Futurelawyer

PocketPico Projector - No Bigger Than Your Smartphone

This little video describes the Pocket projector I dragged out of the old tech bin that I am going to use for traveling TV. It actually doesn't need a Smartphone or notebook computer connection, since it has Android installed; but, some of the Android apps don't work properly, so I use the Smartphone mostly. It cost $235 when I bought it several years ago, and doesn't seem to be available now on Amazon; but, there are a lot of picoprojectors on the market now. I like it because it has Android on board, has two USB ports for externals like a portable keyboard and mouse, and accepts full sized HDMI input, as well and micro SDs and regular SD cards. It connects to Google PlayStore, so the entire universe of Android apps is available to you. I can't believe I let this little gem languish in my gadget room for so long. So many toys. So little time. 

#RoadWarrior - Bring Your Entertainment With You

One of my favorite pastimes is finding new uses for old tech. The tiny projector in this photo is my PicoProjector that I used to take to do presentations to small groups. I used to carry a large projection screen; but, they are a pain to take on airplanes. So, I have purchased a 4 pound tabletop screen that is 40 inches and is perfect for hotel rooms and small conference rooms. Why? Well, since I don't do a lot of presenting anymore, it occurred to me that I could use a USB C to HDMI cable to project my computer and smartphone screens when I travel. Now that a lot of TV and entertainment is streaming over the Internet, just connect to WiFi or your own mobile hotspot, and, presto, in room entertainment. I am projecting a 10 inch image here on to the side of my laser printer at home as a proof of concept. This would be great for on the fly courtroom presentations as well. Smartphone, projector and screen all weigh less than 5 pounds. The projector has a rechargeable battery that lasts a couple of hours, so you don't even need a power connection. Fun, fun, fun, until your wife makes you take her out to dinner.

Update Your Netflix Profile NOW.

Netflix Profiles. The streaming gods have finally answered our prayers. One of life's little annoyances is now going away. But, you have to be proactive to make it happen. You know what I am talking about, Netflix streamers. You settle back in your recliner or couch, wanting to escape the madness of the day, and forget about all the annoying people that Marcus Aurelius warned you about. Sure, you have honed your ability to allow them to be who they are; but, it is heavenly to get away from them, isn't it? So, you power up the Netflix app, settle back, and begin to browse for something interesting. Then, your body is shocked by a burst of dialog and music from the first item on the screen, before you have had the opportunity to flick through the options. Then, when you move to the next choice, you are again bombarded by a few seconds of the next choice. It makes me want to throw the remote at the screen; but, I am a good Stoic, so I suffer through it, and recognize that I cannot control how Netflix streams to me. But, now, I can enter my Profile settings and uncheck the preview button. Ah, browsing silence. The peace and quiet while I search for my next binging guilty pleasure is nirvana. Thanks, Netflix. It's about time.

Watch The SuperBowl At Rick And Diane's Wedding

Visual Advantage. Tampa Bay audiovisual company, Visual Advantage, will be supplying the 75 inch Samsung TV for the wedding tomorrow night. So, if you are a football fan, you can still catch the game at our reception. If you aren't a fan, you will be able to listen to acoustic guitar, and eat and dance the night away. I will be streaming the game from my Galaxy Note 10+ 5G smartphone, with my Samsung Galaxy Tab S5e tablet as a backup. The tablet can cast the game via Chromecast to the TV, while the Smartphone will be tethered to the TV HDMI port with a cable.

You're Never Too Old To Save The Planet

Picard. All this talk of retiring got me thinking about aging. Why is it that we believe that aging causes a decrease in ability? As long as the mind functions and the body can muddle through the day, we should live and be productive as much as we are able. Then, I got a kick out of the new CBS All Access series debuting this Thursday, "Star Trek - Picard". An aging crew of Star Trek veterans reunite to save the world again. For you Star Wars fans, Star Trek is the thinking man's version of the future. There is some action; but, no mindless laser weapons and hand to hand combat. Oh, there will be enough action for you young folk. But, the thinking, and acting, will be done by old people. Live long, and prosper.

#CES2020 - Samsung Shows Off TVs With Infinity Displays

Thin, big TVs at CES are so last year. Everyone is showing off the thin OLED TVs that have taken over the high end TV market. But, Samsung has taken its wonderful infinity display tech from phones to TVs, and the results are amazing. I want one of these. But, alas, I can't afford it. Oh well.

 

Disney Plus Is Live!

Disney Plus is live: Price, sign up, shows, movies and more | Tom's Guide. Okay, I am a Disney fan. I don't like the hot weather and long lines at DisneyWorld; but, I go anyway. I grew up with Disney classics, and I love escaping reality for a few hours. Now, I have a TV channel that is all Disney, all the time. Brilliant. You can watch in the browser, and it is a great way to take a break during a long day. Right now, the new StarWars TV series is available, the Mandalorian. What does this have to do with law practice and tech? Why, watching TV and film in the browser is a precursor to keeping tech law seminars open during breaks, right? Not. But, this is my blog, and I want to spend some time in a galaxy, far, far away.

Repurposing The Samsung View - A Honking Big Tablet

Samsung Galaxy View - The Official Samsung Galaxy Site.A few years ago, I bought a Samsung View for SWMBO, for use in the living room, while watching TV. It is a big, honking tablet computer; and, now, in the days of WiFi television, it makes a great Internet TV and browsing device for any room in the home. I am updating the 2 year old apps before I install it in the kitchen for Diane. She can watch TV, check email, and bring up recipes in the kitchen while concocting wonderful keto recipes. The 18.4 inch touchscreen Android tablet is designed for group use in an open environment. There is always a secondary purpose for most tech; especially tech that uses software that updates over time.

Vizio 65" 4K HDR LED TV For $450 From WalMart

Vizio 65" 4K HDR LED TV with built-in Chromecast down to just $450 ($250 off) from Walmart. Just 7 years ago, a 65 inch HD TV cost $10,000. Today, you can toddle on down to the local WalMart and take one home for $450. That is all you need to know about the progress of technology. When I bought my 65 inch HD for the den several years ago, I paid $950. What are you watching?

43 Inch SmartTV For $200? Take My Money

Amazon.com: Insignia NS-43DF710NA19 43-inch 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV HDR - Fire TV Edition: Electronics. I have used TVs as computer monitors for years. They require some compromises, and some tricky placement and settings; but, I do all my daily computing using them, and love it. Using a cheap HDTV as a computer monitor is not for gamers; but, for business and word processing, they are really cheap and work great. You probably need to mount any TV larger than 43 inches on the wall to get it to eye level and to save desk space; but, for $200, why are you still staring at a 14 inch notebook screen, or an 18 inch computer monitor? An added benefit? If you get bored, you can zone out on Netflix while you work.