My Personal Compendium of Knowledge

Moto X vs. Motorola Droid Ultra

2013-08-05T14:07:00.000-07:00

Motorola Droid Ultra

I need a new phone. Don't get me wrong, I love you Motorola Droid Bionic. It has been a great phone. It was my forey into the world of 4g, it has spent countless days tethering most of the day, it never gets turned off, and it has kissed the pavement a few times. Despite all of this, it still works perfect most of the time. Its that 'most' that is killing me, plus I am up for an upgrade. I have been holding off for yesterday, the day of the great Moto X annoucement, but was kind of disappointed. This is why.

Moto X

The Droid Ultra and Droid Maxx (big battery version of the Ultra) caught me by surprise. I know Moto was due for an update to their Razr, but figured it might just be the X. And now, having seen the X, it really is about the same as the Ultra. Both are running a moto x8 SoC which is really a Qualcomm S4 Pro Snapdragon bundled with a Adreno 320. They both have 2gb ram and the same 10MP rear camera. The only real difference is the screen size. Both are 720p, but the Ultra is 5in and the X is 4.7in. Both have 802.11n and ac, bluetooth 4.0, and near field communication. The both are awesome phones, I was just expecting something unique about the X.

In the end, I think I may just get the Ultra. The only thing I am not sure about yet is if they all have wireless Qi charging. I really want that as it would be nice with my new Nexus 7. I will report back when I find out on that.

New Nexus 7 and Android Addiction: Enemy Lines

2013-08-01T16:27:00.000-07:00

So I think I just need to come out to the world and say it. I have an addiction problem! I can't put down my tablet. Android 4.3 is so quick, especially with all the power and ram behind it, that everything is just nicer to work on now. I have been playing with a number of productivity apps, but we will get to those later. Today's addiction is just a dumb game, but it sure is fun to play. I give you, Enemy Lines.

In this game you build your base, build up your troops, and advance your tech. You have to collect resources to do all of this which can be done the slow way, collecting yourself, or the much more fun way, go and steal from others. The online play against other's bases is a lot of fun. There are new tournaments every few days that you can compete in with you in game alliance of 19 other players.

My hat goes off to Kiwi for making such an addicting and fun game. I am sure it has decreased my productivity at work and cost me a few hours of sleep. You can check it our for yourself on the Google Play Store: Enemy Lines

Chromecast = AWESOME... w/ More to Come

2013-07-31T13:10:00.002-07:00

I just got my Google Chromecast in the mail and I have to say that this thing is super cool! It plugs directly into the HDMI port of my TV and then powers itself through a USB cable also right off the back of the TV. Right now the supporting apps are limited to Netflix, Movies, Music, and YouTube. It is also possible to broadcast from your computer via Google Chrome extension found here.

It is simple to setup, easy to use, and I look forward to many more companies integrating it into their apps. I have already heard rumor of HBO and Hulu working on it. I will post more as I learn. If you would like to get one for yourself, I believe the fastest way to get it for the $35 price tag is right here on Amazon.

It's Been a Long Time - The New Nexus 7

2013-07-30T23:45:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while since the last time that I have posted. So long actually that last time I had just bought an Asus Google Nexus 7 and now I have just bought

the 2nd generation Asus Google Nexus 7. Let me briefly say that this thing is awesome! Android 4.3 is wicked fast, UI is silky smooth, wireless Qi charging is great, and I love the new screen. One other thing I have noticed is that the battery life has been exceptional so far. I'm a big fan thus far and will be sure to bring more along with many more posts.

BTC Gear has launched! Get your Bitcoin hat!

2012-07-26T00:47:00.000-07:00

BTC Gear has finally launched! This company has been in the works for a while, but they are finally here and throwing everything they can at it. I know they only have hats up for sale right now, but where else are you going to get your high quality Bitcoin hats? Plus, I hear that they have a lot of cool things in the works. The rumor right now is, Gunnar Optiks will be on the site before the end of the week! Check it out for yourself: BTC Gear

2012-06-27T14:21:00.001-07:00

This thing is awesome!!! A 7" android tablet with a pure version of android from google, a tegra 3 chip, a 12 core nvidia gpu, and an awesome hd screen. I'm a big fan and can't wait to get my hands on one. Good-bye to my little kindle fire.

2012-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I haven't posted in a while, but its time to get back to it. Here, to start things off, I'm going to mention bitcoin again. Its actually started to go really well for me. Mining isn't really profitable anymore, but the market has grown and their is now room for saving and investing in options. I suggest you get in if your not so far.

Alright, this is just a quick post, but more is coming that will be worth your while.

The Raspberry Pi Foundation: $25 Computer!!!1

2011-09-26T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is an awesome project! The folks over at the Raspberry Pi Foundation are going to be bringing you a $25 computer! $35 for the upgraded ethernet connectivity model. I can't wait to get my hands on one of these and be able to try it out and see what kind of things I can create with a computer so cheap. It even has a built HDMI out module. Ideas are starting with that car computer project I have always wanted to play with, several simple computer automated functions around the house, and the office. I wonder what else I could use it for?

More information here: Raspberry Pi

Update: The Online Money Game...

2011-09-26T15:08:00.000-07:00

Since my last post on the subject, markets all over have seen grate variation and I think it is separating the weak from the solid markets. Solidcoin appears to have bit the dust, nothing really coming any more. I had a brief affair with I0 Coin, but that was short lived. Even the real US stock exchange has had some massive movement along with the crazy drop in gold and silver this week.

All in all i'm going to stick with BitCoin for the time being and we'll see how that works. It keeps acting like its just about to bottom out, but then somehow rebounds a little. I'll update again.

The Online Money Game...

2011-08-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

So I posted awhile ago about the rad new opportunity in BitCoin, the online currency. Well, bitcoin still seems to be the strongest player in the game, but many others have risen up since hoping to be able to challenge it for that spot.

The newest of these contenders that looks as it may have a chance is SolidCoin. Here is a solid list of the top 5 reasons one should switch to SolidCoin.

Best USB Device I've Ever Seen

2011-07-03T17:16:00.000-07:00

This has got to be the best use of a usb port that I have ever seen. The CEE has a simple interface and allows interaction with the outside world. Its pretty cool, but looks like it still has a ways to go to get off the ground.

Check it out here: KickStarter

And see the company blog here: NonolithLabs

BitCoin is Awesome!!!

2011-06-25T16:39:00.000-07:00

Ok, so I have recently got way into this online crypto currency BitCoin. Its awesome! In the simplest of explanations its the online version of cash. Its sent directly from user to user and every transaction is recorded throughout the entire community of users. So, basically, the system is self checking and maintains everyone's balances allowing for one to spend more than they and creating incredible security. Here is everything you need to get started:

bitcoin.org This is where you download the BitCoin client that allows you to receive and send bitcoins.

Mt. Gox This is the leading exchange site for BitCoin and the US Dollar. This is where you can buy and sell BitCoins(BTC) for USD.

The Bitcoin List This is the best site that I have found for finding where you can spend your BitCoins.

Enjoy! Any donations you wish to send to me are greatly appreciated: 13c6uY687b85hNvVSigiJtihpdtMrrndu5

Not Wasting Life Away...

2011-05-25T23:02:00.000-07:00

I often find myself somewhat bored and not because I don't want to work, I just don't know how. I see this awesome computer on my lap and the great potential of the world wide web before me, but simply don't know where to begin. Often this can lead to just a chunk of wasted time watching another stupid show on Hulu, but I'm going to try to fix that. My efforts so far have been weak, but heres where i'm at.

This blog: $6.09 (but really nothing as adsense doesn't pay till you hit $100)

BitCoin: 7 BitCoin (right now thats about $50)

Android App: It didn't work very well and i'm the only one that has it.

It's time to learn something new and try something more. Here goes nothin.

Visual Studio, Crash Courses, and Simulation...

2011-05-03T17:03:00.001-07:00

So its been awhile since I last posted, but school and work have been pretty crazy. Suddenly our test engineer is gone and now I'm the programmer for the floor despite the fact I don't know code. This does however mean crazy amounts of new knowledge to now pass on to you. And I will starting tonight. Tons more coming really really soon.

BitCoin? Whats that?...

2011-03-28T12:34:00.000-07:00

So how many of you have actually heard of BitCoin? It's a cool up and coming digital currency striving to be independent of many regulations and other factors that affect currency trade and they buying/selling of goods. The coins are developed by a series of calculations by your cpu that get increasingly harder as more coins are developed. Its easy to send and receive and without regulatory fees. Learn more about it here, at BitCoin.org and after you get the client, you should go here to get your first free BitCoins. You should check this out, its awesome and I think it has potential to go somewhere!

If you like this blog please donate some BitCoin to: 12MD1Xp1577fZ4DeEicwEpZVZAhxkzJDD9

The Search for the Perfect Boss

2011-03-22T12:19:00.001-07:00

Just as Google seems to be setting out to figure out everything else in the world, they have recently let known a project code-named Project Oxygen in which they have sought to compile the list of the perfect boss. Here are the eight points that they came up with:

1. Be a good coach
2. Empower your team and don't micro-manage
3. Express interest in employee's success and well-being
4. Be productive and results-oriented
5. Be a good communicator and listen to your team
6. Help your employee's with career development
7. Have a clear vision and strategy for the team
8. Have key technical skills so, you can help advise the team

Business Week's take on it.
The New York Time's take on it.

Fukushima and what radiation levels really mean...

2011-03-22T12:12:00.000-07:00

Here is a chart the puts radiation levels into perspective curtice of our friends over at xkcd.com Check it out and gain some perspective.

The Coolest Toy Ever

2011-03-15T12:48:00.000-07:00

Redbull sure has an aweful lot of fun. This seat is in the same position in reference to the wheel and pedals as that of the actual redbull formula 1 cars. I'm not sure if its compatible with any system or if its just designed to go with your PC, but with a price tag of $1300, the system might actually be the cheaper part of the deal. I thought my xbox 360 controller was a big step up from my keyboard arrows in playing F1 2010.

Crunch Gear's Article

Concept Car from Saab... with Android?

2011-03-15T12:32:00.000-07:00

So you remember that car company called Saab? Yeah, they have been struggling and understandably so as many of their cars have been judged to be overpriced and under.. well, all around less than what you are paying for. Well, they are showing up again and with some pretty cool stuff this time. This concept packs a twin-turbo 4-cylinder BMW engine with 200hp with an additional rear wheel electric drive boost system. It sounds pretty cool, but even better is the new on-board entertainment and more system. It features an 8-in display powered by google's android. It has all your standard entertainment and navigation but all boasts over 500 sensory inputs (engine, speed, location, temperatures, etc.) that will be open to 3rd party developers to play with. This sounds awesome and like something with a great deal of potential. I'm excited to see how it finally looks once it hits the market.

Here is SAE's write up on the Concept

The Ultimate Online Hosting

2011-03-14T21:53:00.000-07:00

I have always had a desire for crazy strong security and loved things with big doors, tons of concrete, and underground. This is a rad article that details some of the most secure hosting sites in the world. It makes my dreams of personal security and strength look like that ant you just stepped on. Check out how the internet as we know if could survive the nuclear war many fear would end life as we know it.

The Emergency Internet Bunkers

A Game Completely in the URL

2011-03-14T21:52:00.000-07:00

Here is a random one I stumbled across today. Its a game that is played entirely in the URL bar of your browser. Its pretty simple and after a game or two you'll probably be over it, but its none the less impressive to see some new approaches and innovation on common applications. Check it out and see how many animals you can get.

The Game

Back-seat Drivers, but maybe from Someone else's back seat

2011-03-14T12:35:00.000-07:00

Cars have historically been wolds behind consumer electronics in their level of technology. This is typically due to the heavy demands placed on components for the automotive industry. Processors that can handle 250 degrees, class 1 failure system, and other various requirements have held them back. But recently there has been huge growth in this area especially fueled by needs for hands-free mobile phone use and upgraded systems like GM's on-star. With these have come Bluetooth and cellular connectivity and thus a port to be able to connect wireless. And now, a way for hackers to gain access. This article shows the reports of UCSD and University of Washington on how they were able to wireless hack a car taking control of the engine, brakes, door locks, etc. Its an interesting thought especially while everything seems to be heading this way.

Full Article

How Anonymous are You?

2011-03-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

If your are sending out a number of emails from an anonymous account or just posting comments on a site without leaving your name, you might not be as safe as you think you are. The first article talks about some researchers work to be able to discover the sender through writing type and other techniques. The second is a different case in which a court ordered the need of a website to release the names of those who had posted anonymously. This was in Indiana and will be interesting to see the effect it carries to other future ruling.

Article 1
Article 2

Our Reliance on GPS...

2011-03-09T20:37:00.000-08:00

So I had never really thought about GPS as one of our crutches here in the US, particularly not as much as oil reliance or the national deficit, but these two articles have interesting points. GPS does a lot more than give you directions these days. It is the backbone of traffic flow in the air and in the harbors. It was just a few years ago that the US Navy announced they were no longer teaching how to use that funny compass looking device for navigation anymore, but were now going by computer. Apparently finances and other transactions are even stamped with the time signature in the GPS signal. I've heard a GPS blocker is not too expensive to buy (article 2 says $30) and that they aren't that hard to make. It can even kill the ability of cell phones to connect to the signal tower. Not to freak you out, but you should take a peak and maybe become far more aware than you previously were, like me.

Article 1
Article 2

Rad New Cars Make Their Way

2011-03-08T09:12:00.000-08:00

Let's take a break from all the hacking talk and home improvement for a moment and just enjoy a moment of good old dreaming. Here are two cars made by some of the worlds best that inspire such dreaming. One is an example of superhuman performance and the other has a mix between the Iron Man helmet and the holodeck from Minority Report for a windshield. I hope you enjoy the ideas this brings as much as I did.

Ferrari FF:

BMW Connecteddrive