WGST's "The Sully Show" for 5/8/15 - A Look at Windows 10

The Windows Build conference took place last week in San Francisco and Windows "Ignite" is taking place this week in Chicago.  All with the important task of introducing and preparing consumers for the Windows 10 release.

What's new with Windows 10...

Rick and Sully discuss...

listen to ‘My Segment on "The Sully Show" on 640 am WGST for 5/8/15’ on audioBoom

1. Android Apps on Windows Phone

There has long been talk about Windows supporting Android and iOS apps. While Android apps will not directly translate for use on Windows-based devices, Microsoft has released a number of tools that will make it far easier for developers to port their Android and iOS apps over to Windows universal apps.

2.  Internet Explorer is on the way out...

The new browser will be "Edge"

Edge. Edge will be a much lighter-weight browser. It will make use of Cortana and support browser extensions, many of which are currently available on Chrome and Firefox.
 

3. New apps

New apps we have never seen before with new features will be integrated into Windows 10
Spotlight in Windows 10 will suggest apps and tools that users may not yet have used yet. Belfiore used the example of Cortana, Microsoft's voice-based virtual assistant. If a user had yet to use the feature on a fresh install of Windows 10, the system will soon recommend that he or she check it out and make that easy to with some custom buttons.

4.  Windows 10

With Windows 8 and today Windows 8.1, Microsoft tried – not entirely successfully – to deliver an operating system (OS) that could handle the needs of not only number-crunching workstations and high-end gaming rigs, but touch-controlled systems from all-in-one PCs for the family and thin-and-light notebooks down to slender tablets.

When Microsoft pulled the curtain back on Windows 10 back in September of 2014, it was clear that, with an operating system optimized for PCs, tablets and phones in unique ways, the Redmond, Wash.-based firm was onto something.

The Details:

    What is it? A complete update for Windows
    When is it out? Definitely summer, but likely late July 2015
    What will it cost? For Windows 7 and 8.1 users, it will be free for one year

Stay tuned for more information.

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 5/5/15 - Sea Pines, Stan Smith and Mother's Day Tech

Rick was at Hilton Head island this past week... specifically The Sea Pines Resort and the Harbour Town Golf Links and The Inn at Harbour Town  seeing what is new at Sea Pines.  A new clubhouse at Harbour Town a new pool, etc.

www.seapines.com

He also had a chance to spend a day with tennis great, Stan Smith. He is who the iconic adidas Stan Smith sneakers are named after.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘My Segment on "The Sully Show" on 640 am WGST for 5/5/15’ on audioBoom

 

With Mother's Day less than 2 weeks away, it's time to look at some Mother's Day tech...  that would make perfect gifts for the active Mom!

1.  Yoga Design Lab - Yoga Mat  -  $50-$68
http://www.yogadesignlab.com/shop/

Blending fashion-forward design elements with innovative functionality and bio-renewable consciousness is key to the Yoga Design Lab approach. From our insulated stainless steel water bottles (reduce your use of plastic water bottles please!), to our hot yoga mats comprised of biodegradable natural tree rubber, to the water based inks used in our printed designs, we can all make a difference with the products we buy.

 

2.  Wilson Burn 100S tennis racquet

Forgiving feel and control.

Combining Spin Effect Technology with Parallel Drilling provides a very reactive and responsive 18x16 string bed. With the new X2 Shaft, this new line of racquets has extra long handles by shorten the throat to allow players more room for their hands on two-handed backhands. If all of that wasn't enough, these racquets come ready to use with the Sony Smart Sensor.

3.   Keurig 2.0 in special Mother's Day color... Marsala

Retail: 169.99

A Perfect Pairing – Keurig + Marsala
From the satisfying click of the lowered handle to the simple press of the Brew button to the familiar flavor of your favorite beverage, a Keurig® brewer appeals to all of the senses. We partner with 60 quality brands and offer 400 beverages to make sure our Keurig® system gives consumers what they want in taste – and also in looks. It’s not just a coffee maker sitting on a counter; it’s a conversation piece that reflects personal style and design.
Now, for the second year, a Keurig® brewer will be available in the 2015 Pantone Color of the Year, Marsala. A naturally robust and earthy color, Marsala tells a rich color story pairs so well with the curves and edges of our Keurig® 2.0 400 so well. This color is worthy of a consumer’s coveted counter space.

The Keurig® 2.0 400 will be available in Marsala in early 2015, ready to dazzle and inspire kitchens everywhere.
 

4.    Acer 13 Chromebook  laptop - 13.3 inches

Less than $250

Chromebook 13, which offers a HD screen, an outstanding keyboard and a slim and light design. It's also the first Chromebook to feature Nvidia's energy-efficient Tegra K1 quad-core processor, which provides much longer battery life than competing notebooks.

5.  ScoreBand

www.scoreband.net

Now with a fresh look and even more features, ScoreBand PLAY takes entry level scorekeeping technology to the next level. Three scorekeeping modes (Golf/Tennis/AllScore) plus Time mode give ScoreBand PLAY all you need to keep your game on track.

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 4/17/15 - Surviving Tax Day and the Tech News of the Week

Rick and Sully survived tax day... here are some tech stats about April 15 and "Tax Day"

Have a listen:

listen to ‘My Segment on "The Sully Show" on 640 am WGSt for 4/17/15’ on audioBoom

 

-   According to the IRS, over 100 million taxpayers filed their individual federal tax returns electronically in 2014.

- In 2014, about 29 million Americans used TurboTax tax software to file their taxes and preparation times averaged under 1 hr.

- Watch out for scams, identity theft -  if you're a victim:
    File a report with the local police
    File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission here
    Contact one of the three major credit bureaus to place a "fraud alert" on your credit cards, records
        Equifax
        Experian
        TransUnion
    Close any accounts opened without your permission or tampered with
    Call the IRS
    Complete the IRS form 14039, Identity Theft Affidavit
    Continue to pay taxes and file tax returns, even by paper

 
Tech news..

1. Vizio's latest 4K TVs start at $600

Good news for folks looking to buy a 4K television.

Vizio is rolling out its 2015 line of Ultra HD screens. The company's new M-Series sets (above) tout full LED backlighting, speedy 802.11ac WiFi and a six-core processor starting at $600 for a 43-inch model -- not bad considering that even regular HDTVs cost more just a couple of years ago

 


2.  World's Oldest Stone Tools Discovered In Kenya

Researchers say they have found the oldest tools made by human ancestors—stone flakes dated to 3.3 million years ago. That's 700,000 years older than the oldest-known tools to date, suggesting that our ancestors were crafting tools several hundred thousand years before our genus Homo arrived on the scene. If correct, the new evidence could confirm disputed claims for very early tool use.

 

3. 50 years of Moore's law - celebrated this week...

Moore’s Law turns 50 this coming week — making this an opportune time to revisit Gordon Moore’s classic prediction.

"Moore's law" is the observation that, over the history of computing hardware, the number of transistors in a dense integrated circuit has doubled approximately every two years.

Can Moore's Law stay relevant?
The prediction has proven to be accurate, in part because the law now is used in the semiconductor industry to guide long-term planning and to set targets for research and development.
 

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 4/10/15 - From Kaua'i

Rick and Sully talk this week as Rick is coming to you from the island of Kauai in Hawaii, out 50th State

Rick is actually working while in Hawaii this Spring Break.

He's at the Kauai Marriott Kalapaki Bay! - With a ton of recreational activities, a superior beach experience & 18 hole golf course in Kauai Lagoons.

And also the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa Kauai which features the Poipu Bau Golf Resort. This golf course used to host the Grand Slam of Golf and we take a look at some technology that is uniquely Hawaiian.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘My Segment on "The Sully Show" on 640 am WGST for 4/10/15’ on audioBoom

Kaua'i  facts:

Nickname:  The Garden Isle
Size:     552 square miles, roughly circular in shape with a diameter of 32 miles and a wide point of only 25 miles.
Population: 67,000
Highest point: Kawaikini Peak is Kauai's highest point at 5,148 feet
Kauai is geologically the oldest  of the major Hawaiian islands at 5.8 million years old.

1.   Kauai's Mt. Waialeale is the Wettest Spot on Earth, averaging 450 inches of rain per year producing eight major, majestic waterfalls. Very lush and healthy vegetation in Kauai.

 

2.  Kauai's Building Code dictates that "no building shall be taller than a Coconut Palm"--thus the 4 story limit on vertical construction.

Even the hotels... which is kind of amazing.

Rick likes this as it means Kauai will never become like Honolulu with all condo buildings and high rise hotels.
 

3.  No Surprise Here- Kauai is a big golf destination...  There are 10 golf courses at seven venues on Kauai.

North Shore

> Makai Golf Club at Princeville
> Makai Golf Club at Princeville – Woods Course
> Prince Golf Course at Princeville at Hanalei
East Side
> Wailua Golf Course
South Shore
> Kiahuna Golf Club
> Kukuiolono Golf Course
> Poipu Bay Golf Course
Lihue
> Kauai Lagoons Golf Club
> Puakea Golf Course
 

4. Kauai is like Atlanta in that a ton of movie and TV shows have been shot there.

There’s no doubting the inspiring scenic beauty of Hawaii’s Island of Discovery. But did you know dozens of filmmakers were inspired by Kauai’s beauty as well? For decades movies and television shows have used Kauai as the stunning backdrop for their epic stories, from “South Pacific” to “Jurassic Park.” Take a movie tour to learn about the more than 60 feature films shot on location in Kauai or you can discover them for yourself and make your own movie moments:

Lihue:
Huleia River (by air tour or kayak only): Raiders of the Lost Ark
Nawiliwili Harbor: Jurassic Park: The Lost World
 
East Side (Coconut Coast):
Lydgate State Park: Blue Hawaii
Wailua Falls: Fantasy Island (TV show)
Wailua River: Blue Hawaii, Islands in the Stream
Coco Palms Hotel: Blue Hawaii, South Pacific
Opaekaa Falls: Blue Hawaii, The Wackiest Ship in the Army
Kapaa Town: Honeymoon in Vegas
Anahola Mountains: Raiders of the Lost Ark
 
North Shore:
Kilauea Lighthouse: Lilo & Stitch
Anini Beach Park: Honeymoon in Vegas, Lilo & Stitch
Hanalei Bay: South Pacific, Lilo & Stitch
Lumahai Beach: South Pacific
Makua “Tunnels” Beach: Body Heat, South Pacific
Kee Beach: Lord of the Flies, The Thorn Birds, Throw Mama from the Train
Kalalau Valley: King Kong, Mighty Joe Young
Napali Coast: Jurassic Park: The Lost World, Six Days/Seven Nights

5.  The U.S. Military is also Here!

The U.S. Military uses the Pacific Missile Range Facility on the southwest side of the island for training exercises and developmental tests...they have about 42,000 square miles of remote sea and air space that is virtually encroachment free.

* Tourism is also key on Kauai as is West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center which houses high technology companies is probably the best "least known" tourist attraction on the island...

WGST's "The Sully Show" for 4/3/15 - Spring Tech Cleaning

Rick and Sully talk "Spring Cleaning Technology" this week...

Not just spring cleaning in cleaning your house, but also some tech to clean your life or make your life a bit easier...

listen to ‘My Segment on "The Sully Show" on 640 am WGSt for 4/3/15’ on audioBoom

1.   Shark Vacuums

Euro-Pro – maker of the Shark vacuum – started out as a small, unknown company in the U.S., and has rapidly taken the industry by storm. Shark has recently achieved #1 market share in the vacuum category, besting stalwarts like Hoover, Bissel and Dyson, and is the fastest growing vacuum brand in the United States.

Shark’s share of the total upright market has grown 259 percent since 2011 and wins in the $160-$260 price segment with an 80 percent market share.

Shark was recently ranked the “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Upright Vacuums” for the second year in a row, according to the J.D. Power 2015 Vacuum Satisfaction StudySM, and has received more 5-star online reviews than any other vacuum brand.
www.sharkclean.com

 
2.  Swash

www.swash.com

Swash
Tired of trekking to the dry cleaner with your winter sweaters and coats?   

Have those winter clothes dry cleaned in less than the amount of time it’ll take you to get to the dry cleaner!  With the new Swash system, that dream may be a reality.  Although limited to one piece of clothing at a time, the compact machine might be a clever solution for small apartments without full washing facilities (although technically the machine only refreshes and doesn’t wash, much like a dry clean).  It promises a full refresh of your clothing in 10 minutes.  You can buy Swash at Bed, Bath, and Beyond for $499.99.  Swash pods (think K-cup for a dry cleaner) cost $6.99 per 12 cups (also available at Bed, Bath, and Beyond).
 
 

3.  Justin
www.ithomeproducts.com
Innovative Technology has a portable power line and it's called Justin Power.
They have many chargers and power sources, but these make charging easier...

Power Bank with Built-In Stand: Props up your phone or tablet while charging it so you can easily video-chat or view your recordings from the day’s excursions (6,000mAh).
 

Power Bank with LCD Display: Compact with a bright, easy-to-read LCD Power Indicator that shows the power percentage of the bank (5,200mAh)
 


4.  Vida Health Coach app  - organizing your health

App is free and it's $15/week for the coaching
 
Lose weight, feel better, and hit your health goals with a real-life, professional Vida health coach. We’ll instantly connect you with a live expert coach to create an ongoing, personalized health program that fits your style and schedule.

HOW VIDA COACHING WORKS:

• Vida coaches are experts in nutrition, fitness, health, and motivational psychology. It’s like having your own personal trainer, nutritionist, mentor, therapist, and accountability partner all in one, always by your side in the Vida app.

• Our coaches are available on your schedule, 24/7 and connect with you through daily text messages and weekly video check-ins. They fit your style so you get the motivation and encouragement you need.

• Get started with a FREE video consultation with your Vida Coach. They’ll go through our proven 32-point health assessment to learn more about you and put together your own 100% personalized health plan.

• Stay accountable with daily reminders, tips, & inspiration from your coach.

• Vida connects with the Apple Healthkit Application and integrates with all of the most popular health tracking and calorie-counting applications: MyFitnessPal, Withings, Fitbit, Nike Fuelband and more!
• See the benefits of Vida coaching today. YOUR FIRST WEEK IS FREE!

5.  30/30 app

 - organize your day
iOS app
This simple task manager lets users divide their days into small increments of focused work (30 minutes by default) punctuated by regular breaks.

6.  Epson WorkForce WF-7610 printer  -  All-in-one Printer

Consolidate.

Get rid of your printer, copier, scanner   -  get the all-in-one 7610

Powered by Epson’s PrecisionCore printing technology.
The wide format WF-7610 delivers borderless prints up to 13” x 19” and wide format scanning up to 11” x 17”