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Episode 399 – Capturing Lightning Bolts – Now Available to Stream!

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Shawn and Andy revisit the purchase Andy made of the Series 9 Apple Watch. Shawn tells a story of his Son locking Mom out of the house along with her iPhone, yet she was still able to call Shawn through the Apple Watch they own to get his assistance. Andy tells about a service on the Apple Watch called Walkie Talkie however, sitting in for Justin, Shawn reminds us that feature was originally found on Nextel devices and is also available on Samsung Smart Phones. Shawn shares what happened when the fire department showed up to help gain access to the house. The Conversation switches to the recent photo opportunity of the Northern Lights and how Shawn and his friends about 250 plus miles away where getting amazing photos of the geomagnetic storm. Shawn shares how he was attempting to get a photo of not only the Geostorm but also the ISS space station which was orbiting overhead.  Brad Dion, Shawn’s friend also captured an impressive shot. Be sure to check out Shawn’s Photos on https://blog.techtalkradio.com

photo courtesy of Lori Grace https://www.lorigraceaz.com
Photo from Shawn DeWeerd
Photo Courtesy of Brad Dion Photography


Andy and Shawn welcome to the Show, Storm Chaser, Weather Photographer and Podcaster, Lori Grace. Andy tells about finding her photos on social media of incredible weather photography about a year ago and being amazed at her work. Lori tells us about how she was able to find the passion for photography and experiment with capturing powerful shots. Lori tells us how she keeps an eye on Weather Patterns and works to find the perfect location. Happy Dancing under a storm is something both Shawn and Lori have experienced when capturing that spectacular image.  

Lori shares the difference between catching Daytime and Nighttime lightning and what time seems to be more pronounced. One image that Andy was amazed by was a shot which captured a Rainbow and Lightning Bolt at the same time. Lori is based in Southern Arizona yet has traveled to other areas for Weather Photography and Shares dream spots she would like to go to. Lori also shares how social media helped grow the audience but also the story of her getting struck by lightning. Be Sure to check out the Podcast from Lori, Available on Apple Podcast Lori has a great website for seeing these images, https://www.lorigraceaz.com 

Mark in Green Valley sent a question about last week’s show and Cutting the Cord, he would like to know what the best streaming service available is. Andy shares how Comcast/Xfinity is developing a streaming package with Peacock, Netflix and AppleTV.  Andy tells us in terms of services how he likes Peacock and Hulu for older shows but also after testing Pluto TV out, he loves that as a service. 

SteelSeries have released a new Wireless Headphone, The Arctis Nova 5 has many features to enjoy including 100+ Audio Presets and he ability to be used on just about every platform. Now Available the Arctis Nova 5. Shawn talks about how he loves his previous version. 

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Episode 398 – Better Than a Colonoscopy! Now Available to Stream

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, the Entire crew is on hand Andy, Justin, Shawn, Slick and Matt. Andy notices that most of the crew looks solemn and serious while Justin notes that the scowls look similar to the face after drinking a pre-colonoscopy beverage. Either way they press on and kick off with the Apple Announcements of the New M4 Chip which will in available in the new iPad Pro from Apple. Shawn tells us how his parents which travel have reduced their Technology to an iPad and love the experience of its portability and ease of use. As tablets become more powerful and feature rich, Matt and Justin share how it is viable to use Tablets as replacements for Notebooks or even desktop systems due to the power of Software and Services and connectable Bluetooth folios or keyboards to them tablets.  

Andy notes how the Tablets can be an Entertainment Portal with all the Streaming Services. He also shares a recent product he shared on News13, the Logitech Universal Folio which can hold most tablets in place in a foldable case which features a Bluetooth keyboard.  The guys share some good uses for tablets while Andy focuses on the Broadcasting Aspect in a software called Zetta from RCS. Andy hasn’t had an IPAD since Generation 2, Matt talks about how when he worked for Apple, he was happy with the functionality of the iPad’s and sees how far they have come. Slick uses different tablets and shares his experience with them including one with a strange memory configuration. Shawn has found good use for an older iPad Mini and uses that for his Plex Server. Justin uses his older tablets for Home Assistant. The New IPAD Pro 11′ and 13′ upon the announcement was immediately available to Order from Apple.  

Listener Brian visits a Yard Sale and picks up an used Western Digital My Book for 15 bucks but wants to know how to be protected when taking it home and wanting to use it. The guys talk about the good call that Brian is questioning plugging hardware into the computer and the dangers that could go along with it. Some possible solutions are covered. Justin shares the worst solution which has us in stiches with the reminder, don’t do this at home. There are other problems that could come up buy used storage beyond Malware which offers a bad scenario to consider. Matt gives us a safe legal solution.  

Roberta in Tucson is thinking about cutting the cord and wants to know about switching from Cable to YouTube TV in comparison to her Cable/Internet Provider.  Shawn gives us the basics of how the YouTube TV Service works. Shawn tells us how the Cloud DVR Service works and how YouTube TV does not require converter boxes. Local Channels are available based on IP in most cases. According to Justin, the programming guide is much better than what the cable company provides. What is needed is Hi-Speed internet, a Smart TV or Device such as Roku, Fire Stick Etc. Money Saving would be more than likely and up to three simultaneous streams could be used.  The subject shifts to shopping in Best Buy and helping customers which also conjures memories for Matt.  When it comes to saving money, Matt talks about an Introduction plan for YouTube TV that is available and what you shouldn’t see on your bill. A 7 Day Free Trial should allow enough time to see if it would work for Roberta before cutting the cord.  

Andy talks about CNET’s Jessica Fiero and articles she has been doing surrounding the Apple Watch and Fitness. One article shared how she noticed her relation to health had changed when looking at the results it was guiding her to do even better. After Andy’s recent procedure he decided to invest in the Apple Watch and is also enjoying the experience. Justin shares his respect for the Apple Watch and those health features. He also reminds us that Samsung and Pixel do also offer Watches. There was some confusion as to the Cellular version and Andy shares how the Cellular version is basically a smart phone on your wrist which can act independent of the smart phone while the non-cell version will still interact with an iPhone. Similar to Andy’s situation, Shawn shares his dad was able to use his HSA Account to purchase the Apple Watch due to the fact it is certified as a medical device in recording Hyper Tachycardia.  

Shawn talks about the Popular game Helldivers 2 and how Sony found its very vocal User Base.

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Mothers Day Tech Ideas – News 13 Segment Canon Ivy2 and Logitech Universal Folio

For this Weeks Segment of Talking Tech on News13, Andy Taylor reminds us that It probably doesn’t need to be said but just in case for Mothers Day Tech Gift Ideas, The Tech Behind Robotic Floor Vacuums, Tech Toasters or a New Outdoor Cam is cool, not always the great idea for Mom. Activision Blizzard had a story last year about the growing numbers of Mom’s that are Gamers! While we may not recommend an RTX4090 or new Console, We looked a little differently this year at some great accessories.

First Up, If Mom has a Tablet and doesn’t like using the On Screen Keyboard, a Nice alternative is available in the Universal Folio from Logitech. The Universal Folio can work with both iPads and Androids like the Samsung Tab. Using Bluetooth technology, The Universal Folio connects from the Keyboard to the Tablet and allows you to use the keyboard on the Folio which also doubles as a Stand for the Tablet. Extremely long battery life with Two Lithium Coin type batteries and nice for using just about anywhere, the List price for the Universal Folio is about $60.00

We also have the Canon IVY 2 mobile printer. Print Small Size photos from your Smartphone and even edit this and artistically add clip art, frames etc. The App has many features and when you are ready, print to the small mobile printer, it will deliver a 2x3inch print using ZINK technology. Zink Means Zero Ink. The Glossy Photo paper is sticky backed if you want to stick them on something. It comes with 10 print pages and 100 more could be purchased for about 50 bucks. It’s a lot of fun to be creative with the prints and hand them out to friends. The Printer itself sells for about 80 bucks, this was a big hit at the station as we took photos and were able to hand them out.

Andy TaylorTechtalkRadio, , , , , , ,

Technology and Health – New Segment News13 with Andy Taylor

For this Weeks Segment, we are focusing on Technology and Health. There is so much Technology that has evolved over the years to aid in health, from Medical Procedures and robotics to staying healthy by alerting, reminding, and informing of potential health conditions. A Recent Article at CNET by Jessica Fiero wrote about the Benefits of Self Technology after the author tried an Apple Watch for the First Time. Like the Author, Many others have also found having this technology can be empowering and can change and inspire to exercise, Including myself.

Even without the Apple Watch, the iPhone Health App or even the Samsung Health App can set those reminders to get up and move or alert the user to take medication. With the Apple Smart Watch which we will be featuring, users could even have an ECG on demand or be notified when the heart exceeds 120bpm or drops to the 40’s. It can also detect AFIB which could be a serious condition that could require medical intervention.

With Customizable watch faces, I chose Mickey Mouse, The Apple Watch 9 comes in three different sizes, 41mm, 44mm and 49mm for the Ultra 2 which is considered the top of the Line with the larger watch face and strong titanium build. The Apple Watch 9 itself features the new S9 Processor and the watch is made of 100% recycled aluminum. Over the Previous Watch Series 8, longer battery, All Day or 18 hour, faster graphics and GPS features. There has been some confusion as to a couple of features, without the Cellular feature can it still interact with your capable Apple smartphone? The answer is yes. If your phone is nearby, you can receive text, incoming Calls or even Siri on your Wrist. A new Pink Color Scheme and changeable bands make it a stylish way to health.

There are other Tech Health Products from Scales that coordinate with your Smartphones to Kardia, where you have a mobile ECG for checking your Heartbeat. Also, Garmin and Fitbit still have a good hold of that market as well. The Apple iWatch series 9 starts at 399 however you can find it even at Sale Prices. Samsung has recently confirmed their Premium Smart Watch in Series 7 similar to Apple’s Ultra 2 should be available this year.

Andy TaylorTechtalkRadio, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

New Show Posted! – Episode 397 – But Can It Fly?

In this Weeks TechtalkRadio Show, Andy, Shawn and Justin kick off the show with Slick jumping in as well. With Last Week’s Episode #396 focusing on Tesla, Justin follows up on some announcements from the company including Price Adjustments and the Full Self Driving update.  When it comes to Electric Vehicles, Justin points out that most auto manufacturers have an EV choice which has created competition in that marketplace. Andy asks the guys about the possible TikTok ban in the US and while many Content Creators have used it as a platform, is there really a concern that TikTok is a possible security concern? Shawn makes the point that Personal Data is collected by many companies and technologies. DJI has been having its own issues yet there has been little heard on a bill to prevent DJI or other drones manufactured in China from Collecting data in the United States.  

Shawn shares though that DJI has just announced a new Drone the DJI Avata 2 which has extended flight time and more gesture controls and out of the blue, 2 new Solar Generators Lithium Iron Phosphate LifePO4 generators. Just announced is The DJI Power 500 and DJI Power 1000. For those doing drone shoots on the go, this could be a benefit. Shawn mentions this can be great for the preppers, Justin mentions that since the Amazon Fallout series has aired, some have noted an increase in prep in case of a catastrophic event.  Slick tried to watch the series but could not get into it.  Shawn lets us know about being prepared and having Water and Food for at least 72 hours.   

Listener Laurie is the Caregiver for a 14-year-old that is Autistic. Unfortunately this young man has gone through a few tablets and is looking for recommendations on a durable tablet. Shawn tells us about the Amazon Fire HD Tablet Kids Edition which includes a 2-year warranty. Another choice could be the Panasonic Toughbook’s or Getac F110 and others from the company which are geared at Military and Law Enforcement. 

AI continues to be a Buzzword as Microsoft continues to invest in AI and many are talking about the Vasa-1 Video AI Generation of Mona Lisa with a Rap done by  Actress Anne Hathaway that was featured on Conan O’Brien Show back in 2011. It can be found online.   Adobe shared a YouTube Video on the company’s flagship Video Editing Platform Premiere Pro with Generative AI powered by Firefly. Shawn shares why he is not 100 percent into AI, calling himself the Anti-AI Guy on the Show. Slick also has not had the greatest response. Justin reminds us that part of the issue is learning who to speak to AI and get the response you are hoping for.  Slick agrees and applies the same thinking for using search engines. Andy shares the new website for testing out AI for those that haven’t created an account with OpenAI, it is https://talkai.info

The Musical Group YachtleyCrew is coming to Tucson May 3 at the Rialto Theater. Andy gets the chance to talk with Lead Singer Philly Ocean about the origins for the band and how the manager, Andy Gould, behind Rob Zombie, Pantera, Guns and Roses and Lional Ritchie found them at a performance in Hollywood. Since the bands start in 2017 the Audience Size and Venues have gotten bigger. Andy asks Philly if any of those Yacht Rock favorite Singer Songwriters or family members have found out about the band. The Full Steam Ahead Tour is about the performance and Experience and as Philly says they have been called the Kiss of Yacht Rock. Andy asks about how technology has helped the band find its Audience and Philly gives a lot of credit to the use of social media. Philly tells us about the 6 Song EP which features an Original Song. Philly Ocean tells us about doing the Show in Tucson and what he loves about T-Town!   Find out more about the band at https://www.yachtleycrew.com 

Slick and Justin share info on IT Departments phishing their own employees as a way to enhance and educate on the dangers of link clicking and how protecting the company assets can begin with employees. Slick reminds us about hovering over links to verify the source but always second guess them.  As an IT Manager, Justin tells us how he has used a service called Ninjio https://get.ninjio.com/   for training employees and loves the videos for training they have put together. Justin also shares about Physical Social Engineering and a test he will be doing.

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