Podcast: Play in new window | Embed
Tech News & Commentary
Michalee in Berlin, Maryland listens on WXDE 105.9 asked: “Can I plug my iPhone 4S into the TV and show my camera roll, up on the TV or something from YouTube? When I plug my USB in, nothing happens on the TV. Is there an app or something that will make that work?”
If what you’re saying you did is that you plugged in your iPhone’s charging cable to your TV, that will not work. Having said that, you can buy an adapter that will display your iPhone’s screen on your TV.
Depending on what ports are available on your TV you’ll probably have a few choices, but if your TV does have a USB port it will have an HDMI port too. That’s an easy option because it only uses one cable to transport the sound and the picture, so it’s very easy to set-up, just plug that one thing in and you’re set.
You can also get an AppleTV, that would allow you to wirelessly mirror you iPhone’s screen and to beam video and audio to your TV, though it would cost you considerably more than the adapter.
We recently featured an iPhone sleeve for the iPhone 4 and 4S that is a mobile projector. It’s called the M Projector Sleeve. With it, you can project all the pictures on your camera roll as a photo slideshow on pretty much any surface. It’s a dock-and-go device. Just insert the iPhone into the sleeve, turn it on and you’re ready to go. It’s got a rechargeable battery that gives you about an hour and half of playtime. The projected image size goes from 6-inches to up to 60-inches diagonal. The 3M Projector Sleeve is currently available for $230.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
“This Week in Tech History” Weekly Feature with Chris Graveline
Larry in Oshkosh, Wisconsin listens on “News Talk” WOSH 1490 asked: “We’re gone for 3 months to Tuscon, AZ and need Internet in our 5th wheel. We’ve been told about a hot spot stick that you plug into a USB port. Another option would be to get an Android smartphone. Which of these would you suggest. If the phone is the suggestion, what type of phone would you suggest. We’re with U.S. Cellular.”
It all depends on how many devices you want to connect. If you just want to get a computer online then a one of those USB devices you’ve been told about should do the trick just fine, if you want to connect several a time that won’t do.
You can look into getting a MiFi, which is basically a little square device that can create a wireless network and connect several devices at once, or you can go the smartphone route.
Android phones and iPhone will allow you to create personal networks and share your data connection, however that means you will be paying a monthly smartphone fee, if you don’t have a smartphone right now that will probably mean paying significantly more.
As for Android phones on US Cellular, your best choice is likely the Samsung Galaxy S3, you will get a good phone (although, we should mention it’s big… especially if you don’t already have a smartphone), and you will benefit from the much, much faster LTE network when you’re somewhere that has it, which with U.S. Cellular, isn’t very many places, according to their network map. Of more concern to me is cost. For a 2GB per month smartphone plan with tethering, you’re looking at $45. 5GB is $50, and that’s a no brainer. 10GB is $90. The thing is, if this is your primary form of Internet access, you need to be very careful about streaming video. One or two Netflix movies will be a big chunk of that data. For email and web surfing without a lot of downloading, however, it’s fine.
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Nancy in Puerto Rico sent us the following comment: “I’m waiting for the release of the new iPad mini in Puerto Rico and just saw a YouTube video for a shop in Tampa, FL called SOUNDWAVES OF TAMPA that will install the mini into your dash. Check out the video online or Google iPad mini install Soundwaves.
I listen to you on AM radio (yes, I said AM radio) and get your weekly emails. You are over my head most of the time, but I can learn.”
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
Guests in this hour:
David Azar, Co Founder & CEO – MonaBar
Cyber Monday was a HUGE hit for online retail this year, with over $1.5 billion in sales. Did you know some consumers will be getting a percentage of the money spent back in their bank accounts? MonaBar is a free web browser plug-in that can help collect cash back rewards for online shopping.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT with Rob: Tech Gifts for the Holidays Part 1
With holiday shopping already on a roll, it’s time for us to share some of our favorite tech gift ideas with you. This week Rob shares some cool hi-tech alarm clocks for your iDevices and shows you our current favorite wireless devices.
1) Nyne N-9 Alarm Clock (for iPod and iPhone) & Nyne N-19 Alarm Clock (for iPod/iPhone/iPad)
For those who have iDevices without the Lightning connector, here’s a neat alarm clock dock you might like, which works with the 30-pin connector. The Nyne N-9 is designed to work with the iPod and iPhone and is very functional.
You can dock your phone to charge, play music or set two separate alarms which can be programmed to wake you up to the sound of your tunes, the radio or those beautiful alarm clock sounds. Oh, and it’s also a clock of course!
The N-9 also has an auxiliary input and it comes with the appropriate cable so you can plug-in other audio devices to play your music.
There’s a version designed to work with the iPad as well. Check out the N-19 alarm clock. It also works with the iPod and iPhone. Very similar to the N-9 only larger … and it comes with a remote.
The N-9 is currently available online for under $70 and the N-19 for the iPad costs just under $130.
2) Hot Smartphones
Our top two contenders in this category are: the Apple iPhone 5 (making up for what lacked on the 4S) and the Samsung Galaxy S, our most favorite Android device to-date. But, if you want a phone that runs pure Android software, then take a look at the LG Nexus 4. Our in-house app developer Horacio recommends it because it has no manufacturer customization.
We can’t ignore Windows phones any longer. Many of you are loving the new Nokia Lumia 920. They’ve done a really good job showcasing the Windows Phone 8 operating system.
) Hot Tablets
Many consumers are enjoying the smaller versions of larger tablets … like the iPad mini, for example. While it may not be the most affordable tablet in the 7-inch screen category or even worth its $329 starting-point price tag, it’s still a nice device. Apple has combined the screen of an iPad 1 with the processor speed of an iPad 2 and shrunk it. However, it’s got a beautiful design and has great cameras.
Another good contender in the 7-inch tablet category is Amazon’s Kindle Fire HD — which is exactly what the first version should have been. It has an HD screen and dual stereo speakers! And many in our audience tell us they are quite happy with it. The Kindle Fire HD costs $199.
Matt in Monroe, Washington listens to the Podcast called and shared his advice on extending a smartphone’s battery life.
Thank you, Matt!
For more information tune in to Hour 2 of our podcast.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners:
Audiofly: Several AF33M in-ear headphones with microphone
Magix: Copies of Music Maker 2013 – Create your own tunes! Even beginners can easily create music.
Microsoft: Copies of Microsoft Streets & Trips 2013 Software
PNY Technologies: ThinkSafe Portable MacBook Locking System & Security Clamp Combo — The ThinkSafe Portable MacBook Locking System by PNY secures your MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or iMac via your device’s hinge or built-in slot. The Portable Security Clamp provides a secure anchor point for your Laptop, Ultrabook, or MacBook – keeping your device secured.