Category Archives: Dan on TV
- February 6, 2013
- Why do I get hits from China on my website?– also posted in Tech
Why do I get hits from China on my website? If you pay attention to your website analytics, this is probably a question you’ve asked yourself at some point. I recently had the opportunity to sit down with my friends over at WBIR to discuss this phenomenon and whether or not you should be worried by this. One quick note; as I understand it, the New York Times incident mentioned in the [...Read More]
- January 15, 2013
- Java Vulnerability Patched… Should you bother?– also posted in Tech
Last Friday (Jan 11) the US Department of Homeland Security announced that computer users should either disable or uninstall the popular browser plugin Java, at least until Oracle patched a vulnerability that allows for remote code execution. Like many such security bulletins, the announcement came as hackers were already taking advantage of the weaknesses to compromise unknowing web user’s computers. Yesterday I had the opportunity to sit down with my friends at WBIR [...Read More]
- January 9, 2013
- Consumer Electronics Show 2013– also posted in Tech
I had the opportunity to sit down this afternoon with my friends over at WBIR to discuss the Consumer Electronics Show happening right now in Las Vegas. This is, without a doubt, one of the most exciting shows for us gadget geeks, and this year has been no disappointment. I mention in the video that I LOVED the new Lenovo ThinkPad Helix, which is the coolest thing I’ve seen from CES 2013 so [...Read More]
- December 27, 2012
- Future Camera Tech– also posted in Tech
I recently had the chance to sit down with my friends at WBIR to discuss the future of cameras and as you’ll see in the video there are lots of neat things on the horizon. I think my favorite concept is that of running the Android operating system on my camera so I can upload pictures straight from the camera AND do some editing if needed. How cool would that be? And hey… [...Read More]
- October 18, 2012
- 3D Printers: I want one– also posted in Tech
Okay, so I have to say this is one of the neatest spots I’ve had the opportunity to work on in quite a while; and is one I’ve had on my mind for a while. 3D printers… this is something you’re going to want to pay attention to. 3D printers are nothing new; they’ve actually been around for quite a while now (a very long time if you count a CNC machine [...Read More]
- September 19, 2012
- Google buys Nik Software… buy why?– also posted in Tech
This morning I had the chance to sit down with the morning crew on the local FOX affiliate, WTNZ, to talk about Google’s latest acquisition, a company called Nik Software. Nik Software is the maker of popular photo editing plugins for packages like Adobe’s Lightroom and Photoshop, for doing things like black and white conversions. Almost every photographer I know that deals in black and white on a regular basis owns, and regularly uses, [...Read More]
- September 14, 2012
- iPhone 5 is Finally Here!– also posted in Tech
This Thursday I had the opportunity to sit down with my friends over at WBIR a few times to discuss the Apples newest release of their popular iPhone line, the iPhone 5. As usual, Apple delivers on the hype and the new phone is definitely a work of art. Should you upgrade and when is the new phone going to be in stores? Check out the videos below for more information! –Dan Thompson FOX [...Read More]
- August 9, 2012
- Dell XPS 13 Review– also posted in Tech
During the month of July I had the pleasure of testing out one of Dell’s new Ultrabooks, the XPS 13… and I’ll jump right to the point; it was awesome! Several months back I ran into our Dell rep and he mentioned that it had just come out and I should look into it. I of course asked for a demo (that’s how I roll) so I could potentially talk about it on the [...Read More]
- July 31, 2012
- Technology and the Olympics– also posted in Tech
On the day of the opening ceremonies in London for the 2012 Olympics, I had the opportunity to sit down with my friends over at WBIR to discuss how technology is changing the Olympics and how it is helping athletes train smarter. This is one of those spots that was truly fascinating to read up on and an absolute blast to do. In the spot I reference a Wired Magazine article (which you can [...Read More]
- June 27, 2012
- Why I hate Instagram– also posted in Tech
Okay, I don’t *hate* it… but I do have a strong dislike for what I feel it is creating. Last week I had the opportunity to sit down with local photographer Lisa Mueller and my friends over at WBIR to discuss how smart phones and technology are changing the landscape of photography today (you see what I did there?). Regular readers of my blog know that I’m passionate about both technology and photography… so [...Read More]
- June 13, 2012
- Apple’s new iOS 6 and other WWDC goodness– also posted in Tech
Monday was the launch of Apple’s World Wide Developer Conference (WWDC) and as usual, lots of exciting things were announced during the key note speeches. I sat down with my friends over at WBIR to discuss the new iOS 6 operating system and the features that users can expect. The top two things that caught my attention were the new maps app and the fact that Facetime is available over cell connection instead [...Read More]
- May 30, 2012
- Verizon Ditching Unlimited Data Plans– also posted in Tech
A little over a week ago I sat down with my friends over at WBIR to discuss Verizon’s move to finally get rid of all their unlimited data plans for 4G customers. As expected, this move was met with a lot of backlash and Verizon has since modified their statements slightly, saying that existing customers will not have to change until their existing contract is up. Once that happens they’ll be forced into one [...Read More]
- May 17, 2012
- Using Tablets to Help People with Disabilities– also posted in Tech
One of my coworkers recently sent me an article from the Chattanooga Times Free Press which discussed how a learning institute there was using iPads to help kids with disabilities. I was totally fascinated by this… so much so that it led to more internet searching and two TV spots! So often we talk about how iPads and other tablets can entertain us or how they can (supposedly) make us more productive at [...Read More]
- March 28, 2012
- My favorite travel apps for iPad and Android– also posted in Tech
In addition to using websites to plan your next vacation, there are also a number of helpful apps out there that you can download and use. I sat down with WBIR anchor Abby Ham to discuss my favorite ones on the Fox Morning show. –Dan Thompson
- March 28, 2012
- Planning Your Next Trip Online– also posted in Tech
This month on the WBIR morning show I got to discuss two of my favorite things… technology and travel. People have different strategies on how they plan their trips and when they use a travel agent; on this show I discuss my personal one. Speaking of travel agents, I get asked all the time who I use when I do use a travel agent. My friend and travel agent of choice is Judy Myers [...Read More]
- March 7, 2012
- Apple Announces Its New iPad– also posted in Tech
To much fanfare, Apple announced its newest addition to the iPad lineup… the “new iPad” as it is being referred to today. Oddly enough, the internet seemed to be as much abuzz about the fact that it hadn’t been given either of the titles that tech experts were guessing (iPad 3 or iPad HD) as it was the newest features. Speaking of those features, notables were the new Retina display for super crisp resolution [...Read More]
- February 15, 2012
- Google Announces Privacy Changes– also posted in Tech
Google’s new privacy changes will be taking affect soon and it has been getting a lot of attention around the internet. Ackermann PR’s Shane Rhyne and I sat down with WBIR’s Beth Haynes on the 10 News at 5 show to discuss what it all means and what users of the services need to be aware of. The long and short of it is… if you don’t want people to know something, don’t put [...Read More]
- January 18, 2012
- What to do if your identity gets stolen– also posted in Tech
This month on the WBIR morning show I discussed some tips to help avoid identity theft, but what do you do if your identity does get stolen? That was the topic of discussion on the Fox Mornings Show. In the video I reference the Federal Trade Commission’s Identity Theft website, it is a huge asset if you find yourself in this situation. Watch below for more information. –Dan Thompson
- January 18, 2012
- Tips to Avoid Having Your Identity Stolen– also posted in Tech
Identity theft is a common topic it seems no matter what circles you travel in. For this month’s tech topic I sat down with WBIR’s Abby Ham to discuss a few tips on how to avoid having your identity stolen. –Dan Thompson
- December 30, 2011
- Camera Connectivity Kit for iPads– also posted in Tech
I get asked this question ALL the time… how can I connect my camera straight to my tablet so I can skip using my PC to share photos? The idea is simple enough… tablets are taking over computing as we know it, and a very common use of computers is sharing photos online with friends and families. Turns out… it just isn’t that simple… until now. The camera connectivity kit from Apple for the [...Read More]
- December 23, 2011
- Last Second Gift Ideas for Techies– also posted in Tech
Techies can no doubt be hard to buy for when it comes Christmas time… especially if you’re not a tech geek yourself. I’m here to the rescue though! I sat down on the WBIR morning show to discuss some ideas… and it was admittedly a thinly disguised pitch to my family for what they could get me! –Dan Thompson
- December 21, 2011
- What to do with old electronics– also posted in Tech
Christmas is just next week and lot of people will be getting new gadgets and electronics. That may have some of you asking, “what do I do with all my old stuff?”. This month’s tech topic on the WBIR morning show covers just that. Check out the video below to find out how to get rid of your old stuff AND do something nice for your community in the process. –Dan Thompson
- November 17, 2011
- AT&T Bandwidth Capping– also posted in Tech
There is certainly a lot of buzz about AT&T’s new bandwidth capping procedures. What is happening and what do you need to know about it? Check out this video to learn more and see if you should be looking for a new provider! –Dan Thompson
- November 16, 2011
- Motorola Webtop, your next “desktop computer”?– also posted in Tech
One of the perks of my job as Manager of Product Development is that I get to play with all the cool new gadgets that come out (I know… it’s a tough job, but someone has to do it). As neat as that may sound, checking out new phones can get old. I have been unimpressed with much of the market lately… not because they’re not nice devices or aren’t worth buying… there just [...Read More]
- December 15, 2010
- Last Second Gift Ideas– also posted in Tech
As everyone knows, tech people can be hard to buy for sometimes, especially if you yourself are not a techie. I sat down with my friends at WBIR to discuss some last second gift ideas for those hard-to-buy-for techies on your list. Check out the video below for my thoughts on some gifts; most of which are under $50! –Dan Thompson
- December 14, 2010
- Xbox Kinect: Why You Want One– also posted in Tech
A couple months back I sat down with our friends at WBIR to discuss Kinect, for Microsoft’s Xbox 360. At the time of the interview the system hadn’t actually made it in stores yet so I thought I’d revisit the topic now that I’ve had a chance to get my hands on one. You’ll also likely be excited to know that the company I work for is going to be giving away one of [...Read More]
- November 26, 2010
- Common Questions about 3D TVs Answered– also posted in Tech
This morning’s tech topic was the third in a 3 part series on the hot tech gifts for this holiday season (Part 1 and Part 2). Today we look at the common questions around the 3D TVs currently on the market. I’ve got to say, these things are pretty cool. If you haven’t yet taken the time to check one out, you should definitely run by a store and throw on a pair of [...Read More]
- November 25, 2010
- Black Friday Camcorder Buying Tips– also posted in Tech
The second video in our Black Friday buying guide series for this holiday season (first is here) was on tips for buying video cameras. Check out the video below for some ideas. –Dan Thompson
- November 25, 2010
- Internet TV box summary– also posted in Tech
This week I’ve reviewed the Roku XD, the Boxee Box, and then Logitech Revue, and so I thought I’d give a quick little wrap-up here to go along with the video from this morning’s WBIR spot. After looking at each unit it seems that each has a place in the market depending on what level of integration you are looking for. If you want no frills and don’t have content on your home network [...Read More]
- March 1, 2010
- Netbooks vs. Notebooks: What’s the deal?– also posted in Tech
It seems I get asked at least once a month if I think someone should buy a netbook, or a notebook… and to be honest, I’m always hesitant to answer that question because I’ve never had the chance to really put one through the paces. So who should consider a netbook as their next computer purchase?
- February 1, 2010
- A whole new way to discover your city– also posted in Tech
There is a new social media site in town and local businesses as well as Knoxvillians might want to give it a look. FourSquare.com, which went active last March, was originally only open to certain cities around the country. Just a couple of weeks ago though, the site opened itself up to the world and Knoxville is already testing the waters. So what is it, and how can you or your business take advantage of it?
- November 25, 2009
- Black Friday!!– also posted in Tech
Holy cow! Can you believe it is almost Christmas time again? Hard to believe as it is, the holiday season is upon us… and Black Friday is THIS FRIDAY! As usual, I’ve sat down with my friends over at WBIR to help you find some awesome deals as well as a couple gift ideas for the gadget geeks on your list. Alright, I’ve thumbed through loads of leaked Black Friday ads, been privy [...Read More]
- November 25, 2009
- Motorola Droid: The “iPhone Killer”?– also posted in Tech
There seems to be a whole lot of buzz surrounding the new Motorola Droid phone, so much so in fact that people are now referring to it as the “iPhone Killer”. With all that hype I just had to check one out for myself and try to answer the question; does it have what it takes to knock the iPhone off it’s perch as the coolest phone on the market? Since I’m including it [...Read More]
- November 21, 2009
- Hey Look, I’m a (WiFi) Hotspot!– also posted in Tech
For this year’s Black Friday spots on the WBIR morning show I decided to look for a handful of devices that I thought were either going to be a big hit over the holiday season or at least had HUGE potential. This is different from the years past when we did the “shotgun approach” of doing just quick little highlights of tons of stuff… and to be honest, I think I like this [...Read More]
- October 22, 2009
- Windows 7: Released Tomorrow!– also posted in Tech
Dan Thompson discusses the newest operating system from Microsoft, Windows 7, on the WBIR morning show. This new OS is due out in stores tomorrow!
- September 15, 2009
- Keeping it up-to-date, with software updates– also posted in Tech
We’ve all heard a million times that we should stay on top of our software updates, but why exactly is that? I answer this question and several others on the WBIR morning show.
- July 23, 2009
- Protecting Your Identity Online– also posted in Tech
Last week I had the opportunity to work with local news anchor Abby Ham on a piece covering social networking security. I sat down with Abby, the WBIR news crew, and Knoxvillian Lauren Hughes to review her Facebook profile…
- July 10, 2009
- Confidence Scams and the Social Networking World– also posted in Tech
Dan Thompson sits down with the WBIR morning show crew to discuss a confidence scam making its way around the popular social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.
- June 19, 2009
- Managing Your Digital Identity on Social Media Sites– also posted in Tech
As I discussed a few weeks ago on the WBIR morning show, Web 2.0 / Social Media sites are all the rage these days. People are finding all kinds of uses for them, personal and business. With all the positive potential these services provide, there are some downsides that tag along as well, and we discussed them on WBIR’s morning show today. (See the video below.) The discussion focuses on what we’re telling [...Read More]
- June 12, 2009
- Goodbye analog, hello… analog?– also posted in Tech
The switch from analog to digital TV is finally here… buy why are we doing it, and what happens to all those freed-up channels?
- June 5, 2009
- Social Networking and Business– also posted in Tech
Social networking sites are THE most popular websites on the internet today and continue to gain steam. What are they, and how can businesses leverage them were a couple of the ideas we sat down to discuss with our friends at WBIR the other day. Check out the video below and let me know what you think! Also, later this month we’ll be discussing social networking again, but this time looking at it from [...Read More]
- April 27, 2009
- Introducing Windows 7– also posted in Tech
Dan Thompson discusses Windows 7, the next Windows operating system from Microsoft, on the WBIR morning show.
- February 23, 2009
- Viruses, Trojans, and Hackers… Oh my!– also posted in Tech
I recently had a chance to sit down with my friends at WBIR to discuss viruses, why they’re coded, and what we can do to protect ourselves from them. Expect more on this topic soon, but in the mean time, check out the video and let me know what you think! Are you being a good neighbor on the internet? – Dan Thompson – Dan Thompson – Dan Thompson
- February 23, 2009
- Finding a Job Using the Internet– also posted in Tech
I recently sat down with my friends at WBIR to discuss a couple of ideas on using the internet to help find a job. Now, we’re not talking monster.com or other resume mills… we’re talking grassroots style stuff. The first website we looked at was the Work at Home Mom online magazine. This site was setup to help stay at home moms, be work at home moms. If you’re a guy, don’t look [...Read More]
- January 19, 2009
- The Great DTV Conversion– also posted in Tech
I’ve personally done four TV shows on the topic (the fourth of which is below for your viewing pleasure), and countless others have aired by the government and various broadcasters… but apparently people still just aren’t quite sure about what is going to happen to their TVs come February 17th. Unfortunately it may get worse. President elect Barack Obama has requested that Congress push back the February 17th cutover date, citing lack of funding [...Read More]
- January 5, 2009
- More on the National Championship in 3D– also posted in Tech
A few days ago I discussed the fact that the BCS National Championship game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Florida Gators was going to be broadcast live in 3D here in Knoxville. I’ve since sat down with my friends over at WBIR and recorded a spot about the whole thing. Check it out! – Dan Thompson
- December 19, 2008
- Last Minute Gift Ideas… for Techies!– also posted in Tech
Around this time of year I can always count on being quizzed by friends and strangers alike on what to get the techies on their Christmas list. Admittedly this can be a daunting task, especially when you yourself are not technically inclined. Well, just for you guys, I sat down… racked my brain… and came up with a few "can’t go wrong" ideas. Check out my discussion with WBIR morning show’s Russell Biven on the [...Read More]
Dan: 
