Category: Entertainment

It’s Star Wars Day! Here is the Top 10 Coolest Tech From Our Favorite Space Opera.

May the 4th be with you! A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there’s some positively awesome pieces of technology. The Star Wars films paint a picture of an ancient, lived-in galactic community, with rusty, beat-up machines churning away at their tasks. With that in mind, let’s check out the top ten coolest pieces of technology in Star Wars!

10. Blasters

Photo Credit: StarWars.com

Where the series’ main protagonists prefer to use the more elegant lightsaber, most scoundrels, smugglers and pirates in the galaxy far, far away prefer to use the tried-and-true blaster. Capable of blasting open doors, blasting doors closed, slagging combat droids, and everything in between, the blaster is the workhorse of the average Star Wars hero’s arsenal. Apparently never needing to reload or cool down and sporting some really cool special effects from Industrial Light and Magic, these slick pieces of combat tech are sure to stick with the viewer!

9. Holographic Displays

Photo Credit: Richard Hoefer

With a galaxy as large and far-flung as the one Star Wars takes place in, it helps to communicate remotely. An iconic aspect of the series, the holographic display first seen in Obi Wan’s hut on Tatooine, immediately sets the heroic tone of the series: a distant princess sends a distress signal to a forgotten knight in the middle of nowhere. He and his young apprentice rush to save the day.

While we have similar technology in our own world, with video communication services being commonplace, we’re still hashing out the details of proper holographic displays and three-dimensional projections. It seems even in the sci-fi Star Wars universe they haven’t yet figured out how to project holograms in any color but blue…

8. X-Wing Fighters

Photo Credit: Wookiepedia- Fandom

While Luke Skywalker would come to be known for his lightsaber skills, in his first adventure it was his ace piloting of the series’ signature X-Wing Starfighter that saved the day and destroyed the Death Star. Complete with a full suite of communication tech, a port for navigational droids like R2-D2, and full support for combat targeting (that Luke promptly disables: Space Magic, baby!) the X-Wing fighter is a very advanced and iconic piece of tech for the series.

Seeing X-Wing fighters engaged in tense dogfights with their Imperial counterparts, the TIE Fighters, evokes the WWII-era film reels that Lucas was inspired by as a child, lending a swashbuckling, adventurous feeling to the otherwise mythical and heavy monomyth the film is presenting at its heart.

7. Bacta Tanks

Photo Credit: StarWars.com

In Empire Strikes Back, Luke is badly injured in the opening and to facilitate his speedy recovery, he’s put in a diaper and submerged in healing goo. Okay, that doesn’t sound too cool, but the Bacta tank is a slick piece of medical tech! I don’t know about you, but I’d certainly prefer to float in a gel tank to heal severe wounds in a few hours instead of having to wait for months in a hospital bed. Access to this sort of tech in the real world would be revolutionary for medical science, and the number of deaths to things like traffic accidents and other traumatic injuries would likely go way down! It seems the Rebels on Hoth just take the tank for granted, as it’s a completely normal occurrence for them, suggesting that tech like this has all but replaced traditional doctors.

6. Hyperspace Drives

Photo Credit: Tor.com

As we discussed, galaxies are very big. If one wishes to tell a tale on a galactic scale, faster-than-light travel is a requirement. True to genre, Star Wars sees its ships outfitted with Hyperspace Drives, like Han Solo’s Millennium Falcon, that allow them to accelerate past the speed of light and cross vast distances of space in the blink of an eye. In later films, interactions between ships in hyperspace, such as tracking ships that travel through hyperspace, and accelerating a ship into hyperspace to perform a destructive ramming maneuver, have become a hallmark of the series’ space combat. While the best and brightest scientists in our world study quantum physics in pursuit of a real-world answer to hyperspace, in the Star Wars galaxy even scoundrels like Solo have access to this reality-altering tech.

5. Jet Packs

Photo Credit: Sideshow Collectibles

While not seen often, the jet pack technology utilized by bounty hunters like Boba Fett and his father Jango, are objects of envy for nearly every kid who watches Star Wars. The freedom to jet about while blasting bad guys is an exciting prospect, and really, what sci-fi series is complete without a few jet packs? While most folks would likely end up hurting themselves while trying to impress their friends, you could rest assured that if tech as cool as this was made available, I’d be all over it! Cat in a tree? Got it. Frisbee on the roof? No problem! Traffic jam? Hop on, guys, I’ll boost us out of here!

4. Droids

Photo Credit: Screenrant

Another series mainstay, droids with various applications and skills populate the Star Wars universe. From the prim and proper C3PO to the spunky, dauntless R2D2, droids have been a core part of the series from the very beginning. In our world, we’re actually not too far from similar technology: leaps and bounds in robotics and artificial intelligence brings the concept of a fully autonomous robotic companion or worker closer to reality. Star Wars, in contrast to films like Terminator and I, Robot, presents a world where the robotic companions are happy to live with their human creators and don’t resent their lives as something between ally and tool.

3. Advanced Prosthetics

Photo Credit: CNN.com

During his lightsaber showdown with his father in the Cloud City, Luke has his arm removed unceremoniously and painfully. Thankfully, just like with the Bacta tanks, the Rebels have ample medical technology on hand to restore Luke to fighting shape: not long after he lost his original hand, Luke is outfitted with an advanced robotic prosthetic. Luke’s new hand looks and acts just like the original, and likely has superior strength and durability, to boot! While this technology was firmly in the realm of science fiction in the 80’s, it has since become a much more plausible piece of tech. Modern robotics and prosthetic technology has created very similar devices for amputees, and every year the fine motor control and accessibility of these prototypes goes up.

2. Landspeeders & Speeder Bikes

Photo Credit: Geek Tyrant

The coolest way to crash into a tree this side of Tatooine! Landspeeders and speeder bikes are endlessly awesome, jetting around effortlessly and efficiently. Using what we can only assume is advanced antigravity tech, the speeders of the series hover a few feet off the ground and avoid the typical vehicular pratfalls of rough terrain and wear and tear to tires or treads. In our world, tech like this, while potentially possible, is still so difficult to replicate as to make it an unlikely prospect for us to see any time soon. Antigravity technology in the real world is incredibly bulky, costly, and experimental, so don’t expect to see it in a motorcycle-shaped vehicle in the near future.

1. Lightsabers

Photo Credit: Wookiepedia

No list of the coolest technology in Star Wars would be complete without mentioning the Jedi’s signature weapon. Combining sci-fi beam projection technology with the form factor and fighting style of ancient samurai warriors, the lightsaber sets Star Wars apart from its contemporaries, like Star Trek and 2001: A Space Odyssey; the lightsaber represents the series mythical soul, its fascination with the monomyth and with the classic tale of the young hero against all odds.

Where other sci-fi series use blasters, phasers and the like as armaments for their protagonists, Star Wars outfits a sword for the main characters to carry. This elegant, and downright awesome, weapon might be unrealistic, even in the context of the universe it exists in, but the Jedi’s mastery over the mystical Force that pervades their universe allows them a supernatural control of themselves and their weapon.

Coordinating the superheated beam in such a way that the user doesn’t harm themselves or destroy the beam projector surely takes immense skill coupled with a mastery of the Force, and as such the lightsaber is a much more elite and exclusive weapon than the blaster, and marks those that carry it as worthy opponents.

May 4, 2018
Hulu Hopes Updated Features Will Entice New Customers

In the battle of the streaming media titans, Hulu has long been struggling to compete with Netflix and Amazon Prime. The company announced several new features and updates, along with the renewal of their most popular original show, The Handmaid’s Tale. But will it be enough to continuing growing their customer base?

Manage Your Suggestions

One feature that’s been missing from Hulu is the ability to stop the site from suggesting you watch shows that you’re not interested in viewing. After the twentieth time the streaming service helpfully recommends you check out the Will Ferrell/Mark Wahlburg movie Daddy’s Home, you just want it go away.

“We want you to be in control of the experience. If you don’t like something, you should be able to tell us,” said Hulu’s Head of Experience, Ben Smith. With that in mind, you will soon be able to choose “Stop Suggesting” whenever Hulu offers up a show or movie you don’t want to see. The button will be underneath the suggested content.

New Original Series

Hulu’s original content has lagged behind their competitors, but the company hopes that their new slate of projects will change that. In addition to securing an exclusive agreement with DreamWorks Animation to stream their feature films, Hulu will also be premiering several new prestige series this season.

George Clooney will be bringing Joseph Heller’s mind-bending war novel Catch-22 to the small screen, while Mindy Kaling will be producing a comedy series based on the 1994 film Four Weddings and a Funeral. Blumhouse, the studio that brought us The Purge, Split, and Get Out, will be dipping its toe into television with a one-hour horror anthology called Into The Dark, which will roll out a new episode on the first Friday of each month beginning in October.

Offline Viewing

Other streaming services have offered offline viewing for a while, but Hulu is doing it in a slightly different way. Subscribers will be able to download content for future viewing, but there’s a catch—if you don’t have a premium commercial-free membership, you’ll be forced to sit through ads. Hulu will be the first streaming platform to package commercials with downloaded content, and since the ads can’t be skipped, advertisers can be confident that their message is being seen.

That’s good news for the company and its advertisers, but slightly less good news for viewers. Only time will tell how much pushback Hulu will get from its downloadable ad-supported content, but if it works, you can expect to see other streaming services trying something similar.

May 3, 2018
2018 is Saddling Up to be The Year of the Cowboy

Pirates are so yesterday. There seems to be some real cowboy synergy happening this year with the release of some highly anticipated television and games based on the storied era of the wild west. If you are a fan of the western genre, then be sure to take note!

Westworld Season 2

No need to caution – we will avoid spoilers! HBO has begun airing the highly anticipated second season to one of the best western/sci-fi shows to ever hit television. The legendary Michael Crichton (whom you may remember wrote the book Jurassic Park was based on) wrote and directed a film in 1973 that the current show is loosely based on.

HBO spared no expense when it came to Westworld season 1, and it looks like season 2 will take it even further. Featuring a stellar cast with beautiful cinematography and a storyline that will keep you guessing, Westworld is an absolute must-watch. Sure, there is a heavy dose of sci-fi mixed in, but we think any fan of the western genre will find something to love here.

Red Dead Redemption II

Rockstar Games is delivering a sequel to one of the best western games ever created later this year. The first Red Dead Redemption followed a character named John Marsten, a former outlaw whose wife and son are taken hostage by the government in exchange for his services as a hired gun. The first Redemption took place in 1911, when the frontier was declining. The new sequel appears to be a prequel, taking place in 1899 and featuring a different protagonist.

Rockstar Games, known best for their Grand Theft Auto games, are masters as creating open-world environments that allow players to pursue different interests and tasks. Red Dead Redemption II will surely feature a great story with top-notch voice talent, but players will also be able to leave the beaten path and just explore the countryside. There’s no better way to feel like a real cowboy from the comfort of your couch.

Wild West Online

Wild West Online is a massively multiplayer game where potentially thousands of players will all simultaneously inhabit the same world. The game is still in development, but early access packages will be available on May 10.

It’s set in a fictional county with a general time period feeling between 1870 and the early 1900s. Players can assume various roles: hunters, farmers, miners, prospectors, bandits and more. Rather than offering a story-driven narrative, the developers aim to create a systems-driven open world environment peppered with small stories. This allows players to create their own stories rather than be railroaded into a certain narrative.

May 3, 2018
MoviePass Is Back

A few weeks ago MoviePass tried to quietly downgrade its movie theater subscription service to a limit of 3 movie per month. Thankfully MoviePass has come to their senses and went back to its old one-movie-per-day plan. CEO Mitch Lowe now says the subscription service is “absolutely committed” to keeping it that way. This is Good News and just in time for summer.

Now there are still some updates to their Unlimited plan. From now on including those of us on the former unlimited movie plan, we are only able to use the movie pass once per movie. I found this out the hard way when I tried to see Infinity war for the second time. This hurts, I was planning on seeing Solo everyday for an entire month..

This isn’t the first time we have seen MoviePass make updates, tweak or change their plans. Actually the only constant in the MoviePass subscription plan is that it is ever evolving. We know the company is hemorrhaging money as they struggle to make the brilliance of bringing folks back to the theaters a profitable venture. Do you all remember the plan from last fall, the annual subscription plan for $89.95 upfront, which worked out to a lower monthly fee, but didn’t allow users to ask for refunds.

The 3 movie a month plan is still available for $7.95 with the Iheartradio promotion, if you want to save that $2 a month. Its not a horrible plan either, how many good movies a month come out that you want to see.

The Final Thought

MoviePass is on to something here, people are talking about. Not in a negative way either. They are making noise, alot in the way Netflix did early in the millennia. Something is telling me the movie theater business model may end up molding to MoviePass subscription base. Ill continue to keep an eye on this and update you when necessary in the mean time their stock is trading at less then $3 a share, like Netflix did early in the millennia

May 2, 2018
Tech Throwback: The Original iPhone

I like to take a look at where I’ve been to evaluate where Im going. Technology is cyclical after all… wait no its not. That said I still like all the feels that come rushing back like a flood of nostalgia every time I get my hand on the tech I grew up with. Im going to go back periodically and take a looking at the stuff that used to blow our hair back and get our minds rolling. Some of these device blew up and changed the world, some where ahead of their time and some just fell flat and became colossal failures. Today’s throwback is at the very center of our every day life, The iPhone.

Eleven years ago Steve Jobs announced a wide-screen iPod with touch controls, a revolutionary mobile phone, and a breakthrough internet device. But it wasn’t three products. It was one product. And we got it, Steve. We got iPhone. Its mind boggling today to consider life with out this device. As a very early adopter, Yes I had my first of many iPhones the night before the release. One of the perks of working for Cingular at the time, I was instantly dependent on it. Since that day I have never spent another day in which I haven’t touched an iPhone.

Steve said at the legendary iPhone reveal” iPhone is a revolutionary and magical product that is literally five years ahead of any other mobile phone. We are all born with the ultimate pointing device—our fingers—and iPhone uses them to create the most revolutionary user interface since the mouse.”

The Stats

The original iPhone, based on the P2 device of the Project Experience Purple (PEP) team, code-named M68 and device number iPhone1,1, had a 3.5-inch LCD screen at 320×480 and 163ppi, a quad-band 2G EDGE data radio, 802.11b.g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 EDR, and a 2-megapixel camera.

It was powered by an ARM-based 1176JZ(F)-S processor and PowerVR MBX Lite 3D graphics chip, manufactured by Samsung, with a 1400 mAh battery, and had 128MB of onboard RAM. Two NAND Flash-based storage tiers were available at launch: 4GB or 8GB.

More importantly, iPhone also included several sensors to enhance the experience, like an accelerometer that could automatically rotate the screen to match device orientation, a proximity sensor that could automatically turn off the screen when close to the face, and an ambient light sensor that could automatically adjust brightness.

Getting Back in Touch With My Roots

First grip on this old original iPhone, its so small, I feel like i could crush it with just a squeeze of my palm. I always like the look of it a lot more then the 3g or iPhone 4 models, something about the brushed aluminum. The power cord is huge, the 30 pin adapter is so ancient looking. As I power it on, I see the absence of so many crucial apps. No app store, no tv app no iMovie or podcast. Its like an iPhone with out the bloatware? where is Garage band or iTunes U? no emojis, or Facebook, or text tones or background pictures, newsfeed, drop down or drag up options, As the white girls would say.. This is so basic. but it dose have a native YouTube app, so that is neat.

The iPhone is still 2g, not 3g so the internet is dreadfully slow and I can not send a multimedia message.. yeah, no picture messages. I did find a work around for this by emailing them to there sms number in an email format. I checked my Myspace which was still logged in on after 10 years. The cool thing about this particular iPhone, aside it being a day one model is I upgraded immoderately to the 3g the following summer, and I never updated the software after the December 2007 update, so this remains a pretty original iPhone.

All the pictures are fuzzy old mobile phone pictures, I used to think they where amazing. It did make for some crazy action shots though. What has really astounded me is the battery still functions, It was only used for a year then a second year as an ipod but still 11 years is a long time for a battery to hold.

The Final Thought

This was the spark that set us up for this bizarre world we have evolved to. We all know it and love it, When school kids 100 years from now look back at this time in the world, they will study about the iPhone on a device that was inspired by the iPhone.

May 2, 2018
The Atari VCS Pre-Orders Start May 30 – Should You Get One?

Gaming enthusiasts of the retro persuasion will finally get a chance to pre-order the upcoming Atari VCS console on May 30^th. If you are undecided on whether the two versions of Atari VCS are worth the $200 and $300 price tags, then read on for a quick roundup of the most interesting features that have been revealed.

Under the Hood

Atari has finally revealed the internal specs of the VCS, which will be capable of playing more than just Atari games. They partnered with AMD to provide the chip which will support 4K resolutions, HDR and 60fps gameplay. There will be internal storage with external capabilities as well. Bluetooth 5, USB 3 and internal WiFi round out the specs.

Collector’s Edition vs Onyx Edition

Presumably, there is no difference between the two editions under the hood. The Collector’s Edition is a “time-limited” version of the console that harkens back to the old days of the Atari with a faux wood front paneling. Whether that’s worth an extra $100 is purely a personal decision – we understand what it’s like to be a collector.

The Onyx Edition is a pure black console that doesn’t have that retro flair that some Atari fans may be looking for. Others who are planning to stuff it into an entertainment cabinet may not care.

Gameplay Capabilities

This is where Atari is still keeping their cards close to their chest. Obviously, the system will come preloaded with classic Atari games like Asteroids, Centipede, Missile Command and others… But the 4K/HDR/60fps capabilities of the machine don’t exactly make sense if Atari stopped there. By some reports, the Atari VCS will also be capable of supporting modern titles – but therein lies the mystery. There is no information on what these are yet.

May 2, 2018
MoviePass is Raising Prices and Lowering Movie Tickets Per Month

Big-time movie fans were amazed and thrilled when a concept called MoviePass was first launched. For a single payment of $89.95 upfront, or $7.50 a month, a MoviePass customer could see one movie a day for a one-year subscription. For someone who sees multiple movies a month, or who wishes they could if the normal ticket prices were cheaper, MoviePass was a perfect solution.

Sadly, MoviePass is Changing their Game—Fast

The annual price of $89.95 is no more. New subscribers will now be required to pay $9.95 a month, and that won’t get them the amazing one-movie-per-day deal. Instead, $9.95 a month will give them only four movie tickets per month.

In addition, MoviePass will now require customers to pay for their subscriptions in chunks of three months at a time upfront.

The Changes to MoviePass May be Permanent

The CEO of MoviePass Mitch Lowe said that he isn’t sure if the “unlimited” plan will ever come back.

MoviePass is also now requiring customers to see different movies with each ticket. MoviePass says, “We hope this will encourage you to see new movies and enjoy something different!”

That policy is immediately problematic and disappointing. Strong fans of certain movies, particularly the big blockbusters, often want to see their beloved movies more than once. Or, if someone wants to go with friends to see a movie they’ve already seen before on their own, they won’t be able to use their MoviePass ticket.

MoviePass Offers “Consolation Prize”

In an attempt to make MoviePass customers, or potential customers, feel better, MoviePass has teamed up with iHeartRadio. MoviePass will add a three-month trial of iHeartRadio’s All Access subscription to MoviePass subscribers. This may be welcome to some, but let’s face it, most MoviePass users are excited about movies. There may be some overlap between MoviePass and iHeartRadio, but for many, it won’t sweeten the deal enough to draw in more subscribers.

Overall, it’s hard to say if MoviePass will be around to stay if people lose interest when the value of their subscription drops.

May 1, 2018
The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories

The Nintendo Switch has put Nintendo back in the limelight. After the success of the original Wii and the failure of the Wii-U, it seems that the mojo is finally back. Gamers everywhere are enjoying console-quality gaming on the go.

Not only has the Switch sparked the imagination of its consumers, it has also created an accessory niche that third-party companies are taking advantage of. Here are the best accessories you can get for your Nintendo Switch.

5. Screen Stand

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With its detachable Joy-con controllers and overall portability, the Switch is practically begging for a stand. While this is a typically inexpensive accessory, there are a few features you’ll want to be sure to get: Adjustable angles is almost a requirement, as is the ability to fold the stand flat for easy packing. Finally, make sure the charging port is available for use while the Switch is sitting on its stand.

4. Joycon Grips

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The detachable Joy-con controllers are easily one of the best features of the Switch. The portability and ability to turn one controller into a pair is brilliant. However, for those with larger hands, the Joy-cons can be a little problematic. And for travel, the Pro controllers can be too bulky. This is where Joy-con grips come into play! Like the stand, there are several companies making these products. If possible, get your hands on one before you buy – comfort is key.

3. External Battery

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One of the most common complaints about the Switch is how fast the battery drains. For those with short commutes or easily accessible charging stations, it’s no big deal. For others, the relatively low battery life in the Switch is a deal breaker. Luckily, there are some external battery solutions available. While they are more expensive than some of the other accessories on this list, having a mounted backup battery on your Switch could be a necessity for long commutes or remote play sessions.

4. Dock Mount

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Sticking the Switch dock in your television cabinet may not be the best way to get easy access to your device. And if it’s already cramped with other consoles, the unusual vertical orientation may not fit at all. So, mounting the dock may end up being your best bet. A third party solution like this one allows you to mount the Switch against your wall (or side of your cabinet) and even keep it running cool with a fan.

5. Nintendo Labo

nintendo

Topping our list is Nintendo’s very own accessory called the Nintendo Labo. The Labo allows you to craft different cardboard “Toy-Con” creations like robots, guitars, stands, motorcycle handles and more. You can purchase a variety kit with a lot of different projects or single purpose kits. And of course, you can mix and match to create your own unique creations.

We give the Nintendo Labo high marks for out of the (cardboard) box thinking!

May 1, 2018
Experience the Magic of Harry Potter on Your Phone

Twenty years after the first book was published, the world of Harry Potter continues to grow and thrive. (And yes, I felt old typing that sentence.) This week, developer Jam City released the latest chapter in the saga, the mobile game Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery.

Same School, New Story

The game, available on both Android and iOS, does not actually feature everyone’s favorite boy wizard. The story is set about ten years before the events of the books, so while we see some familiar faces such as Dumbledore and Snape, the main cast of characters is entirely new. However, much of the dialogue is lifted directly from the books and films, so there’s a comforting sense of familiarity despite the new faces.

You play a brand-new Hogwarts student whose brother was expelled from the school several years earlier. Through a series of quests and conversations with NPCs (non-player characters), you must try to unravel the mystery of why he was kicked out and what happened to him after he subsequently disappeared.

Custom Characters

The character creation screen is impressive for a mobile game. Similar to The Sims, you’re given a range of skin tones, features, and hairstyles to choose from. “It was super important to us, that all Harry Potter fans feel like they can create a character that looks like them, and know that they belong in Hogwarts,” Matt London of Jam City explained. “So everything from lip shape, to eyebrow shape, nose shape, all these things are adjustable.”

Additional customizations and outfits are unlocked as you play or available for in-game currency. Like many free-to-play games, you can either purchase this currency for real money or accrue it through quest rewards.

Simple Mechanics

Despite the massive amount of work that went into designing the game—including a script of over 200,000 words and two years of intensive development and programming—the actual gameplay is very basic. You are guided through the world of wizardry by quest givers who want you to tap on highlighted objects or trace simple paths on your screen to cast “spells.”

If you’re looking for a challenging game, Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery is not it. Kids can easily play and follow the story, but grown-up fans of the franchise may want to wait for the forthcoming augmented reality game from the makers of Pokémon GO.

April 27, 2018
Tech Throwback: Motorola Bravo Pager

I like to take a look at where I’ve been to evaluate where Im going. Technology is cyclical after all… wait no its not. That said I still like all the feels that come rushing back like a flood of nostalgia every time I get my hand on the tech I grew up with. Im going to go back periodically and take a looking at the stuff that used to blow our hair back and get our minds rolling. Some of these device blew up and changed the world, some where ahead of their time and some just fell flat and became colossal failures. Today I’ve got my hands on the old Motorola Bravo Pager, beep beep

A pager (also known as a beeper) is a wireless telecommunications device that receives and displays alphanumeric messages and/or receives and announces voice messages. The Motorola Bravo pager was the king of all one way pagers. Yes one way..One-way pagers can only receive messages.

I had one, Your mom had one and every doctor on the planet had one. Amazon still sells them, but purchased mostly by people looking for the quintesenintal Halloween accessory. They are iconic and just looking at one brings back memories of short coding your friends a party invite.

How Did It Work

In 1999, 45 million Americans had pagers. They were an equal-opportunity technology, owned by drug dealers, whores, doctors and CEOs—and new college students whose parents couldn’t drop the leash.All one had to do was simple dial the phone number associated with said pager, then enter in up to 16 numbers from your touchtone phone to deliver a call back number. simple. genius. reliable.

At least there was the code.There was also an accepted system of sending numbers so that, when written together, looked vaguely like letters. We’d grown up getting adults to spell “BOOBLESS” on calculators by typing in the elements of a story about Dolly Parton and then holding the calculator upside down. From there, it was an easy jump to many other words. Hello was 07734. That was one of the easiest ones. We said “Hello” a lot. Then 3838-07734 (hello baby) or 17-31707-1( I love you). However my personal fav and constant go to was the old 187 (your dead).

The Final Thought

They functioned without coverage, with out fail. Never did I ever say legitimately ” i didnt get that page”. It was the most reliable and widely accepted form of mobile communication for over 40 years. While Motorola announced the end of its new pager manufacturing in 2001, pagers remain in use today in places where mobile phones typically cannot reach users, and also in places where the operation of the radio transmitters contained in mobile phones is problematic or prohibited. In places like hospitals, rural emergency response ares you can still spot the endangered species know as the Motorola pager.

April 25, 2018