its own application store. Like earlier versions, it runs on Google Inc.'s Android operating system.
Barnes & Noble, which announced the product Tuesday, said it will begin taking orders for the device online and in stores on Wednesday and begins shipping in mid-November.
'I think Barnes & Noble did a pretty good job presenting this device as its own e-reader instead of just a cheaper version of the iPad,' said Simba Information analyst Michael Norris. 'It is focused on the reading experience.'
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Monday, October 25, 2010
SHOW #97 - NerdBoyTV: WidgetCast (3of3)
In this episode of NerdBoyTV, John Martin of Reallusion completes his three-part demo of WidgetCast by showing how to publish a widget using Reallusion's service, self-hosting, or Adobe Air Output. For more on WidgetCast, go to http://reallusion.com.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Taking a Peak at the Windows Phone 7 Apps
By Wilson Rothman (MSNBC Technolog)
In this video review, MSNBC's Wilson Rothman runs through some of the available apps for the new Windows Phone 7.
In this video review, MSNBC's Wilson Rothman runs through some of the available apps for the new Windows Phone 7.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
CNET TIP: When to use flash in bright light
Here's a video tip from our friends at CNET on when to use flash in bright light.
Atheros combines power line, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
CLICK to read article on Crave - CNET: "Wi-Fi is great, but unfortunately, the wireless signal oftentimes can't reach that far corner in the basement.
In this case, currently, the best solution is to get a pair of power-line adapters that turn your home's electrical wiring into data cables to extend your wired network without running network cables all over the place.
There are many different power-line kits on the market, such as the Plaster Networks PLN3, the Linksys PLK300, or the Western Digital Livewire. All of them work well but share a few common attributes: you'll need two adapters to make up one power-line connection, and each solution has its own esoteric way for you to set it up and manage it.
Wouldn't it be nice if the router itself had built-in support for the technology so you need just one adapter at the far end and have one central place to manage the wired power line and Wi-Fi network? It indeed would be, and more importantly, it will be available soon.
Atheros, maker of networking chipsets that power many networking solutions, announced today a new family of hybrid home-networking solutions that combines the popular consumer networking technologies into one. More specifically, the solution combines Wi-Fi, HomePlugAV Powerline, and Ethernet into an all-in-one solution for the home.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
In this case, currently, the best solution is to get a pair of power-line adapters that turn your home's electrical wiring into data cables to extend your wired network without running network cables all over the place.
There are many different power-line kits on the market, such as the Plaster Networks PLN3, the Linksys PLK300, or the Western Digital Livewire. All of them work well but share a few common attributes: you'll need two adapters to make up one power-line connection, and each solution has its own esoteric way for you to set it up and manage it.
Wouldn't it be nice if the router itself had built-in support for the technology so you need just one adapter at the far end and have one central place to manage the wired power line and Wi-Fi network? It indeed would be, and more importantly, it will be available soon.
Atheros, maker of networking chipsets that power many networking solutions, announced today a new family of hybrid home-networking solutions that combines the popular consumer networking technologies into one. More specifically, the solution combines Wi-Fi, HomePlugAV Powerline, and Ethernet into an all-in-one solution for the home.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Windows Phone 7 is the XBox phone
By Todd Kenreck, MSNBC
Here is a video review of the Windows Phone 7 smartphone coming out next month and the games that are available on it. Looks pretty good!
Here is a video review of the Windows Phone 7 smartphone coming out next month and the games that are available on it. Looks pretty good!
New Windows Phone 7 is here (MSNBC Review)
By Wilson Rothman, MSNBC
The Windows Phone 7 will be available on AT&T and T-Mobile initially. I'm really seriously thinking of getting this one as my smartphone. I'm glad Microsoft didn't just rehash another version of the iPhone or even Android. This is certainly different...I like it.
The Windows Phone 7 will be available on AT&T and T-Mobile initially. I'm really seriously thinking of getting this one as my smartphone. I'm glad Microsoft didn't just rehash another version of the iPhone or even Android. This is certainly different...I like it.
MacBook Air Review: The skinny on the skinny (MSNBC)
Here's a review of the new MacBook Air laptop courtesy of MSNBC. Talk about "skinny."
Sunday, October 17, 2010
SHOW #96 - NerdBoyTV: WidgetCast (2of3)
In this episode of NerdBoyTV, John Martin of Reallusion continues his demo of WidgetCast. This time, John adds Twitter, YouTube, and the RSS feed in the NerdBoyTV widget mix.
SHOW #96 - NerdBoyTV: WidgetCast (2of3) from Ryan Yee on Vimeo.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Apple's earnings to showcase one-two punch
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! News
"Apple Inc should affirm next week that its six-month-old iPad tablet computer is selling well despite a shaky consumer market, while the iPhone continues to fend off a strong challenge from rival Google Inc.
Analysts expect fourth-quarter earnings to showcase Apple's powerful one-two punch of the iPhone and the iPad, although some still question whether, with a plethora of rival products set to hit store shelves, Wall Street can justify Apple's stratospheric valuation.
The shares of the second largest corporation in the S&P 500 jumped more than 4 percent on Friday as anticipation mounted ahead of Monday's report.
As has been the case for many quarters, iPhone growth will be the main driver, even as anticipation builds over an iPhone early next year tailor-made for the network of top mobile carrier Verizon Wireless Inc -- a move that would instantly boost Apple's consumer reach in the United States.
Apple's shares stand at a record high after breaking through the $300 mark for the first time this week. The company has so far proved resilient in the face of weak U.S. consumer spending. At the same time, gross margins should get a boost from falling component costs.
Although there is little doubt September quarter numbers will be strong, investors have come to demand an out-sized performance, so the bar is raised every three months.
Analysts say a big upside surprise may be tougher to achieve this time around given constraints in iPad and iPhone supply.
But the iPad is playing a bigger role in Apple's business and could be a wild card this quarter, and Wall Street is eager to gauge consumer enthusiasm for the tablet. While demand has been strong, manufacturing bottlenecks have limited production.
Apple trades at nearly 21 times forward earnings, a healthy premium over smartphone and PC rivals.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Apple Inc should affirm next week that its six-month-old iPad tablet computer is selling well despite a shaky consumer market, while the iPhone continues to fend off a strong challenge from rival Google Inc.
Analysts expect fourth-quarter earnings to showcase Apple's powerful one-two punch of the iPhone and the iPad, although some still question whether, with a plethora of rival products set to hit store shelves, Wall Street can justify Apple's stratospheric valuation.
The shares of the second largest corporation in the S&P 500 jumped more than 4 percent on Friday as anticipation mounted ahead of Monday's report.
As has been the case for many quarters, iPhone growth will be the main driver, even as anticipation builds over an iPhone early next year tailor-made for the network of top mobile carrier Verizon Wireless Inc -- a move that would instantly boost Apple's consumer reach in the United States.
Apple's shares stand at a record high after breaking through the $300 mark for the first time this week. The company has so far proved resilient in the face of weak U.S. consumer spending. At the same time, gross margins should get a boost from falling component costs.
Although there is little doubt September quarter numbers will be strong, investors have come to demand an out-sized performance, so the bar is raised every three months.
Analysts say a big upside surprise may be tougher to achieve this time around given constraints in iPad and iPhone supply.
But the iPad is playing a bigger role in Apple's business and could be a wild card this quarter, and Wall Street is eager to gauge consumer enthusiasm for the tablet. While demand has been strong, manufacturing bottlenecks have limited production.
Apple trades at nearly 21 times forward earnings, a healthy premium over smartphone and PC rivals.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Truth About ditching iPhone for Android
CLICK to read article on Tech Ticker, Yahoo! Finance
"To switch, or not to switch? It took me a long time to build up the courage to get rid of my iPhone and buy an HTC Droid Incredible. The iPhone is an amazing accomplishment, and I had a great few years with it. But there were a few things that kept driving me crazy.
It's been a few months since I took the plunge now, and I'm ready to deliver a final verdict. Here's what you need to know if you're thinking of making the switch.
AWESOME: Android gives the user much more power to customize Switching from the iPhone to Android is all about getting control. Apple is all about figuring out the right way for things to look and work, and making them look and work that way.
Android lets you decide for yourself. You can add widgets to your home screen that give you updates without your having to launch a dedicated app. You can add direct links to songs, pictures, websites, or whatever else you like.
If there are settings you frequently adjust, you can set up icons to toggle them straight from the home screen, instead of searching through menus for them every time (a pain in either iOS or Android.) Or you can install a third-party app that completely replaces your home screens and does all of this its own way.
AWFUL: You NEED to customize, because your phone just isn't that smooth out of the box
The power to do all that customization is great, but most users won't ever want to think about any of it. Which is too bad, because Android phones just aren't set up that well by default. That varies a lot based on your phone manufacturer and your carrier, since both tend to make some tweaks, and in many cases install custom UIs (Blur, Sense, etc.)
But many people find the default layout on their phone to be excessively cluttered. Managing your files isn't so nice until you download Astro. And -- again, depending on the phone -- battery life can be a complete disaster if you don't load some widgets that let you quickly turn off wifi and GPS when you aren't using them.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"To switch, or not to switch? It took me a long time to build up the courage to get rid of my iPhone and buy an HTC Droid Incredible. The iPhone is an amazing accomplishment, and I had a great few years with it. But there were a few things that kept driving me crazy.
It's been a few months since I took the plunge now, and I'm ready to deliver a final verdict. Here's what you need to know if you're thinking of making the switch.
AWESOME: Android gives the user much more power to customize Switching from the iPhone to Android is all about getting control. Apple is all about figuring out the right way for things to look and work, and making them look and work that way.
Android lets you decide for yourself. You can add widgets to your home screen that give you updates without your having to launch a dedicated app. You can add direct links to songs, pictures, websites, or whatever else you like.
If there are settings you frequently adjust, you can set up icons to toggle them straight from the home screen, instead of searching through menus for them every time (a pain in either iOS or Android.) Or you can install a third-party app that completely replaces your home screens and does all of this its own way.
AWFUL: You NEED to customize, because your phone just isn't that smooth out of the box
The power to do all that customization is great, but most users won't ever want to think about any of it. Which is too bad, because Android phones just aren't set up that well by default. That varies a lot based on your phone manufacturer and your carrier, since both tend to make some tweaks, and in many cases install custom UIs (Blur, Sense, etc.)
But many people find the default layout on their phone to be excessively cluttered. Managing your files isn't so nice until you download Astro. And -- again, depending on the phone -- battery life can be a complete disaster if you don't load some widgets that let you quickly turn off wifi and GPS when you aren't using them.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Microsoft deepens Facebook ties in Google battle
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! News
"Microsoft Corp deepened its ties with social networking company Facebook on Wednesday, bolstering its fledgling Bing search engine in an effort to catch up with Google Inc.
Microsoft said it would integrate content from Facebook -- the world's leading social network with over half a billion members -- to refine search results starting on Wednesday, including profiles of Facebook users and Web pages they have endorsed by clicking on 'like' buttons.
The world's largest software company has stepped up its efforts within its money-losing online services division, seeking to challenge the dominance of Google, the world's largest search engine.
'The thing that makes Microsoft a great partner for us is that they really are the underdog here,' Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg told reporters at Microsoft's Silicon Valley offices. 'Because of that they in a structural position where they're incentivized to go all out and innovate.'
The Facebook data provides important 'signals' to help refine search results, Microsoft Online Services Division President Qi Lu told reporters.
As part of their agreement, Microsoft's Bing will be able to access user's 'likes' on the social networking service and deliver search results tailored to individual preferences.
Microsoft invested $240 million in Facebook in 2007, giving it a 1.6 percent stake in the social networking company, and the two companies have forged various business collaborations over the years.
Microsoft introduced Bing, an overhauled version of its search engine, last year, and forged a 10-year partnership with Yahoo that merges the companies' back-end advertising systems, offering marketers a larger audience.
Bing is currently the exclusive provider of Web search on Facebook, and Microsoft sells text-based search ads for Facebook's site.
Microsoft's shares closed up more than 2 percent, or 51 cents, at $25.34.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Microsoft Corp deepened its ties with social networking company Facebook on Wednesday, bolstering its fledgling Bing search engine in an effort to catch up with Google Inc.
Microsoft said it would integrate content from Facebook -- the world's leading social network with over half a billion members -- to refine search results starting on Wednesday, including profiles of Facebook users and Web pages they have endorsed by clicking on 'like' buttons.
The world's largest software company has stepped up its efforts within its money-losing online services division, seeking to challenge the dominance of Google, the world's largest search engine.
'The thing that makes Microsoft a great partner for us is that they really are the underdog here,' Facebook Chief Executive Officer Mark Zuckerberg told reporters at Microsoft's Silicon Valley offices. 'Because of that they in a structural position where they're incentivized to go all out and innovate.'
The Facebook data provides important 'signals' to help refine search results, Microsoft Online Services Division President Qi Lu told reporters.
As part of their agreement, Microsoft's Bing will be able to access user's 'likes' on the social networking service and deliver search results tailored to individual preferences.
Microsoft invested $240 million in Facebook in 2007, giving it a 1.6 percent stake in the social networking company, and the two companies have forged various business collaborations over the years.
Microsoft introduced Bing, an overhauled version of its search engine, last year, and forged a 10-year partnership with Yahoo that merges the companies' back-end advertising systems, offering marketers a larger audience.
Bing is currently the exclusive provider of Web search on Facebook, and Microsoft sells text-based search ads for Facebook's site.
Microsoft's shares closed up more than 2 percent, or 51 cents, at $25.34.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Microsoft bets big on new phone software
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! News
"Microsoft Corp. knows the cell phone world is where it's happening, and it's determined to be a part of it.
After years of declining sales of phones based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile software, the company is starting with a fresh slate — a completely new operating system for phones.
The new handsets will go up against Apple Inc.'s highly popular iPhone and the expanding number of phones running on Google Inc.'s Android operating system.
The first phone with Windows Phone 7 will be the Samsung Focus, which hits AT&T Inc. stores Nov. 8 for $200 with a two-year contract requirement, Microsoft said Monday. It will be closely followed by two more phones for AT&T, made by LG Electronics Inc. and HTC Corp., and one for T-Mobile USA, also made by HTC.
In May, Microsoft launched another new phone software package, Kin, only to yank it about two months later in the face of dismal sales. Windows Phone 7 is a different beast, and Microsoft is putting its full weight behind it.
In all, Microsoft announced nine phones for the U.S. market on Monday, including one from Dell Inc., and it has lined up 60 carriers in 30 countries to carry Windows 7 phones.
Another U.S. carrier, Sprint Nextel Corp., is getting a Windows 7 phones in the first half of next year.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Microsoft Corp. knows the cell phone world is where it's happening, and it's determined to be a part of it.
After years of declining sales of phones based on Microsoft's Windows Mobile software, the company is starting with a fresh slate — a completely new operating system for phones.
The new handsets will go up against Apple Inc.'s highly popular iPhone and the expanding number of phones running on Google Inc.'s Android operating system.
The first phone with Windows Phone 7 will be the Samsung Focus, which hits AT&T Inc. stores Nov. 8 for $200 with a two-year contract requirement, Microsoft said Monday. It will be closely followed by two more phones for AT&T, made by LG Electronics Inc. and HTC Corp., and one for T-Mobile USA, also made by HTC.
In May, Microsoft launched another new phone software package, Kin, only to yank it about two months later in the face of dismal sales. Windows Phone 7 is a different beast, and Microsoft is putting its full weight behind it.
In all, Microsoft announced nine phones for the U.S. market on Monday, including one from Dell Inc., and it has lined up 60 carriers in 30 countries to carry Windows 7 phones.
Another U.S. carrier, Sprint Nextel Corp., is getting a Windows 7 phones in the first half of next year.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Don't Fall Into These HDTV Buying Traps
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! Shopping
"A new HDTV is a big investment and a point of pride. But making that investment can feel daunting, and pride can get in the way of good sense. Too often HDTV buyers spring for a big TV with the latest and greatest specs without really knowing exactly what they're paying for or if it's worthwhile. Below, you'll find some of the most common and costly traps to avoid while you're shopping for an HDTV.
The Size Trap
A huge TV will make your friends drool with envy, but don't overdo it. If a TV is too big for a room and you're forced to sit too close to a colossal screen, the picture won't look as sharp as it should, and you could end up with a serious headache from the eye strain. The distance between the TV and your eyeballs should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the screen. And don't forget to account for the space you'll need in your car for the ride back from the store.
The Showroom Trap
Don't fall for the sales gimmicks that have no bearing on real-world performance. For example, Sharp has displays set up in some stores to sell their Quattron-series TVs. The display implores users to look through a magnifying glass to examine the extra color (yellow) built into each pixel. It's definitely there, and it does affect the picture (yellows look more vibrant), but you'd never look at your TV through a magnifying glass in your living room, so why would it matter in the showroom?
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"A new HDTV is a big investment and a point of pride. But making that investment can feel daunting, and pride can get in the way of good sense. Too often HDTV buyers spring for a big TV with the latest and greatest specs without really knowing exactly what they're paying for or if it's worthwhile. Below, you'll find some of the most common and costly traps to avoid while you're shopping for an HDTV.
The Size Trap
A huge TV will make your friends drool with envy, but don't overdo it. If a TV is too big for a room and you're forced to sit too close to a colossal screen, the picture won't look as sharp as it should, and you could end up with a serious headache from the eye strain. The distance between the TV and your eyeballs should be 1.5 to 2.5 times the size of the screen. And don't forget to account for the space you'll need in your car for the ride back from the store.
The Showroom Trap
Don't fall for the sales gimmicks that have no bearing on real-world performance. For example, Sharp has displays set up in some stores to sell their Quattron-series TVs. The display implores users to look through a magnifying glass to examine the extra color (yellow) built into each pixel. It's definitely there, and it does affect the picture (yellows look more vibrant), but you'd never look at your TV through a magnifying glass in your living room, so why would it matter in the showroom?
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Nine things you need to know about 4G networks
CLICK to read article by Howard Wolinsky | Appolicious ™ iPad and iPhone App Directory
"Imagine having a mobile phone that matches what you can do on your home PC or laptop. That’s the power of 4G - the term for fourth generation mobile service - which was rolled out by Sprint (S) earlier this year and will soon be available for Verizon (VZ) subscribers. Here are the most important things you need to know about 4G.
1. It’s fast. Sprint, the first mover in the 4G market, says its 4G is up to 10 times faster than 3G, which was introduced eight years ago. Sprint promises peak downloads of more than 10 Mbps (megabits per second), with average downloads of three to six Mbps. Verizon announced on October 6 that it plans in the fourth quarter to launch its 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network with downloads to range between 5 to 12 Mbps.
A closer look at the numbers, however, reveals that 4G speeds may vary. Sprint says that 4G can be 10 times faster than 3G. But read the fine print in Sprint’s promotional material: Sprint bases this claim on speed comparison between 3G’s low-end 600 kilobits per second (Kbps) vs. 4G’s max 6Mbps. Sprint notes that 3G can reach 1.7 Mbps, while 4G may drop down to 3 Mbps. So that’s less than twice as fast. We will know more specifics about Verizon’s network in the weeks ahead as it rolls out its service.
2. Regardless of how much faster 4G might be, the increased connection speed lets you do more things with your phone. Early users are already enjoying features like uninterrupted video conferencing, high-definition television streaming and of course lightning fast web surfing that smartphones on 3G networks are unable to provide. Power business users and other early adopters of the new technology who experience 4G will never want to go back.
3. Casual users mostly interested in talking, texting and occasional web surfing on their cell phones don’t need to rush into buying a 4G-enabled phone (and it is not possible to upgrade existing 3G models to the new network.) Even if you are ready to buy a phone and wanted to upgrade to 4G, the network is not available in all parts of the country (see below). It will take years for 4G to roll out into every rural area, and residents of big cities could get shut out due to big restrictions on new cell phone towers.
4. You can easily find out if 4G is available in your area. Sprint says its 4G network reaches more than 268 million people in 50 markets in the United States “and counting.” To see whether 4G is available in your hometown, go here.
Verizon says its 4G LTE network initially will cover 100 million people in 38 markets by the end of 2010. The first markets with access to Verizon’s 4G network include Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Below is a full coverage map for Verizon's 4G Network:
Current and would-be iPhone owners dissatisfied with AT&T's (T) network would of course love the rumors of an upcoming Verizon iPhone to be true.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Imagine having a mobile phone that matches what you can do on your home PC or laptop. That’s the power of 4G - the term for fourth generation mobile service - which was rolled out by Sprint (S) earlier this year and will soon be available for Verizon (VZ) subscribers. Here are the most important things you need to know about 4G.
1. It’s fast. Sprint, the first mover in the 4G market, says its 4G is up to 10 times faster than 3G, which was introduced eight years ago. Sprint promises peak downloads of more than 10 Mbps (megabits per second), with average downloads of three to six Mbps. Verizon announced on October 6 that it plans in the fourth quarter to launch its 4G LTE (Long Term Evolution) network with downloads to range between 5 to 12 Mbps.
A closer look at the numbers, however, reveals that 4G speeds may vary. Sprint says that 4G can be 10 times faster than 3G. But read the fine print in Sprint’s promotional material: Sprint bases this claim on speed comparison between 3G’s low-end 600 kilobits per second (Kbps) vs. 4G’s max 6Mbps. Sprint notes that 3G can reach 1.7 Mbps, while 4G may drop down to 3 Mbps. So that’s less than twice as fast. We will know more specifics about Verizon’s network in the weeks ahead as it rolls out its service.
2. Regardless of how much faster 4G might be, the increased connection speed lets you do more things with your phone. Early users are already enjoying features like uninterrupted video conferencing, high-definition television streaming and of course lightning fast web surfing that smartphones on 3G networks are unable to provide. Power business users and other early adopters of the new technology who experience 4G will never want to go back.
3. Casual users mostly interested in talking, texting and occasional web surfing on their cell phones don’t need to rush into buying a 4G-enabled phone (and it is not possible to upgrade existing 3G models to the new network.) Even if you are ready to buy a phone and wanted to upgrade to 4G, the network is not available in all parts of the country (see below). It will take years for 4G to roll out into every rural area, and residents of big cities could get shut out due to big restrictions on new cell phone towers.
4. You can easily find out if 4G is available in your area. Sprint says its 4G network reaches more than 268 million people in 50 markets in the United States “and counting.” To see whether 4G is available in your hometown, go here.
Verizon says its 4G LTE network initially will cover 100 million people in 38 markets by the end of 2010. The first markets with access to Verizon’s 4G network include Boston, New York, Washington D.C., Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. Below is a full coverage map for Verizon's 4G Network:
Current and would-be iPhone owners dissatisfied with AT&T's (T) network would of course love the rumors of an upcoming Verizon iPhone to be true.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Friday, October 8, 2010
AT&T ups smart phone 'early upgrade' fee from $75 to $200
CLICK to read article on Technolog
"If you're under an AT&T cell phone contract but are dying to upgrade early to the next great smart phone, you now will pay more to get it: $200, as of Oct. 3, up from the previous $75 fee. The change does not apply to the iPhone — which has its own upgrade plan that tends to vary from customer to customer — or to AT&T's basic or 'quick messaging' phones.
'As smart phones become increasingly more sophisticated, the cost of these devices has also increased,' AT&T says on its site. (Hat tip to Boy Genius Report, which first shared the news.)
Like the other major carriers in the United States, AT&T subsidizes the cost of most new phones when customers agree to a two-year contract, and smart phones are among the most expensive to buy. Retail costs are often in the $400 to $600 range for many smart phones without a contract, and about $200 with a contract.
And now that AT&T has not only several BlackBerrys from which to choose, but by the end of the year, eight Android phones, smart phone switch-outs may increase.
AT&T says it will 'continue to offer smart phones below the no-commitment price in situations where a customer needs a replacement device and is not yet eligible for upgrade pricing.' ('No-commitment price' = full price.)
Here's how it will play out in the real life. Say you want the BlackBerry Torch. If you are a new customer or due for an on-time upgrade, you can get it for $199.99. All you have to do is sign your life away for another two years, and agree to a minimum service plan. However, if you want to step up from your BB Bold, but it's only been a year or so, you'll have to pay an 'early upgrade' price of $399.99. And if you don't want a contract at all, the phone will cost you $499.99.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"If you're under an AT&T cell phone contract but are dying to upgrade early to the next great smart phone, you now will pay more to get it: $200, as of Oct. 3, up from the previous $75 fee. The change does not apply to the iPhone — which has its own upgrade plan that tends to vary from customer to customer — or to AT&T's basic or 'quick messaging' phones.
'As smart phones become increasingly more sophisticated, the cost of these devices has also increased,' AT&T says on its site. (Hat tip to Boy Genius Report, which first shared the news.)
Like the other major carriers in the United States, AT&T subsidizes the cost of most new phones when customers agree to a two-year contract, and smart phones are among the most expensive to buy. Retail costs are often in the $400 to $600 range for many smart phones without a contract, and about $200 with a contract.
And now that AT&T has not only several BlackBerrys from which to choose, but by the end of the year, eight Android phones, smart phone switch-outs may increase.
AT&T says it will 'continue to offer smart phones below the no-commitment price in situations where a customer needs a replacement device and is not yet eligible for upgrade pricing.' ('No-commitment price' = full price.)
Here's how it will play out in the real life. Say you want the BlackBerry Torch. If you are a new customer or due for an on-time upgrade, you can get it for $199.99. All you have to do is sign your life away for another two years, and agree to a minimum service plan. However, if you want to step up from your BB Bold, but it's only been a year or so, you'll have to pay an 'early upgrade' price of $399.99. And if you don't want a contract at all, the phone will cost you $499.99.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
The Androids of Autumn—New Phones Unveiled at CTIA
CLICK to read article on Technology & Science - Wireless - msnbc.com
"This week, at the CTIA wireless industry trade show in San Francisco, the four nationwide carriers announced a lot of phones, nearly all of them based on Google's Android operating system. It's no secret that Android is fast becoming the most popular mobile OS, giving both Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerrys a run for their money. Speaking of money, the latest Android lineup is surprisingly affordable, in many cases.
Here's a look at our eight favorite models, two each from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"This week, at the CTIA wireless industry trade show in San Francisco, the four nationwide carriers announced a lot of phones, nearly all of them based on Google's Android operating system. It's no secret that Android is fast becoming the most popular mobile OS, giving both Apple's iPhone and RIM's BlackBerrys a run for their money. Speaking of money, the latest Android lineup is surprisingly affordable, in many cases.
Here's a look at our eight favorite models, two each from AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Average length of U.S. mobile calls drops as text and data use surges
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! News
"Make no mistake: As a nation, we still love talking on our cell phones. After all, a grand total of 2.26 trillion wireless minutes in 12 months —equivalent to an amazing 4-plus million years, if my math is correct — is nothing to sneeze at.
But according to the trade group that represents the nation’s wireless industry, the length of the average U.S. mobile call was just 1.67 minutes in the first half of 2010, only the second time that the average wireless chat fell below two minutes since 1993, when the CTIA began tracking these things.
The first time was in the latter half of 2009, when the average nonroaming wireless call was just 1.81 minutes. Just four years ago, the average length of a wireless chat was nearly three minutes. Interesting. (You can check out a PDF of the results right here.)
Meanwhile, U.S. mobile subscribers are texting more than ever: 1.8 trillion — yes, trillion — text messages in the past 12 months, up a good 33 percent from a year earlier, according to the CTIA.
Let’s put that in perspective, shall we? Say the average text message is about, oh, 80 characters or so (just half the 160-character limit for SMS messages), or about 16 words each (assuming the average word is five letters long). And let’s say the average, full-length book is about 100,000 words in length. Punch those numbers in, and you’ll find that as a whole, the nation’s cell phone users sent the equivalent of 288 million books via SMS in one year — a very rough estimate, no doubt, but still. Compare that with the Library of Congress, whose shelves hold a mere 21 million books.
We’re also sending a lot more picture messages: 56.3 billion between June 2009 and last June — a mere fraction of the 1.8 trillion SMS messages sent during the same period, mind you, but a figure that nearly triples CTIA results for the previous 12-month period.
Mobile data use is up, too, with U.S. wireless users sending and receiving about 161.5 billion megabytes of data in just seven months, up nearly 50 percent compared with the second half of 2009.
On the other hand, the number of mobile minutes we used in the past year — again, 2.26 trillion minutes — rose less than 1 percent compared with the total for the year-ago period (2.24 trillion minutes).
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Make no mistake: As a nation, we still love talking on our cell phones. After all, a grand total of 2.26 trillion wireless minutes in 12 months —equivalent to an amazing 4-plus million years, if my math is correct — is nothing to sneeze at.
But according to the trade group that represents the nation’s wireless industry, the length of the average U.S. mobile call was just 1.67 minutes in the first half of 2010, only the second time that the average wireless chat fell below two minutes since 1993, when the CTIA began tracking these things.
The first time was in the latter half of 2009, when the average nonroaming wireless call was just 1.81 minutes. Just four years ago, the average length of a wireless chat was nearly three minutes. Interesting. (You can check out a PDF of the results right here.)
Meanwhile, U.S. mobile subscribers are texting more than ever: 1.8 trillion — yes, trillion — text messages in the past 12 months, up a good 33 percent from a year earlier, according to the CTIA.
Let’s put that in perspective, shall we? Say the average text message is about, oh, 80 characters or so (just half the 160-character limit for SMS messages), or about 16 words each (assuming the average word is five letters long). And let’s say the average, full-length book is about 100,000 words in length. Punch those numbers in, and you’ll find that as a whole, the nation’s cell phone users sent the equivalent of 288 million books via SMS in one year — a very rough estimate, no doubt, but still. Compare that with the Library of Congress, whose shelves hold a mere 21 million books.
We’re also sending a lot more picture messages: 56.3 billion between June 2009 and last June — a mere fraction of the 1.8 trillion SMS messages sent during the same period, mind you, but a figure that nearly triples CTIA results for the previous 12-month period.
Mobile data use is up, too, with U.S. wireless users sending and receiving about 161.5 billion megabytes of data in just seven months, up nearly 50 percent compared with the second half of 2009.
On the other hand, the number of mobile minutes we used in the past year — again, 2.26 trillion minutes — rose less than 1 percent compared with the total for the year-ago period (2.24 trillion minutes).
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Adobe soars on report of possible Microsoft bid
CLICK to read article on Yahoo! News
"Shares of Adobe soared in heavy trading Thursday on a report that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discussed a possible buyout of the company.
A report posted in the 'Bits' blog of The New York Times said Ballmer recently met with Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to talk about Apple's control of the cell phone market and how Microsoft and Adobe could work together to fend off the iPhone maker.
It was in this context that a possible buyout of Adobe by Microsoft Corp. came up, according to The Times. Microsoft had no comment.
In a statement, Adobe said it shares 'millions of customers around the world' with Microsoft, and 'the CEOs of the two companies do meet from time to time. However, we do not publicly comment on the timing or topics of their private meetings.'
Adobe Systems Inc., based in San Jose, Calif., makes software such as Photoshop and the Flash technology used for Web videos and games. The company has been in a long-standing feud with Apple Inc. over Flash, which Apple bans from mobile devices including iPad and the iPhone.
An Adobe acquisition would be a huge one for Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft, whose last big purchase was in 2007, when it bought aQuantive Inc. for $6 billion. A proposed deal to buy Yahoo Inc. the following year fell apart when Microsoft withdrew a $47.5 billion bid. Adobe's market cap is close to $15 billion.
Gleacher & Co. analyst Yun Kim said a potential buyer would be 'great' for Adobe, which is looking to grow its annual revenue to $5 billion in the next couple of years. It had revenue of about $3 billion last year.
'Their business is not going as well as people thought,' he said.
But how a deal would benefit Microsoft is less clear, Kim added. It would only make sense if Microsoft could use Adobe's business to put itself in a better position in the online advertising market, where Google dominates.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Shares of Adobe soared in heavy trading Thursday on a report that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer discussed a possible buyout of the company.
A report posted in the 'Bits' blog of The New York Times said Ballmer recently met with Adobe CEO Shantanu Narayen to talk about Apple's control of the cell phone market and how Microsoft and Adobe could work together to fend off the iPhone maker.
It was in this context that a possible buyout of Adobe by Microsoft Corp. came up, according to The Times. Microsoft had no comment.
In a statement, Adobe said it shares 'millions of customers around the world' with Microsoft, and 'the CEOs of the two companies do meet from time to time. However, we do not publicly comment on the timing or topics of their private meetings.'
Adobe Systems Inc., based in San Jose, Calif., makes software such as Photoshop and the Flash technology used for Web videos and games. The company has been in a long-standing feud with Apple Inc. over Flash, which Apple bans from mobile devices including iPad and the iPhone.
An Adobe acquisition would be a huge one for Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft, whose last big purchase was in 2007, when it bought aQuantive Inc. for $6 billion. A proposed deal to buy Yahoo Inc. the following year fell apart when Microsoft withdrew a $47.5 billion bid. Adobe's market cap is close to $15 billion.
Gleacher & Co. analyst Yun Kim said a potential buyer would be 'great' for Adobe, which is looking to grow its annual revenue to $5 billion in the next couple of years. It had revenue of about $3 billion last year.
'Their business is not going as well as people thought,' he said.
But how a deal would benefit Microsoft is less clear, Kim added. It would only make sense if Microsoft could use Adobe's business to put itself in a better position in the online advertising market, where Google dominates.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Facebook unveils new Groups tool
CLICK to read article on CNNMoney
"Facebook unveiled three new features on Wednesday to give users better tools for communicating with sheltered groups and increased control over the information that they share on the social network.
'Until today, we've made it pretty easy to share with everyone on the site publicly,' said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO. 'But for a lot of people, just your friends isn't actually private.'
One new feature, called Groups, allows users to target their updates to specific sets of friends, without posting the information to everyone in their network.
Facebook created what it called 'a social solution' to the problem. Users can create groups on the fly, similarly to how they tag photos on Facebook, and other group members can add additional friends.
'Sometimes you don't want to post something to all of your friends, not because you don't want them to know, but because you don't want to annoy them,' Zuckerberg at a press gathering at Facebook's headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif. 'The naive solution is to do something like friend lists. Almost no one wants to make lists.'
Users can manually create friends' list subsets on Facebook today, but Zuckerberg said that fewer than 5% of the site's users have done that.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Facebook unveiled three new features on Wednesday to give users better tools for communicating with sheltered groups and increased control over the information that they share on the social network.
'Until today, we've made it pretty easy to share with everyone on the site publicly,' said Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook's CEO. 'But for a lot of people, just your friends isn't actually private.'
One new feature, called Groups, allows users to target their updates to specific sets of friends, without posting the information to everyone in their network.
Facebook created what it called 'a social solution' to the problem. Users can create groups on the fly, similarly to how they tag photos on Facebook, and other group members can add additional friends.
'Sometimes you don't want to post something to all of your friends, not because you don't want them to know, but because you don't want to annoy them,' Zuckerberg at a press gathering at Facebook's headquarters in Palo Alto, Calif. 'The naive solution is to do something like friend lists. Almost no one wants to make lists.'
Users can manually create friends' list subsets on Facebook today, but Zuckerberg said that fewer than 5% of the site's users have done that.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Technolog - Apple TV vs. Google TV: What's the difference?
CLICK to read article on Technolog
"Google TV arrives this month in the form of Logitech's Revue and the Sony Internet TV and set-top box. The fact that it comes on the heels of a major overhaul of Apple TV may not be a total coincidence. If you get the sense that Google's consumer strategy is to follow Apple around, listening to Apple customer complaints and then tweaking their own products to avoid them, well, you may not be far from the truth. With Android, Google has exploited the 'second-mover advantage' on the smart phone stage, and it appears to be ready for a repeat performance in the home theater with Google TV.
Both Apple TV and Google TV are platforms for serving up movies, TV shows, music and photos from the great beyond — and in some cases, a nearby computer or mobile device. As the name suggests, the primary purpose of both is video on demand, though they go about this in very different ways. This isn't so much a product review as it is a run-down of those differences, as well as the notable similarities.
Content is king right? Hardware can be super snazzy, but if you can't watch the three shows you actually want to watch, the hardware goes busto. Maybe that's why sorting out which content is available on each box is increasingly a challenge.
Apple TV is, predominantly, a vessel for the programs Apple already has deals for. If you want to know if they'll have your favorite shows on Apple TV, just look 'em up on iTunes. However, the new Apple TV has a very nice Netflix app built in, too, so anything available for instant viewing on Netflix is included, and 'free' with your Netflix subscription — no extra money required. Apple TV also has a YouTube app.
Google TV is even trickier, since it doesn't really have a reservoir of content at the ready, like Apple does. Though Google did announce deals with Time Warner video properties including TBS, TNT, CNN and HBO, and another deal with CNBC, the rest of NBC along with CBS, ABC and Fox still aren't on board with Google TV. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of NBC Universal and Microsoft.)
Without major TV and movie studio support, at least at launch, the primary source of video for most Google TV watchers will be third-party apps. Movies can come from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, or Sony's Qriocity service, all with varying degrees of cost and picture quality. Google promises to link all of this together in a unified search, and let's be honest, they had better. The burden is on Google to make it easy to find 'Knight Rider' reruns at 2 a.m.; it sure ain't on you.
The coming content flood might not be welcome if it takes huge effort to wade through it. Already on Apple TV, there are instances where, say, a '30 Rock' episode is available for a rental fee in one place, and free (at least with a paid subscription) elsewhere. With Google TV, given the app approach, these sorts of discrepancies could eventually be a lot worse.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
"Google TV arrives this month in the form of Logitech's Revue and the Sony Internet TV and set-top box. The fact that it comes on the heels of a major overhaul of Apple TV may not be a total coincidence. If you get the sense that Google's consumer strategy is to follow Apple around, listening to Apple customer complaints and then tweaking their own products to avoid them, well, you may not be far from the truth. With Android, Google has exploited the 'second-mover advantage' on the smart phone stage, and it appears to be ready for a repeat performance in the home theater with Google TV.
Both Apple TV and Google TV are platforms for serving up movies, TV shows, music and photos from the great beyond — and in some cases, a nearby computer or mobile device. As the name suggests, the primary purpose of both is video on demand, though they go about this in very different ways. This isn't so much a product review as it is a run-down of those differences, as well as the notable similarities.
Content is king right? Hardware can be super snazzy, but if you can't watch the three shows you actually want to watch, the hardware goes busto. Maybe that's why sorting out which content is available on each box is increasingly a challenge.
Apple TV is, predominantly, a vessel for the programs Apple already has deals for. If you want to know if they'll have your favorite shows on Apple TV, just look 'em up on iTunes. However, the new Apple TV has a very nice Netflix app built in, too, so anything available for instant viewing on Netflix is included, and 'free' with your Netflix subscription — no extra money required. Apple TV also has a YouTube app.
Google TV is even trickier, since it doesn't really have a reservoir of content at the ready, like Apple does. Though Google did announce deals with Time Warner video properties including TBS, TNT, CNN and HBO, and another deal with CNBC, the rest of NBC along with CBS, ABC and Fox still aren't on board with Google TV. (Msnbc.com is a joint venture of NBC Universal and Microsoft.)
Without major TV and movie studio support, at least at launch, the primary source of video for most Google TV watchers will be third-party apps. Movies can come from Netflix, Amazon Video on Demand, or Sony's Qriocity service, all with varying degrees of cost and picture quality. Google promises to link all of this together in a unified search, and let's be honest, they had better. The burden is on Google to make it easy to find 'Knight Rider' reruns at 2 a.m.; it sure ain't on you.
The coming content flood might not be welcome if it takes huge effort to wade through it. Already on Apple TV, there are instances where, say, a '30 Rock' episode is available for a rental fee in one place, and free (at least with a paid subscription) elsewhere. With Google TV, given the app approach, these sorts of discrepancies could eventually be a lot worse.
- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Sunday, October 3, 2010
NerdBoyTV ALERT: Target Store Ads for 10/3/2010
NerdBoyTV with Ryan Yee is focused on alerting everyone to the best electronic buys at Target Stores. This week, the iPad arrives at Target! It's easy to subscribe to NerdBoyTV at http://www.JoinNerdBoyTV.com.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
SHOW #95 - NerdBoyTV: WidgetCast (1of3)
In this episode of NerdBoyTV, John Martin of Reallusion demos WidgetCast that creates eye catching newsfeeds, podcasts, video channels, galleries and presentations to share with your audience. In Part 1, he sets up the WidgetCast canvas.
SHOW #95 - NerdBoyTV: WidgetCast (1of3) from Ryan Yee on Vimeo.
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