Windows PC: Keep Your Software Updated

Windows update is good at keeping your version of Windows up to date, but it isn't capable of keeping your other software up to date (like your Instant Messenger).  Tekzilla (12/5 program) recently suggested a program called Secunia Personal Software Inspector (PSI).  Basically this program is designed to run in the background (silently or not, your choice) and keep all of your software up to date.

If you want to keep your Windows software up to date without exerting much effort then checking out this free software might be a good idea.

http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

Apple iPad: Apple's Plan to Compete with Cheaper Tablets

Apple will not come out with a 7in iPad. Instead, I think Apple will follow the model they have used with their iPhone line.  A new iPad 3 will emerge next year but instead of stopping production of the iPad 2, they will keep the iPad 2 and lower its price.  This will allow Apple to compete in the lower priced tablet market without compromising on user experience.

My belief isn't based on any sort of inside information or anything, but it is based on common sense and history.  To backup my belief a recent article from All Things Digital gives additional information that seems to prove my belief.

Roku 2 and Apple TV Compared

CNET.com has a good article comparing the two top streaming-media devices, the Roku 2 and the Apple TV.  I have personally used both devices, and own the Apple TV for personal use.  I can honestly say that both devices are nicely designed.  The Apple TV is nice for people living within the Apple ecosystem, and it also offers streaming via iTunes.  The Roku 2 offers more content options than the Apple TV but the interface of the Apple TV is slightly nicer.  Also, the Roku 2 does not offer a native way to streaming content.

Both streaming boxes are nice units, the one you get is dependent on what features you want most.  Visit CNET.com's review here for the results.

Do you have one of these, what are your thoughts?

Google to Buy Motorola Mobility

Google recently announced their plan to buy Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.  This is a MAJOR purchase for Google and could be a BIG game changer in the mobile market.  Now that Google is a hardware manufacture, will other mobile hardware manufactures turn away from Android?

I think many of the current manufactures using Android will, at least, think about an alternative mobile phone OS.  Why wouldn't they, Google is no longer an ally, but now Google is competing directly with every mobile phone maker currently using Android.  How can Google expect to play nice with all of the hardware manufactures and compete with those same hardware manufactures?

Will we see Motorola phones go pure, natural Google Android or will Motorola phones continue to use graphical user interfaces (GUI) like Motorola's Blur?  My guess is that Motorola will go the route of a natural Android experience, much like the Nexus line of phones.  It will also be interesting to see if Google continues to share Android openly, or if they start to offer certain new features exclusively (even if its for a short time period).

In my opinion, one thing is for certain, mobile hardware manufactures will shop around for other mobile OS options.  The biggest winners from this purchase may actually be the very people Google is trying to compete against.  Companies looking to license their operating systems (OS) like Microsoft (WP7), MeeGo, Mozilla, and HP (webOS) will probably be seeing increased interest, which may turn into increased market share.

Netflix Price Increase, Why it May Not Be so Bad?

Netflix has been getting some serious flack because of the price increase that they announced recently.  I am not particularly happy about the Netflix's decision to increase their prices, but I am also not outraged like some seem to be.  I can understand why some people are so upset but the fact of the matter is this, Netflix has increasing costs and increasing licensing fees (in particular).

While some may disagree with me, I tend to hope that these increased prices may lead to better content availability via streaming.  By separating DVD and Streaming subscriptions the costs of both should be better financed.   With DVD shipments costing around $600 million a year, it makes some sense to charge more than the current $2.00 subscription premium for DVD rentals.  If you use the $600 million figure for the amount it costs Netflix to ship DVDs and if you use 23.6 million figure for the amount of subscribers Netflix currently has, the total costs to ship DVD per month, per subscriber is roughly $2.12.  If you figure that Netflix typically charges about $2.00 per month for DVD rentals, per subscriber, Netflix is essentially breaking even on DVD shipments (If the current subscription rate is covering streaming costs and making a profit on streaming).

To give you an idea of how Netflix compares see the below alternatives:

Redbox costs $1.00 + tax per night

Blockbuster starts at $11.99/month, which gives you 1 disc out at a time.  This includes both games and movies/TV shows. This does not offer a streaming option, this is for discs ONLY.

iTunes is a per use charge, and the cost of TV shows and Movies vary.  You can see prices typically range from 99 cents up to $3.99, with new releases usually $3.99.

For Netflix to not only to break even on DVD rentals, but to turn a profit on DVD rentals it must raise it rates.  Subscribers are continually asking for newer and better streaming content and in order to fill these demands Netflix must pay more money to obtain newer and better streaming content.  In order for Netflix to pay for the things that their subscribers are asking for they must raise there streaming rates, and by seperating the DVD rental and Streaming rates Netflix will be making more on DVD rentals and getting more for streaming subscriptions.

In the end, I hope the Netflix can get some better streaming content because I prefer to not deal with DVDs.  I like the ease and convience of streaming content to my TV, and by changing their subscription rate structure I hope (and think) they can continue to improve streaming.

What do you think?

How to Make it Easier to Buy Kindle and Nook Books on Your iOS Device

Now that Apple has changed their App Store policies, apps like the Amazon Kindle app and the Nook app are no longer allowed to have access to their appropriate book stores.  This means that you can no longer purchase books from within the Kindle or Nook app, or have links to the Kindle or Nook stores.  You must now navigate out of the app and go to the Kindle or Nook store via the Safari browser.  This is a little annoying, but there is a relatively easy way to reduce the amount of work it takes to shop for books on your iOS device.

Below is a quick tutorial on how you can make a shortcut (link) to the Amazon Kindle store in order to purchase Kindle books.  See the note at the below of the page if you want to make a shortcut (link) to the Nook store.

1. The first thing you must do is open Safari, and within Safari enter www.amazon.com into the address bar.
2. You should now be at the Amazon.com homepage, scroll down, and under the words "Shop All Departments" choose Kindle Books → Kindle Store.

3. Now that you are at the Kindle Store, all you have to do is select the action button (highlighted in the below picture on the left) and choose "Add to Home Screen."

4. You will be asked to name this item, I chose "Kindle Store", but you can choose anything you want.  Now you can move this item for organizational purposes or leave it where iOS places it.

This should make it easier to look for books in the Kindle Store.  If you have the Kindle app open in the background you can use the newly created Kindle Store link to purchase a book and then just double-tap the home button (multitask feature) to easily jump back to the Kindle app for reading.  (If you are in the Kindle app and want to switch back to the Kindle Store link you just created, you can use the multitask feature and choose Safari.)

Left Side: Switching from Kindle Store in Safari to Kindle App
Right Side: Switching from Kindle App to Kindle Store in Safari

Enjoy!

Note:  A similar procedure would be done to create an easily accessible Nook Store link.  In Safari you would enter www.bn.com/nookbooks, and then follow steps three and four.

HP TouchPad Overview

I recently had the chance to play with a HP TouchPad.  I didn't spend an extensive amount of time with it, but I did spend about 10-15 minutes playing around with it in a store.  WebOS has always intrigued me.  I like the look and feel of WebOS a lot!  There are two things that seem to plague WebOS, which in turn also plagues the HP TouchPad.

1. Lack of Content
2. Speed

WebOS has seen improvement in available content, but the number of apps available for WebOS is pretty small in comparison to everyone else.  Many of the more important apps are available on WebOS, but it is the constant updates and newly released apps that make iOS exciting.

The other thing that seems to be an issue with WebOS is speed.  I know that WebOS is known for being sluggish on phones, but has continued to improve this.  When using the HP TouchPad the first thing I noticed is that it takes a little too much time to load some of the apps.  I don't know about you, but I don't like having to wait for an app to load.

I liked the feel of the HP TouchPad, though it didn't feel as polished or solid as the iPad, and I like WebOS.  HP just needs to beef up the content, and work in improving the speed of WebOS.  If HP really wanted to compete with Apple they would create an iTunes like store.  Overall the HP TouchPad is a good alternative to the iPad that shows some potential, but needs further refinement to be a major contender.

 

The Wii U Changes Everything

During E3 2011 Nintendo gave a sneak peak at their upcoming console, the Wii U.  The Wii U is slated for a 2012 release and will output 1080p high-definition (HD) video.  This will be the first Nintendo product to output HD, and it will be the next evolution of the console with a controller that has a touch screen.  The primary thing that sets the Wii U apart from other console systems is that games can be played using only the display on the remote.  Can you imagine playing your current console without having the TV on?

Wii U via Digital Trends

When looking at the Wii U the first thing you will notice is that the remote looks a lot like a tablet, only with a smaller display and physical controls.  There has been much debate over the past few years about how much impact tablets and smartphones were making in the gaming industry.  With widely popular devices like the iPad and iPhone and widely popular games like Angry Birds and Infinity Blade, it makes sense that the gaming industry giants are feeling some squeeze from electronic companies like Apple.  After seeing the images of the Wii U controller it became completely apparent that the console as we know it may be exiting the building.  The console system of the future, according to Nintendo, is going to include a tablet remote that needs no TV.  In my humble opinion I think we are seeing a major shift in the console system because much like the iPad, you can carry the device around the house and play games without wires.  Unlike the iPad though, it looks like the Wii U remote will need to be within close proximity of the Wii U base in order to process the game data.  This will still confine the Wii U to inside your home, but maybe the next Wii generation will be completely portable like the iPad.

Madden NFL 12 on iPad 2 via Apple.com

The differences between a gaming console and tablet will really start to blur this fall when Apple releases iOS 5.  The iPad 2 will support mirroring its display via Apple TV.  The Wii U will support displaying games on a TV or only on the Wii U remote display.  When comparing the above two sentences it becomes unclear where the differences are, because both systems are capable of giving similar gaming experiences.  The major differences are the controls and the available games.  Nintendo is obviously seeing the need to offer a different gaming experience that isn’t centered just on the TV, but also offers an intimate experience much like the iPad currently does.

It seems to me that iOS devices and the like have challenged major gaming system companies and the impact being felt by the major gaming companies is real.  If Nintendo weren’t feeling the squeeze from companies like Apple, why would it make a product that resembles an iPad so much?  Who knows, maybe your next console will say “TV optional” on the box.

What are you thoughts, do you think that Nintendo’s Wii U took some design cues from the iPad?  Will the Wii U appeal to gamers?

1Password - Exporting Your Data (In order to obtain paper copies)

I've been using 1Password for about 4 months now, and I can honestly say I really like it.  It is well worth the money, and allows you to have strong passwords easily.  The one thing that scares me about this program is that all of the information is stored digitally, so I decided a paper backup would be a nice thing to have (in addition to backing up via Dropbox).  1Password allows you to export data into several formats, but for this I used the Text File format, and opened the tab delimitated text file in Excel in order to format it nicely and print it.  Here are the steps that you need to take to do this:

1. Open and Unlock 1Password.
2. File > Export All > Text File...



Click Here for a Larger Image

3. After choosing Text File... you have to choose what data you want to export.  You can choose to export ALL data but I would suggest experimenting with this a little.  I use 1Password mainly for website credentials, so I choose to export that information by choosing to export user, website, and password related fields.
4. After 1Password finishes exporting the text file to the location you choose, open the file in spreadsheet program like Microsoft Excel.  It should import with the headers on the first row.  You can not delete information you don't want, or adjust the column widths.
5. Print the spreadsheet, again you can play with the page layout in order to get the fit and look you want.
6. Close your spreadsheet program and locate the 1Password text file.  Securely delete the text file.  See the following resources to see how to do this on Mac OS X and Windows.
7. After you finish printing the spreadsheet take the papers and your Master Password and store them in a secure location like a safety deposit box or a safe.

Now you have a secured, paper copy of your password and Master Password (if you write it down on the papers) available in case you need it.  Make sure the location you store the paper(s) is secure, and make sure you update your paper backup periodically as your 1Passsword information changes (To do this repeat the above steps).

Hitachi 2TB SATA Hard Drive for $70

I found a deal on dealnews.com today for newegg.com.  Newegg is offering Hitachi 2TB hard for $70 plus free shipping.  For offer details visit dealnews.com.

Nokia and Microsoft Teaming Up? What?

Today Nokia and Microsoft announced a partnership, which ultimately will make Nokia phones Windows mobile phones.  Nokia has been struggling to change and adapt to the new cell phone market for a few years now, but teaming up with another company that is losing in the mobile market seems like a bad decision.  It seems that Nokia would be much smarter to join forces with someone who is succeeding in the mobile market, not someone who is being left behind.

The one major benefit that this partnership gives Nokia is the ability to focus their energies strictly on design quality hardware, without the worry of developing and maintaining a software platform too.  Having an OS supplier should allow Nokia to stream-line their operations, probably layoff some people (unfortunately), and to focus on what Nokia does well (hardware).  The down side is that the OS they choose is Windows Phone 7, which is lacking, and Microsoft has lost standing in the mobile space.  Windows Phone 7 gets decent reviews, but the fact of the matter is that Windows Phone 7 headset sales are slow, and consumer interest is pretty low.

The question I have is this, can Nokia change around the perception of Windows Phone 7 and succeed?

I honestly think Nokia is going to be let down after this is all said and done.  What do you think?

Apple TV 2 Available for $85 (Refurbished from Apple.com)

Apple is offering the Apple TV 2 for $85 through their Apple.com Refurbished Store.  The Apple TV 2 comes with a 1-year warranty and an Apple extended warranty can be purchased if you desire.  The beauty of buying a refurbished Apple TV 2 is that you get all of the perks of a new unit (warranty, packaging, accessories, etc...), but you get it for $15 less than a new one.  If you are looking at buying a Apple TV 2 then this is definitely something you should consider. [See Link in first sentence]

A Month With The Apple TV 2

Several months ago I started my search for a Media Streaming device.  I had looked at set-top boxes from Roku, Logitech, Apple, and the PS3.  Each device has very similar core features, but each device has a few unique features too.  After some thought, research, and consideration I decided on the Apple TV and here is my experiences after a month.

Source: Apple.com

When I first saw the Apple TV box I was amazed at just how small this device is.  It is so small and so light that you almost feel like you are getting ripped off, but that feeling goes away once you power on the device.  Setting up the Apple TV was very easy, and the menus are extremely intuitive.  It took me roughly 5-10 minutes to get it setup and streaming video from Netflix.  Netflix's Apple TV interface is very attractive, and very nicely laid out.  It gives you search functionality, Recently Watched, NewArrivals, Instant Queue and Suggestions.  You never have to go to your computer in order to view, find, or play anything from Netflix.  On occasion I run into some playback shuttering, but this doesn't happen very often and most of this is probably due to my shared apartment complex Internet that I am using.  As far as a Netflix device, the Apple TV does an excellent job. (I prefer it over the Xbox 360 interface).

Airplay is of course the feature everyone has been talking about, but I don't use it.  For me, the feature that really attracted me was "Home Sharing."  Home Sharing allows me to play iTunes content from a computer, on the Apple TV.  This feature is a VERY useful feature, and I love how it remembers where you left off (were you stopped/paused playback) across all devices.  Again, Home Sharing was very easy to turn on.

Obviously the iTunes store is also available on the Apple TV.  The iTunes store offers movies, and many TV shows for rental ($.99).  The one complaint I have about the rental-only system is that you are unable to rent many shows through the Apple TV.  In order to get TV shows that are not available through Apple's rental system you have to go to your computer and purchase them via the iTunes store.  This is a little annoying, but it isn't the end of the world because after the show has downloaded you can then watch it on your Apple TV via Home Sharing (Nice!).  Thus far the video playback from iTunes rented content has been very good, with no playback issues.

In addition to audio/video streaming you get access to YouTube, MobilMe, Radio, Podcasts and Flickr.  Of these I have used YouTube, Podcasts and Radio.  These are all nice features and work well, but not my sole use of the device.

All in all, I would have to say that I would definitely spend $99 all over again for the Apple TV.  It has made watching TV without cable easier, and more enjoyable.  The feature list is good enough to full-fill most all of needs, but the addition of Apps would be welcomed.  If you have other Apple devices then the Apple TV will play very nicely with them, which is part of the reason I purchased it.  If Hulu is a must for you, then you will probably want to look at a Roku, otherwise I would give the Apple TV some serious consideration.