MRGizMo, the Gadget Specialist

Home Energy Manager

bermandt — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:43:14 +0000

One of my favorite part of being a freelance web designer is meeting with client.From arranged time to creating Keynote presentation.

On the “D” day preparing stuff to my sling bag.The most important is to carry gadget that I need to make wireless presentation from my iPad2.Also a bottle of water to drink.

I arrange one meeting for a day and because of the traffic jam my city i will spent a whole day mostly on the street.That’s why I usually i came late and arrive on the night when my wife and kids already sleep.I call my wife to open the door and garage.

Several times I and my wife discuss about having garage’s gate that automatic open the door using wireless remote. It will be more comfortable than calling my wife in the middle of the night.

For the main door I think I will equipped with electric door locks that automatically open when I press the wireless remote.So I can enter the home calmly.

Later on we were discussing about how to reduce our monthly electricity bill. How we can find ways to reduce energy consumption at home by 5 to 10 percent ?

As I read on CNET, GE was piloting the in-home products this year and expects to have the appliances and energy display available next year. The premium for the more efficient, networked appliances will be about $10 more, GE executives said. A Net Zero Home Project would cost about 10 percent more by 2015, executives said.

How does GE’s Net Zero Home Project can help us reduce energy ?

For example, a consumer can set up the system so that the temperature in a water heater or thermostat can drop down to a certain level when nobody is at home.

GE also hosted a media day on at its research lab in upstate New York, where it announced its Net Zero Home Project and showed off this “Kitchen of the Future.” Rather than let humans browse the Web, these networked appliances talk to smart meters in order to be more energy efficient.

Appliances can shave owners’ bills in a few ways, cued by a “price signal” sent by the utility via the meter. If electricity rates go higher during peak times, appliances can go into conservation mode and dial down their consumption. Or these appliances decide to do their mode power-hungry tasks, like making ice, at off-peak times.

My wife was very interesting when I show her the GE’s Kitchen of the Future picture and hopefully it will soon applicable in 2015 as GE projected.

You can also enjoy CNET’s highlight photos from GE’s Kitchen of the Future.

Wireless Presentation from iPad2

bermandt — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:51:19 +0000

Last post I shared how fun is using Cloud computing on my daily work and this time I will share the wireless presentation from iPad2.

My job is web design.I do have to present my progress work to my client.When I did presentation usually I connected my Macbook Pro to LCD projector or big flat panel display.

Since I had iPad2, I just wonder how to setup wireless presentation from it.I want my presentation on iPad2 appears on LCD projector or big flat panel display.I know it can be done,because I saw Steve Jobs do wireless mirroring from iPad on his presentation.

I check on Google and I found a video in YouTube that wireless mirorring is possible with iOS 5 and additional hardware which is Apple TV.

The Apple TV has only HDMI output not VGA output.Regular LCD projector usually equipped with VGA input.So iOS5 and Apple TV are great solution for home or my own office, but it hardly to setup when I’m at my client’s office.

So I search for another solution to have wireless presentation from iPad2.Then I found a blog that give tutorial about it.

This time I don’t need iOS 5 and Apple TV. All I need is my Macbook Pro connect to LCD projector and send mirroring display from my iPad2. Off course I need same WIFI network on both iPad2 and Macbook Pro.

Definitely it needs jailbroken iPad to create wireless mirroring without Apple TV.Fortunately my iPad2 iOS was 4.33 version.Same version that www.jailbreakme.com alow to do untheter jailbreak.I was amazed how can them jailbreak my iPad 2 with only one slide button.Thanks to Commex and team.

As the blog tutorial, I installed Veency from Cydia on my iPad2 and it’s free.The blog suggested to install open source application named the Chicken of the VNC on my Macbook Pro.

After that I check IP address on my iPad2, type it on the Chicken of the VNC, press connect and press Accept on iPad2… and voila … I have wireless mirroring from my iPad2 to Macbook Pro.I also success to projected the iPad2 screen to LCD monitor trough my Macbook Pro.

I knew it doesn’t run smoothly compare to the wireless mirroring using Apple TV. It lag when I play my keynote presentation. Keynote animation become lagging. But since my presentation mostly for viewing website from Safari browser then it’s enough for me.

Now I can make ‘WOW’ presentation, standing at center of my audience.Pretend as I am Steve Jobs presenting keynote from my iPad2 to LCD projector through my Macbok Pro wirelessly.

On my experience it’s better if I don’t depend on my client WIFI network because so many user on their office.So I always bring my portable WIFI router to create my own hotspot.

I found another application that better than the Chicken of the VNC. You can purchase JollysFastVNC Home in the App store on your Mac.It easier to make full screen and exit the full screen view of my iPad2 using JollysFastVNC Home compare to the Chicken of the VNC.

Sometimes wireless mirroring doesn’t appears exact the same screen. There is many tiny black spot on the mirroring image on the screen.Usually I re-install Veency on my Ipad2 and everything will be ok again.

Source

A Fun Cloud Computing

bermandt — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 19:19:48 +0000

I started enjoying Cloud Computing since I had iPad 2 on last July.For mobile device such iPad, Cloud Computing become essential.It’s definitely help you more productive.

There are many apps that utilize Cloud Computing. For storage are Dropbox, SugarSync, Uploadingit and Box.But my favorite is Dropbox because so many apps has option to sync the file to Dropbox.It seems Dropbox become standard for Cloud Storage.Also you can join referral programme to increase your Dropbox space by invite your friend to use Dropbox. My account now become 4.5GB from 2GB when I joined. It’s all free.

Another fun app is Evernote. Taking notes at meeting is fun on iPad.During meeting I can take photo and insert to my note.I can even record my meeting conversation directly from Evernote.My client didn’t know the meeting is recorded. On meeting Evernote keep syncing to the Cloud,and later I can carry on to create Minutes of Meeting more detail on my iMac at the office.

Before I use iPad usually I write things to do on my agenda or desk calendar on my table.But now I’m using Wunderlist HD app.It’s very easy to write things to do on my iMac and automatically sync to my iPad and Macbook Pro.It’s paperless, go green !

By the why, I am writing this blog entry on my iPad using Evernote in my bed next to my sleeping son. Since I’m not comfortable using Wordpress mobile on iPad, so I jump to my Macbook Pro and copy paste my Evernote to Wordpress and publish it.

For next I’m thinking to have my own Cloud Storage. It’s better to have the best cloud storage for security reason.

Enjoy a fun Cloud Computing.

Sony Ericsson Announced New Xperia X8 and Xperia Upgrade to X10, X10 mini, X10 mini pro

jenne — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 19:18:10 +0000

The new Xperia X8 comes in a dimension of 99 x 54 x 15 mm and weight of 104 g. It sports a 3-inch 320 x 480 pixels (HVGA) capacitive scratch-resistant touchscreen, 3.2 MP camera with the function of instant upload to Facebook, 2 GB microSD card, up to 128 MB of phone memory, and supports microSD up to 16GB. Running on Google Android Donut, version 1.6, it is equipped with 600MHz Qualcomm processor and is capable of Geo tagging and Wi-Fi among others.

It is announced to be available in selected markets from Q3 in the colours White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White.

The bigger news seems to be the upgrade (in selected markets) from Q3 2010 for Xperia X10, X10 mini and X10 mini pro smartphones for them to run on Android 2.1. As part of the upgrade, Xperia’s flagship model with 4-inch display, the X10 will also be getting HD video recording capability followed in Q4 by a further upgrade that will enable it to connect wirelessly to TV and display content as well as enhancements to the Timescape and Mediascape applications.

Press Release

Introducing the Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 is a great entertainment smartphone that extends the appeal of the Xperia™ collection to new market segments. The user interface is similar to that of the Xperia™ X10 mini, with the four-corners that give easy one hand use and can be customised for one touch access to your favourite applications. The Xperia™ X8 also includes Timescape™ for easy access to all your social networking and the infinite button for one click access to a world of content. The open Android operating system delivers great smartphone functionality and access to thousands of applications on Android Market™. Timo Maassmann, Product Marketing Manager for XperiaTM X8, said, “We are delighted to be able to bring the full experience of our XperiaTM smartphones to new consumers by delivering a fully featured device at a more accessible price point.”

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 is perfect for enjoying multimedia entertainment. Whether it’s a game from the Android Market™, the latest funny clips on YouTube™ or browsing the web, the 3-inch screen means you won’t miss a thing. Discover and download songs from PlayNow™, then listen to all your music using the 3.5mm headphone jack. If you are feeling more creative, there’s a 3.2 MP camera and video recording functionality.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X8 – Key features

· Four corners for easy one hand use and one touch access to applications

· Customise the four corners with your favourite apps and add widgets to your homescreens

· Enjoy games, video, internet and more on the 3-inch screen

· Timescape™ shows all your communication in one place for ultimate simplicity

· Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained

· 3.2 MP camera – snap away and upload instantly to Facebook™

The XPERIA™ X8 supports GSM GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900, UMTS HSPA 900/2100 and UMTS HSPA 800/850/1900/2100

The XPERIA™ X8 will be available in selected markets from Q3 in the colours White, Dark Blue/ White, Aqua Blue/ White, Pink/ White, Silver/ White.

Log on to The Sony Ericsson Product Blog for more information: http://blogs.sonyericsson.com/products

- ENDS -

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X8 at a glance

Camera 3.2 MP camera

Direct picture upload to Facebook™

Geo tagging

Sony Ericsson Album application

Video recording
Music Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)

PlayNow™

Sony Ericsson Music Player

TrackID™
Web

Bookmarks

Pan and zoom

WebKit web browser
Communication

Facebook™ application

Sony Ericsson Timescape™
Messaging

Push email

Instant messaging

Via akihabaranews

Outdoor Furniture to Lighting Your Outdoor

jenne — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 18:40:35 +0000

Do you want something bright to lighting your outdoor. Well, Frontgate create a brilliant outdoor scene with light-up Glow Outdoor Furniture, which glows wirelessly.

Watch the mood instantly become more colorful when you light up this cool, illuminated furniture at sundown. Made of durable, scratch- and scuff-resistant, 100% waterproof and weatherproof polyethylene, each piece withstands constant use. An LED light within the chair, stool/table, and cube shines upward and outward with an even glow. Furniture turns on and off with the flick of a switch. Powered by four D batteries (not included) or the included A/C adapter.

Each piece runs between $199-$399 and depending on your outdoor activities, we think these could be pretty cool pieces to have around. Giving a little glow to a family movie night, or a romantic night with a loved one at the pool, they’re different than what we normally see and it’s a refreshing change of pace! Each one is available in blue, green, red or white.

Via Unplggd

Novatel Wireless MiFi 2352, the Mobile Personal Hotspot

bermandt — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 02:52:42 +0000

I have been using Linksys Wireless router to share broadband connection from my cable modem.It was fun to have personal hotspot at my home. I can share the connection to desktop, laptop and mobile phone.

My Linksys is fixed router and only available at my home, if you wanna have hotspot everywhere you go, have to purchase a device something like Novatel Wireless MiFi 2352.

With MiFi 2352 you can create personal virtual office with your co-workers while have meeting in cafe or wherever you go. Also you can easily swap and transfer files with built-in microSDHC slot providing expandable storage capacity of up to 16GB.

The MiFi 2353 is very easy to use, simply insert the SIM card and push on the button. You can share up to five WiFi enabled device simultaneously.

On one time charging you can use MiFi 2352 up to 4 hours.

Novatel Wireless boasts MiFi 2352 can give you up to 7.2 Mbps download and up to 5.76 Mbps upload on HSPA networks.You have to choose the best broadband to get the ultimate speed.

It will better if you subscribe the unlimited data plan. You can choose the broadband offers that match to your needs.

Note : If you live in UK, you can read broadband reviews here.

Now you can have Novatel Wireless MiFi 2352 (Black) on sale for $294.99.

You can watch this video to have an idea how easy to setup MiFi 2352, the mobile personal hotspot from Novatel Wireless.
Click here to view the embedded video.

Product Page , Datasheet (PDF)

Barbie Doll’d Up Nails Digital Nail Printer

jenne — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 20:05:11 +0000

Barbie girl, it’s time for polished your nails. It’s digital nail printer which is you can create, customize and print perfect with professional quality designs for your nails.

It makes you easier and only takes a few second. It’s time for manicure party at your home.

It will be a perfect holiday gift for your daughter. It opens up a whole new avenue to be creative. Make sure that you have a computer though. Pinky girl, you can get Barbie Doll’d Up Nails Digital Nail Printer for $389.88 here.

Click here to view the embedded video.

New 32″ Regza from Toshiba

jenne — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 19:47:44 +0000

Scheduled to be sold in Japan next week, Toshiba’s latest 32” LCD TV, the Regza 32A900S comes with a Digital TV Tuner, a 1366×768 resolution, a 4000:1 contrast ratio (40000:1 dynamic one), a 120Hz panel, ethernet, the possibility of recording videos on external HDDs via USB and features both an HDMI port and InstaPort technology for quick access of several sources in an instant.

Via Akihabara

OPPO will Launch Their First Android-Powered Smartphone

jenne — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:17:54 +0000

OPPO is known as a manufacture of PMPs, and obviously OPPO is trying another step in popular phone and try this chances with so promising and sleek model.

PMP manufacturer OPPO will launch their first Android-powered smartphone in the Q1 of 2010.

Let’s put some light on its features; includes a 3.5-inch WQGA (800 x 480) capacitive multitouch screen, a QWERTY keyboard, and WiFi. The name of the model is unavailable but do keep reading for more updates.

Via GizmoDiva

Topeak Bikamper Individual Bike Tent

jenne — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 02:00:39 +0000

It’s a must for all biker fans. A unique tent while you’re biking and camping quite often. It is a personal shelter that utilizes a bicycle and its front wheel in place of conventional tent poles.

The canopy of the Bikamper is constructed of durable, waterproof coated 45D ripstop nylon and features three mesh windows for ventilation and stargazing on pleasant nights.

The Bikamper fly is constructed of fully waterproofed 70D ripstop nylon to offers an additional layer of protection. Both tent and fly pack down to a small, space saving size.

All you have to do is place your front wheel on one end while your bike frame stabilizes the other (anchor, cords, stakes, bag included).

If you plan to have outdoor activities with close friend or family, you can buy this for yourself. And of course good Christmas gift for someone who does like the outdoor activities. The price for Topeak Bikamper Individual Bike Tent is $143.94 and it can purchased here.

MRGizMo, the Gadget Specialist

Home Energy Manager

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