Keith Shaw
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Keith Shaw
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Get into the spring mood with some new gadgets
Spring is officially on the calendar, despite having a bunch of snow still on the ground around my house. But that doesn’t matter to several of the companies displaying new products and services at the Digital Focus Spring Spectacular, held last night in New York. Here’s a roundup of some new devices that I hope to review soon: Epson Epson showed off its new projector aimed at houses looking for projection in well-lit rooms.The Home Cinema 1450 ($1,499 MSRP, available April 17) is a 3LCD projector that delivers up to 4,200 lumens of color brightness and 4,200 lumens of white brightness and full 1080p resolution. The difference between the 1450 and other projectors is its ability to provide a brilliant image in a room with lights on (like a living room, as opposed to a home theater room setup). The projector includes a built-in 16-watt speaker, and supports cable/satellite boxes, game consoles, Internet streaming devices (Roku, Chromecast, Fire Stick, Apple TV, etc.) through its two HDMI ports and a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL3) port.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Turn an old Wi-Fi network into a wireless mesh
I’ve tested a lot of Wi-Fi mesh (aka whole-home coverage systems) products lately, but what if you already have a good Wi-Fi router and don’t want to do a rip-and-replace job? There’s a new device available aimed just at this purpose.The AmpliFi HD Mesh Point, by Ubiquiti Labs, lets you create a mesh system with an existing Wi-Fi router. The device acts like one of the company’s satellite units on its existing AmpliFi HD Mesh System to expand Wi-Fi coverage within your home. If you happen to own the company’s mesh router and satellites, the Mesh Point can expand the existing network even more.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Clean up your desk space with cool MacBook Pro docking station
I use a MacBook Pro as my main notebook for work, and when I’m in my cubicle I like to connect things like an additional monitor, storage drives and peripherals like a larger keyboard and wireless mouse. The best way to do this is with a docking station, but the last one I used required that I also prop up some books to rest the notebook on to create the dual-display effect I was looking for.A much sleeker system comes from Henge Docks, which sent me its new automated docking station. The company makes two horizontal docks for MacBook Pro owners – one for MacBooks that have the Retina display ($399 introductory price, available for 13-inch and 15-inch models), and one for the new MacBook Pro (pre-order, coming soon). The dock features a metal chassis and 13 expansion ports (two audio ports, SD Card Reader, HDMI, six USB 3.0, power port, Ethernet, Thunderbolt 2 and mini display port). The slim profile of the dock makes for a much cleaner desktop look and feel.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Bonus benefit from cord-cutting: A wireless network alternative
In the Shaw household, we’ve been living without cable TV for about seven months. We’re now officially “cord cutters”, saving about $60 per month and getting our “TV” through Internet streaming services (mainly Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime video). This article isn’t about that effort (although I would recommend it if you can live without watching live TV events).A result of the cord-cutting has left me with a bunch of rooms with coaxial cables that now have nothing to do. I started to think – why not use those cables to provide data networking access? After a quick phone call with a member of the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA), I received some products that use MoCA to provide network access via coaxial cable.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Mobile networks still stink, with more workers coming
A new survey sponsored by NetMotion Software and WBR Digital shows that mobile network connectivity problems are the top reason for mobile-related trouble ticket submissions at enterprise companies. But that might not matter in terms of growth – as the same survey indicated that more than half the companies (56%) expected their mobile workforce to increase this year.Despite Wi-Fi networks and mobile WAN (3G, 4G, etc.) being available for the better part of a decade or more, as well as mobile devices that have been in the hands of workers for almost the same amount of time, frustrations still exist when it comes to mobile networks. “Intermittent network connectivity or poor application stability can leave an employee cut off from essential information they need to do their jobs, leading to a frustrated worker and an unsatisfactory customer engagement,” the executive summary notes.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Netgear doubles down on Orbi wireless gear
Netgear today announced some new products in its Orbi line of wireless products – aka “whole-home coverage” or “wireless system” space. The new products – the RBK30 and RBK40 systems include routers and satellite devices to help owners cover more of their home with Wi-Fi than with a traditional router, or even a router-and-extender option. Netgear says the new systems are aimed at consumers that need smaller whole-home coverage – the original system (now called the RBK50) covers homes up to 5,000 square feet, while the newer ones cover up to 3,500 square feet (RBK30) or 4,000 square feet (RBK40).To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: Canary Flex security camera lives up to its name
Canary’s initial foray into the networked home security camera space was very impressive – my colleague David Newman touted its high security settings in the wake of revelations about the general insecurity of these types of devices. The Canary camera was also somewhat large – a cylindrical tower that took up some significant space on your desk, cabinet or shelf.The latest camera the company sent me is the Canary Flex, a much smaller unit meant to be more flexible (hence the name) in terms of placement, but also in power options. Like the Arlo Pro camera, the Canary Flex is powered by an internal battery (it’s charged via USB cable and power adapter). This means you can move the Flex to a location inside or outside your home where there’s no power outlet. The Flex comes with wall mounting screws and a 360-degree magnetic stand so you can position the camera in different spots. Additional accessories, such as a plant mount or twist mount (pictured below), offer even more location choices.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: Canary Flex security camera lives up to its name
Canary’s initial foray into the networked home security camera space was very impressive – my colleague David Newman touted its high security settings in the wake of revelations about the general insecurity of these types of devices. The Canary camera was also somewhat large – a cylindrical tower that took up some significant space on your desk, cabinet or shelf.The latest camera the company sent me is the Canary Flex, a much smaller unit meant to be more flexible (hence the name) in terms of placement, but also in power options. Like the Arlo Pro camera, the Canary Flex is powered by an internal battery (it’s charged via USB cable and power adapter). This means you can move the Flex to a location inside or outside your home where there’s no power outlet. The Flex comes with wall mounting screws and a 360-degree magnetic stand so you can position the camera in different spots. Additional accessories, such as a plant mount or twist mount (pictured below), offer even more location choices.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: Canary Flex security camera lives up to its name
Canary’s initial foray into the networked home security camera space was very impressive – my colleague David Newman touted its high security settings in the wake of revelations about the general insecurity of these types of devices. The Canary camera was also somewhat large – a cylindrical tower that took up some significant space on your desk, cabinet or shelf.The latest camera the company sent me is the Canary Flex, a much smaller unit meant to be more flexible (hence the name) in terms of placement, but also in power options. Like the Arlo Pro camera, the Canary Flex is powered by an internal battery (it’s charged via USB cable and power adapter). This means you can move the Flex to a location inside or outside your home where there’s no power outlet. The Flex comes with wall mounting screws and a 360-degree magnetic stand so you can position the camera in different spots. Additional accessories, such as a plant mount or twist mount (pictured below), offer even more location choices.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: Canary Flex security camera lives up to its name
Canary’s initial foray into the networked home security camera space was very impressive – my colleague David Newman touted its high security settings in the wake of revelations about the general insecurity of these types of devices. The Canary camera was also somewhat large – a cylindrical tower that took up some significant space on your desk, cabinet or shelf.The latest camera the company sent me is the Canary Flex, a much smaller unit meant to be more flexible (hence the name) in terms of placement, but also in power options. Like the Arlo Pro camera, the Canary Flex is powered by an internal battery (it’s charged via USB cable and power adapter). This means you can move the Flex to a location inside or outside your home where there’s no power outlet. The Flex comes with wall mounting screws and a 360-degree magnetic stand so you can position the camera in different spots. Additional accessories, such as a plant mount or twist mount (pictured below), offer even more location choices.To read this article in full, please click here
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Is a 4G hot spot still needed in today’s world?
Maybe my experiences are different from those who travel more often, but I’ve been finding that the need for a Wi-Fi personal hot spot that connects to a 3G or 4G wireless network has diminished as more locations are providing their own Wi-Fi with a backhaul to a faster connection. Hotels, coffee shops, even airports seem to offer faster networking options than those provided by some of these devices. Granted, a lot of these places come with a price tag for the access, with some at outrageous prices. If you aren’t being reimbursed by your company for that access, finding less expensive Internet access can be tricky. Even the “free” ones cost in terms of having to watch an ad, or they limit your speed to basic functions such as downloading email or basic web surfing (don’t even think about streaming Netflix or uploading video).To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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How to add an external HDD to Sony PS4 (plus video)
Sony has finally released an update to its PS4 system software that lets you add an external hard drive to the console to help extend storage capacity on the gaming console. On behalf of the millions of PS4 owners who have been performing data management surgery on their console every time they wanted to play a new game, let me say “Hallelujah!”.Before you email me, I know that storage capacity improvement could be done with the PS4 before this update. But this involved grabbing a screwdriver and cracking open the case to install a higher capacity internal hard disk drive. This approach involved too much time needed for my limited-free-time-available lifestyle. This from a guy who likes tech – for other parents and PS4 owners with limited time and experience with hardware, the external HDD approach makes more sense than messing around with screws and slots and such.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: Plantronics BackBeat 500 Series wireless headphones
Plantronics has been in the headphone/headset market for more than 55 years now (moon landing!), but most of their Bluetooth gear (aimed at entertainment, not the smartphone headsets) have been in the premium market. The BackBeat line of headphones include the Pro series (about $200 for the Pro 2), Fit series (about $130) and Go series ($129 for the Go 3).With companies like Apple forgoing the headphone jack on their new smartphones, the market for wireless headphones is now poised to surpass wired headphones in terms of sales. With these trends in mind, Plantronics has now entered the entry-level space (under $100) with its BackBeat 500 Series headphones ($79.99, now available). Aimed at first-time wireless headphone buyers, the BackBeat 500 still offers users features like 40mm-bass drivers, an over-the-head, on-ear fit and an up to 18 hour battery life. With multipoint Bluetooth supported, you can connect to multiple devices (such as a smartphone and laptop or tablet), and even switch between them automatically. For example, if you’re listening to music on the laptop and a phone call comes in, the headphones connect to the phone. Speaking of phones, there’s a microphone on the left earcup Continue reading
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Get better sleep by adding more noise
The awesome 1980s girl band The Go-Go’s had a song about insomnia called “You Can’t Walk in Your Sleep (If You Can’t Sleep)” in which one lyric went “You can’t win you wonder why that sleep is one thing you can’t buy.” While technically true, you can buy something that will help you with your sleep. Several things, actually, as sleep technology continues to develop new ways to help us get our Zzzzzzs. In my case, I’ve discovered that while I’m a light sleeper, consistent noise like an air conditioner or fan help me sleep better than complete silence. So I was pleased to receive a sample of the Sound+Sleep SE (Special Edition, about $150) sound machine from ASTI (Adaptive Sound Technologies Inc.). The device offers 64 different non-looping sounds to help people fall asleep and stay asleep. In addition, an adaptive noise tech feature (optional for users) raises the volume of the sounds when it detects a disruptive noise, such as a person snoring or car horn. To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Six Flags New England adds VR to another roller coaster
If riding a roller coaster with a virtual Superman isn’t your thing, Six Flags New England has an alternative pitch – get sent into space and fight alien invaders.The Agawam, Mass.-based amusement park today announced that its second coaster will get VR when it opens this spring. Partnering up with Samsung, the company said its Mind Eraser steel coaster will include the “Galactic Attack Virtual Reality Coaster” option, which will include a mixed reality feature that initially will let riders see the real world (including the rider next to them) in addition to the VR graphics. Like the Superman coaster, riders will put on a VR headset while enjoying the physical roller coaster’s drops and spins.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Head-scratching ways companies screw up Wi-Fi
Network World has been covering network technologies for 30+ years now, and sometimes we assume that everyone knows what they’re doing when it comes to installing, configuring and using this stuff. But then we run across some examples where consumers and businesses are still not completely familiar with the gear.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here(Insider Story)
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Lessons learned from trying to recite the digits of Pi
Today is Pi Day (3/14), which is a pretty big deal around here at Network World. Our resident Pi expert, Brandon Butler, has been chronicling the holiday for readers with ideas of how to celebrate the day for the past five years.As mentioned in a previous Cool Tools blog post, we were looking for ways to celebrate the day today that was a bit different, as well as add some video elements to our coverage. The first thing we did was to put together an animated video highlighting the origins of the day, which you can see here:To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: Design flaw mars my support for Mac-centric mechanical keyboard
As longtime readers may already know, I’m a big fan of mechanical-style keyboards for computers. The haptic feedback I get on them, the “clickety-clackety” noise they make (the ability to annoy my cubicle neighbors is often worth the price of admission) and the accuracy make this a preferred peripheral for me.My current favorite keyboard is from Das Keyboard, and I’ve seen other manufacturers make mechanical keyboards, often designed for PC gamers, who often love the response, accuracy and general look and feel.With that in mind, I was sent the new Lofree mechanical Bluetooth keyboard, which is currently undergoing a crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo. The keyboard costs $74 with free shipping for U.S. customers, with retail pricing about $99 and coming later this year.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Pi Day is coming and I’m probably going to take a pie in the face
In terms of made up holidays, Pi Day is the one that irritates me the least (compared with Talk Like a Pirate Day or Star Wars Day). Maybe it’s because there’s the opportunity of eating some pie (baked pie or pizza), or maybe it’s because I’m a semi-math geek.Maybe it’s because the founder of Pi Day, Larry Shaw, shares my last name (but we’re not directly related). See the video at the top of the page for more information on the origins of the holiday.Whatever the reason, I’m OK with Pi Day. Which is why I agreed to participate in the Network World Pi Day Challenge, set to stream live on Network World’s Facebook and YouTube channel (2 p.m. EDT on March 14).To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here
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Review: JAM Voice speaker adds Amazon Alexa support
Amazon offers several options for people who want to experience the Echo/Alexa voice-controlled assistance technology. For $180 (or $130 if you buy the Amazon Tap) you can buy the full Amazon Echo speaker system; if you already own a Bluetooth speaker system you can get the $50 Echo Dot.If you’re not down with the Amazon hardware, you have another third-party option. The JAM Voice ($50, via Amazon) from JAM Audio is a Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker that includes Amazon Alexa Voice Service integration. The tiny speaker offers up to four hours of play time and recharges via USB cable (power outlet adapter not included).The speaker sets up via the JAM Wi-Fi app, letting you connect the speaker to your existing Wi-Fi network (you need Internet connectivity in order to use the Alexa voice services). If you don’t want to utilize that option, you can connect via Bluetooth like every other portable Bluetooth speaker. The JAM Voice also integrates with JAM Audio’s other Wi-Fi speaker systems (the Rhythm and Symphony) to give you multi-room audio.To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here