Andy TaylorAsus, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Education, Google, Hardware, Laptops, Mobile Apps, Office, Security, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, TTR Website, , , , , ,

KMSB Fox 11 Daybreak – Taking a look at the Asus Chromebook C523NA

For today’s segment Andy Taylor of TechtalkRadio visited the KMSB Fox 11 Studios and shared some info on the Asus Chromebook. We are hearing more of students in both the high school level as well as in some of the Tucson Area Trade Schools and Continuing education using Chromebooks for not only school but also many of the features we use windows or apple based computers on.

A question that some salespeople are asked in regards to Chromebooks is “Does it run windows?” The short answer is No, however some modifications can be done to enable this but honestly, Why? Over the years we have seen the Chromebook develop into a real player in the Mobile Laptop space with the Google OS (Operating System) While for some it may take a little getting used to however with Google Docs, Users can create documents and save – print and share these. Users can take full advantage of the cloud with the online service on a WiFi connection however users can also work offline with the Chromebook.

We are looking at the Asus C523NA which I picked up for under $300 with Touchscreen. This Intel Pentium N4200 Processor at 1.10Ghz based machine features 64GB internal storage which may seem minuscule compared to 512GB to 1TB we see on higher end Laptops running the Microsoft Windows Operating system however the concept is a machine that is battery saving, lighter and integrates well with the Internet. For those that have a preference to using Microsoft Products, Office Online is available as an App giving access to a version of Word and Excel for starting at a 6.99 a month fee which includes Skype Video Calling.

The Chromebook comes equipped with an HD Cam. The Google Product Line allows you to upload and download photos, share them within google photos – All that is a part of the Google Apps. The C523NA features 2 USB 3.0 slots and a satisfying battery life of around 6-10 hours of course depending on the work you are doing. It works with the Google Chrome browser.

While Andy may not want to qualify this us a laptop only due to confusion between Windows Based Laptops and Mac Books
it essentially is, but running Google OS.

The price is right as well – You can find Chromebooks very reasonably priced at under $300

Andy TaylorBluetooth Technology, Consumer Electronics, Hardware, Mobile Apps, Samsung, Smartphones, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, TTR Website, Verizon Wireless, , , , , ,

KMSB Fox 11 Segment – Featuring the Samsung Galaxy S10 from Verizon Wireless

In this Weeks Segment for KMSB Fox 11, We feature the latest Smartphone Technology from Samsung with the All New Samsung Galaxy S10. Samsung recently launched three new devices under the S10 line, the Samsung Galaxy S10E, Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus

The Samsung Galaxy S10, sent to us by Verizon Wireless, is loaded with some great new features. The Screen is amazing, one of the brightest screens we’ve have seen., The Home Button is gone instead you control the phone with gestures. The Samsung Galaxy S10 we are looking at, it has four lenses for really capturing the perfect moment!

Two 12mp lenses are on the rear of the Samsung Galaxy S10. One telephoto, one wide angle and a 16mp Ultra Wide. For the forward camera users will find a 10mp selfie camera, in all this equates to some stunning photos in just about any condition, and video fares just as good with 4K 60fps.

The Samsung Galaxy S10 “Super Steady” feature gives you much smoother videos, even with action videos. One of the features we really love is wireless charging with Wireless Power Share, friend low on power which is wireless charging capable? Hook them together, by laying them on one another and charge your friends device! It can even work with Galaxy Buds or Smart Watch!

The Battery is 3400 mAh which is rated to get you all day use based of course on your use!

Storage for the Samsung Galaxy S10 is available in 128GB or 512GB but also will accept an Micro SD card with an additional 512GB, Price from Verizon is 899 for 128GB and 1149.00 for 512GB. The S10 Plus which has a little larger screen and other features including an extra forward lens, for the 1tb model it is $1599.00

During the Segment we referred to the Storage on the S10 as 528GB (Live TV) it is 512GB

Andy TaylorAudio Production, Computers, Consumer Electronics, Entertainment, Hardware, Logitech, Microsoft Windows 10, Office, Streaming Video, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, TTR Website, Videos, , , , ,

Testing out the Logitech 4K BRIO Desktop Camera

We are impressed! Logitech sent us over the Logitech 4K BRIO Pro Desktop Camera to test out and feature on our KMSB Fox 11 Segment. It will be difficult to be able to show all the features of the BRIO on our segment so we decided to through a demo here on the TechtalkRadio Website. I will start off noting the very first feature to notice out of the box is the elimination on the hard wired USB cable to the webcam. Over the years we have only had it happen a couple of times but a cord could get damaged and then, that was pretty much it for that camera (yes, we know there are videos on the web on correcting this.) The Camera is connected via a USB C type connection to USB, a long cable is provided for that and can be completely disconnected if need be. Strong Sturdy construction on the base can affix the BRIO snugly to the top of a monitor or to a portable tripod. After download the free Logitech Capture Software from the website, we find so many neat features to use. Rather then run down a list we decided to use the camera itself to show these features on the fly. The BRIO also features a Privacy shutter and nice carrying bag for the cable and BRIO.

We will post our segment from KMSB on Monday but hope you are able to get a better view of the Logitech 4K Pro BRIO with this video!

Andy TaylorApple, Computers, Facebook, Netflix, Online Tools, Safety, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, TTR Website, , ,

Is that Site Down?

In this Weeks Show we discussed the recent issues with Facebook and Instagram with widespread reports of the services being down which affected 2.3 Billion Users! Of course this drove traffic to Twitter, even Facebook itself took to Twitter to let users know that the services were facing a downtime. It’s amazing how many people felt disconnected and shared the frustrations on Twitter and Snapchat with Meme’s and the pondering what the user may have down to infuriate the FB Gods to be ignored when trying to login!

It wasn’t you or your fault that sites were having an outage although I did tell my 78 year Great Aunt Delores it was her that took them down and to stay off the Internet! While we still haven’t heard the story of why the Sites were on Timeout other sites have taken a similar turn this week including Apple, Verizon, YouTube and Gmail and its services.

There are a few online tools available as we discussed on this weeks show which can give you a head up if a Service/Site is having an issue. Apple features a System Control Panel giving you a quick look at the different services and display the areas of trouble and accessible to the general public. Check it out at the Apple System Status page.

There are a couple of sites which can give you a pretty good overview of the many services online and when they may be having issues:

  1. Is It Down Right Now – Gives you current status on Netflix, YouTube, Gmail, Facebook, Steam and many other services https://www.isitdownrightnow.com/
  2. Down – Type in the URL and it will tell you if it’s down https://down.com/
  3. Down Detector – This Site is easy to use however requires you to click through to get your answer https://downdetector.com

These will give you a good overview of a Sites Status.

Screen Shot of the System Status Screen at Apple
System Status Screen on the Apple Website
Andy TaylorConsumer Electronics, Education, Entertainment, Events, Hardware, Intellivision, Technology News, TechtalkRadio, video games, , , ,

New Gaming Console Previewed Intellivision Amico

™™

It won’t be until 10/10/2020 till we can get a real good look at the Intellivision® Amico™ Console. The Gaming Console is set to focus on the casual fun gamer providing titles which are family friendly and rated “E for Everyone” or “E10+”.

The Company plans to only have game titles which would run the average $2.99 to $7.99 and be available through Downloadable content. They also plan on delivering the Amico™ device with several of the Intellivision historical games re-imagined and preloaded

I had an Original Intellivision from Mattel and always had fun with those blocky looking games.  One of the features I liked was the conceptual sketch of the controllers which still had that early Intellivision feeling.

Tommy Tellerico, the President for the new company, Intellivision ®Entertainment shared this Teaser Trailer at the Portland Retro Gaming Expo this past weekend (10/20/2018)

Tommy recalls  “I grew up playing Intellivision with my parents and younger brother,” says Tallarico.  “It was always my favorite system because the games were cutting edge, yet fun and simple to play so our entire family could enjoy them together.  I find those important elements to generally be lacking from our industry with the current modern gaming consoles.  Our goal is to change that by focusing on bringing all age groups and levels of gamers and non-gamers together while introducing new generations of people to the legacy success of the Intellivision® brand.”

– We’ll have to wait a while but may be worth it!

Some of the Classic Titles that have been re-imagined/remade from Intellivision Baseball, Night Stalker™, Skiing, Boxing, Tron Deadly Discs™ to name a handfull. Some Atari Classics also going to be featured which have also be revamped  for the Intellivision Amico™: Pong™, Asteroids™, Centipede™, Tempest™, Adventure™, Missile Command™, Yar’s Revenge™, Breakout™, Lunar Lander™, Night Driver™, Sky Diver™, Warlords™ All Great Titles!!

Keep up on the latest , according to the Intellivision® Entertainment  Website – The first 500,000 people to sign up will get the exclusive opportunity to purchase a special and unique Limited Edition version of the console which will not be made available in stores

https://www.intellivisionentertainment.com