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

25 Years of IBM’s OS/2

April 5, 2012

I remember using OS/2 back in the day when I worked at a bookstore.  It was a pretty stable OS and I don’t recall any problems with it. The only problem I recall was an occasional hardware problem.

Although I’m a Windows guy, I have to admit that apparently there were times in the past that Microsoft used heavy-handed tactics in its quest for OS dominance.

OS/2 started out as a joint IBM/Microsoft product.  Overtime however, Windows became mainstream and OS/2 became more of a nerd operating system.

Leave a Comment » | IBM, Microsoft, OS, Software | Permalink
Posted by UrbanTechGuy