Monthly Archives: February 2013

Apple TV: The Console-Killing Games Console?

by in Apple, Gaming, Smart TV and tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

In this article today by Chris Smith of TechRadar he suggests that, if only Apple were to open up their Apple TV concept to games developers, it could put larger games consoles like XBox 360 and the Nintendo Wii U out of business. He may have a point.

This little box is already in thousands of homes, and at under £100 it’s not a purchase you have to think too much about if you’re an Apple-ite. Smith talks about the quick ‘n’ easy developer options for iPhone and iPad game developers, and imagines a similar App Store experience on the Apple TV, where you’d buy small and cheap games on a whim. I can see that happening but Apple would need to bring out a new version with more internal storage, or at least a way to connect an external hard disk like Nintendo does with Wii U. The Apple TV’s internal storage is currently only 8Gb and is used to cache streaming media, store rented movies etc., so right now it doesn’t really have anywhere to put a bunch of purchased games.

True, the ‘big’ consoles offer bigger gaming experiences, but little pick-up-and-play games are what mobile device users are spending their money on. Watch this space I guess…

Testimonial: Alan and Charm

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I am indebted to Alan & Charm B for sending me this testimonial.

They approached me for advice on buying, setting up and using Apple Macintosh computers to pursue their creative interests of photography, video editing, and writing. I visited them several times and was pleased to see their knowledge and expertise grow along with their home network.

Here’s what they say about their experience:

“We are ever grateful for the services we received from Chris Neal.  He set up our first computer, demonstrated it’s functions and helped us to get started with our work in various fields (photography, video editing, word processing). His help was concise and clear.  He returned to answer our questions and help us with subsequent queries.  As well as efficient as a professional, we appreciated Chris’s friendly personality. We have never looked back and don’t hesitate in recommending Chris.”

Alan & Charm B.

Why not get in touch to see how I could help you reach your technology goals.

Ten Tips for Better Photos

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Are your photos the best they can be? Do you wish you understood your camera and its functions better? Do you want just holiday snaps or vivid memories that you and your friends will love to look at? Most modern digital cameras have amazing capabilities, but if you don’t know the basics of good photography you can often end up with lacklustre results. Here’s a simple list of Top Ten Tips to Better Photos that I found on the web. Most of these don’t involve much technical knowledge, just a question of stopping to think about what result you want before you press the shutter.

I can offer personal tuition on these and other techniques that will transform your photography and give you more professional-looking results quickly.

Here are some examples of my own work:

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If you’d like to start on the road to getting results like these with your camera, contact me for a free initial consultation.

 

Sonos: Your Music, Wireless, Anywhere in the House

by in Android, Apple, Media Servers and tagged , , , | Leave a comment

I’ve been looking at the Sonos system for a couple of days now and I’m impressed by what I’ve seen. If I were in the market for a digital music solution myself I’d certainly look at buying Sonos equipment.

For those not familiar, Sonos is a modular system of speakers and software that between them create a wireless music network around the home. From your iPhone, iPad or Android device you can then select what you want to hear and have the same track playing in multiple rooms, or different music per room, according to your preference.

The concepts around how Sonos works can be confusing for those who don’t have a technical bent. I can imagine how daunting it must be wondering which components are right for you, how to get them talking to each other, and so on. If you’re considering the purchase of a Sonos system I can help you with buying advice, installation and setup.

My Sonos setup packages start at £80 and can go up to £500 (equipment not included), depending on the size of your home and how many components you want to include. If Sonos figures in your immediate future and you’d like help getting it set up and working seamlessly, contact me for a free initial consultation.

Microsoft Surface: will you buy one?

by in Microsoft, Opinion, Tablets and tagged , , | Leave a comment

I have to admit I’m torn on this one. Personally I’m a Mac user who has Android mobile devices (I’ve ‘done’ iPhones and iPads in the past too), so my own house is a Windows-free zone. Microsoft’s foray into the tablet market — the Surface — is interesting in a way that is both good and bad. The inclusion of a ‘proper’ keyboard gives it a unique look that makes it stand out from the sea of tablets now available, but then they would have had to do something like that because the software and user experience alone probably wouldn’t have given them an edge over Apple, Samsung and others.

I can’t even figure out from this video which market they’re aiming at. Is it a tool for business users or a toy for fashionable teenagers?

Watch this and then tell me please!

Well? Any clue?

Whichever tablet you end up buying — even a Surface, I can help you optimise it and get maximum value for your purchase.

Check out life on your street with streetlife.com

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The other day a new acquaintance made me aware of Streetlife: a new social networking and news network for local neighbourhoods. It’s an easy and engaging idea to grasp. Imagine if you had Facebook, but just for the town or village where you live. You’d still want Facebook of course, but now you’d have a place where you can go to talk about local things, or search for a local business. It’s a little more personal, a little more private, a little more about you and your neighbours.

I jointed Streetlife today as another way of promoting my new business as a Personal Technology Consultant. When you’re trying to spread the word about a new venture the more channels you use the better, and I hope Streetlife will help me connect with people who can use my services in my local area.

Whether you live near me or not, you’re local to where you are, and Streetlife could bring you closer to those close to you.

Streaming, Streaming Everywhere

by in Android, Apple, Media Servers, Mobile Devices, Smart TV and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Streaming, Streaming Everywhere

Apple’s AirPlay wireless display and streaming technology is great…IF you have a house full of Apple devices. How can you also invite your Windows PCs and Android devices to the media streaming party?

Thought you might like to see this LifeHacker article that explains how and gives links to some useful add-ons and utilities that can do just that.

How well do you know your gadgets?

by in Android, Apple, Mobile Devices, Training / Tuition and tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A quick poll for the weekend: Think about the mobile device you use most — iPhone? iPad? Android phone? How well would you say you know all its features? If you could quickly vote in my poll you’d help me out in determining what the most common teaching needs are.

 

One last question: if you feel like answering this one please leave a comment: If there was one thing you could change or improve about your mobile device and the way you use it, what would it be? What’s the difference between today and your perfect tomorrow?

Thanks!