Guitar Hero: Wii Extra Controller Released
Homeless Now Get Voicemail: Thanks to Google
Are you looking for a job? Are you unable to attain a phone number? Are you homeless? Well Google along with PHC (Project Homeless Connect) has the answer you are looking for.
Google is in the process of rolling out Grand Central, which is an online voicemail service that enables people to receive voicemails over the internet and now via payphones in San Francisco.
Now the homeless people will be able to have a phone number that can be put on job applications as well as healthcare contacts. This is a phenomenal step in improving our lives by using technology.
Adios
T.J.
I-Phone SDK and Enterprise Add-ons
I was recently thumbing through some articles on MACWORLD when I saw a post titled Apple to Announce an event at there campus in Cupertino. The invite read:
"Please join us to learn about the I-Phone software roadmap, including the I-Phone SDK and some exciting new enterprise features,"
I am looking forward to see what new enterprise features Apple will un-veil. What does the Enterprise level need that the I-Phone does not have? It has a great web browser with tabbed browsing, an easy to use keyboard, the edge network, (which could use some work) but I don’t understand what enterprise features they need that they don’t already have. I guess we will see on March 6th at 10 Am.
Adios
T.J.
Election 08'
After reading through C-Net's "Campaign coverage for the digerati" I think I have found the candidate that gets my vote, I really like the quote from Obama,
""The Internet is the most open network in history. We have to keep it that way. I will prevent network providers from discriminating in ways that limit the freedom of expression on the Internet."
I believe the internet should be open; it is a way to communicate and use it as you will. No government is ever going to stop pirating of music, movies or software. Many have tried but none have really succeeded.
Hillary Clinton, although I would like to see a women president, does not seem to be as up to date when it comes to the internet and technology. I don’t remember seeing a Clinton girl video on you-tube.
Adios
T.J.
""The Internet is the most open network in history. We have to keep it that way. I will prevent network providers from discriminating in ways that limit the freedom of expression on the Internet."
I believe the internet should be open; it is a way to communicate and use it as you will. No government is ever going to stop pirating of music, movies or software. Many have tried but none have really succeeded.
Hillary Clinton, although I would like to see a women president, does not seem to be as up to date when it comes to the internet and technology. I don’t remember seeing a Clinton girl video on you-tube.
Adios
T.J.
New Macs!
No big surprises here. Apple releases some new candidates for the mobile computer race. We have a beefed up MacBook and they upgraded the MacBook Pro's as well.
MacBooks: What you are looking at is a 2GB RAM Standard in the MacBooks with a 2.4 GHz cpu. Up to 250 GB Hard Drives. Keep in mind that it used to be 200.
Pro's: Up to 2.6 GHz CPU's. NVIDIA 8600M GT with up to 512mb of video memory. And of course the new multi touch track pad. It works similarly to the touch capabilities on the iPhone.
Overall its great to see upgrades. As far as prices are concerned everything is relative and as Apple policy no price jumps. But as far as running out and picking up one of these new machines? I'm still pulling for the technology like the Air. I think that we phased out the floppy drive and the I don't see the CD-Drive going anywhere. But a lot of people are purchasing their software via the internet avoiding the discs....Just my two cents.
Cheers.
Geek Movies
As I sit at my desktop and build websites, do homework, and work on the blog I found that I need to have background noise so I can stay focused. Usually I throw in a movie and just listen to it and occasionally glance over and get lost in the story line. I found some great movies that I am going to suggest to my fellow geeks:
Anti-Trust
Pirates of Silicon Valley
War-Games
Hackers
Hackers 2
Office Space
Live Free or Die Hard
And Finally Sneakers
These are great movies about technology. Add em to your Net-Flix que and see our previous post on how to back-up.
T.J.
I-Phone Update: 1.1.4
For all of you people who have there I-Phones unlocked for other carriers, I would not suggest synching your phone, The 1.1.4 update is now available, the update changes absolutely nothing except “bug fixes” . Still no word on the SDK that was supposed to be released in February. Hey apple news flash it’s almost March. I hope the I-phone dev team is making a new jailbreak for the current version of the I-Phone.
Adios
T.J.
PS3 160GB
The other day at work I scanned the label of an 80 GB ps3 to see when we were going to get more in. The handheld it beeped and said this item has been deleted… I kind of figured there would be a new Sony PS3, but no word for sure yet. Yesterday the Sony rep came into the store to do some routine maintenance, and so I asked her, “What’s the deal” she said I can’t really say anything, I said the classic,” I won’t tell any body” and she gave in, Sony is releasing a 160gb model for sure. She also said it would debut with a dual shock 3 controller. The price point is going to be the same as the 80 GB, $499.99.
She unfortunately didn’t tell me when it would be released. I will try to get it out of her next time.
Adios,
T.J.
Gears 2
Just when you thought it wasn't going to happen, Epic has come through and announced Gears of War 2's release date.
From Microsoft:"IT'S OFFICIAL! At the 2008 Game Developers Conference, Epic Games' lead designer Cliff Bleszinski made the announcement fans have been waiting for: Gears of War® 2 is coming this November."
I just hope Microsoft beefs up there server farm so the people who do buy it during the Christmas season will be able to play. Unlike this year when the servers were down during X-Mas, and no one was able to sign in to X-box live for weeks.
From Microsoft:"IT'S OFFICIAL! At the 2008 Game Developers Conference, Epic Games' lead designer Cliff Bleszinski made the announcement fans have been waiting for: Gears of War® 2 is coming this November."
I just hope Microsoft beefs up there server farm so the people who do buy it during the Christmas season will be able to play. Unlike this year when the servers were down during X-Mas, and no one was able to sign in to X-box live for weeks.
I just hope it is as good as the first Gears.
T.J.
In my small town?
Its really Hard to believe that this could happen... all while I was in class... kimd of makes me worry about my girlfriend that is attending the same college.
From LCCC main Web Page:
Timely Notice WarningFebruary 18, 2008 11:24p.m.
On Monday, February 18, 2008, a female student alleges that she was forced into a van at gun point while walking to her vehicle in parking lot 2 south from the CC Mall at 4:15pm. According to the student, three black males ordered her into a white van and allegedly raped her. The incident has been reported to Elyria Police. If anyone was in the area of parking lot 2 or 3 south during this time and has information that can assist Campus Security and Elyria Police with this investigation, please call 366-4053. Campus Security officers will be conducting additional parking lot patrols to ensure the safety of our campus community members. Escorts to personal vehicles can be requested by contacting Campus Security at extension 4053 or 366-4053. Please remember to always be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Campus Security office immediately. In order to ensure your safety on our campus, please be reminded of the following:
-Be aware of your surroundings
-If possible, always walk with a group of people to your vehicle
-Call Campus Security if you would like an escort to your vehicle
-Report any suspicious activity or encounters to Campus security immediately
-Be aware of your surroundings
-If possible, always walk with a group of people to your vehicle
-Call Campus Security if you would like an escort to your vehicle
-Report any suspicious activity or encounters to Campus security immediately
Time to backup DVD's
Most people wont think twice about letting you borow a dvd from there collection…. Within 15 minutes you can have an exact copy as well as the exact same cover on the dvd, and the case if you need it. Some of you might pay for a service that delivers movies to your house every month.. this is a great service that not be named
(We are not responsible for copyright infringemint this method is used soley for backup purposes)
This works with Windows Vista as well as Windows XP. Krieder will have his Mac tutorial at a later date.
Tools:
Hardware:
-Computer with a dvd burner
-A large hard drive if you want to save movies
-Blank DVD’s
-Sticky CD covers (available at walmart)
Software:
-Any dvd (this needs to be purchased but try it out first…)
-DVD shrink
-Nero (or any .iso burning software)
-Cover XP
First you will need to install ANY dvd…. This is the program that breaks the encryption on DVD’s if you do not have this installed DVD shrink will not be able to copy DVD’s .
1.After you have Any dvd installed, open DVD shrink and click open disk. A little tip, wait till your computer comes up and says there has been a dvd inserted, (this shows that any DVD has done its job) before you click open disk on DVD shrink.
2. After you say open disk it will come up and look like its reading through the disk.
3. At this point, DVD shrink will give you the options to shrink down the dvd, most of the time you will not have to. On the top you will see a button that says Backup.
4. Click Backup
DVD shrink is now building an ISO (exact copy) of your DVD
5. While this is happening, surf over to http://www.cdcovers.cc/ and search for the movie you are looking for. After you find the label or cover, right click and save picture to wherever you want it.
6. Open Cover XP, find the labels that you purchased under the labels bar.
7. Click on the Picture of the cd and navigate through your Hard Drive to find the image that you saved earlier. And click Print.
Back to your DVD.
8. After your image is done being made, find it in your hard drive and double click.
9. This should launch the image burning software you have installed,
10. Burn the ISO.
11. After it is completed attach your label
12. Enjoy your DVD
(We are not responsible for copyright infringemint this method is used soley for backup purposes)
This works with Windows Vista as well as Windows XP. Krieder will have his Mac tutorial at a later date.
Tools:
Hardware:
-Computer with a dvd burner
-A large hard drive if you want to save movies
-Blank DVD’s
-Sticky CD covers (available at walmart)
Software:
-Any dvd (this needs to be purchased but try it out first…)
-DVD shrink
-Nero (or any .iso burning software)
-Cover XP
First you will need to install ANY dvd…. This is the program that breaks the encryption on DVD’s if you do not have this installed DVD shrink will not be able to copy DVD’s .
1.After you have Any dvd installed, open DVD shrink and click open disk. A little tip, wait till your computer comes up and says there has been a dvd inserted, (this shows that any DVD has done its job) before you click open disk on DVD shrink.
2. After you say open disk it will come up and look like its reading through the disk.
3. At this point, DVD shrink will give you the options to shrink down the dvd, most of the time you will not have to. On the top you will see a button that says Backup.
4. Click Backup
DVD shrink is now building an ISO (exact copy) of your DVD
5. While this is happening, surf over to http://www.cdcovers.cc/ and search for the movie you are looking for. After you find the label or cover, right click and save picture to wherever you want it.
6. Open Cover XP, find the labels that you purchased under the labels bar.
7. Click on the Picture of the cd and navigate through your Hard Drive to find the image that you saved earlier. And click Print.
Back to your DVD.
8. After your image is done being made, find it in your hard drive and double click.
9. This should launch the image burning software you have installed,
10. Burn the ISO.
11. After it is completed attach your label
12. Enjoy your DVD
I-pod shuffle now only $49
Although the I-Pod shuffle does not have a screen, it is still a great MP3 player. Last year my mother was looking to get a very simple MP3 Player to listen to when she works out and when she is at work. All of the other players on the market for what she needed where very cheap and they used Windows Media Player, which in my experience is a nightmare. The I-tunes software is much easier to use for someone who is not tech savvy. So we picked it up for her. Little did I know I would steal it and use it instead of my I-pod nano. The battery life is amazing and not having a screen frees you from the constant searching for a song. For all of you nay sayers out there that think I screen is a necessity, it is not… I have found the solution, only put songs you would listen to on there… not your whole library. For $49.00 it’s a great price for a great MP3 player.
T.J.
Microsoft DreamSpark
It was announced today that Microsoft is giving students a package of developer tools that is rival to none. The first thing you do is go over to Channel 8 and sign in using your live ID. After giving your ID you are asked to validate your school, which is very similar to the regular MSDN that you may be accustomed to. If your school is on there… Enjoy the free software. If you are still reading this then your schools name was not on the list. Its ok there is hope for you yet. If you scroll down you will see a message that states,
“If you have selected your Country, but your University is not listed in the above ListBox, here are some options to get a new Student ID.”
Just follow the steps to validate that you are a student. After you do, feel free to enjoy the free software that Microsoft has bestowed upon you.
Things available for download:
SQL Server 2005
XNA Game Studio 2.0
Visual Studio 2005 professional Edition
Visual C# 2005
Visual Basic 2005
Visual Studio 2008
Windows Server 2003
Microsoft Expression Studio
Xna Creators Club Online
Visual C++ 2005
SQL Server 2005 Express
Visual J# 2005
And Virtual PC 2007
R.I.P. HD-DVD
So Sony has officially won the format war. Ars technical reporting today that Toshiba will stop shipping HD-DVD’s at the end of March. Why did Blu-ray win?
I believe the whole war was won with the all mighty dollars. I think Sony bought its way out of the war. In my opinion, the HD-DVD format was better. The HD-DVD was better priced and it was more useful. They did not require you to purchase a new player for new features, they pushed out firmware updates to make your investment more useful.
When I found out that my store (Wal-mart) was going exclusively Blu-ray I knew it was over. When the world’s largest big box store stops supporting a certain format you knows its over. The good thing is I did not run out and grab a certain player. I followed the advice from the crew at Buzz out Loud and waited.
I am still looking at getting an HD DVD player just to have a nice DVD player for a good price. I am sure by next week the price on the A3 will be 50 bucks on clearance. What a deal…
I believe the whole war was won with the all mighty dollars. I think Sony bought its way out of the war. In my opinion, the HD-DVD format was better. The HD-DVD was better priced and it was more useful. They did not require you to purchase a new player for new features, they pushed out firmware updates to make your investment more useful.
When I found out that my store (Wal-mart) was going exclusively Blu-ray I knew it was over. When the world’s largest big box store stops supporting a certain format you knows its over. The good thing is I did not run out and grab a certain player. I followed the advice from the crew at Buzz out Loud and waited.
I am still looking at getting an HD DVD player just to have a nice DVD player for a good price. I am sure by next week the price on the A3 will be 50 bucks on clearance. What a deal…
Codec anyone?
Have you ever tried to play that cool new Divx movie you just downloaded, or watch Friends Season 6 on your laptop and stumble across that awesome error that reads:
"Windows Media Player cannot play the file. The file is either corrupt or the Player does not support the file you are trying to play"
I have found the solution; navigate over to the “Combined Community Codec Pack” Main page. The CCCP is an organization that is providing an easy alternative to downloading individual codec packages. The download consists of all of the most popular codec packages that you will need. Now you never have to worry about finding the codec that is needed to play your movies.
Hope this helps.
T.J.
Cobalt for her, Crimson for me
As I said before Ashley has had my crimson DS since Christmas time. And she still does. It’s ok because it gives her something to do at her apartment. Last night I was at work and they asked me to stay till midnight so I could be there for the release of the new Crimson DS. It didn’t bother me I will happily take an hour of overtime. Little did I know, I would fall into the trap of purchasing one. It just looked so good and the colors defiantly look great. I haven’t told her yet, but I am sure she will be happy to finally have her own.
Romney and the new year
It seems like every commercial break on the radio it talks about Romney dropping out of the race.... ok its over he dropped out.... get over it... I am tired of hearing about it! Just a little rant...
Any way…. We are trying a lot of new things on the blog for this year…. We are in the process of adding a podcast to our blog, adding some more writers… and adding some new features… stay tuned
Word 2007-Stupid Formatting...
A word to the wise! Never use dumb formats like .xlsx or .docx when sending mass emails. People can't open these files and you are wasting a lot of time! But if you find yourself on the receiving end of one of these emails from some ignorant b!@#!@#. Then let me give you some suggestions.
First you can head on over to zamzar.com
Its a free converter service that will upload your file and convert it to something you can open.
But keep in mind it will take 20 minutes or 2-3 hours to e-mail you your new file.
Second you can get some sort of viewer from Microsoft.
But chances are that if you are on a work machine then you wont have proper admin rights to make the necessary changes...
Cheers.
P.S.- If you can't tell I have just received a .xlsx file and spent the last hour trying to open it...