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5 days ago | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker |Phil Baker
Throughout my career in product development I’ve used Asian resources to supplement the work being done in the U.S. to bring new consumer tech products to market more quickly. When I worked at Polaroid in the 80s designing cameras, I used companies in Japan that were expert in optics to develop some cameras I designed. And years later when I was at Apple in the 90s, I led the development of the Newton using resources in Taiwan. That was the first time Apple developed a product from scratch in Asia.
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2 weeks ago | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
In his first 100 days back in the White House, Donald Trump has dramatically reshaped the landscape of the U.S. tech industry, something I’ve been a part of over my entire career. He’s had an impact like no other president in such a short time. It’s included aggressive tariffs, abrupt policy reversals, isolationist moves, and ethically questionable ventures that have left the industry shaken and uncertain.
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1 month ago | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
Many of us complain about how much better things were in the good old days. And sometimes it’s even true, especially when it comes to products from big tech. With less competition, these near-monopolies know we have no alternatives. As a consequence, their services, apps, and other products are getting harder to use. It’s all by design.
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2 months ago | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
Elon Musk and Donald Trump are not just reckless or misguided—they are two of the most destabilizing forces in the modern world. In an era when democratic values and technological progress should be advancing hand in hand, these two men have instead used their wealth and influence to undermine institutions, spread misinformation, and erode public trust. They are not builders; they are dismantlers. And their destruction is catching up with them.
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2 months ago | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
Peak Design, the San Francisco company known for their pricey but ingenious camera bags, backpacks, shoulder bags, mobile and camera accessories, has introduced their first suitcase, a rollerboard called Roller Pro. Considering its other products that use advanced materials, clever engineering, durability, and unique features, many have been awaiting in anticipation to see how Peak improve can on the 22-inch rollerboard that millions of travelers use.
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Feb 13, 2025 | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
There are calendar apps for managing a typical schedule, and then there’s a singular app for those juggling so many activities at once, interfacing with others across the world, and constantly trying to manage meetings and keep track of tasks. You know the first category, iCal, Outlook and Google Calendar. But you may not be aware of the singular app that takes your organization to a whole new level.
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Jan 9, 2025 | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
Look all around and we’re seeing a very different side of tech we once admired. Overhyped AI, X in tatters, Facebook without moderation, Amazon breaking laws, and even a company taking credit for providing us what we paid for. As one that’s spent much of his career in tech, it’s truly embarassing. Many of the leaders that once enspired are displaying a lack of spine, setting poor examples and are indifferent to their customers. This is not the tech we thought we were getting.
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Dec 19, 2024 | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
I’ve been trying out a new birdfeeder with a built in camera and I’ve been having a lot of fun with it. The concept is simple. Stick a motion-activated camera on the front and capture videos anytime a bird visits. Think of it as a doorbell camera for birds. If you check out this category on Amazon, the choices are overwhelming. There are hundreds of products that look and work much the same, ranging in price from about $80 to $180. Many even use the same camera and software. So how do you pick?
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Dec 12, 2024 | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
My wife and I spent twelve days in Sicily on a recent vacation, It’s place that wasn’t at the top of our bucket list until we looked into it in more detail after our daughter visited and recommended it. We are so glad we did. We learned of Sicily’s fascinating history, visited its ancient temples, ate it delicious food, and enjoyed the very friendly people. Sicily is an island about the size of Massachusetts located in the middle of the Mediterranean off the southern tip of Italy.
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Oct 23, 2024 | 
bakerontech.com | Phil Baker
I’m traveling through Sicily and before I left I looked at alternatives to using Verizon’s $10/day Travel Pass for International data and cell service. It’s not a bad price, but with my wife and myself, it adds up to $280 for our 14 day trip. Coincidentally I have been trying out Mint Mobile, an MVNO that purchases minutes from T-Mobile. Service costs $15 per month for the first 3 months, payable in andvance, and then $35 month to month or $15 per month if you renew for a year.
