Andy TaylorLeave a commentComputers, software, TechtalkRadio, ,

Windows 8 Consumer Preview Today (Feb 29th, 2012)

The idea to put out Microsoft Windows 8 before the end of the year really shouldn’t be thought as a way to make a few bucks before the predicted Apocalypse but a way to keep the profits rolling in for the software developer.

Honestly, I thought I might just be using Windows 7 till the end of of time. I had finally moved off Windows XP with a brief stop in VistaVille to a great experience with Windows 7 X64. The sturdy Operating System has served well and honestly will continue to do so for I am sure years to come. Will Consumers feel the same? Will they take the plunge and try out something else that looks again like a new interface to learn? This is certainly the question Microsoft would like to see answered with today’s Consumer Preview “beta” rollout and launch in Barcelona Spain. Spain? Why not Seattle?

Word of Caution, while TechtalkRadio has not looked at the technical preview which was made available for developers last September, I would always recommend not installing the Consumer Preview on a production machine, meaning a system you use day to day and is imperative to your operations. The goal of the Consumer Preview is not to give you free software or let you taste the sweetness like a candy at See’s sampled by the lady in the white dress, its purpose is to see how the software interacts with various hardware and software conditions.

If you want to try it out, you should be able to download an ISO of the Windows 8 Preview but also remember , over time this will time out and you will be required to purchase or go back to that copy of Windows Vista or Windows 7!! For more information on this Consumer Preview, Check out http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/home

RayvenLeave a commentTTR Website, , , ,

Happy Caturday Everyone!

Ok, that phrase was used what?? In the 2006’s? Anyhow, welcome back to a new year and a new collection tech related reviews!

There’s no doubt that there are a plethora of cat toys and trinkets at ThinkGeek.com . From automatic cat feeders and automatic lazer toys, to treat mazes and wearable digital cameras, there is a company that stands out above the rest. The “Catit Senses” brand offers a variety of linkable feline fun that will get your little kitty purring in no time.

Here is the finished product. Very sturdy and simple.
Here is the finished product. Very sturdy and simple.

I recently received the “ Catit Senses Massage Center” to review. The box was very simple and all of the information was on the outside. It has a gum stimulator on the top that the cats can chew on (instead of your computer wires and cables) and some ridges on the outside for them to rub against and scratch themselves. I was kind of surprised there wasn’t a scratching post part which would’ve fit nicely at the base, but they added comb-like brushes there instead.

It was very simple to put together, just a matter of snapping the top onto the white base, and setting the rubber no-skid mat on the bottom. It came with a small cup of catnip to sprinkle on it as well. Now to get the cat to check it out!

I set the Catit Senses Massage Center out in the walking path of El Capḯtan Negro, our feline friend, to see what he would do. At first he circled it a few times just checking things out. I thought about the catnip aspect, so I added some to the gum stimulator cup and around the base to see if that would get him to explore. He immediately went for the gum stimulator and chewed it a couple gnaws and that was the extent of that. He walked over to the counter where the box was ant began rubbing his cheeks onto the corner of the box! I immediately thought of my grandmother “ Those kids would rather play with the package than the expensive toy inside!” she used to say when we were young geeks.

The next day, I relocated the Catit Senses Massage Center to the floor figuring maybe location change would suffice. I also added the rest of the catnip around the massage center thinking that more is better. He walked over to it after a while, rubbed his cheek on the nubs at the top, then walked away and I’m sad to report has not played with it since. “How in the world am I going to review a product that my cat isn’t interested in?”, I thought.

El Capitan Negro testing out the gum stimulator feature

A few hours later, I put it outside thinking that the playful stray cats outside would enjoy the feeling of a massage. Nothing… not a one of them even sniffed at it. I don’t know if it were because it scared them or they just plain weren’t interested. I figured if any of them would play with it would’ve been the smaller stray cats because they always play with leaves, sticks, etc. Nope.

So basically, my review is this: it was not effective with my cat nor stray cats. The product, however seemed to me very well made and user friendly. I wish I would’ve got El Capitan to use it more. Maybe in the future I will have an update. Let us know if you have tried other cat toys like this and what worked for you. Happy Caturday!

Andy TaylorLeave a commentTTR Website

TechtalkRadio Comes to RadioExiles

Photo of Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor - TechtalkRadio Host

(Tucson, Az) TechtalkRadio begins production this week for a RadioExiles weekly version of the latest in Tech and Gadget News in short form for Podcast. The new TechtalkRadio Radio Exiles Show will be available for Free Download at RadioExiles.com on Thursdays.

The TechtalkRadio show created by Andy Taylor and Mike O’Brien has had homes on KPSI Palm Springs, KTKT Tucson, KJLL Tucson and Clear Channels KNST Tucson and also featured as a regular weekly segment on Broadcast Television with the KOLD TV Morning News.

Over the years various show host have joined Andy Taylor for a lighter look at the world of computers, technology and the Internet on the weekly broadcast and internet webcast of the show in what usually amounts to an hour or two of technology. The current show webcast on Saturday Mornings with Slick, Justin and Broadway and features a version of webcast which airs in Grafton West Virginia on WLMN Radio.

According to show creator Andy Taylor, “the Radio Exiles version of TechtalkRadio will still look at gadgets but also provide links and fun sites that can get lost in the muddle of all the news that is available” His show is hoping to make it a fun experience while learning about some cool sites and tricks to use on both the PC and Mac. “Not having to stick to a clock timed one hour format will allow me to share the most relevant information in a shorter time span.”

Don’t let the name fool you, TechtalkRadio is not just for Techies. The show is for anybody who loves the gadgets.