Archives for Uncategorized

Amazon Launches Fire TV…Is it all that hot?

Amazon Launches Fire TV…Is it all that hot?

April 5, 2014 | Comments Off on Amazon Launches Fire TV…Is it all that hot?

Amazon launches Fire TV, an Android-powered streaming and gaming set-top box for $99

BY TERRENCE O’BRIEN  @TERRENCEOBRIEN  APRIL 2ND 2014

We’ve been waiting for it for quite some time, but now Amazon is finally ready to make its play for the living room. Fire TV is not a barebones device like the Chromecast; it’s a powerful Android-driven platform with ties to the broader Amazon ecosystem. Inside the slim black plastic box is a quad-core CPU with a full 2GB of RAM — that makes it more akin to a high-end smartphone than your typical streaming device. And it’s incredibly slim, shorter than a dime, with barely enough clearance for the small selection of ports around back, which includes the standard HDMI, as well as optical audio and Ethernet.

The interface is incredibly image-heavy. Browsing through the Amazon video store is basically just scrolling through an endless barrage of movie posters presented in a moving 3D bar. And, at least during the demo, the hardware churned through the slick UI with nary a hiccup in sight. But far more impressive was how quick videos were to load. Pressing play on almost any video instantaneously launched the movie or show. And we

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New USB Connector 3.1 Works Both Ways

New USB Connector 3.1 Works Both Ways

April 5, 2014 | Comments Off on New USB Connector 3.1 Works Both Ways

Fumble-free USB 3.1 connector will be in products by year end

@agamsh,  Apr 2, 2014 10:05 AM
The redesigned USB connector, belonging to the USB 3.1 specification, could be in laptops and mobile devices by the end of the year.The appealing advances in the USB 3.1 technology include faster data transfer speeds and the user-friendly Type C connector, which connect to devices on either end. Since users won’t have to worry about plug orientation, they should be less likely to have trouble fitting cables into slots, which will be an improvement over USB connectors.

USB 3.1 also boosts data-transfer speeds and cables will ultimately be able to move data at a speed of 10Gbps (bits per second). That’s an improvement from the 5Gbps transfer rate for the current USB 3.0 connector, which is in most laptops that ship today. The faster speeds open usage of USB 3.1 connectors to monitors, high-definition TVs and other electronics.

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LG and Motorola debut first Android Wear smartwatches

LG and Motorola debut first Android Wear smartwatches

March 22, 2014 | Comments Off on LG and Motorola debut first Android Wear smartwatches

CNet TechRetrospect 

by 

2014 was widely expected to be the year of wearables, and so far it has not disappointed. Google took the wraps off of Android Wear on Tuesday, a simplified, intuitive version of Android designed for smartwatches. The experience, stylishly shown in the video above, makes it clear that the intent here is to be quite a bit more involving and interactive than the “tiny moments of awesome” the Pebble team works to deliver. LG and Motorola were the first to display prototype devices, showing the G Watch and 360 , respectively. Look for both to launch a little later this year, at or around Google I/O in June.

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Gary Baker 2014 IT/Enterprise Predictions

Gary Baker 2014 IT/Enterprise Predictions

December 29, 2013 | Comments Off on Gary Baker 2014 IT/Enterprise Predictions

We talked a little SMAC last year, but we are really going to talk SMAC in 2014.  My job is to make predictions about technology in the enterprise, so we are going to be talking enterprise-level SMAC.

SMAC stands for Social, Mobile, Analytics and Cloud.

Social – Most businesses have dabbled in it so far with maybe a Facebook page to compliment its Web site.  Most business people see the advantages of using LinkedIn and are probably getting some targeted news and maybe participating in a discussion or two through their affinity groups.  But, 2014 will be the tipping point where businesses will be expected to have more than a passing presence.

Mobile – There are two sides to the mobile equation.  Of course there are more and more mobile devices in the work place even though business are reducing the number of employees that are provided a smartphone or tablet.  BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is an official policy at some companies and employees are encouraged to BYOD and the company will allow them to access the wireless network and gain access to their company email and other information.  At other companies without a formal BYOD …


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Shane's Best Tech Gifts for Dad Under $100

Shane's Best Tech Gifts for Dad Under $100

June 16, 2012 | Comments Off on Shane's Best Tech Gifts for Dad Under $100

1.)    Pre Order Game: Guild Wars 2 http://www.guildwars2.com/en

2.)    Tiger Woods 2013 http://www.ea.com/tiger-woods

3.)    APPLE TV http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/shop_ipod/family/apple_tv

4.)    Logitech’s Harmony 650 Master Remote http://www.logitech.com/en-us/remotes/universal-remotes/6621

5.)    Logitech Gaming Keyboard G110 http://www.logitech.com/en-us/gaming/mice-keyboard-combos/gaming-keyboard-g110

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Eric Kam's Social Map

Eric Kam's Social Map

June 16, 2012 | Comments Off on Eric Kam's Social Map

 

http://stringgirl.blogspot.com the initial blog started as a travel blog to keep my daughters up to date that I am OK and what I see when traveling. String Girl is a creation of my daughters (they both contributed) 14 and 12 years old, so I don’t get lonely on my frequent trips.

http://kam-stampingguru.blogspot.com Where the self-proclaimed-die-expert spouts off about manufacturing and sheet metal stamping

http://twitter.com/#!/SMEStampingDies The twitter feed I started specifically to promote the Stamping and Dies Techgroup of SME-Forming and Fabricating community

http://twitter.com/#!/erickam my personal twitter feed

http://i.sme.org/stampingdiestechgroup/Home/ the site of the Stamping and Dies Technical group

http://www.linkedin.com/groups/SME-Forming-Fabricating-Community-1791679 on LinkedIn

 

Currently PR Director for both Parcells Middle School, and Parcell Holiday Art and Craft Bazaar. I am a
former PR Director to General Physics of Troy, MI, and Copithorne & Bellows Agency of San Francisco, CA. Here are is the link to our Bazaar pages:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ParcellsBazaar

Twitter – https://twitter.com/#!/Parcells_Bazaar

Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/Parcells.PTO/

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Chrome 17 Shines

Chrome 17 Shines

February 18, 2012 | Comments Off on Chrome 17 Shines

What used to be the young upstart on the block has become a big hitter. Chrome (Google’s Browser) has hit its 17th version with lots to recommend. …


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New Apple OS Brings More Mobile to Desktop

New Apple OS Brings More Mobile to Desktop

February 18, 2012 | Comments Off on New Apple OS Brings More Mobile to Desktop

There’s a new cat in the Apple litter box: Mountain Lion.  It is bringing many of the advantages and moves of the iOS mobile operating system to the Mac laptops and desktops.  Could this be the first of many moves that will eventually blur this lines completely?  Only time will tell. …


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Steve DeDoes

Steve DeDoes

January 6, 2012 | Comments Off on Steve DeDoes

Steve DeDoes may have lost a step since his prime…he certainly can’t fit into the same conductor’s tux he’s wearing in the photo at left (circa 1993).

The former athlete and longtime coach is now more well-known in sporting circles as “Mattie’s Dad.”  However, Steve’s noteworthy musical and artistic legacy continues to grow.  As the acclaimed composer-producer-performer once again turns his attention to new creative horizons, his son’s career is just starting — and not just musically.

 

 

Mattie DeDoes is at Oberlin College (OH) as a top collegiate baseball player, one with pro aspirations – this in addition to his ongoing musical and academic pursuits.  “DeDoes Music” is now a father-and-son operation – one that combines Steve’s incredible artistic visions and craft with Mattie’s talent and brilliance.  This young saxophonist is, simply put, one of the finest jazz-funk artists you will hear.

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US Drone Hijacked by GPS Spoof

US Drone Hijacked by GPS Spoof

December 17, 2011 | Comments Off on US Drone Hijacked by GPS Spoof

Lest we think that robot warfare is the answer to all OUR problems, you should know that the Iranians (and therefore every form of evil, anarchistic terrorist organization with enough money) know exactly what makes our drones work. By the way, they now know how to kill them! …


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