Anthony Nigara

"It’s kind of fun to do the impossible."

Fri, 07 Jan 2011 11:54:44 -0500

“It’s kind of fun to do the impossible.”

- Walt Disney

BBC News - Large Hadron Collider (LHC) generates a 'mini-Big Bang'

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 12:17:53 -0500

BBC News - Large Hadron Collider (LHC) generates a 'mini-Big Bang':

Interesting stuff, but I’m still waiting for clear evidence either regarding the validity of String Theory. I’m still not a believer.

"Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value."

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 12:23:00 -0400

“Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.”

- Albert Einstein

Apple TV 2 First Impressions

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 21:00:23 -0400

I received my brand new Apple TV 2 today and here are my first impressions after using it for a few hours.

Packaging and Hardware

To start, the packaging is phenomenal as is the usual situation for an Apple product. I am also blown away by how small and light the device is, it’s barely larger than the iPhone 4. The only other hardware in the box is the aluminum remote and the power cable. The remote is thin and light, but feels sturdy comfortable in the hand to use. Despite the nice aesthetic of the remote, it leaves a lot to be desired while actually controlling the Apple TV, more on that later.

Setup

The setup is a breeze. Plug in HDMI cable and power and you’re ready to go. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect to your home network to really get the device working. Now it’s time for your first encounter with the annoyance of entering text and numbers with the included Apple TV remote. It takes way too long to “hunt and peck” with the remote to enter an alphanumeric Wireless password or Apple ID. So, the first thing I recommend you do is pair the Apple TV to an iOS device (like an iPad, iPhone, or iPod Touch) that has the updated Apple Remote App installed. Once you have the Remote app up and running, the Apple TV becomes a whole lot better and easier to control. It’s actually really neat to swipe on your iPad and have the Apple TV respond, and it is smart where whenever you come across a text entry screen on the Apple TV, the Remote app immediately pops up the keyboard to allow for text entry. It is the little touches like this that remind you that you are using an Apple product.

User Interface

The UI is minimal, yet polished and easy to navigate. You have all your media from your connected computers available for streaming or the option to view the Apple rentals or Netflix, YouTube, or browse Podcasts. The picture quality was awesome on my HD TV and the streaming was fast and responsive.

Summary

The bottom line is that if you have most of your content in iTunes and are looking for a polished UI to interact with Netflix and movie rentals, and plan on using the Remote app from a connected iOS device to control it, the Apple TV is a great device easily worth the $99.

Super Mario (via ZackKim) Sick!

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 19:50:50 -0400

Super Mario (via ZackKim)

Sick!

How Shazam Works

Wed, 22 Sep 2010 19:43:26 -0400

How Shazam Works:

Very good description of how the awesomeness that is Shazam actually works.

Play Your Pirated TV Shows on the iPad VLC Rocks!

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 20:12:00 -0400

Play Your Pirated TV Shows on the iPad

VLC Rocks!

Mmmm… new flavors of DODOcase iPad case are available I...

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 21:03:16 -0400

Mmmm… new flavors of DODOcase iPad case are available

I absolutely love my DODOcase! It keeps my iPad protected and does so with maximum style. My only regret now is that I ordered before all of these awesome colors were available.

Buzz Kill - Leo Laporte's Poignant Thoughts on Social Media

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 10:21:12 -0400

Buzz Kill - Leo Laporte's Poignant Thoughts on Social Media:

Great article by Leo Laporte highlighting the ephemeral nature of social media. Also makes me want to keep up with my blog more.

Rubik's Cube quest for speedy solution comes to an end

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 12:15:55 -0400

Rubik's Cube quest for speedy solution comes to an end:

The Rubik’s Cube rocks!

My Blog's New URL

Sun, 08 Aug 2010 20:28:27 -0400

Just moved my (Tumblr) blog to www.anthonynigara.com

Scientists Take Quantum Steps Toward Teleportation

Sun, 01 Aug 2010 17:41:11 -0400

Scientists Take Quantum Steps Toward Teleportation:

Don’t know if we’ll see this as a reality in our lifetime, but it’s cool to think about the possibility of teleportation.

You know the hotel you're staying in needs updating when...

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:49:13 -0400

1) Your room smells like your Grandma’s house.

2) Your climate control consists of a combo heater/AC unit with 3 buttons: red, blue, and white.

3) You get a headache when you stare at the carpet for too long.

This just about sums up the room I’m in right now.

"The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning..."

Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:22:09 -0400

“The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and a lightning bug.”

- Mark Twain

The LHC starts regular operations at 7TeV The LHC has the...

Tue, 30 Mar 2010 12:06:00 -0400

The LHC starts regular operations at 7TeV

The LHC has the potential to prove (or disprove) various aspects of String Theory such as supersymmetry (via superparticles). It will be interesting to see if the LHC can provide the experimental evidence to validate String Theory and promote universal adoption of the theory.

"When thinking about data keep an open mind, but not an empty head."

Mon, 22 Mar 2010 07:46:26 -0400

“When thinking about data keep an open mind, but not an empty head.”

- Edward Tufte

Quantum On Quantum - Science News

Fri, 12 Feb 2010 22:39:36 -0500

Quantum On Quantum - Science News:

Entangled photons validate Feynman’s vision for simulating nature.

How to Do Everything in Google Buzz (Including Turn It...

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 20:12:13 -0500

How to Do Everything in Google Buzz (Including Turn It Off)

Another great article from Gina Trapani, informative and well written.

Why Google Chrome is better than Firefox and Internet Explorer....

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 12:02:00 -0500

Why Google Chrome is better than Firefox and Internet Explorer. - By Farhad Manjoo - Slate Magazine

I agree that Chrome is wicked fast and the extensions make it more like Firefox all the time. But as a Mac user, Chrome leaves something to be desired.

Bundle.com shows you where to save money (via Scobleizer) Nice...

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 10:53:10 -0500

Bundle.com shows you where to save money (via Scobleizer)

Nice site for budgeting and personal finance. I like the fact that it doesn’t require a login or sharing of personal info.