I can't help but notice, it's been a while since my last tech blog. In fact, I'm pretty sure the last time I wrote something, my shiny new iPhone G3 was only a glimmer of a possibility rather than the shiny distraction I may or may not have with me at all times. Many people attest that their most important brewing tool is their frothing pitcher, or a bottomless portafilter. I'm a little nerdier than that...I have to say it's my iPhone.
I'm crazy, you say? Crazy for technology, I say! Where else can I time my shot, practice grinding and tamping, or even locate a great cafe, all in one place? I'll say it— for anything coffee, there's an app for that.
It seems, all sorts of companies are getting on the app bandwagon. Lots of these apps are free, and the rest won't cost more than $0.99 to download. The app that started it all for me was the Espresso Drinks app. You may have seen the espresso drinks chart poster before— this version is strictly mobile. All you do is tap on the drink you want (from espresso to caffé mocha, there are 9 basic drinks to choose from). The chart will flip over to reveal a larger, detailed drink icon with approximated ingredient amounts labeled "espresso", "steamed milk", etc. If you're a coffee novice with any version of the iPhone, this is definitely the app to get you started.
Even if you're more of a one-touch coffee maker user, there's an app for you. Fans of Nespresso single serve espresso machines will appreciate the Nespresso Stock Checker. Keep track of your Nespresso capsules, and always be ready to brew.
What's your favorite iPhone espresso or tea app? Let me know, and maybe I'll review it next time!
Rachel
Web Department
In a world trying to go green, from electric cars to eco-friendly fashion, brothers Dave and Mike Hartkop are making their mark with a kitchen staple. In 2004, the siblings created a solar-powered coffee roaster--made from an old satellite dish, mirrors, and a broccoli steamer. Their vision has since grown into Solar Roast Coffee, the only "commercial solar-thermal coffee roaster in the world"--replacing gas burners normally found in traditional roasters with a large solar reflector, capable of generating 900 degree Fahrenheit temps to bake the beans. The resulting coffee is carbon neutral, 100% USDA Certified Organic, and eco-friendly. Solar Roast Coffee currently has 12 different kinds of coffee--ranging from the ever-popular Sumatra to the exotic Bolivia Organic. 
I'm known around the office as the Coffee Queen. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm crazy about my coffee and will most times see me with a cup in hand. Trust me when I say that if I don't get my morning latte, my mid day cappuccino, and my "right before I pick up the kids" espresso, I'll go crazy. I know... I've got a serious problem. But, it's not just the fact that I'm drinking the caffeinated beverages and allowing them to soak into my system to keep me going, I actually love the taste. A good quality flavor and aroma are very important to me. With that said, I recently had the privilege of testing out the Keurig B70 coffee machine. I'll admit that I was a bit skeptical for a couple of reasons. I had read reviews of the machine and the quality of the coffee that it produced. I had heard that it was more for people addicted to caffeine, and not so much for those addicted to the delicious taste of a great cup of coffee. I was wrong! Not only did I get to get to choose from a plethora of flavors of coffee, but the K-Cup capsules that are used also come in a variety of teas and hot chocolate. And let's face it, with the weather here in New York getting cooler and cooler, who doesn't love an instant cup of hot chocolate? The machine brewed me a cup of delicious coffee in seconds. It came out hot and there was absolutely no clean up!! All I had to do was remove the capsule and throw it in the garbage. I am in love. If you get the chance check this machine out— it is great for the holidays and entertaining. If someone wants decaf, great. If they want French vanilla, great. Take my word for it, this is the best instant brew coffee machine I have ever used.
Antilock brakes, XM radio, and a coffeemaker. For years now, car and espresso machine manufacturers have toyed with the idea of merging the two passions--creating a coffeemaker that could become standard automotive equipment. Audi even tested a concept car, the Roadjet, featuring a fully functioning, single-serve WMF espresso machine built into the armrest. And, it wasn't so long ago that a Nepresso InCar Single Serve Coffee Machine Concept took home the top prize at the manufacturer's annual Design Contest. The InCar was designed to fit into the center console of a vehicle and used existing Lungo capsules to deliver beverages on the road. 
Here’s a concept that’ll knock your beans off, Brazilian designer Lucas Vieira has created a unique workstation for the truly java obsessed. The Coffee Office, which bears more than a passing resemblance to a giant mug, comes equipped with wifi access, a/v features, and a touch-screen computer. But, this baby really earns its keep with the built-in coffeemaker, which lets users choose from assorted flavors preprogrammed into the unit. Common spaces, such as malls and airports, have been suggested as potential targets of this espresso-based cubicle. 
