Techmamas - Curating the Best of Tech and Social Media for Families

Nuance PaperPort Notes For iPad: Create Notes By Speaking

2012-01-27T01:45:48Z

Nuance announced this week that that their PaperPort Notes app for the Apple iPad now has dictation capabilities powered by Nuance’s Dragon voice recognition – which means you can create notes on the iPad by speaking. This is a great app for busy moms who barely have time to type anything – but who can sneak in a few notes by speaking. While there are many ways now to interact with mobile devices using voice – I am happy to see established brands like Nuance adding new voice features to productivity apps. Until an Android version is available, those with Android mobile devices can try Dragon Go for general dictation (also available in iTunes) and Google applications like Voice Search.

While Siri has fascinated many with it’s voice features for the iPhone 4S, I am happy to see other alternatives available for the many other mobile devices.

Click HERE for the Nuance PaperPort Press Release.

CES 2012 – Tech Adventure

2012-01-24T21:00:29Z

International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) is a yearly conference held in Las Vegas that focuses on none other then my favorite topic: consumer electronics across all product categories (including emerging tech, hardware, software, gaming, digital health, auto, accessories and telecom). The CES website press release explained: “The 2012 International CES was the largest in the event’s 44 year history, with a record number of more than 3,100 exhibitors across the largest show floor in CES history – 1.861 million net square feet of exhibit space – and drawing a record of more than 153,000 attendees, including more than 34,000 international attendees. More than 20,000 new products were launched at the 2012.”

I just came back after a week of doing video, tweeting, going to fabulous events and trying my best to make it through the 4 exhibit floors to gather the latest and greatest consumer tech for my audience. I will be sharing my finds on TechMamas.com – but also sites I contribute to including the top tech shopping site for moms: CoolMomTech.com. I will gather my links on this post as they are published.

Post: CES 2012: 5 Tech trends that parents should know about

This year was another great conference. CES may be big, but it is well organized and many of the top tech brands and tech journalists/bloggers I like to connect with attend – so it is also a great networking event for all. I am a big fan of live conferences and networking events. But because of my busy life as a mom with three boys – I had to limit the number of out of town conferences I attend. But CES is the one conference my wonderfully supportive husband and family know I NEVER miss. Doesn’t hurt that it is in Las Vegas (even if it always seems that I have my first glass of wine at the end of the conference – after I have finished all of my work). I need to find another time to go back to Las Vegas with my husband and our friends to really enjoy the nightlife… Someday!

CES 2012 – Here I Come!

2012-01-20T22:09:17Z

Today I am heading to CES2012. I will be doing my best to Tweet (using my Twitter ID TechMama) and post about whats up with consumer electronics. My sense is that the hot tickets will be

1. Consumer Electronics that are attachment to Laptop, tablet or smartphone.

2. Consumer Electronics and cars that have app integration.

3. More internet integration into consumer electronics such as TV’s.

I will be posting under the categories CES2012 in the TechEvents and TechPress columns.

Welcome To The New TechMamas.com Website!

2012-01-08T16:45:05Z

CONSTRUCTION ZONE: Welcome to the new and improved TechMamas.com website! My old blog was on Typepad and I just finished a redesign to move to WordPress. So if this is the first time you either visited my site – or are coming over from my old site – WELCOME! I am still cleaning everything up – so please excuse the construction zone. I am so glad you are visiting – stay awhile and check out my tech categories as I cover the family technology and share my personal perspective. I also hope to hear from you with comments or your own tech observations.

Copyright, Permissions & Disclaimer (i.e. Legal Stuff)

2012-01-05T06:02:33Z

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I get lots of pitches for products, accept some to take it for a test run – but only talk about the products I feel are relevant for families. That being said, all of my posts discussing products are my personal opinion only.

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Bio: Beth Blecherman TechMamas.com

2012-01-05T04:04:11Z

TECHMAMAS FOUNDER/EDITOR & CHIEF TECHNOLOGY MOM (CTM):

TechMama and TechMamas is a trademark of Beth Blecherman 2005-2012

Photo Credit: Brian Smith Photography

Beth Blecherman left her position as a Senior Manager at Deloitte for Family Management then decided to take her technology voice online as a career 2.0. Her personal blog is TechMamas.com (@TechMama), a platform to curate and discuss technology, social media and her obsession with consumer electronics. She is the Chief Technologist of Cool Mom Tech, the intersection between tech, parenting and style.

Beth Blecherman is a techie turned authority/speaker on “Technology For Moms & Family”. She also consults with companies on beta testing and analyzing trends for family technology. She is active in twitter as TechMama and regularly speaks at conferences on parenting, social media and technology. Beth has a fabulous hubby “TechDad” and three amazing tech boys.

In 2006 she joined on as one of the Co-Founders to Silicon Valley Moms Group (a mom blog network that covered over 11 regions). In 2010 Silicon Valley Moms Group was sold to Technorati.

In 2009 she was chosen as one of the Nielson Power Mom 50 influencers. In 2010 a Parents Magazine Power Mom, Forbes 100 Best Websites for Women for 2010 & 2011 and @ForbesWoman Best Branded Women on Twitter. She was included in the PC Mag Top 100 on Twitter , Time 140 Best Twitter Feeds. Working Mother’s list of Most Powerful Moms in Social Media, and Babble Top Twitter Moms.

Beth was choosen BizTechDay’s 25 Influential Business Women in Bay Area to Follow on Twitter, by MomBloggerClub on the 25 Influential Moms to Follow on Twitter, American Express Open Forum’s 75 Top Twitter Tips From Today’s Small Business Moms, Advertising Age article on Diverse “Twilebrities, She Knows 20 Moms to Follow On Twitter and Parent’s Magazine’s Virtual Power Mom list.

Interested in Beth’s services as family technology and social media expert/speaker? Please email her at techmamas(at)gmail(dot)com.

Beth is a host of MommytoMommy.tv, a new online show for moms.

TechMama Goes Hot Mama – Guest Celebrity from Kimberley Blaine on Vimeo./

Her favorite conference is CES and she is proud to be on theBoard of Advisors (and speak at) for MommyTechSummit at CES.

Beth consults with companies that have products for the family tech audience. One of her current clients is Nukotoys. There most current product is a trading game for the iPod/iPad called Monsterology (more to come!).

On TV: Beth appeared on Channel 7′s Live show for a tech segment discussing tech solutions for traveling with kids:

CURRENT PROJECTS
COOL MOM TECH: Beth Blecherman’s newest pursuit is Chief Technologist of Cool Mom Tech, the intersection of tech and style, of parenting, practicality and fabulosity, brought to you by the same moms behind the influential shopping and design site, Cool Mom Picks.
MOMMYTECH AT CES: Beth Blecherman is on the Board of Advisors for MommyTech summit at CES. Click here to visit the website for more details. Click here to see the exciting details about MommyTech CES 2011 (including a Fashion Show).
One of the co-hosts of MommytoMommyTV. My show was “Channel 7 Live discussing tech solutions for traveling with kids.
ADVISING:
Beth Blecherman is currently advising Nukotoys.com. They are coming out with an exciting line of game apps. The first one is called “Monsterology“.
Beth also has other clients to help them with beta testing tech products for families and social media outreach.
Beth Blecherman met with the team of a new social curation tool called “Pearltrees” while on a Traveling Geeks trip to Paris. She advised Pearltrees on social media outreach.
Post: Understanding Pearltrees: A New Way To Organize Web Content

________________________________________________________________________
MORE FUN STUFF:

TechMama in Books:
Professional Blogging for Dummies by Susan Getgood

The Internet Mommy by Kimberley Clayton Blaine - My chapter is about a pillow fight I covered on TWITTER!

See Mom Run by Beth Feldman – My chapter is called “Night of Horror, i.e. The Night the Wireless Went Out “. Here is a link to my post on the See Mom Run book.

SO HONORED:

Working Mother.com List of Most Powerful Moms in Social Media,
Time Magazine: Time 140 Best Twitter Feeds
Babble.com: Babble Top Twitter Moms
Beth Blecherman/TechMamas.com is on Forbes list of Top 100 websites for women and top 10 best sites for Working Mothers. June 2010
NIELSON: Beth Blecherman a.k.a TechMama was chosen as one of the Nielson Power Mom 50 influencers.
PARENTS.COM: Beth Blecherman/TechMama was choosen as one of Parents Magazine’s Power Moms.
ADVERTISING AGE article on diverse “twilebrities” to follow: Vanity Fair’s ‘Tweethearts’ Offer Narrow View of America” Jan 2010 by Rochelle Valsaint
AMERICAN EXPRESS OPEN FORUM “75 Top Twitter Tips From Today’s Small Business Moms” DEC 2009 by Linsey Knerl
She Knows: 20 Moms To Follow On Twitter
LifeScoop: Top 10 Wired Mom Blogs
Included in BrandMarketingEssentials/ M2Moms Blog list of Blogs on Marketing to Moms
ALLTOP: listed in Alltop Moms

SO MUCH TECHIE FUN:

JOINED THE TRAVELING GEEKS 09 TRIP TO PARIS to meet with french startups and attend LeWeb. Here are my 2 posts from TravelingGeeks09 (DEC 2009):

1. Geek is a Global Language – But Twitter is Not (yet)

2. Traveling Geeks Paris 09: Microblog via Twitter

SONYMOM: Covered the red carpet for Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs
In LAPTOP MAGAZINE (online and print article): Be a Better Tech Parent by Dana Wollman on November 23, 2009
ONE OF THE DISTINGUISHED BLOGGERS FOR EMBARK ON USS NIMITZ: Techmamas: Blogger Adventure on the USS Nimitz
HP/Vivienne Tam: Covered Fashion Week Launch of HP Mini notebook Vivienne Edition
CBS NEWS KATIE COURIC: Coordinated conference call and the Silicon Valley Moms Group to discuss the topic of Children and the Recession.
CBS News Meet The Parents (Who Blog) with Katie Couric on YouTube, April 2008

Beth organized a visit for the SV Mom bloggers to meet Katie Couric! (See Beth to the right of Katie.)

Writing Assignments (other then the blogosphere):

REAL SIMPLE Blogothan: Top Five Multi-Functional Technologies For Busy Moms

SCHOLASTIC: Take a Byte Out of Life

TechMama on Video:

One of the Hosts of TechMama Goes Hot Mama – Guest Celebrity from Kimberley Blaine on Vimeo
LA Moms Bloggers get VIP at Chelsea Lately

Radio Shack Netogether -Beth Blecherman & tech blogger friends were on a 17 foot computer screen in Times Square NYC and SF. Here is my post, here is a post from TechieDiva who was in NYC.

Video and Picture as the SonyMom’s covered the Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs Red Carpet

Gadgetspin video of Virgin America Orange County launch party.

140ConfNYC Borne Today: Innovating for the future

CES Speaker: MommyTech Summit at CES 2010: Beth Blecherman is on the Board of Advisors and will be speaking on 2 panels: Mommy Power 101, Mommy Tech Makeover

BlogHer09 Gadgets for Bloggers and am speaking at BlogHer10: Online Branding

SXSW 2009 Session title “Moms Who Tech“
M2Moms: Brands & Blogs: What’s Working? What’s Next?
GOOGLE: Digital Moms Panel

Social Media Business Council: The Challenge of Mommy Blogging

WEB 2.0: Birds of a Feather “Moms Who Tech”

BlogHer Business ’08: Successful Social Media Outreach

Part 1

Part 2

PAST PROJECTS:

SILICON VALLEY MOMS GROUP: She was a Co-Founder and Chief Technology Mom of the Silicon Valley Moms Group, collaborative mom blogs in cities across the country. Silicon Valley Moms Group was sold to Technorati.

PRESS:

Mashable:June 2010 @momfluential (Ciaran Blumenfeld) and @techmama quoted in @Mashable post: 3 Key Location Trends for Moms by Noa Gafni @queenbee101
Best Pet Apps – Galtime VideoLaptop Magazine April 2010: “Gadgets Mommy Bloggers Want For Mother’s Day “Reuters/ Leah Eichler: April 2010 Will Women Buy the iPad?

LAPTOP MAGAZINE (online and print):

1. Be a Better Tech Parent by Dana Wollman on November 23, 2009

2 Best Kid-Friendly Netbooks for Kids by K. T. Bradford November 24th, 2009

Mentioned Moms Gone Wired” in the Dallas Observer News

TRENDHUNTER Magazine: “Targeting Tech-Savvy Moms”, April 2009

The Digital Design Blog: “Moms Who Tech: Lessons Learned From The Web 2.0 Expo”, April 2009

WALL STREET JOURNAL blogs: “SXSW Roundup: “Moms Who Tech”, March 2009 By Rachel Emma Silverman

BBC: “The rising power of geek mums”, (podcast), March 2009

PBS: SXSW interview, March 2009

BlogTalkRadio: PEPSICO Digital Speak Easy interview, March 2009

KTVU Channel 2: Stay at Home Moms Trying to Produce Income, January 2009

Forbes.com Video Network: High-Tech Babysitting, July 2008

CBS News: SF Conference Highlights Surge in Blogging Women, July 2008

Forbes.com “When Moms Packs A Gadget”, May 2008

CBS News Meet The Parents (Who Blog) with Katie Couric on YouTube, April 2008

Beth organized a visit for the SV Mom bloggers to meet Katie Couric! (See Beth to the right of Katie.)

New York Times Blog Caucus: “Women, Politics & The Internet Part II”, October 2007

San Jose Metroactive: (With the other Silicon Valley Mommybloggers) “The Hand That Blogs The Cradle”, September 2006

Other Tidbits:

Photo by dePolo Photography

My Tech New Year’s Resolutions Part 4: Use More Apps

2012-01-09T06:36:37Z

I’m going shopping – and I am not talking about shoes. My next tech resolution is to start using more apps not only for productivity, social, news but also for fun. I have a smartphone (as well as testing others at the same time) and multiple tablets. So over the next few months I will be checking out all the latest and greatest apps for all devices (yes – even laptops!).

For now, here are a few app resources I am looking into:

And more… Did I miss any?

My Tech New Year’s Resolutions Part 3: New Rules & Tech Faux Pas

2012-01-09T21:29:37Z

Looking forward to 2012, I can’t help but think about the new tech rules and laugh at some common tech faux pas.

The Bloggess started me off with a tweet last night about someone sitting on the plane next to her who was boldly demonstrating Tech Faux Pas #1: In public places, respect others by managing your electronic volume. Take some time to understand how to use earpphones and volume controls.

While this may sound fuddy duddy, just put yourself in the Bloggess’ place:

I went on the USS Nimitz trip with the Bloggess – I know she is not someone to be messed with.

Tech Faux Pas #2 – Your ears want a break: Dear people, give us ears a break and manage the noise level when listenting to technology. Please remember that us “ears” need to be taken care of as well (starting as kids). You’re not a starfish. Hearing does not grow back. Mess us ears up now, and you’ll wind up being one of those people sitting in the movie theater turning to your friend and asking, “WHAT DID THEY SAY?”

Tech Faux Pas #3 - Note to tech companies – please stop with all the patent fighting for things that are common functionality:

Especially as a blogger – I respect the value of patents and copyrights. But common functionality should be something we see across all gadgets. Innovation is enough to make a product stand out on their own. And you KNOW who I’m talking about (fruit baskets, anyone?)

Tech Faux Pas #4 – Note to content companies – a screen is a screen: New York Times writer David Carr wrote an interesting article on “New Rules For The Way We Watch” where he proclaimed “a screen is a screen”. Carr explained that the “old dividing line between television, radio, Web and print disappear between the four corners of a tablet“. I think that the dividing line is disappearing between all screens. So content companies – please make it easier to view your content across my screens (I have lots of them). I am happy to pay for content directly as long as I can see it across my screens. And by the way, my tween only watches content through his smartphone, laptop and gaming console. So the future is here. Just check out TheGoToMom’s online video content site for moms – she gets it!

Tech Faux Pas #5 – Beware of the fan people: I have seen too many people buy technology because all of their friends and fanboys/girls say “it is the best technology in the world” – but it ends up not being a great fit for them. Or they buy something expensive and fancy when they really just want simple functionality. I suggest everyone make a resolution (new rule) this year to analyze their own workflow, what technology they use already and what features they need. Then pick the technology that matches their needs and workflow instead of listening to the fan people. My tech new years resolution is to simpifly my life by updating my family technology to fit with our family lifestyle. I started by buying a new TV, but this leads to the next tech faux pas.

Tech Faux Pas #6 – Buying a new piece of technology that is out of date the next day: Ok, maybe not the next day but one new rule we all need to accept is that technology is moving at a faster pace then we can keep up with. As someone who reviews technology, I personally witness on a regular basis testing out a new piece of technology, then hearing the next week of a new product that is even more advanced. Instead, I suggest anyone buying a new piece of technology do their homework and try to “buy forward”.

Thirteen years ago we bought the most advanced TV we could at the time, even though it weighed one million pounds (OK, really it was 104 pounds). That TV lasted 13 years and when we finally decided to replace it, we purchased for the future. Our new TV is Internet/WiFi ready and 3D compatible. For my laptops, I always look for the fastest processors, advanced graphics capabilities, greatest amount of RAM and other key features.

For my smartphone, I waited for the 4G version that had a great camera for video and pictures as well as the ability to have my contacts/calender items updated via the cloud.

I also look for accessories that can extend the technology I have instead of buying new techology. For example, instead of buying a Karaoke machine to entertain my friends on New Years, I bought a Microphone that plugs into my tablet and uses a Karaoke app. Instead of buying a new projector to display presentations, I am looking for a mobile project that plugs into my laptop or tablet.

Other then the general tech blogs such as Ubergizmo and CNET, I recommend my mom tech blogger sites to find out the latest and greatest in family tech. A fellow mom blogger, Michelle McGraw, created a Tech Mom Blogger Skinny Scoop list (including CoolMomTech) that is a great start. Other valuable resources are tech dads, MomBlogMagazine, Techlicious and tools such as Decide.com and other online shopping sites.

Tech Faux Pas #7 – Quality, not Quantity: I am heading to CES 2012 in a few weeks and hope that companies will focus on creating a few products REALLY well instead of a rainbow of mediocraty.

Tech Faux Pas #8 - We’re not “Neo” in the movie The Matrix: Yes, let’s just accept that being plugged into social networking and the online world is a part of the way we interact in the modern world. However, to balance that, everyone needs to find a way to unplug when “real” people or situations need your attention. And not in the car… the online world can wait until you get out from behind the wheel.

The new rule should be to embrace the new modern tech-based communication, but not at the expense of real life communications. Which leads to my last point…

Tech Faux Pas #9 – Facetime is not only an app: I am the worst offender at this one. While I have an amazing online community, I also enjoy “real” facetime. I still need to hug my loved ones, have people over to my house and make lunch and coffee dates. Skype is great for long distance communication, but nothing is better than real facetime.

To honor that – I head off to a day of calling loved ones and spending time with friends & family. Happy New Year!!!

Do you have any tech resolutions, faux pas or new rules to add?

RockSmith Video Game: Finally A Game That Uses Real Guitars!

2012-01-17T21:39:49Z

When Clever Girls Collective/Ubisoft asked if I was interested in trying out Rocksmith with my tween son and his rocker friends (who are in a band), I jumped at the chance. Rocksmith is the first video game where you can connect real electric guitars with a standard 1/4” input jack with a Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3 entertainment system. There is also a Rocksmith bundle that includes a guitar.

The game has a helpful tuning process and difficulty settings that automatically adapt to your experience level. Experts can play songs from memory, experiened guitar players can play from notes on the screen and a beginner like me can follow easy color-coded strings on the screen.

Feel like a real rockstar with different backgrounds including a concert theme.

There are also mini-games and what the Rocksmith website explains as the ability to: “Turn your console into an amplifier and play with loads of in-game effects pedals, amplifiers, and cabinets. String pedals together with nearly infinite combinations and tweak your sound until you’re satisfied.”

Some of the tracks include David Bowie – Rebel Rebel, Eric Clapton – Run Back To Your Side, Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way, Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama, Radiohead – High And Dry, The Cure – Boys Don’t Cry and The Rolling Stones – (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

Here are some details from the press release:

SAN FRANCISCO – October 18, 2011 – Today, Ubisoft® announces that Rocksmith™ is now available at retail throughout North America. The standard edition of the game, available for $79.99, will include the Rocksmith Real Tone Cable™, a unique 1/4” to USB cable that is the first of its kind, developed exclusively for Rocksmith. This revolutionary cable turns the guitar’s signal from analog to digital, allowing it to be recognized and played through video game consoles for the first time. The guitar bundle will provide a quality entry-level option for people that have always wanted to play but don’t own a guitar. The bundle, available for $199.99, includes an Epiphone Les Paul Jr guitar, along with the Rocksmith Real Tone Cable. Rocksmith is rated “T” for Teen.
For more information on Rocksmith, please visit www.rocksmith.com, and follow Rocksmith on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rocksmithgame

But what did my tween son’s friends – who happen to play in a band – think about Rocksmith?

Not only did they say Rocksmith was enthusiastically “awesome” – but they also had been waiting for the game and were so excited it finally launched. Here are some of their comments after playing the game at our Rocksmith party:

The game is not only fun but also teaches you how to play notes & chords by showing you where to press and even how to hold the guitar pick.
Let’s you choose whether you play chords or notes.
Really enjoyed the freestyle mode.
Unlike other games, you can play actual notes.
As you learn, the game gives you more notes to play.
Yeah! I finally get to play Rocksmith!

As a mom, it was exciting to watch video game play that had learning involved and was very “cool” (hard to find that combo). Rocksmith is the type of game that either one, two or big groups of kids at a party can take turns playing and is also fun to watch and listen to for the partygoers not playing the game.

At the same time, it is a welcome addition to our family video game library, whether for my tween son to play during his allowed “screen” time or for the family to play together. Rocksmith was also a great fit for my 8 year old twins who are taking guitar lessons. The teen rating was not an issue for our family because it was mainly related to lyrics in the songs (which I have been listening to for years so why can’t my kids!).

Disclosure: Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

My Tech New Year’s Resolutions Part 2: Teaching My Kid’s Fiscal Responsibility

2012-01-09T21:31:19Z

Every parent I know is struggling to both connect their child’s allowance to homework and household chores. They are also encouraging their child to manage their allowance wisely, splitting the money between short-term purchases, long-term savings and charity. While my first tech new years resolution is to re-organize my business, my second tech new years resolution is to evaluate all the options to set up a responsible allowance system for my children.

1. Find an online system to manage my kids allowance that also teaches fiscal responsibility: I will be looking for a system that exists in the cloud (online) so I can set it up – then have my kids join to manage their budgeting using their laptops and desktops. Of course – then I can set it up and maintain it using my laptop. I want the system to not only keep track of chores and corresponding allowance payments due, but also allow my kids to save up for higher price items and contribute to charity.

2. Evaluate mobile options: I will be looking for an allowance system that also has related apps to manage using my mobile phone or tablet on the go.

3. Decide if I can use the same allowance system for Middle School son and Elementary School Twin Boys: My older son has an iPhone so I may choose a different cloud-based system for him that he can manage from an app on his iPhone. I also want my tween to have options for buying items from this allowance. For example, after using the American Express pre-paid card for a business conference, and realizing I can issue up to 3 cards off my account, I am considering issuing a card for some of my tween’s projects. Because I will load the card with only the amount he can spend, it will force him to stick to a budget! For example, my tween son likes producing videos and needs some new equipment. This is a project he needs to save up for and will require a bigger investment that usual. At the same time, he needs a regular allowance to pay for his outings with friends. Budgeting is key.

On the other hand, my younger twin boys don’t go out with their friends. Their financial goals are more modest and usually have something to do with a new Lego set. A simple financial system, allowing then to save up and also contribute to charity, will be perfect. My twins have access to the family tablet and a desktop, so their system should be able to work with both. In the end, my resolution is to stop allowing them to go over budget when I take them to the store and they plead with me to use part of next weeks allowance to buy a modest toy. Instead, my 8 year olds need to learn the concept of saving. And their mama must help them adhere to limits.

Disclosure: This post is in partnership with American Express Prepaid Card.