GeekSugar

Transform Your Phone, iPad, or Computer With This Headset

GeekSugar — Thu, 27 May 2010 12:00:24 PDT

Apple's new iPad may not officially have phone functionality, but it does support VOIP calling, and one of these sleek headsets would look amazing attached to the tablet (or iPhone or computer for that matter). The Curve MM02 Headset ($64) is designed for use with any smartphone or device that has a headphone jack. Besides being stylish and nicely shaped, the headset allows you to access your phone, iPad, or computer's other functions while speaking on the device. Plus, it looks and feels like an actual phone sitting on your desk. Use it to Skype or just make a phone call. Ring-a-ding-ding!

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4 Good-Lookin' Skype Home Phones

GeekSugar — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:04:42 PDT

Do you Skype? Last I asked, almost 70 percent of you had Skyped, and with the service's newfound ubiquity (they now have an iPhone app too), a lot of people are getting more comfortable Skyping, which allows you to make phone calls over the Internet. If you Skype, take a look at my list of attractive Skype phones worthy of a pretty interior.

Feel Retro, Go Modern With the Skype Hulga Pappa Phone

GeekSugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:05:52 PST

You don't need to hang onto that landline just to keep a sexy-lookin' corded phone around; if you're a Skype user, you can use Hulger's Pappa Phone ($300). Like their ultrasexy Sophia phone, Hulger's Pappa plugs into a Mac or PC and becomes your vehicle for Skype.

But let's discuss what's really hot about this phone: Its looks. The wooden angles are modern, but they look to fit so naturally in your hand. And natural it is - the phone is made from one solid piece of walnut.

Sophia Phone by Hulger: Totally Geeky or Geek Chic?

GeekSugar — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 07:00:25 PDT

I love a phone that looks retro chic, yet boasts all the features of a modern telephone. Just like this 1920s and 30s inspired phone by Hulger that uses bluetooth technology to connect to your PC, Mac or cell phone. It is also fully compatible with Skype. Too geeky for you or geek chic? Leave your answer below!

Daily Tech: Beware This Scary Skype Exploit

Anna Monette Roberts — Tue, 01 May 2012 11:18:10 PDT

Skype users beware! New exploit reveals IP addresses - Geekosystem
5 movie apocalypses that would defeat themselves in the real world - Cracked
Upcycled portraits made from floppy disks - FWD
New iPhone 5 feature: Siri self-destructs phone if stolen? - Dvice
Spam email declines, but spam texts hit an all-new high - Newser
Will Hulu require a paid TV subscription? - SlashFilm

5 Ways to Live Stream a Wedding

Anna Monette Roberts — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 05:34:02 PDT

When a loved one can't attend your wedding, consider live streaming any part of the ceremony or festivities so far away guests can still celebrate practically in person. From video calling to live video channels, these five services enable you to live stream a wedding:

Skype: One of the most well-known video-calling services, Skype is a great free option if you are just trying to include one person. To include more people, sign up for Skype Premium ($9.99 per month), which allows group chats with up to 10 people.
Ustream: The video website enables you to broadcast live video content. It even developed a UStream Broadcaster app, so you can easily stream live HD video from your mobile phone.
iPhone FaceTime: Via FaceTime, you can quickly call a friend who has an iPhone, iPad 2, iPod touch, or even a Mac computer. Since the iPhone 4S is equipped with a front and back camera, simply tap the camera swap button on the bottom right hand side of the screen to share the ceremony.
YouTube Live Stream: With an on-site webcam and WiFi, you can schedule and stream the event live on YouTube. Google offers simple and clear instructions on how to set up, test, and manage your live stream so everything runs smoothly.
I Do Stream: The company provides all the equipment you need (camcorder, tripod, etc.) to seamlessly broadcast your wedding ceremony online. You can even rent a laptop with built-in broadband wireless in case the ceremony grounds don't have an Internet connection.

Rumor Mill: The Apple iTV Will Cost $1,499

Kristy Korcz — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:36:52 PST

According to internal Best Buy documents, the Apple iTV could cost $1,499 when it hits stores. Alongside built-in iOS, iCloud, and iTunes support, the iTV could come with a 42-inch screen, 1080p playback, and stocked with an iSight camera for Skype calling. The documents also reveal that the so-called "Apple HDTV" can be controlled with an iPad or iPhone.

The iTV info comes from Best Buy customer surveys that are aimed at gauging interest on upcoming products and releases.

18 Ways to Save (at Least) $1 a Day

SavvySugar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 05:00:28 PST

It's true: the little things add up. As anyone who ever had a piggy bank knows, small everyday actions can help you save big. Hoping to create a financial cushion for yourself this season? Follow these 15 easy tricks to help you save at least a dollar a day:

Hold the milk. In your coffee, that is. If you regularly stop at the coffee shop on your way to work, order it black to avoid any extra costs.
Go generic. At the grocery store, pick the generic variety of different foods to save big on pantry staples.
Keep the change. Sure, sometimes it's annoying to have change littering your purse or jangling in your pocket, but you'd be surprised by how quickly those nickels add up.
Swap soda for water. If you can't give it up altogether, vow to sip water instead of soda during at least one meal each day.
Trade CDs with a friend. Hoping to add the latest Rihanna song to your workout playlist? Reach out to a friend and burn CDs for each other to gather new music for free.
Fuel up for less. Unless it's required for your specific car model, nix the premium gas habit and use gasbuddy.com to find the cheapest gas in the area.
Find free WiFi. Work in cafés or libraries with free WiFi. Not sure which spots offer Internet? Use the Free Wi-Fi app to scope out local places with wireless access.
Practice your sewing skills. Skip a trip to the tailor and learn to do the simple adjustments yourself, like shortening a hem or taking in a blouse.

Keep reading for more tips to save $1 a day.

5 Ways For Tots to Interact With Santa Without Going to the Mall

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 12:58:08 PST

A trip to the mall for a visit with Santa is an annual tradition for many families, but it isn't always greeted with enthusiasm by tots. The idea of sitting on a stranger's lap and telling him what's on the wish list just doesn't sit well with many kids. With the wonders of technology, that mall visit is quickly becoming a thing of the past. Through Skype, iPhone apps, and YouTube, parents can keep the magic of Santa alive for just a bit longer.

Keep reading to see how your tykes can interact with St. Nick without ever leaving their home.

Put an Esthetician in Your Pocket With This App

Miriam Lacey — Sun, 04 Dec 2011 06:14:10 PST

There are a ton of random beauty apps out there, but few of them are as genuinely helpful as MyChelle's Pocket Esthetician. Downloading this little beauty is gratis, but it'll score you a weekly tip video, and if you have FaceTime, you can also book free consultations with a licensed esthetician over your phone. So whether you've got some irritating redness you'd like to get rid of or a disastrously huge zit pops up right before your high school reunion, you can get live, personalized advice from a professional without taking time out of your day or shelling out big bucks for a facial. If you don't have FaceTime, though, don't feel bad; you can still get a free consultation over Skype and AIM by messaging mychelle.dermaceauticals and onemychelle, respectively.