WGST's "The Sully Show" for 3/27/15 - Atlanta Auto Show Tech

The annual Atlanta Auto Show is running this week and weekend at the Georgia World Congress Center....

Rick had his big preview article of the Auto Show in the AJC on Monday.
The show includes new and classic cars, along with the popular concept cars and interactive exhibits.

The show also features the latest in technology for your vehicles..

Let's take a look at some of the tech at the 2015 Atlanta International Auto Show:

listen to ‘My Segment on "The Sully Show" on 640 am WGSt for 3/27/15’ on audioBoom

1.   Dodge Ram Rebel

The Dodge Ram Rebel takes the tried-and-true half-ton pick-up, adds some beefy body work, a new schnoz, uprated tires, and a tweaked air suspension to appeal to buyers wanting to look like they're ready to tackle Mojave but never will.

The cosmetic changes are the obvious upgrades, with no chrome, no cross-hair grille, a Moparized aluminum hood, powder-coated skid plates, and more...

Go with the  5.7-liter HEMI V8 in 4x4 and 4x2 setups. The air suspension rides about an inch higher than the normal 1500 and has been tweaked to include Rebel-spec Bilsteins and a lone off-road setting (versus the normal two), but with the same cruising mode that automatically drops down when trundling along at highway speeds.

All Rebels will have an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Will probably be priced in the mid $30,000 range

 
2. Uconnect Radio

Allows users to listen to not only AM/FM stations, but also personal internet radio and apps like iHeartRadio  right in your car.

Cars are becoming connected in many ways.


3.  Concept Cars

Look for pre-production and concept cars at the show in the Acura ILX, Buick Cascada Convertible, Hyundai Sonata PHEV Plug-in, Kia's Track'ster and with Mercedes bringing their corporate headquarters to Atlanta, look for their new AMG GT on the show floor.

4.  Ford Looking Ahead...

Ford Motor Company will be bringing a mobility discussion to Atlanta as part of the company’s presence at this years Atlanta Auto Show, which opens this week at the Georgia World Congress Center. Leaders from Ford Motor Company, Georgia Tech and the Georgia Department of Transportation held a panel discussion surrounding the Future of Mobility in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center. Ford and it's partners discussed two mobility experiments taking place at Georgia Tech: Parking Spotter and Remote Repositioning, also we heard how the Georgia Department of Transportation is addressing what mobility looks like for Atlanta drivers.
-  Parking Spotter-  This experiment, conducted with Georgia Tech, leverages driver-assist sensors that most Ford vehicles already have, including sonar and radar, by putting them to work for everybody. The sensors search for open parking spaces while the driver looks for spots around the city, and share the information with a cloud database other drivers can access. The system makes it easier for a driver to locate an open spot, reserve it and navigate to the space. It also reduces fuel consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.
 

5.  “CAMP JEEP”

“Camp Jeep” will be operating all five days of the Auto Show. This dynamic outdoor exhibit will give show attendees a chance to experience the extreme off-road capabilities of Jeep vehicles.

March 25                      12:00pm-9:00pm
March 26                       12:00pm-9:00pm
March 27                       12:00pm-10:00pm
March 28                       10:00am-10:00pm
March 29                      11:00am-8:00pm


FEATURED VEHICLES:  Jeep Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, and Wrangler.
 

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 3/6/15 - Printer Tips

Rick and Sully look at printers and printing this week...

It’s relatively easy to take your printers for granted. Did you know that there is often a significant opportunity to reduce costs and make your workload by making simple changes to your home or office printing environment?
 
Have a listen:

listen to ‘The Sully Show March 6, 2015’ on audioBoom

 
Here are five ways your business can start reducing printing costs today:
 
1. See things from both sides

Saving on printing costs doesn’t mean you should stop printing altogether—it just means being strategic about hitting “print.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average office worker in the U.S. prints 10,000 sheets of paper each year. By taking advantage of your printer’s duplex printing function, you instantly cut your paper usage. Coupled with other smart printing habits, the savings add up quickly. In other words, print on both sides.
 

2. Control the color

Color printing has its place, but it isn’t always necessary. Implementing color access control allows you to enable or disable the option to print in color by individual users or groups, as well as by specific applications like email. This can help prevent users from wasting more expensive color toner on jobs that should be printed in black and white. Print in Black and White when necessary.
 
3. Trim the fat

Poorly controlled print environments result in unnecessary print costs. Businesses of all sizes can realize tremendous cost savings by reducing the total number of devices they currently use and replacing them with higher-capacity, higher-speed devices. This includes helping to eliminate cost-inefficient or underutilized printers, and replacing collections of printers, scanners, copiers, and fax machines with more efficient multifunction devices. In addition, this can save time and money on the associated supplies. Consolidating the ink and toner supplies orders allows for even greater efficiencies.
 
4. Protect document confidentiality - especially at work

Only print what you need to print. Abandoned printouts—ones that people simply forget to pick up from the printer—can not only be wasteful, they also represent a potential security risk when confidential documents are left on the printer. A solution like HP JetAdvantage Private Print enables you to print via secure authentication—right at the device [2]. This new cloud-based printing feature can help reduce wasted and misplaced prints, keep information more secure, and store documents until you are ready to print them.
 
5. Look at your workflow

Maybe you can save paper. Giant office filing cabinets are quickly becoming relics. Of course they take up valuable office space, but as the files become crowded it also becomes increasingly difficult to locate documents when you need them. Document-capture solutions take electronic and paper-based documents, integrate them into front- or back-end business applications, automate workflows, and enable instant access to data stored in a secure and centrally managed repository.
 
HP printers can save you money, help save the environment and more.

Try the free online HP Managed Print Analysis for a custom evaluation of your printing environment. In less than five minutes you will have a customized report that pinpoints inefficiencies in your office printing and outlines actionable steps you can take to help reduce your costs and streamline your printing environment.
 
Get your free HP Managed Print Analysis
 
True business value
Servicing a mixed print environment can cost a business money and time. HP Managed Print Services (HP MPS) can help by evaluating your current environment and assessing future requirements. This information is used to tailor an imaging and printing infrastructure to your needs.

 

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 2/20/15 - Breaking Tech News

Rick and Sully look at the top tech news stories of the week.

A must listen:

listen to ‘The Sully Show February 20, 2015’ on audioBoom

 

 
*** Breaking news  -  Lenovo laptops shipped in the last year might have
preinstalled malware called Superfish.
Researchers have unearthed a security vulnerability in preinstalled software on some Lenovo products that breaks secure website connections and puts sensitive user data at risk.

It is worrisome that Lenovo was installing adware called Superfish.

Go into your control panel and uninstall it if you have it.

1.  Apple might be working on a car  -  the iCar?

From Reuters...

Technology giant Apple (AAPL.O) is looking beyond mobile devices to learn how to make a self-driving electric car, and is talking to experts at carmakers and automotive suppliers, a senior auto industry source familiar with the discussions said on Saturday.

The Cupertino, California-based maker of phones, computers and, soon, watches is exploring how to make an entire vehicle, not just designing automotive software or individual components, the auto industry source said.

"They don't appear to want a lot of help from carmakers," said the source, who declined to be named.
Apple is gathering advice on parts and production methods, focusing on electric and connected-car technologies, while studying the potential for automated driving, the source said.

 

2.  FAA Proposes Rules To Limit Commercial Drone Use

We've talked about this before.

Applies only to commercial use right now...

The Federal Aviation Administration, last Sunday proposed long-awaited rules on the commercial use of small drones, requiring operators to be certified, fly only during daylight and keep their aircraft in sight. The rules, though less restrictive than the current ones, appear to prohibit for now the kind of drone delivery services being explored by Amazon, Google and other companies, since the operator or assigned observers must be able to see the drone at all times without binoculars. But company officials believe the line-of-sight requirement could be relaxed in the future to accommodate delivery services.
 

3. Privacy: the 21st Century's Newest Luxury Item

There is a report today on the 21st century's newest luxury item: online privacy The Christian Science Monitor writes about the growing market for premium privacy protection tools available to tech-savvy consumers with the desire for online anonymity — and the means to pay for it.

The piece profiles new tools from companies like Abine that deliver everything from self-destructing e-mail messages to the 21st century's equivalent of Kleenex: one-off "throwaway" online identities to keep advertisers, merchants and government snoops at bay. Privacy experts, however, doubt that the new tools will tip the scales of online privacy in favor of consumers and away from governments and advertisers. "Consumers really don't have a fighting chance," says Andrea Matwyshyn of Princeton University. "Technology moves entirely too fast."

She and others see the need for both bigger fixes and the level of Internet infrastructure and law. "As a consumer protection matter, there needs to be a floor," she said. "Just as there are laws protecting renters from substandard housing, or car buyers from 'lemons,' there need to be regulations that create a buffer between consumers and companies."

4. 1950s Toy That Included Actual Uranium Ore Goes On Display At Museum

The Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab — dubbed the world's most dangerous toy — has gone on display at the Ulster Museum in Northern Ireland. The toy earned the title because it includes four types of uranium ore, three sources of radiation, and a Geiger counter that enables parents to measure just how contaminated their child have become. The Gilbert Atomic Energy Lab was only available between 1951 and 1952 and was the most elaborate atomic energy educational kit ever produced. The toy was one of the most costly toys of the time, retailing at $50 — equivalent to around $400 today.
 

5.  What is the "Cloud"

* One of the most frequent questions I get from people, and they know they are using it, but they don't know what "The Cloud" is...

Cloud computing involves deploying groups of remote servers and software networks that allow centralized data storage and online access to computer services or resources.

Simply put..
The cloud, simply, refers to software and services that run on the Internet instead of your computer. Apple iCloud, Dropbox, Netflix, Amazon Cloud Drive, Flickr, Google Drive, Microsoft Office 365, Yahoo Mail -- those are all cloud services.

 

Daytona 500 this weekend... who is Rick's Pick?

Sullys Pick?

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 2/13/15 - New NASCAR Technology

The NASCAR season is about to get underway. Daytona 500 Qualifying in this weekend. The race is next weekend... Rick and Sully look at some of the new technology in NASCAR for 2015.

listen to ‘The Sully Show February 13, 2015’ on audioBoom

1.  NASCAR will use 45 remote HD cameras to record every pit stop

This year, NASCAR will use 45 remote HD cameras to record every pit stop and automatically check for rules violations such as the pit crew entering the pit stall too early, equipment leaving the pit stall and drivers pitting outside their stalls.

The cameras will feed into a trailer in the TV compound at each track, where eight NASCAR officials will sit at workstations with two computer screens each, and double-check the penalties. If a violation is found, it will be radioed up to NASCAR race control in the timing and scoring area. Race officials will then enforce the penalty per NASCAR's rule book. The officials in the trailer will be assigned pit stops randomly.

Shawn Rogers, NASCAR's managing director of business operations, said the sanctioning body evaluated 18 proposal from 31 companies, including defense contractors and sports technology firms, before teaming up with Hawkeye Innovations as its development partner for proprietary technology.
The new system was tested over the final 11 Sprint Cup races of 2014.

 

2.   Spacers

NASCAR unveiled a variety of new rules designed to save teams money. The sanctioning body will use tapered spacers to reduce the flow of air and gasoline into the engines to cut nearly 175 horsepower down to 725. That should make engines more reliable while reducing any advantage by an engine manufacturer.

3.  Rear Spoiler

NASCAR also hopes to make the cars harder to drive by reducing the rear spoiler from eight to six inches to make it more difficult for anyone to get separation from the pack. Drivers also will be allowed to make adjustments to the set-up from inside the car and the Sprint Cup Series will use rain tires at its two road courses.

 

4.  Nationwide Series now the Xfinity Series
 

The Nationwide Series, the second-tier in NASCAR, will have a new name this year — the Xfinity Series. Xfinity is owned by Comcast, which also has NBC in its group. By coupling with a cable company, it could be easier to promote the series on network and cable outlets.
 

5.  BitPay will sponsor truck in NASCAR Camping World Truck Series

BitPay will be the primary brand featured on Justin Boston’s No. 54 Toyota Tundra in the NextEra Energy Resources 250 at Daytona International Speedway.

This will be the first NASCAR Camping World Truck Series start for Boston with KBM, and his second career start in the series.  He will be competing for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award this season.

“I couldn’t be more excited about having this opportunity to represent the BitPay brand on and off the track,” said Boston. “BitPay is a global leader in bitcoin payment processing and they are at the forefront of shaping how we all spend money in everyday life.”

“NASCAR is watched by millions of people all over the world,” said Stephanie Wargo, VP of marketing of BitPay. “Through this exposure and working with Justin and KBM, we hope to help raise awareness about the bitcoin technology and our company’s platform.”

-  TV Coverage and Live Streaming

NBC now will broadcast the second half of the racing season, replacing TNT and ESPN. Fox will continue to carry the first half, and both networks said it would push some of their races onto their cable outlets Fox Sports 1 and NBC Sports Network.

For the second consecutive year, "The Great American Race" is streamed live in both English and Spanish through FOX Sports GO, the critically acclaimed app that provides live streaming video of FOX Sports content at home or on-the-go. All FOX NASCAR programming in 2015 is live streamed on FOX Sports GO. FOX Sports Deportes, the No. 1 Spanish-language sports network in the U.S., also offers live coverage of the DAYTONA 500, with NASCAR CAMPING WORLD TRUCK SERIES driver German Quiroga joining as race analyst.

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 2/6/15 - Valentine's Day Tech

Forget the flowers, the chocolate and the Teddy Bears,  Rick and Sully look at some hot tech gifts for Valentine's Day...  Let's see what Sully likes...

Rick and Sully talk Valentine's Day...

listen to ‘The Sully Show February 4, 2015’ on audioBoom

1.  Lenovo's new line of laptops

Does your loved one suffer from a laptop that won't boot, freezes up or takes 10 minutes to lead a webpage?

Rick is trying the Lenovo Thinkpad T540p right now and loves it.

Operating system: Windows OS
screen size: 15.6 inch
hard drive capacity: 500 GB drive
graphics processor: Intel GPU
weight: 5.3 pound
processor speed: 2.5 GHz CPU
Solid and fast performing and under $700

2. BSX Basix earbuds  -  they come in a special red color for Valentine's Day at a great price - $39.99

Noise-isolation earbuds with exclusive flat tangle-free cables ideal for sports and everyday activities.

 Specs:
    Features custom-tuned 8mm drivers for superior bass and crystal clear highs
    Tough aluminum housing protects vulnerable connection points for longevity of earbuds
    Exclusive, dual flatwire cabling is lightweight, flexible and tangle-free
    Gold plated 90 degree connectors compatible with Apple, Android, Windows Phone and other media devices that accept traditional 3.5mm headphone input
    Includes 3 custom size ear tips for secure fit during any activity
    Available in black and red or white and red colors
    Includes soft sided carrying case for portability

Available at: Bostonsoundworx.com, Amazon.com

 

3.  "The Pencil" - digital bluetooth stylus from www.fiftythree.com
* Now in a special Gold edition

Pencil by FiftyThree is the most natural and expressive way to create on iPad. Advanced technology meets beautiful design to keep you in the flow, without needing to switch tools. With Surface Pressure, Erase, Blend, and adaptive Palm Rejection, Pencil puts creative possibility in your hands.
It’s the rare iPad stylus you can actually use like a pencil. One side draws, the other erases. It’s sophisticated enough to make sure your palm will never mark up your canvas or send your app going haywire. In other words, it’s just as easy to operate as the instrument it’s named after. That’s no small feat.

Each Pencil is milled from a single, solid piece of material. Graphite brushed aluminum model shown.
Also available in Walnut and Gold.  Best when used with the "Paper" app

 

4.  For the beer enthusiast

The Traveler Beer Co and Coney Island Brewing Co.

www.travelerbeer.com
www.coneyislandbeer.com

They offer products that are adorned with their unique logos for sale.
Everythng from pint glasses, to a high tech cooler, Tap handles,
 

 
5.  Logitech Harmony Ultimate Home Remote

www.logitech.com

The most powerful, intuitive Harmony remote for entertainment and home control.
The 2.4” vibrant touchscreen makes it simple to access your list of Favorite channels, swipe and tap to change channels, adjust volume, fast-forward or rewind and get vibration feedback for no-look control.
Control your TV and more with this Logitech remote
Guys love their remotes and they will cherish this one.
 


*News story..

AT&T Ranks Highest in J.D. Power 2015 Wireless Customer Care Study

AT&T ranked highest in customer service, according to the latest J.D. Power study released today. In the 2015 Wireless Customer Care Full Service StudySM, Volume 1, AT&T outscored other full-service wireless providers for the overall customer service experience.

Approximately 6,500 U.S. wireless customers participated in the study and the period ranged from July to December 2014.
Since the beginning of 2015, AT&T has introduced new services to show our thanks to existing customers, including Rollover Data™ and a change to international long distance calling that gives customers unlimited calls from the U.S. to Mexico as part of the World Connect Value package.
 
Have a great Valentine's Day!