Category: Uncategorized

How YOU can get your own Google Glass Eyewear

by Mario Armstrong

Intro to Google Glass

If you haven’t already watched Google’s video on their Glasses-based computer (called simply “Google Glass”) make sure you watch it right now:

Want to get a pair for yourself? That’s gonna take some work. First up, and this is a big one, make sure you’ve got $1500 in your bank account. If you’re picked as a Guinea pig (sorry, “beta tester”) you’ll have to buy Glass with your own money and you don’t want to get your hopes up only to find out you can’t afford a pair when it comes time. Yes, it’s a steep price, but for some of you, it may be worth it.

Second, you’re going to have to have a PERFECT application. You really need to get every single piece right, so I’m going to walk you through what that takes.

Finally, you’ve got just two days left to wrap this up. Applications need to be submitted by Wednesday, February 27th, so get cracking! Read More

I was wearing Google Glass in 1999 (pic)

by Mario Armstrong

Okay, so I wasn’t exactly wearing Google Glass in 1999. That pic up there? Ignore the hair and that oversized polo for a sec and focus on that thing on my head. That’s the 1990’s version of Glass, a $6000 wearable computer from a company called Xybernaut. Yeah it’s big and bulky and had wires running around it, but it was clearly a predecessor to Google’s Glass project, the wearable glasses technology the search giant is currently seeking Guinea pigs, I mean beta testers, for. Read More

Submit your Tech Question to the TODAY Show

by Mario Armstrong

Want to see your tech question answered live on-air by yours truly? Use the form below and fill out your tech question you need help with, and if your question is selected, I’ll answer it live on-air on the TODAY show!

For the latest updates and information about upcoming television segments, you should follow me on twitter here

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I answer your questions on the Today Show!

by Mario Armstrong

On Wednesday, February 20th, I answered YOUR tech questions LIVE on the TODAY Show! In case you missed the segment, you can check out the video above, or my more detailed answered below!

Have a question you’d like me to answer on live TV in front of millions of people? Click here to submit your questions to me!

Question #1 – What Is The Easiest Way To Stream Content On My TV? (Daniel – NYC)

Answer:

Viewing content form the web on your TV really opens up a whole new world of viewing options. If you don’t already have a smart TV, there are a lot of options. You can use different devices like Apple TV, a Roku box, most blu-ray players, your computer, or even gaming systems like the Xbox 360 or Nintendo’s Wii U. The question is what is the right option for you. Id suggest if you are an Apple household and have a lot of content on your apple devices you would really like the Apple TV option because it can also do some neat features beyond streaming like mirroring whats on your Mac, iPhone or iPad wirelessly on your tv. Imagine showing family photos or video from your iPad to your TV without wires. Read More

How to Prepare for Smartphone Theft (TODAY)

by Mario Armstrong

With smartphones everywhere and fetching high prices on the street, unfortunately smartphone theft is becoming more popular than ever before. But you have a lot more to worry about than someone selling your phone since you probably store a lot of sensitive info on your smartphone including financial information, credit card or social security numbers, private email correspondence, photos and more. Additionally, many social media apps like Twitter and Facebook don’t prompt for a password every time they launch so a thief could easily gain access to your social accounts and spam your network or use that information to get more details about you. Think about your email access as well, and what someone could do with access to your full list of contacts and your email archive.

Your first line of defense is to set a passcode on your device. I consider this advice non-negotiable. If you own a smartphone, you have to set a passcode, no questions asked. Yes, I know it can be a little annoying, but without a passcode a thief can access your full phone the second they steal it. Read More

Are People Taking a Break from Facebook? (CNN VIDEO)

by Mario Armstrong

I appeared on CNN’s Reliable Sources this morning with Howard Kurtz to take a look at Facebook. It turns out the social network may be losing some of its shine.

Take a look at these stats from a recent Pew Internet survey:

– 61% of Facebook users have taken a break from the service at some point in the past
– 20% of adults have permanently left Facebook

Sarah Lacy, founder and editor-in-chief of PandoDaily.com and I discussed Facebook’s mobile app, why people need to take vacations from its service, and more.

Like this video? You should follow me on twitter here.

How to Get Everything Cheaper

by Mario Armstrong

The are tons of different ways to use tech to save money on EVERYTHING. Making sure you have the right apps on your phone and knowing which websites to check can mean the difference between paying full price and getting a discount.

Check my top recommendations for site and apps to help you save money below:

Rent The Runway–

For the fashionista on a budget! This is a great website where women can rent high-end dresses and accessories at a fraction of what it would cost to buy it.

http://www.renttherunway.com/

Red Laser-

A free app that transforms your phone into a barcode scanner.  Helps you to comparison shop both in store and online—you can even purchase right from your phone when you find the best deal!

http://redlaser.com/

Fare Compare-

A wonderful travel comparison website that lets you plug in the dates you want to travel, and it will comparison shop between the online travel sites like Orbitz, Priceline, TripAdvisor, etc, to find the best deals out of all of them in one place. Saves you money AND time! Read More

Parents Beware: Vine App Creates Six Seconds of Looping Porn

by Shy Mukerjee

Vine App for iPhone ScreenshotThere’s a hot new app in the iPhone App Store from Twitter called “Vine” that let’s you create and share 6 seconds of looping video. I’ve been seeing it in my Twitter feed a lot lately, and with Mario’s recent segment on HLN (see video above) I finally understand how the heck people are creating these strange videos. Basically, Vine helps you take and edit short videos into 6 second bursts. The service then loops these videos and allows you to publish them to social media. It’s like animated GIFs taken to a whole new level.

But this is a cautionary tale. As it turns out, some users have already been using the app to make and share hardcore pornography. Yikes!

Despite the fact that the App has been approved by Apple for users 12 and older, it seems that Vine was unprepared for the huge explosion in users and hasn’t been able to police their content to make sure it’s appropriate for all ages.

Worried about your children downloading apps like this? Keep reading to find out how to block the from installing apps like this without your permission. Read More

BlackBerry CEO Thorsten Heins Says New BlackBerry Has Enough Bling to Get People Back

by Mario Armstrong

BlackBerry (the company) is out trying to do some major PR for their new phones, the BlackBerry Z10 and Q10. Part of the PR blitz is them trying to answer questions about what the heck happened – they were cutting edge phones everybody had to have for years, but now they’re an totally an afterthought to the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy.

In the clip below from the TODAY Show, CEO Thorsten Heins tries to explain to Savannah and Matt what happened to the company. He explains it by saying they stayed “static,” and didn’t adapt and change for consumers, even as new competitors were coming up. Plus he claims the new phones will have enough bling (yes he uses the word bling!) to make people interested again, and uses Alicia Keys getting on board as example. Though of course that’s a paying gig for her :)

Take a look at the video, what do you think? Are you interested? Just the fact that they’re offering a keyboard on one phone (the BlackBerry Q10) is enough to make it at least a little interesting! We’ll be doing testing in the next couple of weeks – let me know what Qs YOU wanted answered in the comments!

CNN: The Second Screen Bowl

by Mario Armstrong

Some websites I mentioned on air where you can show your support for your favorite team:

– likebowl.com – “like” your team on Facebook and they move closer to the goal line!

– vinebowl.com – share 6 second videos to show support for your team!

Stream the big game live on your Computer or Phone using:

– CBS Sports

Pick your favorite Coca-Cola commercial ending!

– CokeChase.com

Download this app during the game to id which commercial it is to get coupons and special offers:

– Shazam App