“Taste Matching” Internet Radio Sites

There are plenty of free Internet radio services, but I have a list of the ones that will specifically appeal to your musical tastes. The genius behind these services isn’t how they play music, it’s how they select the music to play. They let you stream songs over your computer based on your mood.

For all of you with an iPod, iLike is a “taste matching” site that supports iTunes. iLike adds a sidebar to Apple Computer’s iTunes player and tracks your listening habits. The service then matches your tastes with other users’ playlists and recommends similar artists you may enjoy.

Goombah is a site that analyzes your iTunes playlist and then matches you with people who have similar tastes. Using your iTunes, this free application will recommend songs you don’t already own. Make sure to check out the 25 new tracks Goombah offers each week. They are free to download.

Another site worth checking out is Last.fm. The site compiles the names of songs you listen to- a process they call “scrobbling,”- then suggests artists you might like based on your “neighbors” who have similar tastes.

One of the biggest “taste matching” services on the Internet is Pandora. Pandora creates playlists based on your mood at any given time. Just tell Pandora the name of your favorite songs or artist. It’ll explore and then create a streaming playlist of songs based on similar music by other artists.

One more Internet music site is Yahoo’s Launchcast radio. You can listen to all kinds of different radio playlists, based on genre or music decades. I use this site all the time.

With this list of sites you’ll discover new music and artists. The only problem: Since the sites offer free subscriptions, you’ll probably have to endure some annoying radio ads.

Meet the Squeezbox

Along the Internet radio lines is a gadget that will revolutionize the way you listen to music on your computer and in your home.

Meet the Squeezebox! Now you can stream your favorite digital audio from your computer to your home audio system.

Setup is simple. Just download the free Slim Server software from the Slim Device website. Then Plug the Squeezebox into your stereo receiver.
From there it will receive a music stream from your PC and feed it into the stereo. If you don’t have wireless you can also plug it into an Ethernet cable.

The squeezebox will also stream Internet radio station like Rhapsody, Pandora and many others. Unfortunately, the Squeezebox does not support Apple’s iTunes.

The price tag is right around $300. You can expect competition once the Apple TV becomes available.

Playlist Music

Anyone with an iPod, MP3 player, or smart phone, listen up! I know you already know that exercising with music will improve your workout!
What you might not know is how to get that perfect playlist.
With help of WebMD, here are 5 tips on how to choose and use exercise music to enhance your fitness.

1. Use technology.
Put that iPod or MP3 player to use with iTunes and other music downloading web sites like mywalkingmusic, projectplaylist, and powermusic, just naming a few. Customize your playlist with the music you like, whether it’s hip-hop, country, or rock. I have to say, I like a little of everything! You can find a HUGE list of random music on my iPod.

2. Match the rhythm.
You automatically will match your workout tempo to the rhythm of the song that’s playing. The most obvious advice is to keep it upbeat!

3. Outsmart yourself.
Create mixes with a strong, motivating tune. Make sure that every three or four songs are particularly motivating, so your workout doesn’t fade.

4. Make your playlists before you hit the gym.
By not having a playlist prepared, you’ll be stopping to switch songs one by one, and that affects how many calories you’ll end up burning. Create a playlist or two before leaving the house so you’ll have a few to choose from.

5. Explore music.
From iTunes to National Geographic, you can listen to–and even preview– music before you buy. So explore and discover new music and artist from around the world.

Here’s a playlist I’m listening to right now. (I know it’s girly, but I’m a girl)

1. What Goes Around- Justin Timberlake
2. Before He Cheats- Carrie Underwood
3. Caught Up- Usher
4.Video- India Arie
5. Tell Me- Diddy/Christina Aguilera
6. Good Vibrations- Loleatta Holloway
7. Sexy Back- Justine Timberlake
8. La Tortura- Shakira
9. Beautiful Day- U2
10. Fighter- Christina Aguilera
11. Black or White-Michael Jackson
12. Porcelain- Moby

Presto HP Printing Mailbox

Most of us know someone (maybe your parents or grandparents) who don’t have a computer or don’t know how to really use the one they have. Well, thanks to a simple printing device there is finally an easy way for families to stay connected.

With the Presto Service and this HP printing mailbox you can send email, photos, and other stuff to people who don’t have a computer or even Internet access.

By using the Presto Service you can send content from your email account to the Presto service, and then Presto will transform it into layouts for printing. The HP Printing Mailbox then prints the content for those non tech relatives to enjoy.

Here’s how it works;
First you need the $150 HP Printing Mailbox and a Presto Service account. To set an account up just head to presto.com. A subscription costs $10 a month.

Next, create a Presto Friend List- the list of people who can send messages to the user. Don’t worry; there are no ads, spam or junk mail.

Once that’s done, plug the printer into an existing analog phone line and a power outlet. Then family and friends can send email and digital photos to the Presto account address.

The Presto Service converts these messages, and “presto,” the HP printing mailbox automatically prints the messages.

You can send pictures of the grandkids or even a special message during holidays and you can even sign up to receive articles, recipes and crossword puzzles.

The only downside to the Presto service is that it is a one way communication device. Your non-techie loved one can’t send you anything back.

Plug In to Winter Tech Clothing

This past weekend was my first experience at Seven Springs. I had an absolute blast! I didn’t realize there was so much to do up there. The mountain is great! The snow was soft, even if the wind chill was 6-12 degrees below zero.

Here is a picture of all of us after finishing the Celebrity Olympics on Saturday. On the team, of course, were Channel 4 Action news personalities along with some Steelers and Poverty Neck Hillbillies.

So in honor of Winterfest, I thought it was appropriate to feature some hot winter tech gear. You know, when fashion meets technology it usually means one cool, must-have piece of clothing.

First up, meet the Audex Ordinance Padded Hat from Motorola and Burton.
You can listen to music or even receive phone calls from your Bluetooth-enabled mp3 player or cell phone through the hat’s built-in headphones. This high-tech hat is available in white or black for $180.

If you’re not into the hat, how about some Ear Muff Music instead? These Ear Muff Headphones will let you jam-out while hitting up the slopes. They come with built in JVC mini speakers and can be used with any mp3 player, including iPods. Pick a pair up for $35 at Hammacher.com.

These igloves come with “electronically conductive” tips at the fingers to control your iPod’s click wheel without ever having to remove your gloves. These guys are from Marmot and will run you $35.

This jacket doesn’t just keep you warm. It also will control your iPod from its sleeve. To use the coat just make sure your iPod is set to lock. Then connect it to the cable on the inside pocket. Feed the headphones through; connect them to your iPod. Seal it all up and that’s it! You’ll find play/pause, forward, back and volume controls right on the sleeve. This Kenpo jacket comes in men’s and women’s styles and will cost you anywhere between $80-$120.

Of course, here’s a link to my Plugged In story featuring all these products. You can get a better idea on how each of the work.

Easiest Video Camera I’ve Ever Used

Video sharing on the Internet isn’t just for the techno-savvy anymore, thanks to this pocket size digital video camera.

No tapes or memory cards needed with the Pure Digital Point and Shoot video camcorder. Everything you need comes built in.

Just point and shoot using the 1.5 inch LCD screen. The camera records 30 or 60 minutes of pretty decent-looking video using just two AA batteries. But you won’t find any flashy features–just record, zoom, playback and delete.

You can connect it to your TV for viewing or, I think, the coolest part –plug it into your PC or Mac with the USB arm that swings out from the side.

The camera’s built-in software lets you manage your videos and e-mail them to friends and family, or make home movies that you can burn to DVD.
And with just a few clicks upload your favorites to Google, Grouper or even YouTube.

I found just a few drawbacks. The display is hard to see in sunshine and the video resolution isn’t the absolute best, plus it drains battery power-quickly!

I used it on a recent trip to New York City and it was great. It honestly was so easy to use, not to mention fun!

A regular camcorder will run you anywhere from $200 up to $1,000. The Pure Digital Point and Shoot digital camcorder is only $130.

So whether you’re using it to upload your latest video blog or you just want an easy video camera to capture those family memories this device is a good investment. Check out my Plugged In video story.