Structure Wiring for you Home - 2014

Here's why I am going to spend more time reviewing home automation or structured wiring solutions.

Structured wiring systems simplify and enhance your lifestyle and create long-term value for your home.   I believe it is a key component to building equity in your home especially if you view your home as an asset first.

Today's entertainment and lifestyle system have come a long way over the past ten years.  These systems often include computers, smartphones, gaming devices, audio players, appliances, DVR or set-top boxes, and many other IP or connectable devices.

In addition, communications and entertainment services continue to evolve and provide more choices. A structured cabling system provides a solid platform to build on as technology evolves.   The quality and type of wired system you install is an effective way to integrate and utilize changing products and services to enhance your lifestyle today and in the future.

Home Networking and Tech for 2014

Technical and hardware/software configurations have come a long way in the past 10 years.  In 2000, I was into wiring homes with OnQ now Legrand hardware.   The fact that you could have a home NOC as the brain to your home controlling lights, temperature, window coverings, alarm, video and of course wired/wireless internet access was amazing.

Today, Legrand and other hardware/software manufacturers have raised the bar with a myriad of configurations that link to your smartphone giving a home owner more control than ever.

What do you think are the basic necessities of a truly decked out tech home?

Here are a few of my top picks:

• Full Alarm Control - monitored
• Full Video Cameras
• Internal and External Window Covering Access
• HVAC Control
• Switch/Router Internet Control
• Home Theater Control
• Easy to configure  macros

All of these features are available via direct terminal access, tablet access or remote secure WAN via smartphone or web access,

Thanks

Social Media Management Systems - What's What?

What are you going to stabilize the spread of new software across your company.   Problem: You have groups using Spreadfast or SocialEngage and other using nothing.

Solution: Stop the madness, and choose one platform that will meeting your current needs and allow you grow for years to come.

Here is the short list of great social media management systems:

• Sprinklr - Enterprise
• Hootsuite - small to medium
• Radian6 - Enterprise
• Shoutlet - Enterprise
• Crimson Hexagon - Enterprise
• Wildfire App by Google
• Sprout Social - flexiable

One major problem all of these systems solve is integration into the firehouse of data coming from Twitter, Facebook, Google and to the less extent LinkedIn and YouTube.

The key is to stop the proliferation of groups using different systems to manage the same content.  If you standardize your platform, monitoring, reporting and management becomes easier.

New Years Resolution time - get starting in consolidating your social systems into one after researching each company deciding which is best for the health of your company long term.

Vacation Technology Woes

How much technology do you need while on vacation?

Ideally, your plan should be to unplug and relax especially if a tropical beach is involved.  (It was.)

Ok, you got me this story is how I brought an iPad to Cabo San Lucas thinking it would cover me in case I needed to interact online.   I was lured into a false sense of security based on access to email and a few handy apps allowing me to access files back home.

As we packed for the trip, I thought to myself this time I'm not going to bring my laptop and travel light. (And we did.)   Two small rollers and lightweight backpacks would free us from visiting the dreaded baggage claim in Mexico.  Everything went as planned on board the plane to checking our minimalist luggage with the bellman at the resort until our room was ready until one dreaded email.

5:30 pm Day Two:  Happy Hour -   email reads:  please fill out this documentation URGENT with a link to a website that is not too iPad friendly.   Chrome and Safari were useless on this Website causing a cascading failure in my plan.  

I should of brought my Dell Laptop running Windows 7.   (Note to Self - Don't Forget you Laptop)

Great product to protect your tech while you are on the move

Tumi Luggage is a solid brand who puts out outstanding products.  I personally am a fan and own many original Tumi Classic pieces featuring ballistic nylon which has been very durable.

This new backpack speaks to me as well as the spokesperson Vice.  It screams "Techie!"
Check it out

A new bigger iPhone coming?

What do you think about the new iPhone 5.7 that is the same size of the Galaxy S4?

Personally, if you have read any of my previous blog posts the Galaxy S4 was a tad too big for me.  I love the OS and the screen size but it was too big for your pocket leaving you with the dreaded holster which is almost a fanny pack, right?   What are your thoughts?

Finally a Window 8/android tablet

 Samsung announced  the ATIV Tab 3, which runs Windows 8 and Android, allowing access to applications like mail, music and apps.  The battery life is stated at 10 hours plus it will feature 4g/LTE connectivity which is important.

Sign me up!  The Galaxy Note 10.1 interface blows away the Apple iPad.

Retina or Not - Is the difference worth it?

Well I can tell you the screen is bright and crisp but looking at it side by side against a Samsung Note 10.1 I couldn't visually tell the difference.

Is it worth the upgrade? I would say yes on the Mac Book and you don't have a choice with the new iPad hardware.  If you buy an iPad 3 you can get the old display but I would recommend going with the newer version.

Happy Surfing!

Apple iPhone 5s - Next Version - Revisted

Apple iPhone 5 is the best phone I've ever had period.

I've upgraded from the old ipaq - remember you had to have an ipaq to get into the special party at CES in Las Vegas many moons ago.   The little strange phone computer device with a tiny antenna.
It was cool, then.    Had the BlackBerry Bold - great for what is was and what it could do.



The new iPhone 5 is great with a longer sleeker form factor and bright screen but it has its flaws when comparing it to other phones on the market.   I have a Verzion version which will not allow you to be on a call and on the web simultaneously which is a bummer.  AT&T has the edge but if the speed is what I experienced it isn't much of an upgrade.

For instance the Samsung Galaxy S4 has its pro and many cons.  I will concede I did choose the Galaxy over the iPhone5 to start with but the AT&T service was terrible, Broadband speeds were a joke and predictive texting nearly had me committed.   When we talk about form factor the galaxy is the right size phone if you play in the NFL or are kin to ET.  Too Big.

Let's hope the next generation of iPhone doesn't grow to compete with screen size.

Tablet Wars Apple vs Samsung

I've tried both and hands down the winner in usability and functionality is the Samsung Note 10.1 over the Apple iPad 4 with Retina.

Why you say? 

Because the way the android OS seamlessly flows with finger movements or the integrated S pen.

I even purchased the Jot Stylist for the iPad with no real joy.

Go Samsung for tablet and smart tv they both work great with Directv

ASUS - Tablets- ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T

If you are looking for a great tablet look no further than the new Asus TF700T.  The specs on this tablet blow away competitors.    Purchasing a tablet with so many options is tough especially when you have Apples iPad and the new Microsoft Surface PRO/RT in the mix.   The question is do you need an iOS app or the ability to use a Microsoft program to fully utilize your tablet.  Android may be the best option.  Check out the new -

ASUS - Tablets- ASUS Transformer Pad Infinity TF700T

Modern Day Transportation

Sitting on Caltrain delayed again because someone either tried to make a red light and was hit by the train or another early morning jumper decided to end it and everyone's timely commute. I don't mean to sound harsh but wtf?

I rather see you get done help but if you are going to do it leave everyone else out of if. Frustrated yes. Caltrain says an 1/2 but the radio say 2 hours who do you think is telling the truth?

This happens all too frequently.

Caltrain needs to up their game with surveillance cameras,tire spikes do when the gates are down cars can't make it on the track

IPhone 5 vs. Galaxy S4

The new iPhone 5 is larger than it's predecessor, faster based on chip and is plugged into either 4G or LTE speeds where available based on carrier.  I did not own an iPhone before this model and I might not own one after it.

The new Galaxy S4 has some very cool features that Apple has yet to integrate.  NFC, new built in software to track health and a few other cool apps.   The downside is the size of the phone.  Granted a larger screen is great but it's too big for many people I've asked especially my wife.

We initially bought the new Galaxy S3 and were blown away about the integration point with google our Samsung smart TV and other apps.   Connectivity with At&t was terrible.  When I called to ask about our area the tech told me we were a quite a distance from the nearest 4G tower with a follow-up of "Are there a lot of trees around your property?"   We live in heart of Silicone Valley, really At&t.  

Needless to say we returned them within the 15 day return policy with a fight.  At&t tried to bill us for a restocking fee and time we used even though it was a money back guarantee.  Eventually, we prevailed but what a pain in the $%&#.

Many people are going without a land-line these days and using their mobile phone number as their home number so pay attention to connectivity at 4G or LTE speeds when you are home within the allotted time period.  Just in case you need to change carriers.

Check out the latest slide show from Mary Meeker's presentation at Stanford. from BusinessInsider.com

Check out the latest slide show from Mary Meeker's presentation at Stanford. Thanks and happy reading

iphone 5 Lightning to 30-pin Adapter for iphone 4 or 4s, ipod touch

If you have purchased a new iphone 5 you are going to need this adapter to sync or plug into your home BOSE speakers.

What does a modern day mobile professional need to carry on a daily basis?

What does a modern day mobile professional need to carry on a daily basis?


Back in the day you had your cell phone (brick size), palm pilot, a notebook that weighed 10 lbs not including the power supply, a host of cables to connect to different ports and a projector in its own suitcase.   That was just for starters.   When flying back in the late 90s and early 2000s.


Today, an iphone with a projector weighing 3 lbs blows away all of the above hardware and costs a fraction.


There are a lot of choices based on the profession so if you have a question or need some help drop me a line.   You can also follow me on twitter @SFWEBGURU

IPv6 is coming... what do you do?

IPv6 is coming... what do you do?

Nothing, unless you are connected to the backbone of the Internet.   Let's put it this way, in order to have a connected device you need an address, IPv6 is the rewrite to extend the Internet, well for a long time.

Long overdue and welcomed by all of the big boys on the block because we were past critical patching our way along.

Cheers

Confirmation | What is the Value of Social Media? How National Geographic sold 2,500 Subscriptions in One Day | Sergio Balegno | National Geographic

Adobe is the leader in on and offline software.  I use their Master Suite of Software products for web, video, audio, and pretty much everything else.  These guys are heavy into social media.   Great presentation.

Confirmation | What is the Value of Social Media? How National Geographic sold 2,500 Subscriptions in One Day | Sergio Balegno | National Geographic

Online Etiquette - Where are your manners?

Online Etiquette - Where are your manners?

Ok, everyone has had enough time to get up to speed with etiquette so get to it.

Put away your capital letters and stop bolding words in your emails we get it.  Enough of the strange font sizes and colors we know you have the capability in outlook, it doesn't mean you use it.  With great powers comes great responsibility.

Remember once you post something out there on the Web on a blog, social network or website it may very well be attached to you forever... so think twice.

Someone out there better start teaching etiquette for Web 2.0 users because employers and businesses are watching..

Recording Monster for Podcasts

If you are into podcasting and getting your message out to the Web masses, I have got the device for you.   This recording device records high quality audio when you need it in .wav and .mp3 format.   It is great supplement for a video you are recording and need crisp audio when your camcorder fails to capture what you need.  Check out the link below at Amazon.

The New Improved ipad3, no not really...

The New Improved ipad3, no not really...

The rumors are flying around about the new ipad 3 but what could they do to improve on the current platform?

Some of the new features that are being thrown around are a screen that is equal to the iPhone 4S which is super sharp Retina Display which be a great improvement.

Also the standard updates are a faster processer and must MORE of everything which equals to a larger batter.   The current ipad is super slim so we might seen the ole boy gaining some weight in favor of some beefer features.

Personally, I would be fine with a bit heavier unit if it was faster, had a better display and more memory and drive space.

IMHO, admin

Why have I been using a tablet pc for over 6 years?

Why have I been using a tablet pc for over 6 years?

Strange, I see articles pitching tablet pcs for business users stretching to add value.   When in fact there are so hundreds of reasons to utilize a tablet for day to day work.

For instance:  Real Estate, is a business where the tablet computer is specially suited when used properly.  We have designed, installed and trained agents on how to utilize a tablet in day to day operations while working with a client. I personally recommend the HP Slate 500 Tablet PC Atom Z540 1.86GHz 64GB SSD 2GB 8.9" WSVGA Touchscreen BT Window 7 Professional 2x Webcams (COMMERCIAL FACTORY REFURBISHED) listed at $599 if you are in the marketing today.   This unit is $400 cheaper than my first tablet PC in 2005.

In the early days, when tablet pcs didn't have Verizon or AT&T broadband built in we opted for a HP Tablet that dueled as a laptop because it had a PC Card II slot for a Att broadband card the subsequently a Wimax Card.

This gave us the ability to drive around a city while been synced with our office paperwork, the MLS, our specialized client software and the Web.    We were equipped with a wireless printer in the trunk and screens built into the headrests of our vehicle so  when driving around the clients in the backseat can see what I was looking at real-time.

Sounds perfect right, so why do many agents opt for a smart phone or no computer when out with clients?

Admin

3D Printing Hot at CES

One of the hottest new products to hit the market and I mean it is in production and you can own one - is the 3D printer.  There were multiple showcased but the Rapman that retails aroung $1699 would be the most accessible for the early adopter.   Check it out online - very cool tech.

Alienware Notebooks are Out

The 2012 edition of Alienware AM18X-8636BK 18-Inch Laptop (Space Black) is out and you should give it a good look.  Imagine the stability of a DELL and the power of an Alienware notebook completely cooked with all of the fixens, yeah I said it so what.

Everyone needs a bit of flash and horsepower in the notebook computer for social networking of editing video files.  Check it out.
Admin

Buy a Smart TV or Not?

What do I do when faced with so many choices at the electronics store, buy a Smart TV or Not?

The bottom line is the price is so minimal today you should go for it.  Samsung Smart TV is very well equiped to handle any basic task that you may have and if you are a bit of a techie it has some gadgets you must not go without.

Imagine toggling back and forth from the game to your stats on your 55" TV using a wireless keyboard and mouse, even go picture in picture.

With a pumped up DVR with 4 incoming feeds you can watch one and record three or watch a recorded show and record 4 channels... wonders never ceast to exist.

My recommendation is go for the Samsung Smart TV it has 4 HDMI inputs and every other input you can imagine.

Cheers