Category Archives: Tech

LG Smart Appliances Are Here To Serve You



LG just exhausted 1,000 words to announce its new range of smart appliances built around Thinq technology. Unfortunately, for all the hyperbole there’s not much detail about the appliances themselves. We do know that Thinq features smart grid, access, diagnosis, adapt, and food management capabilities. At the center of Thinq is the concept of an intelligent WiFi grid built around a smart meter enabling home owners to schedule the oven cook time, washing machine cycle, and refrigerator defrost at the most cost-effective or convenient times. Continue reading

Motorola Xoom:: Google’s iPad Killer


Motorola announced its 10.1-inch Xoom device at CES yesterday, and it’s definitely one of the most lust-worthy Android tablets yet. As we all know by now, the Xoom rocks the dual-core Tegra 2 system-on-a-ship that is all the rage these days, and it has a massive 1GB of RAM.

When the Motorola Xoom is launched, it will be the first tablet running Honeycomb: version 3.0 of Android. Motorola has also uploaded a promo video specifically for the Xoom, and it looks like a pretty awesome unit.

A quick recap of the Xoom’s hardware specs:


1GHz dual-core Tegra 2 processor
10.1-inch 1280X800 16:10 touchscreen
1080p video and HDMI output
32GB internal storage (will require software update for SD card support)
1GB DDR2 RAM
5 MP rear-facing camera, 720p video recording
2 MP front-facing camera
Gyroscope, barometer, magnetometer, accelerometer

Samsung Galaxy Tab vs The iPad



by JR Raphael, PC World

So how exactly does Samsung’s Galaxy Tab differ from the iPad? Check out this comparison chart for a side-by-side glimpse at the two devices’ specs and see for yourself.

In a nutshell, the Galaxy Tab is smaller and lighter (though rumors suggest a couple of larger editions will debut before the year’s end). It has the same speed processor but twice the RAM. Like the iPad, the Galaxy Tab comes with different options for internal storage. It also, however, supports up to 32GB of expandable storage; Apple’s device is limited to the internal space only. Continue reading

Programable Thermostat:: Save, Conserve and Keep Your Home Comfortable



After I hear the words electronic thermostat, I connect that phrase with something known as a programmable thermostat for your home. Sure, there are fancy, non-programmable electronic thermostats that could have a fancy display and a high price, but they really are no better than the old, mechanical thermostat that was included with your home as standard equipment years ago. Rather than considering an electronic thermostat, you really should be considering a programmable thermostat – that’s where the action really is.

What exactly is a programmable thermostat? In real straightforward terms (because it is quite simple), this kind of home thermostat can allow you to automatically set the temperature of your home to different temperatures throughout the day or nighttime – even when you’re not at home! For example, you would like the bathroom and the kitchen area to be warm for your breakfast, but you leave for work at eight and your house is empty – why is it you would want to keep paying for excess heat if you’re not going to be there to enjoy it? You wouldn’t! Your programmable thermostat definitely will turn down the heat (or cooling) while you’re gone, then turn it up (or off) so your home is going to be warm for dinner. Then, you can reduce the temperature for sleeping. It’s all done automatically!

Cut costs with a programmable thermostat – not an electronic thermostat! The average homeowner can save $180 on energy costs every year when using a programmable thermostat! That means money back into your pocket, and save on natural resources, too.

Don’t waste your money on a digital thermostat – get a programmable thermostat and start saving cash and supporting the environment today!

Playstation Move vs. Microsoft Kinect

by Jared Newman:: Technologizer

The more time I spent with Playstation Move and Kinect for Xbox 360, the more I’m convinced that they’re both hitting the market about six months too early.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the hardware. Kinect, a special camera that tracks motion, worked fine — if not a tad laggy — in the games I played on the show floor. Same goes for the Move, which behaves a lot like a Wii remote, but also with a camera that traces the positioning of the controller in 3D space, and of course the benefit of better graphics. But before the show, I, and neither Move nor Kinect have it yet.
Continue reading

Unbolting The Chevy Volt “Motor Trend Car Of The Year”



“It’s not a hybrid! It’s an electric car with a range-extending, gas-powered generator onboard.” That was the party line during most of the masterfully orchestrated press rollout of what we’ve been promised will be the most thoroughly new car since, what, the Chrysler Turbine? The Lunar Rover? Well, the cat is now out of the bag, and guess what? It is a hybrid, after all. Yes, Virginia, the Chevy Volt’s gas engine does turn the wheels. Sometimes.

On paper, the Voltec drivetrain has more in common with a Prius (and other Toyota, Ford, or Nissan Altima hybrids) than anyone suspected. Each system employs a single planetary gear set, a gasoline-powered piston engine, and two electric motor/generators. But the way Chevy connects them is entirely different, and—if you ask me—superior.

Read more:

New iPhone 4 for $199!! But There’s A Catch


AT&T Kills Unlimited Mobile Data Plan In Favor Of Two New “Limited Data” Plans, Provides U.S. Tethering Details
By Erfon Elijah Cultofmac.com

AT&T announced that, on June 7th, unlimited mobile data plans for new users are going bye-bye in favor of two new “limited” data plans. It also provided new details on its U.S. iPhone tethering plan.

Two new data plansAT&T currently offers an unlimited data plan for both the iPad and iPhone for $30 a month. A 250MB plan is available for the iPad for $15 a month. Both these plans are being nixed in favor of two new plans that will be available for both devices:

DataPlus ($15 per month): Up to 200MB per billing cycle. If you exceed 200MB, you’ll be charged $15 for each additional 200MB of data used.

DataPro ($25 per month): Up to 2GB of data per billing cycle. If you exceed 2GB, you’ll be charged $10 for each additional 1GB of data used.
Continue reading

May Is National Bike Month



I’m very late on this. But I’m posting it so you can know what to expect next year.

Celebrate the freedom of two wheels at one of over a dozen events —

Sunday, May 2: Annual BCGP Membership Meeting
Join members and staff of the Bicycle Coalition for an annual gathering to celebrate our accomplishments, elect the new Board Directors and listen to music by local band, Jubel Jenkins. Thank you to all that joined us!

Tuesday, May 4: Pennsylvania Bike Summit
Join other Pennsylvania bicyclists in Harrisburg to speak up for better bicycling in Pennsylvania.

Wednesday, May 5: Volunteer Training Night
Help the Bicycle Coalition by volunteering your time. 1500 Walnut Street, Suite 1107. 6:30pm; pizza provided.

Friday, May 7: Sustainable 19125′s Car-Free Fridays
As part of Sustainable 19125′s Walk-Bike-Ride campaign, ditch your car and celebrate your reduced carbon footprint on Fridays throughout May. Participating bars include Johnny Brenda’s, O’Reilly’s, The Green Rock Tavern, The El Bar, Kung Fu Necktie, Murph’s Bar, and the Starboard Side Tavern!

Saturday, May 8: Mural Bike Tour
A tour of Philadelphia’s renowned murals by bike allows an outstanding opportunity for participants to see and photograph murals up close! A guide, with up to 10 participants, will weave through Brewerytown, Fairmount, Francisville, and Spring Garden viewing nearly 20 murals an revealing the meaning and stories behind the murals. A can’t miss Philadelphia experience! Admission $17.

Monday, May 10 – 31: Philadelphia Commuter Challenge
Kick start your summer and join the Bicycle Coalition’s 2010 Philadelphia Commuter Challenge for May’s Bike Month. The Challenge is for people living in the Greater Philadelphia area and runs May 10th through May 31st. Join the challenge on your own or start a team.

Friday, May 14: Sustainable 19125′s Car-Free Fridays

Saturday, May 15: 9th Annual R.E.Load Maypril Fools Fun Ride
Essentially a huge scavenger hunt, you’ll be given a list of stops at the start, each with a different points value assigned to them. Registration begins 12pm. Entry fee: $10.

Saturday, May 15: Growing Green Bike Tour
Join the Bicycle Coalition of Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society and members of the City Harvest Growers Alliance Program (CHGA) for a bicycle exploration of urban gardens and food systems. Starts 2pm. Entry fee: $15/$10 for Bicycle Coalition members.

Monday, May 17: Urban Riding Basics Class @ BCGP Office
5:30-6:30pm at 1500 Walnut St., Suite 205.
Join the Bicycle Ambassadors for a free and public Urban Riding Basics class. This class focuses on the basic safety details each rider needs to know before hopping on a bike. Ambassadors will review fitting a bike and helmet, what to wear, how to pack, a review of the rules of the road, locking your bike and much more. Participants do not need to bring bicycles.

Tuesday, May 18: Bicycle Ambassadors 2010 Season Launch Day
11:00-3:00pm in Love Park. More info soon.

Tuesday, May 18: Urban Riding Basics Class @ BCGP Office
5:30-6:30pm at 1500 Walnut St., Suite 205.

Wednesday, May 19: Lunchtime Urban Riding Basics Class @ BCGP Office
12:30pm-1:30pm at 1500 Walnut St., Suite 205.

Wednesday, May 19: Ride of Silence
Philadelphia’s Ride of Silence starts at the Art Museum steps at 6:45 pm for a seven-mile, police-escorted ride through Center City. The Ride Of Silence is a free ride that asks its cyclists to ride no faster than 12 mph and remain silent during the ride. For more information, contact volunteer ride coordinators John Siemiarowski or Ray Scheinfeld.
Across the region there are several other Ride of Silence events in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware

Thursday, May 20: Urban Riding Basics and Biking in Philly Discussion @ Wooden Shoe Books
7:00-8:30pm at 704 South Street.

Friday, May 21: Bike to Work with Mayor Nutter on National Bike to Work Day
Join us for the yearly celebration of bikes as transportation! Hop on your bike and join Mayor Nutter and other Philadelphians and enjoy the two wheeled commute into the city. We will meet at the steps of the Art Museum at 7:30am and ride down to City Hall. RSVP for Bike to Work Day and you will be entered to win a Breezer Ziggy folding bike.
Bike To Work Day Service Stations: Stop by a nearby service station to refuel, pump up your tires and chat with Bicycle Ambassadors!
-Philadelphia Art Museum: 7:00-8:30am. Free Bike Checks by Eastern Mountain Sports, and Bananas and discounted fruit from The Fruit Guys.
-Temple University Bike to Work Breakfast: 7-9:30am at the Bell Tower. Free continental breakfast, drawing for a Fuji Bike, maps and more.
-Center City (21st & Chestnut) – 9:00-6:00
-Center City (ING Cafe, 1636 Walnut Street) – 8:00-12:00
-Kensington (Corner of Frankford and Master Streets) – 7:00-9:00am
-Manayunk (Manyunk Brew Pub- 4120 Main Street) – 7:00-9:00am

Friday, May 21: Sustainable 19125′s Car-Free Fridays

Friday, May 21: Delaware County Bike To Work Day
8:00-10:00 Front and Olive St, Media, PA. One lucky cyclist will ride away with a brand new Cayne Rambler bicycle, courtesy of Drexel Hill Cyclery!

Saturday, May 22: Kensington Kinetic Sculpture Derby
A Kinetic Sculpture is a Human-powered vehicle that also has an artistic theme. Think of parade floats on bicycles, or mummers on hand crank driven pirate ships, or an alien space ship on 2 welded together bikes, think of a giant pink poodle hurdling through space, mud, sand and water. A Kinetic Sculpture Competition is all about fun and ingenuity, making the wackiest, most interesting contraption is the goal- finishing the course or winning is not. Check out the website for more information and details on how to get involved.

Saturday, May 22: REI Introduction to Road Cycling Class
9:00 AM / REI Conshohocken / Member $55.00 / Non Member $75.00 / registration required.
This outing is perfect for beginning cyclists who know the basics of riding but are looking to improve or brush up on their skills. You’ll receive instruction on proper shifting, braking, hill descending/climbing techniques, and avoiding hazards. Road riding etiquette will be emphasized. Please bring proper riding apparel. Duration: 6 hours

Wednesday, May 26: Commuter Race
The Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia will be staging a race between three commuters: a bicyclist, a car driver and a transit rider. The race will test the theory that a bicyclist who commutes four miles or less in Philadelphia will generally arrive before, or within a few minutes of, other commuters during rush hour. To give the car every chance to win the race, the driver will be in a convertible sports car (provided by Zip Car).

Wednesday, May 26: Urban Riding Basics Class @ The Free Library, Durham Branch 6:00-7:00pm at 3320 Haverford Avenue.
Wednesday, May 26: Ride to First Annual Greenworks Progress Report Meet at 9:45am. Leave City Hall at 10am and ride to 9th and Norris at http://www.apmphila.org/ ” target=”_blank”>Asociacion de Puertorriquenos en Marcha philadelphia

Thursday, May 27: Opening of the Interim Trail on the Delaware River. Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. (more info to come)

Saturday, May 29th: Urban Riding Basics Class @ Liberty Lands Park
11:00am-12:00pm at Liberty Lands Park: 913-961 N 3rd St.

For more information, or to add an event to our listing, contact Nisha Mitchell. We are working with other local organiztions to add to the festivities and will be adding events as they come in.

Roger Linn Designs:: New Musical Instrument Prototype

Taking A Break::



Hello Friends, Fans and Family. Technology has given me a sign. My G4 need to go in the shop for repair :( I am an old school Mac Head. Been using Mac’s since before the internet. I tried to doing post and marketing on one of those new PC with windows vista. But it’s so frustrating I would rather just take a break till my G4 comes back. I appologize to all the readers, listeners and friends. I do still have my iPhone so you can check in with me through Twitter. http://twitter.com/nexmillen and the Green Collar Rap Group on Facebook. http://facebook.com/group.php?gid=112989109337
for the latest updates. Talk to you soon. ////Millen