Thursday, January 31, 2013

Tuning up the old jalopy

Like any new computer, my PC rocket fast out of the box. Windows 7 booted quickly and applications snapped to attention.

But that was then. Over the last couple of years, my computer has continued to slow, like a ship festooned with barnacles. That's why I was curious to try System Mechanic, a program from Iolo Systems that promised to give my PC a fast and easy tune-up. Some earlier versions of System Mechanic had taken a beating in user reviews but the new Version 11 was supposed to have fixed the past issues.

Less than an hour later, my computer had regained much of its initial energy. Start-up was noticeably faster and it no longer starts doing background processing tasks when I want it to give full attention to something else.

The program performs an initial analysis and presents a list of current and potential issues. In my case, System Mechanic found useless code in my system registry, programs that launched on start-up that I didn't need, and megabytes of memory clutter. The program's dashboard offers to do a one-click automatic repair, or you can examine each each task and decide if if you want to proceed. I chose the latter option and was able to keep some start-up programs that System Mechanic would have turned off (though not deleted).

During the process, my system displayed a blue screen during reboots, but each time the computer went on to load properly when I told it to continue. Now I have a widget on my desktop screen that clocks my system's health and security and lists the last functions that System Mechanic performed. And, I have a computer that has regained its youth.

You can download a free version of System Mechanic at the Iolo website or get the upgraded version for $49.99.

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Droid DNA - a welcome sidekick at CES

I learned several years ago to take more than one mobile phone to CES. Batteries run down and service can sometimes be spotty in the bowels of huge Las Vegas Convention Center or in hotel ballrooms.

This year my back-up mobile was the Droid DNA, an Android phone made by HTC for the Verizon network. And although I only made a couple of calls on the DNA, it turned out to be a terrific companion for other reasons. The DNA was my camera, my notebook and a reliable link to my Gizmo Editor blog.

When I saw a woman launch a toy helicopter user her brain waves, a snapped a photo, cropped it inside the phone, and had it posted online in about five minutes.

At another stop, I shot a short video of a robotic device that washed windows.

The guy in the center of this infrared image? That's me snapping a picture of a demo at the Verizon booth.

 The DNA's camera turned out to be just as good and a lot more versatile than the point-and-shoot camera that I usually take to CES. The picture quality was very good and the editing features are available directly from the camera function, so you don't have to load a separate app. And the 5-inch HD display gave me a good look ath detail in every image.

The DNA's on-screen keyboard was particularly helpful when I had to write a couple of paragraphs on the run. The auto-correct feature was far more robust than the what I get on my fruit-branded mobile phone.

I didn't get to explore the DNA's Near Field Communication feature, a wireless link that swaps data with other NFC devices. But there are plenty of those devices coming out way. Sony, Samsung and others displayed cameras, computers, audio systems and other gadgets that support NFC.

The DNA turned out to be a real workhorse and a worthy competitor to the iPhone 5 or Samsung's Galaxy IIIS.  

Look for the DNA for $199 with a two-year contract at Verizon outlets.




Saturday, January 12, 2013

4G to the rescue

The Verizon Wireless booth at CES was packed with technology demonstrations that showed how 4G wireless broadband could be used in a variety of situations.

The case shown here simulates how a headset would be used in a search and rescue event. Responders would be equipped with a small display and camera, so they could share what they see and be directed by each other or from a central manager.

The video screen shows an infrared image that would help rescuers find people in a dark or smoke-filled environment.

Another popular demo showed a "second screen" application where people at or near an event, such as a football game, could get get live stats and additional video feeds from he event.



Friday, January 11, 2013

Innergie's cable three-peat

I know this is pretty geeky, but the freebie from CES that I was happy to score was the Magic Cable from Innergie.

It's a short cable with a full-size USB plug at one end and three plugs at the other. The trio is made up of a classic Apple plug, a micro USB and a mini USB and they all collapse into each other. That means I can use one cable to charge almost anything in my bag-ogear: an iPod, iPhone 4, Android phone, Kindle ebook reader, mini speakers, or Bluetooth headphones.

The only device it won't charge is the new iPhone 5 and the folks at Innergie say a version with the new Lightning tip will be out in a couple of months.  The current version sells for about $20 online.

   

Hyper active at the Sanho booth

Sometimes it takes more than a guy with a microphone to draw a crowd to a CES booth for a product demonstration. The folks at the Sanho booth had no trouble attracting attention when the brought out these lovely painted ladies.

Sanho sells Hyper-brand data storage devices, primarily for Apple computers and devices. I'm not sure exactly how the girls connect to the Sanho product and they weren't talking.
 

Big phone, little tablet

Sparked by Samsung's success with the Galaxy Note, mobile phone makers are producing ever-larger handsets that split the difference between a phone and a tablet. 

Here's the Ascend Mate from Huawei, an Android phone with a 6.1-inch screen.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

New at CES: a cassette player!

Here's something I haven't seen at CES in 20 years. ION's $70 cassette player isn't an ordinary Walkman. It has a USB port so you can digitize those mixtapes that old boyfriends made for you. 

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

It's how he rolls

Can't afford a Segway? The Solowheel is only $1,796, but you get only one wheel.

The description at solowheel.com says:

The Solowheel is the smallest, greenest, most convenient "People Mover" ever invented. This gyro-stabilized electric unicycle is compact and fun to ride and is intended to be used as you would use an electric bicycle.

LG takes the wide view

LG has a solution for desktops crowded with multiple monitors: a single display that has a 21:9 aspect ratio. It can show four windows at once or deliver a wide view of video game action.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

Eyeball TV

A technology demonstration in the Haier booth lets viewers control a TV with their eyes. The initial version requires you to sit about two feet from the receiver.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Easy rider

The Z-Board is long skateboard with an electric motor mounted under the deck. Put your weight on the front and it goes forward. Tilt back and it slips into reverse. 

The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery that gets a boost any time you hit the brakes. Released last summer, the board comes in two versions for $650 and $950.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone

Brain power

The girl on the left just launched the toy helicopter using her brain waves. She's wearing a version of the $99 NeuroSky headset to transmit to an iPad which controls the copter. 

I tried it and was also able to get the copter aloft. The secret, according to the NeuroSky folks, is to clear your head of distractions and focus on one thing, like math problems. 

The company says their  instruments measure brainwave EEG and heartbeat ECG signals to entertain, relax, detect, heal, and exercise the most vital of our organs.
 
I want a version that works with a lawn mower.


Easy-flying drone

The Livestreamer LS1 from Rotor Concepts sends live pilot-eye video to its controller from altitudes up to 1,500 feet. The $500 plane also has an autopilot mode and the ability to record what it sees at 720p HD. 

Here's what the company says: 

The LiveStreamer (LS1) has autopilot and remote start/stop recording from it’s on-board camera. "FPV technology puts you in the cockpit with the on-board camera feeding 720p live video back (up to 1,500 feet) to the radio which has a built-in 3.5” video screen so you can fly from the aircraft's point of view. 

Rotor Concept’s LS1 is a great way to begin flying with FPV technology. Comes almost ready to fly. Just plug the wings together, glue on the tail, charge the batteries and its ready to go!
 

Controller operates up to 2,500 feet distance. Flight time varies depending on wind environment (~15-30 mins). Able to lift 3 ounce payload (example: a GoPro HD
Hero 3 camera) Possible applications include law enforcement, public events, private investigations, film and entertainment productions, and real estate/property surveys.



Monday, January 7, 2013

Sony focuses on 4K TV and NFC wireless

Sony opened CES by introducing new 55- and 65-inch TVs that use 4K resolution along with several products that rely on Near Field Communication to stream audio and video. New products that will include NFC include portable speakers, video receivers, tablets, and a 1 terrabyte media server.


The photo shows a 55-inch version of the 4K TV.





Almost Showtime

CES doesn't officially open until Tuesday morning, so crews are swarming over the Las Vegas Convention Center making last-minute setups. These guys are inflating the DISH Hopper kangaroo.

While the roo was getting gassed, DISH was announcing a new version of the Hopper that integrates Sling technology. Here's what DISH says that will allow:

• Watch live and recorded television anywhere on Internet-connected tablets, smartphones and PCs at no additional charge using the Hopper’s new built-in Sling capabilities and the new DISH Anywhere™ app.

• Move recorded television to an iPad for viewing without an Internet connection using the free Hopper Transfers™ app.

• Transform their TVs into a home media hub with new multi-player gaming apps and the ability to ‘fling’ photos, videos and music from a mobile device.

Sent from an HTC Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Smartphone


Sunday, January 6, 2013

CES Preview: New gadgets big and small

A new year brings new high-tech products that promise to make our work lives more efficient and our home lives more entertaining. Many of those new gadgets will be on display this month in Las Vegas at CES, the annual trade show for the consumer electronics industry.

The show attracts more than 150,000 people and more than 3,000 exhibitors from around the world. They include big names like Sony and Panasonic as well as tiny startup companies hoping to show off a new invention.

Here's a quick look at a few of the new products I'll be looking for:

SpareOne's emergency mobile phone is powered by a standard lithium battery, so it can be stored for years yet always ready to use. It functions in severe heat or cold and it can work anywhere in the world except Japan or Korea.


Dell will be among several computer makers to show off new PCs that take advantage of Microsoft's new Windows 8 operating system. Dell's XPS 12 is combines a laptop computer with a portable tablet. It has a full keyboard and a 12.5-inch screen mounted on a flip-hinge so the computer can easily switch from a desktop PC to a touch-screen tablet.

The Smart Communicator from a Korean company called Maneual helps you tend to your potted plants.
It senses the soil conditions and reports them to your computer or smartphone over your home Wi-Fi network.

The Musshoof GreenZero Charger is both a wall and a travel charger. It senses when your device
is fully charged and automatically turns off the juice.

Polaroid is one of several companies that will target children with tablet computers designed just for them. The Junior Kids Tablet is preloaded with child-friendly apps and videos and has built-in blocks that prevent kids from surfinng inappropriate content.

CES will again be a battleground for TV manufacturers promoting bigger, thinner, and sharper television screens.
This 90-inch LED model from Sharp will be among the largest.

Sony's lineup of new products includes a receiver that delivers all the functions of a smartphone to a 7-inch
display on  a car's dashboard. Using a technology called MirrorLink, the receiver displays apps,
plays music and allows hands-free phone calls.
 
The Find My Stuff (FMS) App and Wireless Tag System uses discretely designed Bluetooth tags with a smartphone app to keep consumers from losing valuable items such as bags, laptops, clothes and more.
 
Samsung and LG will be among the companies showing what's being called Ultra Definition 3D - sets that have a resolution that's about four times greater than standard high-definition sets - with super-sized price tags to match.



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