Michael Reyes

Dropcam today released a new version of its iOS app for iPhone and iPad enabling users to now set a schedule for their Dropcam HD camera. The new update will also allow the camera turn itself on when you are not home and turn itself off when you are.

The new features will work on the Dropcam HD, Dropcam Echo, and Dropcam Original.

Sorry Android users, no word when these or if these features will be enabled for the Android OS.

Download the App

In today’s society, the technology for circumventing security protocols seems to be advancing faster than the protocols themselves. Every day, some new hack or gimmick comes out and puts your data at even greater risk. Professional data-thieves have never had as many resources at their disposal as they do now. As a result, more and more people are finding out about the importance of data encryption the hard way. With all of the tools available to hackers these days, it only makes sense to protect you and your data using any means at your disposal. Continue reading »

Efficiency is the most significant characteristic that gives a business entity its competitive edge. It will win or lose the competition with optimized supply chain management and efficient cash flow. The results of efficiency are cost effectiveness and maximized profits.

Every phase of the business should be evaluated periodically to determine how efficiently the tasks are being performed. New products and methods are constantly changing, and the wise entrepreneurs stay alert to find better products that improve efficiency. Continue reading »

Getting started with an Android phone, if you are switching from iOS, or if you’ve never owned a smartphone before, can be challenging. The Android platform is user friendly, but it’s long list of features and settings simply take some getting used to. High-quality video tutorials for Android phones can be found on YouTube. Here are the 5 most helpful Android tutorials on the site. The tutorials should be applicable to most Android users, including those with prepaid cell phones.

Continue reading »

As a tech reviewer, I have purchased loads of computer hardware and peripherals to test out, and after testing I just box up and stick in a storage closet.

Most of the time I eventually donate them to friends and family or give it away. A few weeks ago a friend recommended I sell what no one wanted on Gazelle.com. I had a few monitors, some old cell phones (blackberry and android), and a few other things.

So I went to Gazelle.com, entered the items I had 12 in total was given a 565 dollar quote. I accepted the quote, about an hour later one prepaid shipping label arrived in my inbox. Not enough as my 12 items needed three different boxes. Contacted their support via live chat and they sent me three more right away.

Continue reading »

Before I get into my 10 reasons we aren’t ready for cloud computing, almost everyone has a different opinion on what it is.

Some companies, have told me that cloud computing is accessing your files from any network regardless if it is an internal network or not. Others have said it has to be an external network, and then there are those who talk gibberish when talking about clouds.

What the cloud is to me? It’s the network we access websites, applications, email and files from. This website/blog is hosted in the cloud, that email you read or are about to read was sent through the cloud. The cloud has always been there, but we called it a network. But because “NETWORK” doesn’t sound cool some marketing folks came up with “The Cloud”.

But “The Cloud” in the past year has become more generalized and it means, an off site networked location you can store your files and access applications from.

So what are the 10 reasons why we aren’t ready for the cloud?

Continue reading »

Starting today Symantec is allowing everyone to help them test their new service called “Norton Identity Safe”. The service will allow you to store your passwords in the cloud, so that you don’t have to remember them.

According to a survey conducted by Symantec 38% of us write down our passwords on a piece of paper. Not smart as anyone can gain access to it.

The software is available for free during the beta test at http://identitysafe-beta.norton.com.

The software is available for PC, iPhone, iPad and iPod.

In the year 2020 I predict that the following list of companies won’t be around anymore. I think these companies won’t be around simply because either they are irrelevant or just have a bad business model.

First on the list is YAHOO. I think in 2020, Microsoft will own Yahoo and it’s search engine integrated into BING and it’s email will work on Hotmail.com. I think if Microsoft keeps the Yahoo brand around they won’t keep it for more than 5 years before it’s finally killed off.

Continue reading »

For kids of all ages, tablets and electronic gadgets are becoming the gift of choice. No longer do we see swarms of angry mobs in the toy section during Christmas time. They have moved over a couple of sections at Target and are now occupying the electronics section. While this might frighten the employees working in big-box retail electronics, it is driving up sales on expensive items and making a fortune for companies like Apple and Samsung.

While it may seem like the iPad 2 and other popular mobile devices should be relegated to older, more responsible people, they are the number one item flying out of stores and into the hands of young children. Traditional brands like Crayola are not relying on the sales of their physical products as much as they are on selling apps specifically geared towards children. The ColorStudio HD application allows young children to use the iPad as a toy. This is a particularly smart and crafty marketing move because in a weak economy, parents are going to be looking to save money by purchasing things they and their children would want together.

Continue reading »

For those who have recently purchased the brand new Kindle Fire, you may have noticed a lack of proper hardware and software features on the tablet. While the price is dramatically lower than most Android powered tablets or the iPad, it is being criticized by techies as a second-rate piece of equipment. While most non-technical users will find their Kindle Fire to be an excellent distraction, they may be carrying the stigma of a novelty gift more than an actual tool capable of performing powerful functions.

According to CNN, Amazon is hoping to release an operating system upgrade that will fix some of the major issues facing the Kindle Fire. The update will fix some of the problems related to the responsiveness and speed of the touchscreen, as well as give users greater control over the interface. Because the tablet doesn’t feature many external buttons, this upgrade needs to come as soon as possible.

Continue reading »