iTV can't get here soon enough

http://www.macrumors.com/2013/04/03/analyst-claims-60-inch-itv-could-launch-in-late-2013-with-iring-motion-control-and-ipad-like-auxiliary-screens/
The guys at Macrumors.com are reporting some new speculation about the new TV set coming out from Apple in the very near future. Before you even speculate about how Apple is going to make it better, you need to ask why wouldn't they get into the TV space? Have you been to Best Buy or "You fill in the blank" Big Box electronic retailer lately? Who out there has a better TV than Samsung? No one. Samsung is is putting such a hurting on the other TV manufactures that companies like Toshiba and Panasonic are having trouble making sales. So if Samsung is the industry leader in flat panel TV's and their biggest competitor who happens to be suing them on a daily because they continue to steal ideas and down right copy some of their designs, then you better believe Apple is chomping at the bit to get some piece of the pie. As an iOS proponent I would love to have my iphone, ipad and (future iWatch) have the ability to sync-up with my TV. Not to mention that Apple really does a great job with hardware and I know the TV that is talked about in the article would be phenomenal. It even mentioned it possibly being a 4K (Ultra HD) set. Can you imagine a 60 inch Retina display. Wow! that would be nice. In regards to Apple changing the industry, that will yet to be determined. The major networks aren't likely to hand over the keys to Apple, but just like with Blu-Ray, cd's and other cell phones. Apple has revolutionized the video and audio industries with iTunes and the cell phone industry with the iPhone so don't expect if they revolutionize the way people use TV that there won't still be Satellite and cable. Lets just hope they do as good a job with the new iTV as they did with iTunes and the iPhone.

Windows 8, with a touch screen

The next time you are in Best Buy, be sure to check out the row of  "All-In-One" PC's with Windows 8 installed. On the next isle you may come across the normal desktop PC's and you'll find one key difference in the All-In-One with Windows 8 versus the standard desktop PC. The desktop PC does not have a touch screen.
Ok, lets back up a little here. Windows 8 is the latest operating system by Microsoft. It was released last Fall and for the most part it looks and feels like Microsoft's phone operating system. It has moving tiles when you first boot up. Now, this is kind of cool, and it really is neat to touch on a tile and execute it from the screen. The best experience is via a touch screen. Unfortunately it's not a cheap technology. While that row of  All-In-One PC's has the touch capability, the normal desktops mostly do not. So, spend about a couple hundred more for the equally equipped All-In-One and you get that feature. Is it worth it to you? Well, try it out for your self!

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Desktop-Computers/All-in-One-Computers/abcat0501005.c?id=abcat0501005

Why the iWatch would be cool

So, the rumors have been hot over the last couple months about the next smart watch that Apple could be releasing soon, and here are the top 5 reasons it could be great!
5) Who doesn't need a smart watch? Most watches only tell time and can you imagine how Apple could spice that up!
4) The iWatch (or whatever Apple decides to name it) would sync with your iPhone and iPad. Can you say iCloud on your wrist?
3) If biometrics is used it could easily allow you to log into the watch and its tech features by pressing your finger to the face of the screen.
2) Answering a call without having to pull the phone out of your pocket or purse would be slick! "Who is calling me"? Just look down at your watch!
1) Safety and convenience. Walking around with a $600 iPhone can be dangerous in some areas. Peering at your watch (depending on how well it resembles other watches) may deter a would-be criminal.

iPhone 5 or iPad Mini?

So you have a couple hundred bucks burning a hole in your pocket and you think I have to get the new iPhone5!! Well, hold on there fanboy and don't forget about something from Apple that might just be out in less than a month! The iPad mini! Hey, its perfect for all you Droid fans that complain about the iPhone not being big enough! This rumored 7.85" tablet would look great in your palm as you walk around town!

So, who's skipping iPhone 5 and waiting on the iPad mini?

I can't wait for the next....

It's coming, and the only question is how has it improved and when! What do you long for in this world of tech that we live in now? The next smart car, smart phone or gadget? I must say any news that Apple has usually gets me excited, but will that ever fade?
We need a new cutting edge technology that surprisingly no-one thinks they need. A fully autonomous Robot! I'm not talking a Sony Aibo or even the advanced, never for sale to the public Honda Asimo. I am talking about a robot that you could control and communicate with like Siri. Some artificial intelligence that would allow it to better assist you with everyday task like reminders, quick look-ups, directions, etc. From a safety and surveillance standpoint, think how nice it would be to talk to your "at home" robot and tell it to look out the front door? Instead of having to hookup multiple cameras your robot could look wherever you asked. I'm not saying designing this robot will be easy or cheap, but we need to start somewhere. Who's with me?

Smarter TV's

Looking to buy a new super slim flat panel anytime soon? Well, if so, you have plenty of choices. 3 years ago it was "Is it 120HZ", last year it was "Does it have 3D"?, and now, you really don't want to get a TV without Internet Apps! The new Samsung models have "Smart Apps" and even have the ability to do a true search on the web! Very nice if you want the internet surfing experience on your Big Screen TV! Most popular apps you see are Vudu, FaceBook, and Netflix. If you are still ordering movies in the mail and don't think movies streamed are as high quality? Think again!, not only are they available in HD, but you get them instantly as opposed to waiting by the mailbox or stalking your mail carrier. Be sure to have a "N" band wireless router though, or a hard wired Broadband internet signal feeding that new Smart TV.

So, before you buy that next new Flat Panel TV make sure it has internet apps and understand what each app can do for you!

The new Jawbone ERA

Nothing says "I'm Cool" quite like a piece of plastic hanging out of your ear....But, if it frees your hands to do more important stuff like "drive", it can be worth a little fashion faux pas here and there. I picked up the latest Jawbone ERA Bluetooth headset the other day and I must say it's very impressive. I want to first start out by stating the obvious. As most of you who use Bluetooth headsets know, they aren't perfect, but this one comes close. The size of this Bluetooth headset is larger than previous and most models out there, but this was something I liked initially about it. Usually if something is small, thin and light, it isn't too far from also being cheap and unimpressive. Well, the new Jawbone ERA is still light, but the bigger size yields to its more efficient and larger speaker. Also, this Bluetooth is smart. Touch the back and it will tell you how much battery power is left "About 5 hours of talk time remaining". It also features customizations like changing the speaking voice and telling you the name of the person that is calling. It supports HD audio and sound. Even though it's just playing in one ear, it's nice having audio from your PC or phone coming right to your bluetooth headset. I previously owned the Jawbone Prime and this is a major step-up from that model. Very reliable, and great acoustics! Pick one up for $130 at your local retailer.

-KAS via CC Newsletter 2/23/11