Free Alternatives to Software Programs and Something New from Adobe!
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New Show Posted – Episode 375 – That’s Entertainment!
In this week’s episode of TechtalkRadio, Justin, Shawn, and Andy delve into the rising costs of software and services, highlighting increases in prices for Google Nest services, Disney Plus, and Intuit QuickBooks. Andy shares his experience of a substantial annual subscription fee hike from Intuit, prompting a discussion on AlternativeTo.Net for alternative software options. Andy eventually manages to cancel his QuickBooks Desktop subscription, despite some hurdles. While many companies are raising prices, Adobe introduces Adobe Express Free, offering an enjoyable and creative way to create content. Shawn brings up a story from the New York Times Wirecutter Tech Blog about Wyze, where recommendations for Wyze Cams were rescinded due to camera feeds inadvertently appearing on other users’ accounts. The company’s statement is shared, but Shawn expresses concern about the lack of follow-up from Wyze and hopes for improved product security.
As the holiday season approaches, Al Pitrelli, Music Director, Founding Member, and Guitarist of Trans-Siberian Orchestra, joins TechtalkRadio to discuss their upcoming tour, “The Ghost of Christmas Eve,” “The Best of TSO,” and more. He reflects on the band’s beginnings 28 years ago with the late Paul O’Neill and the creation of the popular holiday theme “Christmas Eve in Sarajevo 12/24.” Al describes the immersive experience of Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s live shows, blending visuals, lighting, pyrotechnics, and music. Tour schedules can be found at https://www.trans-siberian.com.
In the realm of video content streaming, Nimbus99, a global company based in Arizona, offers solutions for creators and businesses. CEO Tim Ferres explains how Nimbus99 enhances content creators’ abilities to reach their audience using OTT (Over the Top Streaming) without relying on platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Nimbus99 empowers creators with an intuitive interface for content distribution, revenue generation, and offers managed services along with the Nimbus99 Player. The platform also caters to businesses, providing one-time stream services and analytics. Explore Nimbus99’s offerings at https://www.nimbus99.com.
Lastly, Justin explores Starfield, an Xbox/PC exclusive title from Bethesda, discussing gameplay and expectations, though he playfully declines to share his avatar.
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A Past Video Moment with TechtalkRadio!
We’ve been longtime users of Wirecast by Telestream, but due to our current setup for the show, we’ve been dealing with a feedback issue. Nevertheless, we stumbled upon a segment we recorded on Facebook Live while experimenting with a new version back in 2016, and we wanted to share it here.
The technology for live streaming has evolved significantly, not only in terms of the cameras used but also the software that facilitates the process. At the onset of the pandemic, we witnessed houses of worship embracing live streaming, whether it was a single-camera setup on Facebook Live or more advanced solutions like YouTube Live through software such as OBS and Wirecast. These tools provided users with the capability to incorporate graphics, pre-recorded videos, and, in the case of Wirecast, even remote correspondence via a smartphone using the Wirecast App.
One particular tool that has greatly benefited many videocasters is the ATEM Mini by Blackmagic Design. While we have one in our possession, we haven’t had the chance to use it yet. However, Shawn from the show is an avid user of the ATEM Mini and speaks highly of it. Instead of relying on computer software for switching, the ATEM Mini offers hardware-based switching capabilities, providing a different and potentially more efficient approach.
Regardless, we thought you might enjoy this segment from our experiment with FB Live. You can find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/techtalkers.
New KMSB Fox 11 Segment – Higher Capacity M.2 and an Enclosure!
As we continue to accumulate documents, photos, videos, and even install programs and games, the demand for storage space has surged. Over the years, we’ve witnessed remarkable advancements in storage technology, from the early days of MFM SCSI and IDE drives with that modest 750MB capacity to the introduction of SATA drives and the game-changing SSDs (Solid State Drives). The latest milestone in digital storage technology is the M.2 SSD.
Unlike traditional drives, the M.2 SSD slots directly into a designated port on your motherboard and is secured in place with a screw. One noteworthy M.2 SSD in the spotlight is the WD_Black SN850X NVMe SSD, featuring PCIe Gen 4 x4 NVMe support. It’s worth mentioning that Western Digital has recently unveiled a 4TB version, taking storage capacity to new heights. The M.2 SSD’s compact size is a standout feature, and it offers impressive data transfer speeds. However, one drawback is that M.2 drives took some time to catch up in terms of storage capacity compared to their larger SSD counterparts. Pricing for the new Western Digital M.2 SSDs hovers around $299 for the latest models, with the 2TB variant priced at approximately $119.
One challenge that some have pondered is how to duplicate, clone, or upgrade systems with M.2 drives. While there are various docking systems available for IDE, SATA, and standard SSDs, the M.2 realm presented a unique challenge – until Sabrent stepped in. Sabrent has introduced an M.2 Storage/Enclosure crafted from aluminum (which also helps dissipate heat generated by the M.2 drive). Simply plug your M.2 drive into this enclosure, close it up, and connect it to your computer via USB-C and included adapter. The enclosure includes all the necessary cables and adapters for a hassle-free experience.
For those looking to upgrade from a 1TB M.2 to a 2TB or 4TB version, Sabrent sweetens the deal by bundling a free download of Acronis True Image for SABRENT software, making cloning a breeze. This enclosure typically retails for around $35, and it’s wise to ensure compatibility with your specific M.2 drive, as there are different M.2 styles in existence.
If you found this information helpful, please consider sharing this video and giving it a thumbs-up. Thanks for taking the time to explore these exciting developments in the world of digital storage – Listed are some of the Technology we have covered!
- M.2 SSD Technology: M.2 is a form factor for solid-state drives (SSDs) that is characterized by its small, thin, and light design. It was introduced to replace the older mSATA and mini-PCIe connectors. M.2 drives are designed to fit directly into a compatible slot on a motherboard, eliminating the need for cables and connectors, which can improve airflow and reduce clutter within the computer case.
- WD_ Black SN850X NVMe SSD: The WD_Black SN850X from Western Digital is an M.2 NVMe SSD known for its high-speed performance. It utilizes the PCIe Gen 4 interface, which provides significantly faster data transfer speeds compared to previous generations. This makes it an excellent choice for demanding tasks like gaming, content creation, and data-intensive applications.
- Storage Capacities: As technology advances, M.2 SSDs are becoming available in larger capacities. The 2TB variant we mentioned is a substantial amount of storage, suitable for storing a vast number of documents, photos, videos, and even games and programs. It’s worth noting that SSDs, including M.2 SSDs, have become more affordable per gigabyte over the years, making high-capacity options like the 2TB WD_Black SN850X accessible to more users.
- M.2 Enclosures: M.2 enclosures are essential tools for various purposes. These enclosures allow you to convert an M.2 SSD into an external drive that can be connected to your computer via USB. This is especially useful when you need to clone or transfer data from one M.2 drive to another or if you want to use an M.2 SSD as a portable storage device.
- Cloning and Upgrading: Upgrading to a larger M.2 SSD is made more accessible with tools like the Sabrent M.2 enclosure, which includes software for cloning. Cloning allows you to duplicate the contents of your existing M.2 drive onto a new, larger one without reinstalling the operating system and applications. This can save a lot of time and effort when upgrading your storage capacity.
- Price Considerations: As mentioned, M.2 SSD prices have become more competitive, making them a viable option for various users. Prices can vary based on factors such as capacity, brand, and performance, so it’s a good idea to research and compare different M.2 SSD models to find the one that suits your needs and budget. If you are thinking about building a system, take a look at a motherboard that supports the M.2
In conclusion, M.2 SSDs like the WD_Black SN850X offer high-speed performance and ample storage capacity for modern computing needs. The use of M.2 enclosures with cloning software simplifies the process of upgrading or transferring data, making them valuable tools for enthusiasts and professionals. As technology continues to advance, we can expect further innovations in storage solutions. For More information on Western Digital take a look at https://www.westerndigital.com and Sabrent at https://www.sabrent.com
New Show Posted! Episode 374 – Tossing Axes with the Kids!
This week on the TechtalkRadio Broadcast Show, join Andy Taylor, Shawn DeWeerd and Slick as they kick things off by recapping last week’s show, which delved into the eerie world of Midjourney and Justin’s spooky creations on the platform. You can catch the video featuring those images on the TechtalkRadio YouTube Page
Things for this week take a hilarious turn as Slick, Shawn, and Andy discuss doppelgangers and share their celebrity look-alikes. Andy playfully suggests that Shawn resembles the grown-up version of the kid – Jake from “Two and a Half Men,” while Slick’s uncanny resemblance to Gil Scott Heron surprises everyone, just as much as Andy’s resemblance to film director John Landis in the ’80s. Switching gears from tech, Andy shares a fun anecdote about driving on the Universal Studio Lot and getting waved through. And for a dose of non-tech escapades, Shawn regales us with his recent camping trip, where he tried his hand at outdoor axe throwing with the family and Kids!
Delving back into the tech world, the trio explores the privacy implications of photos on services like Google Photos. They discuss how these services can identify products and images, potentially sharing where to purchase products found in your photos. They also walk you through uploading photos from your computer to Google Photos, allowing you to easily access them on your smart devices.
In Microsoft-related news, the team discusses Microsoft’s announcement that WordPad is being phased out from the Windows Operating System. Slick provides some background on Notepad and WordPad, drawing from his support days to explain why these programs were created. Shawn then introduces an alternative, Notepad++, and Slick shares his love for this program. They also shed light on AlternativeTo.Net, a resource for discovering open-source alternatives to various software, including WordPad and office apps, with OpenOffice being one of the recommendations. They also touch on alternatives for video, audio, and photo editing, with Shawn singing praises for DaVinci Resolve.
Andy Taylor unveils a product featured on this week’s KMSB Fox 11 Segment: the Sabrent USB 3.1 Enclosure for NVMe PCIe M Key M.2 SSD. This handy device allows you to clone your M.2 drives or connect to your USB 3.1 port, transforming any system without M.2 onboard storage. Additionally, Andy introduces the ShiftCam Snapgrip, a game-changer for smartphone photography enthusiasts. It not only enhances your smartphone’s camera control but can also charge/power Qi-capable devices while in use, all while being connected via Bluetooth for seamless operation. Shawn rounds up the episode with a showcase of other exciting products from ShiftCam.
Tune in for a diverse mix of tech, entertainment, and insights in this week’s TechtalkRadio show and please share with a friend!
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