Smart home technology for the masses?

May 8, 2012

Smart home technology advanced a step further this past week with Microsoft’s HomeOS. Basically, its an operating system that allows users to manage their home networks by providing a central hub whereby various home devices can be controlled. With many homes already containing PC’s, game consoles, wireless devices, tablets, cameras, smart phones, various appliances, etc, it would seem only natural that there be an easy method to commuincate with these devices and to have the ability to centrally control them as well.  Microsoft is attempting to bring this to reality.
Although still a prototype, Microsoft is hoping,

“To simplify the management of technology and to simplify the development of applications in the home.”

However, in addition to Microsoft’s answer to smart home tech, Google has also thrown its hat into the ring as well. Both tech giants hope to use apps wherein users can control devices via their smart phones/tablets.

Leave a Comment » | Mobile Apps, Networking, OS, Smart home, Wi-Fi | Permalink
Posted by UrbanTechGuy

50 Best iPhone Apps 2012

April 7, 2012

Here’s a collection of the 50 best iPhone Apps for 2012 thus far.

Before dismissing this because you don’t have an iPhone, know that many of these apps are available on other mobile versions and/or on the web as well.
One of the most useful and valuable apps for me and I’m sure many others in urban America is “GasBuddy.”

GasBuddy provides the user with a list of the cheapest gas prices in the area.
After testing it, it did provide accurate gas prices and I promptly used one of the gas stations listed that had one of the cheapest gas prices listed.
The user can also select among Regular, Midgrade, Premium, and Diesel prices.
(Good news, there are Android, BlackBerry, Windows versions available for this app too. In addition, the user can also check on Gasbuddy.com, enter zip code and use the service directly on the web.)

Another app iPhone users might want to consider, though I haven’t tested it yet, is the Find-My-iPhone app.
According to the description, once installed and setup, this app can locate a misplaced iPhone. In addition, in the unfortunate sitiuation that the iPhone was stolen, it can remotely cause the user’s personal information to self-destruct.

Anyway, overall the apps in this 50 best collection are useful, convenient, and potentially fun-worthy.

Leave a Comment » | Internet, iPhone, Mobile Apps | Permalink
Posted by UrbanTechGuy