Moms and dads, it’s time to tune in, turn on and plug in. Find new ways to save time and money and get more out of your digital lifestyle with my tips to make your family-life easier and richer through modern technology, such as the Internet, wireless devices and digital television.
A Cure for a Wet Phone?
I’m sure it has happened to you or someone you know. Your phone falls into water (a pool, a puddle, a toilet?) and then what are you supposed to do?
Many cell phones don’t cover water-related damage, and do-it-yourself tactics like bowls or rice or hairdryers are questionable at best.
A product called Dry-All claims to be able to repair your wet electronics once and for all–guaranteed. Available at Radio Shack and other retailers, the dehumidifier will restore cell phones to 0% humidity.
They have similar products for other electronic devices and important areas such as safes.
Dry All for cell phones retails for $29.99 the smartphone version is $59.99
Ameba TV
Ameba TV is a new subscription-based, commerical-free channel for kids that streams online (or via a Roku or special set top box).
The channel is geared to kids 2-13, but sans commercials, unlike many other options for parents. Many of the shows come from around the world, which is a nice option as well. It looks like they are still adding content continually so it should only get better.
The station is just $3.99/month, which is reasonable for unlimited streaming of thousands of on-demand videos, I think.
(h/t Cool Mom Tech)
Kid-Friendly iPad case from Big Grips
You know you let your kid play on your iPad. With all the great apps and games, how could they resist.
Thankfully there are new protec
tive cases that can help guard your gear.
The Big Grips iPad Frame is one example of a protector that is also fun (it comes in colors like green, blue and green).
It is soft and squishy to the touch, so it is easy for little hands to hold on to.
The frame is just $34.95 or you can get it with at stand for $49.95–great for watching videos!
For more ideas check out Geek Sugar.
Not your mama’s Royal Wedding!
I have to say that I am so excited about the Royal Wedding tomorrow AM. One of my earliest memories is of Princess Diana’s wedding so it is mostly a sentimental thing.
This wedding has lots of tech savvy treasures including the Royal Family’s own You Tube channel where you can watch the BBC live stream and live blogging by royal insiders.
The Official Royal Wedding website is also invite you to sync up with your Facebook and Twitter feeds to share how you are celebrating the event, including sending video messages and text messages to the happy couple.
Another thing which never existed in Diana’s day is the online PDF or flipbook version of the Royal Wedding program available free.
Diana and Charles also didn’t have to worry about guests updating their Twitter feed mid-ceremony. To prevent this faux pas at the tomorrow’s nuptials, the Abbey will be outfitted with signal blocking technology until the end of the service.
I’m going to bed now so that I can get up in the morning early. (Thankfully I am going to start the DVR at 4, but I won’t wake until 5!)
Max and the Magic Marker Game takes on iPad
I love a video game that takes true creativity to the next level. Max and the Magic Marker is one of those games.
In the game, Max is a boy with a magic marker who has accidentally created a monster that you have to help him escape. You help Max by drawing on the touchscreen objects that become active in the game (such as a staircase he can climb).
The game reminds me of Scribblenauts for Nintendo DS, but with the larger iPad screen the possibilities are more advanced.
See more:
Besides the iPad version, there are also PC/Mac versions and one for Wii. Learn more here.
New handwriting app helps kids learn letters
Zaner-Bloser is one of the most widely used handwriting program in schools today. They have now brought their style to iPhones with a new app.
The app is designed to help parents and teachers prepare young children for handwriting instruction. The current app covers Print and Manuscript styles, but future apps will include Print or Manuscript in Spanish, Cursive in English and Cursive in Spanish.
$1.99 from iTunes
Google Summer of Code-GSoC
Google is once again sponsoring an amazing opportunity for college students with an interest in learning to write software, apps, plug-ins, etc. With the support of 175 mentoring organizations, including Wordpress, the Summer of Code is an awesome opportunity.
For a summer of open source code development with a mentoring program, you can earn $5,000. As Wordpress puts it Best. Summer. Job. Ever.
For more information, check out the FAQs or the Wiki.
Hurry–the deadline is April 8.
Roomba’s water-loving friend Scooba
The Roomba robot vacuum cleaner has been around for a while now, but I just learned there is a mopping version called the Scooba. Better yet, there is a compact version–perfect for small kitchens and bathrooms coming out soon.
The Scooba 230 is perfect for cleaning bathroom floors–even around the toilet! The device neutralizes 97% of germs from sealed hardwood, tile and linoleum floors.
The floor washing robot is 3.5″ tall and 6.5″ in diameter. The price isn’t yet available, but the robot will be available from iRobot this spring.
The larger Scooba 380 retails for $499. It is 3.5″ high and 14.8 ” in diameter.
Found via Cool Mom Tech
National Geographic App features top 50 photos
The story behind National Geographic’s world-renowned photography is as compelling as the images themselves.
Now you can access the organization’s top 50 iconic photos and the story of how they came to be via its new app.
The app includes images as well as behind-the-scenes video and stories.
This new app joins others by National Geographic including Dinopedia, Great Migrations, GeoBee and Handheld Birds.
$4.99 via iTunes (one note from commenters–there is a promo ad for Canon that will launch if you don’t cancel it so be warned).
Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss
Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel)’s birthday was March 2. It seems like everyone in kid-land celebrates this.
I found this funny acknowledgement of the day over at Buzz Feed–What Dr. Seuss Books Were Really About
The Sneetches becomes “The Racists”
The Grinch becomes “The Psychological Implications of Holiday-Motivated Materialism”
Green Eggs and Ham becomes “How Fear of the Unknown Hinders the Development of Informed Opinions”
and more.
Think about that next time you read one at bedtime.
For more Dr. Seuss, check out Oceanhouse Media’s Dr. Seuss Apps discounted 25-50% this week only. (Reg. $1.99-3.99)
(h/t) Geek Dad
