Networking Audio Video

Smart Si Thermostat Controlled Remotely

2012-05-28T14:22:00Z

Ecobee recently released its latest Smart Si Thermostat that can be controlled by computer, smartphone or tablet. With a simple user interface and high-res color display, the built-in weather function is based on algorithms. There are auto- alerts for equipment malfunction and service tune-ups. In addition, a quick save button puts your home in an energy saving setting when you are away.

Via Ecobee

Freakin' Friday! Aria Smart Scale

2012-05-25T14:25:00Z

Fitness freaks, the ultimate scale has arrived. The Fitbit Aria WiFi Smart Scale is more than just a weight gauge. With easy set-up it will recognize up to 8 users. It can track your weight, body fat percentage and BMI online, upload automatically and create progress graphs. Your account will be password protected and you can control how much data you want to share. Android and iPhone apps are available that will assist in goal setting, logging your food and activities, and chart your progress.

Via Fitbit

Braven Speakers Recharge Smartphones

2012-05-24T14:54:00Z

Braven, formerly Spar, has given its wireless Six Series speakers the additional capability of charging your smartphone while working. Priced between $150 - $190, all three last from 12 to 20 hours per charge, have a range of 33 feet and speakerphone access. They can also connect with other speakers with 3.5mm in and out jacks and the internal mic works with Skype, iChat and other apps. The 600 and 655 models are made of aluminum and the 650 and the 625 is more rugged and has a built-in LED flashlight. Pre-order now for a June delivery.

Via Braven

Amped Wireless Dual-Band Router

2012-05-23T14:03:00Z

Amped Wireless is proud to present its dual-band R20000G Router. It covers up to 10,000 square feet and goes between the 2.4GH and 5GH bands for unbroken coverage. The device has five Ethernet jacks and a USB 2.0 port as well as a range of up to 1.5 miles. The high-powered WiFi router has an omni-directional antenna, works through walls and is great for transferring large data files or gaming.

Via Amped Wireless Routers

Fraunhofer Develops Indoor GPS

2012-05-22T14:37:00Z

The wonder that is GPS is pretty much taken for granted these days but it has a basic flaw, it cannot reach satellite usage when inside. Fraunhofer Research is working on an indoor version with Smartsense navigation that combines an acceleration sensor that gauges how fast the user is walking and one to track Earth's magnetic field. Unfortunately, this new application has a ways to go as it will have to have knowledge of the building to function. Still, it's a first step that may perhaps catch the eye of smartphone manufacturers and was displayed at this week's demonstration at the Sensor+Test trade fair in Nuremberg.

Via Fraunhofer

Buffalo Releases 802.11AC Router

2012-05-21T14:24:00Z

Netgear was the first to unveil an 802.11ac router with speeds of up to 1350 Mbps but Buffalo has beaten them to market with the WZR-D1800H that is 3 times faster than 5 GHz. Their AirStation Router can deliver 1750 Mbps to net surf and stream HD video and music. The WLI-H4-D1300 Media Bridge features the same specs and has 4 Gigabit Ethernet ports. Both are backwards compatible with 802.11b/g/n and .11a, and each is available at a MSRP of $179.99.

Buffalo Tech

Freakin' Friday! Jabra Clippers

2012-05-18T14:19:00Z

Such a deal! Purchase one of Jabra's shock-resistant Clippers in one of its bright and shiny colors and get a $15.00 MP3 credit from the Amazon Music Store. The Bluetooth stereo headset switches between music and calls automatically, plays, pauses, stops and skips tracks and alerts you when a call is coming in. The device includes a mobile distance alert, can connect to two different devices at the same time and comes with a handy 3.5mm plug. The offer is good through June 18.

By the way, Amazon has added online coupons to many of its products that can be added at checkout.

Via Jabra

Amtrak To Adopt iPhone Assistance

2012-05-17T14:56:00Z

Smartphones keep getting more useful as we can shop with them, bank with them and now take them for a train ride. Amtrak has plans for iPhones to become an electronic ticket scanners on several of its routes. By summer's end, passengers will be able to either display a bar code or print tickets.

About 1,700 conductors will have his/her own iPhone with a bar code scanner, an extra battery and an app that can not only scan but can report equipment failure. The app can also send alerts for special need passengers to a station that is ahead. Boston, Portland, Maine, San Jose and Sacramento start off the program that is costing Amtrack over $7 million to start and they plan on adapting the technology for Android users in the future.

Via NYT

Lilliputian Butane Charger

2012-05-16T14:37:00Z

Batteries never seem to last long enough, especially since smartphones seem to suck up more power with every new generation. Lilliputian Systems has designed a clever fuel cell for charging an iPhone. With a USB connection, you get 10 - 14 charges with one butane cartridge. The device and refills will become available via Brookstone, can be carried on planes and recycled when empty. Look for a release later this year. The company is so gung-ho that Mouli Ramani, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, says it is like "having a plug in your pocket."

Via Lilliputian Systems

AT&T Ditches White Pages

2012-05-15T14:31:00Z

Landlines are becoming a thing of the past as most only use cell/smartphones so AT&T, in an effort to cut costs, has managed to kill white pages in about 75 different markets. While this will not affect yellow pages, areas that approved the changes are required to pay $1.99 (plus air time) for each 411 directory assistance call. Customers can also request a CD-ROM of home listings.

The latest Public Service Commission to consider sending white pages only to those who request them is in Louisiana, who will decide by May 23. At the very least the plan will save a few trees.

Via AT&T

TiVo Spring Update - Better HD

2012-05-14T15:18:00Z

TiVo has released its spring update meant to improve service.Netflix is now available with larger poster graphics, improved 1080p resolution and search, instant queue and personalized categories added. An updated YouTube app offers a directory, one-click links and continuous play. Finally, parental control can be used with Premier's HD menu that sets a 4 digit access code for those shows and movies not suitable for children.

Via TiVo

Freakin' Friday! Jawbone Jambox

2012-05-11T14:32:00Z

Jawbone Headsets have been around a long time and they are finally getting around to growing up, or in this case the 5" Jambox . The portable speaker is compatible to most wireless smartphones, computers, tablets or Bluetooth devices. It features two drivers with a dome for a wide audio spectrum. It gets up to 10 hours of usage with its rechargeable battery and its MyTalk portal allows download of software and apps.

Via Jawbone

BRAD Automated Dorm Room - Party Time!

2012-05-10T14:08:00Z

As a freshman at UC Berkely, Derek L. My automated his dorm room and included control of music, lights, curtains and an Emergency Party Button that sets off a disco ball and strobe lights. Three months and a few hundred dollars later, the app/voice activated BRAD (Berkeley Ridiculously Automated Dorm) was shared with the world. Create your own by seeing how he did it himself.

Via Derek L. My

Verbatim USB 3.0 Flash Drives

2012-05-09T14:58:00Z

USB 3.0 may soon gain in popularity and Verbatim is one of the first to embrace the new speed. They claim that their Store 'n Go V3 flash drives are twice as fast as 2.0. Of course they are 2.0 backwards compatible, come in 8 to 64GB memory sizes and are available in 7 different colors. A retractable design means no lost caps and password protection software is available.

Via Verbatim

Sirius XM Updates Android App

2012-05-08T14:47:00Z

Sirius XM has just released a free update for its Android Internet Radio App. Tune Start allows listeners to restart a current song and Live Radio can be paused and continued or skipped forward to catch what is coming up. Start Now lets the user go back up to 5 hours on various channels. Show Finder is a programmable guide to set reminders up for an entire week and organize favorites. Current subscribers should receive it automatically and newbies can get the app from Google Play.

Via Google Play

Get Involved in Donate Life Month

2012-05-07T14:31:00Z

It's nice that Zuckerberg is becoming more benevolent as he did recently by embracing National Donate Life Month. Facebook users can now share the fact that they are donors or connect with one of the 22 state registries. Donate Life America claims that before the drive about 400 would sign up daily, and by the end of the first day of release over 6,000 had joined. Over 24,000 registered in the first two days.

We watched a news story on Nightline last week that showcased Jessica Danielson, a young woman who is awaiting a double heart/liver transplant at the Mayo clinic. She expressed sorrow at the fact that for her to get one, someone has to die. Physicians say that members of the donor family often meet the donee to ease both parties.

Anyone can become an organ donor when getting a drivers license or ID card from the DMV and with as many as 18 deaths a day for those waiting for an organ, we hope our readers will consider becoming one as well.

Via Donate Life Facebook page

Freakin' Friday! Audio Cube Bluetooth Speaker

2012-05-04T14:32:00Z

Satechi's Audio Cube Bluetooth Speaker is quite unique and features 2 x 2W audio with A2DP. Compatible with most enabled devices, including Apple and Android, this miniscule wireless cube is perfect for those on the go who prefer it to a bulky earpiece. The built-in 3.5mm audio jack makes for simplified USB charging that provides up to 6 hours of play.

Via Satechi

Mitsubishi Monitors Support Smarphones

2012-05-03T14:19:00Z

Mitsubishi has made a move towards easier networking with their new Diamondcrusta WIDE monitors. Available in glare and non-glare models, both have a 1920×1080 resolution, 23" screens and a LED Backlight IPS panel with a 3.5mms (GTG) response time and a 178 ° view angle. They feature an ECO mode for reduced power comnumption up to 35%. Best of all it has Android and iOS support for your smartphone via HDMI with its GigaClear Engine II.

Via Akihabara News

Join MTV Power of 12 - Play Fantasy Election

2012-05-02T14:49:00Z

MTV's Power of 12 campaign is working on the 45 million 18 - 29 year-olds who can make a real difference in the upcoming elections. A recent study from Gallup claims that group has become apathetic and many don't even register to vote. As a result, you will soon be able to take a break from mudslinging rhetoric to play MTV's Fantasy Election '12 but you can register now.

Like fantasy sports games, you build a team of candidates running for president, the Senate and House. Gamers play against others and get points for registration, watching debates and publicly support candidates. The invite-only beta release should be up by June.

Via MTV Fantasy Election

NAV Monthly Round Up - April 2012

2012-05-01T19:13:31Z

It's May Day! Have a good one while catching up with our April postings. Much thanks to our new Twitter readers The Old Cinema, All Talk 24/7, and Texas Real Estate.

Advertising

Freakin' Friday! Sea Monkeys and X-ray Spex

Application

Fight Cell Phone Spam

Audio Devices

Audio Streaming

Freakin' Friday

Home Theater

Freakin' Friday! Yamaha RX-V573 Receiver

Media Center

TVPlug Media Center

Networking

News

Press Release

Best Buy Downsizing

Remote Control

Waterproof Crestron Remote UFO

Routers

TVPlug Media Center

Smartphones

Steals and Deals

Lumia 900 Launch Means Great Savings

Storage

TVPlug Media Center

TiVo

Freakin' Friday! TiVo Drops Prices

Video Recorder

TVPlug Media Center

Video Streaming

e-Readers

iPhone Streaming

Freakin' Friday! JVC Kaboom

iPod Streaming

Freakin' Friday! JVC Kaboom

Element Electronics - USA Made/Assembled HDTVs

2012-05-01T14:29:00Z

Those who long for the days of all-American made products would appreciate Element Electronics. In production since last month, the company is the only TV assembly plant in the U.S. Although Element only has about 100 workers to start, its president, Mike O'Shaughnessy, came from the Midwest and believes his choice to build the plant in Canton, MI was both an emotional and patriotic one.

Their products do not contain high levels of lead, mercury or other volatile organic compounds and they use environmentally sustainable practices in all stages of manufacturing them. Fortunately, the TVs not only look and sound great, their LCD and LEDs cost about the same as units made in China. Consider making your next HDTV purchase an Elemental one.

Via Element Electronics

Take DNSChanger Trojan Test

2012-04-30T14:16:00Z

The FBI set up DNS servers to replace malicious ones last year after capturing an Estonian cybergang who loosed the DNSChanger trojan. If you still have one on your PC, you may lose connection permanently by July 9 which means you will not be able to turn it on again no matter how much verbal abuse is involved.

To learn more, consult the link below or head over to the DNSChanger Eye Test. Green means you are safe (unless your ISP redirects you) while Red is a bad thing.

Via FBI

Freakin' Friday! Sea Monkeys and X-ray Spex

2012-04-27T14:44:00Z

Ah, the power of advertising. What kid of the 60's didn't covet the X-ray Spex and Sea Monkeys when reading comic books? Not to mention 7-foot tall monsters and turning into a "he-man" with the help of Charles Atlas? Collector and historian Kirk Demarais was so influenced by these objects that he purchased many of them back then as well as now and ended up writing a book about the subject.

Written last fall, Mail Order Mysteries exposes what 150 of these products really did. It all started when he made the short film "Flip" in 2004 that impressed the S.S, Adams novelty company enough to hire him to write "Life of the Party" in 2006.

Read the books, watch the short, check out an interview with Demarais and, just for the record, Sea Monkeys are actually brine shrimp. X-ray Spex are glasses with cardboard lenses with a small hole in the center with a feather that made skin appear distorted. Don't shoot the messenger.

Via Collectors Weekly

One in Five Adults Don't Net Surf

2012-04-26T14:15:00Z

Those who have grown up with the Net or adopted it in its infancy may be surprised to know that one in five adults don't bother with it at all. A new Pew Study has determined that 48% of this minority say it is not relevant and aren't interested. Others say the expense, amount of time spent or difficulty are the reasons they do not go online.

About 59% of the non-users are seniors, almost 60% did not finish high school, about 40% have low household incomes and often those with disabilities abstain.

Via Pew Research Center

Senate Passes Mandatory Black Boxes for Autos Bill

2012-04-25T14:29:00Z

Once again Big Brother rears its ugly head as the Senate has just passed a bill that would make it mandatory for automobile makers to include a "black box", like those used in aircraft, in all new cars by 2015. While the primary reason is to record and use data if assistance is needed, this gives the government access to that information with a court order. The bill is expected to pass in the House as well.

Via Infowars

Waterproof Crestron Remote UFO

2012-04-24T14:18:00Z

Crestron has come up with a universal remote that isn't afraid of water. The circular UFO-WPR-3ER is wireless and you can control your entire house while taking a dip in the pool or tub. This saucer-shaped device will run your lighting, entertainment systems, security and heat and air conditioning. The waterproof UFO features a 2.8" color LCD display and functions instantly as a 2-way RF unit. It has a range of 200 feet indoors and 1,000 ft. outdoors with optional extended range gateway. Put it into virtual sleep mode when not in use for an extra week of battery life.

Via Crestron

Apple Denies Allowing eBook Price Fixing

2012-04-23T14:40:00Z

Following last week's todo concerning the price of eBooks, Apple seems to have welcomed the chance to go to trial over the allegation that the company allowed five of the major publishing houses to set their own prices to compete with Amazon's lower rate of e-books. Two major publishers, Hatchette Book Group and HarperCollins have already settled out of court, and Simon & Schuster is working on an agreement.

Apple lawyer Daniel Floyd said, "We believe that this is not an appropriate case against us and we would like to validate that" although the price hike came right before they released the iPad. Should Apple and the other two companies be found guilty, watch for the floodgates to open to class action suits and lower prices for the rest of us. The European Comission is looking into the problem and some Canadians are already filing suits. The U.S. District Court hearing is set for June 22.

Via DOJ

Freakin' Friday! JVC Kaboom

2012-04-20T14:01:00Z

Check out JVC's all-in-one Kaboom. The boombox/dock can play almost any audio type with support for iPod/iPhone and features twin super woofers, full-range speakers and twist auto-door lock. The 40W NB90-B also features an FM digital tuner with 30 presets, a CD player and a CD player. And for the serious, it also has mic and guitar inputs. Now all you need is a shoulder big enough to carry it.

Via JVC

Marley Movie To Debut on Facebook

2012-04-19T14:47:00Z

Facebook is offering its first movie release of "Marley" tomorrow, April 20, the same day it comes out in theaters. Partially executively produced by son Ziggy, the film already touts over 37 million Likes. Directed by Kevin Macdonald, it promises rare footage, interviews, performances and of course an amazing soundtrack. Needless to say, even the preview looks and sounds killer.

If you want to watch with buds, share and tag clips and be part of the fun, the PG-13 documentary will air at 12:01 a.m. after a $7.00 fee by PayPal or credit card, with part of the proceeds going to Save the Children.

Via Marley

Fight Flashback With Free Tools

2012-04-18T14:36:00Z

Roger Thompson, a researcher from ICSA Labs, recently commented that Mac viruses were rare because there were so many PCs out there for the last couple of decades that spammers naturally used them. Apple is working on a permanent solution for Flashback. So far, they have released a tool for for Mac owners running OS X Lion without Java which is available here.

Two companies have issued free tools available for detection and removal for the 600,000 infected. The Finnish anti-virus company F-Secure has a FlashbackRemoval zip file that you can download and the Russian anti-virus firm Kaspersky can help identify it as well.

Via USA Today