Mari Silbey

Mari’s tech career started when she became the default “IT guy” in her first job out of college. Since leaving help-desk duties to the experts, she’s focused on trends in technology as a consultant, writer, reporter, analyst and at-home gadget tinkerer. Her current paid gig is with the non-profit organization US Ignite where she focuses on how networks and digital technologies impact smart cities. All posts on ZNF represent her own opinions and not those of US Ignite. Mari is a sucker for anything in the digital media space and covers interesting happenings in cable, telecom, and whatever else she feels like. Find her on Twitter at @msilbey.

Wi-Fi Direct at CES

There’s nothing like trying to traverse the CES show floor(s) to throw off your schedule. On my way to an afternoon appointment on Friday, I decided to stop by the booth for the Wi-Fi Alliance to get an update on the point-to-point capabilities of the upcoming Wi-Fi Direct specification. While Wi-Fi enjoyed a comeback in … Read more

Sungale Has More Up Its Sleeve

I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with Sungale products, so I advise caution when approaching their new-to-market devices. However, that said, the company does have some interesting products waiting in the wings. First there’s the Kula TV device, which has gotten the most press attention. It’s a Wi-Fi-based mobile TV product that provides “hundreds … Read more

How Did I Do CES Without WiMAX?

There are numerous logistical challenges at CES, from long walks, to long cab lines, to the general press of humanity waiting to see the gadgets and celebrities on display. However, one hurdle I have not had to clear (pun intended) this year, is a lack of connectivity. Every time I pull out my trusty Motorola … Read more

Dazzboard Has a New Android App Manager

Dazzboard is a newborn Finnish company that’s been getting decent press for the last six months as a media manager for the stuff on all your devices – photos, music, and video. Now the company is adding an Android App Manager to its list of features. The Dazzboard 2.0 software is a browser extension that … Read more

Cydle Arrives, Hits the US with Shiny Gadgets

On my way to another appointment at CES, I got sidetracked by the display at the Cydle booth. Cydle, you say? Yeah, I’d never heard of them either, but they’ve got some cool-looking gadgets here in Vegas. Apparently out of South Korea, Cydle is due to go into retail in the States in the first … Read more

Aluratek’s Cinepal – PMP, but No Broadband

Aluratek’s got an interesting mid-tier product on its hands. When I first read the specs of the Cinepal, I was less than impressed. It’s a portable media player without the broadband connection. However, seeing it in person and talking to one of the product guys, I’ve had a bit of a change of heart. The … Read more

Yahoo on Roku?

Alright, I’d admit that headline is a bit of tease, but it certainly seems possible that we could see Yahoo Connected TV widgets on Roku boxes (and lots of other hardware) in the next few months. I talked to a Yahoo spokesperson at Digital Experience last night and heard some impressive updates on the Yahoo … Read more

Welcome Wi-Fi Photo Frames… Finally!

I’ve been waiting for years for a useful Wi-Fi photo frame, and it looks like 2010 may finally usher in the new digital frame era. At Digital Experience tonight (a CES event within an event), I saw two promising entrants in the Wi-Fi photo frame market. First comes the Kodak Pulse. At seven inches and … Read more