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Tech News & Commentary
Jon in Rocklin, California calling in via the App asked us: “I’ve been using a product by Obi that is a VOIP device and getting free telephone service through Google Voice. Got a message the other day that as of May 15th, we would no longer have access to that due to some agreement with Google and not being able to support XMPP going forward. Are there any other devices out there that support that, that you could recommend? or Should we go ahead and use the $40 per year service that they are offering us?”
The problem is not with Obi not supporting XMPP, they do, the problem is that Google wants to cut off access by third parties to their services and they will be discontinuing XMPP support.
You won’t find any other device that lets you access Google Voice, unless Google is providing and they aren’t offering any devices right now. You also won’t be able to access Google Voice unless you use Google’s own apps, third party apps won’t be able to use Google Voice either.
The $40 a year service that Obi is offering you is likely just some other VoIP provider that you may be able to transfer your number to, you can always do that and keep your device and current setup, just keep in mind that you will not be using Google as your provider, which means you may not get text messaging through that number, you may not get voicemail transcriptions, you may not get forwarding to your cellphone for free, check and see what is and isn’t included with that new service.
There are other providers that also don’t go through Google and that will cost you roughly the same per year, like Ooma, magicJack Plus, even Skype, but they all require that you buy some kind of device like the one you have now.
The Obi can connect to about 15 or 20 VoIP provider, so see what you’re options are, you will have to pay if you want to keep the service, but it may not be much.
For more information tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
Consumer Reports Feature With James McQueen
What’s the most rugged of the rugged smart phones? The one you can safely bring to beach and not have to worry too much about ruining it? It just might be the Sony Xperia Z1S, so says Consumer Reports. Their Electronics spokesman James McQueen is here with a review.
The “Into Tomorrow” team discussed the latest apps that they have been playing with recently.
• Mark recommends: Caret, FREE
- “This week it’s a return to the web app for me, as I’ve been engaged once again in solving the problems that come with using a Chromebook. In my day job, when I’m not Captain Tomorrow keeping the world safe for technology on this show, I build and maintain websites and podcasts. I frequently need to edit text files without adding any extraneous code to them. On my Chromebook, I’ve started using an app called Caret. This is a nifty text editor that runs as an app outside of your browser window, which is nice because it let’s you alt-tab to switch in and out while you’re editing. Caret is an extremely powerful text editor, with all the expected features, but it’s also visually pleasing and minimalist in its style. Which is exactly what you’d want. Caret is free in the Chrome Web Store.” — Mark
• Samantha recommends: Out Of Milk, FREE
- “So your cell phone or tablet are always either in your hand or in arms reach, why not have that with your shopping list too. We are always adding items to the shopping list, and Out Of Milk brings your shopping list right to your hands. Out Of Milk allows you to add items, categorize them and tap a button on the side giving the quantity that you need or want as well as the unit price, so you can keep track of what you will be spending. If you have a coupon enter the coupon amount and it automatically deducts from the total. You can update your Spice rack in the app as well. Pantry list allows you to know what you have and how much you have of something and when its out it automatically adds it to your shopping list. Another feature I found cool is that is gives you your local grocery store deals to helping keep more money in your pocket! This app is available on Apple and Android devices, as well as their website.” — Samantha
What are your favorite Apps? Let us know at 800-899-INTO and we’ll feature them in this segment!
Tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast for more details
Guest Segment:
Lynda Weinman, Executive Chair of the Board/Co-Founder – lynda.com
Glenn in Houston, Texas calling in via the App asked us: “Wondered What your thoughts are on a new type of technology that I’m seeing in cars. The ability to automatically stop your car when the car sees an impending accident. I’m seeing it on some really great cars.”
Well, one example they use is a child running out in front of you. The software in the car should allow you to break to miss the child and any other potential objects. If there are other cars surrounding it going in the same direction it should connect with those that have the same system and work in sync so everyone is safe and allowing it maneuver them as well.
However, one can wonder about those that don’t have the software in their cars, which can be just as safe because you are using cognitive thinking to keep you, and the object or person in danger, safe from you – but not other drivers.
This technology has a lot of ups and downs as far as coming to a complete stop. Because not many other cars will have this technology right away, I can see your car maneuvering around the accident, object or person and the driver behind you (without the software) hits whatever is in the way because they aren’t paying attention
Yes, luckily you weren’t involved in the accident, but still one was caused. This software can be very good, but a lot of people think it should just alert you rather than completely stop a vehicle. Of course, that’s not nearly as high-tech.
For more information tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
“Wireless Update” Weekly Feature with Michelle Sutton
Our Into Tomorrow crew is often on the move and connected with our wireless devices. But even we get low on power, periodically. Verizon’s Michelle Sutton is here with advice on staying charged.
Gary in Portland, Tennessee listening on WTN 99.7 FM sent us the following comment: “I was listening to your show and I was interested in finding out about the AT&T plan they are offering – 4 phones with 10GB for $160 a month. What I didn’t know is that you’ve got to buy 4 new phones and pay the extra charge for them. I knew there was a catch somewhere but I didn’t know what it was. I appreciate the information, It helps me make a decision on whether to go with that plan or not. I really thank you for your information and enjoy the show. ”
Outstanding, Gary! That is why we do this show, to bring you solid consumer tech advice and help you be an informed shopper, so you’re happy with the deal you choose. We appreciate your feedback. It’s good to know we’re making a difference.
For more information tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Other World Computing (OWC): Nuguard KX phone cases for Samsung Galaxy S4, iPhone 4/4S and 5
Phone Halo: StickR TrackR — Find any object you attach it to with your smartphone
PURE: Jongo Wireless Adapters — Allows you to stream all your music wirelessly to your home audio system.
Tylt: A plethora of USB charging cables for iPhone and Android phones and iPhone battery cases.
“Into Tomorrow”: Microfiber Screen Cleaning Cloths with Dave’s cartoon on them, for all your smartphones, tablets, TVs, camera lenses and computer screens!