As we race to the full convergence of TV and the Web, we’re seeing a bevy of ideas about how to augment the traditional TV experience by providing instant access to buy Gloria’s newest shoes with a click, join social media discussions with other fans and other ways to combine watching with doing.

One concept quickly gaining momentum is called “second screen.” This is basically the idea that your iPad or other mobile device can synchronize with what you’re watching to create a richer interactive, though sometimes distracting, experience. The evolution was natural, since iPads and other mobile devices have wormed their way into the average couch surfer’s viewing experience anyway. Why not link them directly to what’s being watched?

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Andy Swindler Categories: Social Media

It won’t surprise anyone who knows me that I have a bias for the Apple ecosystem over Google. When I hear people complaining about the new Apple Maps app, I find myself asking why people are so upset with Apple over this.

Consider the following:

1) While it’s true that Apple made the original iPhone Maps app that was powered by Google maps, Google has provided no intentions to release a stand-alone Google Maps app like the stand-alone YouTube app. Rather than make users happy by launching a stand-alone app, Google’s Executive Chairman Eric Schmidt prefers to make foolhardy statements like, “We think it would have been better if they had kept ours. But what do I know?” Speculations have surfaced that Google is working on a stand-alone iOS maps app, but not anytime soon, so we’ll have to wait and see.

If it had been possible or easy for Apple to incorporate Google Maps features like turn-by-turn directions that gave the Android maps app a boost in popularity, I imagine they would have.

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Andy Swindler Categories: Gadgets

During our last staff meeting, Aaron revealed the latest technology device: The iPad Vintage!

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Rachel Yeomans Categories: Astekology