White Box Service

Holiday Gift Guide

2011-11-23T15:41:00.001-05:00

It's the busiest shopping time of the year! Holiday shopping is upon us with Black Friday in a mere 48 hours. So do you know what you're getting for everyone on your list? If you're like me, you still have a few people that you have no idea what to get them.

That's why I've been using CNET's holiday gift guide as my go-to. What's great is not only do they break down the best of the best in cameras & camcorders, gaming, audio & headphones, and tablets, but they have a gift finder tool that informs you of the perfect gift based on the criteria that you enter.

If you're in a half nelson, I highly recommend checking this page out. As always, for you local customers, our friends at Stereo Advantage will have tons on great deals for you all weekend long. Be sure to check out their weekly add online.

From all of us here, have a Happy Thanksgiving all! And be sure to have a good holiday shopping weekend as well.

Apple iTV?

2011-10-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

In the wake of Steve Jobs' passing, there have been a rash of rumors circulating about what his plans for future products were. Recently on 60 Minutes, excerpts from his authorized biography were read. One such excerpt said that Apple had "finally cracked" how to build a full smart television. Another article recently published in Bloomberg also claims that not only is it in the works, but the same engineer that created iTunes and the design of the iPod is on board.

It was only a matter of time before Apple dipped into the television industry, but the question is what unique features will be on it? No doubt it'll have some familiar features such as a front facing camera, Internet capabilities, and a slim, attractive design. But what else? Could the recently launched Siri be integrated, almost acting like a built-in DVR? What sort of apps could be engineered to enhance the television watching experience? Would it fall in line with the current trend and be a 3D TV? What do you think some of the features could be?

For more info, check out the article originally posted on Bloomberg.

Facebook App for iPad...finally!

2011-10-11T12:41:00.000-04:00

After what seems like too long, Facebook has finally released their app for iPad users.

It utilizes the larger screen on an iPad (versus an iPhone or iPod) and the experience is mostly photographically driven. You can use the full screen mode to enjoy pictures beautifully. Plus, when browsing through friends, their pictures are displayed with a large thumbnail.

Another notable feature is the enhanced video gaming experience. Users can play Facebook games in full-screen mode, via the Facebook Platform for mobile devices and iOS. Additionally, it supports HD video and Airplay, so users can watch Facebook videos through their Apple TVs or their other Apple devices.

While it's still in it's "rollout" phase, you'll be able to acquire the app for free in the App Store.

Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case

2011-10-07T13:02:00.000-04:00

I was recently watching a Bills game and one of my friends brought her baby nephew over. After he got aclimated in this temporary surrounding, she busted out what looked like a heavy-duty case, put her iPhone in it, and gave it to Zack. For the rest of the quarter, little baby Zack gleefully played with this device. Instantly I was hooked and had to find out more.

Fisher-Price has come out the Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case, which allows any young child 6 months and up to safely play with your iPod and iPhone. The Apple device slides into the case, which has a very thick clear plastic cover that protects it from whatever the baby throws at it: drool, teething, accidental button pushing, etc. Once inside, the case locks and keeps your device safe.

When you buy the case, it actually comes with three Fisher-Price learning apps to for your baby. This case also boasts textured handles and rattle beads and a mirror on the back for you baby to look at itself with.

For more information, check out the this Fisher-Price website to find out more. For $15, you can't go wrong for a heavy-duty case that will protect your device from your child.

The New Amazon Kindle Fire

2011-09-29T15:00:00.000-04:00

While everyone is still abuzz over the Apple event happening next week, Amazon threw a little event of their own to announce not one, but four new Kindle products. Of these four, the standout is surely the Kindle Fire.

There are many features that attract attention: The color screen. No keyboard. The ability to do more. The size. In fact, it downright looks, and seems, like a tablet. This is exactly what Amazon needed to get into the tablet game. By the looks of it, the Kindle Fire seems like a tablet that can stand with the rest of 'em.

One revolutionary feature it has is with it's web browser Amazon Silk. This is a unique browser in that it's based off of cloud computing, allowing load times to be much faster and smoother.

fAnother major draw is access to over 100,000 movies and TV shows, on top of millions of books, and 17 million songs. With a 7" screen, this packs quite the punch.

And the kicker that has people whispering that this could finally be the iPad killer? The price:

$199.

That's it.

That price gets you Wi-Fi connectivity, 8 gb of storage, unlimited cloud storage for Amazon content, vibrant touch colored screen, and access to more content than you'll probably know what to do with.

With a big name backing it like Amazon, only time will tell if this is a device that has what it takes to beat the Goliath that is the Apple iPad. No doubt that it will surely create a dent in the tablet market.

For more info, or to pre-order your Kindle Fire check out Amazon's page for the Kindle Fire. The release date is currently slated for November 15th.

The New iPad 2

2011-03-10T12:33:00.000-05:00

We've been gone for a while, but now we're back. First topic of conversation: The New iPad 2.

Overall, there's nothing really surprising about this update. I was talking with one of my tech friends here and he noted that Apple usually does a big upgrade on a product every other year. Thinking back on all of the iPod and iPhone models, he's pretty much right. However, there were some necessary changes that were made.

The first, and most obvious, was the addition of the two cameras on the unit. It only made sense to include this, based on the company's push to utilize FaceTime and with how the competition is stacking up. I'm also not too surprised that the back camera films in HD like the iPhone 4. I would have been pretty impressed if the front facing one was in HD too. Whenever I FaceTime with my friends who have iPhone 4's with my Mac, the quality is always VGA and choppy. Still hoping for a fix soon for that.

It also made sense that they would make the overall iPad thinner in dimension. Apple is known to made small upgrades of dimension size in between their larger upgrades every other year. This will be sure to please those looking for something thin and portable to carry with them for classes and meetings (*cough cough, me, cough*)

One change they've included in it are the dual-core A5 chip. This will allow the user to utilize faster load times and multi-tasking. Also, the battery life is rated to last 10 hours, assuming you're not watching a lot of YouTube videos with the screen as bright as it can go. Also, you have the option of purchasing a magnetic screen protector that folds into a stand to prop-up the iPad. They come in an array of colors and I'm sure this will be a hot item that is made by many companies with different designs and whatnot.

All in all, I'm happy with the specs with this new iPad, but I'm really waiting to see what they have in store for next year. And we have a whole year to speculate what those additions might be. A lot can happen in one year. New technologies now can become standard features on next years models. As for me, I'm going to continue to eyeball it, and possibly within the next few months I'll have a new toy to bring with me to work.

For more information, and for pricing differences between iPads that are WiFi enabled or 3G enabled, check out Apple's website.

New Year, New Look

2011-01-04T16:24:00.000-05:00

Well I hope everyone had a happy new year and is reading to face 2011 head-on. We here over at WhiteBox Service and very excited to debut our new layout and look on our brand spankin' new website!

We've been aiming to make the website have more of a pop, as well as make it as easy as possible to set up a claim for repair. After selecting the item category for repair, all you have to do after that is complete our One Step Checkout form.

We've also improved our Contact Us and About Us pages, which will, again, hopefully make it easier for you to navigate through.

We're really pleased with the final product, and hope you are too. Please let us know if you run into any issues or have any feedback for us, we'd love to hear from you.

Consumer Electronics Show 2011

2010-12-27T10:54:00.000-05:00

Now that Christmas has come and gone, for the few weeks all focus in the electronics industry falls to one event: The Consumer Electronics Show. Held annually in Vegas, this is the time in which manufacturers debut their newest gadgets that often set the tone and trends in electronics for the rest of the year. This is the birth place of new technology.

While all categories are featured, two of the biggest draws are with televisions and cell phones. In particular, cell phones should be an interesting field to watch with Verizon's new announcement of a 4G network. Not to mention that there are still smartphones being introduced that are gunning to take down the iPhone. With regards for TVs, it'll be a competition for who can feature the largest screen size, best picture, or thinnest panel. I think that given it's popularity this holiday season, tablets and ereaders should have a strong showing as well.

In short, CES promises to be a show to remember. We'll have to wait until it launches on January 6th.

Rumors on the iPad 2

2010-12-23T10:38:00.000-05:00

It's reported and believed that Apple will release details on the much anticipated new version of the iPad, presumably referred to as the iPad 2. Today Engadget released an article that shows some of the first rumored images of Apple's newest creation. Don't mind the hot pink cover, it's a case not how the iPad 2 should look.

The report comes from Japan, so take it for what it's worth. ASSUMING this is what the iPad 2 looks like, there are a few features that surprise me. First, I wasn't expecting the speaker on the back, I thought Apple would have liked to have made it a little more streamlines and not as noticeable. Second, there is no front facing camera. This I have a hard time with, because Apple would be fools not to include it on this new device after launching FaceTime.

On the positive side, they report the iPad 2 to be smaller and to have a flat back. The current iPad has a back that isn't as flat, which makes typing and other operations while lying it down someone difficult.

All in all, I believe this report to be bogus. Perhaps this was an early prototype that has finally leaked after a few months, but I would find it very hard to believe if this was the released Apple iPad 2. Although some of the added features are more practical, I'm not sold on the idea of the iPad 2 not having a front facing camera.

In the future, it also wouldn't surprise me if they ended up making a smaller version of the iPad, like a 7" model. Heck, they could even end up integrating the iPod Touches into a line of iPads in different sizes.

Link to the article HERE.

What about you? What are your thoughts?

iPhone Language Translator

2010-12-17T15:40:00.001-05:00

If you plan on traveling out of country during the new year, then this might be a good app to consider. It's called "Word Lens" and automatically translates Spanish signs and text that you see into English. You can also translate from English to Spanish. The video for it is pretty remarkable. Check it out here

The app is available as a download HERE

Chrome for a Cause

2010-12-15T13:01:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone is almost done with their holiday shopping, weather has been pretty nasty for the past few days, no?

Looking to be charitable? Looking for it to be easy? Look no further than the Google Chrome for a Cause extension, available for anyone who uses Google Chrome as an Internet browser. It's as simple as checking your favorite Internet sites. All you have to do is download the extension (link HERE!) and start browsing. As you browse, your total number of tabs will be displayed. At the end of the day, Google will ask you how many tabs to allocate for different charities.

Since many holiday shoppers are utilizing the Internet (with only 10 days until Christmas), this is the perfect tool that will allow you to get your shopping done, and help out others that are in need.

New Blog Design

2010-12-13T16:25:00.002-05:00

Hey folks, we've been working on the new and improved layout of our blog and Twitter page, and we're pleased to finally reveal them to you! We may have to do further tweaking, but we couldn't wait to show you how it turned out. Let us know what you think, hope you like it!

Check out our Twitter page HERE!

UPDATE: Alright, I've finally settled on something I'm comfortable with. Check it out now, it will stay this way, I promise.

Eye catching smart phone cases

2010-12-10T09:25:00.000-05:00

As we work to update the look of our blog and Twitter accounts, here is an article to hold you over in the meantime that showcases some of the most intriguing smart phone cases. They range from the practical to glamourous to odd. Which one is your favorite? I'm a little more partial to the last one myself, I know I'd never lose it.

Check it out here!

The New Facebook Layout

2010-12-06T16:04:00.000-05:00

Well, it's about that time where Facebook decides to revamp the look of it's website. Most of the time, these changes are met with resistance from many, if not, most of their millions and millions of users. This time around, Zuckerberg and co. decided to take the Facebook profile in a more visual direction, making it easier to "tell your story." Naturally as a Facebook user, I of course had to update mine to see what all the fuss was about. This time around, think Facebook will manage to have less people complaining.

One of the immediate differences, and there are few, include that there are a lot more thumbnail of photos available. A strip near the top of the profile shows the most recent photos you've been tagged in. Also, if you happen to be in a relationship or have family members on Facebook, a thumbnail of them will also appear along the side where a cluster of your friends would appear.

Gone seems to be the idea of having more written information. Above the thumbnail of tagged photos appears a script that tells what you do for a living, where you live, where you're from, and even what languages you can speak (editor's note: Amazingly, I was able to list that I can not only speak English, but Pig Latin and Old English as well.)

In general, they really push for the use of larger thumbnails to represent both friends and interests listed. My only complaint is that it makes the page altogether longer and thus there's more scrolling down to do.

All in all, I think that this will be one of the few layouts that will have less complaints from it's 500 million + users. At the same time, it will be interesting to see where Zuck wants his brainchild to go next. There's many other ideas floating around (video chatting, anyone?) but one thing is for certain: Whatever comes out next will be met with many opinions throughout the world.

Yamaha iPod Alarm Clock

2010-12-01T15:58:00.001-05:00

If you're like me, then you hit the snooze button like it stole your lunch money in the morning, which results in you having to duck into work. Luckily for us, Yamaha has come up with a new iPod alarm clock that gently wakes you up as opposed to jacking up the volume and busting your ear drums.

You can always count on Yamaha to deliver high caliber audio products, so this should be no exception. With it's earthy look, it should fit into any room setup.

While Yamaha boasts that it's IntelliAlarm feature wakes you up gently and makes waking up a joy, I'm not sure how quick I am to believe that, but I'd be willing to try this out in hopes of improving my punctuality. I'm sure my boss will be happy.

Check it out at Engadget.

Holiday Shopping

2010-11-29T10:10:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone had a good holiday and got a head start on their holiday shopping. Here's an interesting article from CNN that talks about how different apps, social media outlets, and websites are shaping a new technological way to get the most out of holiday shopping

Check it out here.

Find My iPhone app now free with new iOS 4.2 software

2010-11-23T10:50:00.000-05:00

Are you one of those people that always seems to misplace your phone? Well today's your lucky day because the popular MobileMe app Find My iPhone is now a free app that's available for iPhone 4, iPad, and 4th generation iPod touch owners.

Launch this app and sign in to locate your missing device on a map and have it display a message or play a sound (even while in silent mode!). You can even lock the device or delete all of your data if you fear it might be lost forever. For added security, the app will automatically sign you out after 15 minutes or you can manually sign out at any time.

For more information, check it out in the iTunes Store or on Apple's website.

A New Beginning in Gaming

2010-11-19T09:54:00.000-05:00

It looks like conventional sit-down gaming is starting to become obsolete, because Mircosoft has recently launched Xbox Kinect, a motion detection sensor that brings controller-free gaming and entertainment to life. While Nintendo Wii and PlayStation Move still opt for controllers, Kinect solely relies on you to be the controller, meaning no remotes, nun-chucks, controllers, etc. The sensor utilizes motion detection, skeletal tracking, face recognition, and voice recognition to control different games and entertainment commands.

With this introduction, I think that this is really helping to shape the future of gaming. Traditional sit-down gaming systems are starting to be phased out by ones that enable the player to be active. One thing is for sure, if similar systems keep being introduced it will certainly cut down on the number of smashed LCD panels from controllers flying out from the player.

Check out Microsoft's Kinect website for more information

Slap Bracelets + Ipod Nano = Nano Slap Bracelet Watch

2010-11-17T10:15:00.000-05:00

Do you remember slap bracelets? Those bracelets that would lay rigid until you slapped them onto your wrist. Do you remember how much fun they were? Well, Griffin has found a way to bring them back.

Griffin has introduced Slap, coined as a flexible wristband for the newest version of the iPod Nano. The band is made of memory metal that is incased in silicone. Simply insert the Nano into the silicone frame, then slap! The Nano will be completely encased in the silicone, but you will still have access to the headphone jack. Plus they come in a variety of colors, so you can choose your favorite color or one to match many outfits.

Personally, I've been toying around with the idea of getting one of the new Nanos for working out, but these make me want to start dropping more obvious hints to my boyfriend for holiday gift ideas. I can see these being a huge seller when they are finally rolled out.

Check out the website for more info! http://www.griffintechnology.com/products/slap/

iPhone App for Self Checkout at Stores

2010-10-27T13:54:00.000-04:00

Wouldn't you love to bypass the lines at your local grocery store? Check out this app for your iPhone that will allow you to do just that.

iPhone App Scans Product Barcodes for Self-Checkout at Stores

Design a Custom Case for your iPod - CaseMate.com

2010-10-19T17:33:00.000-04:00

Do you catch yourself eyeing up someone else's phone case? I do too, but it can be our secret. I just stumbled upon this great company that allows users to create their own case for iPod, iPhone and Blackberry cases (models vary.) It is called Case Mate check them out and get your phone or iPod looking stylish again. Their website also won a Webby Award last year!

You can select a design by Artist! Check out the lookbook here.

I selected this case for my iPhone with artwork by designer Deanne Cheuk.

The New Twitter

2010-10-13T14:52:00.001-04:00

The new Twitter has been rolled out to all users. The roll out began a few weeks ago, we heard about it but were not able to use it until just this past week. Both my personal and White Box Service accounts finally got the new Twitter. I have to say it is light years better than the original version. The only kink I've found so far is the inability to steadily update @mentions. But I am sure that will be worked out sooner than later.

The new two column display is great, seeing tweets along with trends and who to follow makes the most of the page real estate. The ability to view my timeline, mentions, re-tweets and searches in one page is wonderful. Although I am still a die hard TweetDeck user I do think the new Twitter has eased page use! We will however need to redesign our background image, not a big deal. Keep up the good work Twitter!

Developing a Social Media Plan

2010-10-07T09:40:00.001-04:00

Not sure if your Social Media plan is up to par? Check out this slideshow, it covers all the hot topics surrounding social media outlets. While it is two years old the majority of it's content rings true in today's social media climate. I have been researching information and drafting posts about Social Media plans for a few weeks, so when I stumbled upon this in my bookmarks I knew it was the answer.

If you are looking for more information, feel free to leave me a comment!

Developing a Social Media Plan

View more presentations from ifPeople.

Google TV-Everything you love about the web, on your TV

2010-10-04T16:19:00.000-04:00

In the past few weeks Apple has announced their new Apple TV, I can't lie. I was very excited about it. However Google has just announced Google TV, naturally the jury is still out on which is better and probably always will be. I'm looking forward to reviews on both units.

5 Ways to Use Google Voice for Your Business

2010-10-01T13:26:00.001-04:00

From Mashable.com...

5 Ways to Use Google Voice for Your Business

I'm currently using Google Voice on my iPhone, however using it for work is a great idea. Having the ability to share calls, set different rules and make specific hours for phone calls (aka during the business day) lends itself to the ideal business man or woman on the go!