Cloud Storage My Way
I have been using cloud storage since 2009 with Microsoft’s SkyDrive. I did spend some time between then and now trying to create a desktop sync without an official app. I was very unsuccessful with getting SkyDrive to have that functionality. I did try to use it for a photo backup location in the past, but using the web interface to upload files is not easy especially when you can’t upload folders. Last week Microsoft brought their cloud solution inline with the rest of their competitors and finally offer a desktop syncing solution. Now I can have a folder that lives on my computer that is an exact mirror of the cloud drive. If I need anything from that drive anywhere then it is just a quick log in to the web service. Read more
The Digital Lifestyle
Right now we are at a crossroads with our media. Over the past 50 years the way we consume and create content has changed. If we look back at how we watched movies this is a prime example. In the 1960′s we went movie theaters to watch shows. In 1982 we could watch movies at home with VHS tapes. In the 1990s we could watch movies that were no bigger than the size of a CD. Now we can just turn on our TVs and the movies are delivered right to the set either through our cable provider or an internet streaming company. With the rise of Netflix we ask ourselves how much physical media or discs do we need? If we can get the movie we want to see delivered to our door do we need to take up space with the plastic disc we will use on occasion? For most people the answer is no.
Windows 8 Consumer Preview Impressions
Tonight the Windows 8 Consumer Preview was released. Hot off the download I upgraded my main pc from Windows 7 to Windows 8. The process took less than 30 mins to do the upgrade. The overall process to upgrade Windows was very easy and is now like 75% less clicks to install. For users that want install there own version of Windows 8 these are some very welcome options. Now lets take a look at some of the new features of Windows 8.
Start Menu - The new Start Menu is a nice and sleek look. It has some nice features like live tiles for your email. This is now the focal point of Windows. If you need access to any of your installed programs you need to go through the Start Menu. The all Apps list now is organized like it belongs on a tablet. The whole Start Menu gives me mixed feelings.
TaskBar - The taskbar has remained unchanged from Windows 7. The biggest change is there is no Start button. To access the Start Menu you have press the Windows Logo Key or hover in the lower left corner and click. This takes some getting used to.
Explorer – Explorer has gotten a ribbon in the interface that makes it so much more useful. The ribbon in explorer gives you access to many tasks you would want right at your finger tips. This is one of the best upgrades of Windows 8.
Windows Reader - The built in pdf reader for Windows is horrible. Opening a complex pdf it shreds the images and choppily scrolls through the text portions. It really needs an upgrade to be a replacement for Adobe Reader.
That is just scratching the surface of Windows 8. There will be plenty more to check out in the coming days.
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WordPress On The Go
Last time I wrote about the WordPress app for Android I was unimpressed with it. Since then there have been a bunch of updates that add functionality to the app. The look of the app has changed drastically. It is now a more uniformed and appealing look. The App has a nice white and black theme that really brings out the simplicity of the app. Read more 
The Digital Lockdown
Today we are a highly digital society. We are beginning to move away from the physical and more to the digital. I know my media buying habits have changed. I buy my music and books digitally. I buy the books I want for my miniature gaming in pdf format. Movies I still buy in physical formats because Hollywood hasn’t caught up with technology. They are packaging in a digital copy of the movie you just bought in new releases, but you are restricted to viewing it on a PC or approved mobile device that works with their DRM scheme. Thus your options are a Windows Media file or an iTunes file. This seems so backwards to me. Read more
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Amazon Kindle Newsstand
This week Amazon released the Kindle Fire. Along with the Kindle fire they have released their version of the newsstand. The Newsstand is basically the ability to subscribe to magazines and be able to read them on an electronic device in full color. This gives the ability to create an almost seamless transition for magazines to be converted into the digital space. The only problem right now is the magazines are only available for the Kindle Fire. I was hoping that there would be an update to Amazon’s Android Kindle app that will allow them to read the magazines. As of this posting there has bee no update released to spread this to any of Amazon’s apps. Read more
