House of Cards Binge 2015

                                                         Technology Grade 1 

House of Cards (HoC) has earned a special place in my heart. A place where I reserve for television shows that have not only exceeded my expectations but have also inspired and motivated me. HoC story depth is so complicated and intertwined that I feel that you could watch the series over and over and still see sub plots that haven't been utilized yet. I don't have a lot of time to watch and rewatch the shows and movies that gives me motivation and peace of mind but I do enjoy the time that I find to relax and unwind watching the shows that I love.
HoC is one of those shows that I have binge watched when it gets released and I think what I'll do this time around is binge watch the first 2 seasons again just before the third season premiers and then binge watch the new season. I'll be planning how I'll complete the entire experience. The first step is getting the day before, of and after the new season premiers off. Next will be deciding what social media I will be utilizing to live blog aside from my blog of course. I'll see if I can get a Binge party going as well.
I'll follow up a few days or weeks before the new season, which starts on February 27th, with more details in regards to my plans. Hopefully Netflix doesn't crash in response to the high demand of HoC in release day. 

State of xbox one January 2015 - Week 2

                                                    Technology Grade 4

I've gotten so used to my monthly XBOne updates that I feel like I'm going through withdrawal right now. The last XBOne system update was released on December 1st, 2014. 12 days after the start of 2015 I haven't heard anything in regards to an upcoming update nor new features. There are a few things that might have created a combination of delays or even just one of these could be a good reason why we haven't seen an update yet.

The development team could still be recovering from the Christmas and new year's celebrations. If this is the reason, I'm not mad. If it were me the updates would be delayed as well. I'd still have one out before the end of January though so let's see what happens in  this regard.

Something to seriously consider is the fact that a majority of the Xbox executive team that ushered the XBOne into existence has either left Microsoft or have been reassigned under the leadership of Phil Spencer whose primary focus is gaming as opposed to the hub of the living room goal that the original team had. His influence is clear with the reduced focus on the Kinect as 2014 came to an end and the increased focus on the games available and interacting with friends while playing games. Will this change in direction also affect the quality and quantity of the updates availability! This is yet to be seen but it is something to ponder on.

Christmas day presents were a mixed bag as those that woke up to XBOnes and PS4s were presented with some coal in the form of down networks. Could it be that Microsoft is delaying the release of future updates to concentrate on security. The future of cybersecurity is blindingly bright and no one person, company or government is safe as we have seen in the last few weeks. It is pertinent that any company that depends on the stability of their network and the internet to maintain a customer base must ensure that their network is not only secure but robust and able to recover from attacks in a very timely manner.

I would love to hear from fellow XBOne fans in regards to what you think and how you feel about the past, present and future of the XBOne. As I've said before, maybe someone will eventually see my request for an adjustable snap window, especially for the TV app and make it a reality. You never know.

Week 1 2015 - What's Next in Technology

                                            Tech Grade 2

CES 2015 starts during week one in 2015 so I feel it's fitting to start the new year of with a discussion about what was a hit last year and what the future holds for technology.

For 2014 3D printing was one of the most talked about subjects in the future of technology and the unlimited potential that it has on the future in many industries.

As 2014 came to an end drones began to pick up momentum and is it coincidental that it is the increased focus on 3d printing and manufacturing that has spurred the done market for without being able to rapidly prototype designs then it is quite possible that drones wouldn't have tallymen of so quickly as a public segment. So how many different types of drones will we see at CES this year and what else will headline CES?

As 4K televisions come to market with less than 1% content availability, current generation television prices continue to plummet. Curved televisions aren't taking off as much as the manufacturers would like them to but will this be the year of curved screens. OLED televisions are still struggling to come to market. The P.C. market has finally begun to pick up after tablet sales cannibalized P.C. sales in 2013. Home automation and monitoring is also something to watch out for as companies like Nest, now owned by Google continue to gain traction in this market space. The internet of things is still lurking behind the scenes but enough of me ranting about random technology.

What are you expecting for the future of technology, particularly for 2015. I would love to read your thoughts and insights. Then at the end of the year we can review our thoughts and see who got it right or wrong.

State of XBOne September 2014

Technology Grade 4

With the surprise September update released at the end of August, a lot of questions and concerns that plagued the XBOne at launch have either been answered, addressed or in the process of being addressed. The one thing that can be said about Microsoft is that they are listening to their consumers and are addressing issues consistently and quickly.

3D movie playback – check, media playback from external hard drives – check, better access to connecting and sharing with friends – check, booting directly to TV mode option – check, etc, etc. Microsoft has settled into an average monthly update cycle for their console which has led to a device that is slowly becoming a multimedia power house. My synopsis on what Microsoft is attempting to do is that they want to be the hub of entertainment in the home. It doesn't matter what you want to do from an entertainment point of view, the XBOne can have you covered. What also helps is the adjustment of the pay wall under Xbox Live allowing for apps like Netflix and Amazon instant video to be used without a live account.

The XBOne might not be the most popular choice in consoles right now but Microsoft continues to give gamers and consumers alike, more reasons why they should pick the XBOne. The number and caliber of games available for the XBOne continue to grow and this will keep gamers interested.  To follow up on my XBOnefollow up post, Microsoft is slowly fleshing out its console. They started with a skeleton when the XBOne was released almost a year ago and they have slowly fleshed it out so next is for Microsoft to muscle up its console with even more features and options that consumers are looking for.

The real question here is “What feature do you want to see on the XBOne?” Think about it, ask about it and make it know because you can never say who else wants that feature as well and Microsoft seems to be listening. With that being said, when am I going to get my multi-sized snap window for the TV app? That’s what I’m waiting for. Anyone else looking for this feature? 

The Lab's 3D Printer is on its way

Technology Grade 7

After envisioning a 3D printer in The Lab early last year and setting a goal of having one by the summer of 2014. I have delivered on that promise Ladies and Gentlemen. With less than 24 hours of spring remaining I finally hit the ‘place order’ button on the first 3D printer for DRSLevy Labs Incorporated.

The printer that I decided to purchase was the Asterid 1000HB3D Printer. The final deciding factors were build volume and the heated printing bed made of Borosilicate glass. Along with the form factor, which was a boxed design vs an open build platform design were the deciding factors. I went over budget by $12 but that was primarily because of the $42 shipping fee. Can’t account for everything unfortunately.

I went over the details of my short short list which was basically the Asterid and the Solidoodle models based on price, print volume, form factor and feature set. There were two things that really stood out that allowed me to be comfortable with the decision I made. One was the heated bed. The fact that it was heated and was made of a material that would reduce the overall maintenance and calibration of the unit was a huge plus. Another was that the maximum build volume was over 100% greater than the comparable Solidoodle model. That being said or written, I can undoubtedly say that I know that the correct decision was made based on the criteria that I set for purchasing the printer. I will be posting updates once I receive the printer and start printing.

I want to thank the following people in no particular order except for my wife, Thato Levy, who has always encouraged and allowed me to do what I love most, Technology and always has words of encouragement or wisdom when needed. She above everyone else reserves my love and everlasting Thanks. Julian Stephenson, Nathaniel Stephenson, Nestor Galvan, Daniel Robles and Marco Miranda. Thank you all for your direct contribution and your future endeavors within The Lab.  This is the beginning of another chapter in my life that I hope will conclude in a book that everyone will one day want to read. 

3D printer short list (Tech grade 7)

3D printer short list (Tech grade 7)

I have short listed the 3D printers that I am considering. Some of the limiting factors that I have adhered to is low cost, largest print volume per dollar spent on printer and ease of setup. Since this is my first 3d printer, I didn’t want to go all out and get a $3,000 unit that I would end up using maybe once or twice a month depending on how things go. Over the last year the entry level 3D printer selection has grown to the point that there are multiple options for anyone to choose from based on what their needs are. 

We are truly on the edge of a new hardware revolution here. Similar to the PC revolution where computers went from these exorbitantly priced room filling devices that did things the everyday person didn’t understand to must have devices that people can’t do without today. Will 3D printers get to that level!!! Only time will tell but I am getting started now and here is my short list of 3D printers, of which I will be getting one this weekend:

1.       Asterid 1000S Desktop 3D Printer – I found this one recently. The price point and build volume is good and even though, the features are very basic, upgradable parts are readily available to add value and functionality when needed.

2.       Solidoodle 2nd Generation Pro – This is one of the front runners for my choice, The print volume is in the middle of the range that I have seen but the solidoodle printers have a good reputation from what I’ve seen online and the build quality looks very mature. To be honest, any of the solidoodle printers are a viable option, it really depends on how much I will be willing to spend.

3.       RigidBot 3D Printer – What I really like about this one is the fact that it was designed with expandability in mind. The print volume can be increased by swapping out specific parts, I found this one recently as well, it is on the short list but availability might be the deciding factor with this one as it is a new comer and currently not available.

4.       PrintrbotNew Simple Maker’s Kit – Last but not least is printrbot. It has the smallest print area but the price makes up for this fact. It’s also one of the more popular entry level 3D printers available and is definitely on the short short list.

These are the most viable units for me right now. What are your thoughts, suggestions and concerns? I would love to hear from everyone what they think of the printers/short list or the future of 3D printing in the comments section. 

Starter Blog Technology Grades

I came up with the idea to grade my blogs based on a 1-10 range that would indicate how tech savvy you would need to be to follow along. I am doing this because I will still be posting the higher level  tech stuff and want it to be clear that I don’t expect everyone to know what I’m talking about. The range is self-explanatory and if you get to a number that you don’t understand, then the previous one is your Tech Grade, so here we go:

Tech Grade 1 - What is Android and what can I do with it? (If you don’t know the answer to this question, you’re grade 1)

Tech Grade 2 - The tools I own consist of a flat head screwdriver and that other one that’s shaped like a plus or a cross. (If this is you then you’re a 2)

Tech Grade 3 - I click yes/accept to everything that pops up on my screen when I’m using my computer. (If you do this, you’re in trouble. I’ll do a post for this one really soon and you’re no more than a level 3)

Tech Grade 4 - When I bought my laptop/phone they said it would last {Insert manufacturers estimated run time here} but it never lasts that long. (If you don’t know why, you’re a 4)

Tech Grade 5 - If you know what net neutrality is how much it can affect you on a daily basis within the next few years then you belong here.

Tech Grade 6 - I've logged into my wireless router and setup my network ID and password a few times. (Welcome to Level 6)

Tech Grade 7 - I don’t call anyone to fix my technology issues unless I don’t have the time or I know a professional/colleague that can do it better than me. (I’m somewhere between 7 and 9 depending on the time of day)

Tech Grade 8 - I've corrected a few repair techs or product specialists in my lifetime. (I've actually did this a few times)

Tech Grade 9 - I used an Arduino micro controller to design my own lighting system for my desktop computer.

Tech Grade 10 - I got bored with the 3D printing software that was available for my printer so I created/designed my own. (Yeah, if you know how to do this, then what are you doing reading my Blog!!!! Seriously???)

Disclaimer: This list is not a singular universal range to determine how tech savvy everyone is but is just my interpretation of what I think that readers/followers of my blog would know in relation to their knowledge of technology.