Over at my SBS Blog http://www.sbs.com.au/blog/109394/Tech-Life I’ve taken a quick look at two units from the Garmin Nuvi range.  Interesting features, like Traffic, Junction photos and much more!

Check it out!

Thanks for listening, please let me know what you think of the show, just go to the EMAIL page to contact me!

(Right Click Here (Save As) to download as Mp3)

CLICK HERE to Subscribe using iTunes

I was asked last week on my Radio show to suggest some simple, plain ol’ mobile phones for people who aren’t looking for an iPhone or Blackberry.

Not much to say about them other than they are still available, but you might need to shop around to get one – because they won’t be front and centre at your local phone store..

The information below is either from the phone websites or the companies themselves, because I have not tested any of these – I have great faith they will do just what you need – if that is Phone calls, and perhaps Text messaging.

Samsung B200 – $49 RRP

SAMSUNG B200

Samsung C3050 – $79 RRP

SAMSUNG C3050

Nokia 1209 – $89

NOKIA 1209

Nokia 1650 – $89

NOKIA 1650

Thanks for listening, please let me know what you think of the show, just go to the EMAIL page to contact me!

(Right Click Here (Save As) to download as Mp3)

CLICK HERE to Subscribe using iTunes

Wow, this is huge news, is Google’s own YouTube dropping support for Google’s very own BROWSER – Chrome?

Appears that way, when I visit YouTube in my browser – which, happens to be Google Chrome.

I get this message:

On March 13, we are dropping support for your browser. You’ll still be able to watch videos after that date, but new features may not work properly.

There must be 50 ways to leave your browser—here are 5:

Youtube Drops Chrome Support?

So, yes, this is extreme, and an over-reaction on my part, because as you can see, Google Chrome is clearly a supported browser.

For me, clearly, I’m running an old version.  Problem is, the average user doesn’t know this, instead they will look at this confused.

Luckily, Google Chrome is used by very very few people, mainly tech people anyway – who would be keeping it up to date.  It keeps itself up to date in the ‘background’ however, for me, on a corporate PC behind a firewall that doesn’t happen.  So – welcome to shock territory.

Look, it’s very simple – Internet Explorer 6 and many other variants are dead to developers – for good reason – however, tech giants and especially those with direct contact with Millions of people each and every day REALLY need to work on their communication skills.

There is far too much tech to tech communication out there – do Tech people not realise that there are AVERAGE USERS out there!

So frustrating…

Big thanks for listening, please let me know what you think of the show, just go to the EMAIL page to contact me!

(Right Click Here (Save As) to download as Mp3)

CLICK HERE to Subscribe using iTunes

It’s refreshing really to see a REAL PERSON behind a corporate Twitter account.  Problem is, it’s often hard to know, until its too late…

This afternoon, One of Australia’s BIG BANK’s WESTPAC fell victim to an innocent Error…

So, people following Westpac were thinking – what? Hey? – and they started to ‘retweet’ or send the message around to all their own friends… In the end, hundreds of people have seen this, and the number of followers for the @westpac account have grown by 10% or more!

How did this happen – easy, the tweeter is using TweetDeck, which allows you to setup multiple accounts, so no doubt his own personal account was listed, and he THOUGHT he was using that when he posted it.. Sadly, Westpac was the account that was listed.  Ooops.

Very funny – and now Viral.

Frankly, I think the absolute majority of people are pleased to see that Westpac’s Twitter is operated by REAL PEOPLE!

I’ve spent the weekend testing a pre-release Beta version of Blackberry’s official Twitter application which is due to launch publically in the next month or so.

First impressions are excellent, this is a well integrated application which doesn’t show delays in loading, and has some very neat pop up integration within your messages list.

I’ve taken far too many screen shots to make this easy to explain, however hopefully they will give you some clear idea of what the application can, and importantly cannot do.

For me, this application has been a long time coming.  I started – like most Blackberry users – using Twitterberry.  However it’s a poor excuse for an application in this day and age.

I then moved to Yatca, which, for mine, is still the best and most integrated application you will find for Blackberry – however for most users it’s not an ‘Application’ as they know it, because it has very little UI – instead it has complete message list integration and to get the most from it you need to setup some filters and saved searches.

In terms of standard ‘looking’ applications I think TweetGenius from the Team at Boy Genius Report was the best UI, and worked really well – it also cost $ to buy.

I was fortunate enough to become part of the SocialScope Alpha testing program, and have been extremely satisfied with SocialScope all along.  Mainly because it gave me basic notifications, was very fast to load and use – PLUS it has good facebook inclusions (and I cannot use the Facebook App due to the IT Policy on my Blackberry).

So, here I am today with the official Blackberry Twitter application which has been out in the wild for a little while now, and for that reason has become much anticipated.

Let me make this simple.

What I like about it:

• It loads fast, very fast. (UPDATE: The Application home loads fast, as do pop ups, but when opening a message (to click a link for example, its SLOW – I think because its loading more than JUST the message, its trying to tell me all about the user who posted it)
• Will provide updates within your messages list (See dislikes for more info!)
• I quite like the UI layout, and the amount of info shown on each user.
• The Popular Topics – Current + Recent is well displayed, with recent showing as a ‘tag cloud’
• In your messages folder you can MENU click and go TWITTER to get a simple popup to compose your message in
• TwitPic’ing photos – you can do that from any photo menu, and the actual sending of the photo occurs pretty much in the background.
• UPDATE: Battery life is EXCELLENT post install – this has been an issue with many twitter apps.  This is due to the push technology that RIM are able to implement to your handset

What I dislike:

• I like seeing the twitter updates in my messages menu.  But the ‘you have new tweets’ is useless, of course I have new tweets; I am following over 100 people!
• If I delete a Direct Message from my messages list – it gets deleted FROM TWITTER!  I don’t want it permanently deleted, I just want it ‘filed’ and removed from my messages list!
• I get an email alerting me to a Direct Message before I get the direct message itself – this goes against the Blackberry Push philosophy as I see it.
• UPDATE: I’m NOT getting PUSH Direct alerts – It’s just not happening in my message folder, unless I actually go into the Direct Messages icon within the app.  They appear in Message list if I have all alerts enabled – I just don’t want this!

What it needs to be a ‘Killer App’:

• I need to see mentions – any @replies or mentions of me – I use twitter like a communication tool, make it an option to ‘Show Mentions in message list’ – that way directly from my inbox I can reply to people, thank people for mentions etc.
• I need to see Direct Messages, AS they happen – so, like with Facebook integration, strip my incoming mail – convert such messages to direct messages themselves so they appear in my message list and invoke the application for all interaction with them. In options this should be ‘Integrate Direct Messages into Messages list’ or similar.
• The ability to add a filter for the main message list – filter by topic or keyword then.

So, do I recommend you download this app? For sure, it’s going to blow Ubertwitter, Twitterberry and frankly the current version of TweetGenius right out of the water.  However, they can all catch up!

UPDATE: Register your interest in the app at http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices/features/social/twitter.jsp – I suspect it will be available by Mid March.

Below are a large number of screenshots from my current trial of the Official Blackberry Twitter App – let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Your Twitter Icon when shown on your home screen

Main Tweet list showing your ‘home’ page – recent tweets from people you follow

Loading your @mentions

Showing your @mentions

Your Profile Page

Bottom half of your profile page

Direct Messages shown within the Twitter App

Search Twitter Users

Saved Searches and keyword search

Popular Topics – Current (loading)

Popular Topics – Current

Popular Topics – Recent – Tag Cloud

Menu within Blackberry Twitter App

Options Screen (top half)

Options Screen (bottom half)

Popup within App – Save Changes

Direct Messags shown within your Messages List

Notification of ‘new tweets’ – within your messages list

Mail Notification icon shown, having received email alert regarding a new direct messages.

Email notification of Direct Message – This is where the integration should show the message itself linked to the App

A Direct Message shown within the Message List

A Direct Message shown in a pop-up over your message list – instant reply facility available (v cool)

Reply, and SEND

Sent message shows in your message list also.

Menu options when Sending a Direct Message via Pop Up Windows

Viewing a direct message from your message window.

Delete Option for Direct Message

Compose menu – as you know it, except see the bottom

New TWITTER option added.

When choosing TWITTER, you then choose DIRECT or TWEET

Direct Tweet Chosen

Choosing Tweet:

Gives you a simple way to jump in and update your ’status’

Uploading a Photo, image is re-sized and readied to upload

Add Status to go along with it.

Big thanks for listening, please let me know what you think of the show, just go to the ABOUT page to contact me!

(Right Click Here (Save As) to download as Mp3)

CLICK HERE to Subscribe using iTunes

Thanks to everyone who listened, and to all the callers.

(Right Click Here (Save As) to download as Mp3)

CLICK HERE to Subscribe using iTunes

Your Tech Life #15 – Show Notes

CALLER:Kristine – Going overseas in a few months, looking for advice on a laptop/netbook to buy – Kristine has a digital camera so would like to take the Memory card directly out of the camera and into the laptop.

I suggest Kristine gets a Netbook – 10 inch in screen size.  Anything smaller has a really small keyboard, which makes typing a bit difficult.

CALLER:Ian – Has Bigpond wireless broadband, lives in newcastle and it seems painfully slow.

I asked Ian if he had a Telstra Mobile also, and he does, which gets good reception.  The speed issue is not entirely recent.

I suggest Ian checks his usage – make sure if you have used your allowance of data, it might be then slowing your connection down..

I will ask our friends at Telstra to contact Ian and confirm his usage and to investigate the problem.

Also suggest Ian visits http://www.speedtest.net

CALLER:Graham – Also has a speed issue with his Telstra Cable Internet.  Graham has a cable connection, with a WiFi modem.

Suggest Graham try a direct cable connection not just WiFi, that will confirm if the issue is WiFi or the speed of the modem connection.

I will also refer Graham to Telstra BigPond to see if they can investigate (NEED Graham to email me his details please!).

CALLER:Roger – Suggested the earlier callers with Bigpond should check their billing cycle – if the speed is good around billing time its most likely a usage limit.

Roger mainly rang with a Complaint about his Printer – seems to struggle to get a local customer service call from the Manufacturer, and has had the same problem with the same make and model of printer on four separate units.  I will put Roger in touch with the manufacturer locally to try and solve his problem.

CALLER:Carol – Is buying a customised Computer, Intel  i5, but has not chosen a new monitor yet.  There are always references to problems with monitors when Carol Googles different Models.

I suggest Carol gets an LCD, Widescreen, and 24 inch, assuming that’s within her budget.  Also consider two 22 inch monitors.

With regard brand, its all about reputation and your own feeling.   Recommend HP, Samsung, Sony.  And, get an extended warranty.

CALLER:Simon (15.54) – Has just purchased a 55 inch Samsung LED TV – which he loves.  Simon has a DVD Stereo system.  When playing DVD’s, Simon gets full surround sound.  However when he tries to get FOXTEL or Free To Air TV through the external speakers he has no luck.

Simon is using HDMI to connect his DVD System, however this is one way – from the DVD out to the TV.

Foxtel and Free to air need to come OUT of the TV into the DVD System.  Simon should use the OPTICAL OUT of the TV and similarly the OPTICAL IN of the DVD System.

CALLER:John – Called last week trying to download YouTube videos onto USB.  John followed my instructions last week, however is still having some difficulty even viewing YouTube in Firefox.  John Needs to use Firefox from the start, instead of Internet Explorer.

CALLER:Paul (20.30)– Bought a top of the line MacBook Pro, and the screen died.  Was told by the Apple centre that there was a known issue with the screen on the unit and that it should be covered by warranty even though he is out of warranty.  However, the actual error code the Apple technicians got was a different error, and it was no longer covered by warranty.  The repair looks like costing $2050!

I suggest this is a great reason to get Extended Warranty – avoid some of these problems.  However, if Paul sends me an email, I will get the good people at Apple to triple check the quote Paul has been given.

Live Commercial for Bing Lee – Offering a 127cm LG plasma TV – Full HD  WITH a built in Personal Video Recorder.  For the first 100 customers, and remember this ad was on the 4^th February 2010!

CALLER:Paul – Has a problem with his external hard drive.  When he tries to ‘remove it safely’ gets a message ‘page open’.  I suggest, particularly with Hard Drives that you unplug them when the computer is OFF – absolute guarantee of the safety of your data.  Unplugging Hard Drives while they are connected in any sense runs the risk of some data loss.

Email from Daniel – who is running Windows 7 64 Bit and only 2GB of Ram, wants to know if he should get 3GB.  I suggest he gets 4GB! Especially as he’s running high intense software like Photoshop.  However, be warned, no point upgrading the RAM if the Processor itself can’t do any more than it is.

Norton 360 – I was fortunate enough to get a tour of the 888 Racing Headquarters today, by Champion Jamie Whincup.  All thanks to Symantec who flew me to Brisbane to promote the new Verison 4 of Norton 360.  Thanks to Symantec, Jamie Whincup and the team at 888 Racing for the Tour!

CALLER: Sandro (29.40) – Calling regarding the earlier caller regarding the Samsung LED TV – Sandro confirmed that Simon does need to use the Optical out to get his audio out of the TV and into his Hi-Fi system.

Sandro also commented that he cannot play video files off the USB you can plug in – I suggested Sandro try again, because I myself have watched Videos on a USB stick direct on the Samsung LED

CALLER:Caroline – Her mum lives on her own in a rural type area, wants to know which phone to try.

I suggest Caroline trys a Telstra shop, and gets a BLUE TICK phone which is their best reception in regional areas.  Better still, get the COUNTRY PHONE, the ugliest phone on the market, but fantastic reception.

CALLER:Lenny – Regarding removing external hard drive, Lenny was suggesting people use the ‘Safely remove hardware icon’ which our earlier caller was doing, however I still think the absolute safest way is to remove hard drives when the computer is off.

iiNet – congrats to iiNet who won the case brought against them by the big Movie Studios – The Federal Court found they had done nothing more than provided an internet service.

CALLER:Kathy – Called last week with a problem with her Nokia E71 not pairing with her Navman.

Brett from Nokia called Kathy several times and the problem is now sorted!

CALLER:Danny – Left his wife’s laptop out on the kitchen bench, and their young daughter took the keys off the keyboard and has broken the clips that lock them back in.  Sadly, there isn’t much you can do, it is a replacement required..

Steve, just moved from Sydney up to the Central Coast. Near to a power station, wants to get Wireless Broadband.  Has no phone line setup, so one option is to get Naked DSL, which is Broadband but without a phone account.   With regard wireless, if the mobile phone works, the wireless broadband will work, so all should be spot on.

CALLER:Jo – One of her sons bought a computer 4 years ago which has had ongoing Hard Drive problems.

Unfortunately there is little we can do now, however I again recommend the extended warranty  when buying.  As for the particular issue, it could be the drive was over-used, who knows what the kids were up to! But sounds like a lot of bad luck!

Jo also has an Analogue TV, but has a Standard Definition Set top box – wants to know if she can watch all the new channels – simple answer yes.

CALLER: Jimmy – has a new LG Tv which can connect to the internet, but Jimmy has not set that up.  I suggest Jimmy simply connect the TV direct to the Router.  I’d suggest Jimmy try a range boosting Antenna to boost the reception around the TV.