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Monday, December 31, 2012

Happy New Year!

I'd like to take a minute to wish all of you a very happy, very fulfilled, and very prosperous new year. May 2013 be the best year yet!

And to close out the year, I give you Google's Zeitgeist 2012.


Oh, and don't forget... it doesn't matter if you are an iOS or an Android fan... whatever your New Years Resolution is... there's an app for that!

Friday, December 28, 2012

Read The Small Print

This past week has been particularly nice, because I've been on vacation. We decided to not to travel anywhere for the holidays this year, so we just stayed at home and enjoyed our sanctuary. The majority of our holiday shopping was finished before the vacation started which means we didn't even need to head out into the stores for any last-minute gifts. My company had our offices parties the week before last and all gifts were given then. So really... the only thing I had to do on my vacation was to simply enjoy it!

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Happy Festivus, Everyone!

I have been, like many of you, extremely busy this past week. With holiday shopping and preparing the house for all the guests that will come over and leave a mess...
Not to mention my day job! Everyone else is also trying to prepare for the holidays and getting ready to take a little winter break from work, which means I have been busting my rump trying to get everything finished in time so we can all have a great holiday.

With that, there will be no blog post this week other than this post of me telling you there will be no post. Whoa... almost had an inception moment there.

Not that there was any lack of tech news to cover... there is always new and improved things to talk about. For instance, just yesterday, Google announced the ability to +mention a name in Blogger! While that may not mean much to you, it means a lot to me because now I can point you over to my Google+ page just by typing +Will Work 4 Tech! That's pretty slick, if I do say so myself. And if I don't post enough there for you, you can follow my personal page at +Clay Shaw.

And if Google+ isn't your style.... then I've included an Android-ifyed version of me as a gift to you.

Until next time.... Happy Holidays!

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Why Google+ Is Better Than Facebook

If you called me a Google fanboy, I would most likely smile and nod. I make no argument against it, because it's true. But on the other hand, I try to be honest and unbiased when suggesting Google products to others, and that is what I will be doing now. Today, I will try to explain my opinion (hey, it's my blog, I can have an opinion) of why Google+ is better than the juggernaut, Facebook.

Everyone knows Facebook. Love it or hate it... you use it. There are over a billion monthly users of Facebook, and with a 5 year head start on Google it's unlikely that the mammoth social network worries too much about the competition from Google+. But perhaps they should, as Google+ really is a great network. Let me tell you why...

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Just A Thought

Does anyone remember the Lapdock? It was a laptop-like device that did nothing. Well, until you plugged your smartphone into it, and it turned into, basically, a netbook. In theory, it was a neat idea. In reality, it sucked. It sucked so bad that the Lapdock never saw its 2nd birthday. There are a few reasons for it's demise:

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Watch Out Instagram... Snapseed Is Here!

Earlier today, Google announced the arrival of Snapseed to Android. If you have ever wanted to do any sort of photo editing on your phone or tablet, then I will suggest you give this app a try. It has all the functionality of similar apps, such as Pixlr, and the well known Instagram, but it also incorporates more fine tuning features like you would find in expensive apps like Photoshop Touch.

Unlike Instagram, it does not require you to register with their site to use their app, which I, for one, am thankful for. I really dislike having to sign up for an account just to use an app.

And unlike Photoshop Touch, the cost of Snapseed is free for Android and iOS devices. And free, my friends, is a great price. Snapseed also has a desktop version for $19.99 so you can do more precise editing than you could on your phone or tablet. Yes, it's $20, but that is peanuts when you compare it to the price of Adobe's Photoshop at $699.00.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Microsoft's Surface Pro is certainly 'Pro' priced


If you were one of the 3 or 4 people considering buying a Surface tablet, but were hesitant because it didn't run legacy applications... then today might be a reason to celebrate. Microsoft has announced the Surface Pro will be available in January 2013 for a starting price of $899.

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

How Would You Spend $550 Million?


I have recently been informed that the Powerball jackpot is $550 million and the drawing is tonight. Unfortunately, Powerball isn't played in Florida, and I don't really want to drive to Georgia just to wait in line to spend money on a ticket with an extremely small chance in winning the jackpot.

However, I was asked what I would spend my millions on if I just happen to win. Of course, the instant reaction would probably be the same for most people... pay off all debt, buy new house, new cars, etc. But I've had a little time to think. I think my first big purchase would be a house, but after that..... oh man...

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Windows 8 First Impressions


Earlier today I spent the better half of 2 hours setting up a brand new laptop with Windows 8. Quick review? I'm not a fan. When it takes 10 minutes to find the setting within the Mail app to add additional accounts... something is wrong. I do understand that Windows 8 is Microsoft is trying to reinvent itself. They are attempting an operating system that will be the same on desktops and tablets, which is a grand idea, but I don't feel as though they pulled it off. Now, this is my opinion, and it may change the more I get to explore Win 8.

Get Ready To Hit Refresh!

Google has been sending out emails announcing the availability of the next batch of Nexus 4 phones to start at noon. So if you were one of the many that attempted to purchase one and were ultimately too late.... then head over to the Google Play store at 11:59 a.m. and get ready for the floodgates to open. And if you just skim the picture below, at least note that it says 12 noon PST. Which means those of us on the East Coast need to set our alarms for 3:00.


And because I'm a nice guy, I'll provide the links here:
Good luck!

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Free and Open Internet!

With each passing year, it seems as though there is an effort by Big Business and governments across the world to control what we can find on the internet. I don't know about you, but i don't want any government telling me that I can't read about what is going on around the world.

Last year, it was the Stop Online Piracy Act, or SOPA, and it was concocted by the MPAA and RIAA with some help from their friends in Washington. If you don't know anything about SOPA, then you clearly haven't been paying attention.

In December, world governments will have a closed door meeting about censoring internet content. Join me, in letting your voice be heard. Join me in telling them that the internet belongs to the people, not to the government, Big Business, nor special interest groups. Join me in fighting to keep the internet #freeandopen.

Visit www.google.com/takeaction/ to learn more.

Update:
Apparently this issue is a bit more complicated than initially thought. The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) has published a notice claiming that Google is incorrect over their claim of governments seeking control and censorship of the internet. On the other hand, the one that would gain control of the state of the internet would be none other than the ITU itself, and "that would be a disaster", according to Eric Schmidt, Google's executive chairman.
This article over at Talking Points Memo does a good job of breaking down both arguments while remaining unbiased. I'd recommend reading it before forming an opinion either way.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Remember Vice City? It's Coming to iOS and Android


Oh man, this is good news. I played the hell out of this game, and I'll probably shell out the $4.99 for the mobile version just so I can play it again.

Anyway, it's the 10 year anniversary of the Rockstar classic, and to celebrate, they are releasing it for iOS and Android devices on December 6th. Just in time for the holidays.

Rockstar has also compiled a list of all compatible devices (man, I wish more companies would do that):

  • Apple iOS Devices: iPad, iPhone 4, 4S & 5, iPod touch 4th & 5th Generation
  • Android Phones: Motorola Razr, Razr Maxx, Razr Maxx HD, Motorola Atrix, Motorola Photon, Motorola Droid Bionic, HTC Rezound, HTC One X, HTC One S, HTC Evo 3D, HTC Sensation, HTC Droid Incredible 2, Samsung Galaxy Nexus, Samsung Nexus S, Samsung Galaxy Note 1 & 2, Samsung S2, Samsung Galaxy R, Sony Xperia Play, Sony Xperia S, P, T & TL, Sony Walkman Z Series Media Player, Samsung Galaxy S2, Samsung Galaxy S3, Google Nexus 4
  • Android Tablets: Acer Iconia, Asus Eee Pad Transformer, Asus Eee Pad Transformer Prime, LG Optimus Pad, Medion Lifetab, Motorola Xoom, Samsung Galaxy Tab 8.9 / 10.1, Samsung Galaxy Tab 2, Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1, Sony Tablet S, Sony Tablet P, Toshiba Thrive, HTC Flyer, Google Nexus 7, Google Nexus 10
Happy gaming!

Source: Rockstar Games

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

How To Keep the Tech You Work So Hard For


You have spent many hours slaving away at work to save as many pennies as you can so that you may go splurge on that awesome new gadget you have been drooling over for months. You end up not only buying the device, but you also go over budget by purchasing the extended warranty and a protective shell just in case you drop it.

Well, that's all fine and good, if you are worried about you doing something to damage your new toy. But what about the things you don't plan for? Like your shiny new gadget getting...... stolen. No extended warranty will protect the data stored within the device, and certainly no protective bumper will return it to your hands. So what can you do?

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Things I really don't like

Using contact lens re-wetting drops on a cold morning.

It's like pouring ice water on your eyeballs.

Can't be a nerd on just ONE level


Like many with an affliction for technology, I too, share a love for a good sci-fi television show. Everyone in my house are avid Doctor Who fans, and who could blame them, really? It's a great show. But more recently, we watched Battlestar Galactica. I was hooked on that show fairly quickly, as it appealed to all my sides: futuristic technology, space, robots, Top Gun style combat, and a good deal of sex appeal (for both sexes). What's not to love?

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

A $200 laptop? No way!


First, let me ask you this, would you buy any electronic device today that had a 3.5 hour battery? Of course not! Laptops from 10 years ago had better battery life. Not by much, mind you, but it was better.

So why would Acer put such a shoddy battery into their brand new Acer C7 Chromebook?! Smartphones have better battery life than that. It just doesn't make any sense. I mean, the rest of the machine is actually pretty nice. Chrome OS, 2 GB RAM, 320 GB hard drive (decent for any current laptop), 3 USB 3.0 ports, HDMI port, VGA port, 2-in-1 card reader, with an HD display and HD webcam. Not a bad deal at all for $199. So why skimp on the battery?

Sunday, November 11, 2012

It's Veteran's Day


I feel strange saying “Happy Veteran’s Day” because I don’t think it’s a day one should be happy about. Appreciative, thankful, and grateful are all better words to use to describe how I feel about Veteran’s Day.

To all the veterans, and current members of our military: Thank You. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your courage and your sacrifice. As an American, I am grateful for your service and for the service of all those that came before you. Regardless of race, gender, age, or religion, you are all heroes in my book.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

I may....

.... have spoke too soon.


This makes me happy. And I'm sure it makes Jenna happy as well because now she knows that I won't be asking for a Chromebook this year.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Apple should be nervous


This past Monday, Google lifted the veil on the new products in their Nexus line. First up is the official appearance of the Nexus 4, Google's updated flagship phone. While I thought the Galaxy Nexus was a decent iPhone competitor, the new Nexus 4 is sure to do even better.

Thursday, October 25, 2012

I may be ready to let you go...

My dear Cr-48. I have given you time to rest. I have given ChromeOS time to mature. But alas, I don't think it will work. I think you have a corrupt hard drive.

In December of 2010, I was ecstatic to learn that I was one of the few that Google had chosen to test out their new ChromeOS on an experimental laptop called the Cr-48. Which I wrote about, here, here, and here. It was a fantastic machine, albeit, there were some small issues. The best part, is that anyone that came over could use it, without fear that they would delete something or mess up my settings. They had their own account with their Google preferences already installed. Very simple. Very convenient. Very cool.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Just another point on my nerd card

I have installed Cyanogenmod 7 on my old Droid X2. The X2 was a really good Android phone when I first got it, but after a few Motorola updates and Android updates... and 100+ apps installed... there were bugs that just wouldn't go away. Too many force closes, freezes and random reboots, just to name a few. I tried the normal route by removing all the apps and only installing those that were used on a daily basis. To no avail. Many months ago, I rooted the phone and removed and handful of the Verizon bloatware apps, and the random reboots ceased, but it was still running quite slow. It was just prior to this time that I began wanting to sample other flavors of Android, the most well known version being Cyanogenmod.

Unfortunately, at that time, all I did was root. I am not a developer, and digging into the OS of my phone that deep to install something else... well it scared me. I couldn't afford to replace it if I bricked it. So I left it alone. Until now.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Dear Apple,

On January 9, 2007, you turned to mobile phone world on its head when you introduced the iPhone. Sure, there had been touchscreen phones around for years prior, but you did it right. No stylus, full internet browsing capabilities, MP3 player, and a phone, all on a device that was one giant touchscreen. We were impressed.

Yesterday, you unveiled the iPhone 5. I have one word for you:

Meh.

Friday, July 20, 2012

A personal goal

For anyone that knows me, you know that I am not a goal setter. I never have been. New Year's Resolutions have always seemed silly to me, and only applied to the first few weeks of January before they were tossed aside or forgotten. Well, I suppose I have made some goals in the past, but they were all mundane or petty. I wanted a tablet, so I saved my money and bought one. I wanted to wait until next week to mow the grass. And I'm still waiting. So my 'goals' are more like 'wants'.

I recently turned 32 (or 141, in dog years), and I realized that during the past decade, I really haven't done anything notable. I have found an awesome girlfriend, got a motorcycle endorsement on my license, kept a job for 10 years, and bought a house. With the exception of the motorcycle endorsement, those achievements are nothing more than a byproduct of getting older. In light of this discovery, I am officially setting a goal. A goal that has, for most of my life, been nothing more than a dream. A dream kept far out of reach due mainly to the cost associated with achieving it. A dream shared by many but conquered by only a few.

I dream to fly.

Tuesday, July 3, 2012

"Good artists copy, great artists steal."

Thank you to Steve Jobs for that pearl of wisdom. One would think, with that mentality, stealing would be somewhat tolerated. Not so, apparently. Stealing is only tolerated if Apple is the thief.

  • Triumph of the Nerds (1996)

But don't you dare steal a stolen idea from Apple.

Monday, May 28, 2012

Thank you for everything

I am glad I was lucky enough to be born in America. I can disagree with the government without fear of imprisonment. I can disagree with religion without fear of being stoned to death.

I can have black friends, Chinese friends, straight friends, gay friends, religious friends, atheist friends, and many others without fear of government or religious persecution.

We, as Americans, can afford these luxuries because of the sacrifices of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces. Whether it is a sacrifice of too much time spent away from your loved ones...

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Forget the Rolex! Give me a Pebble!

It all started in the 1880's with the development of the motion picture camera. We could stare at a blank wall and watch something that happened in the past. Since then, we have had an obsession with screens. Movie screens, television screens, computer screens, smartphone screens. With the announcement last month about Google's Project Glass, the question now is, what won't have a screen on it?

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

I'm right, and you're wrong! Nyah, nyah, nyah!

Social media, at its best, is a nice two-way street. One person posts something to their own Facebook wall, to which a friend comments on, and a small conversation will take place through the site. Same thing with Twitter, except the conversation takes place through @ replies and DM's.

Now, I'm assuming that if we are friends on Facebook, then we are friends in real life, or we're family. There is also the possibility that we have something in common that connected us, like a mutual friend or a particular interest. My point, is if we're 'friends' on Facebook, then one of us had to have sent the other a friend request, which was accepted. Twitter and Google+ are slightly different, but that is beside the point.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Memories with a Mustang

On April 22, 1966, my grandfather, Harold Shaw, walked into the showroom of Hub Motor City Sales in Atlanta, and drove out in a brand new, candy apple red 1966 Ford Mustang. Big Hal (as we called him) was an incredibly smart man, but I doubt even he could fathom the future of his $2,781.50 purchase nor the memories it would create.

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

You need to read this.


I write in this blog because I want to. I'm a technology and gadget fan, so that's normally what I write about. Honestly, I normally don't care if you read it or not... but this time I do. This time... it's important. This time... it's not my words I want you to read, but I do want to say something first.

You see, we are in a pandemic of sorts. A pandemic that, while we are beating it back towards oblivion, we are doing so at a snail's pace, and I'd like to help speed it up. So what is the pandemic?

Bigotry [big-uh-tree]
noun, plural -ries.
1. stubborn and complete intolerance of any creed, belief, or opinion that differs from one's own.
2. the actions, beliefs, prejudices, etc., of a bigot.

This was made most apparent during my town's spring parade last weekend, when the Family Tree float drove by, and all clapping ceased as the float passed.
Photo by Mike Ewen/Democrat
Let me put that into some perspective for you about the values my town has:
  • The Parrothead float had a gentleman in a coconut bra and grass skirt
  • The Krewe float had female pirate wenches with their breasts spilling over the top of their outfit, as well as a topless mermaid decoration on the bow of the ship
  • The breast cancer research float had women with pinwheel bras (to be clear, I'm not criticizing the group, I'm merely pointing out the costume)
These floats, and possibly more, were well received with clapping, laughing, and hoots and hollers. But a tasteful float supporting our local gay community is shunned because people are too damn quick to judge others. I am embarrassed for my town.

I want you to read something. I discovered this through a friend on Facebook (thank you, Rain), and it moved me enough to try to get more eyes to see it. Don't back out now, if you've read this far into this post then maybe there is some hope left for reasoning with my fellow man. Ready? Click the link below.
 I'm Christian, unless you're gay.(Make sure you read all 3 pages)

Now I want you to read a 15 year old's response to that article, as well as his mother's reaction.
A Teen's Brave Response
Do not give me a knee-jerk reaction about what you have just read. Instead, give it 5 minutes. Think about it. Let it simmer in the three pounds of gray matter between your ears. Set any hatred you may have aside and think it over for 5 minutes with an open mind and open heart. I'll wait.

Now, if you have any comments you would like to make, go for it. Just remember, no matter who you are, or how you live.... I love you. Our world and its cultures are too diverse, and our lives are too damn short to be hateful for stupid reasons.

You may say I'm a dreamer,
but I'm not the only one.
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.
- John Lennon


Wednesday, April 4, 2012

In your FACE!

I was working on a post about the lack of current day tech in Tallahassee, but I'm not going to post that one today because something incredible has just peeked around the corner.

Of course, it's from Google and it's called Project Glass, and it is augmented reality glasses. Don't worry, these aren't the big bulky VR monstrosities that were dreamed up in the 80's and 90's. These glasses are actually... sexy! See for yourself!

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

What good are you?

In the spring of 2003, the door to the house I was renting was kicked in while I was working at my second job, and the thief proceeded to simply take all the things I had worked hard to paid for. I was told at the time the police department doesn't classify it as 'grand theft' unless the value of the stolen goods exceeds $3,500, and the total value of what was stolen came to around $650. That may not seem like much to you, but when everything you own (excluding the car) adds up to about $800, and a burglar just waltz's in and takes $650 of it... that's over 80% of your belongings! The responding officer then proceeds to tell you the police department won't do much because it's less than a certain dollar amount?! If you only cater to the wealthy... then what good are you?

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

They look old because they are brand new. Wait... what?

My grandmother always had many different photographs on display at her house. She had at least one framed photo on every shelf, and almost every photo had a faded orange tint to it. This is what happens to pictures that were taken 40, 50, even 60 years ago. This is also what happens to a digital picture taken 30 seconds ago. At least, this is what happens when you use Instagram. Personally, I don't understand why someone wants to age their pictures. The great thing about digital photography is that there is always a crisp, clean version at your fingertips (that is, of course, if you have uploaded it to the internet). A version that will always be as vibrant as the moment it was taken, or at least, as far as your camera will let it.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Well THAT was dumb.

The hacker group Anonymous has been making the news lately with their DDoS attacks on government websites and hacking into and recording a phone call from the FBI and the UK Police, among many other things. Unfortunately (or fortunately, depending on your stance), some members of Anonymous have been found and arrested by the FBI. Now, when I first heard this news, I was a bit confused. You must be new to the group, or made a critical error to allow the FBI to locate which door you hide behind. Then the story broke: there was a mole. A long time hacker called Sabu had turned rat and given up the names of his fellow hackers to the government.

I don't know the details on why he gave up information, nor do I care. I'm just trying to figure out if he put any thought into this move. Sabu is one person, who has now, angered a collective of individuals that have fought for many years to hide what he just handed over. He has pissed off a group of people that are supplying blogs with as much information as they can find on him. Someone has even gone so far as to post a picture of Sabu's front door on Twitter, and say "Nobody was home."

He should have known. Just like all the gangster movies, once you're in the family, you'd better stay in the family. When you turn on the family, the family will..... well, you've seen the movies. I have a feeling that this story is far from over. In fact, I think it's just getting started.

I sure as hell wouldn't want to be in his shoes.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

In this day and age, privacy is a myth.

Today, is February 29th, 2012. Which makes tomorrow March 1st. Tomorrow, Google is implementing their new Privacy Policy and a lot of people are up in arms about it, including the FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz who says that the change forces consumers to make a "brutal choice". But if you actually took the time to read the new privacy policy, you'll notice something odd. You will notice that they aren't really changing anything about what information they collect. Google is taking the numerous different policies for its numerous different services, and combining them into one easy-to-understand policy. The internet giant isn't collecting data any differently than before. Instead, Google is going to store all the info it gets in one place, instead of having parts of you spread out all over the different services. Don't take my word for it, go read it for yourself.

Saturday, February 25, 2012

I love technology!

And honestly, who doesn't? Technology has given us the ability to get our messages instantly, instead of waiting days, weeks, or even months for the Pony Express to arrive. In 15 years, we have gone from an era of heavy, expensive, and boring phones with no address book, no email, no texting, and no screen like this one:

Monday, February 20, 2012

I'm tired of it.

A boy and his father are in a car wreck and are badly injured. Two ambulances arrive and take them to two different hospitals. The boy is wheeled into the operating room, the surgeon walks in, looks at the boy and says "I cannot operate on this boy, for he is my son." How is that possible?

The surgeon is the boy's mother.

Old riddle, I know... but there is a point (aside from sexism in this country). The mother cannot operate because there is a conflict of interest, and it is built into their Code of Ethics. There is no hospital that would let her, even if she wanted to. So why are we letting our politicians introduce, or even vote on bills that involve an industry who gives them campaign funds? I'm speaking of course, about Rep. Lamar Smith. The man that introduced a bill called the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA), and had it shot down by the millions of internet users. Now, I'm not going to beat a dead horse and explain why this bill was wrong, since I've already done that and the bill was squashed anyway. My question is, why are we letting Rep. Smith introduce a bill that involves the industry that gives him the most campaign contributions?

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Gifts of Valentine


Today is Valentine’s Day. It’s the day where you must buy something for your significant other, or else you are a worthless human being. You could give your partner a gift on every day in February, but if you neglect giving a gift on the 14th, you are sleeping on the couch, my friend.
Flowers, chocolate, candy hearts, teddy bears, etc. It will all be over priced for today, then marked down 75% tomorrow. The smart couple would do Valentine’s Day on the 15th, while the really smart couple would agree to show their love for each other every day, and not let retail stores dictate how or when to express it. I mean really. Can you put a price on love? If so, my girlfriend and I bought a house for each other. A house! Take that, Russel Stover! It is certainly more expensive, will last longer, and produce more great memories than chocolates, flowers, and teddy bears combined.
It’s not that I’m against Valentine’s Day, I’m just against the fact that it’s a holiday run by florists and chocolatiers. I love my girlfriend, and I love her will all my heart. I tell her so at least once every day. I do not need flowers nor chocolates to express how I feel.
But I will still buy some. Because I want to. Because I love her. And because I don’t want to sleep on the couch.
OK, rant over. Now will someone please explain to me what the hell the card below has to do with Velveeta?!? It’s just…. disturbing.