Happy New Year! I hope your holidays were as wonderful as mine. As always, Santa was good to me. But now its time to get back on track with tech news, tips and tricks. And we start off with a bang!
Today, the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) gets underway in Las Vegas. It’s the biggest trade show of the year where electronic manufacturers of all kinds show their latest wares for the coming year. The show is huge, big enough to wear out your body in just one day…and it’s big enough that you can’t see it all in just one day.
I used to go to these shows every year back in my younger days. First it was Comdex, followed later by CES. The crowds were enormous, the hotel rooms were extremely overpriced and if you were smart, you wore tennis shoes, even if the rest of your wardrobe was made by Armani. But, it was mostly worth it as you saw new and exciting products unveiled and for sale for the very first time.
The Internet changed all that. Now, there are few products that have not already been announced on the Net… and there seem to be more and more products shown that never even make it to market. Some of the bigger companies don’t even show up anymore…like Apple and Microsoft. And many tech journalists don’t even come anymore. Still, it is a very big show.
The only interesting product I’ve seen so far are huge curved screen TV’s by Samsung. No word on when they will be on the market or how much they will cost. But, that is the norm for CES. So, as my headline says, if you get a ticket to go…don’t. Your legs and feet will thank you.
Besides you can read all about it here and many other places if you really want to know all the dirt. And, speaking of this blog, there is a whole lot more to this edition than just CES, so read on.
PS: The next edition of this blog may be delayed a day or two as all new flooring is being installed in my home over the next 2 days. -JRC
News and Opinions
8 Trends to Look for at CES 2014
Yes, it is time for the biggest technology show of the year. In fact, it starts today. This year, technology will continue its creep into your car, your home, and you.
What to expect in 2014? Eric Schmidt fills us in
Google's executive chairman says that mobile has officially won the battle with traditional computing and will only strengthen its dominance in 2014.
Target Stores: Encrypted PINs stolen but not encryption key
Encrypted PINs were taken in the recent hack but Target says the data should be "safe and secure" since the actual encryption key was not obtained. PS: I just know I won’t be taking my credit cards to shop at Target. Cash only!
At year's end, XP usage plunges as Windows 7 and 8 take over
"It looks like PC owners are finally beginning to relax their grip on Windows XP. According to new worldwide usage share data, XP is down sharply, with Microsoft's two fully supported operating systems, Windows 7 and 8, picking up the slack."
Facing the Biggest Problem with Windows in 2014
After a disastrous Windows 8 launch in late 2012, Microsoft reorganized its entire corporate structure, sent its CEO packing, adopted a rapid release cycle, and quickly shipped a mulligan in the form of Windows 8.1 in 2013. Problem solved, right? Nope.
Computer Tips and Tricks
Automatic Warning If You're About To Install Unwanted Software
The "Unchecky "program sits silently in the background on your PC, waiting until you install new software. At which point it springs into action to check that you're not inadvertently about to install an additional unwanted module. If it thinks that you are, it pops up a warning.
Google's Picasa software backs up photos from PCs to Google+
In a new move to fold Google+ into people's lives, Google releases a tool that lets people automatically back up their photos to the social service.
Get Organized: 10 Digital Cleanup Projects for the New Year
New Year's Day is an ideal time to tackle organizational projects. Here are some great suggestions to get you started.
Five Things that Every Windows PC Owner Must Do
Making resolutions for the New Year? How about including some essential computer tasks that we all know we ought to do but often don’t.
The Top 100 Websites of 2013
This list casts a wide net, as it is meant to appeal to, and be useful to, just about every age group and demographic, no matter what your tech skill level or outside interests are.
Portable Computing
Best iPad Apps of 2013
From heavy-duty productivity and business apps to wonderful educational apps, to beautiful apps for working with photos and for creating art, music, videos, and more. And of course we’re spoiled for choice when it comes to great iPad games and entertainment apps.
The first 10 things to do with your new iPad
Here are the first things what I do when I take a new iPad out of its crisp white box before I put it through its paces for a review. I think you should do the same. At the least, these tips should help you get on your feet.
New Android device, new apps - 20 apps for your new Android device
This is in no way a definitive list of the best or most essential apps to download, but simply a collection of great titles to get you started with your new device.
The App-Driven Life: How To Stick To Your 2014 New Year's Resolutions
For any given resolution, there are a slew of desktop and mobile apps that can support you in reaching your goals. Here are a few to get you started.
How To Run Free Android Apps On the Kindle Fire
Even though you don't get Google Play, the Amazon Kindle Fire can run a wide range of Android apps. Here's how to load apps not sold by Amazon onto the tablet.
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