Facebook Wants to Put a Camera in Your Living Room
from the desk of Rich on Tech
Happy Friday!
This is a big week for many of you: you’re either getting a new iPhone or new software for your iPhone with iOS 13. If you’re wondering whether to hit that software update button right now or to wait, just keep in mind that Apple is releasing bug fixes with iOS 13.1 September 24.
Let’s get to this week’s happenings, shall we?
Facebook’s Camera for the Living Room
Facebook has a new lineup of devices called Portal that are all about video chatting. There are two that look like picture frames, but with a camera in the corner. Another sits on top of your TV so you can video chat from the couch.
I’m fully aware of the privacy concerns surrounding Facebook, but these devices are actually quite a good idea. Video chatting on the phone isn’t so great, people move around too much. Video chatting on the couch is much more comfortable and relaxed.
The devices work with Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, and nearly every human on the planet has one of these accounts.
My biggest downside to the TV device: you have to switch inputs to use it, and that can be tricky.
Watch my segment on the new devices using the link below:
https://ktla.com/2019/09/20/facebook-portal-tv-hands-on/
Old School Light Bulbs Get Smart
Philips Hue unveiled a whole bunch of new products for their smart home ecosystem. They sort of invented the smart light bulb with bulbs that can change into 16 million different colors through voice and app commands.
Now, Hue has vintage style filament bulbs that last for years. Plus, they actually give off enough light to be useful during the day and cool looking at night. Hue also improved their portable light that can add a splash of color anywhere you go. They also have new chandelier bulbs, smart plugs and a button that can turn any light switch smart. Basically, they now have enough products to make every light in your home a smart light.
Hue bulbs are a bit pricey and they do require a hub for best performance, but I find that out of all the bulbs I’ve tested, they are the most reliable at changing color or dimming with the first command.
My Mom helped me out on this story, tap the link to check it out!
https://ktla.com/2019/09/18/philips-hue-adds-vintage-style-smart-filament-bulbs/
Sonic is Back!
Sega is capitalizing on our love of all things nostalgia with a new Genesis Mini game system. It has 42 games built in, including Sonic and Tetris, and will transport you right back into the 90’s. Also, it has HDMI output so it works with your modern TV.
We had fun playing with it, but personally I was a Nintendo kid growing up, so I didn’t play much Sonic except at the neighbor’s house.
The device is $80, which isn’t a bad deal considering all the games you get, but before you buy take a look at the list of games to determine how many of them you will actually play.
https://ktla.com/2019/09/16/sega-genesis-mini-console-sonic-hands-on/
Shh…
Since you’re on my exclusive mailing list, I’ll let you be the first to know that my new book is going to be available soon. Like any minute now!
It’s called 101 iPhone Tips & Tricks: Unlock the useful, time saving and fun features in iOS 13. I’ve been working on it for a few months and it’s nearly ready.
If you bought my last book, rest assured I wrote this with you in mind, too. There are all new tips for iOS 13 along with some fan favorites from the first.
It will be available on Amazon as a Kindle eBook first, followed by a paperback version later.
Here’s the pre-order page: it’s so secret there’s not even a cover image yet.
Apple Music Karaoke
One of the fun new features in iOS 13 is the ability to sing along with lyrics to your favorite songs! Of course, you have to be an Apple Music subscriber to take advantage.
Tap the thumbnail below to see the video demo!
Rich on Tech Podcast
The podcast continues to grow - many thanks if you’re already listening! If not, please check it out. It’s a fun way to get some tech news, my thoughts on the big stories and answers to questions from people just like you.
This week:
Facebook unveils new Portal video chat devices, including a model for your TV; A look at the Nintendo Switch Lite; Alexa gets smart about the election; the popular Pocket Casts podcast app goes free; new features in iOS 13; a cool new Roku feature that lets you search by movie quotes. Listeners ask if they should upgrade their iPhone, a recommendation for the best screen protector, an app to track family members across Android & iOS and whether an Echo device is a good fit for a 90 year old.
Listen here:
https://art19.com/shows/rich-on-tech/episodes/9fab1980-c6e4-48ba-9d13-fc266f331800
Love Friends?
You have to try these fun little surprises hidden in Google search! They’re there to celebrate 25 years of the popular TV show.
Hit the thumbnail below to watch my how-to.
That’s all for now!
Thanks for reading, I do appreciate it! If you liked this newsletter, please let me know by hitting the heart below before you close it out.
Have a great weekend! I’ll be the one decorating my house with spooky Halloween stuff.