By now many people are using their smart phones to wake up every morning instead of a traditional alarm clock. In the case of the iPhone, there are numerous applications that enhance this with images, weather updates, and other features. The Lark alarm goes much further by including a wrist band that can softly wake you by slightly vibrating. This is particularly useful because it will typically only wake up the wearer of the wrist band and not the sleeping partner. It also includes a sensor and Continue reading “A next generation alarm clock”
A virtual keyboard and remote control
Computers are more and more forming part of a home entertainment system. An Apple Mac mini for example now comes with an HDMI connector and supports native HDTV resolutions. It is often cumbersome to have to deal with a traditional keyboard and mouse in the family room. A great alternative is the Mobile Mouse Pro application. It allows for wireless remote control of a Windows or Mac computer using an iPhone. The application works in tandem with a program that runs on the computer being controlled. It is a great buy for $1.99 at the iTunes store. Continue reading “A virtual keyboard and remote control”
A novel tool to remember things
It seems that more and more we have to deal with an ever growing amount of digital information. It is increasingly difficult to manage things like pictures, bookmarks, notes, and other digital tidbits. Evernote provides a clever way to organize it all. The system is composed of a main application that runs on a computer and supporting plugins and apps that run on mobile devices. For example, lets say that you come to a website on your computer that you want to remember. Yes, it can be bookmarked, but often it is difficult to search through the default bookmark systems in most browsers. Continue reading “A novel tool to remember things”
True access to your personal data from anywhere
A recent MacRumors article mentions Apple’s interest in Near Field Communication and the possibility of it being a feature on a future Apple mobile device. NFC is presently utilized in “tap and go” credit card payments. The feature enables users with NFC enabled cards to pay “wirelessly”. Users can simply wave their card at the merchant’s payment sensor and this will transmit the information necessary to process payment. This also opens the possibility of having an electronic wallet instead of the traditional credit card. Continue reading “True access to your personal data from anywhere”
Stream Netflix on the iPhone and iPad
The popular video rental website Neflix recently announced the availability of their application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The application was previously available for only the iPad. In the case of the iPad and iPhone, streaming is available through 3G as well as Wi-Fi. Netflix subscribers can now stream any title directly from their instant queue. It is also possible to add new titles to your movie queue. The application also keeps track of the titles watched and remembers where you left off. In other words, you could start watching an episode of 24, stop halfway, and continue watching it where you left off in your home TV or computer.
The application is the latest addition to the multiple ways to watch Neflix. Streaming is available from a Sony PS3, a Nintendo Wii, and Microsoft’s XBox 360. It is also available from Roku’s video player as well as from many of the latest TVs which use widgets. A Netflix subscription starts at $8.99 per month.
Additional security for financial accounts
Financial companies with web portals are constantly looking for ways to further secure access to financial information. Verisign has developed a mobile application that adds an enhanced level of security difficult to break. You will be prompted to enter a random code, in addition to your username and password, on a participating financial website. Presently, several hundred companies participate in the program. The application is compatible with an iPhone, BlackBerry, Android, and Windows Mobile smart phones. For the iPhone, the application can be obtained at the iTunes App Store. It can be also be obtained for other smart phones at the Verisign application page.
Streaming music to your home system
Some years ago I discovered a Squeezebox music player and used it to stream free Internet radio stations to my home music system. The device was originally made by a company called Slim Devices. They were later purchased by Logitech. The Squeezebox has been greatly improved and now several models are available. Currently services like Pandora Radio, Rhapsody, Last.fm, Sirius Radio, and many others are available in the Squeeze Network. Controlling the Squeezebox was sometimes cumbersome since it only came with a small remote control and you had to be in close to the device to follow the onscreen menus. Later, Logitech introduced the Squeezebox Duet that came with a color handheld remote. This seemed in direct competition with the Sonos music player. In any case, with the advent of the iPhone and app store, a clever team of developers from Penguin Loves Music came up with a clever application called iPeng. Continue reading “Streaming music to your home system”