The TV of the Future

Can you imagine having a television schedule that you completely control? Sure there's the digital video recorder (DVR), but I'm talking about total and complete control. I'm talking about Internet television. 

Currently newer TV sets have a new jack in the back that will allow you to connect your set directly to the Internet. Once you establish that connection you can use your remote control to get updated local weather forecasts, personalized stock quotes and on-demand access to a handful of TV shows just to name a few.

But what if technology was developed to allow you to get rid of the set top box, the gaming console and stereo component so that the broadband Internet and the TV did it all? Since most television stations put their shows online, you could possibly be able to upload any show, movie, song or video at any time without needing local TV stations or cable subscriptions. This could be the wave of the future.

Sure the Internet would have to be faster and TVs would have to be more powerful but look what technology has done for us now. Did you ever think you could have a phone that acted like an MP3 player and let you surf the Web? I'm thinking this Internet TV could really take off. What do you think?

Starbucks Introduces AT&T Wi-Fi Partnership

There’s a new reason to visit your local Starbucks and it’s not just for the black nectar of the gods that gives you that ultimate pick me up. This new product will satisfy your craving for speed without the jitters of gulping down too much caffeine.

Starbucks has decided to revamp their current Wi-Fi service to make it more affordable and convenient for you, so they’ve begun a new partnership with AT&T. You’ll be able to sip your tall, skinny, no whip, no foam latte slowly as you zip through your e-mails, videos and chat for two free hours per day.

In case you need more time, you’ll be able to purchase an additional two-hour chunk of time for $3.99. Now that seems pretty cheap to me, but let’s say you are a Starbucks groupie and a Wi-Fi junkie, no problem, they have you covered too. For $19.99 a month you can have wireless access in any Starbucks plus other AT&T hot-spot locations.

All in all, to me this new partnership sound like a win win. I can get my afternoon jolt and wiz through the Internet for a reasonable amount of cash. What’s your opinion?

Part III of III

Thank you for coming back to read my final part in my identity theft series. In part I, I identified the different types of I.D. theft and in the second part, I explained how to prevent such theft. In part III I’ll give you tips on what to do in case your I.D. has been stolen.

Taking action to clear your name:

• Contact your bank and explain the issue
• Call all your credit card companies to alert them of the problem
• Notify all three major credit bureaus of your situation
• File a police report immediately
• File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• Place a fraud alert on your credit report
• Order a credit report from the 3 major providers