Feb 16, 2017 | Computer technology, Smartphone
Back in September 2016, Apple’s iPhone 7 made history. Consequently, that was the first smartphone not to have a headphone jack. Some paid little attention. But for others, this was a huge annoyance. So Pioneer is doing something about it. Let me introduce you to the smart headphone: the earphone comeback.
Hence, Pioneer comes up with Rayz Plus earphone. The smart headphone comes with it’s own jack. First, they connect through a Lightning connector. Then, there is a small adapter and lightning port at the end of the cable. You plug this in a charging cable. Then voila! You got the smart headphone. It also boasts, automatic restart, smart noise cancellation, and smart button.
So the smart headphone sound like a gem, doesn’t it? Not so fast. Critics point out some issues. Some say this will eat up smartphone battery life, especially if you don’t have the proper equipment. And that could be a problem. Poor battery life is an annoyance to any smartphone user. And to run to the charger every hour…this isn’t good. If this headphone is going to sale over 100 units, they need to assure, and deliver, that it won’t hurt a smartphone battery life.
Now, there’s the issue of price. These are earbuds, not the bulky earphones some are used to. These smart headphones range from $100-$150, depending on what model you get and where you get it from. One big selling point is noise cancellation. In our Boston area computer service shop, some of us use them quiet a bit. And of course, they can a personal haven. So it sounds like we’re ?heading for the post headphone jack era. Will Rayz Plus earphone lead this?new tech fad? Or will people continue to miss their headphone jack? Change is hard; old habits are hard, even in computer technology and computer repair. Will Rayz Plus lead the way in a new era or will people want their headphone jacks back?
Feb 15, 2017 | Computer technology, Entertainment
So you can’t get enough social media? You can’t get enough TV, either? However, Facebook can help. Introducing Facebook TV: Social media couch potatoes rejoice!
Facebook came up with the new app this week. Facebook TV will include Apple TV, Amazon Fire and Samsung TV. Hence, with this new app, you can watch this TV, as well as Facebook videos, on the big screen. Facebook leaders explained the new app at this year’s Code Media conference. Someone explained they can use this app to watch Facebook videos on the big screen at anytime. But that won’t be the only use.
Last year, Facebook users watch watched over 100 million hours worth of videos. So some potential and interest are there. But there is still debate about making Facebook TV profitable. While I write this, the company is testing out video ads. Like You Tube, Facebook TV will suggests videos for the user, according to his/her profile. You can also save videos and watch them on other devices later. For instance, you can’t watch that TV-MA or TV-14 show at the office or at school or in front of little kids. Just save it and watch it during your own private time. We don’t know the date of Facebook TV’s release. But they assure us it will be soon and free for Facebook subscribers.
You see, social media, IT support and entertainment are going hand in hand. What we used to see only on TV can now be seen everywhere, from tablets to laptops. Hint…hint…if you need a screen replacement or laptops fixed in Boston, we got you covered. But you see how Facebook is expanding. Also, I like how they’re merging with other TV app corporations. To be successful, they will need to. There’s a lot of competition out there, especially from You Tube and other streaming services. So if Apple TV and Amazon Fire sets them apart from the competition, good! That’s the only shot Facebook has. Do you think Facebook TV will be able to survive?
Feb 14, 2017 | Computer technology
Many of us grew up with futuristic cartoon The Jetsons. It was a 20th century cartoon that took place in the 21st century. They traveled around in flying cars. But here in 2017, that’s becoming a reality. The first flying car…this ain’t The Jetsons.
The first flying car is from Dutch company PAL-V. ?They also call it the PAL-V Liberty vehicle. Furthermore, they boast it to be first flying car in world history. So the PAL-V Liberty has three wheels and a rectangle like interior. It has the propellers like a helicopter. Hence, it doesn’t look like a car as we know it. Maybe that’s the point.
But the PAL-V Liberty not only flies; it rides on the road. From what I read, it rides more like a motorcycle than a car. But while in flight, it travels at 112 mph maximum speed. Also, it flies for over 300 miles on one tank of fuel. That’s like flying from our Boston computer service shop to downtown Philadelphia in one tank of gas. Consequently, you’re flying in a helicopter. So let’s talk about price, because you know this won’t come cheap. In fact, prices begin at $400,000.That’s just the basics. For $600,000, you get the Pioneer. This includes training, power heating, and electronic flight equipment.
But there is some good news. You don’t have to pay all at once for the first flying car. You can pay a deposit of anywhere from $10,000-$25,000. PAL-V Liberty air cars should be released by late 2018. At least that’s their hope. This is also a tremendous feat for the IT support industry. This may or may not be a tremendous feat for fighting traffic. It’ll take many years before this catches on. Let’s assume the flying car catches on at all. Let’s assume by the 2030s, more people abandon their road car for a flying car. The roads are less hectic. But the skies are so chocked up people can’t breath. And you can’t just pull over in the air. What then? Is this even possible?
Jan 12, 2017 | Computer technology
Las Vegas is making lots of tech news as of late. They hosted the CES conference. So they showed great tech displays there. But now, Las Vegas makes strides in electric transportation. The e-bus rides easy for Las Vegas.
The e-bus made it’s debut in Fremont Street Tuesday. That’s downtown Las Vegas. As a result, this is the first functioning e-bus in history. Also, they call this e-bus Arma. The trial run will run until January 20. Hence, Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman rode on it. She praised the e-bus for it’s cleanliness. Arma holds 12 people. Though it can go 27mph, it will only go 12 mph during the trial period. Also, the e-bus will travel through Las Vegas’ busiest streets between 10am-6pm. During the trial period, Arma is a free ride.
But Las Vegas leaders are in high hopes. They say Strip and downtown traffic is bad, and hopes the e-bus will help relieve it. Furthermore, Arma uses radar to avoid road obstacles. It also uses GPS to travel the roads and gets you to your destination. Keolis, an international public transportation firm, is helping with this project. Leaders also talked about how good this will be for the environment.
But this will costs $10,000 a month. That’s okay. Advertisers line up to take part. What does this have to do with IT support or computer repair? Well, mega tech and IT companies have been experimenting with e-cars for years. This includes the big boys, like Google and Apple. It’s their dream to be the first to put driver less cars on the road. And what do you know? It looks like Keolis has them beat. But we’re a major player in IT service here in Boston. Plus, we have one of the best public transit lines in the country. With the car traffic around here, we need it. So why not bring the e-bus to Boston, where some of the best tech minds in America are?
Jan 8, 2017 | Computer technology
Well, there’s something I should mention about the MacBook Pro 15-inch. It has a Touch Bar model. Also, prices start at $2,400. But it’s causing a revolution in the laptop game. With saying that, is the MacBook Pro 15-Inch a good buy or bad decision?
This goes without saying, but the MacBook Pro 15-Inch is a big screen laptop. So this is perfect for TV and movie watching. It has that going for it. But let’s dig into what makes this machine run. It comes with a quad-core i7 processor, 16G of memory, and a fast SSD. So the MacBook Pro 15-inch can hold a lot and take a lot. Any workaholic, or laptop addict, can use it. Heck, you can watch Netflix and produce a Netflix movie and it still won’t cut up on you. Was that too confusing?
But not so fast! Apparently, what this notebook makes up for in power, it lacks in speed. We can thank Apple’s thinness for that one. Also, there are some rumblings about the handling of this laptop. But others praise it’s ease to carry. Yes, it weighs a couple of extra pounds, but it can easily slip in someone’s backpack or other carrying device. It better. After all, you’re paying around $2,400 for it, right?
I’m still not sure about this one. The MacBook Pro 15-inch talks a good game. But what if it’s accidentally dropped? As far as screen replacement, Apple notebooks aren’t easy. Not only that, when it comes to laptops fixed, Apple doesn’t make that easy either. Believe me. I’ve seen the frustration in my own computer service shop. But I will give the MacBook Pro 15-inch a lot of credit: it can handle a lot of apps. I get frustrated when I do so much on my computer that it gets so slow. Next thing I know, I have to restart the thing just to get it going. You talk about frustration. So if there’s one good selling point, that would be it. Would you pay $2,400 for this MacBook Pro?
Jan 7, 2017 | Computer technology, Entertainment
Techies and those in IT support and computer repair?flock to Las Vegas right now. But the gambling, buffets and partying isn’t what’s bringing them. It’s the annual Consumer Technology Association Conference (CES). However, one device steals the show. It’s not the smartphone. So here are the CES stars: drones.
Hence, let me introduce you to the CES stars: drones. First, there are selfie drones. They weigh under a pound. But they still carry 12 or 13 pixel megapixel cameras. Though they fold and are easy to carry; their battery lives are only 10 minutes a turn. Their software bundle is more than enough to do the job (or so they say). The drone name is Hover Camera Passport. It costs around $600. Then there is the aquatic PowerVision PowerRay. Fisherman throw it from their boat, because it ‘s compatible with a cable tether. The light attracts fish and lasts four hours without charging. But this one doesn’t come cheap. It costs around $1,500.
There are more CES stars: drones. ?Who doesn’t like Star Wars? So, there’s a Star Wars drone for your entertainment. They cost just around $200. It also has lasers and sensors. You can combat with other drones Luke Skywalker style. Then there’s the Ehang 184. This drones flies you! That’s not a typo. This Chinese based drone can fly you on short distances. Here is their website. But I almost forgot…the Ehang 184 will run you $300,000. So start saving up.
Those are the main CES stars: drones. It looks like a good cast of characters, doesn’t it? I’m especially curious about Ehang 184. We’ve all seen the Jetsons and Futurama. People commute by air. That’s a dream of all of ours, isn’t it? We all get tired of the gridlock and tempers on the road. How wonderful would it be just to get on a drone and fly to our destination? Could Ehang 184 be onto something? Could this CES stars: drones be the real star of the show, and the future?
