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brings up a story from the New York Times Wirecutter Tech Blog about Wyze, where recommendations for Wyze Cams were rescinded due to camera feeds inadvertently appearing on other users’ accounts.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 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!
New KMSB Fox 11 Segment Posted! Powering your Smartphone and getting creative at the Same time!
In this week’s segment on KMSB Fox 11, Andy Taylor is in-studio to share with Andrew Capasso some ideas for Powering the Smartphone and allowing functionality at the same time! With the recent storms that swept through Southern Arizona and across the country leaving some of us without power for an extended period, it’s become increasingly important to ensure we can keep our smartphones charged, especially when they can serve as a lifeline during such times.
Most smartphones, whether Android or Apple, now come equipped with longer-lasting batteries. However, when the power grid goes dark, we often rely on these devices for vital updates, news, streaming entertainment, or gaming, which can quickly drain their power. That’s why we highly recommend having a fully charged power bank on hand at all times.
One excellent option is the MyCharge Hub Series. It’s designed to power both USB-C and Apple devices, a feature that’s becoming increasingly essential with the anticipated launch of iPhone 15, likely featuring USB-C connectivity. With its 18W fast charger, you can juice up your phone up to 75% faster compared to conventional 3.3 or 5W chargers. The best part? You don’t need to carry around a bundle of cables; it’s all conveniently integrated into one sleek device. The MyCharge Hub Series is available at a price point of around $100.
Now, let’s talk about a fantastic product feature that smartphone photographers will absolutely love. Capturing video and photos has never been easier than with the Snapgrip from Shiftcam. Almost replicating a DSLR, This ingenious accessory provides a stylish grip for any smartphone, whether it’s an Apple or Android device. If your phone is in a MagSafe case or includes the adapter ring, you can magnetically attach it to this smart grip. With Bluetooth technology, you can pair your device effortlessly.
In camera mode, you can press a button for a quick photo or hold it down for seamless video recording, whether in portrait or landscape orientation. What’s remarkable is that your phone will continue charging while attached to the built-in QI Chargers, effectively serving as a mobile dock. The Snapgrip is priced at approximately $70, and the Shiftcam ecosystem offers a range of additional accessories, including lighting, microphones, and monopods, which can enhance your photography and videography experiences. Explore the full range of Shiftcam accessories at shiftcam.com.
Stay powered up and capture those unforgettable moments with these fantastic products. Don’t forget to tune in to KMSB Fox 11 for more exciting tech updates and innovations Weekly on Mondays and Tune in to TechtalkRadio at https://www.techtalkradio.com
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