Facebook Home Initially Disappointing; Will Evolve

Facebook Home In Early Stages

Facebook recently released a new kind of app called Facebook Home, and the reviews are lackluster so far. But if the tech giant's history proves to be any indicator of long-term success, this is just the beginning of a long relationship with the software.


Facebook Home, launched April 12, 2013, promised to turn the user's phone into an all-in-one social hub with pictures, live updates, and easier chatting with Facebook friends. But reviews over the days since its launch have not been favorable. Complaints frequently mention how much battery the app consumes, though many people seem hopeful to use it if certain features were included. The likely reason behind this reception is the choice of phones that Facebook chose to support the app.

The phones that support it so far are high-end Android smartphones like the Galaxy SIII and the Galaxy Note II. The people using the app so far are more concerned with bleeding-edge functionality than a much larger user-base would be. Early media reports on Home's "Failure to Launch" seem to ignore the limited user base that it has been released to.

Facebook has been working on better integrating user feedback into their designs, after having gained a reputation for inconsiderate and abrupt homepage redesigns. Their latest site redesign therefore focused on usability and good design. Home only achieves the latter, but is clearly hoping to improve its product based on the less-than-congratulatory reviews online.

The official Facebook app has had almost 7 million installs, customers which Facebook is no doubt looking to convert to the new Facebook Home app, so it makes sense that they would polish the app on high-end devices before releasing it to a broader user base. As always, computer repair experts and Nerds look forward to seeing where this trend is headed - Facebook never does anything small!

Image from Facebook

Smart Mobile Games for Kids to Download

Smart Mobile Games for Kids

Anyone stuck in line at the grocery store with a cranky toddler can’t deny the sweet nirvana to be had by simply handing over your Smartphone or iPod Touch.  But what happens when you discover that little Sammy has been playing Angry Birds Star Wars instead of practicing early reading skills with Bob Books?  Luckily, many games that aren’t classified as educational can impart some great skills, all in the course of fun.  Here are some of the surprising skills my son has picked up from games he really shouldn’t have been playing.


First things first: before you hand off your mobile device, protect it from the all-too-fast fingers of your little one.  Despite your inevitable distraction in the checkout aisle, don’t allow your kid to play completely unattended and do ensure they don’t launch something inappropriate for their age.  Besides the obvious benefits of a sturdy case, don’t forget to activate some parental restrictions.  If nothing else, turn off in-app purchases so you don’t end up with a nasty surprise on your next credit card bill.  Turn off WiFi and/or put your phone in airplane mode to quickly limit exploring and buying.

For more on how to activate parental restrictions on tablets, see our previous article: http://www.callnerds.com/parental-tablet-control-press/.  The process for activating restrictions on an iPhone is similar to the process described for iPads.

Real Racing 2 by EA Mobile (iOS $4.99, Android $5.88): My 4 year old actually knows how to use a steering wheel thanks to this game.  You hold the handheld device like a steering wheel and tilt it right to turn right, left to turn left.  Eliminating button controls makes it realistic enough that my little guy has been able to translate his gaming practice into real life steering skills.  He’s learned the importance of subtle movements over sharp jerks.  Surprisingly, this has translated into an uncanny ability to get around in a Hot Wheels Jeep.  He can steer around obstacles without batting an eye and perform a three point turn with more precision than I can.

Disclaimer: The most recent version, Real Racing 3, is plagued by incessant prompts to spend money on in-app game upgrades and will actually disable gameplay if you don’t.

Scribblenauts Remix by Warner Bros. (iOS and Android, $.99): While I expected my kid to practice spelling with the many reading and phonic apps I’ve installed, none were as motivating as a game that has little to do with spelling skills.  You type in words to make things appear in the cartoon world on the screen, either to play with or to complete challenges.  For example, the main cartoon character may appear on screen with a tree and a star at the top of the tree.  The goal is to get the star.  Players can summon a chainsaw to take the tree down, a ladder to climb the tree, a jetpack to fly up to the star… you get the idea.

It’s the creative possibilities linked with the necessity that you spell a word to get the desired thing to appear that really got my little guy working on sounding out words.  While “dragon” became a quick addition to his word arsenal, he also had to learn modifiers to make it just right (such as “big black flying dragon”).

Disclaimer: this game is open-ended in its allowance of creativity which can lead to cartoon violence, particularly when your kid starts spelling gun, sword and ninja.

Angry Birds by Rovio Entertainment (many versions for all mobile OS):  The flying birds and mocking pigs seem mindless and silly, but there’s actually some fundamental physics skills being formed when you launch those Angry Birds. Most notably, users are unwittingly learning the basic physics of trajectory, momentum and gravity.  My kid quickly grasped that what goes up will come down, but where depends on how hard and high you throw it.  I’ve seen him work out similar dynamics when tossing a ball.  Thankfully no pigs are harmed in the process when it’s done out of game.

World of Goo by 2D Boy (iOS and Android, $4.99): While it may have you hooked with its addictive, open-ended gameplay, this beautifully rendered game will make your kid think creatively to overcome challenges.  Use squirmy, chatty globs of goo to construct structures, bridges, cannonballs, and much more, all the while learning about basic engineering and structural integrity.

Even “platform” games that seem mindless like Mega Run, Jetpack Joyride, Ham Run, and Wind-Up Knight are great for reflexes – they require the player to jump or tilt the screen at just the right time to avoid obstacles, or reason through the right series of moves to achieve an objective.  It also takes tenacity and perseverance to keep trying when met with defeat time and again.

So before you beat yourself up about using your mobile sanity-saver on your next car trip, know that even the more “mindless” games are often helping to develop some surprising skills.

 

The Best Way to Choose a Computer Monitor Part 1

Choose a Computer Monitor to Fit Your Needs - Part 1

Your computer’s monitor can make or break your ability to work comfortably, enjoy high quality media and efficiently manage multiple processes simultaneously.   Yet many users choose their monitor based on what’s included in a package deal, or opt for the largest screen available within their budget.  While size does matter, there are several other factors to consider before choosing the screen you’ll be staring at for hours on end.


Before you get seduced by a 32” widescreen behemoth, keep in mind that the screen will likely be a few feet away from your face.  Make sure your desk big enough to handle that much viewing area without overwhelming your available space.

Remember when mom and dad warned you not to sit too close to the TV because it would hurt your eyes and give you a headache?   Sitting too close to a screen that’s a smidge too large may lead to eye strain.  If you’re going to be using the system for work and surfing the net, most find that 21-29” is ideal, depending on the distance between the screen and chair afforded by your desk.

There are additional factors that become more important when you increase the size of your screen.  Resolution (how many pixels there are on the screen) and pixel pitch (the distance between pixels) are the primary determinants of image clarity.  Think of pixels as tiny boxes that change color in order to formulate an image.  The more pixels per square inch on the screen, the sharper the image.  A low resolution on a large screen will equate to blurry image.  Smaller pixel pitch offers higher clarity.

The graphics card in your computer determines the quality of information that is sent to your monitor and the speed at which it’s delivered.  An older or low-end graphics card paired with a new, top-of-the-line monitor will decrease the monitor’s performance and compromise the clarity of image produced on the screen.  This means that most basic PC owners won’t get the full value of a super high resolution, large screen monitor without upgrading their computer’s graphics processing capabilities.

If you’re upgrading your monitor but not your PC, check the connection ports on your graphics card.  Digital Visual Interface (DVI) used to be very commonplace, but more monitors are dropping them in favor of High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connections.  Both support the data transfer required to watch high definition video, but DVI cables have pins that can get bent, require a separate audio connection for sound (HDMI transmits graphics and sound together) and lack default support for HDCP encryption (which may limit your ability to watch all HD content or blu-ray disks).  You can purchase a DVI to HDMI adapter, but it’s best to go with a monitor that offers multiple connection options.

DisplayPort connections are considered to be "up and coming."  They have a higher bandwidth (meaning they can transfer a larger “packet” of data at once) than DVI and HDMI.  These may be significant in the future, but haven’t taken off yet so don't worry if your monitor-of-choice doesn't support DisplayPort.

It’s very important to consider warranty when purchasing a monitor.  Most issues will be present right away, or appear within the first few months of use.  Make sure the monitor you choose has at least a 90-day, money back guarantee and a return policy free of restocking fees.  Parts-and-labor coverage should continue for another two to three years.  Read the fine print to confirm that there is coverage for the backlight and defective pixels.

Not all LCDs are created equal.  Stay tuned next week for all you need to know about different LCD options and new monitor technology like touchscreen and 3D capabilities.

Smartphone Driving Apps

Smartphone Driving Apps - The Best Out There

You certainly shouldn't ever use your phone to text while you're driving, and making calls is possible with Bluetooth but risky. However, there's no reason to turn off your Smartphone all the way while you're driving. USA Today reports on a few apps that make using a Smartphone in the car practical. Our computer repair Nerds checked them out so they could give you the scoop on Smartphone driving apps.


All Inclusive:  The first and one of the most full-featured is Waze. Waze has been making big ripples on the grid for a while now, even being featured in the recent Facebook Home launch. The app allows you to connect with other drivers sharing the same stretch of roads as you, while simultaneously being an excellent navigation tool, complete with maps. But the coolest feature is the ability to get exclusive traffic reports created by other Waze users. If another Waze user (or Wazer) sees a road hazard, police officer, or other relevant information, they can report it to the service and others in the area can take heed. The app also allows chatting between users, although you'd better let the person in the passenger seat take care of that responsibility! It's available for free for iPhone and Android

City Minded:  The next app is a bit more city-driving-focused. It's called ParkMe, and it does what its name promises. It will find you the closest and cheapest parking in the area, and shows you what's available right now. The prices will appear on a map and you can choose to navigate to the best one for you. It's free for both Android and iPhone

And if you have an iPhone and park in metered areas more often, Honk will allow you to check time remaining on your meter and provide directions back to your car when the time is up.

Performance in Mind:  All of these apps are great and can enhance your driving experience. But there's one more that blows the rest of the apps out of the water. We didn't include it at the top since there's a bit of a price attached: $69.95. It's called Automatic, and the price is actually for a hardware dongle that connects to your car's computer. It will work with just about any car sold in the US since 1996, but it upgrades it to a luxury car. Not only does it have a GPS app built in, but the link hardware lets you know how to drive better. It tells you when you brake roughly, speed, or accelerate too rapidly. Tweaking your driving can take hundreds off your gas bill. On top of that, it will call 911 if you're in a crash, saving precious time or possibly saving your life. And when that "check engine" light comes on, it will report what the status code means and tell you exactly how to fix it. If you can't fix it yourself, it will also locate nearby mechanics. If the problem is just the check engine light, you can turn off the light within the app. On top of all this, it automatically detects where you parked and can guide you back. If you share a car with someone, both of you can put the app on your phone and can coordinate car sharing from within it.

 

Make Money Online… No, Really

If I tell you that you can make money using the Internet without leaving your PJs, you’d probably expect me to continue with a sob story about a Nigerian prince or sell you a training course to be a stay-at-home medical transcriptionist. While “get-rich-quick” schemes abound, there do exist some legitimate portals to make a small but potentially steady income online.


Unfortunately, there are far more scams than there are legitimate avenues of income. Beware of any offer that requires you to supply a credit card, pay for “training,” or fork over a membership fee. Avoid doing a Google search for “make money online,” unless you want to test your ability to sniff out a shyster.

If you’re crafty: Do you have a talent for crafting something beautiful, delicious or unique? Etsy (www.etsy.com) is one of the most well known sites for talented and creative folks to sell their handcrafted gems. While the pool of fellow crafty sellers is large and joining the fray may be intimidating, Etsy attracts a huge following of potential buyers who are in the market for handmade goodies. From clothing (sewn, knitted, etc) to stationary to art and much more, anything you lovingly create can find a buyer at Etsy. There’s no membership fee. It’s $.20 to list an item for four months or until it sells and a 3.5% fee charged on the sale price, but it’s hard to argue with the exposure you can gain from their community of 15 million users. It’s got a classier feel than eBay and users trust that the products will be as advertised so you don’t have to mess with bidding or micromanaging your reviews to create credibility – just produce a high quality product and get it to buyers in a timely manner.

If you’re a know-it-all: Whether it’s professional expertise or just that you just know a lot about a lot of things, you can get paid for answering questions submitted through Just Answer (www.justanswer.com). Simply complete an online application and online profile, take a test to qualify your skill set and verify your credentials. Categories range from those you’d expect (legal, medical, technology, relationships, etc) to more diverse (dream interpretation, clock repair, etc). You can even request that a new category be created to accommodate your special branch of knowledge. Users submit questions and offer a value for the answer. If you successfully answer the question, the money offered by the submitter is credited to your “Expert earnings account.” Once your account has more than $20 in it you can cash out via PayPal.

If you have a quirky talent: Can you draw quick cartoons from any joke? Make up catchy jingles on a whim? Speak fluent pig latin? Offer up your services on fiverr (www.fiverr.com) for – you guessed it - $5 a pop.

If you have more time than money: You can do a bunch of odd jobs paying a few cents to a few dollars per task through Amazon Mechanical Turk (www.mturk.com). They call it “Artificial Artificial Intelligence.” Some examples of available jobs are classifying or tagging images, translations, categorizing statements, reviewing and reporting how you feel about a web site or product, and basic data entry. The list of HITs (Human Intelligence Tasks) is long though the rewards are small. The idea is that if you do enough small tasks it can add up to a more lucrative reward to offset your Amazon shopping habit. Do a good job and you can earn qualifications that will allow you to accept more advanced (and theoretically higher paying) jobs. Just browse their extensive library tasks that you think you can handle, submit your work and if the requestor approves your submission money is automatically deposited into your Amazon Payments account.

If you’re sure that your opinion matters: While taking online surveys certainly won’t make you rich, you can at least avoid the “secret shopper” scams via MindField Online (http://mindfieldonline.com). Their site doesn’t specify how much you should expect to earn per survey, only that once you’ve collected $5 you can request a payout via check, paypal or via Amazon Cashout. Members are invited to participate in surveys via email based on their qualifications so you have to wait for them to contact you with an offer. Survey participants are also automatically entered into drawings for cash and prizes.

Finally, if you have a skill, marketable service (pet sitting? Office organization?), or are available for rent (setting up for a party? Running errands?), consider listing yourself through a local online network such as Craigslist.

Facts about Google Fiber

Facts About Google Fiber - the internet service to rule them all

There's nothing Nerds love more than fast internet access everywhere, so that's why we've been excited to follow Google Fiber. They've just announced they'll be expanding to a new city, so we thought we'd take the time to share a little bit about the service with you.

Google Fiber is a project by Google to implement a fiber-optic network throughout an entire city, providing high-speed internet access anywhere. Google offers three options for people fortunate enough to be in one of the few cities where the network is implemented.


The first option is free, following Google's usual approach to their products. There's a one-time $300 construction fee to hook up the network to your house, but after that it's free. The speed of this plan is five megabits a second, which is just below the average internet speed in America. You can't beat free!

The second option is $70 a month, with no construction fee. The speed of this option clocks in at one gigabit a second, more than ten times faster than the average internet speed. It also comes with a one terabyte Google Drive, which will allow you to store and access your files from any of your devices using the Google Drive service.

The most expensive option includes television service as well, and comes with two terabytes of DVR storage, as well as a Nexus 7 Tablet. It costs $120 a month.

As enticing as these options are however, the service is only available in a few cities at the time of writing. The first, Kansas City, was installed in July of 2012. Since then Google has announced that they will expand the service to Olathe, Kansas; Austin, Texas; and Provo, Utah.

The choice of these cities was decided by an online selection process, but some cities took their plea to the next level. Greenville, South Carolina used people holding glowsticks to spell out "Google," visible from the sky. Topeka, Kansas temporarily renamed itself "Google," and an island in Sarasota, Florida was renamed "Google Island."

Nerds are excited to see this hyper-fast internet, as well as free internet spread over the world. And we like to see  using their computers more. After all, more people with computers means more people will need computer repair!

Teen Facebook Usage Declining

Facebook Usage Declining Among Teens

If you use Facebook to keep tabs on what your kids are doing, you may need to resort to more traditional methods…like talking. A report released by Piper Jaffray shows that while Facebook is still the most popular social network for teens, its usage has declined steeply in the last year –by nine percent.


This comes as no surprise in the web world – after all Myspace, once the king of social networking, turned into a wasteland after the hype had worn off. In addition, the site’s popularity has driven everyone to it – including those people that teens may have joined the site to escape from. Whereas the site used to be a haven for young people to congregate, the site has become ubiquitous and it’s hard to find any semblance of privacy. And with many more of the older population boarding the site, teens may be opting not to just ignore the friend requests from their friend’s mom, but to abandon the site altogether.

According to the Jaffray study, teens are moving to a greater number of more highly specialized social sites like Instagram, Reddit, and Twitter. These services focus less on promoting personal details and more on chronicling life events. Twitter for example allows teens to briefly express their emotions or thoughts, and Instagram allows them to capture their life in photos, without all the “other stuff” Facebook comes with. Reddit is a popular site for sharing memes, interacting with celebrities, and discussing news relevant to the users’ interests.

Also according to the study were some interesting facts about teen internet usage: almost 80% of all teenagers shop online – spending almost a fifth of their money on the internet. Three quarters of them prefer online shopping over store-based shopping, a trend which will bring significant economic effects as the generation gains more buying power.

And in order to access this vast web, nearly 91% of teens will buy smartphones for their next wireless device – 60% will buy an iPhone and 21% an Android.

With all this activity happening with the younger generation, it can be hard for parents to keep up. It can be overwhelming to keep up with all the different websites. So perhaps instead of trying to stalk our kids on every website they have a login for, we parents should just spend more time getting to know them – that’s a method that’s sure to work regardless of the social networks they frequent!