Forgotify Pays Tribute to Unpopular Songs

Did you know that 4 million, or 20%, of the songs on Spotify have never been played once? Introducing Forgotify! This is where neglected songs go. Songs that haven't been played once are put into this list and listeners who listen to Forgotify will hear these songs. To listen to Forgotify, just go to forgotify.com.

Google Easter Egg: Recursion

Google Search has many secrets hidden in it's engine. One of the best search terms is "recursion." Recursion refers to loop infinitely or until something triggers that loop to stop.

Just search recursion on Google.

Then, you might just find a little surprise. No, you didn't spell it wrong, just click the suggestion that is shown. Congratulations, you've just created recursion! You went in a loop! Good luck getting out!

Why Apple Has Better Gaming Ideas Than Nintendo...

Source: Nintendo Life

Nintendo started their new year on a bad foot. For their third straight year in a row, they've seen a decline in sales. President Satoru Iwata states that they are looking into "smart devices" and how a user might use it for gaming. Welcome to the 21st century, Nintendo! For many fans, imaginary fireworks went off in their head. Mario on an iPhone? Genius! Why buy another device when you can do the same thing on the device that you do everything else on? Especially considering that smartphones have better hardwares specs than of the 3DS and Wii U! Well, Nintendo doesn't get it yet. Even after millions of posts, tweets, and stories of how they should go mobile, they just don't get it. Let me explain. Apparently, Nintendo is actually making a mobile app for smartphones to view details about 3DS and their franchises. Because everyone's interested in that! It's not like we could go to a website for the same exact thing! Then, Nintendo denies this whole rumor and it's just a whole mess.

So, how does this convert into how Apple having better ideas than Nintendo? In recent reports, Apple is rumored to be making a fourth-generation Apple TV. Whether it's the full featured TV set, or a box, I don't know. But, this Apple TV may incorporate using iOS devices as controllers and the big TV as the display. This adds potential to GameCenter to add leaderboards and online multiplayer.

Nintendo will be providing more information on this whole app and smartphone idea tomorrow (Thursday, January 29, 2014).

So, what's your decision? On a computer, you can predict if Nintendo truly has lost their last life on the right-hand side with our poll! Also, feel free to post in the comments section about your thoughts.

Chess: Remixed

We all know chess. It's a board game that takes fast wits and strategic planning. If you've used OS X for a long time, then you know that there has always been an Apple-made app simply called, "Chess." It's in the "Utilities" folder. But, there may be something you didn't know about this game. If you haven't played a digital game for a while, then you might be surprised that it's had a nice update in Mountain Lion (10.8). It's a fully optimized GameCenter game with achievements and online multiplayer.

Chess supports GameCenter

GrooveBook

Photo books can be expensive these days... Now, there's GrooveBook! It's a new service that lets you upload 100 of your favorite photos and receive them in a book every month for just $2.99, which is only for the shipping. When you receive your book, each photo has the date, time, and location on the perforation. Oh, it's also perforated so each photo can be individually ripped out the book. Pretty cool, right?

Be sure to use promo code "BENZON6" to get your first book for free!

Google Glass: First Impressions (Explorer Edition)

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to try out Google Glass (Explorer Edition / Beta Version), the wearable device that lets people use certain operations that they could do on a smart device, but hands-free. The first thing I want to note is the hardware. Google Glass has some features that aren't apparent at first glance. The first feature is the trackpad. On the right side of Glass, there is a small surface where one can use simple gestures to navigate through screens. Also, it seems that Glass will have specially made lens and sunglasses made for Glass, however regular eyeglasses (at least mine) fit fine while wearing Glass. The prism that is used as the display is a futuristic screen. It, in a way, looks like R2-D2's hologram. Slightly tinted and translucent. As for the size, it is the equivalent of "a 25 inch high definition screen from eight feet away (Google)." The display can also be projected to a smartphone using the app for iPhone or Android. The camera has a slight angle above your eye, so calibrate for that when you record a video or take a video. As for software, look forward to the Glass App Store (which isn't available yet, but probably will be with the final product). The only really cool app is the navigation (Google Maps). It's nice to have an annotated version of the road in front of you in the corner of your vision. It's helpful and not distracting. As for Glass overall, it's definitely something to look forward to (as long as you don't mind being pulled over in you car from time to time or being thrown out of the movies) once it's price comes down and the product is refined in the final version. The current price is about $1499 and it should hopefully come down to $499 (just an estimate by me).

Next MacBook Air To Be 12"?

A new report by David Hsieh shows that Apple will unveil a 12 inch (specifically 11.88 inch) MacBook Air with Retina Display this year. This will be the first time a Retina Display come to the MacBook Air lineup. In addition, the first time a display size of 11.88 inches has reached Apple's notebook lineup. This size hints at a Retina Display. After a lot of boring math, you'll find that the pixels and size will be porportional to those of the iPad Air. 

Apple Celebrates The Mac's 30th Anniversary

Thirty years have gone by since the Mac was created. Apple has created a special website in honor of it. This special website includes a timeline of Macintoshes and a page for what users have as their very first Mac. Personally, my first Mac is the PowerMac G4. Good times... Anyways, Apple also created a special video for the occasion.

Google Search Applications

You know that you can search for websites, images, and more on Google, but did you know that you can search for apps on Google with a computer? Well, now you can! Just search an app on Google, click "More", and find "Applications". You should find yourself viewing a list of apps from all app stores!

iWork Full Screen

One of the great things about the new iWork is that it's made to take full advantage of Mavericks, Apple's new operating system for the Mac. With Pages, Numbers, and Keynote not getting many major updates in the past, it's time for a fresh, clean full screen mode (Mac only). Now, not many people care about if an app is full screen. It's different with iWork. With this under-looked feature, it's actually pretty helpful. It gets rid of all of the distractions of the desktop. It also is helpful for the Mac. With Mavericks, it makes your Mac run faster. Anything that isn't visible to the user, isn't given as much processing power. That said, you get a bit of a faster Mac. This processing power is usually pointed to things the user can notice, such as music, collaboration, or to just keep it "saved up." Full screen mode is available on most Mac apps by clicking the two arrows in the top-right corner.

Pages in Full Screen Mode

iSquad Repair

Colored EarPods!

All of the time, I find that many people have broken screens on their iOS devices. Here's my solution, go to a repair shop. My favorite is iSquad Repair. They have two shops in San Diego County. One in San Diego and one in Encinitas (pictured). These guys are great! They repair devices in the same day! It's also a great shop. They have custom parts like colored EarPods and screens. I've seen two iPhones that had broken screens and iSquad Repair made them look as good as new.

Note: I have no association with iSquad Repair and have not been paid to advertise their business/product. I am simply a pleased client.

Preset Voicemail Password

Recently, I've found this issue popping up sometimes in iPhones. Actually, this procedure works with a lot of phones! Every once in a while, brand new phones with brand new voicemails already have a voicemail password (Not to be confused with a phone password). If you have a new voicemail with a password that you never put it in, try using the last four digits of your phone number. This will most likely fix it. Good luck!

Nomad Micro USB Cable Review and Giveaway!

You can own this convenient and helpful cable just by entering this contest.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Click here to go to the entry form.
2. Follow @TechTalk4Geeks on Twitter.
3. Post a tweet with "@TechTalk4Geeks" in it about how you would use it.

The contest ends on January 25, 2014 or when it reaches 10 responses. Whichever comes later. Contest limited to the U.S. region.

Music Credit: Animal Crossing: City Folk -  2 AM

AirSquirrels: Apps to Go Nuts For

I often like small companies that make great apps. AirSquirrels is no exception. These guys have great apps. My favorite, Reflector, let's you put your iOS device on your computer's screen using AirPlay. It also let's you create inception if you connect a Mac (or PC using AirParrot, AirSquirrels' other app) itself.

So immersive...

But wait, there's more! AirSquirrels is coming out a new app called, Slingshot. What is it? I don't know. Just the name and tagline. The tagline is, "Share anywhere." Possibly a TeamViewer for iOS sort of thing? Only time will tell.

iCloud Tabs 4 iPhone

In iOS 6, iCloud Tabs were introduced. Here's how to use them on iPhone. Just go to Safari and tap the windows button (bottom right corner). Scroll down to the bottom and any tabs open on other iOS devices and/or Macs. Tap on one to open it. 

*This tip is for iOS 7. 

Google Creates Contact Lens for Diabetics

Google has made some new eyewear, but it's not Google Glass. It's a new contact lens system that allows one to track their glucose levels without the need of a needle. The magic? None, just pure science. Studies show that tears are actually one of the key body fluid that give a good perspective of how much glucose is in our bloodstream. However, people can't and/or aren't willing to cry on demand in public. So instead, we as humans decided to poke holes into our skin and use our blood for tracking glucose. Now, Google X labs are making a smart contact lens that will track glucose levels and send them into our phones. Google Contact Lenses are no where near coming toward the market. It's just a teaser. But hey, it sure does give us something to look forward to other than the self-driving car (which are also being studied by Google).

NeatConnect

Not many companies choose to make scanners instead of printers, but Neat did it and it proves that being one step ahead of the game isn't always the obvious choice. Or is it? I mean, think: make a product that makes less paper (scanners) or make a product that makes more paper (printers)? I rest my case. But now Neat is back with a new product: NeatConnect. Unlike traditional Neat products, this scanner doesn't just scan a document to your computer. It can scan it to the cloud instead. It saves space on your computer and it's accessible anywhere. Which cloud? Almost any cloud you'd like. NeatCloud, Box, Evernote, Google Drive, and more! There you have it. All the power of a Neat scanner with the flexibility of a cloud. Be sure to get it in time for tax season! It's helpful for that too! That's just the tip of the iceberg. There are even more uses! NeatConnect is available for $499.95 and comes with a 3 free months of NeatCloud service.

There's A New Flagship Store In Town

A new Apple Store is set to open on Friday in Australia. It's known as the MacArthur Chambers location. Here are some pictures:

Google Acquires Nest for $3.2 Billion

The company that makes smart home appliances that work as a fire/carbon monoxide alarm and a thermostat controllable from your phone has been acquired by Google! The official Nest Twitter account made a tweet:

@nest: Big news! @Google acquiring Nest to help fulfill our goal of reinventing unloved home products. Nest will stay Nest. http://t.co/0L8hNBhmYc

Apple Airs "Your Verse" Ad for Playoffs

Apple has created a new ad for the playoffs of the NFL. This ad is for the iPad Air. The narration of the ad is somewhat reminiscent of the original Macintosh commercial back in the '80s. 

We don’t read and write poetry because it’s cute. We read and write poetry because we are members of the human race. And the human race is filled with passion. And medicine, law, business, engineering — these are noble pursuits and necessary to sustain life. But poetry, beauty, romance, love — these are what we stay alive for. 

To quote from Whitman, 

"O me, O life of the questions of these recurring. 
Of the endless trains of the faithless. Of cities filled with the foolish. What good amid these, O me, O life? 
Answer: that you are here. That life exists and identity. That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." 

"That the powerful play goes on, and you may contribute a verse." 

What will your verse be?

Swype for iOS

Swype, the popular keyboard for Android may see a real ease on iOS from a third party. And speeds are reaching 120 WPM. More on this story as it becomes available. 

CES 2014: Day 5 Wrap-Up

On the final day of CES 2014, NueVue unveiled a new antimicrobial case for iOS devices. This case cleans the screens of iOS devices (much like a Smart Cover) and keeps it protected. These cases will be available at a later date for $49.99 each.

When Apple Reinvented the Phone…

Believe it or not, it's been seven years (to the day) since Steve Jobs announced the very first iPhone! That's a long time. And what was originally a music player, an internet communicator, and a phone has become so much more... It's really quite amazing. While it's been seven years since the announcement, the iPhone wouldn't be released for another six months. That leaves the question, "What's next for the iPhone?"

CES 2014: Day 3 Wrap-Up

Today, more products surfaced to the public. Including:

Voyce: Hi-Tech Collar for Dogs

Smart Appliences for iOS devices

And of course… More Cheap 4K Displays

Voyce Dog Collar

CES 2014: Day 2 Wrap-Up

More products were announced at CES today. Highlights include the Mophie Space Pack, a Belkin WiFi Crock-Pot, and CubeSensors!

Mophie Space Pack

Have you ever needed a full battery AND more storage space? This is for you. Using the included app, you can now transfer any data from your iPhone 5/5s to your case! All while the case charges your phone!

Belkin Crock-Pot

Refrigerators have gone digital. Why not Crock-Pots? Now, you can control your Crock-Pot from your iPhone. As to why you would want to do that, I don't have an answer for you.

CubeSensors

Everything gets a grade once in a while. Your house is no exception. CubeSensors can detect air quality, temperature, humidity, noise, light, pressure, and shake. It also gives your room a score out of 100 with the app.

CubeSensors

SPAM!

This is a little public service announcement. I've just found out that many comments have been automatically been flagged as spam and that I have not been able to reply to certain comments nor acknowledge them. I'm very sorry for this inconvenience. They are back up now. If your comment doesn't show up within 24 hours, do not hesitate to comment about your comment and I'll fix it. Thank you for your cooperation.

CES Began Today!

CES, or Consumer Electronics Show, began today. It is the center stage for new innovations and new electronics from major companies. Some ideas introduced today included the Pebble Steel Smart Watch, Antimicrobial Gorilla Glass, and more! The Consumer Electronics Show will run through January 10.

Mactracker

Okay. This has got to be the best app for a Apple geek like me. Every Mac, iPod, Xserve, iPhone that you can imagine! For free! It's called "Mactracker." The app runs on iOS and OS X! There are even Macs that I've never heard of. It's basically a digital catalog of all Apple products with detailed price, software, and more! The Mac app can even track the models that you own. Mactracker is available for free from the Mac App Store [Direct Link] and the iOS App Store [Direct Link]. You can also donate to the development of the apps here.

Google Helpouts

Google has put a new spin on their Google+ Hangouts. Introducing... Helpouts! The easy way to get information from real people in a live chat in the extremely small chance that Google Search doesn't cut it. Basically, a paid version of Google Search. Some Helpouts cost money if the host decides to make it cost money. The Helpouts can be for cooking, fitness, technology, and more!

iPad "Maxi"

There may be a 12" iPad in the works. Apple is being rumored of making a large iPad. With a 12" display. A "footlong" if you will. It is expected in the Fall of 2014. More to come on this. For now, I'll call it the "iPad Maxi."

2013: Tech in Review

2013. There is a lot to say about 2013. It's all summed up in this video.

Video available at: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3Jo9PwLm5nIRzktY3cxSFpmM1U/edit?usp=sharing

Music Credit: It's Time by Imagine Dragons

FitBits

Happy new year! Many people find a good new year's resolution to be to exercise more and eat better. FitBits combine exercise with tech. They can track exercise, sleep, food, weight, BMI, and more! They start at $59.95! Be sure to check them out! FitBits are available in Apple Stores and online.

The Fitbit Force