Spot

The Spot is a geeky hiker's companion. It lets your friends and family track you and receive pre-set messages as how your condition is. It even lets you contact local police, highway patrol, the Coast Guard, country embassies, and more services. Otherwise, you can let your friends and family know that you're okay. All of this with a location and message! The Spot is currently starting at $149.95!

What Happens When You Call 911?

In an emergency, calling 911 does more than you might think. On the iPhone, there's a super hidden mode called "Emergency Call Mode" (excludes GSM iPhones). When an emergency call ends, the mode is activated for a few minutes to allow a call back from the emergency service. Data and text messages are disabled. To exit this mode, just lock your phone or press the home button.

iPhone 5C

An image from China shows what the packaging may be for the lower-cost iPhone. The packaging appears to be made of plastic, the same material that the low-cost iPhone may be made of. The packaging is also curved like the device. In addition, it's called the "iPhone 5C". This might not be final, but the "C" may stand for "classic" or may represent the color variations rumored to be on the device. Take a look and see what you can find!

The Humble Desktop

While many don't notice it much, the desktop is like the bulletin board of the computer. Filled with photos, video, and documents that are meaningful to our lives. We even have trash cans on / near the desktop. What do you think? Post in the comments below!

Aliases Were Made For Things Like Yelp

Aliases are fake names used to protect your identity. Food apps are practically made for this sorta thing. I mean, think about it. Do you really want to tell the world what you're eating, where, and what you think about it? Seriously, what app stalks you like that?! Okay, I can think of three right away (Facebook, Google+, Foursquare). But still. Yelp has a special field in the account settings asking if you want to use an alias. What do you think?

USB Wood-Burner

The BioLite Wood Burning Stove gets you power in the wild! Or anywhere! Just burn some wood to cook your dinner and charge your phone via the USB port! Pretty cool, right? This is available at REI and at the official BioLite Shop (+ FREE SHIPPING THIS SUMMER)!

Nerd Merit Badges!

Are you the tech wiz in your family? Then, check out Nerd Merit Badges! They have a wide selection of badges. From committing to GitHub, to attempting to fix a printer. If you don't have an empty sash lying around, use a laptop sash! Have fun!

Tiles

Tiles are the product of the future! They're tiny squares that can help you find anything! Okay, just watch the video. It'll explain everything.

Pretty cool, right? There's one catch. They last one year. For one of two reasons. Either, the battery dies after one year (as you can't charge it or replace its batteries), or they disable it to make more money. But, it's probably the battery as the site says that they'll give you a procedure for recycling it. And I don't think they'll need the money as they've already been funded more than 13 times through and made over $2 million. Yesterday at midnight, the funding was ended which means there's a higher price. That price is $24.95. I bought one for $18.95! I also plan to do a review when it's delivered this Winter.

Logic Pro X

One of the three pro apps for the Mac finally gets an update. Logic Pro X is an app for professional musicians. As you've might've guessed, Apple makes the Mac franchise based on the Roman-numeral. OS X, Final Cut X, and now Logic Pro X. Of course, that leaves an exception of Aperture (which is the pro app for photographers). Now, Logic Pro X has a new interface, a digital drummer, and some new tools. More to come on this. Logic Pro X is available from the Mac App Store for $299.99. 

OS X Up-To-Date Program

When Apple announces a new major update to OS X, they usually release a program, known as the OS X Up-To-Date Program. While there is no news of one for Mavericks, we can expect one in August. The OS X Up-To-Date Program allows users to update their Macs to Mavericks for free when it comes out, if they have bought the Mac after the program is announced. Since it hasn't been announced yet, I suggest that you don't buy a Mac yet. This is Apple's slow part of the year. The small portion of the year when the next iPhones, iPods, and Macs are released. I suggest that you hold off on buying Apple products until they have been released. 

However, this year brings up a conflict. Usually every year, Apple releases OS X in July, just after new Macs are released, and iOS in the Fall (September to October), on the date the next iPhone comes out. However, this year, Apple officially stated that OS X will come in the Fall. The reason? It's quite simple really. Remember the Mac Pro at WWDC? OS X will be released along with the Mac Pro along with iOS 7 along with the next iPhone! Why is this a conflict? Two reasons: First, OS X will take much longer to come out and will take even longer to fix all of the bugs in the minor updates (most people will wait for 10.9.1 instead of the initial 10.9 update). Second, Apple is offering the education discount which gets you a free iTunes gift card (this section only applies for students K-12 or in college). Last year when iOS 6 was released, Apple stopped offering the education discount. Everything in Apple has a specific date to come out. If Mavericks comes out in October, then that gives out a small period of time to get a Mac, get the discount, and get Mavericks for free. Solutions? Well, you could get into that grace period if you can get the date right (which I'll probably tell you on this blog). If you have no idea what I'm talking about, or you're just plain out confused, this option is for you! Just pay the $20 for Mavericks! If you got the discount, you already have the credits. If you didn't get the discount, just use the Up-To-Date Program, which I'll explain more about when (and if) it is announced. Until then, enjoy Summer!

Find Related Movie Content on iTunes

If you watch a lot of movies on your iPad, chances are that you like one of the soundtracks from the movie. Now on iTunes, when can buy a movie on your iPad, tap on the movie icon in the Videos app. When the description comes up, there might just be a soundtrack link to iTunes. I hope this helps!

The Ultimate Battery Setup

If you want portable power for your iPhone 5 ANYWHERE, this is for you. First, you'll need two things other than an iPhone 5. 

1. A Jackery Mini External Battery ($25 on Amazon; $70 retail; for light use), a Jackery Bar External Battery ($35 on Amazon; $90 retail; pictured and recommended), or a Jackery Giant ($50 on Amazon; $130 retail; for heavy use; not for camping due to weight). 

2. A micro-USB to Lightning adapter (pictured: $2-$8 generic; buy at your own risk; $20 from Apple). 

When both products arrive, plug in the adapter into the small end of the cable included with the battery. Plug in your iPhone 5 and there you go! Power anywhere! I hope this helps!!!

Comic-Con: The Nintendo Gaming Lounge

While Comic-Con is sold out, there are lots of other geeky things to do. One of them is the Nintendo Gaming Lounge. It's part of Comic-Con and it's free (no ticket required). The Nintendo Gaming Lounge is full of 3DS's (Got StreetPass?) and free swag. In addition, you can play games announced at E3. Be sure to check my Twitter account (@alexsmbaratti) on the right side of the page for live-tweets as I'll be there today. If you'd like to go to the Nintendo Gaming Lounge, the location is below.

The FBI!

Apparently, some hackers pretending to be the FBI are accusing innocent users of illegal acts. The site "locks" your browser by not letting you leave the page or close your browser unless you pay $300. Don't do it. If you were really accused by the FBI, they wouldn't do it over the internet. If you're on a Mac, just click on the Apple logo in the top-left corner > click "Force Quit" > and force quit the browser that had the FBI page on it. Hold shift as you start it up. I hope this helps!

How To Remove a SIM Card

If your wireless isn't working (cellular wireless specifically) or you've dropped you iPhone into liquid, you might want to remove your SIM Card. If you've dropped you phone into water remove the SIM Card (following procedure) and put the phone in a bag of rice (uncooked). 

If you have a case on your iOS device, take it off. Turn off the iOS device by holding the top button for five seconds and slide the slider that appears on the screen. In the box your iOS device came in. Look for a small metal-like tool. If you can't find this, a thin paper clip is a substitute. Insert the end of the tool into the tiny hole on the right side of your iPhone (left side for iPad), push firmly, and pull. Be careful! Hold the SIM Card by its side. Don't lose it. If the iOS device didn't fall into water, blow off any dust on the SIM Card and in the iOS device and push it back in. Otherwise, place the SIM Card in a dry place and the iOS device in a bag of uncooked rice. Wait 24-48 hours. Then, put the two back together and it should work again. If not, bring it to your local Apple Store. I hope this helps!

iPhone 5:

iPhone 4/4S:

iPad 2/3/4:

iPad Mini:

Computer Science: iPhone + H2O

It's a funny thing. We've created some of the most advanced technology in the world. Get packages sent to your door. Find out who won the baseball game last night. Even find some interesting facts. However, there one deadly threat to your computer in your very household. No, not your cat. Water. H2O. Why is this simple necessity to life so bad for electronics? Well, it's because water is a very good conductor. Now take the humble iPhone. What could water ever do to this electronic? Everything! There are some parts of the phone that can't take too much electricity, let alone any electricity. When this happens, the phone is electrocuted. If you do get your device wet, turn it off (hold the power button for five seconds). Take out the SIM Card. Put the phone in a bag of rice (uncooked) for 2 days. When done, turn it back on and see if it works. I hope this helps! Tomorrow: How to Pull Out A SIM Card. 

TrafficLight!

For the maximum security when surfing the web, I recommend using TrafficLight by Bitdefender. It's a simple add-on to Safari, Chrome, or Firefox that is non-intrusive. It gives a small red or green icon next to every search result from Google. If you land on a phishing or malicious page, it will redirect you to a page warning you. Otherwise, there's a green light at the top of each page. Check it out! It's free!

You Probably Already Have A YouTube Account!

If you didn't know already, YouTube is a service of Google. If you have a Gmail account or a Google Account, then you can go to YouTube.com and start uploading videos! I hope this helps!

FlvTo.com

Have you ever heard a really good song on YouTube and wanted to download the audio? Go to FlvTo.com! It lets you get audio from any YouTube video by simply entering the URL. Check it out! It's very helpful. 

Nintendo is at it again...

For those who don't know yet, Nintendo has released an update to StreetPass Mii Plaza, the 3DS app for StreetPassing. StreetPassing is the term referred to when two or more 3DS's come within range of each other and exchange data to enhance gameplay. By default, StreetPass Mii Plaza includes two games for StreetPassing. However, Nintendo's adding four additional games. Good, right? Well, that depends if you have a good $15 on you. The four additional games are paid DLC. DLC stands for downloadable content. DLC tends to be paid for and Nintendo has been making a lot of it. It all started with New Super Mario Bros. 2 which allowed the player to buy additional level packs. In New Super Mario Bros. U, DLC became available for New Super Luigi U, which wasn't really just add-on content, but a game within itself. In fact, later this year, New Super Luigi U will become available in a packaged standalone version for those without New Super Mario Bros. U or without internet. Now, StreetPass Mii Plaza wants to sell you four games for $5 each. Or, you can buy a bundle of all four for $15. The four games are:

StreetPass Squad - space shooter

StreetPass Garden - flower game

StreetPass Battle - world domination

StreetPass Mansion - parody of Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (Smooth move, Nintendo!)

In addition to paying for them, the games are useless without StreetPasses. So, if you don't have any StreetPasses, you must spend your play coins on them. Play coins are the currency of the 3DS. They give you some advantage in games. In StreetPass Mii Plaza, it simulates a StreetPass by giving you a "fake" StreetPass. Instead of giving you a Mii, it gives you a dog or cat (depending which one you like better) that takes place of the Mii. Are you buying the DLC? Leave your thoughts in the comments below. 

Is HD Really Worth It?

When it comes to buying TV shows or movies from iTunes, there are two options. HD or Standard Definition. When it comes to buying an HD movie, it costs double the price. In addition, the extra pixels will cost you twice as much storage space as an SD show. If you get a 2 GB SD movie, HD will cost you about $20 and 4 GB of space. While the Standard Definition is somewhat noticeable, once your immersed into your content, you won't notice it. Be sure to think it over before buying HD!

Looks Can Be Deceiving

Yesterday, when I went to get "Wide Sky", the free app of the week, it said that it costs 99¢. Strange. Although it was fixed, it's strange for the App Store to glitch out like that. The feature logo (top picture) still said "Free". Very strange. 

Send Read Receipts

To let people know when you have read their messages, try this tip. Go to Settings > Messages > and turn "Send Read Receipts" to on. Simple as that. Whenever you read a message (sent by another iOS device), it will say "Read <time>" on their side. I hope this helps.

"You've Got Mail!"

Do you want to make your iPhone 10% more geekier? Check this out! Do you remember the classic sound from AOL that says, "You've Got Mail"? If you do, this is for you. Simply go onto iTunes on your iOS device and search for "You've Got Mail". Go to the ringtones section and listen to one of the ringtones. If this is the sound, buy it. Once downloaded, go to Settings > Notifications > find "Mail" in the list > VIP > New Mail Sound > and select the ringtone you just bought. Do the same for all the mail accounts you have (optional). There you go! Whenever you get mail (depending if you did the optional step), you'll hear "You've Got Mail!" 

30,000 Pageviews!

Thank you so much for getting my blog to 30,000 page views! As many times as I said this before, this is something I've never expected! Thanks! 

FlightTracker Pro

Traveling this Summer? By air? Then, head to your local Starbucks and pickup the free app of the week. Normally $10, FlightTracker Pro is free when you go to a Starbucks and pickup the app card. If you don't know about the free app card, ask a Starbucks barista. Check out this helpful app with real-time information. 

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Tech Talk 4 Geeks was entered into the San Diego County Fair. The blog was filed under "Computer Projects". It won first place. But the best part was that it won the Coordinator's Award. I think that's a pretty good award. With that note, thank you for making this blog possible. In fact, the one-year anniversary of this blog is coming up and this is a great way to start the party. For those wondering, my blog was created the night of August 5, 2012. The first post was published on August 6, 2012. Thank you for all your help!

Happy 4th of July!

Happy Fourth of July! Today, there's a fireworks app that's for free! It's a lot of fun! It's made by a company called "miSoft"! Just tap to create fireworks! Tap here to get the app! Happy Fourth everyone!

Ness!

When you need to find a restaurant anywhere, Ness give you instant restaurant recommendations. Based on what time it is, your taste, and where you are, Ness will find the perfect restaurant for you. It's available from the Apple App Store for free. Try it out!

Flickr is Bettr Than Evr!

Do you love social networking? Do you like to post photos on said social network? Then Flickr is for you. Ignore all of the Instagram hype! Flickr now offers a TERABYTE of storage! Do you know how much a terabyte is? That's 64 16 GB iPhones! This is an obvious punch in the face to Google, who recently increased their storage to 15 GB (which is much less that a terabyte). What do you think? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!

Atari Arcade: Review

The Atari Arcade is an accessory for the iPad. It's app-enabled for the game, "Atari's Greatest Hits". It's a great concept that looks plain-out great as a dock. It consists of a joystick and four buttons. Remember that this has a 30-pin adapter and isn't compatible with iPhone 5, iPad 4, and iPad Mini. The controls need a bit of getting used to. However, you can't really blame Atari due to how old the games are. The Arcade also provides a new viewpoint of the games. I'm giving this product four geek glasses out-of-five.