Monday, July 30, 2012
16GB Nexus 7 Now Back in Stock
After a two week period of Google trying to catch up on 16GB Nexus 7 orders, the device is now showing as being back "in stock." Between the 8GB and 16GB versions, the bigger storage option is either the hotter selling of the two or Google was expecting the 8GB to be much more popular and simply manufactured more of it instead.
In our review of the Nexus 7, we tossed out the idea that you may want to go for the 16GB instead, if you plan on downloading a bunch of content to your device. With the 8GB option, you have to remember that 2.5GB or so are taken up by the operating system and that HD movies can land at around another 2.5GB, leaving you with very little space for major gaming titles, music, or other videos.
If the 16GB was the Nexus 7 that you had been holding out for, jump into the Play Store now.
Play Link
Cheers JBow!
Google Wallet Hacked to Work on Verizon’s Galaxy S3
In case you were wondering, Google Wallet is blocked from Verizon's Galaxy S3 just like it was on the Galaxy Nexus. Big Red has their own mobile NFC payment system on the way, called Isis, and would rather you wait to turn your life over to one. Oh wait, they aren't blocking Google Wallet, it's just that it's "different" than other mobile commerce apps. Mmhmm. In other words, they are blocking it for now, until they can work out a licensing deal with Google.
If you were wanting to get in some NFC payment action ahead of time, there is a new hack that will get you up and running and spending at your local NFC-equipped spots. A .zip is available to be flashed by rooted users. From what we can tell, it involves the changing of your current build.prop file, followed by a push of a tweaked Wallet app. The video above is proof that it indeed works.
Via:
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Beat the heat with Nest Learning Thermostat
Growing up in South Texas, I became used to hot summers and high electricity bills. A winter electricity statement might only run $50, but it could easily climb to $200-300 in the summer months. Studies show that your thermostat controls half your energy bill on average, so it could be a wise investment to purchase a smart thermostat that learns your schedule and provides energy saving tips.
This month I finally decided to purchase the Nest learning thermostat. Last year I got one for my parents and then I read a ton of positive reviews, so I felt I should give it a try as we entered the warmest months in Dallas. Normally I would wait a couple of moths before reviewing a product such as this, but I was so impressed with Nest that I decided it was time to share my thoughts.
The Good
Fast installation: I installed my Nest thermostat in less than 30 minutes, and I could probably do it in under 10 the next time I move. The package includes a universal mounting brace, screwdriver and screws, and optional wall plates. Videos are provided to help you check compatibility before you purchase and show you how to complete the install if you run in problems. For those that want a professional to install the device, Nest offers a concierge service for $115.
Ease of use: Before I purchased the Nest for our place, we gave one to my parents last Christmas. They had no problems using it and told me they love it. I have found that basic operation is no different than most thermostats. Anyone can operate the Nest.
Build quality: Nest is sleek and stylish. It looks and feels like a high end product. The rotating dial is so smooth and the clicking action feels solid.
Estimated savings with Nest.
Saves money: The Nest thermostat has multiple ways to save you energy and cut down on your monthly energy bill. Auto-away allows Nest to turn itself down when you're out so you don't wast energy cooling an empty home. With the help of Airwave, your AC can run up to 30% less. When your home's humidity is low, Nest can turn off your compressor and keep cooling your house by running the fan and blowing air over your cold evaporator coil.
Convenience: Does your wife or significant other always complain about the temperature? With Nest, you will no longer have to climb out of bed in the middle of the night to adjust the thermostat. Just reach for your phone and you can easily turn the temperature up or down. It's also really convenient to turn on your AC a couple of minutes before you get home after being away. Nest learns your schedule within within a week, so no programming is necessary.
Monthly energy reports: I haven't completed my first month yet, but the sample reports look pretty cool. Envery reports include
HTC fesses up – Desire HD Android 4.0 update shelved since it would force a hard reset
When HTC made the official announcement that the Desire HD would not be updated to Android 4.0, their statement claimed that the current Android build "provides customers with the best experience on the HTC Desire HD." Our interpretation of that comment was that there were performance issue which HTC has identified with their Ice Cream Sandwich build which could not be overcome. It turns out that we were wrong.
HTC has posted another statement on the topic, explaining that the update was scrapped because it would force a hard reset in order to
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Jawbone JAMBOX is a total party in a can
Let's start off with a poll: how many of you use that trick of cupping your hand behind your phone to slightly increase the volume? I find myself doing it just about every time I watch a YouTube video or try to listen to something without headphones. There are some things our phones simply cannot do. Like play loud sounds. Enter the Jawbone JAMBOX
The JAMBOX is a small speaker capable of making big noises. It can hook to your device via Bluetooth or a standard 3.5mm audio cable, runs about 12 hours on its rechargeable battery, and produces the loudest and cleanest sound I've yet to find in a portable speaker.
In my month or so of testing, we've used this speaker at the pool, on a camping trip, while working out, on the patio- almost anywhere we need some background music, this guy can do the trick.
The Good
Big sound in a tiny (and awesome) package: The JAMBOX produces amazingly big sound from a form factor smaller than a can of soda. Inside, there is a pair of proprietary acoustic drivers and a bass radiator, making for nice highs and solid lows. Aside from its trim size, the styling on these things is absolutely unbeatable. They'll look just as comfortable on your desk as it would in a futuristic sci-fi movie.
Build quality: One of the first things you'll notice when handling the JAMBOX is its weight. The second is the texture and quality of materials. The entire package is amazingly well built, including the giant plus and minus buttons on top that make controlling volume a breeze.
It gets better: Connect the JAMBOX to MyTalk, a service provided by Jawbone, to find all the latest updates and personalizations at the touch of a button. You can change the startup and shutdown noises, install new voice-activated apps, and most importantly, make sure your JAMBOX is up to date. How many speakers do you know that are capable of a firmware upgrade that actually add features after purchase?
Color and style options: This may seem like a small one, but time has taught us that color options can play a big role when it comes to purchasing decisions. Jawbone offers the JAMBOX in a variety of color and mesh finishes, as well as a steady stream of limited edition releases (for you ultra-exclusive collectors out there).
The Not-So-Good
Bluetooth leaves something to be desired: While the Bluetooth performs fairly well, I most often find myself playing music over the 3.5mm audio jack. While it usually works just fine, Bluetooth pairing can sometimes take a few extra seconds or can drop off for no reason, but that's more of a knock on Bluetooth in general than the JAMBOX itself.
In a perfect world, it'd be louder: Despite producing amazing sound for its size, I wouldn't mind a few more decibels. Don't get me wrong, it sounds great and I know a speaker of this size can only get so loud, but I sometimes found myself wanting to turn the volume to 11. It's fine for a party with close friends, but it might be a tad underpowered for a full-blown house party. For that, I'd recommend taking a look at the BIG JAMBOX 
Price: The MSRP is $199, and while you can find it online for around $175
The Final Word
If you're in the market for a speaker that's as loud as it is stylish and portable, the JAMBOX is for you. If portability and style aren't at the top of your list, you might find more bang with something like a Sonos system. Either way, if you've got the budget, you really can't go wrong when buying a speaker that's worth almost as much as your device itself- they're all going to be loud and nasty.
The JAMBOX really excels in the details. From the box, to the boot-up noise, to the buttons- it's pure class all the way.
The Jawbone JAMBOX is available on Amazon
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