Discovering ‘MommyLovesTech’

Maria Quiban and son Gus | Photo from Maria Quiban

Maria Quiban and son Gus | Photo from Maria Quiban

I bawl like a baby every time I watch Toy Story. Seriously. I need to keep a Costco-sized supply of Kleenex handy when Andy casts off his beloved cowboy Woody for the hot, new Space Ranger Buzz Lightyear.

But, you know what? I’m about to do the same thing.

Yes, it’s time to ditch my trusty iPhone 4 for a shiny new iPhone 5. Hawaii News Now is upgrading our smart phones, so we have the latest and greatest bells and whistles.

The funny thing is, I never learned a fraction of what the 4 can do. How can I begin to appreciate Siri?

Well, there’s now a shortcut for people like me who love gadgets but don’t have a clue what they can do. It’s a new OC-16 show called MommyLovesTech hosted by former KHNL weathercaster Maria Quiban.

The self-described “geeky gadget girl” and mother of two is teaching other moms to be tech-savvy through her new “baby.” The half-hour program is an offshoot of her popular website and YouTube channel by the same name.

“There was a vacuum when it came to sources of information for women who spoke our language. Specifically moms,” explains Quiban.

“Since it didn’t really exist, my producing partner and I decided to create MommyLovesTech.com.”

The Los Angeles anchor chats with her older son in Texas via Skype, and swears her 2-year-old son Gus is better navigating her iPad than her husband.

Quiban even has shopped virtually with her best friend by sharing instant images and feedback.

As an example of the show’s content, on a recent MommyLovesTech, the Mommy team talked about how your smartphone can be your personal trainer, how to shoot home movies like a pro, and even take on a controversial debate about “submissive” wives.

Plus, Ambassador of Tech, former Miss Universe Brook Lee sat down with actress Amy Hill from 50 First Dates to get her top online shopping tips.

Quiban’s mission is to vet the latest technology so that you can focus on your family. Check it out.

TAKE FIVE WITH MARIA QUIBAN:

Favorite Apps: Magisto & Spanish Cards
Social Media obsession: Google+
Screensaver: Family photos through “Familiar” app
iPhone 5 or Samsung Galaxy S4?: iPhone 5
Mac or PC Girl?: Both

tjoaquin@hawaiinewsnow.com