Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 10/8/13 - Tech Trends

* TOPICS - Rick is Macon, GA this week as the media coordinator of the ButlerCars.com Tennis Classic of Macon. A women's pro tennis tournament, on a circuit kind of like the Symetra Tour is to women's golf
Women players ranked 85-300 in the world are participating

* Rick and Brian will look at some tech trends on the horizon....


1.  The Demise of the Desk Top Computer...

Still around, but now used for "heavy computing" - work stations, app developers, programmers.
We are a "mobile society" that is why we love out laptops, tablets, and smartphones
For the fifth quarter in a row, traditional desktops have seen a decline in sales globally. 
The past 10 years have seen U.S. consumer desktop PC sales shaved nearly in half, according to researcher Gartner.

2.   Free Wi-Fi for everyone. 

Towns are cities are slowly embracing this initiative.  Free Wi-Fi is popping up in cities all over the country. Soon there will be free universal Wi-Fi everywhere
http://www.techguysmartbuy.com/2013/09/nyc-to-free-wi-fi-by-december-in-select-areas.html

3. Augmented Reality

3D, but so much more
CrowdOptic is a company on the forefront of Augmented Reality and focus-based analytics
Augmented Reality is the interaction of superimposed graphics, audio and other enhancements over a real-world environment displayed in real-time. A key challenge in cyber-physical systems is that users often can’t see the cyber information they need in the real-world setting. For example, as construction workers walk around a site, they can’t see the 3D building plan for the project directly overlaid on the walls in front of them to determine if they are built as planned. Augmented reality technologies enable these workers to reduce costly mistakes by visualizing what they are building atop what actually exists in the physical world. Retailers are currently experimenting with augmented reality to get more customers into the stores by allowing shoppers to ‘see’ the clothes on them without having to actually try them on. Some of these apps are a bit gimmicky now, but have the potential to change how we shop, train for new skills, game, build, and make other important decisions.

 
 
4.  Crowdsourcing and Crowdfunding campaigns will get more popular

More and more people, organizations, bands, tv and movie producers are putting their ideas up on sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo or creating their own websites to get money to produce their projects.
What's to say cities or schools can't start their own campaigns for various things.
It's a new way of fundraising.
 

5. More People "Cutting the Cord"

Our cable bills are out of hand  - Average range is now $115-$200
Now, for about $23 a month, you can watch all your favorite programs through the streaming subscription services Netflix, Amazon Prime and Hulu Plus.
To catch local news, and sports like NFL games, tune into free over-the-air network TV using a low-cost “rabbit ears” digital antenna, which sells for as little as $8.
More and more programming, including original programmins will be coming via the internet

 
6.   5G

The G stands for Generation, thus typically the speed of data transmission over wireless networks increases with each generation. U.S. wireless providers are far into the process of converting their networks from 3G to 4G, as are the device makers (Apple's iPhone 5 was its first 4G smartphone). Recently two competing 4G platforms were in use by various wireless telecom companies. For many reasons, LTE (long-term evolution) won out over WiMAX for North American cellular phone markets in 2012, thus moving all of us closer to a common broadband platform for the world. You can expect to see 5G roll out within the next few years.

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 9/10/13 - FarmLinks and Tech News

Rick joins Brian and Courtney this week...

Rick is at FarmLinks in Sylacauga, AL.  They talk about that and some current tech news.

* TOPICS - Rick is at Pursell Farms and FarmLinks in Alabama and we look at some of the current tech news

Pursell Farms/ Farm Links   www.farmlinks.org
Rick's been at the high tech golf course - FarmLinks in Alabama for 2 days... his thoughts
A golf course, a resort, and a testing ground
Research and demonstration course

1.   New iPhone (s) will be announced today - Apple's big announcement today

What can we expect?  
Apple will unveil their new iPhone 5S and iPhone 5S at their press event in Cupertino, California, Tuesday the 10th of September, and according to a number of rumors, the iPhone 5S release date will be the 20th of September.

Apple are expected to put the iPhone 5S up for pre-order on Friday the 13th of September, and then start shipping the handset and selling it in their retail stores from Friday the 20th of September.
 


2.    Microsoft buys Nokia  -  Why should we care?

Doesn't really impact us, unless we have a Nokia phone or use Windows Phone 8 operating system on your phone.
Microsoft Phone 8 only has about a 3% market share, but it is growing slowly.
It was a big cash deal 7.7 Billion. 
Nokia makes a good phone


3.  Samsung announces a new Galaxy Note 3  and a watch

Rick and Brian both use Samsung Galaxy Notes...
What's new with the Galaxy Note 3?  - Slimmer and  larger screen at 5.7-inches. It also offers more battery life than the Galaxy Note 2, and there’s a new and improved S Pen.  10 different colors
Samsung Gear line - includes a smartwatch  for about $300
 

4.     Aio Wireless  -  New low cost wireless providor  www.aiowireless.com

A division of AT&T
Some of the latest smartphones, no contract , low cost wireless
Nationwide coverage
Retail stores
$40, $55, and $70 per month
Additionally, new customers who activate service in stores or online by September 29, 2013 will be able to participate in Aio's special Fall promotion and get their third month of service free (conditions apply**). 
All three plans include unlimited talk, text, and data-with a pre-established amount of high-speed access, including 4G LTE.
 

5.  PayPal adds more features

PayPal is updating its mobile app, adding features such as the ability to place an order ahead of time and pay with it while at the restaurant table.

The free app is available for iPhones and Android phones. It includes a feature called "Shop." With it, people can find nearby stores and restaurants that take PayPal payments. People can use their phones to pay for things.

 

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 8/6/13 - Back to School Gadgets

Rick and Brian talk "Back to School" today.

Have a listen:

* TOPICS - Back to School Gadgets and win a iGear Slim Tough Case for your iPad

Notice that smile on parent's faces....  It's because school is getting ready to start.
Let's look at some cool back to school gadgets - Some of the sames ones I brought on CBS Better Mornings Atlanta last week

1.   PlanOn ScanStick - A full desktop scanner that looks like a pen. 

www.planon.com

The Planon ScanStik is the most compact, sleek design, full page color scanner available.   $159.99
It has a MicroSD memory slot, when loaded can store 1000's images at 300-600dpi resolution in color or black and white. Scanning a page takes just 4 seconds. When you get back to the computer, plug it into the USB to transfer images and at the same time it recharges it's battery. Never worry about needing new batteries and also better for the environment.
 

2.  iGear Slim Tough iPad Case - Protect your iPad to the max

www.igearunlimited.com

The case school systems use to protect their iPads and tablets. Slim design, built in kickstand, durable and low cost.  You can drop it from 20 feet, scratch proof, ultimate protection for your iPad
Also has a nice kickstand


 3.  Club Glove Backpack

www.clubglove.com

The last backpack you will ever have to buy.  We all know Club Glove from their luggage and golf bag covers.  They also make the backpack I use.  I've taken it all over the country and it still looks brand new.
Durable and versatile with 7 total pockets to keep all your gear organized and can easily accommodate a laptop computer. With adjustable, padded shoulder straps. Made in USA. Limited lifetime warranty.

    19" H x 16" W x 9" D • 44 linear inches
    Constructed with Invista™ Cordura® 1000 D water resistant nylon up to 3x stronger and lasts up to 5x longer than standard polyester
    1600 D ballistic nylon base
    Reliable and durable YKK® zippers
    Sturdy top handle
    Water bottle mesh pocket, 1 mesh zippered pocket plus 2 interior mesh pockets
    2 front pockets plus main pocket

 
4.  Masterlock Password Plus Lock

Every student with a locker needs a combination lock. This one has letters and numbers.
Easy to read black on white letters/numbers
Set-your-own 3-letter/1-digit combination for thousands of combination options
 
5.  The Cookoo Watch $129.99

www.cookoowatch.com

A Bluetooth smartwatch that does many things when you pair it with your iPhone or iPad.  Alerts you when you have an email, text message or Facebook message.  Will also alert you when you are separated from your phone.  You can check in on Facebook by pressing a button on the watch.  Remote phototaking and music playing
 


***  A giveway this week  -  An iGear Slim Tough Case
the one I talked about earlier
Follow @RickRoswell,  @BKatrek and @igearunlimited to win

 

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 7/30/13 - "Kid Safe" News SItes and a Giveaway

 Rick and Brian talk about getting your news online and kid-safe news websites.

Rick also has a giveaway for listeners, but the deadline is Friday at noon.  So get listening.

* TOPICS - 2 Ways you can get breaking and current news on Twitter and some Kid Safe news websites.  And win a iPad Sleeve from Mujjo

I, like many found out about the San Francisco airline crash a few weeks ago on Twitter.  More and more people are getting their news via a Twitter feed. 

1.   Use "Twitter Lists"

 Twitter gives users the option to build a list of selected accounts so that they can view them all at once. This list can be designed to showcase related, newsy information.
By building a list that is full to the brim with awesome news resources and powerful journalists, you can have a customized partial Twitter feed that is full to the brim with great information.  Twitter lists are easy t oset up.


2.  Follow The Top Twitter News Sources

Of course, there’s the question of who to follow and who to add to your Twitter lists. Fortunately for you, I’ve composed a list of a few decent Twitter accounts which will help you find news and get leads to news stories.
  Associated Press
    BBC Breaking News
    BBC World News
    Breaking News
    CNN
    CNN Breaking News
    NBC
    Your local TV News Stations

***  Safe News Sites for Kids
Child-Safe Websites Where Kids Can Catch All The Recent News

I probably picked up my first newspaper at the age of seven or eight and haven’t stopped since. It started with reading the comic strips first and then the sports page and that too hasn’t stopped since. Of course, I did catch all the happenings between pages one and last too.

Sadly, what also hasn’t changed is the cliché – there’s no news like bad news. I don’t think a diet of bad news is quite right for children before they hit the right age. Agreed, you cannot keep the bad winds away but just like using parental controls to limit their exposure to the Internet, you can monitor the news they consume too. We have looked at some excellent email apps for kids and we have also taken you through some child-friendly ways to search the web. Now, let’s look at some child-friendly ways to get your children into the habit of reading the news on the web. Who said good parenting was an easy job!

Here There Everywhere  -  www.herethereeverywhere.com

Here There Everywhere attempts to mix the best of news with the interestingness of storytelling. Designed for elementary and older school-aged children, the child-safe news website can be read by children alone or with a guardian. The site is colorful but neat and the news span across topics from health and education to offbeat pieces. Of special interest could be the “You Ask” columns where kids are encouraged to comment

Time for Kids   www.timeforkids.com

t’s always worth a read with its comprehensive coverage on all the recent news children might be interested in. Quite a few of the “journalistic” news pieces are actually written by kid reporters, so that’s something to aspire to if your child is interested in the field. Time for Kids also covers special topics in many mini-sites which are generally around a common theme like this one which is on the Women History Month. Articles are written in a clear, easy to understand voice and illustrated well.

Nick News

Nick News is the online face of the show Nick News with Linda Ellerbee hosted on Nickelodeon since 1992. The original show’s format fosters discussions on world topics and is a very good educational platform for both children and teenagers…not to mention adults too. Nick News on the web takes the stories and features them online along with other current topics of the day. A range of issues are covered and politically sensitive topics (like the recent Zimmerman trial) are not barred. The TV show is the longest-running kids’ news show in television history and has collected 20 Emmy Awards during its run.

Tween Tribune - For all ages   www.tweentribune.com

Tween Tribune is a daily news sites for kids, tweens and teens. From K-4 to teachers and parents, everyone can use this site to find relevant content to teach and learn from. The news stories are thoughtfully divided into age groups taking into consideration reading and comprehension levels. The stories are selected by professional journalists.

***  A giveway this week  -  Win a Mujjo iPad case/sleeve
A Mujjo iPad sleeve    www.mujjo.com
High quality, beautiful sleeve for your iPad
Follow @RickRoswell,  @BKatrek and @MujjoStore to win

 

Tech Tuesday on Sirius/XM PGA Tour Radio for 7/10/13 - 7 Gadgets Not to Buy

I join Brian on Wednesday this week to talk about some gadgets you should NOT buy.

* TOPICS - 7 Gadgets to avoid spending your money on

1.   Bargain Basement Tablets  -  under $100
With a few noteable exceptions, you still need to spend around $150 to get a decent tablet. In our recent roundup of sub-$100 slates, just two earned as high as 3 stars on our 5-star scale: the $99 HiSense Sero 7 and the kid-friendly Fuhu nabi Jr. Overall, though, most dirt-cheap tablets suffer from very low-res screens, short battery life and sluggish performance.

Rather than staring at a dull lifeless disable while you're chained to an AC outlet and likely unable to access Google Play, spend the extra $50 to $100 and get at least a tablet with an HD screen, at least 7 hours of battery life and quad-core performance. If the extra money is too much to spend, delay your purchase.

2.   Republic Wireless Service

It sounds too good to be true. Instead of spending thousands of dollars a year on mobile service, startup Republic Wireless charges just $19 a month after you pay a $10 startup fee and $259 for its Motorola Defy XT smartphone.

Republic charges so little, because it expects you to use your home or office Wi-Fi most of the time, even for calls. However, when you're out of hotspot range, you're riding on Sprint's ancient, slow 3G network. Even worse, in the Defy XT, you're stuck with a phone that's so outdated and slow that it would have been considered a low-end device three years ago. And did we mention that Republic Wireless doesn't support photo or video SMS messaging?

Even if you're on a budget, you deserve a modern phone with decent connectivity. If you need a contract-free service, consider Virgin Mobile, which starts at $35 a month and offers better phones and 4G connectivity.

3.  A 300 MB Data plan for your smartphone
Imagine if you went to McDonald's wanting to eat chicken McNuggets for dinner and noticed that they appear on both the dollar menu and as a value meal. When you order off the dollar menu, the plate comes with just half of one single McNugget, not enough to be a meal and a lot less than the six full pieces you'd get for $3.

AT&T's entry-level data plan is even less fulfilling. For $20 plus a line charge for voice and texts, you get just 300MB of monthly data on your phone, barely enough to whet your online appettite and a lot less than what a typical AT&T user consumes. However, for just $10 more per month, you get 3GB, 10 times more data and enough to satisfy your video, gaming and VoIP cravings on the go.

4.    Budget or year old Smartphones

When you're shopping for a new phone on contract these days, you're presented with a dizzying array of options at prices usually ranging from free to $199. While many high-end phones eventually end up costing under $100, you need to watch out for the handsets that were made to be cheap at launch. The $99 Pantech Perception is a perfect example of a penny-wise, pound-foolish purchase.

For a two-year contract on Verizon, you get a phone with the way outdated Android 4.0 OS, a dull screen and battery life of just 3 hours and 55 minutes. Do you really want to live with a bad phone for two years when high-end devices like the Galaxy S4 cost just $100 more. You're going to be spending the same thousands of dollars on data for the next 24 months, so you might as well get a handset you won't hate


5.   Low Res Monitors

Whether you have a desktop or a laptop that you attach to an external display, it doesn't pay to buy a monitor that's any less than 1080p resolution. For under $100, you can find all kinds of 15-inch , 17 and even 20-inch monitors but all of these have displays that are well under 1920 x 1080 and often have resolutions as low as 1366 x 768.

With so few pixels on such a large display, you won't be able to fit much of your favorite web page, email or word document on the screen at one time, but you will be able to make out every pixel as clearly as you can see the dots in a Seurat painting. Considering that you can get a 23-inch, full HD monitor for as little as $110, there's no good reason to buy that $70, 15-incher with 720p.

6.  Low Capacity Solid State Drives
Every laptop user with a hard drive should upgrade to a solid state drive, because having an SSD will dramatically improve the speed of your computer and even save you battery life. Unfortunately, SSDs still cost quite a bit more than hard drives, so you might be tempted to purchase a low-capacity drive.

Today, you can purchase a 60GB drive for as little as $60, but you'll end up without enough space for even a few programs. Spend the extra money to purchase an SSD that's at least 120GB. You can buy one for around $120, sometimes less.

7.  The Robo Stir   - Save your $10
It's billed as an automatic stirring device for your soups, gravys, etc

This device is supposed to offer continuous stirring of your soup, gravy, or whatever while you're busy elsewhere. Stick with a proper wooden spoon.