Gadget Bugg

Tech News: New Xbox 360 Announced at E3 2010

2010-06-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

New Xbox 360 was recently announced at the new E3 2010. Complete with built in 802.11n and a 250 gb hdd.

Tech News: iPhone 4 Announced

2010-06-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

It had to come sooner or later, right? The iPhone 4 has been announced and is well on its way into peoples pockets. The real question is: Will you be getting one? Release date: June 24th.

Update: h2rtn to Gadget Bugg Transition

2010-04-26T13:38:00.000-07:00

Dear Readers:

First of all, I want to take an opportunity to personally thank all of you who have supported the blog since our launch in 2009. Without you, this blog wouldn't be here. Traffic on just the site alone has been remarkable and unlike anything I would have ever expected. Total, h2rtn has received over 26,000 views just including the blog and youtube. That's close to 144 views a day! Even if I would have had 144 views total for the 6 months, I would have been estatic. But 144 views a day? That is unreal. And, that's not even including all of the loyal fans on Twitter, Facebook, and Myspace. So thank you, thank you, thank you.

So as the site continues to grow from hobby to obsession, the look and feel of the site must grow. H2rtn would be nothing without the feedback of friends, family, and fans. Therefore we have decided to officially change the name from h2rtn (seems like a mouthful, doesn't it) to Gadget Bugg.

I really hope that all of you like the name change. We will still strive to be the greatest site on the web for all How To's, Reviews, and Tech News, but now instead of the crazy h2rtn.blogspot.com URL you can simply direct your browser to gadgetbugg.com (with TWO G'S!) for your tech enjoyment.

Be sure to check back frequently to the site for all of the new changes that will be following. And PLEASE give me feedback! Let me know what you think of the name and the new changes that will be occuring over the next month. You can contact me at gadgetbugg@gmail.com

Thanks!

~Pete

gadgetbugg@gmail.com

Unboxing: Apple iPad Wi-Fi (64 GB)

2010-04-04T21:30:00.001-07:00

The iPad Odyssey

2010-04-03T14:47:00.000-07:00

Last night me and my friend Denis (a.k.a. D-Man) swallowed our pride and camped out in front of our local Best Buy thinking we were going to make electronics history. These are the events that followed.

Editorial: The Internet Killed Windows Vista, Apple iPad Next Target?

2010-03-23T17:17:00.001-07:00

Image courtesy of Claire Jacques in collaboration with h2rtn (jaevairny.devianart.com)

Imagine that it's January 2007 and Microsoft has it's first new O.S. since XP. Windows Vista, affectionately known as the worst operating system in history, is released. Almost instantaneously, fingers bash keyboards with words of hate. Tweets are twittered, emails fly, and Youtube is flooded with people bashing Microsoft. You know what? I bet half those people hadn't even tried it. Sound familiar? Read on...

I hate to put this in "Google terms" but when the phrase 'vista sucks' is entered into Google 567,000 rusults can be found. When 'ipad sucks' is entered, a whopping 835,000 results can be seen. However, when the phrase 'why does vista suck' 2,570,000 results are displayed. What does this mean? It means that while close to a million people have devoted sites to the fact that Vista is terrible, two and a half times that many have been essentially told that it sucks. Word spread like wildfire, and people wanted to know why everyone was saying this poor O.S. is terrible. What's the difference? iPad hasn't even been released, but the way that people are bashing it, it's as if they've been using one for years.

Now, I know there are those of you out there that have your opinions on the matter, and I am sure I will hear them too, but you cannot deny the fact that Vista was brought out immaturity. In January 2007, a computer with a 160 GB hard drive, Core 2 Duo Processor, and 2 GB of DDR2 RAM was close to a thousand dollars. Now, three years later, the same money (excluding Macs of course) can buy you an i7 Quard-Core processor, 4 GB of DDR3 RAM, and a 320 GB hard drive. Oh, and Windows 7.

Excluding the processor, you can find those previous specs in a flipping netbook, and we all know that those aren't for serious power. If Vista had been pushed back, there is no denying that it would have had a more accepted release. So was it really Vista's fault when you just consider the hardware?

What's the point, you ask? The internet. I argue that the internet had a large hand in dealing the hand that Vista was dealt. Microsoft failed to gain support of the online community, and that is what killed it. A year before Windows 7's release, a full release client was made available to anyone that cared to try it. And, all the bloggers running their slick new hardware installed Windows 7 and hailed it for its glory and praised Microsoft for it's generosity. That's how Microsoft won back the internet, and, subsequently, the American people.

We went from Bush to Obama...

...Vista to 7...

...iPad to ___...

We have a new President in the White House. He has a twitter, a Youtube channel, and Facebook account. He gets it. John McCain, surprise surprise, did not get the tweet.

So this new iPad thing. It has been speculated and predicted for years as the next best thing. People have dreamed about it, made mock presentations of it and even claimed that it was an illusion. But the blogger's seem to have forgotten how much they loved it once they actually saw it.

Image courtesy of huffingtonpost.com

It reminds me of why I hate when people tell me too much about a movie. They tell me how great it is, how it is the best movie they ever saw, and much of the plot. They build it up so much, that it is next to impossible to live up to the hype that it got. I feel this is the same way with the iPad. People haven't even bought one, for crying out loud, and they are already saying it sucks. Why? Because they created an image in their head of the cheapest, most amazing device, forgetting the numerous limitations Apple's hardware and software often has, especially when considering the price tag.

Now I'm not here to pick sides. Nor am I, unlike most of the blogosphere, claiming that I am an expert. I have worked as a computer salesman for a number of years and remember when Vista was launched, and all the ignorant cretins who claimed to be computer scientists. Give the iPad a chance. If you really want to bash it, buy one, test it out for a few months and then review it. But for heavens sakes, internet, blogs, and loyal h2rtn readers, quit acting like you developed the thing and you know it inside and out. And please do not kill another piece of technology before it is even released, because these companies defined the industry that you rely on for everything, and if you are anything like me, then deep down you know you are just as excited about innovation to Silicon Valley.

~Pete

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com

Tech News: Skype is Coming to Verizon Smartphones

2010-03-23T14:10:00.000-07:00

Call me when they come to AT&T... But seriously, today Skype broke the news that on March 25th Skype Mobile will be available on Verizon Wireless smartphones. Check out the list bellow:

BlackBerry Storm 9530
BlackBerry Storm2
BlackBerry Curve 8330
BlackBerry Curve 8530
BlackBerry Curve 8830 World Edition
BlackBerry Tour 9630
Motorola Droid
HTC Droid Eris
Motorola Devour

According to Skype:

"It will help you stay in touch with friends, family and colleagues all over the world, by allowing you to:

make and receive unlimited Skype-to-Skype voice calls to anyone else on Skype around the globe
send and receive unlimited instant messages with other people on Skype
call international phone numbers at our low rates"

I have always said how much of a benefit just being able to do Skype chat on my Blackberry would be. Alas, I have the Blackberry 8310 on AT&T. Perhaps, however, Verizon will start a new trend. Maybe? Hopefully?

The X-Top, Gamers Dream A Video A Day Project #7

2010-03-19T13:35:00.001-07:00

Unboxing: Garmin Nuvi 255WT GPS A Video A Day Project #6

2010-03-18T16:42:00.001-07:00

How To: Serve Your Media To Any Device In The Home A Video A Day (AVAD) Project #5

2010-03-16T11:03:00.001-07:00

Today's AVAD project is a continuation of yesterdays AVAD (A Video A Day) Project #4. The guys at Systm have taken their video jukebox episode one step further and show you how to take that media that you ripped and serve it up around the house. This video shows you how to stream your pictures, music, and video to your Xbox 360, Wii, or PS3.

How To: Rip DVD's to Your Home PC A Video A Day (AVAD) Project #4

2010-03-15T12:38:00.000-07:00

Today I wanted to show all you faithful h2rtn fans how to rip DVD's from your collection onto your home PC. However, for the sake of time and the exposure of one of my favorite tech tv programs on revision3, I have decided to let Patrick Norton and Roger Chang explain how on this episode of Sysm. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this AVAD post on how to take control of your media!

How To: Install A SATA 3.5" Hard Drive A Video A Day (AVAD) Project #3

2010-03-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

Unboxing: WD Caviar Black Hard Drive A Video A Day (AVAD) Project #2

2010-03-13T13:48:00.001-08:00

Unboxing: Intel X-25M Solid State Hard Drive A Video A Day (AVAD) Project #1

2010-03-12T13:49:00.000-08:00

Here at h2rtn we feel as though we haven't been serving you, the viewers, as well as we could. Now we have switched it into full gear with our AVAD (A Video A Day) project. We will be bringing you one video every day for the next week. So bookmark us or subscribe to youtube.com/h2rtn and enjoy!

Update: h2rtn's Video Game Cabinets

2010-03-09T21:01:00.000-08:00

I know I don't have the biggest, baddest, or most extensive video game collection out there, but I like to think it's pretty good. I, like so many other people, have run into a bit of a problem: how in the heck do you organize all of those systems? We are compulsive creatures, and unless my system is already set up and ready to go, chances are I won't be getting the full enjoyment out of it. So I have devised a solution:

And the best part is, I'm going to do it. Well, eventually. Right now my dream video game cabinets exist in schematic form only, but it was the best solution I could find for my problem. I know that there are more of you out there with the same dilemma, but while searching the web for other ideas, people's collections didnt seem as organized or as ready to be played as I would like. But if any of you out there have found a fix, let me know! Also, feel free to steal my idea and build your own. And if you do, make sure and send h2rtn some pictures!

~Pete

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com

Tech News: Apple iPad Announced

2010-01-27T14:57:00.001-08:00

The years of waiting are over... The Apple iPad has been announced at Apple's event today, and the years of conspiracy and forecasting are over. This twelve inchish display is said to be the perfect device in between the notebook and the netbook. But when it really boils down to it, it's a giant iPod/iPhone/iPod Touch/eBook reader/MID (mobile internet device).

Sports a 1024x768 LED Display

The thing that has geeks rejoicing, however, is it's price point. Once they are released you can pick one of these little suckers up for $499.99 at your local Apple store. Wifi capable iPad's will be produced first, with 3G enabled iPads soon to follow.
However with all that said, one question still remains, "when can I get my hands on one"!?

*Photo's Courtesy of apple.com/ipad

Tech News: Apple Event Tomorrow, Apple Tablet Said to Be Announced

2010-01-26T15:24:00.001-08:00

For the three of you out there on the interwebs who haven't seen or heard about this new device from Apple (first rumored in about 2004) you should probably come out from under that cyber rock in second life. Seriously, it's getting damp under there. According to McGraw-Hill's CEO in an interview on CNBC, the Apple Tablet will be debuted tomorrow at Apple's event, will be running iPhone OS, and will be great competition for the newly arisen ebook reader market. Check out the interview below, and fast forward to 2:49 if you don't want to hear about today's news in business.

Video: h2rtn Presents The Legend of Zelda NES (Final Boss Ganon) - Beating The game

2010-01-17T12:22:00.001-08:00

If any of you have wondered why I haven't been updating quite as often, maybe this will give you some incite. H2rtn has a new video on Youtube of the last few minutes of the original Legend of Zelda on NES. Ever wonder what it's like to beat the game? Well, now you'll know without the hours of toiling through the Overworld. Needless to say, however, that's exactly what I've been doing! Let us know what you think!

Tech News: Google Lifts Its Chinese Firewall

2010-01-13T13:53:00.001-08:00

Many are familiar with the notorious firewall that the Chinese government has placed on the 350 million internet users in its country. Not many know, however that Google had a strong part in facilitating in its huge ban on any anti-government media to be found on the world wide web. Google had this to say on the matter:

"We launched Google.cn in January 2006 in the belief that the benefits of increased access to information for people in China and a more open Internet outweighed our discomfort in agreeing to censor some results."

At about 7:00 am Beijing time, however, all of this changed.

Google has lifted its search filter from the Chinese people after detecting that an attack in mid-December on its Gmail servers could in fact be leaked back to the Chinese, and found that it largely targeted accounts of Chinese human rights activists.

According to NPR, the people of China are highly in support of this decision by Google, and pro Google support is flooding the blogosphere. The only question becomes, "how will China react?"

You can read Google's official public post here.

Update: Vintage Gamers Paradise

2009-12-18T12:31:00.001-08:00

What'd you do today? Oh, nothing, just got about 200+ vintage PC games from about 1987-2004. A very nice old man by the name of Dan who has been playing video games since before I was born (strictly PC, none of that darn-tootin' console garbage) has graciously given me just about his entire collection (he hung on to the more valuable/fun ones) but nonetheless, it's still a killer haul. Merry Christmas indeed. Let us know what you think of the collection! While most of these suckers will end up on eBay, there are a handful that I really want to hang on to, for nostalgia if nothing else. And who knows, maybe there will be some giveaways in the future? *wink*,*wink* *nudge*,*nudge*

A few rare beauties in the collection:

-The original Collectors First Edition of Starcraft

-Star Trek 25^th Anniversary edition

-The original Half-life & Half-Life Opposing Force

-Sid Meier's Civilization I & II

-Warcraft II Tides of Darkness

SO if I am slow to respond to wave invites and emails etc., you know why!

~Pete

Tech News: Dear Steve Jobs

2009-12-17T09:56:00.001-08:00

How far would you go to get your app published in the iTunes store? Ever since the whole Google vs. Apple debate about Google Voice being rejected, many institutions have wondered what criteria Apple uses to reject apps from their online store. One such institution is taking a stand. Fashioned with iPhone costumes and a plethera of Youtube videos, SVT (sort of like the Swedish version of the BBC) is standing outside an Apple headquarters in Sweden in an attempt to make a difference. Their request: approve the SVT Play application. Oh yeah, did I mention they are broadcasting all of this live on their website? They may be making a fool of themselves, but they are even starting to gain the support of this American. So do us all a favor Steve, and "say Ja"!

Click the pic for a link to their site

Review: Adesso AKB-220 Flexible Keyboard

2009-12-15T16:34:00.001-08:00

We've all had this experience:

You are talking to your friend and he brings up a movie that he recently saw.

"It's the most amazing movie in the world; it'll blow your mind"!

"It sounds really cool", you reply. "I guess I'll have to go see it".

He continues to build it up and then when you finally go and see it, it barely even meets the expectations you had yourself. In fact, it downright sucks. That was the experience I had with the Adesso AKB-220 keyboard. I was so excited to get this and play with it, but when I actually tried to type with it I was quickly disappointed.

What?

This keyboard is not the only waterproof, abuse proof, and flexible keyboard on the market, but it is one of the most widely known and written about ones. This keyboards claim to fame is that it can be beaten and brutalized and still come out fighting strong. The keyboard's tamperproof and waterproof characteristics check out, but it has one main drawback:

You can barely type with it.

Why?

I was shipped this keyboard from Intel through a program that they have for employees of retail industries (which I am) so they sent it to me for free after I received some Intel training. I was really excited to replace my current keyboard because it is an old dell keyboard that I snagged from an old Inspiron that has bitten the dust and it is currently to oldest part of my new computer I recently built. However, after using (well, attempting to use) the Adesso, I was thankful to bring out my old Dell keyboard again, and my typing speed increased about 400%.

How?

So how is this possibly the worst keyboard I've ever used? I'm glad you asked. The keyboard has some really terrible characteristics including the fact that when one types on it the shift key (if you use the left shift key primarily like I do) is in a terrible location. I repeatedly found myself typing "zzzz" as I was trying to hold down the shift key, which isn't even that much longer on my Dell keyboard. Also, the rubber keys make it hard to touch type. I type very fast, and I was unable to simply lightly tape the keys in order to get response from them. I literally had to bang on each one before it would register what I was typing. Not cool. What's more, the delete key is tiny and in an awkward position, which is aggravating because you are usually going for the backspace to fix some problem that was caused by the keyboard itself, not because you made the error.

Who?

Don't get me wrong (I don't want a thousand hate emails): the Adesso definitely has its place in the tech world. Those who can use it are people who work in a hazardous area or an area where you are getting your hands dirty a lot. Also it is super portable. It can be rolled up and stashed in a laptop bag for easy storage.

The Verdict:

I do not feel as though the benefits and the general overall "geeky" factor of this keyboard make up for its short comings in ability and response to typing. Afterall, a keyboards first job is to allow you to type, and after that any cool add-ons can come into play. Let me put it this way: I tried to type this review with the Adesso, but I gave up after the first few sentences and relished in the return of my beat-up old Dell keyboard. However, if you are one of the people mentioned above, or are O.C.D. about cleaning your keyboard and want a keyboard that is easy to clean, the Adesso AKB-220 is right for you… Just don't plan on typing with it.

Rating: 2.5/10

Tech News: Batman Arkham Asylum 2 Announced, Teaser Trailer

2009-12-13T08:49:00.001-08:00

Just when you thought that Batman couldn't get any cooler, he did. The new sequel looks like it will not disappoint. Don't believe me? Check out the trailer for yourself. Oh, and head on over to "Arkham Has Moved" for some very not much more information.

Video Games | Spike TV VGAs 2009 | Batman: Arkham Asylum 2 Exclusive Debut Trailer HD

XBox 360 | Playstation 3 | Nintendo Wii

Tech News: How Does the iPhone Make Money?

2009-12-10T11:41:00.001-08:00

Our friends over at Gigaom recently posted this interesting little number on their blog. For the most part the title says it all, and the layout is easy to read. Comment bellow and let me know what you think.

Update: h2rtn Invites You to Google Wave

2009-12-08T13:05:00.001-08:00

Dear Readers:

We have recently seen our site traffic skyrocket due to the Google Wave invites and we couldn't be more pleased. As many of you have noticed, our posts have come to a screeching halt as a result to keep up with the demand, not to mention the host of side projects and hope to get them posted very shortly. However, as you continue to spread the word around our blog continues to grow! So thanks and keep it up! What's more, Google just gave h2rtn an additional dish of invites that we are more than happy to use up on all of you, so keep the requests coming!

Here's what to expect from How To's, Reviews, and Tech News in the coming months (not necessarily in this order):

-Google Wave Review-

-How To Build a Computer-

-Batman: Arkham Asylum Review-

-Dragon Age Origins Review-

-Pure for Xbox 360 Review-

We will be getting these posted on the site and youtube.com/h2rtn as soon as they are finished. In the meantime, I encourage those of you who have gotten invites to invite others who have commented on the blog if you have extras. It would just keep all of our jobs a bit easier and get our content onto the site faster! If you decide to do so, just shoot us a wave or an email with the persons email you invited and let us know. Sound cool to everyone?

Also, we are trying to get together a user run portion of the review for Google Wave. I have already contacted some of the users who have "waved" h2rtn to see if they are interested, and there are still some spots open. So, if you are interested in being a part of the Google Wave blog experience shoot us an email at pete.h2rtn@gmail.com.

You can also send requests there or comment below for a Google Wave invite. All that we ask is that you let us know how you fond the site and let us know of any improvements that you think that we can make to make your experience better. Let us know if you like the fonts, colors, the design, or even let us know of any requests for reviews or news that you think we should be covering. You can also become a follower of the blog, follow us on Twitter or Facebook, subscribe to our Youtube Channel, friend us on Xbox live (gamertag: h2rtn) or give us a call on our voicemail.

Thanks for reading!

~Pete

Update: Google Wave Invites!

2009-11-30T16:42:00.001-08:00

Google graciously granted h2rtn a sneak peek into its still largely developer based web application Google Wave. According to Google, Wave is its "attempt at reinventing the email" and promises to increase the productivity of its users.

H2rtn also has Google Wave invites to give out. If you are interested comment or become a follower. You can also send an email to pete.h2rtn@gmail.com if you have any questions. Also, let me know what you think of the site, and any improvements you think might be made!

A review should be coming up shortly.

Check out or comment on our Google Voice Review for an invite to that too!

Update: If you guys would let me know how you found the site too, that would be superb.

Review: Google Chrome OS (Chromium)

2009-11-28T15:04:00.001-08:00

Google recently gave a sneak peak into it's new operating system Chrome OS. The developer version is named Chromium, and it is available all over the internet although Google itself has not yet supported it. At the moment, it is expected that the final version and the version that is out now will be wildly different. Check out the video below for some hands on experience.

Tech News: Microsoft Office 2010 Beta Available for Download

2009-11-20T15:38:00.001-08:00

It has been a whopping two years since Microsoft released its last installment of its office software, but apparently its already time to upgrade again. Microsoft Office 2010 (beta) is now available for download here.

Tech News: Facebook, Twitter, Last.fm and Zune HD Come to Xbox 360

2009-11-17T20:22:00.001-08:00

Yeah, you read correctly. Xbox 360's most recent Xbox Live update includes support for some of the most widely used social networking and media streaming sites on the internet. I got to tell you, it's sweet. For those of you out there who rarely use your 360 as a gaming machine anymore, you will be happy to know that now you can view slideshows of all of your Facebook pics and stream great audio straight into your home theater experience proving the already fine line between PC and TV is that much thinner. Hopefully I will have a hands on review of the features in the near future.

~Pete

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com

Tech News: Antitrust Lawsuit Filed Against Intel, AMD Claiming Monopoly

2009-11-12T22:12:00.001-08:00

The processor manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) filed suit Monday against chip giant Intel claiming Intel's shady business arrangements are illegal. Intel, who has been giving computer manufacturers huge rebates and discounts on its chips has recently settled with AMD for $1 billion dollars (that's billion, with a "b"). In a normal market, the courts argued, Intel's actions would have been legal, but because there are only two major computer processor manufacturers (80% of which is owned by Intel according to IDC) Intel is teetering on the edge of monopoly.

The fact that Intel gained control of Apple and up until recently had manufactured the only processor for consumer "netbooks" didn't help it's case. According to cnet.com, Not only was Intel's foothold on the American trade, but in Japan the deals were getting so vast that it convinced Sony, Hitachi, and Toshiba to not buy or vastly limit the purchases of chips made by AMD.

Experts say, however, that this wasn't the first bite AMD took at Intel and it certainly won't be the last. In 2000, AMD claimed that Intel was violating European anticompetition laws through its marketing. AMD has even taken the liberty of creating a website pleading its case.

As for now, it seems as though the battle will keep drudging on, Intel devouring the competition while AMD struggles for breath. Well, at least AMD still has HP, right?

Tech News: Warhammer Online Converts to Indefinite Free Trial

2009-11-10T11:26:00.001-08:00

I woke up this morning, as many gamers did, to a surprise in my inbox. Warhammer online had sent me an email notifying me that my 10 day free trial had been converted to a "new ENDLESS FREE TRIAL Account."

This could do big things for Warhammer online, who seems to be following in the footsteps of Dungeons and Dragons online's recent transformation as a free to play mmorpg. However, the level cap on Warhammer's FTP version may dissuade a lot of people from getting excited about this.

Tech News: Wal-Mart selling signed copies of COD4 MW2 on Release 11/10/2009

2009-11-08T14:26:00.001-08:00

As you can guess, there has been a lot of hype about the release of Infinity Ward's Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare 2 being released this Tuesday.

One of the new rumors circulating by a number of sites and blogs is the fact that at Wal-Mart's across the nation (24 hour ones only) the first 20 people to show up and purchase the game will be receiving signed copies by the developers. Pretty cool, eh? Oh yeah, and another one of those annoying Wal-Mart ads featuring the guys from the Wal-Mart Madden ads has come out. I admit, I chuckled...

Unboxing: Xbox 360 Elite

2009-11-07T20:52:00.001-08:00

H2rtn's first unboxing video is now online! It has been a bit of a struggle to get it up to Youtube in a quality I was happy with, but now it is a finished masterpiece. Check it out!

Tech News: Intel USB 3.0 Release Pushed Back To 2011

2009-11-04T09:36:00.001-08:00

According to major GPU giant Nvidia, Intel will not be supporting the much anticipated USB 3.0 standard until at least 2011.

This comes at a big shock because benchmark tests were released by various sites stating that USB 3.0 does in fact perform 6x faster then its predecessor.

Why is Intel pushing off support? Hard to say. Sites are rumoring that Intel's huge eSATA support may have something to do with it. But with USB 2.0 nearing old age and Apple dropping much of its support for Firewire, it seems we are about due for a new standard.

For now, however, the standard is already being adopted by major computer manufacturers, namely ASUS and others, so we may be seeing 3.0 finding its way into more consumer notebooks and PCs.

~Pete via Engadget

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com

Tech News: Dragon Age Released 11/3/09

2009-11-03T18:04:00.001-08:00

Dragon Age, one of the most anticipated releases of all time was released today alongside with one of the most extensive toolsets ever given with a game.

Tool Set

The toolset promises to give you full editors for cut scenes, audio and visual effects, conversations, and level creations. The community innovation for this game could be really cool with Bioware giving you all of these design tools to play with.

Head on over to the Dragon Age Origins Website to learn more, and stay tuned to h2rtn for extensive reviews for Batman: Arkham Asylum as well as Dragon Age.

Tech News: Google Maps Navigation (Beta)

2009-11-03T10:31:00.001-08:00

Ok, ok, I'll stop updating and reviewing Google products just as soon as they stop making fully functional, easy to use, free products for all my devices. This, unfortunately, does not seem to be the case. At least not any time soon, as the interwebs are throbbing with Google's latest invasion into the GPS industry. At the moment, it doesn't seem like there is a single tech industry that Google hasn't managed to wiggle into then improve, at least not at the moment.

Google Maps Navigation (Beta) has been released but currently the turn by turn navigation is only available on Google's operating system for mobile phones, Android, and Blackberry and iPhone users have minor updates. Nonetheless, this guy cannot wait until it is released for Blackberry so he can review it for all of you lovely readers to sink your teeth into. In fact, if you already have an Android device there is probably an update available to convert your boring Google Maps app into a turn by turn voice activated GPS with constantly updating traffic reports and points of interest. If you don't, you can go download your own copy here, and let me know what you think! And by the way, TomTom and Garmin, two of the leading GPS software and hardware manufacturers in the industry, are seeing their stocks plummet. A good sign for the future of Google Maps Navigation (Beta), a bad sign if you just invested your savings in Garmin!

~Pete

h2rtn.gmail.com

Review: Hulu Desktop Beta

2009-11-02T21:02:00.001-08:00

If you are anything like me (and by me I mean you use hulu.com to catch up on missed episodes of "the Office", "Modern Family", and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia") then you spend a good chunk of your internet time on the site. Recently released (10/29/09) is Hulu Desktop, a one stop shop for all of your Hulu content you normally surf to their webpage for. I downloaded the gadget and gave it a spin to see how the experience was compared to the traditional hulu.com experience.

The first thing you're going to want to do is to travel on over to the Hulu Desktop Beta site and download yourself a copy of the software. After the quick download and install you will instantly be cast into the world of Hulu on your desktop complete with all its fame and glory. The user interface is definitely a winner in my book and reminds me of the UI of Windows Media Center among other things.

One downside of the program is that my Hauppauge! T.V. tuner remote for my WinTV HVR-850 that works great with Windows Media Center doesn't do a thing when in HDB, which is a shame because the UI is set up in such a way that you can navigate through perfectly without a mouse and just using the directional keypad on your keyboard.

After using your existing Hulu account you can also keep yourself signed in to watch TVMA content, which is great.

I felt that the quality of the video was crisp and clear and no different from what I got from the .com version of Hulu, which is basically what I expected. Buffering was fast and easy and I was watching my favorite episodes in no time.

Final Thoughts:

Will I be using this instead of Mozilla Firefox to view my hulu.com content? Hard to say. There is not much of an insentive to unless you are using your PC specifically as a Media Center PC. If so, you will be drooling all over this. Also, I really feel as though Hulu Desktop Beta is really great, and hope that Microsoft has an update to integrate it into the Xbox dashboard. This would be a match made in heaven, but would most likely draw business away from Microsoft's "exclusive" partnership with Netflix, even though Netflix is thinking about cheating on Microsoft with Sony's PS3.

Usability: 8.5

User Interface: 10

Speed: 10

Footprint: 9.5

Rating: 9.5/10

Update: Back to the Future Rap Video

2009-11-02T08:23:00.001-08:00

As many of you know I am a very avid Back to the Future fan, so this video really tickled my funny bone, and I just had to post it on my blog. I know it's not tech news or the like, but I have to give this guy props, it just seems like something I'd do.

Review: Google Voice

2009-11-01T12:38:00.001-08:00

What?

There are only a few times in a geeks life when he comes across something that is so revolutionary, so completely unique that he cannot just sit there while the rest of the world remains in silence. Google Voice is that something.

Google Voice is a service that Google has recently announced that has literally changed the way that consumers can communicate. When Google took over the search engine industry, it did so by being the fastest, most reliable, most accurate search engine around all while operating smarter. I predict that Google Voice in this way will completely take over the telecommunications industry.

Why?

So what does Google Voice do, and more importantly, why do you care? Google voice bought a company called GrandCentral, and basically added its own little something and made it public for free use. It issues you "one number to rule them all." It's primary function is to allow you to bind other numbers to that one number, so that if you get a new cell phone number you don't have to create one of those "I Got A New Phone Here's My Number" groups that everyone just loves joining on Facebook. All you have to do is give everyone your Google Voice number and link your phones to that number. That's it (check the video below for details).

Furthermore, you can actually link multiple numbers to the one Google number so that if someone calls you, you can have all of those numbers ring, or you can screen that contact so that, for instance, just one of your phone numbers rings and has a specialized voicemail. Keep in mind, it does all of this completely free. Oh, and did I mention that all text messages delivered to your Google Voice number will be stored on Google's servers for you to archive? Same goes with voicemails, and guess what, it transcribes them into text! Sweet!

Ok, so does it make sense why I'm so excited about this service? That's just the tip of the iceberg. Google Voice's secondary, and perhaps more controversial purpose is that it allows you to actually send and receive SMS text messages right from your computer or Google Voice app for free. Yeah, that's right, no more having to pay .10 cents/text or worry about your 250 text message limits. If a SMS is sent to your Google Voice and you check and respond to it from their website, it sends free (it also sends the SMS to your mobile phone and if you check it from there you will be charged a txt message fee, but if you respond using Google Voice, no fee). As far as calls go, you can make a call directly from your Google Voice account. All you have to do is it the call button and Google Voice calls your phone, and then connects you for free.

That's kind of a big deal, and this is where Google began to lose its support from the greedy hands of certain aspects of corporate America. At first Apple accepted it into its App store, but then later removed it and is currently in discussions with Apple and AT&T about the legality of the application, as it duplicates some of the services that AT&T provides to iPhone users.

Where?

So, if you were able to catch it before it was blocked by iTunes then you are currently enjoying your Google Voice app and all is well with the world. If you have a Blackberry or Android based phone, then you can get it now. If you don't have a smart phone, you can always use Google Voice's site to manage your Google Voice account.

Of course the million dollar question is: Wow, Pete, this Google Voice thing sure does sound cool, but where can I get my very own Google Number?

Well, loyal h2rtn fan, I'm glad you asked. You can obtain an invite directly from Google by the URL below:

Google Voice Invite

This will put you in the pool for an invite directly from Google. However, Google Voice just recently gave me some invitations to give out!

Who: Google Voice Invitations

As promised in my first blog post, I will be giving out my Google Voice invitations to my loyal readers. All you have to do is become one of the first 6 followers and I will send you a Google Voice invite. Not a bad deal, huh?

The Good

Google has begun a service that can completely revolutionize the industry. Free SMS, free calling, and a free number is something that no other company has ever done before. Google is currently making their money from low rates it charges for international calling. A hidden perk of Google Voice that I discovered is that it allows you to finally start managing all of your contacts in a place other than your phone. Google does a decent job synergizing your contacts from Gmail and Google Voice into one big pot so that you can have an online backup of your acquaintances. Google will allow you to pick whatever area code and phone number you want. You can even try to customize it if they have a specific word available. I was able to get (636) 22H-TRTN which is also (636) 224-8786. Feel free to send h2rtn a voicemail!

The Bad

Throughout my tests for this review, I was able to add my AT&T number to my Google Voice number without a problem. I downloaded the Google Voice app on my Blackberry and am using it without a hitch. However, it does sometimes get confusing when I forget who I have given my Google number to and people don't answer because it is from an unknown number. Texting from your computer is great! You have a full keyboard and can type texts at super speeds. However, the text messages still get sent to your phone which sucks if you have had a 20 text message conversation and you have to go in and delete all of those text messages.

Also, I have to pick on the transcription service. It does an ok job, but almost as expected it mixes up many words. It usually at least gets it partially right so you can get the jist of what the person is trying to tell you. However, I cannot tell you how great it is when someone calls you to get a transcribed version of that voicemail in your mailbox. It allows you to check your voice mail in a spot where your normally wouldn't be able to (sitting in class, work, etc.).

The Ugly

Google is currently no longer available via iTunes, which brings up the controversial topic of whether or not iTunes has a right to block certain developers. A lot of people are getting really heated up about this. Let me know what you think by commenting below. You can read more about the debate at Engadget:

The Great Google Voice Debate @ Engadget

Also not all carriers are supported. When I first heard about Google Voice I had an image of using a Magic Jack number, or a pay as you go Net10 number and getting free texting. So far, I have not been able to get either to work. I am still working on the Magic Jack number, however, as people say that you can get it to work. I will be posting a Magic Jack review shortly and will let you know how that worked out.

The Verdict

Google Voice is a techies dream come true. The first hackers (Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak developers of Apple to name a couple) began by hacking phone lines, attempting to get free long distance calling via hacking AT&T. Hackers went from hacking phones, to hacking computers, back to hacking phones again with the cell phone boom, and to me this is the next step. Google Voice has enormous potential, and I believe that it will go on to become even greater when it fully launches from invite only to widespread. After all, just look at what Gmail did to email!

Rating: 9.5/10

~Pete

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com

Update: Facebook

2009-11-01T11:05:00.001-08:00

H2rtn just took over Facebook! Join our group "How To's, Reviews, and Tech News" for more updates and feel free to comment on our wall!

Tech News: Ideum Unveils 100” Multitouch Table

2009-10-31T11:02:00.001-07:00

Many have heard of Microsoft's surface before, but a new video was just unearthed by ideum.com showing that Microsoft's not the only one with big dreams. Ideum originally designed this thing for a science center in Tennessee, but the video is worth watching to really see what this thing is capable of. Maybe you aren't into frequency and wavelengths but hey, who doesn't want a 100" computer capable of 50 points of simultaneous touch?

~Peter via Engadget

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com

H2rtn Is Now Online!

2009-10-30T16:06:00.000-07:00

Today will be the sites first blog, and I gotta tell you, I'm pumped. Although I will be quite honest, I'd consider myself very fortunate if I even get two hits, but I'm going to prepare for the worst, and hope for the best. I will be blogging as if this is being read by tens of thousands of people all across the interwebs.

So what is H2RTN? Well, in short, it stands for "How To's, Reviews, and Tech News" and I hope to do each one of those things justice in my attempt to claim my corner of the internet. I have been working with computers and have been in the IT field for over four years now, and so I like to think I have a good connection to what is going on, and some insider information about what is coming out and what you may have missed. I know that I will never do How To's as well as Expert Village, or deliver technology news as well as Gizmodo, but I feel like I can always put a different perspective on things. And, instead of listing everything under the sun, I am only going to blog about what is most important to me as a consumer, and the things that I consider major breakthroughs or life changing gadgets.

Which brings me to my first post which will be coming soon. My first three projects are going to be as follows:

1) An in depth review of Google Voice and what it can do for you
2)A review of Windows 7 and how it compares to its main competitors (Windows XP, Ubuntu Linux, Max OSX, and the dreaded Windows Vista)
3) A How To of How to Build a Computer

I will be posting the Google Voice Review shortly, and as a bit of insider info for being the first ones to discover my site, I have Google Voice invites to give away (more details on that later, probably having something to do with recruiting or subscribing to the page)!

But for now, I humbly thank you for spending time to check out this new blog, and I have high hopes that it will grow out of this little hole in the wall into something much better.

Please send me an email! Feedback is ALWAYS welcome.

Oh, and Happy Halloween!

~Pete

Editor In Chief

pete.h2rtn@gmail.com