The Internet of Things & Your Local Watering Hole

Posted: January 11, 2015 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The internet of things hits the local pub. Geekwire.com says Steady Serve technologies showed the iKeg at CES this week. It lets bartenders know how much beer is left in a keg. No more lifting and shaking 100 pound kegs!

9to5google.com reports that Samsung will rollout a round faced smartwatch at Mobile World Congress next month. It’s code named Orbis, and runs Samsung’s Tizen system, not Android, and is aimed ‘squarely’ at Motorola’s Moto 360.

Even though they love to hate each other, Samsung and Apple are still partners. Macrumors.com says Samsung will supply the processor, RAM, flash memory, and other internals for the upcoming Apple Watch.

Samsung Tizen Phone Coming Soon

Posted: December 22, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

After several delays, Samsung will release it’s first Tizen powered phone, the Z-1, next month in India. Gigaom.com says it’s not aimed at top line handsets like iPhone and the Galaxy S5, but to break Android’s hold on the medium and lower price markets.

If you’re a procrastinator and want a full sized tablet, Amazon’s Kindle Fire HDX 8.9 is $299 today only. Theverge.com reports that’s 30% off, but you’ll have to spring for expedited shipping to get it by Christmas.

Appleinsider.com notes that a survey by Piper Jaffray indicates potential Apple Watch buyers are taking a wait and see attitude. Only 7% of iPhone buyers presently plan to buy the smart watch. Apple will need a killer app to get that number up.

Apple Watch Production Should Start Next Month

Posted: December 11, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Apple and suppliers have solved yield issues with some components, and macrumors.com says Apple Watch mass production should start in January. Apple is projecting shipping 24 million watches next year.

Those people who are too lazy to even grab a gift card at the store are in luck…Amazon has launched ‘Surprise.’ Engadget.com reports you can send an e-card with a voucher for a gift. Ahh, the personal touch!

Stock trading for free hits the iPhone with an app called Robinhood. Techcrunch.com says you can track, buy or sell. There’s a waiting list, but sign up now, and you could be trading in a couple months.

Samsung Joins Apple Chasing the In Store Beacon Biz

Posted: November 13, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Not wanting to cede mall business entirely to Apple’s iBeacon, Samsung has introduced Proximity. Engadget.com says unlike Apple’s iBeacon, which takes an app, Samsung will serve in store ads on the system level.

Cnet.com reports that LG has snagged it’s highest ever market share in North America…16.3 percent. That’s more than double the 7.4 of a year ago, and mainly due to the LG G-3 flagship phone.

Chip suppliers for the Apple Watch are gearing up to start production. Apple insider.com picked up a report from DigiTimes that says indications are for 30 to 40 million Apple Watches. It’s expected out in the spring.

That Nicer Apple Watch Will Be Pricey

Posted: November 5, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

If you really want an Apple watch, start saving pennies now…macrumors.com says the stainless steel model may be $500, and the gold version over 4 grand. Senior VP of Retail and Online Stores Angela Ahrendts says expect them in the spring.

Google Wallet has gotten a nice boost from all the buzz about Apple Pay. 9to5google.com reports that users have now doubled, and payments have grown by 50% since Apple Pay was introduced.

Dell’s just showed it’s updated Venue Pro 11 tablet, and engadget.com says it’s thinner and lighter than Microsoft’s Surface Pro tablet! The Venue pro 11 has a 10.8 inch screen and starts at $699.

Teens Love the iPhone, But Apple Watch…Not So Much

Posted: October 8, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , | Leave a comment

Cnet.com has picked up a survey that shows teens like the iPhone more than ever. 73% said their next phone will be an iPhone, up from 67% in April. The Apple Watch? A bust with teens…only 16% are interested. How many people do YOU see under 50 wearing a watch?

Google maps has been the go to app, especially on Android. According to gigaom.com, Nokia’s HERE maps may peel off a lot of users. It’s as solid as Google’s, does turn by turn directions offline, but unlike Google, even covers search and points of interest off line.

Hate to wait in line? Square Order has updated its app for both Android and iOS. Thenextweb.com says it not only lets you order food or coffee ahead, but also now alerts the shop that you’re on the way, so your order is hot and waiting when you get there. Sweet!

Intel Will Have An iOS Smartwatch Out Before Apple Does

Posted: September 30, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

There’s another smart watch running iOS, and this one’s from Intel owned Basis. 9to5mac.com says the Peak focuses on health and fitness applications. It’s $199, and out in November. It won’t have email or phone capabilities.

Speaking of iOS, code has showed up in the beta version of 8.1 that indicates iPads are coming with fingerprint readers, Touch ID, and Apple Pay. Engadget.com reports that it’s for in app purchases…nothing about NFC is showing up for iPads.

Google’s next smartphone, code named Shamu, will apparently be 5.9 inches, and run version 5 of Android. Bgr.com says it will be called Nexus 6, not Nexus X, and there’s no sign of a smaller sized model so far.

New GoPro Cameras…Ranging from Faster to Cheaper

Posted: September 29, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Three new models of the ubiquitous GoPro sports camera are out. Theverge.com reports the top one has a touch screen, and can shoot 1080p at 120 feet per second…fast enough to eliminate the ‘rolling shutter’ effect. It’s $499, and a new cheaper model is only $129.

BMO Capital projects that Apple will sell 189 million iPhones in 2015. According to Appleinsider.com, they also believe Cupertino will deliver a modest 12 million Apple Watches.

Shades of Harry Potter…geek.com says researchers at the University of Rochester have figured out how to make an invisibility cloak using inexpensive lenses and some clever math. It works from multiple angles, unlike other systems, but still only from two directions so far.

When Will Apple Watch Be Here?

Posted: September 25, 2014 | Author: | Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

If you were planning to blow your Christmas money on an Apple Watch, well Happy Valentine’s Day! Macrumors.com cites a report from the Information saying the Apple wearable won’t be out until Valentine’s Day or later. Maybe your Valentine will buy you one!

We told you about the Sherlybox months ago, now there’s Wedg…no ‘e,’ another private cloud device. Techcrunch.com says Wedg is in a crowd funding campaign on Indiegogo, trying to raise about $220,000.

Just another good reason to make your car payment on time…NYtimes.com reports that lenders are installing remote start interrupt devices on cars bought by subprime borrowers…some 25% of new auto loans. With GPS, they can track you, too.

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