Tech Critiques Tech Reviews

iPhone therefore I am

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 15:25:36 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 118

This week in the news we talk about how the Sega of America president has left the company to go work for Ngmoco a iPhone game development company. Looks like Sega is taking another turn for the worse. AT&T has changed their minds about the upgrade pricing for existing iPhone customers. Now for a lucky few customers they will be able to get the new iPhone customer upgrade prices of $199 and $299. No longer will you have to jump through hoops in order to connect to the AT&T WiFi hot spot network. They have just made it a lot easier to auto connect when you are using the new iPhone OS 3.0. Another non-reported feature of the new iPhone 3.0 OS is the new podcast controls which features adjustable scrub speed controls along with a host of other things. Lastly we discuss my experience with buying the iPhone 3GS this year compared to last year.

Reviews include
Photogene
Photogene is the ultimate editing tool for your iPhone photos. It allows you to enhance photos with multiple color adjustment options and a sharpen filter. Plus many more photo tools just think of it as photoshop in your pocket.
Review Grade = A

PocketCinema V10
Slip the Aiptek PocketCinema into your pocket and you'll be able to project a 42 inch image on any surface! And with support for up to 32GB SDHC cards, you'll be able to carry hours and hours of video with you.
Reveiw Grade = B

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WWDC 2009

Fri, 12 Jun 2009 18:44:24 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 117

This week in the news we talk about WWDC 2009 and the announcements that came from this yearly Apple developers conference. Especially the release of the new iPhone OS 3.0 and the release of the new iPhone 3GS. We will discuss the new features of the iPhone OS 3.0 and the iPhone 3GS. Also A Japanese university is using the iPhone to keep tab of students that attend class, by using the built-in iPhone GPS. UK based rental car company Zipcar has announced a cool new iPhone application that allows you to reserve a rental car from your iPhone. Nokia is working on a new way to wirelessly charge you cell phone. That could bring in a whole new era of wireless chargers for portable devices. Jon Rubinstein a former Apple executive has been named the new CEO of Palm Inc. Mr. Rubinstein played a key role in helping to develop the iPod for Apple Computer. Could this explain some of the success that Palm has had with their new Palm Pre smart phone.

Reviews include
iSynth
A new application that brings Microsoft’s impressive Photosynth 3D photo viewer to the iPhone. Now you can view your Photosynth’s you have made right on your iPhone.
Grade = A

Spezify.com
A cool new search engine that uniquely displays search results in a visual manner. That makes internet searching a whole new experience.
Grade = B+

DoorStop
Protects your Mac from outside attack, including specific Leopard protection and a Easy-to-use interface means less chance of mistakes.
Grade = A

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E3 2009

Fri, 5 Jun 2009 18:44:31 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 116
This week in the news we talk about E3 2009 and a lot of the new products introduced at this years biggest video game conference. Microsoft had a really big announcement of their Project Natal. Which consists of a new type of 3D tracking technology that allows you to have motion controls in your games without a motion controller. Sony's big news at E3 was their new PSP Go hand held system. Which is bigger than an iPhone but slimmer than the original PSP and it does not include the infamous Sony UMD drive. Microsoft made more big waves with the announcement of Halo 3 ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper) for Xbox 360. The games story takes place just weeks before the original Halo 3 story. Nintendo also has plans to connect their DSi handheld system with Facebook, by allowing the camera on the new DSi to upload directly to the owners Facebook account. And it looks like the DVD rental kiosk RedBox will be getting into the video game business. By starting to rent video games from their popular red kiosk and maybe even taking in used games for trade.

Reviews include
Psyclone Touchcharge Kit for PS3
The coolest way to recharge your PS3 controllers without any wires. Using Wildcharge technology.
Review Grade = A-

Elan Form Chrome iPhone Case
Top-grain, hand-matched premium leather, bonded to an impact-resistant polycarbonate inner shell gives you a protective case that you’ll be proud to take anywhere.
Review Grade = A

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Hulu Desktop

Fri, 29 May 2009 18:32:50 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 115
This week in the news we talk about Hulu releasing a new Hulu desktop application for the PC and Mac. We also review the the new Hulu desktop application and tell you if it is better than Boxee. Palm announces that their new Palm Pre smart phone will be able to sync with iTunes just like an iPod. But it still won't work with the older DRM protected iTunes songs. Will Apple be able to stop Palm from hijacking iTunes sync capabilities. Google is making news with the announcement of 18 new Android smart phones by the end 2009. Hopefully at least one of these will be real competition for the iPhone. AT&T has begun major upgrades to their 3G network. The network will be upgraded to HSPA 7.2 Mbps. The network upgrades are rumored to be for the next generation iPhone which is supposed to include support for HSPA at 7.2 Mbps. Also at next weeks E3 expo it is rumored that their will be a DJ hero game similar to Guitar hero. Because of the sightings of the ultimate DJ peripheral a touch sensitive turn table with a crossfader.

Reviews include
Hulu Desktop
Hulu Desktop is a lean-back viewing experience for your personal computer. It features a sleek new look that's optimized for use with standard Windows Media Center remote controls or Apple remote controls. Listen to the podcast to find out how Hulu Desktop features stacks up against Boxee.
Review Grade = A

Curio
Curio can do everything you've been doing in a notebook, whiteboard, or sketchbook plus so much more.
Review Grade = B+

PBS Online Video
A beta online video website of free PBS video content. That has a really cool 3D interface for finding your favorite PBS video content.
Review Grade = A

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Gecko Edubook

Fri, 22 May 2009 19:12:25 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 114
This week in the news we talk about AT&T considering a price drop in the iPhone monthly plans. We surely hope this does come true we are always for a price drop of any kind. Samsung has announced their first Android phone the i7500. Which will have a lot of features that are better than the current iPhone. Also in the news it is rumored that Firefox will soon be getting multi-processor support. This should improve speed and stability of the cross platform web browser. The PS3 is rumored to be getting a new slim version redesign. It is thought that the slim redesign will be announce at this years E3 expo. And the NorhTech Gecko Edubook could be the best Netbook that you have never heard of before. It is small fast and runs on rechargeable AA batteries.

Reviews include
2009 Toyota Prius
A hybrid car that really can save you money at the pump. Listen to the podcast to hear my real world experience with the Prius and see if the gas mileage lives up to my expectations.
Review Grade = B+

SquareSpace
A fully hosted, completely managed environment for creating and maintaining a website, blog or portfolio.
Review Grade = B+

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Botnet Attack

Fri, 24 Apr 2009 18:57:01 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 113
This week in the news we talk about Chrysler's new concept electric car called the Peapod. Which has some unusual iPhone integration. The first Mac Botnet has been discovered and it has been activated. We tell you how to protect your Mac from this Botnet and how to avoid getting infected with it in the first place. The US military has begun using iPod Touch's on the battlefield. Who knew the iPod Touch could be a useful military tool. Authorities continue to build their case against the accused Craig's List killer, they also wonder if there are any more victims out there. And is it safe to continue to use Craig's List. Also Apple has announced that they have sold 1 billion applications on the iPhone App Store in just 9 months.

Reviews include
FreePDFConvert.com
Convert commonly used files (Microsoft Office, Open Office, graphic images, vector graphic and other formats) to PDF.
Review Grade = B-

Bump for iPhone
Makes swapping contact information as simple as bumping two phones together.
Review Grade = A

OpenDNS
Industry-leading Web content filtering, anti-phishing, DNS infrastructure and navigation services.
Review Grade = A

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Puma Power

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:31:58 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 112
This week in the news we talk about GM and Segway's new concept vehicle called Project PUMA. This is a new all electric vehicle based on the Segway and it's technology. Radio Shack is starting up a new trade in program. That is designed to allow people to trade up to the newest technology. Just bring in your old technology they will appraise it and give you in store credit. ThinkFree Office has come out with a new Flash based Docs viewer called Uni Paper. It works for most common office file types like PDF, Word, Excel and Powerpoint Presentations. Stanford University is offering free downloads of its iPhone development class. The class can be downloaded from it's iTunes University website. Also Adobe is offering free downloads of it's Flex Builder 3 software for out of work software developers.

Reviews include
Doodle Jump for iPhone
And extremely addictive iPhone game.
Review Grade = A

DXG-567V
With the DXG-567V, it’s never been easier to capture and share high-definition video.
Review Grade = B-

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Keepin It Real Fake

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 19:39:04 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 111
This week in the news we talk about internet counterfeits while online shopping. And we have an exclusive video showing you the difference between fake Bose headphones and real Bose headphones. If it sounds to good to be true it probably is. Tesla Automobiles has announced their new Tesla Model S. Tesla's first electric four door sedan that can seat 7 people. A new company by the name of OnLive has come up with a new way to deliver video games that could potentially threaten the major video game console makers Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo. Sprint is looking to bring in some more revenue by renting access to it's network for third party wireless data devices. There are rumors out there that Netflix is looking to bring it's streaming movie service to other platforms including Sony's PS3 (Playstation 3).

Reviews include
Bose in-ear headphones
Bose in-ear headphones deliver quality audio you'd expect only from much larger headphones—plus a comfortable, adjustable fit. Enjoy tonally-balanced, realistic sound that's faithful to the source.
Review Grade = A

Trapcall
With TrapCall, you'll always know who's calling.
Review Grade = A

MyBrute
Insert a name to create your own Brute. You will be able to fight against other Brutes in the arena and recruit new pupils.
Click Here to fight Doug
Review Grade = B

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Smartphone Rejects

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 18:57:24 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 110
This week in the news we talk about Apple's big announcement of iPhone OS 3.0 and what we think about the 100 new features that this brings to the iPhone 3G. Also ATT is going to start the sale of iPhones without a contract. But at full price of course. Apple is also going to be unlocking the full Bluetooth functionality of the iPod Touch. This will allow you to use AD2P Stereo Bluetooth from your iPod Touch and iPhone. Boxee has come out with a new iPhone application that allows you to remotely control the Boxee mediacenter application on the computer. This Boxee iPhone application has two modes "button mode" and "gesture mode". Dell Computer has come out with a new Smartphone. But none of the network providers want to carry it because it is not advanced enough.

Reviews include
Boxee iPhone Remote
A really cool remote control application for Boxee that allows you to control your Boxee desktop software from your iPhone or iPod Touch.
Review Grade = A-

iPhoto 09
iPhoto makes managing your photos as easy as taking them.
Review Grade = A-

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Gift Cards Cracked

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:49:22 -0400

Tech Critiques Episode 109
This week in the news we talk about how hackers have cracked the iTunes gift card algorithm. And you can order a $200 gift card for really cheap from some where in China. Researchers at MIT have come up with a way to recharge lithium ion batteries in seconds instead of hours. This could pave the way for recharge stations instead of gas stations. We also talk about the 10 most endangered newspapers in America. As the economy has taken a turn for the worse so have the budgets of traditional newspapers. These newspapers could be forced to only publish online or go bankrupt. Next generation Ford navigation systems could have emotions and can talk back to you. This brings us that much closer to KITT in Knight Rider. Amazon has launched a trade-in program for used games. But unlike other video game only stores that let you trade in your used games. You will be able to use the Amazon credit for anything that Amazon sells not just video games. Also this week Apple Computer announces a new iPod Shuffle and makes plans for a media event on March 17 to talk about iPhone OS 3.0.

Reviews include
Screencast-O-Matic
Screencast-O-Matic is the free and easy way to create a video recording of your screen (aka screencast) and upload it for free hosting all from your browser with no install!
Review Grade = A

Myfolio.com
At MyFolio you can upload your artwork, references, tutorials & share your uploads with other artists, employers and the public across the world.
Review Grade = A

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