In the news — Page 13

eBay to auction pristine 1938 #1 Superman comic

July 24, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

If you’re a comic junkie with very deep pockets, you might want to get ready to bid on this ultimate find – Action Comics #1, from June 1938 and the first time Superman is featured in a comic book. The item goes up for auction exclusively on eBay starting August 14th for 10 days.

It’s estimated there only 50-100 (fewer according to some) unrestored copies of this issue still in existence and this one is being touted as being the finest known copy available.

According to a recent announcement, the comic received a rating of 9.0, the highest ever received, from the Certified Guaranty Company (CGC), a leading 3rd party grading service.

Read more…at CanoeTech Blog

Filed Under: Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, In the news, Signs of the Times · Tagged With: eBay, memorabilia

Smashing line-up for September iTunes Festival 2014

July 21, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

For many, September means back-to-school, but for others, it’s iTunes Festival time and it’s back again for an 8th year, with 30 incredible nights of live performances from London’s historic Roundup stage. If you can’t be there, you can still experience the event by streaming it over iTunes or Apple TV. And best of all, it’s still free.

Apple announced today some of the biggest artists that will be headlining this year, including; Maroon 5, Pharrell Williams, Beck, Sam Smith, Blondie, Kylie, David Guetta, 5 Seconds of Summer, Calvin Harris, Chrissie Hynde & many others.

“The iTunes Festival in London is back with another stunning line-up of world class performers and tremendous new acts,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services. “These live shows capture the heart and soul of iTunes and we love bringing them to our customers in the Roundhouse, as well as to the millions of people watching all over the world for free.”

Read more… At CANOE TECH BLOG

Filed Under: Apple, Audio, Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, In the news, News · Tagged With: festival, itunes, music

Square mobile payment system gets invoicing

July 19, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

Strolling through Old Strathcona last Saturday during Edmonton’s Whyte Avenue Art Walk 2014 I noticed something different this year. More vendors were accepting payment by credit card – VISA, MasterCard, American Express – many through the magic of this micro-payment system called Square. It’s changed the way small businesses do their transactions. And now here in Canada, they’ve taken it one step farther with the introduction of invoices allowing complete secure payment transactions when not dealing face-to-face.

Invoicing is certainly a logical extension to the Square payment system with many potential benefits. In fact, people like Kat Doell, an emerging artist and illustrator finds Square payments handy, particularly for high ticket items welcome its extended functionality.

“I haven’t used the invoices yet, but all the new options look perfect for small business,” says Doell.

Read more…At CANOE TECH BLOG

Filed Under: Business, Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, Going Mobile, In the news, Taking care of business · Tagged With: credit cards, micro payments, small business

Applebee’s quietly going “No Tech Tuesday”

July 13, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

If you’re tired of hearing the people on their smartphones at the next table yelling at the top of their lungs, you’ll be happy to know that one restaurant chain in the U.S. is planning on doing something about it – at least for one day of the week. Applebee’s plans to introduce “No Tech Tuesday” to all of its 1,800+ restaurants in the US. In fact, according to reports, the company is filing an application to trademark the phrase.

Installing 100,000 Tablets

What’s perplexing is that back in December 2013, just over seven months ago, the company announcedthat by the end of 2014, it would have completed installation of 100,000 Intel-based E la Carte Presto tablets in their restaurants, so customers can order their meals, pay their bills, play games and have other social media interactions.

There doesn’t appear to be any detailed information as to how the scenario will play out and whether of not those tablets will go dark – on Tuesdays only. I do find it interesting that on one hand the chain is taking a leap forward embracing new technology but on the other hand, totally doing away with it for one day of the week.

Read more…AT CanoeTech BLOG

Filed Under: Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, In the news, Signs of the Times, Taking care of business · Tagged With: Technology

iRig MIDI 2 1st portable Lightning /USB midi for iOS, Mac & PC

July 10, 2014 by Announcements · Leave a Comment

IK Multimedia has just released iRig MIDI 2, the first portable Lightning/USB MIDI interface for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch as well as Mac and PC. iRig MIDI 2 adds a whole new level of portability and connectivity thanks to its detachable and interchangeable cable inputs, standard MIDI connectors and pocket-sized form factor. It’s the perfect mobile MIDI solution for the musician on the go.

iRig MIDI 2 is so flexible because all of its cables are fully detachable and interchangeable via its Mini-DIN connector: Users can swap out Lightning connector, 30-pin connector and USB cables on the fly, which allows for quick switching while on the move. All cables are bumper friendly, which means that iRig MIDI 2 can be plugged into mobile devices without having to remove any protective case. [Read more…]

Filed Under: accessories, Announcements, Apple, Audio, GadgetGreg, In the news, New Product · Tagged With: Audio, music

Skype 5.2 for iPhone adds Voice Messaging Support

July 8, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

It seems that since the release of Skype 5.0 for iPhone less than a month ago the good folks at Skype have been really listening and taking user feedback to heart. According to their blog, Skype 5.1 for iPhone added some additional capabilities including the ability to edit a message, delete a conversation and add a contact filter that selects Skype contacts only. And now, the newly minted Skype 5.2 for iPhone adds a few more features and returns old ones that people have been asking for.

The first is voice message support, something that was lost with the revamped 5.0. When you get a new voice message it will automatically show up in the conversation. All you need to do to listen to it is press play.

Read more…AT CANOE TECH BLOG

Filed Under: Apple, Apps Alive, Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, In the news · Tagged With: communication, update

iPod touch prices down as Apple refreshes 16GB model

June 27, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

While all the Apple talk seems to be focused on the rumoured big screened iPhone 6, there was good news out today for many iPod touch fans as Apple introduced slight changes to the iPod touch lineup. This is a good thing, as the iPod touch in essence gives you a number of features of the iPhone, like the ability to use apps, but without the phone.

Apple rolls out new budget 21.5-inch iMac

June 18, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

21.5-inch iMac (left) 27-inch iMac (right)

Much to everyone’s surprise, there were no new hardware announcements at WWDC 2014 earlier this month, despite the rumour mill being flooded with them. Now today, two weeks later, although this one was probably already in the works, Apple unveils a new entry-level budget 21.5 inch iMac.

Read more…AT CANOE TECH BLOG

Filed Under: Apple, Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, In the news, New Product · Tagged With: Apple, iMac, New product

Connect with Dad with remastered Skype 5.0 for iPhone

June 13, 2014 by Greg Gazin · Leave a Comment

Skype iphone-redesign If you are unable to visit Dad for Father’s Day and plan on calling him over Skype, iOS users will be happy to know that Skype 5.0 has been totally remastered for iPhone.

Instead of simply upgrading the existing version, Skype 5.0 for iPhone has been rewritten from the ground up giving you a much smoother, faster and more integrated experience. It’s been optimized to take advantage of the power of the latest Apple iOS along with its fluid interface with some resemblance to Facetime, while interestingly at the same time still sharing a consistent look and feel with the Windows phone and Android versions of Skype. Read more… AT CANOE TECH BLOG

Filed Under: Canoe Technology, GadgetGreg, Going Mobile, In the news · Tagged With: iOS, Skype, updates