Verizon iPad App

Just released app, that allows you to control your Verizon STB via the iPad.

Pros:
After some initial syncing with my account, I tested it out and found it fairly responsive.  There is a slight lag but nothing too bad. It is nice to be able to also get DVR and top shows accessed from the same app as well.

Cons:
My only major gripe in terms of the interface is that it operates in Portrait mode only, it does not work in Landscape. Also if you Log out from the interface and try to log back in, sometimes you need to reconnect the App via the confirmation 4-digit pin again.

Check out my play test of this new iPad app below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K32Q8UXGKJc

How to create a Google Earth Map with "Floating Pictures"

Zoom out to see my photo of the "Clay Tennis Court"!

Check out the "Floating Picture Clouds" I embedded on top of the map layer in YouTube.

Learn how to build cool imagery directly into your own KML files! Create a fixed geo-location space and save your picture directly into the file. Your picture can exist at any preset altitude that you specify.

Download the Full KML to view it in Google Earth

Using a new Chrome plug-in "Disconnect" to block unwanted tracking cookies

Disconnect was created by a former Google employee.  Using Chrome, you can regain your privacy as you search. It also allows you to unblock as needed. It is a great tool and very useful when you want to 

"A browser extension that stops major third parties and search engines from tracking the webpages you go to and searches you do" - disconnectere.com

How to tell if you're suffering from Tech addiction...

My list (substitute all 2nd-person references of "you" with "Jacky" and all statements hold true):

Gadgets

1. You like to dive right into a new toy
2. You keep the manual, in case later as precaution you need to make a refund
3. You raise the difficulty level before ever trying "normal"
4. If there's a button for it, you push it to see what happens
5. The back of the box gives a list of the features, but you can't help thinking: "what else can I do with this?"
6. Every gadget must be multi-functional - swiss army knife...the more attachments, the better.

Tweaks/Mods

1. You push the envelope and test the "maximum recommended" values
2. You overclock your PC...and video card, and ram, and iPad - why? Because you can.
3. When you buy something, you look for performance and scalability.
4. You wouldn't recognize half the designer brand names in a fashion magazine, even if there was money riding on it
5. You look for DIY fixes to everyday problems and invent your own add-ons for new products
6. You own a soldering gun and know how to use it
7. That Warranty seal never had a chance...

Settings

1. You look for the "Settings" button immediately upon loading any app/game/dvd
2. Then click on "Advanced..."
3. You ignore the Warnings ("modifying these value may...blah blah blah")
4. You click "Don't warn me again"
5. You try to change every setting and fine tune every variable

Compare and Decide

1. When you are making a purchasing decision, you get ALL the facts
2. It takes you a few days on every major purchase > $100...buying your next car is the equivalent of a phD thesis paper
3. When you find a "good deal", you copy the product code, hit Ctrl-T then Ctrl-V " review" [enter]
4. Refurbished is just as good as new
5. If there are comments on a product, you look online for more

Google's Chrome OS Laptop

Specs just released from Engadget's article which previews the latest Google hardware piece.
The Cr-48 Chrome Laptop! Yes, Mr. Eric S. - please sign me up! I would like a test drive: google.com/chromenotebook

First Gen Devices
Many of Google's Andriod phones (Nexus, Droid) are packed with open source goodness, but do have some "rough edges" when it comes to consumer-friendly design. These devices are designed the hardcore geeks/developers who like to tinker and hack with their devices.

Android OS is the 100% pure Orange Juice counter to Steve Job's iOS Koolaide. Andriod hints: "Our seatbelts are optional. We think you're old enough to cross the street without holding hands")

Webs and Clouds
What is really interesting is the emphasis on Web Apps and Cloud-based data. The Google Docs app has been a suitable replacement for me to pdfs and MS office files now.  I can easily save/edit/store from anywhere (work, home, coffee shop) and not worry about bookmarking or sending myself notes later.  In fact, I would argue that it makes more sense than storing it at each location because you would be wasting space on each device and you lose version control.

Chrome Sync
Another really great Google Chrome feature is the ability to keep all your browsers in-sync! Yes, no more having to re-download all your themes, extensions, plug-ins, bookmarks, etc...Chrome makes it easy to do that.

The majority of the net surfer's time is spent checking 1) Gmail 2) News 3) Facebook 4) Surfing YouTube...etc.

Why not tailor a computer around that makes your mobility to access transparent .

Jacky's Tennis Travel Blog: Bit.ly Pro - (JC10s.com)

Jacky's Tennis Travel Blog: Bit.ly Pro - (JC10s.com)

I can create short URL links via JC10s.com (Bit.ly API) hooked in!

I'm running with 2x SSD's at RAID0 parity (128kB stripe block size):
http://jc10s.com/CanYouSmellWhatJCisCooking

I want to replace my netbook's HDD with an SSD and supplement it with either cloud storage and/or removable USB 3.0 drive.

Welcome to the JC Tech Review Blog - First Post

Welcome readers!
In this new tech blog, I will be covering new, trendy, and cutting edge in the world of gadgets/tech.

A little about myself...
I am an IT professional and consultant with over a decade of Microsoft-certified experience.  I have grown up my entire life exposed to tech since my first IBM AT/x386 and the Mac Classic.  I am an overclocker, enthusiastic and evangelist of consumer electronics and applications. As a hobbyist, I am always combining hardware or modifying API's to push the boundaries of what we define as "cool" or "game changing".

Evolution of Tech
The 90's brought us a tech boom of software, the 00's reinvented Web 2.0 and Cloud computing, and now in the 10's - we see the fusion of powerful, micron-sized electronics (from smartphones, iPads/tablets, to internet TV).

We continue to push the limits of how much battery life we can expect from a cell phone or laptop.  Energy and electricity are now fuel in a Car.  The highway of Bandwidth is wider than ever before...3G, 4G, WiMax.  We have devices like [Square] that can be hooked into your iPhone and swipe credit cards for transactions. I remember reading Bill Gates' book "The Road Ahead" when I was in middle school - look how far we've come!

My first blog review: the iPad Review...
In my first review, I will be coving the new Mac iPad - what this means for the future of Print (magazines, newspapers, books) and also how we access info through the day.

Welcome and please send suggestions for new tech you'd like me to cover!