Roku LT Review

The Roku LT is the newest Roku box, released in November.  Unlike other Roku boxes it's design is unique, specifically in color, to recognize it as the budget-friendly.  As a brand, it started as the first device to deliver video from Netflix instantly to TV.  Since then it has evolved, covering more sources of internet streaming media to compete against new competion, e.g., Xbox or PS3.  It is marketed for its simplicity; Power cord and the output cord (either to HDMI or A/V) is all that is needed.  This review will go over what you get with the $50 device.

Hardware

After an update of the line, Roku boxes are now smaller then ever, measuring 3 x 3 x 0.9 inches of plastic.  The box itself includes a HDMI port, 3.5 mm port for A/V out, and power port.  It’s solid purple color and Roku tag makes this box stand out, as you can see in the following picture.  Other then the box and cords you receive a remote control, the most underestimated piece.  If you are like me, you will find yourself surpised on how much a remote helps the experience when watching online videos.

 

Software

Roku has travelled a long way since it’s Netflix-only days.  We see services like Hulu Plus, Pandora, and Crackle in it’s channel store.  All tend to follow a theme in design, supporting the use of the Roku remote.

Setup

Setup was fairly easy, as there is only one cord to connect to the TV.  You will be directed by on-screen instructions to connect to WiFi, activate your device, create a Roku account (which requires payment method/information), and install a few starter channels, which is how you will view media.  Services requring accounts usually ask you to enter a code on their website to verify the login, or log in directly from the device, which can be a pain when using an on-screen keyboard with your remote control.

Performance

 Loading times can vary among channels, but you will rarely, if ever be interupted by buffering.  Sometimes streaming takes a few moments to adapt, as it does online, so I will not complain.  With the Roku LT you will recieve 720p video quality, accompanied with decent audio.  In other words, it’s got more punch then it appears.

End

Overall the Roku LT is a solid device that does what it is asked for.  It’s small, simple, and hard to resist when you are a subscriber of Netlfix or Hulu Plus, especially when you have $50 to spend.  I recommend this device to anyone who has no alternatives, as it does no more then its competition with the major streaming services.  I see this as the best Roku to buy.  It’s cheaper and gives back the same as any Roku device.  Sure, others run 1080p, but I rarely find streaming videos at quality higher then 720p.

TechWilling

Carrier IQ: You Know Me, So Let's Talk About You

Recently Trevor Eckhart has published information via video and text about Carrier IQ.  It appears that Carrier IQ, self-defined as a leading provider of Mobile Service Intelligence Solutions to the Wireless Industry, has been tracking mobile phones for quite a while.  The video Trevor Eckhart posted displays the program recording keys typed, calls made, and everything in between.

If you visit Carrier IQ's website you will sees a proudly placed ticker of handsets currently deployed.  With that, I have to wonder, how has the world taken so long to discover them?
The problem with Carrier IQ: users never gave them permission to record their data, nor even permission to be on the devices at all.  The company has been off radar until this week.  We do not know who they are or their intentions with our data. 
It appears some iOS, Android, and Blackberry devices carry Carrier IQ.  Apple has announced that they abandoned Carrier IQ at the start of iOS 5.  Hence the name, Carrier IQ is believed to have been put on my the carriers, and not the manufacturers, although the manufacturers had knowledge of it.

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Boogie Board Review

Improv Electronics recently sent us the Boogie Board Original to review.  With the use of a LCD panel the Boogie Board's react naturally like paper.  A sealed battery is included only for the purpose of erasing.  Due to this low power consumption the battery lasts approximately 50,000 uses.  The creators, Improv Electronics are about innovation.  The technology they use is what makes the company what it is.  This expalins why the original is still a favorite, because the technology is the same as the next one.

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USB Plasma Ball Review

ThinkGeek recently sent us the USB Plasma Ball to review.  Until recently plasma ball's were supposedly not tech friendly, as they could damage them.  This is an example of the 21st century plasma balls.  To explain how it works ThinkGeek said,

"A combination of interesting and fun gasses (like Argon) are first trapped inside a plastic sphere at relatively low pressures. An alternating current, at relatively high voltages (Hey, this is USB remember, so it can't get too crazy), are pumped into the sphere via an electrode in the center. This energy causes electrons to be stripped from the gasses,leaving in its wake some positively charged ions and a gorgeous gaseous and electrically conductive environment (aka Plasma). That high voltage served up through the electrode will now arc up through the plasma to the lower voltage edge of the plastic sphere (starting at the top where the temperature is greater). The arcs glow because they are hotter than the surrounding plasma. You can touch the plastic and the arcs will strongly congregate to your touch because you will be creating an even lower voltage jump from the electrode."

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Pixelmator - Mac App Review

I recently bought Pixelmator and am presently surprised on how much I like the image editor. In the video I review it and showcase some of it's features.

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