All posts in: Electronics

5 apps that make you more productive

Electronics
By Isabel Eva Bohrer on April 23, 2013 in

productivity apps

Smartphone apps generally tend to serve as a distraction, but what about using tech to get motivated and achieve your goals? These apps promise to help you become more productive, whether you want to read more books, lose weight or tackle a project -- some in rather unconventional ways. Want more? Check out our hands-on test of the Astrid To-Do List app. Read more

CRT challenge looks for new ways to get rid of old picture tubes

Electronics
By Carl Laron on April 16, 2013 in

Recycling old TVs

The cathode-ray tube (CRT) is, for all intents and purposes, dead. Long the predominant technology for TVs, computer monitors, and more, CRTs have given way to beautiful flat-panel monitors, mostly LCDs.

But while the CRT is dead, it can't be forgotten -- not with somewhere around two billion pounds of obsolete TVs, computer monitors and other hardware that's reaching the end of its product lifecycle. What to do with all of that e-waste -- in particular, the lead-laden glass from old picture tubes -- has become a major headache that promises to only get bigger.

Stumped for answers, industry is turning to the public for help. If you think you have an innovative use for CRT glass, your idea can earn all or part of a $10,000 prize. Read more

From iPod to iWatch: Apple's next big thing

Electronics
By Molly McLaughlin on April 2, 2013 in

NYC Apple Store

Apple is famous for its splashy press conferences, which typically involve a big product launch (and sometimes "one more thing.") From the iPod to the iPhone, many of their products have been technological game-changers that inspire fierce customer loyalty. Rumors abound about Apple's next big thing. Will it be a phone/tablet hybrid? An iWatch? Or something else? Here's a look at Apple's splashiest product launches from the past decade or so, as well as a glimpse into their future.

 

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Buying a leftover TV

Electronics
By Carl Laron on March 25, 2013 in

Buying a TV for March Madness

It's March Madness time again. No, I'm not talking about the big college basketball tournament that started this past weekend. Rather I'm referring to that time of year when TV makers are willing to do what it takes -- for the most part -- to clear store shelves of their 2012 models before the 2013 sets go on sale. In addition, some trends in TV retailing make picking up a leftover set an even better deal than in years past. And if you need another excuse to pull the trigger, there is the thrill of following the bouncing basketballs on a brand new HDTV. Read more

Get money back: 3 top rebate programs

Electronics
By Sandra Gordon on March 22, 2013 in

Get money back: 3 top rebate programs

To save on everyday purchases and entice you to buy certain products or services, the latest shopping apps and web portals get right down to business. They give you rebates for buying everything from auto parts and groceries to clothes and appliances -- from your smartphone or computer -- or alert you to rebate deals as you shop so you can take advantage of the latest consumer incentive programs.

Bonus: You don't need to earn and redeem points. Your savings go right into your PayPal account or are sent to you in the form of cash or a pre-paid merchant or Visa gift card.

Want to get in on the action? Check out the latest rebate apps and websites. Read more

How to block calls and texts on your smartphone

Electronics
By Isabel Eva Bohrer on March 19, 2013 in

block unwanted texts and calls

Whether it's a former boyfriend, girlfriend or a persistent telemarketer, unwanted calls and texts can be a pain, and depending on your cellphone plan, an added expense. Thankfully, there are ways to block these calls or at least find out who is pestering you. The following apps and services will help limit the ringing of your cellphone. Availability may vary according to your cellphone model and carrier.  Read more

What you need to know about the Samsung Galaxy S4 smartphone

Electronics
By Molly McLaughlin on March 15, 2013 in

Samsung Galaxy S4

Last night, Samsung held a splashy event at Radio City Music Hall for its latest smartphone, the Galaxy S4. Emceed by Broadway actor Will Chase, who like every New York actor has appeared on an episode of Law & Order, the event featured a number of theatrical sketches that demonstrated some of the S4's new features. Understated, it was not. While the press filled the theater, thousands were watching the livestream of the event on jumbotrons in Times Square and on YouTube. After the presentation, we had the opportunity to try out pre-production units. Here's what you need to know.

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3D printing at home

Electronics
By Isabel Eva Bohrer on March 15, 2013 in

Makerbot 3D printer: lamps

Makerbot has gotten a lot of buzz for its Replicator 3D printers, which can interpret designs and then build (print) objects while you watch. They're not the only player in town anymore - there are lots of options for anyone to start doodling or printing in 3D. Staples has announced that it will soon offer a 3D printing service in its stores, starting in Europe. But those of us in the U.S. and elsewhere can check out the following tools to use at home, in the meantime. The list of things you can create with 3D printers is practically endless: napkin rings, iPhone stands, poker chips, jewelry -- even the Eiffel Tower. 
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9 cool, strange and innovative mobile trends at #MWC13

Electronics
By Molly McLaughlin on March 5, 2013 in

Smartphone and tablet cases from Belkin #MWC13

Smartphones and tablets and phablets and apps; that's all that occupied my mind last week at the 2013 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, a tradeshow that attracted more than 72,000 visitors from over 200 countries. It was a busy several days, as multitudes of products were launched and myriad trends were spotted. We've already looked at what the Twitterverse took in; here's a sampling of what @MollyMobile saw. (At left are some cool cases and tablet keyboards from Belkin.) Read more

9 must-see tweets from the Mobile World Congress

Electronics
By Jillian Ryan on March 1, 2013 in

Our personal technology editor Molly McLaughlin was one of 72,000 attendees (from over 200 countries!) on the floor in Barcelona this week at the 2013 Mobile World Congress. The premier event in mobile technology, this year's MWC featured more than 1,700 companies exhibiting their latest and greatest in personal electronics.  While Molly's Twitter account showcased many of the highlights of the event during the week, the Twitterverse was chock-full of #MWC13 tweets. These are the nine that mobile-conscious consumers must-see: Read more

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