Tuesday, May 06, 2014

So When is the Next Big Thing?

I am not sure how to answer this questions. Please describe big? Well, since I am the one asking and answering the question, I will do my best to figure this out.

Supposedly, the next big trend in technology is wearable computer systems…things like watches, glasses, and even cameras that attach to your clothing. For instance, there is one of these out now that takes a picture every 30 seconds to record your life as it happens.

And there is Google Glass, a wearable computer in the form of glasses that takes pictures and surfs the web, among other things. But at $1,500 it may not be a big hit. I would not like to wear it.

And watches…lots and lots of high tech watches. Everyone seems to be building one these days…probably because of the persistent rumor that Apple was making one. Guess what? Apple has yet to release one. But, Amazon has just opened a wearable computing store. So expect more wearable's soon.

And speaking of Apple, their next big event is coming up in a month. There is a very good chance we will see new iPhones…this time with bigger screens. That might explain story #1…Apple’s big forthcoming push to upgrade users to their current line of smartphones. No word yet on watches.

On May 20th, Microsoft is holding another event, probably to announce a mini Surface tablet…a 7-8” tablet with a stylus. And we may get word on the next upgrade to Windows 8.1…maybe 8.2.

As for Google, every 5 minutes there is a new Android phone being released to the market. Actually I find that boring and have given up trying to keep track of all the new Android phones.

So there is your list of the next big things. As new toys come on the market, we will keep you informed…except, of course, for Android. You will have to keep up with them on your own.  And now…on with the show! -JRC

 

News and Opinions

Apple Planning To Hold ‘Enormous’ iPhone Upgrade Event This Week

As we draw closer to the eventual unveiling of the next-generation iPhone, it appears that Apple isn’t quite done yet with its currently available hardware.

Symantec calls antivirus 'doomed' as security giants fight for survival

The traditional antivirus is "dead" and "doomed to failure," Symantec's information security chief declares. Quelle surprise, considering Norton is fading into oblivion. But what next?

DuckDuckGo, the search engine that doesn't track you, finally challenges Google

The company introduced a sweeping and beautiful redesign, complete with contextual information you've come to expect from modern search engines. The overhauled engine can now return videos, images, definitions, local places, and Knowledge Graph-like bursts of basic biographical information.

Silicon Valley defies subpoena secrecy requests, but national security gag orders remain

Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Yahoo have begun disclosing to users that authorities have asked for their data, defying government requests that they not do so

US bank customers targeted with vishing messages

Vishing attacks usually begin with an SMS - in the latest attack, the criminals sent out messages to the customers of an mid-size bank, claiming that their debit card was deactivated. In order to "activate" it again, they were required to provide the card number and PIN.

 

Computer Tips and Tricks

How to recover deleted files

Lost files can usually be recovered—if you discover the loss soon enough. But every time you write to the hard drive, you lower the likelihood of a successful recovery.

OneNote 2013 Tip: Disable Send to OneNote Tool

OneNote is now free for everyone and is fantastic. But it has one annoyance that won't go away...the "Send to OneNote Tool". Here is the way to fix this annoyance with a single checkbox.

The ultimate guide to staying anonymous and protecting your privacy online

Here are thirteen different methods you can use to keep prying eyes off of your web traffic. Some methods are more complicated than others, but if you’re serious about privacy, these tips will help you remain anonymous on the open web

10 Ways to Boost Your Wireless Signal

Whether your surfing has slowed to a crawl, you've got dropped Wi-Fi signals, or you've even got dead zones that receive no signal at all, our tips can help.

Authy makes two-step authentication too easy

Stop with the excuse that two-step authentication is too much work. Use Authy and thank yourself later.

 

Mobile Computing

Google Maps for iOS and Android add offline support, lane guidance, and More

Google Maps for iOS and Android is getting a big update today, bringing stronger support for offline maps to both platforms, adding in lane guidance when driving, and better turn-by-turn navigation.

11 Tips to Boost Your Android Phone's Battery Life

Top-notch Android smartphones are powerful, but unfortunately, they don't have endless battery life. In fact, many Android phone users would be happy to make it through a single day, hoping that a nightly recharge is sufficient

8 iPhone Battery Tips and Tricks

While the iPhone isn't a major power hog, particularly in terms of standby time, there are still situations where your battery can drain too quickly. Here's what you can do right now to boost your iPhone's battery life.

Top Android tablets (May 2014 edition)

Want a tablet but don't want to buy a svelte iPad Air or the petite iPad mini because you want to stay away from the Apple walled garden? Not a problem! Here are my top Android tablets for May 2014.

Best Free Antivirus App for Android

Android's increasing popularity has led to increased security threats. You don't have to pay money for protection. There's a wide choice of free security apps that will cover all your needs including a group of complete security suites with Anti-Theft capabilities.

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