“Opinion” collection
Explore expert editorial perspectives on the evolving relationship between technology, family life, and modern culture. These opinion pieces offer unique insights and personal reflections on industry trends from a veteran technologist and parent.
HTD Tech Briefs
View all →March 31, 2014
Want to Dump your Smartphone Bill? Review of Scratch Wireless for Free Voice and Data Services
Many people have smartphones and even more have cellular phones, but most of us are locked into lengthy contracts in order to get data and voice services. A relatively new company launched in October of 2013, Scratch Wireless aims to provide smartphone services to those who don't want contracts, but who also want to minimize the amount they pay, ad hoc,…
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January 20, 2014
I’m Writing Tech News for You to Steal
Yes, you read the title correctly, I am writing tech news articles for you to take, use and put your own name on, and photos and videos as well. Long live plagiarism! While everything that I have said is true, I do think it is important for me to clarify things a bit. The stuff that you are reading here,…
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December 31, 2013
iGear Unlimited Flip Turn Case & Keyboard: Make your iPad Mini a Mini Computer
I always recommend getting a case for your tablet or smartphone. It's important to protect your investment. Sometimes, however, a case can go beyond providing simple protection, it can give utility as well. The iGear Unlimited has a very useful protective case that actually has multiple functions, starting with a Bluetooth keyboard. The iGear Unlimited Flip Turn Case is designed…
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December 23, 2013
Fantastic Fitbit Force is a Healthy Upgrade to the Flex
There is quite a rage going on now around wearable computers and devices, and Fitbit has been leading the charge of producing gadgets you wear that track your activity. A year ago, I was introduced to the Fitbit Flex, which is a rechargeable wristband that measured movements and activity as well as a whole lot more. I wore it almost…
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November 12, 2013
“OnStar? I’d Like to Get a Tour of Detroit!” #ConnectedByOnStar Event
Now I get it. Now I understand why so many people choose GM vehicles like Buick. It's because these vehicles come equipped with OnStar. OnStar is like having your own personal, 24x7 co-pilot and concierge on-call. For the past couple of days, I have been not only immersed within all things OnStar and Buick, but also was able to experience…
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October 28, 2013
When is a Tablet Not a Tablet? When It’s A Windows 8.1 Pro Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet 2
I have had my fair share of experience with a variety of tablets ranging from iPads to Samsung 10.1 tablets to a Sony and even a Blackberry Playbook. It seems that manufacturers and developers continue to tweak their interfaces and hardware specifications to hopefully be the one that "sticks" and that everyone gravitates towards. I believe, though, that each of…
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October 14, 2013
Watch Out SnapChat Users! SnapHack App Can Now View & Save Photos & Videos Forever
SnapChat has always, in my opinion, been a controversial app. It has a very simple model, you can take pictures and photos and send them to friends and these multimedia files only are visible for a few seconds. Once the time passes, the videos or photos can no longer been seen. Teens and tweens view this app as a lot…
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October 4, 2013
Is K-12 the Appropriate Place to Teach Children about Copyright Infringement? Huffington Post Live Interview
I remember back in the 1980's (ok I'm dating myself) when my friends and I used to make mix-tapes and music compilations and shared them amongst ourselves. It was a multi-hour process and we poured our creativity and thoughts into making the perfect tape. There was no thought in our minds about whether what we were doing was "legal" or…
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October 4, 2013
Weighing in on the Withings Smart Body Analyzer WS-50
Recent advances in personal technology are allowing individuals and families to get better analysis of their health progress or lack there of. From wearable devices that track your movement to applications that help you set exercise goals, our society now has consumer tools that remove some of the mystery surrounding personal health. Withings is a company that has been leading…
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October 1, 2013
Is Storage Trendy? Or Just Following a Technology Trend? Top Storage Trends
Ok, I know. Talking about storage solutions or what the top storage trends are is not exactly the #1 topic on people's minds. In fact, I would say that we all take storage for granted...that is, until we RUN OUT of storage or a hard drive crashes or our storage solution is incredibly slow. And, many of us simply don't…
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September 19, 2013
Will You Pledge to Not Text and Drive? Do It Now! #ItCanWait
For the past couple of months, I have been writing and talking about the national campaign where you pledge to not text and drive. It's called It Can Wait (the hashtag is #ItCanWait). There is a website that you can go to to take this pledge of not texting and driving - just head over to www.ItCanWait.com and you can…
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September 13, 2013
ODOYO Power+Shell EX iPhone 5 Battery Case is Almost Perfect
A few weeks ago, I published a head-to-head review of four iPhone 5 battery cases (by Mophie, Belkin, MyCharge & XPAL Power). Each of these case+battery solutions had their own advantages (and disadvantages). Unfortunately, I didn't get my hands on the ODOYO Power+Shell EX iPhone 5 battery case in time for that review, otherwise, it would have been the leader…
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