My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 9/19/14 Rick in Studio With the iPhone 6 Plus

Rick went in studio with Sully to show him the review unit of the iPhone 6 Plus he received earlier in the day and they talk various topics for the better part of two segments.

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 9/12/14 Talking the Apple Announcements

The Big Apple announcement took place this week.

Rick and Sully talk about that.

An iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, Apple Pay and Apple Watch

Have a listen:

listen to ‘The Sully Show September 12, 2014’ on Audioboo

1. iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus

The new iPhones, meanwhile, will have 4.7-inch and 5.5-inch displays, larger than its current four-inch screen. Apple said it expects the new phones—to be called iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus—to go on sale on Sept. 19.

"Today, we are launching the biggest advancement in the history of iPhone," Mr. Cook said.

Apple said it plans to sell the larger 5.5-inch model starting at $299 with a two-year carrier contract, higher than the $199 price for its current high-end iPhone 5S. The company said the 4.7-inch iPhone will start at $199 with a contract. The company said the new phones come with many hardware improvements, including a sharper display, better battery life and improved camera performance.

2.  Apple Pay

Apple Inc. on Tuesday introduced a digital-payments service tied to its iPhone 6 handsets and new Apple Watch that will allow consumers to make purchases using just their phones or watches, marking the company's first big push into brick-and-mortar payments.

Apple said it hopes to speed up the checkout process, make credit-card payments more secure and ultimately, to replace physical wallets. The company said it is using a technology known as near-field communication, or NFC, that works by transmitting a radio signal...

3.  Apple Watch

Apple Watch, represents the company's first new product in more than four years. Apple said the watch will start at $349 and be available in early 2015.

Apple said the Apple Watch would have a strong focus on health. It highlighted an app called Fitness that it made to track statistics for different exercises, like bicycling or running. An accelerometer tracks the movements, and a heart rate sensor helps measure the intensity of the workouts.

The wearable computer has a rectangular screen for a face with a flexible display and comes in two sizes. It has a crown on the side that acts as a digital dial, which can be turned to zoom in; tapping the crown returns to the main menu. The watch can be attached to six strap styles, including stainless steel and leather.

Similar to a smartphone, the smartwatch can run a variety of apps. Tapping on the home screen zooms in on a “neighborhood” of apps. From there, the user can tap on the app. Apple demonstrated apps for a calendar, map navigation and a music player.
 


4. Health Tracking

The iPhone 5’s A7 chip was already a key technological step in allowing anyone to track their daily step count with just the phone. But the Apple Watch will include some key, proprietary apps and sensors for tracking fitness too.

The Activity app monitors a wearer’s movements throughout the dray, while the Workout app will track workouts, and they appear to incorporate simple colored rings to judge how well a wearer has done throughout the day – simple, graphical judgments are hard to get across on wearable trackers but this could be one way Apple manages to go further than early movers like Fitbit, Jawbone or Samsung’s Gear Fit. The company claims that “some of the world’s most respected health and fitness experts helped developed Apple Watch.”

5. iOS 8

The iPhone 6's new operating system, iOS 8, will give you predictive typing and App Store parental control, among other features.

6. U2's free album on iTunes

Critics giving not so favorable reviews.

Apple, its C.E.O., Tim Cook, announced that the new U2 album, “Songs of Innocence,” was being added automatically to everyone’s iTunes library. That’s right, even if you didn’t ask for the new U2, it showed up in your iTunes music library. Or did it?

On the new album:
As a free sample, it’s fine: it has its moments among the longers, enough of them to suggest U2 aren’t a spent force. But what Songs of Innocence isn’t is the grand return the band obviously crave. Perhaps that’s to come.
 

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 9/5/14 Talking Mobile and Tech Topics of the Week

Rick and Sully talk about the tech news of the week and Rick is wrapping up 3 1/2 weeks of travel this week in Mobile, AL.

Mobile is getting ready to open a new maritime museum focusing on the Gulf of Mexico called GulfQuest.  Mobile also offers Alligator Alley - where Rick roamed the grounds with hundreds of gators and the new

Ark of India exhibit that will open at the History Musuem of Mobile.
 


www.mobilebay.org for more information

Have a listen to both parts and don't call Atlanta "Hot-lanta"

listen to ‘The Sully Show September 5, 2014 Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘The Sully Show September 5, 2014 Part 2’ on Audioboo

1.  Apple with Big Announcements Next Week
(iPhone6 and maybe a smartwatch)

On Tuesday, Apple is set to come back to the centre to unveil a set of long-anticipated products: twoiPhones with larger screens, and a wearable computer that the media has nicknamed the iWatch.

The so-called smartwatch will be the first brand-new product unveiled under Apple’s new chief, Tim Cook, who took the helm after Jobs died nearly three years ago.

It is expected to come in two sizes and combine functions like health and fitness monitoring with mobile computing tasks like displaying maps, said people knowledgeable about the product. It will have a unique, flexible screen and, like the new phones, will support technology that allows people to pay for things wirelessly.

With its first wearable computer, Apple will enter a growing market for fitness-tracking accessories and smartwatches filled with gadgets from Samsung Electronics, Fitbit and Nike. And with the two larger phones, the iPhone will fight back against Samsung, whose big-screen Galaxy smartphones have wrestled sales away from Apple over the past few years.

2. U.S. "Outperformed" When it Comes to Customer Service

With its 15 trillion dollar economy, great marketing and big companies, you’d expect USA to be the country where customer satisfaction is at its best. Surprisingly, not only American customers aren’t the most satisfied in the world, but the US is not even among the top 10 countries with best customer satisfaction rating!

The U.S. is only at 15th position among the top countries with the best customer service
We used the latest ZenDesk Benchmark Q1 2014 Report to create an infographic about trends in global customer satisfaction and its importance for business. You can see which country has the happiest customers here: http://crm.financesonline.com/countries-with-best-customer-service-how-crms-improve-client-satisfaction/.
 
From the infographic you will also find out:

    Which industry has the highest customer satisfaction rating (95%)

    By 2020, customer experience will overtake price and product as key brand differentiators

    86% of buyers are willing to pay more for better customer experience

    70% of buying experiences are based on how customers feel they’re treated

 
 
3. Apple Reveals Why Your App Might Get Rejected for App Store

One of the great mysteries of the App Store is why certain apps get rejected and why others don't. Apple has let a surprising number of ripoffs and clones through the store's iron gates, yet some developers face rejection for seemingly innocent apps. "Before you develop your app, it's important to become familiar with the technical, content, and design criteria that we use to review all apps," explains Apple on a new webpage called "Common App Rejections." Rejections include: Apple and our customers place a high value on simple, refined, creative, well thought through interfaces. They take more work but are worth it. Apple sets a high bar. If your user interface is complex or less than very good, it may be rejected; Apps that contain false, fraudulent or misleading representations or use names or icons similar to other Apps will be rejected.


4. The "Selfie Friendly" Camera

Olympus' PEN E-PL7, which was just announced. The company is positioning it as a step-up camera for smartphone photographers, and true to that billing, it has a 180-degree flip-down touchscreen for framing and shooting selfies.

Of course, you don’t have to use this camera to take selfies, but the tilting 3-inch touchscreen is a unique twist on an existing design. In “selfie mode,” which is automatically enabled when the LCD screen is tipped all the way down to face forward, you get a pared-down UI that lets you tap the screen to focus and shoot quickly. By flipping downward instead of upward, the hotshoe and control dials don’t obscure the lower portion of the screen

 

5.  Radioactive Wild Boars Still Roaming the Forests of Germany
I did a double-take with this headline

28 years after the Chernobyl accident, tests have found that more than one in three Saxony boars give off such high levels of radiation that they are unfit for consumption. In 2009 almost €425,000 ($555,000) was paid out to hunters in compensation for wild boar meat that was too contaminated to be sold. "It doesn't cover the loss from game sales, but at least it covers the cost of disposal," says Steffen Richter, the head of the Saxon State Hunters Association.
 

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 8/29/14 Talking Items From the Emmy Awards Gifting Suites

Rick and Sully talk about the recent Emmy Awards Gifting Lounges which Rick was invited to

Rick was also invited to three different Emmy Awards Gifting Lounges in Beverly Hills last week  (The WOW Lounge, the Secret Room Lounge and the GBK Lounge) to see the latest gadgets and products. These suites are put on so celebs and media can come out and sample and get these latest gadgets.

Rick sent Danielle Lao, his co-author on "The Invaluable Experience" to go since she lives in LA and Rick was in the U.P. of Michigan.

listen to ‘The Sully Show August 29, 2014’ on Audioboo

**Topics**   - Products from the Emmy Awards Gifting Lounges

1. Beantown Bedding

Biodegradable bedding that you can dispose of in 2 weeks. Great for travel use, college students, or maybe even visitors.

 
2. Maxim Mattress

www.maximmattress.com

For the past 30 years the company has continually been on the cutting edge of new mattress technology and materials, providing customers with the latest comfort mattresses.  Handcrafted in the USA, Maxim Mattresses are technically engineered to provide support and comfort for restful sleeping.
Some of the technology

Soft Tech Motion-Activated Support System is the latest revolutionary enhanced coil technology.  The system supports your body by instantly adjusting to your sleep movements and the natural contour of your body with minimum motion transfer. These fabric encased coils are proven to dramatically reduce partner disturbance caused by tossing and turning. In addition the mattress stays airy, fresh, and never needs turning.

Individually wrapped Pocket Coils are an advanced innerspring support system supporting your body where you need it the most. Each individually wrapped pocket coil works independently to also absorb motion, preventing partner motion disturbance.

LFK Springs are cylindrical open-ended springs that are bound at both ends by spiral wire. The LFK Spring Structure enhances body support, where each coil is resilient and works together to create an overall and effective response to what ever load. This structure is partially flexible and very durable.

Premium Foams are durable and sustainable foams that provide cushion and comfort in the mattress. Each foam combination is used to create a variety of comfort levels from ultra soft plush to ultra firm.  

Foam Encased mattresses provide superior edge support around the mattress, allowing for more stretch space and edge-to-edge sleeping area. The advanced foam encasement strengthens the mattress while providing corner to corner support and comfort.  Our units provide 360 degrees of innerspring encasement with 3.5" of side foam casing.

Luxurious Quilts are designer multi-needle quilts made from luxurious fabrics. These high-end fabrics are soft on the body, made with fibers that create cushion on the surface level of the mattress.  
Latex Foam is elastic, long lasting foam that is extremely breathable and resilient.  The hypo-allergenic properties breathe better keeping you cooler in the summer, while keeping you warm in the winter.  Bacteria, mildew, and mold cannot live in latex foam.    

 

3. Koreball

$59.99  www.koreball.com

Training tool that you can fill with water (there is a sand version too if you want to create heavier weight). Serves as a kettle bell and a medicine ball. Creator claims it to be a great traveling training tool. There are suppose to be new exercises they post online on their website.
 

4. LG Tone Pro, Infinim

Pro
Around-The-Neck Wearing Style with Body-Contoured Fit
Quick Access Controls
Vibration On/Off
Stream Music While On The Go
$70 range

Infinim
Harman Kardon® Signature Sound
Retractable Earbuds with Wire Management
Stylish & Sleek Design
Jog Button
$150

 
5. The Original Pet Pal

Pet bed that simulates a mother's heartbeat. Supposedly great for when puppies have separation anxiety.
www.theoriginalpetpal.com
 

 

My Appearance on WGST's "The Sully Show" 8/23/14 Talking Island Resort & Casino andTech Topics

Rick and Sully talk the tech topics of the week

Rick is in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this week playing golf at reviewing the Island Resort & Casino and Sweetgrass Golf Course in Harris, Michigan-  and he's heading back to Green Bay for the Packers preseason game vs. the Raider tonight.

Rick describes the U.P. of Michigan...

Rick and Sully look at some of the tech topics of the week.
www.islandresortandcasino.com

Have a listen:

listen to ‘The Sully Show August 22, 2014’ on Audioboo

**Topics**  
Tech news for this week

1.  Windows 9 trial coming in September

Microsoft is reportedly planning to offer up a public download ahead of the final release of Windows 9 — and it could happen as soon as next month.

If you’re anxiously awaiting the arrival of Metro apps on the desktop and the resurrection and retooling of the Start Menu, you may only have to wait until the end of September to see how they look in Windows 9. Sources who spoke with ZDNet’s Mary Jo Foley also say that it’s possible the Windows 9 preview download may be offered up early in October. It’s been pegged for an October release before, though last time leakers thought it would be the final build.

2. Google Receives Takedown Request Every 8 Milliseconds

Google is now being asked to remove one million links per day (or an average of one takedown notice every 8ms). In 2008, they received one takedown request approximately every six days. From the article: The massive surge in removal requests is not without controversy. It’s been reported that some notices reference pages that contain no copyrighted material, due to mistakes or abuse, but are deleted nonetheless. Google has a pretty good track record of catching these errors, but since manual review of all links is unachievable, some URLs are removed in error. ... The issue has also piqued the interest of U.S. lawmakers. Earlier this year the House Judiciary Subcommittee had a hearing on the DMCA takedown issue, and both copyright holders, Internet service providers, and other parties are examining what they can do to optimize the process. In the meantime, the number of removal requests is expected to rise and rise, with 10 million links per week being the next milestone.


3.  Engineers leaving NASA in droves

Rather than work in NASA, the best young engineers today are increasingly heading to get jobs at private companies like SpaceX and XCOR.

One example:

"As a NASA engineering co-op student at Johnson Space Center, Amy Hoffman trained in various divisions of the federal space agency to sign on eventually as a civil servant. She graduated from college this year after receiving a generous offer from NASA, doubly prestigious considering the substantial reductions in force hitting Johnson Space Center in recent months. She did have every intention of joining that force — had actually accepted the offer, until she received an invitation to visit a friend at his new job with rising commercial launch company SpaceX.

Driving up to the SpaceX headquarters, she was struck by how unassuming it was, how small compared to NASA, how plain on the outside and rather like a warehouse. As she walked through the complex, she was also surprised to find open work areas where NASA would have had endless hallways, offices and desks. Hoffman described SpaceX as resembling a giant workshop, a hive of activity in which employees stood working on nitty-gritty mechanical and electrical engineering. Everything in the shop was bound for space or was related to space. ... Seeing SpaceX in production forced Hoffman to acknowledge NASA might not be the best fit for her.

4.  The end of the 747?

http://www.engadget.com/2014/08/15/747-grounded/?utm_source=Feed_Classic_Full&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Engadget&?ncid=rss_full

Later this month, Cathay Pacific's 747 will fly from San Francisco to Hong Kong for the very last time. It's a story we're hearing from nearly every airline still flying the most recognizable passenger jet in aviation history -- rising fuel costs are prompting carriers to ground their fleets, opting to shuttle passengers in more modern (and efficient) airliners instead. Hundreds of 747s still take to the skies every day, but their numbers are dwindling, with Boeing's 777-300ER and 787 Dreamliner, as well as the enormous Airbus A380, picking up the slack. The flagships of yesteryear now litter the desert, with several sites in California serving as a permanent resting place for the plane that was once known as the Queen of the Skies, the Boeing 747-400.

For aviation buffs, the 747's retirement is a devastating milestone, but it also represents significant progress. Better fuel efficiency means reduced emissions, and the 777-300ER, 787 Dreamliner, Airbus A380 and the upcoming A350XWB offer unprecedented comfort, for passengers and crew members alike. Fortunately, there's still time to hop aboard a 747-400, and while you might find a better experience elsewhere, I highly recommend taking this brilliant craft for a final spin.

 

5.  Survey: 51% of Computer Users Share Passwords...  Do you?

Consumers are inadvertently leaving back doors open to attackers as they share login details and sign up for automatic log on to mobile apps and services, according to new research by Intercede. While 52% of respondents stated that security was a top priority when choosing a mobile device, 51% are putting their personal data at risk by sharing usernames and passwords with friends, family and colleagues. The research revealed that consumers are not only sharing passwords but also potentially putting their personal and sensitive information at risk by leaving themselves logged in to applications on their mobile devices, with over half of those using social media applications and email admitting that they leave themselves logged in on their mobile device.