Shodogg is a brand new content delivery technology that takes content shown on your smartphone and passes it to any web-connected device, such as a smart TV. Launched at CES, Andy talks to David, co-founder of Shodogg, to find out more.

Frankly, it’s probably easier to watch the video than to try and explain how it works but basically Shodogg lets you find video content on your smartphone but then play the video on a smart TV, PC, Mac or anything that can view a web page.

It works by giving a unique ID to each “screen” and once you’ve plugged the screen ID into your smartphone, the phone can then pass the video to this screen. Amazingly, you can swap screens during playback, with the new screen picking up at exactly where you left off.

Shodogg is in an alpha release at the moment and will be available late spring on iOS devices, followed by Android about a month later. It’s a great idea, simple to use, and I can see it being a very popular way of finding and then viewing online content.

Fetch, Toss, Share. Shodogg.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net.

Andy chats to Matt from PaySaber at CES‘s Showstoppers about their iPhone-based point-of-sale (POS) solutions.

The PaySaber is a portable handheld POS terminal sled that incorporates a barcode reader, card swipe and thermal printer into the unit. An iPhone or iPod Touch slots into the PaySaber to provide the screen and the wireless communication for the transaction.

The flexibility provided by the iPhone allows credit processing in the normal way, but gives additional benefits such as emailed receipts. From the moment the card is swiped, the whole transaction is encrypted and secure, so the credit card information is never transmitted in cleartext. As you’d expect from any POS system, PaySaber can be configured to interface with inventory systems to automatically deduct items from stock as a sale is completed.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News and RV News Net.

In order to get round all those pesky app store rules, the musos at Grooveshark have produced a basic little HTML5 player that’s available via Grooveshark’s website. If you’re not familiar with Grooveshark, it’s “the world’s largest on-demand and music discovery service. With over 15 million songs, Grooveshark is an ecosystem that brings together music fans, bands, music labels, and brands.”

A posting on their blog yesterday said:

In an effort to span over this confounded series of tubes and reach as many mobile music listeners as we can, we’ve done the unthinkable.

iOS? We got there.
Android 2.3+?   We got there.
Playbook? We got there.
TouchPad? Yep.  There too.

Should you choose to accept your mission:
http://html5.grooveshark.com/#soopersecretbeta
!!!  For covert opts points, try it on an html5 device not listed above and report your findings to Dr. Lovedoctor at lovedoctor@grooveshark.com for your bonus surprise.

I’ve tried out on an HP TouchPad, a Pre 3 and a Google Nexus S and can confirm that it works most of the time. On occasion, it wouldn’t start playing a track and once that had happened, I had to restart the browser to fix the problem. The app is pretty simple, no fancy cover-flow effects here. This is it on the TouchPad.

Tap on a track and it starts playing. There are also genre “radio” stations for a continuous stream of tracks. Overall, it’s not bad but the tracks failed to start playing too many times for my liking.

JamUp

I’ve seen multi-effect processors for iPad before. We did a CES interview on a stompbox. Positive Grid (positivegrid.com) is another company offering effects pedal for iOS. Today, they announced JamUp, a new multi-effect guitar app and guitar interface for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch.

JamUp gives guitarists access to many tones. They also have the  iTunes Jam Player and the very first sound-on-sound phrase sampler.  With 24 hybrid amps/effects, 16 user presets, sound-on-sound phrase sampler, iTunes player and more, you might be able to replace your large pedal board with an iPad or iPhone.

“JamUp is the must-have guitar app on iPad or iPhone for guitar players,” remarked Calvin Abel, Product Manager at Positive Grid. “It channels the traditional multi-effect pedal into one single guitar app with a good number of jamming and practice features, plus the stunning user interface and convenient form-factor, giving you the ability to completely transform your rig with this one app.”

You can choose from 6 historic amp models and convolution cab simulator, spring and digital reverb, tangy modulations, tape and digital delays, classic and fuzzy distortions, filters, compressors, noise gate and other essentials. JamUp also has “play along” capabilities. Capture loops and riffs and create sound-on-sound overdubs.

You will need the special adapter to connect the guitar into your iPhone, however, if you already have that device from another program, you can easily use it with JamUp.

Two versions of the software: JamUp Lite (Launch Special 30 days free) and JamUp Pro ($19.99) are available in iTunes App-Store now. JamUp Plug US MSRP is $39.95.

Andy McCaskey visits SplashTop and chats to Sergei about their SplashTop Remote app that allows you to see and use your PC desktop on your iOS or Android device.  Why would you want to do this? Perhaps you want to edit some Ms Office documents on your tablet while sitting in the living room. Or perhaps you want to play your favorite (Flash) game that’s not available for the iPad. Basically, SplashTop Remote allows you to use your PC by remote control (if you’ve ever used VNC, you’ll get the idea). There are two components to the setup – there’s a program that’s installed on the PC and then app for the mobile device. Naturally, there’s more info on the website.

It’s available now. $1.99 for the iPad and $4.99 on Android.

Interview by Andy McCaskey of SDR News.

Please Support our CES 2011 Sponsors.

Save 25% on 4GH Hosting 1yr Subscriptions Save 25% Promo Code CES2.

Jeffrey interviews Mark Williamson, CEO of Zoodles, which makes software that gives a “kid mode” to devices such as PCs, tablets and smartphones. As I suspect most parents will testify, children are always keen to get their hands on Mommmy’s or Daddy’s latest toy. The “kid mode” creates a walled-garden (or sand-pit) that includes lots of child-friendly educational games and activities, such as painting, and prevents the child from accessing other software on the phone. I’ve had a look at the Zoodles website and there are plenty of games for different age ranges, including games from Lego and Disney.

Recently, Zoodles has been focussing on Android but there are versions for iOS, Mac and PC. The basic version is free, though there is a Premium membership that gives more control over the software.

I’ll be trying this out with my 3 year old – any chance of a WebOS version?

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine Podcast.

Please Support our CES 2011 Sponsors.

Save 25% on 4GH Hosting 1yr Subscriptions Save 25% Promo Code CES2.

Jeffrey talks to Warren Roth, President of MSW Wireless about Wicked Metal Jackets, precision-machined aluminium iPhone and iPod Touch cases made in California, USA. It’s a full wraparound case that is screwed together (screwdriver included) in a range of different designs, including some for the ladies.  They’d also go great with leather and a Harley.

Available now for $49 and up.

Interview by Jeffrey Powers of The Geekazine Podcast.

Please Support our CES 2011 Sponsors

Get your 14 day Free Trial of Audible Gold to start Listening to great Books!
Save 25% on 4GH Hosting 1yr Subscriptions Save 25% Promo Code CES2.

Would-be Pop Idol and X-Factor competitors rejoice. IK Multimedia has announced the first handheld condenser microphone for iOS devices, the iRig Mic.

Working with the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, the iRig is perfect for the singer or songwriter on the move but can also be used to record speeches, performances or any other audio source.

The iRig Mic features a highly unidirectional electret-condenser microphone capsule that provides quality recording, in both close mic and long distance mic conditions, and real-time monitoring with its dual mini-jack connector. A three-level gain switch makes it instantly adjustable for any sound pressure condition — from soft speaking to loud playing. Its classic form is perfect for handheld performance, plus it can be mounted on any standard mic stand. A rugged metal body means it will stand-up to life on the road.

iRig Mic also comes with set of apps which can be downloaded from the AppStore.
- VocaLive free, IK’s new real-time effects processor app suite for the singer and vocalist.
- iRig Recorder, the new IK free audio recording app.
- AmpliTube Free, the best selling app for guitar players and songwriters.
iRig Mic also works with a multitude of other vocal and audio recording or processing apps for the iOS platform.

No price given.

I’m sure that this will be all over the Interweb very shortly, if it isn’t already.  Absolutely fantastic and really shows off the possibilities of augmented reality.

Apparently it’s test footage from an upcoming game called Star Wars Arcade: Falcon Gunner.  I’d almost buy an iPod Touch just for this.

Update: I’ve been thinking about this overnight and actually, while it’s still amazingly cool, it’s not really that good a demonstration of augmented reality.  The Manhattan skyline is only the background to the action and doesn’t appear to take part in the game itself.  What would be very clever would be if the TIE fights could fly behind the buildings, but I don’t think that they do, unless someone has better eyesight than me.

I was eagerly awaiting Apple’s recent fall “Rock and Roll” music event.  My excitement centered on one product, the iPod touch.  I own a first generation iPod touch and have loved it.  The applications are enjoyable and productive.  The iPod and Media functionality is outstanding.  The internet browsing experience great for a small screened computer.  When the second generation was released with an internal speaker and mic capabilities I briefly debated the upgrade.  Was the speed bump and those features worth it?  It would allow me to use Skype. . . hmm.  Still not enough.

The iPhone 3GS was released in June.  The iPhone included an amped up camera, vastly improved speed, GPS, and firmware 3.0 features made me sigh in jealousy.  Unfortunately my carrier doesn’t use the iPhone and/or subsidize it so that I can afford it where I was going to live.  And so I began looking forward to the 3rd generation Touch.  If the 3rd gen product had the new processor, highly rated camera, and improved voice recording then that would force the upgrade.  I could blog, podcast, take pictures, capture video, and then upload all from the device.  That would be worth putting it into my pocket.  Who knew?  Maybe Apple was going to throw in GPS and that would be delicious frosting.  With those features I would pay a price increase.

And yet, Apple released a Nano with the camera but the Touch without the camera.  What?  Are you kidding me?  Speculation in days prior hinted that hardware problems would keep the camera out of the Touch.  It works fine in the iPhone.  Or then maybe it doesn’t and this is Apple’s way of covering themselves.  Or maybe they left the features out so that they could drop the price and undercut Microsoft’s new Zune handheld (Update: Since original draft this has been verified in an interview with Steve Jobs).  Whatever the reason, they will sell millions of iPod Touch units, but will see few upgrades from previous generation users.  Give me the iPhone without the phone, nothing less.  This new one just didn’t come close to delivering the upgrade motivation for me.  Sad day.  I wanted to give them my money.  No doubt someone will.

I was one of the first to get a Zune when it was announced. I also was one of the first to get an iPod Touch. Being first is great but like most “version 1.0″ products, you’re left wanting more.

There are rumors that Apple will refresh it’s its iPod line next week and I’m hoping that includes the iPod Touch. I’ve enjoyed my first generation Touch but I wish it did more. In fact I wish it was just like the third generation iPhone, without the phone (and the monthly bill).

Apple, if you’re listening, here is my wish list for a new and improved iPod Touch:
1. Camera. There are rumors this will be included and it would be a killer product if it had the iPhone camera that could do stills and video.

2. GPS and Compass. I realize that the iPhone uses GPS and google maps to show you where you are and you need an internet connection to update the maps, but there are a few turn-by-turn GPS programs that store the maps in the iPhone and don’t rely on a Internet connection. This would be perfect for the Touch. Also, wifi is showing up almost everywhere so I think it still makes sense.

3. Built-in mic and speaker. Yes, I know the 2nd generation Touch has a speaker but I want to make sure it stays in for the 3rd gen (my 1st gen Touch doesn’t have it). A built-in mic means you could use the Touch as a recording device (for voice memos and video), as well as for services like Skype.

4. Music subscription service. I know this isn’t specific to the iPod Touch, but since you are rumored to be coming out with big announcements, why not shock everyone and offer a monthly fee for a service that gives you unlimited (DRM-encoded) music (similar to what Microsoft offers for the Zune). That would really take the thunder out of the pending Microsoft Zune HD release.

5. Approve Google Voice application to run on the iPhone/Touch. Oh sorry, this is for a different blog post.

So, 09/09/2009, is the big day and I can’t wait to see what Apple announces. What is on your wish list for Apple announcements?

73′s, Tom

I’ve had my first generation Kindle for a year and a half and I drooled when the second generation Kindle came out. I drooled again when the Kindle DX was announced earlier this year.

I tried using my Kindle to replace my daily newspaper but found the experience wasn’t up to the task. I got use to reading my news online but the serial viewing on the Kindle left me feeling that I was missing something. I do use my Kindle for reading books and have purchased a few reference books that allow me to use the Kindle’s search feature. Typically Kindle books are cheaper than their print cousins and most cost $9.99, but I didn’t think I used it enough to justify another $350 gadget when what I had, served my purpose.

When Apple announced the new iPhone 3GS and 3.0 firmware, I heard about the Kindle application for the iPhone and iPod Touch. I downloaded this free app and was impressed. It now feels like I have a new Kindle — on a device I already own.

When I installed the application on my iPod Touch and entered my Amazon account information, it showed me that I had a number of Archived Items. These were books that I had purchased and downloaded on my Kindle. I could then download a copy for reading on my iPod Touch. The cool thing was it opened up to the last page that I was reading on the Kindle. It turns out that this goes both ways. If I’m reading a book on the Touch and switch to my Kindle, it opens up to last page read on the Touch.

So how was the reading experience on the iPod Touch? Even though the screen is much smaller, I thought it was a great experience. The pages show up in portrait or landscape (depending on how you’re holding the device) and the menu and controls disappear after a few seconds. You navigate the pages by touching (or swiping) the screen. Touching the right side of the screen moves you forward and touching the left side moves you back. Page turns are very fast (faster than on the Kindle) and you access the menu by touching the center of the screen.  Bringing up the menu gives you access to changing the text size and color, setting/accessing bookmarks, and going back to the Home screen.  The Home screen allows you to select a new book, download one of your archived books, or search the Kindle store for another book.

One nice surprise came when I downloaded a photography book I had been reading on the Kindle. To save power the Kindle screen only shows shades of gray and the photography book was mainly text with a few photos thrown in. These photos showed up in color on my iPod Touch.

One of the best things (and a smart move by Amazon) is you don’t need to own a Kindle to read Kindle books on your iPhone/Touch. You can download the program for free from the iTunes Store and set up an Amazon account (if you ever ordered anything on Amazon.com, you already have an account). You can then download and review the first chapter of books from the Kindle store and purchase books right from the device.

I can’t say that having access to my Kindle books on my iPod Touch is going to keep me from getting a new Kindle someday because I’m find myself using my Kindle more these days. It’s a nice feeling knowing I can have my books with me even when I leave my Kindle at home. Like I said before, a very smart move Amazon!

73′s, Tom

The show today is produced on the road and would love to here your feedback on audio quality. Also those of you with Zunes please read the link below critical information for you!

Sponsors:
Special Promotion code 20% off on 1 Year Shared Hosting Plans use Godaddy Code Todd20
[Save 10% off on any order at GoDaddy.com!] Use Code Todd
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
My Facebook Profile
Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Zune Users Listener Critical Link To Read

Listener Links:
Japan Hacker Arrest
Net Meter is Running
JungleDisk
Google Domain Tasting
Twitter Client Software
Solar for Home?
Cool Earth Solar

Show Notes:
Podcamp Schedule
iPod Touch Software Update Cost Money?
Open Office 3
Technology Overload
Gene Pain Theraphy
Weird Places
Do you Read?
Symantec Guide to Internet Security
Is the Earth Core Softer?
Software Tool Reduces Vista Overhead
Global Amazon MP3
iPhone SDK Leaked
Windows 7 20011 versus 2009?
Cut the Methane Please
Mini Bar the calls home to Mama
Google Penalties Updated
Scoble and Mark Zuckerberg
Shel Israel
25 Million Free Songs Part 1
25 Million Free Songs Part 2
Lego at 50
Target tells Blogger we don’t talk to Bloggers!
Podcast Faq a great Podcast Resource
Google and Domain Tasting
Telco Immunity held up in Congress
Asteroid Images
NYC Bermuda Triangle

Another Monster show some great listener comments at the end of the show that you will not want to miss. Still fighting a horrible cough wife thinks it’s time to see the doctor.

Sponsors:
Sponsor: Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
My Facebook Profile
Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
unLocking
Satellites
Zichi
Search for Fosset
iPhone Ringtones
Nuclear Explosion at 1 Millisecond

Show Notes:
Cable must Support Analog TV till 2012
Office Ultimate for Students $60.00
Help those Serving our Country
Do not run this Stop Sign
Verizon Sues FCC over 700mhz Auction
30 Million Reward to get to the Moon
Windows Stealth Updates
RIAA Abusing Courts
Fair Use worth Fighting For
Mystery 9-11 Plane
Never Forget
Photonic Laser for Mars Propulsion
RIAA Complaint Dismissed
Viacomm Looses one Take down on YouTube
Powerful Light Scope
iPod Touch on the Streets
Pool Game and Cup Holder
Google pays 1.3 Million Parks Jet at Moffett
SEO Tutorial for WordPress
Google Special Announce Next Week
Google calls Verizon to Task
Having a Smartcard Legal
Metered Broadband slows Growth
Japan Lunar Princess heads for Moon

Note Looking for some help at PNME listen to show for details

This is a monster show with a huge number of listener comments that I had to get caught up. This show is packed end to end with good info.

Sponsors:
Sponsor: Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
My Facebook Profile
Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Listener Links:
Go Green
Apple RingTones
SixApart iPhone Support
WallPaper Site
iPhone Racks Up Charges When OFF!
DSL Nightmare
Naval Air Podcast
Rare Todd Podcast
Time Travel
Invest In Time Travel?

Show Notes:
Firefox 400 Million downloads
Apple looking at 700mhz Auction
RIAA gets smacked by Judge on Boilerplate Lawsuits
iPhone Unlock Video
TechShop is totally Awesome!
Apple Cripples iPod Touch Calendar
Solar Powered Plane
iTunes 7.4.1 and RingTone Battles
$7000.00 Rebate for Apple Lisa Users
Windows Live Writer Review
Mahalo getting a lot of scrutiny
Banner Ad Trojans!
Search for Lost via Google Earth
AdBlock Plus Commentary
RIAA Facing first Jury Trial!
Cannon Hack to give RAW Images to most Cannon Cameras
Europe SeedCamp WInners
Adobe Online Image Editor Review
UAV Google Earth and Software equals cool things
ISP’s Ignoring Hacked Computers
Skype Worm
Mars Rovers on Move!
Technorati River of News
Thanks Michael

We take a trip down history lane for show 300 which should prove to be entertaining and yet give everyone a perspective of how the show and activities within Podcasting has evolved.

Sponsors:
Sponsor: Save Money with all our GoDaddy Codes see our Promo Code Page
[Try GoToMeeting free for 30 days at GoToMeeting.com/techpodcasts. No credit card needed.]

Twitter Me http://www.twitter.com/geeknews
My Facebook Profile
Comments to 619-342-7365 e-mail to geeknews@gmail.com

Instead of giving cash to a listener we are giving $500.00 to the American Red Cross.

Show Notes:
Delicious Preview
Dear Steve Can I have a T-Shirt Too
Get your iPhone Refund
Google Reader adds Search
Windows Live Writer Beta 3
Blog Designs
TiVoToGo coming to HD TiVo
Do you have two Ethernet Cables?
ContactOffice Update
Nokia Takes a Shot At Apple
Net Neutrality in Extreme Danger
ISS Crew Re-Arranges some Gear
Phoenix Mars Mission
Apple Makes a Big Mistake
SilverLight Plug-In ready to Roll
Safari on iPod Touch Huge Deal
Your Facebook Profile Partially Public now!
RIAA continues to act above the Law