Let's Talk Tech
Pebblebee tracker review!
Can we make a better second impression?
Google’s tracker network is getting better, and updates have helped Pebblebee performance. For those who want a Bluetooth tracker, but might switch from Android to iOS, these are the best way to future proof a purchase.
Pebblebee Universal Tags on Amazon https://amzn.to/3ZyvYY3 Continue reading “Pebblebee Universal Tracker Review: Second Time’s a Charm?”
It’s time for another round of hack tech “reviews” comparing Google products against Apple products. This round?
Location trackers.
I’ve been pretty vocal on the topic for the last year, pointing out how Apple used its size to bully competitors, and how in this specific instance, Apple fell far short anticipating concerns with AirTag privacy and security.
After a year-long delay (caused by Apple), folks on Android are finally getting access to tags, cards, and clips that offer up networked location tracking capabilities.
And in the first week that these products are hitting Google’s network, it’s time for Hack Tech “reviewers” to declare Apple “the winner” in a completely unfair comparison. Continue reading “Maybe Stop Shilling for Apple’s AirTags? Google’s Find My Device Network is JUST Getting Started…”
Babysteps people…
I still find supremely frustrating that we don’t have a kill switch option on our phones. A self destruct setting. Something that would make our glowing rectangles FAR less attractive to thieves. In the meantime, services like this help move us in the right direction.
Android Device Manager was built into newer releases of the Android OS, but that didn’t help folks on OLDER versions of Android. Now you can grab it as a standalone app, and that makes me really happy. Again, we’re seeing Google side step manufacturers and carriers which aren’t updating older phones, and offering more of their OS services as standalone apss they can update and control. Wise move.
Android Device Manager allows you to track a lost phone, reset your password, and in the event you can not retrieve the device you can wipe it out to prevent your data falling in the wrong hands. We still don’t have a hard lock/brick setting, but at least we have better, officially supported tools to protect our Android phones and tablets.
Go get at folks. It’s compatible with Android 2.3 and newer models!
Data and device security is something we should all be on top of.
We’re a long way evolved from Life Call’s “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up”.
Utilizing a smartphone style data connection, AT&T’s EverThere is bringing some tech sophistication to the discussion of health and personal monitoring. Each year, one third of adults over the age of 65 experience falls, many of which can cause serious injuries. EverThere brings a combination of GPS and movement tracking to help aid in the first aid response.
Like a fitness tracker, EverThere can detect movement, so in the event of a fall, paramedics can be alerted automatically. Unlike more home-based monitoring, the unit includes GPS so if a Senior family member is hurt while out and about, they location can be easily found. Connected to AT&T’s network, EverThere users can get help anywhere there’s a cellphone connection. A small, lightweight puck-like device can be worn on a chain or clipped to a belt, and the unit is battery powered for up to 36 hours.
Lastly, EverThere is an IP67 ruggedly built gadget, making it drop resistant, freeze resistant, and waterproof. It’s all about piece of mind, and you don’t want to have to worry about your emergency communication gadget getting damaged while in the middle of an emergency.
Prices start at $99 on an 11 month contract and a monthly rate of $29.99 for the EverThere service.
Full PR after the jump.
Rewind several years (I honestly can’t remember how far back), and you be talking to a younger GadgetGuy who was probably flipping out about how cool it was that he could download a John Cleese voice pack for his Tom Tom GPS. It was awesome, and funny, and fresh. One of the first true celebrity partnerships for geeky tech gear, and it was much preferable to the disembodied soulless voices we were normally (and kinda still are) treated to.
Return to the present, and all that’s old is new again. Waze has announced a partnership with comedian Kevin Hart, and he’ll be adding some snark to your daily commute! It’s cute how they shoot this as if he has no idea what he’s doing…
It’s rolling out to Waze users, so not everyone will have it yet, but check in by going to your Waze settings, go to Sound, then select English – Ride Along. Enjoy!
In all the Instagram hub-bub there was another huge service which released a Windows Phone app. Navigation sweetheart Waze is now available for those of us using Live Tiles!
Using the service, it feels very much like Waze on Android, which is a good thing. Those making the switch wont have to re-learn much. The major changes involve incorporating tile-like options in the menu settings. Also, unlike Instagram, it doesn’t appear that there’s anything missing from the Waze port on WP8.
Waze is a user generated GPS service. Waze uses your location data to keep maps up to date, and people using Waze can report things like accidents, closures, and police activity. Those reports show up on your map. Because Waze is reading your GPS data, it also happens to be one of the most accurate services I’ve seen for estimating your time of arrival. It has moment to moment readings on how fast traffic is moving where ever Waze users are. In a large market like LA, it’s super accurate. Continue reading “Review: Waze arrives on Windows Phone”
This is cool folks.
I think hardware is starting to plateau. Phones and tablets are now “powerful enough” for the services of today, and I think we’re going to see a pendulum swing back to software and services over the next year as developers start tapping into all the raw sensor data available in consumer gear.
I got to spend the day at Dreamworks Animation Studio today to get hands on with their new collaboration with Nokia. A game called ‘Dragons Adventure’ will be launching exclusively for Nokia phones and tablets starting with the Lumia 2520, and it’s featuring some really forward thinking tech… Continue reading “Hands on: Dreamwork’s Dragons Adventure for the Nokia Lumia 2520 – ‘How To Train Your Dragon’ GPS Game”
We live in a crazy world. Parents face difficult choices in what tools they might use to help protect their children. You might not be able to keep your eyes on your kids all the time, but that’s where data services can help fill in some of the gaps.
Amber Alert GPS is a small puck which fits in the palm of your hand. It logs GPS data on your child’s location, and can communicate that info to you over its own cell phone data connection. The unit also includes a two-way voice call option, parent or child can call each other at any time and communicate over voice service. Any time the child feels like she or he might be in danger, they can hit an SOS panic button which will send alerts to up to ten individuals over text or email.
It seems like a handy piece of gear for monitoring your family members. Small, lightweight, easy to throw into a backback or a pocket. AT&T is now carrying the Amber Alert GPS for $129.99, and to utilize the data and voice features will only cost an additional $10 a month on a family share plan.
Full PR and a video after the jump.
Continue reading “AT&T offering Amber Alert GPS child locator for $129.99”