The LeapFrog Epic – Unboxing

We have never really ever done an Unboxing Video – It’s Raw and basically first impressions of a product. We decided to Unbox the LeapFrog Epic tablet considering it’s really not available yet. First impression is good! Here’s what we found with our first look at the Leap Frog Epic

 

HitchBOT – Traveling Across the US – Well that didn’t go too well??

It all began July 27th as Hitch-Bot, a project with success in Canada – Germany and the Netherlands, embarked on an impressive trip across the United States.

The Plan, Travel from Massachusetts across the United States to San Francisco and along the way stop in great United States treasures such as Times Square, Mount Rushmore and even the Grand Canyon with other landmarks suggested along the way.

The goal for this 3ft 25pound “robot” was, and I repeat, was to head across the states with the help of the generosity of people. Ride’s and Electrical Outlets would help take the HitchBot in this journey across the country.
Sadly, on the 1st of August – HitchBot’s journey across the US came to an end with this message posted on the HitchBit twitter feed

“Oh dear, my body was damaged, but I live on back home and with all my friends. I guess sometimes bad things happen to good robots! My trip must come to an end for now, but my love for humans will never fade. Thank you to all my friends.”

HitchBot was vandalized and left for dead, his head and limbs pulled off – reminiscent of the fate of C-3PO in The Empire Strikes Back a grisly photo was posted on Canadian Journalist Lauren O’Neil twitter feed

Photo of Hitchbox from Lauren O'Neill at Twitter
Photo of Hitchbox from Lauren O’Neill at Twitter

 

 

 

 

 

 

A message from the family was posted on the website for Hitchbox

hitchBOT’s trip came to an end last night in Philadelphia after having spent a little over two weeks hitchhiking and visiting sites in Boston, Salem, Gloucester, Marblehead, and New York City. Unfortunately, hitchBOT was vandalized overnight in Philadelphia; sometimes bad things happen to good robots. We know that many of hitchBOT’s fans will be disappointed, but we want them to be assured that this great experiment is not over. For now we will focus on the question “what can be learned from this?” and explore future adventures for robots and humans.

We have no interest in pressing charges or finding the people who vandalized hitchBOT; we wish to remember the good times, and we encourage hitchBOT’s friends and fans to do the same

Hopefully next time, Hitchbox can start out in Arizona

 

Periscope – Who’s Watching

A Logo for the Periscope App for Android and iOS
A Logo for the Periscope App for Android and iOS

I’ve heard quite a bit about Periscope over the past few months and finally decided to pull the trigger and see what it’s all about. I like to check out new social media tools when they pop up to see just how different they are with the many options available to us “User Folk”

Periscope can be a total blast and has been built with the concept of “Periscoping” the user experience through the smart phone. Although some of the uses, even myself, have been for engaging interaction among the viewers in a virtual chat room which runs on top of your video while you shoot it – No Editing, It’s all Live.

One of the best uses for the Periscope service was a video I checked out yesterday of a Surfer Mitch Oates ( @lifeatseaphoto ) with his device attached to his surfboard! Great Live Video but a good way to go through phones! There’s another Periscoper that covers just about everything she does, Tasmin Lucia Khan (@Tasmin) riding in cabs, cooking breakfast and putting on makeup..I know, compelling right? Actually she is, the fact she engages the audience is refreshing. We used to do that a lot in Music Radio. 🙁

Share It with the world, make it available to select friends and even save it to your camera roll! Just don’t point it at the TV during say “Game of Thrones” or during a Pay Per View event – This has been an Issue in the Past.

Check out Periscope which is owned by Twitter after a nice payout of about $100 Million  dollars (Did Dr. Evil handle that deal?) If you have a Periscope please let us know so we can check it out! Follow us Andy Taylor @techtalkradio

New Verizon Wireless “Smart Store” In Oro Valley Arizona

Verizon Wireless Smart Store Device Wall
A Photo of a Verizon Wireless Smart Store – New Store Opened in Oro Valley

Sometimes walking into a Wireless Carrier store that sells just smart phones and service isn’t enough for consumers seeking out the best bang for the buck.

For the many making the move to a new or first time  Smartphone brings questions that need to be answered, that’s where the Verizon Wireless Smart Store comes in.

The Second in the Tucson Area, the Verizon Wireless “Smart Store” features close to 2700 Square feet of area that gives consumers a more driven experience with new technology that is Hands On with all devices in “Lifestyles Zones” on the 4G LTE network from Verizon.  The idea is to give the customers access to more than 90 smartphones and about 800 different accessories throughout the different zones.

Photo of the Get Fit Section in the Lifestyle Zone of Verizon Wireless Smart Store - Now Opened in Oro Valley
The Lifestyle Zone – Get Fit, featuring devices to Get and Stay Fit in the Verizon Wireless Smart Store – Now Opened in Oro Valley

There are so many different uses for technology in our life and the lifestyle zones for customers of the Verizon Wireless store will feature a Get Fit area giving a better hands on look at how active sports and fitness consumers or those wanting to engage a better fitness lifestyle can benefit with the technology available.

There are many options in Audio with our devices and that is where the “Amplify It” section will appeal to those wanting a better listening experience for themselves or for a room of people. Bluetooth speakers of different sizes and types will be available to listen to for the ear of those needing a speaker solution.

Another section includes a “Have Fun” area with some of the newest and enjoyable games. This is extremely popular for those with children looking for education/learning titles that can be paired with a tablet or even smartphones. We’ve featured devices such as “Ollie” along with Word and Shapes toys which can turn a road trip into a learning experience.

One of my favorite areas in the Lifestyle Zones has got to be Home on the Go. This is where a consumer could get a first hand look at “Canary” the easiest to set up and use Home Monitoring Cam I’ve ever used. Other Home Monitoring options and devices are also on display at the Verizon Wireless Smart Store.

With the different areas consumers can also benefit with workshops for those looking to tie in some of these devices added to their digital lifestyle along with new tablets and smartphones. These free in-store customizable wireless workshops are set to provide personalized hands-on training

The New Verizon Wireless “Smart Store” is located in Oro Valley at 10580 North Oracle Road

New Sprint Service Comes to you!

Wcar01_smallith the 1st Roll-out of the New Sprint Direct 2 You service today in Kansas City and 2nd and 3rd planned for Chicago and Miami, the potential for Jobs and a better experience when transferring your phone data – Sprint believes we could see up to 5000 Direct 2 You positions created by the end of the year.

Read More on the Service along with a informative Q&A from Sprint on our site at

http://www.techtalkradio.com/articles/direct2you.html