Lots of interesting things going on all over the world of technology. In story #1, the Supreme Court today heard the case of cable companies vs. Aereo. Won’t have their decision until June. Frankly, I hope Aereo wins. Yes, I am a cord cutter. Don’t need them, at least until football season. But I can’t bitch too loud…cable is included in the price of my apartment.
And speaking of cord cutting, Netflix will be raising prices to new subscribers, but not to current customers…at least for now. You just knew this was coming.
Windows will officially bring us a new and improved Start Menu, perhaps as early as late summer. Wow! They may have backtracked a bit, but the important thing is they listened. As I said a couple of issues ago, Windows 8.1 with the latest Update is a big step forward. And thanks to a couple of $5 apps from StarDock.com…Start8 and ModernMix…my laptop has become quite usable and as user-friendly as my Windows 7 desktop computer.
And what was the other thing? Just a strong recommendation…never, and I mean never, buy an Android tablet. Their phones may be OK but their tablets suck! The Apple iOS7 system is so far superior. But my main gripe comes from battery usage. Before going to bed last night (and most every night) I shut down all the power-sucking apps and put the Nexus 7 tablet to sleep. At that time, I had 85% of my battery left. This morning, I woke up to a tablet with only 22% power left. Good God! It didn’t even get used!
If I have 85% battery life left on my iPad at night, I still have 85% battery life left in the morning without doing a thing. Amazing. The other complaint I have is that most Android apps are designed for phones, not tablets whereas Apple Apps are either phone or tablet apps…and if you buy a phone app, the tablet version is automatically sent to the iPad. That works for me. Apple may cost a lot more, but quality and usability is worth it.
OK, now that all that is off my chest, its time for you to go to work and read those stories here that might be of interest. -JRC
News and Opinions
The Supreme Court Is About To Decide The Future Of Television
Aereo supporters say if the company loses the case, it will likely shut down. If Aereo wins, broadcasters have threatened to yank their broadcast signals off the free airwaves and instead offer them only to paid subscribers.
Netflix plans price hike for new U.S. customers
According to its letter to shareholders, Netflix is planning to raise the subscription price for new customers in the U.S. “Our current view is to do a $1 or $2 increase, depending on the country, later this quarter for new members only. Existing members would stay at current pricing
Windows 8.2 / 9 Details Leaked, Will Finally Include Start Menu And More
The highly-missed Start Menu will return in a release likely to be called Windows 8.2 / 9, or rather ‘Windows 8.1 Update 2′.
Nokia says its sale to Microsoft will close on Friday
Nokia expects Microsoft to finally take control of its devices division on April 25th, the company announced today. The $7.2 billion deal — first announced in September of last year — will see Nokia sell substantially all of its Devices and Services business to Microsoft.
Nike reportedly abandons the FuelBand and lays off its hardware division
One of the first mainstream brands to make wearable fitness electronics is getting out of the game. Nike confirmed to CNET this afternoon that the company is laying off people in its hardware division, which makes the FuelBand line of fitness trackers.
Computer Tips and Tricks
The Many Things You Can Do with a Middle Click on Your Mouse
That wheel in the middle of your mouse is good for more than just scrolling—in fact, the button can do quite a bit. Here are some of the oft-ignored shortcuts built in to the middle mouse button
How to calibrate your monitor
Learn how to tweak your desktop or laptop display using free test patterns or the built-in utility in Windows or Mac OS
7 Windows Desktop Settings Only Available in PC Settings on Windows 8.1
If you use Windows 8.1 on the desktop, you can’t ignore the new “Windows 8-style” interface entirely. There are some important options you can only access from the PC Settings app, not the desktop Control Panel.
How to reduce the number of ads in Gmail
You can’t stop Google from scanning your inbox or serving you ads, but you can opt out of receiving personalized ads in Gmail. And you can eliminate one prominent ad banner altogether.
Easily and Safely Eject USB Drives and Memory Cards
If you are looking for a better way, you might try an open source alternative that will let you quickly and safely disconnect USB drives, even in some cases where Windows says you can't. It’s a free portable called “USB Disk Ejector.
Mobile Computing
Download iOS 7.1.1 For iPhone And iPad
Apple has just released iOS 7.1.1 download links for compatible iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices. Therein, you’ll find minor bug fixes and performance enhancements, and below, you can check all of the details including a full change log.
Best iPhone apps to follow the 2014 baseball season
Whether you want to check scores, follow pennant races, or track no hitters — these are the very best iPhone apps for the 2014 baseball season.
Android Guide: How to Use Android Effectively
This How-To course aims to teach you how to use Android effectively, showing you the most important settings and methods needed to really become an Android pro and get the most out of your Android device.
Leak points to major redesign in upcoming new version of Android
A leaked screenshot that supposedly reveals an upcoming version of Android code-named “Moonshine” shows a completely overhauled set of app icons.
22 Best New Android Apps And Live Wallpapers From The Last 2 Weeks
Welcome to the roundup of the best new Android applications, games, and live wallpapers that went live in the Play Store or were spotted in the previous 2 weeks or so.
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