Wireless Wednesday for 7/9/14: With Mitch Evans - Free Apps That Can Help You Decorate

Rick and Mitch are back with "Wireless Wednesday" after an extended break.

**Topics**  

Rick has come up with a list of apps that will help you decorate your space, with the help of CityPrintsMapArt.com .And the best part - they are all FREE!

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 7/9/14 on 92.9 The Game’ on Audioboo

Houzz

Why this is awesome: Houzz is the best source for interior design inspiration that I've seen and it was a big help when we moved into our new place. You can search great looking images by keyword, room or style. Save the images to folders for your reference.


Pinterest

Why this is great for decorators: I'm sure you all have heard of Pinterest by now and the app makes finding inspiration on the go super easy. While you're there, make sure to share a killer picture of your City Print and make your followers jealous! Repin away, and get the word out.

 

Color Snap

Why this is awesome: Color Snap allows you to sample colors from any image and find matching paint colors. Color Snap matches to Sherwin-Williams paints, but there also a version for Behr and Benjamin Moore paints (but I don't think the apps are as good). We use this app when pulling color schemes out of photos to match customer's interiors.

 

 
Photo Measures Light

This app let's you take a picture of your interiors and draw the measurements. You'll always have your room dimensions in your pocket.

 
SnapShop

Why this is awesome: This app helps people like me who have difficulty envisioning how furniture will look in your room. Drag and drop furniture from popular stores into camera captures of you room. Scroll through furniture options and colors to make buying decisions without the worry of what it will actually look like in your space.  

 
App of the Week

DinnerTime

This app is geared toward managing smartphone-obsessed kids' online time, letting parents remotely set limitations or impose blackouts on their kids' phones and tablets from their own devices or send them reminders to do their homework, go to bed or come to the table for dinner. Will kids hate it? Almost definitely. But this one's pretty much guaranteed to be a hit with anyone who finds themselves saying "Will you please put that down?" about a thousand times a day. (Free on iTunes or Google Play)

 

Wireless Wednesday for 5/28/14: With Mitch Evans - Tech in Customer Service

* TOPICS - French Open is underway and we have a ton of upsets... 

We talk "Customer Service" this week - The ways technology is changing customer service.

Rick spent two days a couple weeks ago learning how technology is changing customer service and what the future holds in customer service.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 5/28/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 5/28/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

_______________________________________________________________________

1.   Customer Service without even talking with someone

This is the way things are heading, but it's going to take Americans some time to get used to this. It's happening now, but more is coming. You will be able to get you problems solved and your questions answered while speaking into your phone or hitting numbers. A computer will determing your problem and speak the answer to you.

 


2.  Customer Service via online chat

You may have had a customer service issue and pulled up a company's website to see how you may contact a rep.  You were then thrown into an "online chat" where a CSR asked who you are, and what your issue was and started assisting you.
* Popular with cable and utility companies as well as insurance co.

 

3.   More and more use of Social Media

70% of businesses are anticipated to use social media as part of their customer service programs by mid-2014. ~ Aberdeen Group

Have an issue?  More and more people are using platforms like Twitter and Facebook to have their issues solved.

4.  Customer Service via text message

We all seem to be texting more and more. So it's only natural that a text message could prove huge in the world of customer service

 


5.  Crowdsourced Customer Service

If you have a customer service question, chances are someone else has had that question before, and will have it in the future. So, forums and auto generated responces are in place when you type in or explain your problem and a link or answer will come to you on how possibly you can solve your issue.

An example is the app Waze.  Waze is a fun, community based mapping, traffic & navigation app. With millions of drivers from across the globe joining forces to outsmart traffic, save time, gas money, and improve daily commuting for all.

By simply driving around with Waze open, you're already contributing tons of real-time traffic & road info to your local driving community. You can also actively report accidents, hazards, police and other events you see on the road, and get road alerts on your route too. Find the cheapest gas station along your route with community-shared fuel prices. Waze also makes it fun and simple to meet up and coordinate with friends on the road.


App of the week:

In honor of "National Burger Day"  - May 28

- Burgerator app - in search of the best burgers

The Burgerator app unites burger lovers everywhere to allow you to discover, rate, and share your favorite burgers. We’re not some snooty critics club, we’re just guys and gals with a serious passion for burgers who love to grub. Represent your favorite burgers by downloading the app and rating them today!

FEATURES:
- Find burgers nearby (in either list or map view) sort 'em by distance and rating
- Rate burgers based on the burger-to-bun ratio, taste, toppings, and more
- Discover new burgers through our Burgerfeed and “pound” burgers that look great
- Share your recent ratings with friends on Facebook and Twitter
- See the current “Top 10 Burgers” as rated by your fellow Burgerators
- View your most recent and top rated burgers in your profile
Works in over 250 cities around the world.
 
 

Wireless Wednesday for 4/9/14: With Mitch Evans - Best and Worst Gadgets to Buy in April

* TOPICS -  Rick is in town most of this month and he looks at some of the best and worst gadgets and tech to buy in April.

Mother's, Father's, and graduation days are still over a month away, so www.dealnews.com has stepped up to the plate to give us some advice on what we should buy, or hold off on buying in the month of April.

 Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/9/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 4/9/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

BEST TO BUY:
_______________________________________________________________________
1.  60" LCD HDTVs

It's April, and that means deals on 60" LCD 1080p HDTVs. Better than any other TV size category. In March, the prices of 60" HDTVs dipped to a new all-time low of $500. That would be about $100 cheaper than deals found in February.

 


2.  Xbox One Deals

In March the Xbox One dropped as low $399 at one point. That deal didn't last long, but more deals are on the way. Some retailers have been selling it for $450, or 10% off the original price.

 

3.  15" Quad-core AMD Systems

These machines have dropped 22% in since January 1 are are in the $300 range. To compare,  the cheapest quad-core Intel Haswell system went for twice that price last month. Also to compare, 12" touchscreen laptops go for about $310.  With the touchscreen, you get a better Windows 8 experience.

 
4. Subscribe to Pandora - the online music streaming service

Pandora is going to end its annual subscription option and increase the monthly rate from $3.99 to $4.99. This takes place in May, but according to www.dealnews.com and a Pandora blog post, current monthly subscribers will enjoy a $3.99 "loyalty" rate for an undetermined amount of time. New users can also register before May and lock into the rate.
 
WORST BUYS

1. Mother's Day Items

If you need to buy Mom something for Mother's Day, you can start looking now, the better deals on most items like electronics, clothes, and jewelry will be in May.

2. Vacuum Cleaners

Yes, it's spring cleaning time, but it's not the best time to get that new high tech vacuum. There will be better deals as the year goes on and the good deals really pop up in November.


App of the Week  - Mileage Log +  - iOS and Android  (Expensive at $9.99)  But worth it for those on the road

Mileage Log+ is an essential app for anyone who needs to track mileage for tax deduction or reimbursement.

With predictive input, auto-entry, auto-calculation, and quick access to frequent trips, Mileage Log+ does the hard work for you. A few quick taps will create useful data ready to search, sort, and generate email reports.  Uses GPS to track actula miles

Features:
• Designed with IRS compliance in mind
• Excel-compatible email reports (PDF and CSV attachment)
• Frequent trips enable quick entry
• Dropbox sync/backup
• Easily sort, filter, and search trips
• Predictive text fields and data entry shortcuts
• Customizable categories make it easy to group trips

And of course a mention of the Masters app

Wireless Wednesday for 2/5/14: With Mitch Evans - Winter Olympics Technology

The Winter Olympics will start in less than 48 hours, so Rick and Mitch talk technology on display at the Winter Olympics.

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 2/5/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 2/5/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 2/5/14 on 92.9 The Game Part 3’ on Audioboo

* TOPICS -
The Winter Olympics in Sochi are about to begin and Rick and Mitch take a look at some of the technology behind the games.


1.   Lockheed Martin - Under Armour Suits for U.S. Speedskaters

US speed-skating team have had some engineering help from Lockheed Martin, the world's largest defence company.

Working with performance clothing specialist Under Armour, Lockheed Martin, which manufactures fighter jets, have spent more than two years developing this futuristic gear.
Using wind tunnel tests to evaluate how aerodynamic their prototypes were, the companies have developed a suit with minimal drag and supreme air-cutting abilities. Codenamed the Mach 39, the suit is covered with tiny bobbles which are designed to disrupt the air in the same way that a golf ball does.

The suit also features a heat-reducing mesh panel on the back, and friction-reducing patches on the legs.

 


2.  Artificial Snow Guns

Artificial snow guns will ensure the mountains are white no matter what the weather. Artificial snow is often regarded to be of a better quality than that provided by Mother Nature. That’s because the air turbulence in machines causes small spheres rather than six-sided flakes to form, and these are more resistant to melting thanks to a smaller surface area.
 


3. Isothermal blankets

The highly insulated fabric has been used to preserve 16million cubic feet of snow for an entire year.

Channels have been dug from the highest peaks down to the ski slopes, to persuade snow to accumulate in the competition areas.

Technology etailer Ebuyer’s main features editor, Daniel Young said: “The technology to create snow can be very complex as you need to keep the snow at the perfect temperature throughout the whole process.

“Keeping the snow cold when it’s on the ground will be a tough task as Sochi has a similar climate to the coastal Mediterranean, but with a higher winter humidity.”

4.  BMW and the Bobsleds

BMW bobsled, which was constructed in conjunction with the US Bobsled and Skeleton Foundation.

The car manufacturer’s expertise in aerodynamics and engineering resulted in the production of a super-sleek, ultra-speedy, carbon-fibre bobsled – with a BMW badge at the front.
The US Bobsled team also has been helped by NASCAR's Geoff Bodine and NHRA drag racer Jeg Coughlin and their teams.

 

5. Comcast

A new service of Comcast’s Xfinity service, called “X1″ will allow persons watching on their TV sets at home, on their computers, mobile phones and tablets, the ability to see “Every Minute, Every Medal, Every Screen” of the Winter Olympics, either in real time or on demand.  NBC, which is a division on Comcast, is providing broadcast coverage of the Olympics on WTHR/Channel 13 and on the CNBC, MSNBC, USA and NBC Sports Network cable channels. Some 500 hours worth including in prime time on NBC.  But there’s over 1,100 additional hours of Olympics coverage available to Comcast customers with the new X1 service.

App of the Week  -   NBC Live Extra app

The Olympics provide sport's ultimate kaleidescope, and coming this February, NBC will be your exclusive source for LIVE streaming video coverage of the Sochi Winter Olympics online and in our mobile/tablet apps. All 15 sports. All 98 medal events. All live!

WHAT IS NBC OLYMPICS LIVE EXTRA?
NBC OLYMPICS LIVE EXTRA is the sign-in process that will allow you to gain access to select U.S. Olympic Trials and 1,000+ hours of live coverage and full-event replays of the 2014 Olympics. It is available exclusively online at NBCOlympics.com and via the NBC SPORTS LIVE EXTRA APP.

WHAT DO I NEED TO WATCH VIDEO ON NBCOLYMPICS.COM/LIVEEXTRA?
You must be a subscriber to a TV provider video package that includes specific NBCU networks (varies by provider). You will also need to provide your online credentials during the verification process.
 

Wireless Wednesday for 11/13/13: With Mitch Evans - Black Friday Tech Tips

* TOPICS - Rick and Mitch talk some Black Friday tech tips and of course, the App of the Week!
 

Have a listen:

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 11/13/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 1’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 11/13/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 2’ on Audioboo

listen to ‘Wireless Wednesday for 11/13/13 on 92.9 The Game Part 3’ on Audioboo

1.  The Target iPad trade in (fisaco)  - Moral - Read the Fine Print!

Rick got a ton of email on this - not all positive

Target is offering an iPad trade-in program through November 9, 2013.

The retailer says it will be giving gift cards for at least $200 for used iPads in good condition. 
* These gift cards had to be used right then to buy a new iPad
Target says in order to get store credit towards a new iPad, you must make sure your iPad powers on and its screen isn't scratched.
If your used gadget passes the condition checks, you should then go to Target's trade-in website to find a participating store nearest to you

 

2.  Do your research.

Stores may have the same items at drastically different prices.
Compare Black Friday prices. For example, compare a print ad to a retailer's website.

3.  Remember a lot of these items are "limited quantities"

Carefully read Black Friday online and print ads to see if the Black Friday items you're looking for are available in limited quantities and, if so, if you can get a rain check before you start complaining.

 
4.  Don't forget about rebates

Many of these deals include a main in or internet rebate of some sort
Make sure you have all the receipts and forms necessary to claim your rebate




5.  Apple products discounted

Apple products never go non sale
Products like the iPad Air, iPad mini with Retina Display, iPhone 5s and lots of other hot Apple devices are desired holiday gifts.
Apple usually gives some sort of Black Friday discount 5-10%


App of the Week

BFads.net App

The BFAds.net Black Friday app lets you plan your Black Friday (Day after Thanksgiving) shopping trip weeks in advance! Brought to you by the largest Black Friday site, the BFAds.net app provides you with early access to the season's best sale advertisements and deals from major retailers.

Browse the ads by store or category, read the latest sale news and even create your own shopping list to take with you to the store on the big day!

Advanced filtering and search options allows you to narrow down the broadest of searches to a handful of specific items.

Cross-compare items and prices between stores, categories and existing sales information to ensure you get the best deal!

Receive updates informing you when a new Black Friday ad is released or when a special online holiday sale goes live!