Tech News & Commentary
John in Bridgewater, New Jersey listening on XM Ch.139 and the podcast asked: “Thank you for your comments about supporting the troops. My comment is regarding something other than the iPad. I’m not an Apple person. I do have an iPhone, and I’ll admit, it’s one of the best phones out there. I was interested in the HP Slates running Windows 7. I have a great network going here with video streaming on all my Windows 7 machines, and that’s what I wanted. What do I do now? I really don’t like Web OS, don’t want Unix, don’t like Linux. So, I need a Slate type device running Windows 7.”
HP originally said that they planned to come out with one later this year, and it was rumored to have many of the features that owners of the iPad have been complaining are missing.
For example, it’s supposed to have two video capable cameras on it. One in the front for video conferencing and, another rumored to be 8-megapixel camera in the back for video and taking pictures. HP’s slate would also have the ability to connect USB devices to it, and since HP does not think that flash is old technology, like Apple does, the HP Slate will be flash compatible. It will also run on Windows 7, just like you asked.
The bad news about the slate is that HP has still not set a release date or a price, and on April 30th, multiple news outlets reported that the HP Slate was cancelled. HP did not comment. On May 5th, CNET reported that the HP Slate might not be cancelled, and once again, HP declined to comment.
“Wireless Update” Weekly Feature with Chuck Hamby
from Verizon Wireless
The “Into Tomorrow” team discussed the latest apps that they have been playing with recently.
- For Android, Dave recommends:KayakWeatherBug
Backpacker’s GPS Trails
- For iPhone/iPad: Rob recommends:Photoshop Mobile
Sirius-XM Premium Online
- For BlackBerry, Mark recommends: PayPal
Tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast for more details
Joe in Hyannis, Massachusetts listening to the podcast asked: “Are there any TVs coming out that have Skype enabled on them. I heard about a Panasonic TV that had it, but are there any others?”
Yes, there are TVs that you can expect to use with Skype enabled on them. For example, Panasonic and LG widescreen HDTVs are said to be including Skype.
For those who may not know the full story, Panasonic displayed this technology at CES back in January. As of May 18th, they finally activated the app on all of its 2010 VIERA Cast-enabled TVs (including the VT25, VT20, G25, and G20 Series). However, you’ll also have to buy a Panasonic webcam that will cost $170, which supports both VGA and 720p video.
For more information, tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
Guest in this hour:
Brian Jaquet, Director of Marketing – Roku
You’ve heard us talk about the Roku player on the program before — a tiny box that connects to your TV and wirelessly to your Internet connection and streams a wide variety of premium content (movies, TV shows, sports, music, etc.) to your TV in high definition. Brian joins us to discuss the latest update from Roku.
Eddie in Akron, Ohio listening on XM Ch.139 asked: “Concord Keystone, wanted to know if that would be in HD soon.”
The “Easy Shot Clip HD” is now available in High Definition. This is a mini camcorder that takes 720p high definition video with sound as well. This super-compact digital camcorder features an internal lithium-polymer rechargeable battery.
It also has an external 2GB Micro SD card that can store up to one hour of 720p high definition video. The “Easy Shot Clip HD” comes with a USB cable and a TV cable. Video and still images can be uploaded directly to social network with a simple click.
Diane in Jackson, Mississippi listening on WJQS 1400 AM sent us the following email and asked: “My young daughter has a Sony MP3 player 2and I want to be able to download music for her. What is a good, legal, safe place to download children’s music? I don’t mind paying, but I need it to be pretty user-friendly.”
One site we like is CDBaby.com. This site hosts independent artists, and has a lot of Kids music available. One of the things we like best about this site is, since it’s all independent artists, 91% of the sales go to the musicians. The only disadvantage is that you have to buy whole albums, but you can listen to them online first to see what you like. And if you buy an album in MP3 format from them and something happens to your file, you can download it again for free, anytime you need to.
Another site we came across was freekidsmusic.com. There’s not a whole lot of stuff on there, but you may find something you like. As the web address implies, the music here is free.
You didn’t say how young your daughter was, but preschoolers might enjoy the music downloaded from the web site of the PBS Kids Sprout programming. Just click the Video & Music button at the top.
For more information, click here, or tune in to Hour 1 of our podcast.
This Week’s Prizes for Our Listeners
Concord Keystone: Several Easy Shot Clip, Ultra Mini Digital Video Cameras
Cooper Lighting: Several Might D Light – Rechargeable LED worklight
iosafe: Several ioSafe Solo USB External Drive – Protects against Fire, Water and Theft SIZE? VALUE?
Klipsch: Image X10i In-Ear Headset w/ Mic & 3-Button Remote Headphones