In an article for the Occidental Weekly, I look at Microsoft’s recently announced Windows Phone 7 Series, which does something unique — integrates Xbox Live into the cell phone. Here’s the article lead:

As a generation, we are fixated on “converged devices” such as iPhones and Blackberries that not only function as cell phones but as mp3 players, internet browsers and GPSs. In order to really succeed in the market, companies are constantly competing to create the phone with the most useful apps and most advanced features. In 2010, Microsoft is set to take phone utility and innovation to a whole new level. Last week in Barcelona at Mobile World Congress, the largest international trade show for cellular phones, Microsoft unveiled its plans for an unprecedented combination: a cell phone with Xbox gaming capabilities.

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A complete archive of all my writing for The Occidental Weekly, including past Tyler the Tech Guy articles, can be found here.

Is the Apple iPad a game changer… or will it ruin Apple’s hot streak? In an article for the Occidental Weekly, I give my impressions of Apple’s latest “magical” device. Here’s the article lead:

Last Wednesday, Apple unveiled the iPad, a top-secret product that they have been working on for years. Tech-lovers across the globe eagerly awaited this unveiling only to be disappointed: Apple’s latest innovation is… a giant iPhone.

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A complete archive of all my writing for The Occidental Weekly, including past Tyler the Tech Guy articles, can be found here.

The rumors of a Bing-News Corporation exclusivity deal seem to have died down recently (with the holidays and then CES occupying everybody’s time), but now that I’m back I still want to post an article I wrote for the Occidental Weekly last month about the deal, and its ramifications (good and bad) for everybody who uses the internet. Here’s the article lead:

Many of us rely on Google for all of our Web search needs. But what if Google no longer had all of the answers? Recent negotiations between Microsoft and News Corp. may threaten Google’s perceived control of the Internet.

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A complete archive of all my writing for The Occidental Weekly, including past Tyler the Tech Guy articles, can be found here.

A year ago yesterday, I launched Tyler the Tech Guy. Many posts and articles later, I’m still at it. There are still many areas of the site that need work and attention, but I’m getting through them one by one. Thank you for visiting my site, and reading what I have to say. I hope everybody has happy holidays and a great new year. Lots of new content is coming, so stay tuned.

I offer tips and tricks for getting most out of Gmail in an article for the Occidental Weekly. Many businesses and schools (including Oxy) have been switching over to Gmail, and Google’s email interface can take a little getting used to. This guide should help make the transition a little easier, and provide knowledge that will be helpful to all Gmail users. Here’s the article lead:

The Gmail interface is different from most other e-mail programs, and it can take a little getting used to. But if you take the time to learn the tricks and nuances of Gmail, it can prove to be a quick and efficient program. Whether you’re using Gmail reluctantly or lovingly, these tips should help make dealing with your Oxy e-mail (or any Gmail account) easier.

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A complete archive of all my writing for The Occidental Weekly, including past Tyler the Tech Guy articles, can be found here.

It seems that the Kindle has moved far beyond merely being the bestselling “wireless reading device” on Amazon — it is now the bestselling device on Amazon.com, period. (Yes, it is even a better seller than the Playmobil Airport Security Checkpoint.) According to Amazon’s press release (and their front page), the Kindle is also the #1 most wished for and gifted item on their site. It seems that keeping the Kindle as the featured item on Amazon’s front page for the last several months has really helped increase mindshare and generate sales. The buzz over ebook readers that Amazon is trying to create should help their competitor’s ebook reader sales as well. Too bad their main rival — the Nook — is already sold out.

…over on Amazon.com, they’re touting that the Kindle is the bestselling “wireless reading device” on Amazon. What are the odds?
But, then again, Barnes and Noble says they’re already sold out of Nooks for the holidays.

I cover the FCC’s net neutrality proposal in this week’s Occidental Weekly. Read on for a description of what net neutrality is, how it can affect you, and what it means for everyone using the internet. Here’s the article lead:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) formally proposed rules mandating net neutrality on Oct. 22. Net neutrality, in general terms, is the theory that everyone should have equal and open access to the Internet. If the rules go into effect, things are likely to remain relatively the same as they currently stand—however, if the rules are stopped in Congress, it could affect the Internet experience of everyone, including users of Occidental’s network.

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A complete archive of all my writing for The Occidental Weekly, including past Tyler the Tech Guy articles, can be found here.

My Tyler the Tech Guy column in this week’s Occidental Weekly is a variation of my post about what Google’s new free GPS software will mean for the GPS market, but with a key difference — I focus on what Google’s offering will mean for consumers (aka us).

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A complete archive of all my writing for The Occidental Weekly, including past Tyler the Tech Guy articles, can be found here.

…is to install software on it (a 2G model) meant for the iPhone 3GS. Now you know for sure: If it says “iPhone 3GS only”, don’t install it unless your phone is a 3GS. It seems like common sense, but it can be tempting nonetheless (and it didn’t stop me!).

Here’s what happened: After the software installed, when it came time to boot the phone, the start up process stalled on the Apple logo and the spinning wheel appeared on top of it (but ironically, didn’t spin). I could not get the phone to boot. Fortunately, I was able to force the phone to power-down by holding power and the center button for a few seconds. I was then able to plug it into my computer and restore it back to health. It’s been a hassle to restore and re-sync everything, but all’s well now.