I’m sorry, but the goofy iPad jokes/vids keep flowing; and just to show I am not a fanboy (and have a good sense of humor regardless of the subject), I’m gonna keep putting them up as I come across them.

Here is a vid [courtesy of Gizmodo] of a “honest” voice-over of the recent Oscar iPad spot.

I didn’t watch the Oscars last night…was too busy watching “1000 Ways to Die” on Spike TV and “The Wedding Crashers” for the third time on Comedy Central. But as soon as I heard Stevie-J (AKA; Steve Jobs) bought some air time during the Oscars to put out an iPad commercial, I made sure I posted it for you guys.

Remember, iPad preorders via apple.com start first thing this Friday!

This is a small good hands on review of the Apple iPod iPad

…As you were!

Is it an iPod Pro or MacBook Touch?

As the rumored iPad preorder date draws near, I feel it is my duty to get something off my chest in hopes that “something” I have to in fact “get off my chest” helps somebody who hasn’t decided whether or not they are gonna go out and buy the iPad…

THE IPAD IS NOT A COMPUTER!

The Lowdown:

It will not replace your laptop and it is not slated to abolish the netbook or tablet pc category. I hear the next question coming:

“Well if it’s not a computer, then what is it?” Good question! I will attempt to answer this to the best of my abilities.

- It’s a web browser
Apple has one of the smoothest, easiest to use browsers out there with Safari. That statement will be amplified when you use it on the iPad. The ability to browse multiple graphically enhanced websites, save bookmarks with ease, waste time watching youtube videos, and tackle just about any other web-based task will be one of the iPad’s strongpoints.

- It’s an e-book reader
For those of us who haven’t picked up an actual hard-copy book in years will welcome the iPad and the new iBooks ebook store launched simultaneously. You will be able to purchase books the same way you purchase songs via iTunes and then the books are neatly displayed on the iPad via a virtual bookshelf similar to your average retail bookstore isle.

- It’s a music/picture viewer
No surprise there. Everything you can currently do with an iPod or iPod Touch, you can do with the iPad…only bigger (you eyes will thank you)

- It’s a Mobile Application Device AKA, “MAD” (I just coined a new acronym for the iPad…I need to get on that trademark ASAP!)
Mobile Apps have taken smartphone devices by storm. The ability to buy and use an app in seconds to assist in everyday activities (directions, weather, communications, news, etc.) has revolutionized the way software is being developed and deployed. I see a day where electronic app stores that enable you to gain access to software immediately will replace ENTIRE software departments of brick and mortar electronics stores! (If there are any still around). Devices like the iPad will take full advantage of the simplicity of using apps in place of big and clunky devices and software that takes up a ton of space on a computer.

Now I do have some gripes about the iPad that should’ve been seriously considered before launch:

- No Multi-tasking
I switch between my Twitter app, RSS reader app, and mobile browser on my smartphone like a madman. Not to be able to quickly copy/paste a web link to Twitter (after I have shrunk the URL with yet another app) will be something that will irk me if I am using the iPad. But hopefully the folks at Apple wise up and update the OS to enable those of us WITHOUT one track minds to multi-task ’til our hearts content

- No Flash
Since a nice piece of video on the web is in Adobe Flash format, watching “Family Guy” via HULU is a NO GO for me via iPad as it stands. But watching YouTube will be in full force, so I will just have to search through the regular youtube crap to get to the goodies…until HTML5 takes off.

To summarize, if you think you will be able to use your iPad to stay home from work and still telecommute during an 1″ Atlanta snowstorm, you will be sadly mistaken…even that may change as Cloud Computing gains steam.

But if you want to do any other sort of entertainment, communication, or App Store-related task (there is an App for just about everything) WITHOUT squinting at your smartphone, lugging around your laptop, or waiting for your netbook to power up, the new iPad “MAD” will fit the bill perfectly! Once folks get out of the mindset that the iPad will be the end all be all of ALL computing, I think they will appreciate what the iPad is and what it has to offer.

For the last couple of weeks, I have been looking for an app to back up my BlackBerry contact’s information. I was using Google Sync, but it kept messing up the way I stored my contacts on my phone. I want my information backed up EXACTLY THE WAY I STORE IT! After a couple of apps (and a couple of FAILS) I found a free app that may just do the trick.

The Lowdown:

Best Buy Mobile has put out M:iQ an app that pretty much backs up ALL of my phone’s media:

Contacts
Calendar
Messages
Calls
Photos
Videos

All of it is securely backed up and ready to be retrieved if your phone is lost, stolen, or if you’re like me, switch phones every couple of months. It doesn’t save music or other apps, but that can be done via BlackBerry Desktop Manager that comes with every phone.

What I like about M:iQ is the online interface to view all of your information. It is very clean, and it’s very easy to edit the information. So if you are like Mrs. Tech, and you HATE entering/editing information directly on the phone, you can log into your online profile and edit the information there and sync it to your phone.

In addition to just viewing/editing your stored data, you can also send your contacts messages, share your pics and videos AND update your status to all the major social media sites! – That is where M:iQ shines. Any media that has been backed up you now have control of it via the web. That means if there is a pic you want to share on Facebook, you don’t have have to mess with your phone to do it. Just view the pic via M:iQ and share it immediately!

(I did mention the app is free right?)

The only two drawbacks I have encountered is:

- You can’t set a specific time to backup your data. You can only do it automatically, which I am assuming is when data has been changed; or by manually starting the sync.

- The app SUCKS my phone’s battery life. I am currently using the BlackBerry Storm 9530 on Verizon so my experience may be different if you have a different phone/carrier. But just in case, keep an eye on your battery indicator, and a charger in your pocket.

Those two seem like easy fixes to me, so lets hope the devs are already on their job.

Even with those two drawbacks, I would still suggest this app to anybody with a BlackBerry (or any other phone Best Buy Mobile sells…sorry iPhone folks!)

To download, go to miqlive and find your compatible phone, or get it via BlackBerry App World

Multi-room audio - The EASY way

It was thought that the ONLY ways to enjoy quality music throughout your home was to either pre-wire your newly-built “McMansion” with miles of audio cable, install in-wall or in-ceiling speakers and connect it all to a CD changer or FM tuner in the basement; OR pay someone to come out and retrofit your 50-year old home with all the above equipment (which costs more). Oh, there is also the old-fashioned way: Buy two powered tower speakers, hook them up to a beefy amp/receiver AND JUST CRANK IT!

Well there is another option – Wireless! Now don’t get me wrong (and let me ease the anger of audiophiles everywhere), connecting all of your audio equipment directly (wired) is still going to provide you with the best sound quality and if done right, will ensure the lowest amount of signal interference. But as technology advances, newer ways to do the same ol’ same ol’ will advance as well.

The Lowdown:

Enter Sonos, a multi-room audio system built around wirelessly sending audio signals to different components around your home without the complicated and costly process of your typical wired multi-room audio distribution system.

Sonos claims that it’s system will provide the user:

“- Wireless that works like magic
- A multi-room system that’s flawless, flexible and fun.
- Instant access to endless music.
- Setup that’s out-of-the-box simple.“

[click the links for detailed descriptions]

They way they accompish this is by:

1. Connecting a ZoneBridge or ZonePlayer to your broadband router

2. Placing additional ZonePlayers in all the rooms where you want music, either by connecting said players to existing audio equipment (A/V receiver and/or powered speakers). Or adding players that include amplification and sound output.

3. Once the ZonePlayers are in place, you can control the players and your music collection by either the Sonos PC or Mac program, a Sonos portable controller, or by dowloading an app that will convert your iPhone or iPod Touch into a Sonos Player (Yes, you can control your multi-room audio system with your iPhone).

You can also listen to Internet radio (free or fee) and other online music services like Rhapsody, Napster & Pandora.

“You don’t need to be a tech genius or a wireless expert. You don’t have to break through walls or hire someone to re-wire your house. And you don’t need to know what hex keys and SSID are. All you need is a high-speed Internet connection, a router and two fingers so you can push the buttons on every ZonePlayer. When you want to expand, just add more ZonePlayers and Controllers and get those fingers ready.”

Prices for the ZoneBridge and ZonePlayers start at about $100 bucks, the Sonos Controller is $350 (iPhone or iPod Touch app is free) and the Sonos program for Mac or PC is free as well. They also have bundles they suggest as a simple way to get all you need with one purchase.

For all you audiophiles that contest enjoying your music collection via a series of complex audio connections is the ONLY way to do it…do yo’ thang. For everybody else who just wants some music in the kitchen while they cook, Sonos may be an ideal alternative.

*cough*Since I did such a nice writeup, maybe Sonos will send me some products to review*cough*

Last night, I attended a business networking event in my area (I moonlight as a residential A/V installer). While I was working the room, I kept hearing myself repeat “yes you can control your home with an iPhone.”

The folks thought that was pretty cool. But the problem I kept running into with the conversations was that it was hard to try to describe how it can be done in a relatively loud and crowded area with relatively lound and inebriated people. Can’t really blame them for wanting to kick back after a hard day’s work…I’m just saying trying to do my “elevator pitch” to people who can’t hear or understand what I am saying prevents a challenge.

I digress

The Lowdown:

So I figured I would post up some videos of how easy home automation can be here where you can watch them when you are more “focused” – The Videos are for demonstration of the technology only…but I can do allot of that stuff *cough* plug *cough*.

Disclaimer:I don’t necessarily work with or have first-hand experience with every one of the companies/products in the videos, the vids are just to get your mind thinking about how YOUR home can come alive.

[image courtesy of engadget]

All of the world is a buzz of the coming of Apple’s iPad. For the next month, all the blogs will be talking this thing to death. I am gonna try not to joining the ranks, but I do feel I need to say what I feel about Apple’s new Rookie (that will soon be the wise elder). So I am gonna be quick, accurate, and not-too-fanboyish in my assessment of the new Apple iPad.

The Lowdown:

Looks
I followed along virtually in real-time with all the millions of other folks via Twitter as Stevie-J and his guest of iPad hardware/software developers as the did their presentation. From the pics I saw to put it mildly, “the damn-thing is sexy.”

The exterior specs are: 0.5 inches thin, 1.5 pounds, 9.7 inch display. I can’t confirm, but word on the street is it will come in different finishes. (White, black, chrome/silver)

The iPad runs ALL of the apps currently found in the Apple App Store, plus iBooks, a new Apple app store for (you guessed it) books that Jobs unveiled alongside of the iPad, and a full-blown iTunes store. Based on the images I saw, the apps look crisp and clear and should give your eyes a much-needed break from squinting at the iPhone and other smart phone screens.

Functionality

The iPad is multi-touch (like the iPhone), and runs on a new 1GHz Apple A4 of the company’s own design. Onboard storage ranges from 16GB to 64GB, and the whole thing runs the iPhone OS with a new, custom UI. It will come automatically with Wi-Fi and you can add 3G connectivity for extra, of course. Now I haven’t gotten my hands on one yet (I smell family Christmas gift – I’m looking at you Mrs. Tech), so I can only speak to the functionality side to say it should integrate seamlessly with all your current Apple products (iPhone, iPod touch, Mac’s, etc in addition to all of the software you can download from their stores). Additionally, Apple has tweaked iWork (Apple’s “Office Suite”) to integrate with the iPad. The biggie for me is that Apple Claims that the iPod has a usable battery life of 10 hours…and an astonishing month of standby time!

Practicality (that’s a word right?)

Like I mentioned earlier, it will come Wi-Fi ready, so out of the box, you can connect it to you home network, or if you wanna handle some ‘bidness’ on the go, you can find and connect to any Wi-Fi hotspot. If you need access anywhere, anytime, you can opt to purchase one loaded with 3G (for an extra $130 bucks) exclusively from AT&T (ugh!). The fees for 3G are $14.99/month for 250MB of data – You might as well spring for the unlimited data plan for $30.00/month. No voice plans available! So don’t think you can make a phone call while you are reading your copy of “How to Make Ba-Jillions in this jacked up Real-Estate Market”. Finally, if you own or are familiar with an iPhone or iPod Touch, you should be able to get accustomed to the iPad without hardly any learning curve due to the same type of gestures utilized to operate the iPad’s smaller predecessors.

The iPad will come in three versions:

16GB – $499
32GB – $599
64GB – $699

Again, if you want 3G, take any of those numbers and add another $130 bucks + which ever monthly plan your choose – Pretty reasonable if you ask me. Shipping will start as early as March.

My overall verdict: If you are not trying to do any heaving computing/multitasking or expect to take high-res photos of your family trip to Epcot Center, while video-conferencing Grandma who couldn’t make the trip due to her bad knee, the iPad will be a definite crowd-pleaser. If you expected the iPad to do EVERYTHING (including help Obama win a second term), you will be sadly let down by its capabilities.

I hate to say it, but it will hard to stay away from keeping close tabs on the iPad, so stay tuned, ’cause I will probably publish several more entries on the subject!

Lets see how much energy am I wasting today

If you think Google is “Big Brother in Training” now, wait till you hear about it’s new pet project: Google PowerMeter. I just used that big brother line to stir up enough emotion to keep your attention throughout my article (hope it works)

The Lowdown:

“Google PowerMeter is a project of Google.org, Google’s philanthropic arm, which aspires to leverage the power of information and technology to address global challenges.”

What Google wants to achieve with this new endeavor is to get people to watch their home energy consumption in real time in hopes that folks will take a more conscious effort to cut their energy usage. PowerMeter’s three-prong plan is to:

Access
See your electricity use from any Google Powermeter enabled device.

Learn
Understand more about how you use electricity throughout the day.

Save
Reduce your electricity use and lower your monthly bills.

The way it works is your utility company has to be a PowerMeter partner, then you have to purchase a PowerMeter-enabled device. Then you can monitor your home energy comsumption in real time using Google PowerMeter similar to how you would check your email using Google Mail.

Right now, Google PowerMeter is in it’s infant stage and is currently available mostly in the UK. There are only a couple of utility companies in the US that participate (Cali and Florida), so don’t think you can just run out and within a couple of days, see how much energy your dishwasher consumes with your Google Nexus One Phone (see how I linked it all together). But as more people sign on to the whole “How much money in energy am I throwing away” thought process, Google will surely be out in front, once again.

If I were a betting man (I can’t stand to lose any more than $25 dollars, so clearly I am NOT), I would say that Smart Homes will be all the rage in the US during this decade. Google PowerMeter will be another way to intergrate/upgrade technology in your home to give you more control, while making living more enjoyable and energy efficient = win/win!