by Lori Cunningham
Are you interested in the latest gadgets or technology updates but don’t have the time to subscribe to and read the 
latest insights on the Internet? Let me tell you, there are some cool tech products out there and many more in the pipeline. I subscribe to several websites to find out the latest tech offerings. I know a number of you would be interested in these tech finds too, so I will begin compiling some of the more interesting ones to post in a news feature called Mom Tech & Family Tech News. If there’s a particular type of technology news or gadget that interests you, let me know and I’ll keep on the lookout for them. Enjoy!
Now You Can “Beat It” with Michael Jackson!
If you’re a big Michael Jackson fan and looking for a way to relive his music or introduce MJ’s music to your kids, the perfect Christmas/birthday gift for use with your game system is coming out soon. It’s called “Michael Jackson The Experience” and it’s due to hit retail shelves on November 23rd. The new “Michael Jackson Experience” is a great family game that allows players to “step into the shoes of Michael Jackson himself and re-live his most iconic performances through their own singing and dancing.” (1) Furthermore, the game offers participants the ability to sing along and have their performance rated.
Michael Jackson Estate Co-Executor, John McClain, is excited about the new game, “no artist can energize a dance floor in the spirit of fun like Michael Jackson. His God-given gifts for music and dance are something new generations of fans will appreciate even more. This game is a natural extension of what he would be doing today to raise his artistry to even greater heights for his fans of all generations.”
Here’s the official trailer for the Michael Jackson The Experience game on YouTube:
“Michael Jackson The Experience” will initially be available for the Wii, PSP, and DS game systems on November 23rd. Unfortunately, if you have a Xbox 360 or PS3, you’re going to have to wait until the first quarter in 2011, as Ubisoft is still working on perfecting the game’s capabilities to work with Xbox 360 Kinect and PlayStation Move. From what I can see from this “Michael Jackson The Experience” game trailer, it will be worth it to use a motion sensing gaming platform, such as the Wii, Xbox 360 Kinect, or PlayStation Move.
(1) http://www.michaeljackson.com/us/news/ubisoft-announces-michael-jackson-video-game
Samsung Steps into the Ring with Apple – the Galaxy Tab vs. the iPad
Think the iPad is the only game in town? Think again. I predict 2011 will be the “year of the tablet.” For the past couple of years, a number of technology manufacturers have been working on their own version of the tablet. Apple outpaced them all by coming out with their iPad first. Apple sold three million iPads in 80 days. Now that’s a spectacular start!
Samsung’s Galaxy Tab, based on Google’s Android, sports a seven inch screen (vs. iPad’s 9.7 inch), a camera on its front and back, and mobile service provided by Verizon Wireless, Sprint Nextel, and AT&T. Furthermore, the Galaxy Tab supports Adobe Flash, upgradeable memory (from 16gb or 32gb) to an additional 32gb more, multi-tasking capabilities, and it can be used as a phone with either Bluetooth or as a speakerphone.
For a side-by-side comparison of the iPad to the Galaxy, see PC World’s analysis.
I’m impressed with it’s capabilities. Video conferencing has never been so easy–or transportable. Take a look for yourself:
Pricing for the Galaxy has not yet been communicated. Several 3G carriers are expected to offer the Galaxy Tab at a reduced priced with 3G service at around the $200-$300 price level with contract. The Galaxy Tab is anticipated to go on sale October 11th.
source: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748703597204575484194169621992.html?mod=WSJ_hps_sections_tech
Apple iPhone 4 Case Giveaway to Ends Today, September 30th
Apple sold 1.5 millions iPhone 4 phones the first day they were on sale. (1) Sales have only soared from there. It didn’t take long, however, before Apple began receiving complaints about calls being dropped. According to PC World, “the signal drop problem seems to appear when a user touches both of the black lines on the phone’s metal sides towards the bottom, according to corroborated users reports.” (2.)
Apple reports “if you ever experience this on your iPhone 4, avoid gripping it in the lower left corner in a way that covers both sides of the black strip in the metal band, or simply use one of many available cases.” (2.)
Apple reports regardless of all the publicity, it only affected a small number of iPhone 4 customers. Nonetheless, Apple is offering a free iPhone 4 case to protect the antenna issues from happening. If you are experiencing reception problems with your iPhone 4 phone, contact Apple. To learn more about the free case program see the explanation page on Apple.com. Apple has stated that the free case program will end September 30th.
(1.) http://mashable.com/2010/06/25/apple-1-5-million-iphones-4/
(2.) http://www.pcworld.com/article/199853/apple_responds_to_iphone_4_antenna_problem.html
(3.) http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6895CG20100911
Wal-Mart To Offer Family Mobile Network Plans
After testing the waters, Wal-Mart has created a new mobile network in conjunction with T-Mobile.
Different from most mobile plans, Wal-Mart plans to offer a combination of pre-paid and post-paid plans. Wal-Mart will offer lower cost plans but at the expense of having to pay a higher price for the phone in the forefront. Plans will cost $45/month for unlimited voice and texting. However, to add additional family members the cost increases to $25 extra per member a month.
Wal-Mart believes their new plan “offers a family of three savings of up to $1,200 per year compared to the leading national unlimited talk and text plans.*” The new mobile Family Plans launched in nearly 2,500 stores on September 20, 2010.
*Claim based on comparison against comparable post-paid unlimited talk and text family plans with three lines of service offered by AT&T and Verizon; does not include taxes and fees or cost of phone. Plan features, service limitations and requirements may vary among carriers. Data obtained from AT&T and Verizon websites as of Sept. 2010. source: http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/news/10297.aspx
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