At Home with Tech

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Category: Tech in the News

My Top Gift Recommendation in Home Tech

If you’re shopping for your special tech geek but don’t know where to start, I think I might have found the gift you want…

Stop shopping right now! Move your index finger away from your keyboard. Put that credit card away (for the moment). I am excited to report that I have identified the perfect tech gift for that aspiring filmmaker or prosumer in your life.

Are you ready…?

It’s the Osmo Pocket Gimbal.

Steadicam in Your Pocket
Made by DJI, it’s an unbelievably ultra-compact 3-axis stabilized handheld camera. Think of a Steadicam in the palm of your hand… a mini-gimbal with a build-in camera.

“What’s a gimbal,” you ask?

It’s a stabilization system that literally eliminates all of the shake and bounce in your hand when you’re shooting video. And if you’re wondering, mechanical stabilization is always better than electronic stabilization.

By eliminating all of the shake as you move through your shots, you will instantly create professional-looking scenes that will bring your home videography to a whole new level.

The Osmo Pocket has just been released, and it goes for $349.00.
Yep, Amazon Prime has it.

You can operate this Osmo via its tiny touchscreen, or you can attach it to your smartphone to create a larger viewfinder and to access advanced functionality.

No, the Osmo Pocket is not exactly inexpensive, but for a 4K video camera that will get you buttery-smooth cinematic shots at 60 FPS and also easily fits into your pocket… $349 feels like a pretty reasonable price.

Optional Extras
The Osmo Pocket has an onboard microphone, but you will also be able to buy an optional 3.5mm adapter if you want to plug in a separate mic.

There are also other a la carte choices like ND filters, a wireless module, extension rod and waterproof case.

The Wow Factor
Sure, there are other gimbals out there. DJI makes several other Osmos.
But the Osmo Pocket is so small and unobtrusive, it opens up many more use scenarios. That can be a real game changer…

Remember how remarkable drones used to seem before they became a dime a dozen? Yep… This is like that. But the Osmo Pocket won’t crash (unless you drop it).

The Osmo Pocket also snaps photos, but that’s not really the primary use for this little device.

Feeling Like a Kid Again
I used to marvel at Steadicam technology. It was something only big-budget productions could afford. Then, more affordable gimbals hit the independent filmmaker/corporate video market, and I rejoiced at having regular access to these wonderful tools in my work.

Now, the democratization of this tech is complete. Everyone at home can own a pocket gimbal!
(It’s kind of remarkable…)

Sure, it’s not cheap, but over time, the price points will inevitably drop.

I mentioned the Osmo Pocket to several colleagues who are into camera tech, and they all experienced a Pavlovian response.

Heck, I think I’m drooling as I type this!

I say If you’re a prosumer interested in video and filmmaking gear, this is absolutely the coolest new device out there.
(Hands down)

Happy Holidays!
I remember asking some friends last month about the must-have gift of the season. They couldn’t think of one. How boring that would have been.

This is clearly a head turner.

Thank you, Osmo Pocket for putting some twinkle back into holiday shopping lists for tech geeks!

Diary of a New Apple Watch User

I’ve joined the growing crowd and strapped an Apple Watch to my wrist. Now, I’ve just got to figure out how it works! Here’s my experience so far…

I was in a meeting at work, and I must have leaned on my new Apple Watch. Suddenly, Siri loudly proclaimed, “Is there something I can help you with?” The whole meeting stopped, and everyone looked at me.

I apologized for Siri, (literally) and we continued.

I’m not exactly sure what happened, but let’s just chalk it up to human error.

Wearing HAL on Your Wrist?
It’s moments like these which remind me that wearing my Apple Watch Series 4 takes some getting used to. It’s not difficult to figure out the basics, but I’ve definitely had to go through a learning curve as a first-time Apple Watch user (GPS-only model).

Case in point:
I like displaying the weather complication that shows off the day’s predicted temperature range. But I’ve realized when you travel to another city… the watch’s complication doesn’t automatically update its location. Sure, you can easily select the new city to check out the weather, but my Apple Watch always defaults back to my ‘home city.’

I discovered this little frustration when I traveled to Orlando last week. I figured the fix had to be buried in the settings somewhere. It was… but not in the Apple Watch. It was in the Apple Watch app on my iPhone…

  • Scroll down and tap on ‘Weather’
  • Tap ‘Default City’
  • Choose your town!

Easy, right?
Well, it is…now.

Prepare for Impact
My biggest problem has centered around my fear of accidentally whacking my wrist against a wall’s edge or a door handle and scratching up my precious Apple Watch. I know the thing is supposed to be impervious to daily bumps and bruises, but I’ve read enough online commentary to know it will eventually show wear and tear just like any watch.

I’ve definitely banged up some of my other watches over the years. So, I know it’s just a matter of time for my Apple Watch.

Over these early weeks, I’ve found myself consciously leading with my body’s right half to protect my left wrist.

That’s kind of silly, right?

So, I made the decision to Frankenstein my Apple Watch and give it a little armor with ‘bumper’ protection. I know that kind of move totally destroys the beautiful design of the Apple Watch, but I figured any hideous add-ons could be discarded as training wheels down the road.

As I looked on Amazon to review my choices, I realized there weren’t many options available yet due to the slightly different sizing of the Apple Watch Series 4. All of the existing third-party Apple Watch cases and bumpers had to be redesigned and rushed into production.

I went with a “Shock Resistant Bumper Cover” From Alritz.
$9.90 on Amazon

It’s a plastic bumper that’s rigid in some parts and rubbery in others. It covers the watch’s sides and also sports a raised bezel, which for me is the key. I’m figuring the greatest dangers to my Apple Watch will come from side or edge impacts as opposed to a direct assault to the screen.
(That said, I know I can always add on a screen protector to further shield my Apple Watch from life’s dangers.)

And how would I rate my Alritz bumper…?
It’s absolutely fine…
(In Amazon speak, I’d give it 4 stars.)

I wouldn’t exactly call it a design triumph, although I do like its raised bezel. The bumper fits properly, and blends in with my Apple Watch’s form factor.

Most importantly, it’s given me a whole lot more peace of mind.
I’d say that’s worth ten bucks.

Down the line, I’m sure there will be other choices to considering buying.
For now, I’m happy.

Technology That’s Good for You
One other realization I quickly discovered is how many other people are wearing Apple Watches or other fitness trackers. It’s not at all something unusual anymore.

What makes it special is how you integrate it into your own life. And yes, I’m paying a little more attention now to my fitness and how many steps I’m taking every day. And yes, I’m pleased when I hit my ‘Move’ goal for the day.

So, I’m enjoying my Apple Watch, and it helps me to be healthier. I’d say that’s worth the price right there!

…Now, I’ve just got to figure out how to make Siri behave when I’m at work!

Ode to Apple Watch Series 4

Here I am sporting my first Apple Watch in the Stamford Apple Store. My Series 4 is still activating, but I couldn’t wait to snap the photo. So excited, it’s time to write another poem!

ODE TO APPLE WATCH SERIES 4

Friday night I entered the Store
The first day of the release
I don’t know what I was thinking
Just searching for inner peace?

Aluminum was fine for me
GPS and Wi-Fi too
Silver or space grey choice was tough
I felt like I had the flu

But the black sport band was so cool
It made the verdict easy
Though I wish there were more options
I was no longer queasy

I approached an Apple Genius
What could still be left in stock?
Then, he peered into his iPad
There it was! He did not mock.

Apple Watch Series 4 for me
I felt a chill of delight
Hardly an early adopter
I’m three years late, so not quite

Still, the thrill of four on day one
It is something hard to beat
I can barely contain myself
So, I will dance in the streets

But first there were some steps to take
To bring Apple Watch to life
iOS 12 for my iPhone
Then ran home to show the wife

Next, I’ve got more choices to make
So many watch bands around
The Apple models are costly
But third-party styles abound

Then, I worry about damage
If I whack my precious screen
AppleCare rejects all scratches
So, all I can do is scream!

A recourse is plastic armor
Don’t tell Apple of my aim
‘Cause it’s a Frankenstein approach
And I know that is it lame

A problem for another time
Today I am just smiling
Happy in my new Appleness
And apparently rhyming

But, I’m not suddenly on some
higher plain of existence
This need is marketing driven
Designed to break resistance

But then, what is true happiness?
If not a sense of wholeness
And if some tech helps you get there
Then, I say it’s a bonus

You can call this phenom the Force
Or whatever makes you free
I am one with my Apple Watch
And it is now one with me

If for some unknown reason you’ve enjoyed my particular style of ‘poetry,’
please feel free to check out my other tech-inspired odes:

Ode to Tech Geeks on Father’s Day
Ode to iPhone 7
Ode to iPhone 6 Plus
Ode to iPhone 5