Andy TaylorLeave a commentConsumer Electronics, Entertainment, Mobile Apps, Robotics, Social Media, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, ,

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

 

Andy TaylorLeave a commentComputers, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, Microsoft Windows 10, Online Safety, Review, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, TTR Website, , , ,

Andy Taylor talks with Scott Sands WSPD Toledo

I had a chance to visit with Scott Sands of WSPD Radio in Toledo on the benefits and features of Microsoft Windows 10 as well as a couple of points to consider before upgrading and something to change as soon as you do!

Andy TaylorLeave a commentAsus, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Hardware, Laptops, Periscope, Safety, TechtalkRadio, , , , , ,

Changing out the Hard Drive – Asus K55

Yesterday evening when I jumped on Periscope @techtakradio I decided it would be fun to exchange the hard drive in my Asus K55 Laptop with the Kingston 120GB SSD Drive I found at OfficeMax on Sale. What Started to be a simple exchange turned into 18 minutes on Periscope as we talked about Windows 10 and the Benefits of SSD Technology.

We were able to save the original meaning of our Periscope and edit it for you to check out on the ease of Switching out the Hard Drive in your Laptop


Please Let us know if you went SSD or Standard and Subscribe to our blog!

Andy TaylorLeave a commentBluetooth Technology, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, Fashion, Health and Fitness, Mobile Apps, Mobile Games, Music, Smartphones, Technology News, 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