Microsoft ends Windows Server 2003 support July 14th

Server EndsIn the finale of Star Trek: The Next Generation the omnipotent character ”Q” says to Captain Jean-Luc Picard, “All good things must come to an end.” It’s true and times are different now and for those who have found solace in Microsoft Windows Server 2003 over the last 13 years, including the 40% of those Microsoft servers in Canada still running it, support for those using this platform will end on July 14, 2015.

With no further support, it seems that resistance will be futile, so the folks at Microsoft have created an infographic to enlighten those who may have questions and show the importance of migrating to a cloud-based server. See infographic and read more…at Canoe Tech Blog.

Toastcaster 54 Mad Max: Fury Road Critical Communications on a Movie Set

 

MadMaxGregVanBIt’s not often that we have a guest on our show that has both a tie-in to Toastmasters, Public Speaking and a major motion picture release – in this case the much anticipated Mad Max: Fury Roadstarring Tom Hardy & Charlize Theron which will hit theatres May 15th 2015.

In this episode, Greg speaks with Greg Van Borssum who hails from just outside of Sydney Australia. Greg, had a real rough start when it came to public speaking in years gone by but has become a motivational speaker and strategic thought leader. He’s also been the crowds director and motion capture director on the Academy Award winning Happy Feet films & most recently as Fight Choreographer and Weapons Specialist on the new Mad Max: Fury Road, where he trained some of Hollywood’s finest actors. Greg tells us a little about the movie, his incredible roles in the film and what it’s like communicating both with A-list Hollywood actors in situations that can not only be challenging they can be downright dangerous. [Greg’s life journey can be found on The Official Toastmasters Podcast #089]   (32:33)  photos: Greg Van Borssum

OptiShot Golf Replica 2015 PLAYERS Championship, Ponte Vedra Course

 golfOptiShot Golf, makers of the world’s #1 golf simulator, announces its To-the-TeeTM replicated course, Ponte Vedra. Ponte Vedra is the legendary PLAYERS Championship course flawlessly reproduced. THE PLAYERS Championship has been one of the PGA TOUR’s most coveted titles.

Held annually in May, THE PLAYERS is one of the most anticipated tournaments on the PGA TOUR calendar, boasting not only the strongest field but also the biggest purse on the PGA TOUR. A true “Stadium Course,” the championship-caliber golf course was designed to improve the overall on-site fan experience at THE PLAYERS, while also making it accessible to and playable by golf fans of all abilities. The PLAYERS Championship and OptiShot2 users begin play on May 7-10, 2015.

Last minute gift ideas: Mothers love gadgets too

Shine Mothers DayIt can sometimes be an interesting exercise picking out gifts for Mom for Mother’s Day, but time has proven that Moms love gadgets too, so you can never really go wrong taking this route. Of course, the challenge is finding her just the right one. So here are just a few ideas to ponder on – but not for too long as the big day is right around the corner.

Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog

lynk: your digital vault on the go

hand-lynk-on-clip-good-IMG_0059-vrDigital attacks are becoming an ongoing daily occurrence – thinking about major breaches at Sony, Target and J.P.Morgan. But after several friends and family members were victimized by identity theft, businessman and inventor Vincent Ramoutar realized that not only are our computers vulnerable, but also our mobile devices that we not only use to make calls and send text messages but now also use for on-line shopping and everyday banking.

Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog

Catalyst waterproof sleeve protects your gadgets from the elements

Catalyst Sleeve 1We all need a little protection for those notebooks, tablets and e-readers that we like to take everywhere we go but at the same time we’re sometimes reluctant to fall prey to always carting around those bulky carrying cases. An alternative solution is the Catalyst Waterproof Sleeve – designed to be both a standalone protective carrier for your portable gadget and an accessory that you can easily slip into your briefcase or backpack.

The Catalyst Sleeve is a dual protection system that’s both stylish and functional, giving you protection from accidental drops and water leakage. It consists of an ultra slim durable outer shell made of waterproof ripstop nylon and an inner high-grade EVA foam cushioned insert. Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog.

New IK Multimedia UltraTuner for Apple Watch is all in the wrist

UltraTuner
When we think of all the uses for a smart watch a musicians tool is not likely at the top of mind but with the new UltraTuner for Apple Watch by IK Multimedia, musicians will be able to tune their instruments with high precision, and conveniently right from their wrists.

IK calls the app the first and most precise and feature-packed instrument tuner available for Apple Watch that features a 1/100th of a cent accuracy.

When installed on an iPhone, the latest UltraTuner app pairs with an Apple Watch, allowing musicians to view the tuning information in two operational modes: UltraTuner’s classic graduated LED “STAGE” mode and a simple “NOTE” mode, specifically designed for the Apple Watch display.Read more…at CanoeTech Blog

Senneheiser, Apogee clip-on mics go digital

ClipMic

Sennhesier and Apogee have teamed together to launch ClipMic digital and MKE 2 digital, a pair of clip-on microphones designed for iOS – iPhone, iPad and iPod touch that offer digital recording and enhanced sound quality over similar traditional analog mics.

“We are proud to launch the first digital clip-on microphones designed to connect directly to your iPhone,” says Betty Bennett, Co-Founder and CEO of Apogee Electronics. .

More than just a direct connect with their 1.6m cable through the devices Lightning connector, capturing the enhanced audio will add a new dimension to your videos, according to Wolfgang Fraissinet, Director Audio Recording at Sennheiser. “Speech intelligibility will increase tremendously – and will retain this quality when the speaker is moving. The fact that we feed the mobile device with a professionally converted digital signal results in the best possible sound quality,” says Fraissinet. Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog.

Divoom Airbeat-10 wireless speaker suction cup included

While people are still buying earbuds and headphones we’re starting to see many external portable speakers hitting the market, thanks in part to the ability to stream music wirelessly over Bluetooth. One company that makes a number of these and in all different shapes and sizes is Divoom. One of their latest models is the Divoom Airbeat-10 wireless bluetooth speaker, that with its funky little attachments you can attach it and take it anywhere. Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog.

 

Kidz Gear volume limiting headset ideal for young ears

Going beyond the earbuds that are often included with the gadget these days, it sometimes tough to find a decent headset that suitable for young ears.  Expanding upon their original headphones, Kidz Gear has introduced the Kids Gear Deluxe Stereo Headset with Boom Microphone that is not only sized correctly for a child’s head, it also has a volume limiting capability to help protect the little ears.

Read more…at Canoe Tech Blog.