Mario Armstrong - Tech Info on Morning Edition

Nintendo "Wii" Fit starts game + aerobics trend

2008-05-21T17:21:15Z

Nintendo's hotly anticipated Wii Fit goes on sale Monday. Other companies are already trying to jump on the "active gaming" bandwagon by coming out with devices of their own that plug into the Wii.

Morning Edition tech commentator Mario Armstrong gives a demonstration for Steve Inskeep.

Listen

'One Laptop Per Child' plan faces challenges in U.S.

2008-03-31T08:40:25Z

Steve Inskeep, host of NPR's Morning Edition talks to tech expert Mario Armstrong about the challenges facing the 'One Laptop Per Child' project.

Namely, the group behind the One Laptop Per Child initiative just delivered more of its super-cheap laptops to South Africa, but how will this new technology fare with tech savvy schoolchildren in the United States? Now the group has a deal to provide computers to kids in Birmingham, Ala.

Listen

After the Techno Lust, there's always E-cycling

2008-03-26T08:52:57Z

Americans are using — and getting rid of — more electronic devices than ever. As technology improves and gets cheaper, old cell phones, computers, iPods and digital cameras end up in desk drawers, basements — or on the curb.

Morning Edition host Renee Montagne discusses various ways that techies are "going green" and other e-recycling efforts with technology expert Mario Armstrong.

Listen

Is 'Bundling' Info services a good deal?

2008-02-04T09:58:47Z

Getting your cable, phone and Internet service from one provider saves money, companies claim. But there are pros and cons — and as always, it pays to ask the right questions. Technology expert Mario Armstrong offers some tips in a conversation with Morning Edition host Renee Montagne.

Listen

Warner Bros. backs Blu-Ray

2008-01-08T10:09:58Z

Morning Edition host Renee Montagne pulls the coattails of tech guru Mario Armstrong about the new format war in Hollywood: HD-DVD vs. Blu-Ray.

Hollywood movie studio Warner Brothers has just announced that it will now back the Blu-ray format in video. More and more content is being produced for Blu-ray, which yields better picture quality on high-definition televisions. The next-generation optical disc format enables recording, rewriting and playback of high-definition video. Also, it stores larger amounts of data than traditional DVDs.

Listen

Armstrong: "I-Phone is year's best..."

2007-12-31T10:21:53Z

Tech guru Mario Armstrong claims the iPhone as the best technology innovation of the year. The iPhone's touch-screen technology, visual voicemail, and integration of the digital camera, iTune software brought new energy to the design of cell phones. Consumers' appetite for wanting to stay in touch is pushing the advancement. Some 250 million people carry a cell phone.

Armstrong discusses why he selects the iPhone and the future of cell phone technology with Morning Edition host Renee Montagne.

Listen

Parents Keep Track of Kids Via Cell Phones

2007-07-09T16:09:01Z

July 9, 2007 · As kids head off to camp and weekend trips this summer, many parents will be tracking them with GPS-enabled cell phones for kids younger than 12. Technology writer Mario Armstrong discusses technology for kids with John Ydstie.

Listen

Online Shopping for Clothes Tops Computers

2007-05-21T04:24:53Z

May 21, 2007 · For the first time online shoppers bought more clothes than computer hardware and software, demonstrating consumers have reached a new level of comfort buying merchandise over the Internet. Merchants have made it easier for consumers by installing features such as a virtual dressing room, and also offering free returns. Technology writer Mario Armstrong talks with Renee Montagne about new trends in online shopping.

Listen

Software Turns Phone Messages into Text

2007-02-28T01:33:56Z

Morning Edition, February 26, 2007 · Technology now allows you to "read" your voice mail. Voice-recognition software can translate telephone messages into text, then send them out as e-mail. Technology contributor Mario Armstrong tells Steve Inskeep how it works.

Listen to the segment

Nintendo Tennis, Anyone? Wii, Wii

2007-02-14T01:30:44Z

Morning Edition, February 12, 2007 · As a new style of video-game console, the Nintendo Wii is exceeding sales expectations. The device is controlled with body movements, not just thumb work, making games such as video tennis more active. Technology writer Mario Armstrong exchanges a few volleys with Renee Montagne.

Listen to the segment