The Edge of Hawaii RE» Technology

Lutron Motion Sensing Light Switch

jdubs — Fri, 11 May 2012 22:02:12 +0000

Two light switches in my bathroom needed to be replaced. One switch controls the main light, and the second controls the vanity lights over the bathroom mirror. Each switch needed to be opened and closed numerous times to turn the lights on. I believe that they went bad over time, just over 10 years of daily use. So, I visited the new Lowe’s store in Honolulu and noticed the Lutron Motion Sensing light switch. This switch will detect motion in the room and turn the lights on, you won’t need to push the light switch. You can set it to go off when there is no motion in the room for a pre-determined amount of time. I initially set it for 1 minute of no motion-detection, so when I took a bath, the lights turned off. The time lapse was set to 5 minutes which worked okay. The switch will work with CFL, LED, and old-style bulbs. They’re great for places where your hands are full, the laundry room for instance when your hands are full carrying the clothes basket. You should save on your electricity use, only time will tell.

Tech Tuesday – Pebble E-Paper Smartwatch

jdubs — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:42:41 +0000

I am not the first, and most definitely won’t be the last to say how cool this upcoming technology gadget will be. The Pebble E-Paper Smartwatch will connect via Bluetooth to your Android and iPhone. Imagine being able to see caller-id, track your distance while running or riding your bike, as well as seeing what time it is. This won’t be your usual watch as there will be a market of various types of apps for the smartwatch from day 1. The smartwatch is still in its funding stage, but has met and exceeded its goal many times over. By backing the project and depending on the amount, you will be one of the first to receive one. I’m very interested in the seeing what kind of apps will be developed for this smartwatch. The estimated delivery date is scheduled for September 2012.

Earth Day – 2012

jdubs — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 21:41:25 +0000

What will you do to celebrate Earth Day 2012? Today, there are so many things we can do to conserve and appreciate the Earth’s precious environment. In 2009, the United Nations designated April 22 as the International Mother Earth Day.

Philips has unveiled a new super energy efficient LED light bulb today. I have an older version and am very happy with it. The price is a little steep, but the bulb is reported to last up to 10 years or more and will save consumers money because we won’t need to replace bulbs as often. The color is good too.

With photo-voltaic systems gaining ground, solar water heaters, and LED light bulbs. You can start to do your part and preserve the Earth’s environment for future generations.

Mahalo,

Jordon

the new iPad

jdubs — Sat, 10 Mar 2012 00:25:24 +0000

A few days ago, Apple announced that they will be releasing their new iPad on March 16^th, 2012. I won’t go into the specific details of the new device; you can go to the Apple website for that. What I want to say is that I want to upgrade my original iPad to the new iPad. I pre-ordered the original iPad the day it became available. I arrived at the Ala Moana Apple store on launch day and happily purchased the device. The iPad has totally changed how I read books and email, how I surf the web, and how I watch movies. I am extremely happy with the original iPad. But I also noticed how light and thin the iPad2 is and am leaning towards the new iPad for this very thing. Not to mention the increased resolution of the camera and video, this will be great to have too. I’ll probably go with the 32 GB version, wi-fi only as my original iPad is the 64 GB version. What will you do?

QR Codes – You’ve seen them before

jdubs — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:33 +0000

QR “Quick Response” codes have been around for a while and are starting to become mainstream. To use them, all you need to do is to download a QR code reader to your smartphone. If you have an iPhone, Android, or Blackberry smartphone you’ll be good to go. Go to the marketplace and search for the QR code reader. Download the app to your phone and then you’ll be ready to explore and use QR codes. I’m attaching one here that will take you to Marcus & Associates’ Sunday Open House posting. Let me know what you think.

Marcus Sunday Open Houses

Welcome to 2011!

jdubs — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 01:52:10 +0000

As we finish the first week of 2011, I’d like to say that it’s been great so far! I’m still playing with my favorite Christmas gift – my new Xbox 360 with Kinect. The Kinect is better than the Wii and Playstation movement accessories. Why? As the Kinect marketing states, your body is the controller. That is very true. Also, the technology behind the Kinect seems so much more different than the other 2. I do have the other consoles too, and they’re good at what they do. One other thing, I’ve been playing some of the other popular Xbox games too and my thumbs are still pretty sore.

End of the Sony Walkman

jdubs — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 19:54:07 +0000

Do you remember cassette tapes? The production of Sony Walkman Cassette players has ceased. I have fond memories of these devices, especially when I traveled. This was the precursor to the CD Walkman and the current mp3 players. The headphones were very bulky at first, and then became smaller as demand started to grow. The devices themselves started out quite bulky and then slimmed down quite a bit too. I also remember making my mixed-tapes from my record albums and listening to them on my walkman. What are your memories?

Using the HTC EVO hotspot

jdubs — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 02:13:08 +0000

I’ve had my HTC EVO for just under 3 weeks, and you know what? The phone is HOT! One of the reasons I wanted this phone is to use its hotspot capability. I am using this feature rignt now as I’m adding this post. Of course, it’s not as fast as my wi-fi speed at home but this will work. I am truly mobile. My daughter used the iPad in the car and was able to watch youTube videos. Way Cool! This phone is the one to get. The Android system will continue to gain ground in the smartphone arena.

I have the HTC EVO!

jdubs — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 18:57:22 +0000

Accolades go to Sprint for being first to bring us a 4G phone! Plus, delivery of the phone was insanely quick. I ordered the phone early Thursday morning and received it on Friday just after noon. As you know, I’m in Hawaii too so the phone came in quick. Activation went smoothly, connected to my Exchange Server and all my contacts and calendar appointments came in. Droid is here to stay. I’ll provide more updates as I continue to learn about my HTC EVO 4G phone.

See ya!

I want the Sprint HTC EVO!

jdubs — Sat, 05 Jun 2010 02:10:45 +0000

Update 7/1/2010: I have ordered my HTC EVO online at sprint.com! I can’t wait for it to arrive!

Update 6/18/2010: Best Buy is accepting pre-orders on a White HTC EVO to be released on July 11, 2010. Best Buy will exclusively provide the White HTC EVO until August. Go to Best Buy now to pre-order yours now! I’m waiting until July 1, 2010, that’s when I’m able to upgrade my current Blackberry phone. I hope the phone will still be available for pre-orders!

Sprint released the 4G HTC EVO today. I’m not eligible to upgrade my phone until July 2010 so I have to wait just a little while longer. I really want the phone, can anyone tell me their thoughts on the phone which will make me go and get it now? Let me know, I love to get new breakthrough technology.