When you ask me about cable I honestly cannot tell you much about it other than it can get pretty expensive to have all the channels you and your family like to watch. Personally, I don’t rely on cable for my entertainment but thinking Apple TV instead.
I like it because of how easy it is to find shows or movies you like at a much cheaper cost than the normal cable provider. I can pick what I want to watch and I can also watch more than one a day if I want to. Nothing is worse than getting really into a show and having to wait a whole week before the next episode. With Netflix, you can see what happens next anytime you want to.
Outside of Netflix and other entertainment applications like Hulu are other versions of what we know as cable television. Apple TV is one of the newer features being offered. However, it works a lot differently than your everyday cable.
If you head to www.apple.com/apple-tv/ you’ll find a sleek and interesting new way to engage in the world of entertainment. Apple TV offers you all of the channels you enjoy in a more customizable way. You can still watch live sports and the news channels you like, without having to buy the channels you won’t watch.
In order to use this service, you must first buy the “box” and remote that Apple TV requires. What’s nice about these? They’re simple and small. So, instead of having a bulky remote with a bunch of buttons you have no idea what they do, you have a simple, easy t o use remote with endless possibilities. The “box” itself is also compact, making it look less tacky and in your face than your everyday cable box. Here is a picture of what it looks like.
Thinking Apple TV
What really makes Apple TV stand out though is t he way it brings TV into your living room. You have the power to choose, and by choose I mean you can pick exactly what you watch. The whole system relies on apps to function. You can download apps like Hulu, HBO Now, ESPN and even iTunes to watch what you are looking for, without having to pay for those pesky cable packages. According to Apple’s website, you have over 1600 choices in video apps.
You also are able to watch all of the TV shows and movies you have purchased on iTunes. Siri also works for Apple TV and you can tell her specifically what you’d like. She’ll make it happen. You can tell Siri, “I want to watch The Blacklist” and just like that Siri will bring you right there. Not only can she do that, but she can bring up the music you’d like to listen to as well.
The cost of the box and remote are a one time expense starting at $149 according to Apple’s website. The applications can vary in price. Some have a nominal monthly fee for the ability to access the certain channel you are interested in. For example, according to Apple the Hulu app requires a monthly fee.
Technology has absolutely come a long way. We have moved from one thing to the next so quickly, it seems like every time you turn around something new is coming out. The first cell phone was released back in April of 1973 by Martin Cooper, a researcher for Motorola. However, since then computers, phones and devices of all kinds have completely changed in what they are able to do.
Forbes released an article yesterday talking about just that, how advanced technology has become. However, instead of predicting what would be a hit in ten or twenty years, they discussed what is potentially heading our way in five years. Here are some of the things Forbes feels you should look for in the coming years.
Driverless Cars
One thing Forbes talks about is driverless cars. Lately that has been all over the news. For example, Uber is paving the way in this latest transportation technology. According to an article on USA Today, this company has moved it’s testing for driverless cars to Arizona, due to restrictions in California. Along with Uber, Honda and Alphabet are looking to potentially partner in the experimentation and modeling of self-driving cars, reported The Wall Street Journal. Self-driving cars, much like electric vehicles, will change how we travel and maintain the health of our cars.
Virtual Reality
Forbes’ article also mentions the take off virtual reality in the coming years. We have already started to see this become increasingly popular with the release of VR headsets, made by various companies such as Samsung, Sony and Google, just to name a few. Virtual reality has a lot of potential to be used by business, sports and many industries to make more money in a new and innovative fashion. In short, this new technology has the ability to completely change everything we know today. We might not shop, play, or work in the way we did before.
Automation
Automation, is also mentioned in Forbes’ article. Similar to self-driving cars, the continued technology of the future can change how we interact and work in the future. Many suspect that as automation changes and develops further that it will be more equip to handle more challenging tasks that are less repetitive, such as operating a moving car.
Internet of Things
Another Technology of the Future that Forbes’ raves about is the Internet of Things, also known as IoT. For those that don’t know, The Internet of Things is basically a system of connected computing devices that have the ability to transfer data over a network without human to human or human to computer intercommunication. An example of this would be Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home, which allows you to connect to other devices in your home. You can ask them to do something simple such as turning on a light or something more specific like putting YouTube on your TV. Alexa is actually a device we use in our shop and she is able to stream music or search things for you, all by voice technology. There is no telling what else you will be able to do with that technology by 2022.
I have no doubts that technology of the future is great. Before we know it nothing will be done the way it is done today. If you are interested in reading further about these advancements or the news regarding anything mentioned in this post, I have linked the sources I used below.
Does anyone remember what it was like without smartphones? It seems like forever ago that we all owned flip phones or thought that any cell phone with a keyboard was the coolest thing. Now, most people own smartphones and are waiting every year to see what new Device they can get their hands on.
Well, Nokia is providing a blast from the past. Nokia is trying to make a come back after falling down the ranks with the release of the iPhone in 2007. In order to compete with the big phone companies of the time, Nokia is releasing a new smartphone in China, potentially one of the biggest and most competitive markets for these devices, wrote CNN.
According to CNN, Nokia’s first smartphone for Android was unveiled at the CES tech show in Las Vegas over the weekend. This new phone is called the Nokia 6 and will be sold in China only.
Nokia once was one of the top phone companies in the world.
In the 1990s it seemed like everyone was walking around with a Nokia phone. Ever since the rise of the iPhone, Nokia has struggled to compete with the continued innovation and changes made in the phone industry.
By releasing this new phone, Nokia is desperately trying to get back into the cell phone game. Nokia is attempting to do this by licensing out the use of the brand to another Finnish company named HMD Global, reported CNN.
This could be potentially a very bold move on Nokia’s part, given the specific market they are choosing to enter. Apple and Samsung are known world wide for dominating the cell phone world making it challenging for another company to break into the scene.
Nokia has one important advantage though compared to certain companies. Nokia has a history with phones and was once incredibly popular. This history makes them recognizable and many people claim to recognize Nokia right away. The question is, will this enough for Nokia to sell phones?
Time will only tell us if this new smartphone will be a success. Hopefully, if this phone is successful in China, Nokia can then explore other markets and opportunities. It’s one thing to have a great product, but another all together to get people to purchase it. Nokia will have quite a fight on their hands this year because we all know Apple and Samsung will not give up customers with ease.
For further reading on how Nokia is making a comeback, check out this article
Starbucks is revamping how customers can use their app. A new feature called My Starbucks Barista allows customers to place their orders by simply saying “I want a latte”. Not only can you order your morning cup of Joe this way but you can also pay for it as well, grab your cup and keep rolling with your day.
This new feature offered on the Starbucks app was announced on Monday, according to CNN. For now, My Starbucks Barista is only available to 1,000 people across the globe when it comes out this summer for iOS devices. However, don’t worry Android users, a version of My Starbucks Barista will be heading your way after the release of the iOS version, CNN reported.
However, Starbucks isn’t stopping there. They are also rolling out a new voice-ordering tool for Amazon’s Alexa. In order to get your caffeine fill all you have to do is say “Alexa, order my Starbucks” and it will place your order for you via the Starbucks app.
The hope of this new feature is to reduce the number of people waiting in line to pick up their coffee, which the app was original making a bigger problem, which of course discourages people from using it. The company aims to generate increased interest in the app by introducing the My Starbucks Barista feature.
13 Tricks for iMessage You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask
We here at Mr Phix, the replacement screen experts, are always looking for tips, tricks or anything that will make our customers lives easier when it comes to their mobile phones and its use. We discovered these 13 Tricks for iMessage You Were Too Embarrassed to Ask on Popsugar.com that you might not have known about, and we’re thrilled to share them with everyone.
Anyone who wants to become blue bubble masters of iMessage, which is Apple’s testing messenger, should read these. Chances are you might know them all. However, there may be a few new texting tricks, hints and tips you can learn as well that you did not know.
– Enable/Disable read receipts.
If you ever had someone text you and you did not respond back right away, then enabling and disabling read receipts is a trick you should know. This setting can let someome if you read their text and simply decided not to answer them. That can make you look really bad for not answering the text right away. So this setting has pros and cons to it. To change them simply go to the settings app, select messages and choose enable or disable Send Read Receipts. Enabling will let people know the time you read it.
– Write in All CAPS?
Most people consider writing in ALL CAPS the alternative to screaming. However, sometimes you just want to get your point accross or make sure they understand your point. To write in ALL CAPS simply double tap the shift key to turn it into the caps lock key when your keyboard is open. ENJOY! Remember, if your phone or tablet’s screen ever cracks, you can rely on Mr. Phix, the experts in replacement screens, to fix it. If you are in the Wilmington, NC area then we have several locations you can choose to visit. Mr. Phix stands out as the highest-rated replacement screen company. This is because our staff has years of experience and we valued every customer and treat them like family. Also, to give you peace of mind, we give you a lifetime guaranteed on any screens replaced.
Nintendo is attempting to make a huge turn around after having their stock drop about 5.75%.
What is the key to bring Nintendo back to life? A new game console called the Nintendo Switch.
The Switch, Nintendo’s latest and greatest game console is considered to be a hybrid console. According to Business Insider a “hybrid” console means that you can play in on a television or take it with you out and about, what ever suits your needs.
Nintendo fans, of course, are curious about what this new console has to offer. One feature that the Switch will bringing to the table. Here is basically, how the system works…
The Switch can be used as either a remote control and console or it can be used as a hand held tablet for gaming. The system costs about $299, before taxes, reported Business Insider, but also comes in two different bundles. One bundle features a blue and red Joy-Con, which is one of the main parts of the system. You may also purchase a bundle with traditional gray Joy-Con.
The system comes with a “Joy-Con Grip” and also a Nintendo Switch Dock. What makes this gaming system different is its ability to adapt to your needs. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con bits can detach themselves from the “Joy-Con Grip” and connect to the Switch tablet, for on the go game play.
The “Joy-Con Grip” is used for more traditional game play but can also be transformed into a more mobile gaming system, providing the best of both worlds to those who love one or the other.
Another benefit to the Nintendo Switch?
The parts inside each package or bundle can be purchased separately. For example, if you need another Joy-Con you can absolutely buy it, according to Business Insider. For further information on individual purchasing, check out Nintendo’s website, as they break it all down for their consumers.
Many are excited that Nintendo is returning to a more traditional gaming style, especially after the Wii and Wii U. The “Joy-Con Grip” is designed very similarly to that of other gaming systems with two analog sticks and the traditional four buttons on each side, Business Insider explained. The controller also features shoulder buttons and triggers, much like other “traditional” gaming consoles.
However, if you are not a fan of the Switch set up, you can purchase a controller much like that of other game consoles. The controller looks incredibly similar to Nintendo’s GameCube. The bad news is that this controller does not come with the system, it is sold separately for about $70 dollars.
Nintendo presented the device to the public a few days ago and made sure to demonstrate how the system can last up to 6 ½ hours when removed from the dock. For now, Nintendo is releasing only red and blue Joy-Cons outside of the typical gray color.
However, one feature I think is going to really impress frequent gamers is the “share” feature that the Switch offers.
This button allows the user to capture screenshots of game play and also record video that can be shared with others, which tend to be a pretty popular activity. You can share your photos and videos directly from the Switch to social media. Business Insider reported, that it is uncertain if the console can also stream games live like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Some of the games you can expect to see available for the Switch include:
A new Mario Kart game
“The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim”
FIFA soccer
“Super Mario Odyssey”
“Sonic Mania”
Make sure you stay tuned for this console that is set to be released on March 3th, 2017. So, far I have found that a lot of people are pretty excited about and hopefully, Nintendo won’t disappoint.
You better watch out what you say to your devices, they might be able to put you behind bars. In Arkansas, a man by the name of James Bates, might be facing time in prison if his Amazon Echo holds information in regards to why a man was found dead in his hot tub.
Crazy to think that a device could potentially hold evidence to a high stakes murder case. However, Amazon is not handing over the information with ease. This brings us back to the continued argument over American privacy and needed information for investigations.
How it Works
The Amazon Echo is a smart speaker that is activated by the sound of her name, Alexa. The Echo has the ability to play music, read you the news and connect to other devices that you own. However, she is always listening for her name, so she can properly respond to your request.
Amazon has those recordings stored away and prosecutors believe that Bates’ Echo may hold key evidence in regards to the murder investigation. However, many are stating that this is violation of Bates’ privacy, thus Amazon is withholding the recordings until further legal action is taken.
This isn’t the first time that devices have been used against their owners. The 2015 mass shooting in San Bernardino, California revolved around Apple when the FBI was seeking information from the shooter’s cell phone. Another case in Georgia, required prosecutors seek information from texts, Reddit posts and Google searches, reported CNN.
Questions about Privacy
This brings to question if anything is really private anymore? We use all kinds of devices that carry important personal information. According to CNN’s article, many claim that devices such as the Echo, Google Home or Siri should have different rules and regulations when it comes to personal privacy. However, other sources claim that requesting a device to do something is no different than typing something into your web browser.
The prosecutor involved with the case has attempted to obtain the information from the Echo two separate times but has been declined for both requests. While those involved with the case are still pressing the subject, Amazon claims it will not budge until further notice.
All the way around this raises eyebrows in regards to customer privacy and what can be collected by the devices we use. CNN even reported that The Electronic Privacy Information has voiced concerns about “always on” devices. As time goes on, we will have to seek solutions to these changes in technology. What is a violation of privacy and what is not?
For more about “Amazon Echo or Murder Investigator?”, here is my source…
We all know the saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks”. Well, 81 year old Masako Wakamiya is proving that is not the case. Wakamiya just recently created her own iPhone app. According to CNN, Masako Wakamiya felt making this app was necessary after noticing a shortage of “fun” apps for people in her age group.
She stated to CNN, “We easily lose games when playing against young people, since our finger movements can’t match their speed”. Wakamiya, a retired banker reached out to others to create games for the elderly, with no success. Therefore, she decided to do something about it herself.
However, Wakamiya has not always been a technology guru. She first learned how to use computers at age sixty and remembers that they were not as “user friendly” then as they are now. Once she got everything set up, she was ready to go. She joined a “silver club” reported CNN, which focuses on how to use the internet and connect seniors online.
Her new iOS game is based on Hinamatsuri or Doll’s Day, which is a traditional festival in Japan that is celebrated in March. The game displays ornamental dolls that need to be decorated and organized for the festival.
Wakamiya now gives computer lessons and blogs regularly. She also was able to write her own PC textbooks due to the available material being “too boring”, reported CNN. Hinadan was her first app but most likely will not be her last. She stated to CNN, “I have lots of ideas and want to create new apps, but my programming skills are poor. I need more time to develop them”.
To read the original CNN article on the 81-year-old creates new app, check out the link below.
Screen Time for Kids: Should parents limit children’s daily use of digital technology – computers, laptops, TV? The Department of Health screen time recommendations limit the amount of screen time for kids based on the age range of the child. No more than 1 hour a day for children aged 2 to Continue reading “Screen Time for Kids”→
Back glass damage is one of the most common issues we see in iPhones. It looks bad, feels worse, and can even interfere with your phone’s performance. However, ...
