For the Segment in Studio at News13, We took a Look at a couple of great resources for storing your digital memories. While we have said there are great options for storing your images and even videos and documents in the cloud, this shouldn’t be the end all. If there is an Internet Outage, or a Hack, you could still lose access to that data. Redundancy is the key with today’s data and a mobile solutions from SanDisk which allows you to back up quickly with a Laptop or Desktop.
Up first to look at is The SanDisk Extreme Go Portable SSD, a Solid State Device that can easily be carried in a laptop bag. It features Drop Protection and IP55 Water and Dust Resistance, X-Ray Protection and even comes with a 5 year limited warranty. It can also be Hardware Encrypted with a password so you can count on the data to be viewable by you alone. If you have lost data, recover it with the 2 year subscription for RescuePro Deluxe, which can be great to use on those files you accidentally deleted. It come with a USB C Cable and Connector if your system does not have C. – It also works with both Mac and PC. The Suggested for the 1TB Model is under 80.00
For those using their system desktop, we love the new SanDisk Desk Drive SSD. A Space saving desktop companion that does not take up a lot of desk apsce. Available up to 8TB, we looked at the 4TB Model and were amazed by the speed and how easy it was to get up and get going with it. Compact for the Desktop, Tyler made a good point that past options for some storage devices were as big as the box the Desk Drive Shipped in!
Depending on your drive in your system and transfer speeds this can backup up about 4x faster than a desktop HDD, with read speeds up to 1000 MB/s. Backing up is done by moving files or using the downloadable Acronis® True Image for Western Digital backup software which can be used on the Mac or PC. The Suggested for this is around 300.00
In this, the first episode of TechtalkRadio for 2025, Andy, Matt, and Justin discussed their holiday experiences and Justin shared his positive experience with Tesla’s full self-driving mode, which he tested on a trip to Cripple Creek Colorado. Justin got a new device that Andy could have used after having a tire lose pressure recently. The Mobile Device is a portable Air Compressor from a company called AirMoto which can quickly deliver up to 120PSI and even can inflate to a set amount.
Another change both Matt and Justin made to their homes focused on the Entertainment Systems. Matt discussed his recent purchase of a Sonos Arc Ultra soundbar and a Sonos Sub 4.1. Matt explained how the soundbar and subwoofer work together to create a full surround sound experience, and how the Sonos system allows for easy setup and control through the app. A good question when setting up a great sound system. What is the Best Movie to Watch? Matt and Justin recommended Top Gun as well as Dune Part 1 and 2 while Andy liked the original Raiders of the Lost Ark. Not only is sound a part of these theater setups but both Justin and Matt focused on the use of Govee LED lights. Justin explained how his setup, which includes LED lights behind and beside his TV, changes color based on the content being displayed, enhancing the overall theater experience. Matt shared his similar setup, which he set up for his parents, and highlighted the benefits of using a camera for syncing the lights with the TV’s content. Both agreed that the camera-based system was super effective for an immersive experience. They also discussed the benefits of their respective TVs, with the Sony Bravia OLED TV being praised for its color accuracy and its color tuning presets for streaming services by Matt.
Matt explained the difference between passkeys and passwords, emphasizing that passkeys are a more secure authentication method using private and public key pairs. He highlighted that passkeys are tied to specific devices, making them resistant to brute force attacks, keylogging, and phishing. Matt also discussed the use of Yubikeys as a hardware key for authentication. A Listener question wondered about a portable printer for work projects. Matt suggested the Canon Pixma TR 150 and the Brother PocketJet PJ-883 as potential options however Andy wondered if using a tablet with a PDF Creator Program would be better at generating PDF Documents to send to a client.
Justin shared his experience with the Oura ring, a health monitoring device that tracks heart rate, stress levels, and sleep habits. He found the device useful but after using the Pixel Watch he noted some drawbacks, such as the app being cluttered. The Oura Ring is eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) for medical expenses in most cases. Justin als shares about the recharging of the Ring Itself.
For this weeks Segment we take a look at some products from Logitech. First up is the Logitech Crayon which works with Apple iPads, Mini, Pro, Air and iPad from about 2018 and later. If you want a break from typing, this is a good option that will allow you to connect and take notes, sign documents and even sketch and draw. Using the Apple Pencil Technology, there is no need to pair the product and in most cases, will work after charging – Which we did via the Lightning Cable. Using Apps like Scribble, your writing could be turned into editable text. ProCreate or Adobe Fresco could allow Drawing and Painting with the Logitech Crayon. It features a flat design so, it won’t roll. The SRP is under 70 bucks.
If you enjoy the typing, and you would like to type on your Tablet, Smart Phone and even computer so you can move around. Check out the Logitech Pop Icon Keys Studio Series. This Bluetooth Keyboard with a soft color palette features scooped keys and a soft touch for quiet comfortable typing. While using it, its can be switched to 3 other bluetooth devices easily and with the Logitech App on Windows PC’s, Chromebooks and Mac’s, customizable buttons are available to eaily open programs or websites.Affordably priced, this keyboard which runs on two triple A batteries included sells for under 50 bucks.
Another Nice combo from Logitech is the Casa Pop Up Desk. It is a kit for connecting a series of devices, a Stand for your iPad, Mac or PC 10-17″ A Bluetooth Keyboard and a Track Pad. It folds up neatly and can be taken on the road and retails for about 150.00
In this weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy, Shawn and Justin take on one of the big stories in the news with the recent drone sightings over the East Coast, with Shawn clarifying that while there are indeed drones, some of the reported sightings could be helicopters. Justin shared his concerns about the presence of unidentified flying objects (UFOs) near the US Capitol, which he believes should not be ignored. The hosts also touched on the topic of misinformation surrounding these sightings. This is course causes speculation about the possibility of extraterrestrial life, with Justin suggesting that the objects could be alien technology. Andy mentioned the possibility of drones being used for surveillance or warfare, and Shawn noted that the quality of the amateur videos was not impressive. They also discussed the military’s response to the sightings, with Justin questioning why the military was not commenting on the situation. The conversation ended with a discussion about the capabilities of larger drones, with Shawn noting that they could potentially fly for extended periods of time. Shawn also suggested that some drones could be built without GPS geofencing. Andy wondered if this could lead to changes in legislation for drone usage and the overall feeling is Yes. The group speculated about the possibility of an elaborate prank or a serious government cover-up, and decided to keep an eye on the situation.
In last week’s Show, Justin was trying to decide on his next vehicle and shares that the purchase of a 2025 Toyota Camry XLE, a hybrid vehicle, after selling his 2017 Ford Explorer was made. He mentioned that the new car has a 12.3-inch touch screen infotainment system, HD radio, Sirius XM, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, full surround cameras, and a panoramic moonroof. Andy wondered if for long trips would he prefer the Tesla or Hybrid Camry. Justin does enjoy the convenience of self-driving features with the Tesla and traveling adds a minimal time for recharging.
A Listener question opens up a fun discussion on naming your Wi-Fi SSID. In the Segment a listener was asked by a neighbor about sharing his Wi-Fi. The group advised against it, citing potential misuse of bandwidth and exposure to legal issues. They also shared their Wi-Fi network names, with Justin’s being “The Wu-tang LAN” and Shawn’s being “Land before time”. The team also encouraged listeners to share some of the fun SSID names they have seen. Another listener question wonders about the benefits of OpenOffice as an alternative to Microsoft Office. They emphasized the benefits of open source software, such as community-driven development and potential for better support and feature requests. However, they also cautioned against downloading software from unverified sources and stressed the importance of due diligence in researching and selecting software. Shawn shared again with us a great website for finding open source software https://www.alternativeto.net
With YouTubeTV raising its Monthly Plan Cost, The team discussed their streaming services and the increasing costs associated with them. Andy mentioned that he was considering switching to YouTube TV but was hesitant due to the price increase. Shawn shared that they were sharing the cost of various streaming services among family members. The team also discussed the inconvenience of ads in some streaming services and the potential of physical media sales increasing due to internet outages. Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the recent launch of OpenAI’s free search feature for Chat GPT, which allows users to search for images and information.
Justin shared two websites of interest for the Website of the Week: https://www.everyhex.codes, a website that provides every color imaginable with its hexadecimal code, and https://www.openmhz.com , a website that allows users to listen to unencrypted police, fire, and EMS radio channels. They also discussed the possibility of using an SDR device to capture local radio frequencies and share them on Openmhz.com. Lastly, they shared their Christmas wishes, with Shawn wanting the High Speed Photo Scanner we shared from Epson earlier this year, The FastFoto 680 and Justin hoping for the Denver Broncos to make it to the Super Bowl!
For this Weeks TechtalkRadio, Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed their experiences with cryptocurrency, particularly Bitcoin. Justin shared how he was able to make his recent purchase of the New Sony Mirrorless camera for broadcasting using Bitcoin, and the group reminisced about the early days of Bitcoin’s value. They also discussed the potential for other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, Cardano, and Shiba Inu to grow in value. Justin advised listeners to do their own research before deciding maybe they want to give it a try and for the ease of use, open a Coinbase account to start investing in cryptocurrency, even with small amounts. Justin tells us about his decision to sell his One-Wheel and the experience of selling online. The sites like eBay and Facebook Marketplace are discussed with each presenting its own circumstances. Justin took to E-Bay for his and shares the challenges he faced with shipping and fees. He advised others to use eBay’s communication features to protect themselves from scams rather then direct communication. Shawn suggested that eBay is still a good platform for buying collectibles.
Shawn showcased the Dji Power 1000, a portable solar generator he recently purchased. He highlighted its features, including a continuous output of 2,200 watts and as Andy wondered capable of powering a freezer for several hours. Shawn also mentioned that the device could be charged using solar panels as well as plugging in to a power source. A listener question regarding the possibility of networking six computers in two offices and a lobby area. Justin suggested that a layer 2 or 3 switch would be sufficient for this setup, as the Internet provider’s modem already acts as a layer 3 gateway/router. Andy questioned whether a managed switch was necessary, and Justin explained that it would be useful for isolating devices on the network, such as security cameras and voip systems. Shawn reminds us that In terms of setting up a network for a business, DIY can be fun and a learning experience however hiring a professional to design and install the network would be advisable.
Andy discussed the recent Windows 11 update, which has removed Wordpad and caused issues with file sharing. He also mentioned that Microsoft now has an upgrade path for Windows 10 users to Windows 11 that previously did not fit in the upgrade requirements, this despite warnings of potential system crashes and security issues. Shawn shared his experience with his in-laws’ laptop, which is not compatible with Windows 11 due to its processor. He plans to help them choose a new laptop. Another great listener question is called in about recommended brands for desktop speakers. Justin recommended the Logitech 2.1 system, while Shawn suggested a JBL Clip 3 Bluetooth speaker. Andy added that one might need to invest in a Bluetooth key if their desktop doesn’t have Bluetooth support.
Justin discussed his car issues, specifically with his 2017 Ford Explorer’s head unit failing. He mentioned that the head unit controls various functions including GPS, backup camera, climate, radio, and door locks. Justin was considering selling the car before the head unit fails completely. He also mentioned that his wife, Misa, is considering buying a 2025 Toyota Corolla, a plug-in hybrid with intelligent all-wheel drive. As a close to the show Andy, Shawn, and Justin discussed the issue of unauthorized charges and loot box purchases in the game Fortnite. Andy informed the group that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is offering refunds to those who were charged for in-game currency or items they didn’t intend to buy between 2017 and 2022. A link for that FTC website was mentioned with the reminder of claims needing to be filed by January 10th 2025.
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