Thursday January 7, 2010
I just finished a very full Day 1 at the Consumer Electronics Show. After press conferences with well-known companies such as Sony, Casio, Toshiba and Samsung, there are definitely some themes starting to emerge. They aren't surprising, but we've been hearing a lot about 3D TV, green practices/products and apps.
I've got a lot to share with you, but some of the unique product highlights for me today include:
- Greeting cards with a built-in LCD screen (like a mini LCD frame) from Pandigital
- yurbuds - ear buds that come in different sizes so you can get a custom fit
- Transformer mouse from Toshiba
Pictures to come!
Saturday January 2, 2010
Do you have a favorite parenting blog? Website for kids? Virtual World? Family-friendly video game? If so, we want to hear from you!
For the first time, About.com's Computing Channel will be running a coordinated Reader's Choice Award program. During January 2010, you'll be able to nominate your favorite sites, services and innovations in categories ranging from the best IM client and email service to best Web design and Web browser. Then, in February, check back to see if your favorite nominees made the cut, and cast your vote. Winners will be announced March 1. There's no prize -- just the bragging rights that come with getting recognized by the readers of one of the biggest tech networks on the Web.
The Family Computing site will be participating with awards for:
The complete time line is:
January 1 - 24: Accept nominations
February 1 - 24: Voting
March 1 Winners Announced
Other computing sites that are participating include:
The full list of awards is available here: 2010 Reader's Choice Award List.
Thursday December 31, 2009
As we near the end of 2009, many people are making New Year's Resolutions in order to better themselves and their lives. If you're still looking for the perfect resolution (or two), I've put together a list of options for anyone who uses a computer on a regular basis. Better yet, how about committing to all of them?
- I will regularly check my computer for viruses.
- I will open up my desktop computer and get rid of any dust.
- I will not forward any chain mail email messages to my friends.
- I will think twice before clicking on links.
- I will not enter my friends' email addresses without permission when websites ask if I want to "invite friends."
- I will not post pictures of other people, or their children, to public websites without asking first.
- I will stop and reread email messages, forum posts, blog entries, Twitter tweets and other online texts before I send/post, asking myself 1) "Does this make sense?" and 2) "Is this how I want to be remembered?"
- I will keep my Caps Lock off when corresponding in any manner online.
- I will confirm rumors, viruses and other forwarded emails in either the Urban Legends site or Snopes.com before passing them along to others.
- I will remember the adage, "If it's too good to be true, it probably is" when I receive an email saying I won the lottery or have a long-lost rich relative.
Forward this message to at least ten people you know or your computer will.... Ok, just kidding.
Happy New Year!
This post is part of the About.com Parenting Channel Blog Carnival on New Year's Resolutions. Read more about it.
Thursday December 31, 2009
Next week at this time, I'll be in Las Vegas for the world's largest consumer electronics show, CES. The show covers everything from washing machines to flat screen TVs. It's my first time attending and I'll be keeping my eye out for great gadgets to help simplify life at home, as well as some excellent software and websites for families. I'm looking forward to sharing some of my findings here on my blog, so I hope you'll come back around to see what's hot.
