Look here for Brian M. Westbrook's tech news and details on topics heard on-air during weekly "Tech Expert" segments on FM News 101 KXL (101.1 FM) in Portland, OR. Listen Fridays at 6:20am and 8:20am as part of Portland's Morning News on KXL or online at: KXL.com.
Also find details of radio and television appearances. Feedback or questions to: techexpert (AT) brianwestbrook (dot) com
But do we really know what information the social media giant is sharing with others?
I recently spoke with KGW-TV (NBC/Portland) Reporter Abbey Gibb about some of the most important settings and how to protect what others see about you.
Few take advantage of the updated security options - possibly because users aren't even aware they're available.
Of course, the tip not listed if you really don't want your information out there? Don't share it on the web at all.
For more perspective on this, or any tech story, drop Brian an email: techexpert AT brianwestbrook DOT com.
Steve Jobs has clearly set the bar for what it means to move forward in any industry, let alone the technology world. News of his resignation hit the tech community with the intensity normally reserved for world conflicts and natural disasters. Replacing Jobs is Apple Inc. Chief Operating Officer Tim Cook.
The company's board immediately accepted Jobs' recommendation to appoint Tim Cook as CEO and Jobs as Board Chairman.
Medical issues have forced Steve Jobs to take a leave of absence from day-to-day duties three times since 2004.
I have always said if there ever came a day when I could no longer meet my duties and expectations as Apple's CEO," Steve Jobs wrote, "I would be the first to let you know. Unfortunately, that day has come."
After founding the company in the 1970's, Steve was ousted by the board before returning in 1996 after Apple acquired NExT computer. He was CEO from 1997 to 20011.
Prior to starting Apple with Steve Wozniak, Jobs enrolled in Portland's Reed College in 1972.
Shopping for Back to School? Check out these picks for a gadget-enhanced education:
HP Pavilion G6— An ideal PC-based laptop for those heading off for college that won’t bust the bank. Improved cooling, a biometric swipe for sign-on, and an HD webcam for keeping in touch with family back home. The brilliant 15.6” LED screen and optional Blu-ray player make it perfect for winding down after a long week of studying. ($600, hp.com)
HP Wi-Fi Mobile Mouse—The first mouse that connects using Wi-Fi to your PC, the innovative mouse contours to your hand and has multiple controls to easily navigate the web. ($49, hp.com)
Kobo eReader Touch—the well-designed touch-screen Kobo sports a lightweight design and using E Ink technology to provide an easy-to-read display. Available in four colors, this lightest-weight eBook reader supports a variety of open standard bookstore formats. ($130, kobobooks.com)
Amazon Kindle—the standard-bearer of the eBook revoluation, the Kindle continues to dominate e-reading. New this year, the Kindle store offers textbook rentals of any length from 30 to 360 days which can be read on your Kindle or any of a variety of phone/computer platforms. ($114, amazon.com)
HP Envy 100—The sleek and compact wireless Envy 100 won’t wake your roommate and supports AirPrint and an easy-to-use print-by-email feature. This printer has memory card slots for photo printing and a scanner to make digital copies of class notes and handouts. ($200, hp.com)
Grace Digital Audio Microsystem—The perfect bookshelf system for background music while studying or cranking the tunes to let loose after finals. Get content from various sources via. the buit-in WiFi connection, load songs from your USB device or connect any portable music player. With five alarm settings, it’ll also wake you up! ($250, GraceDigitalAudio.com)
GriffinTech TechSafe Cable Lock System—Keep your laptop secure… lock it up. Look for an optional Anchor Clamp that turns any table into a secure place to lock down your laptop. ($30, griffintechnology.com)
PowerSkin Battery Pack—with hours between chargers, you can’t afford to be without juice for your smartphone. The PowerSkin battery pack is a case that doubles as a battery pack keeping you in touch with friends and family. ($50-80, power-skin.com)
RageGage: RageGage Smash Pad— a stress-reliever button that contains fun and cheeky expressions to blow off steam during late-night study sessions. A perfect gift for those students heading back to class—sure beats taking your frustration out on the dorm walls. Save the damage deposit and pick up the $20 Smash Pad instead! ($20, ragegage.com)
Grace Digital Audio Microsystem—The perfect bookshelf system for background music while studying or cranking the tunes to let loose after finals. Get content from various sources via. the buit-in WiFi connection, load songs from your USB device or connect any portable music player. With five alarm settings, it’ll also wake you up! ($250, GraceDigitalAudio.com)
(Originally broadcast on KGW-TV's "The Square Live @ 7" on 18 June 2010)
Gyro Bike kids bike wheel:
12”/16” Kids Gyrowheel ($115-155) TheGyroBike.com
Dump the rickety training wheels and teach your kid to ride with the latest in high-tech biking for kids. With three levels of gyro-stabilization, this replacement front wheel helps kids learn balance in safe and staged approach. Available now in 12 and 16 inch versions and powered by rechargeable batteries. http://www.thegyrobike.com or check out their Youtube channel with lots of fun clips at http://youtube.com/gyrobike ($115 – 12” wheel, $155 – 16” wheel available soon)
Perfect for serious cyclists in the Northwest terrain, a mere 2 hour mini-computer clips on to your handle bar to give instand access to current stats. Quick mount is secure, yet easily removable and when you’re done—link it up to Garmin Connect for a peak at your ride and a map of your route. I’ve seen a few of these reports from my cycling buddies on Facebook, and nothing brags about your 50+ mile bike ride like documentation! (GPS-enabled super cycle computer displays power data from ANT +™-enabled third-party power meters, barometric altitude and vertical profile, tracks speed, distance, calories burned, average and max speeds)
Garmin Forerunner 110 ($25) garmin.com
Another option for those wanting to track their cycling journeys, especially if they’re also a runner—the Garmin Frontrunner 110 gives access to “just the facts”: distance and speed. But the slim watch-like monitor still has access to the super-cool Garmin Connect website to download, evaluate, and boast your ride, run or athletic activity. Plus, it tells the time!
Garmin Forerunner 310XT ($350) Garmin.com
Combining the best features of the Forerunner 110 and the Edge 500, the Forerunner 310XT does it all—and it’s waterproof. Designed for triathletes, or the Portland weather, the 310XT goes from bike to bracelet in seconds. Giving you access to the essential information via. a wireless ANT+ link to your computer—you’ll have instant access to the hard work you put into your ride in no time. (GPS-enabled personal trainer heart rate-based calorie computation, automatic sync, multisport, high-sensitivity receiver, courses feature, advanced workouts, rechargeable lithium-ion battery)
PrincetonTec Bike Lighting:
EOs Bike ($50) princetontec.com
The EOs BIKE is light enough to throw into your jersey pocket for a late afternoon ride ensuring you’ll have enough light to get home Its use of high-grade materials ensures durability and strong resistance to water/weather and impact Includes helmet and handle bar attachments and headband. Self-contained and rechargeable. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/110
Swerve Tail light ($30) princetontec.com
With two high-powered LEDs, the Swerve creates a 180-degree beam. Flip the switch to go from flash pattern to steady light. The high-tech tail light also mounts on a handle bar, seat pos and includes seat and fork mounts. It also clips on to your pack or messenger bag. http://www.princetontec.com/?q=node/124 ($30)
YUBZ Bluetooth Speakerphone ($150)
yubz.com
A hands-free speakerphone for your bike! 10 hours on 4x AA batteries and an optional bike mount. Listen to tunes while you ride or take a call at a stop sign.
Sanyo eneloop electric-assist bike ($2300) us.sanyo.com
The SANYO Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle is a next generation bicycle that transports you efficiently with minimal effort. The SANYO Synergetic Hybrid Bicycle features innovative functions such as "loop charging," which charges the battery while riding. "Two-wheel drive" allows for smooth start-up on hills and slopes and ensures a steady, stable ride. For the truly lazy rider, like me! ($2300+)
Sony Bloggie MP4 1080p 360degree camera Sony debuted this Flip-wannabe at CES, but not without adding useful features. Swivel head for recording your own clips, and a bundled attachment for 360-degree video after software processing. The camera uses USB to transfer videos and charge. (Buy: Amazon | SonyStyle)
Samsung TL225 Dual-view camera Taking self-portraits has never been easier. This digital point-and-shoot sets itself apart from the rest by offering a screen on the front. Tap the camera and a forward-facing screen lights up to get the perfect shot of you and your friends! No more guesswork. (Buy: Amazon)
Casio EX-G1 rugged digital camera It’s waterproof and shock-resistant. The Casio G1 takes all the benefits of the Exilim series and goes underwater! The ultimate cruise or beach camera it’s also quite slim, unlike many waterproof models. (Buy: Amazon)
Verbatim Insight Hard drive Want to know how much space you’ve got left? The integrated two-line display will title this portable drive and show you how much space you’ve got to backup your photos, videos, and other files. (Buy: Amazon)
Verbatim Tuff N Tiny memory stick Barely larger than your thumbnail and up to 8GB capacity. Built to resist dirt, water, and other elements. (Buy: Amazon)
PogoPlug at-home network attached storage Plugs into your home network, then attach any USB hard drive or flash memory stick and access those files securely from anywhere in the world. (Buy: Amazon)
Sprint Overdrive 3G/4G portable hotspot battery powered WiFi router now offers 4G speeds. Home-connection speeds from a go-anywhere device! (Buy: Amazon)
Google Nexus One Android 2.1 mobile phone $179 with T-Mobile service, $530 without. “THE” Android phone to own, it sports the latest version of Google open-source Android operating system complete with real turn-by-turn navigation. Favorite feature? “Car mode” for driving. (Buy: Google)
BlueAnt headset One of the first handsets to offer downloadable firmware, when the headset technology improves, you don’t need to buy a new one. (Buy: Amazon)
Plantronics 975 This handsfree headset comes with a battery-pack case. Slide the comfortable noise-cancelling headset into it’s cradle and it’ll top up the juice so you can talk longer. (Buy: Amazon)
click above to watch the broadcast as originally shown on KGW.com
It's time to send the rugrats back to school and young adults everywhere are leaving the nest and moving to campus. I recently took time away from Gnomedex 9 to jump on KGW's The Square "Live @ 7" to share some back to school tech tips.
First up, gadgets!
LiveScribe Digital Pen ($150+) – Amazon. Take notes with a digital pen, record voice annotations, and search the text you wrote and save for later. It's high-tech paper and pen!
Texas Instruments TI-89 Graphing Calculator ($140) – Amazon. The latest in graphing calculators from TI, the TI-89 is a must-have for back-to-school math. Plugs into your USB and even runs apps!
Griffin AirCurve Acoustic Amp for iPhone ($20) It's an amplifier without wires, cables, or batteries. Using acoustic molding and a clever tunnel of sound, the Aircurve jumps your volume up 10db. Perfect for iPhone!
Speck Products Laptop Backpack ($100) Use code "BMW25" for 25% all Speck Products. Get a stylish laptop bag that protects your new notebook!
Today on The Square "Live @ 7" we talked Travel Gadgets while outdoors on the bricks at Pioneer Courthouse Square. Join me as Tracy and I explore the latest in summer-friendly travel gadgets-- including a camera to keep an eye on things while you're away from home.
To view this video on KGW.com, just point your browser here. For more, visit KGW.com/TheSquare and tune in weeknights at 7pm!
A targeted attack exposed sensitive information about the company that runs the popular Twitter service, Microsoft set to open stores to compete with Apple and more news rounds up this week's Tech Expert Topic notes from Newsradio 750 KXL.
Employees at Twitter uses a hosted version of productivity software known as Google Apps. An intruder was able to foil security and obtain access to sensitive data from the company behind the popular social networking service Twitter. This data contained juicy financials, candidate interview records and a reality TV show pitch. The information was then offered to various blogs and news outlets. At least a few took the bait and published the information.
While Twitter is comparing the event this week to having someone "rifle through your underwear drawer" (as in, embarrassing but not exactly revealing), it does serve as a good reminder to change your passwords and use strong passwords.
With one exception, users of the Twitter service itself are not affected. Still, it wouldn't hurt to change your Twitter password anyway. It's just good practice.
Microsoft and Apple Microsoft this week revealed just a tad more about the retail locations it plans to open. Apple's slice of the computer market dips from 4th place this past winder down to 5th place. Finally, with new more attractive prices on many systems including the popular Macbook line, Apple is calling foul on Microsoft's Laptop Hunter TV spots.
Tomorrow it's Beer & Blog Happy Hour from 4-6pm, then head down to Pioneer Courthouse Square for KGW's Live at 7 where you can watch the show live (no doubt we'll be outside on the bricks!) and I'll stick around afterwards.
Then on Saturday, Join me at a special "End Bloglessness 2" event (Downtown from 12p-5p, free) if you've always wanted to start a blog... experts (i.e. those that know FAR more than I do) will be on hand to answer questions, get you set up and tech you best practices. (While you're at it, add WordCamp/PDX to your calendar NOW.)
For more on this story, listen to my report (MP3), as heard on Newsradio 750 KXL during Portland's Morning News 16 Jul 2009.
There's a lot going on this week in Portland-- join me if any of the following events strike your fancy, or propose a new one? (Follow me on Twitter for last-minute updates!)
19:00 -- KGW's The Square: Live at 7 with Stephanie Stricklen -- Newschannel 8 NBC/Portland or watch (w/open mic breaks!) online, 7-7:30pm. (Come down to KGW's Pioneer Courthouse Square studio to watch the show live, check out the gadgets, or just say hi!)
THURSDAY APRIL 22, 2009: 06:40 -- Live on Newsradio 750 KXL: Weekly look at the week's hot tech topics, this week: Live from InnoTech PDX! (Tune in to Portland's Morning News on 750 AM / Portland or listen live online at KXL.com.)
08:40 -- Live on Newsradio 750 KXL: Weekly look at the week's hot tech topics, this week: Live from InnoTech PDX! (Tune in to Portland's Morning News on 750 AM / Portland or listen live online at KXL.com.)
10:30 -- InnoTechPDX (E147): Mobile Platform Panel with Raven Zachary (iPhone), Jon Maroney (Handmark), Don Park (Android), Jason Harris (Nokia/Symbian), Jason Mauer (Microsoft)
Megapixels matter. -- many consumers are falsely led to believe that "megapixels", a measure of image resolution recorded by a digital camera, are the most important aspect of a camera purchase. While one aspect of a camera's performance, often the megapixels are secondary to lens quality, a camera's speed, and other features.
You must buy software to keep your computer secure. -- while you certainly can buy anti-virus software and other online protection programs for your computer, some of the best tactics to keep your computer free from malicious virus and spyware don't cost anything at all. Free anti-virus software is in many cases just as good at the paid versions and keeping your computer safe frequently involves diligence, "cautious computing" and staying current with the latest software patches.
Online software is inadequate. -- Today's software no longer comes in boxes with large manuals. More often this software -- even the most elaborate professional applications -- is loaded electronically. Other types of applications, such as Picnik.com or Google Docs solutions. Many online web-based software packages do as much if not more than their traditional counterparts. Key advantages of using online apps: No need to update your local computer, access your programs (and often data) from any machine, often less expensive (free?).
Must upgrade your system every two years. -- This is even *less* true today. There as a time when computers were advancing quickly and became obsolete every few years... now, with more and more computing happening online, it's not uncommon for the older computers to perform just as well. Many users find completely whiping their hard drives and re-loading the operating system will give them that "showroom performance".
High-Definition TV requires subscription service. -- While it is true a large number of premium high-definition television channels are available only to those willing to pay for cable or satellite service-- most network channels are available free, over-the-air, using your existing antenna (or in some cases a low-cost upgrade). You will, of course, need a HDTV to watch the higer-quality broadcasts, but if you're looking for Heroes, my favorite 30 Rock, or want to see Live @7 in all it's stunning HDTV glory, consider over-the-air HDTV.
Online video is illegal. -- On the contrary! Most online video is very legal and supported by the very content providers that bring these shows to your television nightly. Look towards supported services such as Hulu, iTunes and the networks' own websites to stream first-run TV shows directly to your PC or mobile phone.
The Portland-area Twitterati know @KGWNewsChannel8, @TheSquare and @StephStricklen from local NBC-affiliate KGW Newschannel 8. Well get ready Twitter users, a flood of folks from "The Ocho" joined Twitter last night. Here's a rundown of the names I've (my Twitter name is @BMW, add me!) collected from KGW (and other Pacific Norhwest media), of course -- let me know who I've missed and I'll update this post:
@KGWNewschannel8 - general Twitter account for KGW (headlines, station news)
@TheSquare - producer account for Live at 7 show (show prep, notes, feedback)
@StephStricklen - anchor of KGW's Live at 7 (personal goings-ons, behind-the-scenes)
@Aweiss - mostly personal account of "Producer Aaron", freq. voice behind @TheSquare
@zaffino - KGW Chief Meteorologist Matt Zaffino (get it "..at Zaffino"?)
@burton_scott - KGW "Night Team" reporter Scott Burton
If you use TweetDeck (or similar?) you can toss the following query into a search box to follow the KGW-related conversation in one handy column: KGW OR TheSquare OR StephStricklen OR AWeiss OR pdxpeacock OR OR lporter2009 OR zaffino or "burton_scott"
Other Northwest Media Twitter accounts you might find interesting to follow:
@KXL - Newsradio 750 KXL (home of my weekly radio segments!)
@maddow, @willatwork (maddow's producer), and @shuster1600 (MSNBC's David Shuster). Oh, and there's always @ricksanchezcnn suggests: @maddow, @willatwork (maddow's producer), @shuster1600 (MSNBC's David Shuster), @ricksanchezcnn
...of course there are HUNDREDS more. What media-related or local outlets are considered "must-follow"? Drop your own list in the comments (or Twitter me, I'm @BMW) and I'll update the list with your suggestions.
HP Netbooks are award-winning solutions for business users and consumers alike. The new HP Mini 2140 starts at $500 and has lots of connectivity options -- video out, USB, an ExpressCard slot, even an SD card reader. The Vivienne Tam-designed digital clutch, also from HP, is touted as the world's first digital clutch. They're a bit of a premium at $699, hey... it matches Stephanie's outfit!
Docupen Scanneris a pen-sized color scanner capable of storing up to 100 pages. The gadget's barely larger than a pen, and perfect for taking notes or quick scanning. Grab one for $300 (http://planon.com).
PrintStik PS900. Print your boarding pass from your hotel room, invoices in the field, or any other portable printing task with the grayscale "print stick". About the size of a paper towel core, it's thermal printing means no ink to mess around with. Load it up with paper and you're set. Print from a Bluetooth computer, phone, or other device. Take printing with you for $200 (http://www.planonstore.com ).
A CES award-winner, Clickfree's line of backup solutions makes protecting your data foolproof. Plug it in, click "go" - the software's built-in to the device so it's simple to operate. Already got a hard drive you like? Use the $60 cable to upgrade your existing USB drive to a Clickfree backup solution. (http://www.goclickfree.com)
Speaking of HD video, Creative Labs brings high-definition video to a pocket-sized camera with the Vado HD. Simple integrated USB port and a 2x zoom, the camera is a compact on-the-go HD solution. They're $229 from Creative.com and even cheaper on Amazon.com.
Swann Security is well known for surviellance gear -- it's no wonder they'd be showing off a covert Pen Camera at CES. With 2GB of memory and a built-in USB port to download video -- even Bond would be envious. No price yet, but you'll be able to find them at http://www.swannsecurity.com soon.
The Scuba Series HD 320 snorkel mask has a forehead-positioned camera capable of high-defition video and great stills. They're not quite available yet, but check the announcement at http://www.liquidimageco.com
Web Bonus:
LG Solar Bluetooth Car Kit HFB-500 is a solar-powered speakerphone for your car. Suction cup the card-deck sized gadget to the inside of your windshield, pair to your phone, and enjoy handsfree calling. The HFB-500 uses solar-power so no need to run cables to your cigarette lighter. One hour of charge equals two hours of use. More info at http://www.lge.com.
A targeted attack exposed sensitive information about the company that runs the popular Twitter service, Microsoft set to open stores to compete with Apple and more news rounds up this week's Tech Expert Topic notes from 
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