Technology

Technology

Mar13

Kindle 3 Still Not Dead

Posted in: Technology

I went through a mini horror today… LOL

My beloved old Kindle 3 (the one with keyboard) which I use every night to read a book in bed before falling a sleep, would not turn on after I have plugged it in to charge this morning. It looked like it was fully charged by this evening, but it would not turn on after I have unplugged the charger. I tried (several times) to re-boot by holding the switch in the ON position for about a minute as online forums suggest. But nothing happened, needless to say I have plugged the charger again and left it alone for about half-hour… and boom! It is alive again! Disaster averted. I really love this old Kindle model because unlike the latest Kindle (or even my Kindle App on my iPhone and iPad) it has text-to-speech option which I use often.

So if your Kindle does not respond initially to re-booting, plug it into a charger and leave it for a while. It may just come alive like mine did.
Feb12

The New Custom Built Latest 27-inch iMac Arrived

Posted in: Technology
Just as I flew in from vacations in Whistler, BC my new, latest 27-inch iMac finally arrived last night. I have ordered it on January 12, 2013 and since it is a brand new model – therefore in high demand – it took just over 4 weeks to get here.

It is absolutely stunning machine, the screen beautiful, it is really fast thanks to the Fusion Drive, which combines both SSD and standard HD. I opted to get trackpad as I already have Magic Mouse which I used with my old iMac. I wasn’t sure if I would like the trackpad for a desktop at first but now after using it for a few hours I am really happy with it. This huge iMac is just 5 mm thin at its edge, very light and indeed you can notice the huge reduction in screen reflection.

Transferring all my data files from the old iMac was pretty simple and fast process as well. I am still working on customizing some of the settings, playing with new one etc. But I should be all up and running later today. I am absolutely in love with this computer now. Here are the configuration details and a few photos:

Configuration
- 2.9GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
- 16GB 1600MHz DDR3 SDRAM-2X4GB
- 1TB Fusion Drive
- NVIDIAGeFrc GTX660M 512M GDDR5
- MAGIC TRACKPAD
- Apple WL Keyboard (English)
Nov4

It is here: Apple iPad 4th Generation

Posted in: Technology

Apple recently surprised us all with the announcement of their latest model of iPad with faster dual-core processor with quad-core graphics (1.39GHz A6X, 1GB of RAM), the new lightning connector and lastly front facing camera which is now 1.2Mp FaceTime HD shooter capturing up to 720p footage. I have been holding off with upgrading for a long time, I have had the original iPad 1st generation 32GB WiFi model which I bought when it was released back in Spring of 2010 for two and half years. I usually wait between two and half years to three years before I upgrade my mobile devices and about five years for home based electronics. I think it is reasonable time to get your moneys worth out them, especially when you buy a brand new items from Apple.

Last Friday, November 2nd the latest Apple iPad (4th Generation) hit the store shelves in Canada and I decided it was time for an upgrade, especially since my old iPad could not longer be upgraded to the latest iOS 6 and I was stuck with iOS 5 on it. So I went and got iPad (4th Generation) 32GB Wi-fi only model (since I use my iPhone Personal Hot Spot when not at home), and for a change bought the white model as previously I had the black one… Of course, my old leather case from iPad 1 was way too big for it, so after a bit of research I decided to go with a dark grey iPad Smart Case made by Apple as well. I looked at iPad Smart Cover, but since I travel with my iPad often iPad Smart Case made more sense as it offered a lot more protection to the entire iPad. I really like how the case white logo on the back now matches the iPad white basel. It looks pretty sharp… The retina display is truly amazing, the whole tablet is super fast and the new lightning connector is a great addition. Here are few photos:

Technical specs:

9.7-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology
Retina display
Processor: Dual-core Apple A6X Chip
Storage: 16/32/64GB
Bluetooth 4.0 wireless technology
802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi (802.11n 2.4GHz and 5GHz)
4G LTE (works with UK spectrum)
FaceTime HD Camera, 1.2MP photos, 720p HD video
iSight Camera, 5MP photos
Built-in 42.5-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery – Up to 10 hours of surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching video, or listening to music
Lightning connector
Size: 241.2 x 185.7 x 9.4 mm
Weight: 652g
Oct14

Watched Felix Baumgartner Free Fall From Space

Posted in: Technology

Just watched a piece of aerospace history in the making live on YouTube as Felix Baumgartner free fall from the edge of Space, breaking number of records at the same time:
Sep13

Just in time: Apple EarPods

Posted in: Technology

Finally, a new and hopefully much better earbuds for my iPhone and iPad has been released and I am getting a pair next week! Especially that my old one’s are pretty much barely working at this point… good timing Apple! Thanks!

By now, you’re probably familiar with Apple’s latest earbuds. But are they an improvement over their arguably disposable predecessor, you ask? You bet. Still, they’re not going to win out over high-end or even mid-range audio options. That’s to be expected, though — the EarPods do sound better, and, well, they cost 29 bucks and ship with all of the devices Apple announced today. The attractive white ‘buds are packaged in a plastic case that’s quite similar to the enclosure that Apple introduced with its previous-gen step-up set. They’re very lightweight, not that you had any doubts, and appear to be durable enough. The ‘one size fits all’ design worked well in our ears — it wasn’t a snug fit by any means, but we didn’t fear that they’d fall to the ground with the slightest movement.

You’ll net the best performance in quieter settings, considering that they don’t isolate sound like some other options on the market, and if you’re a frequent air traveler or often find yourself working in noisy environments, you’ll probably want to consider other options. That said, folks who don’t need the absolute best or want to save up for a better solution should find these to be sufficient — we didn’t have a chance to do any in-depth testing and analysis, but expect that to come after we’ve had a chance to digest all of today’s new gadgets. For now, you can take a closer look in the hands-on gallery just below.

(Via Engadget.)
Apr20

Full-Sized Laser Keyboard: The Magic Cube by Celluon

Posted in: Technology

The Magic Cube by Celluon projects a working full-sized laser keyboard with motion detection and it’s compatible with a variety of devices. According to Celluon, this smart little gadget also works as a multi-touch mouse and a handwriting recognition device.

The Celluon Virtual Keyboard uses a light projection of a full-sized QWERTY computer keyboard on almost any surface. Used with MAC Laptop, PDA’s and Smart Phones, the Virtual Keyboard provides a practical way to send e-mails, word documents processing and spreadsheet tasks, enabling users to leave laptops and computers at home. VKB’s adaptable technology studies the user’s finger movements to interpret and record keystrokes.

via Harvest and Jennifer Baum

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Mar28

Tech: 45 foot long paper airplane

Posted in: Technology

Giant paper airplane flies in Arizona:

On March 21, the PIMA Air & Space Museum successfully launched a 45 foot long paper airplane from a helicopter in the skies over Arizona (video). via CNET News

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Feb16

OS X Mountain Lion

Posted in: Technology
Apple is bringing iCloud to the Mac in a big way finally. Simplified document storage, Messages, Notification Center, synced Notes and Reminders – all of these things are part of iCloud. It’s all a step toward making your Mac just another device managed in your iCloud account; the continuing parallel evolution of iOS and OS X is almost here and I am really excited about it.

There are some things which I use on my iPad or iPhone and wish they would simply mirror itself on my iMac or MacBook Pro. In many cases like Calendar or Contacts for example have been syncing itself across all devices, but there are still holes in this ecosystem with many other apps. By the looks of it – the new soon to be available - Mac OS X Mountain Lion will pug those holes.

I am excited about Messages and Notes, Reminders finally working across all the hardware. Messages (formerly known as iChat) is still in beta, you will have to download it from Apple’s website (a beta version is available today for free). Messages will only work if your Mac is running OSX Lion with all of the recent updates…

Lastly Apple changed officially the name for operating system from Mac OS X to OS X.

OS X Mountain Lion new features:
- iCloud, with an iOS-style easy signup process upon first turning on a new Mac or first logging into a new user account. Mountain Lion wants you to have an iCloud account.
- iCloud document storage, and the biggest change to Open and Save dialog boxes in the 28-year history of the Mac. Mac App Store apps effectively have two modes for opening/saving documents: iCloud or the traditional local hierarchical file system. The traditional way is mostly unchanged from Lion (and, really, from all previous versions of Mac OS X). The iCloud way is visually distinctive: it looks like the iPad springboard — linen background, iOS-style one-level-only drag-one-on-top-of-another-to-create-one “folders”. It’s not a replacement of traditional Mac file management and organization. It’s a radically simplified alternative.
- Apps have been renamed for cross-OS consistency. iChat is now Messages; iCal is now Calendar; Address Book is now Contacts. Missing apps have been added: Reminders and Notes look like Mac versions of their iOS counterparts. Now that these apps exist for the Mac, to-dos have been removed from Calendar and notes have been removed from Mail, leaving Calendar to simply handle calendaring and Mail to handle email.
Dec23

Awesome vending machine with transparent touchscreen

Posted in: Technology

This vending machine prototype by Japanese manufacturer Sanden features a 65″ transparent HD touchscreen on the front of the machine (video via DigInfo TV). A customer can see through the display in order to look at the products within, while simultaneously using the touchscreen to interact with the machine. The vending machine also has a camera that can determine the customer’s age and gender in order to display ads targeted at their demographic. via DVICE photos via DigInfo TV

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Dec2

The Armed with Technology Tea Infuser

Posted in: Technology

Cute…

The Armed with Technology Tea Infuser is a long-armed retro-looking robot that clasps onto the inside of your tea cup and steeps your loose leaf tea. via Doobybrain.com

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Dec2

Urban Umbrella by Young-Hwan Choi and Agencie Group

Posted in: Technology

This is great a great idea and beautifully executed at the same time:

The Urban Umbrella is a replacement for the ubiquitous sidewalk shed, the ugly steel and wood scaffolding that covers sidewalks around construction zones. Designed by Young-Hwan Choi and New York-based Agencie Group, Urban Umbrella is constructed from recycled steel and translucent plastic and is designed to make covered sidewalks airier and generally more pleasant. The first public test of the new design will start in December at 100 Broadway in Manhattan. The Urban Umbrella was the winner of the 2009 UrbanSHED competition, a design competition for a sidewalk shed replacement, sponsored by the New York City Department of Buildings. City officials hope the new design will begin replacing some of the 6,000 sidewalk sheds that are deployed in New York City. via The New York Times photos by James Ransom

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Dec1

Web-enabled printer: Little Printer

Posted in: Technology

Little Printer, an adorable web-enabled device that prints dispatches from the Internet:

Little Printer is an adorable web-enabled printer that prints mini-newspapers containing content from the Internet (video). Users select the content—everything from news to puzzles to status updates from friends—using a smartphone app. Little Printer is by London-based design firm BERG and runs on BERG Cloud, a web-based system for controlling wireless products. Little Printer is scheduled for release in 2012. Connected to the Web, Little Printer has wide range of sources available to check on your behalf. We call them “publications”. Subscribe to your favourites and choose when you’d like them delivered. Right on time Little Printer gathers everything it needs to prepare a neat little personalised package, printed as soon as you press the button. You can get deliveries multiple times a day, but we find once or twice works best–like your very own morning or evening newspaper. via The Next Web

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Nov22

The L Train Notwork

Posted in: Technology

L Train Notwork, A pirate Wi-Fi for New York City Subway commuters:

The L Train Notwork is a pirate wi-fi network that is available on certain New York City Subway L Trains this week, thanks to creative agency WeMakeCoolSh.it (here’s a behind-the-scenes video). The service is provided by person-portable battery-powered web servers. Rather than connect commuters to the internet, the L Train Notwork serves content provided by local artists and hosts a web 1.0-inspired chat room. The L Train Notwork is available 8am to 10am on the L Train between the Morgan Ave. and 8th Ave. stops, until Friday, November 18. New York City-based WeMakeCoolSh.it was founded by Mark Krawczuk and Matt McGregor-Mento. via Fast Company image 1 by David Dax, image 2 by Yoshi Sodeoka

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Nov21

The Insanely Great History of Apple by Pop Chart Labs

Posted in: Technology

The Insanely Great History of Apple by Pop Chart Labs featuring every computer released by Apple. The world’s most comprehensive mapping of Apple products, this print shows every computer released by Apple in the last thirty years, from the original Mac through the MacBook Air. Products are sorted according to type, including the connections between various form factors which have arisen as Apple has invented–and reinvented–insanely great products.

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Nov18

The latest Freehands gloves are now available

Posted in: Technology

Keep your digits cozy and usable this winter with touchscreen-friendly gloves… I like the leather version which I looks really nice:

The latest Freehands gloves are now available just in time for winter to come blowing in. As the resident glove of choice here at CH, Freehands was born out of collaboration between our founder Josh Rubin and his father—expert glove manufacturer Stanley Rubin. New for 2011 are a handful of styles featuring new materials and upgraded tech with the same touch screen friendly design, including two new knits and a redesign of the top selling soft shell.

Particularly noteworthy is the new leather collection, with a style for men and women each. These supple leather gloves sport a sleek design lined with a soft knit blend of cashmere, wool and nylon. Like most Freehands gloves, the leather collection features a foldable tip on the thumb and forefinger to allow the wearer free use of touchscreen devices or simply find the right key in your pocket.

Also new is the youthful Hearts and Stripes glove for women. The playful knit is made with a cozy wool and acrylic blend and comes in black, purple and red color combinations. Dots on the palm help keep your phone from slipping and foldable finger tips hold back by magnets to allow for easy texting. Made of the same knitted blend and grippy palm detail, the new Solid Knit has conductive silver thread woven into the index and thumb—instead of the usual caps—for device usage without exposing any digits. Plus it’s available in bright pink and benefits the National Breast Cancer Foundation with each pair sold.

As an update on their top seller, the Soft Shell for men has been redesigned with a “swipe and flip” feature. This hybrid solution has conductive material on the forefinger tip that allows you to swipe to answer with the finger caps on, but still can be folded back for texting or other things that require a bit more accuracy. Prices range between $18 for the simple knit to $75 for the leather collection. For more details and to see the entire line head to Freehands online.

(Via Cool Hunting.)
Nov3

The PlugBug by Twelve South

Posted in: Technology

Consolidate chargers with this smart solution from Twelve South, perfect idea when you travel or simply have limited amount power plugs available to you:

Apple’s portable devices have become increasingly ubiquitous, with people stockpiling laptops, iPhones and iPods that seem to outnumber the world’s available power outlets. The PlugBug by Twelve South—essentially a splitter for the iPad/iPhone charger to attach to the Macbook plug for a streamlined, two-device charging operation—solves a common shortage conundrum.

A wall outlet provides a more powerful charge than the computer’s USB, so with the PlugBug your device battery will replenish faster, freeing you from the tether of plugging in and allowing for maximum mobility. PlugBug lets both gadgets charge at maximum capacity simultaneously and, because the design consolidates chargers, you’ll only ever need one plug. No need to charge your Mac? PlugBug can be used on its own as well. It’s a tidy solution to stay organized and powered-up on the go. Available for $35 at Twelve South online.

(Via Cool Hunting.)
Aug9

SENDtoREADER – Send web pages to your Kindle

Posted in: Technology

I am a big fan of Instapaper, which I use often between my computers, iPhone and iPad. This is a similar idea but for sending pages to your Kindle to read them later. I think I may use it from time to time:

SENDtoREADER is a simple web application that allows you to send any webpage to your Amazon Kindle Reader instantly.

This gives your Kindle the flexibility to be your work or leisure time companion with a simple click of the mouse.

Our web app is extremely easy to use. It’s just a bookmarklet (or favlet) which works well in all modern browsers including: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari and Opera. Version for Internet Explorer is coming soon. Once it’s added to your favorites, you can start sending web pages to your Kindle with a single click. By default, Kindle is a book reader, but with SENDtoREADER you can also make it your personal Magazine.

In order to protect your privacy, our system requires you to register first.

So, don’t wait, register now and start sending web content to your Kindle today.

(via SENDtoREADER)
Jul16

TextExpander for Mac

Posted in: Technology

TextExpander saves you countless keystrokes with customized abbreviations for your frequently-used text strings and images.

TextExpander replaces text you type with other text and/or images. Here are some of the things you can accomplish with it: insert standard greetings, text fragments, and signatures — including formatted text and pictures. Also insert the current date and time in any format you prefer. But that’s not all, use editor-independent code templates and have TextExpander position the cursor just where it needs to be. You can also type special characters without having to launch any special characters palette. TextExpander also corrects typos automatically. Import text snippets from other typing utilities and so much more… The company behind the software recently also launched iPhone and iPad Apps and to keep your TextExpander in sync between multiple computers (like between your desktop and laptop) now you can use Dropbox for syncing of your snippets!

You can try it for free by downloading fully functional demo. Once you get it set up and start using it you will love it. It makes my life so much easier, I speeded up my productivity so much that now I don’t even think how snappy I can get things done. Get $10 off TextExpander (reg. $34.95) use the coupon code MACWORLD711. The offer is valid through July 31, 2011
Jul7

Tips in case police search your computer or phone

Posted in: Technology

Electronic Frontier Foundation has created a tip sheet for talking to the police when they are searching your computer or phone as part of their Know Your Rights guide for protecting your computer or phone from illegal police searches.

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Jun22

EDWARD, an Electric Dicycle by University of Adelaide

Posted in: Technology

EDWARD is an electric dicycle–a vehicle consisting of two giant side-by-side wheels–designed and built by students at the University of Adelaide. The students developed a remarkably sophisticated stability control system (see their video demo) to tame the dicycle’s less civilized behavior, such as instability when traveling forward and something called “gerbiling.” The tamed dicycle can transport a single passenger at up to 40 km/h. EDWARD is an acronym for Electric Diwheel With Active Rotation Damping. via Hack A Day

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Jun21

Expansion of generic top-level domains

Posted in: Technology

The ICCAN board has just approved an expansion that will allow a wide range of new generic top-level domains. 300 to 1,000 new top-level domains are anticipated under this new program, including many brand-specific TLDs.

ICANN has opened the Internet’s naming system to unleash the global human imagination. Today’s decision respects the rights of groups to create new Top Level Domains in any language or script. We hope this allows the domain name system to better serve all of mankind,” said Rod Beckstrom, President and Chief Executive Officer of ICANN. via CircleID

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Jun19

Rotary Dial Smartphone

Posted in: Technology

Pretty neat idea, looks cool!

For the steam-powered rocketship captain who has it all, designer Richard Clarkson has created the Rotary Mechanical Smartphone design concept. via Yanko Design photos by Richard Clarkson

(Via Laughing Squid.)

Jun7

MobileMe: You are eligible for a refund

Posted in: Technology

Yay… I got the e-mail this morning (see it below). I wondering if I could get the money back for recently purchased MobileMe re-newal after yesterday announcement of iCloud. My MobileMe was due to expire on July 12, 2011 and since I bought AppleTV I got another MobileMe activation code at a discount at the same time and entered the code on MobileMe. This morning I got the e-mail from Apple with instructions on how to claim a refund for my unused MobileMe activation code:

Dear MobileMe member,

Our records indicate that you have entered an activation code in your MobileMe account to renew your subscription. We have extended all MobileMe subscriptions through June 30, 2012, at no additional charge, so you are eligible for a full refund for this activation code.

To claim your refund:
1. Sign in to me.com.
2. Click your name in the top right and choose Account.
3. Then click Request Refund.
4. Complete the online form.

After completing the online form, you will receive your refund in four to six weeks via check or electronic funds transfer.

Claiming a refund will not affect your paid service in any way.

Sincerely,

The MobileMe Team

Jun2

Switching ISP from Rogers to TekSavvy

Posted in: Technology

I am in a process of finally switching from Rogers Hi-Speed Internet (aka small bandwidth caps) to a third party Internet cable provider here in Ontario called TekSavvy. The service is much cheaper and gives you unlimited bandwidth. I used to have unlimited bandwidth with Rogers a decade ago, but they have implemented ridiculously low bandwidth caps over the years which actually forced me to limit myself each month on how much I use the Internet so I am not charged by gigabyte for any overages. TekSavvy has Extreme Cable Pro account for $54.95 a month which gives unlimited bandwidth, a very important thing in today’s world.

Limiting bandwidth is like limiting how much TV you can watch, imagine paying for cable TV and being limited how many hours you can watch per month because they will charge you more for it at the end of the month… The whole idea is simply just cash grab, just the same like monthly amount minutes on your cellphone. I have unlimited talk time and text now on my iPhone after renegotiating my contract with Rogers, but they were not willing to do the same for my internet so I left them for TekSavvy and got my unlimited bandwidth. Anyway, the first step when you switch from Rogers to TekSavvy, you need to purchase your own modem which is a great idea. Modems used to be free with Rogers, but again they started charging rental fee for them in recent years. It is much cheaper to own your modem in a long run and today I have received mine which I ordered from TekSavvy. It is a Motorola SB6121 SURFboard DOCSIS 3.0 Cable Modem…

Now I am just waiting for TekSavvy to flip the switch next week to get me over to their side… Mind you TekSavvy buys the Internet access from Rogers in my case so technically I am still using their lines and access, but at least my money goes to support a smaller independent ISP which gives me unlimited bandwidth for less.
Jun1

Tech: HubDog – Dog like USB Hub

Posted in: Technology

This is cute accessory for your computer: HubDog – a USB Hub in the shape of a dog:

USB HubDog, a cute USB hub in the shape of a dog, available at Fred Flare.

Outside of a dog, a computer is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog… there are four USB ports! (Sorry, Groucho. We coudn’t help it!) Super cute and hi-tech and ready to connect up all your peripherals, this USB HubDog is totally prepared to be your new buddy. Sleek white color with a green light to let you know it’s connected. Measures 4″x4.25″x.25 for super portability! via Technobob

(Via Laughing Squid.)
May27

Luna – A Personal Robot by RoboDynamics

Posted in: Technology

The price seems pretty reasonable… I am still not sure how I would use.

Luna is a programmable personal robot built by RoboDynamics and designed by SchultzeWORKS. Neither company has released much information (other than this grainy iPhone video), but IEEE Spectrum has details on the software and hardware underpinning the robot. It will available later this year for around $3000. via Yanko Design

(Via Laughing Squid.)
May21

Photos: Felt Mouse by designer Joey Roth

Posted in: Technology

Interesting concept, I love how felt feels…

The ‘Felt Mouse’ by designer Joey Roth is a computer mouse concept made from wool felt, teak wood, and aluminum. The felt will slowly conform to the user’s hand over time.

The Felt Mouse is designed to be broke in over time. Its dense wool felt slowly conforms to the hand’s individual shape and motion. Over the course of a few months, it transitions from a mass produced product to a unique tool that specifically fits its user. via TreeHugger photos by Joey Roth

(Via Laughing Squid.)
May13

Pit In, A Desk That Functions as a Bicycle Rack

Posted in: Technology

Pit In is a design concept by STORE MUU design studio is a desk that also functions as a bicycle rack.

Pit In is a table for a bicycle whose saddle functions as a chair. Sitting on the saddle of bicycle, for example, you can take a coffee break, check e-mails by lap-top, and so on.

via Brittany Bohnet and Chris McNicholl

(Via Laughing Squid.)
May7

Technology: USB Film Roll

Posted in: Technology

Cool USB keys but a bit bulky for my taste… nevertheless still cool.

Our friends at Photojojo have created a nifty USB Film Roll that hides a 4GB USB drive inside of a recycled film canister. It’s available through the Photojojo store.

(Via Laughing Squid.)
Apr10

What’s new on my life(stream) web site

Posted in: Technology

Thanks to my own genius but mostly thanks to the online community I was able to implement a new module on my life(stream) web site at www.tysonwilliams.com, which now shows at the bottom of the page the latest Kindle books I am currently reading. The new section is appropriately called “Latest Kindle Reading” and it showcases the last five books that I have read, including one I am most like still reading. Unlike the rest of the web site which is fully automatic and pulling information from different sources, this section is being updated manually because simply there is no way yet to implement automatic updates. Hopefully one day there will be a way of simply syncing my latest Amazon book purchases with the web site but we are not there yet. Needless to say, I don’t mind adding them manually since I will only have to do it 2-3 times a months or as I am start reading a new book, which is not a big deal.

Here is screenshot of how the site looks with new Kindle module at the bottom of the page: