January 24, 2012

306 words 2 mins read

Splashtop Remote Desktop

A few weeks back, Amazon’s free app of the day was Splashtop Remote Desktop (normally and currently $4.99). It sounded pretty intriguing, so I picked it up. I had low expectations from a free app, but was pleasantly surprised by the functionality.

Out of the box it requires some minimal configuration, namely running the hosting software on the computer(s) of your choice and setting a password, and then you are good to go. Just launching the app on your Kindle Fire will allow you to connect (provided you are on the same network).

If you want to be able to access it from outside your network (which is the real reason to use the software — not that being able to access your computer from anywhere in the house isn’t good enough), you need to do a little more setup, specifically: sign in with your google account credentials. That’s it. No router (or other) configuration necessary. Although, if you do find yourself with some difficulty, they have a good info page on

finding your computer(s) via Internet discovery.

The only problem I have had so far has been with the software occasionally not finding my computer. However, if I just refresh the list a few times, that seems to fix the problem.

One thing to note: this software uses a VNC style approach. This means that anyone who can see the computer you are using via Splashtop, will see what you are doing. This isn’t a problem for most people, but it is something to keep in mind, especially for the security/privacy conscious. This is as opposed to Window’s style Remote Desktop which locks the machine while you are logged in remotely.

All in all, I’m a big fan of Splashtop Remote Desktop and I definitely recommend it for anyone looking to access their computer(s) remotely.

Android app fire iOS kindle RDC remote desktop splashtop

Amazon Cloudplayer for iOS (iPad) is useless

December 15, 2011

I have all my music uploaded into Amazon Cloudplayer because I buy my music predominately from Amazon. On my computer, Cloudplayer works just fine, except at work where my docking station messes with my laptop’s sound. On my Droid 3 the Cloudplayer app works fantastically (other than my headphone port being broken). So when I wanted to get some work done in peace, I figured I’d give Cloudplayer on the iPad a shot. Major mistake.

Review: Uber (Private Driver Service)

October 4, 2011

Since I’m in San Francisco now, I have had a need for taxi service on occasion. The biggest issue with taxis in San Francisco is that like any big city, it can take a while to get one — especially on busy drinking nights. I had heard about this service called “Uber"; that it was a cab service with a mobile app to request rides, so I figured I’d give it a shot. In the last couple of weeks I’ve taken four rides with Uber and it’s been really nifty so far.

How NOT to inspire faith, the mobile app for Ike's Place

September 27, 2011

As of last week, I’m now officially a resident of San Francisco. With this comes many benefits (like delicious food from crazy places) and many detractors (I have to sell my truck). Let’s ignore the down sides of living in the city and just focus on one thing, a sandwich place in the Castro called Ike’s Place. Their sandwiches are delicious and the place is AMAZINGLY busy. It seems that they’ve taken this as a sign that the food gods are pleased and invested a little into their technology. Normally this wouldn’t anger the tech gods, but Ike’s has invested just enough in their mobile app to be embarrassing.