Is Print Dead?

All News … All the Time

How do you get your news? Our generation was raised on print newspapers, and as long as I remember, my family subscribed to home delivery of several newspapers every day.  Eddie and I continue this tradition – in both New York and Florida we get two or three newspapers delivered every morning during the week and more on the weekend. Growing up I also remember watching The Huntley-Brinkley Report on the evening news. For an hour each night, these two eminent journalists objectively and insightfully reported events of the day. 

Earlier this month, waiting on line to make a purchase at Barnes & Noble, I overheard a young man behind me say to his companion that he was about to buy a newspaper for the first time ever. I would venture that the same statement could be made by the majority of younger people who are part of the “millennial” generation.

I have to admit that while Eddie reads his morning papers, I read the electronic version on my iPad. However, what sets me apart from the younger generation, is that I choose to get my news from the electronic versions of traditional print media, while the majority of the millennials depend almost exclusively on social media for their news. According to a new survey from the Pew Research Center, as of August 2017, two-thirds (67%) of Americans report that they get at least some of their news on social media, with the largest percentage in the 18 to 49 year old group. The social media outlets used for news include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Snapchat, Tumblr, Instagram, LinkedIn and WhatsApp. 

What is interesting, and more than a little scary, are the reports that more often than not the so called “news” available on these social media site are manipulated to present a particular point of view, if not downright falsehoods. These social media outlets are able to trace the viewing habits of their users, and tailor “news”  delivery to the specific viewpoints of each particular user. I visit Facebook often, and the “news” posts on my Newsfeed are in accord with my political leanings. While I might find this gratifying, it provides a very one-sided view of the world. I also don’t trust the posts on my newsfeed as necessarily true without checking the veracity of the information in other sources. 

As for television news, times have certainly changed since my family watched Huntley and Brinkley after dinner. Television news today is on a 24-hour cycle, and most of the offerings are far from objective. Each of the 24-hour news channels cater to viewers with very specific political viewpoints, and sometimes important news stories are relegated to the background, especially if they run counter to the political leanings of the network. 

What does all this mean to us as senior citizens in this brave new world? This is one of the technology related topics I plan to explore in 2018. Until the new year, I wish everyone a very happy holiday season. The online version of OnMouseClick can be found at onmouseclick.blogspot.com.

All I Want for Christmas

When I began writing OnMouseClick in 2004, I wanted to write a technology column that would help readers feel more comfortable interfacing with their computers. At the time many TR Times readers were novice computer users, and the early columns were designed to make the learning curve a little less steep. Fast forward thirteen years and very few people still need help using a computer. 

Recent columns have focused on the proliferation of electronic devices in our lives, and with Christmas less than a month away, today’s column is a lists some suggested tech devices you might want to add to your list for Santa.

If you enjoy drinking smoothies, the NutriBullet’s Balance Blender is designed to make the process easier. The blender connects to your iOS or Android phone via Bluetooth, and the companion app provides recipes with step-by-step instructions and nutritional information. The blender is available on Amazon for $180.

To fill your home with music, you can ask Santa to bring you a Sonos sound system. The company offers a full range of wireless, internet connected speakers that can all be controlled by a smartphone, tablet or computer app. The speakers offer high quality sound and range in price from $150 to $500.

Wearable devices to monitor your fitness have been hot items for the past several seasons, and each year they get more sophisticated. Fitbit is probably familiar to most of you. The least expensive devices, starting around $50, keep track how many steps you take in a day, while the company’s newest device is a smartwatch that provides personal coaching with on-screen video for $299. Garmin also offers a full range of fitness monitoring devices. The Vivo line of wearable smartwatches are tailored to a specific sports, such as running or cycling, with prices starting around $120. Both Fitbit and Garmin work with Bluetooth connected iOS and Android apps that allow you to keep track of your fitness, compare workout results, and share you stats with others.

The Apple Watch is another option for monitoring fitness. While the watch does much more than monitor fitness — such as answering phone calls, sending text messages, and telling time — it tracks workouts, acts as a GPS, and keeps track of your heart rate, even when not working out. The watches start at $249 for the entry level model.

If you are planning to ask Santa for a video streaming device to attach to your TV, there are several offerings — Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Roku and Chromecast. All interface with apps downloaded to your smartphone or tablet, which can also function as a remote control for the device. Prices start at under $30 for the least expensive devices and top out at $149 for the Apple TV.

Are you dreaming of having a robot clean your house? The iRobot Roomba 690 cleans carpets and hardwood floors, is controlled by an app and can even be controlled from outside the home. When the iRobot finishes its tasks, it returns to its charging port to wait for the next assignment. It is priced under $400.

If foreign travel is in your future, you might want a pair of Google Pixel Buds. The wireless earbuds have the ability to translate 40 different languages in realtime when paired with a iOS or Android device. The headset, which is available for $159 from the Google Store (store.google.com) is a fascinating device and will be featured in more detail in a future OnMouseClick column.

When your smartphone is always with you, and even doubles as your go-to pocket camera, a portable battery charger might be a lifesaver. Anker offers a full line of compact and affordable chargers, priced between $20 and $40, that work with Apple and Samsung products.

And speaking of things that are always with you, do you find yourself wondering where you placed your keys or wallet on a regular basis. I know I do, and Santa can help by bringing you a Bluetooth tracking device like the TrackR Bravo. This tiny, 1 1/2” square device can be attached to anything. Then, instead of searching around for your keys, you open the iOS or Android app on your phone and voila a map shows you their exact location. The TrackR Bravo, one of several similar devices available from Amazon, sells for $29.

I just hope Santa has an app to help him navigate his rounds, keep track of who gets which gift, and when the reindeers need to rest. I wish everyone very Merry Christmas The online version of OnMouseClick can be found at onmouseclick.blogspot.com.