Checking out the Sphero 2B Robot at #CES2014 (Video)

In this video my good buddy Lance Ulanoff, the Editor in Chief of Mashable (follow him @LanceUlanoff!) shows off the new Sphero 2B, a drivable robot with interchangable parts that can do all kinds of things the original Sphero ball couldn’t. It can handle tons of different kinds of terrain, turn quickly, and even launch off ramps!

Keep reading and check the video!

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Playing with the Parrot MiniDrone at #CES2014 (Video)

At the 2014 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, I’ve seen drones were flying all over the place! So far I haven’t seen any Amazon drones delivering packages, BUT I did get a chance to play with this awesome new MiniDrone from Parrot that will hit the market later this year at $199 & trust me, this thing is gonna sell like hot cakes!

Keep reading to check out the video…

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Yes, we still have to talk about Blacks in Tech

As the official Hashtagologist™ for the #NPRBlacksinTech hashtag being curated by Tell Me More, I’ve been asked to give you a recap of what’s been happening so far on social media. But I also think it’s important to at some of the discussions and comments that have come from readers and commenters like yourself in addition to official participants. #NPRBlacksinTech is an important conversation, not just for twenty days this month, but also for the coming weeks and years — though hopefully not for decades! To start, here’s a  quick quiz.

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Find the best laptop for your budget at Staples!

Are you looking to buy a new laptop? Whether you need something ultra-budget or ultra-powerful, you’ll find the perfect laptop for your needs at Staples.

Chromebooks

If your budget requires you to spend under $300 on a laptop, then you’re going to be looking at a Chromebook, which runs the Chrome operating system from Google. These laptops are light on the wallet but also light on features. They benefit tremendously from an Internet connection at all times, since Chromebooks are based around the Chrome browser, but Google Apps like Gmail and Drive will still work offline. If your home, office and coffee shop already provide Wi-Fi, that’s a good start. If you’re a heavy Google user and already know your way around Gmail and Google Documents, then you’re definitely ready. Just know that if you can’t do it on the Web, then you won’t be doing it at all with these machines, as they can’t run Windows apps like Photoshop or Office.

To see all of my best laptop picks, read the rest of this post at Staples.com

Disclosure of Material Connection: Hey readers, this is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

App-titude Episode 5: Tablets

When it comes to the latest technology and electronic devices that can make your life more interesting and efficient, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices out there. App-titude, presented by Radio Shack, is here to help you cut through the static and clutter.


Tablets have a unique ability to bridge the gap between smartphone apps and the power of a laptop. Find out which of these great tablets can be the best fit for you and your family.

This is the last episode of App-titude a five-part series focusing on all sorts of great gifts and tech! To see all of the episodes, click here.

Create #DigitalParenting rules to help guide the next generation!

The average 8-10 year old spends nearly 8 hours a day using media. Thinking about your own children, how much of that time is being spent doing educational things with their connected devices and how much of that time is being spent on mindless entertainment?

Parents need to be savvy about how their children use their devices and setting smart parental controls. But parents also need to remember that children emulate their parents—if you’re on your smartphone throughout an entire dinner, how do you expect your kids will behave? On TODAY this morning I discuss these important #DigitalParenting issues, and offer advice for parents.

App-titude Episode 4: Mobile phones

When it comes to the latest technology and electronic devices that can make your life more interesting and efficient, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices out there. App-titude, presented by Radio Shack, is here to help you cut through the static and clutter.


Today’s smartphones handle all of our entertainment and communication needs. From talk to text to tunes to TV, it’s all right there for us. Find out some of the best pre-paid and contract phones available, and see which models fit your lifestyle best.

App-titude is an ongoing series! To see all of the episodes, click here.

Four Ways to Pay it Forward This Holiday Season

Everybody likes a good deal for Black Friday or getting a shiny new toy on Christmas morning. But I also know that between the economy, the government shutdown and just the regular old bills of everyday life, this might not be the year to spend too much on the holiday season. And maybe that can be a good thing! If we’re not putting all our focus on just buying gifts there’s more time to really think about the holiday season, family and our communities. Here are three ways to really get into the holiday spirit and pay it forward this year:

1. Make a Charitable Donation in Someone Else’s Name

Making a charitable donation to a cause you know someone cares about is a great gift. Check out JustGive.org, which has a database of 1.8 million charities to choose from. You can also buy a Charity Gift Card from them, which allows the recipient to choose the charity of their choice so that they can feel good about paying it forward too. It doesn’t have to be expensive: donation levels start at $10 and they’re also tax-deductible. Read More

It’s a myth that tech gifts are expensive. Here are some affordable options! (TODAY)

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Tech always makes for a great gift, but many items can be rough on the wallet. Luckily there’s a list of alternatives that prove you don’t have to spend a ton to get something great and affordable.

Google Chromecast

At a price tag of $35, this is such an inexpensive and easy way to enjoy streaming. This little device plugs right into your HDMI port on your TV and then allows you to view content from your Smartphone, tablet or laptop on the big screen! Chromecast lets you stream movies, TV shows, music and more from channels like Netflix, Hulu Plus, HBO Go, and Pandora.

Plus, you can also use it to stream videos you rent or buy from the Google Play store and even stream any open tab in your web browser straight to your TV.

Read the rest of this post at TODAY.com

App-titude Episode 3: RC Helicopters

When it comes to the latest technology and electronic devices that can make your life more interesting and efficient, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of choices out there. App-titude, presented by Radio Shack, is here to help you cut through the static and clutter.


Wondering what the hottest toys are going to be this holiday season? I think RC helicopters are going to be huge. With options from indoor choppers for the kids all the way to outdoor versions for serious hobby enthusiasts, these remote control toys are a great way to have some fun.

App-titude is an ongoing series! To see all of the episodes, click here.