A Lot of R&R with Roku

On Saturday, Mase and I set up the Roku box* that arrived last week.

Even for me, the electronically challenged, I was able to connect the box and get it going within minutes.

I knew it streamed Netflix to my tv, but had no idea I could buy movies on Amazon Video, access the stations on my Pandora account, and get channels from a few other web networks.  Unfortunately the box can’t play all of the movies Netflix has avaialbe; only 140 are at your fingertips on the “Instant Queue.”  The selection is mediocre, but you’re sure to find something that isn’t in your DVD library.

Like Heros!  The Netflix queue has the entire first season.  Mase and I have never seen the show everyone raves about so it was the obvious choice.  We planned on watching a couple of episodes, but if you’ve ever seen Heros, you know it can be addictive.  So one episode led to another….and we passed out after 6…..

The next morning I was ready to take Mason out for a walk, press some coffee, turn on Meet The Press, but he gave me the eye that said, “I ain’t movin’ until we finish Episode 6.”

So he got his way, then I had mine.

A lovely, lazy weekend over here.  Hope you enjoyed yours.

More to come on the Roku box after I explore other channels.

(*Full Disclosure: Roku sent over a test box that I will return after I’ve written a review.)

in Around the House, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Technology, Wednesday - Living
on Feb 28  4 Comments  by Mary Rambin

See Breaking News First On Your iPhone

Not watching tv and rarely surfing the web for news, I always feel out of the loop with world events.  So last week I downloaded the CNN iPhone application to catch up while on the go.  I thought to myself, “I hope I check this regularly.  It’s too easy not to.”

The great thing is, I don’t have to remember.  The app sends me an alert via text message when important news breaks so I know it’s time to click the app or turn on the tv.

The texts are efficient and not intrusive at all – it just sends the major headlines. This morning I found out about the Chilean earthquake at 5am, and just now I  see that Hawaii is being evacuated because of a threat of a tsunami.  Last week, I watched Tiger address the nation on their livestream with only a 30 second delay.

I hate to say “I am enjoying” the app because usually the news is not positive, but I am definitely more informed.

Although the app is not free, it’s worth the 199 pennies.

in Gadgets, Technology, Wednesday - Living
on Feb 27  3 Comments  by Mary Rambin

Flip This!

I’m telling you, the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera ($199) kills the Flip!

Photo is from reader Phil:

“@maryrambin thank you for the advice! This should be an advertisement for Kodak! Video to follow…”

Honestly, YouTube doesn’t do the HD footage from this camera justice.  The images are CRYSTAL clear even up close (it has a macro feature).

Just wanted to continue to spread the good word.

in Gadgets, Kodak, Reblog, Sponsors, Technology
on Feb 23  6 Comments  by Mary Rambin

Skype Is A Traveler’s Best Friend

The Skype iPhone App is the best thing that could ever happen to a gypsy blogger traveler. (Also available on some Nokias and Windows Mobile)

Or if you refuse to get a land line in your house even though you don’t get cell service – gotta love AT&T.

(I qualify for both.)

It has been such a lifesaver while in Mexico because friends and family can text me for free and I can either call, SMS, or skype them back via Skype for pennies.  If they call your cell , there is a minimal charge so you might as well pick up the phone and tell them you’re going to call them back from a number that looks like it’s a transmission from the moon.

The only catch is that you need access to decent wifi, which isn’t always readily available, but gypsies enjoying a the landscapes of the world can’t be choosers.

It’s funny, most of my tech savvy friends don’t use skype, but you know who does…mid-western families.  Want to know why they are in the know?  One word: Oprah.

The App is free so I suggest you just download it and buy the minimum $10 credit.  I guarantee it will come in handy.

And btw, if you don’t have Skype on your computer, you’re a way behind.  That’s ok, just jump on the freight train now so you can sit with the connected kids (and mommies).

in Friday - Travel & Cities, Gadgets, Technology, Travel, Websites
on Feb 5  2 Comments  by Mary Rambin

No SPECKulating – My Valentine’s Day Stimulus Package

in Accessories, Fashion, Gadgets, Mis, Sponsors, Technology, gift guide
on Feb 2  4 Comments  by Mary Rambin

Bow Down To The iPad?

Bow down to the iPad?

Right now several sites are liveblogging Steve Jobs explaining the features of the much anticipated Apple tablet, but I can’t seem to find one that actually shows Jobs talking.

Meghan Asha is livestreaming commentary with CrunchGear about what is going on at the event, but it’s still difficult to decipher.  The audio feed they have just came on with a huge applause.

Here’s what they can report thus far:

• 0.5 inch thin and weighs 1.5 lbs
• 9.7 inch screen
• You can hold it two ways
• 10 hours of battery life
• You can browse a full website
• Same Apps as iPhone, you can view them full screen
• No camera
• There’s a chip inside
• No idea how much it costs
• Environmentally friendly

You can follow along with Gizmodo’s liveblog and then have Meghan’s livestream for commentary in the background.

I’m awaiting Gizmodo’s official review, but it sounds like a big iTouch….

UPDATE: Gizmodo reviews the iPad for $500.

in Gadgets, Technology, Wednesday - Living
on Jan 27  1 Comments  by Mary Rambin

Vogue Mexico

Are these not unbelievably beautiful photos of my Adrien?!

Leslie took it today on the beach with her iPhone (if you can believe it) and then did a little magic with 2 apps – TiltShiftGen and Best Camera.

But she says, “you have to have an eye for lighting.  And of course natural talent.”  Obviously it’s true, the woman has a gift!  This is one of many masterpieces from the past few days.  She could give Annie Leibovitz a run for her money!

Seriously though, check out the apps.  I’m downloading them now.

in Friends, Gadgets, Just For Fun, Photo, Technology
on Jan 21  0 Comments  by Mary Rambin

Cool Apps For An Entrepreneur

Link: Cool Apps For An Entrepreneur

in Career, Gadgets, Lifestyle, Link, Money, Technology
on Jan 13  0 Comments  by MaryRambin

Garmin

Garmin’s new navigation units you love so much are now even better. You can also have it monitor your car’s gauges and systems if your car doesn’t have a built in system. Find out traffic, weather, the lowest gas prices near you, movie times, search google. There are almost too many options. This nuvi 1690 is 4.3” for $499.

in Gadgets, Photo, Technology, Wednesday - Living
on Jan 9  0 Comments  by MaryRambin