a blog about tech stuff and RustyG
Archive for May, 2010
Google TV to bring the web to your TV (and video too!)
11 year ago
by RustyG
in Technology
Anyone remember MSN TV??? Anyone remember Apple TV? Or even as late, have you heard about Boxee or Popbox? Well apparently Google seems to think they have it, and want to get it out in time for the 2010 holiday season.
Announced just a few days ago, along with Froyo (Android 2.2 update), Google TV will soon be in the living rooms of everyone! Well at least that’s what they want. Google knows that You Tube is the world’s largest video website, but wants everyone to be able to see it on a big screen, instead of your small screen PC, especially with all of the HD content that is accessible through their servers. They realized that every HTPC out there kinda needs some work. So they have thrown their hat into the ring to see if they can get it right. To kind of give you an idea what they are working on, here is an official video from Google:
Now do you get the idea?
There is fierce competition out there though. Many people already use some sort of combination of web connected devices to stream their content to the HDTV, but can Google trounce them all and be your all in one device?
For instance, me personally, I use an XBOX 360 to watch Netflix HD streaming, and my Philips BD5012 to watch blu-ray movies and my HP dv4-1275mx I connect to my HDTV to watch my podcasts(Mostly Rev3 stuff) via iTunes. So in this situation, I have several devices to watch web video on my tv, but if I can get everything in one device, why not?
Google also says that everyone still wants to have access to the ‘full web’ and not a cramped down version for your tv, so they also throw in a browser as well. So in their browser, not only will you be able to browse the web, but you will also be able to watch video inside the browser as well, not just inside their tv app. The basic idea that they have, is that it is too hard right now to find what you want to watch, with all these menus and tables and craziness. They want to simplify the search and make it easier to find what you want to watch.
The idea is to be in a set top box (STB) or built in to the TV. They don’t want you to have to be in your extra inputs, they want to be the only thing you need. With the new GoogleTV, you will be able to watch live television or web tv right next to each other as a seamless experience. It seem there will be a simply overlay on your content to find what it is you are looking for.. so far, I like the idea.
Some of the first companies to bring it to us will be Sony, Logitech and Intel. It looks like Samsung is still thinking about it.
You can check it all out at Google.com/tv
Project Natal: October 2010
01 year ago
by RustyG
in Technology
We’ve all seen the videos, we all watched it on Jimmy Fallon, and we have been drooling for it since the first time we saw a preview. But the day has finally come and now we can set our Google calendars, but Project Natal for the Xbox 360 has been announced for an October 2010 release! It’s actually been a while since any new videos or information has been surfaced, so this was kind of on the back burner for me, but I am glad to hear this will be ready for the Christmas holiday.
In case you have forgotten what Project Natal is, then here is a video:
You get the idea? Control your xbox with your hands?!?!?! How awesome is that???? I can’t wait to see it. I don’t remember if they announced a price, but I will be one of the first on board for that one!
via [Engadget] via [GamesInternational]
Visa working on PayWave for iPhone 3G/3GS
0
It is to be said that the iPhone has revolutionized the cell phone market, but soon maybe able to also revolutionize the wallet! With all the news and leaks of the 4th generation of the iPhone (HD/4G), it seems Visa would want you to keep the older version of this phone. It seems that Visa will be doing some test market phones later this summer with its PayWave technology on the iPhone 3G and 3GS. It seems that it will be a case that can be slipped on the iPhone to make it happen; as it will use a secure memory card that can be used in any other smartphones as well. So it seems this technology will not be limited just to the iPhone, but in some parts of the world, this is already happening. We shall see.
I can’t wait till the only thing I have to carry is my iPhone.. no wallet (Visa PayWave), no keys (Viper Smart Start).
via [Apple Insider] via [Nearfield Communications]
Nashville Flood 2010
01 year ago
by RustyG
in Uncategorized
For those of you who missed out, because the national news really only gave us 15 minutes, Nashville is still flooded and working on getting everything back to normal. The federal government (FEMA) has opened things up for the thousands who lost everything. But there are still people who need help, and our local news (WSMV – Channel 4) is working on some relief, as many of the news stations and radio stations have done or are planning. Tonight WSMV is working on a relief fund with Vince Gill and friends and you can check it out here. You can also call in and donate or even text the Red Cross with “REDCROSS” to 90999. You can also the even live online.
You can also see that my company has even donated
You can see a lot of the damage from here around the Madison, Goodlettsville, Hendorsonville area by going to my YouTube page and see the videos up and close. Please watch these videos to get an idea on how bad the damage is and feel free to call and help out.
