Author: Juan Carlos Bagnell

Juan has been obsessed with consumer electronics since before computers had GUI’s. Out of college he worked on a JIT computing contract which supported DOE facilities in New Mexico. He’s been featured on numerous podcasts and radio shows lending his tech insights. You can also find him in LA directing voice over actors and producing spoken word recording.
Posted on

AT&T invests more than $1.95 billion into LA improvements

ATT logoConsumers are getting hungrier for better service and data access. In Los Angeles, AT&T is pushing forward on wired and wireless improvements for consumers and businesses.

Over the last three years, Big Blue has poured almost $2 Billion into opening up new pockets of LTE for thousands of LA residents, and offering up fiber lines to over 40,000 business locations.

“Continued investment in fast and reliable Internet connectivity is critical for both quality of life and economic growth in Los Angeles said Gary Toebben, President & CEO, Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce.  “Enhanced wireless and wired connectivity is an important benefit for residents, and the expansion of fiber-optic connections helps to level the playing field for small and mid-sized businesses across the metro area.”

Hopefully we’ll soon see more of that competitive spirit for residential wired services. LA is looking into providing free basic data service to all residents over the next several years, and we know Google is investigating a Fiber roll out in Northern California. AT&T has shown that it’s game to compete, matching Google’s offerings in Austin, so fingers crossed that we Los Angelenos start seeing some better opportunities than what we currently have with cable.

Full PR below.

Continue reading “AT&T invests more than $1.95 billion into LA improvements”

Posted on

Lenovo Flex 20 Long Term Review: 20″, Battery Powered, Touchscreen Windows 8 All-in-One PC

It’s time for the wrap up! I’ve been using the Lenovo Flex 20 for a couple months, and it’s been an interesting exercise in where the future of home and desktop PC’s might lead us.

Let’s take a look!

Related:
Shop for the Flex 20.
Flex 20 First Impressions.
Flex 20 Speaker Test.

Posted on

Drivers Can Read Maps on Phones in CA, but You Should Still Be Cautious…

using maps on a phone while drivingThe courts are starting to catch up with technology, but I would still use a BOATLOAD of caution when using your phone while operating a motor vehicle in California.

Steven Spriggs was pulled over and issued a $165 ticket in January of 2012. He was using his iPhone to look up a map, but the officer wrote out the ticket saying he violated Vehicle Code 23123 which pertains to talking on a phone without a hands free kit. Specifically 23123 (a):

(a) A person shall not drive a motor vehicle while using a wireless telephone unless that telephone is specifically designed and configured to allow hands-free listening and talking, and is used in that manner while driving.

Of course most of what happens on our phones isn’t necessarily tied to talking anymore. The 5th District Court of Appeals sided with Spriggs, stating that this part of the vehicle code could have been worded clearer, and that it did not pertain to looking at maps.

We’ve won one small victory for common sense, however there are still plenty of reasons to exercise caution while utilizing your phone for navigation and communication while operating a motor vehicle. Continue reading “Drivers Can Read Maps on Phones in CA, but You Should Still Be Cautious…”

Posted on

Qualcomm Reduces Price of Toq Smart watch to $249.99

qualcomm toq box smartwatch wireless charge cradle review somegadgetguyWe’re fans of the Toq here at SGG, but the price tag has certainly been a barrier for many looking to take the smartwatch plunge.

Well it looks like Qualcomm is addressing that concern by quietly slashing $100 off the price. You can now grab the Toq and its incredible outdoor viewable display for $249.99, bringing it right in line with the Pebble Steel. Not bad at all for a color touchscreen, wireless charging, and five day battery life. The recently announced SDK might mean we’ll soon see more apps for the Toq ecosystem.

Shop for the Qualcomm Toq, or read through our Toq coverage with reviews and updates!

Posted on

Watch Samsung UNPACKED 2014 – Galaxy S5 Unveiling Livestream

Galaxy S5 camera appSamsung is about to show off all the juicy details for their next flagship phone, and while the look of the phone has already leaked, there’s plenty more to discuss. Let’s look at some phones and new Gear smartwatches!

Posted on

Galaxy S5 Pics Leak Ahead of Samsung Unboxed

Galaxy S5 camera appAnd here we get to the meat of the rumor and leak market, some decent pics of Samsung’s next flagship.

Following the design language of the Note 3, the GS5 is rumored to sport a 5.2″ display, which is creeping up on the 5.3″ screen of the original Note. Remember when we thought a phone that size was crazy? Yeah. Good times.

We still don’t know the full spec sheet, screen resolution, how many megapickles the camera will have, what the official battery capacity might be, but at least for now, we have a pretty good idea of what the phone will look like. We can also see a few new features like Download Booster which can use your LTE and WiFi at the same time, and there’s a covered USB port which might mean some kind of waterproofing is being used.

We can be thankful there will still be SOME discovery during Samsung’s event later today. Fingers crossed there might actually be a surprise or two…

Pics via SaudiAndroid and Hardware Zone

Proudly powered by WordPress