9/11 Introduction to smart devices

Agenda:

Review from last week (orientation, tech talk)

Additional note about OOMA (thanks Della!)

Reminder that Week 1 was recorded and is available in Week 1

Accessing Canvas site and Discussion Board

Presentation

Discussion

Homework:

Quick links:

Handout

Presentation

Link to Zoom:  https://cccconfer.zoom.us/j/9191959460?pwd=OXh0RE9ZTVZTWElTMUQ0ZzAxQzExdz09

If asked, the passcode is emeritus

OOMA phones (to replace landline)   
From Student Della O: You can get a free Ooma phone if you get a 5G T-Mobile internet service.  The cost for T-Mobile's 5G is $50.00 per month, including taxes and fees.  For a free Ooma phone go to:   https://promotions.t-mobile.com/ooma (T-Mobile Home / Small Business Internet customers get an Ooma Telo Air FREE (a value of $129.99) when you sign up for Ooma Premier ($9.99/month plus applicable taxes & fees) for 18 months)

Introduction

In a class called Communicating with Technology, you can be certain that it will include the use of devices to communicate.  Because how else can you use technology to get in touch with others?  This class provides an overview of the devices we use to communicate from the obvious (computers, smartphones, tablets) to the not so obvious (virtual assistants, smart homes).  Something for everyone in this class!

Two things to consider:  Connecting and Operating systems

Connecting:  All devices must connect to the Internet.  This connection will most likely be wireless.  You can set up a wireless connection at home with a router and modem.  If you want to be able to access your device anytime, even without Wi-Fi, you can purchase it with a built-in modem.  In this case, you will also purchase a data plan so that it can use cellular data. 

Operating systems:  The operating system is software built into the computer or device.  

Computers:  With computers, there are 3 operating systems:  Windows (currently Windows 11), Apple OS (currently Ventura), or Linux (a well-kept secret operating system).  One type of laptop, Chromebook, is a no-frills laptop meant to access the Internet.  It uses the Chrome operating system.  

Devices and smartphones: Devices and phones have additional operating systems.  Some examples are Android OS, Apple iOS, Windows, and Blackberry.  

Other connected things:  This lesson will describe the Internet of Things (IoT) which includes those billions of connected devices.  Many of them will also have an operating system which controls its actions and allows communication with the cloud.   This operating system is embedded in the device.  Factors of the IoT operating system include:  a small footprint with minimal memory requirements, built in security features, multiple connectivity possibilities, ability to grow with more devices, an intuitive interface, reliability and support.  For more on this topic, visit this blog on the Help Wire site.


Devices

Desktop:  Contains a tower, monitor and keyboard.  Easier to update.  Components can be bought separately so you can replace one component without whole system.

Laptop:  Keyboard is attached to the monitor.  All hardware contained in keyboard section.  Two in ones have keyboard which can disconnect, and have a touch screen monitor. There are advantages and disadvantages to both.  Factors to consider:  size, portability, price, components, threat of theft, operating systems and more.

Suggested minimum components:

RAM
CPU
Hard drive
Ports
All in one
Two in one

All in One and Two in One: These are special types of computers.  The all in one is a computer that has all of the hardware in the monitor piece.  It is great for small places, and is very attractive.  Although prices are better, it can still be a little expensive.  Two in one refers to a laptop which can double as a tablet by disconnecting the keyboard part.  Prices are much more competitive.

Chromebook: These are an inexpensive option to the laptop.  It runs the Google Chrome operating system, and relies on the cloud for storage and running programs.  Easily connects to your Google apps, such as Gmail, Drive and YouTube.  Used in schools.  It is great for basic computer use, but not for high use programs like Photoshop and movie editing.  Will have a slower processing CPU, less RAM and less hard drive storage.  But it will be great for web browsing, movie and music, email and other basic things.


Chromebook
flip phone

Phones: 

A conventional phone is the old, flip phone.  A smartphone has many additional features, including the ability to use multiple emails, some great organizational tools, a ready source of information, a great camera, and the ability to entertain you anywhere, anytime.  It uses both cellular and wireless connections. 


smart phone
tablet

Tablets and the iPad

A tablet is a handheld computer designed mostly for “consuming” media.  It is ideal for gaming, watching videos, reading, playing games, accessing your email, web browsing and more.  It does not have a large amount of storage, so mostly things are kept on the cloud.  The iPad is a type of tablet with the Apple iOS.  Features with a tablet include a mobile operating system, free updates, solid state drives, and much less ports.  You may have built-in Wi-Fi.


iPad
Kindle (e Ink)

eReaders:  A past favorite for users, now it is gradually being replaced by tablets.  An eReader is designed for reading books, magazine and other materials.  It can be a screen similar to an iPad be a screen which resembles print (e Ink), which makes it easier to view outside or in high light conditions, or, the eReader may have an LCD screen like you see on a tablet or laptop.  This allows color, but is difficult in light. 


Amazon Fire Tablet (LCD)

Smartwatches: 

Works with your smartphone

Includes:

Things your smartwatch can do:


Apple smart watch
Fitness testing on Apple watch
Android smart watch
GPS on Android watch

What to look for in a smartwatch


Smart TVs

Most TVs now are smart TVs

Certain TV brands will use different operating systems.  Some examples:

Toshiba and Westinghouse:  Amazon Fire TV

Insignia, TCL, Philips:  Roku TV

LG:  WebOS (if you want, you can install Google Chrome and use instead)

Samsung: Tizen (a smart hub along the bottom of the screen)

Shartp, Sony, Westinghouse:  Android TV

Haier, JVC, Soniq:  Chromecast

Visio:  Smartcast


Technology to keep track of things

If you are always losing your phone, your purse, your remote control or even your dog, there is help for you!  There is technology to help.  

Tile :  Devices that work with the free Tile app which can be downloaded to either an Apple or Android device.  It works with Alexa or Google Assistant as well. The devices range from $24.99 to $34.99 and include a one-year premium account (smart alerts, battery replacements each year, $100 reimbursement if Tile can’t find it).  

AirTags:  Apple has an option as well.  The AirTag can be put on keys, in a backpack, on a dog and more.  Starting at $29, it works with the Find My app to locate your tagged items.  It can even use Precision Finding to find the distance and location (iPhones 11 and up). 

My Property ID registry:  ID tags for items like bikes, computers, and more.  You register the serial number and  then have 24/7 access to your personal database stored on the FBI database 

For pets, options include Whistle (includes activity levels, calories, distance, activity and behaviors of your dog and an $8.80/month subscription) or GPS Tracker ($50 for device, subscription plans $12/month or $120 for 2 years, also includes a cat model).  Read about these devices and more on Best Reviews.  

Your car: You can use Apple maps if you have an iPhone.   You will have to set it up first. Or, you can use Google Maps for both Android and iPhone users.  See next screen for setting up for these options.


Virtual Assistants

Virtual assistants work with you and your smart home to keep everything connected.  Here are some of the things they can do:

Three virtual assistants:

Smart homes

Components of a smart home include:


Smart home systems:

Although you can intermix many of the smart home features, using a particular system for most of your components will make it easier to control the devices.  Otherwise, you are opening several apps for different components.  Systems include:


A few things about devices

Communication with the devices can be done in different ways. 

A safer online experience

Key issues with IoT:


Protect yourself:

What to do when your device is obsolete

Nothing lasts forever.  How do you know if your device is obsolete?  Here are some ideas:

There are regulations for getting rid of technology.  There are many parts involved in this device, which would be dangerous to a landfill.  You are probably aware of E-Waste recycling.  This is one way to get rid of it.  However, if it is a device with a hard drive (computer, laptop), you will need to make sure that the hard drive is erased.  Although it may be a little challenging to do yourself, many of the donation sites will take care of this for you.  If you are selling it, you need to make sure that the data is complete erased.  There are people who purchase old technology for the purpose of getting into the files.

There are some options which can be found online to help you with your decision.


Summary

Lots to learn this week about devices.  Pick a topic that interests you and learn more about it. See our course website for more resources and information.  

Resources used: