Monthly Archives January 2015

Hemingwrite: Setting Your Thoughts Free

January 31, 2015 | Comments Off

Distraction is one of the constant variables when visiting the Internet. No matter how strong your resolve in most cases if you are typing your content into a blog, document or whatever, suddenly an email pops up or a tweet appears or a calendar announcement suddenly taps you on your psychic shoulder and you are taken off task. Imagine using a device that allows you to use all the advantages of digital word processing without the distractions of a browser. You aren’t dreaming, you are thinking about Hemingwrite, a device created in Detroit and launched through FirstGiving crowd source.

Read here for more details …

Microsoft's HoloLens: How it works

January 31, 2015 | Comments Off

CNET Nick Statt @nickstatt January 24, 2015 1:41 PM PST

Microsoft has a vision for the future, and it involves terms and technology straight out of science fiction.

But are we actually glimpsing that future? Yes and no.

Microsoft’s HoloLens, which the company unveiled at its Redmond, Wash., headquarters on Wednesday, is a sleek, flashy headset with transparent lenses. You can see the world around you, but suddenly that world is transformed — with 3D objects floating in midair, virtual screens on the wall and your living room covered in virtual characters running amok.

Technology companies have long promised to bring us the future now, reaching ahead 5 or 10 years to try to amaze consumers with the next big breakthrough. Hollywood, on the other hand, has shown that tech in action (or at least simulations of it).

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Microsoft Surface 3 Hits 1 Billion in Sales

January 31, 2015 | Comments Off

By Steve Ranger | January 28, 2015 — 12:52 GMT (04:52 PST)

Has Microsoft’s tablet PC finally come of age? Earlier this week Microsoft said Surface revenue hit $1.1bn for the most recent quarter – up 24 percent year on year – driven by Surface Pro 3 and accessories. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said of the rise: “The value proposition of being the most productive tablet is resonating.”

The company revealed that the third version of the Surface, the two-in-one device first launched two years ago, is selling faster than previous versions. “Surface Pro 3 volumes are pacing over three times the rate of what we saw with Surface Pro 2,” said Microsoft CFO Amy Hood.

So can it be finally said that Surface is a success? It depends on which metrics you use.

Full article …

Shane Turns Blue for Special Olympics

January 31, 2015 | Comments Off

Our own Shane Hamelin will be taking a quick dip in the Detroit River on Feb 14. The only thing that could get him to something like this is the chance to raise money for Michigan’s Special Olympics. Please join Shane in making a donation to help with this worthy cause. Click here for more information. …

Podcast 1505 Jan.31, 2015: Happy 17th Anniversary, Heminwrite & Pasty.net

January 30, 2015 | Comments Off

Show Notes

Hour 1

Hemingwrite

Hemingwrite KickStarter Page

Hemingwrite: Throwback or Great Leap Forward

Patrick Paul is part of the local team of developers who came up with this ingenious device. Hemingwrite a distraction free writing tool that is part throwback to the portable typewriters that many of us remember fondly (or not) from late night paper writing sessions in college. It is also a wonderful digital device that is deliberately NOT connected to the Internet. Find out why!

Rick Broida, our favorite writer, columnist, commentator, cheapskate (and zombie wrangler) joins us for our discussion about Hemingwrite. Is it a great leap forward for someone who is constantly on deadline for his articles? Listen and see.

Click Here to Listen to Hemingwrite

Charlie Hopper, founder and CEO of Pasty.net and Pasty.com in the great frozen north of Michigan’s Upper Penninsula joins us for a double celebration. His website went live just about the same time as the Internet Advisors hit the Internet. Pasty.net is applying hi tech solutions to providing broadband access to customers in the heart of our rugged Upper Penninsula where there are often more racoons than customers. PS He also …

Podcast 1504 Jan. 24, 2015: Windows 10 Wow! & Building a New Computer

January 26, 2015 | Comments Off

Show Notes:

Hour 1

The New Face of Microsoft…Infinity & Beyond

Jerry Carlson, Tech Ninja for Microsoft’s Heartland office in Metro Detroit, joined us again to unveil a remarkable array of changes and additions to the Microsoft world. On January 21 Microsoft announced Windows 10, the much awaited sequel to the often hated Windows 8! Follow the links below to Microsoft’s breakdown of the Windows 10 launch for full details. There was one item that even surprised him! Jerry gave a quick overview of the changes and we will follow up with Microsoft for more details on these items in the coming programs.

Click Here to Listen to Microsoft Reveal Part 1

Windows 10 Details

Click Here to Listen to Microsoft Reveal Part 2

Surface Hub

The Big Surprise: HoloLens

The Internet Advisors, of course, had to put their two cents worth of observations.

Click Here to Listen to Advisors Reaction

MiTechNews Headlines

Mike Brennan, Editor and Host of MiTechNews

Click Here to Listen to MiTechNews 1_24_15

to our co-branded MiTechNews Newsletter

Hour 2 Answering Listener Questions

Click Here to Listen to Hour 2 Listener Q&A

This Q&A featured a conversation with a listener who …

Podcast 1503 Jan. 17, 2015: The Battle for Net Neutrality & Auto Show Wonders

January 17, 2015 | Comments Off

The Battle For Net Neutrality

Show Notes:

Hour 1

In February the FCC will propose new rules governing the use of the Internet. The battle fronts are blurred but the stakes are high: Who will control how we access this vital link to our digitized world?

Craig Aaron, President and CEO of FreePress joins us to describe what is at stake in this epic battle for free flow of information over the Internet. His organization has taken up the consumer banner with a passion in this battle against private monopoly interests bent on restricting the flow of information and the development of innovation in order to promote their own profit goals. We the people need someone looking out for us. Enter FreePress

Click Here to Listen to FreePress Pt 1

Click Here to Listen to FreePress Pt 2

The Auto Show is in full swing with some amazing, ground breaking things happening right on the show floor, e.g. a company is printing a car or most of its parts right there! (Local Motors) And soon learning your dashboard may be as easy as using your cell phone.(Apple Car Play)

Click Here to Listen to NAIAS Highlights

MiTechNews

Podcast 1502 Jan. 10, 2015: Jeff DeGraff Dean of Innovation, CES 2015 & NAIAS 2015

January 9, 2015 | Comments Off

Show Notes:

Hour 1

Click Here to Listen to Jeff DeGraff’s Hour Long Conversation

The Dean of Innovation: Prof. Jeff DeGraff

Jeff DeGraff is a world renowned thought leader, executive and innovation expert. His expertise has been shared globally at top innovation incubators and think tanks such as the Aspen Institute and with companies that include Eaton, GM, SPX, 3M, Apple, American Airlines, Coca-Cola, GE, Johnson & Johnson, LG, Pfizer, and Toyota. DeGraff has contributed his expert knowledge in publications such as Business Week, CIO, Fortune, USA Today, Training+Development and the Wall Street Journal. Jeff is focused on how to lead Innovation; developing the culture, capabilities, and collaborative connections that result in revenue and market growth. Jeff is the complete package.(Huffington Post)

During the last 25 years Jeff has been a distinguished faculty member of the prestigious Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. This is a remarkable hour of discussion with one of the leading authorities on innovation in the world.

Catch Dick DeGraff The Next Idea (Michigan Public Radio) weekly