Isn't Wireless Tethering an Oxymoron?

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It is but I want to do it.

Eye-Fi Pro Cards allow wireless transfer and upload of images and videos.

I shoot a lot of photos and videos every month so I'm always on the lookout for tools that will help me with my workflow to get out the video reviews shot and posted.  I'm also thinking about a more suitable view for my unboxing and first look videos and decided that a combination of Point of View along with a secondary angle is the best way to go.

I have been using Eye-Fi Wireless SD Cards to get the photos and videos automatically transferred online (as backup).  The main limitation is that I have limited control over what it does, and that the Eye-Fi does not help me during the shoot (other than some sort of estimated geo-tagging).  For me its use is more about sharing, transferring images/video after the shoot.  Eye-Fi does not help me start, stop, press shutter button, focus, etc. but it was never meant to.

So to handle the POV section I plan to have a Canon EOS Rebel T5i on a boompole from up top so I need a remote solution to frame and focus while I'm doing my thing.  Sure, the articulated screen definitely helps, but an iPad or laptop screen with control would be better.  Yes, I can tether, but a portable iPad would be so much easier!  So I think I've found some reasonable ways to do this.

I'm looking at two different solutions:

  1. CamRanger Remote for Nikon & Canon DSLR Cameras
  2. HyperDrive iUSB PortCamera
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'Unlimited' Everything for $19.99 - Republic Wireless

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Today marks the launch of a new assault against traditional wireless phone companies as we know it.

Republic wireless has introduced one plan to rule them all!   OK, well not everyone, but for $19.99 you get everything you get unlimited everything as long as you stick to wifi most of the time.

How is this possible?  It will route everything through your Wifi - and when you are out and about when there isn't any wifi, your phone will work through Sprint.

How is this possible?  With UMA Technology.  UMA, or Unlicensed Mobile Access is something that T-Mobile has been using for a while.  This technology allows your phone to use your WiFi Access Point to use your internet access for data, phone calls, text messages through your Wifi.  It's not completely new as it's been used by other carriers who don't have great reception everywhere - ie, the Microcell for AT&T.

AT&T's UMA Solution

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Blackberry Playbook - its fast, and supports flash

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They were showing off the Playbook at CES.  My first impressions were that it was zippy but clearly had a lot of issues that need to be worked out before release.  There was some freezing and non-responsiveness during the demonstration at one of the booths.  Blackberry reps said this due to the fact that they had all the things running in the background (apparently using up their 1 GB of RAM).   

 

Said reps also didn't allow people to really use the tablet and get down into the nitty grittys to check out stuff like the tethered blackberry apps.  Full on flash support was awesome!  I didn't realize how much I missed that on Apple devices until I pulled up some flash intensive sites on the Playbook.

 

I'm going to stick to my iPad / upcoming iPad2 thank you very much.  I confess it's primarily because I don't hold much confidence in Blackberry Apps or any reasonable pricing / licensing of software made for the Blackberry platform.  Time will tell.
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Gadgets that can save your life

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The Spot connect is a brand new product to be released next month that alerts people of your situation from just about anywhere in the world through satellite.  You must have a service plan (like a phone) and there are additional services that you might want to tack on as well.  What looks particularly interesting is the GEOS member benefit for the true adventurer completely backed by a facility that is nuclear bomb bunkered and running 24/7.

SPOT Satellite Communicators at Amazon

 

 

New leader in portable visor mount bluetooth speakerphone emerges - DriveNTalk BHF-2000

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DriveNTalk is releasing the best portable Bluetooth hands-free car kit next month for an amazing $99.99.

The BHF-2000 is the most feature-rich Bluetooth speakerphone in its class. It combines almost everything I liked about my favorite bluetooth speakerphone, the Jabra Cruiser SP-715, with the completely hands free capabilities of the Blueant S4 and almost eliminates the need to plug in a cord to charge it.
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Kettle for you instant noodle, tea brewing, coffee making afficionados.

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For a limited time it's less than $38, you have to login to Yugster to see it. (MSRP $60)

Top Rated

Adagio Teas 3 UtiliTEA Variable-Temperature
30-Ounce Electric Kettle

UtiliTEA Overview

  • Expertly crafted by Tea Drinkers for Tea Drinkers
  • Electric stainless-steel kettle with innovative temperature-control system.
  • Perfect for heating water to the right temperature for green, black, white, and oolong teas.
  • Quickly heats up to 30 ounces of water; concealed heating element.
  • Cordless carafe; water-level gauge; power indicator light; flip-top lid button.
  • Lightweight and portable: you can take it around the house.
  • Faster heating than traditional kettles.
  • Small footprint is perfect for your desk or work area.

UtiliTEA Highlights

 

Electric Kettle Makes Gourmet Tea Easy
Not every tea is meant to be brewed at a roaring boil, which can lead to that infamous cup of bitter tea. Enter the UtiliTEA, a variable temperature electric kettle that is designed with the TEA drinker in mind.

Simple and intuitive, this electric kettle has a color coded dial that will help you select the perfect temperature for your water, no matter what tea you are drinking. This way you end up with water heated to the right temperature, whether you’re drinking green, black, white, or oolong tea. And you also end up with a cup of tea that tastes delicious.

 
Small Footprint for Ultimate Convenience and Portability

 

  • The stainless steel exterior and modern design will make it seem right at home, no matter where you place it.
  • A 360 degree base ensures that your teapot will be stable on most surfaces.
  • The cordless carafe allows for convenient brewing, no matter the location.
  • The small footprint of the UtiliTEA makes this kettle the ideal size for brewing at your desk or any workplace.

Simple Temperature Control For Any Tea

 

  • A color coded dial makes temperature selection for your tea as simple as possible.
  • Heat to your preference: 180 for green/white teas or 212 (boiling) for black, dark oolong, and herbal teas.
  • A power indicator switch will let you know when your water is ready.
  • Gone are the days of using thermometers or primitive techniques to gauge the temperature of your water.
  • Unleashing the full flavor of your tea has never been easier.
  • Flip-top lid and water-level gauge make refilling a snap.

 

Set to 212 degrees F for coffee, and use an Aeropress and you're good to go.

 

Crappy AT&T 3G cell reception? AT&T has an answer for you.

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Meet the new AT&T Microcell.  Its only available in select test areas - sadly not in any areas which I frequent.  You can enter your zip code in to see if available in your zip code.

Oh, and it only works for phones that support 3G.

"

AT&T 3G MicroCell acts like a mini cellular tower in your home or small business environment. It connects to AT&T's network via your existing broadband Internet service (such as DSL or cable) and is designed to support up to four simultaneous users in a home or small business setting. With AT&T 3G MicroCell, you receive improved cellular signal performance for both voice calls and cellular data applications like picture messaging and surfing the Web.

Device Features:

  • Enhanced coverage indoors – supports both voice and data up to 5000 square feet
  • Available unlimited minute plans – individual or FamilyTalk plans.
  • 3G handset compatible – works with any AT&T 3G phone.
  • Supports up to four voice or data users at once.
  • Device is secure – cannot be accessed by unauthorized users, easy and secure online management of device settings
  • Seamless call hand-over – start calls on your 3G MicroCell and continue without interruption, even if you leave the building.

Device Requirements:

  • 3G wireless phone/device
  • Broadband service over DSL or cable
  • Computer with Internet access for online registration

Additional Information:

  • Installing your device near a window is strongly recommended to ensure access to Global Positioning System (GPS). A GPS link is needed to verify the device location during the initial startup.
  • The 3G MicroCell device is portable. The device may be moved, provided the new location is within the AT&T authorized service area and properly registered online."

Los Angeles County Public WiFi = Pathetic

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I've tested it over half a year ago, and left a not so anonymous note in the suggestions box about how ridiculous the speed of the public WiFi is here. 

Today, its only slightly better.  See results above.

Now I know that their network speed is faster, because I saw a librarian surfing a not so safe for work video - granted I didn't actually stream because a patron came up to ask her a question and she closed the window.

 

Turn your Windows 7 laptop into a Wireless Access Point - FREE

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Why you need it:

You have to setup an impromptu wireless access point to share files, internet, etc.  (I use this with my built-in wireless 3G modem to create my own personal MiFi type connection.

What you need is:

  1. PC running Windows 7
  2. Working wireless adapter (some intel ones don't work).
  3. Connectify Me Software (free beta).

Just download the roughly 1.5MB software and run to install it.  You just need to pick a WiFi name, a passphrase, and the internet connection access and whether you want to turn on the hotspot you've just created or turn it off.

 

Boingo Wireless only $9.95 per month, or $59.99 internationally!

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This is old news for some of you international travelers but I just found out that Boingo is only $9.95 per month for WiFi access practically everywhere there is a McDonalds and Starbucks (almost literally every city that I can imagine going to).

That is a great deal if you are on the computer all the time (like me).